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https://www.wikihow.com/Collect-Unemployment | How to Collect Unemployment | Although collecting unemployment can seem like a complicated process, the best place to start is by applying for benefits online, or by calling your state's unemployment office. Before you apply, make sure you have the required information, including your Social Security number, state-issued ID, and the names and addresses for your most recent employers. After submitting your application, wait for the approval or denial letter. If you've been denied and feel that the decision was unfair, file an appeal according to the instructions in your denial letter. | Make sure you’ve worked enough. Each state has its own requirements, but you generally must have earned a certain amount of money before you become eligible for unemployment benefits. This period is called your “base period,” and states measure it differently. For example, in Illinois, you must have made at least $1,600 in your base period, and you must have earned at least $440 in one of those quarters. If you're unsure whether you've earned enough, go ahead and apply. Let the office reject you if you haven't earned enough. Analyze why you lost your job. To qualify for benefits , you must have lost the job through no fault of your own. Consider the reason why you are now unemployed. Layoff. You will typically qualify for benefits if your employer was downsizing or if they just didn't have enough work for you. Firing. Generally, you can't collect benefits if you were fired for serious misconduct, such as intentionally neglecting your duties. However, you might qualify for benefits if you were fired because the company thought you weren't a good fit. Quitting. You probably can't get benefits if you quit because you disliked your job or because your boss annoyed you. However, you might qualify if you quit for “good cause.” Each state defines good cause differently, but harassment, discrimination, or fraud usually qualify. You might also qualify if you quit because of health or family concerns, such as domestic violence or because you needed to take care of a sick relative. Be willing and able to work. Your state wants you out and looking for work. For this reason, you can only get unemployment benefits if you are willing to accept a job when one is offered to you. You might not qualify as willing and able to work in the following circumstances: You probably won't qualify if you are sick and cannot work. You won't qualify if you don't have transportation. You aren't required to travel hundreds of miles to a potential job, but you must be able to get to one reasonably nearby. You might not qualify if you are mainly a student. Call your state’s unemployment office with questions. Your state's office is happy to answer any questions you have. No question is too small. Find contact information for your state's unemployment office at https://www.careeronestop.org/localhelp/unemploymentbenefits/unemployment-benefits.aspx. Select your state. Always write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date/time of your conversation. Summarize what the office has told you. You might also be able to ask questions by email. Gather required information. You'll need quite a bit of information to apply for benefits. Gather this information ahead of time. Each state might require slightly different information, so check online with your state's unemployment office. For example, you will probably need the following: Social Security Number State-issued ID, such as your driver's license Alien Registration Number, if you aren't a citizen Names and addresses for your most recent employers Each employer's Federal Employer Identification Number Avoid delay. You should file for benefits during the first week you are completely or partially unemployed. You will usually have to serve a waiting period that is equal to one week. If you wait too long to apply, you'll lose out on potential benefits. Apply for benefits. Most states offer several methods for applying. Check with your state's unemployment office to find out the methods available, and choose the one that is most convenient. You'll need to provide personal information, such as your name and Social Security Number, and answer some questions. Typically, you can apply in the following ways: Online. You will need to create an online account, so create a username and password. Over the phone. The phone number should be listed on your state's unemployment office website. Paper application. Your state should have an application for you to fill out. If you need help completing the form, you can schedule an appointment with the office. Complete an interview in person or by phone. To cut down on unemployment insurance fraud, many states require that people be interviewed over the phone or in person before benefits can begin. Be sure to have copies of your pay stubs, your most recent tax return, your birth certificate, and your Social Security Number in case verification is needed. The interview is a simple, fact-finding interview. You'll be asked questions about your previous employment, along with basic questions about your application. Register with a state work agency. In some states, you must register with a state agency before you can be approved for benefits. In Illinois, for example, you must register with the Illinois Employment Service. Check if your state has a similar requirement. Usually, you'll need to submit an updated resume. Spend some time making the resume as good as possible. You never know—you might actually find a job through the service. Receive your results. Processing times will vary by state. The unemployment office will send your last employer a letter, notifying that you have applied for benefits. Your employer can respond and challenge the reason you gave for why you were let go. When the office has made a decision, it will send you a letter. Appeal a denial. Every state allows you to bring an appeal if you feel you have been unfairly denied benefits. Your denial letter should tell you how to appeal. In some states, such as Iowa, you can appeal online. Other states will ask you to submit either a letter or an appeal form. Regardless of the method of bringing an appeal, remember that you must proceed quickly. States usually only give you 30 days to bring an appeal. Your chances of success will depend on the reason why you were denied. For example, if you were denied because you didn't earn enough in your base period, then you will be lucky to win the appeal unless the office incorrectly calculated your wages. Some other denials are easier to appeal. For example, you might have been fired from your most recent job. If your employer claims your poor performance was intentional, you might be denied benefits. However, you can argue you just weren't good at the job, and your poor performance wasn't intentional or malicious. Check your schedule. Even after you're approved for unemployment benefits, you still must apply for benefits weekly or biweekly. This is usually called “certifying” benefits for those weeks. You should receive a schedule in the mail telling you when to certify. Be on the lookout. If you don't receive any notification, contact your state's unemployment office. Certify your eligibility for benefits. You'll probably certify either online or possibly by phone or through the mail. You will need to report any income you have earned for the weeks you are claiming benefits. You will also need to confirm you have not turned down any jobs. You typically have a limited amount of time to certify a week. For example, in Wisconsin, you only get 14 days after the week ends. You also can't certify a week before it ends. Keep track of your job search. You must continue to look for jobs while you are unemployed. Depending on your state, you may need to keep a log of your job search. Write down the name of the employer, when you contacted them, and who you spoke with. You might have to apply for a certain number of jobs during every benefit period. For example, in Washington, you must make at least three contacts every week. Check with your state's unemployment office. Meet with the unemployment office. The office might call you in to discuss your job search. You should ask ahead of time what information they will need to see. Typically, they'll want to see your job search log. | Make sure you’ve worked enough. Analyze why you lost your job. Be willing and able to work. Call your state’s unemployment office with questions. Gather required information. Avoid delay. Apply for benefits. Complete an interview in person or by phone. Register with a state work agency. Receive your results. Appeal a denial. Check your schedule. Certify your eligibility for benefits. Keep track of your job search. Meet with the unemployment office. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fit-Guttering-to-a-Shed | How to Fit Guttering to a Shed | Attaching guttering to your shed is an easy way to prevent the ground from getting muddy and the walls from rotting. To attach one, you'll need to install a drain outlet so the gutter can drain, then add joint brackets and PVC guttering sections. You can find these sections at your local hardware store and they are made to snap into place on the outer side of the joint brackets. After you've snapped the guttering sections into place, you'll need to attach 2 pieces of tubing to the gutter to serve as a downspout. | Check the slope of the ground your shed sits on. Unless your gutters are draining into an established drain system or a rain barrel, you want your downspout to drain onto ground that slopes away from the shed. Determine the low side of the ground surrounding your shed and plan to install the downspout there. If this isn't possible for some reason, plan to extend the bottom of your downspout away from the shed at least 1 meter (and ideally more than that) to keep water from collecting at the base of your structure. Tap a nail into each end of your shed’s fascia board. On the side of the roofline where you'll be installing the gutter, tack two nails into the fascia board that runs below the lip of the roof. Put one nail at each end of that side of the shed, an equal distance below the roof lip (ideally, about 3-5 cm or 1-2 inches if your fascia board is wide enough). Connect the two nails with a taut string. Tie a sturdy string to one of the nails, pull it tight, and tie it off to the other nail. You'll use this string line to determine how level your shed's roofline is, and adjust it to establish the slope for your guttering. Adjust your string line to make it level. Use a bar level (spirit level) to check the level of your string line. In the likely event that it isn't completely level, remove one of the nails and reposition it up or down until the string is level. Adjust the string line again to establish your gutter’s downward pitch. Guttering should slope down toward its downspout at least 1 cm per 3.5 m of length (or ¼ inch per 10 feet). Measure the length of your string line from nail to nail. If the distance is less than 3.5 m long (or 10 ft), raise the far side nail by 1 cm or lower the downspout side nail by 1 cm (or ¼ inch). Raise/lower the nails by 1.5 cm if the shed is less than 5 m long (or ⅜ inch if less than 15 ft), or by 2 cm if it is less than 7 m long (or ½ inch if less than 20 ft). Mark this slope on the fascia board. The guttering will be held in place by support brackets that you'll screw into the fascia board. To locate where you'll place these brackets, mark the string's position on the fascia board at each end and at intervals no more than 1 m (roughly 3 ft) apart. Then you can remove the nails and string. If you'd like to be able to visualize the entire slope while working, you can remove the string, then use a chalk line tool to unspool its string from nail to nail and snap a line of chalk on the fascia board between them. Create angled blocks if your fascia board is angled inward or outward. If your fascia board isn't perpendicular to the ground, hold a bar/spirit level vertically against it. Then pull one end of the level away until the levelling bubble is centered, and measure the gap between the level and fascia board. Transfer these measurements to scraps of lumber and cut them carefully with a saw to recreate the angle. If the fascia is only slightly angled, you can use wooden or plastic shims (thin, pre-cut wedges) instead of cutting lumber scraps. Attach the blocks you just cut to the fascia board. Hold the blocks up to the fascia board and check that you now have a level surface for the brackets. Locate each block where you intend to attach a bracket. Then, drill pilot holes in the blocks and attach them to the fascia with 25 mm (1 inch) wood screws. Attaching angled blocks will keep your guttering parallel to the ground, instead of dipping toward or away from the shed. In either of those scenarios, water will pour over the side of the gutter, rendering it much less useful. Install the drain outlet section at the downspout end of the shed. The drain outlet section might screw directly into the fascia board, or it might attach to one or two brackets that you'll attach to the fascia first. Hold the drain outlet (or its bracket(s)) in position, mark the screw locations on the fascia, and drill pilot holes in those spots. Attach the piece(s) to the fascia with 25 mm (1 inch) screws. If your model uses brackets, snap the drain outlet section in place after attaching the brackets. The drain outlet section has an opening that points downward toward the ground — this is where you'll later attach the downspout. Install one or more joint brackets on larger sheds. If the side of your shed is longer than your longest section of guttering (which often comes in either 2 m or 4 m lengths), you'll need to join sections of guttering together. At any junction spot, you'll install a special bracket — a joint bracket — that creates a watertight seal with a rubber gasket. If, for instance, your shed is 5 m long and your guttering sections are 4 m long, you can install a joint bracket near the halfway point and later cut two sections of guttering to fit from there to the end sections of the gutter. Mark the screw holes, pre-drill the fascia, and attach the bracket(s) with 25 mm (1 inch) screws. Joint brackets will come with your gutter kit or be found with the other guttering pieces for sale at your hardware store. Attach support brackets at the spots you marked earlier on the fascia. Remember, the U-shaped support brackets should be no more than 1 m (roughly 3 ft) apart. As with any joint brackets you installed, mark the screw locations, drill pilot holes, and use 25 mm (1 inch) screws. Don't attach the bracket on the far end (opposite the downspout) quite yet. Attach the “stopend” section or the far end bracket. Your guttering kit may have a special “stopend” section — basically, half of a tube that's capped at one end so water doesn't flow out of the channel in that direction. Like some drain outlet sections, it might attach directly to the fascia, or use one or two brackets. Mark, pre-drill, and attach these brackets or this section as you have the others. In some kits, you create your own “stopend” by snapping a special piece of PVC onto the open end of a standard section of guttering. In this case, install a standard bracket near but not right at the corner of the shed — 10-20 cm (3-6 inches) from the corner is fine. Cut your guttering to fit. Measure carefully from the drain outlet section to the “stopend” section you've installed (or the corner of the shed, if you'll be making your own “stopend” from the guttering). If your shed is longer than your guttering, measure from each end to any joint brackets you installed. Cut your guttering sections to fit — PVC guttering cuts easily with a hacksaw. Lubricate all PVC connection points for easier installation. Spray the cut ends of the guttering with a lubricant like WD-40. Lubricating these and all other connection points will make snapping or pressing the PVC into place much easier. Snap the guttering section(s) into place. PVC guttering simply snaps into place at the standard brackets, joint brackets, drain outlet section, and (if applicable) “stopend” section. Feed one end of the half-tube shaped guttering under the lip of each bracket where it's attached to the fascia board. Then push down to snap the guttering into place, under the lip on the outer side of each bracket. If your chosen PVC guttering doesn't come with dedicated “stopend” sections that you attach to the fascia, snap a water-tight “stopend” piece onto the open end of the guttering. Attach 2 “offset bends” to the drain outlet to start the downspout. The downspout will be made of fully-enclosed tubes, and the “offset bend” sections are short tubes bent at 112.5 degree angles. Spray lubricant onto each end of the offset bends, press them together firmly, then press them onto the stub of the drain outlet section that points downward. The sections of tubing should be snug in place, but you'll still be able to twist them so that you can align the offset bends to point straight downward right up against the side of the shed. Mark the spot for the downspout’s bottom bracket. Use a level and a chalk line tool (or a string and tape or nails) to create a line on the shed's wall that drops straight down from the opening of the offset bends. Mark the location for the lowest bracket about 50 cm (roughly 1.5 feet) from the ground if your downspout will spill out onto lower ground. However, if the ground is level or slopes up, place the lowest bracket at 1 m (roughly 3 feet) so the downspout will spill out further away from the shed. Screw the downspout brackets into the side of the shed. Install a downspout bracket at the lower mark you just made, and another just below the offset bends. Then add others down the string line at intervals no more than 1 m (roughly 3 ft) apart. Once again, mark the holes, pre-drill, and use 25 mm (1 inch) screws. Cut and install a section of downspout along the shed wall. Measure and cut it so that it runs from the offset bends to just below the bottom bracket. Use a hacksaw to cut the PVC downspout tube, lubricate the ends, and press it snugly into place at the offset bends. Press to clip it into the brackets. Connect another offset bend and a section of downspout tubing. Press another 112.5 degree offset bend onto the bottom of the downspout, so that the open end points directly away from the shed (or directly toward the downslope of the ground). Measure the distance from the opening of the offset bend to the ground, and cut a section of downspout tubing to length. Lubricate and attach it. This bottom bend and section of tubing will keep the water from collecting right at the base of the shed. If you have an existing drain system, you'll cut the tubing to fit that opening. Or, you can connect your tubing to a rain barrel and use the water for your garden! | Check the slope of the ground your shed sits on. Tap a nail into each end of your shed’s fascia board. Connect the two nails with a taut string. Adjust your string line to make it level. Adjust the string line again to establish your gutter’s downward pitch. Mark this slope on the fascia board. Create angled blocks if your fascia board is angled inward or outward. Attach the blocks you just cut to the fascia board. Install the drain outlet section at the downspout end of the shed. Install one or more joint brackets on larger sheds. Attach support brackets at the spots you marked earlier on the fascia. Attach the “stopend” section or the far end bracket. Cut your guttering to fit. Lubricate all PVC connection points for easier installation. Snap the guttering section(s) into place. Attach 2 “offset bends” to the drain outlet to start the downspout. Mark the spot for the downspout’s bottom bracket. Screw the downspout brackets into the side of the shed. Cut and install a section of downspout along the shed wall. Connect another offset bend and a section of downspout tubing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Transfer-Funds-Internationally | How to Transfer Funds Internationally | One of the easiest and cheapest ways to transfer funds internationally is through PayPal. All you need is an account for the sender and recipient, and the PayPal website will walk you through the transfer. Alternatively, if you need to transfer money at a physical location, Western Union and MoneyGram are good options, though you should be aware that their fees are higher than those charged by online sites. Another option is to send money using a prepaid debit card, which you can continue to add money to if you like. | Make sure the sender and the recipient have PayPal accounts. PayPal is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to send money internationally, but in order to do that, both you and the recipient will need to set up a PayPal account. If you don't already have a PayPal account, setting it up is easy. For a detailed instructions, check out how to Set-Up-a-PayPal-Account. Log in to your account. Enter your PayPal ID (the email address you used to register), password, and then click the "log in" button at the bottom of the screen. Go to the proper area. When you log in, you should be directed to the "account overview" screen. From the account overview screen, click the "send and receive" tab all the way at the top of the screen, or the "pay or send money" button below it. Click either one, and you'll be taken to a screen asking whether you want to send money to a merchant or send money to a friend or family member.Click the friends or family button. Enter the necessary information. You'll be prompted to enter the recipient's PayPal ID and the amount you want to send. The fees for sending money internationally vary by destination country. You can choose who bears the cost of the fees, and PayPal shows you the amount they will charge before you send the money. However, PayPal's transaction fees for international transfers are typically comparatively low. International transfers are available in twenty-five currencies, and in almost every country on Earth. Pay attention to the exchange rate. Again, PayPal is usually a very good value for international transfers, but they make their money by offering a marginally lower exchange rate than you might get elsewhere. Decide if you need to use a physical location for your deposit. If you need to transfer money at a physical location, Western Union and MoneyGram are your two options. However, for both Western Union and MoneyGram, conducting a transfer at a physical location usually costs more than doing it online. For example, as of January 2017, MoneyGram's fee for sending a $200 remittance to Mexico from the US is $9.99 vs. $4 for the same service online. See if an online deposit works for you. Transferring money online can be the easiest and most convenient way to conduct a transfer. All four major transfer companies offer international transfer services from online portals. Choose which one is right for you. Viamerica and Xoom are two newer companies that cater especially to the remittance market. While Viamerica has some of the best overall rates, they only cover a limited area. Xoom has an excellent network of pickup locations in foreign countries, but can be slightly more expensive. Generally, Western Union and MoneyGram offer both competitive rates and a wide network of pickup locations, although this will vary from country to country. Decide how you want to pay. While paying with a debit card will be the quickest way for the recipient to get their remittance, arriving in minutes,it also usually carries the highest fees, and often by a substantial margin. A direct transfer from your bank account will carry substantially lower fees, but the money can take days to arrive. With either MoneyGram or Western Union, you can pay in cash or with a debit card in person, or with a debit card or direct transfer from your bank account online. Xoom offers payment with a credit card, debit card, or bank account online. Viamerica only does direct transfers from your bank account, which takes a couple of days to confirm and set up. Decide how you want the funds to be received. Although picking up cash at a physical location is common, you can also deposit the money in the recipient's bank account, and depending on location, on a debit card, mobile wallet, or delivered in person. Again, take into account possible delays and fees (including fees the recipient's bank make charge) when making your choice. Mobile wallet service is available in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Romania. The funds are usually available within a few minutes. Contact the recipient. When the recipient is picking up cash at a physical location, you will need to follow a certain procedure. After the transfer service has gotten the money from you, they will give you a code for accessing the funds on the other end. You will then contact the intended recipient and give them the code. When the funds arrive, they tell the cashier the code and receive the money. As you might imagine, the code/cash pickup system has a unique set of security vulnerabilities if you don't know the recipient. Money transfer services like MoneyGram and Western Union are prone to scams. Make sure that you are only sending money to a person you trust. Find out whether these services are available for your destination country. Some large banks offer special remittance services that allow you to transfer money abroad less expensively than using a wire transfer. However, the list of destination countries is typically less extensive than it would be using PayPal or a money transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union. For example, Wells Fargo offers an ExpressSend service to 12 countries in Latin America and Asia, including Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines. Gather the necessary information. Every bank is different, but generally, you will have to provide the bank certain information in order for them to process your request. Using Wells Fargo's ExpressSend's service as an example, you will need the following: The recipient's name, address, phone number, and the name of the Remittance Network member where the funds will be picked up. The address must be an actual physical address. No PO Boxes are allowed. Indicate whether the telephone number provided is from a land line or mobile phone. You will need to know how the recipient of the transfer will receive the funds, cash or account deposit. If it will be deposited in their account, then you will have to provide the recipient's account number. Send the money. Be sure to tell the recipient in what currency the money will be available. Wells Fargo, for example, uses local currencies for some countries and dollars for others. If the money is deposited in dollars, there may be additional fees to exchange the currency on the recipient's end. Decide how much money to send. Wire transfers are among the most expensive ways to transfer money internationally, typically costing $30-$60, but they have much higher available limits than do most other methods of transferring funds. So, before you conduct a wire transfer, make sure that you are sending an amount of money too large to send another way. The daily outgoing wire limit is going to vary based on your bank and the type of service you pay for on a regular basis. For example, for a typical CitiBank customer, there is a daily $50,000 limit on outgoing international wires. But, for certain Personal International Banking clients, the limit shoots up to $250,000 per day. Gather the necessary documents. There is a very detailed article for how to Make-an-International-Wire-Transfer here, but the documentation requirements are fairly standard. You will need the name and address of the recipient, the recipient's bank, and the name of the account where the money will be deposited. In addition, you will need the recipient's account number or International Bank Account Number, and the recipient bank's SWIFT code. Specify the type of currency. You will need to specify the type currency that the recipient should receive. Keep in mind that in most cases, it will be more useful for the recipient to receive the money in their native currency. If the exact amount to be transferred is very important, then make sure that you check the exchange rate that the bank offers. Advise the recipient of the transfer time. Be sure to ask the bank personnel how long the wire transfer will take. Usually the transfer can be completed in one or two days, but sometimes they can take as long as fifteen business days. The exact time will depend on the amount of money sent, when you sent it, and the destination country. Find a prepaid debit card that works for you. There are several companies, such as Akimbo, that offer prepaid debit cards with the capability of sending money abroad. Each brand of prepaid card will have its own set of fess associated with its use, but at the minimum, expect an activation fee. Some card also charge fees for loading money onto the card and withdrawing money from it. There are two ways to use a prepaid card to send money abroad. You can buy a Visa or Mastercard gift card with international capabilities that has a finite, non-replenishable amount on the card. Or you can use a card that allows you to set up a large, replenishable account that allows users with sub-account cards to withdraw from it. Add money to the card. The type of card you use will dictate the ways that you can add money to it. Of course, all of them accept cash. However, some replenishable cards even allow you to transfer money onto the card directly from a bank account. Send the card to the recipient. If you are using either one prepaid card or a card with sub-accounts, you will need to send the card to the recipient or recipients. Use the postal service or a private carrier like DHL, UPS, or FedEX. Be sure to investigate withdrawal limits and transaction fees, as there is often a daily limit for the number of transactions or amount of money that can be withdrawn. | Make sure the sender and the recipient have PayPal accounts. Log in to your account. Go to the proper area. Enter the necessary information. Decide if you need to use a physical location for your deposit. See if an online deposit works for you. Decide how you want to pay. Decide how you want the funds to be received. Contact the recipient. Find out whether these services are available for your destination country. Gather the necessary information. Send the money. Decide how much money to send. Gather the necessary documents. Specify the type of currency. Advise the recipient of the transfer time. Find a prepaid debit card that works for you. Add money to the card. Send the card to the recipient. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-German-Roaches | How to Kill German Roaches | To kill German roaches, start by purchasing a duster bulb and boric acid, which can be found at most hardware stores. Then, squeeze the duster bulb to spray a thin layer of boric acid along the floors of your kitchen and bathroom. For heavy infestations, you can drill a small hole in a wall to spray boric acid inside of it, where roaches usually live. You can also place a bait station or sticky trap in high traffic areas like behind the refrigerator or anywhere you find roach droppings, which look like specks of black pepper. | Use gel baits. This type of bait comes in a tube and is applied by squeezing the tube to dispense the gel. Apply the gel along window and door trims, behind the trashcan, and along the cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathroom. Also apply bait gel under sinks where the drainpipe enters the wall in your kitchen and bathroom. Apply gel bait in the crevices and cracks of your kitchen drawers, and along upper shelving and baseboards. If you have children or pets, then make sure to apply the gel in areas that are out of their reach. Try a bait station. Bait stations consist of a plastic housing that contains poison. Cockroaches enter through small holes in the housing to retrieve the bait. Make sure to place the bait stations against the walls and in corners in high traffic areas like your kitchen and bathroom. Place bait stations behind the refrigerator, microwave, oven, toasters, toilet, and other major appliances in your kitchen and bathroom. Also place them underneath your dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, washer, dryer, and hot water heater. Identify high traffic areas by looking for roach droppings. Roach droppings resemble ground black pepper. Use a sticky trap. Sticky traps contain pheromones that will attract the roaches. Upon entering the trap, the roaches will become stuck in it and suffocate. Also place these traps against the walls and in corners in high traffic areas. Place sticky traps in the same areas you place bait stations. Do not spray sticky traps and bait stations with insecticides or cleaning products. These will contaminate the baits. If the bait is contaminated, then the roaches will not enter. Use a duster bulb to apply the acid. A duster bulb will enable you to apply a thin layer of boric acid. Squeeze the bulb to puff a small layer of powder along the floor and walls in your kitchen and bathroom. The layer should be barely visible to your eye. Do not apply too much boric acid. If you do, then the roaches will be able to detect it and they will avoid the area. Do not use a spoon to apply the boric acid. You can purchase the acid from your local hardware store. Do not apply the acid on countertops, especially where food is prepared. Administer boric acid in between your walls. Drill a hole in your drywall big enough to fit the tip of the duster bulb. Place the tip of the duster bulb into the hole. Squeeze the bulb to dispense the boric acid in between your walls. Since roaches tend to live in between walls, this is an effective way to kill them. Use it in combination with gel bait and bait stations. But do not use it in combination with sticky traps. The traps will prevent the roaches from going back home, which helps spread the acid to other roaches. Sanitize surfaces in your kitchen. Remove particles of food and clean up spills on your counters, tables, sink, stovetop, and other surfaces in your kitchen. Also make sure to sweep your kitchen and dining room floors, as well as other areas where you eat at least five times a week, if not every day. Try not to leave dirty dishes and food in the sink overnight. Empty the trash every night and cover the trashcan with a tight fitting lid. Store food in airtight containers. Store flour, sugar, cookies, bread, cereal, crackers, and other food items in airtight containers. This will prevent the cockroaches from smelling the food and invading your kitchen. Caulk holes and cracks. Use an expanding foam to cover cracks, holes, crevices, and gaps along the bottom of the walls in your kitchen and bathroom. Make sure to cover cracks and crevices around the pipes under the sinks in your kitchen and bathroom as well. You can purchase expanding foams from your local hardware store. | Use gel baits. Try a bait station. Use a sticky trap. Use a duster bulb to apply the acid. Administer boric acid in between your walls. Use it in combination with gel bait and bait stations. Sanitize surfaces in your kitchen. Store food in airtight containers. Caulk holes and cracks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Fashionable-Teenage-Boy | How to Be a Fashionable Teenage Boy | To be a fashionable boy, start by comparing your current wardrobe to the trendy men's fashions you'd like to mimic. You can look at celebrities you like for style cues, read blogs and magazines devoted to style, or simply search “men's style tips” online. Then, donate or sell clothes that don't fit, that you don't wear, or that don't flatter you as well as they could. For example, if you're bigger you can opt for vertical stripes over horizontal ones, because vertical stripes draw the eyes downward and make you look slimmer. Next, organize a shopping trip to get staples like an all-occasion pair of jeans and a pair of chinos. You can also buy some nice pieces from your favorite brands or stores. This will make mixing and matching your old and new clothes to create fashionable outfits easy! Finally, round out your wardrobe with accessories like a scarf, belt, or watch. Just remember, don't change who you are for the sake of being fashionable or cool. | Devote time to being fashionable. Developing your personal style takes a certain amount of enthusiasm and passion. Finding a style that you like can really help you when getting started. A great way to start, especially if you don't know much about men's fashion, is to read blogs and magazines that are devoted to style, and take tips you like from them. Look at celebrities that you like for style cues. Pick a celebrity you like who has a similar body type as you and see what clothes you already own that look similar. A great way to start is to also simply search “men's style tips” and see what is currently trending. Then take a look at your current wardrobe and see if you can emulate popular styles. Take stock of your current style. Compare your style to the current trends and see how you can incorporate any of your clothes into a fashionable look. Look at what's currently in style in terms of colors, patterns, and fit. For example, clothes that offer a slimmer cut and a more tailored fit might be what's popular. Perhaps you have a lot of clothes that have patterns that are out of style. Compare what's popular to what you have and separate outdated items from popular items. While taking stock, you may find that you have some older clothes that have come back into style that you can take out of retirement. Don’t change who you are just for the sake of being fashionable or trying fit in with what’s popular. Changing to a certain look or style just because it's "the cool thing to do" doesn't mean it's right for you. More than anything else, be yourself. Part of being fashionable means feeling comfortable in not only your skin, but your clothes. If you have a favorite shirt or sweatshirt, you don't have to get rid of it just to be fashionable. Keep clothes that make you feel comfortable for now. You may find that when building outfits you can use some of them. Read websites and publications devoted to male fashion. These include GQ, Esquire, Fashion Beans, or Reddit's Male Fashion Advice. You can find places and forums where people will share style tips and wardrobe ideas. Don't buy into everything you read. People sometimes get very adamant that there is a right and wrong way to be fashionable. While there are trends in fashion, it is largely subjective. These resources are also a great way find looks and clothing items that may fit better into your budget. You may see a jacket or pair of jeans that you really like, but are too expensive. You can use these resources to find similar items at a better price. Look for brands and stores that appeal to you. When you find a brand or store that has a lot of clothes you really like and that fit you really well, you can easily upgrade your style and feel confident. How clothes fit on you plays a big role into looking fashionable. Just because you love a particular item doesn't mean it will always fit you correctly, depending on your body type. Depending on your height, weight, and overall body type, certain clothes will fit you better than others. If you're a bigger guy, avoid horizontal stripes and opt for vertical ones. Vertical stripes will draw the eyes downward and make you look slimmer. If you're a slimmer guy, you can wear clothes that are tighter fitting and will accentuate a tight waist. In general, being a fashionable teenage boy means wearing clothes that create visual tricks which will make your body look as evenly proportioned as possible. Some people like tighter fitting clothing while others go for a more relaxed fit, but for the most part, you should avoid overly baggy clothes. A more tailored fit will make a huge difference. Update your wardrobe for current trends. Being fashionable requires a bit of creative improvisation. Experiment with new looks and disregard anything that you don't feel comfortable with. Updating your wardrobe can seem like a daunting task and can easily get expensive, which can be difficult especially if you're still growing and don't have a lot of extra money, but you can do a lot with a little. Separate your clothes into two categories: clothes you like and wear, and clothes you don't wear. Clean out your wardrobe by donating or selling the clothes you don't wear. Then take a look at your “keep” pile. Note which clothes are fashionable and which ones aren't. This will help you start to build a base for your updated wardrobe. Organize a shopping trip. Ask a parent, older sibling, girlfriend, or any fashionable friend to go shopping with you. They might be able to offer advice and pick out some great clothes for you. Your siblings or your friends will be able to give you advice on what works or doesn't work for you and can help you pick out something that you might not on your own. Create a list of clothing items that you need as staples. For example, you may want to get one pair of jeans you can wear for almost any occasion, a pair of chinos, a casual button down shirt, dress shirt, and a sweater. Give away any clothes that you don't wear. Often times we hang onto clothes that don't fit or we hardly ever wear. Gather up these clothes and donate them to a charitable organization or sell them to a resale shop. Be prepared that your parents may be reluctant to throw out clothes that still fit you. If your parents are reluctant to let you get rid of the clothes you already have, you can try selling them to earn your own money for new clothes. Just make sure that you are upfront with your parents. Being a teenager can make it hard to find the right fit since you may grow several inches in just a few months. Check out consignment stores for cheaper clothes, or shops like H&M and asos, which offer plenty of trendy items at lower prices. Shopping at stores that offer lower prices can also help you to convince your parents to update your wardrobe. Mix and match clothes from your new spiced up wardrobe. It doesn't take a lot to create several different looks. Think about the occasion that you're dressing for and pick out items that look appropriate. If you're going to school, you may want to wear clothes that you'll feel comfortable in all day. You can also create several fashionable looks with a few staple items like a dark pair of jeans. You can wear jeans with sneakers and a sweater to school, add a blazer or light jacket and change into boots if you're going somewhere after school. You'll create a whole new look in a few minutes by adding or changing just a few items. Mix and match items based on your mood. Maybe you're in less of a classy mood and more in a street style mood. Pair your sneakers with jeans or joggers, a plain t-shirt and a light jacket. Accent your wardrobe with accessories. Small accents to your wardrobe will go a long way in enhancing your style. Consider wearing an accessory that can be your signature like a scarf, hat, bracelet, etc. Remember that being fashionable is subjective, and you should feel comfortable with the amount of accessories you wear. Look for accessories that you might already have that are sentimental to you like a necklace. Own your style. Maybe you like to wear bracelets, necklaces, and even earrings. Don't let others' opinions make you feel awkward for choosing to wear what you wear, because you've put in the effort to show off your own style. Use accessories to tie in a color palate or create some pop. One item that people often overlook are socks. Colorful and patterned socks can add some extra style to your look. Wear a watch. Being a fashionable guy means looking put together and mature no matter how old you are. One item that really does this is the watch. Even though we may have phones that tell time, a watch is an invaluable accessory, and can tie a whole look together. Wearing a watch shows that you're punctual and reliable and adds a level of maturity to your look. You also don't have to spend a lot on a nice watch. Get a watch with a nylon band that can easily be switched for another one to match the rest of your outfit. A watch is also a great gift to ask for. And you can tell your parents or whoever may be giving you one exactly which one you want. Wear a belt that fits your outfit. Besides holding your pants up, belts serve as a way to tie your whole outfit together, and a belt that doesn't fit right will stand out. Belts are a great way to connect your shoes to the rest of your outfit. Wearing a brown belt that's the same color as your shoes will make you look more put together and fashionable. While sometimes it looks good to wear black and brown together, it can be tricky to pull off. Avoid wearing a brown belt on black pants or jeans as it usually looks mismatched. Get a belt that's the right size for you. Nothing undoes an outfit like having a belt that's way too big. Wear the right shoes. The right shoes complete an outfit, so don't become dependent on a single pair. While one pair of shoes can be paired with several looks, some just aren't right for every occasion. You don't want to wear skater shoes at a formal event. It's always easier to wear nicer shoes with a casual outfit than it is to wear sneakers with a dressier one. For example, you can pair loafers or wingtips with jeans and a button down or sweater and look good. And while it's not impossible, it's a lot harder to wear sneakers with a suit. Just because you're a teenager doesn't mean that you can't wear dressier shoes either. Loafers, oxfords, wingtips, and nice boots can go a long way when looking fashionable. If you don't have the budget to own a bunch of shoes, you can get a lot of mileage out of a few staples. Consider nice sneakers, a pair of boots, and a pair of dressier shoes to start out. Groom yourself. Clothes that fit well and that look good will only get you so far. Part of being a fashionable male means taking care of your body. Whether you like your hair long, buzzed, or somewhere in the middle, consider adding some product so that it looks styled and not like you just rolled out of bed. And be sure to wash it on a regular basis. Be honest with yourself about facial hair. Some teenagers can grow a full beard by 16, while others teens (and even adults) can't. If you can grow facial hair make sure that it's trimmed nicely and not like you were raised in the wilderness. If you can't grow facial hair well, or it's patchy, then shave it. A clean shaven face always looks better than patches of peach fuzz. Keep your nails clean. Dirty or long nails are never attractive and can make you look like you don't care about your appearance. | Devote time to being fashionable. Take stock of your current style. Don’t change who you are just for the sake of being fashionable or trying fit in with what’s popular. Read websites and publications devoted to male fashion. Look for brands and stores that appeal to you. Update your wardrobe for current trends. Organize a shopping trip. Give away any clothes that you don't wear. Mix and match clothes from your new spiced up wardrobe. Accent your wardrobe with accessories. Wear a watch. Wear a belt that fits your outfit. Wear the right shoes. Groom yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Mistletoe | How to Grow Mistletoe | To grow mistletoe, start by pressing the seeds onto tree branches in early spring so they can take root. Choose branches that get a lot of direct sunlight and don't worry about watering the seeds. Germinated seeds, which look like tiny green stems with no leaves, should appear 1-2 months later. After that, you probably won't see any additional growth until the fourth year, when the tiny buds start developing leaves. At this point, you can expect your mistletoe to start growing much faster! | Pick several mistletoe berries from a fully mature branch. The best time of year to gather mistletoe berries is in February, when the berries are fully mature and ready to be planted. You can also purchase them online if there are no mistletoe plants in your area. Fresh mistletoe berries are ideal for planting. You can trust they are ripe and ready to germinate, unlike older berries (or berries used in decorations), which may have already begun to decay. To identify whether a mistletoe berry is fresh enough to plant, check out the color. Look specifically for white berries; their pale color means they have reached full maturity. If you must use older berries, be sure to store them in water until you're ready to plant. You can submerge your mistletoe in a cup or vase. The mistletoe will also need ample amounts of light; set them near a window to meet this need. Choose hawthorn, apple, lime, or poplar trees to plant your mistletoe on. These particular species of trees are proven to be the most suitable for mistletoe growth. If you have none of these types of trees nearby, you can try planting your mistletoe on oak tree branches. Mistletoe is a partial parasite. Although its leaves do make some energy through photosynthesis, the plant also roots down under the bark of a host tree to take more nutrients from the tree. Most trees and shrubs from the Rosaceae family will work. Pinch the mistletoe berries open to extract their seeds. They should come out covered in a viscous material known as “viscin.” Be sure to wipe the seeds partially clean with your fingers before planting them. You should leave only a bit of viscin on the seeds to help them stick to the tree. Place your mistletoe seeds onto the branches of your tree. All you have to do is stick them on like a decal. The bit of viscin you've left on the seed will help it stick to the tree branch so the seed can take root there. Choose smaller, newer branches for planting mistletoe. Picking smaller branches makes it much easier for mistletoe to adhere and start growing. This will also reduce damage to the tree, since mistletoe grows by taking nutrients from the tree. Try to stick to branches with a diameter of eight inches. The mistletoe will mature more easily with eight inch branches. This is because they are thin enough for the mistletoe to attach itself to while it grows. By sticking the seed to a leaf, you are mimicking a bird releasing a seed in its droppings. Flag the branches you’ve planted mistletoe on with string or tags. You don't want to forget where you planted your mistletoe later on. Adding some type of labeling system will help you to remember where your mistletoe has been planted, so you can more easily check on its growth. Look for signs of germination in the spring. If you planted your mistletoe in February, you should notice your seeds beginning to sprout in March or April of that same year. Newly sprouted mistletoe will look like tiny green stems with no leaves. Check for noticeable sprouts and leaves by the fourth year of growth. Remember: mistletoe takes a long time to grow. You won't be able to spot much progress until the fourth year, when the tiny buds of the mistletoe have begun growing higher and developing leaves. From this point onward, you can expect your mistletoe to progress at a much quicker rate. Plant your mistletoe on trees that get lots of sunlight. Mistletoe needs to be exposed to sunlight to survive. Try to choose a tree in your yard that directly faces the sun to help the mistletoe grow. Don’t worry about watering the mistletoe. It will naturally get all the water it needs from the tree you've planted it on. Instead, check the health of your tree from time to time as the mistletoe grows. If you notice the tree becoming weaker, you can give it extra water and fertilizer to boost its health. Caring for the tree will help the mistletoe to thrive, too. You can identify a sick tree by its branches. Sick tress may have branches with dead leaves that will not fall off, or branches with no leaves (when it isn't fall or winter). Check out the tree's trunk to determine its health. Trees will shed their bark from time to time, but a healthy tree will regrow its bark. A sick tree will not replace its bark, so you'll always see bare wood. Trim your mistletoe with gardening shears if it starts getting too unruly. You may notice the tree branch the mistletoe is planted on beginning to sag from its weight. Alternatively, you might see other parts of the tree beginning to die. These are two major signs the mistletoe is in need of a trim. Cut away at the outer parts of the mistletoe bush until it's smaller and even on all sides. Keep an eye on the tree after trimming to see whether it starts to regain its health. It may begin growing new leaves, or the branch the mistletoe is on may perk up. If the tree continues to get worse, remove the entire branch. You can try planting new mistletoe on a different tree next year. | Pick several mistletoe berries from a fully mature branch. Choose hawthorn, apple, lime, or poplar trees to plant your mistletoe on. Pinch the mistletoe berries open to extract their seeds. Place your mistletoe seeds onto the branches of your tree. Flag the branches you’ve planted mistletoe on with string or tags. Look for signs of germination in the spring. Check for noticeable sprouts and leaves by the fourth year of growth. Plant your mistletoe on trees that get lots of sunlight. Don’t worry about watering the mistletoe. Trim your mistletoe with gardening shears if it starts getting too unruly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Worrying | How to Stop Worrying | If you want to stop worrying, get into a habit of questioning your worry thoughts so you can divide them into things you can do something about and things you have no control over and can let go of. Whenever a worry thought pops into your head, ask yourself: “Is this a problem I can solve or not?”. If you can do something about it, like mending a hole in your sock before it gets bigger, plan what you'll do and start fixing it. If not, then accept it as a thought but let it go. You can also ask yourself how likely or unlikely something is going to happen, to help yourself stay realistic instead of thinking of worst-case scenarios. Even if you think it's bad, remind yourself you can prepare instead of worry, for action trumps thoughts. | Postpone worrying. If worrying is interfering with your day-to-day life and you can't stop, try putting off your worries until later. Give yourself permission to worry, but only during certain times of the day. For example, you might set aside a half an hour after dinner each day for worrying. If a worry pops into your head at any other time, you can recognize it, but just tell yourself "I'll think about that later." This technique lets you set your worries aside for awhile so you can get through your day. Write your worries down. A study from the University of Chicago shows that writing your worries down can help you let go of them. Writing your worries down can help make the problem feel more manageable. This strategy works well with postponing your worries. Making note of them on the list can help you feel like you can let your worries go until "worry time." Then, when it is worry time, you can just go over your list. Talk about your worries. Talking through your worries can also help. It can put things in perspective and help you get to the root of your issues. Be aware though that too much of this can be hard for your friends. If this is an ongoing issue, consider seeing a counselor or other mental health professional. Spend less time on the computer. Recent studies have shown that people who rely on computers and other devices for social interaction suffer from more anxiety. Consider cutting down on your screen time to help with excess worrying. Social media use in particular may lead to conflict, and comparison of yourself with others. It can also make it harder to relax. All this can promote worry. Switching off your devices several times a day can give you more control over your relationship with technology. Keep your hands busy. Doing something with your hands, such as knitting or using "worry beads" may help reduce stress and worry. Recent studies by the Medical Research Council show that keeping your hands busy during troubling events may reduce how much they bother you later. The research has not discovered any impact on worries about things that have already happened. But, if you are in a troubling situation, do something patterned and repetitive with your hands. It might reduce worries about it later. Get plenty of exercise. Exercising is not just good for your body. It is also an effective way to decrease the anxiety that leads to worry. Regular exercise may be more effective than prescription drugs for decreasing your anxiety levels. Research on animals shows that exercise increases levels of serotonin. This is a brain chemical that relieves anxiety and makes you feel happier. Take deep breaths. Taking slow deep breaths activates the vagus nerve, which can help reduce stress and worry. Some people recommend taking "4-7-8" breaths when worried. To do this, exhale completely through your mouth. Then, inhale through your nose, counting to four as you do so. Hold your breath for seven seconds. Finally, exhale through your mouth, counting to eight as you do so. Try meditation. Medical research shows that meditating affects the brain in ways that decrease worrying. If you are a persistent worrier learning how to meditate may be very helpful. Meditation increases activity in the Ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls worrying. It also grounds you in the present moment. Meditation, done right, should make it impossible to think about future problems, at least while you are meditating. Try aromatherapy. Recent medical studies support the claim that the scents of certain essential oils can reduce stress and worry. In particular, the smell of grapefruit was shown to be effective in this area. Essential oils and other aromatherapy products are available in many health stores and natural food shops. You can also try just smelling a grapefruit! Recognize your worries and move on. Sometimes, trying to suppress your worries seems to just make them worse. So, don't try to ignore your worries. When they pop into your head, accept them, but then try to move on. It is hard to avoid thinking about something you are actively trying not to think about. Writing your worries down or setting a designated "worry time" can be very helpful in letting them pass. Categorize and challenge your worries. When you do think about your worries, a good way to process them is to categorize them. Specifically, for each try to determine the following: Is this problem one you can solve, or not? If a worry is about a problem you have the power to fix, the best remedy may be to start fixing it. Once you have a plan to fix the problem, you will be less worried. If you cannot solve the problem, accept it, work through it and move on. Is this worry about something that is likely, or unlikely, to happen? A worry about something that is likely to happen may indeed be troubling. On the other hand, if you decide it is not likely to occur, this can be a first step in letting that worry go. Is this worry about something about something really bad, or not? Think about what it is that you are worried might happen. If it did occur, how bad would it really be? Most things we worry about aren't actually that terrible. If you decide it wouldn't be a catastrophe, this can help you let go. That's doubly true if it also isn't that likely to happen! Throughout this process, try to think rationally. Ask yourself what evidence you have that your worry is a realistic one. Think about what you might tell a friend who had the same worry. Try to imagine the most likely outcome, rather than the worst-case scenario. Make your worries boring. If there is a specific worry that bothers you often, you can try to make it boring, so your brain will return to it less often. Do this by repeating it in your head again and again for several minutes. For example, if you worry that you might get in a car accident, repeat in your head the words "I might get in a car accident, I might get in a car accident." In the short term, this may increase you anxiety. But, after a little while, the words will lose their power and become boring to you. Chances are, they'll stop popping up in your mind so often after that. Accept uncertainty and imperfection. An important change in your thinking is accepting that life is unpredictable and imperfect. This is key to stopping worries in the long term. A good place to start this change is with a writing exercise. Jot down your answers to these questions: Is it possible to be certain about everything that might happen? In what way is needing certainty helpful to you? Do you tend to predict bad things will happen just because you are uncertain? Is that reasonable? Can you live with the possibility that a bad thing might happen, if that outcome is not likely? When worries come to mind, try to remind yourself of your answers to these questions. Think about social influences. Emotions can be contagious. If you spend a lot of time with other worriers, or people who make you anxious, you may want to reconsider how much time you are spending with those people. Spend some time thinking about the people you spend time with, and how they affect you. It may even be helpful to keep a "worry diary" that tracks when you worry most. If you find that it's right after seeing a certain person, you may decided you need to spend less time with him or her. Or, you might decide there are certain topics you don't wish to discuss with this person any more. Changing your social circle can change the way you think. Live in the moment. Most worries rise from fears about the future, rather than our immediate surroundings. Focusing on you surroundings and the moment you are experiencing can be a good way to shut down worries. Some people recommend a "stop, look, listen" technique. In this approach, when you are worrying, stop and recognize the worry. Take a deep breath. Then, look at your surroundings. Spend five minutes focusing on the details of the world around you. As you do so, speak calmly and reassure yourself that things will work out. | Postpone worrying. Write your worries down. Talk about your worries. Spend less time on the computer. Keep your hands busy. Get plenty of exercise. Take deep breaths. Try meditation. Try aromatherapy. Recognize your worries and move on. Categorize and challenge your worries. Make your worries boring. Accept uncertainty and imperfection. Think about social influences. Live in the moment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Oregano | How to Dry Oregano | To dry oregano in the oven, start by pulling off the oregano leaves from the stalks. Then, spread the leaves in a single layer on a non-greased cookie sheet, and place the sheet in a 200 degree F oven. Check the oregano every 5 minutes until they're dried, then remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let it cool. Afterwards, crumble the dry oregano with your fingers and store your dried herb in an airtight jar. | Remove any dried or browned leaves from your stalks. Take your oregano stalks and set them out on your kitchen counter. Inspect them to look for any brown or dried-out leaves. Clip these leaves off using garden shears, scissors, or a kitchen knife. You can also simply rip them off of the plant by hand. Discard these unhealthy or flavorless leaves. If any of the leaves have a color that differs from the rest of the plant, clip them off. Oregano should have a deep, green color when you dry it. Rinse your oregano under a stream of cool water. Set a colander in your kitchen sink to catch any leaves that fall off. Rinse your leaves under cold water for 10-15 seconds to wash them. If you already removed the leaves from the stalk, place them directly in the colander to wash them. You don't need to remove the leaves to dry your oregano though. If your leaves are clean, or you purchased packaged, pre-washed oregano, you don't need to rinse them. In fact, it's better to skip washing them, since oregano retains moisture well and this will make the drying process take longer. If your stalks are dusty, have been eaten by bugs, or look kind of dirty, it's a good idea to wash them. Shake your herbs dry and blot them with a paper towel. Turn the water in your sink off. Shake your oregano lightly in the sink to remove most of the water. Gently blot the oregano with dry paper towels to absorb most of the surface moisture. Hang your oregano for 6-12 hours to air dry it before using another method if you rinse it. Wrap the stalks in twine, tie it off, then attach the twine to a hook, hanger, or curtain rod. Gather your oregano into groups of 2-4 stalks and put them in a paper bag. Take a paper bag that can hold all of your leaves and punch 10-15 small holes in each side of the bag with a fork, knife, or pen. Lay the bag on its side. Take your oregano stalks and bundle them together by hand so that the stalks are together. Place your leaves inside the bag with 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) of your stalks sticking out. This method takes the longest, but it's the traditional method for drying herbs out. It's the best way to ensure that your stalks are completely dry while maintaining their flavors. The paper bag will protect your leaves from dust. You can skip this step if you're going to store your oregano in a well-ventilated area. Some people prefer to punch a hole in the bottom of the paper bag and slide the stalks through the opening so that the leaves are hanging out the open end of the bag. You can do this if you prefer. Wrap twine tightly around the stalks to secure them together. Take a 6–12 in (15–30 cm) length of twine and wrap it around the stalks and the bag, directly under the first set of leaves. Wrap the stalks and the bag tightly together by looping the twine around the stalks 2-3 times and pulling it tight. Tie the twine in a knot to secure your bag and your stalks. You can use a 36–42 in (91–107 cm) length of twine and use the excess length to hang your herbs if you want to avoid using 2 separate lengths of twine. You can use jute twine, butcher's twine, or cotton string to wrap your herbs. You can also use a rubber band if you don't have any twine. Hang your stalks from a pole, hook, or clothing line with twine. The easiest way to hang your stalks is to grab a 24–36 in (61–91 cm) length of twine and attach it to the other twine that you wrapped around your stalks with a knot. You can also wrap the length around the stalks and tie it underneath the first knot you made. Tie your twine to a clothing hanger, curtain rod, or command hook in a dry, well-ventilated area of your home to hang your herbs. While it's nice to picture your herbs hanging in your kitchen, this is actually the worst place to store your oregano. When you cook something on the stove, the food smells can get into your oregano and modify their flavors. Another way to hang your stalks is to unfold a paper clip, slide half of it between your twine, and hook the bottom half on the twine. Then, use the top hook hang the hook on a length of twine. Wait 2-6 weeks for your oregano to dry. Hanging your herbs to dry them can take a while. Typically, oregano will take 2-6 weeks to dry, although it may be longer or shorter depending on how wet your oregano is when you dry it, the moisture content of your room, and how much air flow there is in your home. After 1-2 weeks of drying, check your oregano every 2-3 days to see if it has fully dried out. Dried oregano will be pale green and will crumble easily in your hands. If you want to check to see if they're dry, put a single leaf in an airtight glass jar. If no moisture condenses inside of the jar, your leaves are dry. Store your dried oregano in an airtight container. Get a set of dehydrating trays with a protective screen. Dehydrating trays are 2 plastic or metal trays that stack on one another to air food out. Dehydrating trays can be purchased from a home or kitchen goods store. Get a set with a protective screen to keep bugs and dust out of your herbs. This method takes less time than hanging your herbs, but you have to trim your leaves to do this. Set your oregano out evenly in between the trays and stack them. Clip the leaves off of your oregano with shears or scissors. Set the leaves out evenly on top of the bottom tray. Leave 1–2 centimetres (10–20 mm) in between each leaf so that there isn't any overlap between your leaves. Once you've filled one of your trays, place the other tray on top. If your protective screen isn't built into your trays, place one underneath the leaves on the bottom tray when you're laying them out. Set the other protective screen on top of the second tray when you stack them. Leave the trays out in warm, well-ventilated area. Take your dehydrating trays to a room in your home that's warm and well-ventilated. Turn the fan on low if the room doesn't have a lot of air flow. Avoid placing your tray next to a window or in a well-lit room. The sun will dye your leaves and may heat some of the flavorful oils out of your oregano. Attics are perfect for drying oregano on dehydrating trays. Basements are usually a poor choice since they tend to trap moisture in the room. Wait at least 1 week for your oregano to dry out. Every day, check your leaves to see if they've dried out. This process typically takes 4-7 days, although it may take longer depending on the conditions of the room where you're drying them out. Once your leaves are completely dry, remove them from the trays and store them in an airtight container. If you dried your leaves on the stalk, you should be able to easily pull the leaves off of the stalk. When oregano is dry, the leaves will be a little paler and crumble easily in your palm. If you aren't sure if the oregano is dry, put one leaf in a glass jar for 15 minutes. If no moisture condenses in the jar, it's dry. Arrange your oregano in single layers on your dehydrator’s trays. Remove the trays from your dehydrator by pulling them out. Clip your leaves off of the stalks with shears, a knife, or by pulling them off. Layer your leaves out on the dehydrator's trays, leaving 1–2 centimetres (10–20 mm) of space between each individual leaf. You can use every tray in your dehydrator to spread your leaves out. This method is quicker than letting your oregano air dry, but it requires the use of a food dehydrator. If you don't already have a dehydrator, they can be kind of expensive. You can dehydrate your oregano with the leaves still on the stalk if you can fit the stalks inside of your dehydrator. Most dehydrators are too small to fit entire stalks though. Preheat the dehydrator to 100 °F (38 °C). Plug your dehydrator in and turn the power on. Turn the dial or press the buttons to set your dehydrator to 100 °F (38 °C). Wait 5-10 minutes for your food dehydrator to reach the necessary temperature. If you have a moisture setting, set it to the lowest setting available. If it's really warm in your home and the humidity is high, turn your dehydrator on to 125 °F (52 °C). Set the trays back inside of your dehydrator. Once your dehydrator is preheated, put on an oven mitt. Open the door for your dehydrator. Carefully reinsert each tray in the dehydrator by sliding it into the grooves where the trays sit. Close the door for your dehydrator. Try to avoid disrupting your leaves or shaking the trays while you're putting them back into the dehydrator. Let your oregano dry in the dehydrator for 1-4 hours. The time it takes for your oregano to fully dry is dependent upon several factors. After your oregano has cooked for 1 hour, open the dehydrator and inspect the leaves. If they're darker, curled up a little, and crumble when you poke them with your fork, they're done. If they aren't, keep the leaves in the dehydrator for another 1-3 hours, checking them periodically to make sure you don't burn them. Check your oregano once every 20 minutes after 1 hour has passed. This will ensure that you don't accidentally burn your oregano. Let your oregano cool for 20 minutes before storing them in an airtight container. Preheat your oven to 170 °F (77 °C). Set a wire rack in the middle of your oven. Close the oven door. Turn the dial or press the buttons on your oven to set it to 170 °F (77 °C). Wait 5-10 minutes for your oven to preheat. This is the fastest method, but it's undoubtedly the riskiest. You can accidentally burn your oregano. You may also remove a lot of the flavors by overheating it. Still, if you're in a hurry, this is the best way to dry your oregano. Spread your oregano out on a clean, dry sheet pan. Get a clean, dry sheet pan and set it out on your counter. Take your oregano and lay it out on the uncovered sheet pan. If you're heating stalks, set each stalk parallel on the pan. If you're heating individual leaves, spread them out evenly on the sheet pan with 1 in (2.5 cm) between each leaf. It doesn't matter if you're drying the oregano on or off of the stalks. Bake your oregano for 1 hour in the center rack of your oven. Once your oven has preheated, grab your sheet pan and carefully slide it into the middle of the center rack. Close the oven door to allow your oregano to start drying out. Leave the oregano in the oven for 1 hour to let it dry. It may take a little longer than 1 hour for your oregano to dry. If you're drying leaves off of the stalk, it may take a little less time. If you leave your oregano in the oven for too long, you may heat out most of the key flavors and oils in your herb. Remove the tray and let your oregano cool for 10-20 minutes. Once your oregano has dried out, remove the tray from the oven. Set it on top of your oven to let it cool. Wait 10-20 minutes before transferring your oregano to an airtight container. | Remove any dried or browned leaves from your stalks. Rinse your oregano under a stream of cool water. Shake your herbs dry and blot them with a paper towel. Gather your oregano into groups of 2-4 stalks and put them in a paper bag. Wrap twine tightly around the stalks to secure them together. Hang your stalks from a pole, hook, or clothing line with twine. Wait 2-6 weeks for your oregano to dry. Get a set of dehydrating trays with a protective screen. Set your oregano out evenly in between the trays and stack them. Leave the trays out in warm, well-ventilated area. Wait at least 1 week for your oregano to dry out. Arrange your oregano in single layers on your dehydrator’s trays. Preheat the dehydrator to 100 °F (38 °C). Set the trays back inside of your dehydrator. Let your oregano dry in the dehydrator for 1-4 hours. Preheat your oven to 170 °F (77 °C). Spread your oregano out on a clean, dry sheet pan. Bake your oregano for 1 hour in the center rack of your oven. Remove the tray and let your oregano cool for 10-20 minutes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sign-a-Letter | How to Sign a Letter | To sign a business letter, start by thanking the person you're writing for their time and include a closing line, such as, “I look forward to hearing from you.” Then, skip a line before adding a complimentary closing such as, “Respectfully,” “Best wishes,” or “Sincerely,” followed by a comma. Next, leave 3 lines of space before typing your full name. After you print the letter, sign your name by hand in blue or black ink in the space you left between the closing and your name. | Thank your recipient for their time. This can be included in the end paragraph, or as a formal closing. Write something like: Thank you for your time and attention on this matter. I appreciate your consideration, thank you for your time. A simple "Thank you," at the end of your paragraph. Write a closing. This is considered polite and professional when signing any type of business related letter or document. Closing lines should offer help, repeat an apology, or reference a future event. Some examples include: I appreciate immediate attention on this matter. We hope to continue relying on your valued input as a customer. I once again apologize for inconveniences this may cause. If you require further information, don't hesitate to ask. Please provide the necessary advice. I look forward to meeting with you. I look forward to receiving your response. Format your letter correctly. For a business letter it is very important that you format your closing correctly, but don't worry. It's easy. Enter one return or one print-size space between the last line of your letter and the letter closing to format your signature appropriately. This should be flush with the left margin in block formatted text, or centered below the body of the letter in line with the date in modified block format. Add a complimentary closing. This is typically a one or two words that follow your formal closing. Choose an appropriate closing for the letter you're writing. The closing of business letters should be professional and respectful. Depending on the purpose of the memo or letter and the person who'll be receiving it, different closings may be more appropriate than others.The complimentary close begins with a capital letter and ends with a comma. No other word listed in the closing should be capitalized. Include something like: Respectfully, Respectfully yours, Sincerely, Best wishes, All the best, Warm regards, Consider to whom you're writing. A Senior Vice President of a company may require a more formal closing ("Sincerely") than the Sales Representative you play basketball with ("Cheers"). Consider the purpose of the letter. A company memo introducing new policies will deem a more formal closing than a note of congratulations to a colleague who was recently promoted ("All best"). Try using something like "best regards," or "best wishes," if the recipient is your close contact. "Yours sincerely" is better reserved for when you know the recipient whereas "Sincerely" is typically used if you do not know the recipient. Enter three returns and type your name. It is important to leave about 3 returns of space before trying your name on what is called the "signature line" (you will need to use space above it later). Indent to keep your text flush with the complimentary closing and type your name. Include any titles like Miss, Mrs., Ms. before your name. The signature line may include a second line for a job title or position (like Course Director) if appropriate. It is always best to write the first name in full. You may also like to include any relevant contact information like a phone number, email address, mailing address, extension number, or website address. Sign your name by hand. In space you have left above your signature line, write your signature in blue or black ink. Format the closing correctly. Return once after the last line of the letter, and then insert the letter closing flush right. Capitalize the first letter of the first word of the letter closing, then place a comma following the closing of your choice. In a personal letter, it's technically optional if you'd like to capitalize any other words that follow. Use a basic letter closing. You have more freedom to get casual and even a little silly if you are writing a personal letter to someone you know very well. Use your best judgment and work within the bounds of your relationship and the reason for your letter to choose the best closing. Any of the following should work fine: Love, With love, Yours, Your friend, Take care, Best wishes, Peace and love, Thinking of you, Write a personal sign-off (optional). If you're writing to a close friend or family member, consider a more personal closing, like: XO, Yours, Hugs, Kisses, Til soon, Write soon. Write an intimate sign-off (optional). If you're writing to a lover, ending words can be even more intimate. A genuine, personable closing helps the letter sound like it came from you, not a store-bought greeting card. The right phrase might even improve your relationship. Follow the sign-off with your initials or signature. Consider these: Love always, Yours forever, Affectionately yours, Longing to see you, Patiently yours, Your darling, Sign the letter under the closing. Unlike a business letter, in a personal letter you do not need to type your name to make it legible and formal, assuming the person is familiar with you. Simply sign your name by hand directly under the letter closing. Use your first and last name when signing. If you know the person well, it's okay to sign with your first name only. Sign with your first and last name if you're writing to someone you've never met face to face. Use your first name or nickname on letters to friends or business associates who know you. Add a postscript for a more personal touch. Sometimes postscripts are included as a way to lighten a letter's tone with a joke, or to playfully flirt with the recipient. Since postscripts are usually just a sentence or two, they can be used as a way of including information without the pressure of writing an explanation. Take these, for example: "P.S. I already finished off the box of chocolates. Please send more supplies." "P.S. Oh, I forgot to mention one thing: I'm madly in love with you." | Thank your recipient for their time. Write a closing. Format your letter correctly. Add a complimentary closing. Enter three returns and type your name. Sign your name by hand. Format the closing correctly. Use a basic letter closing. Write a personal sign-off (optional). Write an intimate sign-off (optional). Sign the letter under the closing. Add a postscript for a more personal touch. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-a-Wall-for-Paint | How to Prepare a Wall for Paint | To prepare a wall for paint, first remove any decorations and hardware, like pictures, shelving, curtains, and outlet covers. Then, use a clean dry cloth to wipe off any dirt and dust on the wall. Once you do this, mix together 2 gallons of water, 1-2 cups of white vinegar and half a tablespoon of dish detergent in a large bucket. Then, use a sponge or rag to clean the walls with this solution, which will remove any remaining debris. After the wall dries, use blue painter's tape to cover anything you don't want to get paint on, like windows, baseboards, and trim. Finally, lay down a drop sheet or tarp on the floor to prevent it from paint splatters. | Move furniture out of the room. Get someone to help you if any of the furniture is too heavy to lift on your own. Store any large items that you will not be removing in the center of the room, as far away from the walls as possible. If you leave any furniture in the room cover everything with old sheets, plastic, or tarps to protect it. Clear the walls of all decorations, hardware, and fixtures. Take down all artwork and unscrew and remove any hardware or shelving attached to the walls. Remove all curtains and blinds and any light fixtures and store them out of the room. It is a good idea to store loose screws and any hardware that you will reuse in plastic bags so that you don't lose anything. Unscrew light switch plates and electrical outlet covers. Store all the cover plates with their corresponding screws in plastic bags to reattach after painting. Cover the remaining light switches and plug sockets with painter's tape prior to painting. Wipe off dirt and dust with a clean dry cloth. Prepare the walls for cleaning by dusting them off with a dry cloth first. Wipe down walls with a clean sponge or cloth and a mild soap solution. Mix 2 gallons of water in a bucket with 1-2 cups of white vinegar and half a tablespoon of dish detergent. Dampen the sponge or cloth with the solution, wring it out well, and work from top to bottom of the wall. A mild grease-fighting liquid dish detergent works best to remove dirt and stains. It is a good idea to have a clean dry cloth handy as well to catch any drips and avoid streaks. Mask anything you do not want to get paint on with blue painter’s tape. Cover things like edges of windows and doors as well as all baseboards and trim that you will not be painting over. Blue painter's tape is different from regular masking tape because it is specifically designed to be easily removed from walls after painting. You can run a clean putty knife over the tape to stick it down firmly. You may want to cover windows completely with plastic or kraft paper to protect the glass from accidental paint spatter. Try to remove tape as soon as possible after painting, while it is still drying, to avoid taking any dry paint off with it. Put down drop sheets on the floor. Lay out thick plastic, canvas or kraft paper drop sheets wherever you will be painting to cover the floor. Attach the edges of the drop sheets to the baseboards and floor using your painter's tape. Use a scraper or putty knife to scrape the area around holes or cracks. Before filling anything, remove any loose paint or plaster by gently scraping around holes and cracks so that you can see the whole damaged area. If there are any extremely small cracks, make them a bit wider with the edge of your blade to allow the filler to enter more easily. Dampen the area around the damage with a small paintbrush. Wet a small paintbrush with water and dampen the edges of the hole or crack you are preparing to fill. This will prevent shrinkage of the filler by causing it to dry more slowly. Put filler in cracks and holes using a putty knife. Put an appropriate amount of filler onto a putty knife and apply it to the crack or hole by pressing the knife blade gently against the area. Try to cover the surface as evenly as possible by only moving the blade in one direction. Wipe away any excess putty to avoid an uneven surface when it dries. Wait for the filler to dry and smooth out the repaired areas with sandpaper. After the filling is completely dry, gently sand the area with 80-grit sandpaper to remove excess putty and smooth the surface. Prime over repaired areas with a tinted primer. Use a small paintbrush to add a coat of primer just on the areas where you filled and sanded down holes or cracks to cover up the dried filler. Sand walls using 80-grit sandpaper and a sanding block. Gently sand all over the walls that you are going to paint using circular motions. Try to sand all areas as evenly as possible. This will give the walls a rougher texture that will allow the paint to adhere better. Search for bumps or uneven textures. Use your hands to feel the walls as you work and determine if there are any uneven areas or bumps. Spend extra time on these areas to make sure they are even with the rest of the wall. Vacuum walls from ceiling to floor. When you are happy with the texture of the walls, clean up as much of the dust from sanding as possible with a vacuum. You can use a hose attachment on your vacuum to easily and thoroughly go over the walls. Wipe down walls with a damp cloth. Wipe down the walls one last time with a clean damp cloth to remove any last remainders of dust clinging to the walls. | Move furniture out of the room. Clear the walls of all decorations, hardware, and fixtures. Unscrew light switch plates and electrical outlet covers. Wipe off dirt and dust with a clean dry cloth. Wipe down walls with a clean sponge or cloth and a mild soap solution. Mask anything you do not want to get paint on with blue painter’s tape. Put down drop sheets on the floor. Use a scraper or putty knife to scrape the area around holes or cracks. Dampen the area around the damage with a small paintbrush. Put filler in cracks and holes using a putty knife. Wait for the filler to dry and smooth out the repaired areas with sandpaper. Prime over repaired areas with a tinted primer. Sand walls using 80-grit sandpaper and a sanding block. Search for bumps or uneven textures. Vacuum walls from ceiling to floor. Wipe down walls with a damp cloth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Iron-Man | How to Draw Iron Man | To draw Iron Man, start by lightly sketching a rectangle for the body and an oval for the head. Add two big diamond shapes for his legs and sketch in four ovals and two rectangles for arms. Finish his arms and legs with sketched rectangles and draw connecting lines to bring your sketched shapes together. Then, draw any additional details you want, erase the sketched guidelines, and add color to bring your Iron Man drawing to life! | Draw a stick figure from the head to the torso. Add volume to your stick figure. Iron man's shoulders are rounded. Add simple details to his suit like the inverted triangle on his chest and other notable features. Erase lines from your outline and add more specific details to the suit. Most of the details are drawn using straight lines, some are slanted. Add the smaller details on iron man’s suit. Color your drawing. Draw a rectangle and an oval. Add two big rectangles for his legs and four ovals and two rectangles for arms. Draw nine new rectangles. On top of his head add an oval. Draw some connecting lines. Draw more connecting lines, as shown. Add the rest of needed details. Erase guidelines. Start coloring. Finished. First, draw one oval and one vertical line. Draw one rectangle and two ovals. Add three rectangles and one oval. Add a bunch of geometrical shapes to mark his strong arms. Start connecting these shapes. Now, you need to draw many details. Erase some lines which are not needed anymore. Color the drawing. Draw a stick figure with your desired pose. Add volume to your stick figure. Take note of the joints. Add simple details to iron man’s suit. Erase unnecessary lines from your outline and add more specific details to iron man’s suit to make him look more machine-like. Refine details to your line art. Color your drawing. | Draw a stick figure from the head to the torso. Add volume to your stick figure. Add simple details to his suit like the inverted triangle on his chest and other notable features. Erase lines from your outline and add more specific details to the suit. Add the smaller details on iron man’s suit. Color your drawing. Draw a rectangle and an oval. Add two big rectangles for his legs and four ovals and two rectangles for arms. Draw nine new rectangles. On top of his head add an oval. Draw more connecting lines, as shown. Add the rest of needed details. Erase guidelines. Start coloring. Finished. First, draw one oval and one vertical line. Draw one rectangle and two ovals. Add three rectangles and one oval. Add a bunch of geometrical shapes to mark his strong arms. Start connecting these shapes. Now, you need to draw many details. Erase some lines which are not needed anymore. Color the drawing. Draw a stick figure with your desired pose. Add volume to your stick figure. Add simple details to iron man’s suit. Erase unnecessary lines from your outline and add more specific details to iron man’s suit to make him look more machine-like. Refine details to your line art. Color your drawing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Books | How to Store Books | If you want to store books, put them in a sealable plastic container in a cool location, such as an attic or garage. You should keep the books away from sources of high humidity or heat, like stovetops or heaters, to avoid damage. Additionally, try to avoid keeping books in direct sunlight, which can damage pictures and text over time. If you're storing rare books, try using a custom sleeve for extra protection. | Store books long-term in plastic bins. If you've got more books than you know what to do with, the best place to store them is in opaque plastic tubs that you can seal and store in a cool location. Plastic tubs help to protect books from sunlight, rodents, and other conditions, and are easy to stack in out-of-the-way locations. If you don't need to access your books regularly, plastic tubs are a good choice. Most retailers sell a variety of storage bins, in various sizes. Try to get relatively small boxes, no bigger than 12 x 12 in., or the bins will become quite heavy. It's fine to store these books anywhere the temperature will be consistent and cool. Attics and garages will be fine in certain climates. Polyurethane plastic tubs should protect books adequately from insects and rodents who might chew up books. Find an appropriate space for storing your bins of books. Got more books than you've got shelves? Finding a spot for all those old paperbacks can be tough. But with the right storage techniques, you can find places for them. Store book bins underneath the bed, at the backs of closets, or in the basement. Try to store books indoors, if you can. Exposed attic spaces, sheds, and garages can have drastic temperature swings, which can be rough on the binding and paper. Consider renting a storage space in your town for storing books. If you have a lot of books, an indoor storage facility might be temperature-controlled and appropriate for some old boxes of books, while outdoor garages might be fine for your old paperbacks. Keep books in rooms with relatively low humidity. In very hot climates, books can start to warp. Ideally, you should keep the relative humidity around 35%. Humidity causes binding to warp, paper to curl, pages to mould and books to suffer. Ideally, you want to keep your books stored long-term in a climate-controlled room, kept around 35% humidity. Good dry air circulation is good for books. Anything lower than 50-60% should be okay for most books, but rare or valuable books should always be stored around 35%, indoors. If you're really particular about keeping your books safe, though, Try to keep it even lower if possible. Keep books away from direct heat. Books stored close to heat ducts, hot appliances, and other sources of direct heat can become warped. To protect the binding of your books, keep them stored in relatively cool temperatures. In most climates, a room temperature of 60-75 degrees is perfectly fine. If you are concerned about the distribution of heat in a particular room and the safety of your books, rotate them regularly to make sure a handful of books aren't getting more exposed than others. Reduce exposure to direct light. Soft room lighting won't affect the quality of books much. But hard, direct sunlight will always serve to bleach out and damage the binding and the page-quality of books. Rooms in which books are kept should be shady, with drapes over the windows to protect the books. Store books upright or flat. The best way to store books? Flat on their back, or standing up on their "tail", the bottom edge of the book. This means the books is stored standing upright, so you can read the spine correctly. Books are designed to be stored in this way, and can be supported by other books, helping to keep them stable and safe. Never store books with the binding or spine pointing up. This will always crack the hinge, which will affect the life of the book. Protect books from bookworms. Certain types of book binding glue and paper are often an attractive snack for cockroaches, silverfish, various beetles and other insects. In most conditions, you won't have to worry much about protecting your books from infestation, but it's still a good idea to keep food and crumbs out of the book room to keep insects from coming in. Store rare books in custom sleeves. Very rare books, or books that you're concerned about keeping safe from infestation should be stored in plastic sleeves. Custom enclosures are also available at most rare book stores, made to fit the specific volumes you've got. If you find that some of your books have been infested with insects, the best way to clean them out is to place them in plastic bags and put them in the freezer for several hours to kill the bugs, then clean them thoroughly. Read the next section for more information about cleaning books properly. Consider finding a conservator for very rare items. If you have some first editions or especially rare books that you're concerned bout taking care of yourself, consider enlisting a professional to care for your books for you. Museums, libraries, and private rare book collectors may be a better place for those items than the garage. The American Institute for Conservation (AIC) collects rare artistic and historical works, and offers a variety of conservators you can enlist to guide you through the process of caring for them. Wash and dry your hands before handling books. The number one enemy of books? Dirt and natural oils from your hands as you handle them. When you're handling your books, make sure to wash your hands with warm, soapy water, and thoroughly dry them before picking up and thumbing through your books, or cleaning them. Very old, leather-bound, or rare books should be handled while wearing latex gloves. Never eat or drink around old books that you want to protect. Dust rooms with books regularly. Books need to be cleaned regularly to keep dust from accumulating on them. Generally, unless books become very soiled, basic dusting and proper temperature and environment control should be enough to keep them clean long-term. Start dusting by removing all the books from your shelves and cleaning the shelves thoroughly, dusting them and wiping them down before reshelving the books. Wipe books down with a clean magnetic or lint-free cloth. The best way to clean old books is with a microfiber cloth that traps dust inside. Instead of just blowing the dust around, as with a feather duster, these types of cloths will trap the dust and remove it completely. They've commonly sold at most home retail stores. Don't use water or other solvents to Try to clean books. If you have a very rare book that's gotten dirty, take it to a book dealer in your area and talk about restoration methods. Most books should not need to be cleaned in any way other than gentle dusting. Start cleaning from the "head" to the "tail" of the book. If you're storing books upright on the shelf, most books will only be dusty or dirty at the top of the cover, and on the top binding of the book. The bottoms will usually be mostly clean. When you're cleaning then, start at the top, wiping down gently with the cling-cloth and wiping dust from the book. Use a small hand-vac in the hinges. If your books are very dusty, it may be good to use a small hand-vac, or the tube function on your regular vacuum cleaner to gently suck the dust out of the hinge in the binding. Run the vacuum over the top of the books while they're still stacked to get the most dust out of there, before you go back over them individually with a cloth. This can be a good way to get the worst out of the way first. Vacuum the room regularly. Most of the dust in a book room will be tracked in from the floor, actually. While dusting the shelves themselves is important, paying attention to cleaning the room regularly will help to keep your books in their prime condition. Vacuum and sweep the floors at least once a week, if your books are in a high-traffic area, to keep your books from needing more substantial cleaning. Pick an appropriate book shelf. The best, most organized, and most secure way to store books is on shelves designed for the purpose. Its clean, accessible, and allows you to easily peruse the books that you have quickly. They're available at most home retailers and are always a good choice. Natural, pre-treated wood and sheet metal are the best surfaces on which to store books. Storing books on shelves with synthetic paint or other chemicals can leech into the binding and paper, affecting the quality of the items. Display books in stacked crates. One more quirky and off-kilter way to store and access your books is to line them up in a series of stacked wooden crates. Old milk crates or other boxes of various sizes can be reclaimed, then stacked in various patterns to fit the space that you have. Stack book crates on the side, rather than bottom-up, so you can stack your books as if they were in a bookshelf. This makes them easy to access and peruse. Think of it as a DIY bookshelf. Crates allow you to organize your books into micro genres, keeping your cookbooks in one crate and your novels in another, putting them in adjacent spaces and rooms if necessary. They're also movable. Store your children's books in wall-mounted theme bins. One creative idea with your stacks of children books is to purchase or fashion a wooden cut of an animal, dinosaur, or other kids-themed shape, and mount it on the wall. To it, affix small shelves or baskets in which you can store books at a child-appropriate height. This is a great way to lively up your kids' room and organize all their books. Shelve books according to genre. If you've got a lot of books, one of the most user-friendly ways to organize them is by genre. Keep your novels with your novels, your non-fiction with your non-fiction, and other genres together. Get as specific as you want, for the books that you have. Within genre, you can specialize even further if you want to. In the history section, store your military history books together, but differentiate them from your natural history books, European history, and other sub-genres. If you don't have a lot of different genres, just split them into two big categories: Fun books and learning books. Put all novels, stories, and sci-fi in the first section. Put all your old school stuff in the other. Arrange your books by size and shape. Want to make sure your books look nice on the shelf? Group them according to their relative size and shape, to keep your shelves, stacks, or crates looking organized. Keep very tall and thin books with other very tall and thin books, and keep very squat and short books with other like books. Aside from looking nice and organized, books can be supported better if they're stacked next to books of a similar size. This helps to stabilize the covers and the binding. Arrange your books alphabetically. If you've got more of a linear mind, it might make more sense to you to categorize your books alphabetically, for easy reference. This may look a little more chaotic on the shelf, and you'll end up with some weird stuff next to one another, but you'll always know where everything is in the alphabet. Go by title, or go by the last name of the author when you're alphabetizing your books. Generally, titles are easier to remember, but you'll also end up with a lot of titles that start with "The" and "A," which might be confusing. Arrange books by color. If you've got an eye for design, organizing your books according to the color of the binding can be an excellent way to give your room a pop of particular color, and make your book shelves really stand out. Group them according to specific colors and put them on the shelf in subtle gradations, moving from one color to the next. Consult the color wheel to learn more about how to pick the right colors for interior decorating, books included. | Store books long-term in plastic bins. Find an appropriate space for storing your bins of books. Keep books in rooms with relatively low humidity. Keep books away from direct heat. Reduce exposure to direct light. Store books upright or flat. Protect books from bookworms. Store rare books in custom sleeves. Consider finding a conservator for very rare items. Wash and dry your hands before handling books. Dust rooms with books regularly. Wipe books down with a clean magnetic or lint-free cloth. Start cleaning from the "head" to the "tail" of the book. Use a small hand-vac in the hinges. Vacuum the room regularly. Pick an appropriate book shelf. Display books in stacked crates. Store your children's books in wall-mounted theme bins. Shelve books according to genre. Arrange your books by size and shape. Arrange your books alphabetically. Arrange books by color. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-a-Riding-Lesson | How to Dress for a Riding Lesson | The most important thing to include in your riding outfit is an ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet that will keep you safe. Wear shoes that have a strong shank to support your ankles. A small heel and a medium tread will also give you the support and traction you will need while you are on your horse. To maximize your comfort, wear close-fitting long pants like stretchy jeans or jodhpurs and a fitted long-sleeve top to give you flexibility while protecting you from chaffing or getting tangled. | Wear a pair of sturdy supportive shoes. Pick a pair of shoes that protects your feet and legs from injury. They should come up over your ankle so there is no risk that low laces or tongues will get caught in the stirrups. Look for shoes with a strong shank that support your ankles. It is a good idea to invest in some short riding boots, which are less expensive than tall ones and have hard toes to protect your feet from hooves. Saxon is a good brand. If you are just starting then get a low pair instead of a tall pair just to make sure you like riding before you spend a lot of money on tall boots. Choose shoes with a 1.5 inch, or 3.8 centimeter, heel. A shoe with a small heel will keep your feet from slipping out of the stirrups. English or western boots is your best option in lieu of official riding shoes. Look for shoes with proper traction. Look for shoes with a medium tread to provide the appropriate level of traction. Cowboy boots with a smooth leather sole will be too slippery and put your feet at risk of sliding out of the stirrups. On the other end of the spectrum, shoes with heavy waffle tread may be dangerous if you fall. Tread that is too heavy can cause your shoe to jam in the stirrup. The soles of English boots have small grooves in them, as should your shoes. Invest in official riding shoes. Protect your lower leg and support your ankle as you become a more advanced rider. Look for relatively affordable, standard leather riding boots or riding sneakers that offer the necessary arch support. They usually start at $100. If you're riding English-style, invest in a pair of paddock boots. Wear jeans that fit you well. Always wear a long pant to protect your legs from chaffing against the saddle. Jeans should be tight enough so that they won't slip off or get caught on anything, but loose enough that you can still lift your leg without difficulty. Try stretchy jeans or jeggings without an inside seam for more flexibility. Leggings will be much better than jeans as jeans will chafe and get quite hot. For Western-style riding, jeans are your best bet. The uniform for English-style lessons, on the other hand, gets more specific as you advance. Invest in jodhpurs or breeches. If you are getting serious about your English-style lessons, consider buying a pair of these stretchy riding pants to increase your leg flexibility. The fabric is sturdy enough to keep you from getting pinched in the saddle but stretchy enough that you can move around freely. You even get extra defense against injury with suede or faux-suede knee patches. If you want, Choose warm riding pants in winter. Improve your performance and leg-grip with wind resistant riding chaps. You'll not only have an extra strong grip on your horse, but also a higher tolerance towards cold winds. Half chaps that go from your knee to your ankle are also a good investment for lower leg protection. Fleece riding pants, long underwear, insulated ski pants, or wind pants are best to keep the cold air at bay during your winter lessons. Wear a fitted t-shirt or sweater. Choosing a top for your lesson is relatively simple since any well-fitting top that allows you to move around will do the trick. It's more important for you to avoid certain styles like tank tops with thin straps or long, loose sweaters and t-shirts that might get tangled in the riding equipment. Wear a brightly colored top for added visibility while you ride. Keep your arms and shoulders free while still layering for warmth with a vest. Go with a polo shirt. You'll feel like an expert at your very first riding lesson in a professional looking polo shirt. If you wear this traditional English-style top, you will demonstrate how serious you are about learning to ride and make a good first impression on your instructor. Invest in a coat made especially for riders. If you plan to ride in the cold on a regular basis, a riding coat provides room through the torso so you can stay warm without restricted movement. Gussets make room for your jacket to spread across the saddle rather than get tucked under you. Many of these special coats come with reflective patches that will give you extra visibility on the trails. Always wear a helmet. At any moment your horse might get spooked, or stumble and accidentally throw you off. The best way to ensure your safety is by wearing a ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet. ASTM/SEI certification denotes a quality standard that has been tested specifically for horseback riding. If your riding school does not provide a helmet, you will need to buy one. Helmets usually start at $30 and go up to $300. Avoid using a bicycle helmet. Bicycle helmets are designed to protect you from bicycle injuries. They leave the back of the head, the forehead, and the sides of the head vulnerable if you come into contact with a horse's hoof. A bike helmet is simply too flimsy in case you fall. However, a riding helmet will do much better than a bike helmet for any occasion. Tie your hair back. Keep your hair out of the way by pulling it into a low ponytail or bun that won't interfere with the comfort of your helmet. Loose hair can get caught and make it harder for you to see. If you fall and your horse steps on your hair it might be painful. Wear wool-lined leather mittens to protect your hands. Gloves will safeguard your hands against chafing caused by the reins. For this reason, many riders opt to wear riding gloves all year round. Skinny nylon gloves are slippery and provide a less-than-ideal shield against wind. A good pair of gloves will help you maintain a strong grip on the reins while protecting your hands against the cold. You can buy mittens that have a separate area for your pinkies if you are riding English. Keep your head, face, and neck insulated with a hat liner or a heavy headband. Preserve heat under your riding helmet by adding extra layers like a fleece hat liner or headband. Take it even further with a cap and face mask combo. In case of wind, protect your neck and chest with a neck warmer to prevent chapping. Keep in mind that even with a hat, your helmet should still fit snugly. A loose helmet will become useless if you fall. Wear wool socks or chemical toe warmers in cold weather. Add a thick layer under your cool leather boots to keep your feet toasty warm on the coldest of days. Wear a fitted raincoat or poncho in case of rain. If it rains during your lesson wear a fitted raincoat that will give you the flexibility to move around as needed. If you don't have a raincoat, do not bring a poncho. It is likely to spook your horse and add extra distractions to your ride. As a beginner you can get away with wearing rubber boots or wellies to a rainy lesson. Bring a water bottle. Horseback riding can get hot very quickly so don't forget to bring a water bottle to your lesson. Try a camelback, or hook a bottle to your saddle on particularly hot days. | Wear a pair of sturdy supportive shoes. Choose shoes with a 1.5 inch, or 3.8 centimeter, heel. Look for shoes with proper traction. Invest in official riding shoes. Wear jeans that fit you well. Invest in jodhpurs or breeches. Choose warm riding pants in winter. Wear a fitted t-shirt or sweater. Go with a polo shirt. Invest in a coat made especially for riders. Always wear a helmet. Avoid using a bicycle helmet. Tie your hair back. Wear wool-lined leather mittens to protect your hands. Keep your head, face, and neck insulated with a hat liner or a heavy headband. Wear wool socks or chemical toe warmers in cold weather. Wear a fitted raincoat or poncho in case of rain. Bring a water bottle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-Your-Ex-You-Still-Have-Feelings-for-Him | How to Tell Your Ex You Still Have Feelings for Him | Before you tell your ex that you still have feelings for him, make sure it's been at least a few weeks after your breakup, so that you've both had time to process your emotions. You should also consider whether you can accept his response, even if it's not what you want to hear. If you can do that, send him a text or email asking to talk in person. When you meet, tell him how you feel and apologize if you did anything to cause the breakup. Then, listen to what he has to say, and resist the temptation to interrupt or get defensive, which will likely result in him walking away. If he seems unsure of how to respond, assure him that he can take some time to think about it, and that you'll reach out to him in a few days. | Wait a while. If you just broke up, it's not a good idea to get back together with someone, or tell him that you still have feelings for him. Break-ups take a while to sink in. If you just got dumped yesterday, you'll obviously still have feelings for him. But it's not time to let him know that right now. Wait a while, process what's happened, and then get back in touch in the future if you still feel the same way. There's always a chance. There's no set time to wait until you get back in touch with an ex, but you need at least enough time to process the break-up. You have to feel like your relationship is actually over. Give it a few weeks at least, and a few months for longer relationships. Try seeing other people for a while. Explore different relationships to learn more about yourself. If it doesn't work out, at least you'll know. Reflect on the problems your relationship faced. If, after you've waited, you still have feelings for your ex, you need to do some soul-searching. Why did you break up in the first place? What problems were there in the relationship? If you've only been focusing on what you miss about your ex, you may be forgetting about all the problems you had. Now is the time to focus on those problems. Are the same problems likely to come back up? Were the problems your fault, or his? Have you changed in such a way as to accept his problems, or fixed the problems that you caused? If the same things will happen again, it's not a good idea to get back together. If your relationship faced big problems, like infidelity or other serious issues, it may be very difficult to get back together at all. Are you willing to forgive him for the major things that he did wrong? Will he be able to forgive you? How can you earn trust back? Make little changes now to show that you're different. You want to give your ex the impression that you're a happy, healthy, sexy, attractive person that he should want to get back with. To do this, start fixing little things about yourself that you'd like to change, now, so you can win him back. If you had jealousy issues, or partied too much, try to get those things under control. Seek out counseling if necessary, so you can prove to him that you're serious when you say you'll change. "Because I'm sad" or "Because I miss you so much" are not good reasons to get back together with someone. That's not why you got together in the first place. You want to present yourself in the best possible light. Think about what you want. Design your ideal partner. Does your ex fit the bill? Sometimes, we can get stuck in the past a little too much and it can be hard to see what we actually want. Make sure you're not jumping backward and getting into something that's best left dead. Do you actually want to get back together? If you still have feelings, but don't think it'll work out, it's probably just going to complicate the break-up to tell him. Keep it to yourself. Find out what he's up to. If your ex is single, then it's perfectly fine to get in touch and let him know that you still have feelings for him and might want to get back together, as long as that's what you want. If he's seeing someone, you need to wait. It's unfair to his new relationship to interfere and get in the way. Try seeing other people and wait until he's single to talk to him again, if you need to. In some cases, you may feel you have to let him know that you're still in love with him, even if he's seeing someone. If so, just try to think about how you'd feel if someone pulled that with your boyfriend. You've been warned. Reach out. If you want to talk to him, send him a little message via text, or e-mail to let him know that you're still having thoughts and want to talk to him in person. Just shoot him a short message that says, "Hey, I've been thinking about you a lot lately. Can we talk sometime soon?" In some cases, it can be really helpful to try to write out your feelings in a letter. If this is the case, do it, but think twice before you mail it. It might be better to have the talk in person, so you can remember what he's like to be around actually. Don't try to get back together online. This isn't an appropriate conversation to have via Facebook messenger. Have it in person, or on the phone at least. Meet somewhere in public. When you arrange to meet, it's important to meet somewhere neutral. If you used to live together, don't try to meet back at your old place, where you'll have lots of old memories. It's important to think about the future objectively, so you don't make a bad decision based on your feelings. Try a public park, somewhere you can be quiet and have a private conversation, but not somewhere that you'll have a lot of history. Look your best. If you want to get this guy back, it's definitely important to look like someone he'll want to be with. Go the extra mile to look your best that day. Wear clothes that flatter your figure and make you feel good, and do yourself up as if you were going on a date with your boyfriend. Which you might be soon. Tell him how you feel. There's no big secret to being honest. If you're still having feelings for him, let him know how you feel. Tell him that you've reflected on your relationship and you think it can work out better, if you get back together, if that's the way you feel. Talk specifically about the challenges you faced in the past and figure out whether or not you'll be able to get past them together. Just cut to the chase. You don't need to spend a lot of time catching up or trying to make him think you're doing really great. Just tell him the truth. You're missing him, you think you can make it work, and you're a better person now. Apologize, if necessary. If your relationship ended mutually, you probably don't need to apologize for anything. But if you cheated on your ex, or you did something else that resulted in him ending the relationship, it's important to apologize clearly and definitively. Be specific when you say you're sorry. Don't just say, "I'm so sorry." Try to prove to him that you understand why he would be upset and you're able to see the results of your actions. Even if you think he did some things wrong that he should apologize for, it's important to keep your ego out of it. Just come right out and apologize. Worry about sorting out the issues later. You want to get your apology out of the way now. Listen to what he has to say. He might feel the same way, and will let you know. He might feel very differently than you do, and start to unload on you. It's important to listen to what he has to say and try to understand. Even if you don't like what you hear, try to understand where he's coming from. If you just get angry and start another fight, it's unlikely this will go anywhere. If he says he's still got feelings for you too, talk about what went wrong in your relationship. Try to focus on the problems you had and sort out whether or not you'll be able to make it work again in the future. If he says he's totally over you and doesn't feel the same way, just say, "I was hoping you'd feel differently, but I'm glad I let you know. I needed you to know. Get in touch if you feel differently." Don't expect an answer right now. He might need some time to think about what you've told him, and that's a good thing. Don't end by saying, "So, what do you think?" or try to demand an answer from him. Just let him know, and then say, "Please, don't say anything right now. Just take some time to think about it, and then let's get back in touch in a little while. Ok?" If he is seeing someone, he might need some time to think things over and decide what he wants to do. Give him that time. Give him some time to think it over. After you let him know how you feel, leave him alone for a while and let him get back in touch. If you've told him and let him know that you want an answer at some point, just leave him alone and let him think until he comes to an answer. There's nothing else you can say at this point that will change his mind. Just lay off. Make plans to get back in touch. After some time has passed, it may be good to meet back at the same spot and have another conversation. Find out if you're still feeling the same way. Find out if he is still feeling the same way. Find out whether or not he thinks it can work again. If so, get back together and start working on your issues. Live your life in the meantime. Even if you're still having feelings for this guy, it's not good to wait around for him to make a decision. Live your life. Go out with your friends, meet new people, and try to have fun. If you have the opportunity to go on a date, go on one. Don't just wait around for phone calls that may never come. If it does, deal with it then. Start slow, if you decide to get back together. Depending on how long you were together the first time, it can be exciting to rekindle a relationship. But try to start things slow, as if you were starting with a new boyfriend. Don't just jump right back into living together and seeing each other 24/7, unless you're both really comfortable and want to. If you're still a little nervous about the problems you used to have, take it slow. Just start with easy dates. Go out for coffee, or see a movie together. No big plans and elaborate stuff. Don't make it "Facebook official" yet, until you've spend plenty of time together and worked out your stuff. You might even consider not telling your friends until you've given it a while to make it work. It can be embarrassing to think that you've worked it out, only to break up a week later because of old problems. Call out problems when they rise back up. It's essential that you anticipate the problems your relationship use to face and try to head them off before they get in your way. If you notice your boyfriend doing something that used to be a problem when you were together before, talk about it right then and there. Don't wait and let it fester until it becomes a problem. Expect him to do the same. If you're doing something that drives him nuts, talk about it right there and then. Be open and communicate if you want to save your relationship. | Wait a while. Reflect on the problems your relationship faced. Make little changes now to show that you're different. Think about what you want. Find out what he's up to. Reach out. Meet somewhere in public. Look your best. Tell him how you feel. Apologize, if necessary. Listen to what he has to say. Don't expect an answer right now. Give him some time to think it over. Make plans to get back in touch. Live your life in the meantime. Start slow, if you decide to get back together. Call out problems when they rise back up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sharpen-a-Knife-With-a-Stone | How to Sharpen a Knife With a Stone | To sharpen a knife with a water stone, start by soaking the stone in water for 45 minutes. Then, place the stone on a damp cloth and hold your knife against it at a 20-degree angle with the edges of the blade facing away from you. Next, slowly sweep one side of the blade across the stone before flipping it over and repeating on the other side. Finally, once the knife is sharp enough, wash and dry the blade. | Examine your knives. Get out the knives you'd like to sharpen. Determine how dull the blades are so you know what grit size you'll need on the sharpening stone. To test the blade, slice through a tomato or piece of fruit. Feel how much resistance you're getting as you slice. The more resistance, the duller your knives are. You should also think about how often you use your knives. If you use them every day, they're probably duller than if you only use them every once in a while. Choose the style of stone. You'll need to choose a natural or synthetic stone that can be used wet (soaked in water), with oil, or dry. There are also diamond stones that are actually very small diamonds attached to a metal surface. Stones that are soaked in water are softer stones which means you can quickly sharpen your knives. Unfortunately, these stones will wear down faster than the others. Oil stones are the least expensive and they're made of a harder material. Oil stones are a little messier to use and clean up although the stone will last for a long time. Diamond stones are the most expensive, but they'll last the longest. Select the grit of the stone. Sharpening stones are available with different grit sizes. For example, you can choose fine, medium and coarse stones. You should use a coarse stone followed by a fine grit if your knives are dull. If your knives have been sharpened recently or they aren't too dull, consider using a medium grit. Try to use a grit level ranging from 325 (for coarse) to 1200 (for extra fine). You may be able to choose a stone that has different grit levels on both sides. Follow the instructions that came with your stone. Because there's such variety in sharpening stones, it's important to read the instruction manual that came with your stone. The instructions will tell you if you should soak the stone in water or if it will need to be lubricated with oil while you're sharpening. Diamond stones can usually be used dry or lubricated with water. Practice holding the knife at a 20 degree angle. Most straight blades need to be sharpened at a 20 degree angle. To find the angle, hold the directly in front of you so it's straight up and down. This is 90 degrees. Tilt the knife halfway towards the table so it's at a 45 degree angle. Tilt the knife halfway again so it's about an inch (2.5 cm) above the table. This should be a 20 degree angle. Your knife might need a larger sharpening angle if the blade is very large or thick. If you're using a very coarse stone, you may want an even shallower (lower) angle so you don't sharpen off too much of the blade. Soak the water stone for 45 minutes. If you're using a water stone, place it in a tray and pour water over the stone so it's completely covered. Let the stone soak for at least 45 minutes before you begin sharpening your knives. If your stone is too dry, it can scratch or nick your knife blades. Avoid putting an oil stone in water because this can damage it. Place the stone on a damp cloth. Run water over a wash cloth and wring it out. Lay the damp cloth on your work surface and place the stone on it. The cloth will keep the stone in place while you're sharpening your knives. Set any style of stone (wet, oil, or diamond) on the cloth. If you're using a stone with different grits on both sides, place the coarser side facing up. This way you can quickly sharpen your knives before turning the stone over to polish up. You may want to use an old cloth for this since you won't be able to wash the grit out of it. Lubricate an oil stone. If you're using a stone that needs to be oiled, you can spray the stone with oil or pour a little directly onto the stone. Use your fingers to massage the oil into the stone. Ensure that the stone is completely coated in the oil. You can use oil specifically sold as sharpening or honing oil. These are usually made of mineral oils or made with non-petroleum products. They contain additives that protect the metal of your blades. Avoid using cooking oils (such as vegetable or canola oil) to lubricate the stone. Hold the knife against the stone. Use one hand to hold the knife so the blade is at a 20 degree angle. The edge of the blade should be facing away from you. Place the fingertips of your other hand on the flat part of the blade near the sharp end. Your fingertips on the blade can control the pressure and direction of the blade as you sharpen it. Sweep one side of the blade across the stone. Slowly slide the blade down the stone and sweep it in an arc as it moves. You should draw the entire edge of the blade from heel to tip across the stone so it's evenly sharpened. Continue to run the first side of the blade against the stone until it's sharp. Remember to wet or oil down the stone as soon as it starts to feel dry. Turn the knife over and sharpen the other side. Turn the knife over and move the blade from heel to tip across the sharpening stone until the blade feels sharp when you touch it with your fingertips. Be very cautious when touching any knife edge against your skin. Sharpen the stone on a finer grit. If your knives had been very dull and you used a coarse grit to sharpen the edge, you may want to use a stone with a fine grit to polish the edge. Run the blade against a fine grit stone from the heel to the tip of the blade. Turn the knife over and sharpen the other side of the blade as well. Always sharpen the knives evenly so the blade remains balanced. For example, if you used 6 strokes to sharpen the first side of the blade, you should also use 6 strokes to sharpen the other side of the blade. Test the sharpness of the knife. Once you think you've completely sharpened your knife, wash it and dry it. Hold a piece of paper up and try to slice down through it using the knife. If the knife is sharp enough, it should easily cut through the paper. If not, you'll need to sharpen it a little more. Clean the knives and stone. As soon as you've finished sharpening your knives, wash and dry the blades. You should also clean the stone according to the manufacturer's instructions. For example, if you have an oil stone, you might need to scrub it occasionally with a stiff fiber brush and soak it in oil. For a water stone, wash off any of the residue and store it in a dry cloth until you need to use it again. To prevent your knives from dulling faster, store them in a knife block, on a magnetic strip, or with knife guard covers. | Examine your knives. Choose the style of stone. Select the grit of the stone. Follow the instructions that came with your stone. Practice holding the knife at a 20 degree angle. Soak the water stone for 45 minutes. Place the stone on a damp cloth. Lubricate an oil stone. Hold the knife against the stone. Sweep one side of the blade across the stone. Turn the knife over and sharpen the other side. Sharpen the stone on a finer grit. Test the sharpness of the knife. Clean the knives and stone. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Shelter-in-the-Wilderness | How to Make a Shelter in the Wilderness | If you find yourself in the wilderness when it's raining, you can make a lean-to from sticks and leaves. Look for a large object, like a tree stump, fallen tree, or a boulder. Once you've found one, gather a dozen or so long, study sticks. Lean these against your object in a line to create a frame. Then, pile things like leaves, grass, and moss on top of the sticks to stop rain and wind from getting through the gaps. Alternatively, make a small hut from sticks and debris. First, look for a tree stump or a tree with a low crook that you can lodge a branch into and a stick about 8 feet long. Prop the stick on your stump or tree and support the other end with 2 sticks in an X-formation. Add more sticks perpendicularly on top of the frame to create a latticework. Then, pile debris like leaves, moss, and clumps of mud. | Have the right materials. To build a makeshift tent, you'll need rope or a line of some kind to string between two trees, a tarp or poncho to hang on the rope, and something to anchor the tarp to the ground. If you don't have any rope or string, you can use a strong branch propped between the two trees several feet above the ground. If you are using a branch in place of a rope, you will need some way to keep it firmly attached to your trees, such as a notch in the tree. Find a good location. A makeshift tent will require two sturdy trees located a few feet apart. The trees should be far enough so you can comfortably lay down between them, but not so far apart that you cannot tie your rope between them without running out. You will be laying down with your head at one tree and your feet at the other--not with your shoulders between the trees. Tie a line between the two trees. A clove hitch is a good knot to secure the rope to each tree and prevent slipping. Make sure the rope is taught and low to the ground. You want as little space as possible under the tarp to help keep in warmth. If you are using a stick or branch, make sure you secure it to the tree as low to the ground as possible to trap heat. If you are in snowy winter weather, you can secure the rope a little higher up the tree to create steeper walls on your tent. The steeper walls will let the snow fall off more easily. Collected snow is heavy, and your tent could collapse if too much accumulates. Hang your tarp over the line. Your support brace (the rope or branch) should be low enough so that that tarp reaches the ground on both sides. Make sure to stretch it tightly to keep extra air out of your sleeping space. Spread the edges as wide apart as possible to keep the tarp taut. Secure the edges of your tarp. Make sure your tarp is held on to the ground. Heavy objects like large rocks or logs should be enough to hold it in place If you have additional rope and some stakes (or a few sharpened sticks), you can use these items to secure a tarp with grommets. Run some rope through each grommet to pull the tarp taught, and warp around stakes you have driven into the ground. If you don't have any rope, you can drive the stakes right through the grommets. Look for a good building site. A lean-to is a simple outdoor construction, and only requires something for branches or a tarp to “lean” against. Long boulders or fallen trees can be ideal for acting as a horizontal brace to lean other sticks or brush against. Any large, immobile object can work. If you have a tarp and some rope, you can make a lean-to between two trees. Find sticks to lean against the horizontal brace. These sticks should be somewhat sturdy, as they will form a side of the shelter. Be sure that there is enough room between them, the brace, and the ground for you to crawl inside comfortably. You should have just enough space under your brace for you and anyone else with you to crawl into. The more extra space you have there, the harder it will be to keep yourself warm. If you can, keep the lean-to's profile low to ground. This will help keep you further out of the line of wind, and won't attract attention. This is helpful if you are trying to avoid detection, or otherwise stay out of sight. Pile small debris over the frame. You can use leaves, grass, and moss to build a wall on the outside of your lean-to. These will provide further insulation and protection from the elements. Nearly any small forest debris will work. Just make sure to pack it tightly on the wall frame so it won't blow away readily. You can pile more of this debris on the floor and interior of your lean-to to provide extra insulation. Dig a pit for a fire. Another way to help keep warm under your lean-to is to build a fire. Dig a small hole for your fire on the open side of your lean-to. Be sure to keep it a safe distance from any underbrush and your shelter. If you do build a fire, keep an eye on it at all times. If you want to go to sleep, make sure someone will be able to stay up to watch it, or just put it out completely. Put a ring of stones around the fire pit to help rein it in. Find a good location. You'll need a tree stump, or a tree with a low crook that you can comfortably lodge a branch into. In addition, you'll need to be in an area with lots of sticks and debris to cover your frame. Make sure you are away from falling branches or other hazards. Your debris hut will trap heat and keep you warm, but won't protect well against falling objects. Prop a branch against the stump. You'll want a long branch, probably close to 8 feet (2.4 m), that is sturdy enough to support your weight without breaking. The space underneath this branch between where it rests on the tree and sits on the ground should be just large enough for you to fit in. Set up ribbing sticks. Find long sticks to create the frame, or ribbing, of your hut. These sticks should be long enough to lean against the horizontal branch. As you get further away from the tree stump, they will get shorter. These sticks only need to lean against the branch, but if you have rope or twine you can bind them together for a little more stability. Make sure you leave space between two of the ribs for an entranceway to your hut. The ribbing sticks need to be spread widely enough apart so that you can fit underneath them. About 6 inches (15 cm) on either side of your body is a good rule to follow. Additionally, they should be steep enough to let water or snow run off. Fill out the frame. After you have set up this frame, add more sticks perpendicularly on top of this wall frame to create latticework. This will give you something to pile debris on without having it fall on top of you while sleeping. If you need to, lash the sticks to the frame with string. Pile debris on the frame. This will be any natural material you can find nearby, so leaves, grass, or pine needles. Ideally your debris layer will be 3 feet (0.91 m) thick to provide solid insulation. Thicker is always better. Just remember to leave an entranceway for you to get in. After you finish the outer layer, build another insulation layer on the inside walls of your frame. This interior insulation should be about 6 inches thick. You want your debris to be as dry as possible. If you don't have enough dry material to cover the whole hut, make sure the driest and softest material is inside your hut, closest to your body. If you are in deep winter, or an Arctic-type environment where there is little debris, you can pile thick snow on the frame instead. The snow needs to stay cold so it doesn't melt, potentially soaking your stuff, or collapsing on top of you. Add more branches to the outside. Once you have packed your debris tightly on the frame, lay a few more branches on top of your hut. This will help keep your insulation material from blowing away in strong winds. Again, if the branches are falling off, use string to secure them to the frame. You will need to pass the string through the various layers of your hut's wall. Block the entrance. Once you are snug inside your hut, make sure you close up the entrance to minimize air circulation and trap heat. Additional debris can be harder to gather together behind you, so you may consider something like a shirt stuffed with leaves. Another good alternative is a large hiking backpack. It will be big enough to block the entrance, plus you will free up extra space inside the hut. | Have the right materials. Find a good location. Tie a line between the two trees. Hang your tarp over the line. Secure the edges of your tarp. Look for a good building site. Find sticks to lean against the horizontal brace. Pile small debris over the frame. Dig a pit for a fire. Find a good location. Prop a branch against the stump. Set up ribbing sticks. Fill out the frame. Pile debris on the frame. Add more branches to the outside. Block the entrance. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Aubergine | How to Cook Aubergine | Before cooking aubergine, wash it thoroughly and cut it lengthwise, in cubes, or in slices. After you cut the aubergine, season it with salt and then rinse it under water to draw out any bitter flavor. Then, before roasting your aubergine, preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and place the food on a lightly oiled baking pan. Season it with some olive oil, onion, pepper, grated cheese, or breadcrumbs on top, then cook for 20 minutes or until tender. | Wash the aubergine thoroughly. Check for brown spots or bruises. If the skin is in good shape, it is edible, though some varieties have skin that is too tough to eat. Peel the skin with a vegetable peeler if you think it's wise – younger aubergine skin is fine to eat, but older, more ripened aubergine skin has a bitter taste. Cut off the stem and base, too. Leave the skin on if you are baking aubergine whole in the oven or roasting it on the grill. It's also best left on if you want to scrape out the insides later and make an aubergine mash. Cut the aubergine however your recipe dictates. It could be halved lengthwise, cubed, diced or sliced. It's sometimes a matter of personal preference, too. Just remember that if you're grilling it, keep it in larger chunks so it doesn't fall through the grates. If your recipe calls for mashed or pureed aubergine, do not cut it since you can bake it whole. This is the easiest way, too. Salt the exposed flesh of the aubergine. This helps to draw out the bitterness that an aubergine can typically have. Salting also creates a denser flesh, making it less sponge-like so it will not absorb fat so easily. Keep them sitting in a colander for 20 to 30 minutes. If you need, you can skip this step. The aubergine will still be tasty, but it may have a slightly different consistency and be a little more bitter. Rinse the aubergine under water to remove the salt and thoroughly dry it. This action keeps the aubergine from absorbing too much oil when cooking, keeping the aubergine's crunch. Make sure the aubergine is actually dry. Water left on may absorb into the meat of the veggie, making it chewier than is desirable. Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F). You'll also need to line a baking pan with foil or lightly grease it. Alternatively, if you have one, you can use a Silpat (though a little greasing still wouldn't hurt). Peel the aubergine, if desired, and cut to size. Consider a few of these variations: Cut it into 3/4-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Once all the cubes are covered, place into the pan. Bake your aubergine whole. Pierce the skin a few times when baking so it does not explode from expanding moisture. You can then scoop out the flesh for mashing or pureeing. Slice the aubergine length-wise and brush with olive oil and seasoning (diced onion, pepper, grated cheese, breadcrumbs and spices all work wonderfully). Roast the aubergine about 20 minutes or until tender. If you're working with cubes, you may wish to stir them up about halfway through, or 10 minutes in. And if your oven cooks unevenly, turn the pan around as well. You want each piece to have that hint of crunch while still being tender. If you're roasting a whole aubergine, pierce it with a fork. If there is initial pressure and then it slides right in, your aubergine is fully cooked. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. If you don't have olive oil, you can substitute avocado oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or palm oil – and it'll still be healthy. Don't be tempted to use much more oil than that; oil will be brushed on the aubergine later. If you bombard the aubergine with even more, it'll take on a fried yet soggy texture. Slice the aubergine and brush with olive oil on both sides. Slice it in 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) slices, or however your recipe calls for. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add any other spices you'd like to accompany the aubergine, too. If you'd like, coat the aubergine slices in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. You'll need around ⅓ cup of breadcrumbs and 1 or 2 tablespoons of Parmesan for one, good-sized aubergine. Mix it up and dip each slice in before adding it to the pan. Add the aubergine slices to the hot oil. Each side will need to cook for about 5 minutes or until golden. Don't walk away from the pan – there's a window of perfection that, if missed, will result in your slices blackening too much. Keep turning as need be for browned perfection. Looking for a zestier kick? Add some soy sauce into the mix (but keep some for dipping later). Introduce whatever other flavors you think would pair well, too. When the slices are evenly browned, take them off the heat. Place them onto a paper towel to sop up the extra oil. Give them a few minutes to cool down and then it's chow time. Aubergine is tasty with soy sauce, ranch, or even plain. They're a great complement to any meal, putting a new twist on boring ol' veggies. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat it. Put it on medium heat with a grill rack on top. If you're using a charcoal grill, get the coals going nice and hot. Make sure your grill is clean before you use it. Put some vegetable oil on a paper towel and wipe down the grate, one by one. Using oil can also help to prevent sticking. Peel the aubergine, if desired, and cut into 1/2-inch slices. You can also halve small aubergines lengthwise instead of slicing vertically. Brush slices on all sides generously with olive oil, melted butter, or cooking oil. This adds flavor and keeps them from sticking to the grill rack, too. Alternatively, you can grill eggplant whole or sliced in half over a medium to hot flame for 15 to 20 minutes until the skin is blackened. Pierce the skin when cooking aubergines this way to get heat into the center. Season as desired with herbs, salt, and ground black pepper. You can also brush the aubergine with oil-based marinade instead of the oil or butter. Any marinade that works on other vegetables will work on aubergine, too. Line the grill with foil or place it directly onto the rack. If you're working with small slices, lining the grill with foil will be best to keep the slices from falling through the grate. It also keeps the oil on top and redistributable. Pierce a few holes into the foil to allow the heat to transfer more quickly. Grill for about 8 minutes or until crispy and tender, turning occasionally. For both a charcoal and gas grill, place the aubergine on a rack directly above the heat. A gas grill should be covered; a charcoal grill should not. When finished, turn off the heat, leave the foil, and transfer the aubergine to a plate. Give both the aubergine and the foil a few minutes to cool down before either are touched. The aubergine is now good to be added to a salad or a stir fry, or even eaten alone with your dipping sauce of choice. It can even be kept for later as part of a soup or stew. | Wash the aubergine thoroughly. Cut the aubergine however your recipe dictates. Salt the exposed flesh of the aubergine. Rinse the aubergine under water to remove the salt and thoroughly dry it. Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F). Peel the aubergine, if desired, and cut to size. Roast the aubergine about 20 minutes or until tender. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Slice the aubergine and brush with olive oil on both sides. Add the aubergine slices to the hot oil. When the slices are evenly browned, take them off the heat. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat it. Peel the aubergine, if desired, and cut into 1/2-inch slices. Season as desired with herbs, salt, and ground black pepper. Line the grill with foil or place it directly onto the rack. Grill for about 8 minutes or until crispy and tender, turning occasionally. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Things-to-Do-in-a-Boring-Class | How to Find Things to Do in a Boring Class | To find things to do in a boring class, draw or doodle things in the margins of your notebook as you take notes. Try drawing things that are related to your notes, or anything comes to your mind, like funny shapes and patterns. If you're bored in class because you're not being challenged, try doing homework from another class to lighten your workload after school. Alternatively, write up a schedule or a to-do list for things you want to get done during the week. | Read a magazine, comic book or novel secretly. Pick a book or magazine that's the same size as or smaller than your textbook, and hide it behind the book so you can see it. Remember to look up occasionally to see if your teacher is walking around and to pretend like you're paying attention. Learn to spin a pencil over your thumb. Use a smooth, weighted pen or pencil to start, and figure out how to balance it on your fingers. Then, hold the pencil between your thumb and pointer finger, and use your middle finger to push the pencil around your thumb. Be sure to catch it as it spins back around into your palm! This skill takes some practice, so it's great for killing time in class. Beware that you'll probably drop your pencil frequently when you're first learning how to spin it. It may be best to only try this if you're sitting near the back of the class! Make a game out of the class with a friend. Entertain yourself by counting how many students are wearing a school sweatshirt, or try to guess which color car will drive by the window next. If you're sitting by a friend, quietly make bets on what you think will happen. Try to keep your games lighthearted and fun. Remember to be polite and respectful to your classmates, especially if they're paying attention and involved in the lesson. Chew gum or eat a piece of hard candy. If your teacher allows food in class, pop a piece of gum or candy in when you start to get bored. This will give you something to do and can help keep you awake. You can even make a game by closing your eyes and trying to guess the flavor if you have a few different candy flavors. Play with a computer or tablet if you're allowed to. For computer-based lessons or advanced classes, you might be able to have a laptop or tablet to take notes and do exercises. During a boring class, pull up social media or open up a simple game, like Minesweeper or Snake, to keep yourself entertained. Remember that the people sitting around you will be able to see your screen, so avoid browsing on questionable sites. If your school doesn't allow laptops or tablets in class, be sure to keep yours out of sight. It's very difficult to hide a tablet or laptop, and if you get caught, your teacher might confiscate it. Remember to turn the sound off on your tablet or laptop so you don't disturb other students. If you're in a computer class, ask your teacher if you're able to wear headphones. Text your friends secretly during class. This is a riskier move if your school doesn't allow students to use phones during class. Try to keep your phone concealed by holding it under your desk, in your pocket, or behind a book. Stick to short messages that you can type quickly without looking, like “So bored in class.” Do easy homework for another class. If you got assigned a simple worksheet for French class or a few easy math problems for Geometry, lay that work over your notes. Do your homework inconspicuously and quickly, and remember to look up sometimes to make it look like you're taking notes for class. If you're worried about having your homework confiscated, ask your teacher if it's okay to do the homework in their class. Some teachers might only allow this if you've already finished the lesson or work for their class that day. Jot down a to-do list or a weekly schedule. If you have a lot going on in your classes, use boring class time to write a list of things you need to do to clear your mind. Try making a timeline of things to do for an upcoming project or a study schedule for your exams. You can make different lists for each of your classes or just make one longer list for all of your classes and activities. Making lists can encourage creativity and help get rid of anxiety about upcoming assignments or tests. Keep in mind that you can make lists about pretty much anything. If you want to make a list about your top 10 favorite movies or books, you can! Use colored pencils or pens to doodle and decorate your notes. If you feel like you've taken a million notes and just can't pay attention anymore, go back through and review your notes. Highlight important parts, underline information you need to know for a test, and draw pictures of important figures and ideas. When you look back over your notes to study, your doodles and markings can help you remember the information. This will keep you entertained and engaged with the lesson so you're still doing a bit of studying! You can also draw geometric patterns, circles, or even random shapes in the margins of your notes. Most teachers won't mind a little doodling since it keeps you occupied and you don't disturb the class. Write a short story in your notebook. Come up with a story about your favorite fictional character, your favorite celebrity, or even yourself! Keep your pen or pencil on the paper and let your thoughts roam free to write a short story. Remember to look up occasionally so that your teacher thinks you're writing notes for class. Take very detailed notes to stay focused on the lesson. If you know what the teacher is talking about, the lesson will be much less boring. Print out the syllabus and, if they are available, any visual aids for the class. Use these and your textbook to help you take notes as your teacher speaks. Remember to write down any questions that you might have about the lesson. You can ask your teacher for clarification at the end of the lesson or after class. You can structure your notes in whatever method works best for you. Whether it's using bullet points, writing in shorthand, making headings and subheadings, or all of the above, you can make your notes work for you. Listen carefully to the teacher and follow along with the lesson. Even if it's not the most fascinating lesson, you may save yourself time on the homework or grief on the tests later. If you're too bored or tired to take notes, simply watch the teacher while they talk or read along in the book. If you have trouble paying attention in general, ask to be seated at the front of the classroom. That way, you'll know the teacher can see you. Participate in class discussion and ask questions. The time will pass much faster when you are engaged in the material. Ask about the assigned text and what you haven't understood, or offer counterpoints to someone else's opinion in class. Offer to volunteer in group work or demonstrations to show your teacher that you're engaged in the lesson. When you need to ask a question, make eye contact with your teacher and raise your hand to let them know. Most teachers won't be upset if you ask for clarification during the lesson, since they want their students to understand the material. Use group work to talk to friends and classmates. In some classes, teachers will allow students to work in pairs or small groups on projects, worksheets, or even homework. Take time to talk to your classmates about the lesson, and ask them questions if you're confused or lost. If you finish your work with extra time, you can talk about whatever you want! If you know a lot about the lesson topic, you can also try to help other students who might still be learning the information. This will help keep you engaged and interested in the topic. | Read a magazine, comic book or novel secretly. Learn to spin a pencil over your thumb. Make a game out of the class with a friend. Chew gum or eat a piece of hard candy. Play with a computer or tablet if you're allowed to. Text your friends secretly during class. Do easy homework for another class. Jot down a to-do list or a weekly schedule. Use colored pencils or pens to doodle and decorate your notes. Write a short story in your notebook. Take very detailed notes to stay focused on the lesson. Listen carefully to the teacher and follow along with the lesson. Participate in class discussion and ask questions. Use group work to talk to friends and classmates. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Floating-Floor | How to Install a Floating Floor | Before installing a floating floor, check various spots on the subfloor with a level to ensure that it's even, and fill in unlevel sections with patching compound. Next, sand down any bumps or ridges, vacuum away the dirt and debris, and roll out the foam underlayment. Then, place a 5/16 inch spacer against the wall that's furthest from the door to give the wood floor enough room to expand without cracking. Afterwards, lay down your flooring and cut the last piece in the row to make it fit, minus 5/16 of an inch to account for the spacer. | Evaluate the space where you plan to install the floating flooring. Before you go about laying down your floating floor, you need to know how much ground you need to cover. Although it's perfectly possible to buy only the amount required for the job, it's beneficial to purchase a little more than necessary to account for mistakes and patch-ups, especially if you're installing for the first time. Using a tape measure, measure the room from one wall to the opposite wall, and write down the distance. Suppose the distance is 10 feet (3.05 m). {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/aid1325482-v4-728px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-1Bullet1.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>"} Next, measure the distance of the opposing walls to each other. Suppose this distance is 12 feet (3.66 m). {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-1Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/aid1325482-v4-728px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-1Bullet2.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>"} Multiply these two measurements to find the total area you will need to cover with pre-finished hardwood flooring. From the example, you would multiply 10' x 12' (3.05m x 3.66m), which would give you a total area of 120 square feet (11.163 square meters). {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-1Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-1Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-1Bullet3.jpg\/aid1325482-v4-728px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-1Bullet3.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>"} If your subfloor is concrete, cover it with a wood or engineered wood subfloor first. Laying down your floating flooring directly onto concrete is a no-no. For one, there's less insulation. Also, the possibility of dampness, however small, is greater when there are fewer membranes between your concrete foundation and your floating floor. In choosing a wood subfloor, many professionals like to use OSB (oriented strand board) or plywood. Use the measurements above to estimate how much OSB or plywood you will need. If you decide to install your floating floor on concrete anyway, you need to test the concrete with a calibrated concrete moisture meter to verify that it is dry (less than 4% moisture content) before proceeding. Prepare your space. Before you really get started, there's just a few more things you need to take care of: Use a level at various spots on the floor to make sure it's even. Fill in unlevel spots or grooves with patching compound. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/aid1325482-v4-728px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-3Bullet1.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>"} Sand down bumps and ridges in the subfloor. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-3Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-3Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-3Bullet2.jpg\/aid1325482-v4-728px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-3Bullet2.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>"} When you're all finished, vacuum the floor to remove any dust or debris. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-3Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-3Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-3Bullet3.jpg\/aid1325482-v4-728px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-3Bullet3.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>"} Pick out the floating flooring. Pre-finished hardwood flooring comes in different sizes, thicknesses, lengths, colors and designs. Some common finishes and wood options include oak, cherry, maple and walnut. Which you choose depends largely on personal preference. Calculate how many boxes of floating flooring and how many rolls of foam underlayment you will need to purchase. You can find this information by reading how much footage each box and roll covers. Divide the total area of the room by the area the box or roll covers. Open the boxes and let them sit in the room for three or four days to let the flooring adjust to the house climate. Roll out the foam underlayment in a single layer across the floor. Size the foam underlayment and cut it with a utility knife. Tack it into the subfloor and then seal the seams together with duct tape. Decide which way the pre-finished hardwood flooring planks will lay. Parallel with the longest wall usually looks best — and is the easiest to install — but an irregular-shaped room might suggest another arrangement, such as a diagonal layout. Place a 5/16 inch (7. 94 mm) spacer against the wall that is the furthest away from the door. Lay out the first piece of square edge flooring with the groove side against the wall so it fits snugly against the spacer. Place the next piece end to end. Why do you need spacers around the walls? The floating wood floor will expand and contract as a unit with temperature fluctuations. Leaving a small barrier around the side of the room will give the flooring enough of a buffer to do its thing without cracking. Snap the two tongue-and-groove pieces of flooring together. Place the flat edge of a kick tool or wood block against the end of the second piece and hit the kicker with a hammer. Continue this process on the floor along the wall. If you have one, a dead-blow hammer will remove the need for a kick tool or wood block to serve as padding. Dead-blow hammers minimize the damage to the wood. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-8Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/aid1325482-v4-728px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-8Bullet1.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>"} Cut the last piece in the row so it will fit, leaving a small buffer between it and any walls (for expansion or contraction). Cut the flooring with a jigsaw or circular saw as needed. If you're having trouble fitting the end piece into the floor because of the wall, you might need to remove the second-to-last piece and lay down the final piece of flooring first. Once the end piece is in position, tight against the wall, fit the second-to-last piece back in and attach the tongue to the groove. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-9Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-9Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-9Bullet1.jpg\/aid1325482-v4-728px-Install-a-Floating-Floor-Step-9Bullet1.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>"} Place the next row, but stagger the joints so that they overlap. Cut the first piece of flooring of your next row so that the end-joints don't fall along the same plane. This will strengthen the durability of the floor as well as add a pleasant aesthetic component. Use the kick tool, block, or dead-blow hammer on the side of the plank to connect the rows together. Continue staggering each new row until you've covered the room with the square-edge flooring. Shoot for every other row to be placed along the same plane to give the arrangement a uniform look. When finished, be sure to remove the spacers from the edges of the walls. Cover up the free space between the baseboard and the floating floor by installing shoe molding along the entire perimeter of the wall. When you do, be sure to nail the shoe molding to the baseboard and not to the flooring to prevent cracking when the floor expands. Cut down casings when your flooring doesn't fit underneath it. If you're trying to install flooring around doors for example, you might find that the floating floor doesn't quite fit beneath the casing. Trim these door casings with a flush-cut dovetail saw if the flooring doesn't fit underneath the casings. To do this, hold the saw flat against a scrap piece of flooring to use as a guide, and press the saw into the casing, gently make the cut. Slide the flooring underneath to make sure that it fits. Scribe around tricky corners or angles. Scribing is a really useful skill to have in your toolkit. It will allow you to make accurate cuts using a compass as a guide. Use a pull bar to help join together tongue and grooves of end pieces. Usually, you can fasted one piece of flooring to its vertical cousin by tapping on the bottom of the end piece. But what if the end piece butts up against a wall, and you don't have the space to tap the tongue and groove together? For this you use a tool called a pull bar, which is a long strip of metal with a tongue on either end going in opposite directions. Just fit the pull bar down into the seam between the end piece and the wall, and then tap on the upward-sticking tongue of the bar to connect the tongue and groove. | Evaluate the space where you plan to install the floating flooring. If your subfloor is concrete, cover it with a wood or engineered wood subfloor first. Prepare your space. Pick out the floating flooring. Roll out the foam underlayment in a single layer across the floor. Decide which way the pre-finished hardwood flooring planks will lay. Place a 5/16 inch (7. Snap the two tongue-and-groove pieces of flooring together. Cut the last piece in the row so it will fit, leaving a small buffer between it and any walls (for expansion or contraction). Place the next row, but stagger the joints so that they overlap. Continue staggering each new row until you've covered the room with the square-edge flooring. When finished, be sure to remove the spacers from the edges of the walls. Cut down casings when your flooring doesn't fit underneath it. Scribe around tricky corners or angles. Use a pull bar to help join together tongue and grooves of end pieces. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Your-Sick-Hamster | How to Treat Your Sick Hamster | To treat your sick hamster, try to keep it warm by resting it in a blanket on top of a hot water bottle, since hamsters lose body heat when they're sick. Additionally, make sure your hamster gets plenty of water to prevent it from dehydrating. You'll also want to avoid exposing your hamster to sudden temperature changes, as this can worsen its condition. You should also keep a close eye on your hamster to see if it begins to recover or if the sickness gets worse. | Look for signs that your hamster is ill. If you spot behavior that is different from the norm, monitor the hamster even more closely. This could be your first hint that he is about to become sick. Look for signs of the following: Is your hamster sleeping longer than usual? Keep in mind that old hamsters naturally sleep longer. Has your hamster lost his appetite? Does he no longer groom himself? Is he irritable? When awake, is he slow moving, or does he have a hard time getting around? Has your hamster lost any of his fur, or have bald spots? Keep in mind that this is normal for older hamsters. Does he have a wet chin or throat? This can be a sign of dental problems. Does he have difficulty eating, such as dropping food out of his mouth? Does he have a runny nose, teary eyes, or wet bottom? Do his droppings look different? Hamster droppings should be rod-shaped. Watery droppings indicate too much fresh fruits and vegetables. Hard, dry droppings indicate not enough. Keep him warm. There may be situations where you hamster just feels unwell. There are some general things you can do to help nurse your hamster back to health. Make sure to keep him warm. Sick hamsters often lose body heat and feel cool to the touch. You can try standing the cage on a hot water bottle so that he gets under floor heating. Also try wrapping a small hot water bottle in a towel and rest the hamster on it. Be careful to do this in an escape proof box so the hamster doesn't run off. Check for dehydration. If he is not eating or drinking, or if he has wet tail, he will quickly become dehydrated. You will get a clue this has happened if you gently pinch his scruff and let go. If the scruff stays in a peak, then he is dehydrated. You can give him ordinary water, or purchase a fluid-replacement powder designed as a supplement for people with diarrhea, such as Pedialyte or Dioralyte. Make this up as advised on the instructions. Drip fluids to him. If your hamster won't drink this on his own, obtain a 1 mL syringe. Hang a drop of the fluid on the end of the syringe and hold it to the hamster's lips. Hopefully he will lick it off. If he doesn't, then wet the fur around his mouth so that he grooms himself and takes in the fluid. Be extremely cautious about syringing fluid into his mouth. His small size makes it likely you will flood his mouth and he may inhale the fluid, taking it down into his lungs, which can cause serious pneumonia. Respond to respiratory problems. If the hamster has a discharge from his eyes or nose, if he sneezes, or if he is hunched up and breathing using his stomach muscles, then he may have respiratory disease. There are certain things you can do to help with this. Make sure his bedding is clean at all times. Bedding soiled with urine gives off ammonia, which is extremely irritating to the respiratory system. Use a spoon or a scoop to spot clean any wet bedding, and make sure the cage smells clean. If you can smell urine or ammonia, then the effect is a thousand times worse for the hamster. Spot clean every day, but try to do this in such a way that it does not disturb your hamster too much and add to his stress. Check that the room temperature is within the recommended range and make adjustments accordingly. If the hamster has a sticky nose, try and wipe it clean with a damp cotton ball. This helps to keep the airway clear, which makes it more comfortable for the hamster to breath. Help with dental problems. Teeth problems can make your hamster feel unwell. A clear or milky discharge from the eyes can be a sign of overgrown teeth roots. Check to see if your hamster is eating properly. If he isn't, then a vet check is advisable to make sure there isn't a problem with overgrown teeth. If there is a problem with this, the vet can trim them back. If this is the case and the teeth are not trimmed, the hamster may progressively starve because he is unable to eat. Another sign of dental problems is a wet chin or neck. This happens when spurs of teeth dig into the cheek or tongue, making it painful to swallow. Prevention is easier than a cure. This means you should give your hamster suitable items to chew on in order to keep his teeth short. Avoid giving too many soft foods, such as strawberries or bananas, to your hamster because they don't need much chewing. Instead, give him dry pelleted food and a block of wood for him to gnaw on. Also give him cardboard tubes or boxes, which will keep his teeth healthy. Plus, he will love to demolish them. Treat digestive disorders. If your hamster has a wet tail, he will have a wet bottom and will be slower and crankier. Act immediately because this can be deadly. Wet tails come from dirty cages, so you should keep his cage very clean. To treat this issue, get a broad spectrum antibiotic immediately from your vet. If your hamster has diarrhea, stop feeding him fruits and vegetables until he is better. This condition is usually caused by intestinal or stomach blockage. The best way to avoid this is to provide some alfalfa as part of his diet. Constipation is caused by lack of water in his diet. Make sure fresh water is available for him at all times. If your hamster does become constipated, give him some carrots or other fresh fruits or vegetables as well as more water. Take care of broken bones. There are levels of breakage that can either be deadly or be healed. If your hamster breaks a leg where you can see bones sticking out, he must visit the vet. If it isn't too bad, the vet may dress it and bandage the wound. If it is a really bad fracture with broken skin, he may need to be humanely euthanized. If the leg is at an odd angle but the bones are not exposed and he is eating and otherwise looks healthy, restrict him to one part of the cage for 4 weeks and take away his wheel. This forces him to rest so he doesn't use the leg. This gives the bones the best chance of knitting together. You may also take him to the vet and let him bandage his leg, though he will likely also recommend limiting your hamster's movements in his cage. Never give pain relief to your hamster unless prescribed for the hamster by the vet. His small size makes overdose extremely likely. Keep a close eye on your hamster at all times. This will help you get to know what is normal for your hamster. Check him at least twice a day and get used to how much he eats every day, how much he drinks, how active he is and when he most likes to play. By knowing this, it helps you spot when things aren't right, such as his appetite has dropped off or he's drinking more than he did. Knowing these small details will help you spot any possible sickness early in your hamster if it manifests in his daily routine. Stress your hamster as little as possible. Stress puts a strain on the immune system, which makes your hamster less able to fight off infection and get himself well again. Stress to a hamster includes feeling threatened or unsafe, so make sure the family cat or dog can't sit staring at him for hours on end. Consider covering half of the cage with a towel so the hamster has privacy and can retreat to a safe area if he needs to. Avoid loud noises, which can also frighten your hamster. Avoid anything in the air that could put a stress on its respiratory system, such as tobacco smoke or spray air fresheners. Limit extremes of temperature. The ideal room temperature for a hamster is between 68 to 72 degrees. If it is very hot, the hamster can suffer from heat stress, so make sure there is a fan blowing near the cage in order to circulate air and cool him off. Very low temperatures below 50 degrees, especially for more than 24 hours, can trigger the hamster to go into hibernation. This makes them go to sleep and they are not able to wake up when you stimulate them, so it can appear the hamster is dead. If you suspect this is the case, put the hamster in a hamster safe box, such as his carry case, and pop him in the airing cupboard for a few days. Hamster that went into a state of hibernation will wake with this method. | Look for signs that your hamster is ill. Keep him warm. Check for dehydration. Drip fluids to him. Respond to respiratory problems. Help with dental problems. Treat digestive disorders. Take care of broken bones. Keep a close eye on your hamster at all times. Stress your hamster as little as possible. Limit extremes of temperature. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Flag | How to Make a Flag | To make a flag, start with a piece of nylon or cotton fabric in the base color you want. Next, select other pieces of colored fabric for your design—old clothes and tablecloths are perfect for this! Use markers, rulers, and stencils to draw patterns on the colored fabrics, then cut them out and glue them into position on the base fabric. You can use a tree branch or an old broom pole to make the flag handle, then make a pocket for the handle along the short, vertical edge of your flag. Slip the handle into the pocket and your flag is all set. | Take six sheets of paper. You can use plain white paper (or card if you prefer) which you can later decorate with your flag's colors using crayons, pencils, markers or paint. Alternatively, you can use paper that's the same color as the base color of your flag. For example, if you were making a British flag, you could use blue paper, or if you're making a Canadian flag, you could use red paper. Roll two sheets of paper into tubes. This will form the flagpole. Make sure to roll the sheets of paper tightly, using sticky tape to secure. If you don't want to use paper, you can use a thin wooden stick as your flagpole. Tape the tubes together to make a long tube. Take the two rolled sheets of paper and slot the ends into each other to make one long tube. Secure with some sticky tape. Take the other four sheets of paper and make a rectangle. Lay the four sheets of paper out flat on the table and align them so that they form a rectangle. Use paper masking tape (which you can later color over) to stick the four sheets of paper together. Tape on both sides of the paper for extra strength. Tape the rectangle on to the long tube. Use regular sticky tape to attach the paper rectangle to the tube. Make sure that it's attached securely so it won't fall apart when you wave it. Decorate your flag. Now you can decorate your flag with the colors of whatever country or team colors you like. Use your favorite coloring materials or paints, add stickers or glitter, or write slogans on one or both sides of your flag. You can also cut shapes, such as stars or moons out from extra pieces of colored paper and glue these to your flag. Get a piece of nylon or cotton fabric. Choose a piece of fabric in the base color of the flag you wish to make. If you're making an American flag, for example, you can stick with plain white. To make a large flag, try to use a piece of fabric measuring 5 foot (1.5 m) by 3 foot (0.9 m). If you want a smaller flag, a smaller piece of fabric (or even a pillowcase) will do. Find other pieces of fabric in the colors you need for your flag. It doesn't matter what type of fabric these pieces are, they can be nylon or cotton like the flag, or they can be felt, silk, polyester, velour - whatever you can find around the house! Pieces of old clothing, or old tablecloths are perfect for this. Choose a flag handle. For a DIY flag, the flag handle can be made from whatever you choose - it could be a tree branch or an old broom pole - as long as it's strong enough and long enough to hold your flag. Make a pocket for the flag handle. Before you can attach your flag to its handle, you will need to make a pocket for the handle to slip into. To do this, spread your flag out on the table and lay the handle along the shorter, vertical edge of the material, on the right hand side. Fold the edge of the material loosely over the handle and pin the material in place. Remove the handle, then you can use a sewing machine or some fabric glue to secure the material in place. Sew or glue the top of the pocket together, so the handle cannot slip through. This will allow the flag to sit on top of the handle. Decorate your flag. Now comes the fun part! Use markers, rulers and stencils to draw patterns on the colored fabrics, which you can cut out with a sharp scissors. Once all the pieces are cut out, you can glue them into position on your flag, using fabric glue. If you are making an American flag, for example, you would need to cut a small rectangle from a piece of blue fabric, seven long stripes of equal width from some red fabric, and a collection of five-pointed stars from a piece of white fabric. If you want to spell something, such as "Go Team!", you can draw bubble letters and cut them from a piece of white, black or colored fabric. Secure the flag. Once you have finished decorating, you can slip the flag handle into the pocket you created earlier. If it feels loose, you can secure it with a little glue or a couple of small stitches to hold the bottom of the flag in place. Now you can wave it to your heart's content! Gather some patterned fabric or scrapbook paper. The beauty of this flag banner is that it's so easy to make, so you can use whatever material you like. Just try to choose a variety of pretty patterns and bright colors to really make your flag banner pop! Having around five different types of flag is a good base to work from. Cut out the flags. Before you start cutting, you will need to decide how big you want each triangular flag to be - remember that they should be isosceles triangles with two long sides and a shorter base. Once you have decided on your measurements, cut out a template flag and use it to cut out the rest of the triangles - how many you need will depend on how long you want the banner to be. If you want to add a little something extra to your flag banner, try cutting out the triangles with a pinking shears. This will give them a zig-zagged edge instead of a straight one! Attach the flags to the string. How you do this will depend on whether you used paper or fabric for your flags. If you used paper, you can punch 3 to 4 holes at the top of each flag and simply thread a piece of string, ribbon or twine through the holes to hang the flags. If you used fabric, you can either sew the top edge of each flag around a piece of twine or ribbon (which is time consuming) or you can use a bead of fabric glue to attach the string, for an easier option. Hang the flag banner. Hang your flag banner by tying the ends of the string to nails in the wall, or use a thumbtack to secure. Flag banners look great draped in front of the fireplace, as a festive addition to an outdoor party or barbecue, or as a cute decoration for classrooms and children's bedrooms. | Take six sheets of paper. Roll two sheets of paper into tubes. Tape the tubes together to make a long tube. Take the other four sheets of paper and make a rectangle. Tape the rectangle on to the long tube. Decorate your flag. Get a piece of nylon or cotton fabric. Find other pieces of fabric in the colors you need for your flag. Choose a flag handle. Make a pocket for the flag handle. Decorate your flag. Secure the flag. Gather some patterned fabric or scrapbook paper. Cut out the flags. Attach the flags to the string. Hang the flag banner. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Stubborn-Wallpaper | How to Remove Stubborn Wallpaper | To remove stubborn peelable wallpaper, run a scoring tool over the paper to poke holes in it, and bring a pot of water to a boil. Let the water sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly, and then mix 8 parts water and 2 parts vinegar in a bucket. Pour the solution into a spray bottle, and spray the paper with the solution until it's saturated. Wait 10-30 minutes for the solution to soak into the paper, and then begin peeling and scraping the wallpaper off of the wall. | Lay down plastic to protect your floors. Tape long sheets of plastic to the base of your floor, sealing the plastic to the wall. Lay towels or old blankets over the plastic for extra protection, as stubborn wallpaper takes a lot of water to remove. Use painter's tape to seal the plastic to the floorboard in order to create the waterproof seal. Whether you have carpet or wood floors, laying down protective covering is an important step before removing wallpaper. Move any furniture to another room. Couches, chairs, tables, and dressers should all be taken out of the room so that you can easily move around the room. Move everything to another room or a hallway for easy access to all four walls. If you cannot take the furniture out of the room, relocate everything to the center of the room so you can access each wall. Removing furniture from the room or covering it in plastic will also ensure that nothing is damaged by water or debris. Remove and cover the room’s outlet covers. There will be wallpaper under each outlet cover, and these areas often act as great starting points for removing wallpaper. Unscrew the two screws that attach the outlet cover to the wall, and set them in a safe place. Scrape away the wallpaper with a putty knife and cover the exposed outlets with plastic and tape. Because you will be dealing with water to remove the wallpaper, covering the exposed outlet is an important safety measure. Turn off the room’s electricity. Locate your home's circuit breaker and flip the breaker associated with the room you will be working in. Double check that you have the right room by plugging in an electronic device, such as a lamp or phone charger, and seeing if it works. If you need extra light in the room, buy some large lamps and plug them into another room's outlet with extension cables. Identify the kind of wall you are working with. Knock on your wall and listen to what kind of sound it makes. Be especially careful if you hear a hollow, empty sound, as this is indicative of drywall and is easily damaged. Listen for a dull sound, as this is indicative of plaster and is more durable. If your wall is made of drywall, be especially careful when scraping off the wallpaper, as it is more fragile than plaster. Use a scoring tool to puncture holes in the wallpaper. Purchase your scoring tool online or at a local hardware store. Press the scoring tool into the wallpaper, creating as many small punctures in the wallpaper as possible. Go over the entire wall, or until you feel like every section of the wallpaper is covered by small holes. Scoring tools are palm-sized, round tools that are used specifically for wallpaper removal. Bring water to a boil and let it sit for five minutes. Fill your largest pot with water and place it on the stove at the highest heat possible. Wait until the water begins to boil, and then turn the heat off. Let the water cool until you are able to comfortably touch the water, and pour it into a large container. Combine water and a solvent to create your removing solution. Mix your hot water with laundry detergent or vinegar into the large bucket or container. The solution should be half laundry detergent and half water, or 80 percent hot water and 20 percent vinegar. Keep the solution warm by adding hot water whenever the solution cools. Your solution should stay warm for 10 to 15 minutes before needing to be reheated. Soak your entire wall with the water solution. Use a spray bottle or sponge to coat the center of your wall in the solution, and paint rollers to soak the tops of the wall. Apply the water solution until the wallpaper becomes fully soaked, focusing on the small holes that were created by the scoring tool. By soaking your walls in sections, you are able to keep moving and working while the solution soaks into the paper. Let the solution soak into the wallpaper for at least 10 to 30 minutes. Allow the wallpaper to absorb the water, reapplying the solution to the areas that dry first. Focus on wetting the tops and bottoms of the walls, as these are where you will begin to peel the wallpaper. Keep the wallpaper soaking until you begin to peel. Use a putty knife to remove the wallpaper and adhesive. Avoid using sharp edges to remove the wallpaper, as these could damage your walls. Begin at the bottom of the wall and work your way up, removing the wallpaper one strip at a time. Be as patient as you can, removing small sections of the wallpaper if it does not come off easily. Depending on your wallpaper, it may come off the wall in large sections, or in small, tiny strips. You can purchase a rounded-edge stripper or putty knife online or at your local hardware store. Remove the adhesive that was behind the wallpaper. Work your way up the wall, as you did with the wallpaper, soaking the adhesive with the water solution as often as needed. Use your putty knife to carefully pull the adhesive off the wall. If the underlying adhesive is difficult to remove, soak it directly with your solution and scrape gently until it is gone. Purchase or rent a wallpaper steamer. Use a wallpaper steamer if the wallpaper has been painted over or if it was applied a very long time ago. Find a wallpaper steamer through an online search or by visiting a local hardware store. Purchase protective gear for safety. Buy rubber gloves and protective eyewear to protect yourself from boiling water. Wear long sleeves and multiple layers while operating the tool. Do not operate a wallpaper steamer without these protective tools, as you will get burnt if there is any mechanical malfunction. Although wallpaper steamers are safe to use, they will sometimes leak or break. Steam small areas of the wall and remove the wallpaper. Hold the steamer in one section of wallpaper for at least 30 seconds, or as long as it takes to soak all the way through. Start this process wherever feels most comfortable, but consider beginning in more difficult places, like the tops or bottoms of the wall. Start on one side and work your way toward the center. Use a putty knife to gently and fully remove the wallpaper. Press the putty knife into the soaked wallpaper, carefully pulling back a single piece. Use this removed piece to slide the putty knife under the wallpaper. Slide the putty knife under the wallpaper, carefully pulling it from the wall. Take care not to dig the edges of the putty knife into the wall. Continue this process in sections until the wallpaper has been removed. After each 30 second soaking section, set down the steamer and carefully remove this section of wallpaper. Stop scraping once you reach a dry area. If you started at the bottom of the wall, work your way up, removing each section until you reach the ceiling. Use a stripping solution if there is any left over adhesive. Pour a mixture of hot water and laundry detergent or vinegar into a spray bottle or bucket. Spray or apply the mixture to the leftover adhesive and scrape the substance from the wall with a putty knife. Continue this process until the wall is completely bare. | Lay down plastic to protect your floors. Move any furniture to another room. Remove and cover the room’s outlet covers. Turn off the room’s electricity. Identify the kind of wall you are working with. Use a scoring tool to puncture holes in the wallpaper. Bring water to a boil and let it sit for five minutes. Combine water and a solvent to create your removing solution. Soak your entire wall with the water solution. Let the solution soak into the wallpaper for at least 10 to 30 minutes. Use a putty knife to remove the wallpaper and adhesive. Remove the adhesive that was behind the wallpaper. Purchase or rent a wallpaper steamer. Purchase protective gear for safety. Steam small areas of the wall and remove the wallpaper. Use a putty knife to gently and fully remove the wallpaper. Continue this process in sections until the wallpaper has been removed. Use a stripping solution if there is any left over adhesive. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Shave-with-a-Straight-Razor | How to Shave with a Straight Razor | To shave with a straight razor, start by applying shaving cream to your beard. Then, use your index finger and thumb to grip the metal part of the straight razor that connects the blade and handle. Next, hold the blade at a 30-degree angle to your skin and pull your skin taut with your free hand. When you're ready, drag the razor downward so you're shaving with the grain of your hair. Do this on the sides of your face, your chin and upper lip, and your jaw and neck. When you're finished, rinse off your face with cold water. | Hydrate your face with hot water. Take a hot shower and let the water wash over your face for five minutes. You'll open up your pores and soften whiskers, making shaving much easier. You may also wrap a hot towel around your face like barbers do for their customers. Soak a small towel in hot water and hold it firmly against your face until the towel cools. Rub pre-shave oil over your face. A good pre-shave oil can help make shaving easier. Look for products containing natural oils such as jojoba, coconut, olive, or sunflower. These oils help soften your beard without stopping your razor. Soak your shaving brush in hot water. Fill your shaving bowl or mug with hot water. Make sure the water is hot so it softens the bristles on your brush. Leave the brush to soak for a minute or two. Afterwards, pick up the brush and flick your wrist to get rid of excess water. The highest quality shaving brushes are made of badger hair. Boar bristle brushes are cheaper, and synthetic brushes are of the lowest quality. You may work the soap or cream into your whiskers with your fingers, but a brush makes it a lot easier. Place shaving cream or soap on the bottom of your shaving mug. Dump out the water in your mug or bowl. Replace it with nickel-sized dollop of shaving cream or the entire soap cake. Soaps are the cheaper option and are made with a high fat, vegetable oil glycerine mixture. Creams are similar to soaps and you should look for ones with natural essential oils like jojoba or coconut oil. Avoid common shaving gels and foams. Although you can use these, they won't give you as good of a shave as quality soaps and creams. Make a lather with the brush. Place the dampened brush in the mug. Stir to work the soap or cream into a lather. The more you stir, the thicker your lather will be. Brush the soap or cream into your whiskers. Use the brush to pick up the lather. Move in circular motions over the area you wish to shave, taking care to cover every single hair. Once you've applied enough lather to cover the area, use a few brush sweeps to smooth over any peaks. Grip the shank between your thumb and three fingers. Even though the razor has a wood or plastic handle, you don't hold it. Instead, place your thumb under the blade on the shank (the piece of metal connecting to the handle). Your index, ring, and middle fingers go on the opposite side of the shank. Finally, place your pinky on the tang, which is the small piece of metal on the outside of the handle. This is the basic grip, and many people adjust it over time for greater comfort or directional control. Hold the blade at a 30° angle to your skin. The blade should not be flat against your skin or directly pointed at it. Instead, turn it slightly so the sharp part of the blade points downward at your skin. The handle should be out near your nose. Stretch your skin with your opposite hand. Start with one side of your face. Use your free hand to pull up on your skin to make it flatter and smoother. Do this for every area you shave, since it gives you a smoother shave with less nicks. Shave with the grain on the sides of your face. Hold the razor at the proper angle and start at the top of your cheek. Since the hair grows downwards here, work downwards towards your jaw and chin. Gently stroke the razor downwards in one smooth, controlled motion. Rinse off the blade and continue where you left off. Rinse off the blade after every stroke. Do this for both sides of your face. Even experienced straight razor users make mistakes from time to time. When starting out, you will cut yourself. Don't be discouraged. Press the skin together for a few minutes to stop bleeding or apply styptic powder. Shave your chin and upper lip. The easiest way to get your chin is to continue on from the sides of your face. The skin here is easy to cut, so use short, gentle strokes to move towards your point. Pull your lips tight to cut around them. Shave under your jaw and down your neck. The rest of your face is done the same way as the sides. Tilt your head back, pull up on your jaw with your free hand, and stroke downwards to get the area under your jaw. Once you've taken care of your jaw area, move down your neck. Lather up and make a second pass across the grain. Wash off your face and lather up as you did before. This time, you need to cut from side to side. Press more gently than you did the first time. Move from your ears to the center of your face. Rinse after each stroke. When you're first starting, consider finishing by doing a second pass with downwards strokes. This way, you can get used to handling the blade without the extra risk of cuts. Lather again and make a final pass against the grain. Rinse off again and re-lather with hot water and soap or cream. The third pass will give you the closest shave possible. Work up from the bottom of your neck. Be as gentle as possible to avoid cuts. Rinse your face with cold water. Cold water will moisturize your skin while closing the pores. You may also apply aftershave, such as those with witch hazel or bay rum, to reduce irritation. Pat your skin instead of rubbing water or product into it. Dry the razor. Wipe off the blade with a soft cloth. Even toilet paper will work here. It's important to remove all moisture so the blade doesn't rust. Store the blade away from all moisture, including shower steam. When storing the blade for a longer period of time, cover it with a blade oil such as camellia oil. Hang the strop on furniture. Hanging strops have a hook you can attach to a solid surface, such as a bedpost or knob on a bathroom drawer. After every shave or honing, you should take time to strop your razor. It'll smooth out the edges and give you a better, more comfortable shave. The canvas side works well enough between shaves. After honing, use the leather side. Hold the handle of the blade against the far end of the strop. Pull the strop tight with your free hand. Move the blade to the far end of the strop. Hold the blade by the shank, keeping the sharp edge pointed away from you. Stroke the blade toward you. Make sure the strop is pulled tight, or else you'll end up with a rounded blade. Stroke the blade all the way towards you while holding it against the strop. Make sure you use light pressure and don't lift the blade at all. Flip the blade and stroke backwards. Roll the blade over on its spine. Don't let the sharp edge touch the strop. The edge should now face towards you. Run the blade along the strop to the other end the same way you did before. Repeat stropping until your blade is smooth. Usually you will need about 30 strokes, which amounts to 15 for each side. You can't strop the blade too much. When you begin, move slowly and gently. As you learn you will be able to move faster and find that stropping takes no time at all. Wipe off and lubricate your whetstone. First, towel off the whetstone or ceramic hone to remove any residual debris. Lubricate the whetstone by covering it with cold water, oil, or your shaving lather. This lubricant protects against heat and particles that can damage the blade. Whetstones, such as the Norton 4,000/8,000 Grit Combo, can be found at hardware stores. Don't use a cheap whetstone that you'd use for a knife. Ceramic barber hones must be bought online through sites like eBay. These are not as coarse as whetstones. Lay the stone flat with the coarser side up. Find the side with the higher grit count or coarseness. This is the one you want to use to give your razor the proper sharpness. Place the razor flat on the edge near you. Start at one of the short sides of the whetstone. Both the sharp and blade edge of the razor should touch the stone. Keep the sharp end pointed away from you. Hold the shank with the tips of your fingers. Set a fingertip on your other hand to control the blade. Sweep the blade along the stone. Use your fingers to push the blade along the whetstone. Keep moderate pressure on the blade as you work. If the blade is wider than the stone, you'll have to sweep it forward as you move it. Start with the bottom of the blade. Push the top part of the blade onto the whetstone as you stroke. Flip the razor over and stroke backwards. Roll the razor over onto its back. Don't touch the whetstone with the bladed edge. Instead, set the razor so that edge faces towards you. Push the blade away from you with the same steps you used before. Repeat honing until your blade is sharp. You'll need to stroke the blade about ten times in each direction. Test the blade by lightly dragging it across a moistened fingernail. If it digs in without sticking, it'll be honed. Don't continue to sharpen a honed razor or else you'll damage it. Strop it first before you use it to shave. Your blade will stay honed for six to eight weeks. Stop the blade after every shave to maintain the sharpness until honing is needed again. | Hydrate your face with hot water. Rub pre-shave oil over your face. Soak your shaving brush in hot water. Place shaving cream or soap on the bottom of your shaving mug. Make a lather with the brush. Brush the soap or cream into your whiskers. Grip the shank between your thumb and three fingers. Hold the blade at a 30° angle to your skin. Stretch your skin with your opposite hand. Shave with the grain on the sides of your face. Shave your chin and upper lip. Shave under your jaw and down your neck. Lather up and make a second pass across the grain. Lather again and make a final pass against the grain. Rinse your face with cold water. Dry the razor. Hang the strop on furniture. Hold the handle of the blade against the far end of the strop. Stroke the blade toward you. Flip the blade and stroke backwards. Repeat stropping until your blade is smooth. Wipe off and lubricate your whetstone. Lay the stone flat with the coarser side up. Place the razor flat on the edge near you. Sweep the blade along the stone. Flip the razor over and stroke backwards. Repeat honing until your blade is sharp. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sit | How to Sit | To improve your sitting posture, sit with your back flush against the chair. Push your hips to the base of the chair so your back remains straight. Then, bring your shoulders back to prevent you from slouching forward. | Push your hips as far back as they can go in the chair. In office chairs, the best way to sit is to let the shaped back support your back and shoulders by scooting your hips back as far as they go, then adjusting the other components of the chair to offer support. If you're sitting in a straight, hard-backed chair, scoot your bottom up to the edge of the chair and sit without slouching into the back of that chair. Sit with your back and shoulders as straight as if they were supported by the chair back. Over time, this is a more comfortable position for your back, neck, and shoulders. If you're sitting in a lounge chair or a couch, it's important to keep your feet flat on the floor and your back straight. Your shoulders should be back and you should be as far forward on the couch as possible. Keep your shoulders back and your back straight. Wherever and however you're sitting, it's important to keep your shoulders back to avoid slouching or hunching your back as you sit. Over time, this can strain your neck and shoulders, leading to chronic pain and headaches. Don't lean your chair backward or slouch yourself forward while you're sitting, or you can strain your sciatic nerve and your shoulder muscles. This serves to keep you off-balance. It is good to rock gently, if possible, if you're going to be sitting for a longer time. This helps to keep the body active and balanced. Adjust the seat height to fit your body. The seat of your chair should be high enough so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are even with your hips, or slightly lower. If you sit too low in the chair, you can end up straining your neck, while if you sit too high, your shoulders can get tired over time. If you need to adjust your seat so that it is higher, you may find that your feet don't comfortably reach the ground. Try putting a stool, cushion, or another object under your feet. Adjust the back of the chair to a 100°-110° reclined angle. Ideally, the back of a passive reclining chair shouldn't be perfectly straight, but angled backward gently beyond the 90 degree mark. This is much more comfortable and supportive for your back than a perfectly straight back. Make sure that your upper and lower back are supported. Good passive office chairs should offer some lumbar support, protruding slightly in the lower back to support your spine on both sides, keeping you comfortable and upright. If you don't have this kind of support, however, you have to make do yourself. If necessary, use inflatable cushions or small pillows, just above your hips, between the back of the chair and your spine. This should be a lot more comfortable. When your chair has an active back mechanism use it to make frequent position changes, gently adjusting it and rocking backward and forward as you sit and work, keeping your back from staying sedentary. Adjust the armrests. Ideally, your armrests should be adjusted so that your shoulders are relaxed and your wrists are even with your keyboard, if you're typing. Read the next section for more specific suggestions about sitting at the computer. Alternatively, you can remove the armrests completely if you find that they are in your way. Armrests aren't necessary for support. Sit in an active sitting chair if one is available. Increasingly, research reveals that sitting for long periods of time in an office setting comes with severe health concerns, including back and shoulder strain, as well as increased risk of heart disease. For this reason, active sitting methods are more popular than ever, and might be a good option for you. Active sitting devices include things like standing desks, treadmill desks, kneeling chairs, and other ergonomic alternatives that force your body to hold itself upright, rather than providing it a resting place. Passive sitting chairs, even ergonomic ones, can have a tendency to force your spine into uncomfortable upright positions. Position your keyboard correctly. Adjust the keyboard height so that your shoulders are relaxed, your elbows are in a slightly open position, just out from your body, and your wrists and hands are straight. Use the keyboard tray mechanism, or keyboard feet, to adjust the tilt so that the keyboard is comfortable. If you sit in a forward or upright position, try tilting your keyboard away from you, but if you are slightly reclined, then a slight forward tilt will help to maintain a straight wrist position. Ergonomic keyboards are bent in the middle, to allow a more natural wrist alignment, letting your type with your thumbs pointing toward the ceiling, rather than lining your palms up with the floor. Consider investing in one if you struggle with wrist pain. Adjust the monitor and source documents properly. Ideally, you want your neck in a neutral, relaxed position, so you don't have to crane around to see what you're working on. Center the monitor directly in front of you, above your keyboard. Position the top of the monitor approximately 2-3” below your seated eye level. If you wear bifocals, lower the monitor to a comfortable reading level. Consider using an ergonomic mouse. An ergonomic mouse allows your wrist to remain parallel to your body, it's natural resting state, rather than parallel with the floor, which can lead to carpal tunnel over many repetitions. The trackpad on most laptops and the traditional mouse do the same thing traditional keyboards do: force your wrists into an unnatural position. Over time, this can cause carpal tunnel issues and chronic pain. Take periodic breaks. Every 30-60 minutes, you need to take a short break from sitting and move around the office. Even just taking a short break to walk to the bathroom, or get a refill of water can help to break up the monotony and relieve pain. While you might feel silly, close your office door and try the following short exercises to get the blood flowing: Do 5-10 shoulder raises or shrugs Do 20 calf raises Do 5-10 lunges Touch your toes 20 times Stay as active as possible at work. If you work at an office, it's essential to get up and move around periodically to avoid stress pains and long-term damage to your arms, neck, shoulders, and back. Check out these articles for other tips and tricks about staying active at work: Exercise while sitting at your computer Exercise your abs while sitting | Push your hips as far back as they can go in the chair. Keep your shoulders back and your back straight. Adjust the seat height to fit your body. Adjust the back of the chair to a 100°-110° reclined angle. Make sure that your upper and lower back are supported. Adjust the armrests. Sit in an active sitting chair if one is available. Position your keyboard correctly. Adjust the monitor and source documents properly. Consider using an ergonomic mouse. Take periodic breaks. Stay as active as possible at work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-a-Chain | How to Crochet a Chain | To crochet a chain, start by draping the yarn over your finger, then pull the string towards you and wrap it round your finger so you have 2 loops. Next, push the second loop over the first to form an "x" shape before making another loop to finish the slipknot and removing it from your finger. To start crocheting, put the loop on the hook, pull the yarn up and over the hook, and pull the yarn through the slipknot loop to complete your first chain. Repeat this process until you have as many chain stitches as you need. | Put the yarn on your finger. Stick out your pointer finger so that the nail is facing away from you. Now, drape the end of the yarn over your finger. The end should be on the front side of your finger, with about 1-1.5" of yarn extending below your finger. The rest of string should fall behind your finger. Use your thumb on the same hand pressed at your fingertip to hold the yarn in place. Wrap the string around your finger. Grasping the string behind your finger with your free hand, pull it toward you and then up and over your finger to wrap it around. You should see two loops formed around your finger. Now, adjust the second loop that you just made so that it goes over the top of the first loop, forming a sort of slanted X shape. Once you've formed this X shape, you can hold the slack from the rest of the string in your middle and ring fingers on the same hand that is wrapped in yarn. Pull on the X "arm". Looking down at the top of your finger at the X which is formed, locate the upper "arm" of the X which is closest to the end of your finger (of the left if you made the loop on your right hand, on the right if made on your left hand). Pinch this arm with your free hand and pull on it just a little to make it slack. Slide the yarn through to form another loop. Now, from your fingernail side, reach under the arm and grab the other arm from behind it. Pull that string under and through. You should see another loop or circle start to form above your finger, made from the string you're pulling. Once it's about as big as the loop on your finger, slide the whole thing off of your finger carefully. This should leave you with a clear loop and a very open, loose, beginning of a knot. If it doesn't, try again. Adjust your loop. Pinching the loop with your fingers, pull on the short end of the string to tighten the knot. Adjust as you go to make sure you don't end up with too much tail. You want to maintain a tail length of 1-2". Once the knot is tightened, you should be able to slide it to create a bigger or smaller loop. Place your hook through the loop and set it at a comfortable tightness. This structure that you've ended up with is called a slipknot and is the basis for starting most crochet projects. Hold the hook up in front of you. Hold the hook with the loop on it up in front of you. It should be pointing toward the opposite hand from the one that's holding it, with the long end of the string behind the hook. The loop should be sitting about 1" down from the curved end of the hook. This means that the knot should be below the hook. Pull the yarn up and over the hook. Taking the long end of the yarn, pull it up and over the top of the hook. The knot should remain below the hook and the rest of the yarn should now be in front of the hook. This is called a yarn over. Catch the yarn with the hook. Pull the hook so that the curved end moves forward and catches the yarn you just pulled over the hook. The yarn should be nested in the hook now. Pull the yarn through the loop. Pull the yarn, using the hook, through the slipknot loop. You have now made your first chain. Repeat until you have as many chains as you want. Repeat the process of yarning over and pulling it through until you have as many chains as you need for your project. If you need to count chains, lay the chain flat. You should see a series of V shapes. Each V is a single chain stitch. Tie off your chain. If you just want a chain, such as if you're making a bracelet, you can tie off your chain when it reaches the desired length. Simply clip the yarn at least an inch from your last stitch, catch the last remaining end with the hook, and pull it all the way through the loop. Give it a good tug to secure the end. Change direction to start a new row. You can also change direction in order to start a new row. This will be the most common route for most crocheters. When you make a new row, you will be rooting your stitches in the chain that you made. How this is done will depend on your project, so you'll have to follow your pattern. The most likely options are to use single crochet or double crochet. Before you start this new row, you will make a couple of extra chains (usually two, it can vary depending on the size and tightness of your stitches). Chain these extras and then root your next row in the last proper stitch in your chain. Join the ends to form a circle. Another option is if you are crocheting a circle. In this case, once you are done making your initial chain (usually four stitches), you will join the ends together to form the beginning of your circle. This is done using a slip stitch. With the last loop of your chain on your hook, push the head of the hook into the very first stitch on your chain. This will make two "loops" on the hook. Grab the yarn with your hook, just as if you were chaining normally, and pull it through both loops. This will leave you with one loop on the hook and you'll be ready to start your next "row". | Put the yarn on your finger. Wrap the string around your finger. Pull on the X "arm". Slide the yarn through to form another loop. Adjust your loop. Hold the hook up in front of you. Pull the yarn up and over the hook. Catch the yarn with the hook. Pull the yarn through the loop. Repeat until you have as many chains as you want. Tie off your chain. Change direction to start a new row. Join the ends to form a circle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Jock-Itch | How to Cure Jock Itch | In most cases, jock itch will clear up on its own after 2 to 3 weeks. If you want to speed up the process, you can use an over-the-counter antifungal ointment designed to treat the condition. Apply the ointment as directed on the package for 1 to 2 weeks to see if your rash clears up. Since jock itch is made worse by sweating and friction, wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid exercise while you're treating the rash. To keep the area dry, cover the rash with talcum powder 2-3 times a day. If your jock itch doesn't go away after a few weeks, contact your doctor. If you have athlete's foot at the same time as your jock itch, you'll want to treat both rashes. Jock itch and athlete's foot can be caused by the same bacteria, and if you don't treat the athlete's foot at the same time, the jock itch might come back. You can use an over-the-counter ointment designed for athlete's foot to help clear up the rash. | Use an anti-fungal cream for a mild infection. Your best options include Lamisil, Lotrimin Ultra, and/or Naftin. These are more expensive, but they will get rid of jock itch faster. Prefer Lotrimin Ultra which contains Butenafine Hydrochloride over regular Lotrimin AF which just contains clotrimazole. Studies have shown Butenafine can be faster and more effective than clotrimazole. Furthermore, generic clotrimazole can be purchased for as low as a dollar a tube whereas regular Lotrimin AF (containing clotrimazole) can retail for up to 10 times that amount. Try asking your doctor for a prescription anti-fungal cream. This may make the cost of the medication a little less expensive. You can also purchase cheaper creams containing clotrimazole or miconazole. These will take a little longer to work, but they will effectively wipe out jock itch. Even when the symptoms disappear, you need to apply cream to your groin area for the amount of time specified on the package. Just like you take antibiotics until all of the medicine is gone, you need to follow the full treatment regimen using your cream. Treat athlete's foot at the same time if you have it. Doing this will decrease the risk for recurrence. Keep your skin clean and dry. Make sure to dry yourself thoroughly after a shower because fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. When you can, either go without underwear or go naked to expose the affected area to air. When that's not feasible, at least wear boxers instead of briefs. Avoid wearing any clothing that rubs or irritates your crotch. Avoid tight underwear and tight pants of any kind. Refrain from scratching. Scratching will irritate the rash and could break your skin, creating the potential for infection. Trim your nails if you can't stop scratching. Wear gloves when you're trying to go to sleep at night. Take a cool bath for relief. Sprinkle the water with uncooked oatmeal, baking soda or a substance called colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno is a good brand) that is made specifically for the bath. Just dry your crotch thoroughly when you get out of the tub. Use Bond medicated powder. This powder has a soothing effect and it can help to provide some relief as well. It also contains a baking powder component, which will help to dry up the moisture. You can purchase Bond powder over the counter and it is inexpensive. Talk to your doctor. It is important to talk to your doctor if the scaly redness doesn't go away within a couple of weeks, if it starts getting worse, or if you notice that it's turned yellow and oozes. Your doctor can offer you a couple of options: Prescription creams: Doctors can prescribe prescription strength anti-fungals including econazole and oxiconazole. Antibiotics: If your jock itch has become infected, doctors can prescribe an antibiotic to help clear up the infection. Oral anti-fungal medications: Sporanox, Diflucan or Lamisil are all medications that your doctor may prescribe for you. These prescriptions may be given for one month to one year. You may experience gastrointestinal problems or abnormal liver function. If you're taking antacids or warfarin, you probably shouldn't take these medications. Another option, Grifulvin V, takes longer to work but seems good for people who are allergic to other anti-fungals or who have conditions that makes taking other medications a bad idea. Shower daily. Don't wait long to shower after you've been perspiring heavily or exercising. Use mild soap and water, and avoid anti-bacterial and deodorant soaps. Keep your groin clean and dry at all times. If you find you're susceptible to jock itch, then cover your groin or athletic cup with anti-fungal or drying powders after you take a bath or shower. Avoid clothing or underwear that irritates the area. Choose loose-fitting clothes with smooth fabrics. Wear boxers instead of briefs. Wash your underwear and athletic supporter frequently. Also, never share your towels or any of your clothing with other people, especially during the active stage of the infection. Jock itch can spread by contact with unwashed clothing or athletic cups. Do not dry your body with the same towel that you use to dry the affected area because this can also cause the infection to spread. Put on your socks before you put on your underwear. If you have athlete's foot, then make sure to cover your feet up with your socks before your feet come into contact with any of your other clothing. Doing this keeps the fungus from spreading to your groin from your feet. Take off wet swimsuits quickly. Make sure to wash the swimsuit. Do not simply hang it out to dry. Change into something dry right away as well. Avoid carrying wet or sweaty clothing in your gym bag. Also, don't keep damp clothing in your locker. Instead, wash your gym clothes after each use. | Use an anti-fungal cream for a mild infection. Keep your skin clean and dry. Avoid wearing any clothing that rubs or irritates your crotch. Refrain from scratching. Use Bond medicated powder. Talk to your doctor. Shower daily. Keep your groin clean and dry at all times. Avoid clothing or underwear that irritates the area. Wash your underwear and athletic supporter frequently. Put on your socks before you put on your underwear. Take off wet swimsuits quickly. Avoid carrying wet or sweaty clothing in your gym bag. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Avian-Pox-in-Finches | How to Treat Avian Pox in Finches | To treat avian pox in finches, place the sick bird in a separate cage so it can't infect the others. Then, make an appointment with your vet so they can take a swab tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis. If your finch has skin lesions or infected lungs, your vet will give you an antibiotic or anti-fungal to treat the infection. After the appointment, tube feed your finch if it's refusing to eat, since it will need the strength to fight off the infection. | Quarantine your sick finch. As soon as you suspect that one of your finches may be sick with the avian pox, it needs to be removed from all other finches (and other pet birds) immediately. Place the sick bird in a separate cage, in a separate room of your house or apartment. Once the finch is quarantined, use separate equipment to handle, feed, and water the finch. The avian pox virus is highly communicable, and a single infected finch can unknowingly pass the disease on to an entire cage of birds. Be sure to disinfect the bird's cage and any surfaces or food bowls it may have come in contact with. Take the sick finch to a veterinarian. Once you have quarantined your infected finch, call your veterinarian as soon as possible. To diagnose your finch, the veterinarian will need to collect a swabbed tissue sample, likely from a sore (if your finch displays any). Before you bring the finch inside, ask if you can take it into a private room as to avoid potentially infecting any other birds in the clinic. Treat any secondary infections with antibiotics or antifungals. If your finch displays skin lesions, lung infections, or sores around its eyes, treat these infections with an appropriate antibiotic. Some skin conditions will be healed by an antifungal. Speak to your veterinarian to see which treatments will be most effective for your finch. Secondary infections often lead to infected birds' deaths. If you can control these secondary infections, you'll increase the finch's likelihood of survival. Tube feed sick finches who refuse to eat. As the pox infection progresses, infected finches may stop eating altogether. To keep the bird in as good of health as possible and strengthen its ability to fight off the pox virus, you can feed the bird via tube. You may need to take your finch to a veterinary office or hospital to feed the bird via tube. Do not allow the sick finch to come into contact with any other birds. Keeping your bird fed is very important. Refusing to eat is a sign that the bird is deteriorating and getting sicker. Watch for breathing problems. In finches, breathing problems are a common first indication of avian pox infection. Breathing problems include strained or labored breathing, breathing with the beak open, or fast and frantic breathing. If one or more of your finches shows any of these breathing problems, keep a close watch to see if it develops other symptoms of avian pox. Look for signs of pneumonia. As an infected finch's avian pox symptoms worsen, it may contract pneumonia. Symptoms will include further respiratory problems. Once a finch displays signs of pneumonia, it will likely develop Cyanosis, a condition in which its gums will take on a blue or grayish color due to a lack of oxygen. This can serve as another visual indication of the bird's pneumonia. Watch for other common symptoms. Once a finch has contracted avian pox, it will begin to show symptoms of the illness quickly. Look for signs of illness such as a loss of appetite, lethargy, and ruffled or fluffed feathers. In cases of avian pox, multiple symptoms are likely to begin simultaneously. This is a strong indication that your finch has contracted avian pox. On the other hand, if one of the mentioned symptoms occurs on its own, your finch has likely contracted a different (and likely less serious) medical condition. Anticipate the bird’s possible death. Avian pox is a fast-acting disease, and birds that have been infected commonly die within two or three days. Since there are no cures or medications to counteract the effects of the disease, many birds (including finches) who contract the pox do die. However, if you successfully quarantined the infected bird, then you will have saved the lives of your remaining finches. Prevent your finches from having contact with infected birds. Avian pox is a highly contagious disease, and finches can easily catch it from other birds. If a finch touches an infected bird—especially if the birds bump faces or beaks together—it can catch the pox. Finches may not display symptoms as soon as they become infected. The incubation period for the avian pox in the body of a finch is about 5–10 days. Clean all birdcage surfaces regularly. Finches can catch avian flu from a contaminated surface, as the virus can live outside of the body of finches for some time. Clean any communal, shared surfaces inside of your finch's cage by disinfecting them with a 10% bleach solution. Objects to clean include the birdbath (or shallow dish for the birds to bathe in), feeding dishes, and any toys or perches that the birds use. If you own a pet store or run an aviary, birds can easily catch pox from a communal birdbath or in a shared cage. Vaccinate healthy birds against avian pox. Although no antibiotic exists to stop the pox virus once a finch has been infected, there are various vaccinations to prevent healthy birds from contracting avian pox. These vaccines are species-specific, so you'll need to vaccinate your finches with a finch-specific medication. Ask your veterinarian if they can obtain the necessary vaccine. | Quarantine your sick finch. Take the sick finch to a veterinarian. Treat any secondary infections with antibiotics or antifungals. Tube feed sick finches who refuse to eat. Watch for breathing problems. Look for signs of pneumonia. Watch for other common symptoms. Anticipate the bird’s possible death. Prevent your finches from having contact with infected birds. Clean all birdcage surfaces regularly. Vaccinate healthy birds against avian pox. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Up-a-Freshwater-Aquarium | How to Set Up a Freshwater Aquarium | To set up a freshwater aquarium, choose a tank, aquarium stand, and filtration system based on the number and size of fish you want. Once you have your equipment, fill the bottom of the tank with gravel and add plants and decorations before filling the tank with water and installing the filter. Then, place a heater in your tank to keep the water between 70-77 degrees Fahrenheit and add a water dechlorinator to get rid of harmful chemicals. Make sure to cycle your tank for a few weeks before introducing fish. | Choose a fish tank. A little forethought can go a long way towards keeping your fish healthy and your aquarium fun to maintain. Do a little research on what kind of fish you want, (described in further detail later in this article) and then select a tank that will accommodate them. The tank you choose needs to be large enough to hold enough water for the type and number of fish you plan to have. Different fish need different amounts of room and produce different amounts of waste. In general, the larger the fish are, the more waste they make and the more water is needed. Keep in mind that live plants and other decorations will also take up space. There exist various calculators to help you decide what fish are safe to keep based on tank size, compatibility, and needs. The one-inch per gallon rule you may have heard is a rule of thumb that scales quite poorly to smaller or larger tanks. You would never keep two five-inch fish in a 10 gallon (37.9 L) aquarium! A 55 gallon (208.2 L) tank is a standard size that will allow you to have a variety of fish. As a beginner, you probably don't want to go larger than this just yet. You could also go with a 20 or 25 gallon (75.7 or 94.6 L) tank for a starter tank and keep just a few hardy fish (Mollies, guppies, platys, tetra, small cory cats and no cichlids) to see if you like the hobby. It is not recommended to start out with anything less than 10 gallons (37.9 L) - meaning no "Desktop" aquariums or the small, single Betta holders. As tempting as it is, it is actually harder to maintain good water quality in a small tank. Get an aquarium stand. Aquariums that hold 20 gallons (75.7 L) or more will need a stand no matter what. The only exception is if they are on a heavy, well-anchored counter. Buy one that is designed for the dimensions and shape of your tank. Don't underestimate the weight of a full fish tank! Make sure the stand is either rated for the size of your tank or that it has been custom built to be very sturdy. It is vital to the integrity of the tank it will hold that it be sturdy enough to hold the tank's weight. In addition, it is not safe to have an edge of the tank sticking out over the side. Furniture like dressers, TV stands, end tables/buffets, or flimsy wooden desks aren't strong enough. Look for complete tank kits at those big box pet stores. Used setups from websites like Craigslist are often available for great prices, but be sure to check for leaks and clean very well before use. If you don't buy a complete setup, make sure the equipment you choose is rated for the size of your tank. Decide where to put the aquarium and stand. Choosing the right spot is important for the health of your fish. You'll want to put it in a place where the temperature remains pretty consistent and the amount of light doesn't get overpowering. Allow at least 5 inches (12.7 cm) between the wall and the aquarium to make room for the filter. Some things to keep in mind when choosing location for your tank: Too much sunlight will cause excessive algae growth and a maintenance nightmare. An interior wall, away from bright light, is best. Try to stay away from putting the tank under a vent - dust will blow out and drop into the fish tank. It will also be harder to maintain a consistent water temperature, something that is important for all fish but vital for some. It is also important to consider the ability of the floor to support the weight of the fully loaded aquarium. Make sure that there is adequate structural support under the floor. If necessary find your home's blueprints and look for crossbeams. Choose a location near an outlet, and keep in mind how far you will have to haul water for weekly tank maintenance! No cords should be straining to get to the outlet either. In fact, it's a good idea all around to get a surge protector power strip (which you'll love when the power snaps back on after an outage) and go from there. Set up your tank stand ideally on a wooden floor, not a rug or carpet. Decide which filtration system you would like to use. The most common and easiest are either under-gravel filters or power filters (recommended for first-time owners over under-gravel filters) that hang on the back of the tank. Don't get caught up in technology. Penguin and Whisper power filters provide both mechanical and biological filtration and are easy to clean and use. Only use Top Fin if you know your way around filters (get a Whisper if you get the excellent Top Fin starter kit). If you choose an under-gravel filter, make sure that the air pump or powerhead you buy with it is strong enough for the size of the tank. In this case, bigger is better. Note that if you don't regularly vacuum the gravel it will eventually clog the under-gravel filter and turn it into a killing zone. Keep in mind that you can't use an under-gravel filter if you plan on having sand or other fine substrates. If you decide to go with a power filter, select one that will circulate enough water for the size of your tank. (Ideally, it should filter your water 5 or more times per hour [gph], depending on your tank capacity. For example, a 10-gallon tank would need a filter that circulates at least 50 gph.) Install the filter. The installation methods vary by the filter. Figure out which one works with the equipment you have: For under-gravel filters put the filter plate in, and make sure the lift tubes are fitted. (If you have a submersible powerhead, you only need one; with a traditional air pump, two are best for most tanks under 40 gals, one at each end.) Do not turn it on until the tank is filled completely with water. Attach your pump airlines or powerhead into the appropriate lift tube(s) now, if you've got an under-gravel filter. Don't turn it on. If you've chosen an external power filter, set it up on the back of the tank in a position where the outflow will evenly distribute the water. Some tank hoods come with pre-perforated cut-outs which make it easier to position your equipment. Do not turn it on until the tank is filled completely with water. Fill the bottom with gravel. Having about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of gravel on the bottom is essential to a healthy aquarium and helps fish keep their orientation in the water. Cheap gravel (lots of color choices) can be purchased from pet stores dealing in aquarium products. Sand is optimal for fish and invertebrates that like to burrow but it needs to be stirred on a regular basis to prevent dead spots that can wreak havoc on your tank or ruin a filter. Beginners are better off using gravel. If you are interested in a planted tank, make sure to get an appropriate substrate. Good ones include Amazonia and Azoo substrates. Rinse the substrate in clean water before adding it to the aquarium. The less dust in the water, the faster it'll clear when the filter is started up. This step is especially crucial if you're using sand instead of gravel but remains important for all setups. Wash gravel through and through. Make sure to use no soap - it is very harmful to fish and will kill them. Slope the substrate slightly upward toward the back of the aquarium. If you have an under-gravel filter spread the rinsed gravel in an even layer across the surface of the filter. (Pour in a bit at a time - to allow it to settle the way you want but also because it will scratch the tank walls if you pour it in too fast). Put a plate on top of the substrate so it doesn't disperse when you add water. Set up chosen plants and decorations. Make sure you arrange them how you like at this point because once the water and fish are in the tank, you'll want to have as little stress as possible––and that means no hands in the tank. Plants are functional decorations; it is difficult to make a mechanical filter control a plankton bloom, but live plants make it easy. For some fish, plants actually help them stay healthy. However, live plants get gobbled up quickly by some types of hobby fish such as goldfish. Aside from plants, you can add driftwood or other decorations specifically designed for freshwater aquariums. Don't put random objects in the tank. If you use live plants, you'll need to monitor the CO2 level in the tank. Aim to keep the CO2 level around 20-25 mg per liter so your live plants thrive. Choose the plants you need according to what type of fish you're getting. Submerge the roots in the gravel, but not the stems or leaves. Certain plants need to be fastened to something, so get some fishing line (will not hurt the plant or fish) and tie the plant to a decoration or an appropriately cleaned piece of driftwood or rock. Look for leaks. Fill the tank with about two inches of water, then wait for a half an hour. If there are any leaks, it's better they show up now, rather than when you have filled the entire thing. If you don't see leaks, fill up the tank about 1/3 full. Do this somewhere where you won't mind water if it does leak. Have sealant on hand so that you can dry the tank and start fixing it. Fill the tank the rest of the way. Once you are sure that all the decorations are just the way you want, fill the tank up to just under the rim of the tank, leaving a gap of 1 inch (2.5 cm). Start the filter. Fill the reservoir of the filter with water, and plug it in! Water should smoothly (and quietly) circulate after a couple of minutes. Plug in the powerhead/pump if you have an under-gravel filter. Water should start moving vertically in the lift tube(s). Wait for an hour or two and check that the temperature is still in the safe range, that there are no leaks, and that the water is circulating properly. Install your heater on the inside of the tank. It will attach with suction cups. Try to position it near or at the mouth of the filter expelling water. This way the water will be evenly heated. Most of the thermostats on new heaters now come pre-set at an acceptable temperature range of 70-77 degrees Fahrenheit (21-25 degrees Celsius). Plug in the heater and install your thermometer. Do not turn it on until the tank is filled completely with water. The fully-submersible heaters are the easiest to use. Look for one with an adjustable thermostat, since different fish prefer different temperatures. A good rule of thumb is 3-5 watts of heat per gallon of water. Most fish like it between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Basically, keep it between 78-82 degrees F. or 28-32 degrees C in a community tank. Some lights (sometimes included in starter kits) put out so much heat that the water temperature will be drastically altered. When it is turned off, the temp. falls drastically as well. Not good for fish. If this happens, simply go to the hardware store and get the kind that doesn't give off such extreme heat. Remember to turn on the heater only after water is added to the tank. Give the heater time to adjust the temperature before cycling the tank. Add water dechlorinator. Tap water contains chlorine and other chemicals that will kill fish, so it's necessary to add a neutralizer unless you use distilled water off the bat. Add the dechlorinator according to the instructions on the bottle. This is also the time to add a starting dose of SafeStart or another bacterial catalyst which will speed up the growth of good bacteria. Make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle closely. The activated carbon of your filter may need to be removed while the chemical circulates, otherwise, the filter may remove it before it has a chance to detoxify the water. Cycle your tank, preferably for at least a few weeks. For instructions on the fishless cycle (the most humane way to grow the beneficial bacteria all tanks need) see Do a Fishless Cycle. The cycle must be completed before you add any fish to the tank, or they will die. During the cycle, you need to monitor the water parameters (pH, High pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate). When the numbers for Am., Nitrite, and then Nitrate spike and lower to 0, you have completed your initial Nitrogen Cycle and are in the clear to add fish. (To help move Ammonia and Nitrites along, you may have to use Ammonia Remover. The only way to reduce the Nitrates is to do water changes and physically remove the bad chemicals). Remember to continue doing water tests, especially with a new tank. You may need to do daily 15% water changes to keep your fish tank clean, depending on the nitrate levels. Adding live plants will reduce the number of nitrates as well. Choose fish. Discuss what type of freshwater, tropical fish you want to have with the salesperson.They should give you tips on which types can and can't get along, and so forth. Look for a locally-owned fish store in the area, since they tend to provide the most accurate information and high-quality fish. Quality pet stores usually have compatibility charts for freshwater and saltwater fish. Although you may see two types of fish you really like, they may not be compatible. The result of bringing them both home would be harassed colorless fish (they lose color when stressed), and eventually the fish that is not the alpha bully will simply die. Why spend the money, right? Often, fish stores will have stickers that indicate whether the fish are "community" fish (highly recommended as they get along with other community fish), "semi-aggressive" or "aggressive". You may mix community fish together, but not a community with semi-aggressive. If this is your first tank, do not get fish that are only recommended for intermediate or experienced aquarium owners. Like owning a dog, there is a reason they are not for beginners. Be aware of the size of the adult fish (not the baby you're getting) and do not get a fish you won't be able to handle down the line. The same goes for freshwater sharks, crabs (who, by the way, try to escape all the time), Cichlids, and animals that bury themselves. It's not fair to the fish. Guppies, platies, swordtails, or mollies are good starter fish. But it all depends on your tank size. If your tank size is 5–10 gallons (18.9–37.9 L), you might get 3-4 African dwarf frogs, or a betta, or possibly a betta and some shrimp. Do lots of research before adding any fish to your tank.Do not only use the 1 inch (2.5 cm) of fish per gallon rule. Don't buy all of your fish at once. Know all the fish you hope to eventually have in your fish tank and buy two of the smallest (this goes for all types except for schooling fish, which should be bought in groups of 4 (ideally 6+). You can introduce a new group of fish every 2 weeks. Add the largest fish last. Transport the fish home safely. The salesperson will have filled a plastic clear bag with water, then fish, then blow it up with oxygen. When you get to the car, rest the bag in a place where it won't roll around or have something fall on it. Go straight home. The fish can only survive on the water and oxygen they've been given for maybe 2 1/2 hours. For trips longer than that, different packing procedures should be taken. After the pet store worker catches your fish, bring the fish home and set the bag in your tank. Let it sit there for about 20 or 30 minutes. Then open the bag and let some of the water from the tank in. Be sure to not let any water from the bag into the tank! Let it sit for another 20 or 30 minutes. Gently net the fish out and pour all the pet store's water in the sink. Or pour the fish into the net over a bucket and then release into tank. Discard store water. The reason you do not want to add pet store water into your tank is that the store water may contain unwanted contaminants like parasites, fungus, or freshwater snails. Pet stores that cycle their fish rapidly often treat their water regularly for diseases, but in a home tank you will not have the same tools available and an infection or infestation can wreak havoc on your tank's ecosystem. Introduce the fish to your aquarium. Start with two or three fish the first ten days, then get two or three more, wait another ten days, etc. If you put too many fish at once into a new tank, the water will not be able to adequately cycle, and will quickly turn toxic. Patience is the key for the first six to eight weeks. That said, a big mistake people make is to buy schooling fish but only get 1 or 2 of them. This is stressful and cruel for the fish. A school means that a group of 5 is the minimum. A great book for stocking suggestions is "The simple guide to freshwater aquariums by David E Boruchowitz". | Choose a fish tank. Get an aquarium stand. Decide where to put the aquarium and stand. Decide which filtration system you would like to use. Install the filter. Fill the bottom with gravel. Set up chosen plants and decorations. Look for leaks. Fill the tank the rest of the way. Start the filter. Install your heater on the inside of the tank. Add water dechlorinator. Cycle your tank, preferably for at least a few weeks. Choose fish. Don't buy all of your fish at once. Transport the fish home safely. After the pet store worker catches your fish, bring the fish home and set the bag in your tank. Introduce the fish to your aquarium. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chocolate-Milk | How to Make Chocolate Milk | To make chocolate milk, pour a cup of milk into a tall glass, then stir in 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup. If you're using cocoa powder, mix together cocoa powder, sugar, and salt, then add a little hot water to dissolve the powder. Top the mixture with cold milk. If you like, you can add in a splash of vanilla or another extract, or you can even top the chocolate milk with a pinch of ground cinnamon to give it a kick. | Pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of cold milk into a tall glass. You can use any type of milk you want, but whole milk will taste the best. If you are vegan or allergic to dairy, try almond, coconut, or soy milk instead. Stir in 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of chocolate syrup. You can use any type of chocolate syrup you want. The kind that you use to make hot chocolate would be the best. You can also use the kind that you pour on top of ice cream. Stir the chocolate in with a fork or spoon. Make sure that there's no chocolate left clumped at the bottom. Use a blender if you want to create a foamy chocolate milk. Add some extra flavors, if desired. Give your chocolate milk a taste. Does it need more sugar? If so, add in a little bit of sugar. You can also use ¼ teaspoon of your favorite extract, such as almond or vanilla for extra flavor. If the chocolate milk is too sweet, add in a tiny pinch of salt. Stir the chocolate milk again. For an extra kick, add in a pinch of ground cinnamon. Serve the chocolate milk. You can serve it as is, or make it even fancier by adding in a straw and some ice cubes. You could even garnish it with some whipped cream. Combine the dry ingredients in a tall glass. Get out a glass that's large enough to hold at least 2 cups (475 milliliters) of liquid. Pour in the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Stir everything together with a fork. Add in the hot water. Heat up some water in a kettle, on the stove, or in the microwave. Measure out 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) and pour it into the glass. You can also use hot water from the tap. It would be best if it's filtered. Stir the mixture until a paste forms. You can do this with a mini whisk or with a fork. Keep stirring until the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt dissolve. You will get something that looks like melted chocolate. Pour in 2 cups (475 milliliters) of cold milk. Give the chocolate milk a stir to make sure that everything mixes together. If you want to give your chocolate milk extra flavor, add in ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Serve the chocolate milk. Pop in a straw and some ice cubes, if desired. Enjoy the chocolate milk while it is still ice-cold. If this is too much for you, divide the chocolate milk between two glasses and share it with a friend! Combine the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. You can do this in a blender or food processor. You can also put everything into a jar, close the lid, and shake it. Store the chocolate powder in a sealed container. You can store the powder in a glass jar, or in a plastic box with a tight-fitting lid. This is your chocolate powder. It will last you several servings! Combine some of the chocolate powder with a little bit of warm water. When you are ready to make some chocolate milk, measure out 1 to 2 tablespoons (7.5 to 15 grams) of your chocolate powder, and put it into a glass. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of warm water to help dissolve the powder. Fill the rest of the glass with milk. Once the powder has dissolved, pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk into the glass. Give it a stir, then drink the chocolate milk. Add some ice cubes to make it nice and cold. Store the rest of the chocolate milk powder for later. Serve the chocolate milk. Enjoy it while it is still cold. To make it even more refreshing, add in some ice cubes. Combine the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a saucepan. Pour the sugar into a small saucepan. Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and a dash of salt. Stir everything together with a whisk. This recipe will make lots of chocolate syrup, which you can add to plain milk. Stir in the water. Don't worry if the mixture looks too watery and not syrupy. The next step will help thicken it up! Heat the syrup. Bring the syrup to a boil over medium-high to high heat, stirring from time to time. Once the syrup starts to boil, reduce it to a simmer over low heat. Cook the syrup for 1 minute. You may notice that it is starting to thicken. Stir in the vanilla extract. This is not completely necessary, but it will help give the chocolate milk more flavor. Allow the syrup to cool before storing it in the fridge. This can take some time. If you are in a hurry, you can chill it in front of a fan or using an ice bath. Once it has cooled, pour it into a clean jar or bottle. Screw the cap on, then store the syrup in the refrigerator. Don't put the hot syrup in the fridge. It can change the interior temperature and spoil the surrounding food. Use the syrup to make chocolate milk. When you want to have some chocolate milk, pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk into a glass. Add 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of your homemade chocolate syrup, and stir well. Add some ice, if desired. If you want hot chocolate, make the chocolate milk in a mug, then heat it in the microwave. If you want a chocolate milkshake, combine 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk, ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of the chocolate syrup, and 2 cups (288 grams) of vanilla ice cream in a blender. | Pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of cold milk into a tall glass. Stir in 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of chocolate syrup. Add some extra flavors, if desired. Serve the chocolate milk. Combine the dry ingredients in a tall glass. Add in the hot water. Stir the mixture until a paste forms. Pour in 2 cups (475 milliliters) of cold milk. Serve the chocolate milk. Combine the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Store the chocolate powder in a sealed container. Combine some of the chocolate powder with a little bit of warm water. Fill the rest of the glass with milk. Serve the chocolate milk. Combine the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a saucepan. Stir in the water. Heat the syrup. Stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the syrup to cool before storing it in the fridge. Use the syrup to make chocolate milk. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Bamboo | How to Get Rid of Bamboo | To remove bamboo, start by slicing through the underground rhizomes around the perimeter of the bamboo planting using the tip of a heavy shovel. Next, use a lawnmower or chainsaw to cut back the part of the plants that grows above the ground. Once the tops are trimmed down, use the shovel to dig the rhizomes out of the ground and discard them, working from the edge of the bamboo grove inward. If you missed some rhizomes and the plants start to grow back, repeat the process until the bamboo is completely gone. | Separate the bamboo you wish to kill. Bamboo culms, or stalks, are connected underground by rhizomes that grow quickly and close to the surface of the ground. By cutting through the rhizomes, you can separate and contain bamboo. The easiest method for cutting through rhizomes is to slice them using the tip of a heavy shovel. If you want to get rid of an entire grove of bamboo, you'll want to work from the outer edges inward. Separate the outer ring of bamboo first so that the bamboo gets contained in one area. Depending on how large a grove you're working with, this may take weeks, months or even years. This technique is also effective if you want to preserve a section of bamboo. Cut through the rhizomes that connect sections of bamboo so that they will no longer spread and continue growing together. Continue with the process of killing one section while allowing the other to live. You'll need to periodically cut back the remaining section to keep it from "running" underground and spreading to other areas. Mow down the culms. Now that the rhizomes are cut, shear back the culms as close to the ground as possible. For thin stalks, you may be able to use a lawnmower or a lopper. For larger ones, you might have to break out a chainsaw. If you keep the area maintained over time, the bamboo won't have the chance to get quite so large again. You can cut the culms at any time of year, but doing it in the spring when you see new growth is a good time to get rid of bamboo. The bamboo is using its energy stores, and you'll be able to get rid of more of it more quickly than if you attempt to get rid of it while it's dormant. Dig out the rhizomes. Use a shovel to dig out the rhizomes and discard them. It's best to dig out the rhizomes the same day you cut down the culms; bamboo grows so quickly that waiting even a day or two will mean having new culms to cut down before you can get to work on the rhizomes. If the grove is too big to mow and dig all in one day, remember to work from the outer edges inward, gradually containing the grove as you work to get rid of it. Keep mowing and digging until you don't see more shoots. You'll certainly miss some rhizomes the first few times around, so you'll need to use the same method several more times before the bamboo is completely gone. If you're working in the spring, the growth cycle will happen quickly, and you'll be able to get rid of a substantial amount of bamboo in a few days' time. During other times of year you may need to check the area for new growth every few weeks. Use a root barrier. If your neighbor's bamboo continually creeps into your yard, you can keep it contained by installing a root barrier in the affected area. Rolls of plastic root barrier are available in home and garden stores. Metal and concrete barriers are also effective. You can dig a trench that will act as a barrier if you'd prefer not to use a non-porous material in your yard. Installing a pond or stream will also effectively block bamboo roots. Consider using herbicides. Applying an herbicide to the leaves of bamboo shoots may help to prevent new growth from occurring. However, this doesn't always work as well as removing culms and rhizomes by hand. It might be tricky to find a chemical that works for the particular species of bamboo you're dealing with. Even if you do find one that works, you could end up killing other plants or wrecking your neighbor's treasured bamboo grove in the process. If you want to try an herbicide, use a glyphosate herbicide or a selective-grass herbicide directly on new bamboo growth each time it appears. A selective-grass herbicide is not as effective as the glyphosate type in controlling bamboo, but it may be used in flower beds or around ornamental shrubs. In order for the herbicide to be effective, it's important that you spray any new shoots as soon as they appear. Pour boiling water over the roots. Using boiling water to kill bamboo is more natural and environmentally friendly than using an herbicide. Whenever you see new shoots growing in, boil water and dump it over the roots and shoots of the plant. Buy a clumping bamboo species. Not all bamboo species "run" all over the yard; some actually stay contained when you plant them. Ask an expert at your local nursery to help you choose a species that won't take over your property. Plant bamboo in a container. This is a simple way to enjoy bamboo while making sure it doesn't get out of control. Most bamboo species do well in large containers that may be placed on your porch or in your yard. | Separate the bamboo you wish to kill. Mow down the culms. Dig out the rhizomes. Keep mowing and digging until you don't see more shoots. Use a root barrier. Consider using herbicides. Pour boiling water over the roots. Buy a clumping bamboo species. Plant bamboo in a container. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-a-Male-Robin-from-a-Female-Robin | How to Tell a Male Robin from a Female Robin | To tell a male American robin from a female, look at the color of the feathers on the bird's chest. If they're a deep, rusty red color, it's likely a male robin, and if they're a light, reddish-orange color, it's probably a female. You can also look at the color of the bird's tail feathers, which tend to be darker and more black on male robins. If you notice the bird building a nest, it's most likely a female robin since males don't usually help with the nest. | Study the robin’s plumage. The breast on male robins is a rusty red, deeper than that of their female counterparts. The female breast will be lighter in color, trending towards reddish-orange. Wing and tail feathers will also be different. Male robins tend to have darker black wings and tail feathers while females typically have a charcoal tone to their plumage. There is less contrast between the head and back feathers in females (where they are typically a blackish gray color) than among males. Discover which bird is building the nest. Nests are built primarily by females. Male robins assist the building effort only occasionally. If you can catch a robin in the act of building its nest, chances are you've identified a female. Observe nesting behavior. Male robins will care for the young at night during their first year. Female robins use this time to incubate the second brood but return during the day to feed and care for the hatchlings. Pay attention to mating behavior. Males pursue females and may engage in fights with other males to ward them off their nesting grounds. Males often sing to attract females, though both males and females are capable of vocalizing. Look for differences in color. Male and female scarlet robins differ in their plumage significantly more than their European or American counterparts. Males are black with prominent bright red breasts and a white patch above the bill (frontal patch). Females, on the other hand, are brown with a rusty reddish-orange breast and white underparts. Pay attention to nest behavior. Females sit on the eggs to incubate them. Males, on the other hand, provide their mates with food. This arrangement ensures the eggs stay warm and safe until they are ready to hatch. Observe how nesting grounds are established. Female scarlet robins build the actual nests with moss, spider webbing, and animal fibers. Males declare a nesting ground off-limits to other birds by vocalizing from a nearby lookout branch. Follow migration patterns. Female robins will move to an adjacent nesting territory during the summer. Male robins, by contrast, remain on the same territory year-round. Pay attention to mating behavior. Male robins bring females food -- seeds, worms, or berries -- in order to strengthen the mating bond. The female will warble noisily and flap her wings to communicate that she desires the male's gift. Observe nesting behavior. After the female has laid eggs, she will remain in the nest for up to two weeks. During this time, the male will bring food to her and her young. If you see two robins in a nest with hatchlings and one flies away to obtain food, the one left in the nest is likely the female. Examine the robin's breast. It is very difficult to distinguish between male and female robins using plumage. However, there are some subtle differences in the breasts of older robins. In male robins in their second year of life, the gray fringe around the red breast, continues to widen. The breast itself tends to be larger than that of females. While the fringe around the breast of the female robins does not widen significantly as they age, the female's red breast itself does continue to grow with age. Knowing the robin's age is important when utilizing breast characteristics to determine the sex of European robins. | Study the robin’s plumage. Discover which bird is building the nest. Observe nesting behavior. Pay attention to mating behavior. Look for differences in color. Pay attention to nest behavior. Observe how nesting grounds are established. Follow migration patterns. Pay attention to mating behavior. Observe nesting behavior. Examine the robin's breast. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Your-Total-Daily-Calorie-Needs | How to Calculate Your Total Daily Calorie Needs | To calculate your total calorie needs, start by determining your basal metabolic rate by inputting your height, weight, gender, and age into an online calculator. Then, use the Harris Benedict equation, which multiplies your basal rate by your specific energy level. For example, if you're relatively sedentary, you'll multiply your basal rate by 1.375, but if you're active, you'll multiply it by 1.725. | Use an online calculator. You can calculate your total calorie needs with the number of available online calculators. These may be easier to use and less complicated than doing the required mathematical equations yourself. You can find a variety of calculators from weight loss and wellness clinics and some medical associations' websites. Make sure you're choosing a reliable website and do not use calculators from blogs or other personal sites. Most of these calculators operate in the same way. You'll input your height, weight, gender, age and activity level. Have this information handy when you calculate your needs. Determine your basal metabolic rate or BMR by equations. Your BMR is the amount of calories your body requires just to perform daily, life sustaining functions. It's the rate of your metabolism or the amount of calories your body burns at rest. Your body needs a set number of calories just to stay alive and function normally. Anything from keeping your heart beating, breathing or digesting food requires energy in the form of calories. It accounts for the largest amount of total calories burned each day. The BMR equation for the average American woman is: (4.7 x your height in inches) + (4.35 x your weight in pounds) - (4.7 x your age in years). Add 655 to this total for the BMR.. The BMR equation for the average American man is: (12.7 x your height in inches) + (6.23 x your weight in pounds) - (6.8 x your age in years). Add 66 to the total for the BMR. You will use your BMR in the Harris Benedict equation to find out how many calories you burn with activity included. Calculate your total energy expenditure using the Harris Benedict Equation. The Harris Benedict Equation can help you calculate an estimate of how many calories you burn each day by multiplying your BMR by your average activity level. Multiply your BMR by your activity level. This will give you a fairly accurate number for your daily total caloric intake. If you're sedentary (little to no exercise) multiply your BMR by 1.2. If you are lightly active (exercising about 1-to-3 days each week), multiply your BMR by 1.375. If you are moderately active (exercising moderately and/or play sports 3-to-5 days) multiply your BMR by 1.55. If you are very active (people who engage in strenuous sports or hard exercise 6-to-7 days a week) multiply your BMR by 1.725. If you are extra active (people who engage in very physically challenging jobs or exercise, such as 2-a-day workouts) multiply your BMR by 1.9. Consider body fat percentage. More muscular bodies or people that have low body fat and high levels of lean muscle may need more daily calories than more average people. If you're an athlete or naturally have a lower body fat percentage, you may need more calories than predicted by online calculators or mathematical equations. Lean muscle mass burns more calories than fat mass. Eating a small amount more may help you reach a more appropriate calorie goal. Also note that overweight or obese people may overestimate daily calories with the Harris Benedict formula. Make an appointment with a registered dietitian. These nutrition experts will be able to give you more specific recommendations about your calorie needs. They will also be able to tell you how to use your daily calorie needs to help manage your health. It is especially important to meet with a dietitian if you have any health conditions or medical issues that need to be taken into account. You may need to look up local dietitians online or ask your primary care physician for a referral to a local dietitian. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a "Find an Expert" feature on their website to help you search. Many dietitians have different focus areas. If you're interested in a specific topic - like weight loss, eating for athletic performance or managing chronic health conditions - look for dietitians that focus in that specialty. Use your total calorie needs to lose weight. Many people want to figure out how many calories they burn each day to help them lose weight. Adjust your recommended intake to help support your goal. If you want to lose weight, it's typically recommended to cut out about 500 calories daily to result in safe weight loss (losing 1-2 pounds weekly). Cutting out more calories is typically not recommended. If you don't eat enough your weight loss may slow and you're at a higher risk for nutrient deficiencies. Add calories to gain weight. If you and your doctor or dietitian decide that you need to gain weight, you can also use your total daily calorie needs to help you gain weight. Health professionals recommended consuming an extra 250-500 calories daily. This will result in about 1/2-1 pound weight gain each week. To maintain your weight, try to keep calories within the range predicted by your calculations. If you notice unwanted weight loss or weight gain, revisit your total caloric intake and adjust as necessary. | Use an online calculator. Determine your basal metabolic rate or BMR by equations. Calculate your total energy expenditure using the Harris Benedict Equation. Consider body fat percentage. Make an appointment with a registered dietitian. Use your total calorie needs to lose weight. Add calories to gain weight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Macaroni-Salad | How to Make Macaroni Salad | To make a classic macaroni salad, start by cooking a pound of macaroni in boiling water for 8 minutes. Then, drain and rinse the pasta with cool water and set it aside. Next, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. After that, add chopped or diced celery, pepper, onion, carrots, and parsley to the pasta and mix everything together. Finally, toss the macaroni and vegetables with the dressing, and serve immediately or keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. | Cook the macaroni pasta in boiling water for 8 minutes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and then add the 16 oz (450 g) of macaroni pasta. Reduce the heat to medium so that the water is at a low boil. Drain and rinse the pasta with cool water. After 8 minutes, pour the pasta into a colander over a sink to drain the pasta. Then, rinse the pasta under cold water. Place the pasta into a large bowl and set it aside. Mix the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Combine 1 cup (240 mL) of mayonnaise, 2 tbsp (30 mL) of white vinegar, ¾ cup (150 g) of sugar, 2 tbsp (30 mL) of mustard, 1 tsp (5 g) of salt, and 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) of ground black pepper in a small bowl. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything together. You can substitute apple cider or red wine vinegar for white vinegar if needed. Add the vegetables and parsley to the bowl with the macaroni. Put the 2 stalks of sliced celery, 1 diced red or green bell pepper, 1 chopped onion, 1 peeled and grated carrot, and 2 tbsp (2 g) of fresh chopped parsley to the bowl. Stir the macaroni, veggies, and parsley together until everything is well combined. You can also customize your veggie mixture however you like! Add a chopped tomato, radish slices, or broccoli flowerets. Pour the dressing over the macaroni and veggies. Use a large spoon to stir everything together. Make sure that all of the veggies and macaroni are coated with the dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate the salad for up to 24 hours. Serve the macaroni salad at either room temperature or chilled. If you are not serving the macaroni salad immediately, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it. Cook the macaroni pasta in a pot of boiling water for 8 minutes. Pour water into a large pot and bring it to a boil. Then, add the 16 oz (450 g) of macaroni pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium so that the water is at a low boil and cook the pasta for 8 minutes. Set a timer so that your pasta does not cook too long! Drain and rinse the pasta with cool water. After 8 minutes, pour the pasta into a colander over your kitchen sink. Wait until all of the water has drained out of the pot and colander. Then, hold the colander under the faucet and rinse the pasta with cold water for about 30 seconds. Let all of the water drain out of the colander and place the pasta into a large bowl. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the macaroni and wait for 15 minutes. Pour 2 tbsp (30 mL) of apple cider vinegar onto the macaroni. Stir to coat the macaroni in the vinegar and let it sit for 15 minutes. Combine the mayonnaise salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add 1 cup (240 mL) of mayonnaise, 1 tsp (5 g) of salt, and ¼ tsp (0.5 g) of freshly ground black pepper to a small bowl. Mix these ingredients with a fork or whisk until they are well combined. Add 1 tbsp (15 mL) of mustard to your dressing for a bolder flavor. Include 1 tsp (5 g) of sugar to sweeten the dressing. Combine the cheese, veggies, and dressing with the macaroni. Add the 16 oz (450 g) of cheddar cheese, 2 stalks of chopped celery, 1 chopped red bell pepper, 4 chopped green onions, and 2 medium chopped tomatoes to the bowl of macaroni. Then, pour the dressing over the ingredients. Stir everything together with a spoon so that the veggies are evenly distributed and everything is coated in the dressing. Cover and refrigerate the macaroni salad until you’re ready to serve it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid. Then, place the bowl of macaroni salad into the refrigerator and chill it for at least 4 hours. The salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. Cook the macaroni in a pot of boiling water for 8 minutes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and then add the 16 oz (450 g) of macaroni pasta. Turn the heat down to medium and cook the pasta for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, remove the pot from the heat. Drain and rinse the pasta. Pour the cooked pasta into a colander over your kitchen sink to drain away the water. Then, rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down. Let this water drain out of the colander and then place the pasta into a large bowl. Combine the tuna and veggies with the macaroni. Open and drain the 2 5 oz (140 g) cans of tuna, then dump these into the bowl with the macaroni. Chop the onion or shallot and cook and drain 1 cup (150 g) of peas. Then, add these into the bowl as well. Try a different veggie combination if desired, such as a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach with 2 chopped tomatoes, or a crown of chopped broccoli flowerets and shredded carrots. Stir the dressing ingredients in with the macaroni, tuna, and veggies. Add 1 cup (240 mL) of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup (120 mL) of relish, 1 tsp (5 g) of salt, and ¼ tsp (0.5 g) of ground black pepper into the bowl with the macaroni, tuna, and veggies. Stir everything together until the macaroni and veggies are coated in the mayonnaise and relish. Opt for sweet or dill relish depending on your preference. Add 1 tbsp (15 mL) of lemon juice for a tangier tuna macaroni salad. Include 1 tsp (2 g) of celery seed for a stronger flavor. Top the salad with 3 hard-boiled, quartered eggs. Peel the hard-boiled eggs, then chop each egg into 4 pieces. Place the eggs on top of your salad and serve! Hard-boil the eggs a few hours ahead of time and put them into your refrigerator to cool before you peel and chop them! Cover and chill the macaroni salad until you are ready to eat it. You can eat the macaroni salad right away if desired, or chill it for a couple of hours first. If you do not plan to eat the salad right away, cover it with plastic or a tight-fitting lid and put the bowl into the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for about 24 hours. | Cook the macaroni pasta in boiling water for 8 minutes. Drain and rinse the pasta with cool water. Mix the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Add the vegetables and parsley to the bowl with the macaroni. Pour the dressing over the macaroni and veggies. Serve immediately or refrigerate the salad for up to 24 hours. Cook the macaroni pasta in a pot of boiling water for 8 minutes. Drain and rinse the pasta with cool water. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the macaroni and wait for 15 minutes. Combine the mayonnaise salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Combine the cheese, veggies, and dressing with the macaroni. Cover and refrigerate the macaroni salad until you’re ready to serve it. Cook the macaroni in a pot of boiling water for 8 minutes. Drain and rinse the pasta. Combine the tuna and veggies with the macaroni. Stir the dressing ingredients in with the macaroni, tuna, and veggies. Top the salad with 3 hard-boiled, quartered eggs. Cover and chill the macaroni salad until you are ready to eat it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plan-a-High-School-Reunion | How to Plan a High School Reunion | To plan a high school reunion, make sure to start a year in advance since there are lots of details to coordinate, such as booking the venues and finding a catering service. Start by contacting your high school's alumni office to see if they can assist in planning reunions or providing contact information for classmates. Next, reach out to designated committee members or recruit a reunion committee of about a dozen people. Then, assign people to work on specific tasks, like hiring a DJ, decorating, and cleaning up. | Begin at least one year in advance. High school reunions involve a lot of coordination. There are venues to reserve, catering to organize, and dates to save. To ensure that you leave yourself enough time to plan a great reunion, begin to organize your committee at least 12 months prior to your reunion date. You do not want to have to rush or slap together a reunion at the last minute. Keep in mind that high school graduates can disperse quite widely. Your committee members might live in other states or even other countries. Some classmates might have changed their names. The earlier you begin assembling your committee, the more time you will have to reach out to the appropriate people. Contact your high school's alumni office. Many high schools have an alumni office. If the alumni office handles reunions, they might be able to assist you with the reunion planning. If they do not typically handle reunions, they might be able to assist you in other ways, such as by providing contact information for your classmates or suggesting local venues. Before making any official decisions, talk to your high school administrators about how other class reunions were handled and about whether there are any class gifts you can use to help fund your reunion. Reach out to designated committee members. Some high schools appoint a reunion committee prior to high school graduation. For example, many high schools ask their Class President or Student Council Members to take on the role of reunion planning. If your high school has already appointed a reunion committee, you will simply have to get in touch with the right people. Write them an email or begin a phone chain to get the ball rolling on your reunion plan. If you have lost touch with other members of your reunion committee, contact an administrator at your old high school. Many high schools maintain an alumni contact list. Recruit a reunion committee. Some high schools do not appoint a reunion committee prior to graduation. And sometimes pre-designated reunion committee members are unable to fulfill their roles. In this case, you will have to formulate your own high school reunion committee. Send an email to your high school class list or use a Facebook group to ask for volunteers who can help with this important task. Remember that the best planning committee members will have the following traits: Planning committee members should be able to devote at least 5-10 hours per month on reunion tasks during the 12 months leading up to the reunion. Members should be able to devote significantly more time during the final 4-6 weeks before the reunion. A planning committee should be diverse and represent students with a variety of interests. You do not want your planning committee to be cliquish or exclusive: a high school reunion is for everyone. A committee should be large enough to allow tasks to be delegated to several members but small enough to be manageable. A committee size of 3-12 members is ideal, depending on high school class size. Having one committee member for every 25 class members is a good rule of thumb. Committee members should be organized people who can multitask effectively. Delegate tasks. A high school reunion involves a lot of moving parts. A single person cannot handle all these roles in addition to their other responsibilities in life. Use task delegation in order to make sure that everybody on the committee is pulling his or her weight. Try to divide tasks fairly evenly. You should try to stick to your designated tasks as much as possible, while remaining flexible in case a task proves to be particularly difficult or time-consuming for your committee member. Your committee will likely need to appoint specific members to handle the following tasks: A committee chair who helps keep committee meetings on track. A secretary who takes and communicates meeting notes and maintains a meeting calendar A communications team that gathers contact information for classmates and sets up a website, Facebook group, and email list to notify classmates of the reunion An events team to scout possible venues and research vendors (caterers, bartenders, DJs, photographers, hotels, etc.) A financial subcommittee who manages the budget and handles registration, ticket sales, and donations A decorating committee who helps set up, decorate, and clean up the reunion space A welcome committee who staffs the reunion event itself, greets attendees, and manages volunteers who help staff the event An activities coordinator who helps plan entertainment surrounding the reunion, such as a class softball game, outing, or other events Create a tentative meeting schedule. One of your committee members should be in charge of setting a meeting schedule to keep everyone on the same page. Decide to meet at predetermined intervals and put them in your calendar right away. Aim to meet twice a month while you are in the early stages of the planning process (2-12 months before the reunion) and once a week in the final two months before the reunion. If your committee members live in other cities or states, use video chats or conference calls to keep one another updated appropriately. Create a tentative timeline. Some tasks are more important than others, and some tasks have to be done before other tasks can be completed. It is therefore important that your committee develops a sensible timeline to allow your reunion planning to run smoothly. Every reunion is different, but the following timeline is a good starting point: 12+ months in advance: organize planning committee, create tentative budget, open a bank account, gather classmate names and contact information, begin to narrow down a reunion date, contact your high school, propose several venue options 6-12 months in advance: finalize event date, finalize budget, book venue and key vendors (caterer, photographer, etc.), promote event to classmates, determine ticket pricing, look for missing classmate contact information 2-6 months in advance: sell tickets and gather RSVPs, continue promoting the event, order any special decorations or souvenirs, gather supplies for the event, recruit volunteers to help assist with the event Final two months: finalize guest list, provide final counts to your vendors, assemble decorations and other supplies (such as nametags), confirm your vendors, email reminders to your guests, finalize a registration procedure, decorate the space, provide specific schedule of the reunion day to your volunteers and guests Set up a master list of class members. You will be gathering a lot of information from a lot of people. It will be important for you to keep everything organized so that your invitations get sent to the correct parties. Create a spreadsheet that you can continue to update as you gather names, addresses, and email addresses. The following categories should be included in your spreadsheet: Current name of the classmate Former name of the classmate (if relevant) Classmate's spouse or domestic partner Classmate's address Classmate's email address Classmate's phone number Classmate's social media contact information Talk to your high school's alumni office. Most high schools maintain a detailed list of their graduates, including name changes and updated contact information. Your first step to developing a thorough invite list is to gather a list of all your class members from your school. This will likely provide the bulk of the names, email addresses, and addresses you will require. Examine your yearbooks. It is possible that your school's alumni office will leave off a few names for members of your class. Compare the list from the alumni office to your old yearbooks. Note any discrepancies between the two lists, and add names from the yearbook to your contact list. Create a Facebook reunion group. Facebook is a great way to keep track of former classmates as they move and change names. Set up a Facebook group early on and invite as many of your former classmates as you can find. Encourage group members to track down their friends and acquaintances from your class. Hopefully word will spread that a reunion is imminent. The Facebook group is a way to assemble an invite list as well as update class members about how the reunion planning is going. Be sure to send the group relevant updates in order to boost excitement. Confirm that you have the correct contact information for everyone on the list. At this point, you might have a spotty contact list for your classmates. You might have the addresses for some classmates and nothing but a Facebook update from others. Fill in the gaps by taking the time to confirm the contact information for all your classmates. Use the information you have to get in direct touch with them: call the classmates whose phone numbers you have, email the classmates whose email addresses you have, send Facebook messages to group members, and send letters to classmates whose physical addresses you have. Ask them to confirm all of their contact information with you. You can also ask them how they prefer to be contacted and note that in your spreadsheet. Create an email listserv once your contact list is complete. After you have filled in your contact list, go ahead and have your communications team put together an email listserv for your high school class. You can use the email list to notify classmates of important reunion updates and to gather information from them as necessary. Hunt for missing classmates. There are usually a few people who are hard to track down after graduation. They might move abroad, change their names, or lose touch with their high school friends. Create a list of these "missing classmates" whom you are unable to contact. Use the Facebook group and email listserv to ask about these missing classmates. Perhaps another classmate might know how to get in touch with them. Use your contact lists to continue promoting the event. Drum up excitement and attendance for the reunion by posting frequently to the email listserv and Facebook group. Let people know when you have settled on a venue, and let them know why they should be excited to attend. Create an "In Memoriam" list as necessary. Unfortunately, sometimes high school classmates pass away over the years. If you find that one of your classmates has passed away, create an "In Memoriam" list. This will allow you and your classmates to pay the proper tribute to them during the event. Perhaps the loved ones of your dead classmates might be willing to provide you with a photograph or other memento you can use to remember them at your reunion. Open a reunion bank account. Reunions can be funded through alumni donations, class gifts, alumni association dues, or ticket sales. No matter how you handle the finances of your reunion, you will want to keep meticulous records. This task will likely fall to your Class Treasurer or reunion committee member who will handle ticket sales. Make sure that any money you collect for the reunion is being spent responsibly and that you stick to your budget. Establish a budget for the reunion. Perhaps you already have funds available from class gifts or alumni association dues. Or perhaps the money from the event will have to come entirely from ticket sales. No matter what, you need to determine a total budget for the event. Make sure that you do not rely on high ticket sales or expensive tickets. You want the event to be manageable for everyone, and expensive tickets can hurt attendance. Make sure you keep room in your budget for: Bartending and catering Event space rental Party supply rental (tables, chairs, cups, a/v equipment, etc.) Decorations Souvenirs (gift bags, special T-shirts, etc.) Other vendors (photographers, clean-up crews, DJs, etc.) Settle on a reunion date. Ideally, a reunion will be on a weekend during the late spring or summer, when people are more able to travel freely. Your reunion could be a full weekend affair with many activities, or it can simply be a gathering on a Friday or Saturday evening. If you like, you can ask your classmates to vote on several possibilities for a reunion date. By using a Doodle poll or Google survey, you can encourage attendance amongst your guests. Book an appropriate venue. A vital part of the planning is considering exactly where you are going to hold the event. Be sure that the venue is appropriate for the size of your gathering, the tone you wish to set, and your budget. The venue should also be a short drive from your old high school to make it easy for classmates to attend. Some excellent venues to consider include: Your old high school gym or auditorium A local hotel ballroom A banquet hall or restaurant A community center A park picnic site Send out invitations 3 months prior to the reunion. Use your contact list to send invitations to all your high school classmates. Be sure that you include their spouses or significant others on the invitations. If your reunion is a daytime, family-friendly event, tell your classmates that they are free to bring their children as well. (An evening event might not be child-appropriate, however.) The invitations can be digital invitations that you send out by email, or they can be paper invitations you send through the mail. No matter what, you will have to include the following information on your invitations: Date and time of the event Who is invited, including whether plus-ones, children, or friends are welcome Location of the event Dress code, if necessary (e.g. whether attendees should dress formally or casually) The cost per person of attending. Will the event be free, or will attendees have to pay a small fee? Be sure you specify how exactly your guest should pay (by check, PayPal, etc.). Activities attendees should prepare for. Will there be quiz games? Sports activities? Dancing? Will dinner be provided? Give your attendees some specific information about what they can expect from the reunion. Other important logistical information. For example, if you are reserving nearby hotel rooms for guests or a transport bus, you should inform your attendees. Instructions on how to RSVP and when they must RSVP by. Should attendees send you an email, fill out a Google poll, or mail in a reply card? Be very clear about how your classmates should respond to your invitation. Book your vendors. The kind of vendors you hire will depend on the type of event you are hosting. Perhaps your event will be a simple drinks-only event, or perhaps it will be a sit-down dinner. No matter what, however, you will need to hire some vendors to take care of important event details. A high school reunion is likely too large an event for you to handle it all yourself. Vendors to consider include: A licensed and insured bartender A licensed and insured caterer A DJ A photographer A bus driver (if your reunion takes place in two or more different places) Set a theme or tone. Do you want your reunion to be formal and dressy? Casual and laid-back? Would you like there to be a theme for your reunion, such as one related to your high school mascot or a theme that is reminiscent of a high school dance? These are decisions that your committee should make early on in the planning process. Having a clear vision for your event will help you sort out all other subsequent decisions. Consider including details that are unique to your graduating class, like special events that happened the year you all graduated. Include nostalgic details. Many reunion guests will want to relive their high school experiences. Having some details to remind guests of their high school days can help make them feel welcomed, and can help your guests interact successfully with one another. Some nostalgic details to include are the following: Ask your DJ to play music that was popular during your high school days Create a photo display (either in a digital slideshow or on bulletin boards) of important high school events, such as sports games, extra-curriculars, or school dances Make photocopies of high school yearbooks and newspapers and spread them around around your venue Create a quiz game about important events and pop culture from your high school days Consider a reunion book or other souvenir. Especially for important reunions (like the 25th or 50th reunion), a reunion book or souvenir might be welcomed by your guests. A reunion book will include short biographies of your alumni and details about their lives. Not every reunion will require something this in-depth, but it can help provide your guests with special memories from your event. Plan activities for plus-ones and guests. Remember that not everyone at a reunion will be an alum. Your guests will bring spouses, friends, partners, or even children who might be unfamiliar with your high school. Include a few activities that are generic enough for anybody to enjoy. These could include: Dancing Good food and drinks Athletic activities (a softball game, three-legged races, kickball, etc.) Party games such as Charades, Twister, or cornhole | Begin at least one year in advance. Contact your high school's alumni office. Reach out to designated committee members. Recruit a reunion committee. Delegate tasks. Create a tentative meeting schedule. Create a tentative timeline. Set up a master list of class members. Talk to your high school's alumni office. Examine your yearbooks. Create a Facebook reunion group. Confirm that you have the correct contact information for everyone on the list. Create an email listserv once your contact list is complete. Hunt for missing classmates. Use your contact lists to continue promoting the event. Create an "In Memoriam" list as necessary. Open a reunion bank account. Establish a budget for the reunion. Settle on a reunion date. Book an appropriate venue. Send out invitations 3 months prior to the reunion. Book your vendors. Set a theme or tone. Include nostalgic details. Consider a reunion book or other souvenir. Plan activities for plus-ones and guests. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Lean-to-Shed | How to Build a Lean to Shed | To build a lean-to shed, start by cutting lumber into joists that are the width you want your shed to be. Then, screw your joists to wooden beams at the front and back to form the shed floor. After you've built the frame of your shed floor, add 4 skid beams for support and cover them with plywood. When you've finished the floor, erect the wall frames and screw them to the floor, leaving space for a door. Once the frame is in place, attach siding panels to the 4 walls. After the walls are done, add rafters on top of one side of the shed and add the roof beams to form the lean-to. To finish your shed, screw plywood sheets to the roof and paint or stain them. | Cut the joists to the intended width of your shed. Joists are the cross-beams that will lie on the ground and hold together the outer framing of the floor. Use 2x6 lumber for the joists. For example, if you're building a 12 by 16 feet (3.7 m × 4.9 m) shed, cut each of your joists to 16 feet (4.9 m). Use a circular saw to cut the joists. If you'd rather not cut the joists yourself, you could have the lumber cut at the hardware store from which you bought the lumber. Take safety precautions when using a circular saw. Wear protective eyewear, always cut away from yourself, and never set the circular saw down while the blade is still spinning. Use treated lumber for the joists since the lumber may be in direct contact with the earth. Lay out the front and back beams of the floor. Use 2x6 treated lumber for these beams as well. The front and back beams will provide the outline of your shed's floor. If the beams aren't already the intended length of your shed, use a circular saw to cut them to the shed's length, e.g., 16 feet (4.9 m). Fasten the joists to the floor beams using 3 ½-inch galvanized screws. Lay out each of your cut floor joists between the front and back flooring beams. Leave 14 inches (36 cm) between each of the floor joists. Once the joists are laid out, use a screwdriver to drive a 3 ½-inch screw through the front flooring board and into each joist. Then, drive screws through the back flooring board into each joist. If you're struggling to insert screws directly through the joist boards, drill a pilot hole to screw each screw into. The number of joists you'll need will depend on the total length of your shed. If you're building a shed with a width of 8 feet (2.4 m), you'll only need 6 or 7 joists. If you're building a larger shed with a width of 16 feet (4.9 m), you'll need 13 or 14 joists. Attach 4 skid beams to the floor. The skid beams should be made of 4x4 treated lumber. Each skid beam should run the full length of the shed, e.g., 16 feet (4.9 m). This means that each skid beam will be the same length as the front and back floor planks. The photo shows the skid beams on top of the floor joists, but once attached they should be underneath supporting the entire weight of the shed. Cut the skids if necessary, and attach them across the joists using metal connectors. Use treated lumber for the skid beams since the lumber will be in direct contact with the earth. Skids sit under the floor joists and provide a stable foundation for the shed to rest on. Skids rest directly on the earth, or on concrete foundation blocks. Either attach the skid beams as shown and then flip the entire floor over (HEAVY - this is at least a two-person operation), or lift up one side of the floor framing and slide the skid beams into position before attaching. Cover the framed floor with ¾-inch plywood. The plywood will form the flooring of the shed. Cut your ¾-inch plywood sheets so that they'll fit together and seamlessly cover the framed flooring. Then, attach the plywood to the joists with 1 5/8-inch screws. Drive 1 screw into each skid beam every 1 foot (0.30 m). Use treated or sealed plywood so that you don't get splinters in your bare feet when walking on the flooring. Frame the shed’s 4 walls from 2x4 lumber. Frame each wall by nailing together 2 2x4 beams for the top and sides. The bottom of the wall should be a single 2x4 beam. Be sure to measure each beam before cutting or nailing them together so that the walls will be properly framed. For example, let's say you're building a 12 by 16 feet (3.7 m × 4.9 m) shed. You'll need to frame: 2 192 in × 81 in (490 cm × 210 cm) side walls. 1 144 in × 81 in (370 cm × 210 cm) back wall. 1 144 in × 81 in (370 cm × 210 cm) front wall Attach joists at 22 inches (56 cm) intervals within each framed wall. Use a circular saw to cut the 2x4 beams to the correct height of 81 inches (210 cm). Then, attach the wall joists to the doubled-up 2x4s of the frame using 2 ½-inch screws. Drill a pilot hole before screwing in the screws to make them slide in a little easier. The framed wall should approximately resemble the framed floor (before the plywood was put on). Leave a 21 in (53 cm) gap in the front wall for your door. Regardless of the size of your shed, leave enough room for a standard-sized door so you won't need to alter the size of the door. Double up 2 2x6 boards on either side of the door opening so that the gap will be reinforced. The doubled-up studs will also give you material to screw the doorframe into. Once your shed is assembled, you can hang a door in the gap you've created in the front wall. Raise and attach the side walls with 2 ½-inch screws. Lift up the 2 side walls and set them in place on the 2 sides of the framed floor, making sure that the edges and corners of the walls align with the edges of the floor. Then, drive 2 ½-inch screws through the bottom beams of the walls. Drive the screws directly into the floor. Space each screw 8 inches (20 cm) apart. Use a level and a carpenter's square throughout this process to ensure that the walls are level and all corners are square. Raise and attach the front and back walls with 2 ½-inch screws. Once the side walls have been attached in place, you're ready to attach the front and back walls. Raise the walls and set them in place in between the 2 side walls. Drive 2 ½-inch screws into the sides of the front and back walls where they butt up against the side walls every 8 inches (20 cm). Drive screws through the front and back walls' bottom boards at the same distance. This will attach the front, back, and side walls all securely together, and also anchor the walls firmly to the floor. Attach siding to the 4 walls. Once the walls have been framed and are set in place, you're ready to attach the outer siding. Measure the final dimensions of each wall, and cut the siding to size using a circular saw. Then attach the cut siding to the walls with 2-inch nails. Space the nails out by about 12 inches (30 cm), and drive them directly into the joists on each wall. Purchase siding at a local home-supply store or hardware store. You can choose the color of the siding. Since lean to sheds are primarily used for storage, you shouldn't need to insulate the shed walls. Frame the top-side wall of the lean to roof with 2x4 lumber. Since a side wall of the shed will be higher than the other side, you'll need to construct a small add-on wall for the side. The add-on wall should be 192 inches (490 cm) wide, but only 34.75 inches (88.3 cm) tall. Frame the top, bottom, and sides of the wall using 2x4 lumber, and attach joists between the top and bottom every 22.5 inches (57 cm) using 3 ½-inch screws. The sloped roof of the lean to shed will allow water and snow to run off to one side of the roof without soaking into the wood. Screw the add-on wall to the top of 1 side of the shed. Select which side of your shed you'd like to be higher than the other. Then, set the add-on wall on the side you'd like to be elevated. Attach it to the top framing of the side wall using 2 ½-inch screws. Space the screws out by 8 inches (20 cm). Cut rafters from 2x4 beams. Each rafter should be 168 inches (430 cm) long in order to cover the sloping roof and hang off of the far side. Then, use the circular saw to cut a 1 by 3.5 inches (2.5 cm × 8.9 cm) notch 10.25 inches (26.0 cm) from the top of each rafter. Cut another 1 by 4.25 inches (2.5 cm × 10.8 cm) notch 11.75 inches (29.8 cm) from the bottom of each rafter. Use a circular saw to cut your rafters, and make sure that they're all uniform. If you're building a 12 by 16 feet (3.7 m × 4.9 m) shed, you'll need 9 rafters. Fit the rafters in place on top of your roof. Space each rafter 24 inches (61 cm) away from the adjacent rafters. If you've made your rafter cuts correctly, the rafters should all fit snugly in place and slope evenly from the higher-side wall down over the lower-side wall. Attach the rafters to the walls using collar ties. Use 2-3 2-inch nails to attach a collar tie to each rafter about 2 feet (0.61 m) from where it rests on the wall. Then, drive another 2-3 nails into the vertical joists on the side wall add-on. These ties will hold the rafters in place and also stop them from exerting downward pressure on the side walls of the lean to shed. You can purchase collar ties at a large hardware store or at a home-supply store. Insert 5 support beams on the front and back of the shed to hold up the sloping roof. Use a circular saw to cut 2x4 beams into support beams. These support beams will hold up the rafters on the sides of the roof. Cut the support beams and insert them under the roof. Each support beam should be spaced 20.5 inches (52 cm) apart from the adjacent support beams. The 5 support beams should be cut to these specifications: 6 inches (15 cm) tall. 12.5 inches (32 cm) tall. 18.75 inches (47.6 cm) tall. 25.25 inches (64.1 cm) tall. 31.75 inches (80.6 cm) tall. Cut siding panels for the back, front, and high side of the shed. Measure the uncovered gaps on the upper portions of the shed, and use a circular saw to cut siding sections of corresponding sizes. Keep in mind that the siding panels that cover the front and back of the shed will need to be cut at the same angle as the rafters, in order to provide full coverage. The low side of the shed won't need a siding panel cut for it, since the roof will come down to the side of the shed. Attach the siding panels using 2-inch nails. Once the siding panels are cut to size, attach them to the add-on side wall and the support beams on the front and back walls. Drive 2-inch nails into the joists and support beams to hold the siding firmly in place. Make sure that this siding matches the color of the siding you used for the 4 walls. Screw ¾-inch sheets of plywood to the top of the roof. For the shed's roof, purchase large sheets of plywood that are 96 by 48 inches (240 cm × 120 cm) in size. Use 1 5/8-inch screws to secure the plywood sections firmly in place. Drive screws straight down through the plywood and into the rafter beams. Space each screw out by 8 inches (20 cm). To use gravity to your advantage, start nailing plywood to the roof at its lowest point. This way, gravity will pull the higher plywood sections into place. If you were to start nailing plywood at the highest point of the roof, gravity would pull lower portions off of the rafters. Paint or stain the walls and roof of the shed to finish them. Stain will draw out the natural color of the wood, while paint will cover over the wood. Whichever you choose, use a 3 in (7.6 cm) paintbrush to apply 3-4 coats of the paint or stain to the sides and top of the shed. Give the paint or stain at least 48 hours to dry before you touch it. | Cut the joists to the intended width of your shed. Lay out the front and back beams of the floor. Fasten the joists to the floor beams using 3 ½-inch galvanized screws. Attach 4 skid beams to the floor. Cover the framed floor with ¾-inch plywood. Frame the shed’s 4 walls from 2x4 lumber. Attach joists at 22 inches (56 cm) intervals within each framed wall. Leave a 21 in (53 cm) gap in the front wall for your door. Raise and attach the side walls with 2 ½-inch screws. Raise and attach the front and back walls with 2 ½-inch screws. Attach siding to the 4 walls. Frame the top-side wall of the lean to roof with 2x4 lumber. Screw the add-on wall to the top of 1 side of the shed. Cut rafters from 2x4 beams. Fit the rafters in place on top of your roof. Attach the rafters to the walls using collar ties. Insert 5 support beams on the front and back of the shed to hold up the sloping roof. Cut siding panels for the back, front, and high side of the shed. Attach the siding panels using 2-inch nails. Screw ¾-inch sheets of plywood to the top of the roof. Paint or stain the walls and roof of the shed to finish them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-a-Turkey-Crown | How to Cook a Turkey Crown | To cook a turkey crown, start by lifting up the skin on the crown and rubbing some seasoning under it. For a quick, easy seasoning mix, combine butter, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. When you're finished seasoning the turkey, roast it in the oven at 390 degrees Fahrenheit (199 degrees Celsius) for 15 minutes. Then, turn the heat down to 350 degrees Fahrenheit ( 177 degrees Celsius) and cook the turkey crown for an additional hour and a half. You'll know it's ready if the juices run clear when you poke it with a knife. You can also check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. If it's below 170 degrees Fahrenheit (77 degrees Celsius) cook the turkey crown for 30 more minutes. | Preheat the oven to 390 °F (199 °C) and mix together an herb butter. Put 9 tablespoons (125 g) of softened unsalted butter into a small bowl. Chop the leaves from 3 to 4 sprigs of fresh thyme and 1 sprig of fresh rosemary. Add these to the butter along with 2 tablespoons (7.5 g) of freshly chopped parsley leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to completely combine the ingredients. Rub the herb butter under the skin of the turkey crown. Get out a 4 to 5 pound (1.8 to 2.2 kg) turkey crown and use your fingers to pull up the skin of the turkey away from the flesh. Scoop the herb butter underneath the skin and rub it evenly between the skin and the flesh. Set the turkey crown in a roasting pan so the skin side is facing up. Roast it for 15 minutes, reduce the heat, and cook it for 1 1/2 hours. Turn the heat down to 350 °F (177 °C) and cook the turkey crown until juices run clear when you poke it with a knife. This should take 1 1/2 hours. See if the temperature is at 170 °F (77 °C). To tell if the turkey has finished cooking, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part. If it hasn't reached 170 °F (77 °C), return it to the oven to cook for 30 more minutes before checking the temperature again. Rest the turkey for 30 minutes. If it's reached 170 °F (77 °C), cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 30 minutes. The turkey crown will finish cooking and the juices will redistribute within the meat. Serve the herb butter turkey crown. Set the turkey crown on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it for serving. Serve the hot turkey crown with pan gravy, rolls, roasted sweet potatoes, and steamed vegetables. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Preheat the oven to 375 °F (191 °C) and butter the turkey crown. Get out a 4 1/2 pound (2 kg) turkey crown and set it in a roasting pan. Use your fingers to spread 3 1/2 tablespoons (50 g) of softened butter over the entire turkey crown. Season the turkey crown with salt and half of the Chinese five spice. Sprinkle salt according to your taste over the top of the turkey crown. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of the Chinese five spice or a small pinch of ground cloves over the crown. Roast the turkey crown for 30 to 40 minutes. Ensure that the turkey crown is facing skin side up and put it in the preheated oven. Mix together a quick glaze. Put the remaining 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of Chinese five spice into a small bowl. Whisk in 4 tablespoons (85 g) of honey, 1 tablespoon (15 g) of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of red wine vinegar to make a glaze. Baste the turkey crown with half of the glaze and roast it for 1 hour. Remove the turkey crown from the oven and use a pastry brush or spoon to coat the crown with half of the glaze. Return the uncovered roasting pan to the oven and cook the turkey crown for 1 more hour. Baste the turkey crown 1 to 2 more times while it bakes. The glaze will caramelize as it cooks so it may be sticky. See if the temperature is at 170 °F (77 °C). Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey crown to see if it's finished cooking. If it hasn't reached 170 °F (77 °C), return it to the oven to cook for 20 to 30 more minutes before you check it again. Rest the turkey for 20 minutes. Cover the cooked turkey crown loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 20 minutes. It will finish cooking and the juices will redistribute within the meat. Serve the turkey crown. Set the turkey crown on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to carve it into slices. If you want, make a gravy using the drippings from the roasting pan. Serve the turkey crown with roasted parsnips, brussels sprouts, or glazed carrots. Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and weigh the turkey crown. Check the package to see how much the turkey crown weighs and write it down. If the package doesn't say, weigh the turkey crown on a scale. Knowing the weight will help you calculate the cooking time. Plan on cooking the turkey crown 20 minutes for every 2.2 pounds (1 kg) and then 70 minutes on top if the turkey crown weighs less than 8 pounds (4 kg). If it weighs more, cook it 20 minutes for every 2.2 pounds (1 kg) and then 90 minutes on top. Butter and season the turkey crown. Take 3 1/2 tablespoons (50 g) of softened butter and use your fingers to rub it over the entire turkey crown. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper over the top of the turkey crown. The butter will keep the turkey moist as it bakes and will make the skin crisp up. Lay the bacon over the top of the turkey crown. Get out 10 strips of bacon and lay each strip over the top of the turkey crown so the turkey is completely covered. The bacon will keep the turkey from drying out and will become crisp as it bakes. Bake the bacon covered turkey crown for 25 to 30 minutes. Set the turkey crown in a roasting tray and put it in the middle of the preheated oven. Bake the turkey crown at this high heat just so the bacon cooks completely. This should take 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the bacon and baste the turkey crown. Remove the roasting tray from the oven and use tongs to take the bacon off of the turkey crown. Put the bacon on a serving plate and cover it with aluminum foil. Use a pastry brush or turkey baster to baste the turkey crown with some of the cooking juices. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 °F (177 °C) and cook the turkey crown for 1 1/2 hours. If you're cooking a 4 to 5 pound (1.8 to 2.2 kg) turkey crown, cook the turkey just until the juices run clear when you poke the thickest part of the turkey breast. Depending on the size of the turkey crown, you may need to cook it for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. See if the temperature is at 170 °F (77 °C). Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey crown to see if it's finished cooking. If it hasn't reached 170 °F (77 °C), return it to the oven to cook for 20 to 30 more minutes before you check it again. Rest the turkey crown for 20 minutes.Remove the turkey crown and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Rest it for 20 minutes so the juices redistribute and the turkey finishes cooking. Serve the turkey crown. Use a sharp serrated knife to carve the turkey crown before setting it on a platter. Arrange the reserved cooked bacon next to the turkey crown and serve them with your favorite sides such as roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts, and mashed potatoes with gravy. Store the leftover turkey crown in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. | Preheat the oven to 390 °F (199 °C) and mix together an herb butter. Rub the herb butter under the skin of the turkey crown. Roast it for 15 minutes, reduce the heat, and cook it for 1 1/2 hours. See if the temperature is at 170 °F (77 °C). Rest the turkey for 30 minutes. Serve the herb butter turkey crown. Preheat the oven to 375 °F (191 °C) and butter the turkey crown. Season the turkey crown with salt and half of the Chinese five spice. Roast the turkey crown for 30 to 40 minutes. Mix together a quick glaze. Baste the turkey crown with half of the glaze and roast it for 1 hour. See if the temperature is at 170 °F (77 °C). Rest the turkey for 20 minutes. Serve the turkey crown. Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and weigh the turkey crown. Butter and season the turkey crown. Lay the bacon over the top of the turkey crown. Bake the bacon covered turkey crown for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the bacon and baste the turkey crown. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 °F (177 °C) and cook the turkey crown for 1 1/2 hours. See if the temperature is at 170 °F (77 °C). Rest the turkey crown for 20 minutes.Remove the turkey crown and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Serve the turkey crown. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-an-Accent-Wall | How to Choose an Accent Wall | If you want to add an accent wall to your room but aren't sure where to put it, use the room's features to help you decide. When you enter your room, try to find the natural focal point, which will be the most interesting spot. For example, if the room has a fireplace, paint the wall behind it to create a unique area that draws attention. In a bedroom, opt for the wall behind your headboard. Avoid accenting a wall with windows and doors, as the scenery and color can clash in a way that's distracting. When choosing a color, opt for muted tones that are darker than the other walls in the room, as these usually stand the test of time. | Find the natural focal point in the room. The focal point of a room is not always the wall you see when you first walk in. Go with the wall that you want to draw attention to because it's interesting or unique in some way. For example, in a room with a fireplace, accent the fireplace wall. If you have built-in bookshelves, an interesting nook, wainscoting, or something else architecturally distinctive, highlight those elements. In a bedroom, the wall behind your headboard is a good choice for an accent wall. If you have a unique sofa, dramatic artwork, or another bold piece in the room, accent the wall behind it. Create a focal point if the room doesn’t have one. Think about how you plan to decorate the space and what furniture you have to work with. That way, you can use those elements and the accent wall to create a focal point in the room. If you're working with a brand new and unfurnished space, the accent wall will determine the color scheme for the rest of the room, so keep that in mind. For example, if you have a collection of framed family photos you want to hang, showcase them against the backdrop of the accent wall. Gorgeous indoor plants can also serve as focal points. If you have a special plant or had your eye on something at the nursery, spotlight it with an accent wall. Go with a solid wall without windows or doors. Accent walls look best against solid walls that have no openings, such as windows and doors. If you have large, open windows with a view of beautiful scenery, that wall isn't necessarily a good wall to accent. The accent color may distract more than accentuate it. Natural light from large windows can also alter how the paint color looks on the wall, and you may not like the results. This isn't a hard and fast rule, so if you have your heart set on accenting the wall with windows or a door, do it. Select the farthest short wall in an oblong room. If you're working with a long, skinny room, avoid accenting either of the long walls. The accent color will make them feel even longer, throwing the room off balance. Accenting the farthest short wall will make that wall appear closer to you and balance the oblong shape of the room. Overall, this creates a more proportionate vibe in your space. If you aren't interested in proportions or if you want to emphasize the length of a room, ignore this advice. These are just basic rules of thumb. You have total artistic freedom, so feel free to break any "rule" you want. Favor muted colors over bold ones to stand the test of time. Rich, vibrant colors work well for accent walls, but if you're leaning toward a particularly bold statement color, like fire engine red, think carefully before you take the plunge. This is especially true if the color you're considering is a current trend. Trends come and go, and in the long run you'll probably be happier with something more neutral. Color trends like bright purple and aqua don't have to be avoided completely! If you're considering a bold or unusual color, consider a slightly muted shade of that color. If you don't mind painting the room again when you're over the statement color, then you should go for it. If you don't want to paint again in a year or 2, opt for a muted shade. Account for the room’s purpose and the mood you want to create. Different colors convey different energies, and these energies can have a significant effect on some people. If you're painting a bedroom, for instance, a red accent wall might be jarring or make it difficult to fall asleep. A color like cerulean blue, which is still a vibrant hue, may create a more calming atmosphere. In a room where you want to create energy, like a den or playroom, vibrant options like lime or chartreuse work well. A bathroom might benefit from a calmer green, like seafoam green. The temperature of the color plays a role, too. Warm colors like red and orange create a different vibe than cool tones like green, blue, and purple. Go with a color that is darker than the other walls in the room. A darker hue will contrast with the lighter walls and pull eyes straight to it, which is what you want. A good rule of thumb is to paint the accent wall the same color as the other walls, but 2 shades darker. If you don't feel comfortable going wild with color choice and placement, this route tends to be foolproof. You don't have to do this. A light accent wall in a darker room can work, but it's riskier. When the focal point in the room is lighter than the wall across from it, the room may feel off balance or disorienting. Choose a color that complements the room’s color scheme. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's extremely important! The accent wall must work with your existing décor, and the best way to connect it is by replicating a color from the current color scheme. Secondary colors (rather than the main color) in your current color scheme are usually a great choice for accent walls. For example, the color of your throw pillows or in the pattern of the sofa fabric would work well. A color that pops up frequently in your wall art is another strong choice. If your current decor consists of a navy blue couch with forest green pinstripes, forest green throw pillows, navy blue curtains and a small green rug, consider using green for your accent wall. Avoid color coordinating everything in the room. Don't use the dominant color in your color scheme for your accent wall. Everything in the room will match too much and nothing will stand out, making your accent wall a bit anti-climactic. For the best results, be sure to choose a color that contrasts with the dominant color in the room. For example, if you have navy blue curtains and upholstery, don't use that color for your accent wall. All that navy will end up being a bit drab. Calculate how much paint you’ll need. Multiply the total width of the accent wall by the height of your ceiling. This tells you the square footage of the accent wall. Typically, 1 gallon (3.8 L) of paint covers around 350 to 400 square feet. Divide your total square footage by 350 or 400 to figure out how many gallons of paint you'll need to cover the wall. A single gallon is enough for most walls, but keep in mind you'll probably need to do 2 coats. If there are windows on the accent wall, subtract 15 square feet from your total square footage. Then divide that number by 350 or 400. If there's a door, subtract 21 square feet before dividing by 350 or 400. Remove the fixtures on the wall and put down protective tarp. Take off the outlet covers, fixtures, switch plates, and window coverings before you get started. Use painter's tape to mask off the window sills, door hinges, baseboards, etc. Protect the floor with a tarp and cover any furniture in the room. Crack a window or get a fan so that the room stays ventilated. Use painter's tape to create clean lines on the adjoining walls. Since the color of the accent wall will contrast quite a bit with the ceiling and other adjoining walls, it's important to get a straight, clean line where the accent wall meets them. Crooked or smudged lines will be very noticeable. Apply the tape slowly and be precise for best results. Clean the wall before you paint. Dirt and debris will prevent the paint from adhering well to the wall, so always clean interior walls before you paint them. Create a mild cleaning solution with warm water and a few drops of dish detergent. Wipe the wall down with a sponge or cloth, working from floor to ceiling and in small sections. Let the wall dry completely before moving on. Brush on a coat of primer for the best paint coverage (if desired). Primer isn't required, but it's recommended. It will help the paint adhere to the wall, allow for better coverage, and help the paint wear better over time. Buy an indoor paint primer and apply one coat to the accent wall with a roller or paintbrush. Let it dry completely before you start painting. Apply 2 coats of your chosen paint for the best finish. Use a latex-based interior paint for this job. Start applying paint in one of the top corners, working from the ceiling to the floor in small sections. Use an angled brush to get into the corners, then switch to a roller to cover the main wall space faster. Use the angled brush anywhere you need to do detail work. Wait for the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat the exact same way. Let the last coat of paint dry completely before removing the painter's tape and replacing fixtures. | Find the natural focal point in the room. Create a focal point if the room doesn’t have one. Go with a solid wall without windows or doors. Select the farthest short wall in an oblong room. Favor muted colors over bold ones to stand the test of time. Account for the room’s purpose and the mood you want to create. Go with a color that is darker than the other walls in the room. Choose a color that complements the room’s color scheme. Avoid color coordinating everything in the room. Calculate how much paint you’ll need. Remove the fixtures on the wall and put down protective tarp. Use painter's tape to create clean lines on the adjoining walls. Clean the wall before you paint. Brush on a coat of primer for the best paint coverage (if desired). Apply 2 coats of your chosen paint for the best finish. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Applesauce | How to Freeze Applesauce | To successfully freeze applesauce, first set the sauce in a refrigerator to cool. Once it is completely chilled, pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container. If you're using a firm container, leave a small amount of headroom to keep the lid from freezing shut; if you're using a freezer bag, make sure to press out any excess air. When you're ready to store the sauce, seal the container and place a label on it listing the initial freeze date. Then, store it in your freezer for up to 2 months. | Chill your sauce in the fridge. Pour your applesauce into a shallow pan or bowl, then cover the container and place it inside your refrigerator. Let the sauce sit until it is fully chilled, a process that may take anywhere from 1 hour to 1 day depending on the amount of applesauce you have. Then, remove the bowl from the fridge. To see if the sauce is cool enough, dip a spoon into the center of the bowl and remove a small amount of applesauce. If it is cold to the touch, remove the bowl. Pour your applesauce into a freezer-safe container. For long term storage, you can place your applesauce inside a firm, freezer-safe container, such as a mason jar, or a resealable freezer bag. The container type does not affect the applesauce's taste or quality, so choose whatever is convenient for you. Squeeze out excess air if you’re using a freezer bag. Place your hands on top of the freezer bag and flatten the applesauce as much as you can. This will help squeeze air out of the sauce, making it easier to store. Leave 1 inch (2.5 cm) of head space if you’re using a firm container. During freezer storage, your applesauce will grow hard and stick to the edges of your container. This can make opening your jar, tub, or other storage device difficult since your sauce will hold the lid shut. To avoid these issues, leave at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between your applesauce and the top of the container. Seal and label your container. After pouring the applesauce, place a lid on your storage device or seal the opening shut. Then, place a small label on your container listing the initial storage date and either the brand of applesauce or any ingredients you added to the sauce. Keep your applesauce in a freezer for up to 2 months. Clear out any section of your freezer and place your applesauce inside. Typically, frozen applesauce will last for up to 2 months, though some homemade varieties will remain good for longer. Defrost your applesauce when you’re ready to eat it. If you let your sauce thaw in the refrigerator, it should last for another 3 or 4 days. If you thaw your sauce using water or a microwave, eat it immediately so it doesn't go bad. Peel each apple and remove their stems. Using a vegetable peeler or knife, slowly peel the skin off each of your apples. If you accidentally slice off part of an apple, put it in a bowl for later use. If any of your apples have stems, pull them off with your fingers. When making applesauce, you can use whichever variety of apple you prefer. However, styles like McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Cortland will give your sauce a more traditional flavor. Cut the apples down the middle. Using a sharp knife, create a straight cut across the very center of each apple. Depending on your cooking preferences, you can either leave your apples in halves or cut them again to create equal quarters. Remove each apple’s core. In the center of each apple slice, you'll see a slightly discolored spot that may or may not have seeds in it. This is the apple's core, which you'll need to remove before creating your sauce. To do so easily, simply scoop out the core with a spoon and slice off the sections of apple immediately above and below it. If you prefer, you can core the apples prior to cutting them using a knife or apple coring device. Cut the apples into chunks. The size of your apple chunks will determine how fast they cook and how coarse the sauce will be. Small chunks will cook quickly and leave a fairly smooth dish while large chunks will take longer to cook and yield a chunkier sauce. For a good middle ground, try to create chunks that are about 1 in (2.5 cm) thick. Add water to a cooking pot and set your apples inside. The water will help your apples boil down into a nice paste, giving them that well-known applesauce texture. Put in between.5 in (1.3 cm) and 1 in (2.5 cm) of water for every 12 apples. If your apples seem particularly dry, feel free to add a little more water to the pot, but be aware that too much water will make the sauce mushy and inconsistent. Don't forget to add any pieces of apple you sliced off by accident. Cook your apples at a medium heat for up to 1 hour, stirring frequently. Place your pot over a burner and set it to a medium temperature. Your cooking time will vary based on how large and juicy the apples are, but most batches should not take more than an hour. To keep your apples from burning, stir them every few minutes. Take your apples off the heat once you can slice through them easily. You can check on your apples by poking them with a knife. If the blade slices through the apples with no resistance, you're good to remove them from the heat. For safety, give your apples a chance to cool down before moving on. Mash or blend your apples if necessary. If your apples didn't boil down quite enough, you can break them up further with some simple kitchen devices. If you want to keep some of the chunky texture, crush your apples up using a potato masher, whisk, fork, or similar item. If you want a smoother texture, run your sauce though a blender or food processor. Finished. | Chill your sauce in the fridge. Pour your applesauce into a freezer-safe container. Squeeze out excess air if you’re using a freezer bag. Leave 1 inch (2.5 cm) of head space if you’re using a firm container. Seal and label your container. Keep your applesauce in a freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost your applesauce when you’re ready to eat it. Peel each apple and remove their stems. Cut the apples down the middle. Remove each apple’s core. Cut the apples into chunks. Add water to a cooking pot and set your apples inside. Cook your apples at a medium heat for up to 1 hour, stirring frequently. Take your apples off the heat once you can slice through them easily. Mash or blend your apples if necessary. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Keyboard | How to Clean a Keyboard | To clean a keyboard, start by turning off your computer and disconnecting any cables attached to the keyboard so you don't get shocked. Then, turn the keyboard over, and shake it to knock off any loose debris. Next, use compressed air or a dust vacuum to clear away any stubborn debris between the keys. Finally, clean around the keys using a cloth and a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. | Shut down the computer and detach all connecting cables. To protect your hardware from damage, shut off your computer first before attempting to clean the keyboard. If your keyboard is wired, pull out the plug connecting it to the computer. If you can't remove the keyboard, such as when cleaning a laptop, disconnect your computer's power cable to eliminate the risk of electrical shock. USB keyboards can be unplugged before you shut down the computer. Doing this with a non-USB keyboard may damage your computer, so if you're unsure, always shut down the computer first. Take the batteries out of wireless keyboards, especially if you plan on deep cleaning the keys. Turn the keyboard upside down to shake out loose debris. Flip your keyboard and knock off as much loose debris as possible. Be gentle when shaking the keyboard. Most food crumbs, dirt, pet hair, and other debris will fall out right away. Tilt the keyboard in different directions and tap it a little harder to force out any leftover debris you notice. Listen for the sound of debris rattling around inside the keyboard. This happens sometimes with mechanical keyboards and other devices with raised keys. Consider taking the keyboard apart to give it a deep cleaning. If you're cleaning a laptop, hold the screen open while supporting the computer's base with your other hand. Use compressed air to blow dust and debris out from the keys. Compressed air is your most reliable tool for general cleaning. Hold the canister at a 45-degree angle while pointing it at the keys. Sweep the nozzle across the keyboard while letting out controlled bursts of air. Keep the nozzle ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) above the keyboard at all times. Compressed air is often available at office supply stores, electronics shops, and general stores. You can also order canisters online. To fully clean the keyboard, blow at it from different angles. Face it towards you at first, then rotate it to either side. If you're cleaning a laptop or membrane keyboard, try holding it as you blow it out. Keep it tilted at about a 75-degree angle so it isn't completely vertical. Use a dust vacuum to sweep up hard to remove debris. The suction power from a dust vacuum lifts away most stubborn debris stuck between the keys. If you don't have a dust vacuum with a hose, try using a regular vacuum with a brush attachment. Go over the entire keyboard, focusing particularly in the areas around the keys. Most of the tough debris gets wedged in there. Make sure none of your keys are loose, especially on a laptop. If a key comes off, retrieve it from the vacuum, wash it off, and slide it back into place. Fit it over the key stem or clip to bind it to the keyboard again. Clean around the keys with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Dampen the cotton swab very lightly to avoid getting too much moisture underneath the keys. Wipe around each individual key to remove leftover dust, oils, and other grime. Repeat this a few times as needed to clean the sides of each key and the space around it. Swap out swabs as they get dirty. Isopropyl alcohol dries very quickly, so it is a better option than water. You can get it at most drug stores and general stores. Another cleaning option is to wrap a microfiber cloth around a knife. Moisten it with isopropyl alcohol, then push it down into the keyboard's grooves. This works best for mechanical keyboards with raised keys. Be cautious when working on a laptop. Isopropyl alcohol is still a great cleaning choice, but the laptop's delicate hardware is right underneath the keyboard. Don't let moisture drip underneath the keys. Scrub the keyboard with a cloth dampened in isopropyl alcohol. Choose a lint-free cloth or paper towel to avoid introducing new debris. Make sure the cloth isn't dripping at all after you dampen it. Wipe the top portion of each key to clear away the remaining dust and other debris. Watch out for frequently used keys like the space bar and enter key. These spots tend to have more grime. You may need to scrub them multiple times to clean them. For very dirty areas, use a toothpick to break through the grime. Hold the toothpick almost flat against the key and rub the grime to loosen it. Scrub the rest off with isopropyl alcohol. Polish the keyboard with a lint-free cloth. Wipe the keyboard one last time to remove lingering dust and excess moisture. Check it to make sure it looks fresh and new. If it's still dirty, consider taking it apart to give it a deep cleaning. When you're done, plug the keyboard in and give it a test run. Any isopropyl alcohol on the keyboard dries within about a minute. Water takes longer. If you used water or think moisture got into the keyboard, let it dry out for as long as 24 hours before plugging it back in. Turn off the computer and unplug the keyboard right away. Deactivate your hardware as soon as you notice the spill. The liquid may seep down into the keyboard, damaging it or the internal components of a laptop if you have one. Disconnect the keyboard cable if you have a wired keyboard or the power supply if you have a laptop. To prevent damage to your computer or keyboard, treat spills right away. Liquid and electrical parts are a bad combination. Don't reactivate the machine until it is dry. Turn off the computer first before unplugging a non-USB keyboard to prevent damage to the hardware. Turn the keyboard upside down to shake out the liquid. Bring the keyboard to a sink, trash bag, or towel. Holding it upside down forces the liquid to drip back out instead of going deeper into the keyboard. Shaking it helps force out stubborn drops caught between the keys. Continue doing this until the keyboard stops dripping. Tilt the keyboard around to help draw out the liquid. If you have a laptop, direct the liquid to the keyboard to keep it away from the motor and other vital parts. Keep the laptop open and upside down, tilting it towards you to force the liquid towards the keys and out. Dry the keyboard with a microfiber cloth. Hold the keyboard upside down while you do this. Blot away as much liquid as you can. Don't turn the keyboard over until you have mopped up as much of the spill as possible. Paper towels and tissues leave behind debris, so always use a lint-free cloth if possible. During an emergency, you may not have the opportunity to hunt down the correct cloth, so grab the best thing you have available. A dish towel, paper towels, or even an old T-shirt will do. Let the keyboard air dry for at least 24 hours. Keep the keyboard upside down to drain any moisture still inside of it. Place a towel underneath it to catch anything that comes out. Once the keyboard has had a chance to dry, you can safely turn it over. Most spills dry up within about 24 hours. If you have time to spare, let the keyboard air out for possibly 2 or 3 days. Test the keyboard for sticky keys and other signs of damage. Plug the keyboard back in if it's wired or turn on your laptop. Try typing with the keyboard. Press down on all of the keys to make sure they work. You may need to pull off individual keys to wash them. Unless you spilled plain water, chances are some of the keys will be sticky. Take apart the keyboard to give it a deep cleaning. Consider getting a professional cleaning for an expensive laptop. Laptops are much more delicate and difficult to clean than regular keyboards. A professional can check the internal components of your laptop for damage. Switch off the computer and disconnect the keyboard. Protect both your hardware and yourself by taking care of any electrical components. Shut off your computer first, then unplug the keyboard from it. If you're using a wireless keyboard, remove the batteries. Unplug the power cord if you're working on a laptop. Touch a key to make sure the computer is completely off. If you have a non-USB keyboard, always turn off the computer before unplugging the keyboard. Pull the keys off with a screwdriver if they are removable. The keys on most modern keyboards fit over small clips and are easy to remove. Wedge a flathead screwdriver or butter knife underneath the corner of a key and lightly pry it up. Then, try to pull the key straight up with your fingers. You may need to wiggle it or pry up the opposite side to slide it off its clip. Take a quick picture of the keyboard with your phone before pulling off the keys. It will help you put the keys back in the correct order later. For an easy way to remove keys, get a wire keycap puller. Find one online or at an electronics store. If you're unsure about removing keys, consult your owner's manual or call the manufacturer. Find out their recommendations for key removal and cleaning. Unscrew the keyboard and pull it apart if possible. Flip the keyboard over and look for screws. Some keyboards consist of faceplates bound together. If the keyboard has screws, remove the bottom faceplate to wash it separately. Check for hidden screws underneath the keyboard's labels. If you can't remove the keys, you usually can remove the faceplate. Take the keys off afterward, if possible, to give the faceplate a more thorough cleaning. Place the keys in a colander to wash them in warm water. Set out a towel next to the sink. Run warm water from the faucet as you gather the keys into a colander. Then, hold the colander underneath running water, swirling the keys around by hand to rinse them. With a colander, most water and debris rinses off right away. When you're done, set the keys on a towel to finish drying. If rinsing isn't enough to clean the keys, try using a liquid dish soap. Fill a bowl with warm water, then mix in 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of dish soap to create soapy water. Denture tablets are also very effective and can be used in place of soap. Wash the empty faceplate with soap and warm water. Move the faceplate into a colander or bowl. Try rinsing it out with warm water. Clear out stubborn debris with soapy water and a microfiber cloth. When you're done, set the faceplate aside to dry. If your keyboard is very grimy, soak the faceplate and keys in soapy water for up to 6 hours. Scrub and rinse off everything when you're done. Wipe the other half of the keyboard with a cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Scrub the remaining faceplate to clear out as much debris as possible. Go around the stems that normally hold the keys in place. Make sure the cloth isn't dripping or else some of the moisture may reach the electronic components. Use an electronics cleaning brush from a general store to help remove tough debris. Clean the key stems with cotton swabs dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Finish cleaning out the keyboard by wiping away the remaining debris. The key stems are the little towers or clips perched on top of the keyboard. Wipe around the stems to remove debris on the faceplate. Then, dampen a cotton swab with a drop of cleaning solution to wipe off the top of each stem. Change out the cotton swabs as they get dirty to avoid leaving any debris behind. Isopropyl alcohol dries quickly, so it's safer to use than water. Avoid using a lot of it. Dampen each swab lightly. Let the keyboard dry for 2 to 3 days. Find a place on your countertop to put the computer parts. Lay out some towels, then arrange the components over them. Keep the parts exposed to fresh air to dry them out. Make sure the computer parts are in a secure spot so they don't fall on the floor or get lost. Keep them inaccessible to children or pets so they dry out fully. Replace the keyboard parts and test it. Reassemble the keyboard by reversing the steps you took when taking it apart. For most keyboards, you will need to connect the faceplates first. Screw them back together, then set the keys on top of the clips or stems. Usually, all you have to do is slide the keys onto the clips to snap them in place. If your keyboard doesn't work, take it apart again. Make sure you assembled it properly and plugged in all of the cables. Consider calling a professional to give laptops a cleaning. A professional technician can take apart your laptop, find damaged parts, and clean electronic components safely. Finished. | Shut down the computer and detach all connecting cables. Turn the keyboard upside down to shake out loose debris. Use compressed air to blow dust and debris out from the keys. Use a dust vacuum to sweep up hard to remove debris. Clean around the keys with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Scrub the keyboard with a cloth dampened in isopropyl alcohol. Polish the keyboard with a lint-free cloth. Turn off the computer and unplug the keyboard right away. Turn the keyboard upside down to shake out the liquid. Dry the keyboard with a microfiber cloth. Let the keyboard air dry for at least 24 hours. Test the keyboard for sticky keys and other signs of damage. Switch off the computer and disconnect the keyboard. Pull the keys off with a screwdriver if they are removable. Unscrew the keyboard and pull it apart if possible. Place the keys in a colander to wash them in warm water. Wash the empty faceplate with soap and warm water. Wipe the other half of the keyboard with a cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Clean the key stems with cotton swabs dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Let the keyboard dry for 2 to 3 days. Replace the keyboard parts and test it. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Host-a-Good-Party | How to Host a Good Party | To host a good party, send out invites ahead of time with a request for an RSVP so you can plan how much food and drink to buy. On the day, greet everyone warmly when they arrive and offer to take their coats so they feel welcome. Additionally, have upbeat music playing in the background to create a positive atmosphere. Once the party gets going, try to spend time with each guest to check that they're engaged and having fun. If you feel the conversation is dying down, mix up groups of people or introduce a shy guest to new friends. | Figure out what type of party you want. Having a guiding principle will make all the rest of your decisions simple and easy. Are you hosting a themed dinner party, or a blow-out with all of your friends? Do you want something small and intimate or the big banger that no one forgets. Ask yourself what kind of party you want to host before doing anything else -- this will help you decide who to invite, what to buy, and what to prepare. Invite your friends, making sure you only invite as many people as you can manage. When sending out invitations, assume everyone is going to say yes instead of inviting tons of people and hoping only a set amount can make it. You can always send out more invitations later. Asking for an RSVP is a great way to help you plan food, drinks, and party events. Let people know if they can bring their families or friends with a "plus one" or "family and friends invited" attached to the email, card, or event notification. Consider the type of party you want when sending invitations. If you want close conversation, you may want to limit it to 8-12 people. If you want a big, raging party you'll go much bigger. Let people know what to expect in the invitation, often with a dress code. If you're having a classy party, let them know that it is "black tie," or "formal." If it's a loose, casual party, you can tell them to "come as they will," or "be ready to party." Try and use language that conveys the type of party you want so that no one gets surprised. For example, if you're throwing a Halloween party, most people appreciate knowing upfront if they should wear a fancy dress costume or not. You don't have to be obvious with the dress code. Describing the party as a "evening to catch up and share a nice dinner" clearly lets people know that they shouldn't wear glitter and a crop top, unless they want to. Clean the house thoroughly before people arrive if you are not hiring a venue. Don't give your guests any reason to think they're imposing or intruding on your life. If you don't want people in certain rooms, simply close the doors, and leave the rest of the doors open. Stock the guest bathroom with extra toilet paper and soap in plain sight, and make sure that there is a clean room where people can put their coats and other things. Finally, if you're using your own dishes, make sure they are all clean and ready to eat off of. Make sure there is ample seating for everyone unless you're having a rave up dance party or an outdoor picnic party. Decorations aren't required for a good party, but they help create the party atmosphere. If you're going to put them up, however, make sure they are up well in advance. If you're throwing a big party, remove anything delicate or breakable in advance to avoid costly and embarrassing mishaps. Make sure you have enough food for the entire party if you are serving food. You should have food out for the entirety of the party, especially if there is drinking involved. This can be simple, like bowls of chips and dips, cheese and crackers, and pre-made veggie plates. If you're hosting a meal, put out these little snacks to hold your guests over while the courses come out. Don't feel, however, like you need to cook all day to throw a great party. You can always buy pre-prepared foods or simple things that you just warm up in the oven. Don't put out all of your food at once. Fill up a few bowls, then refill them as the party needs. Anticipate any dietary restrictions in advance. If you're unsure, make sure you have a gluten-free, (like veggies or rice crackers) kosher food and vegetarian substitutes available. Consider anything containing nuts is labelled for those with nut allergies. If you're cooking, give yourself ample time to prepare, and always cook more food than you think you'll need. Plan for an extra 2-3 guests to prevent running out. Display the food by type so you have salads and sides together, proteins, breads, and sauces. Also, make sure you keep hot and cold items away from each other. It's a good idea to label all of the food as well. Have a variety of drinks on hand. If you're having a mixture of ages, a couple of sodas and juices should be with the alcohol. It is often best to have at least two types of alcohol available as well to accommodate different tastes, such as beer and wine, mixed drinks and champagne, beer and spirits, etc. Ice and lemon can be appropriate too. Depending on the type of party, you may want to think about where the drinks go. It is often best to keep hard alcohol out of sight but accessible, with less alcoholic beverages like beer open and in plain sight to prevent over-drinking too early. Give yourself 1-2 hours more to prepare than you think you need. At the end of the day, you'll realize you forgot napkins, the appetizers might burn, or you'll forget that you need to shower and get dressed as well! Take the stress off yourself by building in a nice little buffer between your first guest arriving and your final preparations. If you seem relaxed and together when the guests arrive, they'll be relaxed too. Keep calm, cool and collected no matter happens. Above all, you want to be warm, confident host. Your guests shouldn't feel for a minute like they're stressing or taxing you, or else they will start to feel stressed as well. Drinks will spill, conversation will occasionally stall, and food may run out. That's fine! Just stay friendly and welcoming the entire time, helping your guests feel like they a part of your house and not some burden you have to shoulder. Greet each guest individually as they arrive. Set the tone of the party with a warm greeting when people arrive. Offer to take coats or jackets and direct them to the right room. It is usually best to let any guests who haven't been over before know where they can get a drink or some food, and point out the guest bathroom. If you can, take some time to talk and converse. If you're cooking or moving around a lot, lead them into the party, hand them a drink, and excuse yourself with a smile. Spend some time with each guest. Make an effort, once things calm down and the party is in full swing, to talk with each guest. You'll do a lot of drifting to make sure everyone is engaged and happy, but your guests will be happy that you took the time to see them. This doesn't have to be a systematic movement through the crowd. Just try to have one good, memorable moment with each guest before the night is over. Keep your guests engaged by checking in periodically. Mix up the conversation groups by introducing people to one another and sliding from one group to another. Find ways to engage shyer guests, or those on the fringes looking at their phones, through conversation and activities. It is your job to steer conversation to new topics if someone is monopolizing the crowd or leaning into unsavory topics. A good way to mix up groups is to ask someone for some help with something. You can then steer them to a new group when you're done, or make space for someone else to move in. Enlist very shy friends as assistants. Ask them to help keep the food filled with you or prepare a dish for dinner. They'll appreciate the attention. Adapt to the party as it evolves. Everyone may love dancing, loud music, and drinking in the first half of the evening. After dinner, you'll likely notice more people sitting and talking in intimate conversations, or moving away from the dance floor. Feel free to adapt accordingly, putting on calmer music and moving the chairs closer together. Put on a pot of coffee or tea after dessert to entice people to relax. You could also go the opposite direction, too, keeping things calm and conversational until people get a little tipsy, then upping the music to get people out on the dance floor for the second, raging half of the party. Leave the dishes until the next day. No one wants to see you scrambling around, cleaning the house while they're still trying to have fun. Make sure that any major messes, like spills, are cleaned up and that there are trash cans for people to deposit empty bottles, cans, and cups, and then relax. Enjoy your own party for a bit and don't worry about cleaning until later. Cleaning usually signals to others that the party is wrapping up and it is time to go. This could be a nice, subtle way to start pushing people out the door. Have high-tempo, upbeat music playing in the background. For some, choosing party music may be the most difficult decision of the entire party. These days, however, DJing is getting easier and easier with iPods, apps, and music websites. Pick music that is upbeat but not pounding. If you want people dancing, clear out space and play something you want to dance to -- such as electronic, swing, or pop. Moreover, don't be afraid to mix it up if people seem bored, or let a trusted, musically-inclined friend take the reins. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with a Pandora or Spotify station set to these classic party genres. 90's Hip-Hop and RnB: If the party is younger-skewing, this is almost always the right move. Motown and Soul: There are very few people, of any generation, that won't get down to some Temptations or Stevie Wonder. Best for a varied, larger crowd. Big-Band Jazz and Swing: If you're having a classy dinner or conversational party, Frank Sinatra and Count Basie will get you through every course with aplomb. Dim the lighting. Use candles, a fireplace, or even Christmas lights to cast a dim, warm glow around the room. Bright lights have the tendency to make people self-conscious, especially if it is not natural sunlight. Good, dim, lighting is one of the best ways to loosen up the party and let people know they can relax and let their hair down. If you can double up your lighting with some nicely scented candles, the smell factor will enhance your party mood even more. Provide activities to stimulate conversation and loosen people up. Games and events bring people together, especially in the awkward early stages of a party. Of course, the activity will depend a lot on the group and the party, from drinking games like pong and king's cup to more tame games like Apples to Apples (or Cards Against Humanity, for raunchy crowds) or a pool table and dart board. You can put the big game on TV or simply play a slideshow silently, giving people something to talk about if conversation lulls. Other ideas include: Tasting tests or contests with the appetizers. Introducing people who may have not before. A set-aside dance floor near the speakers. Truth or Dare, Never Have I Ever, Desert Island, and similar conversational games. Let the vibe grow organically, instead of pushing your guests to have fun. The best parties happen when everyone feels comfortable, contributing to the party in their own unique ways. This won't happen if you're constantly trying to make people dance, asking "are you having fun," or pushing games on people who just want to talk. Things will likely not hop into party mode right off the bat, but if people feel comfortable, well fed, and able to drink, the party will kick off on its own. | Figure out what type of party you want. Invite your friends, making sure you only invite as many people as you can manage. Let people know what to expect in the invitation, often with a dress code. Clean the house thoroughly before people arrive if you are not hiring a venue. Make sure you have enough food for the entire party if you are serving food. Have a variety of drinks on hand. Give yourself 1-2 hours more to prepare than you think you need. Keep calm, cool and collected no matter happens. Greet each guest individually as they arrive. Spend some time with each guest. Keep your guests engaged by checking in periodically. Adapt to the party as it evolves. Leave the dishes until the next day. Have high-tempo, upbeat music playing in the background. Dim the lighting. Provide activities to stimulate conversation and loosen people up. Let the vibe grow organically, instead of pushing your guests to have fun. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Order-at-Chipotle | How to Order at Chipotle | Before you order, decide if you want a burrito, corn or flour tacos, or a “burrito bowl” which includes all the fillings of a burrito without the shell. Next, choose between white or brown rice and black beans or pinto beans. You can also choose what meat you would like, such as chicken, spicy steak, or sofritas if you are vegan. To top off your order, add salsa, sour cream, or cheese. You may add guacamole, but remember that it costs extra. | Choose your “vessel. ” You can have a burrito in a large flour tortilla, crispy or soft corn tacos or soft flour tacos. If you don't want any tortillas, you can order a burrito bowl or a salad. You can choose to order a “double-wrapped burrito” with two flour tortilla shells at no additional charge. This is best to do if you like more of a bite or if you plan on piling your burrito too high to wrap with just one tortilla. The standard “tacos” orders will get you three tacos with the choice of soft flour or corn tortillas or crispy fried corn taco shells. You can also order a “single taco” or "two tacos" as long as you specify it at the beginning of your order. Choose your rice. Burritos and burrito bowls will also come with brown or white cilantro-lime rice, which you can decline if you choose. Brown rice is the healthier choice with a slightly thicker texture and a nuttier flavor than white rice. Decide if you want black or pinto beans. Black beans have slightly fewer calories in them than pinto beans, but other than that, there's not much difference in nutritional value. Decide whether or not you want a serving of the fajita vegetable mix at no extra charge. Made with bell peppers, onions, and fresh oregano, the veggies add color and a wonderful flavor to your meal. Choose your protein. You can ask for a little more or less protein if you feel like the 4 oz serving doesn't suit your tastes but keep in mind that you will be charged extra if you ask for a double serving of meat, and if you choose to get less than a serving, you'll get charged for the 4 ounces. Braised pork carnitas, the CEO, Steve Ells' favorite and the least spicy meat. Adobo-marinated grilled chicken, the second least spiciest meat and the most popular protein option. Sofritas, Chipotle's vegan protein option. Made from poblano peppers and tofu, sofritas packs a punch. Barbacoa, shredded beef, the second spiciest meat on the menu. Adobo-marinated steak. There is no spicier meat in the entire restaurant. Milder tastes beware! Tell them if you want your choice of salsas, sour cream and cheese. Customize your order by saying you want a lot or very little of these items. They have several kinds of salsa, so choose according to the amount of spice you like: Fresh tomato salsa (mild) Roasted chili-corn salsa (medium) Tomatillo-green chili salsa (medium) Tomatillo-red chili salsa (hot) Opt to order guacamole, but remember it will result in an extra charge. Some Chipotle fans claim that if you order it on the side, you get substantially more, even though the amount should add up to 4 oz either way. Choose to add fresh cilantro, onions, hot sauce, lettuce or extra on most items. You will get these items for free. You will choose these items when your order is half filled and a Chipotle employee is adding fresh ingredients to the top before they wrap it up. Add freshly made chips and guacamole for a side. This is an extra charge with any order. Chips are around $1.27, while chips and guacamole are close to three dollars. Order off the kid’s menu. There are two options. All kids meals have the choice of a small bag of chips or fruit on the side and organic milk or juice to drink. A small cheese quesadilla with two sides. Chipotle workers may automatically add rice and beans as your side, but you have the choice to pick anything off the line. You may add meat or guacamole to the quesadilla for an extra charge. A build your own kit. This comes with two soft or crispy taco shells, one meat, and any two ingredients of your choice. Finish with a regular or large fountain soda or a bottled drink. Some locations have margaritas or beer at for between $4 and $7. Order a quesadilla. As with most standard quesadillas, it includes cheese on a large flour tortilla. It is not on the menu, but your friend behind the glass will know how to make it. Experiment with “quesarito. ” Try to order this when there isn't a line, as it takes a while. You will receive burrito ingredients wrapped in a cheesy quesadilla. Order half the ingredients of a burrito with this option, and they might call it a “burritodilla,” because it's flatter, like a quesadilla. Pick nachos. For a small additional charge, you can get cheese, beans, meat and salsa on top of fresh tortilla chips. Order “free” extras. You can ask for extra rice or an extra tortilla for free. One “hack” includes ordering a burrito bowl and asking for a free tortilla. You can even get the tortilla draped inside of the bowl under all the toppings. It's the best of both worlds: the amount of food in the bowl and the soft, warmness of a burrito-sized tortilla. Choose the burrito bowl if you are hungry. You can fit more food when it comes with a bowl. Ask for the free tortilla to make your own mini burrito. Divvy up your order. Order both black and pinto beans, or half one type of meat and half of another type of meat. | Choose your “vessel. Choose your rice. Decide if you want black or pinto beans. Decide whether or not you want a serving of the fajita vegetable mix at no extra charge. Choose your protein. Tell them if you want your choice of salsas, sour cream and cheese. Opt to order guacamole, but remember it will result in an extra charge. Choose to add fresh cilantro, onions, hot sauce, lettuce or extra on most items. Add freshly made chips and guacamole for a side. Order off the kid’s menu. Finish with a regular or large fountain soda or a bottled drink. Order a quesadilla. Experiment with “quesarito. Pick nachos. Order “free” extras. Choose the burrito bowl if you are hungry. Divvy up your order. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Time-Management-Skills | How to Improve Time Management Skills | To improve your time management skills, make a to-do list at the beginning of every day and week, which will help you allocate your time better. Try to prioritize your most important tasks first so you're not using up valuable time on tasks that could wait until another day. Also, work on one thing at a time until it's finished since multitasking can actually slow you down and make you less productive. If you're working on a long-term project, write down important milestones on a calendar and set reminders on your phone so you don't lose track of time. | Keep a time diary. You may wonder where all of your time goes each day. Carry a notebook around and write down everything you do and for how long. You may be surprised about how you spend your time. Be honest when you do this. Try keeping a diary for at least a few days to get a good picture of how you typically spend your day. For example, going to a birthday dinner or a doctor's appointment is not an everyday task for you and could throw your schedule off. Write down all the ways you waste time. There are many ways that you can waste time. Do you spend a lot of time on social media? Do you hang out with your friends when you should be doing other things? Do you spend hours in front of the television? It is important that you know yourself and your habits so you can make changes. Look through your time inventory and see areas that you can cut back on. Determine why you procrastinate. Instead of becoming upset that you are putting a task off, try to figure out the reasons for your procrastination. Think of procrastinating as a symptom of a larger problem and try to get to the root cause. Are you scared to do the task? Are you tired? Is the task boring? Is the task too easy or too hard? If the task is too easy, offer yourself little rewards for completing each step. If the task is too hard, deadlines and small steps are the best way to tackle it. Take into consideration the amount of time you spend procrastinating as well when you do your time diary. Make lists. Make lists of everything you plan on doing that day or that week. Once you're done, cross those things out so that you feel encouraged and motivated. Your list should be realistic and attainable. If you make a list of 20 items but only achieve 5 items on your list, you will feel like you didn't get anything done. Prioritize your tasks so you know what's most important and needs to be completed first. If your list is too long, try having separate lists for different areas of your life such as personal, school/work, and home. People are typically more productive in the morning. Try to complete a more difficult task from your list in the morning and then handle the other items on your list. You will feel accomplished and can carry that momentum into the rest of your day. Have deadlines. Your list only works if you actually use it. Setting deadlines will hold you accountable. Do your best to stick to your deadlines. Also be sure to set realistic deadlines that consider your responsibilities and other obligations. For example, if you need to schedule some personal appointments but will be tied up at meetings during work all day, a realistic deadline would be scheduling all of the appointments in the next few days instead of by the end of your busy work day. Give yourself some room for error when choosing a deadline. The deadline should be a few days before your task has to be finished. Set reminders. You can set alarms on your phone, computer, or place visual reminders of the things you have to get done. Use the method that works best for you. It may help to use multiple methods as well. Your reminders should be set for the final deadline and any mini deadlines to keep you on schedule. For example, if you have a task that needs to be completed in 2 weeks, you may have reminders set at day 7, day 10, and day 14. Make use of a calendar. Systematize all your daily tasks so you can manage your time efficiently. Always check your calendar at the start of the day and make any necessary changes, so you know all your tasks for the day. Make sure your calendar is easily accessible and highlights all important events. Plan during your downtime. You experience downtime throughout your day. You can use that time to make a quick list or set your priorities for the day. Commuting to work/school is an ideal time to get some of this planning done. All of your downtime should not be devoted to planning and organizing. This could become stressful and do more harm than good. If you have 10 minutes of downtime, start by devoting 2 or 3 minutes to getting organized. Do not multitask. You may think you are getting more done if you try to juggle a few things at once. However, doing too many things at once, you never give a single task your complete focus and attention. You will be more efficient if you devote all of your energy to complete a task before you move on to the next. For example, instead of answering emails and returning phone calls at the same time; answer all of your emails before you make phone calls. Switching back and forth between tasks is more work for your brain and slows down the process. Delegate responsibilities if you can. You cannot do everything yourself. Allowing another person to take care of something allows you to devote yourself to another task while still getting everything done. Be sure you delegate to someone that is reliable and trustworthy. You do not want to waste time worrying if the person will get things done. Remember that delegating is a sign of strength and intelligence not weakness. Get rid of distractions. You will complete a task more quickly if you can give it your full attention. Turn off any distractions such as email notifications, your phone, television, social media. Set aside time when you do not want to be disturbed and do not address any interruptions unless you have to. For example, if you plan to write or read something for 45 minutes, do not answer your phone or respond to any emails during this time. If you turn off the notifications, you will not even notice that people are trying to get in contact with you. Once the 45 minutes are up, you can check your email. Social media is a big distraction. Schedule social media time throughout the day and stay away from it unless it is during a scheduled time block. Take breaks. You cannot work or be productive 24 hours a day. Schedule breaks throughout your day. A break will allow you to recharge and come back to a task with a fresh perspective. During a scheduled break you may: Get on social media Call a friend Take a walk Meditate or do some stretching Try to do something on your break that is completely unrelated to your task. Give yourself incentives. At the start of a task that you don't really feel like doing, promise yourself a reward at the end of it. For example, if you have a writing assignment you need to complete but are in no mood to do, allow yourself to use Instagram for half an hour or less once you're done with the assignment. Make sure your reward is something that you really enjoy. Your reward should never cause a setback or cause you to get off track. Avoid over-scheduling. It is easy to take on more than you can handle or believe that you can accomplish a task in a shorter amount of time. Try to be realistic and schedule only those things which you think you can achieve in an allocated amount of time. Also, try not to take on a lot of extra work. Learn to say “no” if you are already too busy. If you cannot say no, be honest about your time constraints. For example, if someone asks you to get something done by the end of the day, you may say, “I'm a little overloaded right now, but I can have it to you by the end of tomorrow.” Over-scheduling can also lead to stress. When you are stressed, you become less productive. Evaluate your schedule. At the end of each day, take a look at your list. If you did not accomplish everything on your list, what could you have done differently? What things did you do well? Adjust your schedule based on your evaluation. It will take time to find the best strategies for you. Maybe phone reminders work well, but planning during your downtime makes you super stressed. | Keep a time diary. Write down all the ways you waste time. Determine why you procrastinate. Make lists. Have deadlines. Set reminders. Make use of a calendar. Plan during your downtime. Do not multitask. Delegate responsibilities if you can. Get rid of distractions. Take breaks. Give yourself incentives. Avoid over-scheduling. Evaluate your schedule. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Fish-From-Getting-Sick | How to Prevent Fish From Getting Sick | To prevent your fish from getting sick, maintain a steady temperature inside the tank and avoid sudden fluctuations. It's also important to install a quality filter to remove toxic chemicals from the water. Waste will still accumulate, even with a filtration system, so be sure to remove 10-15% of the tank water weekly and replace it with fresh, dechlorinated tap water. Additionally, keep your fish healthy by feeding them a high-quality flake food.You can supplement their diet with pellet food to provide extra nutrients and add dietary supplements to boost their immunity. | Keep your tank at a steady temperature according to your fish species. Sudden fluctuations in water temperature can result in stress and sickness for your fish. Use a thermometer to help match water temperatures when doing a water change and slowly acclimatize fish when adding them to a new tank. To avoid dramatic temperature shifts, keep your aquarium at least 1 metre (3.3 ft) away from any heating or cooling devices, such as air conditioners or heat vents. Different species of fish require different water temperatures, so be sure to ask your pet store or veterinarian about the recommended temperatures for your specific fish. Tropical fish, for example, are generally happy around 75 °F (24 °C) to 79 °F (26 °C) but certain breeds, such as clown loaches, prefer water up to 84 °F (29 °C). Install a water filter to help remove toxic chemicals. When fish and plant waste break down, they begin to rot, releasing chemicals like ammonia and nitrite, which can stress your fish and make them more prone to disease. A good biological water filter will break these dangerous chemicals down into less toxic nitrate, which will help your aquarium plants grow. When you first install a filtration system into your aquarium, it can take some time to fully clean the water. Allow the filter time to cycle through the water at least twice and only introduce a few fish at a time into the environment. Change out 10-15% of the water once a week to remove any remaining waste. Even with a filtration system, fish and plant waste can still build up in your tank, releasing dangerous chemicals as they decay. To prevent this, remove 10-15% of the water weekly and replace it with fresh, dechlorinated tap water. While you're at it, use a siphon to suck up gunk from any gravel or decorations. Leave your fish in the tank when doing a 10-15% water change to avoid unnecessary stress and potential physical injury. If you have algae growing on the walls of the tank or any decorations, use an algae scraper to scrub the glass before removing the water. Keep your tank's water at a pH value between 5.0 and 9.0. Use a liquid testing kit, litmus strips, or digital pH meter to monitor the pH levels of your aquarium. Make sure to test the pH levels before and after a major water change, when you are cycling a new tank, or when you are introducing new objects or fish. Different fish require different pH levels. Most freshwater fish are happiest with a pH of 5.5-7.5 while saltwater fish generally prefer a pH of 8 or higher. If you find you need to adjust pH levels, do so slowly so you don't cause your fish more stress. Use products such as pH Up or pH Down to correct imbalances. Determine the proper level of water salinity based on your fish. If the water salinity of your aquarium is too far outside of your fish's comfort zone, your fish can become stressed and more susceptible to illness. Perform a quick internet search or speak to your pet store to determine the proper level of salinity for your species of fish. In general, saltwater fish prefer 35 PPT (parts per thousand) and freshwater fish prefer 0.5 PPT (parts per thousand). Use a hydrometer, refractometer, or salinity monitor to test the salt levels of your tank, especially before and after any major water changes. While hydrometers and refractometers can be purchased inexpensively at your local pet stores, salinity monitors are more expensive and are more easily found online. Sea salt, kosher salt, or pure rock salt can all be used to up the salinity in your fish tank, but avoid regular table salt, as it often contains anti-caking agents and iodine that can be harmful for your fish. You can also purchase special aquarium salt that includes beneficial electrolytes to help improve your fish's immune systems. Turn the lights around the aquarium off at night. If aquarium lights are left on constantly, this can affect the sleep cycles of fish. Just like humans, fish become susceptible to illness if they aren't sleeping correctly. Excessive amounts of light will also cause algae to grow at a faster rate, reducing the water quality. Mimic natural conditions by turning the tank lights off at night. To more accurately mirror natural cycles, consider purchasing a timed lighting regulator (available at most pet or fish stores) that will gently and progressively turn the lights on and off on a regular schedule. This can help prevent the shock and stress of a sudden lighting change. Move the tank away from your television or stereo speakers. Fish are more sensitive to sound vibrations than we are, so can easily be stressed by loud noises. Keep your aquarium away from the direct sound path of speakers and remember: if you can see the water in the tank vibrate when the stereo is on, it's far too close. Ask visitors and members of your household (especially young children) to avoid yelling near or banging on the walls of the tank to further reduce stressful vibrations. Avoid handling or touching your fish unless it’s necessary. Although you sometimes need to net your fish to move them to new tanks or put them into isolation, avoid doing it more than necessary. Improper to overly frequent handling can stress your fish out and even damage their scales, which exposes them to potential infection. Use cleaning products and decorations specifically designed for aquariums. Detergents, polishes, aerosols and other products not made for use in aquariums often contain chemicals that are dangerous to fish. To avoid polluting the water, purchase fish-specific cleaning products and avoid spraying other chemicals (such as perfume or deodorant) near the tank. Keep newly purchased fish and plants in a separate tank for at least 1 week. New fish and aquatic plants can carry parasites or bacteria, even if they don't show any signs of disease at first glance. To avoid contaminating the rest of your tank, keep newly purchased fish and plants in a separate tank for 7-10 days before adding them to the main aquarium. If they show any signs of illness, they should be treated in the isolation tank. Stones, rocks and gravel can also contain contaminants if you collect them from rivers or streams. To be careful, wash and air dry any non-purchased items for two full days to kill off any parasites before adding to your aquarium. Feed your fish a variety of foods. The basis of any fish's diet should be a good quality flaked fish food. Most flaked foods are made up of a combination of fish meal, squid meal, shrimp meal, earthworms, spirulina, and vitamins and minerals. However, while flakes provide the essentials for your fish's nutrition, it can be helpful to supplement their diet with some pellets, fresh foods, or freeze-dried options. To determine what foods are best for your fish, search online or talk to your local pet store to determine whether your fish are omnivores, carnivores, or herbivores. Carnivorous fish will prefer live or freeze-dried meaty treats like flies, worms, or krill. Herbivores may like fresh, soft or partially cooked vegetables. Adding in weekly frozen items, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms, can also help boost the immune system of carnivorous and omnivorous fish since these foods most closely mimic what they would eat in a natural environment. Add in supplements to help boost immunity. Your local pet store will likely have ready-made dietary supplements available for purchase, but you can also use garlic to help ward off parasitic infections. Simply cut regular garlic into tiny pieces and sprinkle them into the tank along with regular fish food. Confirm that feeder fish are healthy if you have predatory fish. Carnivorous or predatory fish sometimes need to eat live feeder fish. If these feeders are sick, however, they can spread their diseases throughout your fish tank. Keep your feeders in isolation for a day or two and watch for signs of body fungus or ich before adding them to your tank. If your feeder fish are underfed, they will not provide enough nutrition, leaving your own predatory fish undernourished and more susceptible to illness. Make sure you feed your feeder fish before serving them up as lunch. Avoid overfeeding your fish. Too much fish food in your aquarium can contaminate the water, and clog filters, making the water unpleasant and even toxic. The correct amount of food will depend on the type, size, and breed of your fish but it's better to begin with too little than too much food. Determine the correct amount by sprinkling a few pinches of food into the tank and observing what happens. If your fish eat all the food in less than 5 minutes, you can add a little more. Most fish only require feeding once a day, although some people prefer to split it into two smaller feedings. If you have concerns about the proper food requirements for your specific fish, talk to your veterinarian or local pet store. Check for white spots that resemble grains of salt or sand on the scales. The spots may be slightly raised and the fish may also try to scratch them against objects in the tank. These specks can be signs of fish ick or ich, a disease that generally attacks fish that are stressed. You can prevent ick by maintaining a constant temperature and pH level in your aquarium. If your fish shows signs of ick, treat it with anti-ick treatments, which can be purchased at your local pet store. You can also try increasing the water temperature, adding salt, or changing the water in the tank to treat ick. Look out for gray or whitish fungal growth on skin or fins. This type of fungus, if left untreated, will eventually resemble a cottony growth that can prove fatal. Fish who are already injured (due to aggression of other fish, rough handling, or pH burns) or under physical stress from infection or parasite are much more likely to develop fungus. Prevent fungus by minimizing injuries. Remove aggressive fish or sharp rocks, maintain proper pH levels, net your fish carefully, and eliminate other bacterial or parasitic infections when possible. Treat fungus-infected fish using medications such as malachite green zinc-free oxalate, which should be available for purchase at your local pet store or veterinarian's office. You can also try adding 1 tablespoon of non-iodized rock salt per each gallon of water in your aquarium. Watch for a growth of whitish-green threads from the fish’s body. This can be a symptom of anchor worms, a small crustacean that burrows into your fish's skin and causes damage. Usually introduced to aquariums by infected fish, anchor worms can be prevented by keeping newly purchased fish in isolation for 1 week to check for signs of infection. If your fish is infected with anchor worms, you should move it to an isolated tank before physically removing the parasite. Clean the wound with an antiseptic like iodine to prevent infection. You can also try treating anchor worms by bathing freshwater fish in a seawater bath (35 parts per thousand salt) for about 5 minutes. Repeat every day until the parasite falls off. Note if there is any mucus covering the gills or body. If your fish is covered with a layer of mucus and scratches against other objects in the tank, it may be infected with a body flukes (a small flatworm). Flukes are often present in aquariums and are generally harmless. However, when your fish is stressed from unfavorable environmental conditions, they are unable to fight off the flukes, which begin to eat at the fish's body. Treat flukes with a parasite guard, available for purchase at your local pet store. Be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer's directions. Watch for progressive deterioration of the tail and/or fins. If your fish's tail and fins look ragged, frayed, or faded, this may be a sign of a bacterial infection. Add one tablespoon of aquarium salt per gallon of water in your tank to help prevent rot and watch out for any aggressive fish that injure their tank-mates. Treat fin rot by testing the water quality of the aquarium and doing a partial water change. If deterioration persists, try applying a multipurpose treatment (available for purchase at your pet store) to any damaged fins. | Keep your tank at a steady temperature according to your fish species. Install a water filter to help remove toxic chemicals. Change out 10-15% of the water once a week to remove any remaining waste. Keep your tank's water at a pH value between 5.0 and 9.0. Determine the proper level of water salinity based on your fish. Turn the lights around the aquarium off at night. Move the tank away from your television or stereo speakers. Avoid handling or touching your fish unless it’s necessary. Use cleaning products and decorations specifically designed for aquariums. Keep newly purchased fish and plants in a separate tank for at least 1 week. Feed your fish a variety of foods. Add in supplements to help boost immunity. Confirm that feeder fish are healthy if you have predatory fish. Avoid overfeeding your fish. Check for white spots that resemble grains of salt or sand on the scales. Look out for gray or whitish fungal growth on skin or fins. Watch for a growth of whitish-green threads from the fish’s body. Note if there is any mucus covering the gills or body. Watch for progressive deterioration of the tail and/or fins. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Strip-Steak | How to Cook Strip Steak | To cook strip steak on the stove, first choose meat that's about 1 inch thick. Take it out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking, rub it with salt and pepper, and let it sit at room temperature so the sides will cook faster. When you're ready to cook, heat a large skillet with olive oil and wait until it starts to smoke. Then, add the steak and cook it for 3-4 minutes per side before flipping. Take it out right away for a rare cut, or cook it for a few more minutes at a lower heat for a more well done cut. | Know that outdoor grilling lends a rich, smoky flavor to your steak. Many people swear that a grilled steak, with a little salt and pepper, is one of nature's finest meals. Strip steaks are naturally tender, and only need to be seared on the outside to remain flavorful and juicy. Depending on your grill, you can get very different flavors from your steak: Propane: Gas grills impart little flavor on the meat, but are very easy to control. You can adjust the temperatures with a simple knob, allowing you to perfect the cooking process. They also heat up much faster than wood or charcoal. Charcoal: Briquettes light up quickly and get hot quickly, and they impart a rich, smoky flavor on the meat. Wood-fire: Wood chips, like hickory or oak, often give the best natural flavor to the meat, but they are harder to maintain and light. Many people use a mixture of charcoal and wood instead of just wood-chops. Pre-heat your grill to medium-high. If you are using charcoal and/or wood this might take 30-40 minutes (most of the briquettes should be covered in gray ash), but propane grills will only take a few minutes. If you have a thermometer, aim to have the inside of the grill around 400°F. The thinner the steak, the hotter you want the grill, since you don't want to completely cook the inside of the steak before the outside is nice and browned: 1/2 inch thick: 425-450°F. You shouldn't be able to hold your hand over the grill for more than 3 seconds. 3/4-1 inch thick: 360-400°F You shouldn't be able to hold your hand over the grill for more than 4-5 seconds. 1-1 1/2 inch thick: 325-360°F You shouldn't be able to hold your hand over the grill for more than 5-6 seconds. Rub the steak with salt and pepper while the grill heats. There is an expression that goes, "salt and pepper are the little black dress of the steak world." Odd connotations aside, the fact is that most steaks are best with only a little bit of seasoning. Rub 1/2 tablespoon of both salt and crushed black pepper on both sides of the steak and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the grill heats. To determine the amount of salt, think of it as a light snow on an asphalt road -- you can see the road, but the snow (salt) is covering most of it. Bigger kernels of salt, like coarse sea salt or kosher salt, will help the outside caramelize better, so avoid using fine table salt if you can. Place your steak over direct heat on the grill. You want to sear the outside, caramelizing it for perfect texture and flavor. Slap the steak over the flame and then leave it alone. Resist the urge to poke, prod, or move it as it cooks. Cook each side of the steak over direct heat for 7-10 minutes, depending on desired doneness. They should be browned when you flip them over. If they are black, the grill was too hot. Remember this when you flip the steak and lower the heat, or cook it for half the time. If they are pink, the grill was not hot enough, so try and raise the heat or leave them over the flame for another 2-3 minutes. For reference: Medium rare steaks should be grilled for roughly 7 minutes a side. Medium steaks should be grilled for roughly 10 minutes a side. Well done steaks should be cooked for ten minutes on each side, then left on indirect heat to keep cooking. Use tongs to turn the steak, as piercing it with a fork causes the juices to leak out. Remove the steak from direct heat and let it cook indirectly until desired doneness. Move the steak to another side of the grill, one without direct flame, and let it keep cooking until the inside is done to your liking. On a charcoal grill, open or close the top vent to control the smokiness -- the tighter it is shut, the smokier the meat will get. You can use a meat thermometer to gauge the meat, or just estimate with time. Rare: 130 °F (54 °C) to 135 °F (57 °C). Remove immediately after flipping each side. Medium-Rare: 140 °F (60 °C). Sear each side for an extra minute longer than you would for a rare steak. Medium: 155 °F (68 °C). Let it continue cooking for an extra 1-2 minutes off of direct heat. Flip halfway through. Well Done: 165 °F (74 °C) Let the steak cook on indirect heat for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let the steak stand for 10 minutes after removing from the grill. This locks in the juices and flavors, which will escape if you cut it immediately. Tent a piece of aluminum foil over the steak and let it sit before slicing into it. Choose a thinner steak if you are cooking on a stovetop. In order to cook the best steak on the stove, you should aim for a piece of meat that is roughly 1 inch thick. This allows you to sear the outsides quickly why still getting the insides well done. If your steak is thicker, you'll need to cook the steak on low for a longer period of time after searing both sides. Take the steak out of the fridge 20-30 minutes in advance. Let steaks stand 30 minutes at room temperature so they are not cool and the outsides can cook quickly. Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper. Rub both sides of the steak with salt and pepper so that it is well encrusted. The bigger the salt you can get (kosher, coarse sea-salt, etc.) the better: bigger pieces of salt stay crunchy and take less time to dissolve into the meat. You want a fair amount of salt on the meat-- it shouldn't be all white, but there should be salt on every part of the steak. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the pan and swirl to coat. The oil should be smoking just a little, so faint wisps of smoke are coming off the surface. Some cooks swear by coconut oil, which has a mild flavor but a high smoking point, allowing you to really cook the outside of the steak. If you do not have a cast-iron skillet you can use a normal frying pan instead, but you may need more oil. Add steaks to pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned. You want a nice, caramelized exterior on both sides -- brown but not black. If you flip the steak and it is still pink, turn it back over and leave it until it is nice and crispy on one side. Reduce the heat and cook to your desired doneness. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook the steak until the inside is your preferred level of done. If you have a meat thermometer you can use this to get your steak perfect every time: Rare: 130-135°F. Remove immediately after flipping each side. Medium-Rare: 140°F. Cook for an additional 1-3 minutes on each side. Medium: 155°F. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on each side. Well Done: 165°F Cook the steak for an additional 5-7 minutes on each side. Let the steak stand for 10 minutes before cutting into it. You don't want to eat your steak right after it comes off. Waiting locks in juices and flavor as they soak into the meat. Tent a piece of aluminum foil over the steak and let it rest before slicing. Try rubbing a dry seasoning over the meat 30 minutes before cooking. Dry rubs add flavor to meat without ruining their tenderness, letting you customize your meat to fit the meal. Mix the following spices together with 1/2 tablespoon salt and crushed black pepper before massaging the rub into both sides of the meat. Use equal parts of each spice, roughly 1-1/2 tablespoons, and don't be afraid to mix and match. These rubs are enough for 2-3 steaks. Onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder. Dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano, garlic powder. Cayenne, chili powder, paprika, Mexican oregano, garlic powder. Brown sugar, chili pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and ground coffee (adventurous cooks only!) Use a wet marinade to get moist, delicious flavor into your steaks. Wet marinades are usually effective overnight, so don't try to make one at the last minute and expect a lot of flavor. The acid in wet marinades (vinegar, lemon juice, etc.) also breaks down some of the tissue, making the meat more tender. Be careful though, too much acid can ruin the texture of a steak and make a crispy exterior impossible. Place the steaks in a bag with the marinade and leave them in the fridge overnight to get the best results. Experiment with additional spices or different combinations to find the marinade you love. 1/3 cups of soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, plus 1-2 tablespoons garlic powder, dried basil, parsley, rosemary, and crushed black pepper. 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1 cup vegetable oil, 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2-3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon ground black pepper. Add a pat of butter to the top of the steak for an extra richness. There is a reason that most steakhouse steaks come with a pat of butter on top. Butter can seep into the cuts of the meat and elevate it with a delicious, moist flavor. You can even make "compound butter" (butter mixed with spices and herbs) to get a little extra flavor. To make compound butter, mix 6 tablespoons butter with the following herbs in a food processor, then freeze the mixture until it is time to put on your steak: 1 teaspoon thyme, sage, rosemary, chopped. 2-3 cloves minced garlic 1 teaspoon chili powder, cilantro, and cayenne pepper. Top your steak with something extra to make a perfect entree. Most steaks can stand by themselves as delicious meals, but a little something extra can make them even better. Things to try on top include: Caramelized onions, peppers, or mushrooms Fried onions Blue cheese crumbles | Know that outdoor grilling lends a rich, smoky flavor to your steak. Pre-heat your grill to medium-high. Rub the steak with salt and pepper while the grill heats. Place your steak over direct heat on the grill. Cook each side of the steak over direct heat for 7-10 minutes, depending on desired doneness. Remove the steak from direct heat and let it cook indirectly until desired doneness. Let the steak stand for 10 minutes after removing from the grill. Choose a thinner steak if you are cooking on a stovetop. Take the steak out of the fridge 20-30 minutes in advance. Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steaks to pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned. Reduce the heat and cook to your desired doneness. Let the steak stand for 10 minutes before cutting into it. Try rubbing a dry seasoning over the meat 30 minutes before cooking. Use a wet marinade to get moist, delicious flavor into your steaks. Add a pat of butter to the top of the steak for an extra richness. Top your steak with something extra to make a perfect entree. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-an-Encounter-with-a-Crocodile-or-Alligator | How to Survive an Encounter with a Crocodile or Alligator | To survive an encounter with a crocodile or alligator if it snaps or charges at you on land, start running immediately. If the animal manages to grab onto you, try to stay calm and fight back strategically, aiming for the eyes first. Then, punch it in the head or strike it with an oar, stick, or pole. If it drags you into the water, try to grab or hit the palatal valve behind the animal's tongue, which will cause water to flow into the crocodile's throat and force it to release you. | Learn where crocodilians live and stay away. The only sure way to survive an encounter with a crocodile or alligator is to never meet one in the first place. Crocodilians live in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia, and depending on the species, can live in both fresh and salt water. If you live in or visit a tropical region, ask local residents and authorities about the presence of crocodiles, alligators, or caiman before approaching any bodies of water. Take warning signs about the presence of crocodiles seriously. Never go swimming outside of designated areas in regions where crocodilians are known to live. If a potential swimming area is unmarked, do not assume that it is safe. Interestingly, almost 95% of recent crocodile attacks in northern Australia have involved locals. Don't let your familiarity with crocodilians lead you into a false sense of security around them. Use extreme caution around water where crocodilians live. Over 90% of crocodile attacks occur in or near the water and you must use extreme care to avoid them. Crocodilians usually live in and around slow-moving water with a lot of mud and vegetation, and can most often be found in swamps and marshes. They can also inhabit lakes, ponds, rivers, estuaries, man-made canals and the occasional swimming pool. Saltwater crocodiles can also be found on ocean beaches, and even traversing the open sea! Swimming in water where crocodilians live is an obvious danger, but crocs also attack people who are fishing, gathering water, or wading at the water's edge. Crocodiles, in particular, are also known to attack and overturn boats, and will even grab people off of boats and drag them into the water. Know when crocs are at their most dangerous. Crocodilians can attack at any time, but are most active and most dangerous at dusk and at night. Try to be well away from the water before nightfall, but still remember to stay alert during the day. If you are on or near infested water after dark, use a flashlight or headlamp to check the area frequently for eye-shine. Use extra caution during breeding season. Alligators and crocodiles are at their most dangerous during mating and breeding season when they are more aggressive. These animals are also more frequently encountered on land during this period, as they sometimes wander in search of a mate or suitable nesting site. Nesting mothers are especially ferocious, and will defend their nests viciously. The breeding season for crocodilians differs by species and location. If you live in an area where they live, familiarize yourself with the habits of the native population, and be especially on guard during breeding season. Breeding season for freshwater crocodiles in Australia typically begins in July and August, with nesting season extending from September to April. Florida's alligator population usually breeds beginning in May, with breeding and nesting season lasting for several months. During breeding season, remember to use caution both on and around infested waters, and when walking through grass or vegetation near the water. Remain constantly aware of your surroundings. If you must be on or near water where crocodilians live, remain vigilant at all times. Remember that crocodilians are experts at hiding, and even a giant croc might show nothing more than its nostrils above the surface of the water. Be especially wary around muddy or murky water, and where vegetation is present. It's safest to assume that even if you can't see the crocodilians, they are still there. Keep your distance from the water when walking on the shore, and avoid patches of vegetation where these animals could hide. An alligator that feels threatened may hiss at you. If you hear a hissing alligator, try to determine where the sound is coming from, and then leave in the opposite direction as quietly and quickly as you can. Do not walk your dog near alligator or crocodile habitats. Crocodilians are attracted to the sound and movement of small animals, and American alligators are reportedly quite fond of eating dogs. If you do walk your dog near the water, keep it on a leash and be on guard for any movement on or near the water. Do not allow small children to play near the water's edge, or remain unattended in crocodilian country. Crocodilians prefer smaller prey and unfortunately, attacks on children are quite common. Do not feed alligators or crocodiles. Feeding these animals teaches them to lose their natural wariness around people and to associate people with food. Never feed them intentionally, and be careful not to feed them accidentally by throwing fish scrap and other edible refuse into the water. Only feeding young animals is not OK. Remember that a 2-foot long alligator will eventually grow up to be a 10-foot long alligator that might still expect humans to feed it. This is dangerous for both the animal and any humans it might meet. When camping in crocodile or alligator country, be sure to set up your camp far away from the water. You should pitch your tent at least 2 meters (6 feet) above the high water mark, and at least 50 meters (164 feet) from the water's edge. Check the area to make sure that previous campers have not left out food and garbage that may attract crocodilians to your location, and clean up any that you find. Store food securely, and dispose of all food scraps and garbage in secure cans away from your campsite. Keep your distance from alligators and crocodiles when you see them. If you do spot a crocodilian, keep as far from it as possible. Australian wildlife officials state that the minimum safe distance from crocodiles on the water is at least 25 meters (about 82 feet), and that boats should stay at least 10 meters (33 feet) away. Large crocodilians can launch themselves through the water at speeds of up to 60 kmh (37 mph), faster than most people can react. Crocodilians can also launch themselves vertically from the water. Don't stand on docks or low bridges over water, or lean over the side of boats or hang from trees over infested waters. Never approach an alligator or crocodile nest. If you spot baby crocodilians or a nest, leave the area as quickly and quietly as you can. Mother crocodilians will defend their young fearlessly and must not be provoked. Occasionally crocodilians wander into populated areas, especially when people live very close to the water. If you encounter a crocodilian in your backyard, pool, etc. first get to safety and then call the local authorities. If you fall into water where crocodilians live, remain calm. Splashing around and shouting attracts attention from crocodilians and may incite them to attack. Swim or wade to the shore as quickly, quietly and calmly as you can, preferably staying below the water's surface to avoid splashing. If you spot a crocodilian on land, stay calm and depart the area slowly. Do not try to approach the animal, attack it, or try to move it. If you spot one of these animals in a populated area, such as a backyard or parking lot, first get to a safe distance from the animal and then call local wildlife authorities to have it removed. If a crocodilian snaps or charges at you on land, RUN. Should you accidentally happen upon an alligator or crocodile, or if one begins to move towards you, run away from the animal as quickly as you can. As fast as they are in the water, the top land speed for a crocodilian is only 17kmh (10 mph), a speed that most humans can surpass over short distances. Be sure to run away from the water to avoid running into the jaws of more crocodilians. Forget the conventional wisdom about running in a zig-zag pattern to escape; the quickest way to escape an alligator or crocodile is in a straight line. This is because humans (and other animals) run faster in straight lines. Do your best to stay calm and fight back strategically. While the very notion of remaining calm during an animal attack may seem preposterous, doing so may be the only thing that saves your life. If the crocodilian merely bites you at first and lets go, this is probably a defensive attack. Don't wait or try to attack it, just run away as quickly as you can. If the animal seizes hold of you, however, it will likely try to drag you into the water. In this case, you will need to attack it until it lets go. Attack the animal's eyes. The eyes of the crocodilian are its most vulnerable part, and several croc-attack survivors have reported eye-gouging as their salvation. Attempt to gouge, kick, or poke the animal in the eye with your hands or whatever you can grab. Don't give up until you are free, you are literally fighting for your life. Attack the animal's head. If you land as many blows as possible on the animal's head, you stand a higher chance that it will let go. Bystanders observing a crocodilian attack can assist by striking at the animal with sticks, poles, oars, etc., and by kicking and even punching the animal, especially in the head. Attack the palatal valve behind the animal's tongue. Crocodilians have a flap of tissue behind the tongue that covers their throats when they submerge in water. This flap prevents water from flowing into their throats and prevents the crocodile from drowning when its mouth is open. If the animal has dragged you under the water, grabbing hold of this valve may be your only choice. Once you get hold of the valve, it will cause water to flow into the crocodile's throat, forcing it to release you. Hard strikes to this valve may also cause the animal to release you. Seek medical attention immediately. Not only do crocodilian attacks tend to cause a lot of tissue damage and blood loss, they can also quickly lead to infection. These animals harbor a massive amount of bacteria in their mouths, and even a minor bite from a small alligator or caiman can quickly lead to infection if not treated right away. | Learn where crocodilians live and stay away. Use extreme caution around water where crocodilians live. Know when crocs are at their most dangerous. Use extra caution during breeding season. Remain constantly aware of your surroundings. Do not walk your dog near alligator or crocodile habitats. Do not allow small children to play near the water's edge, or remain unattended in crocodilian country. Do not feed alligators or crocodiles. When camping in crocodile or alligator country, be sure to set up your camp far away from the water. Keep your distance from alligators and crocodiles when you see them. Never approach an alligator or crocodile nest. If you fall into water where crocodilians live, remain calm. If you spot a crocodilian on land, stay calm and depart the area slowly. If a crocodilian snaps or charges at you on land, RUN. Do your best to stay calm and fight back strategically. Attack the animal's eyes. Attack the animal's head. Attack the palatal valve behind the animal's tongue. Seek medical attention immediately. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fold-an-Origami-Parrot | How to Fold an Origami Parrot | To fold an origami parrot, first fold a square piece of paper in half diagonally and unfold it. Rotate it so it looks like a diamond, then fold the right and left corners down to the middle crease. Rotate the model 180 degrees and repeat with the right and left corners. Now, pinch each creased corner, bring both corners together in the middle, and fold the flaps up. Fold the point on each flap down, then fold the model in half lengthwise. With the long side at the top, fold the right point down on an angle and then back up again. Fold the creases on the inside half of the model. Next, fold down the top point, unfold it, and do an inside fold. Fold the side point, unfold it, and do another inside fold. Fold the side point one more time, unfold it, and do one more inside fold to make the beak. Then, fold the tail point down at an angle and unfold. Make an inside fold with the tail. Fold up the edges on each side to make the wings. Finally, do the same thing on both sides of the tail to thin it out. | Start off with a piece of paper color side down. Fold one of the corners in half to the opposite corner and make a crease. Then, unfold the corner. Fold one of the corners so it is in line with the crease. Repeat on other side. Unfold. Fold the same corners but on a different side upwards. Unfold. Fold down all creases you just made towards the center then, fold the excess triangle parts down. Fold both triangles in half outwards. Then, valley fold along main crease. Fold top point downwards on an angle then back up again. Unfold,. Fold creases on inside half. Fold down top point. Unfold. Then inside fold. Fold down side point. Unfold. Then inside fold. Fold side point. Unfold. Then inside fold downwards to complete the beak. Fold tail on an angle. Unfold. Then inside fold. Fold up side part to create a wing. Repeat on other side. Fold over side part of tail. Repeat on other side. Finished. Your completed origami parrot should look like this. | Start off with a piece of paper color side down. Fold one of the corners so it is in line with the crease. Fold the same corners but on a different side upwards. Fold down all creases you just made towards the center then, fold the excess triangle parts down. Fold both triangles in half outwards. Fold top point downwards on an angle then back up again. Fold creases on inside half. Fold down top point. Fold down side point. Fold side point. Fold tail on an angle. Fold up side part to create a wing. Fold over side part of tail. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Perform-Salatul-Kusoof | How to Perform Salatul Kusoof | To perform Salatul Kusoof, start by completing ghusl, like you would for any prayer, to cleanse your body. Before you start the rak'ahs, set your intention and recite the opening takbir, the Fatiha, and a long surah of your own or your Imam's choice. Then, bow down in ruku position and recite the first rak'ah. After that, repeat the ruku by restarting the prayer session and recite the Fatiha and another surah. Once you've finished the surah, go to sujood position and complete the second rak'ah. Remain kneeling for the At-Tashahhud, then say the Tasleem to finish the prayer. | Identify when there will be a solar or lunar eclipse. Solar eclipses happen when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, which occur around 2-5 times every year. Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon enters the shadow of Earth, which occurs only 3 times per year. Search online for a calendar of the year's eclipses so you know when they are. Lunar eclipses can last for up to 100 minutes and can only happen during a full moon. Solar eclipses can last up to 7 and a half minutes and can only happen during a new moon. Perform ghusl before you pray. Wash your hands, arms, feet, legs, and face as normal before praying. If you've just woken up, are menstruating, or have had sex since the last time you prayed, wash your entire body. This will help make you body clean for the prayer. If you're not sure whether you need to do ghusl, it's best to do more than you need to. When in doubt, wash your entire body. Make an intention for the prayer and say the opening takbir. Think about how the sun and the moon represent the different aspects of your faith, and how one of these disappearing might be frightening. Then, say “Allahu Akbar” and move into the next part of the prayer. For example, a common intention for the eclipse prayer is confirming and trusting one's faith even when it's hard to see a higher power at work. If you're having a hard time coming up with an intention, you can make your intention something more personal, like the health of your family and friends. Recite the Fatiha quietly or in your head when the eclipse starts. As with any other prayer, read or recite the opening chapter of the Qur'an. Make sure your voice is extremely quiet, especially if you're in a Mosque. You should begin praying as soon as the eclipse begins. Try not to start the Fatiha before the eclipse begins. If you can, time it as closely as possible to start when the eclipse starts. Recite a long surah. Pick a surah that is the around the same length as the second chapter of the Qur'an, Surah al-Baqarah, or slightly shorter. You could even choose to recite this chapter if you don't want to choose a different one. If you're in a mosque, recite the surah that the Imam has chosen for the prayer. Make sure you're standing for this part of the prayer, as you will soon need to start doing the movements for praying. For instance, many people choose to recite the Surah an-Nisa or the Surah al-Imran. Bow down in ruku position to start the first rak’ah. Make this first ruku longer than a usual prayer, with your back straight as you bow down. Keep your voice quiet, and recite "Subhana Rabiyyal Adheem,” meaning “Glory be to Allah who is my Lord, the Greatest.” If you don't want to say anything, you can simply pray silently. If you're in a mosque, listen closely to the recitation from the Imam and follow along in your head. Say "Sami Allahu liman hamidah” and stand back up. As you say it, slowly return to a standing position. If you're in a mosque, follow the movements of the Imam and other congregants to know when it's time to stand up. This phrase means “Allah listens to the one who praises Him,” and is usually said after a ruku to acknowledge that God hears your prayers. Recite Fatiha and another surah. This is different from other prayers, when you would usually go into prostration. In Salatul Kusoof, repeat the ruku once more by restarting the prayer session. Pick a surah that isn't as long as the one in the first ruku, such as Surah ali-Imran, or another surah that is around that same length. If you're in a mosque, listen to the Imam and follow along with the surah in your head. Bow for a second time, slightly shorter than the first. Enter into the second ruku of the first rak'ah. Again, recite "Subhana Rabiyyal Adheem,” and keep your voice quiet. As a general rule, hold the position for 30-45 seconds longer than you would in your everyday prayers. If you're worshiping in the mosque, follow the Imam to see when you should bow. Go into sujood prostration to complete the first rak’ah. Hold the position for longer than you would in a normal prayer, and then straighten your back to sit up in a kneeling position. Return to sujood after a few moments of kneeling to finish the rak'ah. Some Imam's may not enter into a second Sujood immediately if they plan to recite a sermon. Complete the second rak’ah as you did the first. Like the first rak'ah, make sure the second rak'ah has 2 bows, 2 standing positions, and 2 prostrations. Say the same surahs as you did in the first rak'ah, or pick different ones for this repitition. In most cases, if you're worshipping at a mosque, the second rak'ah will begin immediately and include the same surahs as the first rak'ah. Remain sitting for the At-Tashahhud. Once you finish the final sujood of the second rak'ah, sit up into a comfortable kneeling position. Say the At-Tashahhud for both rak'ahs, which is a testimony of faith. This may be longer than you're used to, since you are saying 1 for the testimony of faith, and another for blessings. Some congregations also say a third At-Tashahhud during special prayers. If you're worshiping alone, it's up to you to decide how many you'd want to do. To recite the At-Tashahhud, you say: “At Tahiyyaatu lilaahi was Salawaatu wat tayibaatu As Salaamu 'alaika ayyuhan nabiyyu wa rahmatul laahi wa barakaatuh As Salaamu 'alainaa wa 'alaa 'ebaadillaahis saaliheen, Ash hadu allaa ilaah ilallaah Wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhuu wa rasuuluh.” Say the Tasleem to finish the prayer. Turn to the right and say "As-salamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah,” meaning “And unto you peace.” Then, turn to the left, and say the same. If you're worshipping in a mosque, your neighbors might also smile and nod as you say this, as signs of peace and blessing. Some people may place their hands over their heart or offer to shake hands during the Tasleem. This is a personal practice that can be common in some mosques. Listen to the Imam’s sermon if you’re praying at a mosque. Normally, after a special prayer, such as the Salatul Kusoof, the Imam will briefly talk about why the event is important. Be respectful and listen to the sermon to gain more insight into the significance of the eclipse. Make sure to allot enough time in your day to listen to the sermon for 5-10 minutes after the prayer. | Identify when there will be a solar or lunar eclipse. Perform ghusl before you pray. Make an intention for the prayer and say the opening takbir. Recite the Fatiha quietly or in your head when the eclipse starts. Recite a long surah. Bow down in ruku position to start the first rak’ah. Say "Sami Allahu liman hamidah” and stand back up. Recite Fatiha and another surah. Bow for a second time, slightly shorter than the first. Go into sujood prostration to complete the first rak’ah. Complete the second rak’ah as you did the first. Remain sitting for the At-Tashahhud. Say the Tasleem to finish the prayer. Listen to the Imam’s sermon if you’re praying at a mosque. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Motorcycle | How to Draw a Motorcycle | To draw a regular motorcycle, start by drawing a pentagon, or a shape with 5 sides that's pointed at the bottom. Add 2 circles beneath the pentagon for the wheels. Using these shapes as a guideline, sketch out the shape of the motorcycle, including the seat, the front, the rear, and so on. Add in details like the headlights, backlights, and tires, then erase the guidelines and color in your motorcycle! | Draw a pentagon or a shape with 5 sides. This is the guideline for the body. Add 2 circles beneath the pentagon. This will serve as the guide for the wheels. Using the guideline, sketch out the body of the motorcycle (depending on what design you want) by dividing the shape into the front, the seat, the rear, etc. Draw 3 smaller circles inside the wheels and don’t forget to add 2 lines to the front wheel and connect them to the body. Ink out the drawing and add in the details like the headlights, backlights, etc. Color the inked drawing. Draw a triangle. Add 2 ovals for the front wheel and 2 more for the back wheel. Draw a rectangle from the middle of the front wheel to the top of the triangle. And then add 2 reverse “L” shapes for the handles. Add 2 boxes for the body. Using the guidelines and shapes, sketch out the body of the motorcycle (depending on what design you want). Ink out the sketch and don’t forget to add the details. Color the inked drawing. Draw a diamond like hexagon for the body. Draw an irregular trapezoid in the left part for the bike front and a spike shape at the right for the back of the bike. Draw an arch for the wheel guard. Draw an irregular pentagon with two circles for the bike engine. Draw in the handlebars. Draw another set of rectangles for the wheel connector. Draw two circles each with small circles inside for the wheels. Draw a set of attached rectangles to make the muffler. Based on the outline, draw the main sections of the bike. Add details to your bike. Erase the unnecessary outlines. Design your dirt bike! Draw an irregular rectangle. Draw a triangle connected to the rectangle earlier to make the back part of the scooter. Draw a big trapezoid with a small inverted trapezoid above it to make the front part of the scooter. Draw three circles, two for the wheels and a one smaller one for the headlight. Draw three ovals for the wheel guard and driver seat. Draw the handle by adding a series of rectangle; Draw circles connected to the handles for the side mirror. Draw the muffler by making rectangles. Based from the guidelines, complete your scooter. Erase any unnecessary guidelines. Color your scooter! | Draw a pentagon or a shape with 5 sides. Add 2 circles beneath the pentagon. Using the guideline, sketch out the body of the motorcycle (depending on what design you want) by dividing the shape into the front, the seat, the rear, etc. Draw 3 smaller circles inside the wheels and don’t forget to add 2 lines to the front wheel and connect them to the body. Ink out the drawing and add in the details like the headlights, backlights, etc. Color the inked drawing. Draw a triangle. Add 2 ovals for the front wheel and 2 more for the back wheel. Draw a rectangle from the middle of the front wheel to the top of the triangle. Add 2 boxes for the body. Using the guidelines and shapes, sketch out the body of the motorcycle (depending on what design you want). Ink out the sketch and don’t forget to add the details. Color the inked drawing. Draw a diamond like hexagon for the body. Draw an irregular trapezoid in the left part for the bike front and a spike shape at the right for the back of the bike. Draw an arch for the wheel guard. Draw an irregular pentagon with two circles for the bike engine. Draw in the handlebars. Draw another set of rectangles for the wheel connector. Draw two circles each with small circles inside for the wheels. Draw a set of attached rectangles to make the muffler. Based on the outline, draw the main sections of the bike. Add details to your bike. Erase the unnecessary outlines. Design your dirt bike! Draw an irregular rectangle. Draw a triangle connected to the rectangle earlier to make the back part of the scooter. Draw a big trapezoid with a small inverted trapezoid above it to make the front part of the scooter. Draw three circles, two for the wheels and a one smaller one for the headlight. Draw three ovals for the wheel guard and driver seat. Draw the handle by adding a series of rectangle; Draw circles connected to the handles for the side mirror. Draw the muffler by making rectangles. Based from the guidelines, complete your scooter. Erase any unnecessary guidelines. Color your scooter! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Cannas | How to Grow Cannas | Cannas are easy to grow as long as you live in a warm climate that gets lots of sunlight. While sprouting cannas seeds can be difficult, you can easily buy tubers from your local nursery to plant. Once you have a tuber, plant it in a spot where the soil drains well and there isn't too much wind, since cannas can be easily knocked over. Add a thin layer of mulch on top to help prevent weeds. You'll need to water your cannas about once a week and pick away any dead flowers to keep it growing healthily. | Wait until any threat of frost has passed before planting your cannas. Cannas are a warm weather plant that don't do well in cold weather. Wait until spring to plant your cannas--when the soil becomes soft and warm from sunlight, its time to get planting. If you live in a colder area where the warm season is rather short, you could consider starting your cannas in an indoor pot. See Part Three for how to care for indoor cannas. Look for a spot with full sunlight. As tropical plants, cannas require a lot of sun. A lot of sunlight will allow your cannas to bloom to their full extent--and that's something you definitely want. Cannas are known for the bright, beautiful flowers and intricate and colorful leaf patterns. Give your plant the sun it needs and you will be sure to have an exquisite garden. Look for a spot where the soil drains well. While cannas will survive in almost any soil, it does need to be able to drain. The way to tell if you have found a good spot is to check on the spot after a rain shower (or hose shower). If the soil still has puddles five or six hours after a shower, you will have to find another spot. While cannas do like moist soil, they don't like soggy roots. If you don't have another spot to plant you cannas, you can help your spot to dry by adding organic material to the spot. You can raise the level two or three inches using compost, peat moss, or ground bark--all of which you can buy at your local garden or yard supply store. Keep the wind in mind when selecting your spot. If you are going to plant one of the tall varieties of cannas, you will need to choose a spot where these tall beauties will be relatively protected from strong wind. In a strong wind, cannas stalks can snap or bend in a damaging way. Loosen the soil to a depth of approximately 12 to 15 inches (30.48 to 38.1 cm). You can do this with a tiller or garden fork. Mix in a layer of compost that is 2 to 4 inches (5.08 to 10.16 cm) deep. The compost will give the soil an extra boost of nutrients that your cannas will appreciate. Dig a 2 to 3 inch (5.08 to 7.62 cm) hole for each bulb. Place a single tuber (or rhizome) in the hole with the eye (or growing points) facing up. Plant additional tubers approximately 1 foot (.30 m) apart for dwarf to medium varieties and at least 2 feet (.61 m) apart for tall varieties. Cover the holes and the tubers with soil. Press the soil down and water thoroughly. Watering the area will help to settle the soil around the tuber. Add a thin layer of mulch over the flowerbed. The mulch will help retain moisture and will also keep the weed population at bay. Keep an eye out for sprouts. Your sprouts should begin to show their heads a couple of weeks after planting, though if you live in a colder climate it might take a week or two longer. Cannas need heat to help them begin growing. For optimum blooming, apply a fertilizer rich in nitrogen to cannas about once a month. Water your cannas regularly. Cannas need moist soil, so its important to water your cannas regularly. If you live in an area where rainfall is one inch or less (2.54 cm) each week, you will need to water your cannas once a week. If you find yourself in a dry spell, water whenever you notice the soil getting dry. Give your taller cannas some support. If you notice that your taller cannas are a little droopy, tie them to stakes to help them grow and support their own weight. Learn how to stake your plants here. Pick away dead flowers. As your plant's flowers bloom and fade away, remove the dead foliage. You can tell what is dead by looking for a faded brownish yellow color. Pick these away, taking care that you don't disrupt the still living parts of the plant. Do not cut leaves until they yellow because they will continue to provide nutrients to the plant even when it is not blooming. Move your cannas indoors after the first frost. If you live in an area that gets frost, you will need to dig up your rhizomes after the frost kills the foliage of your cannas. Cut the plants back so that they are six inches tall and carefully dig the rhizomes up from the ground. Some cannas specialists believe that you should let the rhizomes dry for several days before moving onto the next step. Fill a plastic box with peat moss or perlite. Both peat moss and perlite can be purchased at your local garden supply store. Once you have filled the box, place each bunch of rhizomes in the box, making sure that each plants rhizomes don't touch one another. You can also put them in a brown paper bag lined with peat moss or perlite if you don't have a plastic box to spare. Store the boxes so that they are not sitting on the floor. You should pick a spot that can have a maintained temperature of 45 to 55 degrees F (7.2 to 12.7 degrees C). Check on them every once in a while. If you notice that the moss is getting dry, lightly spray it with water so that it gets slightly damp. Your cannas will go into hibernation during this time, and will be able to be replanted in the spring, just like the first time you planted them. Consider buying dwarf cannas for your planter. Dwarf cannas grow to about three feet tall. They come in a variety of colors, such as the bright red Ambassador or the City of Portland, which is known for its salmon color. Regular cannas are much larger in size, so dwarf cannas tend to grow better when potted. Use well-drained, good quality soil. Potted cannas will grow in almost any potting medium that can be purchased at a garden supply store--they're really not very picky. However, it must be soil that drains well, as cannas don't do well with soggy roots and could develop mold. Purchase a pot with drainage holes. You will also have to choose your container based on the size of the variety of canna you are choosing to plant. If you are not sure how large your specific canna can grow, run an online search or ask someone to help you at your garden supply store. Remember, you can plant your cannas with other plants in your container, but just remember that all of the plants in one container must have the same water and sunlight needs or else they will not do very well. Dig holes that are 4 to 6 inches deep (10 to 15 cm). Plant your rhizomes (or tubers) in these holes, making sure that each dwarf or medium rhizome is at least 1 foot (.30 m) away from the next rhizome, unless you are planting them in a container, in which case you can often fit two or three tubers in a container. If you have a larger variety of canna rhizome, make sure that there is at least 2 feet (.61 m) distance between rhizomes. Make sure that the growing points (or eyes of the tuber) or pointing up. Water your cannas. You should water your cannas right after you plant them so that the soil will settle around them and they can start to grow. When they have begun to sprout, water your plant as much as needed, keeping an eye on the soil to make sure that it is always relatively moist (though not soaking wet). Make sure your potted cannas get plenty of sunlight. It is recommended that you bring your cannas outside so that they can get full sunlight during the warm months. If you do choose to keep them inside, make sure they are near a window that provides them with bright sunlight for most, if not all, of the day. Bring your pot inside before the first frost. If you did bring your cannas outside for the summer months, make sure that you bring them back inside before the first frost has the chance to harm them. Store them indoors where the temperature stays at around 45 and 60 degrees F (7.2 to 15.5 degrees C). You can also dig up the rhizomes and store them in a plastic box with peat moss or perlite. | Wait until any threat of frost has passed before planting your cannas. Look for a spot with full sunlight. Look for a spot where the soil drains well. Keep the wind in mind when selecting your spot. Loosen the soil to a depth of approximately 12 to 15 inches (30.48 to 38.1 cm). Dig a 2 to 3 inch (5.08 to 7.62 cm) hole for each bulb. Cover the holes and the tubers with soil. Add a thin layer of mulch over the flowerbed. Keep an eye out for sprouts. Water your cannas regularly. Give your taller cannas some support. Pick away dead flowers. Move your cannas indoors after the first frost. Fill a plastic box with peat moss or perlite. Store the boxes so that they are not sitting on the floor. Consider buying dwarf cannas for your planter. Use well-drained, good quality soil. Purchase a pot with drainage holes. Dig holes that are 4 to 6 inches deep (10 to 15 cm). Water your cannas. Make sure your potted cannas get plenty of sunlight. Bring your pot inside before the first frost. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fake-Braces-or-a-Fake-Retainer | How to Make Fake Braces or a Fake Retainer | While making and wearing fake braces can be a fun and easy project, only wear them for special events, like a costume party, since they can damage your teeth and gums. To make your braces, start by straightening and smoothing a bobby pin with pliers. Once your bobby pin is in the shape of a line, wash it with antibacterial soap to make sure it's clean before putting it in your mouth. Next, bend it into a U-shape that fits in your mouth. Get 4 butterfly earring backs and push the bobby pin into the space between the 2 small loops. Since the earring backs can easily slip, put a dab of hot glue on each one to help them stay attached. If you want to add some color to your braces, weave silly bands through the loops. When your braces are ready, place an elastic rubber band around the ends of the bobby pin. Place the braces in your mouth and put the rubber band between 2 teeth in the back of your mouth to secure everything. | Gather your materials. Before you start making your fake braces, you'll need to gather some materials. To make fake braces, you'll need the following : A bobby pin A small rubber band Butterfly earring backs A pair of pliers Scissors Silly bands in multiple colors, if you want colored braces A hot glue gun Pull your bobby pin apart until it forms a 90 degree angle. To start, unbend your bobby pin. Fold it outward, forming a 90 degree angle. Bobby pins are not very strong, so you should be able to do this with your fingers. Straighten out your bobby pin with your pliers. You want your bobby pin as straight as possible. This will help your fake braces look realistic. Use your pliers to form a straight line with your bobby pin. Then, use the pliers to smooth out any waves or wiggles in the pin. Have patience. This can take quite awhile depending on how uneven your bobby pin is. The straighter you make your bobby pin, the more realistic your fake braces will look when you put them in your mouth. Wash and dry your bobby pin. Once the bobby pin has formed a straight line, wash the pin with antibacterial soap in warm water. As you'll be putting the bobby pin in your mouth, you want it to be clean. Pliers can be very dirty. Then, set the bobby pin aside until it's dry to the touch. Bobby pins are not very big, so this should not take too long. Bend the bobby pin into a U-shape until it fits in your mouth. From here, use your fingers to bend the bobby pin into a U-shape that fits in your mouth. It can help to place the bobby pin in your mouth and shape it around the curve of your top teeth. Make sure the curve is smooth, as this will help the braces look more realistic. Snap the earring backs onto the bobby pins so the flat backs are facing your teeth. Now you will need to add the earring backs to the bobby pin. Place about four earring backs along the bobby pin, so the flat backs of the earring backs are facing your teeth. You want to place the earring backs so each back fits over the front of one of your teeth. You may have to put the bobby pin in your mouth on occasion to gauge where to place the earring backs. This can take a long time, as earring backs may slip off easily. Be patient. Snap on the earring back at equal distances. Butterfly earring backs have two small loops on the front. The idea is to push the bobby pin into the space between these loops. This can be difficult, so go slowly. Do not be surprised if the earring backs occasionally slip out of your hand. Four earring backs should be sufficient to create fake braces. However, if you have a wider mouth, you may need slightly more earring backs. You'll need enough earring backs to cover all your teeth when you smile. Use hot glue to secure the earring backs. Earring backs slip off easily, so you will want to put a dab of hot glue on each earring back. This will help them stay attached to the bobby pin. Make sure the glue dries completely before continuing to construct your fake braces. Weave silly bands through the loops in the earring backs. If you want to add some color to your braces, take a silly band. Push one end of the band through a loop in the earring back. Then, move the silly band around the earring back and pull it through the other loop. Trim excess silly band and repeat the process with all the other earring backs. You may have to trim down the end of a silly band with your scissors so it forms a point. This way, it'll be easier to slip through the earring loop. This step is optional. If you do not want colored braces, you can skip it. Place the elastic rubber band around the braces. Take your small rubber band. Loop it around the ends of the bobby pin. This holds the braces in a u-shape. It also provides a way to hinge the braces in your mouth. Your fake braces should look something like a "D" shape once you've looped the rubber band in place. It's a good idea to secure the rubber band by bending both sharp ends of the bobby pins into a small loop. Not only does this keep the rubber band from moving, it eliminates some of the sharper aspects of the fake braces. You do not want anything too pointy in your mouth for long. Put the braces in your mouth. Now, you can place the braces in your mouth. Push the loop over your teeth. Place the rubber band between two teeth in the back of your mouth on both sides of your mouth to secure the fake braces in place. Prepare your materials. Now, you can make a fake retainer to go with your fake braces. To start, gather your materials. You do not need much for this project other than hot water and wax containers. You'll need wax bottles that contain juice. You can buy such bottles at a local supermarket or even a craft store. Packages usually contain multiple bottles, so you can make many different fake retainers with a bottle. You'll also need access to hot water. If you want to add color to your retainer, you'll need food coloring in your chosen color. Bite off the top of the wax bottle and squeeze out the juice. To start, bite off the top of the juice bottle. Then, squeeze out the juice. You can drink it if you want, or you can squeeze it down the drain. Make sure you get every drop of juice out of the bottle. Roll the bottle into a tight ball. Now, use your hands to roll the bottle into a tight ball. It can be helpful to roll the bottle sideways first between your hands, creating a long cylinder. Then, roll up the cylinder to form a spiral. Squash this spiral between your hands and then roll it between your palms until it forms a small, tight circle. Place the ball under hot water for 60 to 90 seconds. Run the tap water in your bathroom until it becomes hot to the touch. Place the ball in the sink underneath the running water. Leave it in place for 60 to 90 seconds. To test if the balls is ready, touch it. It should be soft and easily moldable. Place the wax inside your mouth and mold it to your mouth. You may want to let the ball cool slightly first if it is very hot. You do not want to burn your mouth or tongue. Then, place the wax ball in your mouth. Use your tongue and fingers to flatten it against the roof of your mouth. Keep flattening and molding the wax until it fits comfortably in the roof of your mouth. Wear your retainer with fake braces. Now, put in your fake braces. You should have a nice braces/retainer look. This can work well for a costume or to wear to school if you feel like having braces for a day. Dye the retainer for added effect. Many people have dyed or colorful retainers. If you want yours to look more realistic, take food coloring and mix with water. Add enough food coloring so the water takes on the color you want. Then, submerge your fake retainer in the food coloring for about 10 minutes. Do not use fake braces as a replacement for real braces. Fake braces can be fun for a costume. However, they cannot replace actual braces. If you need braces, or are worried that you do, ask your parents to make an appointment with your orthodontist. Never use fake braces instead of actual braces. Fake braces will not correct damage such as crooked teeth. Do not wear braces for too long. Fake braces can cause tooth damage over time. You should not leave them in for long periods. Stick to wearing them on special occasions, like a costume party. If your teeth or mouth feel sore, remove the braces. You should also work on eliminating sharp parts of your fake braces. Make sure the flat backs of your earring backs are pressed on your teeth. You should also bend the ends of the bobby pin inward to lessen the pointy effect. Cease use if you notice signs of tooth damage. Fake braces can accumulate food and cause a buildup of plaque. If you notice things like yellow teeth or sore gums, your fake braces may be damaging your teeth. Cease use immediately and make an appointment with your dentist. Refrain from using products containing lead to make fake braces. Read the labels on any products you use in fake braces. Products containing lead should be avoided. Using lead products in your mouth can lead to poisoning. | Gather your materials. Pull your bobby pin apart until it forms a 90 degree angle. Straighten out your bobby pin with your pliers. Wash and dry your bobby pin. Bend the bobby pin into a U-shape until it fits in your mouth. Snap the earring backs onto the bobby pins so the flat backs are facing your teeth. Use hot glue to secure the earring backs. Weave silly bands through the loops in the earring backs. Place the elastic rubber band around the braces. Put the braces in your mouth. Prepare your materials. Bite off the top of the wax bottle and squeeze out the juice. Roll the bottle into a tight ball. Place the ball under hot water for 60 to 90 seconds. Place the wax inside your mouth and mold it to your mouth. Wear your retainer with fake braces. Dye the retainer for added effect. Do not use fake braces as a replacement for real braces. Do not wear braces for too long. Cease use if you notice signs of tooth damage. Refrain from using products containing lead to make fake braces. |
https://www.wikihow.com/High-Jump-(Track-and-Field) | How to High Jump (Track and Field) | To do the high jump, start by standing 9 to 12 feet from the mat and to the right of it if your right leg is dominant, or to the left if your left leg is dominant. Next, push off with your non-dominant foot and run straight, for about 5 strides before running towards the corner of the mat. As you approach the mat, rotate your back toward the bar, push off with your non-dominant foot, and drive your knee into the air. Then, pivot your body to face the sky, angle your head back, and arch your back and hips over the bar. Finally, give your legs a kick to lift them up and over the bar. | Practice your running technique. When a jumper runs towards the bar they are building the momentum necessary to jump over the bar. Therefore, you need to perfect the running technique before you attempt to jump over anything. Practice by running towards a gymnastics mat and behaving as if there was a bar in front of it. This is the same kind of mat that will be behind the bar when you're ready jump over it. Prepare to run towards the mat. Most jumpers only take about 10 strides before they jump over the bar, so make sure you're at least ten paces away from the mat to simulate this. If you're a beginner step even further back about 5 to 6 strides to give yourself plenty of room to gain momentum. Don't stand directly in front of the mat. You will be running in a “J” shape by turning towards the bar about ten strides into your run. Therefore, you need to be at least nine feet to the left or the right of the mat before you start running. If your right leg is dominant you should be to the right of the mat. If your left leg is dominant, go to the left of the mat. Women typically step 9 to 13 feet (2.7 to 4.0 m) to the left or right of the mat and begin their run 35 to 55 feet (10.7 to 16.8 m) back, while men typically step 12 to 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 m) to the left or right of the mat and begin 50 to 70 feet (15.2 to 21.3 m) back. Begin running. Use your non-dominant foot to push off. Some athletes start low to the ground and will be in an upright position by stride three. Do what is most comfortable for you, but while practicing it may be easier to start standing up. Be sure to run in a “J” shape. The path you create with your run will look like a "J" because you run straight and then curve toward the bar at the end. Run straight toward the corner of the mat for about 5 strides to gain momentum. Begin to curve so you will eventually be parallel with the bar after about 3 strides. Do not accelerate or decelerate. Maintain a consistent speed so your momentum is not lost. Jump towards the mat. This can also be called a “push off.” Push off into the air with your non-dominant foot. The non-dominant leg will automatically be extended as you jump and you'll drive up your opposite knee. Don't land on the mat. Instead, land on your feet. At this point you are just practicing the running form. However, the mat will help to catch you if you accidentally fall. Practice the Fosbury Flop. This form was first used at the Olympics in Mexico City in 1968 by Dick Fosbury to win a gold medal. His technique, affectionately called the Fosbury Flop, requires leaping head first with your back to the bar. It is now the most common technique among professional jumpers. Prepare to launch yourself over the bar. When you've finished the “J” run and are next to the mat, rotate your back to the bar for the Fosbury Flop. As you drive your knee up and push off from your non-dominant leg, pivot your body to face the sky. This may feel unnatural the first few jumps, but keep practicing until it becomes second nature. Clear the bar. Tilt your head and upper back toward the mat. Angle your head back and keep your chin un-tucked as you clear the bar to avoid injury. Arch your back up. As you arch and lift your hips over the bar, your head will fall back. After your hips have cleared the bar you will naturally tuck your head to your chest to help lift your feet over. Lift your feet up and over. Timing is critical here as there may only be a small amount of clearance for getting your legs over the bar. As your hips cross the bar and come down, give your legs a quick kick up and over to clear the bar. Try to keep your arms close to your body for a more solid center of gravity. Land on the mat properly. Touch the mat with your upper back first. After clearing the bar you'll want to land on your upper back and shoulders to avoid injury. The rest of your body will follow and it may feel right to let the movement turn into a backward tumble. If so, relax and try to roll into the tumble. If you tumble, push the roll to either the left or right side of your upper back and put your body's weight over the respective shoulder (rather than directly over the head) so the pressure is distributed away from the neck. Keep your mouth closed. If you hold it open, you may bite your tongue. Resist the reflex to curl up. Keep your body open so that you don't smash your knees against your face. Don't relax once your back touches the mat, and keep your legs a comfortable distance apart from each other as your knees will likely bend and come forward, even if you aren't rolling backward. If you hit the bar while jumping, it may be knocked off of its perch and into the air. If so, it may fall on you, on the mat, or be on an angle that could harm you if you land on it. If you hit the bar, cover your face with your arms while landing to prevent being injured by the bar. Improve your jump height and form. Practice jumping and landing until you're completely comfortable with it. Nobody learns to high jump overnight, so don't get down on yourself if you find it challenging at first. Practice as much as you can and talk with other high jumpers or coaches to get tips. If a friend is watching they can give you pointers on how your form looks and help you perfect the landing on the mat. To push yourself, raise the bar in increments of 3 centimeters (1.2 in). Three centimeters may seem small, but you'll feel the difference the next time you try it. Some people find it helpful to record their progress in a journal. To do so, write down the height of the bar you're jumping over as you practice. If you continue to raise the bar each week and record your highest jumps, you can track your improvement. Clear the bar using scissor jumps. If the head-first flop looks too daring at this stage, you may choose to jump the bar a different way. A simple, less complicated jump called a “scissor jump” is done by following the same run path. Instead of flinging yourself backwards over the bar, you cross over the bar in a sitting position with your back straight and your legs extended in front of you. Make sure the bar is relatively close to the mat, especially if you're a beginner. It's important to master the technique before you attempt to jump over a high bar. Run towards the bar at a steady speed to gain momentum. If you've practiced the “J” run enough, you should be able to confidently run towards the bar with the correct form. Don't cut corners during the "J" run to save time; it's important to run the full path to give yourself more momentum to jump. Push off from the ground. When you practiced running, you jumped by pushing off with your non-dominant leg and thrusting your dominant knee into the air. This time, push off with your non-dominant leg but swing your dominant foot into the air, keeping your leg straight. You should be bent at the waist as if you're sitting on the floor, and your foot should never be higher than your hips. When you jump your body should be parallel to the bar. You will be jumping in a “sideways” motion that will carry you over the bar. Complete the jump. Swing your non-dominant leg up towards your extended leg, keeping both legs straight. This will create a motion similar to scissors closing; thus, the name “Scissor Jump.” Keep your back straight and your legs extended in front of you. Your momentum will carry you over the bar and onto the mat. Improve your technique. Practice scissor jumping until you're comfortable doing it. As you get better, increase the height of the bar slowly. Once you've reached your maximum height, it's time to move on to a more advanced jumping form. | Practice your running technique. Prepare to run towards the mat. Begin running. Jump towards the mat. Practice the Fosbury Flop. Prepare to launch yourself over the bar. Clear the bar. Land on the mat properly. Resist the reflex to curl up. Improve your jump height and form. Clear the bar using scissor jumps. Run towards the bar at a steady speed to gain momentum. Push off from the ground. Complete the jump. Improve your technique. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Heal-an-Ingrown-Toenail | How to Heal an Ingrown Toenail | If you have an ingrown toenail, soak your foot for 10-15 minutes in warm water, up to 4 or 5 times a day. Dry off your foot and apply 1-2 drops of tea tree oil to the nail. Once the tea tree oil has soaked in, you can apply a dab of a mentholated rub like VapoRub to the area to help ease any pain. The next day, soak your foot again, then gently lift up the toenail and place rolled-up cotton beneath it to lift the nail. Repeat the process for up to 2 weeks, replacing the cotton each day. | Soak your feet. To keep your feet clean and make the nail pliable, you will need to soak your affected foot in warm water. You may want to soak both feet to make this process a bit more relaxing. Soak your feet four to five times per day for 10 to 15 minutes each time. You can add two tablespoons of Epsom salts to the foot bath or just use plain water. Put a drop or two of tea tree oil on the nail. Tea tree oil may help to fight off infections. After each time that you soak your feet, put a drop or two of tea tree oil on the affected nail. The tea tree oil may help to prevent infection and keep the nail a bit softer. Apply Vicks VapoRub to ease pain. After the tea tree oil soaks in, you can also put a dab of Vicks VapoRub to the sore area of your nail. The menthol and camphor may help to reduce the pain and will also keep your nail soft for the next part of the treatment. Keep the menthol/camphor on for 12 to 24 hours using a bandage or a small piece of gauze. Use cotton to lift the toenail. The following day soak your feet for about 20 minutes. Then, take a small piece of cotton (gauze or cotton ball) and roll it between your fingers so that it forms a cotton “tube” that is about ½ inch long. Tape one end of the cotton tube to the top of your toe. Then, gently lift the corner of the ingrown nail up a little bit with one hand. With the other hand, work the free end of the cotton tube under the corner of the nail and out the other side so that the cotton is between the skin and the nail. This might be a little painful or strange at first, but it is necessary to lift the nail away from the skin to prevent it from growing deeper into the skin. Repeat this process for up to two weeks. Keep the cotton in place and replace it every day after soaking your foot. You will need to repeat this process for two weeks or until the toenail grows out a bit, but you should notice some improvement after a few days. If you do not notice any improvement, then call your doctor. Wear shoes and socks that fit well. Wearing tight shoes and/or socks is a common cause of ingrown toenails. If your shoes are too narrow, try to find some wide shoes in your size or opt for open-toed shoes when possible. High-heeled shoes may also cause ingrown toenails, so wear flats or low-heeled shoes as much as possible. Stick to plain white, cotton socks. Dyes from the fabric of colored socks may irritate an ingrown nail. If you can go without socks and wear sandals instead, then that may help your ingrown nail to heal even faster. Cut your toenails straight across the top. Cutting your toenails in a curved fashion may increase your chances of developing an ingrown toenail. To eliminate this risk factor, cut your toenails in a straight line and do not cut them too short. Protect your feet during sports or activities that may injure your toes. Repeated stubbing your toe or kicking a ball can lead to ingrown toenails as well. If you think that your ingrown toenails may be due to participation in sports or frequently stubbing your toes, then try getting some protective footwear. Reinforced or steel toe shoes may help to protect your toes from injury. Keep your feet clean and dry. Keeping your feet clean and dry may not prevent an ingrown toenail, but checking your feet often and taking good care of them may help you to detect ingrown toenails before they get out of control. Wash your feet daily and put on a new pair of clean dry socks every day. Check your feet if you notice any pain or redness in your toes. If you notice that one of your toenails seems to be growing inwards, then take steps to prevent it from progressing. If you have diabetes, then you need to check your feet every day. If you cannot do it yourself, the you will need to ask someone to do it for you. Check for signs of infection. An infected ingrown toenail will require medical treatment or the infection may spread to the bone. Signs that an ingrown toenail might be infected include: redness swelling warmth pus See a podiatrist regularly if you have a condition that limits your circulation. If you have diabetes or any condition where circulation is limited in your feet (such as peripheral artery disease), then you will need to see a podiatrist for regular check-ups. Seeing a podiatrist can reduce your chances of needing a foot or limb amputation by as much as 85%. If you notice that you have an ingrown toenail or if your toenail has become infected, then call a podiatrist to make an appointment for as soon as possible. Consider surgical removal. If you often get ingrown nails, then surgical removal of all or part of the nail may be the best option. Your podiatrist can perform this procedure using local anesthesia, so you will not feel anything. If the problem keeps recurring, then it may be necessary to remove an entire section of the nail root to prevent future ingrown nails. | Soak your feet. Put a drop or two of tea tree oil on the nail. Apply Vicks VapoRub to ease pain. Use cotton to lift the toenail. Repeat this process for up to two weeks. Wear shoes and socks that fit well. Cut your toenails straight across the top. Protect your feet during sports or activities that may injure your toes. Keep your feet clean and dry. Check for signs of infection. See a podiatrist regularly if you have a condition that limits your circulation. Consider surgical removal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Vegan-Soup | How to Make Vegan Soup | To make vegan soup, try making vegan French onion soup using vegetable broth, croutons, and vegan Gruyere cheese. Or, you can make a vegan broccoli cheese soup using chopped broccoli, shallots, potatoes, onion, vegetable broth, soy milk, and vegan shredded cheese. Alternatively, if you'd prefer a creamy soup, make corn chowder using corn, peppers, jalapenos, potatoes, squash, and cashew cheese. | . Make vegan soup broth A good vegetable broth will give you the means to create a host of vegan soups. This broth recipe calls for a large variety of vegetables for a complex flavor, but the recipe is flexible enough that you can make substitutions based on what's in season. . Make vegan split pea soup Split peas are actually the dried and split seeds of the traditional pea plant. This soup packs plenty of flavor; you won't miss the traditional ham hocks. Make vegan vegetable soup. This spicy vegetable soup delivers a delicious twist on the classic recipe. You can vary the vegetables in this recipe as needed to accommodate what's in your refrigerator. . Make vegan chicken noodle soup This soup is the perfect recipe for people of all ages. You can make this soup at any time of the year for a quick lunch or a simple dinner. Make vegan French onion soup. This soup packs big caramelized onion flavor without the traditional beef broth. Croutons and vegan Gruyere cheese create the traditional broiled topping. Make vegan black bean soup. Pureeing some of the black beans while leaving others whole gives this soup a creamy yet hearty texture. You can use either dried beans or canned beans, depending on your preference. . Make vegan carrot and fennel soup Roasted carrots and then fennel, with its licorice-like taste, are pureed to make this smooth and flavorful soup. Fennel is a perennial plant that grows year-round, making it one of the few vegetables actually in season during wintertime. . Make vegan broccoli cheese soup Pureed shallots, potatoes, red onion and jalapeno are combined with a mix of both pureed and chopped broccoli. Vegan cheese, soy creamer and soy milk give the soup a thick and creamy base without the addition of dairy. . Make vegan chowder Corn chowder filled with poblano peppers, jalapenos, potatoes and calabaza squash is made thick and creamy with the addition of cashew cheese. Make vegan cream of tomato soup. Classic tomato soup gets a flavor injection—and a touch of creaminess—from Coconut Dream and coconut milk creamer. Pureed canned tomatoes make this recipe simple and quick to prepare. . Make vegan cream of nettle soup Soy milk and vegetable broth form the base for this creamy soup. If you're looking for a new ingredient to add to your repertoire, give nettles a try. The herb is a great source of both potassium and iron. . Make vegan cream of mushroom soup This soup gets its creaminess from blending silken tofu with vegetable broth. If you don't have cremini mushroom, then use any variety of fresh mushrooms. . Make vegan yogurt soup Soy yogurt and cornstarch serve as the basis for thickening vegan yogurt soup. Barley adds heartiness, and cilantro and lemon juice add bold and complex flavor. . Make vegan tortilla soup The tofu in this recipe, which absorbs the flavor of the other ingredients, makes a delicious substitute for chicken. Ancho chiles, fire-roasted tomatoes and avocado round out the flavorful broth in this staple of Latin American cuisine. . Make vegan coconut soup Coconut soup is one of the most beloved dishes in any Thai restaurant. Grated creamed coconut, spices and red lentils capture the flavors of Southeast Asia. Make vegan bouillabaisse. Fennel, orange peel and saffron bring the flavors of Provence to this hearty soup. Instead of showcasing seafood, this recipe showcases artichoke hearts, fennel bulb, potatoes, white beans and carrots. . Make vegan hot and sour soup Steer clear of meat-based broth and pork in traditional Asian hot and sour soup and enjoy this recipe that employs vegetable broth, soy sauce and tamarind puree for unbeatable flavor. . Make vegan Italian wedding soup Ditalini pasta, miniature vegan meatballs and fresh spinach form the signature trio of ingredients for Italian wedding soup. Vegetable broth and spices create a delectable soup base. . Make vegan wonton soup A simple broth of water, fresh ginger and mushrooms showcases the delicious wontons in this traditional Chinese soup. Make some extra wontons to steam or pan-fry. . Make vegan egg drop soup Take on the challenge of making tofu curds to replace the eggs in this staple of Chinese cooking. You'll enjoy the complex broth flavored with tamari and toasted sesame oil. | . . Make vegan vegetable soup. . Make vegan French onion soup. Make vegan black bean soup. . . . Make vegan cream of tomato soup. . . . . . Make vegan bouillabaisse. . . . . |
https://www.wikihow.com/Inflate-a-Car-Tire-with-a-Bike-Pump | How to Inflate a Car Tire with a Bike Pump | Although it will take a little elbow grease, you can easily inflate your car tires with a bike pump. Start by unscrewing your wheels' valve caps, which are located on the inner part of the tire. Then, attach your pump securely so no air leaks out and pump your tires. Use a pressure gauge to make sure your tires have the right amount of air in them. Attach your gauge every 10 pumps or so to check the tire pressure. You can find your tires' recommended pressure in your owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door. | Park on a clear, flat surface. A clear parking area will allow you to freely move around your car to fill up tires without anything getting in the way. Parking on a level surface will make it easier for you to balance and operate your pump. If you don't have a suitable clear, flat surface at home, you might park in the street or a neighbor's driveway. Driving on tires that are flat can damage your tire or deform the rims of your wheels, causing expensive damage. Drive as little as possible on flat tires. Remove valve caps. The valve cap for each tire will be on the sidewall of the tire, positioned closely to the metal of the wheel's rim. Generally, these caps are screw-on. Unscrew the valve caps for all tires. Valve caps are small and easy to lose. To prevent yours from getting lost, keep them in a sealable container, like a plastic baggie or a lidded plastic container. Determine the optimal pressure for your tires. This value will be in PSI (pounds per square inches). The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle is generally written on a sticker inside of the driver's door. Open this door and inspect it for a tag indicating the ideal air pressure. If you can't find the tire pressure information on your door, or if the information is unreadable, tire pressure information can be found in your car's manual. In the rare case that you lack both the tire pressure door sticker and your car's manual, you can look up the optimal air pressure for your car and tire online. For some vehicles, the recommended tire pressure for front and back tires may be different. Check tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge. Wait for three hours after driving for the most accurate reading. Inspect the tire pressure gauge and tire valve to make sure these are free of dirt or grit. This can sometimes get caught in a valve, making it leak, difficult to pump, or difficult to take a pressure reading. Take your gauge and: Position it on top of the stem the tire valve. Press the gauge into the valve firmly until the sound of escaping air ceases, then release. Look at the reading on your gauge. Many common gauges have a slide reader that pops out of the base of your gauge after taking the reading. Compare this reading to the recommended PSI to determine whether your tire needs air. Repeat this for all tires on your vehicle. Attach your pump to the tire valve. Take your bike pump and position its valve end over the valve of the tire you are pumping. The lever on the back of the valve should be touching the hose in the unlocked position. Press the pump valve firmly onto the tire valve, then raise the lever to lock the pump onto the tire valve. When attaching your pump to the tire, you'll likely hear air escaping. This is completely natural when locking your bike pump valve in place. A Schrader valve generally has a stem, at the end of which is threading for a screw on cap. Inside the end of the stem, you should see a small metal pin. Presta valves, the second most common valve used for bike pumps, will have a thin, threaded cylinder of metal extending from the stem. Many bike pumps come equipped with a Schrader valve, which is also called an American valve. This part is necessary for pumping up your car tires. Pump up your tire. Raise and lower the pump bar of your bike pump steadily. At regular intervals, check your tire pressure. Overfilling your tires can cause strain on the tire and compromise its integrity. Always follow the manufacturer recommendations for best results, but generally, avoid filling your tires with five PSI more or less than the recommended amount. A bike pump will move less air at a slower rate than a compressor, which means that this can take quite some time before your tire is filled. Adjust tire pressure as necessary. In the event you overfilled your tire with air, use your tire pressure gauge or some other tool to press the pin in the center of the tire valve to the side of the valve. This will release air in the tire and decrease pressure. Check your tire pressure regularly while adjusting. If you release too much pressure, you'll have to pump again. Be precise when filling your tires with air. Filling tires with unequal amounts of air will cause them to wear out more quickly, negatively impact fuel economy, and more. Inflate the remaining tires. In the fashion described, move from tire to tire, checking tire pressure, inflating, and adjusting each until all tires are the same pressure. When all tires are complete, take your valve caps from their container and reattach them. Avoid using gauges attached to air compressors. In a pinch, these kinds of gauges can give you a rough idea of the air pressure of your tires. However, these are often inaccurate and wear out easily, so a separate tire pressure gauge is best. Tire pressure gauges are relatively inexpensive and small. Put one in the glove box of your car so you always have one on hand. Verify the pump is securely fastened. Sometimes, the pump valve and the tire valve will seat poorly, creating gaps where air can escape. This can decrease the amount of air you pump into the tire with each pump. In especially bad cases, a poor seal between valves can cause the tire to deflate faster than you are inflating it. Most poorly seated valves can be corrected by removing the pump valve and reattaching it again. Inspect the hose of your pump for leaks. Bike pumps have a fairly long shelf life, but the hose of older pumps can break down over time. Cracks in it can result in more air being pumped outside the tire than what makes it inside. Frequently, corroded or cracked hosing can be identified by sight or with a touch check. If you feel cracks, holes, or disintegrating hose, your hose may have a leak. | Park on a clear, flat surface. Remove valve caps. Determine the optimal pressure for your tires. Check tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge. Attach your pump to the tire valve. Pump up your tire. Adjust tire pressure as necessary. Inflate the remaining tires. Avoid using gauges attached to air compressors. Verify the pump is securely fastened. Inspect the hose of your pump for leaks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Labrador-Retriever | How to Care for a Labrador Retriever | To care for a labrador retriever, provide plenty of healthy food and clean water since labs have big appetites! Try to walk your lab up to 3 times a day and make sure it has a cozy shelter or bed area. Keep your labrador groomed by brushing its coat every week, cleaning its floppy ears regularly, and trimming its nails every 2-3 months. Labs are a loving and playful breed, so show yours plenty of affection and provide several toys for it to romp around with! | Feed it appropriately. Your labrador retriever has a huge appetite. It loves to eat, so it may carry its food bowl around with them, beg for food, or eat unconventional things. This is normal. The exact quantity of food you give your lab depends on which food you're offering and how many calories it contains. Follow the feeding guidelines on the food packaging, and increase or decrease the amount depending on whether the dog loses or gains weight on this ration. If your dog is more active than most dogs, then you should increase its food intake accordingly. For instance, if every morning you and your furry friend go for a 5 mile jog together, you should consider giving it more food than usual. Obviously, you don't want your labrador to become obese. If you cannot easily feel its rib bones anymore, then you are probably overfeeding it. At the same time, you should not be able to see its rib bones from afar. Provide plenty of clean, fresh water. Your lab will get very thirsty after exercise and will need to quench that thirst. It will drink more or less water depending on how active it has been and how hot it is outside. Do not limit your dog's water consumption. Unlike food, your dog will regulate itself. Dehydration can be fatal, so don't take any chances. Walk your dog. You lab needs a lot of exercise in order to stay healthy. Walk your lab up to three times a day and if you can, take it on long walks of a couple miles or more. If you have a backyard, make sure that it is big enough for your dog to run around. Small backyards are not suitable for big dogs like labs. Provide comfortable shelter. Whether your lab lives outside or inside, make sure that it has a space it can call its own. Include a large, durable dog bed. Your lab will paw at the bed constantly to get comfortable. Cheap beds will rip easily and can cause quite a mess. Giving your labrador its own bed will also help you train it to stay off of yours, if you are so inclined. Groom your dog regularly. Labradors are a short-haired breed that come in brown, black, and gold. For most of the year, your lab will remain fairly low maintenance. During the summer, you'll want to brush it regularly — weekly is best — to remove loose hair from its coat. Brushing your lab will also help remove dirt and spread natural oils throughout. Don't bathe your lab too often. The natural oils in your lab's fur can even help fend off fleas and ticks. Bathe your lab 3 or 4 times a year or whenever its stench gets too strong. Trim your lab's nails. Every 2 to 3 months, you should trim your labrador's nails. If you take your dog on frequent walks, the hard pavement will naturally file its nails down. You can trim them at home or have a vet do it. In general, you can train your lab to sit still to have its nails trimmed. Just offer it a treat after every successful trip to your at-home doggie nail salon. Eventually, your dog will welcome it. Be sure to use proper dog nail trimmers. Human nail clippers won't work effectively. Secure your dog's foot in place and then quickly clip off the nail. Do not clip too close to the base of the nail. Doing so can be very painful and cause bleeding. Make sure that the nail does not curve back into the dog's paw or is too sharp to cause accidental damage. Clean your labrador retriever's floppy ears. Your Labrador's ears can become breeding grounds for bacteria if not cleaned regularly and properly. Check the dog's ears regularly for any excessive or smelly discharge, and seek veterinary advice if you notice anything amiss. If you want to clean the ears, use a specific product designed for the purpose. Do not use a Q-Tip to clean inside your dog's ear. One sudden jerk could seriously damage your dog's ear canal Care for your lab's teeth. The more active your lab is the more likely it'll have dental issues. Gum disease, loose teeth, cracked/fractured/broken teeth, root abscesses, and tartar build-up are all problems you'll need to be on the lookout for. Take your dog to the vet for teeth cleaning 1 or 2 times a year. Routine trips to your vet can also help combat terrible breath. Since you are on the receiving end of so many slobbery kisses, this issue has probably crossed your mind and therefore is just one more reason why you should have your lab's teeth cleaned. Vets suggest that you brush your dog's teeth daily or at least several times a week. Purchase a speciality toothbrush and toothpaste from your local pet shop/superstore or your veterinarian. Several kinds of toothpaste are available, many of which come in tasty flavors - e.g. liver, chicken, and peanut butter - that your dog will enjoy. Introduce the brush into your dog's mouth gently. Use your fingers to lift your dog's lips in order to expose their teeth. Work the brush in circles and go from tooth to tooth. Its back teeth will be the most difficult to get to, so save them for last. Make sure that you brush both sides of each tooth. Reward you dog with a treat afterwards. Provide routine veterinary care. Every dog needs certain core vaccinations on a regular basis. It is a good idea to take your dog to the vet at least twice a year for routine exams to monitor its health and to establish a good relationship with your veterinary staff. If your pet should get hurt or is not acting normally, it is always a good idea to visit the veterinarian for an exam and medical care if needed. Your vet will also prescribe necessary medicines (topical and supplemental) to help ward off parasites like fleas and ticks. As your dog ages, you may see such health issues as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, or seizures. Your labrador retriever may also experience eye problems. If any of these are happening to your dog, immediately contact your vet and talk about possible treatment solutions or medications. An elderly dog with any such conditions should see a vet every two months or as advised by your vet. Show your lab a lot of affection.By nature, it is a very loving dog. If there's anything labrador retrievers love more than food, it is spending time with you - playing, snuggling, or simply following you around.. Don't neglect your lab if it wants to play or cuddle up next to your feet while you watch TV. Your labrador retriever has not lost its pack instinct. Most likely, your lab views you as the leader or one of the leaders of its pack. So if you neglect your lab, it will be affected emotionally. Socialize your labrador retriever. All dogs are territorial. Your lab is no exception. It's natural for them to bark at anything and everything, but when conditioned properly, they aren't so ferocious. Make sure that you spend some time at home and out in public training your lab. If you have several dogs, you'll need to gradually introduce your new labrador retriever into the mix. Place them in a room or outdoor space divided by a fence of some kind. Let the dogs get a sense of one another. They learn a lot by smells, so give them 30 minutes or more to just take in their new companion. Next, let them get closer, but keep them on a leash. Do this several times, limiting their exposure to the other animal to half hour increments. Only when you are confident that they won't attack one another should you let them roam freely. Have them play together outside. Let them bond. The same rules apply to people. If your labrador retriever is going to get used to being around a lot of people, it needs to be introduced into these environments in a safe way. Keep your lab on a leash. Have surrounding people/strangers pet your dog and be kind to them. Tell them to offer their hand to your dog. Dogs love to smell people's hands in order to assess their scent. Do this frequently. Eventually, your lab will learn that people can be trusted. Teach your children how to play with your lab. Generally, your labrador retriever will play well with children. However, if you have younger children, you will have to keep tabs on what they're doing with the dog at all times. Make sure the child isn't hurting or threatening your dog in any way or this may result in a physical altercation. Your dog isn't vicious. It doesn't hate your child. It might just feel threatened by it. If it scratches or bites, it is simply reacting instinctually to a threat. Do your best to limit this threat. Be present when your child plays with your labrador. Supply your lab with plenty of toys. Typically, your lab's favorite toy will be a tennis ball. This probably speaks to their inner "retriever". Since your lab was bred to fetch wild game, it makes sense that it would enjoy playing with something that is meant to be retrieved. You can find a myriad of other toys at any pet superstore. Dog toys are a great way for your dog to play and to burn off excess energy without having to go outside and run around. Teach your lab basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Teach it how to walk on a leash also. Labrador retrievers are an intelligent breed and are often easy to train - especially, when they are younger. A trained dog is more confident and better behaved. In addition, a dog that will listen to voice commands is safer in the event it is ever off-leash. When training your labrador retriever, be sure to reinforce positive behavior rather than chastise for negative. Never hit your labrador retriever. You are trying to build a trusting relationship with your dog, not create a neurotic and scared animal. Dogs that attack people or children without heed are often the product of cruel environments. Don't let your labrador retriever be one of them. | Feed it appropriately. Provide plenty of clean, fresh water. Walk your dog. Provide comfortable shelter. Groom your dog regularly. Trim your lab's nails. Clean your labrador retriever's floppy ears. Care for your lab's teeth. Provide routine veterinary care. Show your lab a lot of affection.By nature, it is a very loving dog. Socialize your labrador retriever. Teach your children how to play with your lab. Supply your lab with plenty of toys. Teach your lab basic commands like sit, stay, and come. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Mobiles | How to Make Mobiles | To make a basic straight mobile, start by sketching a combination of simple shapes that are roughly symmetrical. Next, draw or trace your shapes onto cardstock, cut them out, and arrange them in a vertical line on a flat surface. Then, cut a piece of string or fishing line long enough to start at the bottom shape and reach a few feet past the top. Use tape or glue to secure the string to each shape, making sure to keep the shapes centered. Finally, glue or tape a penny to the bottom shape to weigh down the mobile. | Sketch out an idea for your mobile. For this type of mobile, you will hang multiple shapes in a single straight line. You may use any combination of shapes you prefer, but make sure each shape is roughly symmetrical vertically. The right and left side of each shape don't have to be exactly the same, but if they are too different your mobile may hang lopsided. You may also choose to make two or more similar mobiles to hang near each other. If you have trouble coming up with something from scratch, search online for printable templates. Gather your materials. You will need scissors, thread or fishing line, glue or scotch tape, a penny for each mobile, and sheets of cardstock in as many colors as you want. If you plan on printing out your designs, you will also need a printer. If you will be drawing them by hand, you will need a pen or pencil, a ruler, and a compass or protractor. Transfer your shapes onto cardstock. There are multiple ways of doing this, and you may choose to use more than one in constructing your mobile. Download a template or design your own shapes using an image editing program. If your printer can print on cardstock, print the shapes directly onto your cardstock. If your printer can't print on cardstock, or you would like to incorporate a detailed color image into your mobile, print the shapes onto normal printer paper instead. Glue or tape the printed image to a piece of cardstock. Draw out your shapes onto the cardstock. Use a ruler and other drawing tools to make sure the shapes are vertically symmetrical. Draw out only one of each shape. Glue or tape other paper products to the cardstock. You may also choose to incorporate existing pictures, stationary, or newspaper clippings into your mobile. To do so, glue or tape the image onto cardstock. Then draw out your shape as described previously. Cut out your shapes. Take the cardstock with the shapes either drawn or printed onto it. Place it over a second sheet of cardstock that you would like to be each shape's opposite side. Cut both sheets at once using the lines as a guide. If you are unable to do both sides simultaneously, cut out one and use it to trace the shape onto the other sheet. Arrange one set of shapes. Lay one side of the mobile on a flat surface in the order that you choose to put them in. The side of the shape you want to be seen should be facing down. Make sure that you can picture a perfectly straight line going down the middle of all your shapes. Cut a length of string or fishing line. Use your layout to determine how much string you will need. Use either a tape measure or the string itself. You will need a string long enough to start at the bottom shape and reach a few feet past the top. The amount of extra string you will need at the top will depend on how low you want your mobile to hang. Keep in mind it's always easier to correct a too-long string than a too-short one. Attach the string to your shapes. Use tape or glue to secure the string to each shape, making sure to keep it centered on each. Start with the bottom section and work your way up. Try to make your adhesive as flat as possible. Secure a penny to the bottom shape. The penny will act as a small weight to keep your mobile hanging straight and balanced. Tape or glue the penny towards the bottom edge of the last shape over top of the string. Make sure to leave a small perimeter at the shape's edge so you can seal it properly later on. Attach the remaining duplicate shapes to finish your mobile. Glue or tape each of the remaining shapes to its match. Place these shapes face up over top of the string. Focus your adhesive on the edges to properly seal each side together. Once you've finished this step, your mobile will be ready to hang. If you use glue, wait for it to dry before hanging your mobile. Understand the basics of balance. Traditional mobiles consist of rods chained together to form multiple branches. Each rod has either an additional rod or an object hung from both its right and left ends. They rely on equilibrium to keep each rod roughly horizontal and the entire sculpture balanced. When the two ends have equal weight, what is called a balance point is at the exact center of the rod. The balance point is where the tether attaches to that rod from above. If two objects have different weights, the balance point will shift towards the heavier object. Every subsequent branch hung from a parent rod factors into the total weight of that rod's ends. So, if you find that your mobile is lopsided towards one end, try shifting the balance point towards that end. However, if the difference is too great, you will need to add additional weights to the lighter side or remove some from the heavier end. Gather your materials. You will need drinking straws, paper clips roughly the same width as your straws, and whatever objects of your choice you would like to hang from your mobile. Paper shapes or letters will be easier to balance than heavier items. Don't pick objects that are too heavy to be supported by a straw. Plan your mobile from the bottom up. Arrange your straws and objects on a flat surface. Remember that, to keep the rods horizontal, the ends of each side must either be equal or able to achieve balance by shifting the point of attachment. If your objects are heavy or of unequal weight, you will need to be careful when it comes to placement. Start from what will be the bottom of your mobile and pair the objects accordingly. Then, go up to the next branch and either plan to hang an object or new branch equal in weight to your first from the other end. Keep going until you reach where you want your mobile to begin. If you don't plan on making too many branches, this step is less important. Add three paperclips to each of your straws. Slide the straw through the free loop of the paperclips where there isn't a second smaller loop right under it. Arrange the paperclips so that one hangs from each the right and left ends and one is somewhere in the middle. Make paperclip chains at the lengths you prefer. Do not attach these to the paperclips on the straws just yet. Using varied lengths to stagger your rods and objects will prevent your mobile from looking too crowded. Remember that longer chains will add weight to whichever end you hang them from. Attach the paperclip chains. Hook the paperclip chains to the straw paperclips and to your objects. If your objects are paper, you can attach each by simply sliding them into the clip. For objects that have a loop of their own, such as a charm, hook them into the paperclip's wire. For other object types, you may need to unwind a paperclip and wrap the wire around the object for the end of the chain to hook on to. Attach a free chain to the middle paperclip of your top straw. This will be how you hang your mobile. Adjust your mobile until it achieves balance. Pick up your mobile by the top chain and hold it in front of you. Starting from the bottom, look for any areas of imbalance where the straw is not straight. Try to correct this by sliding the middle paperclip to a new potential balance point. If it cannot be balanced this way, either swap out the items for ones of a different weight or add additional branches to the lighter end. Figure out what you want to hang on your mobile. This could be ribbons, string, beads, paper crafts, or small objects. Keep in mind that incorporating heavier objects into your mobile will mean you must be more careful about your placement. Weight must be balanced on each side to keep your mobile straight. Gather your materials. In addition to your decorations, you will need a wooden embroidery hoop, yarn or string, masking tape, and scissors. A hot glue gun is also useful but not necessary. If you are using objects that are heavier than paper or plastic beads, try to have a few more than you think you may need in case you must add some for balance. Separate the inner and outer hoops of the embroidery hoop. There will be a metal clasp that will likely need to be turned counterclockwise to release the two hoops. The inner hoop will be used to hang the mobile, while the decorations will be attached to the outer hoop. Keep in mind that the visible portions of the hoops in the finished mobile will be the outside of the outer hoop and inside of the inner hoop. Tie four strings to the inner hoop. How long you choose to cut these strings will depend on how low you want your mobile to hang. Try to make sure that each string is roughly the same distance from each of its neighbors. They should create four equal sections of the hoop. Finalize placement before securing the knots. Position the knots on the outside of the hoop and cut off the excess. Tie the opposite ends of the four strings together. Make sure that the distance between the hoop and the end knot is the same for each string. Check that the knot is secure. It will need to be strong enough to support the full weight of your mobile. Hold the hoop up by the knot to make sure it hangs horizontally. If it is uneven, determine which string must be corrected to make the hoop hang flat. Attach the decorations to the outer hoop. There are two different ways you can secure the decorations depending on their type. Light decorations, such as those made of strips of paper or ribbon, may be attached permanently using masking tape or a hot glue gun. Simply decide on placement somewhere along the circle and secure them to the inner side of the outer hoop. Heavy decorations must be attached to the outer hoop with string. Cut a number of strings slightly longer than you would like your objects to hang. You may make them all one length, but staggered strings of different lengths will look better. Attach one end of each string to each decoration, either through adhesive or by tying a hoop around the object. Separate objects into pairs of roughly the same weight. Tie the opposite end of each string around the outer hoop. Make sure that each paired item is directly across from the other to create balance. This method may also be used for light objects, such as beads or origami, which you would prefer to hang rather than attach directly. With lighter objects, balancing them is not necessary. Reattach the two hoops to finish your mobile. Hold the mobile by the top knot to make sure the hoop hangs horizontally. If it does not and you used heavier objects, you will need to readjust them to achieve the right balance. Determine the source of imbalance. It may be caused by objects that were not matched properly or ones that were not spaced correctly. Loosen the knots to reposition the objects. Reattach the hoops and check again. Repeat this step until your mobile is properly balanced. | Sketch out an idea for your mobile. Gather your materials. Transfer your shapes onto cardstock. Cut out your shapes. Arrange one set of shapes. Cut a length of string or fishing line. Attach the string to your shapes. Secure a penny to the bottom shape. Attach the remaining duplicate shapes to finish your mobile. Understand the basics of balance. Gather your materials. Plan your mobile from the bottom up. Add three paperclips to each of your straws. Make paperclip chains at the lengths you prefer. Attach the paperclip chains. Adjust your mobile until it achieves balance. Figure out what you want to hang on your mobile. Gather your materials. Separate the inner and outer hoops of the embroidery hoop. Tie four strings to the inner hoop. Tie the opposite ends of the four strings together. Attach the decorations to the outer hoop. Reattach the two hoops to finish your mobile. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-the-Difference-Between-Bacteria-and-Viruses | How to Know the Difference Between Bacteria and Viruses | If you want to know the differences between bacteria and viruses, learn about the differences in size and and origins. For example, viruses require host cells while bacteria are single-celled organisms that can live with or without a host. Then, learn about common types of bacteria, like ecoli and salmonella, which cause food poisoning. Compare these to common viruses, like influenza or the common cold. You might also read about antibiotic usage. While antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, they will not help viruses. | Learn the basic differences. There are key differences between bacteria and viruses in size, origins, and effects on the body. Viruses are the smallest and simplest life form; they are 10 to 100 times smaller than bacteria. Bacteria are single-celled organisms. Because bacteria have all the cellular machinery need to replicate themselves, they can survive without a cellular host. Viruses, on the other hand, are only intracellular organisms, meaning that they infiltrate the host cell and live inside the cell. Viruses change the host cell's genetic material from its normal function to producing the virus itself. Antibiotics cannot kill viruses, but can kill most bacteria, with the exception of bacteria that have become resistant to the antibiotic. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics have led to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are becoming less effective against potentially harmful bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria are highly resistant to treatment with antibiotics, but can be killed by some. Recognize the differences in reproduction. Viruses need a living host cell in order to multiply themselves, such as a plant or animal. Meanwhile, most bacteria can grow on non-living surfaces. Bacteria have all the "machinery" (enzymes) needed for their growth and multiplication and reproduce asexually via a process called "binary fission." By contrast, viruses generally carry information - for example, DNA or RNA, packaged in a protein and/or membranous coat. They need another cell's machinery to reproduce. The virus attach onto the surface of the host cell and then the genetic material contained inside the virus is injected into the cell. Put differently, viruses are not alive, but are essentially information (DNA or RNA) that float around until they encounter a sufficient host. Determine whether the organism has a beneficial effect in the body. Though it may seem hard to believe, many, many tiny organisms live within (but are distinct from) our bodies. In fact, the ratio of bacterial cells to human cells in most people is between 3:1 and 1:1. Many bacteria exist peacefully with our bodies; some even perform very important tasks, like making vitamins, breaking down waste, and making oxygen. For example, much of the process of digestion is done by types of bacteria called "gut flora." These bacteria also help maintain pH balance in the body. While people are familiar with "good bacteria" (such as gut flora), there are also "good" viruses, such as bacteriophages, that "hijack" the bacteria's cellular mechanisms and cause cell death. Researchers from Yale have designed a virus that may help defeat brain tumors. Most viruses, however, have not been proven to perform any functions that are beneficial to humans. They typically only cause harm. Determine whether the organism meets the criteria for life. Though there is no precise, formal definition of what constitutes life, scientists agree that bacteria are undoubtedly alive. On the other hand, viruses are a bit more like zombies: they're not dead, but they're definitely non-living. For example, viruses have some characteristics of life, like having genetic material, evolving over time through natural selection, and being able to reproduce by creating multiple copies of themselves. However, viruses don't have a cellular structure or their own metabolism; they need a host cell to reproduce. In other respects, viruses are basically non-living. Consider the following: When they have not invaded another organism's cell, viruses are essentially dormant in every way. No biological processes occur within them. They can't metabolize nutrients, produce or excrete wastes, or move around on their own. In other words, they are very similar to inanimate material. They can stay in this "non-living" state for long periods of time. When the virus comes in contact with a cell that it can invade, it latches on and an enzyme dissolves part of the cell membrane so that it can inject its genetic material into the cell. At this point, as it hijacks the cell to make copies of itself, it starts to show one important characteristic of life: the ability to move its genetic material into future generations, producing more organisms that are like itself. Identify the bacterial and viral causes of common illnesses. If you are suffering from a disease and you know what it is, figuring out whether you are being affected by bacteria or a virus can be as simple as looking up information about your illness. Common illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses include: Bacteria: pneumonia, food poisoning (commonly caused by E. coli ), bacterial meningitis, strep throat, ear infections, wound infections, gonorrhea. Viruses: influenza, chickenpox, the common cold, hepatitis B, rubella, SARS, measles, Ebola, HPV, herpes, rabies, HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). Note that some illnesses, like diarrhea and "head colds," can be caused by either type of organism. If you don't know what your illness is exactly, it is harder to tell the difference between bacteria and a virus because the symptoms for each can be difficult to distinguish. Both bacteria and viruses can cause nausea, vomiting, elevated temperatures, fatigue, and general malaise. The best (and sometimes only) way to determine whether you have a bacterial or viral infection is to see your doctor. Your doctor will perform lab tests to determine what kind of infection you have. One way to confirm whether you have a virus or bacteria is to assess whether your current antibiotic treatments are effective. Antibiotics such as penicillin will only help if you have a bacterial infection, as opposed to a viral infection. This is why you should not take antibiotics unless your doctor has prescribed them. Most viral infections and diseases, including the common cold, do not have cures, but there are anti-viral drugs that can often help manage or limit the symptoms and severity. Use this simple chart to learn the basic differences between bacteria and viruses. Though there are more differences than the ones listed here, these are among the most important. Look for the presence of a cell. In terms of structure, bacteria are more complex than viruses. Bacteria are what is known as unicellular. This means that each bacteria is made up of only one cell. By contrast, the human body contains many trillions of cells. Viruses, on the other hand, do not have any cells. Viruses are made up of a protein structure called a capsid. Though this capsid contains the virus's genetic material, it lacks the features of a true cell, such as transport proteins, cytoplasm, organelles, and so on. In other words, if you see a cell through the microscope, you know you're looking at bacteria and not a virus. Check the organism's size. One of the quickest ways to tell the difference between a bacterium and a virus is to determine whether you can see it with a regular microscope. If you can see it, it is not a virus. The average virus is about 10 to 100 times smaller than run-of-the-mill bacteria. They are so small that you cannot see a virus under a normal light microscope, only its effects on cells. You need an electron or other extremely high-powered microscope to see viruses. Bacteria are nearly always far bigger than viruses. In fact, the very biggest viruses are only just as big as the very smallest bacteria. Bacteria tend to have dimensions of one to several micrometers (1000+ nanometers). By contrast, most viruses have sizes of less than 200 nanometers, which means you won't be able to see them with most everyday microscopes. Monitor the organism's reproductive cycle. Bacteria and viruses are very different from the organisms you can see in your daily life. They don't need to have sex or exchange genetic information with other organisms of the same species to reproduce. However, this is not to say that bacteria and viruses have the same reproductive strategies. Bacteria practice asexual reproduction. To reproduce, a bacteria replicates its own DNA, elongates, and splits into two daughter cells. Each daughter cell gets one copy of the DNA, making them clones (exact copies). You can usually watch this process occur under a microscope. Each daughter cell will grow and eventually divide into two more cells. Depending on the species of bacteria and the external conditions, bacteria can multiply very rapidly this way. Viruses, in contrast, can't reproduce on their own. Instead, they invade other cells and use the host's internal machinery to make new viruses. Eventually, so many viruses are made that the invaded cell bursts open and dies, releasing the new viruses. | Learn the basic differences. Recognize the differences in reproduction. Determine whether the organism has a beneficial effect in the body. Determine whether the organism meets the criteria for life. Identify the bacterial and viral causes of common illnesses. Use this simple chart to learn the basic differences between bacteria and viruses. Look for the presence of a cell. Check the organism's size. Monitor the organism's reproductive cycle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Sexy-(Skinny-Guys) | How to Be Sexy (Skinny Guys) | Being sexy as a skinny guy is about wearing clothes that complement your body. Wear slim-fit jeans, which will draw attention to the length of your legs. Look for shirts that fit snugly, which will help bring out your upper body. If you want to bulk up, wear multiple layers like an undershirt, button-up, and sweater. You should also embrace your body type and be comfortable with who you are. There's nothing sexier than confidence. Face the person you're interested in, make eye contact, and smile a lot. Remember that people are attracted to different things and the right people will find you sexy just as you are. | Wear slim-fit jeans. Avoid purchasing skinny jeans that are too tight or else they could accentuate how skinny your legs are. Pants that are too baggy will also make you look smaller. Try on pants that fit tight but have a little bit of bagginess to them so you're still comfortable. Wear pants in a variety of colors that you feel confident about. Get shirts that fit well in the shoulders and chest. Make sure your shirts fit snug across your chest so they accentuate your body. Look for shirts labeled “slim fit” so they don't hang loosely on your body or look baggy. These shirts will help bring out your upper body and flatter your form. Invest in a few henley shirts. They fit tight and help accentuate the male body. Find a casual blazer to wear. Blazers help emphasize your shoulders and give you a boxier form. Find one that doesn't feel too tight when you cross your arms. Casual blazers can be worn with just a T-shirt underneath, or you can wear them on top of a button-up shirt for a fancier look. Blazers can help you look professional and stylish. Look for light grey or tan colored blazers for a clean, casual look Wear multiple layers if you want to bulk up. Start with a light undershirt, then put on a button-up shirt. Avoid shirts with double front pockets, since these could look bulky and be uncomfortable. After the buttoned shirt, put a light sweater or cardigan on over it. If you can, put a jacket or blazer over the sweater for an added layer. Wearing layers of clothes gives your body depth and makes you more fashionable. Get a pair of shoes that come up to your ankle. Invest in ankle boots so they bunch up the cuffs of your pants when you wear them. This adds to the illusion that your legs are a little bulkier and makes a unique fashion statement more eye-catching than tennis shoes. Embrace your body type. Be happy with your body image to make yourself more confident. Accepting how you look will make you happier and more secure. You may be your own worst critic when it comes to how you look, so surround yourself with encouraging people to help you build your own self-confidence. Being comfortable in your own skin will make you more attractive to others. Not only will confidence in your body image make you happier about your body, but it can improve your emotions and health. Practice good posture. Keep your head up, shoulders back, and spine straight. Relax your other muscles and take deep slow breaths. If you sit up and walk straight, you'll feel and appear more attractive. To help with your posture, imagine a string pulling straight from the base of your spine to the crown of your head. Walk with a purpose. Increase the length of your normal stride by 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) and move confidently. When you give purpose and speed to your walk, you'll look busier and have a sense of more power and control. When you walk with purpose, people will notice the confidence and find you attractive. Make sure you maintain good posture as you walk. Avoid crossing your arms or legs. Keep your arms at your side when you're speaking with someone so it seems that you are open. Crossing your arms or legs will make it seem like you are closed off and not accepting. Keeping an open posture will help others know you care about how they feel and they will be more confident in developing relationships with you. If you have your arms at your side, it shows you have nothing to fear and you're more approachable. Maintain eye contact when you talk to someone. If someone is looking at you while they speak, hold eye contact with them until they look away. This will help you and the other person feel more comfortable with one another and shows you care. If you want to show more interest in the person, continue to look at their face even if they look away. Don't make it a staring contest. Too much eye contact could be unnerving. Smile more. Whenever you feel positive and upbeat, try to maintain a smile. This can show you're confident and happy during everyday situations. Even if you're in a negative mindset, cracking a smile can help increase your mood. Happiness and confidence will make you sexier when others notice your smile. When you find yourself frowning, try to change into a smile right away. This can help you have more positive feelings and stop negative thoughts. Practice personal hygiene to feel more confident around others. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and always wear deodorant. Take some extra time in the morning to wash your face, trim any facial hair, and pluck eyebrows or nose hairs. These are small things that you may have grown used to, but many people may notice. Wear a light cologne so the smell isn't too overwhelming. Carry lip balm with you to help alleviate dry and cracked lips. Consider carrying gum or breath mints throughout the day in case you have bad breath. Be true to yourself. Be honest with how you feel, what you value, and what you desire. You don't need to change yourself to appear sexy to other people. If you are honest and genuine in your relationships, people will find you sexy for who you are. Make a list of the things you value and love about yourself. It will make you more confident and happier with yourself. Practice meditation or yoga to help you be introspective and develop self-awareness. Don't let other people define who you are. Be happy with who you are as a person and stick to what's important to you. Explore your hobbies. Continue being passionate about the things you love to do. If you like reading, keep going to bookstores, author talks, and libraries to pursue your interests. Showing that you're passionate about something will make people be more attracted to you. Make time in your schedule to do your hobbies. If you find yourself losing time, consider writing a to-do list for your hobbies. Use your manners. Make sure to say please and thank you in daily conversation. Hold the door open for people when they are entering or exiting behind you. When you're courteous, others will take notice and be more attracted to you because of the politeness and respect you're giving them. Try using proper table etiquette to be respectful while you eat. Take interest in other people. Be respectful when people are talking to you by giving them your full attention. Put your phone away and ask inquisitive, open-ended questions to learn more about them. When you show interest in others, they'll start showing interest in you as well. Use their name in conversation so they know you really do care about what they say. Keep a lighthearted sense of humor. Don't take everything too seriously or else you could shut people out of your life. Instead, take a moment to laugh about the little things or even the things that stress you out. This can help you manage your time and emotions better. Humor lets others know you appreciate the funny things in life and is an important element of a relationship. Don't make jokes at other people's expense. This could affect relationships. | Wear slim-fit jeans. Get shirts that fit well in the shoulders and chest. Find a casual blazer to wear. Wear multiple layers if you want to bulk up. Get a pair of shoes that come up to your ankle. Embrace your body type. Practice good posture. Walk with a purpose. Avoid crossing your arms or legs. Maintain eye contact when you talk to someone. Smile more. Practice personal hygiene to feel more confident around others. Be true to yourself. Explore your hobbies. Use your manners. Take interest in other people. Keep a lighthearted sense of humor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Storyboard | How to Create a Storyboard | To create a storyboard, sketch out thumbnails to bring the scenes to life. These drawings should include composition, type of shot, props, and special effects. Below each cell, write a description of what's happening in the scene, including dialogue and the length of the shot. Additionally, number your cells so they're easy to reference when talking about them with others. | Establish a timeline. Establishing the parameters for when and where your story takes place, and deciding in which order the events of the story happen chronologically, is the best way to organize your story so you can begin bringing it to life. If your story isn't completely linear (e.g. there are flashbacks, flash forwards, shifting perspectives, alternate outcomes, multiple timelines, time travel, and so on), you can still create a narrative timeline. Make a list of the main events of the story in the order they will be told. This is how they will appear on screen. If you're storyboarding for a commercial, establish what scenes will occur and in what order. Identify the key scenes in your story. A storyboard is meant to give its viewer the gist of how the story will translate to film. The point isn't to try to recreate the entire experience in a flip book, but to demonstrate important key parts that will draw the viewer in. Think your story through and brainstorm a list of the key moments that you want to illustrate on your storyboard. Pick scenes that show the plot developing from start to finish. Turning points are important to show. Any time there's a plot twist or an important change, include it in the storyboard to move the story along. You may also want to depict changes in setting. If the story begins in one city and moves to another, make sure that will be clear in your illustrations. If you're storyboarding for a commercial, the process is no different: pick key images that will represent the flow and direction of the film from start to finish. As a general guideline, keep in mind that for a typical 30-second commercial, a storyboard should have no more than 15 frames. Factor in two seconds per frame on average. Decide how detailed to get. A storyboard can be incredibly detailed, with illustrations depicting every shot. If you're in the preliminary stages of a feature-length film, you have too much ground to cover to get this detailed just now. However, you might eventually want to break the film down into individual scenes, with a separate storyboard for each one. This allows you to create a very detailed representation of the progression of individual scenes and is helpful when it comes to staying organized during film-making. If you're working on a film and breaking it down shot by shot, create what's called a shot list. For each shot on the list, you'll need to think about the shot's composition and other details involving how it will actually be filmed. Remember that the point of the storyboard is to provide visual clarity and keep everyone on the same page. It's not supposed to be a work of art in and of itself. Take a practical view when it comes to the level of detail you choose for your storyboard. You don't want your viewer to get lost in trying to interpret your illustrations instead of seeing the bigger picture. A good storyboard will be easily understood by anyone viewing it. Potentially, a director, cameraman, scene selector, or even a prop specialist (just to name a few) may refer to the storyboard for reference, guidance and direction. Write a description of what each cell will show. Now that you know what main scenes you want to show, think about how to depict the action in each illustration. Go down your list of scenes and write a description of the most important elements of each one. This will help you determine what exactly to draw for your storyboard. For example, you might want to have a cell that depicts a conversation between two main characters. What needs to be conveyed in this image? Are the characters fighting, smiling, or moving toward a destination? Some sort of action should take place in each drawing. Take the setting into account as well. Is it important to have a certain view in the background behind the characters? Decide what medium to use for your template. You can draw a basic storyboard template by hand, simply dividing a posterboard into empty frames of the same size using a pencil and a straightedge. The setup should look similar to that of a comic book, with rows of square cells that show how the scene will look on a screen. If you prefer, you can use Adobe Illustrator, storyboardthat.com, Microsoft PowerPoint, Amazon's Storyteller, or inDesign to create a storyboard template in vertical or horizontal format. The cell sizes should be drawn in the same aspect ratio as the finished video, such as 4:3 for a TV screen or 16:9 for a feature film screen. You can purchase special thumbnail sheets with these dimensions. A storyboard template for advertising should be comprised of rectangular frames into which you insert the visuals. If you want to include captions, make sure there's space where you can write in video descriptions. There should also be a column for the audio, which is where you include the dialogue and sounds or music. If you find yourself storyboarding for more than one project, it helps to have a good Wacom™ tablet, so you can board directly into Photoshop. If you don't want to design the images, you can hire a storyboard artist to provide the drawings. You will describe what goes on each frame and give the artist a written script to work from. He or she will provide you with either black and white or color illustrated frames that you can scan into the board in sequential order. Sketch your thumbnails. Start bringing the scenes to life by drawing the sketches you mapped out into the template you designed. This is just your rough draft, so don't try to make it perfect. As you sketch each scene, tinker with the following elements, erasing and redrawing as often as necessary: Composition (lighting, foreground/background, color palette, etc.) Angle from which the camera is shooting (high or low) The type of shot (wide shots, close-ups, over-the-shoulder shots, tracking shots, etc.) Props (objects in the frame) Actors (people, animals, cartoon talking couch, etc.: anything that can act rather than be acted upon) Special effects Add other important information. Next to or below each cell, fill in your description of what's happening in the scene. Include dialogue that will take place. Add information about the length of time the shot will take. Finally, number the cells so they're easy to reference when you discuss your storyboard with others. Finalize the storyboard. Once you have identified the key points of the subject and worked out a design for each frame, review your work and make final changes. Be sure that each cell portrays the action you want it to portray. Tweak the descriptions and dialogue if necessary. It's a good idea to have someone else review the storyboard to make sure it flows well and isn't confusing. Consider adding color. If you're creating an advertising storyboard, this will help your ideas pop. Remember that it's not necessarily important that the drawings look realistic or perfect. Depending on the viewing audience, simple stick figures might suffice. In most cases, storyboards don't need to be perfect, they only need to make sense to your team. Think in three-point perspective. While your storyboard illustrations don't need to look like they were created by a professional artist, there are a few artists' tricks you can use to make your images look more like movie scenes. This isn't mandatory, but it can help the people you're working with visualize the shot more clearly. Instead of drawing all of your characters as though they were standing on the same horizontal line, put them in perspective. Have some standing a little further from the camera and some standing closer. The ones standing further from the camera should appear smaller, with their feet higher up on the page, and the ones standing closer should appear larger, with their feet lower on the page. When it's time to translate the storyboard to film, you'll have a much better idea of how to direct the shot. Have motivations for your cuts. As you storyboard your film, think about your reasons for making each cut to a new shot. Advancing the story is about more than just hopping to the next plot point; you need to give a reason for why your characters do what they do. Storyboarding the motivations for your cuts will help you figure out how to build tension and keep the story moving when it comes to making the film. For example, if you want to cut from one room to another, have a character in the first room look toward the door because they hear a noise. This helps the story's continuity and keeps the viewer engaged. Let your storyboard morph as you go. Your storyboard can be an extraordinary tool to have at your disposal when you're setting up your shots and directing your film. However, relying heavily on your storyboard might end up being too confining. As you make your film, you're bound to come across ideas for shots you didn't think of before. Allow yourself to drift from the board, or at least revise it, so that the filmmaking process is a bit more organic. Remember to accept others' input as you go along, especially if you're working with a talented film crew. A storyboard is meant to be edited and changed. It can often be improved by ideas you might not have thought up on your own. Most film directors have a different style when it comes to storyboarding. Some map out every last detail, while others use it as a loose guide. | Establish a timeline. Identify the key scenes in your story. Decide how detailed to get. Write a description of what each cell will show. Decide what medium to use for your template. Sketch your thumbnails. Add other important information. Finalize the storyboard. Think in three-point perspective. Have motivations for your cuts. Let your storyboard morph as you go. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-an-Outdoor-Wedding | How to Dress for an Outdoor Wedding | When dressing for an outdoor wedding, you'll want to choose a versatile outfit that you won't get too hot or cold in. For spring and summer weddings, choose a cool outfit like a sleeveless dress with a matching jacket or a suit made from a breathable material like cotton or linen. That way, you can easily add or subtract layers depending on the weather. For fall or winter weddings, go for a long-sleeved dress and jacket or a suit made from wool or cashmere. Regardless of the time of year, make sure you bring a rainproof jacket, umbrella, and waterproof shoes in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. | Wear cool outfits for spring and summer weddings. Selecting an outfit that you won't sweat through is key. However, be sure to keep your choice classy and suitable for the occasion. You can often wear sleeveless, strapless, and halter wedding dresses for an outdoor summer wedding, and may choose to wear a matching jacket at night when the sun goes down. You should, on the other hand, feel appropriately formal in dress pants and a button-down shirt with a suit jacket over it. Dress shoes that can be comfortably danced in are a must. Opt for a tuxedo if the wedding is very formal, or if you are a member of the wedding party. Wear warmer outfits for fall and winter weddings. A long-sleeved dress or a suit made of warmer material may be more appropriate for a wedding during a cooler part of the year. If you plan on dancing, perhaps you can wear a jacket, sweater, or shawl that you can then take off while you dance. Go for comfort over style, as the more comfortable you are, the more confident you will appear. Plan for inclement weather. If there is a chance of rain, for instance, you will want to be prepared with a rain jacket and umbrella. Wear shoes that are waterproof, and bring a secure bag to stow any extra things that you may need, such as deodorant or makeup. If wearing a dress, be sure that it won't drag on the ground in order to prevent it from getting dirty. Check the wedding invitation for details. An outdoor beach or garden wedding has a more relaxed atmosphere and thus clothing may be less formal. If you are at all unsure about the dress code, ask one of the guests or the hosts. The last thing you want is to show up in inappropriate attire. A beach wedding is likely going to be windy and humid, so you will want your attire to endure those conditions. Consider avoiding a short dress that could become revealing in a strong wind, and wear a lightweight shirt under a suit jacket in order to reduce sweating. Pack deodorant in a bag, just to be safe. Research the venue beforehand. Outdoor weddings at prestigious wedding venues often require formal attire. Determine how upscale the venue is and how their clientele typically dresses. A wedding at a vineyard would require far dressier clothes than a backyard wedding. If you have any doubts, ask your hosts for their honest advice on appropriate apparel. Consider the wedding time. Night weddings often call for more formal attire than day weddings. Determine your look by checking the time of the event. Also look for key words, such as "black tie," which indicates formal attire. A nighttime wedding might get chilly, so bring along a sweater or jacket for the cool evening air. A noon wedding on a day without overhead cloud cover may get uncomfortably warm, so consider that and bring sunblock. Dress up instead of down. Just because a wedding is outdoors, keep in mind that it is still a very important event. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed for such an occasion, especially as you will likely be photographed. If choosing between a knee-length dress or floor-length gown, go for the gown. If you are torn between loafers and dress shoes, go for the dressier and more formal shoes. Avoid inappropriate clothing choices. Do not show up wearing jeans, sneakers, shorts, or a T-shirt. Remember that this is a family event, so choose a classy and dignified look instead of a scandalous one. Never wear white to a wedding, as you do not want to steal the bride or groom's show. Go light on the accessories for outdoor weddings. Not only will this give you a more relaxed and sophisticated vibe, but it will also make dancing much easier. There is no need to overdo your look with a hat or armful of bracelets. Go for the simplest options, as this will allow you more freedom and comfort. | Wear cool outfits for spring and summer weddings. Wear warmer outfits for fall and winter weddings. Plan for inclement weather. Check the wedding invitation for details. Research the venue beforehand. Consider the wedding time. Dress up instead of down. Avoid inappropriate clothing choices. Go light on the accessories for outdoor weddings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stretch-Out-Jeans | How to Stretch Out Jeans | To stretch out your jeans, start by laying them flat on the floor. Then, use a spray bottle to mist them with lukewarm water until they feel damp but not soaked. When you're finished, stand on one side of your jeans to hold them in place, and tug on the opposite side with your hands to stretch it. If you want your jeans to be longer, pull the legs up to stretch them out. Alternatively, if you want your jeans to be wider, tug on them width-wise. Once you've stretched the first half, repeat the process on the opposite side, and then hang your jeans up to dry before you wear them. | Put on your jeans. With this method, you need to be able to put the jeans on to stretch the waist, hips, butt, and/or thighs, though it's okay if they're tight. Make sure you button the jeans before you start trying to stretch them. Do squats for at least 1 minute. Stand up straight with your feet about hip-width apart. Then, bend at your knees to lower your hips and bottom like you're going to sit in a chair. Make sure your knees don't go out past your toes. Then, push through your heels to rise back to your starting position. Repeat the exercise for at least 1 full minute. You can do your squats for up to 5 minutes, though this might make you feel sore. The longer you do the squats, the more stretched the fabric will be. Check to see if your jeans feel more comfortable. Stand, walk, and sit in the jeans to see if they feel comfortable. You should notice that they're a little looser on your body. However, they may still feel tight if the size is too small. If your jeans don't feel comfortable, you may want to try heating them up for a better stretch. Lay the jeans on the floor or your bed. Choose a spot on the floor or your bed that's close to an electrical socket. Then, place your jeans so that the front side is facing up. Spread the jeans out so that it's easier to heat them evenly. Your bed is likely a cleaner space than your floor, so you may want to use it if it's close enough to an electrical socket. Heat the jeans using a hair dryer on a medium setting. Hold the hair dryer about 6 inches (15 cm) above the jeans. As you heat the denim, move your hair dryer continuously so that you heat each area evenly. After you heat the front of your pants, turn them over and heat the backside. You don't have to heat both sides of your pants, but it will help you stretch them out more. Use your hands and arms to stretch the denim. Grip opposite sides of a section with both of your hands, then pull as hard as you can in opposite directions to stretch it. Move your hands up and down the surface of the jeans, pulling the denim in each area you need to stretch. As another option, put your hands inside of the jeans, then use your arm strength to push apart the opposite ends of the waist, hip area, thigh area, or calf area, which should stretch them. As an example, if you are stretching the thighs of your jeans, hold each side of the pant leg in each hand. Then, pull the sides in opposite directions. This will help widen the pant leg. For a bigger waist, it might be easier to unbutton the jeans and place your bent elbows inside the waistband. Then, move your arms apart from each other to stretch the fabric. If the jeans start to cool down before you're finished stretching them, heat them back up using your hair dryer. Put the jeans on. Be sure to button and zip up your jeans before you continue stretching them. Your jeans should fit a little better now, but they may still be tight. If you're having trouble buttoning your pants, lie down on your bed and try buttoning them that way. Do squats or lunges for 1-5 minutes to stretch out the denim a little more. Lay your jeans out on the floor. Use the floor so you won't accidentally get your bed wet. Spread out the jeans to make it easier to wet the fabric. The dye in the denim may stain while it's wet, so you may want to lay down a plastic garbage bag or some old towels before you try this method. If you're planning to stretch your waistband, unbutton your pants so that you won't accidentally pull off the button. Spray your jeans with lukewarm water. Use a spray bottle to coat a small section with water. The fabric should feel damp but doesn't need to be soaked. Work from the waist down and only wet a single area at a time. If your denim feels hard to stretch, then you may want to spray it again. You can also apply more water as necessary while you're stretching the jeans. If you have liquid fabric softener, add about 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of it to your spray bottle before you wet your jeans. This will help soften the denim so it stretches more easily. Stand on 1 side of your jeans to hold them in place. Place your feet near the area where you want to stretch. This will pin the jeans to the floor so that they stretch when you pull on them. For instance, when you're stretching the waistband, stand near the top of the jeans. If you want to stretch the thighs, stand on the edge of the pant leg. It's best to wear socks or go barefoot while you do this. Shoes may transfer dirt and germs onto your pants. Use your hands to pull the wet denim and stretch the jeans. Bend over, grip the denim in your hands, and pull with all of your strength in the opposite direction of your body. Work your way over the surface of the jeans, pulling the denim in each section you want to stretch. Then, stand back up and move to the other side of your jeans. If it's easier, you can use both hands to grip opposite sides of the denim and pull it in opposite directions as hard as you can. If your jeans feel too snug, pull them width-wise, starting at the waistband. Continue stretching through the hips, crotch, and thighs. If your jeans are too short, it's best to start in the leg area. Begin pulling down on the fabric starting at around the mid-thigh area. Don't pull the belt loops or the pockets, as these areas are weak and may tear. Let the jeans air dry before you wear them. Hang the jeans on a line, lay them on a table, or drape them over the back of a chair. Allow them to air dry for at least 2-3 hours. However, it's best to allow them to dry overnight. How long it takes the jeans to dry will vary depending on how wet they are. If you lay your jeans on a table or chair, it's best to put down a plastic garbage bag first to protect your furniture in case the fabric bleeds. | Put on your jeans. Do squats for at least 1 minute. Check to see if your jeans feel more comfortable. Lay the jeans on the floor or your bed. Heat the jeans using a hair dryer on a medium setting. Use your hands and arms to stretch the denim. Put the jeans on. Lay your jeans out on the floor. Spray your jeans with lukewarm water. Stand on 1 side of your jeans to hold them in place. Use your hands to pull the wet denim and stretch the jeans. Let the jeans air dry before you wear them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Freezer-Burn | How to Prevent Freezer Burn | To prevent freezer burn, minimize food's exposure to air by using quality, freezer-safe containers. If you're wrapping foods in foil, plastic wrap, or waxed paper, make sure to double wrap or put the wrapped food in a freezer bag. Also, make sure to push out any excess air from freezer bags before sealing them. For liquids, use the smallest container possible otherwise the food will be exposed to air. | Know what causes freezer burn. Freezer burn occurs when food in the freezer dries out. Moisture can evaporate from food when the temperature of the freezer is inconsistent. For instance, if you're always opening and closing the freezer, the temperature will fluctuate, and this will cause water to evaporate from the food. When too much moisture evaporates from the food, the tissue dries out, and that's what freezer burn is. The main causes of temperature fluctuations in the freezer include opening the door often, freezing too much food at once, freezing food that hasn't been pre-chilled, and not setting the freezer to the right temperature. Set the temperature. As the name suggests, a freezer is meant to be at or below freezing temperature. If the freezer is warmer than that, it will encourage the moisture to evaporate from food faster, and this will lead to freezer burn. For freezers with basic dials, set your freezer to Cold or Low. For freezers with temperature gauges, set it to 0ºF (-18ºC). Chill foods before freezing. There are many things that can cause the temperature of your freezer to fluctuate, and putting in warm or room temperature food is one of those ways. If you put hot food in the freezer, it will increase the surrounding temperature, and this will cause evaporation and moisture loss in nearby foods. Before transferring food or leftovers to the freezer, chill them in the fridge for one to two hours prior in order to bring down the temperature. Freeze food in small batches. Similarly, putting too much thawed food in the freezer at once can also increase the temperature of the freezer, and the moisture loss this causes in surrounding food will lead to freezer burn. To help maintain the temperature in your freezer, only freeze up to three pounds (1.4 kg) of food per cubic foot of capacity at a time. This doesn't apply for foods that are already frozen, because the freezer doesn't have to work to equalize the temperature. Open the door as little as possible. Every time you open the door to the freezer, cold air rushes out and is replaced with warm air from the room. This not only wastes energy because the freezer has to work harder to normalize the temperature again, but it also leads to evaporation and moisture loss in the food. Never leave the door of the freezer open for longer than necessary. Organize your freezer to make it easier to find food. Keep your freezer full. Ideally, you want to keep your freezer about 75 percent full at all times. This is because cold food will help keep other food cold, the same way that an icepack keeps food chilled in a cooler. It's important that you don't overstuff your freezer, however, as this will restrict ventilation, meaning the temperature inside the freezer will be inconsistent. Encourage air flow. Even with your freezer full, you want to leave headroom above the food and space below so air can circulate evenly. Leave about four inches (10 cm) of headspace at the top of the freezer, and a couple inches on the bottom. If your freezer doesn't have a shelf or rack for the bottom, consider installing one that will allow cold air to easily circulate throughout the freezer. Use quality, freezer-safe containers. One of the main culprits that causes freezer burn is the air, so keeping food airtight when it's in the freezer can help prevent freezer burn. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use containers that are meant for the freezer, because they tend to be thicker, more durable, and more airtight. The best materials for housing frozen food are plastic containers, glass containers or jars, or freezer bags. Jars are great for liquid foods, and bags and containers are ideal for solids. Plastic wrap, waxed paper, and aluminum foil should only be used in conjunction with a proper freezer-safe container or bag. Use glass and plastic containers with airtight lids. For bags, choose ones that are specifically designed to be freezer bags. These tend to be made of thicker plastic and can be sealed to keep air out. Avoid plastic wrap and Styrofoam food containers, as these aren't airtight. Double-wrap foods. Another way to keep food away from exposure to the air is to double wrap it for extra protection. This is especially important for items that will be stored long-term, or that have delicate flavors that would be ruined by freezer burn. You can double-wrap non-liquid foods like bread, baked goods, leftovers, and more. Wrap the food tightly in one to two layers of aluminum foil, waxed paper, or plastic wrap. Then, transfer the wrapped food to a sealable freezer bag. Alternatively, you can also place foods (including solids) into a freezer bag and then wrap the freezer bag with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Use containers of the right size for liquids. Even an airtight container will expose food to air if the container isn't full. For that reason, choose the smallest container possible to store liquid foods such as soups, sauces, and stews. Ideally, you want the food to fill the jar completely, minus about a half-inch inches (1.3 cm) for headroom. Headroom is required in the container because liquids expand when they freeze, and if you don't leave extra space, they will break the container or pop the lid. Cover the surface of food. Leaving headroom in a container is sometimes necessary, but you can protect foods, liquids, and leftovers from air by covering the surface before putting on the lid. Place your food into the container, leaving headroom if necessary. Then, cut a piece of foil, plastic, or wax paper that's large enough to cover the surface of the food, plus a few extra inches (several centimeters). Cover the surface of the food with the paper, plastic, or foil. Press the excess up the sides of the container and over the rim. Affix an airtight lid on the container, trapping the cover in place. Push out excess air from freezer bags. When you store food in freezer bags, it's important to push or suck out all the air from the bag before freezing your food. To remove as much air as possible, use vacuum freezer bags that allow you to use suction to suck all the air out of the bag. You can also remove air manually if you don't have a vacuum system: Place your food in the bottom of the freezer bag, and then fold the food and bag over on itself, working toward the opening. When you get to the top of the bag, seal the bag most of the way. Insert a straw into the bag and suck out as much air as you can. Remove the straw and quickly seal the bag the rest of the way. Seal containers and bags properly. Going through all the effort to protect your food from air is a waste if you don't properly seal the container the food is in. Improperly sealed containers will let air leak in, and this will lead to freezer burn. Make sure you have the right lid for your jar or container. For a press-on lid, make sure the lid is completely sealed to the container. For a screw-on lid, make sure the lid is on properly and tight. For a freezer bag, make sure the bag is fully closed along the entire length of the seal. Keep foods frozen for as little time as possible. One of the biggest keys to preventing freezer burn is making sure your foods don't stay in the freezer long enough to develop it. This will minimize the food's exposure to air, and ensure the food is eaten when it's still in its prime. You can generally keep foods frozen for about nine months. After that, there's a good chance freezer burn will occur, no matter how well the food is sealed. Rotate the food in your freezer when you add new stuff. This ensures the older food gets eaten first. It's also a good idea to date the food you freeze, and that way you know when it should come out of the freezer. | Know what causes freezer burn. Set the temperature. Chill foods before freezing. Freeze food in small batches. Open the door as little as possible. Keep your freezer full. Encourage air flow. Use quality, freezer-safe containers. Double-wrap foods. Use containers of the right size for liquids. Cover the surface of food. Push out excess air from freezer bags. Seal containers and bags properly. Keep foods frozen for as little time as possible. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Asparagus-in-the-Oven | How to Cook Asparagus in the Oven | To cook asparagus in the oven, start by cleaning 1 pound of asparagus and trimming off the woody end at the bottom of each stalk. Preheat the oven to 425 °F, then toss the asparagus in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Once it's seasoned, put the asparagus into a roasting pan and cook it for 20 minutes, flipping it with tongs halfway through. When the asparagus is tender, remove it from the oven, transfer it to a serving dish, and enjoy! | Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and allow it to reach that temperature as you wash and prepare the asparagus. Roasting typically occurs at a higher temperature than regular baking, which is why you set the oven so high. Wash the asparagus. Transfer the asparagus spears to a bowl and fill the bowl with water. Swish the spears around in the water to loosen dirt and bugs. Transfer the asparagus to a colander to drain the water. Transfer the spears to a clean towel and pat them dry. Remove the woody ends. Place the asparagus on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully trim 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the end of each spear. You can also line up several spears and cut off the ends of all of them in 1 pass. Asparagus ends are usually tough and woody, so it's best to remove them before cooking. Toss the asparagus in oil. Transfer the asparagus to a large clean bowl and drizzle olive oil over the spears. Use a spoon to stir the asparagus and coat the individual spears with oil. In place of olive oil, you can also use: Sesame oil for a nuttier taste Canola oil for a subtler flavor Coconut oil for a sweeter aroma and coconut flavor Season the asparagus. Grind some fresh pepper over the asparagus, and add a pinch of salt, to taste. If you're not sure how much to use, start with ½ teaspoon (1 g) of pepper and ½ teaspoon (3 g) of salt. Stir the asparagus to coat it with the salt and pepper. You can use any herbs or spices you like to season the asparagus, such as garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, rosemary, chives, thyme, or even 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of lemon juice or soy sauce. Transfer the asparagus to a roasting pan. Use tongs or a fork to spread the asparagus out in the roasting pan to help ensure an even cooking time. The spears can be touching, but shouldn't be overlapping. If you don't have a roasting pan, you can use a glass baking dish or a baking sheet. Roast the asparagus for 15 to 20 minutes. Place the asparagus in the oven and roast it for up to 20 minutes. Flip the asparagus after 10 minutes using tongs or a spatula. The asparagus is ready when it's still slightly crisp but tender enough to be pierced with a fork or knife. Serve the asparagus hot or warm. Remove the cooked asparagus from the oven. Use tongs to transfer it to a serving dish. If you like, you can finish the asparagus with a pat of butter, some fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, or Parmesan cheese. The asparagus can be eaten fresh out of the oven, or you can leave it to cool down before digging in. Leftover asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Preheat the broiler. Before you turn on the oven, move the top rack to the highest position. Close the oven door, set the broiler to high, and leave the oven to preheat as you prepare the asparagus. Broilers cook at extremely high heat, which will give the spears a nice char on the outside. Wash and trim the asparagus. Place the asparagus in a bowl full of water to rinse out dirt and bugs. Drain the asparagus in a colander and pat it dry with a clean towel. Transfer the spears to a cutting board. Line up several spears and cut off 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the ends with a sharp knife. Oil and season the asparagus. Transfer the asparagus to a large mixing bowl and drizzle it with olive oil. Sprinkle the spears with salt and pepper, to taste, as well as any other herbs or spices you like. You can use any cooking oil you like for broiling asparagus, as long as it has a high smoke point. This includes peanut, sesame, avocado, or refined safflower oil. Arrange the asparagus on a baking sheet. Use tongs or your fingers to transfer the spears to a baking sheet. Spread the spears out so they're in a single layer. This will ensure they cook at an even rate. For easier cleanup, cover the baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a silicone mat before putting on the asparagus. Broil the asparagus for up to 8 minutes. Transfer the baking sheet to the top rack and cook the asparagus for 4 to 8 minutes. The asparagus is ready when it's slightly tender but still firm, and slightly charred on the ends. Serve the asparagus hot with your favorite dishes. Remove the asparagus from the oven. Use tongs to transfer the spears from the roasting pan to a serving dish, or onto individual serving plates. Enjoy the asparagus hot as a side with your favorite meals, or as a nutritious snack. Before serving, you can finish the asparagus with additional oil, butter, or red wine vinegar. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Bake an asparagus tart. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheeses, chives, eggs, cream, and pepper. Pour the mixture into the center of the pie shell, and then arrange the asparagus on top of the filling. Drizzle the asparagus with oil and bake the tart for 25 minutes in an oven that's been preheated to 400 °F (204 °C). Serve the tart at brunch with fruit or a light side salad. Wrap the spears in pastry. Cut the pastry into strips that are 2.25 by 6 inches (5.7 by 15.2 cm). Sprinkle each strip with ½ tablespoon (4 g) of cheese. Place an asparagus spear lengthwise on each strip and fold the pastry around the spear. Use your finger to dampen the edges of the pastry with water and seal it. Sprinkle the pastry with salt. Arrange the spears on a baking sheet and bake the asparagus for 15 to 18 minutes in an oven that's been preheated to 400 °F (204 °C). Serve as hors d'oeuvres or a side dish. Whip up a crust-less asparagus quiche. Quiche is a very versatile egg-based dish, and you can customize your quiche with any vegetables or cheese you like. To prepare the asparagus, wash the spears, trim off the woody ends, and cut the spears into pieces that are ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) long. Roast the asparagus with the other vegetables before adding it to the egg mixture. The egg mixture includes the beaten eggs, heavy cream, cheese, and seasonings. Serve the quiche at brunch with a side of fresh fruit. | Preheat the oven. Wash the asparagus. Remove the woody ends. Toss the asparagus in oil. Season the asparagus. Transfer the asparagus to a roasting pan. Roast the asparagus for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve the asparagus hot or warm. Preheat the broiler. Wash and trim the asparagus. Oil and season the asparagus. Arrange the asparagus on a baking sheet. Broil the asparagus for up to 8 minutes. Serve the asparagus hot with your favorite dishes. Bake an asparagus tart. Wrap the spears in pastry. Whip up a crust-less asparagus quiche. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Idiopathic-Guttate-Hypomelanosis | How to Treat Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis | Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis is a condition that leaves white spots on your skin, but fortunately there are a few ways to help reduce their appearance. Talk to your doctor about which treatment options will be best for you. These include topical steroid creams and retinoid creams, which you apply every day for a few weeks. Alternatively, you can have laser therapy, which you'll need to repeat every week for about a month. This is usually painless, although you may have feel some burning or redness afterwards. You can also get cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen or have a chemical peel done by a doctor. All of the treatments take a few weeks to see results and are about as effective as each other. | Ask your doctor about using topical steroids. Steroid creams are prescribed by dermatologists for a range of skin conditions, and are often a first-line treatment for IGH. Your doctor will prescribe a specific topical steroid and explain how and how often to apply the cream to your IGH spots. You'll usually apply the topical steroid once a day for at least 2 weeks, and probably longer before seeing results. Side effects from steroid creams are uncommon, but can include redness, thinning of the skin, or even permanent pigmentation changes. If you have IGH on your face or other areas where your skin is thinner, you'll need to use a lower concentration of topical steroid to reduce the risk of skin inflammation. Discuss using retinoids such as tretinoin. If topical steroids cause unwanted side effects or you'd prefer to avoid them for other reasons, your doctor might recommend retinoids instead. The retinoid tretinoin is often prescribed for IGH as a topical cream because it is easy to apply and has mild side effects. Retinoids are applied once daily, usually at night. It will take several weeks or possibly months to achieve noticeable results. If you experience any side effects, they will usually be limited to itching, redness, or dryness at the application site. Retinoids are chemically derived from Vitamin A and are useful for a range of skin conditions. Consider trying a topical NSAID like pimecrolimus. If topical steroids are the typical first treatment for IGH, topical NSAIDs share second place with retinoids. Your doctor will start you on one of them and evaluate your results. NSAID creams such as pimecrolimus reduce inflammation and can help reduce the appearance of IGH spots over time. Pimecrolimus 1% cream may cause localized burning or stinging, but these issues typically vanish after a few applications. It can also cause acne flares in the application area in some cases, but this side effect usually goes away fairly quickly with regular use. You'll often apply this medication twice per day for at least 2 weeks, and probably longer, in order to achieve results. Try weekly laser therapy treatments for about a month. If your dermatologist offers laser treatments, you'll likely need to make quick visits each week for about a month. Spot treatments with the laser are usually painless, although you may experience some burning or redness in the treated areas. Like cryotherapy, dermabrasion, and chemical peels, laser treatments intentionally cause minor damage to the skin. As the skin repairs and regenerates, the IGH spots should be minimized or disappear completely. All of these therapeutic skin damage options seem to produce roughly the same rate of success, although there isn't much detailed research on them when it comes to treating IGH. Your doctor will probably first recommend topical creams (like steroids or retinoids), then if necessary move on to trying one therapeutic skin damage method at a time until you see the desired results. Consider spot cryotherapy treatments with liquid nitrogen. When treating IGH with cryotherapy, your dermatologist will essentially dip a small tool akin to a cotton swab into liquid nitrogen and hold it to an IGH spot for 5-10 seconds. At most, you may experience a minor and short-lived burning sensation where the treatment occurs. Cryotherapy is effective at removing IGH spots (within a month or so) in roughly 80% of all cases, which is in the same range as other therapeutic skin damage methods. Undergo a chemical peel with 88% phenol or a similar product. If you undergo a phenol (or similar) chemical peel at your doctor's office, you can expect your IGH spots to disappear within several weeks roughly two-thirds of the time. In some cases, though, you may experience scabbing over your IGH spots, or even (in rare cases) ulceration of these spots. You may also experience hyperpigmentation in rare cases, which means the IGH spots will go from being much lighter than your surrounding skin to noticeably darker. Look into Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments. Intense Pulse Light treatments may help to even out your skin tone. The treatment uses pulses of bright light to improve the appearance of the skin. It can cause some stinging, so you will need an application of a topical anesthetic before your treatment. You will also need to wear dark glasses to protect your eyes. IPL treatments take about 20 to 30 minutes per session, and you will need 3 to 6 treatments performed 1 month apart. You may experience some redness and peeling of your skin after treatment. Wear sunscreen every day. The exact causes of IGH are still not fully known, but dermatological experts agree that long-term sun exposure is a major factor in practically every case. To reduce your exposure to the sun's UV rays, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your exposed skin every time you go outside, even on cloudy days. IGH spots nearly always occur in areas that are regularly exposed to the sun's UV rays, such as the lower legs and arms, the face, and the back of the neck. Cover exposed skin. Along with using sunscreen when going outdoors, it's also a smart idea to wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your head, face, and eyes. Consider also wearing long sleeves and pants on sunny days. Look for hats and clothing made of fabrics that provide UVA/UVB protection by checking the labels. Don't go out in the sun between 10 am and 4 pm because this is when the sun is the most powerful. Don’t use tanning beds. Your quest to have a deep tan right now might lead to you having lots of small white spots on your skin later. Tanning beds can cause a host of problematic skin conditions and should be avoided in all cases. People who start using tanning beds regularly before the age of 35 increase their risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer) by 75 percent. Maintain a healthy immune system. Autoimmune disorders predispose you to IGH, so do what you can to keep your immune system healthy. If you have an autoimmune disorder, make sure to seek treatment from your physician. Avoid skin trauma. Trauma to your skin can also predispose you to IGH, so make sure to protect your skin from injury as much as possible. If you get a skin injury, such as a burn or cut, then make sure to have it treated right away. See if IGH runs in your family. Even if you take every recommended sun protection measure, you may end up with IGH spots due to genetics. Experts aren't entirely sure why, but IGH seems to run in families. If this is the case for you, though, don't use it as an excuse not to bother protecting your skin from the sun. IGH spots are more common on people with fair skin, but are more noticeable on people with darker skin. | Ask your doctor about using topical steroids. Discuss using retinoids such as tretinoin. Consider trying a topical NSAID like pimecrolimus. Try weekly laser therapy treatments for about a month. Consider spot cryotherapy treatments with liquid nitrogen. Undergo a chemical peel with 88% phenol or a similar product. Look into Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments. Wear sunscreen every day. Cover exposed skin. Don’t use tanning beds. Maintain a healthy immune system. Avoid skin trauma. See if IGH runs in your family. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Flow-Hairstyle | How to Grow a Flow Hairstyle | A flow hairstyle is a modern, rugged style that looks great if you're going for a more casual look. To get a flow hairstyle, first you'll need to let the top of your hair grow out while you keep the rest of your hair trimmed short. Once the top of your hair is 3 inches long, let the sides and back grow out until your hair reaches down to your ears. Styling your flow is really easy. Just wet your hair and brush it back away from your face to one side. Remember to keep up on getting your hair trimmed every few months so it stays healthy and doesn't get split ends. | Start growing out the top of your hair first. For a flow hairstyle, you want the hair on the top of your head to be the longest. If it's shorter than medium to long length, you'll want to start growing it out, which may take several months depending on how long it currently is and how long you want your flow hairstyle to be. The exact length of your flow is a matter of preference, but generally, the top of your hair will need to reach your ears for it to be considered a flow hairstyle. Keep the sides and back trimmed short until the top is 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. With a flow hairstyle, the sides and back of the hair are generally shorter than the top. Before you start growing the sides and back out, wait until the top is longer so they're not all the same length. While you're waiting for the top of your hair to grow out, you can keep the sides and back buzzed, or you can keep them tapered by asking for a scissor cut when you go to the salon or barber. Grow out the sides and back once the top is 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. Once there's a 3 in (7.6 cm) difference between the top and the sides and back, you can grow the rest of your hair out without having to worry about it being too long compared to the top. Once you start growing out the sides, you'll want to avoid having them buzzed whenever you go in for a trim. Continue growing your hair until the top reaches your ears. At that point, your hair will be medium length, and you'll be able to style it in a flow hairstyle. You can continue to grow out your hair if you'd prefer a longer flow, or you can keep it trimmed to that length. You might go through awkward stages while you're growing your hair out, but that's normal! You can wear hats or use more product to style and tame your hair while you're waiting for it to grow out. Get your hair trimmed every 2-3 months to keep it healthy. It might seem counterproductive, but it's important to trim your hair every few months to get rid of split ends. Untrimmed split ends can travel further up your hair and actually make it harder to grow your hair out. Make sure you tell your barber or hairstylist that you're growing your hair out so they don't trim too much off. Style your hair right after you get out of the shower. A flow hairstyle is easiest to create when your hair is damp. When you get out of the shower, let your hair air dry slightly, or gently squeeze out the excess water with a towel. Make sure it's still a little damp. Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel to dry it since that can cause damage. Let your hair air dry if possible instead of using a blow dryer since heat can damage long hair. Brush your hair back and away from your face to one side while it's damp. You can use a brush or your hands. The key is to get all of your hair off of your face and brush it back so it's flowing to one side. The flow hairstyle is supposed to be effortless and casual, so you don't need to use any products. However, you can use a grooming cream or leave-in conditioner to keep your hair pushed back if you'd like. Put on a hat while your hair is still damp if you want wings. One optional component of the flow hairstyle is flipping the ends of your hair out so they look like flowy, wavy wings. If you're interested in the wing look, wearing a hat while your hair dries is an easy way to achieve it. Once your hair is completely dry, take the hat off and run your fingers through your hair to finish styling it. Limit how often you shampoo your long hair to keep it healthy. Shampoo strips your hair of its natural oils, and washing it too frequently can make it dry and brittle. Try to limit how often you wash your hair to once or twice a week. If your hair gets greasy in between washes, apply a dry shampoo to the roots to absorb the oils. Condition your hair every day to keep it hydrated. Unlike shampoo, conditioner won't strip your hair of its natural oils. Instead, conditioner hydrates your hair and locks in moisture. To keep your flow hairstyle healthy, use conditioner more often than shampoo. You can also get a co-washing product, which washes and conditions your hair at the same time. That way, you never have to use shampoo. | Start growing out the top of your hair first. Keep the sides and back trimmed short until the top is 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. Grow out the sides and back once the top is 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. Continue growing your hair until the top reaches your ears. Get your hair trimmed every 2-3 months to keep it healthy. Style your hair right after you get out of the shower. Brush your hair back and away from your face to one side while it's damp. Put on a hat while your hair is still damp if you want wings. Limit how often you shampoo your long hair to keep it healthy. Condition your hair every day to keep it hydrated. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Copyright-Your-Writing-for-Free | How to Copyright Your Writing for Free | When you create a piece of writing, you get certain property rights automatically. Copyright laws apply to original works of literature, music, drama, sound, and architecture. To make sure your work is copyrightable, you'll need to put it into a fixed form that can be reproduced. For example, you can fix a piece of writing by printing it out or storing it on a computer. However, you can't copyright a speech that isn't transcribed or a live performance of an original song that isn't recorded. Once your work is fixed, you'll have copyright protections, like having the sole ability to display, reproduce, or perform your work. | Know the purpose of a copyright. The primary purpose of copyright law is to promote the progress of science and useful arts. In order to promote knowledge (scientific or otherwise), copyright laws give you a temporary monopoly on the work you create. This is intended to encourage you to produce even more. Therefore, while copyright law does grant you and other creators protection of your rights to the work you have already produced, the primary purpose is to encourage a continuing expression of new ideas. Determine if your work can be copyrighted. Copyright laws apply to "original works of authorship." This phrase includes: Literary works; Musical compositions; Dramatic works; Sound recordings; and Architectural works. Recognize the rights associated with a copyright. When you own a copyright to an original work of authorship, you have the exclusive right to distribute, reproduce, perform, license, and display your work, and also to prepare secondary works based on your work. Your rights to a copyrighted work are limited by the "fair use" doctrine, among other things. That means that other people can use some or all of your original work for various limited purposes including: Criticism; Commentary; News reporting; Teaching (in a non-profit school); Scholarship; and Research. Your rights are also limited by "first sale", meaning you cannot prevent others from reselling copies of your works, once you have sold them. Many software products are therefore not actually "sold", but rather "licensed" to end-users, often restricting the right of further resale. Your right to prevent distribution of copies or public performances are subject to other limitations, by statute. For instance, you may not use copyright laws to prevent performance of your non-dramatic songs in a church ceremony, or certain non-profit performances. You cannot use copyright law to prevent someone from making a backup copy of computer software, provided they follow the rules. Understand the time limit associated with a copyright. When you own a copyright it does not last forever. The length of time your copyright protections last will depend on when your work was created and whether it was published. For purposes of copyright, a writing is considered published when you make it available to the public on an unrestricted basis. Works published in the USA prior to 1923 have no US copyright, other than certain sound recordings covered by state laws until 2067. For writings created after 1977, a copyright will last for the life of the author (or last surviving author of a joint work) plus another 70 years. If your writing was a work for hire (meaning a writing specifically commissioned under a written contract or completed as part of an employment agreement) or is published anonymously, the copyright will last either 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation. If your work was published after 1922 but before 1978, it will be protected for 95 years from the date of publication, assuming it was published with the required copyright notice and (if prior to 1964) was properly renewed in the Copyright Office in its 28th year. However, if the work was created in this period but not published, the copyright will last for the life of the author plus 70 years. Note that copyright duration in other countries varies, but is generally not less than 50 years from publication or from the death of the author, by treaty. Some may be 95 or 100 years after the authors' deaths. Create an original work of authorship. Copyrightable written material includes not just literature (novels, poems, essays, etc.) but also any work expressed in words, numbers, or other symbols. In order to create something, it does not have to be written down (or "fixed"). You can create an original work by simply thinking or speaking about it. Mere creation, however, does not make something copyrightable. "Fix" your original work. As part of the creation process, you will need to fix your original work in order for it to be copyrightable. In order to fix something, you must express it "in a tangible form that is perceptible by the human senses either directly or with the aid of a machine." Furthermore, it must be permanent or stable enough to allow for it to be "perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated for a period of more than transitory duration." For example, a writing will be fixed when it is printed on paper or when it is stored on a computer. Examples of works that are not fixed include speeches that are not transcribed and live, unrecorded performances of music. In general, all you need to do is create a work of authorship and write it down or otherwise record it somewhere. This will automatically create copyright protections. In theory, you do not need to own the original copy in order to own the copyright. For example, if you publicly perform some original music and an audience member records it, you own the copyright of that recording. Make sure you understand the limits of your copyrighted original work of authorship. Some works or pieces of works are not able to be copyrighted, such as the following: Ideas; Facts; Works whose copyright term has expired; Works of the United States Government; Laws; Works that authors have clearly and irrevocably dedicated to the public; Procedures; Processes; Systems; Methods of operation; Concepts; Principles; and Discoveries. For example, you might write a book that describes a new system of bookkeeping. Your copyright protection would extend to your description of the system but not to the system itself. Similarly, you may be the author of an original computer program, including an HTML web page, but you only own the copyright for the parts that are "creative" and "original", not the standard segments necessary for the basic operations of the system. Determine when your original work is officially copyrighted. Copyright protections will attach to your writing as soon as it is fixed. No copyright registration is needed to protect your writing, and no fee is required. Although registering your copyright is voluntary, there are reasons you might want to take that step. For example, you must have registered your US copyright if you want to bring a copyright-infringement suit against someone who is unlawfully using your work. You can register your copyright at any time during the copyright period. Early copyright registration provides additional rights related to statutory damages, allowing you to claim some amount of damages without actually proving any. Learn about obsolete U.S. formalities of copyright notices and renewals. Before 1989, you would have been required to provide notice on your written work in order for it to be copyright-protected. This notice was typically the copyright symbol ("©") followed by a date of publication and the author's name. Lack of a proper copyright notice, including intentional misstatement of the publication date, resulted in the immediate loss of copyright. Similarly, failure to file a renewal notice in the proper year, if published prior to 1964, resulted in loss of copyright at the end of that year. This is one reason the "Happy Birthday" song became public domain. U.S. law no longer requires copyright notice upon publication. A written work, whether published or not, is now presumed to be copyrighted unless the author or copyright owner clearly indicates to the contrary. To indicate that you will not enforce your copyright, you can note on the work that it can be "freely copied" or words to that effect. As noted in the cited reference, such a disclaimer is effectively a license for the public use, whether or not restricted by its terms (e.g., only for non-commercial use). Complete an application. If you want to register your copyright, you must complete an application online or by mail with the United States Copyright Office. The easiest and most efficient way to register is online. To complete an online application, log in to the eCO website. You will be prompted to answer a series of questions until the application is complete. The United States Copyright Office website has a great tutorial you can utilize, which gives you step-by-step instructions on how to complete the application. Make the required payment. Once your application is complete, you will be prompted to check out. Before doing so you will be required to pay a fee, which is calculated based on your registration preferences. The basic online registration fee ranges from $35 to $55. Specialized registrations will cost between $25 and $400, as explained on the Copyright Office website. Send in the work you are registering. In addition to filing your registration application with the Copyright Office, you will be required to submit to them a copy of your writing. In the online process, you will be prompted to upload a copy of your writing once you have paid the fee. Wait for your application to be processed. Once it's submitted, you can expect a response from the Copyright Office in approximately eight months. Once your application has been processed, barring any problems, your writing will be registered with the United States Copyright Office. | Know the purpose of a copyright. Determine if your work can be copyrighted. Recognize the rights associated with a copyright. Understand the time limit associated with a copyright. Create an original work of authorship. "Fix" your original work. Make sure you understand the limits of your copyrighted original work of authorship. Determine when your original work is officially copyrighted. Learn about obsolete U.S. Complete an application. Make the required payment. Send in the work you are registering. Wait for your application to be processed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Add-a-Spouse-to-Health-Insurance | How to Add a Spouse to Health Insurance | Adding your spouse to your health insurance in the U.S. is a relatively simple process, but it can only be done during certain times. Generally, you can only add your spouse during annual enrolment unless you've just got married or your spouse recently lost their job or insurance. In this case, your insurance company is legally obliged to offer your spouse enrolment. Check the specific requirements in your health plan. Keep in mind, some companies may not cover your spouse if they're currently in a hospital, nursing home, or other treatment facility until they're discharged. To add your spouse to your insurance, you'll need to fill in a form and provide any required documentation like your marriage certificate or a termination letter from your spouse's employer. Check the cost of adding your spouse to your health insurance to make sure it's cheaper than having 2 separate plans. | Understand what consolidating health insurance means. Most health insurance offered by employers allows the employee to add coverage for a spouse (and/or dependent child). Extra premiums are usually involved, some of which may be paid for by the employer. If both you and your spouse work, and you both have health insurance, it may be worth consolidating your health coverage via only one employer. Know what to compare between plans. Before selecting one health insurance plan over another, compare several specific factors about both plans to determine which plan is the least expensive AND most valuable. When comparing plans, compare the combined costs of the two plans you pay for now (plan A and planB) to the increased costs of either plan with a spouse added (planA+spouse and planB+spouse). For example, compare planA+planB to plan A+spouse, and compare planA+planB to planB+spouse. Whichever of the three options is the least expensive, but provides the most coverage, is the option you should choose. Some of the specific factors to consider are: The out-of-pocket expenses that each plan could generate for you. The level and types of services and coverages offered by the plan. Coverage for dependent children, if applicable. Compare out-of-pocket expenses between plans. Out-of-pocket expenses are any costs YOU would have to pay somehow. These are the costs not covered by either your employer or the plan yourself. Every health insurance plan has some out-of-pocket expenses to consider. Premiums — Some premiums are covered entirely or partly by the employer. Compare the actual premium costs you have to pay between the plans. In some cases your employer may pay the employee's premiums, but not the additional spousal premiums. Deductibles — Deductibles are any of the partial costs you have to pay for a specific service before the insurance company will reimburse you the rest. For example, your insurance may only cover 80% of your prescription costs, therefore 20% of those costs are out-of-pocket. Plan Maximums — Each portion of every health insurance plan usually has an annual and lifetime maximum you can be reimbursed for. For example, your insurance plan may cover massage therapy up to $1,000 per year. If you plan to go above the maximum of any portion of your plan, take that into account as an out-of-pocket expense. Co-payments — Co-payments are similar to deductibles. They are the out-of-pocket expenses you have to pay up front to see a doctor or specialist. Some health insurance plans have different levels of co-pays based on who the coverage is for (e.g. employee vs. spouse), how many times you've been so far that plan year, and if it's a family doctor versus a specialist. Spousal Surcharges — Some employers have added a surcharge to their health insurance plans when a spouse, who already has health insurance, wants to be added to the plan. Therefore, if your spouse already has health insurance through their employer, it may cost extra to add them to your plan. Look at the levels of coverage provided by both plans. In addition to the costs associated with each option, you should consider the actual coverage offered by each option. One option might be more expensive, but may offer significantly more coverage. Be sure to review what choices you have for doctors and hospitals under each plan, including whether you're able to see an out-of-plan doctor if you so choose (if this is allowed, the co-pay is likely higher). Look at what the minimum level of coverage is for hospital visits (e.g. private room vs. ward, etc.). Compare therapeutic items that are and are not covered by each plan. If you know you have to go to physiotherapy for 6 months, and it isn't covered by one option, take that into account. Determine what types of prescription and non-prescription medications are covered. Some plans only cover generic drugs, others will cover the cost of brand name drugs. Some plans have a limit on the pharmacy service charge they'll cover. Some plans will cover non-prescription drugs. Determine how and if dependent children are covered. Even if you do not have dependent children at the moment, take into consideration if you're planning to have children in the future. While a new baby is usually one of the reasons you're allowed to change your health insurance coverage mid-year, if you can take care of it now, you may save yourself some time in the future. Also take into account what sort of pregnancy and maternity items are covered by both plans if you're planning to get pregnant in the near future. Know your rights. The United States government has made it law that health insurance companies must allow a special enrollment period when qualifying life events have occurred. These life events can include getting married and losing other insurance coverage (among other things). If you, as the employee, get married, you are allowed a special enrollment period so you can add your spouse to your employer health insurance plan. If your spouse, who is not the employee, has lost a job or another type of health insurance coverage, you are allowed a special enrollment period so you can add your spouse to your employer health insurance plan. In situations like this, you're also permitted the opportunity to change your coverage, or your spouse's existing coverage, on your plan. Look up specific details regarding your plan. While employers and health insurance companies must following government guidelines for their health insurance plans, the processes and procedures can differ between employers, insurers and plans. Determine what the specific process is for your employer and insurance plan. You can find all the details about your specific health insurance plan via your employer's Human Resources department. Most employers or health insurance companies also provide detailed information about their plans on websites. Some of these websites may require a login ID and password in order to access, and it is most likely also the same website where you signed up for your health benefits in the first place. Pay special attention to the period of time you have after your qualifying life event that you have to add your spouse to your insurance plan. You will likely have a minimum of 30 days to submit the change, but some plans will allow up to 90 days. If you miss this time period, you'll have to wait for annual enrollment before you can add your spouse. Obtain required documentation. Review your employer's or health insurance company's requirements for making changes due to getting married or the loss of other insurance coverage. At the very least they most likely require one or more forms to be completed. Gather all the required documentation and complete all forms as indicated. This documentation will usually include an enrollment change form where you'll select what type of coverage you want for your spouse. You will be able to change your medical (or dental) coverage to include your spouse, but you may also be allowed to add spousal life insurance. Adding life insurance may require a separate form. For a new marriage, you will most likely be required to submit a copy of your marriage license or certificate. For the loss of your spouse's health insurance coverage, you may have to submit a letter from your spouse's employer outlining when coverage was reduced or ended. This may include a termination letter if that was the reason why coverage was lost. Once you have all the required documentation completed, submit it to your employer or insurance company for processing. Be aware of when coverage takes effect. Coverage for your spouse under your employer's health insurance plan doesn't start immediately. Normally coverage will begin on the first day of the month following your change request. Be aware that some insurance plans will not cover a spouse who is already in a hospital, nursing home, or other treatment facility until they're discharged. This means there may be a period of time where you will have to pay for their treatment 100% out of your pocket. The only exception to this rule is a newborn baby, who is covered immediately upon birth. Determine if you qualify for the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Health Insurance Marketplace, which is also known as the 'exchange' or the 'Obamacare exchange' is where you can shop and sign-up for health insurance if you do not have employer coverage. Only people without employer coverage, Medicaid, Medicare, or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are able to purchase insurance via the Marketplace. If you have an employer health insurance plan, but that plan doesn't meet certain minimum requirements, you may be able to purchase health insurance via the Marketplace, but you will have to pay full price. Add a spouse during open enrollment. Open enrollment for the Marketplace normally starts November 1st of each year. If you enrol before December 15th, your coverage will begin on January 1st of the following year. If you enrol by January 15th, your coverage will begin February 1st. If you enrol by January 31st, your coverage will begin March 1st. Open enrollment ends on January 31st. You can only add a spouse after open enrollment has finished if you qualify for a special enrollment period. During open enrollment you'll be asked a number of questions about your income and your household. The income questions are asked to determine how much you will be asked to pay for your plan (those with lower incomes will pay less than those with higher incomes). While the household questions are asked to determine who needs to be covered by the plan. A household is considered someone who is the 'tax filer' plus their spouse and other dependents (if they have any). In order to qualify your spouse under the Marketplace plans, you must be legally married. In order to qualify for any of the cost savings, you and your spouse must file your taxes jointly. Enroll your spouse during a special enrollment period. If you want to add your spouse to your Marketplace plan outside of the open enrollment period, a qualifying life event must have taken place. These events can include getting married or your spouse losing some or all of their health insurance via their employer. If you have a qualifying life event, you have 60 days from the date of that event to make changes to your Marketplace plan. If you already have a Marketplace plan, and you want to add your spouse, you simply update your existing application. To do this, you'll need to log into your Marketplace online account and select 'Report a life change.' You will then be able to update your application to include new members of your household and change to your insurance coverage. Note that adding a new member of your household may change your eligibility regarding cost savings (if your spouse also has an income). If you do not already have a Marketplace plan, you can start a new application on the Marketplace website to determine if you qualify for a plan. This process will be similar to open enrollment, except that it is happening in the middle of the plan year. | Understand what consolidating health insurance means. Know what to compare between plans. Compare out-of-pocket expenses between plans. Look at the levels of coverage provided by both plans. Determine how and if dependent children are covered. Know your rights. Look up specific details regarding your plan. Obtain required documentation. Be aware of when coverage takes effect. Determine if you qualify for the Health Insurance Marketplace. Add a spouse during open enrollment. Enroll your spouse during a special enrollment period. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-the-Macarena | How to Do the Macarena | To do the macarena, first remember each move corresponds to one beat in the music. Start by putting your right arm in front of you, parallel to the floor and palm down. Then, do the same with your left arm. Turn your right palm upwards, then your left palm. Next, bend your right arm and put your right hand on your left shoulder. Place your left hand on your right shoulder so your forearms are crossed in an “x” shape on your chest. After that, take your right hand and rest it on the right side of your head. Do the same thing on the left side of your head with your left hand. Bring your right hand to your left hip and your left hand to your right hip. Then, uncross your arms by putting your right hand on your right hip and your left hand to your left hip. Lastly, move your hips in a circle 3 times before jumping and turning your body 90 degrees to the left. Keep repeating these steps until the song is over! | Bring your arms out in front of you one at a time. Bring your right arm out first, then your left arm. Your arms should be parallel with the floor. Your palms should be facing down. Turn your palms upward one at a time. Turn your right palm up first, then turn your left palm up. Rotate your forearms outward to turn your palms up. Place your right hand on your left shoulder. Keep your elbow on the right side of your body. Your forearm should be crossed over your chest. Place your left hand on your right shoulder. Cross your left arm over your right arm on your chest. Both your palms should be on your shoulders. Your forearms should be crossed in an “X” shape on your chest. Put your hands on the back of your head one at a time. Start by sliding your right arm out from under your left arm on your chest. Bring your right hand up and around to the back of your head. Then put your left hand on the back of your head. It's OK if your left hand overlaps with your right hand. Bring your hands down to your hips one at a time. First bring your right hand down to your left hip. Then bring your left hand down to your right hip. Move your hands to the opposite hip one at a time. Move your right hand (currently on your left hip) over to your right hip. Then move your left hand (currently on your right hip) over to your left hip. Move your hips around in a circle 3 times. Keep your hands on your hips as you rotate them. Your feet should stay planted on the ground. Jump and turn your body 90 degrees to the left. When you land, you should be facing a new direction. Each time you finish the basic dance sequence, jump and turn 90 degrees to the left. Clap your hands and repeat the sequence. Run through the same steps, this time facing in a different direction. When you finish the step sequence again, jump and turn 90 degrees to the left. Play the song “Macarena. ” The Macarena is always danced to “Macarena.” The original song is by Los Del Rio, but you can dance to any version! Start moving your hips side to side. Let your shoulders move up and down as you do it. The goal is to loosen up your body. This isn't a part of the actual dance, but it will keep your from looking stiff while you're doing the steps. There's a brief intro to the song before the lyrics start. Use this time to start loosening up your body for the dance. Start dancing when the lyrics in the song start. Remember, you start by putting out your right arm, then left arm, with your palms facing down. Each step should be 1 count, or about 1 second. Remember to turn 90 degrees after each step sequence. You should be turning on the jump after you rotate your hips. After you turn, clap your hands and repeat the step sequence. Keep dancing until the song is over. Run through the step sequence, jump and turn, and repeat! If you get tired of dancing before the songs over, just stop and exit the dance floor. | Bring your arms out in front of you one at a time. Turn your palms upward one at a time. Place your right hand on your left shoulder. Place your left hand on your right shoulder. Put your hands on the back of your head one at a time. Bring your hands down to your hips one at a time. Move your hands to the opposite hip one at a time. Move your hips around in a circle 3 times. Jump and turn your body 90 degrees to the left. Clap your hands and repeat the sequence. Play the song “Macarena. Start moving your hips side to side. Start dancing when the lyrics in the song start. Remember to turn 90 degrees after each step sequence. Keep dancing until the song is over. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Guinea-Pig-to-Lose-Weight | How to Get Your Guinea Pig to Lose Weight | To get your guinea pig to lose weight, try cutting back on the amount of pellets you're giving it every day. For example, if you usually give your guinea pig 1/4 cup of pellets, try cutting back to 1/8 cup. Just make sure your guinea pig still has access to an unlimited amount of grass hay, and continue to feed it around 1 cup of fresh vegetables and 1/4 cup of fresh fruit every day so it gets all the nutrients it needs. | Weigh your guinea pig once a week. Weigh yourself and then weigh yourself while you hold the guinea pig. Subtract your weight to determine how much the guinea pig weighs. Keep a written log of your guinea pig's weight so you can track how much it's gained or lost since the last time you weighed it. Keep a log of your guinea pig's weight so you can take it to the veterinarian if you want to discuss your pet's health. Feel the guinea pig's ribs. Place your hands on your guinea pig's sides and try to feel its ribs. If your pet is overweight, you won't be able to feel the ribs even if you press gently. You also may have a hard time feeling its spine. If the guinea pig is a normal weight, you'll be able to feel the ribs, hips, and spine. Evaluate your guinea pig's shape. Look at your guinea pig from the side and top down. You should be able to see its feet when you're looking at the side. If you're looking from the top down, the chest end of the guinea pig should be narrower than its hind end. If the guinea pig is very overweight, you won't be able to see its feet or a defined body shape. Guinea pigs naturally carry more weight than other small rodents. Eating constantly helps their digestion work properly and keeps their growing teeth filed down. Contact the veterinarian if you notice sudden weight changes. If you've been tracking your guinea pig's weight and see a dramatic weight gain or if you're concerned that your guinea pig is overweight, schedule an appointment with the veterinarian. They'll examine your pet to determine if a medical condition, such as pregnancy or a tumor, is causing the weight gain. The vet can also give you specific recommendations about adjusting your guinea pig's diet in order to encourage weight loss. If you think you won't be able to see a vet, you can also get a second opinion from many guinea pig owners on an online cavy forum such as Guinea Pig Lynx. Avoid starving your guinea pig to help them lose weight. Opt for a gradual, healthier approach instead. Although your goal is to reduce the overall amount that your guinea pig eats, your guinea pig should never go without food for too long. Even going without food for 24 hours can have a negative effect on your guinea pig's health and this may even cause serious health complications for your pet. Offer an unlimited amount of quality grass hay. 80% of your guinea pig's diet should come from high-quality grass hay. These include timothy grass, orchard grass, or botanical grass. Some guinea pigs prefer a variety so try giving your guinea pig different types to see what it prefers. Since alfalfa is actually a legume that's high in calories and calcium, don't feed it to your overweight guinea pig. Feed your guinea pig nutritious produce that's high in vitamin C. In order to get a variety of nutrients and vitamin C, give your guinea pig up to 1 cup (128 g) of fresh vegetables and about 1/4 cup (30 g) of fresh fruit a day. If you're looking to drastically cut calories, consider only offering the fruit a few times a week. Good produce choices include: Bell peppers Parsley, spinach, or kale Broccoli and brussels sprouts Kiwi and papaya Strawberries Oranges, lemons, and grapefruit Limit the amount of pellets you give the guinea pig. Pellets can be a primary cause of weight gain in guinea pigs. Cut back on how much you give your guinea pig and ensure they're getting enough produce that contains vitamin C. For example, if you're currently giving your guinea pig 1/4 cup (30 g) of pellets a day, cut the pellets down to 1/8 cup (15 g). Avoid feeding high-starch foods and commercial treats. Commercial treats and high-starch foods contain too much sugar for your guinea pigs. Instead of feeding these foods or treats, offer them fresh vegetables or fruits, in moderation. Avoid feeding your guinea pig these high-starch foods: Peas Beans Corn Nuts Baked goods, such as cake and cookies Cereals and grains Provide unlimited water so your guinea pig stays hydrated. Check your guinea pig's water bottle several times during the day to ensure that there's always fresh water available. Staying hydrated is important since it will prevent dehydration and kidney problems. If you don't have a water bottle, put the water into a heavy crock that the guinea pig won't be able to tip over. Introduce floortime to encourage your guinea pig to move. Let your guinea pig out of its cage so it can run around a larger space, such as a bathroom or kitchen. To help the guinea pig become comfortable with floortime, set out treats and a few hiding spaces, such as a paper bags or empty tissue paper boxes, where it can go if it needs to feel secure. Try to do floortime at least a few hours a week. Make sure all pets are locked away from the room your guinea pig is having floortime in and seal off the room by setting up gates or closing the doors so your guinea pig can't get out. Add toys and obstacles to the cage to make the guinea pig active. Toys such as tunnels or large blocks will stimulate your guinea pig to play and move around its cage. This will help it burn calories and lose weight. Remember to only use toys that are designed for use within a hamster or guinea pig cage. They shouldn't contain toxins or lead-based paints since the guinea pig may chew on them. Guinea pigs can become overwhelmed or feel cramped if you put too many toys in the cage. Ensure that the guinea pig still has plenty of room to run even with the toys in the cage. Give the guinea pig more room to move in its cage. Sometimes obesity has to do with the cage size. If you have a small cage, or one stuffed with too many obstacles, it will limit your guinea pig's exercise space. Get a larger cage so your guinea pig has lots of room to run around and play. This will help it lose weight. To encourage the guinea pig to move throughout its large cage, place food, water, and its hidey hole apart from each other so the guinea pig has to move to get to them all. Avoid putting exercise wheels and balls in the cage. These aren't designed for guinea pigs and can seriously harm their spines, legs, and feet. You should also avoid putting a leash or harness on your guinea pig when you take it out of the cage since these can also damage the spine or neck. Hide bits of food so your guinea pig has to search for it. Instead of simply putting fresh hay or food in the same part of the cage every day, tuck it into an empty paper towel roll. Then hide the roll in the cage so the guinea pig has to hunt for the food. If you're giving pellets, put them into a hollow ball that you've drilled holes into. The guinea pig will smell the pellets and roll the ball until the pellets fall out. You can also hide food in a small cardboard box that the guinea pig will be able to chew on. | Weigh your guinea pig once a week. Feel the guinea pig's ribs. Evaluate your guinea pig's shape. Contact the veterinarian if you notice sudden weight changes. Avoid starving your guinea pig to help them lose weight. Offer an unlimited amount of quality grass hay. Feed your guinea pig nutritious produce that's high in vitamin C. Limit the amount of pellets you give the guinea pig. Avoid feeding high-starch foods and commercial treats. Provide unlimited water so your guinea pig stays hydrated. Introduce floortime to encourage your guinea pig to move. Add toys and obstacles to the cage to make the guinea pig active. Give the guinea pig more room to move in its cage. Avoid putting exercise wheels and balls in the cage. Hide bits of food so your guinea pig has to search for it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Relax-Your-Sphincter-Muscle | How to Relax Your Sphincter Muscle | If you need to relax your sphincter muscle during a bowel movement, use simple techniques, like deep breathing, which will help you relax your muscles. To practice deep breathing, try inhaling deeply to a count of 4, then exhaling slowly for another count of 4. Often, it's easier to release your muscles after tightening them, so squeeze your sphincter muscles as if you're trying to not pass gas. Then, slowly release the muscles as you practice your deep breathing. You can also massage your lower stomach by using a stroking or circular motion across the bottom of your ribs. If you're trying to go to the bathroom and can't relax fully, prop your feet up on a small footstool so your knees are bent and higher than your hips, which will relax your pelvic muscles and reduce constriction in your intestine. | Practice deep breathing while focusing on your sphincter muscles. Breathe in slowly and deeply for about 4 seconds, then exhale slowly for another 4 seconds. As you do this, concentrate on how your sphincter muscles feel. As you feel the other muscles in your body relax, allow your sphincter to relax as well. Repeat this process as many times as necessary in order to get your muscles to relax. Aim to do this at least 15 times, but there are no downsides to doing deep breathing for longer than this! To locate your sphincter muscles, pretend you're trying to prevent yourself from passing wind or trying to hold in a bowel movement. When you do this, you should feel your sphincter muscles around your anus tighten. You may find it easier to concentrate on your sphincter muscles by consciously tightening and relaxing your sphincter a few times before you begin your deep breathing. Meditate to get rid of stress and release the tension in your muscles. In a seated position, close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths through your nose. Focus on your breathing in order to clear your mind and allow the muscles in your body to relax. Typically, your sphincter muscles will also relax as a result of this meditative practice. For best results, meditate in a quiet, distraction-free environment. This will make it easier for you to clear your mind and expel the tension in your body. Don't be discouraged if meditation doesn't work the first time you try it. You may need to practice it a few times. Massage your lower stomach with your fingers. Lie down and apply light pressure with the tips of your fingers on your stomach just below your ribs. Use a stroking motion or small circles down the left side of your abdomen to your hips. Then use your right hand to massage across the bottom of your ribs to the left side of your body before going down your side again. Finally, start at your bottom right side near your hip and massage up toward your ribs. Repeat the other strokes to finish the massage. Repeat the massage as many times as you need until you feel comfortable. Prop your feet up in a seated position to relax your pelvic muscles. If you're trying to make a bowel movement, it will be easier for your sphincter muscles to relax if your pelvic muscles are also relaxed. To do this, prop your feet on a small footstool while sitting on the toilet so that your knees are bent and are higher than your hips. Sitting this way not only relaxes your muscles, but also reduces constriction in your large intestine and rectum, which helps relieve constipation. Lean forward with your hands on your thighs to maintain an even more effective toilet position. Always sit on your toilet while using the bathroom instead of hovering over it so your pelvic muscles properly engage and relax. Use your finger to relax your sphincter if nothing else works. Apply lubrication to your index finger, then insert your finger into your anus. Move your finger around in a circular motion until your sphincter muscles relax. This process may take a few minutes, but as long as you're using lubrication, it shouldn't be too painful. If you're not allergic to latex, wear a disposable latex examination glove while you're doing this to prevent contamination. You can buy medical lubricant at any pharmacy or drugstore. Note that this method will probably induce a bowel movement, so only do this somewhere you can get to a toilet relatively quickly. See your doctor to determine the cause of your tight sphincter muscles. If you've suffered from constipation or tight sphincter muscles for 2 weeks or longer, it may be due to a broader medical condition. Your doctor might be able to tell you what's making it difficult for you to relax your sphincter and what you may need to do in order to fix it. Other potential causes of constipation and tight sphincter muscles include muscle damage, nerve problems, childbirth, or the overuse of laxatives. Use a muscle relaxant if you can't relax your sphincter naturally. For best results, use a relaxant that functions specifically to relax your sphincter muscles (instead of other muscles in your body). Be sure to talk to your doctor about taking muscle relaxants before you opt for this treatment method. You may also need to get a prescription for this type of muscle relaxant from your doctor, as in many cases it's not available over the counter. The most commonly prescribed muscle relaxant for sphincter muscles is dicyclomine. Visit a pelvic floor therapist to learn biofeedback techniques. Biofeedback involves gaining greater visual and physical awareness of your bodily functions. It's often used to strengthen the rectal sphincter, but can also be used to teach you how to relax your sphincter. It usually takes about 3 sessions with a specialist to start seeing improvement in your symptoms. Your primary care physician can refer you to a pelvic floor therapist after your initial appointment. Opt for surgery to treat your sphincter if your doctor recommends it. In some rare cases, an inability to control one's sphincter muscles may require surgery to treat. Be sure to work with your doctor to rule out all other treatment methods first, as this is definitely the most extreme option. This type of procedure falls under the category of colorectal surgery. There are a number of different surgeries that are used to treat sphincter issues. An inability to relax your sphincter may be treated by placing an artificial sphincter around your anus that can be manually controlled. | Practice deep breathing while focusing on your sphincter muscles. Meditate to get rid of stress and release the tension in your muscles. Massage your lower stomach with your fingers. Prop your feet up in a seated position to relax your pelvic muscles. Use your finger to relax your sphincter if nothing else works. See your doctor to determine the cause of your tight sphincter muscles. Use a muscle relaxant if you can't relax your sphincter naturally. Visit a pelvic floor therapist to learn biofeedback techniques. Opt for surgery to treat your sphincter if your doctor recommends it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Guacamole-Green | How to Keep Guacamole Green | To keep guacamole green, try to limit its contact with the air. You can press plastic wrap down onto the surface of the guacamole to get rid of any excess air. Remove the plastic wrap right before you serve it. You can also try covering the guacamole with a layer of water or lemon juice before you wrap it, which will keep it from turning brown. If you like onions, try covering the guacamole with diced onions. The onion will shield the guacamole from the air, and can even give it more flavor! | Press out air bubbles, then choose a method below. Guacamole turns brown when exposed to air, even air mixed in during stirring. Press the guacamole with the back of a spoon to compress out some of the air. Apart from this minor starting step, you only need to choose one method to prevent browning. Wrap in plastic wrap. Don't just cover the bowl. Press the plastic wrap on top of the guacamole. Press out air bubbles, then seal it around the bowl's edge. For best results, check the type of plastic on the triangular recycling symbol: Of the common options, PVDC provides the best defense against air, followed by LDPE. EVOH cling wrap provides an excellent air seal, but only when dry. Cover the bowl without touching the guacamole. Select a container that barely fits the guacamole, to keep the amount of air low. Cover with a layer of water. Place the guacamole in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Pour on just enough water to cover it, then close the lid. This is an effective method for smooth guacamole, which can keep green in the fridge for 24–72 hours. Before eating, pour the water out slowly while holding back the guacamole with a spoon. Stir before serving to mix in the last few drops of water. This may be unpleasant in chunky guacamole, made with avocado slices instead of mashed avocado. One test with whole avocados failed within four hours. The more mashed and stirred your guac is, the better this will go. Leave in the avocado pit. Some chefs swear by this, but there's no evidence that the pit has any special anti-browning chemicals. Most experts agree that this only protects the guacamole directly under the pit, by blocking the air. Any food-safe object could be used for the same purpose — but the pit is conveniently at hand. Increase the amount of lemon or lime juice. In theory, plenty of citric acid should slow down the enzymes that react with air to cause browning. This doesn't seem to work for everyone, but it's worth a try if you enjoy extra-tangy guacamole. Vinegar and tomatoes are similar acidic options. These are less powerful than lemon juice, but don't change the taste quite as much. Cover with chunks of onion. This is another quick home fix that guacamole fans won't object to. It's unclear how effective this is, however. Plus, the onion itself may also react with air, becoming bitter and pungent. Try different avocado varieties. One study shows different rates of browning between avocados taken from different groves! The effect isn't so huge that this will solve all your browning problems. Still, buying in-season avocados will lead to a better taste and a longer window of ripeness, so you don't have to use avocados that are already turning grey. | Press out air bubbles, then choose a method below. Wrap in plastic wrap. Cover with a layer of water. Leave in the avocado pit. Increase the amount of lemon or lime juice. Cover with chunks of onion. Try different avocado varieties. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Jacket-Potatoes | How to Cook Jacket Potatoes | If you want to bake potatoes in the microwave, clean them with a vegetable brush and pierce several holes in the skin with a fork. Then, season the skins with some oil and salt before placing the potatoes in a microwavable dish. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then turn the potatoes and microwave for a further 3 minutes. If you'd rather cook the potatoes in the oven, place them on a baking tray on the center rack and bake at 375 degrees F for 1 3/4 hours. | Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Scrub the potatoes. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the potato skins thoroughly to remove any dirt. Since you won't be peeling the potatoes, it's important to get the jackets clean. Dry the potatoes thoroughly. If you want the jackets to have a crispy skin, make sure the potatoes are completely dry before baking. Prick the potatoes with a fork. Make 8 to 12 holes all over the potatoes. This will allow moisture to escape during the cooking process. Season the jackets. Rub the jackets with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt. This will bring out the flavor of the skins. You can skip this step if you don't like to eat the jackets. Bake the potatoes. Place the potatoes directly on the center rack of the oven and let them bake for about 1 3/4 hours to 2 hours, depending on the size. The potatoes are ready when the skin is crispy and the interiors are soft when poked with a fork. You may want to place a baking sheet under the potatoes on your oven's lower rack to catch any drippings. If you prefer soft jackets, wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil and poke holes in the foil before placing them on the rack to start baking. Serve the potatoes. Slit each potato in half lengthways. Use a fork to fluff the insides. Add your favorite toppings, like a generous knob of butter, a scoop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chives. Serve immediately. Jacket potatoes are excellent as a side dish or an entire meal. To make your potatoes into a meal, top with chili (either meat or vegetarian) or roasted vegetables. For a delicious twist, try jacket potatoes with smoked salmon, cream cheese and capers. Scrub the potatoes. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the potato skins thoroughly to remove any dirt. Since you won't be peeling the potatoes, it's important to get the jackets clean. Dry the potatoes thoroughly. Prick the potatoes with a fork. Make 8 to 12 holes all over the potatoes. This will allow moisture to escape during the cooking process. If you skip this step, they may burst in the microwave. Season the jackets. Rub the jackets with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt. This will bring out the flavor of the skins. You can skip this step if you don't like to eat the jackets. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Place them all in a single layer. Microwave on high for five minutes. The top half of the potatoes will cook and grow soft. Turn the potatoes over and microwave for three more minutes. After three minutes, poke the potatoes to see if they're done. If they're still stiff in the middle, microwave in one-minute increments until they're completely soft. Serve the potatoes. Slit each one in half lengthwise. Use a fork to fluff the potatoes. Top with butter, salt and pepper, cheese, and any other ingredients that pair well with potatoes. Scrub the potatoes. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the potato skins thoroughly to remove any dirt. Since you won't be peeling the potatoes, it's important to get the jackets clean. Dry the potatoes thoroughly. Prick the potatoes with a fork. Make 8 to 12 holes all over the potatoes. This will allow moisture to escape during the cooking process. Season the jackets. Rub the jackets with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt. You can skip this step if you don't like to eat the jackets. Wrap the potatoes in foil. This protects the potatoes from overcooking in the slow cooker. (Note: next time you go camping, follow this method and place foil-wrapped potatoes on the embers of your campfire. If you keep the embers hot, you'll have delicious jacket potatoes in two or three hours' time.) Cook the potatoes on the lowest setting for 8 to 10 hours. You can start cooking your potatoes before work and come home to perfectly cooked jacket potatoes. Serve the potatoes. Remove the foil and slice the potatoes lengthwise. Use a fork to fluff the potatoes. Top the potatoes with butter, salt, and any other toppings or seasonings you like. | Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Scrub the potatoes. Dry the potatoes thoroughly. Prick the potatoes with a fork. Season the jackets. Bake the potatoes. Serve the potatoes. Scrub the potatoes. Prick the potatoes with a fork. Season the jackets. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for five minutes. Turn the potatoes over and microwave for three more minutes. Serve the potatoes. Scrub the potatoes. Prick the potatoes with a fork. Season the jackets. Wrap the potatoes in foil. Cook the potatoes on the lowest setting for 8 to 10 hours. Serve the potatoes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hide-Money | How to Hide Money | To hide money around the house, try rolling up a stack of bills and putting it in the middle of a toilet paper roll. Alternatively, hide money inside boxes of non-perishable items, such as baking soda or drink mixes. You can also place a few bills at a time inside different books on your shelves. If you have framed pictures on your walls, try placing money between the picture and the backing of the frame. | Put it in your shoe or your underwear. If you're in a sketchy area and you want to keep your cash safe in case you get mugged, the two best places are your shoe and your underwear. If you're traveling somewhere unfamiliar, this is a good idea to make sure you keep your cash safe. Women can safely cup a few bills inside bras, while men will usually need to hide bills in their undershorts. The waist-band is a good bet, but it can become unloosed quite easily. If you can, sew a pocket into a pair of undershorts to keep your money secure, or use a paperclip to clip it to the hem. Head to the bathroom before you get your cash out obviously. Don't just start digging in your nether regions. Carry a fake wallet. If you're hiding money on your body, another common trick is to load up a cheap "fake" wallet and put it in a regular place. This way, if you attract the attention of a thief or pick-pocket, they're likely to come up empty-handed. Instead of putting credit cards inside, put old grocery store membership cards, or expired cards or some kind. Instead of cash, put monopoly money, or just a dollar or two. Keep it visible in your purse, and easily accessible if you're a woman, or put it in your back pocket if you're a guy. Wear pants with pocket fasteners. Some pants come with clips or ties that you can use to keep your money secure in your pockets, secured in one of the front pockets. If you're traveling, this is an excellent way to keep yourself from being robbed. Likewise, wallet chains are a common accessory in many areas, letting you turn any pair of pants into a secure pair. Pants with buttons on the pockets are somewhat effective, but less so than pants specifically outfitted with clips for the money. Use some combination of methods for the best protection. Keep your money in different places. Even with your money in an unusual place, it's not so secure if it's all in one place. If a thief finds a few bucks in your pocket, that won't be such a big deal if you've got a couple hundred split between both shoes, your bag, your undies, and sewed into the head of your hat. Keep 'em guessing. Carry as much cash as you'll need. One of the best ways to keep yourself from getting robbed? Carry less cash on your person and you'll attract less attention. Try to only carry what you'll need for a specific outing, or event, and then leave the rest of your cash at home, or better yet, in the bank. If you can, try using a card for as many purchases as possible. If you don't have any, you can't be robbed. Guard the money you have. If you're in an unfamiliar place, try to keep the amount of money you have on you a secret. Don't show anyone the inside of your wallet or purse, and don't flash around big stacks of cash if you don't want to attract unwanted attention from thieves. If you get change, just put it into one pocket and put it into your wallet later when you get the chance in private. Don't stand there fiddling with all your cash, or walking around with your wallet out. Hide it in different books. If you've got a lot of books, they're one of the easiest and best places to hide a little bit of money. Hide a few dollars at a time in a few different books on your shelf. It's uncommon for thieves to mess around with literature. Pick a specific page to put cash in with your books. If you've got a lot of money to hide, you might try doing it at your favorite page in a bunch of books. Pick page 88 for Reggie Wayne's number, or whoever your favorite player is, and you'll always remember. It can be easy to lose cash, so this is a good way to help yourself remember. If you've got too much cash, use an X-Acto knife to cut out a cash-sized divot in the pages of a big book. Get a significant one, like Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations , and cut out a rectangle from the middle of the pages, so a stack of cash will nestle easily into the interior. Video game cases, DVD cases, and other types of cases can be a great alternative to books, if you don't have many laying around. Fill your old VHS sleeve of "Money Train" with actual cash. Hide it inside a toilet paper roll. Roll up a fat stack and stick it in the middle of a toilet paper roll to hide it. Robbers aren't usually in the business of messing around with the TP too much. Mark the money roll with a little dot of marker somewhere that only you'll recognize. This way, you won't try to use that roll and you'll be able to quickly find it among all the others. Hide it in boxes of food or other products. Pick something that you've had in your cabinet forever and have never eaten, and are unlikely to eat in the next ten years, and use it as a hiding place for cash. Here are some ideas: Peel the label back and hide it under the label of a can of soup Under cookies in a tin, or in a cookie jar In a box of tampons or condoms Buried in some decaf coffee grounds Between the bag and the box of cereal Inside an empty baking soda box in the fridge Keep it in a fake plant or other household object. Aside from the kitchen, there are lots of other places around the house that you can hide a wad of cash from prying eyes. Try out a couple of these ideas: Inside a guitar, or an instrument case Under a lamp Behind a picture in a frame In a box of puzzle pieces In an old pair of shoes Behind a poster on the wall Build a fake pipe or wall fixture. If you want to build your own money hiding place, head to the basement and find a good place to install an extra pipe where you don't need one, or a good place to install a couple of extra tiles loosely, that you'll be able to slot some cash behind if you need to. Find a real pipe-fitting in your basement and buy an identical pipe, then fix it adjacent to the plumbing. Leave one end open and put some cash in it. Mark it with a marker for easy access. Loosen some trim along the bottom of one corner of the floor, and pull it away. Keep cash behind the trim and put it back into place, fixed with putty or tacky glue. Put it in the bank. The best way to keep your money safe? Put it in the bank and only take it out when you need some. Money in the bank is insured against theft and secure. You don't have to worry about losing money that's in the bank. It's always the safest idea. Open a few different accounts if you want to spread out your wealth and make it more difficult to find. Check out the next section for more information about hiding funds for tax purposes. Set up an irrevocable trust. If you have a lot of money that you want to guard from creditors or the federal government, setting up a trust for a loved one is a good option. Irrevocable trusts are technically the property of the person to whom you sign them over, but you may still retain the lifetime rights of use. You'll essentially be able to give up your property or investment, while also being allowed to use it, while not being accountable for taxes on it. Talk to your financial advisor about setting up an appropriate trust. Once you set up an irrevocable trust, the terms are unmodifiable, meaning that you can't go back on it. It's important to get the terms right the first time, so consult a professional to help you name a trustee. Open an offshore bank account. Keeping money in other countries with more lenient tax codes is a notorious way of hiding funds from the government. The Cayman Islands, The Philippines, Switzerland, and the Isle of Man are all known for being tax havens for the super-rich. Banks do sometimes fail. Developing countries often offer extremely lenient tax laws as a way of attracting wealthy investors. This can be a dangerous gamble. Never dump 100% of your savings into an offshore account, or you risk a devastating loss. Set up a homestead for an exemption. Homesteading is a principle of land ownership by appropriation. In the United States, some states have very generous homesteading laws, which keeps a property that has been in your family for a certain amount of time safe from creditors. Florida, in particular, has generous laws keeping long-term residents of homesteads safe from creditors. Homesteading usually has a "back to the land" connotation, but it really has to do with your rights as a land owner. If you live in the US, learn more about your local homesteading laws here. Keep your money in precious metals. Gold, metal, and platinum are sometimes thought to be a more secure long-term investment than keeping your money in the bank. Though they are somewhat variable in terms of their cash-value, it's usually thought that in the event of a total bank collapse, the gold-standard will be the safe way to go in the future. It's pretty difficult to cash in your gold in the meantime. Investing in precious metals might make your money secure, but it might be so secure that you can't actually use it. Buy prepaid gift cards. If you've got a lot of cash but don't want to declare it for tax purposes, it's ok to buy prepaid gift cards and instead use those to make purchases. Gift cards are widely available for lots of purposes, and you can use them to buy gas, groceries, and more store-specific items. This tactic is common among drug traffickers, some even going so far as to explore off-shore debit options that go much higher than the usual $250 limit for gift cards. Buying traditional pre-pay debit cards will typically require you to provide other information, including a social security number. If you have to provide any of this information, it won't be an effective technique. | Put it in your shoe or your underwear. Carry a fake wallet. Wear pants with pocket fasteners. Keep your money in different places. Carry as much cash as you'll need. Guard the money you have. Hide it in different books. Hide it inside a toilet paper roll. Hide it in boxes of food or other products. Keep it in a fake plant or other household object. Build a fake pipe or wall fixture. Put it in the bank. Set up an irrevocable trust. Open an offshore bank account. Set up a homestead for an exemption. Keep your money in precious metals. Buy prepaid gift cards. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Seal-Concrete-Floors | How to Seal Concrete Floors | To seal concrete floors, use an epoxy sealer if you want something durable that comes in a variety of colors. For indoor concrete floors that won't be exposed to oil or grease, use an acrylic sealer, which is easy to apply. If you want to seal over concrete floors that already have a seal, try a polyurethane sealer. To seal concrete floors without changing their appearance, you can use a silane or siloxane sealer, which won't alter the color or finish of the floors. | Move everything out of the area. Take all the furniture and and miscellaneous items out of the room and stack them somewhere else. Find a temporary home for them, as the process of sealing the concrete can take up to a week. You don't want to be moving things around once you get started sealing. Plus, you want to be able to clean the whole floor at once. If you're sealing a garage, you may even want to do it before you move into a new home. Blow or sweep the dirt away. Pick up the major dirt and debris first so you can work on cleaning up any spills on the floor. Use a leaf blower to blow out the rest of the dirt, or simply sweep the area thoroughly. Scrub away oil spills and other dirty areas. Pour mineral spirits on grease spills and rub them down with a scrubbing brush. Use paper towels to wipe up the excess grease and cleaner. Alternatively, try a cleaner like trisodium phosphate or any pre-paint cleaner to scrub down the grease spills with a scrubbing brush. If you don't get the grease and dirt up, the sealer won't adhere properly. With some grease cleaners, you'll pour the cleaner on the grease stain and use a trowel to spread it over the whole stain. Then, let it dry. It will become a powder you can sweep up. Make sure to wipe up any grease and cleaner residue with towels. Use a concrete cleaner to prepare the concrete for the sealer. Purchase a phosphoric acid masonry cleaner or another type of concrete cleaner. Spray or pour the cleaner onto the floor, and then use a scrubbing broom with a long handle to rub it into the floor. Scrub the floor down thoroughly with the cleaner, working in batches across the room. You can purchase a kit for redoing your floors, and often it will come with a concrete cleaner. Rinse the cleaner off. Use a hose to completely rinse the whole floor. If it has a slight incline, make sure to work from the top down. Otherwise, start at one end and work your way out. If you're inside, work towards a door. Some people prefer to use a power washer for this process. Make sure the floor has dried completely before moving on. You can squeegee the water off the floor to help speed up the process, but you still may want to wait up to 24 hours to let it dry. Use concrete repair caulk on any cracks. If you have cracks on your floor, now is a good time to fill them in. Use the tube to squeeze the caulk into the crack. Use enough caulk to fill the crack. Run a trowel over the top to smooth it out. Let the caulk dry completely before moving on. Check the package to see how long it takes to cure; some take as long as a week to fully cure. Pick an acrylic sealer to easily seal interior floors. This type of sealer sits on top of the concrete, and it is easy to apply. However, it doesn't protect the floor as well as other sealers against oil and grease stains, so if you're sealing a garage, pick a different sealer. You'll often need to apply 2 coats for this sealer to be effective. Choose epoxy sealers for a colorful, durable finish. These seals are very durable, more so than acrylic, though they also sit on top of the concrete. They do protect against grease stains. However, they're difficult to apply because you have to mix 2 parts together and get it down before the epoxy dries out. You can also get these in different colors so you can change the look of your floor while you're at it. Try polyurethane sealers for a durable finish you can use over other seals. These are more durable than epoxy and have UV protection, as well, which means they won't turn yellow over time like acrylic or epoxy might. They do sit on top of the concrete like acrylic and epoxy, but because this seal tends to be thin, it's often used as a top coat over epoxy. Polyurethane also comes in matte, semi-gloss, and glossy finishes. To check the concrete to see if it has a seal already, pour a little water on it. If it beads up, it already has a seal on it. Polyurethane sealers will go over most other sealers, but if you're not sure what to pick, ask at your local hardware store. Opt for silane or siloxane sealers if you don't want the look to change. Because these sealers penetrate the concrete, they don't make it darker or glossy. It stays the same matte gray. It protects the concrete against liquids and deterioration. It can last 20 years or more. Read the manufacturer's instructions first. Every sealer is going to be a little bit different, so follow the instructions carefully. Take a moment to read all the way through them before you begin. Check the preferred temperatures for application on the back of the product. Some sealers may not set well if you apply them in weather that is too hot or too cold. Too much humidity may also be an issue, as it can keep the sealer from curing properly. Ventilate the area well. If you're working in the garage, ventilation is easy. Just open the garage door. If you're working inside, make sure to open as many windows as you can. It also helps to have a fan facing outside to draw any fumes outward. Mix the 2 parts together if you're using an epoxy. Some sealers come in 2 parts. Pour the smaller can into the bigger can, and then use a stir stick to combine them. Don't take this step until you are ready to start painting! If you're using epoxy, you may only have an hour or so to get it down, so work quickly. Divide the room into quarters visually. It's best to work on 1 quarter at a time. Finish the whole quarter before moving on the next, and always leave yourself a way out so you don't have to walk across the wet sealer. Use a hand brush to apply the sealer along the edge. Pick a paintbrush that's 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) wide and meant for applying paint or sealer. Dip the paintbrush into the sealer. Run it along the edges of the first quarter you're painting, where your rolling brush or paint pad may not be able to reach. Use nice, even strokes to apply the sealer. Paint the sealer on the concrete with a paint pad or rolling brush. Pour the sealer into a painting tray. Dip the paint pad or rolling brush with an extension into the sealer, rolling it on evenly. Slide the paint pad or rolling brush along the edge you just painted. Keep going across the floor, adding more sealer as needed. Always keep a wet edge as you move across the area. If you let the edge dry, it won't blend into the next area of sealer you apply. Any roller or paint pad meant for painting should be fine. Apply a single, even layer across the floor. As you work, move across the room, completing one quarter at a time. Make sure the sealer doesn't puddle in any place by going over any low areas a few times to spread it out. Be careful to cover the whole floor so you don't have patches without sealer. Wait for the sealer to dry before walking or driving on it. Read the instructions about how you need to let the sealer dry. You may need to wait as long as a day before walking on it and as long as 3-4 days before driving on it. Add a second coat as needed. Some sealers may require a second coat. Some acrylics and epoxies, for instance, won't be as durable without a second coat. Plus, adding another layer will help ensure you have even coverage. Wait until the first layer dries completely before adding the second layer. Always read the manufacturer's instructions. The sealer may need as long as 5-7 days to cure before you can use a second coat. | Move everything out of the area. Blow or sweep the dirt away. Scrub away oil spills and other dirty areas. Use a concrete cleaner to prepare the concrete for the sealer. Rinse the cleaner off. Make sure the floor has dried completely before moving on. Use concrete repair caulk on any cracks. Pick an acrylic sealer to easily seal interior floors. Choose epoxy sealers for a colorful, durable finish. Try polyurethane sealers for a durable finish you can use over other seals. Opt for silane or siloxane sealers if you don't want the look to change. Read the manufacturer's instructions first. Ventilate the area well. Mix the 2 parts together if you're using an epoxy. Divide the room into quarters visually. Use a hand brush to apply the sealer along the edge. Paint the sealer on the concrete with a paint pad or rolling brush. Apply a single, even layer across the floor. Wait for the sealer to dry before walking or driving on it. Add a second coat as needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Follow-a-Soft-Diet | How to Follow a Soft Diet | To follow a soft diet, keep in mind that your exact diet will depend on the reason you're unable to eat hard foods, and you should always follow your doctor's advice. If you were instructed to follow a clear liquid diet, stick with liquids that you can see through, like apple juice, gelatin, and broth. If you're on a full fluids diet, you can have other liquids as well, like milkshakes, yogurt, and oatmeal. You can also use a blender to puree solid food so it's soft enough to eat, or you can cook certain foods until they're soft enough, like vegetables. | Understand your restrictions , both what you can and cannot eat, and why your diet is restricted. For example, if a doctor prescribes some form liquid or soft diet because of a medical condition or in connection with surgery, the restrictions may be greater than if is soft diet is recommended because of difficulty chewing. Always follow your doctor's advice, of course, but knowing your specific restrictions enables you to be more creative within them. Know how long you should expect the restricted diet to last. Know if there are specific foods you should avoid. Find out if you can safely "chew" soft foods by mashing them between your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Find out whether you can have solids that are pureed or mashed. Start with the basics of a clear liquid diet. A doctor may order a clear liquid (or clear fluids) diet in case of lacerations or incisions in the mouth, a compromised digestive system, or other reasons. A doctor who orders this diet should also advise you of how long you must restrict yourself clear liquid. A clear liquid diet is limited to liquids that you can see through, such as apple juice and other pulp-free fruit juices, gelatin deserts like Jell-O (even though they are solid at room temperature), clear sodas, tea, and clear broths. Ice pops and other ices can also be clear fluids, provided they are not made with pulp or sorbet (sherbet). Add "full fluids" as soon as it is appropriate to do so . Full fluids can include suspended solids as well as all the items that are clear liquids. If you can have full fluids, you can have most fluid nutritional supplements; milk ; milkshakes ; yogurt (well mixed and without fruit chunks); smooth hot cereals, such as oatmeal ; juice with pulp ; and pudding. Look for foods that are already soft . Smooth, hot cereals, such as oatmeal, soups that are pureed or strained, applesauce , smoothies, mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, scrambled eggs , custard , cottage cheese, and many other foods are soft enough to eat without chewing. Use your blender and your fork to chew for you . Chop soft pasta into small pieces with a fork. Puree a chunky soup and see what you get. Mash some potato salad or put it through a blender. Mash or puree just the contents of a burrito or sloppy Joe. Some small chunks may be all right, as long as you can swallow them without chewing. Blenders work best with enough liquid. If potato salad is sticking to the walls of the blender and not moving, add a bit of milk, yogurt, water, or sour cream. Try to add liquids with flavors that will be compatible with what you're blending. Use broth, water, barbecue sauce, or ketchup for meats. Adding liquid will also help if you need to get the food through a straw to eat it. Some foods work better than others when blended. If you're not sure, try a small amount and see what happens. Cook foods until they are soft . Fresh, crispy celery and carrots need to be chewed, but celery and carrots cooked in a soup may be soft enough to mash between the tongue and the roof of your mouth. They can certainly go through a blender. Dissolve foods . If you can't eat bread because you can't chew it, could you have bread pudding or pancakes reheated with plenty of syrup, instead? Eat as wide a variety of foods as your diet permits , and be creative. Just about any fruit or cooked vegetable can be pureed to the point where it need not be chewed. Many entrees can, too. Aim for a balanced mixture of starches, proteins, fruits, veggies, fats, and the occasional sweet treat, just as you would if you were chewing. Have dessert . Many desserts are high in calories , so if there is any concern about taking in enough calories, this is a very good place to add some. Avoid very chewy things . You may be able to grind tuna or soft-cooked chicken enough to eat it without chewing, but steak is probably not a good option while you are on a liquid diet or just coming out of one. Take steps to add calories if it is necessary to do so. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Use whole milk, milk products, and cream. Add protein powder, powdered supplements, powdered milk, or even chocolate syrup to foods. Look out for your teeth while eating a soft or liquid diet. Crunchy and crispy foods serve to help clean teeth and stimulate gum tissue. Ask your doctor or dentist whether you should try to brush your teeth, or, failing that, whether you should rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating. | Understand your restrictions Start with the basics of a clear liquid diet. Add "full fluids" as soon as it is appropriate to do so Look for foods that are already soft Use your blender and your fork to chew for you Cook foods until they are soft Dissolve foods Eat as wide a variety of foods as your diet permits Have dessert Avoid very chewy things Take steps to add calories Look out for your teeth |
https://www.wikihow.com/Encourage-Your-New-Dog-to-Listen-to-You | How to Encourage Your New Dog to Listen to You | To encourage your new dog to listen to you, start by building a strong bond with your dog by taking it for walks and playing with it every day. Additionally, if you plan on teaching it commands, make sure you only teach it one command at a time, and practice daily to reinforce what you're teaching. For example, once your dog has mastered “sit,” move on to “stay” or “come.” Finally, if your dog does something wrong, don't yell at it, since it probably won't understand that punishment. Instead, reward good behavior by giving it treats and praise when it does something good. | Name your dog. Part of getting a new dog to listen to you is to give it a name and teach your dog this new name. To begin, start by getting your dog's attention through positive reinforcement. Say your dog's name and then give it a treat. This will help your dog associate its name with a positive reward. After a few days of this, start transitioning from treats to praise so that the positive reinforcement is still there. When your dog is not paying attention and you say its name, it should turn toward you. In these situations, say “yes!” and give the dog a treat or praise. Work on the basics. Start small with basic commands and try to practice perfecting these. Don't get too ambitious in the beginning. It may just confuse your dog and make it harder for your dog to listen to you in the future. Consider starting with the “sit” command. This is typically an easy one for new dogs to learn, and a good one to build on with other commands. Eliminate distractions. Your dog will have a hard time learning to listen to you if there are too many other things happening around them. Try to work on training your dog in a quiet place where there are few distractions. Try working in a room away from the rest of your family. Or work in a quiet park or other outdoor space (like your backyard). Begin with a simple command. Start with a basic “sit” command, by pressing firmly, but not super hard, on the dog's rear end. Say "sit" as you do this. After a couple of days of doing this, try it with a hand motion. If the dog doesn't listen, it doesn't know the word. Eventually you will be able to make your dog sit without hand motions. Work on more advanced commands over time. Follow these steps again with more advanced commands. As your dog masters one task, move on to another one. This will keep your dog learning, listening to you, and looking to you for commands. For example, once your dog learns how to sit and you have practiced it repeatedly, start teaching your dog how to come. This new command will build on the old one. Practice again and again. Don't get lazy with your training. Be sure to stay on top of your training and practice it daily with your dog. Being consistent and doing things over and over will help your dog learn to listen to you more than anything. If you have certain rules or commands, make sure you stick to them all the time. For example, if you don't want your dog to get on the bed, never let it get up there. Don't get lazy one day or decide you want to cuddle with your dog and make an exception. This will only confuse your dog and make it wonder what you want and when to listen to you. Give positive reinforcement. Once your dog starts responding to your commands as you want it to, be sure to reward your dog with something positive. Positive reinforcement reaffirms your dog's behavior and makes it more likely that your dog will continue to listen to you in the future. You should begin the positive reinforcement with treats as you are training your dog, but eventually you should move to just praising your dog and petting it when it listens to you correctly. Try clicker training. Clicker training is a type of positive reinforcement. Purchase a training clicker, and click it every time your dog performs a command correctly. Give your dog a treat immediately following the click. After a few repetitions, the clicker sound will take on the rewarding properties of the treat. Once your dog begins to associate the click with rewards, you can use the click alone to reward good behavior. That way, you won't have to interrupt your training session after every correctly performed command to give your dog a treat. Make sure to give your dog a treat following the clicker sound at the end of the session to maintain its positive association. A clicker might make the training process simpler, but it isn't actually necessary. You can use a command like “yes” or “good” in place of the clicker sound to produce the same effect. Avoid negative reinforcement. This kind of behavior modification relies on creating a relationship of fear and submission between you and your dog. You don't want your dog to obey you simply because it is afraid of you and how you might react. Behaviors to avoid include yelling, hitting, inflicting physical pain in any way, or punishing after the fact when the dog doesn't know what it is being punished for. Get your dog to stop chewing things. New dogs need to learn a lot of things before they can coexist with you in your home. This includes learning what kinds of things you want them to chew on and what types of things you don't want them to chew on. Chewing is a normal activity for dogs, so be sure to provide them with plenty of bones and chew toys that you make clear they are allowed to chew. You should also try to doggie-proof your house by putting valuable items out of reach of the dog until you are sure it can control its chewing behavior. Try to monitor your dog as much as possible so that you can help it learn what things you don't want it to chew. If all else fails, you can try spraying chew deterrents on things you don't want your dog to chew on. Encourage your dog to stop peeing in the house. If your new dog is having trouble with house training, try creating a smaller space for the dog inside. Dogs like to keep their personal areas clean, so they usually won't have an accident if they are in a smaller space or a crate. Dogs develop substrate preferences, meaning they prefer going to the bathroom on a certain material. Because of this, it's best not to use indoor pads when house training puppies. They may begin to prefer urinating on your floor rather than the grass. You should try to keep your dog away from carpeted areas and rugs, as these have a similar feel to grass and might confuse them. Additionally, you should clean the area thoroughly if your dog has an accident in the house because they might smell their previous accident and think that this is now a place to use the bathroom. Cleaning the spot will make it less likely that your dog will go there again. Build a bond with your dog. Your new dog will listen to you better once it feels comfortable with you. Make sure your dog is happy and satisfied in its new home. Play with it daily, give it a lot of attention and affection, and make sure to feed it regularly. You should feed an adult dog twice a day at the same time – once in the morning and once in the evening, according to your veterinarian's instructions. Release excess energy. A hyperactive dog has trouble following commands because they have too much energy that needs to be expelled. They can't focus on listening to you as well if they are trying to deal with all of their pent up energy and excitement. If you want your dog to listen to you, give it plenty of exercise daily to help release the excess energy. Depending on the breed, you should try to take your dog for a walk for at least 30 minutes every day. After your dog has had its walk or a good play session with you, it should be able to focus on training and listen more attentively. Take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. Keep your dog up-to-date with its vaccinations and yearly health checks to make sure it remains healthy. If the dog persistently has trouble following your commands, you may want to check with your vet that there are no problems affecting your dog, such as a problem with hearing. When you get a new dog, you should take it to the vet within the first few weeks to make sure its vaccinations are current and that there are no obvious medical issues that need to be addressed. | Name your dog. Work on the basics. Eliminate distractions. Begin with a simple command. Work on more advanced commands over time. Practice again and again. Give positive reinforcement. Try clicker training. Avoid negative reinforcement. Get your dog to stop chewing things. Encourage your dog to stop peeing in the house. Build a bond with your dog. Release excess energy. Take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Macaw-Occupied | How to Keep a Macaw Occupied | To keep a Macaw occupied, provide toys that will stimulate your parrot physically and mentally, such as ladders and ropes or a puzzle toy. Because Macaws in the wild spend a lot of time chewing, also give your bird shreddable toys made from non-toxic wood, leather, or cardboard. Once you have plenty of toys, choose a few to put in your Macaw's cage for 7 to 10 days, then rotate them out for different toys. This will reduce the risk of your Macaw getting bored, and also give you a chance to clean the toys in between use. | Give your parrot manipulative toys. Parrots can stay occupied by playing with toys that mentally and physically stimulate them. Manipulative toys allow the parrot to move pieces or interact with the toy, which often requires the parrot to think. Ladders and ropes can provide physical stimulation, while puzzle toys can provide mental stimulation. Some manipulative toys allow parrots to untie knots or disassemble the toys. You can buy manipulative toys online or at pet stores. You can also buy manipulative toys made for toddlers and give them to your parrot. Add chew and shred toys to the cage. Macaws spend a lot of time chewing in the wild. Placing toys in the cage that your Macaw can chew or shred can provide them with hours of entertainment to keep them occupied. Toys made from wood, leather toys, cardboard, or paper are good for chewing and shredding. Make sure to choose non-toxic woods and items. You can buy these toys online, or you can make your own. Dangle pieces of leather, wood, or cardboard from an egg carton. Place a toilet paper roll in the cage to entertain your Macaw, or add old books or cardboard boxes. Rotate toys often. Macaws are intelligent birds that can get bored with the same things in their cage. Changing the toys in your parrot's cage about once every seven to ten days can keep them occupied. It also reduces the risk of your Macaw getting bored. Keep the toys you take out. Clean them and put them away until you rotate them back in a few weeks later. Wash the toys in a bird-safe cleaner such as a mild dishwashing detergent or vinegar and water. You could also try steam, which can work well for toys that have a lot of cracks and crevices. Blot them with a clean cloth, then let them air dry until they are completely dry. Make your Macaw hunt for food around the cage. Birds love to forage, so hiding food around the cage can keep your Macaw occupied for a while. You can hide food under items in the cage, like toys or bowls. If your Macaw gets good at that, you can put foraging toys into the cage, where it has to figure out how to get the treat out of the puzzle toy. You can hide food in toilet paper rolls or paper bags. You may also cover their bowl with paper or masking tape so they have to figure out how to get it. Try hanging multicolored vegetables on a string in their cage for them to figure out. Leave the radio or television on. Birds can get lonely when their humans are gone for eight to ten hours. Macaws are social animals, so leaving the television or radio on can help them not feel so alone. Play some soft instrumental music or a television program with a low level of stress. Your Macaw may pick up words and sentences from programs with words, so be careful not to leave it on anything you don't want your Macaw to repeat. Don't leave the TV on the nature channel because the bird may perceive the animals as threats. Set up different perches. Providing a variety of different perches for your Macaw can help keep them occupied while they are in their cage. Set up perches of different material, like wood and stone. Place them in different areas, and switch their locations around every week or so to keep it interesting. The size of your perches should vary from around half an inch to 2.5 inches (1.27 to 6.35 cm). This variation is size will help keep their feet strong as well as keep them occupied. Parrots love rope swings, so you can add one or more as additional perches in the cage. Swings also give your Macaw a way to exercise. Interact with your parrot daily. Macaws are extremely social birds. They love being around their humans and interacting with them. Make sure to talk to your bird every day. Consider training your Macaw. They are very intelligent birds and can learn a lot of tricks. The time you spend training your bird can help it not feel lonely and strengthen your bond. You can also teach your Macaw to talk. Place the cage in a central area. Your Macaw is part of your family and sees you and the other members of the house as their pack. It is important that you place the cage in an area of the house where you spend time. Never leave a Macaw in a cage in an empty room no one uses, especially if they are alone in the cage. Perfect areas for Macaw cages are high areas in dens and living rooms because they are safe areas that you and your family frequent. Macaw cages should not be in the kitchen because of all the fumes that come from this area. They should also not be in direct sunlight or near vents or other areas of airflow, such as doorways. The minimum cage size for a Macaw is 40 inches (100 cm) wide by 30 inches (76 cm) deep by 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. Let the Macaw outside the cage. Your parrot needs to exercise and spend time close to you. This means you should let it out of its cage every day. Put toys around the house for the Macaw to play on, like jungle gyms, bird play areas, perches, and ropes. Make sure the room your Macaw is let out in is safe. It should not contain other pets, open windows or doorways, have exposed wires, or have any harmful substance your bird may get into. You should remove any electrical cords, which your bird could chew on. | Give your parrot manipulative toys. Add chew and shred toys to the cage. Rotate toys often. Make your Macaw hunt for food around the cage. Leave the radio or television on. Set up different perches. Interact with your parrot daily. Place the cage in a central area. Let the Macaw outside the cage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bathe-a-Pet-Hedgehog | How to Bathe a Pet Hedgehog | To bathe your pet hedgehog, start by filling a sink or tub with 3 inches of warm water, and placing a non-slip mat in the bottom to keep your pet safe. Then, lather a dime-sized portion of baby shampoo between your hands, and rub it gently over your hedgehog's back, belly, and legs. Next, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub its quills and feet, making sure to go slowly and follow the direction of the quills. After that, rinse with clean, warm water until all the shampoo is out of your hedgehog's fur. | Place a non-slip bath mat on the bottom of the sink or tub. You can bathe your hedgehog in a sink or tub in your home. However, hedgehogs slip easily. Lining the tub or bath with a non-slip mat will keep your hedgehog safe during bath time. As an alternative, you can use a silicon baking mat. These are non-slip, inexpensive, small enough to fit in a sink, and easy to disinfect. Fill the tub with three inches (2.5 to 8 centimeters) of water. This amount of water is enough that your hedgehog can comfortably stand in the water without being submerged in it. Do not fill your tub or sink higher than this for your hedgehog's safety. Check the water temperature. Hedgehogs should be bathed in warm water for their comfort. The water should be warm to the touch without being scalding. Strive for a temperature that would be comfortable for a human baby. Lay your other supplies near the bath area. Hedgehogs may squirm or become nervous during bath time. It's a good idea to have all your supplies laid out ahead of time. Place the following near your sink or tub: Tear-free baby shampoo A towel A soft toothbrush Nail clippers Apply shampoo. Place a dime-sized portion of shampoo in the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together to form a thick lather with the shampoo. Gently rub the shampoo over your hedgehog's back, belly, and legs. Keep shampoo away from your hedgehog's eyes and face. Be careful and conservative when applying shampoo to the pointy quills on your hedgehog's back. Lather more shampoo to the furry underside of the hedgehog. Clean the quills and feet with a toothbrush. Take your soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently scrub down your hedgehog's quills and feet with the brush, going slowly to keep your hedgehog calm. The toothbrush allows better control to get into hard-to-reach areas that you cannot access with your hands. Always brush in the direction of the quills and not against them. Again, keep the shampoo away from your hedgehog's face and eyes. Rinse off your hedgehog. Pour a cup of clean, warm water over your hedgehog. Repeat as needed until the water runs clean. It's important not to leave any shampoo residue in your hedgehog's fur, as this can cause skin irritation. Check your hedgehog's feet and legs in the bath. As you're already handling your hedgehog during bath time, it's a good time to do a routine foot and leg check. Things like loose threads and hairs can sometimes wrap around a hedgehog's foot or leg, which can result in injury. If you notice anything wrapped around your hedgehog's foot, carefully remove it during bath time. Dry your hedgehog. Remove your hedgehog from the water and wrap it in a dry towel. Gently rub the towel over the hedgehog until its quills and fur are dry. Keep one hand on the hedgehog and one hand on the towel as you dry your hedgehog. If you have someone helping you, have them warm up the towel with a hair dryer while you're finishing bath time. Trim your hedgehog's nails. A hedgehog's nails are generally softer after a bath, so it's a good time for a trim. Hold your hedgehog's paw in your hand and, one at a time, use a baby nail clipper to clip off the tip of the nail. Only clip off a small portion of the tip to avoid hitting the quick. If your hedgehog tends to squirm a lot, have another person help you. One person can hold the hedgehog while the other clips its nails. If you do hit the quick, apply a blood stopping powder, like Styptic powder, to the nail to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop on its own, see a vet. If you are nervous about hurting your hedgehog, just clip off the pointed end of the nail and go no further. | Place a non-slip bath mat on the bottom of the sink or tub. Fill the tub with three inches (2.5 to 8 centimeters) of water. Check the water temperature. Lay your other supplies near the bath area. Apply shampoo. Clean the quills and feet with a toothbrush. Rinse off your hedgehog. Check your hedgehog's feet and legs in the bath. Dry your hedgehog. Trim your hedgehog's nails. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Advertise-a-Preschool | How to Advertise a Preschool | You can advertise a preschool by hosting fun events and engaging people on social media. Schedule fun seasonal events that will entice parents to come to you. You could host a family fun night for Halloween complete with food, candy, and activities such as face painting. Additionally, you can host an open house and invite people to come visit your school and take a tour of the facility. Have sign-up sheets ready so parents can enroll on the spot if they're interested. You can also create a social media page for your school that you can use to promote your events as well as advertise enrollment dates. Parents of young children who see their friends share these posts might be more likely to enroll their children in your school. | Design a memorable logo that will appeal to parents and kids. Use primary colors and a friendly-looking font, and include a unique design element that will stand out, like a drawing of your building or a catchy slogan. Use this logo on all of your promotional materials as well as your social media pages and website. If you're not artistic, hire a local graphic designer to design your logo for you. To save money, try to find someone who's still in school or just starting out! Create eye-catching business cards and flyers. Choose bright, bold colors featuring your logo for your business cards and flyers. Keep a stack of business cards with you at all times so you can give them to people you meet, and pass out flyers at kid-friendly events like a summer fair or a meet-and-greet with Santa. List your school in local preschool directories. Look online or check with your Chamber of Commerce or local Small Business Association (SBA) office to see if there are any local directories for preschools. Having yourself listed in these directories will make you seem more legitimate, and it will help new clients find you more easily. Advertise during the spring and summer months to boost enrollment. You're most likely to attract new students at the beginning of the school year. Create a targeted marketing campaign that will begin around March and run through the beginning of the fall semester. Take your flyers and business cards to places where parents are likely to bring their small children, like public pools, the local community center, or summer day camps. As you're advertising, emphasize what makes your school unique. Do you have a special program for teaching kids to read, or a state-of-the-art playground? Think about what parents or kids will like the most about your school and include it in your ads and flyers. Take out ads on local radio and television stations. Target parents of small children by taking out an ad that will run during the same time slot as a popular children's show, or on a local radio station that plays kid-friendly songs. With the rise of digital media, many smaller radio and television stations have lowered their advertising rates in order to stay competitive. Get your staff and students involved by having them participate in the ad. Record a few of your students (with their parents' permission, of course) sharing what they love about your school. Ask some of your teachers to participate as well. If you don't have any experience with recording equipment, you can hire a professional to direct your radio or TV ad. Get a vehicle magnet to promote your business wherever you go. Vehicle magnets are an inexpensive way to get a lot of exposure for your preschool, especially if you drive a lot. Include your logo, phone number, and website info so people will know how to reach you. Offer a referral discount to current clients. Let your existing clients know that if they refer a friend to your preschool, they can save 10% on their fees for the next 3 months, for instance. This will encourage them to tell their friends about your school and will hopefully bring in new customers. Host fun events for kids throughout the year. Instead of going out and looking for parents of small children, get them to come to you! Host events throughout the year that will be fun for kids, like a summer fair with a bounce house and face painting. Start small, then build up the events each year. Host an open house. Plan an event where you invite the public to visit your school and tour the facility. Host your open house during the summer and have sign-up sheets available in case parents want to enroll their children on the spot. Take out a new radio or TV ad several weeks before your open house to spread awareness so you'll have a good turnout. Create a quality website if you don't already have one. Having a professional website is vital to attracting customers. When potential customers search for preschools online, they'll visit your website to get a quick impression of your school. Even if you're not especially web-savvy, there are a number of easy-to-use templates to create a beautiful, professional-looking website. Check to see if your internet service provider (ISP) offers any templates. If not, a quick search online will turn up a number of options. Make sure you use one that is optimized for mobile sites too. If you feel really intimidated by the idea of trying to build your own website, hire a local web designer to do it for you. Include a strong call to action on your website, such as "Contact us today to learn how to enroll!" List yourself on the major search engines. Many parents will search online as they're researching preschools. Create a business account with the major search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing. You should also claim your free Google My Business account to ensure you will be listed in Google searches as well as maps. Optimizing your website with relevant keywords and updated content will help improve your search engine rankings. Establish a strong social media presence. Create a social media page which you can use to promote upcoming events, enrollment dates, or special recognition your preschool receives. Update your social media pages regularly with interesting content to create awareness for your preschool. Parents of young children who see their friends share these posts might be more likely to enroll their children in your school. In addition to posting your own content, share posts that relate to your business, such as studies which are relevant to child development and cute viral videos of children. Avoid posting pictures of the children in your school on public social media. Use pictures of your facility, your staff, or children's artwork instead. Create a blog and post high-quality content. It will take a little time to build up a following for your blog, but it will pay off in the long run if you stick to it. Regularly posting fun articles like "5 Things You Didn't Know About Crayons" will not only attract readers, it will also cause your website to be ranked higher by search engines. Keep in touch with parents through email. Although this is aimed at your existing customers, don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth advertising. Keeping in touch with parents will help them feel more secure about leaving their children with you every day, and they'll be more likely to refer their friends to you. Team up with local businesses where parents take preschool-age children. Look for places near your school like indoor play parks, arcades, and children's museums. Contact the marketing director at these places and ask if they'd put up a flyer for your preschool in return for you posting one of their advertisements in your building. Build relationships with a few other quality preschools in the area. Call up the heads of other preschools in town and see if they'd be open to a referral exchange. Offer to refer parents to them when your preschool is full. Not all preschools in your area will be keen to cooperate with their competition, but if you can find 1 or 2 who are willing to team up, this can be a great way to get free advertising. Contact the local newspaper to write a story featuring your preschool. Your local paper isn't likely to give you free advertising for no reason, but if you can suggest a good story, they'll probably be happy to include you in the article. Do you have any specific education or training that makes you an expert in your field? Offer to share your professional opinion on a recent study regarding preschool or early childhood education. Invite the journalist to observe at your business to follow up on the study. Suggest an article about the types of things children learn in preschool, offering exclusive access to observe your class. Stage an event, such as a parade or rocket launch to market your preschool. Invite the press a couple weeks ahead of time to take pictures and observe. Sponsor a charity event or Little League team. Getting involved in local events is a great way to make business contacts and find new students. For instance, sponsoring a Little League team is a great way to spread awareness about your school among parents of small children, and it can build goodwill in your community as well. | Design a memorable logo that will appeal to parents and kids. Create eye-catching business cards and flyers. List your school in local preschool directories. Advertise during the spring and summer months to boost enrollment. Take out ads on local radio and television stations. Get a vehicle magnet to promote your business wherever you go. Offer a referral discount to current clients. Host fun events for kids throughout the year. Host an open house. Create a quality website if you don't already have one. List yourself on the major search engines. Establish a strong social media presence. Create a blog and post high-quality content. Keep in touch with parents through email. Team up with local businesses where parents take preschool-age children. Build relationships with a few other quality preschools in the area. Contact the local newspaper to write a story featuring your preschool. Sponsor a charity event or Little League team. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Tattoo-Pain | How to Deal With Tattoo Pain | To deal with tattoo pain, eat a full meal and have some water before the appointment, and go to the bathroom right before you sit down to avoid discomfort. If you know you'll be in a lot of pain, take some acetaminophen before your appointment. During the appointment, stay calm by doing deep breathing and talking to the artist or a friend. If you need a distraction, listen to some music or play a game on your phone to pass the time. If you want to relieve some of the pain, chew a piece of gum or squeeze a stress ball. | Talk to an expert about your tattoo to ease your mind. If you've never had a tattoo, the best way to mentally prepare yourself is to get rid of the mystery surrounding it. Ideally, you want to walk into your tattoo appointment without too much anxiety — the more relaxed you are, the easier your experience will be. Try talking to people who have many tattoos or the staff at your local tattoo parlor about their experiences getting tattoos. Most will be happy to talk. Everyone's pain tolerance is different. While tattoos are uncomfortable for most people, they aren't anywhere near things like childbirth and kidney stones. Most people you talk to should confirm this. Learn where tattoos hurt the most. A good amount of the pain from your tattoo is affected by the location on your body where you get it. If you're looking to minimize your pain, you may want to move it to one of the less-painful areas. While everyone's body is different, in general: Areas with lots of muscle (arms, legs, upper pectorals) and areas with lots of fatty padding (glutes, hips, etc.) tend to hurt the least. Sensitive areas (breasts, underarms, face, groin) and "hard" areas close to bones (scalp, face, collarbone, ribs, hands, feet) tend to hurt ' the most. Learn which tattoos hurt the most. All tattoos are not created equally. The pain level of your tattoo experience can also be affected by what, exactly, you're getting put onto your body. While some exceptions exist, in general: The smaller and simpler a tattoo is, the less painful it will be. Large, detailed designs hurt much more. Black and gray tattoos are less painful (and take less time) than multi-color tattoos. Areas of solid color hurt the most because they require the artist to go over their work several times. Arrange for someone to come with you. You don't have to endure your tattoo experience alone. If you can, try taking a friend or family member whose company you enjoy. Having someone who cares for you makes the experience much easier — you'll have someone to talk to about your jitters beforehand and someone to give words of encouragement when you run into pain. If you aren't too shy, try making a social event out of your tattoo appointment. Many tattoo parlors allow small groups to hang out in the lobby or even in the room where the tattoo is being done if they aren't unruly. Having a group of people to encourage you — even cheer for you — can make getting a tattoo a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Know that there will be needles and a small amount of blood. A modern tattoo machine is essentially a small set of needles that go in and out of the skin very quickly, leaving a little ink each time. This basically has the effect of making lots of tiny cuts in the area where the tattoo is. Almost everyone who gets a tattoo bleeds a little bit from this. If any of this process makes you feel faint or nauseous, you should plan not to watch. Don't be afraid to explain your situation to your tattoo artist. A good one will be more than happy to help you get through your tattoo with minimal discomfort. Calm yourself. It's hard to relax right before the tattoo artist starts drawing, but if you can, your experience will be easier. Try taking a few deep breaths, talking to your friend or family member, or even chatting with the tattoo artist. These things will help you relax and quit focusing on what's about to happen. If you're very worried going into your appointment, call ahead of time and ask whether you might be allowed to bring items that help you relax. For instance, you might try bringing an MP3 player to listen to your favorite relaxing tunes during your appointment. Many parlors will give you a good deal of freedom as long as your items don't interfere with the tattoo artist's job. Make yourself as comfortable as possible. Depending on the size and detail level of your tattoo, you may be in the parlor for up to a few hours. While you'll get breaks to get up and move around, a little bit of preparation can make your appointment much more comfortable. Below are a just a few things you may want to consider: Have a meal before your appointment. Have a glass or two of water to avoid dehydration and reduce the possibility of fainting. Wear loose, comfortable clothing you won't mind sitting in for a long time. Bring anything you'll need to entertain yourself during your appointment (music player, reading material, etc.) Go to the bathroom before your appointment starts. Squeeze or chew something to relieve pain. Tensing your muscles in an area you aren't getting tattooed by squeezing something in your hand or biting down on something can actually reduce pain significantly. In fact, it's a technique that's use to reduce pain for women during labor — and it works quite well. Many tattoo parlors will have something for you to use, but if yours doesn't, consider bringing one of the following: Stress ball Grip exerciser Protective mouthpiece Gum Soft candy Towel, wooden spoon, etc. Don't bite down if there's nothing soft in your mouth. Simply gritting your teeth can cause dental damage. Exhale during especially painful periods. Even something as simple as controlling your breathing can make getting a tattoo more bearable. Try to exhale when you feel the worst pain. You can do this either by breathing out or by making a gentle noise (like a low hum). Exhaling during stress or exertion makes it easier to "power through" the pain. This is why most fitness resources will recommend exhalation on the "up" phase of a weightlifting exercise. On the other hand, it's possible to make tattoo pain worse if you breathe incorrectly. Try to resist the urge to hold your breath during painful moments. This can make tattoo pain more distracting. Move as little as possible. It can be tempting to squirm during particularly painful stretches of your tattoo appointment. Try your best not to. The less you move, the more precise the artist can be and the quicker your appointment will go. After all, it's harder for an artist to draw on a canvas that won't sit still. If you do have to move, warn your artist beforehand so that they have a chance to remove the tattoo gun from your skin. You do not want to accidentally cause the artist to make a mistake — tattoos are permanent. Don't be afraid to take breaks. Almost every tattoo artist will tell you this before they start, but it bears repeating: you should ask your artist to take a break if the pain ever becomes too much. Most don't mind, and would prefer not to make your experience an unnecessarily painful one. Don't hesitate to take a 2-minute break and then go back to your tattoo. Don't be embarrassed to ask for a break. Most tattoo artists work on clients with a wide variety of pain tolerances and have "seen it all" when it comes to painful reactions. Remember, you are paying for this, so do what you need to do for you! Try an OTC pain medication (but not a blood thinner). If you're finding the pain really uncomfortable, you may want to try taking a small dose of an over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller before your appointment. However, don't take a pain medication that contains blood-thinning agents or causes blood thinning as a side effect. These aren't especially dangerous for tattoos in small doses, but they can make you bleed more. One great OTC painkiller that doesn't contain blood thinners is acetaminophen (also called Tylenol or paracetamol). Other common OTC painkillers like Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium do act as blood thinners. Don't dull the pain by getting drunk. While it can be tempting to show up to your tattoo appointment inebriated (especially if you're treating it as a social event), this is a very bad idea. Most reputable tattoo parlors won't agree to do work on someone who is obviously drunk. This is for good reason — drunk customers have a tendency to be louder, more unruly, and make tattoo decisions that they regret later. In addition, alcohol is known to act as a mild blood thinner, leaving you bloodier than you normally would be. Listen to your artist's care instructions. It's normal for your new tattoo to be sore for a few days after it's finished. As soon as the appointment is over, your artist will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your tattoo. Follow these carefully and the pain you experience will be minimal and short-lived. The exact steps your artist tells you to follow may vary slightly from the ones in this article. In general, you will want to keep your new tattoo clean and dry, protect it from irritation, and frequently apply antibiotic ointments until it heals. Avoid touching the fresh tattoo with unwashed hands or anything else non-sterile. If you accidentally touch it, wash it gently with soap and water, then pat it dry with a paper towel. Accidentally transferring bacteria into a tattoo wound can lead to a painful infection (plus, it may change the way your tattoo looks). | Talk to an expert about your tattoo to ease your mind. Learn where tattoos hurt the most. Learn which tattoos hurt the most. Arrange for someone to come with you. Know that there will be needles and a small amount of blood. Calm yourself. Make yourself as comfortable as possible. Squeeze or chew something to relieve pain. Exhale during especially painful periods. Move as little as possible. Don't be afraid to take breaks. Try an OTC pain medication (but not a blood thinner). Don't dull the pain by getting drunk. Listen to your artist's care instructions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Cougar | How to Become a Cougar | To become a cougar, aim to look amazing for your age, be independent, and have confidence in what you've achieved so far in life. Have your own friends and hobbies, your own meaningful career or passion, and avoid depending on others to make you feel happy or satisfied. Additionally, embrace your confidence by walking into rooms like you own them, smiling at people, making eye contact, and standing proud and tall. While you want to look and feel sexy, your goal shouldn't be to look as young as possible since being a cougar is about owning your age. Choose clothes and shoes that are stylish and current. You'll also want to make sure that your outfits are form-fitting to accentuate how toned or curvaceous your body is. When you're ready to meet a guy, go to bars or clubs where there's a younger crowd and seek the more independent, confident young men in the group. | Do not try to look like a twenty-year-old woman. Though there are things you can do to look even sexier than you already are, your goal should not be to look as young as someone who could be your daughter. If you try to dress like a twenty-year-old, do your makeup like a twenty-year-old, and get a haircut like a twenty-year-old, then you'll end up looking like you're trying to be something you're not. Being a cougar is all about owning your age and looking even hotter -- not wearing a lacy top or pair of shoes that make you look like you're trying to be a sorority girl. Sure, you can shop at Forever 21 if you find an outfit that really rocks. But you have more luck looking for sexy clothes in the stores where you're used to shopping. Update your haircut. Highlights work well as they cover up the grey hairs that have begun sprouting and give an even color tone. Most cougars are opting for sexy, younger looking hairstyles. Just make sure that the haircut looks good on your face and fits your age and body type. Don't try to rock the Miley Cyrus super short spiky haircut unless you think it's really right for you. You can try updating your look by getting bangs, layering your hair, or cutting off hair that is so long that it has started to look a bit stringy. You can go for a shorter bob if you think your long hair is too messy and unruly, but you should be careful. You don't want to cut your hair so short that you're starting to rock the Grandma look. Years ago, middle-aged women would cut their hair into a “sensible” style and let the greys pop. Today, no way. It's about sweeping, shapely, sexy hair. Think Jennifer Aniston and Demi Moore, not Martha Stewart. (However, think Helen Mirren if you do want to go grey and sexy; it's all in a good haircut coupled with the independent attitude.) Update your wardrobe. Choose clothing and shoes that are runway ready. The latest fashions and styles are always worn by powerful cougar women. That doesn't mean that you actually have to shop at the most expensive store in town, but you should find clothes that flatter your body and make you look smoking hot. For dating, wear clothes that accentuate how hot and toned your body is, or how curvaceous you are. If you have a tracksuit, burn it, now. Show off your best features. If you've got legs to die for, flaunt em. Get in shape. Although some may say that once you hit 40, there is nothing you can do about the battle of the bulge, cougars say, “give me a break.” You can look as good as you want if you put your mind to it. And if you don't want to look like a runway model, that's perfectly fine, too. Just hit up the gym enough that you feel good about your body and feel like you're in a healthy frame of mind. However, don't forget that curves can be ultra sexy too, provided you're still toned and svelte. Go with what works for your body type. Be independent. A true cougar is independent -- both financially and emotionally. Though it would be fun to meet a new guy and to hook up with him or even have him romance you, you shouldn't need to meet a new guy every time you go out. A true cougar is comfortable enough with herself that she doesn't need some eye candy by her side to make her feel whole. You should have your own friends, your own hobbies, and your own meaningful career or passion instead of depending on another man to make you feel complete. The guys you meet will be used to having young girls who are needy trying to take up all of their time. You'll show them that you're different from these girls because you don't need them. In turn, this will make them want you even more. Shrug off rejection. If you're setting out to be a cougar, then you obviously know that you're going against many people's traditional ideas about how a woman your age should act. And that's perfectly okay. It's up to you to own your lifestyle, and to be proud of the woman that you are. If some men make fun of you for it -- or, more likely, some other women, then learn to brush them off and move on with your day. You don't have time for it. If people tease you for going clubbing instead of staying at home, don't sweat it. You're just living it up and going for the life you want. Everyone has their own definition of happiness. Then again, a cougar is more likely to not even think about failure in dating. She knows there are men who will drool over her beauty and sophistication and provided she chooses the right man when it suits her, she'll never be at a loss for a date. Remember that not wanting commitment, only wanting a short-term relationship and being very sexy are enormous turn-ons for younger men. Plus, they get the chance to be shown the ropes. Toss your baggage aside. If you're in your forties, then it's likely you've had some challenges at this point in your life. Maybe they were professional, maybe you had to go through a rough divorce, or maybe you're having trouble dealing with your young children. Whatever your problems are, try to kick them to the curb whenever you go out. If you're serious about dating the young man you find, you can open up to him eventually, but try to keep things fun and light when you go out into the dating world. This doesn't mean that you should lie if you just went through a divorce or whatever. Just try to open with the light stuff and talk about the serious stuff later. Exude confidence. If you want to be a cougar, then you've got to own it. March into a room like you own the place, not like you feel like you're crashing your daughter's prom after-party in your own basement. Show the guys that you love who you are, love where you are in life, and are happy with what you do. Smile, make eye contact, and stand proud and tall. Be optimistic when you make conversation, and show people that they should feel happy to be in your company. If you want to wear a tight dress and high heels in your forties, then woman, you've gotta have confidence to tie it all together. If you have the right attitude, you'll be catching every guy's eye. Be proud of your experience. Don't think that all of those years you spent dating, in marriage, or being out and about in the world are worth nothing. This is different from casting your baggage aside; you should realize that you are a woman of experience and be proud of all of the different things that the people in your past and present have taught you. If you've had three careers, be proud of it. Lived in five states? Even better. Don't try to downplay all of the fun and exciting things you've done in your life -- they'll only make you sound more impressive. When you meet a new man, tell him about all the cool stuff you've done. He'll think you're even more awesome because of it. 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and show the best of yourself to others. Younger men and women, your peers and those you work with are attracted to or inspired by a woman who doesn't second guess her decision making, has some life experience and knows how to get what she wants. Indeed, this is a time to be a great mentor to younger people who look up to you; you'll be helping them and you'll feel useful and important imparting your knowledge to them. If you feel as if you aren't ready to go for the gusto, recall your life achievements and what you did to get there. It's time to stand tall and be the woman you know you really are deep down; life isn't waiting for ever and it's time to seize the now. Think about what it took to land your current job or routine. Did you impress your boss or others with your knowledge or demonstrate unwavering decision making? Are you one of the best in your industry and why do your peers respect you? Consider the many things that you do well. Are you a great mom who can clean a mean house? Or are you a shark in the boardroom, typically getting the wavering board members to bow down to you? Stop feeling guilty about or responsible for others. With age and increased experience, many an overly responsive woman realizes that people own their own problems and that she doesn't have to anymore (not that she ever did). Let those family members and friends who have over-relied on you to this point find their own way in life. Detach yourself gently or boldly, depending on whom you're dealing with, and let people make their own decisions so that you are free to make yours. Learn to blow off people who make your life lesser. You don't need people who drain you of energy, take advantage of your or drag you down. No self-respecting cougar tolerates such people. Being cold and distant is often considered cruel. However, it's an art form and using such a demeanor with some people is essential so that they get the message and know that they're cut out of your life. Moochers, users and narcissists beware. Feeling a little disconcerted at being the one to take control and get what you want? Realize that being in control and getting what you want are actions taken for granted by many men; the cougar learns this to her advantage, gaining both power and respect. Look in the right places. If you want to find younger men, meaning men who are 25 and younger, then you can't go to the typical places where you would go, such as nice restaurants or spas. You'll have to check out happy hour in your town's financial district, go to a sports bar on game day, or check out bars or clubs in your neighborhood that cater to a younger crowd. This doesn't mean you have to go slumming and go to a sketchy bar that only serves $2 PBRs, but it does mean that you should go to a place that a younger guy would like and one that he could afford. If you want 'em really young, go to bars that cater to a college audience. Just make sure your man can legally drink. Find the right man. True cougars don't date men their age (or older). You've already been there and done that and this age group has been found wanting. The point of being a cougar is to date younger men, whose experiences and way of thinking are fresh, enthusiastic and more women-friendly. Of course, avoid dating anyone under the age of 20 because you could be dealing with jailbait (underage partner), plus you have to consider that you're old enough to have given birth to someone this young. While you may like your men young, try to remain within an age range where you could possibly be their date but not their mommy––you don't want to play wet-nurse to an immature fledgling of a man still trying to find his way in life. Look for confident, sexy and well dressed young men. Seek eye contact; if they meet your gaze and hold it, you're onto a good thing. Avoid young men who clearly have insecurity issues. They need to grow up without the lessons you have to teach; your experience and sexiness might be the last straw in their fragile egos. Choose between men you befriend and men you date. Those you befriend are your long-term friendships (with or without benefits); those you date tend to be very short-term, perhaps even one night stands, and are easily blown off. Teach him a thing or two about life. The advantage of being a cougar is that you've had a lot of experience and know what to do with it. So, if you meet a guy you like spending time with, you should teach him a thing or two without sounding like his mom or his teacher. It doesn't have to be anything too serious. Order your favorite drink for him or give him some advice on getting a promotion. Let him know that you're fun to have around and knowledgeable. You can do this as long as you don't threaten the guy's manliness. Teach him a thing or two without making him feel like he's clueless. Teach him a thing or two in the bedroom. This goes without saying. Once you've got the guy in bed with you, you don't have to follow his lead. Hey, he's 22 and has probably had the same boring sex with his ex-girlfriend from high school until he saw you and your amazing moves. Don't wait for him to give you what you want; show him how to do it. He'll be turned on when you take the initiative, and both of you will be grateful that you took the time to tell him what's really going on. Young men are grateful in bed and love the experience of older women. Also, guys in their early twenties are more at their sexual peak than men your own age, so enjoy the benefits. Don't worry about the age difference. If you want to have fun with your new boy toy, then you have to stop mentioning the fact that he's young enough to be your son. That's not what matters. What matters is that you're having a good time and want to keep having one...instead of worrying that he's not even old enough to rent a car. Don't bring it up, and if it does come up, just laugh. You can teach him a thing or two without reminding him that he's half your age. Keep the upper hand in the relationship. A cougar never lets the man take control of the entire relationship, even if she lets him “think” he has it. Be one step ahead of the men and anticipate his next move. Be ready to walk away at any time should he start to get too serious or if the relationship is headed in the wrong direction. This is your ultimate power; just remain calm, stick with your long-term plan to date widely and freely and you'll be fine. | Do not try to look like a twenty-year-old woman. Update your haircut. Update your wardrobe. Get in shape. Be independent. Shrug off rejection. Toss your baggage aside. Exude confidence. Be proud of your experience. Get strong[6]
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and show the best of yourself to others. Stop feeling guilty about or responsible for others. Look in the right places. Find the right man. Teach him a thing or two about life. Teach him a thing or two in the bedroom. Don't worry about the age difference. Keep the upper hand in the relationship. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Great-in-Sweatpants | How to Look Great in Sweatpants | To look great in sweatpants, wear heeled sandals or stilettos for a night out, or slip-on trainers for a more casual look. You can also tuck a shirt into your sweatpants to give your outfit more structure, or wear a button-down if you want to look more dressy. Choose 1 or 2 accessories to sharpen up your outfit, like round sunglasses or a nice handbag. Pick a perfect pair of sneakers to show off. Alternatively, opt for loafers for a dressier look. Pair your sweats with a crisp white T-shirt or chunky cardigan to look classy. | Choose fitted sweatpants. Sweatpants that have a tailored look are on-trend and turn the "sweatpants are for slobs" bias on its head. A slim fit and tapered leg are key for getting this look right. The pants will still have a casual, slouchy look, but they should fit more like a pair of trousers than the oversize sweats you wear when you're home sick. Large, baggy, or oversize sweatpants generally aren't flattering. You want a cut that compliments your curves, not overwhelms them. The cuff should hit anywhere between mid-calf and just above the ankle. If they're any longer, get them hemmed or (neatly) roll or cuff them. Go beyond fleece. Sweatpants (or joggers) come in all sorts of fabrics: denim, faux leather, suede, and ultra-soft fabrics like cotton, cashmere, or jersey. Don't limit yourself to the Pants made from lightweight fabrics won't add bulk to your figure. For a more formal or glam look, try faux leather, suede, silk, or satin pants. Consider color, patterns, and fun embellishments. Classic black, gray, or white pants are the most versatile and can be dressed up or down. Black sweatpants are an especially good purchase, as they can easily pass for a nice pair of trousers with the right styling. But don't limit yourself—you can find sweats in a rainbow of colors. Try subtle colors like peach or olive, or something bright and fun like teal or red. Look for fun details like zipper pockets, colored cuffs and waistbands, sequins, or a bow at the waist. Play with patterns like Ikat, floral, camo, or animal prints. Avoid sweatpants with writing across the butt. That brings sweatpants back to the sloppy, sitting-on-the-couch level. Match the shoes to the outfit. You can do just about any shoe with fitted sweatpants as long as you match it to the outfit. Since the pants are cropped, your shoes are going to stand out and give you an opportunity to dress up your sweats or keep them casual. A classic black pump always looks fierce and can even work with more casual ensembles. Stilettos or heeled sandals are perfect for date-night or a girl's night out. A fancier shoe is going to elevate your outfit. For more casual wear, try slip-on sneakers, Chuck Taylors, wedge sneakers, booties , or ballet flats. Avoid Ugg boots or flip-flops, they scream “shlubby” when worn with sweats. Accessorize, but keep it simple. You need to pay extra attention to the details to make sweatpants look great. Carefully select one or two accessories (like a floating lapel, a colorful shoe, or a pattered clutch) but don't go overboard with big earrings, plus layers of necklaces, plus a hat and scarf. Carry a structured or high-end handbag to dress up your outfit. An oversize tote looks cute for running errands on the weekend. Round or oversize sunglasses will make your look super chic. A beanie will give your outfit a casual, athletic vibe. Add some glamour with a nice pair of drop earrings or a statement necklace. Try a large, eye-catching bracelet or watch and simple stud earrings. Style your hair and makeup. To avoid looking like you just rolled out of bed, use a large-barreled curling iron to make chic waves, or pull your hair back in a sleek pony. Make sure your brows are on-point and your makeup is flawless. Make it clear that you're not shlubbing in your sweats--you're fashion-forward, and you put in the effort to pull it off. Instantly elevate your look with a bold red lip. Pull your hair up in a trendy topknot or a messy bun—just make sure it's more chic than sloppy. Mix high and low fashion. This means taking high-fashion pieces and pairing them with casual, everyday pieces. Remember that when people see sweatpants, they automatically think "lazy," so fight that by mixing your sweats with high-fashion pieces. Wear your sweats as you would a nice pair of trousers. Tuck in a long or flow shirt. A front-tuck or half-tuck will give your outfit structure—the loose fit of the sweatpants plus a loose shirt can look shapeless. Wear a white button-down (front-tucked) with pumps, sunglasses, a maxi-bag, and a long, sleek coat for a sophisticated look. A structured blazer and heel will make your pants look more like dress trousers than sweats. Try faux leather sweatpants with a stiletto heel, a pretty top, and a bright clutch for date night. Go casual. A trendy crop top works perfectly with sweatpants—it will highlight your waist and contrast with the slouchy sweats. Pair it with a button down (chambray or flannel) for a casual cool look. A leather moto jacket with a white t-shirt can stay casual with a bootie or slip-on sneakers, or a little more flirtatious with a black pump. Try a graphic-T, a denim jacket, and ballet flats to meet your girls for weekend brunch. Break the rules. Ultimately, that's what fashion is about. Wearing sweatpants outside of the house is already breaking some long-standing fashion rules, so feel free to experiment and wear what you think looks hot. The most important thing is to wear it with confidence and feel good about yourself. Look for a pair that fits like a slim pair of pants. They should be tapered from the knee down, but loose around the crotch and thighs. You should not be able to see the outline of your pockets (or anything else). The cuff should hit just above the shoe, never pool around your it. Buy pants with an elastic cuff so you can bunch them up a little and show of your shoes. Branch out with different fabrics and colors. An ultra-soft cotton will feel amazing and can look great, but you can also find sweatpants in lightweight leather, twill, or khaki. Black, white, or gray are the most versatile (the right pair of black or white sweats could be mistaken for trousers or slim jeans), but you might want to try a kelly green or blue to mix things up. Look for details like moto seams, belt loops, colored cuffs--these details will help separate your pants from looking like sloppy sweatpants. Stick to casual footwear like high-top trainers, Converse, Chukkas, leather boots, or loafers. Choice of shoe is key to making sweatpants work for men. Make sure they're clean and match the rest of your outfit. Slim sweatpants are big among sneaker-heads, because it's a great way to show off their kicks. If you've got a pristine pair of Jordans, put on your tailored sweats and wait for the compliments to roll in. To dress them up, skip the sneakers and go for loafers with no socks or a pair of Chukka boots. Keep it casual. Sweatpants are the ultimate in casual wear, but to keep them from looking sloppy, try a crisp white t-shirt, a chunky cardigan, or an untucked oxford. For a low-key look, layer a flight jacket over a t-shirt and accessorize with a beanie and boots. If you're wearing a t-shirt or a henley, make sure it is clean and fitted to contrast the loose pants. Solid colors, patterns, or vintage t's can all work. Dress up your sweatpants with tailored jackets and shirts. Tucking in your button down can make your look a little more polished. Avoid sweatpants with logos or writing. Wear a crew neck sweater over a button-down and leather trainers. Make sure your sweatpants are clean before you leave the house. Every time you step out in your sweats, you are fighting against the image that sweatpants are for slobs. If there's a stain on your pants or they're wrinkled or have holes, you're going to slide into the stereotype of looking like you don't care. | Choose fitted sweatpants. Go beyond fleece. Consider color, patterns, and fun embellishments. Match the shoes to the outfit. Accessorize, but keep it simple. Style your hair and makeup. Mix high and low fashion. Go casual. Break the rules. Look for a pair that fits like a slim pair of pants. Branch out with different fabrics and colors. Stick to casual footwear like high-top trainers, Converse, Chukkas, leather boots, or loafers. Keep it casual. Dress up your sweatpants with tailored jackets and shirts. Make sure your sweatpants are clean before you leave the house. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-Simple-Floating-Shelves | How to Build Simple Floating Shelves | To make floating shelves, start by cutting a piece of wood into three pieces, so that the first piece is as long as your shelf panel, which is the flat piece of wood that forms the bottom of the shelf, and the other 2 pieces are the same width as the shelf. Then, glue the wood onto the top of one of your shelf panels before gluing your second panel on top of the wooden frame. Finish by cutting 1 long piece and 2 short pieces of wood so they fit snugly into the open side, then attach them together to make the mount. | Cut out (or purchase) two identically-sized wooden panels for each shelf. The size of the panel will correspond with the size of the finished shelf, so choose accordingly. You can either use a nice wood or plywood/MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and then apply paint or a nicer veneer later. You should start with: 1 – 2×4 2 – Cedar Pickets These boards are great, simple projects that work equally well will plywood, cedar, or nice sheets of maple or walnut. When possible, use a table saw for clean, well-cut lines. Cut out (or purchase) at least two long 1-by-2-inch strips of wood. The first one will be cut into pieces and placed between your panels to create a hollow-core shelf that can fit over a shelf mount on your wall. The second will form the shelf mount itself. Note that the pieces forming the internal shelf framework will be placed narrow-side down within the paneling; this will add an extra 2 inches of height to your shelf. The wood should be 1/2-1" thick. This piece forms the u-shaped frame of your shelf. Cut the 1-by-2-inch strip into three pieces, one as long as the length of the panels and two as long as the width. The two shorter pieces need to fit the width of your wood panels. The longer piece fits between these two pieces and covers the width. After cutting, place the strips onto the panel as a "dry run." They should form a perfect frame around three sides of the panel. To get a perfect diagonal joint, cut one end of each short piece and both ends of the long piece at 45-degree angles so that all three pieces can fit together to form 90-degree angles in the corners. Leave the front strip as is and cut an inch off of both shorter pieces, enabling you to tuck them behind the longer one once placed between the panels. Always err on the side of "too long" when cutting. You can always cut off a little more, but you can't add it back. Attach all three 1-by-2-inch strips to one of the two panels. Set one panel down, place the three strips on the panel to form three continuous edges (a u-shape). Then run a line of wood glue along the top of each strip and place the second panel on top. Use finishing nails or a nail gun to attach the top panel to each strip. If using wood glue, you'll need to use clamps to ensure that the board stays in place as it dries. For thicker wood, or for a sturdier build, skip the nail gun and use a power drill. Attach the second panel on top of the frame. Flip the first panel, the one that is now attached to the shelf framework, to expose the bottoms of the wooden strips. Again, run a line of wood glue along the top of each strip, place the free panel on top, and nail it to each strip. Let the wood glue dry for 1-2 hours. The more time, the better. Keep the clamps on to ensure it dries well, then leave the shelf until it is hardened and you can move on. Take the clamps off when it is finished drying. Use an orbital sander and 220 grit paper to smooth the finished shelf. Once you've finished building, take your sander and even out the entire shelf. This makes it smoother and more receptive to finishing. Finish the shelf with paint, veneer, stain, or a finishing solution. If using veneer, be sure to keep the grain of the wood consistent. From here, leave the stain to dry as you move on to the support bracket that holds your shelf to the wall. Measure the length and width of the hollow space within your three-sided shelf. Do not confuse this with the overall dimensions of the shelf; the mount you make to fix the shelf to the wall will fit inside this hollow. This is why the shelf "floats." The hollow part of the shelf hangs on a hidden u-shaped mount attached to the wall. Cut another 1-by-2-inch strip of wood to the length of the hollow space. Cut the strip so that it could fit perfectly as the 4th wall of your little shelf. When done, gently test it by trying to fit the board snugly into your shelf. This will form the base of the wall mount. This should be at least 3/4" thick. Some builders prefer to make this mount first. Then you can build the shelf around the mount, using it as a guide for measurements. Neither way is better, just personal opinion. Cut out two more 1-by-2-inch strips that are as long as the hollow space. These two strips are the "arms" that extend off the wall and hold the shelf up. They must fit perfectly into the hollow space or the shelf won't be flush. To find it the right measurement, simply measure the total width of the shelf and subtract the width of the thin strip of wood that is at the top of the frame. Screw the two support strips perpendicular to the long mounting strip. You are basically just remaking your framework, but a little thinner so that it fits inside the shelf. Using wood glue and a nail gun, create another u-shaped frame. Make sure you use a square edge to get the mounts perfectly 90-degrees. For bigger shelves or heavy wood, use a pocket joiner and power drill to create the mount -- it will be much sturdier. For peace of mind, create a third or fourth support strip, identical to the two on the outside. You then end up with an E-shaped bracket that can hold much more weight. Test the wall mount. Does it fit snugly inside the hollow shelf? If not, adjust it as necessary, sanding and cutting wood so that the mount fits as snugly as possible. The wall mount will be hidden, so there is no need to polish or finish it. Attach the shelf mount to the wall. The best way to do this is to attach it directly to the wall studs within the wall. These can be located either with a stud locator or by knocking on the wall to search for places that don't sound hollow. Slide the shelf onto the shelf mount. It should fit like a glove. You can either leave it sitting over the mount or take it back off, apply glue to the mount, and attach the shelf permanently. Repeat steps to make additional shelves as desired. Note that the shelves can be different dimensions. Cut an 18-inch hollow-core door. Clamp a straightedge guide to the door and make a lengthwise cut using a 40-tooth carbide blade. Don't exceed 9 inches (22.9 cm) wide or you'll start to weaken the cantilever strength of the shelf. Cut cleats from a 2x4. Measure the space between the outer veneers of the door. This measurement will tell you how thick to cut your cleats. They should be as long as the inside of the door. Use a pencil and 4-foot level to mark where you want the shelf to sit. Use a stud finder to mark the locations of the studs, marking these with a strip of masking tape. Pre-drill 1/4-inch-diameter holes at the stud locations. Hold the cleat straight against the line on the wall. Drill into the stud with a 1/8-in. bit and install a 1/4-in. x 3-1/2 in. lag screw into each stud. Make sure the screw is tight and straight. Cut away the corrugated cardboard cores at least 1-1/2 inches from the cut edge. Use a bread knife works to scrape off the glue, being careful not to gouge the wood. Test-fit the shelf. The blank should fit over the cleat. If the shelf doesn't lay tight against the wall, use a block plane or sander along the back edge. Install the shelf. Slide the shelf over the cleat. If you want the shelf to be permanently mounted, glue together the top of the cleat and the inside bottom edge of the door blank. Nail the shelf to the cleat. Start at the middle, using a square as a guide, and work your way to each end. Use 1-inch brad nails spaced 8 inches (20.3 cm) apart. Nail the bottom as well. If you wish for the shelf to be removable (and didn't apply glue), use counter-sunk screws instead of brads. Install them from the top and use a small sticker to cover the heads. The paint used on the shelf can be used to touch up the stickers to match. | Cut out (or purchase) two identically-sized wooden panels for each shelf. Cut out (or purchase) at least two long 1-by-2-inch strips of wood. Cut the 1-by-2-inch strip into three pieces, one as long as the length of the panels and two as long as the width. Attach all three 1-by-2-inch strips to one of the two panels. Attach the second panel on top of the frame. Let the wood glue dry for 1-2 hours. Use an orbital sander and 220 grit paper to smooth the finished shelf. Finish the shelf with paint, veneer, stain, or a finishing solution. Measure the length and width of the hollow space within your three-sided shelf. Cut another 1-by-2-inch strip of wood to the length of the hollow space. Cut out two more 1-by-2-inch strips that are as long as the hollow space. Screw the two support strips perpendicular to the long mounting strip. Test the wall mount. Attach the shelf mount to the wall. Slide the shelf onto the shelf mount. Repeat steps to make additional shelves as desired. Cut an 18-inch hollow-core door. Cut cleats from a 2x4. Use a pencil and 4-foot level to mark where you want the shelf to sit. Pre-drill 1/4-inch-diameter holes at the stud locations. Cut away the corrugated cardboard cores at least 1-1/2 inches from the cut edge. Test-fit the shelf. Install the shelf. Nail the shelf to the cleat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Hoppers | How to Make Hoppers | To make hoppers, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let the mixture sit until foamy, which can take 5-15 minutes. Measure the rice flour and salt into a bowl, then add the yeast mixture and stir. Next, add the coconut milk and stir until smooth. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 2 hours. When the dough has expanded, spread a little oil in a medium-hot pan and add 1/3 cup of the batter, tilting the pan to cover the bottom and sides. Your hopper is done when the edges are brown and the center isn't runny. | Follow this recipe to make hoppers within 3 hours. This recipe replaces slower methods of fermentation with yeast, which only takes about 2 hours to give the batter the right consistency and flavor for cooking. Hoppers made this way do taste different than hoppers made with toddy or baking soda, but they are still tasty and you'll save a lot of preparation time. This is also the best recipe to follow if you don't have a food processor or strong blender, since all the ingredients are easy to stir together by hand. Mix yeast, sugar, and warm water together. Use 1/4 cup (60 mL) water heated to 110–115ºF (43–46ºC). Briefly stir in 1 tsp (5 mL) sugar and 1 tsp dry active yeast. Let sit for 5–15 minutes, until the mixture is foamy. The temperature and sugar causes the dry yeast to activate, turning the sugar into the flavors and airiness that make good hopper dough. If you do not have a thermometer you can use for the water, use lukewarm or slightly warm water. Water that is too hot will kill the yeast, while water that is too cool will simply take longer to work. If your yeast mixture won't foam, you may be using old or damaged yeast. Try a new packet. Add the yeast mixture to rice flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is foamy, transfer it to a large bowl containing 3 cups (700 mL) rice flour and 1 tsp (5 mL) salt. Stir this together. Use a bowl that can hold about 3 quarts (3 liters), since the batter will expand. Add coconut milk to the mixture. Pour in 2.5 cups (640 mL) coconut milk and stir together until you have a smooth, consistent batter, with no lumps or color changes. You may puree this if you have a blender or food processor, but with this recipe it should be fairly easy to stir the batter by hand. Cover the bowl and let rise. Now that the yeast is active, it will continue to ferment the sugars in the batter. This will make the batter expand into an airier mixture, and add additional flavor as well. Cover the bowl and let it sit on the counter for about 2 hours. The dough will expand to about twice its size by the time it's ready. Yeast works more quickly at warmer temperature, or if it is still relatively new. Check on it after an hour to see if the batter has already expanded enough. Heat a pan over medium heat. If you have one, use a hopper pan, also called an appam pan, which has outward sloping sides that create hopper with a thin outer rim and a thicker center. Otherwise, a small wok or nonstick skillet will work. Heat it for about two minutes. Add a small amount of oil to the pan. Two or three drops of oil should be enough for a single hopper. Twirl the pan to make sure the oil covers the sides, or use a cloth to apply it evenly. Some people prefer not to use any oil at all, but it helps prevent your hopper from sticking to the pan. Add a ladle-full of batter and swirl it around the pan. Add roughly 1/3 cup (80 mL) of batter to the pan. Immediately tilt the pan and move it in a circular motion so the batter covers the sides and base of the pan. A thin, lacy layer of batter should stick to the sides, with a thicker layer in the center. If the batter is too thick and won't leave the center of the pan when you twirl, stir 1/2 cup (120 mL) coconut milk or water into the batter before making your next hopper. Crack an egg over the center of the hopper (optional). If you like, crack an egg directly over the center of the hopper. You might want to taste your first hopper plain first before you decide whether you'd like to try it with eggs. If each person is eating several hoppers, an egg for every hopper is probably too much. Consider 0-2 per person depending on their preference. Cover and cook until the edges brown. Cover the pan with a lid and let the hopper cook for 1–4 minutes, depending on temperature and batter consistency. The hopper is ready when the edges are brown and the center is no longer runny, although you can leave them in longer for a crisper, golden-brown center if you prefer. Remove from the pan carefully. A butter knife or other thin, flat utensil is good for removing the thin, crispy edge from the pan without breaking it. Once it's unstuck, use a spatula to transfer the hopper onto a plate. You can stack hoppers on top of each other as you cook them. If you are making a large number of hoppers (double or triple recipe) and want to keep them warm, place them in the oven at minimum temperature settings or with just the pilot light on. Cook remaining batter the same way. Grease the pan lightly between each hopper and cook each hopper in the covered pan until brown. Adjust the amount of batter you use if the hoppers are too thick to cook properly or too small to create the lacy edge around the pan sides. Serve hot for breakfast or dinner. They are excellent for balancing out spicy curries or sambols. Because of the coconut flavor, they pair especially well with dinner dishes containing coconut. Start this method the previous day. This hopper recipe uses either toddy, an alcoholic palm wine, or baking soda. While toddy is more traditional and adds a special flavor, both methods involve fermenting the batter overnight, producing a noticeably different flavor than the faster yeast method. Cook a handful of rice. You can use any variety of rice for this recipe. Since you need to start making these hoppers the day before, you could make a pot of rice for dinner that day and save a handful (or two large spoonfuls) in a closed container in the fridge. Soak the uncooked rice in water for at least 4 hours. Use 1.5 cups of rice (350 mL).While you may be used to rice that doesn't require soaking, this recipe calls for blending the rice with other ingredients, so you'll need to soak it until it is soft enough to grind or put in a food processor. Drain out the water from the soaked rice. Strain the soaked rice through a mesh or cloth to drain the water, leaving softened but uncooked rice. Grind the strained rice, cooked rice, and 3/4 cup (180 mL) grated coconut together. This will take a lot of work by hand, so use a blender or food processor if you have one. Blend the uncooked rice along with the grated coconut and cooked rice to a smooth or nearly smooth batter. A slightly coarse or grainy texture is fine. Add water little by little to the batter if it looks dry or you're having trouble grinding it. Mix 1/4 cup (60 mL) batter with 3/4 (180 mL) water. Stir the batter together to get a wetter, thinner mixture. Use a cooking pot or other cooking container. You'll cook this mixture and use it to start the batter fermenting, which adds air and flavor to the hoppers. Heat the new mixture until thick, then let cool. Stir the batter water mixture vigorously as you heat it at a low temperature. It should continue to thicken until it is gelatinous and transparent. Remove the mixture from heat and let it sit until it reaches room temperature. Mix the cooked and raw batters together. Stir together thoroughly until there are no lumps. Add a little bit of water as you go if the mixture is too dry to stir. Use a large bowl with plenty of space for the batter to expand. Cover and let sit for 8 hours. Cover the batter mixture with a cloth or lid and let it sit at room temperature. Often, people will leave it overnight and make hoppers for breakfast in the morning. The batter should nearly double in size, and appear bubbly. Add remaining ingredients to the batter. Once the batter is ready, add 1 tsp (5 mL) salt and 2 tsp (10 mL) sugar, or according to taste. Add either 1/4 tsp (1.2 mL) baking soda or a splash of toddy, also known as palm wine. Toddy has a strong flavor, so you may want to start with as little as 1 tsp (5 mL) and increase the amount if the first hopper doesn't have a distinct sour flavor. Toddy is alcoholic, but the small amount used in this recipe should not affect sobriety. Dilute the batter until it is easily poured. The batter should be thinner than American pancake batter. Add water or coconut milk until it is thin enough to easily swirl round the pan, but thick enough to stay together and not become entirely liquid. Stir or blend until there are no lumps. Grease and heat a pan over medium heat. Use a cloth or paper towel to rub a small amount of oil across a hopper pan, wok, or skillet to lightly grease it. Heat for a couple minutes over medium heat; the pan doesn't need to get too hot. Small pans with wide, sloping sides work best. Use a ladle to add enough batter to coat your pan. Depending on the size of your pan, you'll need about 1/4–1/2 cups of batter (60–120 mL). Tilt the pan and run the batter along the edges in a circle once or twice. A thin layer should be left along the sides, with a thicker center at the base of the pan. Cover with a lid and cook 2–4 minutes. Keep an eye on the hopper. It is ready when the edges are brown and the center is soft but not runny. It may be cooked a minute or two longer if you want the center to be crisp, but many prefer to eat it with a white center. Use a spatula to transfer it to a plate once it's done. Cook remaining hoppers the same way. Grease the pan between hoppers and check on the hopper frequently during cooking times. Because the pan will heat up as you keep cooking, later hoppers may cook in shorter times. Turn off the heat for a minute or two if the hoppers burn or stick to the pan. | Follow this recipe to make hoppers within 3 hours. Mix yeast, sugar, and warm water together. Add the yeast mixture to rice flour and salt. Add coconut milk to the mixture. Cover the bowl and let rise. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan. Add a ladle-full of batter and swirl it around the pan. Crack an egg over the center of the hopper (optional). Cover and cook until the edges brown. Remove from the pan carefully. Cook remaining batter the same way. Serve hot for breakfast or dinner. Start this method the previous day. Cook a handful of rice. Soak the uncooked rice in water for at least 4 hours. Drain out the water from the soaked rice. Grind the strained rice, cooked rice, and 3/4 cup (180 mL) grated coconut together. Mix 1/4 cup (60 mL) batter with 3/4 (180 mL) water. Heat the new mixture until thick, then let cool. Mix the cooked and raw batters together. Cover and let sit for 8 hours. Add remaining ingredients to the batter. Dilute the batter until it is easily poured. Grease and heat a pan over medium heat. Use a ladle to add enough batter to coat your pan. Cover with a lid and cook 2–4 minutes. Cook remaining hoppers the same way. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Neutralize-Bleach | How to Neutralize Bleach | To neutralize fabric after it's been bleached, use a neutralizing agent like Bisulfite/metabisulfite, which is sold under the brand name Anti-Chlor, or use diluted hydrogen peroxide. A ratio of 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 10 parts water is effective for neutralizing bleach. Simply soak rinsed clothes in this solution for 10 minutes, and then throw your clothes in the washing machine for a wash/rinse cycle. | Buy a neutralizing agent. There are several cost-effective choices for neutralizing chlorine bleach (commonly sold under the brand name Clorox), which is the kind used in washing and for decorating or changing the color of fabric products. It also contains sodium hydroxide (lye) to stabilize the hypochlorite. The lye is difficult to rinse out completely and will slowly destroy cotton. To fully neutralize the lingering effects of chlorine bleach the hypochlorite and the lye must be neutralized, too. If you're using bleach for decorative effects on cotton, denim, or other natural fabrics, you can try one of these options: Bisulfite/metabisulfite is very inexpensive. It is sold under the brand name Anti-Chlor, and you only need to use a small amount to neutralize bleach. You can usually find bisulfite at dye suppliers or you can get Camden Tablets (which have the same ingredient) from a wine brewing supply company. Thiosulfate, which is called Bleach Stop, can typically be found at a local photography supply store, as it is commonly used in developing photographs. This is a more expensive option than bisulfite, and it's not as strong so you'll need to use more. Vitamin C/Ascorbic acid: Ascorbic acid neutralizes both the hypochlorite and the lye. You will find it in most food stores or pharmacies under its common name, vitamin C. Yes, get the cheapest vitamin C you can find and grind the tablets up into powder to dissolve in your rinse water. Hydrogen peroxide is the most easily obtainable of the neutralizers; you can find it at drugstores and grocery stores. This is an inexpensive choice, and it works well for people with asthma, who may be sensitive to the other compounds, which contain sulfur. Opt for the 3% solution. Measure your neutralizing agent. The amount of neutralizing agent required will depend on which one you've chosen. Anti-Chlor: use 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) per 4 cups (950 mL) of water. Bleach Stop: 1 ounce by weight (30 grams) per 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water. Vitamin C/Ascorbic acid: Crush up 4-6 tablets and add the powder to enough water to submerge the fabric. Hydrogen peroxide: 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 10 parts water. Bleach your fabric. Following the directions on the bottle, use the bleach to achieve the desired effect/shade on your fabric. Rinse the fabric. Before you use your neutralizer, you want to rinse the fabric well with warm water to remove all of the bleach. Fill your bucket or stationary tub with rinse water before you begin bleaching. This way, you can be sure to get the bleach off your fabric as soon as necessary so you don't remove more than the desired amount of color. Soak the bleached fabric in neutralizer. Soak your fabric in the neutralizing agent mixed with the appropriate amount of warm water. Depending on the size of the fabric item(s) you may want to use a bucket or a stationary tub. It may or may not be cost-effective for you to do your neutralizing in the washing machine. Whatever neutralizing agent you use, the quantity needed depends upon the quantity of bleach remaining in the material that has been bleached, not the amount of water. Fabric should soak in the neutralizer for about 10 minutes. Wash and rinse. Wash your neutralized fabric in warm water with laundry detergent and rinse well. Determine what neutralizing agent you need. Different types of wood bleaching processes require different types of bleach, and different types of bleach, in turn, call for different types of agents to neutralize their action. If you've used alkali peroxide—which is popular for lightening the color of wood—you will want to neutralize with white vinegar. This is an inexpensive neutralizer that you can find at your local grocery store. When bleaching with oxalic acid, which is good for removing stains such as iron, you want to use baking soda as a neutralizer. Like white vinegar, baking soda is cheap and can be easily found at the grocery store. Chlorine bleach used on wood only needs to be rinsed several times with distilled water. Bleach your wood. Use your chosen bleach to remove the stain from your piece of wood, or to lighten its color, allowing the bleach to sit for the recommended amount of time. Rinse the wood. Once you have achieved your cleaning or color lightening goal, rinse the wood several times using distilled water before you move on to any neutralizing methods. This will be sufficient for neutralizing the effects of chlorine bleach. Mix your neutralizer. If you are using vinegar to neutralize peroxide bleach, mix 1 part vinegar to 1 parts water. To neutralize oxalic acid, mix 2 tablespoons (2.8.8 g) of baking soda with 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water. Apply your neutralizing agent. Use a sponge or a rag to apply the neutralizing agent to your wood in any place that the bleach has touched and allow it to dry. | Buy a neutralizing agent. Measure your neutralizing agent. Bleach your fabric. Rinse the fabric. Soak the bleached fabric in neutralizer. Wash and rinse. Determine what neutralizing agent you need. Bleach your wood. Rinse the wood. Mix your neutralizer. Apply your neutralizing agent. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Garage-Sale | How to Have a Garage Sale | To prepare for a successful garage sale, make a list of everything in your house you want to get rid of. Then, look at your stock and assign each item a price at around 10% of the original retail cost, going a bit higher for rare or valuable items. Apply for a permit if your city requires one, then set a date and time for your sale. When the sale day draws near, advertise it on social media, around your neighborhood and, if possible, in your local paper. | Gather items for sale. Go through those boxes in the attic, shed, closet or garage and select items you can sell. Then walk from room to room in your home, identifying things you no longer need. It can be hard to part with things, even if you never use them. If you haven't used something for over a year, it's a good sign you won't miss it. Sell anything you don't want or use anymore like clothes that don't fit you, dishes that you never use, outdated game systems, shoes, crafts that you've made, picture frames, and other knickknacks. People will buy just about anything. While there are certain hot sellers like children's toys, old tools, books, antiques, and simple kitchen items, don't be afraid to try to sell things that you can't imagine anyone buying. The worst-case scenario is that it doesn't sell and you'll have to dispose of it. Make sure merchandise is fairly clean and not broken, especially to prevent an item from injuring someone. However, you can try and put out broken stuff that is safe to handle. You might be surprised. Many people will buy broken hardware items, kinked hoses, old doors, and other seemingly undesirable items. You may want to consider putting these out for free. Take inventory. Record each item you plan to see on a sheet of paper as you identify it for sale. Many people skip this step, but a master list of your wares can make your sale run much more smoothly. Include the price of each you item in your inventory. Price tags have a strange way of getting lost at garage sales, and it's hard to come up with a fair price on the spot, especially if you've got other people asking you questions or you're helping out someone else with their garage sale. The more items you're trying to sell, the more important it is to tabulate your wares. A list can help you keep track of your items to look out for thieves who might try to steal. Price your goods. Review your completed inventory sheet and assign a reasonable price to each item. If you really just want to get rid of an old knickknack, price it cheaply. For items that are more valuable, a general rule is to price it at a quarter of what you paid for it initially. You can go higher on certain items, such as those that are nearly new, collectibles, or valuable antiques. Remember that the main purpose of a yard sale is to get rid of your old stuff and not necessarily to make a huge profit. Garage sale shoppers are looking for bargains. If you don't want to have to pack everything back into your house at the end of the day, then you've got to give people the low prices they're looking for. Some people won't pay more than 10% of the retail price when they go to garage sales. Price your merchandise to sell, and you'll make money. If you aren't set on a definite price for an item, use the phrase "Make an Offer" or write it on the price tag. Bear in mind that some customers may try to low-ball you with ludicrously low prices. You can also say, for instance, "$40 or best offer" if you want to suggest a certain base price. Prices need not be set in stone. You may want to change the price of a given item depending on the crowd and how much they need the item. Label your items with price tags. Attach a clearly written price label to each item. This will protect you from a constant barrage of price inquiries and clear up confusion regarding the price of an item. Using brightly coloured labels will make it easier for your customers to find the price and will save you time on the day of the sale. You can purchase adhesive labels, or you can use a “sticker gun.” If you don't have sticker labels, you can also use small pieces of masking tape, or make your own stickers. If you have a lot of similar items that are all the same price like books, CDs, cassettes or VHS tapes, put them all in one box and label the box with the price for each. For example, a box of books might have the label, "$0.50 per book". Customers will sift through the box if they're interested, and some collectors may offer you a bulk price for the entire box. Make your sale as big as feasible. Garage sale-goers tend to prefer larger sales. If there looks like there is not a lot to choose from, people may not even get out of the car. As well, attracting serious garage sale-goers will attract people casually passing by who are wondering why there are so many people at a sale. Ask your friends, family, and neighbours to contribute their items. You may know people who want to sell a few of their own items, but who are not prepared to set up a garage sale. If they do want to sell their items, avoid a logistical hassle later on by making sure your friends, family, or neighbours have done inventory on their own items. They should tell you exactly what they're giving to you to sell, as well as what it's worth. Haggling on friends' items should only be done with their permission. If a customer isn't willing to compromise on their low-ball offer, say, "It's not mine. I'm selling this for a friend, so I have to stick with their price for you and the other buyers". Obtain a permit if it's required in your area. Check with your city or homeowner's association to find out if you need a permit to have a garage sale. Many cities place restrictions on garage sales, dictating where you can place advertisement signs when you can sell, and how often you can hold a sale. These serve to distinguish sellers who are conducting retail within a residential zone and from full-time commercial operations. It's better to take the time to do your research, and to pay the small fee for a permit than to risk losing more money in fines. Consider organizing a multi-family or community garage sale. This means having many families and neighbors holding garage sales at the same time as you. Each family or house will attract their own buyers who might visit other homes and their sales that are happening at the same time. Multi-family garage sales are often more successful than single family garage sales. If you mix items in a multi-family sale, color-code your price tags or clearly mark the items as yours so that your cashier will know who should get the money for each item. Let the other families know or the cashier which items are available for haggling and which are not, especially if all your items are mixed together. Set a date and time for your sale. A two-day garage sale is usually enough to sell out most of your stock, and summer weekends—especially Fridays and Saturdays—are the best times. Choose a day when a lot of potential buyers will be out and about. Most yard sales start early in the morning as early as 8 a.m. and can end late in the evening. Plan to set aside an entire day. For example, hold a sale from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Check the local weather forecast, and try to avoid rain, snow, or extra chilly days. Warm days usually bring people out of their homes more. Be careful about scheduling your sale during special events and holidays, as many potential customers will have something more urgent to do than drive around picking through garage sales. Some streets and neighborhoods will have "Annual Garage/Yard Sale" days. These are your opportune moments. On these days, everyone is out looking for yard sales in your area. Notices about these days may appear in the mail. Avoid holding a sale when there is road construction occurring along the main route to your sale location. Construction may keep away potential customers who are either avoiding the traffic or in a bad mood from the traffic. Choose a location for your sale. If you're just having a single-family sale, your location is pretty much set: hold the sale in front of your house in your yard, your driveway, or an open garage. If you're having a multifamily or charity sale, be sure to pick a spot that is large enough for everybody's wares and choose a location that is easy to find and to get to. It should preferably be at a location nearby like a park or parking lot. your sale. Advertise You don't need to advertise ahead of time, but it may dramatically increase your customer traffic. Your local newspaper may offer a deal on ads for garage sales. If your sale is happening on Friday, you should have an ad in the paper by Wednesday or just on Thursday. You also want to make sure to get your ad into the paper before the deadline, which could be several days in advance before you plan to show the ad in the paper Advertise in free weekly community shopping papers and on community bulletin boards in grocery stores and laundromats. Spread the word through your local neighborhood grapevine. Don't overlook the internet. There are many sites that allow you to place advertisements for free. Post to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Invite your network to peruse your wares. Make signs a few days before the sale. Give the date and time of the sale, the location and, if you have room, list some items for sale. The signs can be as simple as "Garage Sale: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m on Saturday at 1515 Whiskery Way", or "Yard Sale Saturday: 1515 Whiskery Way" with an arrow pointing down the street toward your house. Try to find a balance of information that's useful, fun, and easy to read from a moving vehicle. Make sure that the phrase "Garage Sale" or "Yard Sale" is prominent. Use plain, bold colors and simple lettering when conveying your garage sale's information. Use a sturdy material for your garage sale signs, like a couple of layers of poster board or corrugated cardboard, so that the wind won't bend it. Post the signs around your neighborhood. Hang your signs a few days before the sale in places where they will be noticed by many passersbys. You can tape signs to telephone poles, lamp posts, trees, and stop-sign poles. Put a sign at the entrance to your neighbourhood, or in front of your house. If you live near a major road, hang the signs on telephone poles or street signs at an intersection on that road. Intersections with stop signs or traffic signals are particularly good places to put a poster. In case, check your municipality's or homeowners association's rules regarding signs. Tidy up your yard and/or garage. Garage sale customers are more likely to buy (and to buy at higher prices) if it looks like the merchandise came from a good home with owners that care for their things. They're also more likely to feel comfortable stopping and browsing if your sale space is attractive and clean. Presentation is key. Mow the lawn, rake the leaves, and open up space to display the items you're selling. Make sure that customers have plenty of parking space. Consider moving any cars that are usually parked in front of your house. You might need to move them to another street or ask a neighbour if you can park your car in front of their house or in their driveway. Make sure that you have enough table space. You can use tables and bookshelves from your house to display your items, Or you can rent folding tables if you don't have enough. While customers do see and buy items that are on the ground, it's important to display small items on tables. This protects them from foot traffic and allows people to easily inspect them. If you're using furniture from your home to display your wares, make sure that this not-for-sale furniture isn't mistaken for something that's up for grabs. Consider draping a sheet or a tablecloth over tables to hide the furniture itself but preserve the display space. Get plenty of change. Customers may not have exact change on hand, and your ability to make change could be the difference between a sale and a walk away. Unless you've got a lot of change at home, chances are that you'll need to visit the bank the day before the sale. Pick up a few rolls of coins and be sure to keep plenty of small bills on hand. You're going to be making change for a lot of customers, so consider using a fanny pack or an apron to organize your money. Many fanny packs have two pockets: you can keep the bills in the large compartment, and the coins in the smaller compartment. Keep large bills in the house until they're needed. You don't have to drop them or lose large amounts of money in case your money is stolen. If you own a smartphone or a tablet, consider setting up a credit card swipe. This is a professional touch, and it may entice customers to spend more than the hard cash they have on hand. This is especially handy for "big ticket items" like used furniture , bikes, instruments, and rare antiques. Set up on the morning of the sale. Get up early so that you'll have plenty of time to arrange your vending area. The morning will mainly be used to set up your display items, and to move furniture and cars. Consider enlisting a few early-rising friends or family members to help you set everything up more quickly. Make a game plan the night before. You should know where your tables will go, where you're putting various goods, how much you're charging for each item, and where you're going to put the money. If your sale is popular, everything will start to happen rather quickly, so be prepared. Seasoned garage sale customers often arrive before the posted times to get a first crack at the premium merchandise, and these customers come ready to buy. Make sure you have everything ready an hour or two before your advertised start time. Don't set up the night before, even if you live in a safe neighbourhood. You never know who walks the streets at night. Furthermore, your wares could grow damp from dew or morning mist, making them harder to sell. To avoid people coming before you're ready to open, wait to put up signs around the neighbourhood until you have everything out and you're ready to sell. Put the signs closest to your house up last. The early birds (usually re-sellers) can be distracting, even pushy, while you are busy setting up. Keep your display visually attractive. Many potential customers will drive by before they stop, and you want your sale to look intriguing and well-organized so that they stop. Take things out of the boxes in which you gathered them, so that people driving by will see your goods instead of a bunch of cardboard boxes. Place premium items (nearly-new merchandise, antiques, large tools, etc.) close to the street to attract interest. Arrange your tables so items are neatly displayed with enough room between items to allow people to comfortably inspect them. Instead of folding clothes on tables, hang them from a clothesline strung from trees or from your garage ceiling near the door. Hanging clothes are easier to look through, and you won't have to worry about refolding them on the table. Helium balloons are an inexpensive way to draw attention to your sale. Hang them on your tables or at the end of your street. Consider offering refreshments. Add more interest to your sale by offering craft items, home baked goods, or beverages. Having coffee or donuts available encourages some to stick around and buy more. People tend to attract people. People will often pass up a garage sale if no one is there. Be an active seller. Running a garage sale is a lot like working at a retail establishment, so bring out the salesperson within you. Greet your customers with a friendly smile as they arrive. Ask customers if there is anything you can help them with. Then let them browse if they say no. You want people to feel comfortable at your sale and not like they are being watched or judged. Offer package deals (if a person buys a blender, for example, why shouldn't they buy those margarita glasses as well?), and reward big buyers with bulk discounts. Don't just hope that your goods sell themselves. Have extra help on hand. Always have several people at the sale for the sake of convenience and security. You can ask your family members or friends to help out and repay them with a small fee or treat them to a meal afterward. Bathroom breaks are made easier with extra help. When you need one, you can keep the sale running smoothly. Never leave the sale unattended for more than a few moments at a time and avoid leaving the sale under the watch of small children. Keep your items tidy throughout the sale. As your sale progresses, things will unavoidably get disheveled, disorganized, and possibly even broken. If you want to sell as much as possible, you should try to keep things looking nice. Straighten items as you walk by them and while you speak to customers. Move items around as you sell them, putting forward new and premium items in the front. Negotiate with hagglers. Even though your prices are clearly marked, some people will try to haggle. Play along; haggling can be a fun experience, and you'll likely make a lot more sales if you're willing to reward these bargain hunters. Don't be afraid to decline an offer that considers all offers. After all, you're trying to get rid of this stuff. Be sure not to drop your prices too early in the day. If you've successfully organized your garage sale, you should bring in plenty of customers that are willing to pay the full price. If you're having a multi-family sale, haggling on friends' items should only be done with their permission. If a customer isn't willing to compromise on their low-ball offer, say, "It's not mine. I'm selling this for a friend, so I have to stick with their price for you and the other buyers". Offer last-minute deals. If you still have items left over during the final scheduled hours of your sale, then go ahead and slash prices. Some deals you can offer: Buy-one-get-one deals. Bulk discounts. Two for the price of one. Half priced items after a certain time. Stay open until closing time to catch latecomers. You never know when someone's going to come across your sale, even if traffic has died down. This is especially relevant if you've set a specific window for your garage sale, such as 9 am to 3 pm, and even more so if you've posted the times for the sale online or in the paper. You may continue to get occasional customers all the way up to the end of the sale. If you wait until after closing time before you start to pack up, you may find that some stragglers will come by. Sometimes people will come by to offer you a set dollar amount for the entire load! Give away what you don't sell. Don't just throw perfectly-good items into the landfill—try to find someone who needs the things that you don't. You can post ads online or posters around your neighborhood advertising the things you will be giving away. You can tell your friends, family, and neighbors about the items you will be giving away, asking them if any of them are in need. Check with local charities and thrift stores. Some will pick up items that you don't sell and put them to good use. Take down your signs after the sale. Try to take down the signs as soon as possible to help keep your neighborhood and community clean. Nobody likes to see old, faded, and sagging signs taped up to poles. Ask a friend or family member to take down signs right after closing time so you can continue to sell or clean up. If your address is written on a sign, and you leave it up in your neighborhood for weeks after the sale, everyone will know where you live. Furthermore, you might continue to get prospective customers showing up at random times. Keep an eye on your customers. A garage sale brings all kinds of people, including shoplifters. Keep your wares in plain sight and avoid leaving the sale unattended for more than a few moments at a time. Consider asking friends or neighbors to help you run the sale so that there's always someone watching over the customers. The more eyes you have on your side, the more likely you'll be to catch shoplifters in the act. As long as people know you're watching, you probably won't run into much trouble, but if somebody does steal a small item, it's probably not worth confronting them. Use your best judgment. If the thief is a neighborhood kid, you might consider confronting him and telling his parents. If the thief is a surly, dangerous-looking stranger, you may want to let them take the item without a struggle. If you suspect that someone has stolen something valuable, confront them tactfully and call the police if necessary, but do not attempt to detain them. Lock up your house to deter opportunistic burglars. During your sale, lock all doors into the house. This includes back doors, front doors, and side doors. As well, windows and close screen doors. There may be a thief, or thieves working together, looking for a five-finger-discount on the valuables inside your home that you aren't selling. Crowds bring distraction. It's important to place yourself and your items in a place where you can easily see everything. Watch your cash. Anybody can come up to it and steal the money you've made, so make sure that someone is attending it at all times. Or keep it close to you in a closed bag or fanny pack. Only keep a reasonable amount of money in your cash box or with you at a time. That way, if somebody does steal it, they're not getting too much. Consider buying a counterfeit pen—a marker that can detect counterfeit bills. If someone offers you a hundred-dollar bill, you'll want to be able to tell whether it's real. Have a bathroom plan. The larger your garage sale, the longer people will stay; the longer people stay, the more likely it is that they'll need to use the restroom. Some customers may ask to use your home restroom. You are under no obligation to let anyone into your house, even to use the restroom, but you might consider making exceptions for small children or the elderly. If someone really needs to go to the bathroom, direct them to the nearest public building. | Gather items for sale. Take inventory. Price your goods. Label your items with price tags. Make your sale as big as feasible. Obtain a permit if it's required in your area. Consider organizing a multi-family or community garage sale. Set a date and time for your sale. Choose a location for your sale. your sale. Make signs a few days before the sale. Post the signs around your neighborhood. Tidy up your yard and/or garage. Make sure that you have enough table space. Get plenty of change. Set up on the morning of the sale. Keep your display visually attractive. Consider offering refreshments. Be an active seller. Have extra help on hand. Keep your items tidy throughout the sale. Negotiate with hagglers. Offer last-minute deals. Stay open until closing time to catch latecomers. Give away what you don't sell. Take down your signs after the sale. Keep an eye on your customers. Lock up your house to deter opportunistic burglars. Watch your cash. Have a bathroom plan. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed | How to Paint a Rusty Metal Shed | To paint a rusty metal shed, you'll need to sand away the rust, apply a special primer, then paint it. The first thing you'll need to do is wash your shed with warm, soapy water. Dirt can increase rust so this way you start with a good foundation. Treat any flash rust by rubbing paint thinner onto the surface. To get rid of the remaining rust, you can use a wire brush attachment for your power drill, a belt sander, or an orbital sander. After you've sanded away the rust, apply 2 coats of a rust-inhibiting primer to prevent rust building up underneath the paint. Then, apply 2 coats of a water-based enamel acrylic paint to bring out the color. | Spray your shed with a hose. Use a strong spray attachment to remove leaves, dirt and other debris. It is important to clean it to see which areas of the shed have rust. Wash the surface with a mixture of water and strong detergent. Dirt will hold in moisture and increase rust, so take time when washing your shed. Use a sponge with a soft and abrasive side and then rinse well. Apply paint thinner on a rag to flash rust. This type of rust appears quickly after the metal surface is wet. It will damage the metal if not treated immediately. Sand the area around any holes with 80 to 120 grit sandpaper. Wash it and apply some paint thinner with a rag to remove any flash rust spots. Fill holes with auto body filler. Use a putty knife to apply the auto body filler and swipe it until it is almost even with the shed's metal surface. Allow it to dry completely. Remove the rust on the shed. There are a number of methods that can be used. Choose depending upon available materials and the quantity of rust. Buy a wire brush attachment for your power drill, if you have rust patches, instead of rust all over the shed. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/aid2411882-v4-728px-Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet1.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>"} Employ a belt sander and orbital sander to remove rust on many surfaces and corners. Use fine grit sandpaper so that you do not damage the integrity of weakened surfaces. Most people who are repainting metal sheds will need to do some sanding. Although you can sand by hand, it will save time by using power tools. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet2.jpg\/aid2411882-v4-728px-Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet2.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>"} Rent a hand held sandblaster for big jobs. This device uses compressed air to blow fine sand over the surface of the shed. It has the same effect of sanding, but is very efficient. Make sure to lay drop cloths over plants and objects. Sandblasting is extremely effective for metal scroll work and smaller, hard to reach surfaces, as well as long flat surfaces. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet3.jpg\/aid2411882-v4-728px-Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet3.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>"} Use a combination of any of the above methods according to what is the most effective. Remember that areas with auto body filler will also need to be sanded to ensure the paint will stick to the surface. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet4.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet4.jpg\/aid2411882-v4-728px-Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-6Bullet4.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>"} Wash the surface of your shed with detergent and water again. This will remove sand and dirt particles that have accumulated. Allow it to dry completely before starting to paint. If it is a manageable size, dry it with some rags to decrease the likelihood of flash rust. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-7Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/aid2411882-v4-728px-Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-7Bullet1.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>"} Apply a rust-inhibiting primer with a brush. Make sure you get into all the crevices around the surface of the shed. Read the directions on the rust-inhibiting primer. They usually have a slightly more careful application style than most paints. Spread it according to the spread rate on the container. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-8Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/aid2411882-v4-728px-Paint-a-Rusty-Metal-Shed-Step-8Bullet1.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>"} Watch for rusty moisture to appear on the surface of the primer as it dries. Wipe the area dry with a dry cloth. Allow it to dry completely after the moisture is removed. Apply a second coat of rust-inhibiting primer. If your main goal is to avoid rust damage, then do a second coat and look out for rusty moisture as it dries. Apply your first coat of water-based enamel acrylic paint. Choose a high-quality paint with rust-inhibiting properties. You can use brushes or a paint sprayer on the paint application. Apply a second coat of paint after the first coat dries, especially if you have chosen a light-colored paint. Many metal primers are red or other darker colors and they can show through. Allow your shed to dry. Remove your drop cloths. | Spray your shed with a hose. Wash the surface with a mixture of water and strong detergent. Apply paint thinner on a rag to flash rust. Sand the area around any holes with 80 to 120 grit sandpaper. Fill holes with auto body filler. Remove the rust on the shed. Wash the surface of your shed with detergent and water again. Apply a rust-inhibiting primer with a brush. Watch for rusty moisture to appear on the surface of the primer as it dries. Apply a second coat of rust-inhibiting primer. Apply your first coat of water-based enamel acrylic paint. Apply a second coat of paint after the first coat dries, especially if you have chosen a light-colored paint. Allow your shed to dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Short-Novel | How to Write a Short Novel | To write a short novel, keep your story between 20,000 and 40,000 words, which is how long a short novel typically is. Since you have limited space to write your story, try to stick with 4 characters or less and just 1 or 2 settings. You should also limit your story to one major conflict since including too many conflicts can make your short novel too long and complex. Also, to keep your readers engaged, have your story move at a fast pace. | Focus on an engaging narrator or main character. Short novels are best when they focus on one narrator and their interactions with other characters. Create a narrator that has a unique voice or style. Make the narrator particular and specific. The narrator can then transport the reader into the world of the story in a short period of time. For example, you may have a narrator who is a teenager with a disability and considered an outcast in their small American town. Use setting as inspiration for the short novel. Setting can be another good jumping off point for a short novel. Pick a setting that you have a lot to say about or that you are curious about. Go for a setting that will be new or engaging to the reader. Then, structure the novel around the setting. For example, you may write a short novel set in a Caribbean island during a political uprising. Or you use your neighborhood as the main setting in the novel and structure characters and conflict around the setting that way. Take an existing short story and make it into a novel. If you already have a few short stories that you have been itching to expand, try turning one of them into a short novel. Pick a short story that feels like it could be longer or fuller. Try using the same characters, conflict, and setting for a novel. For example, you may have a short story about a missing boy in a small town that you think could be expanded into a short novel. Read examples of a short novel. To get a better sense of how to write a short novel, read examples that are considered successful or well done. You may read short novels like: The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx Department of Speculation by Jenny Offill The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid Begin in scene. Start with action and scene so your reader is grabbed right away. Focus on a scene involving your narrator or your main character. Begin with a scene that will give the reader a sense of the narrative voice and the style of the rest of the novel. For example, you may begin with a scene involving the main character and their mother. The relationship between the main character and the mother character may then be carried on throughout the rest of the novel. Have one central conflict. A short novel should only focus on one conflict or situation involving your main character. This will prevent the novel from growing into a longer narrative and make it easier for you to stay focused while you write. Have one central conflict in the novel and go from there. Try to summarize the central conflict or plot of the novel in one sentence. If you can do this, the conflict or plot is likely clear enough for the short novel. For example, you may have a central conflict like, “Teenager Mary Heti struggles to come out to her religious mother and deal with being a social outcast in a small Southern town.” Include a limited number of characters and settings. Keep your number of characters within one to four maximum in the short novel. This will help you avoid getting overwhelmed by too many characters in such a short work. You may focus on one or two main characters and one or two secondary characters. You should also limit your settings so the reader can be immersed in the novel. For example, you may have one main setting, like the small American town where the narrator lives. You may then have one secondary setting, like the summer camp in the woods she goes to for one month. Use repetition and pacing. A short novel should move fast to keep the reader engaged. Repeat key themes and ideas throughout the novel. Have recurring scenes or moments so the novel feels well paced. For example, you may have the narrator go see a doctor on a recurring basis as part of the novel's structure. Or you may have a main character who charts the movement of a star in the sky throughout the novel to tie it all together. Have a strong ending. A short novel lends itself to an ending that packs an emotional punch. Surprise your reader with a good twist at the end. Set up the reader's expectations and then knock them down. Make the ending surprising and unexpected, as this will leave the reader satisfied when they put the novel down. For example, you may have a satisfying ending where the mother character accepts the main character for who they are, despite her religious beliefs. Read the novel out loud. Once you have finished a draft of the short novel, read it aloud from beginning to end. Notice how the sentences sound out loud. Pay attention to the pacing of the novel and make sure each chapter or section transitions smoothly into one another. Reading the novel out loud will also help you catch any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Show the novel to others. Ask friends, peers, and family members to read the novel. Choose individuals that you trust and respect to read your work. Be open to constructive feedback and listen to what others have to say about the novel. Ask your readers if they find the novel engaging and entertaining. Pose questions about the pacing, characterization, and description in the novel. You can also join a writing group or create your own writing group and have the group workshop your novel draft. Revise the novel for length and clarity. Once you have received feedback on the novel, revise it so it is within 20,000 to 40,000 words. Cut any scenes that feel too long or unnecessary. Clarify any confusing sentences or sections for the reader. Polish the novel so it is at its best. After the novel has been revised, you can then decide if you'd like to try to publish it so you can share it with a wide audience. | Focus on an engaging narrator or main character. Use setting as inspiration for the short novel. Take an existing short story and make it into a novel. Read examples of a short novel. Begin in scene. Have one central conflict. Include a limited number of characters and settings. Use repetition and pacing. Have a strong ending. Read the novel out loud. Show the novel to others. Revise the novel for length and clarity. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-an-Essay-With-a-Quote | How to Start an Essay With a Quote | To start an essay with a quote, introduce the quote by including the name of the author, such as, “John Keats once said…” When you include the quote, put quotation marks around it and make sure to put any punctuation inside the quotation marks. If the quote is long, you can use only part of it or remove sections as long as you insert an ellipses. Once you've introduced the quote and the author, provide some context for the quotation and how it ties into the thesis of your essay. | Avoid clichés and overused quotations. Using a quotation that is very famous in the same way that everyone uses that quotation will bore your reader. It could also make you seem lazy or as though you haven't considered your audience. Use a surprising comment. Finding a quote that is surprising in some way. Consider one of the following approaches: Quote a person saying something that someone would not expect them to say. Quote someone who is not universally famous. Use a well-known quote but contradict it. Research the quote’s context. Knowing the context in which the quotation was originally used is important to using it accurately. It will also help you determine whether the quote is an appropriate means of introducing your essay. Know your audience. The effectiveness of the quotation you use will be determined by the audience of your paper. Determine whether the audience will be familiar with the person who you are quoting. If it is someone obscure or you think they will not be familiar, consider providing additional (brief) details. Do not use a quote that could be offensive to the audience unless you plan to contradict the quotation. Strike a balance between assuming your audience knows everything and assuming they know nothing. You should be clear and informative but not insulting to the intelligence of your reader. Hook your reader. Think of a quotation as a “hook” that will engage your reader and make her want to read more of your paper. The well-executed quotation is one way to draw your reader in to your essay. Ensure that the quotation contributes to your essay. A snappy quotation that doesn't help to set up your topic, or that is unrelated to the rest of your essay, will distract from the essay's focus. Introduce the quotation appropriately. Quotes should not stand alone in your paper. Your words should introduce the quotation, usually coming before the quote (though after may be okay). Several options for introducing the quotation are available to you: Use the quote as a sentence predicate. The subject of the sentence will be the person who said the quote, and the verb will most likely be a synonym of “said.” For example, "Jane Smith said, 'blah blah blah.'" Preview the content of the quote. Use your own (grammatically correct) sentence to preview or paraphrase what the quote will say, then insert a colon or comma, then the (grammatically correct) sentence-length quotation. For example: "Once Jane Smith said something completely awesome: 'the awesome thing she said.'" Begin with the quote. If you begin with the quote, be sure to place a comma after the quote and then provide a verb and attribute the quotation to the source. For example: "'Blah blah blah,' said Jane Smith." Punctuate the quote appropriately. Quotations should always appear with quotation marks around them. Failing to use quotation marks may result in plagiarism. The quote only needs to be capitalized if it begins the sentence or if the first word of the quote is a proper noun, like the name of a person or a place. In American usage, end punctuation should be placed inside the quotation marks. For example, “this is the quote.” Paraphrased material (someone else's idea put into your own words) need not have quotation marks around it, but should be attributed to the original speaker. If you introduce the quote with the speaker's name and a verb, provide a comma before the beginning of the quotation. For example: "Jane Smith said, 'blah blah blah.'" Attribute the quote correctly. This may seem obvious, but be sure the person who you're quoting actually said the quote. Not all sources of information are legitimate, so looking at an academic source rather than an internet source may be more accurate. Starting your paper with a glaring mistake will set a bad precedent for the rest of your ideas. Be particularly aware of quotations found on social media such as Pinterest, or on quote aggregators such as Brainyquote. These sources are notorious for mis-attributing and even making up famous quotes. Be true to the meaning and context of the quote. This is tied to academic honesty. Do not manipulate a quotation to fit your purposes by leaving out words or misleading the audience about the context of the quotation. Use a fragment of a long quote. If the quotation is long, or you only need part of it to make your point, you can leave sections out by using an ellipses (…). You may also need to substitute a word (like a name rather than a pronoun) for clarity. If you need to substitute a word, place square brackets around the word to indicate that you made a change. For example: "Jane Smith said, 'blah [blady] blah.'" Be sure to keep the original intent of the quotation when making changes. Changes should be made only to preserve clarity or to change length, not to manipulate the content of the quotation. Introduce the quotation. The quotation needs to be introduced in your own words. This can come either before or after the quote itself. You should identify the speaker of the quotation. Provide context for the quotation. Particularly if your quote is the first sentence in your paper, be sure to provide 2-3 sentences of explanation and context. There should be a clear sense of why you are choosing to use the quotation and why it is important to the rest of your paper. Connect the quotation to your thesis. You should provide an explicit connection between the quotation and your thesis, or the central argument of your paper. Be sure that the quotation you use supports your thesis. Be sure that using the quotation enhances, rather than distracting from, your argument. | Avoid clichés and overused quotations. Use a surprising comment. Research the quote’s context. Know your audience. Hook your reader. Ensure that the quotation contributes to your essay. Introduce the quotation appropriately. Punctuate the quote appropriately. Attribute the quote correctly. Be true to the meaning and context of the quote. Use a fragment of a long quote. Introduce the quotation. Provide context for the quotation. Connect the quotation to your thesis. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Boyfriend | How to Keep a Boyfriend | Maintaining your relationship with your boyfriend requires communication and attention. Keep your boyfriend up to date about how you're feeling and encourage him to share his emotions with you so you understand each other. It can be stressful when you argue about something, but don't be afraid to talk things out. Ignoring issues will only make them build over time. Another important part of staying close to your boyfriend is making regular time for each other. Go on dates at least every couple of weeks and spend time relaxing together to stay connected. On the other hand, it's also important to have your own space and spend time apart. This will help you maintain your other friendships and do the things you love. | Ask for what you need. This applies to everything from emotional to physical needs. Don't assume your boyfriend knows what you want or what you need—it's an unrealistic and unproductive expectation that will lead to unfounded disappointments and resentment. Expecting your partner to know instinctively what you want is one of the most common and preventable sources of tension in a relationship. If you want your boyfriend to be involved, you first have to communicate your feelings and needs to him honestly. Don’t assume you know what he’s thinking. Instead, just ask. Just as you wouldn't want to have to read his mind, don't wait for him to read yours (because he probably can't). When asking your boyfriend about his thoughts or feelings, try to be as respectful and patient as possible. Don't be confrontational or accusatory, as it will only make your partner more likely to clam up. Be genuinely interested in him and allow him to be equally as interested in you. Get in the habit of having intimate conversations where you open up to each other and have room to be a little bit vulnerable. Open up about your goals and dreams. Talk about your past, both good and bad. Share things that have meaning for you—maybe a song, a book, a souvenir, etc. Use a specific, concrete communication style, both in your everyday exchanges and in more serious conversations. For example, rather than asking, “how was your day?” ask a more specific question that's likely to elicit a more engaged response, like “what was the best part of your day?” or “what made you smile?” This is particularly important when discussing your needs. Don't be vague, be specific. Rather than say, “I wish you listened to me more,” say, “I'd really like for you to ask me about my day.” The more specific you are, the more likely you are to get positive results. Check in with each other about your relationship regularly. Make it a regular practice to sit down with each other and talk about things that are and aren't working. Establish ahead of time that this will be an open but also a respectful and caring conversation. If something isn't working for one of you, agree not to accuse or blame the other person but to instead explain your feelings and offer gentle suggestions for change or compromise. Maintain physical intimacy. Physical touch—kissing, cuddling, holding hands, embracing, and having sex (if it's sexual relationship)—is important to the intimacy of a relationship. It's quite common to begin to lose physical intimacy after the initial infatuation phase wears off, which makes it that much more important to pay careful attention it, particularly after you've been dating for a while. Discuss what physical intimacy means and looks like for both of you. Quite often, partners will have different ways of expressing physical intimacy, and it's important that you're both aware of and attentive to what the other needs. Teach each other how you like to be touched and make it a regular part of your interaction. Knowing what your boyfriend likes—and vice versa—will help both of you feel intimately connected. Never feel compelled to have sex or be physically intimate if you aren’t willing or are uncomfortable in the situation. Agree to communicate openly and honestly with each other about physical intimacy and to respect the other's wishes if the other person says no. Don’t necessarily place the responsibility for initiating physical contact on one partner (unless that’s the dynamic you both prefer). Be mutually engaged in the physical aspect of the relationship. Get to know his friends. Know, though, that you aren't obligated to like all of them. Find friends of his that you can get along with and spend some time hanging out as part of his friend circle—and ask him to reciprocate as well. If you dislike some of his friends, don't ask him to give up those friendships unless you have strong reason to be concerned (destructive or abusive behavior, etc.). If you dislike ''' all ''' of his friends, you'll need to sit down and have an honest conversation about how to compromise. Also talk about allowing each other to hang out with your own friends separately. Maintaining strong friendships while in a relationship is both important and healthy for both of you. Be emotionally generous—with him and yourself. Do your best to make your actions show that you love and value your boyfriend and want the relationship to work. Ask for the same if you feel you aren't receiving it. Don't play games and don't be emotionally manipulative. Be honest and straightforward with your feelings. Ask that he do the same. Forgive him and yourself for honest mistakes. Give him the benefit of the doubt. When an issue comes up, don't go automatically with your worst suspicions. If, for example, your boyfriend shows up late, don't immediately assume he's cheating or doesn't respect you or wants to hurt you. Instead, ask him honestly why he was late, and, if you have no other reason to be distrustful, accept his reasons. Of course, if he has a pattern of poor behavior and you have legitimate reasons for doubt, don't dismiss them and do talk to him about it. Don’t cheat or try to make your boyfriend jealous. It should go without saying, but never cheat on or try to emotionally manipulate your partner. If you find yourself so attracted to another person that you absolutely need to be with them, discuss alternate relationship possibilities with your boyfriend or end your relationship with him first. If you find your attention just generally wandering or find yourself wanting to make him jealous, have an honest heart-to-heart with yourself and then with him about what you aren't getting from the relationship. Maintain good boundaries. Recognize and respect that you are—and should remain—two unique individuals. Don't try to take up space in every aspect of his life, and don't allow him to take up all the space in yours. Respect and admire each other's independence. Allow each other to have personal space. Being in a relationship doesn't mean you have to share all the same hobbies, tastes, and friends—in fact, it's probably a bad idea. Respect each other's differences and give each other time to pursue your own individual interests. Be open with each other about what “alone time” means and looks like. Talk to him about how much and what kind of individual time you both need. Remember that your needs may be different and be willing to talk about it and compromise if necessary. Be sure you both understand what you want from your time apart, and be particularly sure you both understand what that time apart means to the other person. Don't let yourself start to feel that “alone time” means “he doesn't want to be around me” when, to him, it may mean something quite different—it will only lead to unnecessary hurt and misunderstanding. Know that conflict will happen and don’t panic. It's a natural part of human relationships, and it doesn't have to be destructive. If you can learn to fight constructively, conflict can even strengthen a relationship. When a conflict does come up, disagree respectfully. As hard as it can be to stay level-headed when emotions are high, remember that how you react will determine whether the disagreement will help or hurt the relationship. Take a break if a fight gets too intense or stressful. Call a time-out for a mutually agreed-upon amount of time and come back together when you've had time to calm down. Taking a time-out allows emotions to defuse and allows both of you to step back and recognize what you're truly upset about. Sometimes it isn't what you think in the heat of the moment. Learn to ask yourself what you’re really feeling. Often when we fight, we only allow ourselves to react to immediate events and deal with surface emotions (annoyance, anger, etc.). But in most cases what we're angry or annoyed about isn't—or isn't only—the immediate circumstances but what's beneath them: fear, loneliness, anxiety, sadness, hurt, etc. Look beyond your annoyance in the moment to find what's really fuelling that feeling—a past hurt or an underlying fear, for example—and try to recognize what you're really upset about. Once you recognize the real issue, communicate that honestly to your partner. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/science-and-sensibility/201712/six-tips-switch-intimacy-killers-intimacy-builders#Recognize that there may even be some things you'll never agree on, but that if they aren't crucial issues, it's okay to let it be. You don't have to agree about everything, and it can be good practice to respectfully agree to disagree. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/93904-21.jpg\/v4-460px-93904-21.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/93904-21.jpg\/aid93904-v4-728px-93904-21.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>"} Remember the difference between important and unimportant differences: disagreeing about which restaurant has the best hamburgers is okay; disagreeing about, for example, how to communicate respect is an issue that needs discussion. When you need to apologize—and eventually we all do—be sincere and kind. Don't make insincere or dismissive apologies like, “I'm sorry that's what you think happened” or “I'm sorry you didn't understand me.” Instead, be genuine and empathetic; you might say something like, “I'm sorry I hurt you. I didn't mean to, and I'm going to try not to hurt you again.” Be fully present when you’re with him. Give your partner your full attention and be an active listener (see How to Actively Listen ). And ask him to do the same. To keep the emotional intimacy of your relationship healthy, you both need to be sincerely present for and engaged with each other. Respect your boyfriend’s feelings. When your boyfriend comes to you to vent or share his feelings, recognize that he's showing you that he appreciates that you're there for him and is making himself emotionally vulnerable. Honor that gesture of intimacy and listen actively and with care. Accept your boyfriend’s differences. Don't try to force him to meet a precise set of requirements in exactly the way you want. Be open to who he is and learn how you can support each other in your own ways; don't try to force each other to be something you're not. As much as you might want to believe that your partner should perfectly meet all your expectations in exactly the way you want him to, it really isn't in the nature of how human beings—or human relationships—work. Don’t go into or through the relationship expecting to change him. It's healthy to let him know your needs and desires and to expect him to make an effort to meet them. But it isn't realistic or healthy to expect him to become a different person. Be confident in yourself. Don't look for a boyfriend or a relationship to make you feel wanted or valued—it's a recipe for disaster. The more confident you are in yourself, the more compelling you'll be to your boyfriend and to other people in general. Humans are quite good at sensing when people are insecure or inauthentic, and it tends to be a universal detractor. Place value in yourself rather than purely in the relationship. It will inevitably leave you unsatisfied because no one else can truly make you feel valued—that's something only you can do. If you place a significant amount of your self-worth in a relationship, you're entrusting your value to something that isn't about you—relationships are about two people learning to be, yes, in a relationship with each other. It not only doesn't make sense to see a relationship as a reflection of your own worth, it will ultimately backfire and leave you irrationally dependent on another person for your sense of self. Take care of yourself both physically and emotionally—don’t rely on your boyfriend to do it. Though he can and hopefully will provide supplemental love and support, he can't—and shouldn't—carry the weight of all your physical and emotional needs. Set aside time to physically take care of yourself, whether that means taking a bath, going to the gym, learning self-defense, playing with your dog, playing a sport, etc. When you're physically well, you'll be more naturally confident and independent, a highly attractive attribute in anyone, and particularly in a partner. Make time to emotionally take care of yourself. Check in with yourself and how you're feeling, independent of your boyfriend. If you're not maintaining your own emotional health, it will very quickly begin to negatively impact your relationship. | Ask for what you need. Don’t assume you know what he’s thinking. Be genuinely interested in him and allow him to be equally as interested in you. Use a specific, concrete communication style, both in your everyday exchanges and in more serious conversations. Check in with each other about your relationship regularly. Maintain physical intimacy. Discuss what physical intimacy means and looks like for both of you. Teach each other how you like to be touched and make it a regular part of your interaction. Never feel compelled to have sex or be physically intimate if you aren’t willing or are uncomfortable in the situation. Don’t necessarily place the responsibility for initiating physical contact on one partner (unless that’s the dynamic you both prefer). Get to know his friends. Be emotionally generous—with him and yourself. Don’t cheat or try to make your boyfriend jealous. Maintain good boundaries. Allow each other to have personal space. Be open with each other about what “alone time” means and looks like. Know that conflict will happen and don’t panic. When a conflict does come up, disagree respectfully. Take a break if a fight gets too intense or stressful. Learn to ask yourself what you’re really feeling. When you need to apologize—and eventually we all do—be sincere and kind. Be fully present when you’re with him. Respect your boyfriend’s feelings. Accept your boyfriend’s differences. Don’t go into or through the relationship expecting to change him. Be confident in yourself. Place value in yourself rather than purely in the relationship. Take care of yourself both physically and emotionally—don’t rely on your boyfriend to do it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Leopard-Gecko-Egg | How to Care for a Leopard Gecko Egg | To care for a leopard gecko egg, make sure the temperature in your incubator is between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, remove the eggs immediately from the tank after the female lays them so they don't get cold. Make sure to pick up each egg with a spoon to avoid damaging it with your hands. Then, place each egg carefully in the incubator in the same position it was laid in, since the embryo will die if you flip the egg over. | Find a container to use as an incubator. Gecko eggs need to be incubated to be healthy and safe. You will need to have an incubator ready before your gecko lays eggs so you can transfer the eggs quickly once they're laid. You can purchase an incubator at the store. This may be your easiest option as it will save you some time. However, if you're on a budget you can make an incubator. You can use a small plastic container for the incubator. You can use a deli cup or a small tupperware container. Make sure any container you use is big enough to hold at least 24 ounces. Line the bottom of your container with substrate. Substrate is the lining of the bottom of a cage. You can purchase substrate online or at a local pet store. The best materials for an incubator are the soils vermiculite or perlite. You can use one or the other, or a mixture of the two. You should put enough substrate in the container that the bottom is fully covered. There should not be any parts of the bottom of the incubator exposed. The exact amount you need will depend on the shape and size of your incubator. Make sure the moisture levels are correct. Gecko eggs need moisture to thrive, so you'll want to make sure the container is adequately moist. You want an equal ratio of water to the substrate, based on weight. Weigh your substrate and add an equal amount of water. For example, say your substrate is 3 ounces. You will want to match that with 3 ounces of water. You can buy a small scale at a hardware store to take measurements. Make sure the ratio is based on weight and not volume. It's very important that you keep the moisture levels appropriate as you want your geckos to be comfortable. Mix the water in with your substrate to create a moist, even mixture in the incubator. Tap water is probably safe here, but you can use filtered water or bottled water if you want to err on the side of caution. Regulate air in your incubator. Geckos need a temperature of at least 73 degrees. However, the ideal temperature is between 86 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. You can buy a small thermometer, like an oven thermometer, to measure the temperature in your incubator. If you need your incubator to warm up slightly, you can use heat tape or an under tank heating pad. Avoid heat rocks. These could burn a gecko. Avoid air holes. You need to keep the environment for your gecko eggs warm. All you need to do is open the lid about once a week. You can let some air in, providing adequate oxygen, and check to make sure the eggs look healthy. Remove the eggs as soon as the female finishes laying them. Your female gecko will lay eggs somewhere in her tank, and may bury them slightly in the substrate. This will usually occur 3 to 4 weeks after mating, so be vigilant to check your female gecko around this time. She will lay eggs in batches, so not all the eggs will be laid in one sitting. Keep an eye on your gecko and notice when she is laying eggs. You will want to remove the eggs shortly after she finishes laying them. An adult gecko tank is not appropriate for eggs. Provide a moist hatching box, filled with substrate and an equal amount of water. Your gecko will naturally be drawn to a moist environment to lay her eggs. This will assure the eggs will be temporarily safe in the cage in the event your gecko lays her eggs while you're at work or school. If possible, wait until the mother has left the eggs. This way, you will not have to deal with working around the mother when you remove the eggs. Remove the eggs gently, preferably using a spoon. If you pick the eggs up with your fingers, touch them very lightly. You do not want to damage the eggs when moving them. Keep the eggs in their original position. Gecko embryos attach themselves to one side of the egg shortly after birth. If you flip the eggs upside down, the embryo will die. If can help to mark the top side of the egg with a sharpie. If you choose to do so, however, mark it very lightly to avoid hurting the egg. Make sure all the eggs are healthy. Not all eggs will be fertile, so check your eggs for signs of good health. It's fairly easy to tell the difference between a healthy egg and an infertile egg. A healthy gecko egg is usually hard upon hatching, and gets harder as time passes. They are oval shaped. If you hold a candle near the egg, you should be able to see the embryo inside. Infertile eggs are very soft. They have a texture similar to a water balloon. Infertile eggs may also be misshapen or shriveled in appearance. You can discard of infertile eggs if there's limited room in your incubator. However, if you have the room, it's a good idea to keep all the eggs. Sometimes, a gecko egg that initially looks unhealthy may become healthier as time passes. What appears to be infertile eggs sometimes go on to hatch. Set up a safe environment for when your eggs hatch. Geckos should be transferred to a different tank within a few hours of hatching, so have a tank for them ready to go. As you're waiting for the eggs to hatch, take steps to have a tank ready for the hatchlings. You can buy an aquarium online or at a pet store. It should be at least 10 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 6 inches high. Make sure you have a heat mat under the container to keep it warm. Use a few layers of paper towel for substrate. Also, buy small tubes and structures at a local pet store. Newborns like to have space in their cage to hide. Make sure you provide a small water bowl. You can buy a water bowl for newborns online or at a pet store. You can also use a plastic bottle cap. Allow the eggs to hatch on their own. You do not need to intervene as the eggs start hatching. If you notice the hatching process, allow it to happen naturally. Gecko eggs do not take long to hatch, so it's possible you will check on your tank one day to find the geckos have hatched. Gecko eggs usually hatch within 35 to 89 days. Usually, you will not see the eggs hatch as it happens so quickly. You will only look in the incubator to see a gathering of gecko babies. If you see the eggs start to hatch, marked by the eggs cracking and geckos emerging, it can be fun to watch. However, you do not have to intervene. Leave newborns alone for 12 hours. Newborns will be very frightened of people after birth. Everything is new to young geckos, so leave them alone for about 12 hours. After this point, they will be used to the world and slightly more used to humans. Aim for a 12 hour range before removing the babies from the tank. Transfer the newborns to their new environment. Carefully pick up the newborns when transferring them. You may want to wear gloves when handling newborns, as they may bite. They will be afraid of humans at first. Remain calm when transferring the geckos. They may hiss or screech as you attempt to pick them up. This sound can be startling, but reacting to it may frighten your newborns more. Wait a few days before feeding the newborns. Newborns absorb a lot of nutrients from the yolk of their eggs. Therefore, they will not require food until a few days after hatching. When you do feed them, make sure you provide them with appropriately sized food. Crickets are a good food for newborns, but make sure the crickets you choose are small. They should be no wider than the width of a baby's head. Do not be surprised if the geckos do not eat a lot at first. They may initially only eat one cricket per meal. Their appetite will increase as they grow. | Find a container to use as an incubator. Line the bottom of your container with substrate. Make sure the moisture levels are correct. Regulate air in your incubator. Remove the eggs as soon as the female finishes laying them. Keep the eggs in their original position. Make sure all the eggs are healthy. Set up a safe environment for when your eggs hatch. Allow the eggs to hatch on their own. Leave newborns alone for 12 hours. Transfer the newborns to their new environment. Wait a few days before feeding the newborns. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Loved-by-Little-Kids | How to Be Loved by Little Kids | If you want to be loved by little kids, listen to them closely when they speak and ask them questions to encourage them to open up to you. For example, if they tell you they like fruit, ask them a question like, “Do you like apples or bananas more?” to engage them. If you're meeting a child for the first time, you might bring them a small gift or toy to play with together. If you don't have any toys to play with, you can play make-believe for fun! Kids have an active imagination, so ask them what they want to do, whether that's riding in a spaceship or playing house. Listen as they make up what's happening and respond with sound effects, gestures, and movements that match the scene. | Maintain a smile and open body language so you’re not intimidating. Adults can seem super scary to kids, especially if they don't know you well. Put the child at ease by showing them you're friendly. Smile at the child, keep your arms open, and angle your body toward them. When you need to talk to them directly, try to get down on their level. If you seem closed off, the child might think you're mean or don't like them. Give the child a small gift or candy to win them over. A small trinket will probably make the child like you more right away. Choose something you think the child will enjoy. Show them the present right away so they warm up to you. For example, you might bring something like a slinky, a mini box of legos, an inexpensive doll, a container of Play Dough, a coloring book, or a piece of candy. Check with the child's parent before you give them a gift or candy to make sure it's okay. Share the child's excitement when they show you something. Little kids are excited about the world around them, so they'll want to show you things like butterflies, leaves, or a new toy. Always display excitement and wonder when a child engages with you. You might even ask them follow-up questions. If the child points out a big cloud, say, “Cool! What do you think the cloud looks like?” If the child hands you a leaf, you could say, “Thanks, buddy! This is a cool leaf!” If they have a new toy, you might say, “What does this toy do?” or “Are you having fun playing with it?” Give the child time to warm up to you if you've just met them. Don't expect the child to engage with you immediately. On your first meeting, introduce yourself to them and offer a high-five or handshake to show you respect their boundaries. Then, ask their permission before touching them, giving them a hug, or picking them up. You might ask, “Is it okay if I help you with your shoes?” “Can I help you with your coat?” or "Do you want a hug?" If the child doesn't want you to touch them, keep smiling at them and tell them it's okay. You could say something like, "I understand. Sometimes I don't want a hug, too." Show affection to the child when it’s appropriate. Being affectionate toward a child is important for bonding and can help you create happy memories together. When you're first meeting a child, stick to handshakes, high fives, and fist bumps. Once you establish a relationship with them, they might feel ready to give you hugs. If you're in a caregiving role, they may eventually like to cuddle while you're reading or watching TV together. Follow the child's lead when showing affection. Little kids are very cute, so it's totally understandable that you want to hug them or pick them up. However, this can be scary to the child if they aren't used to you yet. Respect the child's space and don't try to force affection on them. Focus all of your attention on the child while you’re playing with them. You likely have a lot on your mind, but try not to let that stop you from being fully present during playtime. Give the child your full attention for a set period of time, even if it's just 15 minutes. Tap into your inner child and just enjoy playing. If you're babysitting the child, you might spend all of the time you're with them playing. If you're a parent, caregiver, or other adult, you might designate a set period of time for play. You could say, “I'm going to color with you for 30 minutes, but then I have to start dinner, or “Let's play with your blocks for 15 minutes, then I need to go talk to your mommy.” Go with the flow instead of worrying about rules. As an adult, you likely want to bring structure to games and activities. However, little kids are still learning and enjoy exploring. If you try to show them the “right way” to do something, they'll likely get frustrated and might shut down. Instead, let them lead the way and be open to playing their way. Let's say you're building with Legos or blocks. You might be tempted to show the child how to make a sturdy foundation or how to follow instructions to make cool projects. Instead, let the child experiment with the blocks. Similarly, let's say you're coloring with the child. It's okay if they want to scribble outside the lines. Suggest fun activities you know the child will like. Kids may get more excited about playing with you if you seem interested in the activity. Instead of waiting for the child to ask you to play, bring up activities you think they might like. Ask them if they'd want to play with you. You might say, “I heard you're great at coloring. Could you show me how to make pretty pictures?” or “It's been a long time since I've gotten to build something with blocks. Do you think we could play with yours together?” Act silly or funny when you’re playing together. Kids will feel more comfortable around you if you seem child-like. When you're playing one-on-one with them, try not to be serious. Make silly voices and sounds, act goofy, and see if you can make the child laugh. If they're having fun, they'll enjoy spending time with you. If you're playing with dolls, plushies, or action figures, pick them up and make them “talk” with goofy voices. If you're making things with clay or Play Dough, you might make fart sounds or other sound effects when you squish or shape the dough. Play make-believe to keep the child engaged. Kids have active imaginations, so be willing to think outside the box when it comes to play. Suggest make believe games based on what you know about the child. Then, make up a story to guide your playtime. You might suggest make-believe scenarios like superheroes, pirates, or spaceship. If you were playing superheroes, you might ask the child where the bad guy is. Then, come up with your gadgets and super powers. Pretend you're doing things like fighting bad guys or flying around. Read to the child when they want to do a quiet activity. Reading is fun and helps with learning. Ask the child to pick their favorite story book or offer them choices that are appropriate for their age range. As you read, use fun voices for the characters, talk slowly, and make facial expressions that go along with the story. You can also tell stories with finger puppets or props if you want to make storytime more exciting. Involve the child in the story by asking them what they think happens next. If the child can't sit still through the whole story, set the book aside and let them come back to it if they want to start reading again. Use games to encourage interactive play. Pick a game that's age appropriate for the child. For toddlers, you might put together a puzzle, play hide-and-seek, or play Simon Says. If the children are preschool or kindergarten age, you can try playing simple board games or card games with them. Don't worry as much about the rules while you're playing the game with the child. You might gently remind them of rules when they break them, but try to just have fun. If you're outdoors, try playing tag, drawing with chalk, or kicking a ball around. Make chores and clean-up a fun game to play. For example, you may say, “I bet you can't clean up all of your toys in 1 minute.” Make eye contact with the child when you’re talking or listening to them. Meeting a child's eyes shows respect and care for them. Additionally, it helps you create a connection with them that encourages them to like you more. Look kids in the eye if you're telling them something or asking them a question. When they're talking to you, make eye contact to show you're listening. You don't have to make sustained eye contact. It's okay to shift your eyes away for a few seconds at a time. Consider getting down on the child's level to make it easier to make eye contact. If you're towering over them, the child could feel intimidated. Use normal speech instead of baby talk in regular conversations. You might be tempted to imitate how a toddler or young child speaks, but they can perceive this as talking down to them. Instead, use a kind tone and stick to short sentences that are easier for the child to follow. If you think they don't understand, repeat what you said in a different way. It's okay to use silly voices and baby talk to entertain the child during play. Very young children may like baby talk. Pay attention to how other adults talk to the child to see if baby talk may work with them. Not only will this show the child you respect them, it might also help their verbal skills. Ask the child questions to show you’re interested in them. Children feel special when they know you care about their interests and activities. Choose 2 to 3 simple questions you can ask the child. Then, really listen to their answers. If you have follow-up questions, go ahead and ask those as well. You might ask questions like, “What's your favorite part of Frozen?” “What are you building with your blocks?” or “What did you find on your walk today?” Raise the pitch of your voice when you reach the end of a question so the child recognizes when it's time to respond. Don't pepper the child with questions because they might get overwhelmed. Instead, stick to a few specific questions you think they can answer. Listen with enthusiasm when they tell you about what they like. It's totally normal for kids to ramble on when they talk to you, and it's okay to feel frustrated when this happens. However, it's important to stay excited and nod along so the child knows you care about them. They're sharing something important with you, so smile, nod, and give interested responses, like “Wow,” or “Cool!” Try not to interrupt the child while they're talking. It's okay to make little comments like, “That must be exciting” or “What happened next?” to show you're following along. Don't use your phone while you're listening to the child. Always give them your full attention. Praise the child for good behavior and small accomplishments. Little kids want to know you value and appreciate them, especially when they try hard at things. Be generous with praise so the child feels encouraged and loved. Look for opportunities to dish out a compliment. Give them compliments like, “Wow! Great job stacking your blocks!” “Good job coloring!” or “Great job putting your toys up!” Even if the child did something you don't want them to do, you can still praise them as long as you give them a warning, too. For example, you could say, “I love that you practiced drawing, but let's try it on paper instead of the wall this time.” | Maintain a smile and open body language so you’re not intimidating. Give the child a small gift or candy to win them over. Share the child's excitement when they show you something. Give the child time to warm up to you if you've just met them. Show affection to the child when it’s appropriate. Focus all of your attention on the child while you’re playing with them. Go with the flow instead of worrying about rules. Suggest fun activities you know the child will like. Act silly or funny when you’re playing together. Play make-believe to keep the child engaged. Read to the child when they want to do a quiet activity. Use games to encourage interactive play. Make eye contact with the child when you’re talking or listening to them. Use normal speech instead of baby talk in regular conversations. Ask the child questions to show you’re interested in them. Listen with enthusiasm when they tell you about what they like. Praise the child for good behavior and small accomplishments. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-a-Person-Truly-Loves-You | How to Know if a Person Truly Loves You | If you want to know if a person truly loves you, pay attention to whether they talk about having a future together with you, like future vacations you might take or what your future children will look like. If they do this, they probably can't imagine their life without you. You should also pay attention to the type of compliments the person gives you. If they give you meaningful compliments about your character and your personality, they probably love you. | See if the person can act naturally around you. Part of being in love means being completely open to the other person. If you find yourself seeing a whole different side that the person doesn't show the public, then that may be love. For instance, if your partner is pretty serious or polite in public, but shows a more goofy and silly side when you're alone, then they are really opening up to you and loves you. If the person shares their deepest emotions with you and is comfortable with it, then that could be love. If the person is comfortable not looking perfect, tripping, or having food stuck in their teeth around you, that means they are okay if you see every side of them. Gauge if the person is happy to be around you. This should be true even during a bad day. If your loved one has had a very bad day but lights up when they see you, then that's a sign of love. If they are in love with you, then the sight of you or the sound of your voice is guaranteed to make them feel better — if only a little bit. The next time they're grumpy or have a bad day, see how they react in your presence. Notice if the person gives you googly eyes. Though this may be silly, check out your loved one's face the next time you see them. Do they look at you in a goofy, watery, silly and adorable way that can only be described as "googly-eyed"? You will know it when you see it. You won't get this look all the time — you can spot it in the morning, or randomly across the dinner table. You may also be able to catch the person staring at you with the same expression. See if the person is giddy around you. Love makes people feel giddy, weightless, and like laughing for no reason at all. If you see the person acting this way in your presence, then this may be love. Does your loved one seem hyper, excited, and on the verge of laughing for almost no reason at all whenever they are around you? If so, then this may be love. If you've said something barely funny and the person cracks up, then they may be lovesick. If the person shows nervous energy or fidgets around a lot around you, then they may just be excited by your presence. Ask yourself if the person is upset when you are. If you are suffering unbelievable emotional pain or are just bummed because you have the flu, then this should rub off on the person who loves you. If they truly love you, then they'll absorb some of your negative emotions and will be very upset because they'll want you to feel better as soon as you can. Though they don't have to be as upset as you are, the person should clearly be affected by your mood because all they want is for you to be happy. Notice if the person talks positively about your future together. If the person really loves you, then the idea of you being in their future is an absolute given, not something that they would ever have anxiety or uncertainty about. If the person routinely talks about what you're going to do in the future, about what your lives will look like one, two, or even ten years in the future together, then they are probably in love with you. True commitment means seeing a forever with another person. If the person talks about the future and always includes you in it, then there is a good chance they truly love you. If the person talks about what your kids will look like, where you will retire together, or where you will go for your honeymoon, then they may really love you. See if the person gives you meaningful compliments. There's a difference between saying, "I like your new haircut" and "You have the ability to make me feel better no matter what." If the person gives you compliments that show that they really appreciate the important aspects of your character and personality, then there's a good chance they really love you. Your loved one doesn't have to shower you with compliments all the time — it's the quality, not the quantity, that makes a difference. Determine if the person means every "I love you". Remember that there is a big difference between "Love ya!" and "I love you." If your special someone really loves you and tells you this much while looking into your eyes, sounding earnest, and not wanting anything from you, then it's likely that they really mean it. If the person undeniably loves you, then they will say it for no reason at all, not just because they need a favor or because it feels like the right thing to say. See if the person really opens up to you. If your loved one really loves you, then they will really open up to you and tell you what they are thinking, feeling, fearing, and longing for. If the person really opens up about their childhood, greatest regrets, most painful moments, or most romantic dreams for the future, then it's likely that they like you because the person is so comfortable telling you about almost everything. If the person tells you, "I've never told anyone this before...", then there's a good chance that they really love and trust you. Expect to be missed when apart. If you and your loved one are apart, but they still text you, call you, or email you to let you know how much they miss you, then it means they can't imagine their life without you. If you go on a three-week vacation and don't hear a word from them, then it may not be love. They don't have to call you constantly to let you know if they miss you. Hope to have your mistakes corrected. If that person truly loves you, then they don't have an idealized picture of you in their mind. If it's truly love, then that person will be comfortable with telling you when you've made a mistake, said something illogical, or acted badly. Though the person shouldn't criticize you all the time, giving you a healthy amount of criticism just means that the person really knows you in and out and accepts your mistakes as well as your best qualities. If the person never argues with you or never criticizes you, then you should be on the look out. Make sure that the person truly loves you instead of an ideal version of who you are. A certain amount of idealization is normal and even healthy since it makes your partner more willing to accept the whole "you" in a positive light. If your partner emphasizes your abilities over your inabilities, it could still be love! It's only when idealization becomes unrealistic that problems arise, e.g., when they pretend that you have positive qualities you don't genuinely possess. See if the person truly values your opinion. If the person truly loves you, then they'll care about what you think — whether it's about their new pair of shoes or the political situation in your country. If they really love you, they'll ask for your advice and opinions, whether it's on big or small matters. They may feel self-conscious about asking for your opinion, but they'll do it because they love you. They don't have to ask for your opinion on everything — only the things that really matter. Hope to be listened to. If the person really loves you, then they'll not only open up to you, but they'll also listen to anything you have to say — even if they've heard it all before. Though they won't be your lapdog, they will be around to hear your thoughts. They will nod and respond thoughtfully and not interrupt instead of switching the subject to something they want to talk about. Part of being in love is just being able to listen. It's not all about being able to talk. See if the person is always there for you. This includes those times when it's inconvenient. Sure, if you want to grab a drink or a tasty meal, the person is always around, but what about when you need a ride from the airport or you need someone to walk your dog while you're sick? If the person truly loves you, then they'll be there for you during the fun times as well as the not-so-fun times. If the person is only around when you're happy, lighthearted, or in a good mood, but flees the scene as soon as you are sad or cranky, then that is not love. Love is about being there for a person, no matter what. Truly loving a person means accepting all the positive and negative qualities of that person, and being around during the good times and the bad. Consider the nice things done for you. If the person truly loves you, then they'll do thoughtful things like put gas in your car when you're busy, do your food shopping for you, or bring you chicken soup when you're home sick. These favors don't have to be constant or over-the-top, but if the person truly loves you, then they'll want to do things to make you smile and to make your life easier. True love isn't just about what you can take from the person, but what you can give as well. If the person really loves you, then they will do nice things for you without you having to ask. It should be implied that you need a favor or help sometimes. If you have to ask for something nice every time, then that may not be true love. See if the person always wants to be around you. Part of being in love is always wanting to be around the person you love, even if it's impractical. If the person truly loves you, then they will want to be around you — a lot. This doesn't mean the person will want to be attached at the hip, but it does mean that the person will try to take as many opportunities as possible to see you. Let them give you space. If the person truly loves you, then they'll not only want to be around you a lot, but they will also know when to give you space and let you do your own thing. If the person wants to be around you all the time, then that's not love — it's infatuation. As love matures, two people will realize that they still need to do things separate to maintain their own identities. If the person wants to be around you every waking moment, then that may be more of a sign of that person's insecurities than true love. Determine if the person truly understands you. True love is true understanding. Though it sounds lame, the person should really "get" you in order to love you. If the person actually understands your moods, knows what you want and what you don't want, and has an idea of what will make you happy before you may know it yourself, then that may be true love. It's okay if part of you remains mysterious to the person — you don't have to be understood 100%, but you do have to have the sense that the other person truly understands where you're coming from most of the time. See if the person wants the best for you. This should be true even if it isn't the best for them. If a person truly loves you, then they will understand that there are some things that you have to do that may not be the best for them, or may mean that you will be spending some time apart. If they truly love you, then they'll understand that you have to spend a summer on a remote island to pursue your career in marine biology, or that you have to go home early to get enough sleep for a test instead of spending the night with them. If the person only wants what's best for both of you at all times, then they're not really seeing you as a unique individual with your own needs and desires. Look for support. If they really love you, then they won't only be there for the fun times — they'll also be there to help you achieve your goals and move forward in your life. If they truly love you, then they'll be there in the bleachers during your soccer game, they'll be there to see you defend your thesis, and they'll be there to give you a ride to your job interview. And they'll be there whenever you want to talk about something that means a lot to you. If they really love you, then they will support you to achieve your goals or pursue your interests, even if they have nothing to do with them. | See if the person can act naturally around you. Gauge if the person is happy to be around you. Notice if the person gives you googly eyes. See if the person is giddy around you. Ask yourself if the person is upset when you are. Notice if the person talks positively about your future together. See if the person gives you meaningful compliments. Determine if the person means every "I love you". See if the person really opens up to you. Expect to be missed when apart. Hope to have your mistakes corrected. See if the person truly values your opinion. Hope to be listened to. See if the person is always there for you. Consider the nice things done for you. See if the person always wants to be around you. Let them give you space. Determine if the person truly understands you. See if the person wants the best for you. Look for support. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Scrapple | How to Cook Scrapple | To cook scrapple, start by slicing it into ¼ inch slices. Then, dip them in flour and season with salt and pepper. Once you've coated the scrapple slices, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet or deep frying pan. Fry the slices for 3 minutes on each side or until they're brown and crispy. Alternatively, place the slices on an oven tray lined with non-stick foil. Bake them for 15 minutes, flip them over, and bake them for another 10 minutes. | Slice the scrapple into ¼ in (0.6 cm) thick slices. Use a sharp chef's knife to evenly slice the 1/2 loaf of scrapple. The thickness of the slices depends on your own preference, however thinner slices tend to cook more quickly. While 1/4 in (0.6 cm) slices are the most common, try ½ in (1.3 cm) thick slices if you prefer them to be a bit chunkier. For even thicker slices, try ¾ in (2 cm). Bear in mind that these will need to be cooked for longer though. Dip each scrapple slice into 1 cup (110 g) of instant flour. Pour the instant flour into a bowl and coat each slice fully in the flour. Dip each slice individually to make sure that every side is coated in instant flour. Season the slices with salt and pepper to taste. Use table salt and freshly ground black pepper to sprinkle over each slice. Make sure you season both sides of each slice. Heat 1 tbsp (14 g) of butter in a skillet or a deep frying pan. Using a medium heat for the frying pan is the key to making delicious, crispy scrapple. Make sure that the butter has melted before you put the scrapple in the pan. Don't add too much butter to the pan, as the contents of the scrapple has enough grease. Too much butter will make the scrapple too oily when it has finished cooking. Since the scrapple in the pan will be producing grease, this makes it less likely to burn. Pan-fry the scrapple slices for 3 minutes on the first side. Place each slice in the pan, and fry them until you can see the edges of the underside starting to look brown and crispy. Make sure that there is ½ in (1.3 cm) gap between each slice in the pan. The slices will stick together if they are cooked too close to each other in the pan. Flip over each slice and fry them for a further 3 minutes. Let this side cook until it is brown and crispy too. You may have to do several batches of pan-frying the scrapple, depending on how many slices you are cooking and how big your pan is. The length of time that it takes to pan-fry the scrapple depends on the thickness of the slices. Thin slices can cook in as quickly as 3 minutes, while thick slices may take up to 10 minutes on each side. Watching for the crispy edges and browning color is the best way to monitor how the scrapple is cooking. Remove the scrapple from the pan when it is brown and crispy. Once the scrapple slices are cooked, use a kitchen flipper to remove them from the heat. Place the scrapple on a plate, and make sure it is lined with a paper tower to absorb any extra grease. You could also use a frying fork to remove the slices from the pan if you prefer. Scrapple is best served when it has been left to sit for a few minutes on the plate first. Pan-fried scrapple slices are commonly served in sandwiches or with fried eggs, and leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. Preheat the oven to 415°F (213°C). A high temperature is the key to getting crispy, oven-baked scrapple. This will ensure that the scrapple is crispy on the outside and softer in the middle. Cover an oven tray with non-stick foil. Non-stick foil will make sure that the scrapple slices don't stick to the oven tray as they cook. You could also use baking paper if you don't have any non-stick foil on hand. If you prefer, you could also use a light coating of spray oil on the oven tray instead. Slice the 1/2 loaf of scrapple into ¼ in (0.6 cm) thick slices. Use a sharp chef's knife to slice through the loaf. This should get you around 5 slices, depending on the size of the loaf. It is important to make the slices consistent in size, so that they all cook evenly in the oven. Place the scrapple slices on the oven tray. Spread out the slices, leaving a small gap surrounding each slice. Make sure the sides aren't touching, otherwise they may stick together as they bake. Leaving a gap in between each slice also lets the “crust” of each slice form properly. Baking scrapple slices makes them less greasy than using a frying pan. Bake the scrapple for 15 minutes. Place the oven tray into the oven once it has preheated. Then set a timer for 15 minutes so that you can monitor the scrapple carefully. Turn the slices over and bake them for a further 10 minutes. After the initial 15 minutes has passed, take the oven tray out and flip each slice over. Ensure that there is still a gap in between each slice, and return the tray to the oven to bake for 10 more minutes. When you are turning the slices over, be very careful as they will still be relatively soft at this point, and can easily break apart. Remove the scrapple slices from the oven once they are cooked. When each slice is brown in color and has a crispy crust, remove the oven tray from the oven. If you want crunchier slices, leave the slices in the oven for a few more minutes, and then check them again. Baked scrapple is usually enjoyed alongside scrambled eggs or on waffles. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. | Slice the scrapple into ¼ in (0.6 cm) thick slices. Dip each scrapple slice into 1 cup (110 g) of instant flour. Season the slices with salt and pepper to taste. Heat 1 tbsp (14 g) of butter in a skillet or a deep frying pan. Pan-fry the scrapple slices for 3 minutes on the first side. Flip over each slice and fry them for a further 3 minutes. Remove the scrapple from the pan when it is brown and crispy. Preheat the oven to 415°F (213°C). Cover an oven tray with non-stick foil. Slice the 1/2 loaf of scrapple into ¼ in (0.6 cm) thick slices. Place the scrapple slices on the oven tray. Bake the scrapple for 15 minutes. Turn the slices over and bake them for a further 10 minutes. Remove the scrapple slices from the oven once they are cooked. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Percentage-Error | How to Calculate Percentage Error | To calculate percentage error, use the formula: [(exact value - approximate value)/exact value] x 100. First, subtract the approximate value from the exact value. Then, divide that number by the exact value. Finally, convert fractions to decimal form and multiply your answer by 100 to find the percentage error. | Write down the formula for percentage error. The formula for calculating percentage error is simple: [(|Approximate Value - Exact Value|) / Exact Value] x 100. You will use this as a reference to plug in the two values you need to know. The approximate value is your estimated value, and the exact value is the real value. For example, if you guess that there will be 9 oranges in a bag, but there are actually 10, 9 is the approximate value, and 10 is your exact value. Subtract the exact value from the approximate one. In the example of oranges, you will subtract 10 (the exact value) from 9 (the estimated value). In this case, the result is 9 - 10 = -1. This difference is considered the magnitude of difference in approximate and estimated values. This begins to tell you how far off the results were from what they were expected to be. Find the absolute value of the top result. Since the formula uses the absolute value of the difference, you can discard a negative sign. In this example, -1 will become just 1. In the oranges example, 9 - 10 = -1. The absolute value of -1, written as |-1|, is 1. If your result is positive, leave the number as it is. For example, 12 apples (approximate) - 10 apples (exact) = 2. The absolute value of 2 (|2|) is just 2. In statistics, taking the absolute value simply means you don't care which direction your guess was off (either too high—positive—or too low—negative). You just want to know how far off the estimate was from the exact value. Divide that result by the absolute exact value. Either with a calculator or by hand, divide the top number by the absolute value of your exact variable. In this example, the exact value is already positive, so you just need to divide 1 (from the previous step) by 10 (the exact number of oranges). For this example, 1/|10| = 1/10. In some cases, the exact value might be a negative number to begin with. If this is the case, you want to ignore the negative (i.e. take the absolute value of the exact number). Convert the fraction into decimal form. To convert the fraction into a percentage, it is easiest to have a decimal number. For our example, 1/10 = 0.1. Calculators will be able to convert more difficult numbers quickly for you. If you cannot use a calculator, it may take using long division to convert the fraction to a decimal. Usually, about 4 or 5 digits past the decimal place will be sufficient to round to. You should always be dividing a positive number by a positive number when converting to decimal form. Multiply the result times 100. Simply multiply the result, 0.1 in this example, by 100. This will convert the answer into percentage form. Just add the percentage symbol to the answer, and you're done. In this example, 0.1 x 100 = 10. Add the percent sign to get 10%, your percentage error. Check your work to make sure the answer is correct. Often swapping signs (positive/negative) and dividing can lead to minor errors in your calculations. It is best to go back to check your answer makes sense. In our example, we want to make sure that our approximation of 9 oranges is off by 10% of the actual value of oranges. 10% (10% = 0.1) of 10 oranges is 1 (0.1 x 10 = 1). 9 oranges + 1 = 10 oranges. This confirms that the guess of 9 was indeed off by just 1 oranges or 10% of the actual value of 10 oranges. | Write down the formula for percentage error. Subtract the exact value from the approximate one. Find the absolute value of the top result. Divide that result by the absolute exact value. Convert the fraction into decimal form. Multiply the result times 100. Check your work to make sure the answer is correct. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grill-Lobster-Tails | How to Grill Lobster Tails | To grill lobster tails, first preheat your grill over medium heat. Use kitchen shears to cut through the top of the shell on each tail. Then, use a knife to cut down the length of the meat in each tail without cutting all the way through the bottom. Stick a skewer through each lobster tail lengthwise so the tails don't curl up on the grill. Brush the tails with melted butter, then season them with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and your other favorite seasonings. Place the lobster tails on the grill flesh-side down and grill them for around 6 minutes or until they're slightly charred. Flip the tails over and cook them until they're cooked through, about 5 minutes. Finally, transfer the lobster tails to a plate and serve. | Chop the chives, tarragon, and garlic. Get out a few sprigs of fresh tarragon and chives. Chop the fresh herbs to get 2 tablespoons (6 g) of chives and 1 tablespoon (2.5 g) of tarragon. You'll also need to mince 1 peeled clove of garlic. Spoon the fresh herbs and garlic into a bowl. Feel free to substitute any of your favorite fresh herbs for the chives or tarragon. For example, use fresh parsley or basil. Put the butter, hot sauce, and black pepper in the bowl. Add 1/2 cup (13 g) of salted butter and a dash of hot sauce to the bowl with the fresh herbs. Sprinkle in a little freshly ground pepper according to your taste. It's important to use room temperature butter so it's easy to blend with the garlic and herbs. Blend the herbed garlic butter until it's smooth. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the butter with the herbs and garlic. Keep stirring until the mixture is combined and the herbs are incorporated. Cover the butter with plastic wrap and set it aside. The herbed garlic butter should be soft enough to scoop with a spoon. Thaw frozen lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator. If you purchased frozen lobster tails, set 4 tails on a plate and put them in the refrigerator the night before you want to grill them. If you purchased fresh lobster tails, you can skip this step. Remove the lobster tails from the fridge 1 hour before you grill. You'll need to bring the lobster tails to room temperature before you put them on the grill. Take the lobster tails out of the refrigerator and set them on the counter when you're ready to grill. Avoid leaving the lobster tails at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Cut lengthwise through the tops of the lobster tails. Take a sharp pair of kitchen shears and cut through the center of the hard shell. Start near the wide end of the lobster tail and cut lengthwise towards the tip of the tail. It's important to stop cutting just before you reach the end of the tail. This will keep the lobster tail connected. Use a knife to cut into the lobster tail flesh. Insert a sharp chef's knife into the line that you cut with the kitchen shears. Start near the tip of the tail and cut through the lobster flesh along the cut line. Ensure that you don't cut completely through the flesh so the tail separates. The lobster tail should look like a hinge once you've finished cutting. Open the tail and season it with oil, salt, and pepper. Gently pull the tail open along the line you cut. The tail should now lay flat like a book. Then dip a pastry brush in a little of the olive oil and brush oil over the flesh of each lobster. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the tails. Cutting the tail and opening it will help the lobster tail cook evenly on the grill. It will also reduce the cooking time. Heat the grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a gas grill, turn the burners to medium-high. If you have a charcoal grill , light a chimney full of briquettes. Once the briquettes are hot and lightly covered in ash, carefully dump them on one half of the grill. The temperature in the grill should be between 350 to 400 °F (177 to 204 °C). Place the lobster tails flesh-side down on the grill. If you're using a charcoal grill, lay the tails directly over the coals. Leave at least ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) of space between each tail. The oil that you brushed over the lobster tails will prevent them from sticking to the grates of the grill. Grill the tails for 5 minutes. Cover the grill and let the lobster tails cook until the flesh becomes lightly marked from the grill grate. The shells will become bright red. Keep in mind that it shouldn't be completely cooked at this point. Flip and brush the lobster flesh with the garlic butter. Lift off the lid of the grill and use tongs to turn each tail over. Dip a barbecue brush into the herbed garlic butter you made and spread a little over each tail. Grill the tails for 4 minutes or until they reach 140 °F (60 °C). Cover the lobster tails and grill them until they're opaque and bright white in color. Then insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the flesh. The tails should reach 140 °F (60 °C) once they've finished cooking. Remove and serve the lobster tails. Transfer the tails from the grill to a serving platter. Brush the tails with more of the herbed garlic butter or set it on the side. Garnish the lobster tails with lemon wedges and chive sprigs. To store leftover lobster tails, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 or 4 days. | Chop the chives, tarragon, and garlic. Put the butter, hot sauce, and black pepper in the bowl. Blend the herbed garlic butter until it's smooth. Thaw frozen lobster tails overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the lobster tails from the fridge 1 hour before you grill. Cut lengthwise through the tops of the lobster tails. Use a knife to cut into the lobster tail flesh. Open the tail and season it with oil, salt, and pepper. Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the lobster tails flesh-side down on the grill. Grill the tails for 5 minutes. Flip and brush the lobster flesh with the garlic butter. Grill the tails for 4 minutes or until they reach 140 °F (60 °C). Remove and serve the lobster tails. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Action-to-Preserve-Nature | How to Take Action to Preserve Nature | If you'd like to take action in order to preserve nature, try to reduce the amount of water you use by turning the faucet off while you brush your teeth or shave. You can also take shorter showers and only run your washing machine when it has a full load of clothes. Additionally, try to eat a diet consisting of at least 50% fruits and vegetables a day and reduce your meat consumption, since mass meat production can have harmful effects on the environment. Then, try to buy locally grown food, since local growers are more likely to use sustainable farming practices. | Stop mowing your lawn. The grasses and weeds will go to seed, and offer haven for insects and birds. Wildflowers will bloom, providing nourishment for bees. When you maintain a standard grass lawn, you're depriving these creatures of their natural environment. You might wish to set aside part of your lawn to leave unmown, or you might decide to mow paths through longer grassy areas. Be prepared to share your reasons with your neighbors, who might at first not realize the benefits of long grass. Participate in beach or river cleanup. When people litter, their trash often makes its way to our local waterways, destroying the natural homesites of birds, fish and other wetland creatures. Help out by joining with others in beach or riverside cleanup events. If there's not a cleanup in your area, consider creating one. All you'll need are trash bags, rubber gloves, and a team of like-minded volunteers. You can select any lake, river, creek, swamp, marsh, beach, or wetland you prefer to help clean. Stop using pesticides. Rather than spraying toxic pesticides that are dangerous to humans, pets, fish and birds, alter the garden environment in a way that causes the pests to leave. This is a more environmentally friendly solution. Try using beneficial insects that can control the pest population, or natural pesticides which have been developed to make the plant taste bad to the pest. You can find these at your local garden store or online. Pesticides include insecticides, herbicides, biocides, fungicides, and nematicides. Plant native trees and shrubs. By planting trees and shrubs that are native to your area, you'll be working with the local ecosystem rather than against it. Check with your local nursery, or with your state's cooperative extension agency, to learn more about the particular varieties of native plants that might thrive on your property. Planting native plants helps with water conservation. Once established, little or no irrigation should be needed for most well-placed native plants. You'll be increasing the local biodiversity, establishing native pollinator and songbird habitats in your yard. Catch your rainwater. A ½ inch of rain on a 1000 sq. foot roof produces about 280 gallons of water that you can then use to irrigate your garden and clean items around your home. Most people use a rain barrel to save their rainwater until it's used for irrigation. You can put a rain barrel directly beneath your gutter, or you can install a diverter that pulls water from your water drainage system. Rainwater isn't safe for drinking; it should only be used for irrigation and cleaning purposes. Saving your rainwater helps protect nature by preventing stormwater runoff from carrying trash, nutrients, and other pollution to your local lakes and streams. Plant flowers that bees will like. Small, diverse plantings that bloom for multiple seasons will help support your local bee population. There are many reasons that bees are vital to your local ecosystem, including pollination of fruit trees and food crops. Examples of favorites among bees include borage, cleome, cosmos, “bee-balm” or monarda, verbena and zinnia. Herbs that bees frequent include rosemary, thyme, mint, basil, and all kinds of sage or salvia. Join an environmental activist organization. You can maximize the impact of your action by joining together with others who want to preserve nature. Being a part of an activist organization will help you keep abreast of any environmental legislation, or changes in legal threats to natural environments. Be aware that there are organizations with environmental-sounding names that actually work to dismantle legal protections for natural space. Research the organization thoroughly before getting involved with any action. For example, The Center for Whale Research does research on Orca whales in the Pacific Northwest, but the Institute for Cetacean Research is a front group for Japanese whaling operations. Spend time volunteering. Most communities have nonprofit environmental organizations that rely on volunteer help in order to do their work. Look in your local area for organizations that are doing the kind of work to preserve nature that you expect. Internships and international opportunities are also available to those who are able to travel. You might find that your volunteer work leads to new actions and opportunities. Even if it starts with stapling flyers or doing data entry, your actions will help support the protection of the environment. Raise awareness of threats to nature. Make sure you share news about the threats to the environment, both inside and outside your community. Follow social media campaigns, and share their posts. Write letters to local newspapers and community blogs. Consider joining in with rallies and protest marches if you're able. Connect with other activists on social media. Share information through videos, photographs, and facts. Create online polls that are quick to share with friends to collect information. Sign or create a petition in response to a particular threat. While research is unclear on the legislative impacts of signing a petition, petitions often serve to raise awareness of particular issues and to draw interest. There are a variety of online organizations that make it very easy to create and share your own petition. It might help to know that research shows that people who sign online petitions are actually more likely than those who sign paper petitions to follow up with other forms of activism. Follow up your petition with real-life action, such as calls to lawmakers, organize a march, and talk to your friends about doing the same. Conserve water in your home. Wait until you've got a full load of clothes before running the washing machine. Don't turn on the dishwasher until it's full, and allow your dishes to air dry rather than automatically drying. By minimizing the amount of drinkable water you use for other purposes, you're helping to protect your local water resources which are jeopardized in many areas. Taking shorter showers, or turning off the water while you lather up, will save water and money. Set a timer if you need to. Use water-conserving faucets, showerheads and toilets. Turn the faucet off while you brush your teeth or shave. Turn off unnecessary lights. When you leave a room, make sure the lights are off. Having lights set on a timer may help you reduce the time they're left on. If you use lights outdoors, make sure they're motion-sensitive so that they don't get left on. Use natural lighting whenever possible, and consider installing skylights or light tunnels to light darker areas of the house. Switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs. Using less electricity translates to fewer greenhouse gases being discharged into the environment from your energy company. Unplug chargers when they're not in use. Chargers for your electronic devices are constant energy users, even when your device is unplugged. Reducing your electricity usage benefits the environment and can save you money. Use biodegradable cleaning products. Remember that whatever goes down your drains will eventually end up in your local streams and creeks. Using biodegradable, or biocompatible, products will have less impact on the local wildlife. Usually biodegradable products will list this information on their labels. Look for this designation. Avoid ingredients that are “antibacterial” or “antibiotic” as the ingredients in these can negatively impact the environment. Also avoid scented products, bleach, boron/borax, chlorine bleach, or ingredients with the word sodium in them, such as sodium hypochlorite. Consider your transportation options. Before you fly, consider the option of driving. If you can drive, consider carpooling, or taking a train or public transportation. If you're in the habit of driving or flying, you may be using unnecessary fossil fuels and negatively impacting the environment. If you're going to fly, try to fly non-stop, as this will use less fuel. Consider walking anyplace less than a mile away. Try biking to nearby destinations. Look into telecommuting into work occasionally to conserve energy. Reduce the carbon footprint of your home. Conserve energy in your home by providing weatherstripping and caulking all windows as well as insulating your ceilings and floors. Purchase appliances that are energy-efficient; look for the “energy-star” designation. Use a programmable thermostat to conserve energy when you're less active. Make sure your heating and cooling systems are well-maintained and operating efficiently. Make sure the food you’re eating is grown sustainably. Eating sustainably means eating foods that support both your own good health and the sustainability of the environment. If you're eating seafood, make sure that it's not at risk of being overfished, or farmed in a way that's damaging the environment. Try to buy from local growers whenever possible. Local farmers are usually invested in employing sustainable farm practices. Read the labels on your food products. If you don't recognize more than ⅓ of the words found there, look for something less processed. Eat lower on the food chain. This means eat less beef, which is higher on the food chain, and more roots, vegetables, and fruits. Smaller fish, such as anchovies, are usually better to eat than larger fish, such as tuna, which are higher up the food chain and typically higher in mercury. Plant-based foods require still less energy to produce. Shifting to a more plant-based style of eating will slow the deforestation that domestic meat production requires. Healthy diet guidelines encourage at least 50% of your daily diet consist of fruits and vegetables. If you do eat meat, treat it as a condiment rather than a main dish. Be aware that factory-farmed meat is produced in ways that contribute to greenhouse gases and environmental degradation. Learn to hunt deer for a more natural meat source. Look for food that’s grown locally. You'll avoid the energy required to transport products from far away. In addition, getting to know your local food producers will help you understand how your food was grown and harvested. Most fresh fish must be transported by air, if it's not local. Even out-of-season frozen fish will be more sustainable than fresh fish flown in. As the nutritional value of food diminishes with time, eating locally grown food increases the amount of nutrition you'll receive. Buy from trusted retailers. Many international food growers use unregulated or under-regulated environmental practices. American grown products, while not always perfect, are usually farmed with more sustainable practices. Take the time to research products you purchase regularly. Good retailers will be well-informed on the way their sellers practice sustainability. Knowing more about your farmers and food sources through your retailers can help support local business, which are invested in protecting and preserving the environment. | Stop mowing your lawn. Participate in beach or river cleanup. Stop using pesticides. Plant native trees and shrubs. Catch your rainwater. Plant flowers that bees will like. Join an environmental activist organization. Spend time volunteering. Raise awareness of threats to nature. Sign or create a petition in response to a particular threat. Conserve water in your home. Turn off unnecessary lights. Use biodegradable cleaning products. Consider your transportation options. Reduce the carbon footprint of your home. Make sure the food you’re eating is grown sustainably. Eat lower on the food chain. Look for food that’s grown locally. Buy from trusted retailers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Yourself-Look-Completely-Different-and-Beautiful | How to Make Yourself Look Completely Different and Beautiful | To give yourself a completely different look so you feel more beautiful, try changing your hair or beauty routine. When thinking about a new hair cut or color, ask yourself what you want your hair to say about you. For example, if you're outgoing and fun, try a short cut with a fun color. Or, if you're more down-to-earth, go for long layers in natural tones. Whether you already wear makeup or are trying it for the first time, think about keeping it natural-looking and accentuating your favorite features. For instance, focus on your eyes or lips to make these features pop. Another way to feel more beautiful is to wear clothes that fit your body, since baggy or overly tight clothes won't look or feel good. | Drink enough water. Drinking enough water can help you stay more focused and energetic, and may even help you drop a few pounds. To calculate how much water you need each day, divide your body weight in pounds in half: that's how much you should drink in ounces. A 150-pound woman would need between 75 and 150 ounces of water each day, depending on her living climate and activity level. If she were active and lived in a hot climate, she would need closer to 150 ounces each day. Eat healthfully. Avoid eating too much sugar, salt or processed foods. Your diet should include the following: Protein: Fish, white meat, beans, nuts, and eggs are healthy examples. Healthy fats: Nuts (almonds are very healthy), vegetable oils (extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice), and fatty vegetables like avocados are good examples. Whole, unprocessed carbs: These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans and other legumes. Vitamins and minerals: These are available as supplements, and can be taken if you know well about them and when your diet is not providing all you need. Listen to your body. Drink when you're thirsty, and eat when you're hungry. It may take a while to learn to read your body's signals if you've previously ignored them, but once you do, you'll find it easier to stick to a healthy diet and maybe even lose some weight. If you eat or drink something that gives you a headache or makes you feel unwell, keep note of it and try to avoid it in the future, especially if you feel unwell regularly after eating or drinking the item. Pay attention to what foods and drinks make you feel well. Having a clean diet with plenty of water and nutrients should help you feel healthier and happier. When you're healthier and happier, you will also feel more beautiful. Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity 3 to 5 days a week — more if you want to lose weight. The most effective exercises to do if you're short on time are those that exercise multiple muscle groups. Swimming, dancing, or even vigorous cleaning exercises multiple muscle groups. Going for a brisk 20-minute walk two times a day is another effective way to keep fit and healthy. Yoga is a wonderful exercise for relieving stress, and building and toning your muscles. Just be sure to combine it with cardio activities such as walking, running, or swimming. Have good hygiene. Wash and moisturize your face, and brush your teeth twice a day. Shower at least every second day, and wash your hair whenever it begins to feel greasy (this could be every second day to once a week, depending on hair type). If you have breakouts on your face and back, you may need to wash your hair more often as the oils from your hair can transfer to your face, neck, and back, and cause breakouts. To keep your teeth healthy and strong , be sure to go to the dentist every 6 months. Having good hygiene will keep you feeling refreshed and more attractive on a daily basis. Try to take care of yourself every day, even if you're feeling down. Keep a daily journal. Regularly writing in a journal can ease anxiety, stress, and depression. It can also help you work through problems and improve your self-confidence. Try to write for 20 minutes each day. Write in your journal even if you have nothing you want to say. You can even just start by saying you're not sure what to say, and see where the journal entry goes from there. Often something will come up — maybe even something you weren't expecting. Meditate regularly. Meditating helps you be in the moment and get more in touch with your feelings. It has also been scientifically proven to change the structure of your brain and make you smarter and happier. There are a lot of different ways to meditate. A popular one is to sit in a comfortable position with your eyes closed, and try to remove all thoughts from your mind. When you're meditating and a thought comes into your mind, imagine it dissipating, or you can name the thought and mentally swipe it out of your mind. The goal is to focus on the moment you're in, and not be distracted by thoughts. You don't have to start with long meditations. Even just 1 to 2 minutes is a fine place to start. Ideally you would work up to at least 10 to 15 minutes of meditation each day. If this isn't possible, just do what you can! Be positive. Most of us have those voices inside that see the bad in things, and that tell us why we aren't good enough. You can counter those voices by practising gratitude and countering the negative voices with positive ones. Being positive can be a difficult habit to adopt, so be patient with yourself as you learn to observe your negative thoughts and counter them with positive ones. A physical trick for feeling more positive is to stand with a good posture: stand straight with your shoulders back and your chin held high, then stretch out your arms as wide as they'll go. Allow yourself to feel powerful and positive while you do this, and the feelings will linger. Smile. Studies have shown that the happier you look, the more attractive you are to other people. In addition, research has proven that even when you don't feel happy, smiling can boost your mood. If you're feeling down, try smiling for up to 30 seconds to give yourself a boost. Be confident. Building self confidence is easier said than done, but it's worth working on. With good self-esteem you will be healthier and happier, which will automatically make you more attractive. One way to boost your self esteem is to make lists of your strengths, achievements, and things you like about yourself. It may be really difficult at first. Maybe you'll only have one item on each list, and even that will have taken you hours to come up with, but the lists will grow as your self-esteem does. Counter your negative self talk. This is related to being positive. Catch yourself when you think negative things about yourself, and counter those thoughts with positive ones. For example, when you think “I'm fat” or “I'm ugly”, counter those thoughts with “I have a great butt” or “I have nice eyes”. Get enough sleep. When you lack sleep your mind will not operate at its full capacity, and you'll be more likely to struggle with eating healthy, exercising, and staying positive and confident. Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night, and teens need between 8.5 and 9.5 hours. Cut and/or color your hair. Whether it's cutting it into a different style or dyeing it another color, changing your hair can dramatically affect your overall appearance. Think about what hairstyles and colors might best suit you. Ask yourself, what do you want your hair to say about you? Are you outgoing and love taking risks? Maybe you'll want short, colorful hair. Are you more down to earth and a bit of a hippie? Natural tones and long, layered hair might be the way to go. Do an online search or look through some hairstyle magazines to see which hairstyles stand out to you. (You can purchase hairstyle magazines at most drugstores and bookshops.) Determine your face shape. An important thing to consider when changing your hairstyle is your face shape. There are several types of face shape. One way to figure out yours is to look in the mirror and outline your face with lipstick or an eye pencil. Oval faces are balanced, and shaped like ovals (a little wider in the middle). Square faces are equally wide at the brows, cheekbones, and jaw. Triangular faces have more width at the bottom of the face, with a strong jawline. Heart-shaped faces (aka inverted triangle faces) feature delicate chins and wider cheekbones. Circle faces are shaped like circles, meaning that they are fairly round. Diamond faces are angular and have cheekbones that are wider than the brows and jaws. Oblong faces are consistently wide from the forehead to the jaw, which makes them look longer. Decide which hairstyles best suit your face shape. To make your hair look as good as possible, choose a style based on your face shape. Oval faces go well with most haircuts, although styes that accentuate length could make an oval face look long. Square faces are best with hair that is longer than the jawline. In particular, avoid haircuts that stop right at the jawline, as these can make a square face look even more square. Also avoid cuts with strong, angular lines such as blunt bangs or bobs. Side-swept bangs, waves, and layers that frame the face are good choices. Triangular faces do well with short hairstyles that balance the larger jawline by adding width to the top of the head. If you do go for long hair, ensure that it's longer than your jawline otherwise your face may look too full at the bottom. Heart-shaped faces look great with chin-length layers (bobs are good!). Avoid short haircuts and thick bangs as these can make your face look top heavy. Tight ponytails and otherwise slicked-back hair can emphasis your small chin, so avoid these too. Circular faces go nicely with asymmetrical cuts and layered cuts, which help balance the face's width. Chin-length cuts and blunt bangs can make the face look wider, and so can parting your hair in the middle. Side parts and side-swept bangs will look nice though! Diamond faces go nicely with hair that is full at the sides but not at the top. In other words, avoid high hair! Bangs and layers that frame the face will look nice. Avoid middle parts though. Oblong faces can look long, so it's all about breaking up the length of the face. Avoid overly long hairstyles. Bobs, layers, and blunt bangs will go well with this face shape. Consider coloring your hair. Dyeing your hair is a great way to add some drama to your appearance. Before dyeing your hair, consider which colors will look best with your skin tone and eye color. Your skin tone and eye color may go with most colors of hair, but they may not go with every shade of that color. For example, warm skin tones go well with warm red shades like strawberry, but pink or blue skin tones go better with cooler, brighter reds. Choosing a hair color close to your skin tone and eye color will give you a more natural look. As an example, think of how a “beach bum” looks with sandy hair, tanned skin, and pale blue eyes. The stronger your skin tone and eye color contrast with your hair, the more dramatic you'll look. For example, pale skin and green eyes with rich, vibrant auburn hair will be quite a striking combination. If you're unsure of what your skin tone is, take a few online quizzes to see what hair color suggestions they come up with. Keep your hair healthy. Wash your hair as often as needed using shampoo and conditioner that match your hair type (e.g. colored, normal, oily etc.). This may be every other day to once a week depending on the quality of your hair. The drier it is, the less it needs to be washed. If your hair is dry and damaged, do a weekly deep conditioning treatment on it. An easy at-home treatment is to blend together olive oil with two egg yolks, an avocado, mayonnaise, and hair conditioner, and leave it on your hair for up to several hours (even overnight is okay). If you have dandruff or other hair issues, avoid home-made products. Instead, use products specifically made to help with your condition. If the hair issue is severe, see a doctor or a dermatologist. Know how to keep it looking natural. Going for a natural look means enhancing what you already have. Having natural-looking makeup doesn't mean wearing little makeup. You can still wear foundation, blush or bronzer, mascara, eyeshadow, and lip color even with a natural look. You can use makeup to give yourself smoother, more even-looking skin (foundation and concealer); longer lashes (mascara); higher cheekbones (blush, bronzer or contouring kits); and fuller lips (lip liner and lipstick). As an example, it can take a lot of makeup to give your face that dewy look that's so popular. If you're uncomfortable wearing makeup but would like to improve the appearance of your skin, try using a tinted moisturizer or a sheer powder. These can help improve the overall appearance of your skin without feeling too heavy or oily. Use eye makeup to play up your eyes. You can use different colors of eyeliner and eyeshadow to make your eyes really stand out: If you have blue eyes, aim for light natural tones like coral and champagne. The dark, smokey look may overpower your eyes, so experiment with it at home before wearing it out. Grey or blue-grey eyes look nice with sooty and smokey shades of grey, blue, and silver. Green eyes look great with muted purples and shimmery browns. Hazel or brownish-green eyes look nice with metallics and pastels that bring out the flecks of color in the eyes. Dusty pink, soft copper, and gold shadows would look wonderful with hazel eyes. Brown eyes go well with most colors and styles of eye makeup. Neutral shades of salmon and bronzy gold work well. For a smokey eye you might even add a bit of black shadow in your eye crease. A popular style of eyeshadow is to do a smokey eye , which involves mixing two or three shades on your eyelids to give them a graded look, often from dark to light as the colors move up the eyelid towards the eyebrows. Wear lipstick. Lipstick is a great way to play up your lips and add interest to your look. Red is one of the most popular colors. It can be worn by everyone. The secret is just to find the right shade for your skin tone. Use lip liner. Apply lip liner to your lips before applying lipstick to help it stay on longer. You can also use lip liner to change the shape of your lips, making them look more full or even a bit thinner, if that's what you want. Balance your makeup. Wearing dramatic eye makeup with a dramatic lip color is something that stylists generally advise against as it can be overpowering. If you wear a smokey eye, for example, go with a more natural lip. If you wear red lipstick, keep the rest of your makeup relatively subtle. A classic look is to wear a cat's eye with red lipstick. Similar rules apply to balancing hair colors and makeup. For example, having fire-engine-red hair can limit which colors you wear on your lips. Consider using contour makeup. Contouring involves using dark and light shades of skin-toned makeup to change the appearance of your face. For example, with contour makeup you can make your nose look smaller and your cheekbones look prominent. Contouring takes a bit of time to learn, but if you really dislike your natural features, it's worth giving it a try. Wash the makeup off well. Makeup can irritate your skin and cause breakouts. Washing your face well at the end of the day and removing all traces of makeup will help prevent this from happening. To help avoid breakouts, choose non-comedogenic (i.e. non-pore-clogging) makeup. It will say the words “won't clog pores” or “non-comedogenic” on the packaging. Even with this type of makeup, you might still experience breakouts. If you're wearing heavy eye makeup you may want to use eye makeup remover or coconut oil to ensure that you get it completely off your eyes each night. Find your style. Look online to consider what styles you like the best. Base your decisions on what styles appeal to you, and what you feel most confident in. Consider who you are as a person, and ask how you can show that off through your personal style. For example, if you're more outgoing and like punk music, you might take your inspiration from retro punk photos, whereas if you're more natural and a bit of a hippie, you might look at old photos of people from the '60s and '70s for inspiration. Make your clothes an extension of who you are. This means you should feel comfortable and great in your clothes, and not like you're trying to be someone else. Know your body type. Knowing your body type will help you dress in a way that accentuates your best features, and hides the things you're not too happy about. Here's one way to determine your body shape through measurements: Use a measuring tape to measure your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. You may need to get someone to help you do this. Inverted triangle: If your shoulders or bust are larger than your hips, this is your body type. Your shoulders or bust should be over 5% larger than your hips. Rectangle: This is your body type if your shoulders, bust, and hips are roughly the same size, and you have no defined waistline. Your shoulders, bust, and hips should be within 5% of each other, and your waist should be less than 25% smaller than your shoulders or bust. Triangle: If your hips are wider than your shoulders, this is your body type. Your hips should be over 5% larger than your shoulder or bust measurements. Hourglass: This is your body type if your shoulders and hips are roughly the same size, and you have a defined waistline. Your shoulder and hip measurements should be within 5% of each other, and your waist should be at least 25% smaller than your shoulder, hip, and bust. Dress for your body type. Now that you know your body type, you can choose the clothes that will make it look its best: Inverted triangle: Keep your top half relatively clean and simple, and free of any detailing that might add bulk to it. Leave the bulky stuff to your lower half to give it more volume and help balance it with your top half. An example might be a clean v-neck top with a wide belt and a pair of wide-legged, high-waisted trousers. Rectangle: The goal with this body type is to define your waist so that you have more of an hourglass shape. To do this, wear bottoms with embellishments that create gentle curves, and fitted tops that give shape to the waist. Avoid boxy clothes, or clothes with noticeable waistbands. Triangle (aka pear): The goal is to balance your wider lower half (hips and legs) by wearing clothes and accessories that add volume to your upper half and make your shoulders look broader. Avoid adding any bulk to your lower half by wearing bottoms with simple, clean lines and no embellishments. Hourglass: Wear clothes that follow your body line. Fitted clothes are generally a good choice as these are sure to accentuate your naturally curvy figure. Avoid wearing baggy clothes that hide your small waist, otherwise you may look more bulky. Consider your height. Beyond your body shape, you'll also want to consider your height. In particular, think about whether you have a longer torso or longer legs, as this will affect how you dress. If you have longer legs, you may want to wear hip-hugging pants with longer shirts, or dresses with dropped waistlines to give your body more balance. If you have shorter legs, you'll want to wear skirts and pants with high waistlines, and cropped or tucked-in tops to make your legs look longer. Wear clothes that fit you. No matter what you decide to wear, make sure that your clothes fit you well. Clothes that are too baggy or too small will never look good on you, and can also make you feel less confident. | Drink enough water. Eat healthfully. Listen to your body. Exercise regularly. Have good hygiene. Keep a daily journal. Meditate regularly. Be positive. Smile. Be confident. Get enough sleep. Cut and/or color your hair. Determine your face shape. Decide which hairstyles best suit your face shape. Consider coloring your hair. Keep your hair healthy. Know how to keep it looking natural. Use eye makeup to play up your eyes. Wear lipstick. Use lip liner. Balance your makeup. Consider using contour makeup. Wash the makeup off well. Find your style. Know your body type. Dress for your body type. Consider your height. Wear clothes that fit you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-10-Pounds-in-a-Month | How to Lose 10 Pounds in a Month | To lose 10 pounds in a month, replace high-calorie foods like dairy and processed meats with fruits and vegetables. However, do not go below 1200 calories a day, as your body won't be getting enough nutrients to sustain itself. In addition, aim to exercise an hour a day. Try vigorous aerobic exercises like running, cycling, hiking, or jumping rope. | Eat 500-1,000 fewer calories a day. Eating fewer calories is one of the best ways to lose weight. By reducing your daily caloric intake by 500-1,000 calories, you'll lose 1-2 pounds per week, depending on your weight and how much you currently eat. Combined with exercise, this can help you lose 10 pounds in a month. The minimum number of calories needed per day is 1,200 for women and 1,800 for men. Avoid eating less than the minimum number of calories needed so that you're losing weight in a healthy, sustainable way. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about healthy options for eating fewer calories. Count how many calories you're eating every day. Counting calories will help you plan your meals every day and figure out if you're meeting your goals. Whenever you eat something, check the packaging to see how many calories it has and then write the number down in your phone or a journal. If you're not sure how many calories something has, look it up online. For example, you could search "Calories in 1 serving of brown rice," or "How many calories does an apple have?" Replace high-calorie foods like processed meats with fruits and vegetables. Replacing high-calorie foods with fruits and vegetables is an easy way to cut down on the number of calories you're consuming every day. Plus, eating these foods will make you healthier in general. Peaches, oranges, and grapefruit all have under 70 calories. Tomatoes, a ⁄ 4 cup (180 mL) serving of green beans, and a 1 cup (240 mL) serving of broccoli all only have 25 calories. High-calorie foods you should avoid include ice cream, cheese, peanut butter, french fries, white bread, and chips. Cook meals at home so you can control how many calories you're eating. When you eat out at restaurants, it's harder to choose healthy, low-calorie options. By making all your meals at home, you'll be able to carefully measure exactly how many calories are going into your meals. Plan your meals ahead of time to eliminate the chance of slip-ups. When you're dieting, having to make on-the-spot decisions about what you're going to eat can lead to bad choices. Planning out your meals in advance can remove this risk. Every evening, make a list of what you're going to eat the next day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and any snacks in between. To save yourself time, prepare your meals in advance and store them in the freezer until you're ready to eat them. Avoid high-calorie drinks like sodas and specialty coffees. Liquid calories won't make you feel as full as a regular meal does, so it's easy to overdo it. Eliminating high-calorie drinks from your diet can help you cut down on the number of calories you're eating every day. Replace high-calorie drinks with drinks like water, tea, or plain club soda. If you drink coffee every day, stick with black coffee. Avoid specialty coffees that are full of fat and sugar. Drink a glass of water before every meal so you feel full faster. Lowering how many calories you eat every day is hard if you're left feeling hungry after your meals. One way to avoid this is to drink an entire glass of water before you start eating. By partly filling up your stomach with water, you'll feel full sooner and therefore eat less. Exercise every day for 1 hour. While it's possible to lose weight just by eating less, it's a good idea to also incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Exercise will help you lose weight faster, and it will help you keep the weight off. If you don't have a full hour to spare during the day for exercise, try breaking the hour up into two 30-minute sessions. You can exercise for 30 minutes in the morning, and 30 minutes in the evening. Sign up for a gym membership or join a workout class to help motivate you to exercise more. Make it a goal to burn off 500 extra calories every day through exercise. Burning off an extra 500 calories a day will help you lose about 1 pound per week. This weight loss, combined with the weight you'll be losing from eating fewer calories every day, will put you on track to lose 10 pounds in a month. Do vigorous aerobic exercises to burn a lot of calories. Since you're trying to lose 10 pounds in a month, you need to do high-intensity exercises so you're burning off a lot of calories. While moderate aerobic exercises, like walking and swimming, can help you burn calories, vigorous aerobic exercises will help you burn more in a shorter amount of time. Some vigorous aerobic exercises you can try are: Running Cycling Hiking Jumping rope Dance aerobics Incorporate physical activity in your day-to-day to burn even more calories. Look for ways that you can include moderate exercise in your daily routine, like taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator. Being more active during the day can help you reach your daily goal of burning 500 extra calories. If you live close to work, start walking or biking in instead of driving. Make it a goal to go for a 30-minute walk during your lunch break every day. Do strength training exercises if you want to build muscle while losing weight. Strength training exercises won't burn as many calories as aerobic exercises, but they will help you build muscle. If you want to build muscle while you're losing weight, split your workout sessions between strength training and aerobic exercises. Just keep in mind that you may need to eat less since you won't be burning as many calories through exercise. Lifting weights, using weight machines, and doing push-ups are all strength training exercises you can try. Write down what you eat in a food journal. Remembering how many calories you're eating every day can be difficult. That's why using a food journal is so helpful — you can refer to it at the end of the day and add up how many calories you ate so you know whether or not you're on the right track. Whenever you eat something, write it down in your journal along with how many calories it is. Your food journal doesn't have to be a physical book. You can keep track of the foods you're eating in a note on your phone, or by using a food journal app. Some food journal apps you can try are MyFitnessPal, Calorific, and Lose It. Keep track of how many calories you’re burning from exercise. Just like the foods you're eating, it's a good idea to write down how many calories you're burning through exercise every day. That way you'll know whether or not you're burning enough to lose weight. Over time, if you notice that eating less and exercising isn't adding up to a 1,000 calorie deficit every day, you'll know that you need to change your routine. To figure out how many calories you're burning through exercise, enter the exercises you're doing and how long you're doing them for into an online calorie-burning calculator. You can find a calorie-burning calculator at https://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/cbc. Weigh yourself right after you wake up every day. Since you're trying to lose weight in a short amount of time, it's important that you keep tabs on your progress. Weighing yourself every day will give you an idea of whether or not you need to eat less and exercise more. You won't see a change in your weight every day, but if you see your weight going up or not changing for over a week, you'll know that something needs to change. | Eat 500-1,000 fewer calories a day. Count how many calories you're eating every day. Replace high-calorie foods like processed meats with fruits and vegetables. Cook meals at home so you can control how many calories you're eating. Plan your meals ahead of time to eliminate the chance of slip-ups. Avoid high-calorie drinks like sodas and specialty coffees. Drink a glass of water before every meal so you feel full faster. Exercise every day for 1 hour. Make it a goal to burn off 500 extra calories every day through exercise. Do vigorous aerobic exercises to burn a lot of calories. Incorporate physical activity in your day-to-day to burn even more calories. Do strength training exercises if you want to build muscle while losing weight. Write down what you eat in a food journal. Keep track of how many calories you’re burning from exercise. Weigh yourself right after you wake up every day. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Microchipped | How to Tell if a Dog Is Microchipped | To tell if a dog is microchipped, gently feel the dog's skin between its shoulder blades and its neck. See if you can feel a small, hard object about the size of a grain of rice just beneath the skin. If so, the dog is microchipped. If you can't feel a chip, however, the dog may still have one. The chip may have shifted location or have become embedded too deeply to feel. In this case, you will need to use a microchip scanner to locate the chip. | Look for a tag on the dog's collar. If the dog is wearing a collar take a look to see if it has a specific tag that says the dog is microchipped. Microchips are made by different manufacturers, and these companies usually issue a metal tags to place on the dog's collar to alert interested parties that the dog is chipped. The tag is supplied in part to let anyone that finds a dog know that it is chipped in order to scan them but it is also a visual deterrent to potential thieves thinking of stealing the dog, since the dog has permanent ID as belonging to someone else. If the dog does not have an official ID tag on their collar, look for a bespoke collar tag bearing wording such as "I am microchipped" or "microchipped." Know that this is not the same as a tag engraved with the dog's name and phone number. The purpose of this tag is purely to alert the finder that the dog is chipped and should be scanned. This type of tag usually does not carry personal details. Feel for the microchip. If the dog has lost their collar or there is no tag on the collar, try gently feeling for the presence of the microchip. The microchip is encased in a perspex coat that is the size and shape of a grain of rice. Microchips are injected under the skin in the loose skin of the neck at the centerline between the shoulder blades. Therefore this is the ideal place to start feeling. Run your fingertips over the skin between the shoulder blades and neck. Apply gentle pressure to see if you can detect a firm rice-grain sized object just under the skin. Microchips do bed in, which means they can migrate slightly from the original implant site. To reduce the chance of missing a microchip, work in a methodical manner working up and down between shoulder and head and then left to right working side to side from the shoulders up the neck until every inch is covered. This is not a foolproof method. If you can't feel a chip it does not mean the dog is definitely not chipped because the chip may be present but have shifted location or is embedded too deeply to feel. Get a definitive answer by getting the dog scanned. Even if the dog doesn't have a tag that says it has a chip and you don't feel one, it's best to scan the dog to find out. It is worth scanning for a microchip if you are trying to get the contact details of a lost dog's owner. X-ray the dog. Microchips show up on x-ray. While this is not routinely used as a method to check if a chip is present, in cases where a chip was implanted and has stopped working, taking a radiograph of the dog is a quick and easy way to check the chip is still in place but not working. Check the scanner. First, the operator needs to check that the scanner is working by pressing the 'on' button and passing the sensor over a test chip. If the scanner bleeps and displays a number it is working. If the batteries are dead the display will either remain blank or display a message "low battery." If the scanner is working but has not scanned a microchip after a set period of time it displays the message "no chip found." Scan the dog's shoulders. Turn on the scanner and hold it one inch above the skin. Move the scanner in up and down sweeps from the shoulder to neck and then from side to side. When the scanner activates, make a note of the number. Check other places on the dog's body. If no chip is found with a methodical scanning pattern over the shoulders, don't give up. Pass the scanner over the remainder of the body. This includes under the sternum and around the armpits, just in case it has migrated to an unusual location. | Look for a tag on the dog's collar. Feel for the microchip. Get a definitive answer by getting the dog scanned. X-ray the dog. Check the scanner. Scan the dog's shoulders. Check other places on the dog's body. |
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