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https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Front-Door-Color | How to Choose a Front Door Color | If it's time to choose your new front door color, you'll want a shade that complements your house and neighborhood. If your house exterior is decorated in neutral shades, consider a brighter color, like yellow or orange, to create some contrast. You should also take into account the colors of the front doors on your street so you don't stand out too much. For a dramatic look, choose bold colors like orange, purples, or bright blue. Yellow and blue tend to have a welcoming effect on your house. Green can give your house a natural vibe, especially if you have a lot of trees and plant life outside your home. Go for dark colors, like black, plum, and burgundy, if you want a more sophisticated look. | Consult the color wheel. You can find a color wheel online. The color wheel shows which colors best compliment one another. Choose a color that will look good with the exterior color of your home. For a monochromatic style, you can pick several shades of the same color. For example, a red house could be paired with a red door of a slightly different shade. For a light contrast, select a door color about 3 shades away from the color of your home, siding, or another exterior color. If you want complimentary colors, go for colors on the opposite sides of a color wheel. For example, choose a yellow door if you home is colored in a purple shade. Try a bright color to contrast with neutral shades. If your home is a neutral shade, this gives you a lot of freedom when choosing a door color. You can use your door as an opportunity to add color to a duller home. For example, a yellow door can add a bright, welcoming touch to a home painted in a shade like gray. Evaluate the colors of your neighborhood. You may not want your home to stand out too much in the neighborhood. You do not want your home to look too strange or out of place. Make a quick drive through your neighborhood and check out other people's front doors. See if there are certain or color schemes that seem to be more acceptable. For example, you may notice red is a popular color in your area. If you see a lot of red doors, consider this color for your own front door. If you want to stand out just a little, pick something that fits with the color scheme but is unique. If most red doors tend to be very bright, go for a shade like burgundy. Think about matching with subtle exterior colors. You do not have to match strictly with the color of your paint or siding. Look for subtle exterior colors found outside your home. For example, maybe the porch rails are painted yellow. You could make a yellow door to match to draw everything together. You could also look at the trim near your home. Pair a blue door with a blue trim. Or, match the color of your front door to the color of your garage door to tie everything together. Think about colors you would personally like. Your own tastes can help you determine the best color door for you. What colors do you personally like? If your favorite colors would go well with your home, think about choosing one of your favorite colors for your front door. Make sure the color is fitting, however. You may have to alter your favorite color to match your home's color scheme. Consult the color wheel. For example, maybe your home is painted light green. If your favorite colors are bright floral shades, like fuchsias and purples, this may not go great with a lighter green. However, a light pink is also a floral shade and would match better with a green house. If your home is done in muted shades, you might want to pick a high-gloss saturated color to make your door stand out. Or, pick a bold color in a muted tone to complement the other muted colors in your home. Go for bolder colors if you want a dramatic look. If you want your door to be very noticeable, think about a bolder shade. Oranges, purples, and very bright blues can make for dramatic shades. If your personal style tends to veer towards the bold, think about a bright and somewhat unusual color. Be careful not to verge on gaudy though. When select a bold shade, do not go too bright or fluorescent. This may look too out there for a front door. Try yellow or blue for a welcoming home. Yellow and blue shade tend to look welcoming. People are drawn to these kind of friendly and inviting colors. If you want a home that looks hospitable, opt for a yellow or blue shade for your door. Yellow and blue colors can pair very well together. If you have a blue home, a yellow door can look great. Blend green with exterior colors for a natural look. If you want your home to give off a natural vibe, use green. Green will blend with outside foliage. Lighter greens tend to be work best for a subtle effect. This works best if there are a lot of trees and plant life outside your home. Opt for a dark color for a sophisticated feel. A bold, black door looks great on a modern home. Other dark colors, like navy, plum, and burgundy, lend an air of sophistication to your home. If you decide to go this route, make sure the color goes with the style of your home. Try a richer, deeper color for a traditional home. More traditional styled homes, like Victorian homes, pair better with richer, deeper colors. Something like black, navy, or dark red would pair well with a more traditional home. It may be a good idea to stay away from brighter, modern colors. Old-fashioned farmhouse-style homes, however, are an exception. They often have brightly colored doors, such as a red door on a white farmhouse-style home. Go for something brighter if your home is a neutral color. Many homes that were built recently are done in neutral colors. This means something brighter could work well as a front door color. Think about bolder shades like bright reds, yellows, and blues. Evaluate your home's geographical or period influences. A house that's meant to look like it belongs in a certain era or place may look better or worse with certain colors. Think about the geographical region or time period your home evokes and look up houses from that place or time. See what door colors are traditionally used. An English Tudor style home, for example, may not look great with pastels. Homes designed with a Mediterranean style in mind may pair well with turquoise. Pastel blue or pink would work well for a cottage-style or small, retro home. A pop of fun, fresh color can help your door stand out. Do not be afraid to break tradition. There are no hard and fast rules for painting a door. If you're attached to a particular color, you may be able to make it work even if it clashes slightly with your house's style. Don't be afraid to break convention to get what you really want. For example, if you want a bright purple door, but your house is an older style, think about sticking to the purple but compromising. A rich and deep purple, for example, could pair well with a house with an older style. Select exterior paint. You need exterior paint for your door so that it is resistant to weather and moisture. You may also want to choose a combination paint-and-primer so you don't have to prime the door separately. Opt for a high-gloss paint if you want a bold finish. High-gloss paint tends to stand out more than paint with a matte finish. However, it also shows damage to the door, brush strokes, and fingerprints more easily. Stick with a matte finish for a basic look. Most front doors are coated with paint that has a matte finish. It won't be as shiny, but it does disguise brush strokes and fingerprints better. It also tends to be more subtle and blend in better with your existing paint. | Consult the color wheel. Try a bright color to contrast with neutral shades. Evaluate the colors of your neighborhood. Think about matching with subtle exterior colors. Think about colors you would personally like. Go for bolder colors if you want a dramatic look. Try yellow or blue for a welcoming home. Blend green with exterior colors for a natural look. Opt for a dark color for a sophisticated feel. Try a richer, deeper color for a traditional home. Go for something brighter if your home is a neutral color. Evaluate your home's geographical or period influences. Do not be afraid to break tradition. Select exterior paint. Opt for a high-gloss paint if you want a bold finish. Stick with a matte finish for a basic look. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Mangonadas | How to Make Mangonadas | To make mangonadas, first make chamoy by blending apricots, apple cider vinegar, ancho chili pepper, lime, and apricot fruit together into a paste. Once fully blended, set the chamoy aside. Next, add frozen mango and orange juice to a blender and pulse until smooth. Place a few tablespoons of the chamoy in a jar, pour the mango slushie in, and spoon a little more chamoy on top. Swirl the mango slushie and chamoy to mix the flavors before garnishing with chili-lime sauce. | Rehydrate the dried apricots. You typically do this by adding the dried fruit to hot water. Measure out 1 cup of hot water. Add 4-5 dried apricots to the water. Allow the fruit to soak for 30 minutes. When the apricots are rehydrated they should have increased in size and be soft when squeezed. When the apricots are rehydrated, discard the water. Add ingredients to a food processor or blender. You will add the following: 1/2 cup spreadable apricot fruit Juice of 1 lime 2 1/4 teaspoons ground ancho chili pepper 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Rehydrated apricots. Blend the ingredients in the food processor or blender. Use a high setting. Make sure the ingredients are evenly mixed. The ingredients may stick to the side of the food processor. In this case, use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl. If you don't have a food processor or traditional blender, you can try using a hand blender. Store the chamoy in an airtight jar or container. You will need to refrigerate the chamoy if you aren't using it right away. For the mangonadas, you will only need 2-3 tablespoons of the chamoy. Measure this out and store the rest. This should keep well in the refrigerator. You can use the rest as a dipping sauce or in a salsa. Add 2 cups of frozen mango chunks to a blender. Pour 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice on top. Seal the lid of the blender tightly. Pulse the blender to mix the ingredients. Blend until the mixture is smooth, like a slushie. Get several small jars. You will use these to serve the mangonadas. Divide 2-3 tablespoons of chamoy between the jars. Spoon the chamoy into each jar. Spread it around the side and inside of the glass using a knife or back of a spoon. This will allow this spicy condiment to be tasted throughout the mangonada. It should be a relatively thin layer. Fill the mangonada jars. You will need to add the frozen mango juice and prepare the topping. Pour the mango and orange juice mixture into each glass. It should still be the consistency of a slushie. Spoon a small amount of chamoy on top of each glass. Swirl this with a spoon to create a design and to mix the flavors. Top with a sprinkling of chili-lime salt. Enjoy on a hot day! Add 2 pounds of fresh chopped mango to a food processor or blender. Pour in 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Seal the lid on the blender or food processor tightly. Process until completely smooth. Use the pulse setting on high. Pour the mixture into a container. Put this into the freezer. You will need to freeze the mango mixture until it is completely frozen. This will take approximately 5 hours. Be patient. Making mangonadas from fresh fruit takes much longer than using frozen fruit because of this step. Scoop out the frozen mango mixture. Add it to a blender or food processor. This might be difficult if the mixture is very hard. Try using an ice cream scoop or sturdy spoon to scoop out the mixture. Blend the frozen mangonada mixture until it is smooth like a slushie. Find several small jars and fill them with the frozen mixture and chamoy. Top each jar with lime juice and ground chili. Spoon a little bit of chamoy into each jar. Spread it around the inside of the jar with knife or back of a spoon. Add a layer of frozen mango mixture, then top this with a small amount of chamoy. Repeat this layering until the jar is full. Pour a small amount of lime juice on top of each jar and sprinkle some ground chili as a topping. Consider serving this recipe as individual popsicles. To do this, pour the mango mixture (from step 1) in several small cups or popsicle molds. Put a popsicle stick in each. Freeze the individual popsicles until hardened. Cut away the disposable cup or pop the popsicles out of molds. Top each popsicle with some chamoy, squeeze a little lime juice on top, and sprinkle with ground chili. | Rehydrate the dried apricots. Add ingredients to a food processor or blender. Blend the ingredients in the food processor or blender. Store the chamoy in an airtight jar or container. Add 2 cups of frozen mango chunks to a blender. Get several small jars. Fill the mangonada jars. Add 2 pounds of fresh chopped mango to a food processor or blender. Pour the mixture into a container. Scoop out the frozen mango mixture. Find several small jars and fill them with the frozen mixture and chamoy. Consider serving this recipe as individual popsicles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Stubborn-People | How to Deal With Stubborn People | Dealing with stubborn people can be difficult and frustrating, but there are a few strategies you can use to make things easier. Try showing them how a decision can benefit them to get them to think the decision is valid. For instance, if you're trying to convince a stubborn person to try a new restaurant, you could say something like, “Let's try that new taco place. I know you love churros, they're supposed to have the best in town.” It's also important that you stay calm and resist the temptation to get into an argument with a stubborn person. Instead, try to find common ground to help them see things from your perspective. For example, you could say something like, “I think you're right about there being a problem, but I think there may be a better solution.” | Start with a bit of flattery. One of the reasons that stubborn people are the way they are is because they hate to be wrong. They think that they know the best way to do everything, and therefore, they may be a bit sensitive when they are told that there are other ways to do things; they may view a difference in opinion as a personal attack even if you mean no harm. So, when you talk to stubborn people, try to make them feel good about themselves by offering them a bit of flattery first. Just make sure it's sincere and that it doesn't sound like you're just sucking up to get your way. Here are some ways you can start off: "I know you've been working so hard lately. I'm so impressed by how you're able to keep your act together during such a stressful time." "You always have such great ideas and I thought I'd throw one out for you." "I'm so glad I got to see you today. I've missed hanging out with you." Show that you value their opinions. Another thing you have to do to deal with stubborn people is to acknowledge their positions and show them that they really have a great idea. Don't make them think that their idea is completely stupid, invalid, or poorly thought-out (even if you feel that way), or their chances of listening to you will be approaching 0%. Make sure to repeat their argument and show that you do see the good in what the person is saying; that way, the person will see that you do value him or her as well as his or her ideas. This will make the person much more open to listening to you. Here are some things that you can say: "I think going to get Italian is a great idea. I love the gnocchi at the Italian place, and they have such a great wine selection. However..." "I know we didn't have the greatest time hanging out with Sarah and Mike last time, and you're right about them being a little bit weird. But I really think we should give them another chance." "Moving to San Francisco from Oakland would have a lot of benefits, just like you said. There would be more to do, we'd be living closer to the airport and we do travel a ton, and we'd be moving closer to our best friends. But having said that..." Don't tell them that they're wrong. The last thing that a stubborn person wants to hear is that he or she is flat-out wrong. Don't ever say, "You're not looking at this correctly," or "You just don't get it, do you?" And definitely don't say, "How could you be so wrong?" This will alienate the person and make him or her shut down completely. Make it clear that he or she has some great ideas and that you have considered them carefully. They may be right for another time or situation, but right now, you'd like to do what you want to do. Make that very clear. Say things like, "We both have such great ideas" or "There are a lot of ways to look at this situation" to show that you think the person is "equally" right. Show how the decision will benefit them. Stubborn people are often stubborn because they are very invested in themselves and how their decisions can help them feel even better and do what they want to do. So, if you want to stroke their egos a bit and make them think the decision is valid, you have to show how it can end up benefiting them, even if it may seem a little surprising. This will pique their interest and will make them much more likely to give in. Here are some things that you can say: "I'd really love to check out the new sushi place down the street. Remember you said you were having a craving for fried ice cream? I heard they have an amazing a variety at that restaurant." "Hanging out with Sarah and Mike should be fun, and what's more, I heard Mike has an extra ticket to the 49ers game and is looking for someone to go with him. I know you've been dying to go." "If we stay in Oakland instead of moving to San Francisco, we'll be able to save on rent. We can use that extra money to go to Costa Rica this summer, just like you wanted to do." Make them think they've come up with the idea on their own. This is another trick to convincing the stubborn person to do what you want. Make the person think that, in the course of your conversation, he or she had actually come up with the idea, or had introduced an important aspect of why the idea is such a good one. This will make the person feel proud of himself, and like he's still getting his own way. This can be a little tricky to pull off, but if you can do it right, you'll be amazed by how much better this will make the stubborn person feel. Here are some things you can say: "That's a great idea! I forgot about how much I love plum wine. The sushi place will definitely have that." "You're right -- we can meet up with Sarah and Mike this weekend. And you think Saturday night is the best time to do it, don't you?" "That's so true -- I would miss our little farmer's market way too much if we left Oakland." Be firm. The reason that stubborn people often get their way is because the people around them often cave in and let them get exactly what they want. This can be for a number of reasons: you may think that the person will throw a fit or sulk if he doesn't get his way, you may not have the energy to resist, or you may even be convinced that the person must want whatever you're arguing about more badly than you do. But remind yourself that the person is using cheap tactics to get his way, and that you're entitled to have things go your way for once. If the person starts to get emotional or visibly upset, slow down until the person feels more calm, but don't just say, "Fine, fine, you can get your way, just stop crying" -- this will show the person that he or she can manipulate your emotions and get you to give up what you want easily. Being firm means sticking to your side of the story and offering a rational, logical argument for why your idea is important. It does not mean getting aggressive or yelling or name calling. Stubborn people are already defensive, and this kind of behavior will only make them feel more threatened. Give them information. Stubborn people are also afraid of the unknown. They may not want to do something simply because they've never done it before or because they're not used to breaking their routine. The more you can tell them about the situation, the better they will feel about it. They'll see that the thing you're proposing isn't so scary because they can have a sense of what it will be like. Here are some things you can say: "The new sushi place has a great deal on sashimi. It's a lot cheaper than the Italian place too. They also have an awesome big screen TV, and you can catch the end of the game while we eat." "Sarah and Mike have the cutest little dog -- you'll love him. Mike is also really into craft beer and they have an awesome selection. They only live fifteen minutes away, so it won't be a trek, either." "Did you know that rent in San Francisco is on average 100% higher than the rent in Oakland? How can we afford to live there?" Show them why it's important to you. If the stubborn person cares about you, then he or she will be persuaded just by hearing why the things you want would mean so much to you. This will help them see the situation on a human level, and they will see that it's about more than about being wrong or right, but about giving you what you really want and need. If you're in a relationship with this person, then helping them see why this would make you happy is a great move. Here are some things you can say: "I've been craving sushi for weeks. Can we please go? I can always go with Maria, but that just won't be as fun as going with you." "I'd really like to spend more time with Sarah and Mike. You know I've been lonely in our new neighborhood, and I'd love to have some more friends." "I'd really love to live in Oakland for another year. Commuting to work is so easy for me, and I'd hate to have to wake up an hour earlier to get there." Remind them that it's your turn. If you're used to dealing with this particular stubborn person, then chances are, you have given in again and again. It's time to put your foot down and remind the person of all of the things you have given up for him or her, whether it's big or small. You can do this without making them feel horrible, but you can really show them the big picture and let them see that it's time that you got what you wanted. Here are some things you can say: "We've gone to the restaurant you've wanted to go to for the last five times we hung out. Can I pick, for once?" "We've hung out with your friends instead of mine for the last three weekends. Can we give my friends a chance this time?" "It was your idea to move to Oakland, remember? Well, now it's my idea to stay put." Negotiate or compromise. You may not be able to get what you want completely, but you may be able to get the stubborn person to meet you halfway. Compromising or negotiating with the person can help you persuade him to do what you want to do without fully giving in. If the person is truly stubborn, then baby steps may be the way to go, and you won't be able to convince the person to follow your plan overnight. Here are some things you can say: "Okay, we can go to the Italian place tonight. But that means we'll go to the sushi place tomorrow night, right?" "How about we meet Sarah and Mike for a drink instead of coming over to their place for dinner? We'll still hang out with them for a bit, but it won't take up our whole night." "I'd be open to moving to Berkeley. It's more expensive than Oakland, but not as pricey as San Francisco, and there's always a lot going on there, too. Stay calm. If you really want to deal with a stubborn person and even have a chance of getting your way, then you can't let your emotions get the best of you. If you start getting visibly upset or even angry, then the person will think that he won, because you can't keep yourself in check. Take deep breaths, slow down, or even leave the room for a few minutes if you see yourself getting heated. The stubborn person will be much more likely to listen to you if you look calm and collected, not angry or crazed. It's easy to lose your cool when you're dealing with someone who is unwilling to do what you want or to change. But remind yourself that the more likely you are to have an outburst, the less likely the person will be to see your side of the story. Don't say that they're being stubborn. The last thing a stubborn person wants to hear is that he is stubborn. Stubborn people are defensive, and, well, stubborn, and if you even say this word around them, then they will clam up and be even less likely to change. Don't say, "Why do you have to be so stubborn!?" or the person will stop listening to you. Resist the urge to say this word even if it's on the tip of your tongue. Find common ground. Finding common ground with the person can help you persuade him to see things from your perspective. Stubborn people can feel a bit ganged up on and if you convince the person that you're both coming from the same place, then he or she will be much more likely to listen to you then if you have wildly different opinions. Here are some things you can say: "I completely agree that we've been having productivity issues at the company. We definitely need to find a solution here. However, I do think that it has more to do with a lack of employee satisfaction than with the new projects we've been assigned." "I agree that the people we've been hanging out with have all been a little weird or boring. But if we don't give new friends a chance, we'll never find people we really like, will we?" Ease them into change little by little. If you have to deal with a stubborn person in the long term, then you have to know that stubborn people don't like to dive head first into the unknown. They like to put their toes into the water and to slowly walk forward. So, if you want to convince a person close to you to try something different, then you have to get the person used to the idea little by little until the person is fully comfortable with the situation. For example, if you have a slightly possessive friend who doesn't like the new friends you made from your art class, have the person meet the friends one on one for a short amount of time instead of throwing the person into your new friend group; this will make the person more likely to be excited about the new social situation. If you're trying to convince your roommate to be more clean, then ask your roommate to do the dishes every other day. After that, you can talk about taking out the trash more often, vacuuming the carpet, and so on. Pick your battles. This is key when dealing with stubborn people. You can get stubborn people to give in on some occasions, and with the right approach, you can even convince them to make some pretty big changes. However, if the person is truly stubborn, then it's unlikely that he or she will give in to your demands very often. So, if you have a hard time getting a stubborn person to do what you want, then you should only ask about the things you really care about. Maybe you don't really care about picking the movie on date night; but you may, however, care about where you go on your spring break trip. Save up for that. Break the pattern of always giving in. A stubborn person may continue to get his or her way around you because you always end up giving in. If you never say no, then why would the person want to change for you? So, the next time you're negotiating something, even if it's as simple as what movie to see, say that you're going to go on your own or go home if you don't get your way. This will surprise the stubborn person so much that he or she will either give in or will start to think of you as a person who can't be easily manipulated. If you don't give in easily, the stubborn person will actually respect you more and will be more likely to value your opinion. Don't beg or sound desperate. This is not a good way to get the person to come around to your point of view, no matter how badly you want things to go your way. If you feel that you've exhausted all of your resources and options, then just walk away. There's no use in degrading yourself by begging and whining, and this will not only not work with a truly stubborn person, but it will be a little humiliating for you. If you want to convince a stubborn person to do something, you have to take the rational approach. The emotional approach will only make the person even less likely to agree with you. Be patient. It takes time to truly persuade a stubborn person, especially if you're trying to break a stubborn pattern of behavior. It won't happen overnight, and you have to remind yourself that you'll have to start with the small stuff (what to watch on TV) before you can to move to the bigger issues (where to move). Tell yourself that you can change the person little by little, but that you won't be able to make him or her someone completely new. Maintain your confidence. Confidence is key when you're dealing with stubborn people. If you waver or show some doubt in your own ideas, then the person will respect you less and will be even less likely to listen to you. You have to act like your idea or perspective is the best idea ever (without being arrogant, of course), and the person will be more likely to think you know your stuff. Don't let the person intimidate you into backing down or saying that maybe your own idea isn't so great. Keep your head up, maintain eye contact, and don't let the person make you hunch over or look at the floor when you're talking. Maintaining a confident posture can go a long way in making your ideas sound confident. If you're nervous about what you have to propose, practice it in advance. This will make you sound more confident about your ideas when the time comes. Know when to give up. Unfortunately, you may try everything when you're dealing with the stubborn person and may get absolutely no results. If the stubborn person isn't budging an inch, listening to you at all, or willing to accept another perspective though you've tried providing more information, flattering him, being firm, and showing how much the decision would mean to you, then it may be time to walk away. If you can't do any good, then you may only be doing harm, and it's better to leave the situation if you know it's not going anywhere. If you keep trying to make a stubborn person see your point of view to no avail at all, then you may end up being the stubborn one. Giving up on a stubborn person doesn't mean you're weak. It just means that you have been rational and know when there's nothing else that can be done. | Start with a bit of flattery. Show that you value their opinions. Don't tell them that they're wrong. Show how the decision will benefit them. Make them think they've come up with the idea on their own. Be firm. Give them information. Show them why it's important to you. Remind them that it's your turn. Negotiate or compromise. Stay calm. Don't say that they're being stubborn. Find common ground. Ease them into change little by little. Pick your battles. Break the pattern of always giving in. Don't beg or sound desperate. Be patient. Maintain your confidence. Know when to give up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Crank-Baits | How to Use Crank Baits | If you have a crank bait on your line, cast it out about 30 feet from your boat and reel it in until there's only about 12 inches of line hanging off the tip of your rod. Once you're in position, press down on your spool and point your rod 90 degrees to your left or right. Then, quickly swing the rod back in front of your body and release the spool. As you reel the bait in, use erratic jerks and motions, since you want to imitate the erratic movements of a small fish. When you feel a bass take the bait, sharply swing the tip of your rod to one side and you'll plant your hook right into the side of its mouth. | Use a lipless crankbait for a variety of fishing depths. When you reel in your lipless bait, it will remain in a stable position: face-down at about a 45° angle. While some anglers don't like the lack of motion on the lipless baits, the advantage of these baits is that they can be fished in a variety of depths. Unlike most other styles of crankbait, you can fish your lipless bait in 5 feet (1.5 m) to 50 feet (15 m) of water. Due to the shape of the head and body, lipless crankbaits may snag on underwater vegetation. So, use a lipless crankbait in relatively vegetation-free patches of water. You can peer down into the water to see if there's substantial vegetation in the top 5 feet (1.5 m). You can fish a lipless crankbait in cold or warm water. Opt for a lipped crankbait when you're fishing over underwater debris. If you're fishing over underwater stumps and logs, or through substantial grass and vegetation, fish with a lipped crankbait. These baits have protruding “lips” from the front of the bait's head which allow them to bounce and deflect off of underwater rocks or stumps. If a lipped crankbait bangs into a piece of underwater cover, it may change direction, but will not be seriously damaged. Lipped crankbait are manufactured to be effective at different depths of water. Inspect the packaging, and you'll see that they're marked as being most effective at “shallow,” “medium,” or “deep” depths. As with their lipless counterparts, lipped crankbait are effective in both cold and warm water. Choose a scatter rap crankbait for less-vegetated areas. When you reel them in, most crankbait styles will bob up and down in the water to mimic the motions of a small fish. Scatter rap crankbaits are designed differently: they'll whip back and forth from side to side as you reel them in. This will vary the pattern that the fish makes in the water, and the pattern of motion may cause bass to strike. However, scatter rap bait are smaller and can easily get caught up in thick vegetation. So, only fish these if you're casting into relatively clear water. Fish the scatter rap bait in warm water, when bass will have the energy to chase the fast-moving bait. These work best in relatively shallow water that's less than 10 feet (3.0 m) deep. Fish a narrow-bodied crankbait in cold water. Narrow-bodied crankbaits have relatively little wiggle. This makes them ideal for bass fishing when the pond or lake is cold. Under these conditions, bass are unlikely to strike at a large, aggressively-wiggling bait. So, narrow-bodied crankbait are ideal for water temperatures under 60 °F (16 °C). A fishing or sporting-goods store will stock a variety of crankbait shapes and sizes. There is no single specific depth that's ideal for narrow-bodied crankbaits. As with other lipped crankbaits, they'll be marked for different depths based on the bait's weight. Try a few different weights and see which depth is most effective for fishing at your local lake. Fish a round-bodied crankbait in warmer water. Round-bodied crankbaits are typically larger than narrow-bodied baits and so will have more wiggle in the water. Use this style of crankbait in warmer water that's above 65 °F (18 °C). Round-bodied baits are especially effective when bass are in large schools. Bass in schools will compete with one another to catch the fast-wiggling bait. As with narrow-bodied bait, round-bodied crankbait come in different weights which are designed to sink to varying depths in a lake. Fish the crankbait around large underwater rocks, stumps, or logs. Crankbaits are excellent at drawing large bass out from around substantial underwater obstacles. Trawl around the lake until you find such an obstacle. These will often be located near a short or small peninsula. Look for stumps or logs in areas where trees are growing near the water. Look for places along the lake's shore with a drop-off or ledge. Bass like to congregate and rest in the shadow cast by sharp drop-offs or vertical ledges. So, trawl around until you find a ledge that's at least 1–2 feet (0.30–0.61 m) high. Find locations where mud or gravel lie just below the lake's surface. Look for small peninsulas where mud or gravel have eroded out from land into the lake, or for large, shallow areas where mud or gravel are only a few inches below the surface of the water. Bass often hunt in these waters, so you're likely to hook one using your crankbait. In fishing terms, you're looking for “points” (small peninsulas) or “flats” (large, shallow areas). Cast your line about 30 feet (9.1 m) out from your boat. Reel in the line until there's only about 12 inches (30 cm) hanging off of the tip of the rod. Press down on the reel spool, and point the rod 90° to your left or right. Then, quickly swing the rod back in front of your body and release the reel spool when the rod is in front of you. Crankbait work best when they're cast pretty far from the boat. This gives you more distance to reel the bait across. The more distance the bait crosses, the more likely it is to be noticed by bass. When you fish the crankbait, don't cast it directly onto an underwater stump or rock. Instead, cast about 10 feet (3.0 m) past the obstacle, and reel the bait in above it. When fishing a ledge, cast the crankbait parallel to the shore, so that you can reel the bait back in for 20–30 feet (6.1–9.1 m) along the ledge. If there aren't any naturally-formed ledges on the lake you're fishing, try casting the crankbait right next to the vertical side of a boat ramp. You can cast your crankbait right on top of the mud or gravel flat. Or, cast the bait a few feet past the flat, and reel the bait in. Reel the bait in with erratic jerks and motions. The bait fish that your crankbait imitates rarely swim in straight lines at a consistent speed. So, make some erratic moves while you're reeling in the bait. Swing your rod a few inches to the right or left, or let the bait sit in the water for 20 seconds before continuing to reel it in. When bass see your crankbait moving erratically, they're likely to see it as a potential meal and not as an inedible object in the water. Hold your rod at a 45° angle while you're reeling in the crankbait. New anglers are often tempted to hold their rod at a 90° angle, parallel to the water, as they reel in the crankbait. In fact, this angle is counterproductive because it gives you less freedom of movement when you're trying to hook a bass. So, keep the rod pointed downward at a 45° angle until you feel a bass strike the bait. If the rod is already vertical when a fish strikes the bait, you may lose the fish. Keep the tip of your rod 1 foot (0.30 m) above the water's surface. If you hold the tip of your rod up much higher than this, you won't be able to effectively fight and reel in a fish once it's hooked. An exception to this rule occurs if you're fishing in shallow water near vegetation. You may need to raise the tip of your rod so it's not caught up in the brush. “Worm” your crankbait around underwater obstacles. Crankbait are durable, but will crack if rammed into underwater stumps, large branches, or rocks too many times. If your bait is lined up to hit cover, slowly reel until the bait bumps into the stump or rock. Then, move the bass to one side by moving the top of your rod right or left. This will protect your bait from damage and will also often catch the attention of bass in the vegetation. Bass often congregate in patches of underwater vegetation. If you see a potential bass haven, cast your crankbait over it at least 5 times, worming around obstacles if necessary. Repeated casts will increase the likelihood of bass taking the bait. If you're fishing with a lipless crankbait and it becomes stuck in vegetation, try worming the bait to free it. Jerk your rod sideways to hook the fish. When you feel a fish take the bait and strike at the line, it's time to hook the bass. Wait until you feel a couple of serious tugs on the line, and then reel the bait in for 2 more rotations. Then, sharply swing the tip of your rod about 2 feet (0.61 m) to one side. Doing so will plant the point of your hook in the fish's mouth. Hooking fish takes practice. If you try to hook a fish too early, for example, the hook may tear through a fish's lip rather than catching in the back of its mouth. Reel the fish in slowly. Once your hook is in a bass's mouth, don't reel it in at lightning speed. Focus on maintaining a slow, consistent pace as you reel in the fish. Don't reel while the fish thrashes at the end of the line. When the fish starts to tire and pauses, turn the reel 4 or 5 times. Repeat until you've landed the fish. It may help if you kneel down on the deck of your fishing boat. This will keep the line low across the surface of the water and will prevent the fish from jumping. | Use a lipless crankbait for a variety of fishing depths. Opt for a lipped crankbait when you're fishing over underwater debris. Choose a scatter rap crankbait for less-vegetated areas. Fish a narrow-bodied crankbait in cold water. Fish a round-bodied crankbait in warmer water. Fish the crankbait around large underwater rocks, stumps, or logs. Look for places along the lake's shore with a drop-off or ledge. Find locations where mud or gravel lie just below the lake's surface. Cast your line about 30 feet (9.1 m) out from your boat. Reel the bait in with erratic jerks and motions. Hold your rod at a 45° angle while you're reeling in the crankbait. Keep the tip of your rod 1 foot (0.30 m) above the water's surface. “Worm” your crankbait around underwater obstacles. Jerk your rod sideways to hook the fish. Reel the fish in slowly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Parkinson%27s-Disease | How to Prevent Parkinson's Disease | While there's no proven way to prevent Parkinson's disease, try drinking a cup of coffee per day, since caffeine may minimize the risk of Parkinson's. You should also eat plenty of fresh, raw vegetables, like spinach and cabbage, to keep your folic acid levels down. Additionally, do around 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, such as swimming or walking, as physical activity can help protect brain tissue. Make sure you limit your exposure to pesticides and herbicides, which can be harmful. | Drink caffeine. Having a cup of coffee or can of soda every day may help minimize your risk of developing Parkinson's. Make sure to stay within recommended daily allowances for caffeine so that you don't develop other health problems. Choose any beverage with caffeine, as there is no evidence that one type of caffeine is better than others. For example, you could have coffee, tea, cola, or energy drinks. Some foods even have natural caffeine. These include: protein bars, coffee-flavored ice cream or yogurt, and chocolate. Consume less than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily. This is about four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of soda, or two “energy shot” drinks. If you are drinking soda in order to get caffeine, consider limiting how much you drink. Sodas are often packed with sugar and won't promote good health if you drink them too often. Sip green tea. In addition to having coffee or tea, green tea may also prevent Parkinson's. Green tea has compounds called green tea polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, that may eliminate free radicals in your system. Be sure to read labels when drinking green tea. Some products have caffeine while others don't. Remember that green tea counts towards your daily hydration totals. Enjoy more peppers. Eating more peppers—red, green, yellow, and orange—may lower your risk for developing Parkinson's. Incorporate peppers into daily meals and have them as snacks, both of which may help you stave off Parkinson's when combined with other dietary and lifestyle choices. Be aware that doctors are still unsure if raw or cooked peppers are better for decreasing your risk. Try having some peppers at each meal and make sure you vary the colors to get the most nutrients. For example, you could have an omelet with peppers at breakfast, a salad with diced peppers for lunch, and stuffed peppers for dinner. Have some pepper strips dipped in hummus or light ranch dressing for a snack. Be sure to eat lots of fresh, raw vegetables. In addition to eating peppers, having fresh and raw vegetables at every meal may decrease your Parkinson's risk. This is because low levels of the B vitamin folate, which is also called folic acid, may increase your risk for the disease. You can easily get folic acid by incorporating lots of vegetables in your diet. Some of the best sources of folate are: Spinach Endive Romaine lettuce Asparagus Mustard greens Collard greens Okra Cabbage Boost antioxidant consumption. Oxidative stress, which is a result of free radicals in the body, may contribute to Parkinson's. Getting rid of free radicals by eating foods with lots of antioxidants may also help prevent Parkinson's. Some great sources of antioxidants include: Artichokes Kale Potatoes Berries Pears Apples Grapes Eggs Kidney beans Lentils Pecans Walnuts Dark chocolate Red wine Fava beans Take antioxidant supplements. Antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and may reduce your risk of developing Parkinson's. Eating a healthy and nutritious diet can help you get antioxidants, but consider taking antioxidant supplements to help boost free radical elimination. Take supplements for Vitamins C and E. Consider getting mixed supplement that has multiple forms of Vitamin E to avoid possible side effects of this compound. Another antioxidant that may help is Omega-3 fatty acid. Try Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is also present in foods such as organ meats, sardines, and mackerel. Make sure to stay within recommended daily limits of any antioxidant to avoid toxicity. Reading product labels can alert you not only recommended daily values and how much is in the specific supplement. Ask a pharmacist any questions you might have. Limit your iron intake. Eating iron is important to staying healthy, but it's important to consume it within recommended levels. Too much iron may put your body into oxidative stress, which is when your body releases toxic free radicals into your system. In turn, this can contribute to the degeneration of brain cells that are often found in Parkinson's patients. Get no more than 8 mg iron daily if you are a man. Women over the age of 51 should also not have more than 8 mg iron every day. Women between the ages of 18 and 50 should have 18 mg iron as a part of their daily diet. For example, one cup of fortified breakfast cereals has 18 mg, 3 ounces of pan fried beef liver has 5mg, and ½ cup of boiled and drained spinach has 3mg. Reduce manganese consumption. Like iron, too much manganese can lead to oxidative stress, which can contribute to Parkinson's. Make sure to stay within adequate intake margins of manganese to help prevent Parkinson's. Recognize that there is no dietary allowance for manganese. Instead, there is adequate intake (AI) use. Eat less than 1.6 mg if you are a man and 2.3 mg if you are a woman. Sources of manganese include nuts, legumes, seeds, teas, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables. Exercise regularly. One of the common treatments for Parkinson's is physical activity. Regular physical activity or exercise may minimize your risk for developing the disease by about 30%. This may be especially true for people in their 30s and 40s, which is decades before Parkinson's often develops. Try and get some type of physical activity most days of the week to try and reduce your Parkinson's risk. Do aerobic activity that gets your heart beating faster, which has a protective effect on brain tissue. Aim for least 75 minutes of vigorous activity or 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. This translates to about 30 minutes five days a week. Do exercises and activities that challenge your body and that you enjoy. Things like hiking, walking, jogging or running, swimming, or biking are great options. Activities like jumping rope or on a trampoline can also get your heart pumping. Avoid pesticides. Exposing yourself to pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides may increase your risk of developing Parkinson's. These compounds can mimic the same function as Parkinson's in the brain: they kill neurons in a small part of the brain called the substantia nigra pars compacta. Avoid or limit your exposure to any pesticide as much as you can. Stay indoors if you are around an area being sprayed with insecticides. Steer clear of solvents. Like pesticides, petrochemical solvents such as paints and glues may increase your risk for Parkinson's. Although the evidence isn't entirely clear on the connection between the two, it's advisable to steer clear of solvents as much as you possibly can. Check product labels for the names of commonly used solvents including: isopropanol, toluene, xylene, white spirits, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, and perchloroethylene. Make sure your employer uses safe practices if exposure to solvents is a part of your job. If not, contact OSHA at 1-800-321-6742 to file a report and set in motion getting proper protection from solvents. Use low-volatility paints and glues if you can. Make sure any area exposed to solvents is adequately ventilated with open windows and fans. Stay away from cigarettes. A strange fact about Parkinson's is that people who smoke appear to be less likely to develop the disease; however, this is no reason to start smoking, because the harmful effects of smoking far outweigh any benefit you might gain against Parkinson's. Recognize that the link between smoking and a lower risk of Parkinson's is that tobacco is a nightshade plant. You can incorporate other healthy nightshades into your diet by eating veggies like peppers, cauliflower, eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes. | Drink caffeine. Sip green tea. Enjoy more peppers. Be sure to eat lots of fresh, raw vegetables. Boost antioxidant consumption. Take antioxidant supplements. Limit your iron intake. Reduce manganese consumption. Exercise regularly. Avoid pesticides. Steer clear of solvents. Stay away from cigarettes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Season-a-Blackstone-Griddle | How to Season a Blackstone Griddle | To season a brand new Blackstone Griddle, start by cleaning it with a paper towel and soapy warm water. Skip the cleaning if you've used your griddle before, since the soap can damage the surface! Next, turn the grill to the maximum temperature and let it heat up for 15-20 minutes. Once it's hot, choose an oil that's rich in fatty acids, like vegetable shortening, extra virgin olive oil, or lard, and pour 2-3 tablespoons of the oil onto the griddle's surface. Spread the oil evenly over the griddle and let it heat up for 15-30 minutes, or until it smokes. Then, let your griddle cool for 10 minutes. Repeat this process several more times until your griddle is dark brown, and finish by wiping it down with a little more oil to prevent rust. | Clean your griddle with water and soap if it's brand-new. Fill up a 2 litre (0.53 US gal) bucket with warm water. Add some soap and then stir it in with a stick until it's evenly mixed into the solution. Afterward, gently pour a small puddle of the soapy water over the griddle. Grab some paper towel and thoroughly rub the soap and water across the surface. Finally, wipe the surface of the griddle with a clean paper towel until it's dry. Always wash a new griddle with soap prior to using it. This removes the cooking oil it is pre-seasoned with to prevent damage and rust during shipping. If you're seasoning an old griddle, skip this step—applying soap on a used griddle can actually damage the plate coating permanently. Select an oil that's rich in fatty acids to coat your grill. Select your favorite oil from the following high-fat options: vegetable shortening, vegetable oil, flax oil, extra virgin olive oil, and coconut oil. You can also use lard if you want. Always use oils that are high in fatty acids—indicated as a fat percentage on the nutrition information label—for optimal bonding with the griddle plate. Avoid products with trans fatty acids, which have been connected to health problems like coronary artery disease, weight gain, and liver dysfunction. Turn the burners to the maximum temperature and wait for 10 to 15 minutes. Locate your propane tank and turn it on by rotating the valve counterclockwise. Now, set the burners to the maximum possible temperature and wait. Once you see the top of the griddle start to turn brown, you're ready to move on to the next step! Put on heat-resistant gloves for safety. Make sure your griddle is completely dry before turning on your burners. For griddles with specific temperature settings, turn the knob to 350 °F (177 °C). Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) of oil over the griddle surface. Adding oil creates a natural non-stick surface and adds some flavor to your food. Pour your favorite oil around the griddle and spread it evenly across the surface using a paper towel. Use a pair of tongs to move the paper towel if you find your hands getting hot. Crouch down and examine the layer of oil from the side to see if it's even. Be sure not to leave any dry spots or thick oil puddles. Wipe the edges, sides, and corners of your griddle with oil. Dab some oil onto a piece of paper towel or use the same one you used to wipe the surface. Now, use it to apply oil to the remaining parts of the griddle surrounding the top surface. Be sure to clean the sides facing outward from the griddle as well. Leave the oil to cook for about 15 to 30 minutes or wait until it smokes. After turning the griddle to the max, the top plate will slowly turn black. Keep waiting until you see smoke beginning to fill the air above the grill—this is called the "smoke point" and should happen after about 30 minutes. Once it does, keep waiting until all of the smoke disappears. Turn your griddle off and let it cool for 10 minutes. Once all of the smoke has disappeared, turn your griddle off. After it has cooled down, you've completed one round of seasoning. From here, you will continue doing this until you achieve the right level of seasoning. Hold your hand about 1 inch (2.5 cm) over the griddle to see if it's still hot. Coat and heat your griddle 1 to 4 more times or until it's dark brown. Turn your griddle back to max and heat it up again for another 10 to 30 minutes. Afterward, spread another even coating of oil onto the top and then wait for the smoke point again. Keep doing this until the top of the griddle turns dark brown—about 2 to 3 times is standard. Mix up your oils to create different flavor combinations. For example, use extra virgin olive oil for the first two rounds and top it off with coconut oil for the third round. Wipe the griddle surface with cooking oil to finish it off. The final touch is a quick wipe down with your oil of choice to prevent oxidation, also known as rust. Before placing it into storage, pour some oil onto 2 to 3 paper towels and lightly wet the top of the grill. Be sure to wait until the grill has cooled before wetting it lightly. Store your griddle in a dry, cool place with a cover. Place a heavy-duty cover over your griddle to further prevent rusting and weather damage. Avoid storing it in humid, hot areas—this can alter your seasoning. If you're willing to make the investment, store your griddle in a carry bag, especially if you're leaving it outdoors. Leave the zipper of your carry bag open 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) to prevent rusting. Clean your griddle after each use with a paper towel and hot water. Once you start using your griddle, each use will add to your layer of seasoning, so never clean it with soap. Instead, use a spatula to gently scrape any food from the top. Afterward, clean the surface with a dry paper towel. For tougher spots of food residue, fill up a 2 litre (0.53 US gal) bucket with boiling water. Pour it over the tough spot and leave the water to eat away at the residue for about 5 minutes. Wipe the spot with paper towel afterward. Pour ¼ cup (32 grams) of salt over tough areas to help the cleaning process. Remove rust with a steel wool or 40- to 60-grit sandpaper. When you spot rust, remove it right away before it gets worse. Using either a steel wool or low-grit sandpaper, scrub the rusted spot thoroughly until the corrosion spots smooth over. Be sure to apply a firm amount of pressure toward the rust spots as you scrub them. Purchase steel wool and sandpaper from home hardware stores and kitchen supply stores, respectively. Coat your griddle with a thin coat of oil after cleaning to maintain seasoning. A thin coat helps maintain the seasoning bond and also prevents rust build-up. Choose any kind of cooking oil that you like for this purpose. You can even use non-stick cooking spray. Always coat your griddle after removing food buildup and rust. Over time, your griddle top should become blacker and more resistant to sticking. If it's not, you're not maintaining it properly. | Clean your griddle with water and soap if it's brand-new. Select an oil that's rich in fatty acids to coat your grill. Turn the burners to the maximum temperature and wait for 10 to 15 minutes. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) of oil over the griddle surface. Wipe the edges, sides, and corners of your griddle with oil. Leave the oil to cook for about 15 to 30 minutes or wait until it smokes. Turn your griddle off and let it cool for 10 minutes. Coat and heat your griddle 1 to 4 more times or until it's dark brown. Wipe the griddle surface with cooking oil to finish it off. Store your griddle in a dry, cool place with a cover. Clean your griddle after each use with a paper towel and hot water. Remove rust with a steel wool or 40- to 60-grit sandpaper. Coat your griddle with a thin coat of oil after cleaning to maintain seasoning. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Soft-Boiled-Egg | How to Make a Soft Boiled Egg | To make a soft boiled egg, fill a large pot with enough water. Make sure there is enough water to cover the eggs. Next, bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, turn the heat down to a rapid simmer. Then, carefully place the eggs in the pot and set a timer for 5-7 minutes. After 5-7 minutes, turn off the heat and carefully remove the eggs. Rinse the eggs with cold water, and let them cool for a few minutes. Enjoy! | Prick the end of your egg. To prevent eggs from cracking and to make them easier to peel, gently prick the end of each egg. You can carefully use a small pin or tack to poke a very small indentation through the shell at the large end of the egg. Take care not to poke very far or the white will leak out of the egg. You could also use something with a slightly rounded point to poke the egg. For example, you could use a wooden pestle. If you use this, just tap the larger end of the egg. Cover the eggs with cold water. Put your eggs into a small saucepan and pour enough cold water to cover the eggs by 1-inch (2.5 cm). If you want to cook more than 4 eggs, consider using a larger pot or cooking them in batches. This will ensure that you can remove the eggs quickly, so they won't overcook. Using a saucepan is the most common approach, but you can also boil an egg in an electric kettle if you don't have access to a stove. Bring the water to a boil and turn off the heat. Turn the heat on to medium-high and keep the lid off of the pan. Once the water begins to boil (bubble vigorously), turn off the heat and start your timer right away. If you continue to boil the eggs over such a high-heat, they may bounce around in the pan and crack as they bump into each other. That's why it's important to turn off the heat (or simmer them gently if you're using a hot start method of cooking). Cook the soft-boiled eggs to your liking. You'll need to keep a close eye on the timer, since every minute makes a difference when boiling eggs. Leave the eggs in the hot water to get the desired consistency. Try cooking the eggs for: 2 minutes to get a raw yolk and very soft egg white 4 minutes to get a really runny, thick yolk and set white 6 minutes to get a mostly set yolk and set white 8 minutes to get a tender, but set yolk and fully set white Heat water in a saucepan. Place a saucepan on your stove and fill it with 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) of cold water. Turn the heat on to high, so the water boils. Turn the heat down a little, so the water rapidly simmers. For a rapid simmer, the water should be bubbling gently, but not creating large bubbles all over the surface of the water. Place the eggs in the pan. Set your egg in a slotted spoon and gently lower it into the simmering water. If you're soft boiling several eggs, lower them in one at a time. You can cook up to four eggs at once. If you want to soft-boil more than four eggs, cook them in several batches. Simmer the eggs. Start a timer, so you can perfectly boil the eggs. If you're cooking one or two eggs, you can use the following cooking times. But if you're cooking three or four eggs, add about 30 seconds to the times. Simmer the eggs for: 5 minutes to get a runny yolk with a barely set white 6 minutes to get a barely setting yolk with a set white 7 minutes to get a softly set yolk with a set white Serve the egg in a cup. Use a slotted spoon or wire strainer to scoop a soft boiled egg out of the hot water in your pan. Place the egg in an egg cup. You can place it pointy side up or down. The cup will prevent the egg from rolling around on your plate which will make it easier to eat. If you don't have an egg cup, you can set the cooked egg in a shot glass, small bowl, or tea cup. Tap the egg to open it. You can take a teaspoon and tap around the top of the egg. Use the spoon or a butter knife to cut and lift away the egg cap. You can also whack the top of the egg, but this could get shell into your soft-boiled egg if you use too much force. You can also use tools designed to open soft-boiled eggs. These may look like small scissors, suction cups, bottle openers, or cigar cutters. They're made to easily slice off and remove the top cap of the egg. Serve Malaysian style soft-boiled eggs. Malaysian style eggs and toast is a popular breakfast in Malaysia and Singapore. Crack one soft-boiled egg into a small ramekin, so the soft yolk is contained. Use a soft-boiled egg with a very soft white. Pour a little soy sauce over the egg and serve it with toast. You can also sprinkle the eggs with white pepper and serve the toast with coconut jam. Serve dippy egg and toast. Soft boil an egg using the cold start method. Simmer the egg for exactly 4 minutes and then remove the egg using a slotted spoon. Set the egg in your egg cup and crack it open. Toast and butter a piece of bread to serve with the dippy egg. To make classic toast soldiers, slice the toast into several long strips. You can dip the toast soldiers into the soft-boiled egg yolk. | Prick the end of your egg. Cover the eggs with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and turn off the heat. Cook the soft-boiled eggs to your liking. Heat water in a saucepan. Place the eggs in the pan. Simmer the eggs. Serve the egg in a cup. Tap the egg to open it. Serve Malaysian style soft-boiled eggs. Serve dippy egg and toast. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Jewelry-with-Wire | How to Make Jewelry with Wire | To make a bracelet or necklace with wire, start by cutting a small piece off the end of your wire so you have a flat end to work with. Then, hold the end of the wire in your pliers and twist them away from you to form a loop. Grip the loop at its base with your pliers and gently bend it back so the loop ends up centered over the end of the wire. Next, thread your beads onto the wire to create your necklace or bracelet. Add another loop to the other end of the wire, which will allow you to attach the whole thing to a chain or bangle to wear around your neck or arm. | Get a set of jewelry pliers and cutters. For most basic wire jewelry projects, you will need a set of wire cutters, some round-nosed pliers, and some chain-nosed pliers. You can purchase these tools at most arts and crafts stores or jewelry and beading supply stores. Other useful tools include bent-nosed pliers for fine detail work and flat-edged pliers for making sharp angles in your wire. Pick the wire color and material you like best. The most common colors for jewelry wire are silver, gold, or copper, but you can also get color-coated wire in every imaginable shade. Different types of wire also have different properties, so keep this in mind when making your selection. Base-metal wires (such as copper or stainless steel) or alloys (like brass or nickel silver) are relatively inexpensive. These are good options when you are still learning to work with wire. Popular precious metal jewelry wire materials include sterling silver, gold, and gold-filled (an alloy with a gold coating). Sterling silver tends to tarnish, while gold does not. Gold is softer and easier to dent or scratch, however. Memory wire retains its coiled shape, so it's great for making simple beaded bracelets or chokers. Purchase wire in a variety of gauges. Depending on the piece you are making, you may need thicker or thinner wire, or a combination of thicknesses. The lower the gauge number of the wire, the thicker it is. High-gauge wires are good for elaborate coils and weaves, while low-gauge wire is best for sturdier elements like links and clasps. For example, you might use a 28-gauge wire for a delicate wire crochet bracelet. If you wanted to make a heavy-duty clasp for a necklace, 10-gauge would be a better bet. Choose harder wire for the best shape retention. Most jewelry wire comes in 3 different levels of hardness: dead soft, half hard, and full hard. Softer wires are easier to bend than harder wires, but do not hold their shape as well as harder wires. Dead soft wire is best for delicate work that requires a lot of flexibility, such as wire weaving or wire crochet. The wire will naturally begin to stiffen as you work with it. Dead soft wire can also be useful for making findings or other elements from very thick wire that would otherwise be difficult to shape. When you're done, you can tap all over the finished wire shape a few times with a rubber mallet on a steel plate to harden (temper) it. Full hard wire is difficult to bend and can snap easily if you stress it too much. It is the best at retaining its shape, however. Half hard wire is relatively easy to shape and also retains its shape well. This kind of wire is good for creating sturdy links and load-bearing elements. Buy prefabricated findings to make your projects easier. Jewelry findings are elements like clasps, connectors, chains, and pins. You can purchase findings in arts and crafts or jewelry supply stores. You can incorporate pre-made findings into your hand-made pieces to add extra flair and make your job a little easier. For example, you can make a unique necklace by attaching beads to a prefabricated chain with wrapped wire links. Decorative chandelier earring findings make great bases for elegant wire-wrapped bead earrings. Select a medium-gauge wire. Since links are load-bearing elements, you'll need a wire that is thick enough to be relatively sturdy. A 20-gauge half-hard wire is typically a good choice. Using half hard wire (as opposed to dead soft) can also help strengthen your links. If you're using beads, make sure the wire is thin enough to go through the drill holes. For very tiny beads, you may need a higher gauge. Snip off the very end of the wire with the flush side of your cutters. Take the length of wire you are working with and clip off a very small amount of wire from the end to make a flat edge. The flat (flush) edge of the wire clippers should face the length of wire you will be working with (rather than the end you are snipping off). You will be using this flat end of the wire to make your loop. If you like, you can make your loop in the wire while it is still on the roll, or you can cut off a longer length of wire (e.g., around 12 inches (30 cm)) to work with. If you do cut a piece off the roll, don't cut it too short, or you may end up without enough wire to make your link. If you're making a loop at the end of a prefabricated finding, such as a head pin, you probably will not need to cut off any of the wire. Pinch the end of the wire with your round-nosed pliers. Gently grasp the very end of the wire between the ends of your pliers. The wire should be flush with the pliers, so that you can't see the end extending beyond the pliers when you look at them in profile. Round-nosed pliers have tapered ends, so position the end of the wire closer to the base if you want a bigger loop and nearer to the tip if you want a tighter loop. Take care not to squeeze the wire too tightly, or you may dent it. You only need to exert enough pressure to hold the wire in place. Roll the end of the wire away from you gently to form a loop. Once the wire is securely in place, turn the hand holding the pliers away from you so that the wire begins to wrap around one of the jaws of the pliers. Press the wire against the pliers with the thumb of your free hand as you do this. Once you've turned your wrist as far as it will go, reposition the pliers within the loop so that you can turn them again. Do this until you have a complete loop. When you reposition the pliers, make sure the wire is still about the same distance from the base of the pliers as it was when you started. Otherwise, your loop will be a little misshapen. Rock the loop back with the round-nose pliers to center the loop. When you're done wrapping the wire around the jaw of the pliers, you should have a “p” shape. In order to center the loop over the end of the wire, insert one of the jaws into the loop and gently pinch the wire right at the base of the loop. Grip the wire tightly at the base of the loop with your free hand and use the pliers to bend the wire back slightly so that the loop is centered over the length of the wire like the dot of an “i.” If your wire is too thick to bend into place with the round-nose pliers, you may need to use chain-nose pliers instead. Use your chain-nose pliers to close the loop. After you complete the loop, there may be a small gap between the end of the loop and the rest of the wire. Grip the end of the loop with your chain-nose pliers and gently work it back and forth while pushing in until the gap is closed. Don't try to squeeze the sides of the loop together from the outside, or you will end up with a squashed loop! Make a wrapped loop for extra security. For a completely closed loop with a slightly fancier appearance, use your chain-nose pliers to make a 90° bend in the wire about 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the end. Make a loop as you normally would just above the bend, this time leaving a “tail” that extends beyond the wire at a 90° angle. Wind the tail tightly around the wire below the bend 3-4 times. When you're done, use your cutters to snip off any remaining tail. You can tighten the wrap by gently squeezing it at the top and bottom with your chain-nose pliers or your fingernails. This technique is easiest to do when you already have a bead on the wire. Grip the wire just above the bead when you make your 90° bend. This will leave a few millimeters of space between the bead and the loop around which to wrap the tail. You will not be able to open this loop once it is complete, so you'll need to attach it to an element you can open, such as a simple loop or a jump ring. String one or more beads on the wire if you like. If you wish, you can slide a bead onto the wire and then make a second loop on the other side. This way, you can link several beads together. You could also drop a bead onto a flat-ended head pin and make a loop above the bead. You can then add the bead to a chain or ear hook as a charm or bangle. Check online or in beading books or magazines for design inspirations using simple wire loops or wrapped links. Select a stone or other object to wrap. You can use just about anything—like a tumbled stone, a crystal, a piece of sea glass, a coin, or even a shell or shark tooth. For this project, you will be making a basket or cage around the object with wire to create a pendant that you can hang on a necklace. Objects that are somewhat irregularly shaped and widest in the middle are easiest to wrap using this technique. Most wrapped pendants are not much longer than about 2 inches (5.1 cm), but you are free to wrap a bigger object if you wish. Keep in mind that larger objects will need more wire to wrap them than smaller ones. Cut 2 equal lengths of medium-gauge wire. Choose a jewelry wire that is around 20-22 gauge and half hard. Since the wire will need to support the weight of the pendant, it's best to choose a relatively sturdy wire. The length you need will depend on the size of your pendant, but 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) is usually enough. Snip the wires with the flush side of a wire clipper so that you get nice, clean cuts. If you're still practicing with wire wrapping, you may wish to use copper or another base metal rather than a more expensive precious metal wire. For heavier pendants, consider using thicker wire (e.g., 18 gauge instead of 20) to fully support their weight. Twist the 2 wires together 5 times, starting in the middle. Make an “X” with the 2 wires, making sure they intersect right in the middle of both wires. Pinch the wires where they cross with the index finger and thumb of each hand and give them 5 firm twists, turning your hands in opposite directions. Make sure that the wires are both twisting and that you are not just wrapping one wire around the other. Pull the wires straight on both sides of the twist. When you're done twisting, you'll have an X-shape with a twist in the middle. Pull the wire legs straight and parallel to each other at a roughly 90° angle from the twist to create an “H.” You can straighten the wires by pulling them between your fingers in the desired direction. You'll be repeating this process several times as you make the pendant. Lay the twisted section on one side of your pendant. Choose the side that you wish to be either the front or back of your pendant and lay the twisted part of the wire flat against it. The twist should be oriented straight up and down and positioned roughly halfway between the top and bottom of the pendant. Once the twist is in place, press the wires down along the surface of the pendant so that they follow the pendant's shape around to the opposite side. Repeat the twist on the 2 wires at the bottom of the pendant. Take the 2 lower wires and make a second twist on the opposite side of the pendant from the first one. Do 5 turns, straighten the wires, and push the new twist up so it lies flat against the pendant. The new twist will sit approximately opposite the first one. You should now have a ring in which the bottom of the pendant can securely rest. Continue to make twists until you reach the top of the pendant. Grab one of the pairs of wires above your first 2 twists and make a new twist. Lay it flat against the pendant as you did before. Keep doing this on both sides until the entire pendant is contained, all the way to the top. Your pendant should now be in a wire “cage” with 4 loose wires at the top. Adjust the cage as you go so that your pendant fits into it securely. You can do this by occasionally pushing the stone flush against the twists that you have already made and pulling the wires taut. Grab 2 of the wires at the top of the cage and twist them together. Select one of the remaining pairs of wires and give it 5 twists, but this time do not lay the wires flat against your pendant. Instead, leave them sticking straight up. This is the first step to creating the bail, which is the ring you will use to hang your pendant. Wrap each of the remaining 2 wires around the final twist. Take each of the 2 free wires, one at a time, and wind each one around the vertical twist 5 times or until you reach the top of the twist. When you're done, snip off the ends with your wire cutters. Wind these wires slowly and carefully to make a strong, tight coil. If you wish, you can use chain nose pliers for greater control. It may help to draw the stray end of each wire taut with your pliers before snipping it off. Use the pliers to pinch down any ends that are sticking up after you snip the wires. Wind the top 2 wires around a pencil to create a loop. Straighten out the wires at the top of the twist so they are at a 90° angle to the twist, forming a “T” shape. Place a pencil or other object with a round cross-section (such as the jaw of a pair of round-nose pliers) at the top of the twist and wrap the 2 wires around it in opposite directions to create a nice, round loop. Make sure the 2 wires of your loop are tightly wrapped and close together. Wind the remaining wire around the twist to secure the bail. Once you're satisfied with your bail, take the ends of the 2 wires and wrap them 2 or 3 times around the twist. Be sure to make your wraps nice and tight. Remove the pencil when you're done, and you should have a secure bail for your pendant! When you're done, snip off the ends of the wires and flatten them down with your chain-nose pliers. For a fancier look, make a small loop at the end of each wire with the very tip of your round-nose pliers. Use the chain-nose pliers to wind each wire into a spiral, then flatten the spirals against the base of the twist on each side. Select some medium wire (16-20 gauge) and fine wire (24-26 gauge). The thicker wire will form the backbone of your weave (the warp), and you will wrap the thinner wire around it. While your thicker wire should ideally be half-hard, dead soft wire is ideal for the woven elements. Since it takes some practice to get the hang of wire weaving, you may wish to start with copper or some other relatively inexpensive wire. Cut 2 pieces of medium wire to the desired length. The length you'll need will depend on the project you're working on. For example, if you're making a simple woven ring, about 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) is a good length. If you wish, you can use the fine weaving wire while it is still on the roll. Otherwise, cut off a long length (at least 12 inches (30 cm) so that you have plenty to work with. Lay the 2 warp wires parallel to each other on your work surface. You can put them as close together or far apart as you wish, depending on the look you want to achieve. Keep in mind that you will use up more weaving wire to cover any given length if your warp wires are farther apart. If you wish, you can tape down the ends of your warp wires on one side with masking tape to hold them in place. You could also hold them between your fingers or keep them in place with a ring clamp. The wires don't have to be exactly parallel. You can create an interesting effect by angling the 2 warp wires slightly apart or curving one or both of them so that the weave is wider in some places than others. Coil the weaving wire once around the bottom warp wire. Starting close to the end of your weaving wire, lay the wire over the front of the bottom warp and wrap it around once, away from yourself. Take care that you only wrap the bottom wire. Hold the wire taut to make sure you get a tight coil. Once your coil is complete, the weaving wire should pass back over the front of the warp wire. Don't start at the very end of the weaving wire. Try to leave a bit of a tail (around 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm)) so that you can secure the weave when you're finished. Depending on what you plan to do with your woven wire, you may wish to start the weave at least.75 inches (1.9 cm) from the ends of the warp wires. Pass the weaving wire under the top warp wire and coil it twice. Draw your weaving wire up so that it passes behind the top warp wire, then wrap it around the top wire 2 times. This time, pull the wire towards you instead of away from you. The weaving wire should end up in front of the top warp wire. If your coils are not close enough together, you can nudge them down the warp wires with your fingernails. If you use pliers, you may damage your wire. Bring the weaving wire behind the bottom warp wire and coil twice. This time, coil the weaving wire away from you. From here, you will start the pattern over and continue until your weave reaches the desired length. If you like, you can vary the pattern by doing more coils between each pass. You can even alternate—e.g., doing 2 coils on one side and 4 on the other. As you get more experienced with 2-wire weaving techniques, you can begin experimenting with weaves that incorporate 3 or more warp wires. Snip off the ends of the warp wire and tuck them in. Once you've achieved the length you want, use your wire clippers to cut off the tails of the warp wire. Gently pinch in any sharp edges with your chain nose pliers. If you like, you can do a couple of extra coils on each end for more security. Incorporate your woven wire into a pendant, bracelet, or ring. Woven wire can make a striking addition to many types of jewelry. Once the wire is woven, you can bend it into the shape of your choice by hand or using pliers. For example, to make a simple ring, take a short section (about 3.5 inches (8.9 cm)) of woven wire and wrap it around a ring mandrel. Use round-nosed pliers to curl the 4 ends of the warp wires into elegant spirals. You can also use woven wire to create striking pendants incorporating beads or undrilled stones. | Get a set of jewelry pliers and cutters. Pick the wire color and material you like best. Purchase wire in a variety of gauges. Choose harder wire for the best shape retention. Buy prefabricated findings to make your projects easier. Select a medium-gauge wire. Snip off the very end of the wire with the flush side of your cutters. Pinch the end of the wire with your round-nosed pliers. Roll the end of the wire away from you gently to form a loop. Rock the loop back with the round-nose pliers to center the loop. Use your chain-nose pliers to close the loop. Make a wrapped loop for extra security. String one or more beads on the wire if you like. Select a stone or other object to wrap. Cut 2 equal lengths of medium-gauge wire. Twist the 2 wires together 5 times, starting in the middle. Pull the wires straight on both sides of the twist. Lay the twisted section on one side of your pendant. Repeat the twist on the 2 wires at the bottom of the pendant. Continue to make twists until you reach the top of the pendant. Grab 2 of the wires at the top of the cage and twist them together. Wrap each of the remaining 2 wires around the final twist. Wind the top 2 wires around a pencil to create a loop. Wind the remaining wire around the twist to secure the bail. Select some medium wire (16-20 gauge) and fine wire (24-26 gauge). Cut 2 pieces of medium wire to the desired length. Lay the 2 warp wires parallel to each other on your work surface. Coil the weaving wire once around the bottom warp wire. Pass the weaving wire under the top warp wire and coil it twice. Bring the weaving wire behind the bottom warp wire and coil twice. Snip off the ends of the warp wire and tuck them in. Incorporate your woven wire into a pendant, bracelet, or ring. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Bean-Bag-Chair | How to Make a Bean Bag Chair | To make a bean bag chair, start by choosing a comfy, durable fabric, like corduroy, for the outer bag. For the inner bag, pick a simple and affordable fabric, such as white cotton quilting fabric. Next, cut out 2 circles with a circumference of 170 inches and 2 rectangles that are 87 inches by 32 inches from each fabric. Then, sew each circle to the long sides of the rectangles to create a top and bottom side for your chair, add a zipper, and fill the inner bag with packing peanuts. | Buy a cheap fabric for the interior. To make a bean bag chair, you will need to create two bags: an inner bag that will hold the “beans,” and an exterior cover to go over it. Since the inner bag will be out of sight, go with something simple and affordable, like white cotton quilting fabric. Save your money for the cover's material. You can alter the dimensions as you wish, but these instructions are for a bag 28 inches (71 cm) high with a 50 inches (130 cm) diameter. For this size, each length of fabric needs to be 6 yards (5.5 m) and 60 inches (150 cm) wide. Choose something comfy for the cover. Buy an equal length and width of fabric for the chair's exterior. Since this will be on the outside, pick whatever fabric pleases you most. Consider both its visual appeal and how it feels to the touch. This could be anything from: Corduroy Denim Flannel Fleece Velour Pick your filler. For durability, go with expanding foam. However, be aware that expanding foam is vacuum-sealed when packaged, so expect it to expand very quickly as soon as you open the package. This means you have to work just as quickly once it's time to fit it into your inner bag. If you think you will have some difficulty with this, consider an alternate material. For this size chair, you will need a 30 pounds (14 kg) package of foam measuring 36” x 36” x 48” (0.91 x 0.91 x 1.22 m). As an alternate material, you could also use packing peanuts. Just be sure they are the type that won't dissolve when exposed to water, just in case you spill anything over your bean bag chair. Lay out your fabric. You will be making identical cuts from each, so start with either fabric. The first thing you will be cutting out is a circle with a circumference of 170 inches (430 cm), so unroll a little more than 54 inches (140 cm), which is the diameter. Spread the fabric nice and flat on your worktable. In case you need a refresher, the circumference of a circle is the total distance around its edge. The diameter is the distance of a straight line drawn from one side, through the center, to the opposite side. The radius is the distance of a straight from the center to one side. Find the center of your circle. Start by stretching a measuring tape out to 54 inches (1.37 m). Measure the fabric lengthwise down its middle and make a mark at least 27 inches (0.69 m) from its free end. Then measure the fabric's width along this mark to double-check that you still have 27 inches of fabric on either side of it. If you don't, simply make a second mark that is even with the first and at least 27 inches from either side. Use a fabric pencil or chalk to make your marks and outlines, since these will wash away when you're all done. Trace your circle’s outline. Ask a partner to help you with this. First, cut a length of string roughly 40 inches (1 m) long. Tie one end to your fabric pencil or chalk. Now use your measuring tape to measure 27 inches (0.69 m) along the string. Carefully tie the other end to a straight pin, capped pen, or similar object, so that the string is exactly 27 inches long when pulled tight. Then: Have your partner place the point of their pen, pin, or whatever in the center mark of your circle. Pull the string tight between the two of you so that your chalk or fabric pencil is exactly 27 inches away from their pen or pin. Have your partner keep their pen or pin perfectly still and straight as you circle the table, tracing a perfect circle over your fabric as you go. Be sure to keep the string pulled tight between the two of you until you complete your circuit. Also make sure that both of you keep your tools perfectly vertical, not at an angle, as you pull the string tight between them. Cut your circle out and repeat. Once you have drawn your first outline, use fabric scissors to cut the circle out. After that, unroll another 54 inches (1.37 m) or so from the same fabric. Create a second outline of equal size and cut that out. Then do the same with your other fabric. Once you're done, you should have two identical circles cut from each fabric, all of the same size, for a total of four circles. Cut two rectangles from each fabric. Unroll at least 87 inches (2.21 m) of either fabric. Use your measuring tape and chalk or fabric pencil to mark an outline that is 87 inches long by 32 inches (0.81 m) wide. Then use your fabric scissors to cut this shape out of your fabric. Once you have, repeat the process once more with the same fabric. Once you have two equal rectangles from one fabric, do the same with the other, for a total of four rectangles of equal size, with two of each of fabric. Create two long rectangles. Take your four rectangles and pair them off by fabric. With each pair, lay one rectangle on top of the other, with the right sides facing each other. Line the edges up perfectly. Then use a sewing machine to sew them together along one of the shorter ends to create one long rectangle of the same fabric. Once you're done, each rectangle should measure 170 inches (4.32 m) long by 32 inches (0.81 m) wide. In sewing, the “right side” refers to the “pretty” side: the one that's meant to be on display on the outside of whatever you're sewing. Sew one circle to the rectangle. Again, pair your pieces together according to fabric. For each type, take a circle of the same fabric as your rectangle and pin its edges along one of the rectangle's long sides, keeping their right sides together. Then sew the two together with a seam allowance between a quarter- and half-inch (0.64 and 1.27 cm). Once you have sewn the entire circle along the rectangle's long side, finish by sewing the rectangle's two short ends together. The seam allowance refers to the distance between the edge of the fabric and the seam that you are sewing. The heavier the fabric, the larger your seam allowance should be. When sewing, remove each pin as you come to it. Begin pinning your bottom circle. For each fabric, the first circle that you sewed all the way around your rectangle is now the top of that bag. Now move on to its bottom. With each bag, take the second circle of the same fabric and pin the edges along the rectangle's long side, as you did with the top circle. This time, however, stop short of pinning all the way around. Leave enough room for your zipper. The zipper isn't strictly necessary for the inner bag. If you'd rather do without one, simply sew the bottom circle to the rectangle as you did with the top. Only this time, leave an open gap roughly 24 to 36 inches (0.61 to 0.91 m) long. Later, once you are done stuffing the filler inside the bag through that gap, sew it shut. That said, if you are using expanding foam, a zipper is strongly advised. This way you don't have to sew the gap shut as the foam expands inside the bag. Add your zipper and sew. For each bag, use one that is at least 48 inches (1.22 m) long. Zip it all the way shut, then unzip it about a finger's length at most. Pair the right side of one half with the right side of your bottom circle and then pin them together. Then pair the other half's right side with the right side of your rectangle, and do the same. Continue unzipping the zipper a little bit at a time, pinning its halves to the bottom circle and rectangle as you go, until you reach the end. Start sewing the zipper first, using your sewing machine's zipper foot, with a seam allowance of a quarter inch (0.61 cm). Once the zipper is sewn to both the bottom circle and the rectangle, sew the circle and rectangle together as you did with the first circle. Fill your bags. If you are using an alternate filler, like packing peanuts, simply pour it into the inner bag through the open zipper or gap. If you are using expanding foam, place the sealed package inside the inner bag. Then slit it open, remove the packaging, and zip the bag shut as the foam expands. If you didn't use a zipper for the inner bag, pin and sew the gap shut once your filler is inside. Once your inner bag is sealed, stuff it into your cover, zip your cover shut, and you're done! | Buy a cheap fabric for the interior. Choose something comfy for the cover. Pick your filler. Lay out your fabric. Find the center of your circle. Trace your circle’s outline. Cut your circle out and repeat. Cut two rectangles from each fabric. Create two long rectangles. Sew one circle to the rectangle. Begin pinning your bottom circle. Add your zipper and sew. Fill your bags. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Roses-from-Seed | How to Grow Roses from Seed | To grow roses from seed, start by soaking the seeds in diluted hydrogen peroxide to kill any mold. Then, place the seeds between two layers of damp paper towel and leave them in the fridge. After the seeds have been in the fridge for several weeks, remove them from the refrigerator and plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep in small pots filled with sterile seed starting mix. Keep the seedlings warm and the soil moist until they form “true leaves” with the typical rose leaf appearance and are ready to be transplanted. | Allow rose hips to develop by leaving dead flowers on the plant. The flowers are typically pollinated by insects, or pollinate themselves in some varieties, so there is no need to pollinate by hand unless you are breeding specific plants together. Leave the flowers on the rose plant without cutting them. After they wither, small fruits known as rose hips will develop in their place. Note : The seeds you harvest may grow into a plant with different characteristics. This can occur if you are harvesting from a hybrid rose variety, or if the rose is pollinated with pollen from a different, nearby rose variety. Remove the rose hips once ripe. The rose hips will start out small and green, then change color as they grow until they are completely red, orange, brown, or purple. You may pick them at this point, or wait until they are just beginning to dry out and wrinkle. Don't wait until they are fully dry and brown, as the seeds inside may have died by this point. Cut the hips open and remove the seeds. Cut open the rose hips with a knife, revealing the seeds inside. Pull these out with the knife tip or any other utensil. The number of seeds in each rose hip varies greatly between rose varieties. There may only be a few per rose hip, or several dozen. Wipe the pulp off the seeds. If the pulp is left on the seeds, it may prevent them from germinating. One quick way to remove the pulp is to place the seeds in a sieve or mesh, running water through it as you rub the seeds against the sides. Soak the seeds in diluted hydrogen peroxide (optional). A mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide may reduce the growth of mold on the seeds. Stir 1.5 teaspoons (7 mL) of 3% hydrogen peroxide into 1 cup (240 mL) water. Keep the rose seeds in this solution for at least one hour. Some studies suggest that a little mold growth can actually help break down the casing surrounding the seed, but this treatment is still recommended to prevent mold growth in larger amounts. A light dusting of anti-fungal powder for plants is an alternative to this step. Place the seeds in a damp material. Rose seeds typically won't sprout unless they are kept in cold, wet conditions, mimicking a winter environment. Place the seeds between two layers of lightly dampened paper towels, or in a container of dampened salt-free river sand, peat moss, or vermiculite. This is the first step in a process called stratification. If you are using store-bought seeds and the label says they are already stratified, skip to the planting seeds section below. Leave the seeds in the fridge for several weeks. Put the seeds and moist material in a plastic bag or seedling tray in a plastic bag or seedling trays, and keep them in a cold area of a refrigerator, such as an otherwise empty crisper drawer. Do not keep them in the same area of the refrigerator as fruit or vegetables, which can release chemicals that prevent the seeds from developing. Keep the seed medium slightly damp. Add a few drops of water to each paper towel whenever they begin to dry out. Remove the seeds from the fridge. Try to do this around the time that the seeds would normally start to germinate, such as in early spring. Make sure that the environment outside of the fridge is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The seed will not sprout until you take them out of the fridge. Depending on the rose variety and individual seeds, the seeds could take anywhere from four to sixteen weeks to germinate. Often, 70% or more of the seeds never sprout at all. Fill a container with sterile seed starting mix. Small seedling starting trays make it easy to care for many seeds at once. Alternatively, use plastic drinking cups with a hole punched in the bottom, to make root growth easier to view. Regular soil is not recommended, as it may not drain well enough and cause the seedlings to rot. Plant the seeds. Some store-bought seeds can be planted immediately. If you germinated your own seeds as described above, plant them as soon as they begin to sprout. Plant with the sprout pointed downward, as this is the root. Lightly cover them with soil, about 1/4 inch (6 mm) deep. Space seeds at least 2 inches (5 cm) apart to minimize competition. Sprouted seeds should emerge as seedlings within a week. Store-bought seeds that do not require home stratification may take several weeks. Seeds that have not been stratified, using the germination process above, may take two or three years to emerge. Keep the seedlings in warm, moist soil. Keep the soil damp, but not soggy. A temperature between 60 and 70ºF (16–21ºC) is ideal for most rose varieties. The seedlings typically thrive on six hours of sun or more each day, but you may wish to research the parent rose's variety to get a better idea of what your roses prefer. Learn when it's safe to transplant seedlings. The first two leaves visible are usually "cotyledons," or seed leaves. Once the seedling grows several "true leaves," with a more typical rose leaf appearance, it is more likely to survive transplanting. It is also easier on plants if they are transplanted to a larger pot for a year or two, and then transplanted outside. It may be a good idea to transplant the seedlings soon if you notice the plant is root-bound, with its roots encircling the container. Do not transplant it outside until after the last frost. Care for your roses. Once the transplanted seedling is looking healthy again, you can start watering it as normal. Fertilizing a few times during the warm growing season may help your plant grow and bloom if you follow the fertilizer instructions, but keep in mind that some varieties of rose will not bloom at all during their first year of life. | Allow rose hips to develop by leaving dead flowers on the plant. Remove the rose hips once ripe. Cut the hips open and remove the seeds. Wipe the pulp off the seeds. Soak the seeds in diluted hydrogen peroxide (optional). Place the seeds in a damp material. Leave the seeds in the fridge for several weeks. Remove the seeds from the fridge. Fill a container with sterile seed starting mix. Plant the seeds. Keep the seedlings in warm, moist soil. Learn when it's safe to transplant seedlings. Care for your roses. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Textbook | How to Write a Textbook | To write a textbook, start by determining your subject, grade level audience, and how you want to structure your book. Next, identify the most important material, break that content into chapters, and write a first draft for each chapter. Avoid working on one chapter at a time until each one is perfect, since that will slow you down. Instead, revise your drafts after you get the content down on the page. Don't forget to include pictures, tables, and other graphics to make your content more engaging! | Decide on a subject and a grade level audience. It is important you consider these two things simultaneously as this will determine everything from the content included in the book to its layout design and presentation. Write for an audience that you already know. If you have worked as a college professor of mathematics, you might not know the best way to reach an audience of middle schoolers. If you are writing for an audience that is unfamiliar to you, consider hiring a collaborator who is familiar with this demographic. As you decide on a subject, consider which areas are underserved in modern education. Does your book fill a void in the market? Conduct market research. Textbook publishing is big business -- far more so than traditional book or magazine publishers. You will need to research what comparable books exist on the market and how are they priced. Define your Unique Selling Point. The USP defines what makes your textbook special. What does it offer that no other textbook offers? You will need to explain to publishers and other teachers (who might become your customers) why they should pick your book over others. Talk to fellow authors. You should find colleagues who have also published textbooks and get feedback from them. Did they use a traditional publisher or did they self-publish? How long did it take them to complete their textbook? What did they wish they had known at the beginning of the writing process? Embrace mobile formats. Most textbooks now come in ebook form; some are only available in this format while others also have a corresponding hard copy. You should consider how you will adapt your textbook for a digital audience. Will you include a corresponding web site for the textbook where students can find practice test questions? Could you design fun games to help educate your audience (especially younger students)? Consider adding in these additional elements for the textbook. Prepare for the long haul. Writing a textbook can take a very long time -- sometimes, it will be years between the time you start to draft the book and the time it comes out into print. Are you prepared to invest this amount of time? Are you passionate about your subject? If you are invested in the material you are writing on, then this will help you through the arduous task of publishing. If you just want to make a quick buck, you won't find much return on your time and efforts toward the project. Design an outline. Come up with a rough idea for how you will structure the book. You can ask yourself some of the following questions to help you: How many chapters will you include? How will you divide specific topics between the chapters? Will the chapters be independent from each other, or will students need to read one before they can move on to the next? Will you arrange the chapters in ascending order of difficulty? By the time the student finishes the textbook, will they be prepared to move onto the next grade level in the subject? Determine the most important material to include. It is likely you won't be able to include every single piece of information relating to your subject in the book; rather, you will need to prioritize the most important content. What are the goals of the course in which this textbook would be used? What skills should students leave the course having practiced? What should they know to prepare for the material in the next grade or class level? How will your textbook correspond to standardized tests that students need to take during the school year? Consider finding examples of these tests to help guide your answer to this question. Draft each chapter. You might be tempted to work on each individual chapter until it's perfect before you move on the next. Avoid this, as it will slow you down. Instead, write a complete draft of each chapter in the book. Once you have a full draft of each chapter, you will be able to better understand how they all work together and where you need to add more material or cut down on the length. Create a set writing schedule and then stick to it. If you make a regular habit of writing your textbook (say, from 3:00-5:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays), you will be able to consistently get significant work done. Avoid writing erratically in large chunks of time. If you are working under a publisher's deadline, do not procrastinate. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the task at hand. Set weekly goals in the months leading up to your deadline. Incorporate helpful visuals into an engaging layout design. You don't want to put your students to sleep. Huge blocks of text might be difficult for students to process. You will need to visually break up the page, often with pictures, tables or other graphics. You might find your word processor program (like Microsoft Word) is not very useful for including visuals alongside text. You should consider putting part of your draft in a layout program like Adobe InDesign, where you can keep images alongside text. Give yourself some time to play around with InDesign and learn the basic principles of it. This will come in handy if you decide to self-publish the book. For any outside images or graphics that you include, make sure that you have permission to include them in your book. You could be sued for copyright infringement if you don't. Hire an editor. You might find an editor who works for a textbook publisher, an independent editor, or a colleague who works in a similar subject matter. But you need to have at least one other pair of eyes on your work. The editor will be able to help you find the best way to organize and clarify your content. She will also be able to assist in sentence-level improvements in grammar and word choice. Publish with a traditional textbook press. When publishing a textbook you can either work with a traditional textbook press or you can self-publish. Traditional presses for textbooks include Pearson, McGraw-Hill, Cengage, W.W. Norton & Co., etc. If you work with one of these publishers, you will generally receive around 10% of the royalties for each book sold. Look up the "Contact" information on the publisher's web site. They will generally have guidelines for how to submit a book proposal or get in touch with an editor. In order to get approved by a traditional press, you will need to provide the publisher with a book proposal. The book proposal will generally provide the title of the book and a 1-2 paragraph summary of each chapter. Make sure you clearly explain the content of your book and why it will be important for your target audience of students. Make sure the book "fits" the publisher's list of books. Do they sell other books similar to yours? If they do, this is a positive sign because they won't have to spend extra money marketing a different item on their publishing list. With traditional presses, you will also have to sell the copyright of your work to the publisher; you will no longer have rights over the material once you sign a contract with them. Self-publish your textbook. Because publishing with traditional presses can sometimes be a competitive process, more authors have turned to self-publishing -- often with more profitable results. Amazon.com recently entered the textbook publishing game. If authors sell their self-published textbook through Amazon for $9.99 or less, then the author will receive 70% of the royalties. This is a significantly higher rate than the 10% that is often offered by traditional presses. You could also make your textbook available for purchase through iBooks' textbook platform or through a personal web site. With self-publishing, you often don't have to put together a book proposal and you can generally retain your rights to the material. However, it is harder to spread the word about your textbook to schools and universities. Market your textbook. If you publish with a traditional press, they will handle the marketing of your textbook. But if you are self-published, you will most likely have to devise a marketing strategy on your own. Sell to your students. If you are a teacher, your students are your most obvious customer base. Make your textbook a required part of your class and explain why you have created this textbook. Try to keep your textbook at a significantly lower price than textbooks from a traditional publisher if you have self-published. You don't want your students or their parents to believe you are taking advantage of them. Sell to your colleagues. If you have used your textbook successfully in your classroom, then share this with your fellow teachers and researchers. Offer to share small lesson plans or worksheets from the textbook so they can get a sense of the book before they buy it. Market it at professional events. If there is a major conference in your field that happens every year, speak to the organizers about having a booth where you can sell your book to interested colleagues. If there are popular bloggers in your field who have a wide audience, you might also ask them to review your book as a resource for their readers. Get strong reviews. You want to be able to show that other teachers and researchers have endorsed this book. This will add to your credibility as an author and to the value of the textbook. | Decide on a subject and a grade level audience. Conduct market research. Talk to fellow authors. Embrace mobile formats. Prepare for the long haul. Design an outline. Determine the most important material to include. Draft each chapter. Incorporate helpful visuals into an engaging layout design. Hire an editor. Publish with a traditional textbook press. Self-publish your textbook. Market your textbook. Sell to your students. Sell to your colleagues. Market it at professional events. Get strong reviews. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Rose-Petal-Beads | How to Make Rose Petal Beads | To make rose petal beads, dry the petals until they shrink, but still have a little moisture left in them to help with the moulding. Next, mince the petals in a blender until the mixture stays in a bead shape when rolled in your hands. After rolling the mixture into beads, place them on a thin skewer and leave them to dry in a warm, dry and well-ventilated place. When the beads are completely dry, thread them onto a necklace thread and finish by adding a clasp. | Gather red rose petals. Place on a rusty tin sheet in the sun for a day or so to begin to dry. Alternatively, if you are familiar with oven or microwave drying, you could substitute these methods. Wait for the petals to shrink before proceeding but not dry. There needs to be a little moisture left to help with the moulding. Put the petals through a mincer or through a blender until there is a mince of roses that appears ideal for forming into beads. You can test this after each mince or blend by rolling in your hands. If the mixture stays together in a bead shape, the mixture is ready to work with. Using your hands, roll small bead shapes with a bit of the mixture. Do this firmly so that the little bead balls stick together well. Remember that the plant material will shrink as it dries to half the original size, so make account for this in your bead size. Continue until you have made as many beads as required. Pierce a hole through the centre of each bead. Use a long hat-pin, a thin skewer or a piece of wire to create a hole through each bead. Leave the beads to dry on this to ensure that the hole remains stable and of a good size as the beads dry. Allow the beads to dry thoroughly. Place in a warm, dry and well-ventilated place to dry. Thread the necklace. Take the dry beads and thread them onto a necklace thread. Intersperse with a gold or silver bead between each or every 2-3 rose beads for added effect. Add an appropriate clasp. Store well. The necklace will keep well for many years. The scent can be retained and heightened by storing the necklace in a small wooden box that is closed and fairly air-tight. Keep the lid closed when the necklace is in storage. Place all of the ingredients into a bowl for mixing. Mix together to form a stiff paste. Roll the paste into small bead shapes. Set the beads out to dry on a wire rack. They should not dry completely - just enough that you can handle them. Pierce through each bead with a hot needle. Allow each bead with a hole to dry completely. Thread into a necklace. See instructions above for remaining steps. | Gather red rose petals. Place on a rusty tin sheet in the sun for a day or so to begin to dry. Wait for the petals to shrink before proceeding but not dry. Put the petals through a mincer or through a blender until there is a mince of roses that appears ideal for forming into beads. Using your hands, roll small bead shapes with a bit of the mixture. Pierce a hole through the centre of each bead. Allow the beads to dry thoroughly. Thread the necklace. Add an appropriate clasp. Store well. Place all of the ingredients into a bowl for mixing. Mix together to form a stiff paste. Roll the paste into small bead shapes. Pierce through each bead with a hot needle. Thread into a necklace. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-a-Termite | How to Identify a Termite | To identify a termite, examine the insect closely for 4 wings that are the same size as the insect's body. If the wings are different sizes, it's probably an ant. Termites also have 2 straight antennae, whereas ant antennae are curved. Additionally, termite bodies can be dark brown, black, white, and sometimes even translucent. If you see these insects and notice crumbling wood or chipped paint in your home, you may have a termite infestation. | Catch an insect if possible. Termites look similar to ants and need to be inspected closely to differentiate. If possible, trap one of the bugs in question for examination and look at it under a magnifying glass or something similar. You can pick up a termite by gently clasping it between your thumb and forefinger. Place the termite in something like a mason jar to examine it. You can still examine a dead termite, but it may be easier to observe a live one. Pick up the bug carefully to avoid killing it. Look at the wings and antennae. Termites have distinctly different wings and antennae than ants. One way to tell you're dealing with a termite and not an ant is to carefully examine the bug's wings and antennae. Termites have 4 wings. All 4 wings are the same size as a termite's body, while ants' wings are different sizes. Note that termites lose their wings after swarming, so the termite you're looking at may not have any. Termites have 2 straight antennae. Ants' antennae are somewhat curved. Be aware of the different types of termites. Termites have 3 different types: winged termites, worker termites, and soldier termites. If you see different types of bugs around your house, you may be looking at different types of termites. Winged termites are dark brown or black. These are the termites you are likely to see and inspect. Worker termites do not have wings, but still have the same antennae. They are white in appearance and sometimes translucent. Soldier termites do not have wings and are brownish in colors. They have pincers near their heads, as well as antennae. Note the size of the insect. You do not necessarily need to measure a termite and doing so may be difficult. However, try to note the rough size. Termites are about ⁄ 8 inch (0.95 cm) long. Look at changes in your home. Termites can cause damage to your home. In the event of an infestation, you may notice signs of damage. Your wood may sound hollow when you tap or knock against it. You may also notice your floors and ceilings are sagging. Crumbling wood and chipped paint can also indicate and infestation. Listen for termite noises. You can often hear an infestation before you see it. Soldier termites sometimes tap their heads inside your walls. If you hear tapping noises in your home, this may be indicate a termite infestation. Watch out for droppings. Termite droppings are another sign your home is infested. Droppings look like tiny pellets and may show up near walls or other places termites congregate. If you notice pellets piling up in your home, this is a sign of an infestation. Note that subterranean termites use their droppings as construction material for tunnels, so you may not notice termite droppings in your home. Look for mud tubes on walls. Termites often build tubes of mud and dirt against walls. These are to protect termites from predators and sunlight. Unusual tubes of mud running against walls in your home, often found outdoors, are a sign of termites. The structures look clay-like and dark brown. Termites often build mud tubes overnight, so you may notice them cropping up unexpectedly in the morning. Select a pest control company carefully. A termite infestation can cause major damage to your home. It should be treated promptly by a professional. Select a reputable pest control company right away if you suspect you have termites. Make sure any company you choose is licensed with the Department of Agriculture. A company that's a member of the National Pest Management Association is also a plus. Contact 2 or 3 companies to get estimates. It can be costly to deal with termites, so make sure you seek out the best deal. Termites can cause damage, but do so slowly. It's okay to take some time selecting a quality company. If a company uses scare tactics to pressure you into signing a contract quickly, this is probably not a good company. Talk over treatment options with a professional. Termites are usually treated with sprays and pesticides. While EPA-approved pesticides should be safe for your health, if you're not comfortable with chemicals you can try sprays instead. Talk over your options with a pest control representative carefully to decide on the right treatment option for you. In addition to deciding between baits and sprays, talk about how much of your home to treat. Sometimes, a termite infestation can be cleared up with spot treatments or treating the perimeter of your home. Other times, your entire house will need to be treated. Follow instructions regarding treatment. When using chemicals, your pest control company will give you specific instructions. You may have to stay out of your home for a certain period of time or remove your pets. You may want to consult a physician if you have a medical condition that may be worsened by exposure to chemicals. Do not attempt to treat an infestation on your own. Treating a termite infestation is complicated and requires a specific set of skills. Under no circumstances should you attempt to treat an infestation yourself. Always talk to a professional exterminator to go over treatment options. | Catch an insect if possible. Look at the wings and antennae. Be aware of the different types of termites. Note the size of the insect. Look at changes in your home. Listen for termite noises. Watch out for droppings. Look for mud tubes on walls. Select a pest control company carefully. Talk over treatment options with a professional. Follow instructions regarding treatment. Do not attempt to treat an infestation on your own. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Nose-Ring-Bump | How to Get Rid of a Nose Ring Bump | The easiest way to get rid of a red bump around your nose ring is to keep the piercing area clean. One way to clean the area is by soaking it with a cotton ball dipped in a solution of warm water and salt. Let the cotton ball sit on the bump for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce the swelling on your nose. Another way you can get rid of the bump is by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with a drop of water to make a paste. Then, rub the exfoliating paste into your piercing and rinse it away with warm water. In addition to homemade remedies, try taking an anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen to treat your swelling. | Use anti-inflammatory medication. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can be used to treat swelling around the nose that can result in a nose ring bump. This usually works for bumps and swelling caused by trauma such as a piercing. Try taking something like ibuprofen while symptoms persist. Make sure to check with a doctor or pharmacist if you're on any prescription medication. You want to make sure over-the-counter meds will not interfere poorly with your existing medication. Do regular salt soaks. Your piercer should have given you salt solution after you had your piercing done. If you do not have saline solution from your piercer, you can make it by mixing a cup of warm water with an eighth a teaspoon of salt. Soak your piercing regularly to reduce swelling and get rid of a nose ring bump. Place the sea salt in a cup of water. Move your head sideways and dip the pierced half of your nose into the solution. Leave your nose in the water for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also dab a cotton ball in sea salt and apply it to your nose ring bump for 15 to 20 minutes, as this may be more comfortable. Try cortisone cream. You can buy cortisone cream at most drug stores. It can help decrease swelling that results in a nose ring bump. You can apply the cream to the area surrounding your nose ring to reduce swelling. Make sure to read the instructions on the cream you choose to make sure you apply it properly. Try an aspirin paste. Add water to a bottle of aspirin until the aspirin dissolves into a paste. Then, apply the aspirin paste to your nose ring bump each night. Let it sink in overnight and then wash it off in the morning. Make sure you continue to clean your nose ring as you normally would before and after applying aspirin paste. The strength of the aspirin does not matter, but stronger aspirin could potentially be more effective. Use a chamomile tea compress. Place a bag of chamomile tea in warm water to get it slightly damp. Then, press the bag on your nose ring bump for about 10 minutes. If the bag loses heat during this time, dab it in some warm water before reapplying it to the bump. Apply tea tree oil. Tea tree oil should never be applied directly to the skin, as this can cause a rash and irritation. Add only a few drops of tea tree oil to a small amount of a carrier oil such as olive oil. Then, dab a cotton ball in your oil. Swab the cotton ball around the bump to reduce swelling. Some people respond poorly to essential oils, so cease using this method if you notice a rash or another bad reaction. Try exfoliating with baking soda. Baking soda's grainy texture can be used as an exfoliating agent, which may help reduce swelling and bumps associated with nose rings. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a drop of water to make a paste. Then, rub your paste into your piercing. Then, rinse the paste off with warm water. Recognize the signs of an infection. If you end up with an infection, you should see a doctor or call your piercer. Your bump may be infected if you notice the following: A pimple-like bump near your piercing that emits pus A tender, pink bump A very hard bump See a professional to treat or drain the bump. Many people attempt to use needles or similar objects to pierce and drain a bump. Draining a bump on your own can make an infection worse. If your bump requires draining, only a medical professional should do so. Do not remove your jewelry. If you piercing becomes infected, your first inclination may be to remove your jewelry. However, most infections can be treated with jewelry in place. Removing your jewelry can actually cause scarring or worsen an infection. | Use anti-inflammatory medication. Do regular salt soaks. Try cortisone cream. Try an aspirin paste. Use a chamomile tea compress. Apply tea tree oil. Try exfoliating with baking soda. Recognize the signs of an infection. See a professional to treat or drain the bump. Do not remove your jewelry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-and-Treat-Histoplasmosis-in-Cats | How to Diagnose and Treat Histoplasmosis in Cats | To diagnose and treat histoplasmosis in your cat, check if it is eating less or losing a lot of weight, which are both common symptoms. You should also note if your cat coughs or has difficulty breathing. If you notice your cat has an eye infection, which may include redness or discharge, note this as another potential symptom. After you've observed any of these symptoms, visit your vet, who will perform blood and urine tests to rule out other conditions. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, give anti-fungal medication to your cat as instructed by your vet. Make sure to bring your cat in for regular check-ups during the treatment so your vet can evaluate how your cat is responding. | Watch your cat's food intake. One of the main symptoms of histoplasmosis is a change in appetite. If you notice that your cat is suddenly eating less, or rapidly losing weight, it might be a sign of histoplasmosis. Listen to your cat's breathing. If you notice your cat coughing or breathing laboriously, it could have histoplasmosis. You should also listen for harsh lung sounds – similar to what you might hear for any respiratory infection. You might hear a crackling sound when your cat breathes in and out. This is another sign of histoplasmosis. Look for an eye infection. Histoplasmosis can cause eye infections in cats. This will often include redness in and discharge from your cat's eyes. Eye infections are also serious on their own, so if you notice your cat has an eye infection, take it to the vet immediately. Check your cat's temperature. Because histoplasmosis is an infection, your cat might develop a fever. If your cat has a fever up to 104° Fahrenheit (40° Celsius) along with other symptoms, it might have histoplasmosis. If your cat has a fever, you should take it to the vet immediately, regardless of what you believe the cause to be. This can be indicative of other serious health issues. Look for sudden lameness. If your cat suddenly becomes lame – unable to walk or use any of its limbs – take it to the vet. This is another symptom of histoplasmosis. It can also be an indication of other serious issues. Check your cat's gums. A healthy cat's gums will usually be pinkish in color. If you notice that your cat's gums have become pale or white, your cat might have histoplasmosis or some other serious condition. Look for signs of diarrhea. If you suspect that your cat has histoplasmosis, check their litter box. Diarrhea is a symptom of histoplasmosis. It's also a sign of other serious illnesses, so if your cat has diarrhea, take it to the vet. Consider where your cat has been. Histoplasmosis is more prevalent in certain geographic areas. This includes major river basins, areas where the ground is damp, and places where birds and bats roost. If your cat has been in those areas, it might be more likely to have histoplasmosis. Take your cat to the vet. Your vet will to perform a variety of tests to distinguish between histoplasmosis and other conditions. These tests might include a chemical blood profile, a blood count, or a urinalysis. These tests will also help your vet determine the proper treatment – and intensity of treatment – for your cat. Administer medication. If your cat hasn't had histoplasmosis for long, or has not suffered overly severe effects, your vet will probably recommend medication and outpatient care. This medication will usually take the form of anti-fungal drugs like fluconazole or itraconazole, which you will give to your cat orally. Be sure to follow the specific directions for the drugs your vet prescribes your cat. You may need to administer these medications for up to 6 months. Do not stop giving your cat any medication without consulting your vet first. Bring your cat in for regular checkups throughout the treatment as recommended by your vet. They will need to evaluate how your cat is responding to the medication. Arrange inpatient care, if needed. Your cat may need inpatient care for histoplasmosis. This is most likely if your cat has become dehydrated or malnourished as a result of its illness. Your vet can tell you if this is the case and how long that care will last. | Watch your cat's food intake. Listen to your cat's breathing. Look for an eye infection. Check your cat's temperature. Look for sudden lameness. Check your cat's gums. Look for signs of diarrhea. Consider where your cat has been. Take your cat to the vet. Administer medication. Arrange inpatient care, if needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-Jury-Duty | How to Survive Jury Duty | If you've been summoned for jury duty, you'll want to plan ahead to survive the day. Since food options around the courthouse might be expensive or hard to come by, plan to bring some snacks or even a meal with you so you don't get hungry. If you do decide to look for a place to eat, make sure you have cash with you since some places don't accept credit. There's also a chance you'll need some cash to pay for a parking garage or metered parking. You'll also want to pack some work or a book since there's bound to be downtime and you won't want to get bored. While you'll want to dress comfortably since you might be sitting for hours, you'll also want to be appropriate, so think business casual when preparing your outfit for the day. | Bring food from home. Your day may be long and you might get hungry before the official lunch break. Food available near the courthouse may be expensive, too. Bring some snacks and even a meal to be safe. There may be very limited places to get lunch during your break. If you're a picky eater or have special dietary concerns, bring enough food to get you through the day. There probably won't be a refrigerator or microwave available to you, so pack things that don't require those things, such as crackers, protein bars, or fruit. Bring healthy foods that are high in protein to keep your energy level up. Bring entertainment or work with you. You won't be able to use your tablet or read your book all of the time. However, there will almost certainly be plenty of time spent waiting outside of the courtroom. You can use this time to read, watch a movie, or listen to music. If you plan to listen to music or watch a movie, make sure to bring headphones so that only you can hear it. Many courts provide wireless internet for free or for a fee. This can be great for getting work done or catching up on emails and social media. However, the Wi-Fi may not accommodate streaming, so download anything you wish to watch ahead of time. Make sure you have cash. Sometimes the eating establishments in or near the courthouse only accept cash. Make sure you have some with you so you don't have to pay to use an ATM. Some courts will give you cash to cover the expense of lunch (approximately $10). If you're driving, you should also bring cash to cover the cost of parking meters or a garage. The court may reimburse you for this, but not all do. Dress appropriately. Check the court's website for information on what type of dress is expected. Most have guidelines but do not enforce a strict dress code. Generally, courts expect you to dress in business casual. Bring a light jacket, even in the summer. The courthouse may be air conditioned and could be cool. Remember that you'll probably be sitting for long periods of time. Wear something relatively comfortable. Take public transportation. If public transportation is available, it may be easier than trying to find parking near the courthouse. Many urban courthouses are in places where parking can be difficult or expensive. You may be exempt from jury duty if the distance between your home and the court is greater than a certain number of miles. Check with your local court if you think you may live too far to have to serve. Research the neighborhood around the courthouse. This will help you avoid being late if you can't find parking, or the entrance to the building. It will also help you plan for how to spend your lunch break. There may be places to eat in the neighborhood that you haven't heard of. There may be a nice park or plaza where you can eat your lunch if the weather is nice. After sitting in the courtroom all day, you'll likely be ready to stretch your legs a bit. Chat with your fellow jurors. Jury duty brings together people from all walks of life. You're likely to meet people you'd never speak to otherwise. Be friendly, but avoid talking about politics or other sensitive topics that could be relevant to the case. If the case goes to trial, or if it's a grand jury, you could be spending quite a bit of time with these people. Be friendly and get to know them. Your fellow jurors are the only people you'll be able to talk to much. The lawyers, witnesses, plaintiff and defendant are not allowed to socialize with you or to talk to you about the case. Ask if there’s a quiet room or lounge. Some courtrooms will have separate rooms designated for reading or working while you wait. When you sign in, ask if such a thing exists for jurors. The lounge will sometimes have vending machines, coffee, or even a movie playing. Accept being on the jury. Jury duty is part of being a citizen. If you've been selected, your best course of action is to accept the reality of serving. Don't try to get out of it by lying or exaggerating the hardship it will cause you. If jury duty would truly cause you financial hardship, be honest about that. Just remember that other people may be in the same boat. If you're unemployed or underemployed, you may actually be making more money by serving on a jury. Take care of yourself physically. As a juror, you'll probably be sitting for long periods of time. Besides being boring, this can make you fatigued and uncomfortable. Take advantage of breaks to stay healthy and keep yourself comfortable. During breaks, go outside and stretch your legs. Take a short walk, if you can. Drink water. It will help keep you alert and awake. If you have time in the morning exercise before heading to court. It will give you more energy for the day. Engage with the judicial process. Many people who serve on a jury end up learning a lot about the judicial process. You may be surprised at how interesting the case is; or you may learn things about the system that you didn't know. Listen carefully to all instructions given to you by the judge. Always ask questions if you don't understand something. Pay close attention to any educational videos they show you. Even if they're boring, they're meant to be informative. Take care of yourself emotionally. If you're serving on a jury for a violent crime or something that hits close to home, serving on a jury can be emotionally intense. For some people it can even trigger past traumas. Do what you need to do in order to emotionally manage being on a jury. If the circumstances of a case are personally triggering to you, make sure the judge or the attorneys know that. You may be excused. Learn grounding and meditation techniques to use after each day, or after the trial is over. Some districts offer counseling services for jurors after the trial is over. Remember that your daily payment is not taxable. It may be a small amount of money, but it's considered reimbursement for your time. This means that you don't have to claim it on your taxes. That's one small perk. | Bring food from home. Bring entertainment or work with you. Make sure you have cash. Dress appropriately. Take public transportation. Research the neighborhood around the courthouse. Chat with your fellow jurors. Ask if there’s a quiet room or lounge. Accept being on the jury. Take care of yourself physically. Engage with the judicial process. Take care of yourself emotionally. Remember that your daily payment is not taxable. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dry-a-Wet-Book | How to Dry a Wet Book | To dry a wet book, start by holding the book shut and shaking it gently to remove any excess liquid. Next, wipe down the book cover with a dry rag, then stand the book upright on top of several layers of paper towels. Tuck a paper towel inside each cover and let the book sit for a few hours. Then, open the book, fan the pages out, and give it a few more hours to dry in a vertical position. You can also set up a fan in the room to help the book dry more quickly! | Wipe or fling excess water from the book. When it comes to drying a wet book, the exact steps you take will differ based on how wet the book is. If your book is completely soaked — so wet that it drips — you'll first want to carefully remove as much excess water from the outside of the book as you can. Hold the book shut and shake it gently to remove any external liquid. Follow this by gently wiping the outside of the cover with a rag or paper towel. Don't open the book yet. If it's dripping wet, its pages will likely be so delicate that they'll easily tear. At this point, just concentrate on removing moisture that's on the outside of the book. Lay down a few paper towel sheets. Next lay down a few sheets of plain white (not dyed) absorbent paper towel in a clear, flat dry area. Pick a spot where the book is unlikely to be disturbed as it dries. If you live in a dry climate, this spot can be outside. However, regardless of where you live, you won't want to leave your book out overnight, as dew that forms in the morning can easily undo any progress you've made. If you don't have any plain white paper towels handy, dry rags can work well. Don't use dyed paper towels, as these can bleed color when wet. Stand the book upright. Take your wet book and place it on top of your paper towels so that it stands straight upright. For hardcover books, this should be easy. Simply open the covers slightly (without separating the pages) until your book can stand balanced without any assistance. For paperbacks, this can be trickier. You don't want your book to sag at all as it dries, so, if need be, use bookends or weights to keep your book standing straight upright. Place paper towel sheets inside the covers. Next, take two paper towel sheets (or, if none are handy, thin, dry rags) and tuck one inside each cover. The towels should sit between each cover and the text block (the internal pages of the book.) Don't disturb the pages when you do this. The text block should basically remain in one large "mass". Fanning the pages at this point can lead to crumpled or deformed pages when the book dries. Allow the book to sit. When you've arranged all of your paper towels, simply allow the book to sit in its standing position. The absorbent material of the paper towels should quickly begin to pull moisture out of the book. If you want to, you can put one or more dried sponges underneath the paper towels the book is resting on to aid in the absorption process. Replace paper towels as needed. Check on your book's progress every hour or so. As the paper towels pull moisture out of the book, they'll eventually become saturated, unable to hold any more liquid. When you notice that any of your paper towels have become saturated, carefully remove them and replace them with fresh, dry towels. If you're using a sponge, ring it out and return it to its place under the paper towels. Don't forget to keep an eye on your book. Mold can begin to grow on wet paper within 24 to 48 hours if the moisture is allowed to stagnate. Continue in this fashion until the book no longer drips or leaves puddles when you pick it up. Next, you'll want to proceed to "Drying Somewhat Wet Books" below. Place paper towels every 20-30 pages. If your book isn't dripping wet (or was and has now dried partially), it should be safe to carefully and gently flip through the pages without ripping them. Open your book and carefully flip through the pages, placing absorbent paper towel sheets between the pages every 20-30 pages or so. In addition, place paper towel sheets inside each cover between the cover and the text block. Be careful with the number of paper towels you place in the book this way — if you place too many, it's possible to cause the spine of the book to bend backwards, which can deform the book if allowed to dry like this. You may need to space your paper towels more widely if this becomes a problem. Let the book sit on its side. After you've finished laying paper towel sheets throughout the book, set the book down on its side to dry, rather than standing it upright. The absorbent paper towel sheets should begin to draw moisture away from the inside of the book. This process can take some time, so be patient. To speed the process up, ensure that your book is in a location where dry air is able to circulate continuously. If you live in a humid climate, a dehumidifier can be a big help here. Otherwise, turning on a fan or opening a few windows will usually suffice. Replace paper towels as needed. As above, you'll want to regularly check on your book as it dries. When you notice your paper towels becoming saturated with liquid, carefully remove them and insert new paper towels roughly every 20-30 pages or so. To ensure the book dries evenly, try not to lay down paper towels between the exact same pages each time. Each time you replace the paper towels, flip the book over. This helps prevent the pages from deforming and "ruffling up" as they dry. Keep the book square as it dries. As paper and cardboard dry, they stiffen and harden. This means that if your book is lying at a slanted angle as it dries, it can eventually become permanently deformed. To avoid this, keep the book perfectly "square" as it dries. If the book resists your efforts to straighten it out, use heavy bookends or weights to hold its edges in place. Eventually, your book will dry to a point that your paper towels no longer become saturated — merely damp. At this point, you'll want to proceed to "Drying Slightly Damp Books" below. Stand the book upright and open it. Begin to dry your damp book by standing it up vertically. As noted above, this is usually easy if your book is hardbound, but can be trickier if you have a paperback. If you need to, you can use heavy weights or bookends to keep the book upright. Open the book a moderate amount — no more than about 60. Ensure the book is well-balanced and is unlikely to fall over before proceeding. Fan the pages out. Without opening the book's cover to more than about 60 , gently fan the book's pages out. Try to arrange the pages so that there is a tiny gap between most (if not all) of them. The pages should be able to stand roughly upright — none should hang at a diagonal angle or flop limply against neighboring pages. Circulate dry air in the room. When your book's pages are evenly fanned out, allow it to begin drying in its upright position. To speed the drying process, ensure that relatively dry air is circulating freely through the room. Use a fan or create a draft by opening a few windows, or, if the ambient air is fairly humid, use a dehumidifier to make it drier. If you use a fan or a natural breeze, look at the edges of the book's pages closely. The movement of the air shouldn't cause the pages to flutter or flap in the wind, as this can lead the pages to become ruffled and "puffed up" when they dry. Be patient here. It can take days or even a week or more for the book to dry completely. Check on your book frequently to get a sense for how quickly you're making progress. When dry, place under weight to flatten. Eventually, after you've allowed your book to dry patiently, no further moisture should remain in its pages. However, even if you've followed the instructions very carefully, it's likely that the book won't sit completely flat once it's dry. The paper used for most books' pages is somewhat fragile and can easily warp and deform as it dries, leaving the book with a "crumpled" or "ruffled" appearance when it's finally dry. Luckily, to a certain extent, this can be fixed. Lay your dry book flat and place a heavy weight on top of it (thick textbooks are great for this) and allow it to sit for several days to a week. This can substantially reduce the "crumpled" effect that drying can produce, though it may not fix it completely. To avoid deforming your book, make sure that its edges are perfectly square as it lays under the weight. Don't let the weight sit on top of it in a way that bends the book or forces the edges of its pages to lay at a diagonal angle. Hang small paperbacks over a fishing line. While the methods above should work well for most books, small, thin paperbacks can be dried with a shortcut that requires a little less effort than the fanned pages method above. If your paperback is very wet, dry it as you normally would according to the methods above until it reaches a point where it's just damp — paper towels inserted into its pages should no longer become saturated with moisture. At this point, string a fishing line, a thin wire, or a piece of string between two vertical surfaces and hang the book over it so that it opens downward. If you're indoors, circulate the air with a fan or use a dehumidifier. Within a few days, the book should be dry. As noted above, if you're hanging your paperback outside (for instance, if you're using an existing clothing line), don't let it stay out overnight. Dew that forms in the morning can dampen the book. Don't hang paperbacks that are very wet. Since moisture makes paper more fragile, the fishing line or wire can tear the book under its own weight if it's too wet. Place separation sheets between every wet page. When books with shiny, glossy pages (like many magazines and art books) become wet, the situation is somewhat more urgent than with ordinary books. Moisture can dissolve the pages' glossy coating, turning it into an adhesive substance that can make the pages stick together permanently if allowed to dry. To prevent this, immediately separate the wet pages from each other by placing sheets of waxed paper in between every single pair of wet pages. Remove and replace the sheets as they become wet. It's important to put a separating sheet between every wet page. If two wet pages are allowed to touch as they dry, they can become stuck together in such away that even professionals can't repair. If you don't have waxed paper handy, plain white paper towels will work so long as they are replaced frequently. When damp, remove sheets and fan out to dry. When the pages of the book dry to a point that they're simply damp and the separating sheets are no longer becoming wet, remove the separating sheets and stand the book upright. If it can't support its own weight, use two bookends or heavy objects to support it. Fan the pages out to a width of no more than 60. Allow the book to dry in this position. As above, you'll want to ensure that the air around the book is circulating if you can by using a fan or opening a window to create a draft. As also noted above, dehumidifiers can be helpful, especially if the air is humid. Monitor frequently to prevent sticking. Though the pages are now damp, rather than wet, there is still a risk that they may stick together. To avoid this, check on the book frequently as it dries — if you can, once every half hour or so. Thumb through the book's pages carefully. If you notice any beginning to stick together, separate them and allow the book to continue to dry. Eventually, the book should dry out completely. Some minor instances of pages sticking together (especially in the corners) may be unavoidable. As above, if you're using a fan, you won't want the book's pages to flutter in the moving air, as this can lead to a crumpled or ruffled appearance once the book dries. If short on time, freeze the book. If you have a wet book with glossy pages on your hands and you don't have the time or materials to separate the pages at your disposal, don't let the book sit. Instead, place it in a freezer-safe plastic bag, seal the bag, and place it in a freezer (the colder the better). Freezing your book won't do much to dry it, but it will prevent damage, giving you time to get everything you need to be able to dry the book properly. Don't forget to put the book in a freezer bag before putting it in the freezer. Doing this prevents the book from sticking to inside of the freezer or other objects. Allow frozen books to thaw gradually. If you're ready to attempt to dry your frozen book, remove it from the freezer but keep it in its bag and set it in a room-temperature location. Allow the book to thaw gradually within its bag — this can take from a few hours up to several days, depending on how large and wet the book is. When the ice is completely melted, remove the book from the bag and dry it as described above. Don't let a thawing book sit in its bag past the point that it thaws. Leaving your book in a damp, confined space encourages mold growth. | Wipe or fling excess water from the book. Lay down a few paper towel sheets. Stand the book upright. Place paper towel sheets inside the covers. Allow the book to sit. Replace paper towels as needed. Place paper towels every 20-30 pages. Let the book sit on its side. Replace paper towels as needed. Keep the book square as it dries. Stand the book upright and open it. Fan the pages out. Circulate dry air in the room. When dry, place under weight to flatten. Hang small paperbacks over a fishing line. Place separation sheets between every wet page. When damp, remove sheets and fan out to dry. Monitor frequently to prevent sticking. If short on time, freeze the book. Allow frozen books to thaw gradually. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Dog-in-the-Yard | How to Keep a Dog in the Yard | To keep your dog in your yard, try monitoring it while it's in the yard to see if you can figure out how it's escaping. For example, your dog might be jumping over the fence, climbing up the side of it, slipping through a weak spot, or even unlatching the gate. Don't let your dog see you while you're watching it or it might not try to escape. Once you know how your dog is getting out of your yard, you can fix the problem so it can't escape anymore. You can also try putting out new toys in your yard every week or so to keep your dog entertained so it's less likely to run away. Alternatively, if you don't have a fenced-in yard, consider keeping your dog on a long leash or lead that's connected to a harness. However, don't leave your dog outside like this when you're not around, and avoid leaving it outside for long periods of time. | Observe your dog while he is in the yard. Figure out how your dog is getting out of your yard, sit by a window and watch him while he is outside. Try not to let him see you or he may not reveal his escape route. As you watch, pay attention to where your dog goes and what he does. This should give you clues about his preferred method of escape. Common methods of escape include: Jumping over the fence. Climbing the fence. Digging and going under the fence. Slipping through a weak spot in the fence. Undoing the latch on the fence gate. See if your dog is jumping the fence. If the fence is too low or there is an object the dog can climb on, he may be able to jump over the fence. In this case, try raising the height of the entire fence. Make sure that you also remove anything that he can use to climb over the fence, such as lawn chairs and tables. Watch to see if your dog climbs up the fence. Some dogs will climb a fence to get out of a yard. If your dog is climbing the fence, then making the fence higher might not solve the problem. You may also need to create and internal overhang to stop your dog from going over when he gets to the top. These overhangs are similar to the ones you see in zoo enclosures. Determine if your dog is digging his way out. Some dogs will dig away the soft dirt at the bottom of a fence and escape that way. If your dog is digging his way out, then there are several things that you can do to stop him from escaping from the yard. Some thing you can try include: Laying chain link fence over the ground at the base of the fence. Setting large heavy rocks or bricks along the base of the fence. Extending the fence downwards with chicken wire that is buried under the ground. If you use this method, make sure to turn under any sharp edges so your dog cannot cut or harm himself as he digs. Watch for other methods of escape. Make sure that the gate is shut and latched before you let your dog out into the yard. Remind all of your household members to do the same. If the latch is weak and your dog can push it open with ease, then consider installing a new latch. Some dogs know how to undo the latch on a gate and can let themselves out when they please. If your dog is using this method of escape, then you can add a padlock to the gate or put something on the other side of it to prevent her from opening it. Inspect your fence often and make repairs as needed. To ensure that your yard is secure, check it often and look for weaknesses such as rotten wooden slats or gaps in the wire mesh. Check for loose boards as well by pressing on the fence as you walk the perimeter. If you notice any weaknesses, then repair these right away. Consider adding an airlock. Many dog parks and pet care facilities have an air lock, or second gate that dogs must get through before they can get out. This ensures that a dog cannot take off running if he happens to make it through the first gate. If your dog tends to unlatch or push open one of your gates, then you may want to install a small portion of fencing and a second gate so that you can stop him and bring him back into the yard if he get out of the first gate. Keep your dog on leash or lead. If your yard is not fenced in, then take your dog out on a leash or put her on a lead when she is out in the yard. Some people attach leads to lines that extend the length of the yard so that the dog can run. No matter how you keep your dog in the yard, make sure that you monitor your dog and do not leave her out for too long. If you have a big dog that tends to pull on her leash, then try using a front-clip harness to help you maintain control of her. Front-clip harnesses help to keep your dog focused on you and stops her from pulling. Look into an electric fence. Some people use electric shock collars with an invisible fence system to prevent their dogs from going beyond the yard's boundaries. These collars work by emitting a sound and then delivering a shock if your dog goes beyond a certain point in your yard. The shock levels range from a mild sensation that is similar to a tickle to a painful jolt. There are moral and welfare issues to consider before using an electric fence. Used incorrectly, they can cause the dog to be unduly fearful and/or cause physical harm to the dog. Also, a court of law does not regard an electric fence as a suitable barrier, and if your dog bites a person who comes onto your property or escapes off it, you will be held culpable because there wasn't an adequate barrier in place. An electric shock collar might be a good option if you do not have a fence. Never use an electric shock collar as a training device. Check your dog's neck often if you use an electric shock collar. They can cause redness and irritation. Spay or neuter your dog. Entire dogs (dogs that have not been spayed or neutered) are at the mercy of their hormones. Entire male dogs have high levels of testosterone and this makes them keen to find a female dog in heat and mate with her. Male dogs can detect this scent from miles away and may escape to seek out the scent. Female dogs may also be more likely to wander when they are in heat. Talk to your dog's veterinarian about spaying or neutering your dog. Spay or neuter your dog at a young age to prevent behaviors from becoming too ingrained in your dog. Exercise your dog every day. Healthy dogs that do not get enough exercise may put their energy into things like escaping from the yard. Try to take your dog out for two 30 minute walks per day. If you get tired before your dog does, then consider teaching her to fetch a ball or play frisbee. That way she will get plenty of exercise and you can just sit and throw the ball or frisbee to her. Provide lots of mental stimulation. Being shut in a yard for long periods of time can cause your dog to become bored and make him want to escape. To keep your dog mentally stimulated, vary his toys and give him toys that will challenge his mind. Change out his toys every day so that he doesn't become too familiar with his toys and become bored with them. You can also try giving your dog toys that have treats inside, such as a stuffed Kong toy. This will give him a mental challenge and he will be rewarded with a treat when he figures it out. Supervise your dog at all times when she is outside. If your dog is an escape artist, then you will need to keep a close watch on her at all times. When you cannot watch her, keep her inside the house. If you are often gone for long periods of time, such as while you are at work or out shopping, consider hiring a dog walker to come by and check on your dog or take her for a walk. Train your dog. Regular training sessions can also help you to keep your dog mentally stimulated and make it more likely that she will respond to your commands if you catch her in the act of escaping. Keep training session short and regular. Two five to 10 minute sessions per day is a good place to start. Use positive reinforcement. Give your dog treats and praise when she responds to a command. Do not punish your dog if she disobeys you. Start with basic commands. After your dog has a good grasp of sit, stay, and recall, then you can start teaching her more complex commands such as “come away.” Create a safe space for your dog. Some dogs will try to escape if they become fearful. For example, if your dog hears a sound that makes him anxious, then he might flee from the yard in fear. If this happens often, then give your dog a safe place to hide when he feels scared. Try providing your dog with an outdoor crate or kennel, or give your dog access to the indoors via a doggy door. | Observe your dog while he is in the yard. See if your dog is jumping the fence. Watch to see if your dog climbs up the fence. Determine if your dog is digging his way out. Watch for other methods of escape. Inspect your fence often and make repairs as needed. Consider adding an airlock. Keep your dog on leash or lead. Look into an electric fence. Spay or neuter your dog. Exercise your dog every day. Provide lots of mental stimulation. Supervise your dog at all times when she is outside. Train your dog. Create a safe space for your dog. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Give-a-Speech-Without-Getting-Nervous | How to Give a Speech Without Getting Nervous | To give a speech without getting nervous, try taking deep breaths before and throughout your speech to help you calm down and release tension. During your speech, make sure to keep your back straight and stand tall as this will project confidence and help keep your breathing even. To avoid looking directly at anyone, focus on a spot behind the audience until you begin to feel more relaxed. These tips will help you in the short-term, however, if you often get nervous during speaking, be sure to learn as much as you can about your topic as this will equip you to improvise and answer questions. | Practice in front of small groups of supportive friends. Gather a group of people together who you trust to give you solid, constructive feedback. Be sure to invite in people you know who have a background in public speaking. Give your speech in front of them and then leave time afterwards for questions and comments. Repeat this process with new groups of people and then compare the comments that you've received. Make any necessary adjustments and continue practicing. Think about people you know who have to give speeches or presentations on a regular basis. Ask them for their input and advice as you prepare. Practicing in this way will also help you to become desensitized when speaking in front of groups of people. Do it often enough and it will become habit and nothing to worry about. You can also join a local group, such as Toastmasters, to work on your skills. Or, you can even take a public speaking course at a local college or recreation center. Spend more time practicing your intro. For every time that you practice your speech, run through your introductory section just one more time. Really concentrate on getting comfortable with the first 30-60 seconds of your talk. Go over the intro in your mind each night before bed. This will make it less likely that you'll stumble over it during the final talk. Expect that your anxiety level will drop significantly after you've completed your introductory remarks and this will help you to relax for the rest of your talk. Film your practice sessions. Get a small camera and go find a room that is similar to the one that you'll be speaking in. Set up your camera and record yourself giving your full speech. Try to recreate the final scenario as closely as possible, minus the audience. It even helps if you dress the part. Then, go back home and review the tape to see where you can improve. For example, you may find that you speak way too fast at the start of your speech. This is fixable by simply concentrating on slowing down early on. Check out the space in advance. Try to gain access to the space that you will be using for your speech. Being familiar with the room will make you more comfortable for your final talk. Walk around the room and take a seat to get an audience member's perspective. Go to the front and check out whether you'll have a podium to use and if any of the set-up needs to be adjusted for height or movement. It is especially important that you check out the technology, such as the computer and projection screens, to make sure that they are functioning properly and compatible with any equipment that you'll bring along. If you cannot look at the space well beforehand, try to arrive a little early for your speech and check everything out at that time. Talk with a therapist. If you find that you are crippled by your nerves in front of audiences, you might want to make an appointment to meet with a therapist. You can work together to decide if you are suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD), which may require both therapy and a medicated approach. A therapist might also put you in touch with a support group. If social anxiety is not an issue, a therapist can also help you overcome a phobia of public speaking. A therapist or speech pathologist may also be able to work on treating public-speaking-induced speech disorders, if you suspect you suffer from such a problem. Be knowledgeable about your topic. Learn as much as you can about your topic, whether by reading additional books or talking with experts. The more that you know about your topic, the less likely you are to stumble talking about it. If you do stumble, you will be better equipped to improvise or fill in content until you find your place again. You'll also be more prepared to answer questions, if needed. Just be careful that you don't get overconfident and stray too far off of your prepared script. This can have the effect of making you seem even more nervous and frazzled. Be passionate about your topic. If you care about your topic, then your audience will recognize this and be more likely to listen to you. If you get a choice of topic, choose one that will hold your interest and that you think is important. If you feel your nerves increasing, then think about how significant your message is, regardless of whether or not you make a few mistakes. Visualize giving a great speech. When you practice and immediately before you take the stage, think about how your ideal presentation would go. Visualize giving your speech and blowing your audience away. You might even say, “You can do this!” Or, “I can't wait to tell everyone about this!” Some people even find that repeating, “Yes!,” over and over again works wonders to decrease nerves. Take a deep breath and then think of your favorite speaker. Perhaps envision Abraham Lincoln giving a battlefield speech. Be inspired by their poise and try to emulate this as you take the stage. Remember, though, not every speech will go exactly as visualized, and that is alright. The purpose of this exercise is to help bolster confidence. You cannot and should not expect to predict an audience's response. Establish rapport with your audience. Invite your friends, family, and colleagues to attend your presentation. Before you start speaking, look to see where these friendly faces are sitting. You can also arrive a bit early to your talk and get to know the audience a bit. Then, you can even reference these persons by name during your presentation. If you find yourself freezing up, locate a friendly face and then focus your stare right above them. Hold this position as you continue to talk. Move on whenever you feel your nerves lessening. Keep going if you make a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes, but not every mistake is noticeable to others. If you stumble over a word, correct yourself quickly and keep going. If you leave out a part of your presentation, make a quick decision whether to circle back or continue. Try not to draw attention to your own errors. If you make an error, don't apologize. No one but you knows your speech! Just keep going, and save apologies for off-stage Remind yourself that no one is expecting you to give a flawless speech. In fact, audiences often find small stumbles and other signs of being human relatable and even endearing. Try not to panic if you stumble. Instead, just focus on your recovery. Focus on a spot behind the audience. As you take the stage, find a focal point just above the heads of the last audience row. Continue to look at that point until you feel yourself relaxing. Then, slowly let your gaze slide across the room until you locate another brief focal point. Work off some energy before your speech. If you try to contain all of your body's nervous energy, then you may find yourself jittering on the stage. Instead, take a quick walk before your presentation. Or, do a few toe flexes or even jumping jacks. Release that excess energy and your body will calm down. Keep your breathing even and controlled. Make sure that you are taking deep breaths both before, and during, your speech. You might even think, “in” and “out” and you inhale and exhale. If you find yourself holding your breath, then let it out slowly and continue speaking. Use pauses in your presentation as an opportunity to reset your breathing. You may also want to do a quick body scan. Close your eyes, breathe in deeply, and focus on any areas where you feel yourself tensing your muscles. Take a deep breath in, and try to soften the tension as you exhale. Dress to fit the occasion. Talk with the organizer for your speech or the teacher for your class and discuss the dress code with them. As you'll be a center of attention, you want to dress the same, or even nicer, than your audience. You can also consider your clothing as your armor and try to visualize feeling stronger when you put on your speech outfit. Try your outfit on before you give your speech to make sure everything fits well and that you feel comfortable. This helps prevent awkward adjusting during your speech. Maintain confident body language. Keep your back straight and stand up as tall as you can. Pull your shoulders back and avoid hunching over. Dip your chin to check your notes, if needed, but then keep your head raised up. Watch out for jittery behaviors, such as tapping your fingers or twirling a pen. Practicing a good deal will help you to spot these actions and work on eliminating them prior to your final speech. | Practice in front of small groups of supportive friends. Spend more time practicing your intro. Film your practice sessions. Check out the space in advance. Talk with a therapist. Be knowledgeable about your topic. Be passionate about your topic. Visualize giving a great speech. Establish rapport with your audience. Keep going if you make a mistake. Focus on a spot behind the audience. Work off some energy before your speech. Keep your breathing even and controlled. Dress to fit the occasion. Maintain confident body language. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Panic-Attacks | How to Prevent Panic Attacks | To prevent a panic attack, try breathing slowly and deeply, which helps your body relax. In a situation where you feel a panic attack developing, ask yourself questions, like, “Is there anything to be afraid of here?” or “Will anyone do me harm?” since rationally considering your situation can sometimes control your fear. You can also try rolling your shoulders and stretching your neck and jaw muscles, which will help release tension. If you're worried about losing control of your actions during an attack, close your eyes as you feel the attack coming on, and repeat a phrase to focus your mind such as, “I will not let this control me.” | When you start to feel a panic attack coming on, ask yourself the following questions: What is there to be afraid of in my environment? Will someone cause me harm? Is there potential danger around here? Is this a relatively safe place? Realize that there is nothing to be afraid of and reassure yourself of this. The more you convince yourself and believe it, the more effective it will be! Once you realize that there is nothing to be afraid of, breathe deeply and allow the fear the subside. Attempting to control your breathing will help lessen the degree of intensity you experience during your panic attack. Take slow, deep breaths, as they are the most effective way to avoid loss of control. Coping with a panic attack is possible if you are able to get a grip on how rapidly you are breathing. Next, gently stretch your facial and neck muscles, as well as your jaw muscles. Shoulder rolls also help relieve tension in your arms and upper back. This will help tend to the root cause of the panic attack, preventing future ones as well. Try to take control of your actions during the panic attack. Don't let the attack force you to do things you normally wouldn't do. Close your eyes, breathe slowly and deeply, and tell yourself, "I will not let this control me." Repeat this to yourself firmly until you feel the attack subside. Not only will this help strengthen you physically and inwardly, but it will also bring assurance to you when you know you have things under control. Even if you feel that you have no control, telling yourself that you do and believing it will help a lot. Do not let the panic attack take over you. Because physical issues are often at the root of anxiety, ministering to those issues will aid both your health and your panic attacks. It is important that everyone get routine checkups every year! The best way to defeat the panic attack is to fight your fear, as it seeks to control you. Controlling other medical conditions may be what you need in order to reduce the number of panic attacks you have. Often panic attacks can be attributed to underlying psychiatric disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. If you are having panic attacks that are causing discomfort, or interfering with your life, you should obtain professional help. Find efficient relaxation strategies. By learning to use relaxation strategies, you can stop a panic attack before it gets out of control. Practicing yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques can make it much simpler for you to deal with an attack and either prevent it or lessen its effects. Schedule every single thing you do during the day, including routine tasks such as brushing your teeth and taking a shower. To improve your schedule's accuracy, you can time your littlest tasks to see how much time they require. This helps you see what your day includes so that you can be prepared ahead of time. | When you start to feel a panic attack coming on, ask yourself the following questions: Realize that there is nothing to be afraid of and reassure yourself of this. Once you realize that there is nothing to be afraid of, breathe deeply and allow the fear the subside. Next, gently stretch your facial and neck muscles, as well as your jaw muscles. Try to take control of your actions during the panic attack. Because physical issues are often at the root of anxiety, ministering to those issues will aid both your health and your panic attacks. The best way to defeat the panic attack is to fight your fear, as it seeks to control you. Find efficient relaxation strategies. Schedule every single thing you do during the day, including routine tasks such as brushing your teeth and taking a shower. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Castile-Soap | How to Make Castile Soap | Before you make Castile soap, make sure to put on rubber gloves and goggles to prevent the lye from burning your skin. Then, pour 4.33 ounces of lye into 10 ounces of water. Next, heat 27.2 ounces of olive oil, 3.4 ounces of coconut oil, and 3.4 ounces of palm oil in a saucepan until the mixture is 100° Fahrenheit. Once the lye has cooled to 100° Fahrenheit, pour it into the oil mixture and beat it with a handheld mixer until it's the consistency of honey. Finally, pour the soap into a mold and let it set for 48 hours before cutting it into bars. | Lay out your equipment. Prepare a work space in your kitchen or near a source of water, and lay out your equipment so everything is at the ready. The bowls, measuring tools and other utensils you use should be reserved for soapmaking only - don't use them when you're making food, since residue from the soap will remain on them. You'll need the following equipment to make Castile soap: Large measuring cup Stainless steel pot Large bowl Spatula Handheld blender or mixer Meat thermometer Kitchen scale Rubber gloves and safety goggles (for handling lye) Lye crystals (these come in plastic containers, and you can store what you don't use; you'll need 4.33 ounces (122.8 grams) to make 10 medium bars of soap) Prepare your oils. True Castile soap is made with 100 percent olive oil, but many soap makers use a blend of oils to create a soap with balanced properties. Pure olive oil soap has doesn't produce fluffy suds, and it results in soap bars that are a little slimy in texture. Coconut oil is commonly added to help produce better suds, and palm oil helps the soap bars firm up. A ratio of 8 parts olive oil, 1 part coconut oil and 1 part palm oil produces fine soap. For the purposes of this soap recipe, measure out the following oils. You'll end up with a total of 34 ounces (1005.5 milliliters) of oil: 27.2 ounces (804.4 milliliters) olive oil 3.4 ounces (100.55 milliliters) coconut oil 3.4 ounces (100.55 milliliters) palm oil Consider using essential oils. If you want to scent your soap, you'll need 10 drops of your favorite essential oil, or a combination of more than one essential oils amounting to 10 drops. Increase the amount of essential oil you add for a stronger scent, or scale it back to 5 - 7 drops for a milder scent. Common essential oils used in Castile soapmaking include: Peppermint Orange, lemon or grapefruit Lavender Rose Vetiver Pine Sandalwood Bergamot Ready your soap mold. The mold you use will determine the size and shape of your finished bars. If you want to make rectangular bars of soap, choose a rectangular soap mold shaped like a loaf pan; the soap will come out in a loaf shape, and you'll be able to cut it into bars as thick as you want. Line the mold with waxed paper so that the soap easily separates from the mold. Molds are available at craft and soapmaking supply stores, and you can check online for a large variety of options. If you don't want to go to the trouble of buying a mold, you can convert an old shoebox into an adequate soap mold. Just find a sturdy shoebox, reinforce the corners with tape to seal the edges, and line it with waxed paper. You can also make your own soap mold using wood, or turn an existing wooden box into a soap mold. The mold should be as wide and deep as you'd like the finished soap bars to be. Put on your safety equipment. Lye is a caustic chemical that can burn the skin and eyes and is hard on the lungs when inhaled. If this is your first time working with lye, take extra care to make sure that you handle it safely. Put on your rubber gloves and protective goggles before opening the container of lye. Open some windows and turn on a fan to make sure the room is well ventilated. Keep a bottle of white vinegar nearby. If you spill some lye on the counter, the vinegar will neutralize it. If you accidentally touch or inhale too much lye, immediately call your country's Poison Control Center phone number, which you can find by doing an online search. The US National Poison Control Center number is 1-800-222-1222. Make the lye solution. When you mix lye and water, it's important to use exact measurements. For this soap recipe you need 10 ounces (295.7 milliliters) of water and 4.33 ounces (122.8 grams) of lye. Using separate containers, measure out these exact amounts using your kitchen scale. Carefully add the lye to the water. The mixture will immediately begin to heat up and become cloudy, then clear a bit as it cools. It will take several minutes for the mixture to cool. Use the meat thermometer to test the temperature. The lye is ready to use when it reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius). Never add water to lye - always add lye to water. Adding water to lye creates an explosive reaction. When you weigh out the ingredients, be sure to zero out the containers you're using first so that they aren't included in the measurements. If you're creating a bigger or smaller batch of soap, use a lye calculator to find the exact amount of water and lye to use. Heat the oils. While the lye is cooling, heat up the oils. Place them in a saucepan and heat them using medium high heat. Stir the oils to incorporate them. Continue heating the oils until the mixture reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius). Use the meat thermometer to determine when the oils are ready to mix with the lye. The oils and lye must be as close as possible to the same temperature to properly blend. Neglecting to make sure both the oil and lye are close to the same temperature will result in soap that doesn't set up correctly. Be sure to use the meat thermometer to measure both mixtures and complete this crucial step. Blend the lye with the oils. Pour the lye mixture into the oil mixture. Use a handheld blender or mixer to begin blending everything together. After a few minutes, the mixture will begin to thicken. When you can see the trail left by the blender, the mixture has reached "trace." It should have the consistency of honey. You can use a spoon to blend the lye and oils, but it takes much longer to reach trace this way. Add the essential oils. Once the mixture reaches trace, you can add oils to scent to the soap. Pour in 10 drops of essential oil and blend them with the soap until the mixture is thoroughly incorporated. Pour the soap into the prepared mold. Be careful not to spill the soap as you pour it directly into the mold. Cover it with a clean dishcloth or towel, making sure the cloth doesn't touch the soap itself, but drapes over the sides of the mold. This will protect the soap from getting dust or bugs in it. Let it sit for 48 hours. During the first 48 hours, the soap will set up and harden a bit. However, it's not ready to use; it has to cure first, so that the water evaporates and the soap becomes milder. Don't use the soap right away, as it will be harsh on your skin. Examine the top of the soap after 48 hours have passed. If it has a film on top, or looks as though it has separated, the soap won't be useable. Either it has too much lye, which could hurt your skin if you use it, or the lye and oils didn't properly blend. Unfortunately, there's no way to save it if this happens - you'll have to discard the soap and start again. Remove the mold from the soap. A store-bought soap mold will have removable sides you can simply detach from the sides of the soap log. If you used a shoebox, you can tip the soap out or cut away the sides. If you used custom molds, you can simply pop them out. Cut the soap into bars. Decide how thick you want the bars to be. One inch is standard, but you could make thinner or thicker bars if you choose. Use a ruler to measure out the thickness of the bars, and make evenly-spaced notches along the soap loaf to indicate where you'll make the cuts To cut the bars, you have the following options: Use a sharp knife. Don't use one with a serrated edge, unless you want to intentionally give the edges of the soap a wavy appearance. A bench cutter. This is a common baking tool used to cut dough, and it works well for cutting through soap. A wire cheese cutter. Make sure the wire is taught so that you end up with a clean, vertical cut. Lay out the bars to cure them. Line a baking sheet or tray with waxed paper and lay the bars flat. Put them in a cool, dry place to cure for at least 2 weeks, and up to 9 months. The longer you wait, the better the soap will work; it'll produce fluffier suds and have a better texture. You can technically start using the soap after a few weeks. When it's ready to use, the soap should be hard, without a hint of chemical smell. Grate 4 ounces of solid Castile soap. This amounts to an average-sized bar of soap. Use a cheese grater or a knife to grate it into small flakes. This will help the soap combine with the hot water more easily. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Pour the water into a pot and turn the burner to high heat. Bring the water to a full boil. Combine the water and soap flakes. Pour the water into a large plastic bowl or pitcher, then stir in the soap flakes. Let the mixture sit for a few hours until it thickens a bit. If the soap gets too thick, you may need to heat it and add more water. It should have the consistency of shampoo at room temperature. Pour it into containers. Keep the liquid soap in squeeze bottles, and store them in the bathroom or kitchen. The liquid soap will keep for months at room temperature. Use it to wash your hair and skin, your clothes, dishes, or other items in your home. | Lay out your equipment. Prepare your oils. Consider using essential oils. Ready your soap mold. Put on your safety equipment. Make the lye solution. Heat the oils. Blend the lye with the oils. Add the essential oils. Pour the soap into the prepared mold. Remove the mold from the soap. Cut the soap into bars. Lay out the bars to cure them. Grate 4 ounces of solid Castile soap. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Combine the water and soap flakes. Pour it into containers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Lantana-Plants | How to Grow Lantana Plants | Lantana plants can grow as bushes or shrubs, and while some have yellow flowers that turn red and orange as they age, others have pink and yellow blooms. If you want to grow a Lantana plant, you can start by either preparing a cutting from a fully formed plant or growing it from seed. Plant the cutting or seed in a spot that has well-draining soil and full sunlight. Continue watering it twice a week until it's well established, which typically takes a few months. In the spring, you can give your plant a general-purpose fertilizer once a month to help it grow. During the growing season, cut the top 1 to 2 inches from the stem tips to encourage new blooming. Then, give it a good prune in the early spring, cutting it back to within about a foot from the ground. | Be aware of the benefits of growing from cuttings. If you grow Lantana from seed you have harvested, you may not get a plant exactly like the parent plant. When you propagate Lantana from cuttings, the plants you grow will be more predictable. Propagate Lantana cuttings in the spring. Prepare the cutting for propagation. Take about five inches of fresh, healthy-looking growth, remove the lower leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone or powder. Then insert the lower two inches into a pot with moist cutting compost. Cover your cutting. Cover the pot that you have placed your cutting in either with a clear plastic bag or an inverted clear plastic bottle with the spout cut off; doing this makes a mini greenhouse of sorts. Make sure the plastic doesn't touch the cuttings; use plant sticks to support the bag and keep it away from the stem if necessary. Keep the cutting moist. If you keep your cutting moist, it should root in about a month. After the last frosts have passed you can harden your cutting off and plant it out in the garden. Hardening off means that you slowly acclimatize your cutting to outdoor temperatures. This could mean moving it outside during the day, and then storing it in your garage overnight. Grow your Lantanas from seed if you can’t get a healthy cutting. If you do grow your Lantana from seed, start the Lantanas off indoors about a month before the last frosts occur. Seeds may take a few weeks to germinate. If you are growing from seeds, fill a pot with potting soil and plant the seeds. Keep the pots in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. Understand that Lantanas can grow to a length of 1.5 meters (4.9 ft). Lantana will grow fairly slowly. Non-creeping varieties usually grow to a height of about 1.5 meters (4.9 ft). Trailing varieties only grow to about 20 inches (50.8 cm) in height but spread by several feet. Find a spot with well-draining soil. Lantana prefers a moist but well drained soil in full sun. It will benefit from being fed regularly during the growing season, which occurs in spring and summer. Lantana prefers to be kept moist even over winter. Prepare the soil. Start by digging the soil over and incorporating some well-rotted manure or compost to enrich the soil and improve drainage. Consider incorporating a slow-release fertilizer. Dig a hole as deep as your plant and twice as wide. Put your Lantana in and fill the hole with soil, pressing it down with your hands. Give the plant a good soak and continue watering the plant twice a week (unless it's very rainy) until the plant is well established; this usually takes a few months. Try to water the ground rather than soak the foliage. Consider feeding your plant with a light feed in the spring. Established Lantana plants don't require much attention although they will appreciate a feed in the spring. Don't over feed them but try to apply a weak liquid feed with a general purpose fertilizer (avoid those high in nitrogen relative to other ingredients) once a month during the growing season. Water your Lantana once a week in dry periods and lay down mulch. Apply a thick layer of mulch when the ground isn't too cold; this will help conserve moisture and protect the roots. Once a year, remove the old mulch and reapply a fresh layer. Trim off the growing tips every few weeks over the growing season to encourage new blooming. Cut the top inch or two from the stem tips, always cutting just above a leaf set. Remove any dead or damaged growth. Give it a good prune in the early spring before it begins growing again; cut it back to within about a foot of the ground, Fight pests. Lantana will be affected by a few pests and diseases. Mildew may be a problem if the plants don't get enough light. Whiteflies and lace bugs may also affect the plant. Try using a spray insecticide to control these pests if they emerge. Bring your plant indoors during harsh winters. If you are in a zone cooler than zone 9 (where temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit or -6.7 degrees Celsius), you'll need to bring your plant indoors in the fall. Water it occasionally through the winter. Move your plant outside again when the temperatures improve. Give your trailing Lantana lots of light. Trailing varieties of Lantana are pretty robust and will tolerate drought but do need plenty of light. They will tolerate a small amount of shade for some of the day but you'll see them grow leggy (with long stems rather than compact bushy growth) and produce fewer blooms if they aren't getting enough sun and water. You can encourage bushy growth to make good ground cover by pinching the plant back. To do this, remove the stem tips just above where each stem branches into two stems. This will encourage more side branches to form. Don’t let your trailing Lantana get too dry. Although Trailing Lantana tolerates drought, it will bloom better if it doesn't get too dry. Water once or twice a week during dry periods. Trim your Lantana. Removing spent flowers will encourage new ones to form so don't be shy about trimming the bush during the growing season. You should try to trim just above a leaf set. Prune your Trailing Lantana. Every few years the Trailing Lantana may get a little too woody and overgrown. A vigorous prune to within a foot of the base will usually rejuvenate the plant. Do this over the dormant season in winter or early spring. Prune before growth begins. Lantana benefits from being pruned in the mid-springtime before growth begins. This will improve flowering later in the season. Avoid pruning in the fall. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased growth. Remove any branches that are crowded or grow over other branches. Cut back the Lantana by about a third of the size of the plant. Give the plant a liquid feed after pruning. Lightly prune during the growing season. During the growing season you should lightly prune your Lantana, as this will encourage new flowering. Take about two inches off each growing tip with a sharp pair of garden scissors. This should encourage new growth. It's always a good idea to feed the plant after pruning. | Be aware of the benefits of growing from cuttings. Prepare the cutting for propagation. Cover your cutting. Keep the cutting moist. Grow your Lantanas from seed if you can’t get a healthy cutting. Understand that Lantanas can grow to a length of 1.5 meters (4.9 ft). Find a spot with well-draining soil. Prepare the soil. Dig a hole as deep as your plant and twice as wide. Consider feeding your plant with a light feed in the spring. Water your Lantana once a week in dry periods and lay down mulch. Trim off the growing tips every few weeks over the growing season to encourage new blooming. Fight pests. Bring your plant indoors during harsh winters. Give your trailing Lantana lots of light. Don’t let your trailing Lantana get too dry. Trim your Lantana. Prune your Trailing Lantana. Prune before growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased growth. Lightly prune during the growing season. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Leather-Bracelets | How to Make Leather Bracelets | To make braided leather bracelets, measure and cut three leather strips for each bracelet you want to make. Next, tie a regular knot at one end of the strips to secure them together, then tape the knotted end to a table. Braid the strips the same way you'd braid hair, crossing one strip over the other, until the bracelet is long enough to wrap around your wrist. Tie off the end, then wrap the bracelet around your wrist, tie the ends together, and cut off the excess! | Gather your materials. You can find leather supplies at most craft stores or online. To create a beaded leather bracelet, you will need leather chord or strips, as well as beads with holes large enough to fit the leather. Measure and cut the leather. Cut 2 strands of leather cord or strips with scissors. When crafting leather bracelets, you can estimate the length by wrapping the strand around your wrist and adding a few more inches to the overall length to compensate for a tie. Knot the ends. Tie the strands together at 1 end with a secure knot, leaving a bit of leather on the end for tying the bracelet around your wrist. For the easiest beading process, tape one end to a tabletop or pin it to your pant leg. Begin beading. Place a single bead onto one of the strings and slide it to the base of the knot. Slide the second piece of leather through the bead. The leather chord should slide in the same bead from the opposite side. This will create a loop around the bead, securing it in place. This process will be done for every bead added. Continue adding beads. Continue adding beads to your bracelet by sliding a single bead up one of the strands, and then pulling the same strand through the center in the opposite direction. Do this until your bracelet is long enough to wrap around your entire wrist. Finish your bracelet. Use a basic knot to tie off the other end of your bracelet. Remove the tape from the opposite end, and tie the tails together around your wrist to finish off your piece of jewelry. Select your supplies. This bracelet can be made from any three strips of leather - either chord or full pieces of the material. For a more bohemian look, use thick leather strips. A polished look can be accomplished by using leather chord. Measure and cut the leather. Wrap the leather around your wrist to determine how long to cut your pieces. Cut 3 strips of leather cord or strip with scissors. Tie a knot. Tie a regular knot at one end of the strips, securing them together. Attach the strands to a table with sticky tape or use a safety pin to pin the leather to your pant leg. Begin your braid. Wrap the right cord and set it over the left cord. The braiding used for this simple bracelet is the same used for hair. Cross the left strip over the center. The second step is to move the piece from the far left, and place it over the center. It will now be the new center strip. Cross the right strip again. Move the piece from the far right over the center strip. This is the same step as the first one. Cross the left strip again. Following with the same pattern, move the left piece of leather over the center piece. Finish your braid. Braid the leather strips until they've reached a length long enough to wrap around your entire wrist. Smooth out the leather wrap to flatten out the braids. Tie off the end. Secure the strands with a regular knot, and then remove the sticky tape and place the wrap around your wrist.Tie the two ends together and cut off any excess you may have. Get your supplies prepared. To create a leather cuff, you will need strips of tooled leather, leather glue, a leather needle, waxed linen thread, and a button snap or clasp for the ends of the bracelet. Measure and cut your leather. Use a ruler to measure a strip of leather 2 inches (5.08 cm) wide, by the length of your wrist plus one inch. Cut the leather to size with a pair of sharp scissors or utility knife. Layer your leather. Attach your cut and sized leather to a larger, tooled piece of leather with leather glue. Use your fingers to smooth out any wrinkles, and allow it to dry overnight. Adding a second layer of leather to your bracelet will give a more finished look. Cut the bracelet to size. Trim the edge off the tooled leather to make it the same size as your original strip. You should now be left with a nearly completed double-sided leather strip. Stitch the edges. Use a leather needle and waxed linen thread to stitch the cuff together. Any stitch is appropriate; the stitching is simply securing the edges of the leather and giving a more sophisticated look. Add your clasps. Use your needle and thread or the leather glue to secure your clasps to either end. With the completion of this step, you're finished! Select your supplies. For this bracelet, you will need thin leather strips or chords, leather or fabric glue, a needle, and embroidery floss in multiple colors. You will also need scissors to cut both the leather and the thread. Clasps are optional. Measure and cut the leather. Wrap a single piece of leather around your wrist, and add 2-3 extra inches to the length. The extra leather will be used to tie the ends together when the bracelet is completed. Cut the leather to size. Secure the leather. Tape down one end of the strip to a table top, about two inches from the end. Begin wrapping your thread. Dab a bit of glue to the leather, and then wrap a piece of embroidery floss around it. Wrap the embroidery floss tightly around the strip for as long as you would like, before switching to your next color. When you finish, add another dab of glue and cut off the excess embroidery floss. Add additional colors. Follow the same process as above by dabbing on a bit of glue to the leather, and then wrapping a new color of embroidery floss around the strip. Continue wrapping the floss as far as you would like, and then dab on some more glue and cut off the excess. Continue the pattern. Add as much floss as you would like to your bracelet to give it a bit of color. You may choose to wrap the entire leather strip, or only a bit of it; the choice is up to you! Finish off the embroidery floss section. When you've added as much thread to your bracelet as you would like, thread the end of the floss through a needle, and cut off all of the string except for about 1 inch. Thread the needle under the embroidery floss that you've already wrapped around the leather. Pull the needle out the other side, leaving the tail end of the thread hidden under the wrappings. Finish off the bracelet. If you want to add clasps to your bracelet, attach them to the ends of the leather strands at this point. Otherwise, simply tie the ends together around your wrist, and you're finished! Get all your supplies. A studded leather bracelet requires strips of tooled leather, assorted studs, an x-acto knife, a hammer, a snap-on clasp, and scissors. Measure and cut the leather. Wrap the leather strip around your wrist, and add an additional inch to the measurement. Use the scissors to cut the strip to length, and cut off the corners to round off the ends. Place the studs. Take your studs and arrange them how you like over the leather bracelet. When you've gotten them just where you want them to be, gently poke the leather with the prongs from the stud. Doing this will not pierce the leather, but leave a small indent. Cut slits for the studs. Use the x-acto knife to cut small slits where the prongs indented the leather. These cuts need only be wide enough for the prongs to be inserted through; cutting them too wide will show up on the finished project. Add the studs. Slide each of the studs through the slits you have cut. The prongs will stick out the back end. Twist them around just how you like them before securing them in place. Bend down the prongs. Flip the leather strip over and use your hammer to bend down the prongs. If there are two prongs on the back of each stud, hammer them down in opposite directions. Add the buttons. To create the clasp, add the snap-on buttons to either end of the bracelet. These may have prongs that can be slid through the leather and hammered down like the studs, or they may need to be glued in place. Try on your bracelet. Use the snaps to secure the bracelet on your wrist. Adjust any studs that may have gotten twisted around or moved out of place. Your bracelet is finished! Show off your new style by making several and stacking them. | Gather your materials. Measure and cut the leather. Knot the ends. Begin beading. Slide the second piece of leather through the bead. Continue adding beads. Finish your bracelet. Select your supplies. Measure and cut the leather. Tie a knot. Begin your braid. Cross the left strip over the center. Cross the right strip again. Cross the left strip again. Finish your braid. Tie off the end. Get your supplies prepared. Measure and cut your leather. Layer your leather. Cut the bracelet to size. Stitch the edges. Add your clasps. Select your supplies. Measure and cut the leather. Secure the leather. Begin wrapping your thread. Add additional colors. Continue the pattern. Finish off the embroidery floss section. Finish off the bracelet. Get all your supplies. Measure and cut the leather. Place the studs. Cut slits for the studs. Add the studs. Bend down the prongs. Add the buttons. Try on your bracelet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Ripped-Jeans | How to Fix Ripped Jeans | To repair a tear in your jeans, start by cutting the frayed edges around the tear with scissors. Next, turn your jeans outside in so your repair will be less visible and then sew the tear shut by hand. Try to use a thread that's the same color as the seams of your jeans so your repair looks less obvious. To finish, remove any extra material or excess thread and give your jeans a once over with an iron to smooth out any creases. | Cut off the frayed edges. Before you get to properly repairing your jeans, you'll first need to cut the excess threads, or frayed edges caused by the tear. Take some scissors and try to cut reasonably close; you want to get rid of any protrusions, but you also don't want to lose any material you can otherwise save. Sew up the tear. Provided you haven't lost much material, you can usually mend smaller rips without using any patches. First, turn your jeans inside out; that way, when you sew, the new seams won't be as visible. Take a sewing needle and thread, and stitch back and forth until the rip is mended. Try to make the stitches as close as possible. If it's available, try to use thread that's the same as the seam as the rest of the jeans. In many cases, this will be a white or black thread. If the rip is in a conspicuous place far away from natural seams, it's recommended you choose a colour that best fits your jeans' regular colour (usually blue or black). Cut all excess thread and remaining protruding material. Once you get the rip sewn up, you can proceed to cut the extra bits off. Be sure to cut the sewing thread as close to the jean material as you can. If there are any frayed edges you didn't catch the first time around, give them a cut now. Give your jeans a once-over with a clothes iron. Now that you've made the repair, you'll want to seal the jeans with an iron press. This will smooth out any creases and give your pants a fresh feeling of newness. Recognize the distinction between tear types. Mending a torn seam should be approached differently than a regular tear; the fabric in seams is usually much more reinforced than the rest of the pant legs. While this can make it more challenging than stitching regular fabric together, mending a seam rip will look much better in the end; if done correctly, it'll be near-impossible to tell there was a problem to begin with! Assess the damage and prepare thread. In the vast majority of cases, you'll find a torn seam is a few centimetres at most. Unless the tear is miniscule or much more significant, it is generally good form to cut a length of thread that's around the length of your arm. Seam stitches tend to be very tightly woven, and the thread will disappear faster than you might think. If you even up with excess at the end of mending, you ca always cut the extra thread off at the end. Make sure to choose a thread that resembles the existing stitching as closely as possible. This doesn't always match up with the colour of the jeans themselves-- some denim brands tend to prefer golden thread. Choosing a close colour will make the repairs look harder to recognize. Closely sew the thread across the torn seam. Hold the fabric and the broken seam together and slowly stitch them back together. It is highly recommended that you try to follow the pre-existing stitch pattern. The closer you're able to get to replicating that pattern, the harder it will be for anyone to detect there was a repair in the first place. You'll need a stronger needle to penetrate the thicker seam fabric. Cut off any excess thread at the end. Once you've sewn shut the extent of the tear, you should take some scissors and cut off any excess thread as close as you can. Iron the seam. It's always good measure to iron out the seam once you're done with the sewing. This will smooth out any creases in the thread and help seal in your repairs. Get a patch that suits the style of your jeans and size of the hole. When it comes to bigger holes that cannot be mended with a single seam, your best bet is to look into getting a patch-- an extra piece of fabric you can integrate into your jeans to cover the hole. You can find patches at a local arts and crafts or clothing specialty outlet. Buy a patch that matches the colour of your jeans as closely as possible. You'll want to get a patch that's slightly bigger than the hole you're covering; that way, you'll have some extra room to make errors. While denim patches are the safest bet if you're looking to really repair your jeans, you can take the damage as an opportunity to stylize your jeans with brightly coloured or flannel patches. Adding a patch that will clearly stand out from the rest of the clothing will give it a down-to-earth flair. While denim (or 'masked' alterations) are best sewn in on the inside of the jeans, patching different fabrics to the outside of your jeans will make them more prominent and eye-catching. If you're feeling thrifty, you can harvest your own patches from jeans you don't use anymore. Cut frayed edges. If you have a bigger hole that will require a patch, you should still cut off the frayed edges. Even if it sounds like you are consciously losing material, the frayed edges won't be any help in mending it, so it's best to get rid of them, leaving a clean hole. Take some scissors and cut excess threads around the hole. By the end, there shouldn't be any threads significantly sticking out. Turn your pants inside out. With patches in particular, it's recommended you turn your jeans inside out while you're patching them. That way, the most visible seams won't be externally visible. It'll also give you a bit of extra room to make sewing mistakes. It's typically better to sew a denim patch in from the inside. This will make the patch look less evident, as well as cover up the most visible stitch lines. Sew the patch with close-knit seams. Once you've got your jeans turned inside out, take a sewing needle and thread and sew the patch. Try to keep your sewing as close as possible; you want to integrate the fabric into your jeans as closely as closely as possible. Iron your patch out. Ironing your jeans following a patch is significantly more important than ironing a small tear. This will help even out and seal the patch. | Cut off the frayed edges. Sew up the tear. Cut all excess thread and remaining protruding material. Give your jeans a once-over with a clothes iron. Recognize the distinction between tear types. Assess the damage and prepare thread. Closely sew the thread across the torn seam. Cut off any excess thread at the end. Iron the seam. Get a patch that suits the style of your jeans and size of the hole. Cut frayed edges. Turn your pants inside out. Sew the patch with close-knit seams. Iron your patch out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Let-Out-Your-Sadness | How to Let Out Your Sadness | There are plenty of healthy ways to let out your sadness, from exercise to creative activities. Listening to sad music can be a great way to let out your sadness and make you feel less alone. If you feel like crying, let yourself. Crying can help you feel better and let go of things. Alternatively, get a pen and paper and write down your thoughts and feelings. You can also draw a picture to express your emotions if you're feeling creative. If you want to get out of the house, go for a walk, hit the gym, or play a sport. Physical exercise releases endorphins in your body, which can help you feel better. | Let yourself cry. Allow of the sadness, upset, and misery inside you to release. Some people find that they benefit from crying. This is because crying is a physical outlet that allows you to move through emotion. It can also relax you. Research suggests that a stress hormone is released through tears. After you have finished crying, lie back on your bed and think through what has happened. If reflection makes you upset, let yourself cry again. No one can see you, so don't be embarrassed. Just let yourself emotionally release. Write your feelings in a journal. Go to a quiet place where you can sit with your thoughts. Describe your feelings, what's been happening, and how upset you are in as much detail as you can. Be sure to include how you feel physically. These can help you understand the underlying feelings of sadness. You might want to try writing a letter to your pain if you're having trouble simply writing your feelings. If you've let your feelings out and are still sad, there is a good reason. You could still need to process a situational or internal conflict. Journaling can help you clarify your thoughts and feelings. Be specific about events and feelings, and don't be afraid of sounding irrational or selfish; you can always write about it again when you've calmed down and have a better understanding of the situation. Dance or listen to sad music. Current research suggests that dancing can improve mental health symptoms such as sadness, fatigue, anxiety, and their physical symptoms. Dance can be formal at a studio or just moving to music in your house. Research also shows that listening to sad music might help when you feel sad. Sad music provides a connection to the feelings which gives you an outlet for processing them. If you are not ready to deal with your feelings, music can provide a distraction till you're ready to confront your sadness. Create art. Doing something artistic is a way to be creative and express your sadness with color, form, shape, and sometimes texture. Art lets you release your sadness without words. Try: Guided imagery: Start by visualizing your feelings. Close your eyes and imagine what they look like, the colors, shapes, etc. Open your eyes and draw the image on paper. It doesn't matter what it looks like. Just release the feeling however it comes out on paper. Mandala: This is an intricate circle that you can color or paint to find emotional release. Look for a mandala online that you can print off. Some people prefer this kind of structured art project that addresses the subconscious. Recognize negative thoughts. Negatives thoughts are often unrealistic thoughts about a situation, yourself, or future events. These can overwhelm your positive thoughts and change your view of yourself. If you don't catch these negative thoughts, you won't be able to use healthy coping skills. Having a negative view of yourself can lead to depression. For example, you might be sad because you were just broken up with. After a break up, most people have some negative thoughts like, "I wasn't a good partner," or "I'll always be alone." If you start believing these negative thoughts, your actions will start supporting them. For example, you may stop going on dates because you think you'll always be alone. Discover the causes of your negative thoughts. Think of the concerns you have underneath the negative thoughts. For example, if you think you'll always be alone, your underlying concerns might be related to lack of self-confidence when meeting new people. While becoming aware of your feelings may not be comfortable, it is important to understand what's creating your negative thoughts. You might try making a thought record by writing down an event that you wish happened differently or that you could have handled better. Track any feelings of sadness or events surrounding the feeling. For example, your initial negative thought might be, "I'm a loser since I can't get a date." The underlying cause of this thought might be that you're feeling sad about the breakup and you feel alone since you had plans to go on a date. Challenge and let go of negative thoughts. Simply ask yourself if the thought is the truth. This will lead you to realize that most thoughts are not true, but are just reactions. You might also ask yourself the following questions to challenge and let go of negative thoughts: Why do you think the thought is true? What facts support it? "I don't even know how to ask someone out on a date. I'm out of practice." What are your reactions to the negative thoughts (actions, feelings, and other emotions)? "I'm scared to ask someone to go on a date with me." How would not having that thought change your actions or behaviors? "I shouldn't be so scared. I should could try asking someone out when I'm ready." Respect your feelings. You're allowed to be sad so don't try to bottle up your feelings. Accepting your emotions is the first step in letting your sadness out. You're sad for a reason and it's important to acknowledge that sadness and pain. This way, you can begin the journey of letting it go. If you're struggling to respect your feelings, try writing down or saying aloud: “ I am sad when………………………. And that is okay.” “ I am allowed to be sad about…….” Don't let anyone belittle your feelings. Often family and friends try to comfort you and mean well by saying that the sadness will pass or there's some good in the situation. Even when they have the best intention, this can put minimize your legitimate feeling of sadness. Tell them that you know they mean well, but that you feel sad and need time to be sad. For example, if you were just broken up with and your friend tells you that now you have lots of free time, you can tell your friend that you need time to process your emotions. Practice positive self talk or affirmations. Remind yourself of your accomplishments and things you like about yourself. Or, verbally remind yourself about positive statements that mean something to you, such as quotes. You can write this down as a list and keep it nearby for whenever you're feeling sad. Research shows that you can foster and protect positive thoughts by carrying a physical reminder of them. To keep positive statements or affirmations nearby, try writing them on index cards that you keep in your wallet, store them on your phone, or make them your computer's screen saver. Spend time talking with others. Surround yourself with friends or family who can relate to your feelings. Explain how you're feeling and see if it helps. Chances are, they'll try to lift your spirits. It's also okay to tell them that you're sad and need time to be sad. Try talking with someone you trust who is wise or older. This person might have more life experiences to draw upon, which can help you work through your sadness. Distract yourself by doing positive things. It's easy to focus on the negative and overlook positive emotions, like happy, relaxed, excited, joyous, or encouraged. Take a moment to write down happy or relaxing memories. This reminder can make you feel positive again. You can also distract yourself from negative emotions by doing something fun or positive. You could: Color your hair Make a cup of tea Count up to 500 or 1000 Work on a puzzle or mind game Go "people watching" Play a musical instrument Watch TV or a movie Paint your nails Organize something like books, your closet, etc. Make origami to occupy your hands Be active. Play a sport, take a walk, or work out Know when to get professional help. If you have sadness that lasts longer than a month, you may be depressed and need professional support or counseling. Symptoms of depression are far more severe than sadness and include complete loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, irritability, agitation, lower sex drive, struggles concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, and feeling tired all the time. If you recognize serious signs of suicidal thoughts, get help immediately. Go to an emergency room, or call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for help. Suicidal signs include: Threats or talk of suicide including looking of suicide plan online Statements implying you don't care about anything or won't be around anymore Statements about being a burden to others Feeling trapped Feeling uncontrollable pain Giving away your belongings, making a will or funeral arrangements Purchasing a gun or other weapon Sudden, unexplained cheerfulness or calm after a period of depression | Let yourself cry. Write your feelings in a journal. Dance or listen to sad music. Create art. Recognize negative thoughts. Discover the causes of your negative thoughts. Challenge and let go of negative thoughts. Respect your feelings. Don't let anyone belittle your feelings. Practice positive self talk or affirmations. Spend time talking with others. Distract yourself by doing positive things. Know when to get professional help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Up-a-Vivarium-for-a-Bearded-Dragon | How to Set Up a Vivarium for a Bearded Dragon | To set up a vivarium for a bearded dragon, start by purchasing a vivarium that is 2 feet by 3 feet by 4 feet in size from a pet store. Since you'll need to control the temperature inside the vivarium, place it somewhere out of direct sunlight and install a UVA, UVB, and basking light. Put two thermometers at either end of the vivarium, then add two heat sources, so one end is 95° Fahrenheit and the other is 75° Fahrenheit. Additionally, make sure to install a humidity gauge and check that your vivarium allows for airflow, which will help keep its humidity low. Don't forget to also add in rocks, bark, or tree branches for your bearded dragon to enjoy, as well as water and vegetables or live food. | Buy a vivarium. You can buy your vivarium from a pet store. You can also check online sellers and auction sites, like eBay. There are glass, PVC, Melamine, ABS, and vision cages to choose from. A traditional vivarium has wooden sides with a sliding glass frontage. This model is highly recommended. Fish tanks can work, but they are far from ideal. You have to be careful with tanks that open overhead because bearded dragons can get scared if you hover above them. You will have to acclimate your pet to you by placing your hand inside the tank opposite of your bearded dragon and moving it towards the pet. They are thermally inefficient and lose heat quickly. Make sure your vivarium is the appropriate size. The minimum length for a vivarium is four foot. The dimensions of a typical vivarium are four feet long x three feet high x two feet deep. Bearded dragons are largely ground dwelling but love to climb over low branches, so a long vivarium offers the dragon a chance to wander around and climb over branches provided as part of the vivarium furniture. Though some sources may say that juvenile bearded dragons may get lost in large, four feet vivariums, most people believe this is false since they are not limited to small habitats in the wild. Place the vivarium in the proper place. Keep the vivarium out of direct sunlight. Too much sunlight can make controlling the temperatures in the vivarium hard. The vivarium also needs to be in a quiet place. Loud noises may cause stress on your bearded dragon. Set up the vivarium before you buy your pet. You need to get the temperature and lighting correct before putting your bearded dragon into the vivarium. The temperatures need to stabilize before you put the bearded dragon inside. If you don't get the heat and lighting correct, you could hurt your pet. Set up the vivarium about a week before you plan to place the bearded dragon into his habitat. Install two bulbs. You will need two lights, a long tube light with UVA and UVB and a basking light. The first light will be full spectrum and provide your pet with UVA and UVB rays. This bulb will span most of the tank, but make sure to leave enough room on the other end for a basking light. On one end, install a bulb for basking. Your bearded dragon needs light for 12 to 14 hours a day. Bearded dragons must have a good source of UVB light in order to metabolize calcium and reduce the risk of having weak bones as a result of metabolic bone disease (MBD). You can either choose a separate UVB light and heat source, or a combined array. The latter are more expensive, but great in a confined space. Most commercial vivariums come set up to take a separate UVB fluorescent tube, plus a heat source. Choose the appropriate bulb. UVB bulbs range from 5% – 12%, with the more powerful bulbs providing more UVB, which is preferable for adult dragons. The 5% bulbs are appropriate for juveniles. Make sure the dragon spends most of his time within a 12 inch range of the UV tube, since there is a significant drop off in penetration after this distance, and the dragon receives limited benefit. Also, the UVB emission degrades after about six months of use, so either change the bulbs every six months, or take the bulb to a reptile specialist center with a device capable of reading the UVB output to make sure the lamp is still effective. Install two heat sources. The vivarium should have two heat sources: a basking spot heat lamp that provides the vivarium's general heat along with the hot spot to bask in, plus a low-level heater to provide heat at the cool end or at night in places where the ambient temperature drops below 75 °F (23.9 °C). The heat lamp should be mounted at one end of the vivarium, out of reach of the dragon, and provide a basking spot temperature of around 95 °F (35 °C). The ambient heat should be placed at the cool end and only needs to have moderate heat output sufficient to prevent the cool end falling below 85 °F (29.4 °C). This heat could either be a wall mounted heat pad or a black ceramic light. To mount the lights, you can purchase lamp fittings or brackets from a pet store or an online store. Place two thermometers. To monitor the temperatures and the gradient in the vivarium, you need two thermometers, one at either end. The most basic thermometers are simple circular dials that point to the temperature. For an optimum environment, it helps to put both the heat lamp and the auxiliary heater on separate thermostats (set to 95 °F or 35 °C at the warm end and 75 °F or 23.9 °C at the cool end) so the heaters automatically click on and off to maintain a steady environmental temperature. To install the thermometer, you can purchase fittings or brackets from a pet store or an online store. Install a humidity gauge. The vivarium needs to have low humidity because bearded dragons are from low humidity climates. Make sure there is a screen somewhere that allows airflow, and that will help keep the humidity from getting too high. To install the humidity gauge, you can purchase fittings or brackets from a pet store or an online store. Follow the included instructions for installation. Pick the right flooring for the bottom. There are many products available to put in the bottom of the vivarium, but for various reasons many of those products labeled as suitable for vivarium are not actually safe. The risks are mainly those of gut impaction (if the bearded dragon scoops up some of the substrate when eating, and swallows it, it can form a blockage in the bowel), and toxicity (some of the products, especially wood shavings, contain oils that are potentially toxic to bearded dragons.) Don't use any sand-based substrates. These are not digestible so when swallowed are likely to form a plug in the gut, which could prove fatal. Also avoid any pine or cedar shavings as the natural oils in these can be toxic. Find textured materials. For young bearded dragons, you can use reptile carpet, paper towels, newspaper, butcher paper, or non-smooth tile. The tile should not be smooth but have some grip so the bearded dragon can run across and not slide. When the bearded dragon becomes an adult, you can leave those things in the floor, or you can use silicone-free play sand that has been sifted. You can also use Repti-carpet, which is a tough type of felt-carpeting designed for use in vivarium. This is washable, so when the dragon soils it, you can remove the whole carpet and put in a spare. This does mean you need at least two pieces for an adult that poops once a week. However, this may not be practical for a juvenile which may poop a couple of times a day. Try aspen shavings. A different flooring you can use is aspen shavings. These are a natural product and free from toxic oils. This is visually more appealing than newspaper, and lets the dragon dig if he wants to. However, you need to be careful the aspen doesn't get moist from spilt water, as the high temperature in the vivarium can encourage mold growths that are unhealthy for the dragon. Choose a hide. Hides are commonly ceramic and made to resemble a rock, cork, or bark. These have the ability to absorb some of the vivarium heat, which makes it a cozy retreat for the dragon. The hide should be big enough for the adult dragon to fit comfortably inside and be able to turn around. Set up a basking spot. You need to provide a basking spot, which is a place the dragon can climb up to get closer to the heat source when he wants to warm up quickly. This could be something as simple as placing the warm end hide under the heat lamp, so the dragon can climb on top to bask if he wishes. You can also arrange tree branches in a position to allow the dragon to climb up to be near the heat source. Always make sure the dragon is at least six inches from the heat source. Direct contact will cause serious burns. In addition, if the heat lamp bulb is exposed within the vivarium, enclose it in a safety cage so the dragon is not able to directly contact the hot bulb. Add water and food bowls. Your pet needs to be able to eat and drink comfortably in his vivarium. Put in a large, ceramic water bowl with a low lip so the dragon can drink if he chooses. Also get a large ceramic bowl in which to place vegetables or live food as appropriate for your dragon. Add other furniture. You can add extra things in the vivarium to improve your dragon's quality of life. Other furniture you can add to the vivarium includes sturdy sand-blasted and sterilized branches. This means they are free from parasites and bacteria which could potentially grow in the warmth of the vivarium. Arrange the branches so they are on a gentle upward incline, to allow the dragon to climb if he wants. Place some plastic green plants. Plastic imitation plants give the illusion of greenery to the vivarium. Don't put live plants in the vivarium; keeping them is very difficult. Live plants will wilt because of the heat, and watering the plants increases the humidity, which encourages mold. Plastic imitation plants look great and are easy to deal with. Add decorations. In addition to plants, the hide, and a branch, you can place additional logs, bamboo shoots, and rocks in the tank. You can even build a rock structure. This will give him more things to walk through and make it nicer for you to look at. Put a tank background on the tank. If you have a glass tank, get a tank background to place on the back of the tank. It helps make your pet feel more secure than a blank spot. Plus, it will be nice to look at for you and your family. Consider a reptile hammock. You can buy reptile hammocks for your bearded dragon. Dragons seem to really like hammocks. This will give him a place to lay and enjoy himself. | Buy a vivarium. Make sure your vivarium is the appropriate size. Place the vivarium in the proper place. Set up the vivarium before you buy your pet. Install two bulbs. Choose the appropriate bulb. Install two heat sources. Place two thermometers. Install a humidity gauge. Pick the right flooring for the bottom. Find textured materials. Try aspen shavings. Choose a hide. Set up a basking spot. Add water and food bowls. Add other furniture. Place some plastic green plants. Add decorations. Put a tank background on the tank. Consider a reptile hammock. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Weight-with-Coffee | How to Lose Weight with Coffee | One of the most effective ways to lose weight with coffee is by drinking it whenever you get a food craving, since coffee works as an appetite suppressant. You can also sip on coffee right before a workout, since the caffeine will give you an energy boost that can help you burn more calories. Remember to use skim milk and sugar-free sweeteners to keep the calorie count low! To tweak the flavor of black coffee without adding a lot of fat and calories, try adding cinnamon or plain cacao. | Drink coffee in healthy amounts. A little bit of coffee goes a long way. It can temporarily suppress your appetite and may stimulate minimal calorie burning. But excessive coffee consumption can lead to increased stress levels and insomnia, both of which can lead to overeating. Just 1 or 2 cups of fully-caffeinated coffee per day may be enough to help you lose weight. In total, you should have no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. This is the equivalent of four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola, or two “energy shot” drinks. Keep in mind that plain coffee is your best bet in terms of losing weight. One cup of black coffee has only 2 calories and no fat. Beverages like soda and energy drinks may be high in calories or have hidden sugar that can hinder your weight loss. Space out your coffee times. If you want to reap the most weight-loss benefits from drinking coffee, consider spacing out your intake throughout the day. Not only can this give you an added boost at work or during exercise, but may also suppress food cravings. Stick to the daily limits as much as possible. For example, if you can safely drink 4 cups of coffee per day, you could have a cup in the morning, one at lunch, one mid-afternoon and a cup at dinner. Adjust the schedule to see what works best for you. Try half-caff. If you want to drink more coffee throughout your day, try switching to a mixture of full and decaffeinated beans, often called half-caff. This will allow you to safely drink coffee up to eight times a day and may help you more effectively lose weight. Make sure to read product labels to ensure you're getting half-caffeinated coffee. The label may also indicate how much caffeine is in a cup. So long as you're staying within the safe consumption limits every day, you can have as many cups of half-caff as you like. Make your own half-caff by mixing one-half cup of regular coffee with one-half cup of decaf coffee. Another trick is to drink a half a cup of regular coffee with a half a cup of hot water. If you use a Keurig, just leave the K-cup in the Keurig, and brew it again using the same K-cup. Reduce cravings with a cup of coffee. One of coffee's positive attributes is its ability to suppress your appetite. Try drinking some coffee if you find yourself craving food or going for seconds at meals. This may reduce your cravings until a meal or to get you through a long meal. Consider having decaf or half-caff if you don't want to drink a full cup of coffee or its close to your bedtime. You should avoid caffeine within four to six hours of your bedtime, if possible. Drinking coffee too close to your bedtime can interrupt your sleep and promote weight gain. Augment coffee with water. Although coffee can act as a diuretic, it won't cause dehydration. Drinking coffee and water together throughout the day may help you stay fuller longer and avoid the temptation of eating. In addition, it can prevent you from drinking too much coffee and disrupting your sleep. Aim to get 3 liters of water a day if you are a man and 2.2 if you are a woman. Water is important to hydrate you, but hunger may also signal thirst instead of a need for food. Sip coffee before a workout. Coffee may stimulate thermogenesis, which is a way the body makes heat and energy from digesting food. It can result in the loss of some extra calories. By sipping coffee in conjunction with a workout, you may help your body burn more calories and fat. Drink about 200 mg of caffeine from coffee for optimal results with a workout. This would be the equivalent of a medium Americano or small regular brewed coffee from a place like Starbucks. Read product labels. Specialty coffee products and coffees taste great, but they can come with unnecessary extra calories or fat and sugar, which can contribute to weight gain. In addition, anything you put in your coffee like cream or sugar will increase the calorie content of your coffee. Reading the labels of any coffee products you purchase can help you stay away from coffee that may hinder your ability to lose weight. Remember that with weight loss, every calorie counts, even if it is in liquid form. Leave out the cream and sugar. Coffee only has two calories per cup. Adding cream and sugar to your coffee can significantly increase the caloric content. If you cannot drink black coffee, use skim milk and sugar-free sweeteners instead. Be aware that heavy whipping cream and half-and-half have 52 and 20 calories per tablespoon respectively. They also have a lot of fat. Table sugar has 49 calories per tablespoon. Adding just one tablespoon of each adds about 100 empty calories. If you usually add more, that can easily end up adding calories that promote weight gain. Eliminate butter if you add butter (as with bulletproof coffee). One tablespoon of butter is 102 calories and has almost 12 grams of fat. Both of these can keep you from losing weight. Try switching to a skim milk or heartier unsweetened nut milk like coconut for richer flavor. Make sure to get unsweetened creamers and milks. Flavored milks often use sugar or other additives that add empty calories. Reading the nutrition information on the products can help you figure out how many calories each serving of a given product has. Consider drinking iced coffee if the taste of plain black coffee is too strong. It often has a milder taste. Just make sure it's not sweetened with sugar. Add flavors to your regular coffee. Sprinkling in some cinnamon, plain cacao, or honey can sweeten coffee and help you enjoy the taste more. Avoid specialty coffee beverages. Many cafes and coffee shops offer tasty specialty coffees that come in alluring flavors such as pumpkin spice or mint mocha. But these drinks are often more like desserts that have hundreds of calories and added fat each. If you're trying to lose weight, stick to simple brewed coffee and allow yourself an occasional treat. Read the nutrition information before you get specialty coffees. If it is not posted, ask the manager for a listing of products and their nutritional information. Look for ways to reduce the calories. Remember that it's occasionally acceptable to splurge and have a specialty coffee beverage; however, if you really want a specialty beverage and want to avoid calories, consider alternative additions to reduce the calories. Order the smallest size possible and ask for sugar-free syrup, skim milk, and artificial sweetener instead of regular options. Tell the barista, or person making the coffee, to skip the whipped cream on top of your coffee. All of these together can help you save a lot of empty calories. Eat regular, nutrient-rich meals. Your diet plays a considerable role in how much weight you lose. Having three balanced and healthy meals every day can help you shed weight and burn excess fat. Whole foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, complex carbohydrates, and moderate amounts of fat can promote your well being and help you lose weight. Subtracting 500 – 1,000 calories per day from your current intake is a good rule of thumb to follow when cutting calories. Remember that you shouldn't go below 1,200 calories a day or you may not see any results (because your body thinks you are starving and is conserving energy and fat) and you will also be miserable because you're not getting enough to eat. If you want to know an exact number, the National Institutes of Health has devised a new tool that can help you specifically pinpoint how many calories you need every day in order to lose weight. There are many different sites at which you can access this calculator including http://www.healthyweightforum.org/eng/calculators/calories-required/ and https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/bwp/index.html. Incorporate different foods from the five food groups into your daily meals and snacks. The five food groups are: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Make sure to vary your choices so that you get a range of nutrients to promote your health and weight loss. Healthy foods often also have a lot of fiber, which can help keep you full throughout the day. Eat whole fruits and vegetables such as raspberries, blueberries, broccoli and carrots. Get your whole grains from foods like whole wheat pasta or bread, oatmeal, brown rice or cereal. For protein, eat lean cuts of meat like pork or poultry as well as cooked beans, eggs, or peanut butter. Your dairy will come from sources like cheese, yogurt, cow and nut milks, and even ice cream. Say no to junk food. It might taste great, but junk food is a dieter's worst enemy. Unhealthy foods are often loaded with fat and calories that can keep you from losing weight. Avoid starchy foods made out of refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, rice, and baked goods. Not eating these foods or replacing them with whole wheat versions can help keep you full and lose weight. Read labels for hidden sugar in your food choices. Look for words such as corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose, or maltose, which are types of sugars. Any word that ends in "ose" is a sugar. Change your diet slowly. Eating healthy is not something you do for a few weeks, but for your lifetime. This can help you lose and keep off the weight. You might be excited to overhaul your diet, but doing so gradually can keep you from going back to bad habits. Consider beginning by replacing processed foods or junk food. For example, try brown rice with meals instead of white rice. You can also add more vegetables to your plate than rice. You could also make air-popped popcorn or bake kale chips instead of having potato chips. Let yourself cheat once a week or if you reach a certain goal. Cheat days can prevent cravings and overindulgence. Write meal plans. Having meal plans keeps you from easily falling back into bad eating habits. It can make it easier to make sure you are getting sufficient calories and nutrients without going over your calories for the day. Plan three meals and two snacks every day. Vary the types of food at each meal. For example, have a cup of yogurt with fresh berries, whole wheat toast, and coffee with skim milk for breakfast. Make a salad with different vegetables, grilled chicken, and some hummus for lunch. For dinner, have a family dinner of fish with a small salad and a side of steamed cauliflower. If you want dessert, have some fresh fruit or a sugar-free popsicle. If you know you will be dining out, include this in your plan. Either look at the restaurant's online menu or call ahead to see what healthy choices they offer. Select a couple of different healthy options from the menu and put those on your plan. Make sure to stay away from buffets, breadbaskets, dishes in heavy sauces, and fried foods. Have an espresso instead of dessert unless it's too close to your bedtime. Exercise regularly. Combining physical activity with coffee and a healthy diet can help you lose weight sensibly, about 1 – 2 pounds per week. Doing some type of activity five to six days a week can help you more quickly attain your weight loss goals. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity every week. As a rule of thumb you should try and do at least 30 minutes every day to lose weight. If you can't do 30 minutes of activity at one time, break it up into manageable sections. For example, you could do two workouts of 15 minutes each. Choose activities you enjoy such as walking, jogging, swimming, or biking. Remember that team sports or other activities such as jumping on a trampoline or jumping rope count towards your weekly exercise. Do strength-training. Muscles burn more calories than fat cells, even at rest, so muscles will help you torch calories even while you are sleeping. Adding some simple strength training exercises to your daily activity can help you lose weight more quickly. There is no specific guideline for how long you should strength train, but you should aim to do it at least two days each week. Consider consulting a certified trainer before you start. This person can help you figure out the best strength-training moves for your needs and abilities. Do exercises that engage your entire body. For example, strengthening exercises such as squats and lunges work on your legs, core, and also your upper body. Try resistance bands if weights seem too heavy. Practicing regular yoga or Pilates is another way to engage your body's strength. You can do a yoga or Pilates class by DVD, online, or go to a studio. Let your body rest. Just like diet and exercise, rest is important to your health. Not getting enough rest can actually cause you to gain weight, too, because your body is more stressed. Getting less than seven hours of sleep per night can reduce and undo any benefits of your other healthy habits. Give yourself at least one full day of rest from exercise per week. This helps your body build muscles and recover from exercise or stress. You might want to pair this with your “cheat day” of eating. Sleep at least seven hours every night and aim for eight to nine. Take a 30 minute power nap during the day if you feel tired. | Drink coffee in healthy amounts. Space out your coffee times. Try half-caff. Reduce cravings with a cup of coffee. Augment coffee with water. Sip coffee before a workout. Read product labels. Leave out the cream and sugar. Avoid specialty coffee beverages. Look for ways to reduce the calories. Eat regular, nutrient-rich meals. Say no to junk food. Change your diet slowly. Write meal plans. Exercise regularly. Do strength-training. Let your body rest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Acne-Using-Tomatoes | How to Reduce Acne Using Tomatoes | To reduce your acne using tomatoes, make sure you have fresh, full-size tomatoes because canned won't be as effective. The easiest way to get skin benefits from a tomato is to cut it in half and rub the cut side on your face. Once the juice is on your face, use your fingertips to massage it into your skin, which will allow the tomato's natural antioxidants to help increase collagen production. After a few seconds, rinse the juice off with warm water and dry your face with a clean towel. By using this method once a day, you'll see results within 1 week. | Gather your supplies. The most important thing is to make sure that you have tomatoes handy. You need to use fresh tomatoes, not canned. Fresh tomatoes will not have added preservatives or seasonings, so they will be most effective for your skin. Use full size tomatoes, not cherry or grape. These will be easier to handle and will give you more material to work with. Choose tomatoes that have a vibrant color and are firm. Make sure they smell sweet. If you wouldn't eat that tomato, don't use it on your skin. Know the effects. Why should you use a tomato? Because they are filled with vitamins and antioxidants that are great for your skin! One of the main benefits is that tomatoes are packed with lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene increases your skin's protection factor, increases collagen production, and helps your skin cells regenerate. Tomatoes can reduce redness caused by acne and can also help to try out problem areas, reducing blemishes. Use the whole tomato. The simplest way to get skin benefits from a tomato is to just apply it directly to your face. Cut the tomato in half, and rub the cut side onto your problem area(s). After the juice is on your face, use your fingertips to gently massage the liquid into your skin for a few seconds. Then rinse your face with warm water. Make sure to do this over the sink, as it may be a bit messy. Have some towels nearby in case you drip. Repeat once daily, and you should see results within one week. Make a mask. If your acne is worse than a mild case, you will want to try this method. Mash a whole tomato--you can use regular kitchen utensils to do this in a bowl. Use the pulp (inside part) of the tomato as a facial mask. Spread it on your face and leave it there for one hour. Rinse your face and then apply a gentle moisturizer. Do this 3-4 times a week. You will begin to see your acne lighten within a matter of weeks. You can also create a mask using a combination of tomato and avocado. Mash a tomato and an avocado together to combine, and then apply to your skin. Leave in place for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This will help reduce oil in your skin. Create a paste. Tomatoes can be combined with other common household ingredients to give you additional benefits. For example, you can combine tomato juice with honey to make a thick paste. Simply squeeze a tomato to get fresh juice and then combine with a small amount of honey. Apply this combination to your skin and leave in place for 15 minutes. When you rinse it off, you will see that your skin has an extra glow. Another method is to combine a tomato with yogurt. Crush half a tomato and mix the pulp with two tablespoons of plain yogurt. Apply to your skin for 20 minutes, then rinse. This will help with inflammation. Try new products. In addition to using fresh tomatoes, you can also buy skin care products that utilize them as a featured ingredient. The next time you are at a drugstore, take some time to browse the health section. Look for skin care products that feature ingredients such as tomatoes. These can help tone and clear your skin. If your acne is severe, you might want to ask your dermatologist to recommend some new skin care products. There are some very affordable products that can help ease your acne. Use home remedies. In addition to buying products, there are several at home methods you can use to treat your skin. For example, you can use lemon juice as an astringent. Simply squeeze a small amount onto a cotton ball and wipe it across your blemish. The acid will help try the blemish out. Egg whites are another common kitchen staple that you can use to treat your skin. Simply apply egg whites to your problem areas, then wipe off after 10 minutes. This ingredient will help tighten and tone your skin. Honey is another healing pantry item. Apply a light layer of honey to your face for 5 minutes. Rinse off to discover skin that glows. Get in a routine. The most important thing you can do to care for your skin is to spend time caring for it each day. Your skin needs regular care, and if you suffer from acne, it is especially important. Make sure to wash your face with a gentle moisturizer twice a day, and then apply moisturizer. Consult your dermatologist. She will have specific recommendations for your skin type and can advice you on the steps to take each day to improve your skin's health. Learn to prevent damage. Your skin is your body's largest organ. It only makes sense to try to protect it from harmful elements. For example, you should wear sunscreen every day. Make it part of your daily routine. If you smoke, quit. Avoiding the harmful effects of cigarettes is a great way to prevent damage to your skin. Eat a healthy diet. Make sure to get plenty of vitamin-packed fruits and veggies. You should also drink plenty of water. Know the health benefits. Your skin is your body's first line of defense against infections. Breaks in your skin can allow harmful bacteria to get into your skin. Taking care of the skin can have an important impact on your overall health. Make sure to keep your skin hydrated and clean. Increase your confidence. Improving the health of your skin is also great for your mental health. Research shows that clear skin leads to greater confidence. When you feel better about yourself, you will naturally be more happy and relaxed. An increase in confidence can help you avoid symptoms of depression and anxiety. | Gather your supplies. Know the effects. Use the whole tomato. Make a mask. Create a paste. Try new products. Use home remedies. Get in a routine. Learn to prevent damage. Know the health benefits. Increase your confidence. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-9000-Calories-Per-Day | How to Eat 9000 Calories Per Day | If you want to eat 9000 calories per day, begin making dietary changes by choosing to eat more high-calorie, low-volume foods, like nuts, peanut butter, mangos, avocados, and banana chips. That way, you can take in more calories without feeling too stuffed. You could also try drinking your calories by replacing the water in your diet with high-calorie fruit juices or smoothies with protein powder, for example. To stay on top of your diet changes, map out a meal plan that includes a protein-packed breakfast, a hearty lunch with lots of carbs, and a calorie-heavy dinner. Between meals, eat snacks like walnuts, oil roasted pecans, or macadamia nuts, for an extra calorie boost. | Choose high-calorie, low-volume foods. In order to reach 9,000 calories a day, you'll need to focus on getting “the best bang for your buck” in terms of calories per meal. Dietitians call foods with a lot of calories per bite "calorie-dense." These foods will allow you to take in more calories without feeling too stuffed. To stay healthy, focus on calorie-dense foods that also provide a lot of nutritional value. Some examples of nutrient- and calorie-dense foods are: Nuts Nut butters like peanut or almond butter Dried fruit like banana chips Fresh fruits like mangos and avocados Drink your calories. Eating isn't the only way to increase your calorie intake. If you are having trouble maintaining your weight — that is, losing weight despite drinking enough water and getting plenty of calories in solid form — consider high-calorie beverages. Remember, just having high caloric content isn't the only goal; try to drink calorie-dense beverages that also offer high nutrient content.. Replace water in your diet with high-calorie fruit juices like apple, grape, or orange juice. Each of them are great options that won't leave you feeling too full. Smoothies are great ways to drink a large number of calories in a healthy fashion. If you can make your own, add protein powder, dense fruits, cream-based liquids and yogurt. Smoothies will move through the stomach quickly and allow you to fuel up prior to exercise. Try to limit your beverage intake during meals to leave more room for calorie-dense foods, but ensure you maintain healthy hydration levels. Plan your diet to match your goals. It's important to know what your goals are before you begin transitioning to a 9,000 calorie per day diet. Different types of athletes require different types of nutrients to maximize their performance. If you are training to be an endurance athlete, you should incorporate between 0.5 and 0.7 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight (1.2 to 1.4 g/kg of bodyweight) each day to help your body rebuild the muscle you break down through training. If you are doing heavy weight training, your protein intake should be more like 0.7 to 0.8 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight (1.2 to 1.7 g/kg of bodyweight) every day. This will provide your body with the amino acids it needs to not only restore your damaged muscle, but help your body build new muscle through training. Don't increase your protein intake at the cost of other important elements of your diet. Developing and maintaining healthy muscle also requires that you take in carbohydrates and healthy fats each day. Ignoring them for the sake of protein can cause your body to use that protein for energy instead of muscle development and retention. It is possible to eat too much protein and some clinicians believe it may cause irreversible damage to your kidneys. The Institute of Medicine recommends that you do not consume greater than 35% of total calories in protein. Additionally, increased dietary protein can result in elevated urinary calcium, which may contribute to bone loss and the subsequent development of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Avoid unhealthy foods. It may seem like the easiest way to increase your calorie intake is to pile on the ice cream and greasy pizza, but eating unhealthy foods in large quantities can lead to other health problems. Calories aren't the only things that matter. Nutritional value in your foods is just as important. Make sure your diet provides the nutrients you need to be healthy. Junk food and greasy treats can raise your cholesterol and blood pressure. Too much saturated fat can even lead to cardiovascular problems that include heart attack and strokes. Recent studies also suggest saturated fats can affect insulin production in your body and lead to other health problems like diabetes. Eat a good breakfast. In order to get all the calories and nutrients you'll need in a 9,000 calorie a day diet, you've got to start early. Plan for seven or eight meals a day, starting right when you get up. Use lots of eggs — they're a healthy source of calories and a huge boost to your protein intake. Add a steak to bolster your protein and fats. Include oatmeal or another good source of fiber like granola. Couple your breakfast with whole milk to add calories and fat. Have a mid-morning snack. Plan to eat a snack between each major meal. If you feel up to another meal-sized helping, go for it, but if you're still feeling pretty full from breakfast, try calorie- and nutrient-rich nuts. Five ounces of walnuts alone can account for nearly 1,000 calories of your daily diet. One serving of oil roasted pecans has nearly 800 calories. One serving of macadamia nuts had 948 calories. Eat a hearty lunch. Lunch should be one of your bigger meals. If you can, aim for 1,000-2,000 calories at lunch. Have a carbohydrate-rich soup. Latka Soup can provide over 2,000 calories in a one and a half servings. When choosing foods, remember that your body can only absorb a certain amount of nutrients at once. While three to four chicken breasts might provide up to 1,000 calories, you will only be able to absorb 20 to 30 g of protein, or about the amount of protein in one chicken breast. Don't let focusing only on calories cause you to lose sight of the bigger picture — this amount of chicken is simply too much protein to eat at once. Try drinking your afternoon snack. Even with plenty of protein coming in through eggs, steak and chicken, you may still need more depending on your body weight and fitness goals. Mass gaining protein shakes are an excellent source of the right nutrients coupled with a load of calories. Many exceed 1,000 – 1,200 calories per serving. If you like making your own smoothies, incorporate protein powder, Greek Yogurt, and cream based liquids with the calorie-dense fruits. Peanut or other nut butters are good choices for added calories, protein, and fat. Load up on calories at dinner. As your last substantial meal of the day, dinner is a great opportunity to catch up calories you missed throughout the day. Take advantage of the protein content in beef. Steak or burgers can be a great source and the condiments you add can provide a significant boost to your overall calorie intake. Couple your main course with a calorie-dense carbohydrate like beans, potatoes, or biscuits. Include vegetables with your dinner. Roasted vegetables are an excellent source of nutrition and fiber. Add butter for increased caloric value. Cheat in the evenings. Midway through your evening you should have a good sense as to whether or not you're on track with today's diet. If you have some calories you need to make up, give yourself a cheat meal where you choose things you enjoy eating. Preferably stick to healthy foods, but nothing says you can't treat yourself from time to time. Have a snack before bed. Your metabolism does not actually slow down while you sleep, but sleep is when your body does the most repairing and regeneration of muscle mass. Have a snack to make sure your body has a nutrient rich pool of resources to heal. Walnuts or other nuts make for a great before bed snack. Another protein shake could help make up for any missed protein throughout the day. Eat more, and more often. The first step toward eating 9,000 calories a day is eating more often than most people do and finding ways to increase the amount of healthy food you can take in per meal. Don't let more than four hours go by without eating a meal (unless you are sleeping). Eating often will provide you with an opportunity to increase your caloric intake. Drink healthy beverages that have a high caloric content between and with your meals. Fruit juices like apple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, and grape juice are high in calories and nutrients. Buy bigger plates so meals seem smaller. Silly as it may seem, bigger plates can make it easier to add more food to your plate (and your diet) without it seeming like too much. Eat before bed. Sleep is when your body does most of its healing and repairing of bodily tissues, so eating right before bed will ensure your body has fresh nutrients available to maximize tissue production. Your metabolism doesn't actually slow down while you're sleeping, but your body is much less active. A meal before you go to sleep will ensure you use as many calories as you can out of your late night snacks for recovery and regeneration. Stay warm and calm. Lost body heat is one of the biggest energy drains the human body endures regardless of activity level. Adopting a 9,000 calorie daily diet means you're burning at least that many through your metabolism and training, so don't waste some of them on just keeping warm. When you're cold, your body burns calories to create body heat. Avoid the caloric cost keeping you warm by staying that way to begin with. Stay warm to inhibit the production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones aid in uncoupling proteins to create body heat and are also known as one of the stronger metabolism regulating hormones. Stress also increases your metabolism. Stress can release adrenaline and thyroxine which both can speed up your metabolism. Reducing stress will limit your body's production and release of these chemicals. Keep track of what you eat. In order to make sure you're taking in as many calories as possible in a healthy way, start logging what you eat and drink. There are a number of Apps on the market designed to help you not only track how many calories you take in, but also the amount of nutrients. MyFitnessPal and other similar smartphone apps allows you to scan the barcodes or utilize their food catalog to find the caloric content of your meals. It can provide you with a breakdown of how many calories you've eaten and where you may be lacking in nutritional content. It can also let you know when you are exceeding healthy levels of things like sodium or saturated fat. Keeping track of your diet will also help you remember which foods and beverages agreed with you and which didn't. When striving to increase caloric content to 9,000 calories per day, eating things that make you feel sluggish or sick could interfere with maintaining the calorie intake you planned on. | Choose high-calorie, low-volume foods. Drink your calories. Plan your diet to match your goals. Avoid unhealthy foods. Eat a good breakfast. Have a mid-morning snack. Eat a hearty lunch. Try drinking your afternoon snack. Load up on calories at dinner. Cheat in the evenings. Have a snack before bed. Eat more, and more often. Eat before bed. Stay warm and calm. Keep track of what you eat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Elbow-Macaroni | How to Cook Elbow Macaroni | To cook elbow macaroni, stir a 16-ounce package of dry macaroni noodles into 4 to 6 quarts of salted, boiling water. After letting the noodles boil for 7 to 8 minutes, drain them using a colander. If you want to cook your macaroni in milk, combine 2 and 1/2 cups of milk and 1/4 cup of water in a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Keep the lid off and avoid heating the liquid over high heat, or the milk will scorch the bottom of the pot. Once the mixture begins bubbling vigorously, reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of dry macaroni noodles. Simmer the noodles for 20 minutes while stirring occasionally, then drain them with a strainer. | Bring 4 to 6 quarts (3.8 to 5.7 liters) of salted water to a boil. Pour the water into a large pot and add several pinches of salt. Put the lid on the pot and turn the burner to high. Heat the water until it begins to boil and steam escapes from under the lid. To make a single serving, heat 2 to 3 quarts (1.9 to 2.3 liters) of water and reduce the amount of elbow macaroni between 1/2 cup to 1 cup (42 to 84 g). Stir in a 16-ounce (454 g) package of dry elbow macaroni noodles. Use a spoon to stir the noodles so they don't clump together as they cook. The water will stop bubbling right after you add the noodles. Bring the water back to a boil and cook the noodles for 7 to 8 minutes. Keep the lid off the pot and heat the noodles over high heat. The water should start to bubble vigorously. Stir the noodles occasionally and cook the elbow macaroni until it's al dente. This should take 7 minutes. If you want softer noodles, cook them for 1 more minute. Drain the noodles. Turn off the burner and set a colander in the sink. Carefully pour the noodles into the colander so the water drains. Use the noodles while they're still hot. If you want to make the noodles ahead of time, refrigerate them in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat the noodles in your favorite sauce or casserole. Combine the milk and water. Measure 2 1/2 cups (590 ml) of milk and 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water into a large pot on the stove. To make a single serving, cut the amount of milk, water, and noodles in half. You can use low-fat milk for this recipe, but whole milk will make creamier pasta. Bring the liquids to a boil over medium heat. Keep the lid off of the pot and heat the liquids, so they begin to bubble vigorously. Avoid heating the liquids over high heat or the milk will scorch on the bottom of the pot. Reduce the heat and stir in the elbow macaroni. Turn the burner down to low and stir in 2 cups (168 g) of elbow macaroni noodles. Simmer the noodles for 20 minutes. Keep the lid off the pot and let the noodles bubble gently until they're as soft as you like. Stir the noodles every few minutes to prevent them from clumping or burning. If the liquid evaporates, add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of milk whenever the liquid level looks low. Drain the noodles. Decide if you want to use the hot milk in the recipe you're making or if you want to drain it. If you want to save the milk, set a large bowl in the sink and place a strainer or colander over it. If you don't want to save the milk, don't place a bowl below the colander. Carefully pour the cooked noodles into the colander. Use the cooked elbow noodles. Use the hot elbow noodles immediately in your recipe or put them in an airtight container. Refrigerate the noodles and use them within 3 or 4 days. If you'd like to use the hot milk, consider thickening it with a roux and stirring in shredded cheese. Toss the noodles into this simple cheese sauce for an easy macaroni and cheese. Place the elbow macaroni into a large bowl and pour water over it. Measure 1/2 cup to 1 cup (42 to 84 g) of dry elbow macaroni noodles into a microwave-safe bowl. Pour enough water to cover the noodles by 2 inches (5 cm). The noodles will absorb the water as they cook, so use a bowl that's large enough for them to expand. This will make 1 to 2 servings. If you'd like to double the amount, use a larger bowl and add more water. Set the bowl on a plate and put it in the microwave. Place a microwave-safe plate under the bowl to catch any water that might boil over. Put the plate and bowl in the microwave. Microwave the elbow macaroni for 11 to 12 minutes. Turn on the microwave and heat the noodles so the water begins to boil and the noodles soften. Once the timer beeps, check the noodles to see if they're as soft as you want. If you want softer noodles, microwave them for another 1 to 2 minutes. Drain the elbow macaroni. Set a colander or strainer in the sink. Wear oven mitts to remove the bowl of cooked elbow macaroni from the microwave. Pour the noodles and water into the colander so the water drains. Use the cooked elbow macaroni. Stir the cooked elbow macaroni into your favorite sauce or soup. Refrigerate the leftover elbow macaroni in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Make macaroni and cheese. Cook melted butter with flour in a saucepan to make a paste. Whisk in milk and butter to make a simple white sauce. Stir in your favorite shredded cheese and mix in the cooked elbow macaroni noodles. You can serve the macaroni and cheese immediately or transfer it to a baking dish. Cook the macaroni and cheese until it's bubbly. Bake a casserole. Combine the cooked elbow macaroni with shredded chicken, chopped ham, or canned tuna. Stir in diced vegetables and your favorite seasonings. Mix in canned soup, pasta sauce, or beaten eggs to hold the casserole together and transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake the casserole until it's golden and bubbly. Create a cold pasta salad. Cool the elbow macaroni noodles and stir them with salad dressing. Stir in diced crunchy vegetables, shredded cheese, and boiled eggs or cooked meats. Refrigerate the pasta salad for a few hours before serving it. Spread pasta sauce over the noodles. For a quick meal, heat your favorite pasta sauce such as marinara or alfredo sauce. Spoon the sauce on the cooked elbow macaroni and sprinkle it with grated Parmesan cheese. You can also stir in cooked ground beef, sautéed shrimp, or meatballs. Finished. | Bring 4 to 6 quarts (3.8 to 5.7 liters) of salted water to a boil. Stir in a 16-ounce (454 g) package of dry elbow macaroni noodles. Bring the water back to a boil and cook the noodles for 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the noodles. Combine the milk and water. Bring the liquids to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and stir in the elbow macaroni. Simmer the noodles for 20 minutes. Drain the noodles. Use the cooked elbow noodles. Place the elbow macaroni into a large bowl and pour water over it. Set the bowl on a plate and put it in the microwave. Microwave the elbow macaroni for 11 to 12 minutes. Drain the elbow macaroni. Use the cooked elbow macaroni. Make macaroni and cheese. Bake a casserole. Create a cold pasta salad. Spread pasta sauce over the noodles. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cast-Jewelry | How to Cast Jewelry | To make your own jewelry using the casting method, you'll need to start by placing the metal of your choice into a pouring crucible and melting it inside a foundry. Next, use a jeweler's centrifuge to pour the metal into the mold, and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, dunk it slowly in cold water to dissolve the plaster from the mold. Finally, gently tap the mold with a hammer to break away any excess plaster and reveal the jewelry. | Carve a piece of hard modeling wax into your desired shape. Start simple for now, as complex molds are much harder to keep together at first. Get a piece of modeling wax and use a precision knife, Dremel, and any other tool needed to make a model of your jewelry. Whatever shape you make now will be the shape of your finished piece. You are making an exact replica of your eventual jewelry. Using a piece of jewelry you like as a model will help you design better pieces when you first start. Attach 3-4 "sprues," wax wires that will provide a channel for the wax to melt out later. Using some more wax, craft several long, wires out of wax and attach them to the model so that they all lead away from the piece. This is easier to understand when you see the whole process -- this wax will be covered in plaster, then melted out to make a hollow version of your shape. You then fill in the hollow part with silver. f you don't make sprues, the melted wax can't actually get out and make a hollow area. For smaller pieces, like a ring, you may only need one sprue. Larger pieces, like belt buckles, may need up to ten. All the sprues should meet at the same place. They will need to be attached to a sprue base. Attach the mold to the sprue base using a bit of melted rubber. The sprues all meet together, and you attach the mold to the sprue base where all the sprues meet. This allows the wax to melt through the bottom of the base and leave the mold. Put the flask on top of the sprue base, making sure you have a quarter inch between the wall of the flask and the model. The flask is a big cylinder that slides on top of the sprue base. Secure the wax model stand to the bottom of a casting flask, using more melted wax. The model should be propped up in the flask. It is ready for the jewelry casting process. Note: In the video, the excess silver parts are other pieces of jewelry going along with the belt buckle. They are not extra sprues or necessary additions. Mix the dry ingredients of the gypsum plaster-based investment mold material with water, as per manufacturer's directions. Follow the instructions of whatever investment mold you choose to purchase -- it should be a simple set of measurements. Wear a mask or respirator whenever possible as you work with this powder -- it is not safe to inhale. Move on once you have the mix the consistency of pancake batter. Place the investment mold in a vacuum chamber to remove any air bubbles. If you do not have a vacuum sealer, you can just let it sit for 10-20 minutes. Air bubbles will create holes, which may allow the metal to seep in and create a pock-marked final piece of jewelry. Pour the investment mold mixture into the flask, surrounding the wax model. You will completely encase your mold in plaster. Re-vacuum the mixture to get rid of any last, small bubbles before moving on. Wrap a layer of tap around the top of the flask, so that half the tape sits over the lip and helps contain the plaster from bubbling over. Allow the investment mold to set. Follow the exact instructions and drying time for your plaster mix before moving on. When done, remove the tape and scrape any excess plaster from the top of the mold. Place the entire flask in a kiln set to approximately 1300 degrees F (600 degrees C). Note, different plasters may have different temperatures. However, you should not be at anything less than 1100. This will harden the mold and melt the wax away, leaving a hollow chamber in the center of the cast jewelry mold. This may take up to 12 hours. If you have an electronic kiln, try to set it to slowly raise the temperature up to 1300. This can help prevent cracking. Remove the flask from the kiln while hot, and check the bottom of the mold for obstructions. Make sure that the hot wax can easily leak out of the mold, and that there is nothing obstructing it. If there is nothing in the way, shake the flask gently to make sure all the wax came out. There should be a puddle of wax in the reservoir of the flask or at the bottom of the kiln. Make sure you wear safety gloves and goggles. Place your metal of choice in a pouring crucible, then melt it inside a foundry. The melting temperature and time will be determined by the type of metal you are using. You can also use a blow-torch and small crucible to melt your silver. Use a jeweler's centrifuge (Centrifugal Casting Machine) to pour the metal into the mold. For professional jewelry, you'll need a centrifuge. This evenly distributes the metal quickly, but it is not the only option you have for casting. The more classic, easier solution is to simply pour the metal careful into the tunnel left by the base of the mold. You could use a large, metal-specific syringe to pump the metal into the mold, too. Allow the metal to cool for 5-10 minutes, then dunk it slowly in cold water. The amount of time it needs to cool is dependent, of course, on the metal melted and used. Dunk too soon and the metal may crack -- dunk too late and it will be hard to remove all the plaster from the hardened metal. Look up cooling times for your metal before moving on. That said, if you're in a pickle you can just wait 10 minutes and then dunk in cold water. The plaster should begin dissolving away as you shake it around the cold water. Tap the mold gently with a hammer to break away any excess plaster and reveal the jewelry. Separate the flask from the sprue base and use your fingers or a toothbrush to peel away any last bits stuck to the jewelry. Use an angle grinder with a cut-off wheel to cut away any lines of metal from the sprues. Cut away the thin pieces of metal that you needed to create a hole to pour the metal in. A hand-held grinder should be more than strong enough. Consider and acid bath or wash to clean off any last bits of plaster. The firing process often leaves metal dingy and dirty looking. You can look into specific washes for certain metals, which will lead to a much nicer shine and an easier job cleaning up the piece later. Buff out any irregularities on the jewelry piece using a metal buffing wheel. Use files, enamel clothes, polishes, etc. to clean the piece up to your desired style. If you planned on setting a stone, do it after you finish polishing. | Carve a piece of hard modeling wax into your desired shape. Attach 3-4 "sprues," wax wires that will provide a channel for the wax to melt out later. Attach the mold to the sprue base using a bit of melted rubber. Put the flask on top of the sprue base, making sure you have a quarter inch between the wall of the flask and the model. Secure the wax model stand to the bottom of a casting flask, using more melted wax. Mix the dry ingredients of the gypsum plaster-based investment mold material with water, as per manufacturer's directions. Place the investment mold in a vacuum chamber to remove any air bubbles. Pour the investment mold mixture into the flask, surrounding the wax model. Allow the investment mold to set. Place the entire flask in a kiln set to approximately 1300 degrees F (600 degrees C). Remove the flask from the kiln while hot, and check the bottom of the mold for obstructions. Place your metal of choice in a pouring crucible, then melt it inside a foundry. Use a jeweler's centrifuge (Centrifugal Casting Machine) to pour the metal into the mold. Allow the metal to cool for 5-10 minutes, then dunk it slowly in cold water. Tap the mold gently with a hammer to break away any excess plaster and reveal the jewelry. Use an angle grinder with a cut-off wheel to cut away any lines of metal from the sprues. Consider and acid bath or wash to clean off any last bits of plaster. Buff out any irregularities on the jewelry piece using a metal buffing wheel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-Glow-Plugs | How to Test Glow Plugs | To test glow plugs, start by getting a multimeter and setting it to ohms. Then, cross the 2 leads of the multimeter over each other and write down the result you get. Next, remove the caps or connectors to the glow plugs and connect the negative multimeter lead to a ground point in the engine. Once the negative lead is secure, attach the positive lead to the top of the glow plug. Finally, subtract the result you wrote down earlier from the glow plug's reading to determine its actual reading. | Grab a multimeter. A multimeter is a black box of electronic circuitry used to test electrical wiring or devices. There is a large dial in the center of the multimeter where you can adjust the settings. The multimeter uses black (negative) and red (positive) leads to test electrical currency and resistance. These leads usually have metal clamps at the end of them. While the multimeter can seem daunting because of its many numbers and dials, you only need to use one setting for this test. Analog meters may apply higher voltage to the circuit than the digital meter, so use them with care. The first reading you get from a digital multimeter may not be accurate, since the current can fluctuate. Digital multimeters have a difficult time measuring current that is constantly changing. Because analog multimeters have a changing display, they can show you the current fluctuations. However, analog multimeters are less accurate overall. It is best to use a digital multimeter for this test. A digital multimeter shows the exact number result of the test. An analog multimeter is harder to read because every possible result is listed at the top. If you are using an analog multimeter, make sure to choose one with at least 20k ohm/V sensitivity. Set your multimeter to ohms. The ohms setting will be denoted by a shape that resembles an upside down horseshoe. There will be two long vertical lines containing the range of the ohms. Find resistance value of your multimeter. Cross the two leads of the multimeter over each other and record the result. Make sure the metal clamps of the leads touch each other. If you are using a digital multimeter, then the reading will appear across the screen. Subtract this amount from the glow plug reading. Test the voltage of the battery. Put your multimeter in DC Volt reading mode. Place the negative lead of your multimeter onto the negative terminal of the battery, and the positive lead onto the positive terminal. The reading should be close to 12.5 Volts when the car is off and close to 13 Volts when the car is running. If this is not the case, check your battery or alternator before proceeding. Glow plugs will not work correctly if they do not have the correct voltage running into them. Locate the glow plugs. Consult the shop manual of your vehicle to find the location of the glow plugs in the engine. This will vary based on the make and model of your vehicle. Remove the caps or connectors to the glow plugs. There is usually a cover or cap over the glow plugs. Remove the cover or cap in order to apply the multimeter clamps to the glow plugs. Look at the connector and pins for any signs of rust or corrosion and looseness. Take this opportunity to clean them. Clip the multimeter’s negative lead to a ground point in the engine. The main two ground points can be found by following the wire that leads from the negative battery terminal into the engine wall or following the wire that leads from the alternator into the engine wall. These wires are attached to bolts. Attach the negative lead onto one of these bolts for grounding. Consult your owner's manual to find the exact locations of the ground points. Connect the positive lead of your multimeter to the top of the glow plug. If the multimeter's negative lead is still connected to the negative battery terminal, then you can leave it there. Evaluate the multimeter’s reading. Refer to your shop manual to determine the test specs for your vehicle. Subtract the resistance value of your multimeter from the resistance value of your glow plug. For example, if your plug's resistance measured.9 ohms and your meter's resistance measured.2 ohms, the real reading for the plug is.7 ohms. All the glow plugs in your engine should have similar readings. One glow plug with a higher resistance can affect your engine's performance--even if the plug is still good. Replace the glow plugs. If one or more of the glow plugs is faulty, replace all of them. Never replace a single plug. If the area around the glow plugs has dirt or buildup, clean it first. Some manufacturers have special tools to clean out the bore where the glow plugs are inserted into the cylinder head. These tools clean out carbon buildup in the area inside the combustion chamber or precharge chamber. The tool also cleans the threads that the glow plug screws into. This tool is sometimes called a "reamer." Remove the glow plugs from your engine. Check your owner's manual to locate the glow plugs and find the best way to remove them. This will vary based on the model and make of your vehicle. Set your multimeter to ohms. Use the lowest ohms setting. If the measurement of the glow plug is too high for the setting of the multimeter, then the plug is bad. Find resistance value of your multimeter. Cross the two leads of the multimeter over each other and record the result. Subtract this amount from the glow plug reading. Place the negative lead of the multimeter onto the nut of the glow plug. Make sure you do no not place the negative lead higher than the nut. Place the positive lead onto the tip of the glow plug. The tip is exposed when you pull the glow plug cap off. Find the results on the multimeter. Check your shop manual for your vehicle's test specs. Subtract the resistance value of your multimeter from the resistance value of your glow plug. For example, if your plug's resistance measured.9 ohms and your meter's resistance measured.2 ohms, the real reading for the plug is.7 ohms. All the glow plugs from your engine should have similar readings. One glow plug with a higher resistance can affect your engine's performance--even if the plug is still good. Replace the glow plugs. If one or more of the glow plugs is faulty, replace all of them. Never replace a single plug. | Grab a multimeter. Set your multimeter to ohms. Find resistance value of your multimeter. Test the voltage of the battery. Locate the glow plugs. Remove the caps or connectors to the glow plugs. Clip the multimeter’s negative lead to a ground point in the engine. Connect the positive lead of your multimeter to the top of the glow plug. Evaluate the multimeter’s reading. Replace the glow plugs. Remove the glow plugs from your engine. Set your multimeter to ohms. Find resistance value of your multimeter. Place the negative lead of the multimeter onto the nut of the glow plug. Place the positive lead onto the tip of the glow plug. Find the results on the multimeter. Replace the glow plugs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Decline-Admission-to-a-College-After-Accepting | How to Decline Admission to a College After Accepting | To decline admission to a college after you've already accepted, contact the admissions office as soon as possible. Calls are best, since admissions staff are swamped with emails. Explain your situation honestly to the admissions staff and say what you want to happen. If you are declining because of a serious illness or ongoing family crisis, the university might be more generous since those circumstances are outside your control. As well, if you want to take a gap year, you may be able to defer or postpone admission rather than completely declining it. However, most US universities require you to make a deposit towards your first semester's tuition. If the deposit is non-refundable, you may not get it back unless you have a serious reason for declining admission. Regardless of whether you receive the answer you want, in the end politely thank the admissions staff for their help. You don't want to burn any bridges! | Contact the admissions office. As soon as possible after you decide you no longer want to go to a school, you should talk to someone in admissions directly. The sooner you contact them, the more options you'll have. Some university systems, such as those in the U.K. and Canada, allow a seven-day period during which you can decline admission to a college after accepting with no negative consequences. Check to see if there is such a deadline where you live. Typically it's best to call since admissions staff will be swamped with emails. You may want to follow up with a written letter discussing the phone call so there's a record. If there's someone specific you've been talking to about your admission already, try to get in touch with them. Say what you want to happen. While you probably want to sound as professional and sophisticated, using academic lingo (such as "reject" or "withdraw") can be tricky. Use plain language when you speak to admissions, since those words may have specific meanings of which you're not aware. For example, if you've decided you want to go to another school that gave you a better offer, or for another reason, simply say so. If you've decided you want to take a gap year, you may not have to decline admission. You can simply defer or postpone it. Again, rather than using those specific words, which may have a specific meaning for that school, simply say "I want to start next fall instead of this fall." Explain why you've changed your mind. Give admissions staff a reason why you're declining admission to the school after you've already accepted, and be honest about that reason. Admissions staff will be more willing to work with you if you're straightforward with them. In some cases, being honest about your reasons may open up other options for you. For example, admissions staff typically will be more willing to work with you if you have to decline admission for a reason outside your control, such as a serious illness or an ongoing family crisis. Thank admissions staff for their help. Even if you don't get the answer you wanted, you want to be careful not to burn any bridges – especially if you think you might want to go to that school in the future. If you take an attitude or are rude, word of your behavior may spread. For example, suppose you're declining admission to Good University so that you can go to Best College. If you're rude to GU admissions staff, they may call the admissions office at BC and tell them about it. Forfeit your deposit. Many colleges and universities in the United States and elsewhere require you to put down a deposit towards your first semester's tuition. If you decline admission to the school, that money may not be returned. Check your admissions paperwork to see if the deposit is non-refundable. Even if it is, if you have a serious reason for declining admission, such as a medical crisis, you may qualify for an exception. If at all possible, you want to let them know that you've changed your mind about going there before you put down money for a deposit. That way you won't risk losing that money. Find out if the college supports a gap year. Gap years are a common tradition in the U.K. and some other countries, but have only caught on in the U.S. recently. If a college supports a gap year, they will defer your admission until the following fall. A gap year allows you to postpone your higher education for a year while you travel, work for a nonprofit, or do other types of educational or exploratory activities. When you return, you won't have to reapply to the school. For schools that don't support or recognize a gap year, there may be other options available to you, or you may be able to postpone your admission a semester. Get started as soon as possible. If you've decided you want to take a year off, you typically need to let the college know you want a deferral as soon as possible. Otherwise, the college may be less inclined to grant your deferral. At the latest, you shouldn't wait until after your first tuition payment is due to ask admissions for a deferral. At that stage, it may be all but impossible for your admission to be deferred. Outline your plans for your gap year. You're not taking a gap year so you can lay around in your pajamas all year watching TV. A school will be more accepting of your decision to take a gap year if you have educational activities or opportunities lined up. Some schools require a full, written proposal. Check with the school to find out what their requirements are and any due dates you need to be aware of. Send a written letter to the director of admissions. Unlike if you're declining admission entirely, if you want to postpone your admission, make this request in writing. The director of admissions will be able to discuss the possibility of taking a gap year with you. Use a business letter format – there should be a template on your word-processing app – and proofread carefully. Make a copy of your letter after you sign it, for your own records. If the school has any particular forms or information that you are supposed to provide, include that with your letter. If you don't hear anything within a reasonable amount of time, follow up with a phone call. Typically two to four weeks is a reasonable time, depending on how far away the school is. Allow longer for a response if the school is in another country. Follow up with financial aid. The school may contact any sources of financial aid you had, or that may be your responsibility. Make a quick call regardless to ensure they don't send any money to the school during your gap year. It's also wise to follow up with both your financial aid sources and the school just before the school year starts to make sure nothing was sent for your tuition. | Contact the admissions office. Say what you want to happen. Explain why you've changed your mind. Thank admissions staff for their help. Forfeit your deposit. Find out if the college supports a gap year. Get started as soon as possible. Outline your plans for your gap year. Send a written letter to the director of admissions. Follow up with financial aid. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Collect-Hydrogen | How to Collect Hydrogen | To collect hydrogen with water displacement, you'll want to mix a strong acid, like hydrogen chloride, with an active metal, like magnesium or zinc. For safety, put on a lab coat, gloves, closed-toed shoes, and eye protection, then add the metal to the acid in an Erlenmeyer flask. As the reaction takes place, you'll be able to collect the hydrogen that forms by using plastic tubing to connect your flask to a test tube submerged upside-down in water. When the test tube fills with air, you can remove it from the water without losing hydrogen as long as you keep it facing down. | Gather the necessary materials. To collect hydrogen using the reaction of mixing a strong acid with an active metal, you will need: an Erlenmeyer flask, a rubber stopper, plastic tubing, distilled water, test tubes, a large container, 3 molar hydrochloric acid (HCl), and magnesium or zinc pellets. An Erlenmeyer flask is a glass flask that has a conical bottom and cylindrical neck. The rubber stopper is for the top of the flask and needs to have a hole in the middle for the tubing to go through. Either magnesium or zinc will work for this experiment, you do not need both. Some of these supplies may need to be purchased online or at a laboratory supply store. Wear proper protective equipment. When working with a strong acid such as hydrochloric acid, you want to make sure you take proper safety precautions. Wearing a lab coat, gloves, closed-toe shoes, and eye protection are essential. Goggles should wrap around the sides of your eyes to protect them from splashes. Wear gloves that fit properly so you maintain good dexterity of your hands and fingers. Prepare the experimental setup. Insert one end of the tubing into the hole of the rubber stopper. You want the tubing to go all the way through the rubber stopper and stick out slightly from the end. Fill the large container with water and place the free end of the tubing into the water. When the experiment begins, you will put the rubber stopper into the Erlenmeyer flask. Set these pieces aside until you are ready to use them. Submerge the test tube in the water. Take at least one test tube (you can use more if you want to collect more hydrogen) and submerge it in the water. Tilt the tube so that all the air bubbles can escape. Place the tube on top of the submerged tubing attached to the rubber stopper on the opposite end. It's essential that all air bubbles are removed from the tube before you begin. If they are not, the gas collected in the tube will be more than just hydrogen. Add hydrochloric acid to the Erlenmeyer flask. Add enough hydrochloric acid to fill the flask about halfway. About 100 mL should be sufficient. Make sure the flask is clean and dry before adding the acid. Wear rubber gloves and use caution when filling the flask. Take care not to spill any water into the acid. Water added to acid can lead to an explosion and injury. Start the chemical reaction by adding metal pellets to HCl. Add a handful of zinc or magnesium pellets to the hydrochloric acid in the flask. The exact amount you put in is not important, but a small handful should be enough to start the reaction. After adding the pellets, place the stopper into the flask so that the system is now closed. Collect the hydrogen in a submerged test tube. As the metal reacts with the acid, hydrogen gas is produced. This hydrogen travels to the top of the flask, through the tubing and into the test tube submerged in the water. The gas will displace the water and you should see a bubble form at the top of the test tube. When the test tube fills with hydrogen, submerge another tube with water and place it over the tubing. You can collect as much hydrogen as is produced by your reaction. Keep the test tubes facing down to prevent the hydrogen gas from escaping into the air. Confirm the gas is hydrogen. In order to confirm that the gas is hydrogen, you can do what is called the splint test. Light a match and hold it underneath the tube. You'll hear a “pop” or squeaking sound, indicating that hydrogen is present. Gather the necessary materials. In this experiment, you will use electricity to separate hydrogen and oxygen gasses from molecules of water. To collect hydrogen gas using electrolysis, you will need a 9-volt battery, a pencil, two test tubes, a plastic container, water, baking soda, two large rubber bands (optional), and a battery clip with clamps at the end. The pencil must have graphite in it for this to work. A number 2 pencil is perfect. Two small pieces of graphite will also work for this. A small food storage container or bowl is sufficient. Make sure the battery clip can fit a 9-volt battery and that it has a red and black wire with alligator clamps at the end. These clamps will be used to hook up your system to the battery. Remove the eraser from the pencil and break the pencil in half. You need two pieces of graphite, one for the positive end of the battery and for the negative end of the battery. Sharpen both ends of each piece of the pencil to a point. Make sure the graphite is well exposed. This step can be skipped if you already have two pieces of pure graphite. Wrap 2 rubber bands around the container in an X-shape. This step is optional, but is an easy way to keep the test tubes in place while the experiment is running. Stretch one rubber band over the container and stretch a second rubber band over it so that it crosses over the first, forming an X. If you don't use rubber bands, be sure to secure the test tubes with tape or string so that they stay upside down during the experiment. Make a baking soda and water solution. Dissolving baking soda in water will help the electricity be conducted in the system. The exact amount of baking soda added is not important, but about 1 teaspoon per 1 cup of water should be sufficient. Stir until completely dissolved. Use warm water to speed up the dissolving of the baking soda. Fill the plastic container and test tubes with the baking soda solution. The container needs to be large enough to hold both of the test tubes. Add enough of the solution to fill the container about three-quarters full. Submerge the test tubes in the solution of the container and flip them upside down. Place each tube in the cross of the rubber band X to hold it in place. It is very important that both test tubes are completely full of water and no air bubbles remain. Attach the alligator clamps to the graphite. Take one clamp from the battery clip and attach it to the end of one of the pencils. Make sure it is touching as much of the graphite as possible. Do the same with the remaining alligator clamp and pencil piece. One pencil should be attached to the red clamp and one pencil to the black clamp. Slide the unclamped end of the pencil into the test tube. Keeping the test tube completely submerged, tilt it slightly so that you can slide the unclamped end of the pencil into the tube. Repeat this process with the other pencil and the other test tube. At this point, everything should be underwater and there should be one piece of pencil inside each test tube. Keep the end of the battery clip that attaches to the battery out of the water. Attach the battery clip to the 9-volt battery. With everything set up, you are now ready to apply the electricity provided by the 9-volt battery. The end of the battery clip should be sticking out of the container so simply clip the battery in place. Once the battery is attached, you should notice bubbles rising from the end of the graphite and floating to the top of each test tube. If you don't see bubbles produced, check to make sure the alligator clamps are firmly attached to the graphite of the pencil. Also, check that your battery is fully charged. The test tube with the negative wire attached to the pencil will be producing hydrogen, while the test tube attached to the positive wire of the battery will be producing oxygen. Collect hydrogen and oxygen in the two test tubes until you have a few inches of gas in each tube. Remember, the tube connected to the negative end of the battery will have the hydrogen and the oxygen will be in the tube connected to the positive end. Remove the test tubes from the jar, one at a time. Keep them upside down and let the water drain out. The gas in the tubes will remain even though you can't see it. Test for the presence of hydrogen. You can test for the presence of hydrogen by striking a match and holding the flame up to the gas. It will make a very distinct “squeaky pop” sound if it is hydrogen. You can also use a lit candle instead of a match. To test for oxygen in the test tube that was connected to the positive side of the power source, blow out a lit match (or candle) and place the still glowing end under the test tube. If the candle reignites, oxygen is present. | Gather the necessary materials. Wear proper protective equipment. Prepare the experimental setup. Submerge the test tube in the water. Add hydrochloric acid to the Erlenmeyer flask. Start the chemical reaction by adding metal pellets to HCl. Collect the hydrogen in a submerged test tube. Confirm the gas is hydrogen. Gather the necessary materials. Remove the eraser from the pencil and break the pencil in half. Wrap 2 rubber bands around the container in an X-shape. Make a baking soda and water solution. Fill the plastic container and test tubes with the baking soda solution. Attach the alligator clamps to the graphite. Slide the unclamped end of the pencil into the test tube. Attach the battery clip to the 9-volt battery. Collect hydrogen and oxygen in the two test tubes until you have a few inches of gas in each tube. Test for the presence of hydrogen. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Reduce-Male-Breast-Size | How to Reduce Male Breast Size | If you want to reduce your breast size, start by cutting down on fatty foods to reduce the lipids, or fat cells, in your breast area. Instead, opt for healthy proteins like lean meats, tofu, and beans. If that seems too much at once, try avoiding fatty foods two days a week and gradually cutting down over time. To further reduce your breast size, burn off excess fat through upper-body exercises such as chest presses, bench presses, and push ups. | Adopt a low-fat diet. Your breasts consist of mostly lipids, or fat cells. Cutting down on empty calories and fat heavy foods can help to reduce the fat on your body, including the fat in your breast area. Go for healthy sources of protein like lean meats, tofu, and beans. You should also have a healthy balance of the four other major food groups in your diet, including fruit, vegetables and legumes, grains, and organic dairy. Avoid any fat heavy options and select low sugar, low fat options. Get into the habit of reading food labels and avoid any foods that contain processed or artificial ingredients. Fresh foods are always best, especially when combined with healthy grain options like quinoa, couscous, and brown rice. Make weekly meal plans. To stay on top of your healthy diet, you may create weekly meal plans where you choose healthy recipes to make for the week. Choose a convenient day to go grocery shopping, list in hand, for the ingredients for these recipes so you can make them easily throughout the week. You should also plan for leftovers to take for lunch at work or as healthy snacks throughout the day. You may want to determine your daily calorie intake and plan your meals around your allotted calories per a day. Counting calories can help you control what you eat and ensure you have enough energy to do exercise and get through your day. Cut back on your alcohol consumption. Alcohol and other substances, like marijuana, amphetamines, and methadone, have been shown to cause gynecomastia. Try to limit your consumption of alcohol and uncontrolled substances so your male breasts do not become larger over time. Do not use estrogenic herbal products. Herbal products made of plant oils, such as tea tree or lavender, have been associated with the development of gynecomastia. This could be due to the weak estrogenic activity in herbal products. In other words, these plants contain substances that act like estrogen, one of the main female sex hormones. Plant estrogens can be found in soy beans, certain whole grains like flaxseed, rye, and millet, and some legumes (peas, beans, and lentils). Do not use shampoos, soaps, or lotions that contain estrogenic plant oils. You should also avoid applying these oils in their pure form on your upper body area. To lower high estrogen levels in men, see: How to Lower Estrogen in Men. Stick to organic meat and dairy products. Many food animals are given hormones to promote growth or milk production. There is some evidence that eating hormone-enhanced meat or dairy products can affect how our bodies produce hormones. Eating organic meat and dairy products from animals that have not been given hormones may help you prevent or reduce symptoms of gynecomastia. Avoid medications that can cause gynecomastia. Certain medications have been shown to cause gynecomastia or make this condition worse. You should avoid the following medications or speak to your doctor if you are already on these medications: Anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam (Valium), as well as tricyclic antidepressants. If you are currently on anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants, talk to your doctor about reducing your dosage. Never stop taking your medication without the advice of a doctor. Medications to treat prostate issues, such as anti-androgens (flutamide, finasteride, and spironolactone). Medication to treat AIDS. Men who are HIV-positive can develop gynecomastia due to treatment for HIV and AIDS. Anabolic steroids and androgens. Certain antibiotics. Ulcer medications, such as cimetidine (Tagamet). Certain heart medications, such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and calcium channel blockers. Chemotherapy as part of cancer treatment. Use exercise to reduce your male breasts. If you are experiencing enlarged breasts due to weight gain and/or puberty rather than a hormonal imbalance, you can do exercises to strengthen and tighten this area. The issue can also be helped by maintaining a healthy diet. However, if you suspect that your breast size may be caused by a hormonal issue (i.e., gynecomastia), you should see your doctor for a diagnosis. You may then consider surgical options to remove fat in this area. Before you try any methods to reduce your breast size, work with your doctor to figure out the underlying cause of your enlarged breasts. Your doctor can help you decide if diet and exercise are the best solution for reducing your breasts. Gynecomastia is often caused by hormonal imbalance, where your body is producing less testosterone and more estrogen. This can then lead to enlarged breasts. You can experience enlarged breasts during puberty and as an adult, with men commonly developing gynecomastia between the ages of 50 and 80. Men with gynecomastia may have breasts that feel tender, sensitive, and appear swollen. Do chest presses. You can do chest presses using dumbbells at home or at the gym. Chest presses will help to work out your chest muscles, tightening them and reducing the saggy appearance of your breast area. Lay down on a flat or slanted exercise bench with your back against the bench. Hold a dumbbell in each hand. You can use ten to fifteen pound (4.5 to 6.8 kilogram) dumbbells if you do not use free weights often. Otherwise, use dumbbells that feel heavy, but not impossible to pick up. Breath in and bend your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to your chest. Then, exhale as you push up slowly holding the dumbbells until your arms are straight. Make sure there is a little bend at your elbows so you do not lock out your arms. Hold the position for two seconds and then inhale as you return to the starting position, with your upper arms parallel to your chest. Repeat this for three sets of 10 reps three to four times a week. You may integrate chest presses into a total body workout routine that you do several times a week. Keep in mind it is more effective to do a total body workout to tighten up your muscles rather than target one muscle group, such as your chest muscles. Try push ups. You can start with normal push ups, if you are new to push ups, and then transition into more difficult variations, such as decline push ups. To do normal push ups, place your hands a little wider than your shoulders on an exercise mat. Then, stretch your legs behind you so they are hip width apart. Make sure you are on the balls of your toes, with your legs straight and strong. Flatten your lower back so your hips are in line with your shoulders. Inhale as you hold the starting position and exhale as you slowly bend your arms and lower yourself towards the floor. Only drop down low enough for your chin to almost graze the floor and then inhale as you push yourself back up. Repeat this for three sets of 10 reps, three to four times a week. To do a variation, like decline push ups, place your feet on an exercise bench or the second step on a set of stairs. Then, place your arms wider than shoulder width on the floor so your upper body is on a decline. Do three sets of 10 reps of decline push ups, three to four times a week. Do bench presses. Bench presses are a more advanced exercise you can do at the gym or at home using a bench press bar. This exercise is great for strengthen your chest muscles and building your arm strength. Start by determining your hand positioning on the bench press bar. Lie down on the bench and unrack the bar, with no weight on it. Lower the bar slowly to your chest and note where your forearms are. Your forearms should be as close to vertical as possible as you lower the bar. Your grip should be strong and comfortable on the bar as you raise and lower it. You may want to start with a lower amount of weight on the bar and then work your way up. Make sure your feet are firmly planted on the floor and your knees are bent at an 80 degree angle. Exhale as you unrack the bar and tighten up your abdominal muscles. Inhale as you lower the bar all the way down towards your sternum until it hovers just above the center of your chest. Let the bar lightly touch your chest, and avoid letting the bar bounce or hit your chest. Then, exhale as you raise the bar back to the starting position. Start with four to eight reps and then increase the amount of reps you do over time. You may integrate bench presses into an overall workout routine to strengthen your pectoral muscles. Use a rowing machine. The rowing machine is a fun way to build cardiovascular strength and work out your back, abs, shoulders, and legs. While the pectorals are not involved in the rowing motion, rowing exercises can help burn calories for all-over fat reduction. Rowing is also a great way to balance out other exercises that focus on your chest muscles. You can find seated rowing machines at your local gym or buy one for home use online. Try to spend at least 30 minutes on the rowing machine and maintain a steady pace as you row. You should be working hard enough on the rowing machine to break a sweat, as this will indicate you are really working your heart and lungs. Commit to an interval training program. It is often more effective to work out your entire body, rather than try to target one particular area or muscle group. You can create an interval training program where the focus is on your chest muscles as well as your overall health. Interval training involves doing a series of short, intense exercises as well as exercises that are less intense and take longer to perform. This type of training can be great for weight loss and fat burn. You may create an interval training program where you do quick, intense exercises like decline push ups and chest presses, followed by cardio on the rowing machine and bench presses exercises. You should try to also include exercises for your legs and core in your interval training program so it is well balanced. Ask a trainer at your local gym for advice or look up existing interval training programs online that include upper body exercises. Talk to your doctor about your surgical options. If you have tried exercise and dietary changes to no avail, or if you have a medical issue that is causing your gynecomastia, you may consider breast reduction surgery. You should set up a consultation with a plastic surgeon about male breast reduction surgery to ensure it is right for your condition. You can ask your GP for a referral to a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reduction surgery for men. You may want to set up consultations with several surgeons to find one that is right for you. Though breast reduction surgery is an effective way to reduce your breasts, you will need to also maintain a healthy weight, balance your hormonal levels, and avoid certain drugs to reduce the chances of developing gynecomastia again. Discuss the procedure with the surgeon. Before you commit to breast reduction surgery, you should sit down with the surgeon and have her outline the procedure from start to finish. You will be put under general anaesthetic during the procedure, which should take around 90 minutes. Fatty tissue will be removed through an incision around your nipple. The surgeon may also make cuts down your chest to move excess tissue and then reposition your nipples. You will need to recover overnight in the hospital and allow yourself a few days off to rest. You will also need to avoid any strenuous activity up to six weeks after the operation. You will have to wear an elastic garment after the operation to assist with healing and recovery. Be aware of the risks associated with the procedure. Though breast reduction surgery is often very effective, the surgery can leave red and lumpy scars in the area. They may appear for several months and then fade gradually over time. You are also at risk of losing sensation in your nipples and having uneven nipples as a result of the surgery. | Adopt a low-fat diet. Make weekly meal plans. Cut back on your alcohol consumption. Do not use estrogenic herbal products. Stick to organic meat and dairy products. Avoid medications that can cause gynecomastia. Use exercise to reduce your male breasts. Do chest presses. Try push ups. Do bench presses. Use a rowing machine. Commit to an interval training program. Talk to your doctor about your surgical options. Discuss the procedure with the surgeon. Be aware of the risks associated with the procedure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pin | How to Make a Pin | To make a basic square pin, start by finding a small, square-shaped image, such as a photo from a magazine. When you cut out the image, leave a small border that you can wrap around the backing of the pin. Next, glue the image to a cardboard square of the same size and wrap image border around the cardboard. When that's done, glue a colored paper square onto the back of your pin as a backing and seal the image with decoupage glue. Finally, hot-glue a safety pin to the back of your pin. | Find a small, square-shaped image that you like. Aim for something that is about 1 inch by 1 inch (2.54 centimeters by 2.54 centimeters). If necessary, resize the image using an image editing program or a photocopier. Cut the image out, but leave a ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) border all around it. You will need this excess material to wrap around the back of your pin. Cut a piece of colored paper and thin cardboard the same size as your image. The cardboard will make the base for your pin. The colored paper will make the back. The colored paper can be solid-colored, or it can have an interesting pattern. Cover the back of the image with glue. Turn the image over so that the back is facing you. Spread a thin layer of glue onto it. You can use a glue stick or school glue. If you are using school glue, you might want to apply it with a paintbrush. Press the cardboard onto the back of the image. Try to center the cardboard as much as possible. You should have a ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) border all around the cardboard. Wrap the edges of the image around the cardboard. Start with the corners first. Once you have them glued down, fold all four side over onto the back of the cardboard. This will give you some nice, folded seams. Glue the colored paper onto the back of the cardboard and let the glue dry. Coat the paper with glue, then press it onto the back of the cardboard. You can use a glue stick or school glue for this. If you are using school glue, you might want to apply it using a paintbrush. Paint over the pin using an acrylic sealer or decoupage glue. You can use any sort of finish you like: matte or glossy; glossy, however, will look the best. Paint the front first, let it dry, then do the back. This will "seal" your pin and protect it. If you are using a decoupage glue, you may need to apply 3 to 4 layers. Let each layer dry before you apply the next one. Acrylic sealers come in brush-on and spray-on form. Glue on the safety pin once the sealer dries. Draw a line of hot glue across the back of the pin. Quickly press the back of the pin down into the glue. Find something small, light, and with a flat back. The item should be no larger than your thumb. Flat items are best, but you can use a slightly-raised item, such as a button or cabochon. Here are some items that make great pins: Cabochons Decorative buttons (such as coat buttons) Embroidered patches Metal bottle caps Wooden shapes Wipe the back of the object with rubbing alcohol. Soak a cotton ball or tissue with rubbing alcohol and run it across the back of the item. This will get rid of any oils or dirt that might prevent the glue from sticking properly. Find a flat backed safety pin that is a little bit narrower than your item. When you place the safety pin behind your found object, you should not see it sticking out. Draw a line of glue along the back of the pin. You can use hot glue, but super glue or epoxy glue will work even better. Press the back of the safety pin into the glue. Flip the object over, so that the back is facing you. Quickly press the safety pin onto the back. Try to align it horizontally, and make it as centered as possible. Let the glue set before you use it. If you are using hot glue, this will only take a few minutes. If you are using super glue or epoxy glue, this may take several hours. Find a small, easily-traceable image that you like. Aim for something that is about 3 inches (7.62 centimeters). Remember, the image will shrink down to ½ to 2/3 of its original size by the time you are done. You can use any sort of image you like, but simple outlines (like those from a coloring book) might be easier to work with. If the image is on your computer, you will need to print it out onto regular printer paper. You can resize the image using an image editing program or a photocopier. Consider sanding the shrink film if you plan on painting it. Use a fine grit sandpaper, and lightly buff the surface of the shrink film. This will help the paint stick better. It is not necessary for colored pencils or markers. Place the shrink film on top of the image, and trace it using a permanent marker. Try to go over the lines as smoothly as you can. If the shrink plastic moves around too much, you can tape it down to the table. If you can't find shrink film, you can use any type of number 6 plastic. It is usually found on take-out containers. Look for the recycling symbol on the container. There should be a number inside of it. If it is a 6, you can use it. Color your design. Try to stick within the lines as much as possible. If you go over the lines, don't worry; you will be re-outlining the piece again. If you are using acrylic paints, be sure to thin them down first using a little bit of water. This will give you a smoother finish. It will also prevent the paint from clumping up after you back it. Go over the outlines with a permanent marker. If you colored your design using markers or paint, wait for everything to dry first, or it will smear. Cut the shapes out. You can use a pair of scissors or a craft knife to do this. Make sure that you cut right along the outline; try not to leave any white edges. Bake the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet according to the instructions on the package. If your package does not have any instructions, bake the shapes at 350°F (176.6°C) in a pre-heated oven until the pieces lay flat. This can take anywhere between 5 minutes and 35 minutes. Don't worry if the pieces start to warp and curl while baking. They will eventually flatten back out. If you are using number 6 plastic, bake the pieces at 350°F (176.6°C) for about 3½ minutes. Take the pieces out of the oven, and let them cool. If you want, you can bend them while they are still warm to give then an interesting shape. Seal the colored designs. You can use a spray-on or brush-on sealer. You can even paint on a few layers of a decoupage glue. Apply 3 to 4 layers; let each layer dry before you add the next one. This will give your pin a nice finish. It will also seal your art work and keep it from chipping. Glue a flat backed safety pin onto the back of the shape. Draw a line of hot glue across the back of the safety pin. Quickly flip the shape over, and press the safety pin onto the back. Try to center it as much as possible. Finished. | Find a small, square-shaped image that you like. Cut the image out, but leave a ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) border all around it. Cut a piece of colored paper and thin cardboard the same size as your image. Cover the back of the image with glue. Press the cardboard onto the back of the image. Wrap the edges of the image around the cardboard. Glue the colored paper onto the back of the cardboard and let the glue dry. Paint over the pin using an acrylic sealer or decoupage glue. Glue on the safety pin once the sealer dries. Find something small, light, and with a flat back. Wipe the back of the object with rubbing alcohol. Find a flat backed safety pin that is a little bit narrower than your item. Draw a line of glue along the back of the pin. Press the back of the safety pin into the glue. Let the glue set before you use it. Find a small, easily-traceable image that you like. Consider sanding the shrink film if you plan on painting it. Place the shrink film on top of the image, and trace it using a permanent marker. Color your design. Go over the outlines with a permanent marker. Cut the shapes out. Bake the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet according to the instructions on the package. Take the pieces out of the oven, and let them cool. Seal the colored designs. Glue a flat backed safety pin onto the back of the shape. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Ceramic | How to Paint Ceramic | To paint ceramic by hand, clean the ceramic surface with water and cleaner. If the surface of the ceramic is glossy, lightly sand the area with steel wool or very fine sandpaper. Then, apply 2 coats of primer to the ceramic. Once the primer is dry, apply 2 coats of latex, epoxy, or acrylic paint to the ceramic, sanding lightly over the dry paint in between coats. Let the paint dry for 2-3 days, and then apply a varnish if you want a glossy finish. | Pick latex, acrylic, or epoxy paint for ceramic tile or large pieces of pottery. For projects like painting a tile wall or a ceramic vase, use a liquid paint that you can apply by hand. Opt for epoxy paint to get a glossy, highly durable and long-lasting finish. Alternatively, acrylic and latex paint aren't as durable for high-traffic areas as epoxy, but are easier to find and work with. Keep in mind that epoxy is more expensive than most other kinds of paint. Clean the ceramic thoroughly with water and cleaner. For ceramic tile, thoroughly scrub the area you plan to repaint with an abrasive cleaner, and wipe it down until it's clean and dry. For pieces of pottery and dishes, simply wipe down the surface of the item with a wet rag until it's clean of dirt and debris. Alternatively, you can also use a clean sponge to gently scrub off any caked-on dirt or stains. Sand the surface of the ceramic to remove any glossy coating. For dishes and pottery, sand lightly by hand with a piece of steel wool. For ceramic tile, affix 180 or 220-grit sandpaper to an orbital sander and sand your tiles down carefully. Be sure to wipe up any dust with a wet rag after sanding. The sandpaper creates microabrasions in the glaze of the dish or tile, allowing paint to stick more easily. Your goal is to remove any extra gloss remaining above the ceramic itself, without damaging the ceramic. Apply 2 light coats of primer to the ceramic. Use a spray or oil-based liquid bonding primer for the tile, and coat it with light, even layers. Let each layer dry in between painting coats to ensure that the paint will stick. If the primer looks gritty after 2 or 3 coats, lightly sand the surface with a piece of steel wool. Let the primer dry for 12-24 hours before continuing with the project. Paint small areas of the ceramic at a time with a zigzag pattern. Dip a roller or paint brush into the paint and dab it on a piece of cardboard or a tray to remove excess paint. Move the brush or roller in diagonal lines in small sections to coat the ceramic. Once one section is coated, move to the area to paint diagonally until the surface of the ceramic is covered. Sand the ceramic lightly after the first coat is dry. Once the paint is dry, use a 220-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the paint. Hold the sandpaper in your hand, and focus on areas where you have ridges or drips from the paint. If you're sanding a piece of pottery or a dish, opt for a piece of steel wool instead. Add a second coat of paint, finishing with long, vertical strokes. Apply the paint in small sections using a roller in a zigzag pattern. Once the tile is coated, add a final coat in vertical lines from the top to the bottom of the ceramic. This will provide an even, smooth finish for the paint. Let painted ceramic dry for 2-3 days before using it. If you've painted a ceramic tile wall, updated ceramic flooring, or refinished a piece of pottery, let the paint dry completely before touching the ceramic. While it may feel dry to the touch after just a day, leave it dry for an additional 24-48 hours to ensure that it is cured. Apply clear urethane or epoxy to ceramic tile for a glossy finish. For an easy and inexpensive finish, apply urethane in 2 coats, waiting for each coat to dry completely. For a more durable but expensive finish, apply 1-2 coats of clear epoxy to the tile. You can apply an epoxy finish over acrylic or latex paint to make it more durable and water-resistant. Choose a spray paint for a quick and easy finish. For glossy and previously painted pieces of ceramic, opt for a ceramic or plastic-safe spray paint, which contain compounds that fuse to smooth surfaces. Use glossy spray paint for projects with more surface area where you want easy, even coverage with a minimal amount of work. Apply 1-2 light coats of spray primer. If the ceramic isn't already white, choose a ceramic-safe primer. Shake the can for 15-30 seconds before spraying the surface of the ceramic with a light coat. Then, let the coat dry for 2-3 hours, and then apply an additional coating of primer for more coverage. Spray 3-4 light coats of paint onto the primed ceramic. Apply the paint in zigzag lines all over the item, including the top, front, and sides. After you finish applying a coat, let the paint dry until it's slightly tacky, which should take about 15-30 minutes. Then, apply an additional 1-3 coats of paint until it is completely coated. Let the paint dry according to the directions. Place the painted item in a well-ventilated area to dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour. When you think the paint is dry, lightly touch an inconspicuous spot, like the back or bottom of the item, to ensure that the paint is completely cured. Add fine details, like vines and flowers, with small brushes. To paint flower buds or leaves, use a pointed brush to apply a tiny blob of paint to the dish where the base of the bud or leaf will be. Then, drag and lift the brush in the direction of the tip of the bud or leaf. Write and doodle designs with an acrylic or oil-based paint pen. Wipe down your ceramic object with a damp towel and then dry it with a clean towel. Then, use the markers to draw patterns, write phrases, or create drawings. When you're happy with the artwork, bake the object in the oven at 375 °F (191 °C) for 40 minutes. Use painter's tape to paint stripes on tiles, dishes, and bowls. Add the painter's tape in even lines, and then use a small brush to apply ceramic paint in between the paint strips. Let the paint dry for 5-10 minutes, and then remove the tape before the paint is completely dry. Bake the item in the oven according to the package directions. Paint over a stencil on ceramic tile to create a dynamic and eye-catching pattern. To make a ceramic tile wall or floor more interesting, tape a stencil with a fun pattern on it to the tile. Then, brush or roll paint over the stencil, and carefully lift the stencil to reveal the design. If you're covering a large area, position the stencil on the next tile to create a repeated design. Bake dishes that have been hand painted with ceramic paint. If you chose to paint a dish with a paint pen or acrylic paint for ceramics, set it aside to dry for 24 hours. Then, bake it in an oven according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to turn off the oven after the specified time, and let the item cool completely before removing it. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing the paint. The paint that you use may need to cure for a longer period or at a high temperature. | Pick latex, acrylic, or epoxy paint for ceramic tile or large pieces of pottery. Clean the ceramic thoroughly with water and cleaner. Sand the surface of the ceramic to remove any glossy coating. Apply 2 light coats of primer to the ceramic. Paint small areas of the ceramic at a time with a zigzag pattern. Sand the ceramic lightly after the first coat is dry. Add a second coat of paint, finishing with long, vertical strokes. Let painted ceramic dry for 2-3 days before using it. Apply clear urethane or epoxy to ceramic tile for a glossy finish. Choose a spray paint for a quick and easy finish. Apply 1-2 light coats of spray primer. Spray 3-4 light coats of paint onto the primed ceramic. Let the paint dry according to the directions. Add fine details, like vines and flowers, with small brushes. Write and doodle designs with an acrylic or oil-based paint pen. Use painter's tape to paint stripes on tiles, dishes, and bowls. Paint over a stencil on ceramic tile to create a dynamic and eye-catching pattern. Bake dishes that have been hand painted with ceramic paint. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lace-Dress-Shoes | How to Lace Dress Shoes | To lace dress shoes using the straight bar technique, feed the right lace under the bottom right eyehole, then loop the left lace over the opposite eyehole. When that's done, feed the right lace into the second right eyehole from behind the flap. Then, pull the right lace across and feed it through from the front of the flap on the opposite side. Next, pull the left lace up from the bottom eyehole and feed it through the third eyehole up on the left from behind. Finally, pull the left lace across and push it through the third eyehole on the right. Repeat this pattern until your shoes are laced. | Feed the right lace under the bottom eyehole. The eyeholes refer to the holes in the shoes that the laces are fed through. Take the right end of the lace and feed it through the bottommost eyehole on the right, feeding the lace in the direction of the opposite eyehole on the left. Make sure the lace goes over the flaps of the shoes and not under. Loop the left lace over the opposite eyehole. Repeat the same process with the left corner of the lace. Feed the lace through the bottommost eyehole on the left, pulling it in the direction of the opposite eyehole. Make sure to loop the lace over the flap and not under it. Feed the right lace through the second eyehole up. The tip of the right lace should be under the flap of your shoe. Feed the right lace through the bottom of the second eyehole on the right. Pull the lace through so there's a tight line of lace running from the bottom eyehole to second eyehole up under the right flap of your shoe. Pass the right lace to the opposite eyehole on the left. Your right lace should be on top of the flap of the shoe, coming out of the second highest eyehole. Pass the right lace to the left flap of the shoe. Feed it through the top of the second eyehole, lacing it over the shoe, on the left. Pull the lace until there's a snug line of lace connecting the second eyehole on the right with the second eyehole on the left. Pull the left lace through the third eyehole on the left. The left lace should still be pulled under the first eyehole. Passing the left lace under the flap of the shoe, feed it through the bottom of the third eyehole up. Tug on the lace until there's a tight line under the left flap of the shoe running from the first to third eyehole. Feed the left lace through the third eyehole on the right. Pass the left lace to the right shoe. Feed it through the top of the third eyehole on the right. Pull the lace to form a tight line of lace running from the third eyehole on the right to the third eyehole on the left. Repeat with the process with the right lace. You have now established the pattern you'll continue as you lace your shoes. Feed the lace on the right through the fourth eyehole up. Pull the lace tightly and then pass it to the left. Feed it through the top of the fourth eyehole on the left. Continue the pattern until the shoe is laced. Go back and forth with this pattern, moving from the left to the right laces. Move the lace up one eyehole and then transfer the lace to the opposite flap to feed it through the top of the opposite eyehole. Stop once you reach the top eyehole. Tuck the laces into your shoes. It is not necessary to tie dress shoes. In fact, etiquette dictates that you instead tuck your laces into the tops of your shoes once you've finished lacing them. Loop the laces through the bottom eyeholes. Feed one end of the lace through the top of the bottommost eyehole one one side of the shoe's flaps. Pass the lace under to the tongue of the shoe to the opposite eyehole. Push the lace through the bottom of the opposite eyehole. Pull the lace upward to form a loop running from one eyehole to the other. Pull until the length of the laces on the left and right are about the same. Pull the right lace through the second eye hole on the left. Once your laces are looped, start on the right. Pass the right end of the lace to the left. Feed it through the top of the second highest eyehole on the left and pull until the lace is snug. Pull the left lace through the second eye hole on the right. From here, you essentially do the same thing on the left. Pass the left lace to the second highest eyehole on the right. Feed it through the top of the eyehole on the right and pull it snug. This should create a criss-cross pattern on your shoes. Re-feed the right lace through the bottom eye hole. Take the left side of the lace. Move it down to the bottom eyehole. Re-feed the lace through the bottom of the bottommost eyehole on the right and pull it up snugly. Re-feed the left lace through the bottom eye hole. Repeat the process with the left lace. Move it downward to re-feed through the bottom of the bottommost eyehole on the left. Re-feed the right lace through the second eye hole. Take the lace on the right. Push the tip through the top of the second highest eyehole, re-feeding the lace through this hole. Pull the lace until it's snug. Re-freed the left lace through the second eye hole. Repeat the same process on the left. Push the tip of the left lace through the top of the second highest eyehole on the left and then pull the lace until it's snug. This will create an hourglass-like shape running across the tongue of your shoe. Repeat this pattern with the third and fourth eyeholes. Repeat the pattern you made with the first two eyeholes with both the third and forth eyeholes on the right and left. Remember, the process is as follows: Pass the right lace through the bottom of the third eyehole on the right. Pull it snugly and pass the lace to the left eyehole. Feed it under the fourth eyehole on the left. Repeat with the left lace. Re-feed the lace on both sides through the third eyehole and then the forth eyehole, creating an hourglass shape. Pass the laces through the top eyeholes. You should now have two hour glass shapes running across the tongue of your shoe. Feed the tips of either lace underneath the top eyehole and pull them snuggly. Feed the top laces through the opposite holes. Pass the right lace to the left and re-feed it through the top of the topmost eyehole on the left. Pass the left lace to the right and re-feed it through the topmost eyehole on the right. Pull your laces snug and then tuck them into the flaps of the shoes. Opt for straight lacing with Oxfords. If you're wearing Oxfords, straight lacing is generally the preferred style. These are very formal shoes, and straight lacing is considered slightly more formal than cross lacing. Use cross lacing for less formal shoes. If you enjoy cross lacing, it should only be used for slightly less formal dress shoes like desert boots. While you can certainly do a straight lace for less formal shoes, it's also safe to opt for a cross lace. Use wax cotton. If you have to buy your own laces, wax cotton is the preferred lace for dress shoes. You can buy laces online or at a department or clothing store. Do not use athletic lace. Never use athletic lace on dress shoes. It is not considered formal enough for dress shoes and should only be used on things like tennis shoes. | Feed the right lace under the bottom eyehole. Loop the left lace over the opposite eyehole. Feed the right lace through the second eyehole up. Pass the right lace to the opposite eyehole on the left. Pull the left lace through the third eyehole on the left. Feed the left lace through the third eyehole on the right. Repeat with the process with the right lace. Continue the pattern until the shoe is laced. Tuck the laces into your shoes. Loop the laces through the bottom eyeholes. Pull the right lace through the second eye hole on the left. Pull the left lace through the second eye hole on the right. Re-feed the right lace through the bottom eye hole. Re-feed the left lace through the bottom eye hole. Re-feed the right lace through the second eye hole. Re-freed the left lace through the second eye hole. Repeat this pattern with the third and fourth eyeholes. Pass the laces through the top eyeholes. Feed the top laces through the opposite holes. Opt for straight lacing with Oxfords. Use cross lacing for less formal shoes. Use wax cotton. Do not use athletic lace. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Develop-Poise | How to Develop Poise | To develop poise, start by using techniques like visualization and positive affirmations to develop confidence and self-acceptance. Also, try to stay focused on your strengths and other positive aspects of yourself rather than allowing negative self talk to consume your thoughts. Learning new things, listening attentively, and asking open-ended questions can help you become a better conversationalist and feel more comfortable with social interaction. If you feel like you're losing your composure in a difficult situation, stop to take a few deep breaths or leave the room briefly to regain control of your emotions. | Practice self-acceptance. If you have self-confidence, then you will have poise; the two dovetail. Accepting yourself increases your self-esteem and can help you develop confidence and poise. Make a list of your strengths and things you want to improve, including personality characteristics and appearance. Go down the list and verbally accept each part of yourself. Say, “I accept that I am talkative. I accept that I sometimes have a temper.” In general, you can use a self-affirmation such as saying to yourself, “I accept everything about myself. I accept who I am, what I look like, my past, present, and future.” Believe in yourself. How you think about yourself affects your actions and your ability to be poised. To develop self-confidence, learn to believe in yourself. This means believing that you are a positive person who has interesting things to share. This also means doing things that make you feel confident about yourself. Visualization is a helpful way to believe in yourself. Close your eyes and imagine yourself as completely confident and poised. Where are you? What does it feel like? What are you thinking about? What are you doing? Think positive thoughts about yourself. If you find yourself worrying or thinking negatively, re-frame the situation. You could practice by purposefully thinking, "I can do this. I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I believe in myself." Try power poses. Our body language can actually shape how we feel about ourselves. Power poses generally involve making your body bigger (taking up more space) instead of smaller (which indicates a lack of confidence). Try spreading your legs slightly apart and putting your hands on your hips. You can find more power poses online. Focus on your strengths. Paying attention to the positive aspects of yourself can heighten your ability to have confidence and poise in social situations, which can increase the likelihood that you are accepted by others. Make a list of your accomplishments. Did you get an A on a paper? Are you great at swimming and you once won a medal? Think about how you can use your strengths to increase your poise. Trust that it will work out. Whatever the situation you are in, the way you think about it can influence the outcome (for better or worse). Those who believe that something negative will happen may actually influence that outcome to occur. For example, if you are worried that you will say something silly or wrong in a meeting, this thought can increase your nervousness, which may cause you to stumble over your words. Thus, you create the outcome that you are fearful of. Instead of thinking about what might happen or the worst case scenario, focus instead on what you actually want to happen. Instead of thinking, "Oh no, I hope I don't stumble over my words," consciously think positive thoughts such as, "I want to speak clearly and effectively. I will focus on being poised and feeling confident. I can do this." These positive thoughts are much more likely to reduce negative feelings and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. Get social support. Supportive relationships can help to empower you and increase your overall self-confidence. Through others, we can develop a sense of connection, belonging, and acceptance. If you are feeling low or not confident in yourself, talk to a friend or family member about it. Chances are, they will help you identify the good things about you and turn your mood and thoughts around. This can be very validating and can increase your self-confidence if you know that others support and believe in you. Take a look at your relationships and ask yourself if those who you spend time with are supportive of you. Our social connections should bring us positivity and lift us up in times of stress. If people are putting you down or making you feel worse about yourself, these connection are not likely to help you become more confident. Consider distancing yourself from damaging relationships and focus on connecting with supportive individuals. Become educated in a variety of topics. Interacting comfortably with others shows confidence and poise. It is much easier to come up with subjects to discuss if you are educated in a variety of skills and topics. Go to the library and read a variety of books. Read up about history, science, sociology, psychology, or anything else that you are interested in. Scan the internet, and read reputable websites to keep up with current events. Read a newspaper (either online or in print) and be educated about current events in your community as well as the world. This way, you can start a conversation by asking, "Did you hear about ____? What do you think about it?" Learn new hobbies and activities. Some examples include learning how to: play an instrument, dance, do yoga, rock-climb, skydive, surf, snowboard, ski, scuba-dive, paint, draw, or sing. This way, when you meet a new person you have plenty of activities to discuss. Chances are, the other person will have some similar interests. Listen. When attending social gatherings, be a "listener" rather than always driving the conversation. People love being listened to and gravitate to people who take the time to listen to them. Relax, breathe and pretend you're talking to someone you've know all your life. Ask questions and be interested. Focus solely on the person and his or her experience rather than on what you are going to say next. Be present in the moment. Ask open-ended questions rather than closed-ended "yes" or "no" questions. This will help increase the likelihood that you have a positive and continued conversation. Use active listening skills, which help to build understanding and trust. One way to show that you are listening is to restate what the person has just said. You can do this by saying, "I am hearing that you are upset at your brother. Is that right?" You can also give feedback and validate the person. Say something like, "That sounds really tough. It sounds like you are hurt, and that makes sense given the situation." Focus on the positive. If you talk about negative things too much you may seem like a complainer and someone who lacks poise. However, if you focus on positive subjects people may notice your elegance and charm. Ask positive questions such as, “What's going well for you? What have you been doing that's fun lately?” Generally avoid conversations about politics and religion unless you share the same mentality and openness toward these subjects. Use assertive communication. Assertiveness is generally being respectful and open about your feelings and thoughts while maintaining tact and composure. Assertive communication is warm, welcoming, and friendly. One way to be assertive is to be understanding of others and their situations, while still respecting and communicating your own needs and desires. For example, you might say, "That is a great idea. How about we also do this?" Show you are assertive through your body language. Give appropriate eye contact (not staring, but not avoiding, look around every once in a while). Be relaxed in your body; Do not make your body too small (hunched shoulders) or too large (hands on hips). Do not use aggressive forms of communication such as putting people down, calling them names, or raising your voice. Saying how you feel or think when you know it might hurt other people can also be a form of aggressive communication; some things are better left unsaid (negative comments about how someone looks or acts, for example). These types of speech and actions may show that you are aggressive, and can indicate to others that you are losing your cool. Some cities offer "finishing schools" where social skills are taught. Stop and take deep breaths. Part of being poised is maintaining your composure in difficult or irritating situations. Instead of reacting automatically in a negative way such as storming out of the room or yelling at someone, maintain your poise by stopping and take a breath or removing yourself from the situation in an elegant way (i.e. excusing yourself to go to the restroom). If you are alone, you can try a deep breathing exercise to calm yourself down. Breathe in through your nose deeply and out through your mouth slowly. Focus on your breathing and your experience of it. Your body should begin to relax and once you feel calm you can stop the breathing exercise. Observe. Being mindful of what you are reacting to is an important component of keeping your composure. If you observe what is happening, you can begin to change how you react to the situation and be more poised. Ask yourself, “What am I reacting to? What am I thinking and feeling about this situation? Is this something that is a pattern from my past? Am I upset about this situation or does it remind me of something else that happened and struck a chord with me?” Look at the bigger picture. Observe the situation from afar as if you were in a helicopter viewing it from the sky. What is the bigger picture? Will this situation matter in 1 month, 6 months, or a year? You may find that you react to situations that do not affect your life in the long-term. Practice what works. Having a plan on how to deal with difficult emotions is one surefire way to maintain your composure in difficult situations. Identify ways to cope with difficult emotions that work for you. For example, if you notice that you tend to get angry when people do not agree with you on a topic, you may develop specific coping mechanisms for dealing with this situation. This might include taking deep breaths, counting to ten, or reminding yourself that others can have different opinions and it doesn't mean that they think you are dumb or don't like you. | Practice self-acceptance. Believe in yourself. Focus on your strengths. Trust that it will work out. Get social support. Become educated in a variety of topics. Listen. Focus on the positive. Use assertive communication. Stop and take deep breaths. Observe. Practice what works. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-Pets-from-Secondhand-Smoke | How to Protect Pets from Secondhand Smoke | The best way to protect your pets from secondhand smoke is to quit smoking, but if that's not possible, try to smoke away from your pets, preferably in an outdoor area. You should also ask your guests, pet sitters, or anyone else that comes into your home to smoke away from your pets. To get rid of cigarette smoke in your house, open your windows at least once a day, or purchase an air humidifier with a HEPA filtering system. Additionally, make sure to clean your carpets, drapes, and fabric furniture on a regular basis to get rid of any residual smoke. | Quit smoking. The easiest way to protect pets from secondhand smoke is to stop smoking yourself. If you smoke often, for instance in your home, and your pet is exposed to that smoke, then it can have very severe health consequences for both of you. Instead, work on quitting smoking so that both you and your pet can have longer, healthier lives. Quitting smoking can be very difficult. Get help from other people, such as family members and health professionals, and from smoking cessation products, such as patches and gum. It's important to use whatever tools you can and whatever is helpful in order to quit a habit that is so bad for your health. Smoke away from pets. If you cannot quit smoking, then at the very least do it far away from your pets. If your pet could potentially smell the smoke, then you are too close to it and you are exposing it to secondhand smoke. The easiest way to smoke away from pets is to do it outside in an area that the pets do not go in. This will guarantee that the pets are not exposed to your smoke. Wherever you choose to smoke, make sure you completely extinguish your cigarette and dispose of the butt in a place where your pet cannot get to it. This will prevent them from trying to eat your cigarette butts. Although it has not been linked directly to causing diseases, some scientists argue that thirdhand smoke, meaning smoke particles that land on fabric, hair, and skin, is full of toxins that can affect other people, and pets, as well. If you are concerned about this, make sure to wash your hands and change your clothes after smoking and before snuggling with your pet. While electronic cigarettes do not pose the same threat of secondhand smoke to pets as traditional ones do, they do pose a small hazard. Make sure spent cartridges are kept away from pets, so that they do not chew or eat them. Make sure that others are not smoking near your pets. Even if you have avoided exposing your pets to secondhand smoke, other people may do it without knowing that it could damage your pet's health. If you see someone smoking near your pet, move your pet far enough away so that you can no longer smell the smoke. If you hire a pet sitter or get friends to watch your pets, make sure that these people know to keep your pet away from secondhand smoke. Let guests and visitors know about your rules regarding smoking around your pets, too. For example, you could tell a friend staying the night, "We try not to smoke around the dog, so we've set up a smoking area outside on the patio." For parties or large gatherings, you can even post signs and reminders to smoke in designated areas. Purchase an air purifier for your home. You can get an air purifier for your whole home, or keep smaller models specifically in the rooms your pets frequent. Look for a purifier that is designed to help eliminate smoke. These should have a HEPA filtering system, as well as an activated carbon filter. The filtering system will help keep both harmful airborne particles and the smell of cigarettes away from your pets. Open your windows daily to air out your house. Another way to help keep smoke out of your home is to open your windows daily to allow smoky air out and fresh air in. If possible, open nearby windows as you smoke. This will allow the smoke to travel out without sitting in your home. This method should be considered in addition to an air purifier. Since weather and other factors determine if and when you can open your windows, you should not rely on this alone. Frequently clean your household textiles to remove smoking smells. Give your curtains, fabric furniture, rugs, drapes, and carpets a frequent deep clean to remove any lingering chemicals and smells around the house. How frequently this should be done will depend on how often you smoke. In an ideal situation, though, you should aim to have little to no residual smoking scents in your house. Deep cleaning has to go beyond simply vacuuming and dusting. For example, if you have carpet floors, they should be shampooed regularly. Look for drapes and curtains that can be washed in a standard home washing machine. Try to find a couch with cushion covers that can be washed at home, too. This will help make cleaning easier. Do not rely on commercial odor removing products. These simply mask the smell, which will return later when the product has worn off. They also do nothing to remove other residue and chemicals. Learn what secondhand smoke is. Secondhand smoke is a combination of smoke coming straight off a cigarette or cigar and the smoke exhaled from a smoker's lungs. It can build up especially well in an enclosed room, such as when a smoker smokes inside their home, but can enter one's lungs if they are close to a smoker who is smoking outside. Secondhand smoke is emitted from all tobacco products that are burned, including both cigarettes and cigars. In fact, a cigar can put off as much secondhand smoke as an entire pack of cigarettes. Find out about the toxic chemicals in secondhand smoke. There are a wide variety of chemicals in secondhand smoke, such as cyanide and arsenic. These chemicals are inhaled into the lungs and transferred into the bloodstream when one inhales secondhand smoke. These chemicals can be extremely toxic to pets and humans alike. There are actually more than 7,000 chemicals that have been identified in secondhand smoke. Many of these are cancer causing, while others can cause other illnesses. Recognize the risk to your pet's health. Secondhand smoke does a variety of harmful things to your pet's health. It limits the ability of blood to get oxygen to the heart by limiting the oxygenation of blood, it introduces a wide variety of toxic chemicals into the body, and it promotes the growth of cancerous tumors, particularly in the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system. It has been scientifically proven that secondhand smoke is a known carcinogen, meaning that it causes cancer. While there has been much less testing on its impact on animals than its impact on humans, secondhand smoke is nonetheless extremely dangerous to their health as well. Smoke is also an irritant to your pet's lungs. This can make them more susceptible to lung infections, which will require vet visits, antibiotics, and extra time and energy to treat. Know the signs of illness. Secondhand smoke can cause a wide variety of illnesses, including, but not limited to, diseases of the respiratory system. These include less serious illnesses, such as asthma or bronchitis, and more serious diseases, such as precancerous and cancerous lesions in the lungs. If you notice that your pet has a dry cough, has a cough that is getting progressively worse, or the pet is wheezing when it breathes, then it could be a sign that your cat needs veterinary care. Many less severe illnesses associated with secondhand smoke, such as bronchitis, can clear up on their own if the pet is no longer exposed to secondhand smoke. Seek out treatment for your pet. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from a disease associated with secondhand smoke, then go to the veterinarian. Keep a record of its symptoms, including when they started, and bring that information with you to the veterinary office. The best thing you can do for your pet at this point is to get it good veterinary care. Your veterinarian will likely run a variety of tests on your pet. These could include a blood test, an x-ray, and a thorough examination of your pet's body. These tests will help the veterinarian to assess the animal's overall health and they will help him or her to locate any problems. Ask your vet about potential treatment plans for your pet. Always make sure to closely follow the vet's instructions. | Quit smoking. Smoke away from pets. Make sure that others are not smoking near your pets. Purchase an air purifier for your home. Open your windows daily to air out your house. Frequently clean your household textiles to remove smoking smells. Learn what secondhand smoke is. Find out about the toxic chemicals in secondhand smoke. Recognize the risk to your pet's health. Know the signs of illness. Seek out treatment for your pet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Milly-Rock | How to Milly Rock | If you want to Milly Rock, learn how to do the 2 step and what to do with your arms. Start by standing up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Then, bring your right foot in towards your left foot before moving it back to its original position. Repeat this motion with your left foot, then work on doing these 2 steps in time to the music. Once you feel confident with the 2 step, move your hips in the same direction as your feet. Raise your hands in front of you with your palms facing up and your elbows bent at about 90 degrees. Next, practice circling your hands towards your body while keeping your palms facing upwards. After you're confident with performing this motion steadily, combine it with the 2 step to perform the full dance. | Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. This is the basic Milly Rock pose, so make sure you feel stable standing this way. You don't even need to move much to do a simple form of the dance. Keep your back straight at all times to open up your body and stay mobile. Let your arms hang down close to your hips. After you learn the basic footwork, you can incorporate them more into your routine. The Milly Rock doesn't have a lot of complicated moves to memorize. The most important part is to display confidence. Standing up straight and looking ahead of you helps a lot. Step back and forth while standing in place. Start the dance by bringing your right foot in towards your left foot, then moving it back to its original position. Repeat the motion with your left foot. Continue doing this with both feet at a steady rhythm to master the dance's basic pattern. If you are familiar with the 2-step, not to be confused with the country 2-Step , this part is the same move. Practice the basic step pattern before adding in variations. Move your feet back and forth with consistent timing first. Try doing it to the beat of your favorite dance track. Twist your hip forward as you step to the side. Return to your starting position with your legs shoulder width apart. When you step to the side, move your waist in the same direction as well. Shift all of your weight onto the foot moving to the side. When your foot touches the ground, swing your weight back towards the center and let your foot come back. Repeat the motion each time you step to the right or left. The hip movement will give you a little momentum and rhythm. It can also make your dance look livelier and more fluid. Hold your hands out in front of your chest with your palms up. Raise your shoulders up towards your earlobes, bringing your hands up. Hold your hands directly in front of your chest, keeping your elbows bent almost at a 90-degree angle. Make sure you are standing straight and tall. If you notice yourself leaning forward, your arms may be too far ahead of you. Start out by practicing the motion without doing the 2-step. If you feel confident, you can do both at the same time, but it's easier to practice them separately at first. Also, avoid keeping your hands too close to your body. If you can't move your hands freely, bring your arms forward a little. This is a simple, basic pose for incorporating your arms into the Milly Rock. There are many variations you can adopt, so don't get discouraged if this particular motion isn't enjoyable. Rotate your hands in circles in front of your body. Bring 1 hand down towards you body, keeping your palm upright as you do so. Then, bring your hand up and away from you until it reaches its original position. Practice this motion with your other hand as well. Eventually, you will be able to churn both hands at a smooth, consistent rate. Think of your hands as 2 wheels on a bicycle wheel in motion. They need to move at the same pace to be stable. The difference is that hands need to be in opposite positions at all times. When 1 is at the top of the circle, the other needs to be at the bottom, for example. Circle your arms as you step to the side. Now that you know a basic arm pattern, incorporate it with your footwork. Start by standing in a neutral position, then begin stepping from side to side. Move your hips to keep up your flow! As you step to the side, begin churning your arms in circles and keep this up as long as you can while moving. Try to keep your arms and legs moving at a steady pace. Your arms will probably end up moving a little faster than your legs. This is normal as long as you keep a steady pace. Practice dancing to a steady musical beat. See if you can maintain your momentum. Twist your feet instead of stepping if you need less leg motion. Begin in a neutral position with your legs shoulder width apart. Twist 1 of your legs and hips inward. Raise your heel up as you twist, pivoting on the balls of your foot. Then, twist back and repeat this on your other side. This is a good beginner's move if you're struggling to do the 2-step or lack leg mobility. Do this to learn the dance's rhythm without expending too much energy. As you get used to this movement, try incorporating arm movements to make your dance more dynamic. Circle your hands in the air if you want more arm movement. Position your arms so your elbows are down and your hands are near your ears. Keep your palms facing upwards with the heel of your palms facing towards the center of your body. Circle your hand out, around, and back towards your body, then repeat this with your other hand. Think of it like swatting bees. Keep your wrists loose, moving your arms at the elbows. Move only 1 arm at a time. Bring your other arm down besides your body when not in use. As you master the motion, add some footwork as well. When you step to the side, raise your arm on that side and move it in a circle. A simpler variation of this is a “princess wave.” You move your arms in smaller circles. You can also move in a reverse direction or make multiple circles for each step. Walk or twist your body for a more dynamic dance. You don't have to stand in place while doing the Milly Rock. Start the dance as you normally would, moving your arm while bringing your foot towards your body's center. Instead of stopping, try bringing your foot all the way out in front of your stationary foot. Then, either bring your foot back or keep dancing in that same direction. Adding these extra movements can be tough if you don't have the basic moves down first. Learn the Milly Rock with a 2-step and simple arm rotation first until you develop a solid flow. | Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. Step back and forth while standing in place. Twist your hip forward as you step to the side. Hold your hands out in front of your chest with your palms up. Rotate your hands in circles in front of your body. Circle your arms as you step to the side. Twist your feet instead of stepping if you need less leg motion. Circle your hands in the air if you want more arm movement. Walk or twist your body for a more dynamic dance. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bathe-a-Chicken | How to Bathe a Chicken | To bathe your chicken, start by filling 2 large containers with warm water, and putting 5-6 drops of dish soap into 1 of them before adding the water. Then, pick your chicken up with its wings pressed against its body, and put it into the soapy water. Keep 1 hand on the bird's wings and use the other hand to rub soapy water over its feathers. When your chicken is soaped up, move it into the clean water, and rinse it thoroughly. Finally, remove your chicken from the water and pat it dry with a towel, then use a blow dryer on the lowest setting to finish drying it. | Bathe your chicken only when necessary. Most chickens can keep themselves reasonably clean by taking regular dust baths and grooming on their own. However, if your bird has caked on droppings or has been sprayed by a skunk, then a bath is required. Other reasons for bathing include cleaning out or assessing a wound on your bird. If your bird is sick, then it's possible that they may stop grooming themselves. If this happens, then you'll need to bathe them. Also, take your chicken to the vet as soon as possible. Choose a washing station location. This needs to be in an area that is average room temperature, not too cold or drafty. It's also best if the flooring is tile, concrete, or another substance that is water-resistant. You'll need a fairly large flat surface to work on. You could use a sturdy table or even sit on the floor next to the bins. A mudroom would be an ideal place in the house or a wash rack outdoors. Set up the washing station. Lay a few old, large towels out on the floor. These should cover the entire washing area floor. Then, bring over 2 large bins or tubs and set them in the middle of the towels. The bins can be metal or plastic, just make sure that you are comfortable rinsing them out afterward. Don't use these same bins or towels for any other cleaning purpose. Otherwise, the chemical residue left behind on them could damage your chicken's feathers. If the bins are at all dirty before use, rinse them out to avoid transferring this dirt to your chicken. Set another towel a little bit away from the bins. You'll use this dry towel as a drying station for your chickens. Put 5-6 drops of dish soap into 1 of the bins. Choose a dish soap that is gentle on the skin, such as Dawn or Softsoap. Then, place the soap drops in the tub prior to adding the water. When you add the water in the soap will create suds and bubbles to help clean your chicken. You can always add more or less soap depending on how bubbly you'd like the water to be. Don't make the water too soapy since it may be difficult to rinse off your chicken afterward. Dawn dish detergent is the soap preferred for use by most wildlife rehabilitators and caretakers. The other bin without soap will be used for rinsing your birds off. Fill up both bins with warm water. Fill up containers with water from the sink. Pour them into each bin until the water levels are a few inches off of the top. You can also use a hose to fill up the bins, just test the water temperature to make sure it isn't too cold. Test the water with your hand before putting a chicken into it. You should be able to submerge your hand and only feel a slight warmth, no burning sensation. Retrieve your chicken and hold them firmly. Go out to your chicken's pen and catch the bird that you intend to bathe. Hold the bird firmly, so that its wings are both pressed against its torso. Keep your bird in this position until you place them in the bath. Lower your bird into the soapy water. With a hand on each side of your bird, holding its wings in place, place your bird slowly into the soapy water tub. Some birds will flap around at this stage, whereas others might simply relax into the water. If your bird starts to flap, regain control of its wing and continue on. Talking to your bird in a soft voice throughout the bath can also help to keep it calm. Your bird's entire body up to its head should be submerged in the water. Lather your bird in the soap. Keep one hand on your bird's wings. Use your other hand to rinse off your bird with a small cup. Dip the cup into the soapy water and drip it over your bird's feathers. You can also use your hands to rub soapy water on to your bird. If your bird has crusted dirt or droppings on them, then you may need to let them soak for a few minutes before starting the lathering process. This is also the time when you can use a small nail brush to go over your bird's nails to remove grime. This is a particularly important stage for a bird suffering from bumblefoot infection. Use small and controlled movements so your chicken stays calm during its bath. Add salt to the soapy bin and soak your bird as a mite treatment. If you are concerned that your chicken has mites (tiny insects) on its skin, then a salt bath can lessen any skin irritation and may even kill off the mites. Pour a few tablespoons of salt into the bath. Submerge your bird in the water for 5 minutes keeping its head above water. Then, continue the bath as usual. You can also add more or less salt depending on what seems to work the best for your chickens. Make sure to keep the water away from your chicken's head and eyes in order to avoid irritation. Transfer your chicken to the clean water tub. After you've fully covered your bird in soapy lather, then move it to the second tub of water. Repeat the process of holding your bird firmly as you lower it into the water. Then, use a fresh cup to rinse your bird off fully. Continue until you can't see any soapy suds remaining on your bird's feathers. Wrap your bird in a clean, large towel. Move the bird directly from the final soaking bin to the dry towel on the floor. Then, place another clean towel around the chicken. Press the towel gently against your chicken and move it around very slightly. This will help the towel to absorb any moisture sitting on your bird's feathers. Since chickens are unable to fully regulate their body temperatures, if you release your wet chicken into the pen they will likely catch cold. Keep your movements gentle in order to avoid damaging your bird's feathers. Use a blow dryer on the lowest setting to further dry your birds. A towel is a great drying tool, but it will not get deep into the feathers. Remove the towel around your bird and cradle them against your chest or the towel-covered ground. Put the blow dryer on the lowest setting and aim it toward your bird. Continue going until your chicken is dry. Keep the open end of your hair dryer at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from your bird to avoid damaging the feathers with too much airflow. Don't ever dry your chicken on a high setting, as you could risk burning its feathers. Have someone help you hold the bird since the noise of the hair dryer may frighten it. Release your chicken back into the pen. As soon as your bird's feathers feel dry to the touch, you can place them back in their pen. If possible, clean the pen up a bit beforehand to keep your birds staying clean for just a bit longer. Start washing a couple of days before the show. When preparing birds for show it is best to wash them 2-3 days prior to judging, allowing them to regain the sheen of their natural oils. Feet and vent areas can be gently touched up on the day of judging. White birds being prepared for show may be given a second rinse containing a very small amount of optical whitener such as 'Bluo', which brightens their colouring. Handle your bird very carefully, as broken feathers may impact on the success of the bird. Keep them clean until the show. After washing place the bird in a clean pen with fresh bedding, replaced whenever soiled, until the show to maintain cleanliness. Take care of other pre-show preparation. For example, the nails and spurs of show birds should be neatly trimmed and filed down to the beginning of the blood filled quick, the lighter coloured, raised area in the underside of the toenail. This can be done with rabbit nail clippers, a coarse nail file, and secateurs for the spurs. To add vibrancy and shine to the bird's face, comb, wattles, legs, and feet, a light coating of olive oil may be applied with a cloth the morning of judging. Avoid adding excess oil as this will attract dust and make these areas appear ashy and dirty. Only enough oil should be applied so as to just bring out the natural vibrancy of the areas. For other show preparation, check out How to Show Chickens. Do a last minute wipe before the show. Just before placing the bird in its cage at the show, gently wipe it all over in the direction of its feather with a silk cloth, e.g. a silk scarf. This helps to align and smooth feathers, and to add extra sheen to the bird. The healthier, happier, and more confident your bird appears, the more likely the judge will favour it. Ensure your bird's health, diet, and comfort around humans is maintained throughout show preparation. | Bathe your chicken only when necessary. Choose a washing station location. Set up the washing station. Put 5-6 drops of dish soap into 1 of the bins. Fill up both bins with warm water. Retrieve your chicken and hold them firmly. Lower your bird into the soapy water. Lather your bird in the soap. Add salt to the soapy bin and soak your bird as a mite treatment. Transfer your chicken to the clean water tub. Wrap your bird in a clean, large towel. Use a blow dryer on the lowest setting to further dry your birds. Release your chicken back into the pen. Start washing a couple of days before the show. Keep them clean until the show. Take care of other pre-show preparation. Do a last minute wipe before the show. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-He-Really-Loves-You | How to Tell if He Really Loves You | If you're not sure if a guy really loves you, pay attention to whether he treats you with respect and kindness, which may mean he loves you, or whether he disregards your feelings, which may mean he's losing interest. Check to see whether he regularly blows you off or makes spending time with you a priority. In addition, spend time with him around his family and friends and notice his reactions. If he is proud to have you by his side, he probably loves you. If he seems embarrassed by you, it's probably time to find someone else. | Notice how he treats you. If your boyfriend loves you, he will treat you with respect. That means that he listens to you and cares about what's going on in your life. He notices the little things that you like and goes out of his way to give them to you. He values you as a person, and he genuinely listens to your opinions. Doing these things shows he honestly cares about you. See how much you question his feelings. If a guy really loves you, it's doubtful you'll need to question it. That is, he's going to make you feel his love in one way or another, by showing you how he feels and saying it to you. On the other hand, you have to make sure that maybe you're not letting your insecurities overrule the emotions of someone who obviously loves you. In other words, you may not feel like he loves you, but it could be just your anxieties talking. If past partners have said you get clingy sometimes, it may be a sign you're insecure. You may also notice yourself trying to be extra nice to win his love or trying to meet his needs all the time without thinking about your own. One way to combat this type of insecurity is to pay attention to what you're feeling instead of always focusing on others; take the time to identify each emotion. As you identify emotions, notice how it guides your behavior. If you're feeling upset and you start worrying that your boyfriend doesn't love you, you may find yourself trying to please him more. Often, these anxieties are unfounded, especially if he's finding ways to show his love all the time. Also, it's important to identify the source of your insecurity. Maybe you've internalized the critical voice of one of your parents, or maybe you've had rotten luck in past relationships with guys who have mistreated you. Don't just let your inner critic run wild. Instead, talk back to it. When you catch yourself doubting the other person or yourself, try to turn it around. For instance, if you find yourself saying "He didn't call me back, so he probably doesn't love me anymore," try to stop the thought. Say, "No, that's not right. He tells me he loves me every day. He probably just got busy." Check to see how much time he spends with you. A guy who loves you is going to want to spend time with you. If he makes time for you on a regular basis and goes out of his way to see you, he's likely in love with you. Watch to see if he blows you off. If your guy doesn't really care, he's more likely to blow you off. That means he won't make time for you as often as you'd like, and when he does, he may cancel at the last minute. If he's not consistently making time for you, then he probably doesn't love you. Of course, sometimes, a guy is going to have a legitimate reason to cancel on you. However, he should try to give you as much notice in advance as possible. He should also be interested in rescheduling. If he's not, he may not be that into you. See if he's willing to do part of the work. That is, he should be willing to come up with plans and dates, not just you. You shouldn't have to schedule everything yourself. If he's willing to take the lead at least part of the time, he probably cares for you. One way to make sure he's willing is to don't plan everything. Give your guy a chance to plan dates for you. He should be willing to take the initiative if he cares about you. Make sure he's willing to compromise. Being in a relationship means making sacrifices sometimes by compromising with another person. That means, sometimes he gives a little more, and sometimes you give a little more. For instance, it may mean he's willing to go see a movie that he knows he's not going to like, while you're willing to go to the sport's bar sometimes, even if it's not your thing. If he's willing to participate in some give and take, then he's probably starting to fall in love with you. Notice if he does the small things. For instance, does he ask you if you want water when he goes to the kitchen? Does he plug in your phone when he notices it's low? If he anticipates what you need and does little things to make your life better, then he probably loves you. Make sure he's not embarrassed by you. If a guy loves you and wants to be with you, then he shouldn't be embarrassed by you. That means that he's at least willing to introduce you to friends and family. If he doesn't want to introduce you, that may mean he's not sure about you yet. Though he could have other reasons not to want to introduce you (such as your religious differences), being embarrassed can be a red flag. See if he likes to be close to you in public. This step goes hand-in-hand with the previous one. If he's embarrassed by you, he won't draw you close in public. In other words, watch to see if he likes to pull you close in public or if he likes to publicly display his affection, such as by holding hands or giving you a hug. If he doesn't, it may be that he's not that into you, though it could also just be that he's shy in public. Watch how he communicates. If he only calls once a week and barely has anything to say, that's probably not a good sign. However, if he spontaneously texts, emails, and calls on a regular basis, then he probably can't get you out of his mind, meaning he loves you. However, every guy is different. Maybe he's an introvert, and he doesn't like to spend every minute with another person, even someone he loves. Make sure you try to figure out what kind of person he is before jumping to conclusions. Pay attention to what he cares about. That is when you get together, does he ask questions about you and your day? Does he seem to genuinely care about what's going on in your life? If he's truly interested in what you're doing, he likely cares about you. See if he remembers. Of course, guys (and people) in general are going to forget things, including important dates and past conversations. But if he makes an effort to remember important dates, and he is paying attention to the conversations you have by bringing them up later, then he is likely in love with you. Notice if he cares enough to fight. To truly fight with someone, you need to care about that person, and then find a way to make amends. If he's not willing to fight or if he just brushes off arguments with a shrug, he may not care that deeply about you. You don't necessarily need to have knock-down, drag-out fights. But you both need to be able to express your opinions and thoughts, even if it leads to an argument. If he doesn't seem willing to engage, he may not be into you. Pay attention to his grammar. That is if he starts using "we" on a regular basis, rather than just "I," that could be a sign he loves you. "We" indicates he's started thinking of you as a unit, a couple, which means he's starting to commit to you being together. Note if you have your own language. If you have your own language, including pet names and inside jokes, that's a good sign. It means that he cares enough about you to fully engage in the relationship. If he has a pet name for you (and only you), it likely means he's at least falling for you. Don't be afraid to ask. If you're in a healthy relationship, you can simply have a conversation about your feelings. Talk about what you like about him, and tell him what you are feeling. In turn, ask if he has the same kinds of feelings for you. For instance, you could say, "I think I'm falling in love with you. I'm not sure if you feel the same way, so I'm feeling a little insecure." Know he's afraid of rejection. Saying "I love you" makes you vulnerable, as the other person may not reciprocate those feelings. He may feel afraid that you'll reject his love, even if you've shown him, you love him already. Understand how the past affects the present. If he's been in a bad relationship in the past, he may not be as willing to jump in emotionally to this relationship. Therefore, don't automatically assume something's wrong if he hasn't said it yet; he may just be waiting until he feels ready to make a commitment to you. Realize some guys have a hard time verbalizing emotions. It may be that he just doesn't like to talk about his emotions. Instead, maybe he prefers just to show how he feels about you, making you a priority in his life. | Notice how he treats you. See how much you question his feelings. Check to see how much time he spends with you. See if he's willing to do part of the work. Make sure he's willing to compromise. Notice if he does the small things. Make sure he's not embarrassed by you. See if he likes to be close to you in public. Watch how he communicates. Pay attention to what he cares about. See if he remembers. Notice if he cares enough to fight. Pay attention to his grammar. Note if you have your own language. Don't be afraid to ask. Know he's afraid of rejection. Understand how the past affects the present. Realize some guys have a hard time verbalizing emotions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wait-to-Have-Sex | How to Wait to Have Sex | While waiting to have sex can be difficult due to media images and pressure from partners, you can successfully stick to your plan. There are a lot of reasons to wait to have sex, including religious beliefs, taking relationships slowly, and avoiding complications like STDs. No matter what your reason, you'll want to be clear why you've made this decision so you can explain it to your partner. You'll also want to think about what is okay, like kissing or touching. Thinking about your lines now instead of in the heat of the moment can help you stand your ground. In order to practice abstinence with a partner, be upfront about your decisions and clear about your boundaries. Then you can work on finding the physical connections that feel right, like hugging, kissing, or snuggling. | Think about why you want to wait. You need to take a little time to think about what you want in a relationship, and why you want to wait for sex. Are you planning on waiting until marriage? Do you want to take new relationships slowly, without the burden of sex? Most importantly, think about your personal reasons for wanting to wait. Knowing why you want to wait will make it easier to explain to your partner and stand firm with your beliefs. There are a lot of reasons to wait to have sex, including: Religious beliefs. Desire to find the right person. Getting to know someone emotionally before sex. Avoiding complications, like STDs or pregnancy. Taking the relationship slowly. Determine your boundaries in advance. What sort of behavior do you classify as sex? Are you okay with kissing and touching? Are you waiting for all forms of sex, such as oral sex? You need to think about your lines now, not in the heat of the moment, so that it is easier to stand your ground when temptation comes. If you were to have a physical relationship, what kind of things would be okay with you? What would you find acceptable, and what would you rather avoid? Stay away from lurid media depictions of sex and fantasy. Hollywood and pop culture put a lot of emphasis on sex, and it would be almost impossible to escape it all. But that doesn't mean that you need to seek it out. If something makes your uncomfortable, feel free to leave. You'll never change how other people view sex, but you can respect your own boundaries and keep sex at the periphery Most of the depictions are fake, fictional accounts of sex. The promise of "life-changing sex" is not reality, and you should remember this if you feel pressured to become sexually active. Let your close friends know your decision to be abstinent. Even if your friends are sexually active, letting them know your decision and reasoning will help them help you. This may include asking them not to discuss sex as much, helping you out at parties or difficult situations, and being a support system if you have questions or feel temptation. Having a good group of friends around you makes every situation easier, and this is no exception. State your boundaries clearly and quickly in romantic situations. This doesn't have to be the first thing you say, and it doesn't need to be a big conversation. But letting someone know that you aren't interested in sex is the best way to get people to stop pressuring you. If someone is flirting a little too heavily or making suggestions you don't agree with, look them in the eyes and let them know that you're not interested in sex. "I've really enjoyed talking to you, but I'd like to slow things down a bit and get to know you more." "Thanks for the offer. I'll be going home alone tonight, though." "I'm not interested in hooking up tonight, thank you." Remain firm in your beliefs, even if it means leaving events or parties. Never let peer pressure, media influences, or guilt-tripping force you to compromise your convictions. If someone is not respecting your decision to wait for sex, it is time to leave and go somewhere more supportive. A simple and firm, "no thank you," or "it's just not for me" should be enough to get people off your back. If someone still pressures you, you should remove yourself from the situation. Let your friends know your feelings so that they can support you in any intense situations. You do not owe anyone an explanation for your decisions. Keep your explanations brief, firm, and to the point if you decide to give one. Remember that abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs. If you're at risk of breaking your own boundaries, and can't remember why you decided to wait, just remember the practice consequences of your decision. Abstinence is the only way to completely avoid STDs and unwanted pregnancies. No matter what other reasons you have for waiting, this tangible and immediate benefit of abstinence that can help you overcome temptation. Be upfront about your boundaries. Let your partner know exactly how you feel, and that you've decided not to have sex. Don't try and hide your decision or act ashamed -- you have the right to do as you want with your body. Getting this out in the open early allows your partner to talk about their own boundaries and desires, even if they conflict with yours. Choose a time to talk before sexual tension starts up so that the talk isn't clouded by lust or desire. If your partner is angry, upset, or tries to convince you to change your mind, they may not have your best interests at heart. You want to be with a partner who accepts you and your decisions. "I've decided to wait until marriage for sex, and I wanted to find out together how we can make that work." "I really enjoy spending time with you, and I've decided I want to wait on sex for a while as our relationship grows." Focus on becoming better friends, and thus better partners. One of the biggest benefits of waiting is that you get to know each other without pressure to perform sexually. You must build your relationship on trust and communication, not physical lust, in order for it to succeed. So take the time to talk together daily. Find hobbies you both share and go do them, and take the time to eat dinner together whenever possible. This will help you get a better idea of your partner without being blinded by sex, ultimately helping you decide if sex is right with them in the future. Find the physical connections that you feel comfortable with. Hand holding, kissing, romantic touching, and snuggling are all great ways to maintain a physical spark without sex. There are plenty of ways to enjoy each other's company that don't involve going all the way. Find things that feel good and enjoy them without feeling like you need to escalate things. Small things, like holding hands and hugging, are much more meaningful when taken slowly. Make sure you are both working together to wait. If your partner continually makes passes at you or questions your decision to wait, they may not be respecting your choices. You should never stay with someone who makes your feel sad, angry, or guilty for deciding to wait. This is often a passive-aggressive plays to get you to have sex. You and your partner need to work together to build your relationship without sex. If your partner isn't doing their share you should find someone who is willing to respect your desires. Avoid tempting scenarios and situations. A date at your house, alone, watching a movie in bed is not going to make avoiding temptation any easier. Even if you've decided to wait, there will be sexual tension between you and your significant other, but you can minimize it: Have dates in public. Move to separate rooms or beds late in the night, and avoid sleepovers. Find activities together instead of simply "hanging out." Keep your relationship active. Know that waiting together will make you stronger. New research is finding out that relationships that wait to have sex are often much stronger, and lead to longer and happier couples. There is no magic number of days to wait. However, make sure that you like and love the person before sex to avoid confusing situations or realizations the morning after. Some benefits of waiting include: Time to know one another. Great respect and emphasis on small acts (hand-holding, kissing, etc.) Avoid confusing lust for love. Know that there is no "right" time to become sexually active. Everyone has different reasons for beginning their sex lives, and there is no time that is "too late." You need to do what feels right to you and know that you aren't missing out because you've decided to practice abstinence. The "three-date rule" about waiting in a relationship is an archaic, overly-simplistic rule. You should feel comfortable with your partner before having sex no matter how many dates it takes. Avoid making spur-of-the-moment decisions to stop waiting. If you're considering becoming sexually active you need to sit down and think about how your priorities or beliefs have shifted since deciding to wait. You do not want to regret your decision because you made it impulsively. However, if you've thought about having sex for a few weeks and have considered the potential repercussions already, it might be time to pursue a sexual relationship. Talk to your partner about your changing viewpoints instead of making them guess. Your decision to become sexually active should be made together. Find a partner that you know and trust. All relationships, sexual included, are based on trust and communication. Waiting to have sex is a great way to get to know someone without the pitfalls and awkwardness of a new sexual relationship. When you do decide to have sex, having a partner who you can trust to treat you well will make the moment much less stressful. Whether this is your first time or just a new stage in the relationship, your sex life will be much happier when built on trust. The only key to trust is open communication. Not just about your sex life, but about your entire relationship. Work up to sex slowly. Take your time instead of rushing under the sheets. Know that, at any point during foreplay or intercourse, that you can stop and pull things back. Kiss, hold each other, and work up to sex instead of making it the end all be all of your relationship. This will help your approach sex comfortably. You can ease into it as you learn about yourself and your partner. Ask yourself if you are ready before committing. Becoming sexually active is a big decision, and you should not make it lightly. Spend some time thinking about this alone, before the heat of the moment. Some good questions to ask yourself include: How do you feel when you are with this person? Are they caring and kind? Does this person respect you and your opinions? Have you talked together about whether or not to have sex yet? Do you have access to birth control methods? Do you feel pressured to have sex just to please your partner, or do you really want to have sex. | Think about why you want to wait. Determine your boundaries in advance. Stay away from lurid media depictions of sex and fantasy. Let your close friends know your decision to be abstinent. State your boundaries clearly and quickly in romantic situations. Remain firm in your beliefs, even if it means leaving events or parties. Remember that abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and STDs. Be upfront about your boundaries. Focus on becoming better friends, and thus better partners. Find the physical connections that you feel comfortable with. Make sure you are both working together to wait. Avoid tempting scenarios and situations. Know that waiting together will make you stronger. Know that there is no "right" time to become sexually active. Avoid making spur-of-the-moment decisions to stop waiting. Find a partner that you know and trust. Work up to sex slowly. Ask yourself if you are ready before committing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Human-Faces | How to Draw Human Faces | To draw a human face, start by drawing an oval that's a little bit wider at the top. Then, divide the oval in half both ways by drawing a horizontal and vertical line. Next, draw 2 almond shapes on the horizontal line to make the eyes, and draw a nose so the bottom of the nose is halfway between the eyes and the chin. Once you've drawn the eyes and nose, add a mouth halfway between the nose and chin. Finally, add in the finishing touches, like ears, eyebrows, and hair. | Draw an oval slightly wider at the top than bottom. Lightly sketch a vertical line down the center, then draw a horizontal line halfway between the top and bottom of the oval. This line will give you the eye placement. Divide the remaining space below in half and make a line there. This will be for the base of the average-length nose. Divide the space below that into thirds. The mouth will be at the top of those thirds; the rest will be the chin. On the middle horizontal line, draw two almond shapes - these are the eyes. On an anatomically correct face, five eyes fit across the span of the face, with the length of an eye fitting in between the two that will be drawn. Starting from the left, the eyes we want are the second and fourth. The inner corner of most eyes tilts down; the outer corner can tilt up or down, depending. For our purposes, that outside corner should tilt up a bit, so that the line that describes the bottom lid looks like a very slight "s" shape on its side. Down the center line, draw a nose. The nose is narrowest between the eyes and widest at the nostrils. Notice how the tip turns under. Everyone's nose is unique, and if you are doing a portrait, capturing someone's nose exactly will give your drawing more authority. Go back up to the top horizontal line. On either side of this, draw ears. Notice that the ears stick out wider at the top and then come in near the lobes. Some lobes are attached and some are loose. Ears are pretty complicated to draw - keep them simple at first until you get an idea of their construction. Add a mouth. Make a flat, rounded "V" shape that is dips below the lowest line. That will be the bottom of the lower lip. Join that smile line with a wide, soft "M" shape—the top of the upper lip. Draw a very soft "m" shape between the two, which defines the separation of the lips, and the lip ratio. Moving the mouth up or down, and making the top and bottom lips with different proportions will help vary the look of the face you're drawing. Drawing the hair. Hair is hard to draw, but start off with lines (remember, this is line drawing). Is the hair straight? Parallel lines curving around the head. Is the hair curly? Curved lines. Notice how curly hair breaks into clumps composed of parallel strands. Finish with the neck. The neck is thicker than we like to think. The sides start at the top of the jaw line and go down on a curve. Add a collar or neckline of some sort. You can add a shirt, jacket, turtleneck—even nothing at all. The type of clothing you add will give your drawing some sense of time and place. Finished. | Draw an oval slightly wider at the top than bottom. On the middle horizontal line, draw two almond shapes - these are the eyes. Down the center line, draw a nose. Go back up to the top horizontal line. Add a mouth. Drawing the hair. Finish with the neck. Add a collar or neckline of some sort. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Asian-Eyes-Look-Bigger | How to Make Asian Eyes Look Bigger | If you want to make your Asian eyes look bigger, use a little makeup to get a more almond-shaped appearance. Curl your upper lashes upward and your lower lashes downward to draw attention away from your lash line. You can also apply mascara to the top and bottom of your eyelashes. This will draw more attention to the whites of your eyes and make them seem larger. Applying eyeliner just below the lash line and adding white eye shadow or eyeliner to the inner corners of the eye can also help give your eyes a lighter, rounder look. | Purchase your choice of adhesive. Eyelid glue (also known as “putti”) and eyelid tape are popular cosmetic items that help create a “second eyelid” for those who have mono-eyelids. Both the liquid adhesive and the tape are effective, though the tape may need modification to achieve a perfect fit. Eyelid tape comes in a few varieties, including rolls and “pre-cut” shapes. Wash your eyelids. Give your eyelids a gentle washing prior to applying an adhesive. Too much oil or makeup will cause problems for the adhesive, resulting in your eyelids not adhering properly. If you wish to wear makeup, apply after putting on the adhesive. Cut out a thin strip of tape. If using tape, cut a small thin strip that roughly matches the length of your eye. The tape should be completely obscured under the crease of your eye, so avoid cutting the tape too “wide.” Cutting an appropriate size may take some trial and error. Pre-cut strips may also have to be modified to fit without being visible. Not all eyes are the same! The shape of your eye, even if "almond," can vary drastically from another set of almond eyes. Review your eye carefully, and talk to a beautician if you need advice specific to your own eye shape. Apply the tape to the upper eyelid. Find the crease of your eye and apply the adhesive along the crease. Look in the mirror if you aren't quite sure where your to find your crease, or have a friend help while you apply the adhesive. Both eyelid glue and tape can be removed with warm water, or a small amount of makeup remover. Take care when removing the tape from your eyelids. Peel slowly to avoid stretching out your eyelids. Adjust with an applicator. Eyelid liquid glue comes with a small applicator. Once you have applied the glue, use the applicator to push a portion of the upper eyelid upward, so that the glue adheres to nearby skin, creating a fold. Note that both types of eyelid adhesives, particularly the liquid, may require physical adjustments to adhere in place. Practice using the applicator to create an additional eyelid fold prior to applying the glue. This saves you the trouble of having to reapply the glue if you apply the adhesive incorrectly the first time. Blink several times. Make sure your eyelid folds are to your liking and have a strong enough bond to last throughout the day. It will take some practice to get the perfect look on both eyes. If you feel one type of adhesive does not work well, give the other a try and see if it works better. Eyelid glue will last longer based on how much you layer on your eyelid. A thinner layer will dry quickly, but only last a few hours, whereas a thicker layer will last longer, though it will also feel more noticeable. Eyelid tape holds stronger than glue, but can be felt much more easily in the eyelid, meaning it may be uncomfortable over longer periods of time. Sweat and oil can cause the glue to lose its hold as the day wears on, so reapplication may be necessary (most notably in eyelid glue). Curl your lashes. Curl your upper lashes upward and your lower lashes downward to draw attention away from your lash line, which often appears very straight on almond-shaped eyes. This helps create an open look for your eyes, and couples well with mascara. False eyelashes work well for drawing attention away from the lash line, particularly if you don't have particularly prodigious natural eye lashes. Accentuate the eyes with mascara. Apply mascara to the top and bottom of your eye lashes to draw more attention to the whites of your eyes, making your eyes appear larger. Brush your upper eyelashes “outward” away from your face for three strokes, and repeat according to your desired thickness. Wiggle the mascara brush through your lower lashes to create a smokey look that adds to the contrast. Use a lengthening or volumizing mascara formula when highlighting the eyes. This creates a thicker, bolder look for your eyelashes, helping further highlight the whites. Apply a small amount of eyeliner. Apply eyeliner just below the lash line, avoiding the rim of your eye. Adding white eye shadow or eyeliner to the inner corners of the eye can also help give your eyes a lighter look and give the appearance of a bigger, rounder eye. Avoid encircling the whole eye with liner. Completely encircling the eye will create a “gated” look that makes your eye appear smaller and trapped Sign up for plastic surgery. Blepharoplasty is a permanent option for giving your eyes a rounder shape, or adding an additional eyelid fold for those with monolids. Consult with your plastic surgeon prior to surgery to get an idea of the nature of the procedure and whether such action can produce the looks you desire. Such surgery can also help remove sagging skin and bags under the eyes. Shape your eyebrows. Trimmed medium to thin eyebrows with a high arch are a common shape for drawing attention to the eyes, creating the illusion that they are much larger. Note that eyebrows frame your entire face, and altering the shape of your eyebrows may give your entire face a different appearance. Speak with a beautician before making any drastic changes to your eyebrows to understand how to rock the new look. Try colored contacts. Specially designed "circle" contacts are available that make the iris appear much larger, promoting a round, doe-eyed look. Black is a very popular color when it comes to choosing colored contacts as well, as it makes the pupil look much bigger, thus widening the eye. Speak to your optometrist before wearing contacts. Poorly made contacts or taking care of contacts incorrectly can damage the eye. Change up your hairstyle. Your hairstyle can change the way your whole face looks. Tell your hairdresser what you want specifically and ask for any recommendations and suggestions. You could also try changing to a hair color that contrasts with the color of your eyes, drawing greater attention to them. | Purchase your choice of adhesive. Wash your eyelids. Cut out a thin strip of tape. Apply the tape to the upper eyelid. Adjust with an applicator. Blink several times. Curl your lashes. Accentuate the eyes with mascara. Apply a small amount of eyeliner. Sign up for plastic surgery. Shape your eyebrows. Try colored contacts. Change up your hairstyle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-a-COVID-19-Antibody-Test | How to Understand a COVID-19 Antibody Test | A COVID-19 antibody test checks for COVID-19 antibodies in your blood, which can help determine whether you've already had the virus. If your antibody test comes back positive, that means there are COVID-19 antibodies in your blood and you were infected with the virus at some point in the past. A positive test doesn't mean you're currently sick or contagious, but make sure to listen to any recommendations your doctor gives you. Keep in mind that you can still have antibodies even if you never felt sick since some people infected with COVID-19 show no symptoms. If your antibody test comes back negative, that means you don't have COVID-19 antibodies in your blood and you haven't had the virus in the past. However, the results may come back negative if you've just been infected with the virus since it takes 1-2 weeks to develop antibodies. Even if your antibody test comes back positive, continue to take precautions against catching the virus since there's currently no evidence that having COVID-19 antibodies makes you immune. If you're unsure about the results of your COVID-19 antibody test, talk to your doctor so they can help you interpret the results and recommend what you should do moving forward. | Understand that a positive antibody test means that you had the virus in the past. Your body produces antibodies because it had a past infection. This means that if you have a positive antibody test, then you did have the COVID-19 virus at some point. It doesn't mean that you're currently sick or contagious, since the infection has probably passed already. Antibodies from COVID-19 usually take 1-3 weeks to appear in your body, so you're probably past the illness by the time antibodies form. However, listen to your doctor's instructions if they say you could still be contagious. This is different from a positive diagnostic test, which indicates that you have an active COVID-19 infection. They aren't the same test, and an antibody test doesn't measure for an active infection. Recognize that you can still have antibodies if you never felt sick. If you have a positive antibody test, you might be confused if you were never sick. This is normal, however. Not everyone who gets infected with COVID-19 shows symptoms, so you may have been infected without even knowing it. While data isn't certain, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as many as 80% of people with COVID-19 are either asymptomatic or had a mild illness. There is a good chance you may have had the virus and either felt only mildly sick or didn't show symptoms at all. Remember that your test could show a false-negative if it’s too early. Your body takes about 1-2 weeks to develop a full antibody response. This means that if you get an antibody test and you've just been infected with the virus, it will probably come back negative. It's possible that you'll still get sick after a negative antibody test. This is why doctors don't recommend getting an antibody test if you're currently sick. Your body hasn't built up enough antibodies to show up on a test yet. Continue going to work, if you are allowed to, if you have a positive antibody test. You might feel a little scared or alarmed after getting a positive antibody test. However, you probably don't have to make any major changes in your life. A positive result means that you likely had the virus in the past, so you probably are not currently contagious. Listen to your doctor's directions if they give you different advice. If you've recently been sick, then they may tell you to self-isolate for a few days or a week. Do not assume that you’re safe from the disease if you have antibodies. You might think that having antibodies means that you're immune to the virus. There is currently no evidence to support this, and even if you are immune for a short period, there's no indication of how long this will last. Continue taking the same precautions like wearing a mask, washing your hands often, and staying socially distant from people in public spaces. Ask your doctor if you have any additional questions. It's normal if you still have some uncertainties about your antibody test. If you're at all confused, ask your doctor for more clarification. They can tell you everything you need to know to keep yourself safe and healthy. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider for a test. Testing is either done in a doctor's office or a specified testing clinic, depending on where you live. Start by contacting your primary healthcare provider. They can tell you whether you should come to the office for a test or visit a specific facility. You can have a test whether or not you've been sick in the past. Since many people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, meaning they don't show symptoms, most areas allow all people to get an antibody test if they want it. Some states and countries have designated testing areas for antibody tests, and you'll need approval from your doctor to receive the test. Your healthcare provider should have all the information and instructions you need. Do not get tested if you’re actively showing COVID-19 symptoms. An antibody test can possibly tell you if you've had the virus in the past, but it won't work if you're currently sick. Instead, you need a COVID-19 diagnostic test, which is different from the antibody test. For a diagnostic test, a medical professional will take a swab from the back of your nose instead of a blood sample. Contact your healthcare provider and tell them that you're showing COVID-19 symptoms. Then follow their instructions for getting tested. If you're feeling short of breath or having trouble breathing, call emergency medical services right away. Make sure you tell them you're showing COVID-19 symptoms. Wear a facemask to the testing center. Most medical buildings have mask rules, and you won't be let in without one. Put on your mask before leaving your home and keep it on throughout your whole appointment. This is important for keeping yourself and others safe. If anyone brings you to the testing center, they have to wear a mask as well. The World Health Organization recommends that everyone in a COVID-19 affected area wear a mask outside at all times anyway, so make this part of your daily routine. Let the doctor draw some blood. A COVID-19 antibody test uses a small blood sample, so this will seem like a routine blood test for you. The doctor will either prick your finger or insert a needle into your arm and take a sample, just like any other blood test. They'll then send the sample out to a lab for testing. Wait a few days for your test results. COVID-19 antibody test results are usually ready within 24 hours. However, it might take a few days to hear your results. Try to stay patient and wait for an update on your results. In the meantime, continue taking all the necessary precautions to prevent yourself from getting sick. Wash your hands regularly, wear a mask outside, and keep your distance from people in public areas. You should do this no matter what the results of your antibody test are. | Understand that a positive antibody test means that you had the virus in the past. Recognize that you can still have antibodies if you never felt sick. Remember that your test could show a false-negative if it’s too early. Continue going to work, if you are allowed to, if you have a positive antibody test. Do not assume that you’re safe from the disease if you have antibodies. Ask your doctor if you have any additional questions. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider for a test. Do not get tested if you’re actively showing COVID-19 symptoms. Wear a facemask to the testing center. Let the doctor draw some blood. Wait a few days for your test results. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pick-a-Birthday-Gift-for-a-New-Girlfriend | How to Pick a Birthday Gift for a New Girlfriend | If picking a birthday gift for your new girlfriend is tricky, go for something that's not too expensive but shows a little romance. For example, make her a gift basket of her favorite snacks. Alternatively, buy or make her a cake with a cute message written in icing. You can also get her a voucher for a relaxing spa day. If there's an event that's not too far in the future, get her tickets for it. For a more sentimental option, get her a gift that references your relationship, like a coffee mug from the shop where you had your first date. Pair your present with a nice card and write a cute message in it. | Choose a sentimental gift. It will probably touch her heart if you buy your girlfriend something sentimental. For example, you could buy her something that represents how you met! That's probably not going to be too over-the-top, but it will convey that you are someone who's thoughtful and pays attention to details (and that you're happy you met her). Maybe you met in a coffee shop; get her a mug from there. Maybe you met her in a bookstore. Get her a book from the section she was in when you first saw her. The point of such a gift is to show you care without being too romantic because it's early on. The benefit of such an approach is that it's just a coffee cup! Yet, it also has a deeper meaning. Give her flowers that aren't roses. Roses are probably too romantic for a new relationship, and they're kind of a cliche anyway. You could look up the meanings behind other flowers. Send her a bouquet with a card that says, "Did you know calla lilies are said to symbolize magnificence and beauty? Happy birthday, and I just wanted you to know I'm glad we met, and I hope you have a nice day today!" Other flower meanings would work too. Daffodils would be a great choice because the yellow flowers symbolize new beginnings! It will up the romance if you have the flowers delivered. Purple irises symbolize eloquence. Gladiolus symbolizes strength of character. The goal here is to match the flower to something about her that you admire, and let her know the meaning. Stay away from cliches. You want to make an impression when a relationship is new. It would be a mistake to ignore her birthday because most people appreciate being remembered. However, you want to put some thought into it without seeming like you are getting too serious too fast. So avoid cliches. That means you should forget the box of chocolates. It also means that you can bypass the cheap bouquet of wilted roses at the local grocery store. Instead, strive for something that shows you've noticed her uniqueness, and you're a thoughtful person. That will make the best impression. Make her a cake. She might appreciate your effort, even if you're not a very good baker! Alternatively, you could buy her a cake with a creative saying on it that will have some meaning to her. You could also keep it lighter by making or buying a cupcake for her. Many communities have specialty cupcake stores. Buy her a creative flavor. Most people appreciate having a cake on their birthday, so she will probably appreciate the effort and, if you actually made it, and it's not perfect, she might even laugh (in a goodhearted way) and find it endearing. Buy her something moderately priced. The goal here isn't to spend too much money, but to show you've put some thought into it. You could buy her a pair of fluffy slippers, or a new iPhone case in a color that you know she likes. If she drinks, you could buy her a nice bottle of wine, and read up on the winery, so you explain why you picked that brand. Avoid buying her clothing if you've just met. It can be very perilous to try to guess women's sizes! Buy her nice stationery or a print you got at a local art fair. A good rule of thumb is to spend between $15 and $50 for a first gift. Spending more than $100 might make it seem like you are trying too hard to impress. Make her a gift basket. This should be one you put together yourself. Inside it, place inexpensive items that are things you know she likes. If she likes Snickers, for example, put some in there. Ditto with Cherry Coke. Or funny socks. Add in a book you know she would like, and a couple of movie tickets if she likes those. You could include a small stuffed animal (depending on her age; that works better if she's under 25). Put mostly food items in the gift basket or other things that relate to things she likes to do. If she loves golfing, you could include a new set of golf balls, for example! Buy something practical. If it's a new relationship, it's a good idea to err on the side of practicality versus romance. Don't buy her something that she'll laugh about to her friends, though, such as a toaster or a vacuum cleaner. Rather, buy her something that you've noticed she needs. She will probably appreciate your thoughtfulness. You could also buy her something more artistic for her house, such as a pretty vase you found. For example, you could buy her an espresso machine, and tell her you've noticed she likes espresso (if she does), but that she only has a regular coffee machine. Buy her tickets to a future event. However, don't make it too far into the future. That might be presumptuous if the relationship is new. What does work is to buy her tickets for an event that upcoming weekend (but maybe inquire gently as to whether she is available). You could also buy her tickets to a new movie she's been talking about wanting to see. These could be tickets to a local wine festival, to a concert for a band she enjoys, to a book reading, or to any number of things. Another possibility is to give her a card indicating the event you'd like to take her to, try to choose one that doesn't require tickets (like a local fest). That way you're not making assumptions about her time. These gifts are called "experience gifts," and they produce memories if you do them together! Take her to an amusement park! Offer to do something for her. Maybe you noticed that her hedges need trimming or that her refrigerator is making loud noises. Tell her for her birthday you would like to come over and help her out with X, Y, or Z. She will probably appreciate the fact she can rely on you. Give her a nice card that explains that, although the relationship is new, you are enjoying getting to know her, and wanted to do something that shows her she can rely on you as the relationship progresses. Smile and say, don't worry, when things aren't so new, I can be a romantic person too! But I'm trying to be respectful, and take it at a nice pace. Buy her a book. This gift has a dual purpose. It shows her that you are a person with intellect and also that you have a sense of her likes. Pick something that relates to a topic she is interested in. You probably can't go wrong with a book of poetry! Try E.E. Cummings or, if she is Irish, William Butler Yeats. Let's say she is a lawyer. You could get her a biography of a lawyer she admires. In other words, try to tie the book into her life somehow. Whatever you do, don't buy her a cheap pop culture paperback (unless it's a book she mentioned or the book a movie she loves was based on) and don't buy her a self-help book! Along the same lines, you could buy her a CD from a band she likes. Write her a poem. Even if you're not the best writer of all time, the fact that you tried will probably please her. The poem should be light and fun, not heady and about love at this point. One benefit of writing a poem in a new relationship is that poetry is subjective, meaning there are many ways to interpret it. And, at the beginning of a relationship, you will generally want to be a little mysterious still. You could focus the poem on an attribute of hers that you like. Don't only think physical (but, if you do, pick something like the color of her eyes or her smile). Keep it short! Instead, focus on a trait of hers you admire. Maybe it's how she talks to everyone the same, no matter their socioeconomic status. Maybe it's that she loves animals. Maybe it's that she is fearless or hard-working. Give her a nice card. You could find a card that is geared toward a new relationship. Hunt around in the card aisle. Find one that doesn't convey platonic friendship and isn't gushing with love, either. You can find poems with statements that fit an early relationship. Inside the card, write something short but heartfelt. You could write something like, "I've really enjoyed getting to know you, and I'm glad we met. Happy birthday! I look forward to seeing how this evolves." A nice touch would be to include a pressed flower inside the card representing a trait you see in her. Alternatively, you could write her a handwritten letter that expresses that you are happy you met her and explains what attracted you to her. Give her vintage jewelry. Everyone knows that jewelry connotes seriousness in a relationship, especially if it's a ring. So stay away from rings! It's too soon! However, that doesn't mean you can't give her jewelry just because the relationship is new. You can, but it should be something more decorative than romantic. You could get ideas of what she likes from her Pinterest page, if she has one. For example, you could pick up a pair of vintage earrings, and tell her you knew they'd look good on her when you saw them because they reminded you of the color she was wearing when you met. You could buy her a pretty bracelet, turquoise earrings, or basically any type of jewelry that is not a ring! Avoid gemstones like diamonds for now. Go quirky and artistic, not expensive. Invite her to dinner. Tell her you know she might be busy on her birthday, but if she's not, you'd love to take her to dinner. You could also make her dinner! Since it's a new relationship, don't assume she is spending her birthday with you, though. Ask her a few days before if you can take her to dinner for it! Ask her what her favorite restaurant is, unless you already know it. Pick something she will like or simply ask her where she would like to go. Make sure to pay! Come armed with a card. Dinner is an inherently romantic setting if you pick a place where you have to dress up. The other benefit of inviting her to dinner is that you will have a chance to talk to her and get to know her better. Make sure you tell the server it's her birthday! Buy her a candle. Candles are great because they have a romantic connotation, but they also can be simply decorative. Buy her a candle with a romantic scent, like cinnamon, ocean mist, or vanilla. Vanilla is an aphrodisiac. Try not to pick something too homespun, like an apple or pumpkin pie. The goal here is to send her a subtle signal that you want to pursue more than friendship. Put the candle in a pretty bag, and include a nice card that thanks her for the time you've spent together. Treat her to a spa. Tell her you know she has a lot on her plate at work (if she does), and that you wanted to make sure she takes time for herself! Give her a gift certificate for a massage at a reputable local salon, or for a manicure or pedicure. You could also treat her to a facial, but a massage might be a safer route because she won't think you're implying she needs it! You could just give her a general gift certificate to the spa, and include a list of the services inside, letting her pick! | Choose a sentimental gift. Give her flowers that aren't roses. Stay away from cliches. Make her a cake. Buy her something moderately priced. Make her a gift basket. Buy something practical. Buy her tickets to a future event. Offer to do something for her. Buy her a book. Write her a poem. Give her a nice card. Give her vintage jewelry. Invite her to dinner. Buy her a candle. Treat her to a spa. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Watch | How to Clean a Watch | If you need to clean a watch, remove the watch band from the dial, if possible. Gently wipe down the face of the watch with a polishing cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in soapy water. Next, use a toothpick or a cotton swab to clean the areas of the watch that connect to the band. Reassemble the watch, then wipe it down again with a clean lint-free cloth to remove any excess water or soap. | Determine the type of material of your watch band. The cleaning method you use will depend upon the type of band you have. Common band types are metal, leather, cloth, or stainless steel. If your watch is made out of plastic you can follow the same procedure to clean it as you would if it was made out of metal. Remove the band from the watch dial, if possible. Be very cautious about using liquids to clean your watch if you cannot remove the band. You can permanently damage the band. If you can remove the band there will be two tiny screws on either side of the band where the band connects to the watch face. You may need watch tools depending on the size of the screws, but take these out and you'll be able to remove your band. Put them in a safe place and don't lose them. Gather your materials. Depending on what kind of watch you are cleaning, you'll need polishing or lint-free cloths, mild detergent, a small bowl or container, and leather cleaner if you're cleaning the band of a leather watch. Immerse your nylon watchbands in the laundry. Easy enough! You don't have to worry about them as long as you keep them in a separate mesh bag. The rubber in your nylon band will absorb sweat and oil and if you don't wash it now and then it will crack and break. Make a mild soap and water mixture. If you have a watch band that is made of leather or cloth, use a small amount of vinegar instead of soap. You can use dish soap and room temperature water. Use only a small dollop of dish detergent. There's no formula, but you don't need that much. Place the band in the mixture. Remember that you should only use a mild soap and water mixture if the band is made of metal, otherwise replace the dish soap with a small amount of vinegar instead. This will help clean your band if it is leather or cloth without drying it out and cracking it. Allow the band to soak. You don't have to wait hours if the watch isn't noticeably dirty, letting it soak for a couple of minutes in a shallow bowl or container should do the trick. If your watch has been sitting in the mud outside your door step for ten years and you just found it, you might need to leave it for a few hours. Remove the band from the mixture. Take the band from the mixture and dry it using a polishing cloth from a jeweler or a lint-free cloth bought at a grocery store. Be careful not to scratch the surface. Check if there is any dirt remaining on the band. Bend and fold your band to check the nooks and cracks. If you have a linked band you should be certain to check back and forth. These areas often house dead skin, dirt and skin oils. There are less nooks in leather bands than there are in metal bands, but you'll still find areas where sweat and debris has gathered to form a layer of muck. Use a toothpick to get remaining dirt from small spaces. If you find dirt or any other material in your watch band you can use a toothpick to remove it. Dry the watchband thoroughly. You may choose to remove excess water with the cloth and allow the watchband to air dry, if time allows. Air drying is probably your best option. Use a leather cleaner to wipe down leather bands. Be certain that no excess cleaner exists on the band before reassembling the watch. For more detail look into how to clean a leather watch strap. Make a soap and water mixture. Use a mild dish soap and make sure you don't put too much in there. It's not going to hurt your watch necessarily but you will make the water all soapy. Do not apply bleach. This will destroy your watch. Don't use any sort of chemical substance other than mild soap or you risk causing serious damage to your watch. Always be careful and see how the watch responds to the treatment. Polish the dial or face of the watch. You have a few options here – you can clean with a polishing or lint-free cloth, a soft bristled toothbrush, or a chamois cloth. Just don't brush too hard or you might scratch the face of your watch. Rub to remove fingerprints and smudges from the crystal or glass. Clean between the areas of the watch that attach to the watch band. You can use a tooth pick to get into these areas. A Q-tip is also a good option. If you're going to complete a thorough cleaning of your watch then you have to take care to clean every part of the watch. Don't neglect the watch band just because it doesn't tell the time. The more time you spend caring for your watch band the longer it will last. Wipe the entire watch once more with the clean lint-free cloth. Once you have reassembled the watch and the watch band you should wipe the whole thing down once more to clean off any excess water or soap. | Determine the type of material of your watch band. Remove the band from the watch dial, if possible. Gather your materials. Immerse your nylon watchbands in the laundry. Make a mild soap and water mixture. Place the band in the mixture. Allow the band to soak. Remove the band from the mixture. Bend and fold your band to check the nooks and cracks. Use a toothpick to get remaining dirt from small spaces. Dry the watchband thoroughly. Use a leather cleaner to wipe down leather bands. Make a soap and water mixture. Polish the dial or face of the watch. Clean between the areas of the watch that attach to the watch band. Wipe the entire watch once more with the clean lint-free cloth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Like-a-Lady | How to Dress Like a Lady | To dress like a lady, make sure to keep your outfits modest by showing skin sparingly and not exposing too much cleavage or wearing excessively tight clothing. Additionally, try to keep your skirts, shorts, and dresses 2 to 3 inches above the knee or longer. You can also choose clothing in a neutral color palette, like white, black, or pastel colors to create a sophisticated and classy look. Finally, invest in timeless pieces such as a trench coat, leather jacket, or ballet pumps for a classic lady-like wardrobe. | Dress appropriately for the occasion. You'll dress a little differently going to a work meeting than you would a night out with friends. Make sure your ladylike outfit fits the occasion and that you feel comfortable and confident in your choice. Wear a pantsuit or tea-length skirt to a meeting or to the office. Put on shorts of an appropriate length and a light blouse to run errands during the summer. Wear an above-the-knee black dress for a night out. Keep your outfit modest and classy. One of the most important parts of dressing like a lady is showing skin sparingly. You don't have to only wear pants and shirts with high necklines, but try not to expose too much cleavage or wear skirts and shorts that are super short. It's also a good idea to avoid wearing excessively-tight clothing to stay classy. Exposing some of your back, ankles, or clavicle keeps your outfit classy yet feminine. Try to keep your skirts, shorts, and dresses 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) above the knee or longer. V-neck blouses or shirts are appropriate for work, while an off-the-shoulder top is good for a night out or casual wear. Choose a neutral color palette for your clothing. White, black, gray, navy, beige, and pastel colors create outfits that look very sophisticated and classy. Neutral colors will also look more expensive and give you a wide variety of pairing options when it comes to mixing and matching your wardrobe. Wear a black wrap dress during the day and add a beige shawl at night. Put on white linen pants and a pastel blouse on a warm summer day. Add a pop of color such as a bright blue scarf to complement a neutral-colored outfit. Invest in timeless pieces for a great wardrobe. There are some key pieces of clothing that look sophisticated and never go out of style, such as a trench coat or leather jacket. If necessary, spend a little extra to buy a piece of clothing that you'll wear a lot and will always take your outfit to the next level. Invest in a winter trench coat with a warm lining, or a summer trench coat made of a light material. Look for staple pieces that you can wear repeatedly, such as ballet pumps, a well-cut suede jacket, or a classy black handbag. Pick out quality fabrics that will last. The materials and textures that your clothing is made out of have a big impact when it comes to making your outfit look ladylike. Choose fabrics that will last and look nice, such as cotton, silk, wool, suede, and leather. Avoid super stretchy fabrics such as spandex. If you're wearing a see-through material, such as chiffon, make sure you wear something underneath it. Avoid flashy outfits and large logos. Clothing made of vibrant colors or fabrics, such as neons or shiny spandex, can be distracting. Try to stick to calmer colors, and stay away from large logos or pictures on shirts or dresses. Clothing covered in sequins, vibrant patterns, or other flashy materials doesn't look sophisticated or classy. Layer your clothing. Layering is a simple way to make your outfit look thought-out and stylish. Since your color palette will mostly be made of neutrals, it's also a good way to combine different colors with your outfit. Use jackets, sweaters, and shawls to add layers over your dress or shirt. Wear a shawl over your dress in the summer, or layer a sweater over a blouse in the colder months (you can even add a trenchcoat over the sweater, if desired). Wear tights under a dress or skirt in colder weather. Dress to instill confidence in yourself. You should feel confident, comfortable, and put-together in your clothing. Instead of choosing clothing just because you think a lady would wear it, make sure you're wearing pieces that you truly like and feel good in. Check blogs or websites like Pinterest for ladylike outfit inspiration. Opt for longer skirts and dresses. Making sure the length of your skirts and dresses comes to at least your knee will ensure your outfit always looks classy. Skirts and dresses tend to come in many lengths, such as knee-length, tea-length, and maxi, giving you options when it comes to how short or long you'd like your outfit to be. You can hem a longer skirt or dress to make it just the right length for you. A good rule of thumb is to place your arms at your sides with your fingers outstretched--if your skirt, dress, or shorts are shorter than your fingertips, they're too short. Find a skirt suit or pantsuit for an elegant work option. A skirt suit is a good option if you want a more feminine work look, while a pantsuit always looks professional. You can even get the suit tailored to fit your curves, making it look even more feminine. Wear a colored blouse with a black pantsuit and heels. Opt for a pastel-colored skirt suit and a white blouse underneath. Select a-line or shift dresses for a sophisticated look. These types of dresses (and skirts) are just the right amount of form-fitting—they'll accentuate your figure while keeping the outfit classy and tasteful. Look for dresses with a circle skirt, or skirts that flow gently down your legs. For a casual outfit, pair a plain v-neck shirt with a maxi skirt. Wear a gray shift dress to work, run errands, or eat out. Wear high-waisted skirts and trousers to show off your figure. These will make your legs look longer, and they look especially classy when you tuck in your shirt or blouse. Make sure the high-waisted skirt or pants fit you well and aren't too baggy or long. Wear gray high-waisted pants that pull together in a bow, paired with a white top and a statement necklace. Put on a white lace high-waisted skirt with a navy blue blouse. Pick out blouses to go with pants, shorts, and skirts. Blouses are a classy option that can be paired with skirts, shorts, and pants. Blouses made of materials such as chiffon or silk look sophisticated and hold up well—just make sure to wear a camisole underneath, if necessary. Wear a white button-up blouse with a pair of black cuffed jeans. Tuck a light blue blouse into a fitted white skirt. Tailor your clothing so that it fits well. Clothing with a good cut and fit will elevate your wardrobe and make you look professional and put-together. Check to make sure your sleeves and pants legs are the proper lengths, and get any baggy clothing tailored so that you feel comfortable and confident in it. For example, get pants hemmed so that they're right below your ankles. Long-sleeved clothing should reach your wrist, allowing you to move your hands freely. If a blazer is too baggy or a skirt is too big, get it tailored so that it fits you well. Pay attention to your accessories. Things such as your shoes and handbags will bring your outfit together. Choose heels or wedges that are a reasonable height, or ballet flats for a classic look. Pick out a handbag made of a durable and classy material, such as leather or suede, that you can use with many outfits. A black leather handbag is an accessory you can use almost every day. If you're wearing heels, make sure the heel isn't too high—you want to look classy while also being able to walk easily, so stick to a heel no taller than 2 inches (5.1 cm). Muted or pastel colors always make for a suitable handbag or shoe. Invest in quality undergarments. If the lining of your bra is showing through your shirt or dress, or the bra doesn't seem to fit well, find one that is more comfortable and seamless with your outfit. It's also a good idea to invest in other undergarments such as slips that you can wear under dresses or see-through articles of clothing. Get a bra fitting so that you know you're wearing the right size. Choose 1 or 2 classic pieces of jewelry to wear. Wearing too much jewelry can distract from the rest of your outfit. Try to choose a couple of pieces, such as a pearl necklace or diamond earrings, to add a little sparkle or sophistication to your outfit. Other classic pieces of jewelry might include gold bangles, a silver bracelet, or a statement necklace. Style your hair to look great with your outfit. You'll want to give your hair some attention as it's just as much part of your appearance as your clothing. Brush straight hair to give it some shine, or pull back curly hair from your face in a barrette or fabric headband. Give your hair some soft curls , or pull it back into a professional ponytail. Straighten your hair to remove any kinks or uneven patches for a smooth look. Opt for neutral makeup for a classy look. While you can wear blush, eyeliner, mascara, and other types of makeup, try to keep it minimal—you don't want your makeup to be distracting or overbearing. A small amount of makeup creates an elegant and ladylike look. Put on some red lipstick to take your look to the next level, if desired. Make sure your clothing is clean and wrinkle-free. Even if you have the perfect outfit, if it's wrinkled or has lots of lint on it, it won't look very good. Iron or steam your clothes if they're wrinkled, and use a lint roller to remove any pet hairs or other pieces of lint. Check the label on your clothing to make sure that they can be ironed or steamed to avoid damaging them. Polish your nails to complete your look. If you like to keep your nails painted, stick to neutral colors—these will match your clothing well and won't be distracting. Colors such as a pale pink look lovely and ladylike. Try a French manicure for a put-together look. It's more important for your fingernails to be in muted tones than your toenails—you can choose a more vibrant color for your toenails if desired, such as a red or light blue. | Dress appropriately for the occasion. Keep your outfit modest and classy. Choose a neutral color palette for your clothing. Invest in timeless pieces for a great wardrobe. Pick out quality fabrics that will last. Avoid flashy outfits and large logos. Layer your clothing. Dress to instill confidence in yourself. Opt for longer skirts and dresses. Find a skirt suit or pantsuit for an elegant work option. Select a-line or shift dresses for a sophisticated look. Wear high-waisted skirts and trousers to show off your figure. Pick out blouses to go with pants, shorts, and skirts. Tailor your clothing so that it fits well. Pay attention to your accessories. Invest in quality undergarments. Choose 1 or 2 classic pieces of jewelry to wear. Style your hair to look great with your outfit. Opt for neutral makeup for a classy look. Make sure your clothing is clean and wrinkle-free. Polish your nails to complete your look. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Beta-Tester | How to Become a Beta Tester | To become a beta tester, look for information on developers' websites about open positions to test their products. You can also ask about beta testing in gaming or software forums online, since people might have information about opportunities that they're willing to share. Also, try joining a beta testing group on Facebook or other social media, because sometimes developers will post openings there. When you hear about an opportunity, either apply online through their website or send a brief email offering to volunteer as a tester. | Put in some research. While some games have open betas and some other beta testing positions are advertised, most paid beta testing isn't. If you have a particular game or program in mind, try looking for information on the developer's website. Some gaming and software forums may also have valuable information to share with you. If you don't have a specific game or program in mind, you can search for positions. Try searching for "Beta Testing Job", "Crowdsourced Beta Testing", and "Freelance Software Testing". You'll turn up plenty of results. Contact developers. Once you have found the products you are interested in testing, look up who their developer is. If they were looking to bring on beta testers they will probably have an online application. If not, simply send an email. Briefly explain your interest, testing experience and skills in volunteering as a tester. Be succinct and to the point. Developers are busy. Be as brief and concise as possible. It'll look more professional too. Consider volunteering. As is the case in many industries, you can get your start by volunteering. Companies will often look for volunteer testers, and they may bring on those with talent and dedication for a paid position. Keep an eye out for new opportunities. Search for information on blogs, news articles, and game or software teasers that can provide news regarding products that are entering a beta testing phase. Join beta testing groups. You can also join beta testing groups and communities. Sometimes, developers advertise on their message boards or post announcements regarding upcoming betas. If nothing else, you'll be able to communicate and gain experience from other testers. Be detailed and accurate. If you are accepted as a beta tester, focus on providing detailed, useful information for the developer. Beta testing might not be as exciting as you anticipated. Odds are that you will be tasked with testing one specific function over and over. There are many specific testing roles. Focus on excelling at yours. If you succeed in a limited role, you may be asked to take on additional new and exciting tasks. Focus on the GUI. One of the most common areas to begin beta testing is by evaluating the General User Interface (GUI) and ensuring that it is straightforward and user friendly. Interactions with the GUI should be easy, quick, and enjoyable Make sure available functions make sense. All available actions on a page should make logical sense, both visually and functionally. Does every tab on a particular page belong? Are similar tabs placed next to each other? There are a lot more factors than you would initially think to consider. Verify that the mechanics function as intended. This is the most common task that people associate with beta testing. Repeat simple actions and make sure that they all run smoothly and as they should.You'll need to discuss with the developer how the mechanics are supposed to function, and use that as the baseline for your observations. While people get excited because they are testing how to run or shoot in a game, more often than not you'll be running into or shooting the same wall repeatedly. Don't get distracted by testing anything outside of the requested parameters. Promote the product. Never trash the product you've been testing. If you don't like the product, keep that to yourself. You've only been testing a pre-production version of the software anyway. You have been trusted to both be objective during testing and act professionally afterwards. Trashing a product can ruin the opportunity to beta test in the future. If you were a skilled beta tester, you contributed to making the product better. If you enjoyed your experience, consider referring suitable friends for future beta testing positions. | Put in some research. Contact developers. Consider volunteering. Keep an eye out for new opportunities. Join beta testing groups. Be detailed and accurate. Focus on the GUI. Make sure available functions make sense. Verify that the mechanics function as intended. Promote the product. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-Learning-Japanese | How to Start Learning Japanese | To start learning Japanese, try watching Japanese videos or listening to radio programs online. Additionally, get to know easy phrases like "Kon'nichiwa," which means "Hello," and "Sayonara," which means "Goodbye." You can also purchase or make your own Japanese flashcards with key words and phrases on them. Then, post them around your home so you see them every day. Once you know some phrases, try video chatting with a native Japanese speaker online through a language pairing website. | Learn Hiragana. Hiragana is the Japanese alphabet. It is comprised of 51 phonetic characters, and each character stands for exactly one sound. (This is different from English in which one letter may sound different in different contexts). Once you know Hiragana, you will know how to pronounce any word in Japanese. Begin your Japanese journey by studying and memorizing these characters. Learn some Katakana. Katakana is a series of characters used to stand for loan words or non-Japanese words (such as hot dog or internet). You will want to learn the Katakana terms for English words you are likely to use. Learn Kanji. Kanji are typographic Chinese symbols that are used to stand for basic words and phrases in Japanese. Whereas Hiragana symbols are more like English letters (depicting simple sounds), Kanji symbols are used to depict complete words. Knowing some basic Kanji will enable you to understand and speak basic Japanese. Avoid relying on Romaji. Romaji is a system of using English letters to spell Japanese words. Romaji can be useful for learning initial key phrases, or for online communications. If you rely too much on Romaji, however, you will never move on to a genuine grasp of the language. Focus your study on Hiragana, Katakana, and some Kanji. Practice grammar. In order to learn Japanese grammar, you'll need to try to forget everything you already know about grammar. Don't apply the rules and concepts of your native language to Japanese. Instead, try to take the rules of Japanese grammar at face value. Obtain a Japanese grammar workbook and begin following the lessons. Some good choices include "Practice Makes Perfect: Basic Japanese" and "A Guide to Japanese Grammar" by Tae Kim. Locate free online resources (such as Duolingo) to study Japanese grammar. Learn some key phrases. Learning a few key phrases will allow you to begin practicing, and may allow you to enjoy some casual conversation with a Japanese speaker. Although Romaji should not be relied upon, using Romaji to learn these basic phrases can work as a good jumping off point. Hello - Kon'nichiwa Goodbye - Sayonara I'm fine, thanks - Watashiwa genki desu. Arigato. Thank you very much - Domo arigato gozaimasu Nice to meet you - Hajime mash'te Use flashcards. You can purchase Japanese language flashcards, or make them yourself at home. You can then practice with them in a variety of ways. Flashcard can be a great way to strengthen your vocabulary in all three language systems (Hiragana, Kanji, or Katakana). Post the flashcards around your house to label items with their Japanese names. You can have a friend quiz you with flashcards to practice your memorization of Hiragana letters, Kanji words, or words in Katakana. You can use the flashcards to quiz yourself. Speak like a kid. Small children are fantastic at learning new languages because they are not afraid to mimic sounds. They are not embarrassed. Tap into that childlike shamelessness, and practice repeating Japanese sounds, words, and phrases, even if you you're not pronouncing them quite right. Practice with someone in person. The very best way to strengthen what you have learned and fine-tune your grammar is to practice your Japanese with another person. If you have a friend that is a native speaker, make a date and chat with them! If you don't know any native speakers, you can search for international meet-ups or language exchange groups in your area. Talk to someone online. Another great option is to video-chat with a native speaker. There are numerous online resources that pair language partners together. Seek out a new friend who speaks Japanese and speak to them using your computer. Make mistakes! Making mistakes and getting corrected by native speakers is probably the most effective way to learn the nuances of Japanese. Don't avoid words that you are aren't sure about or skip over phrases that you may mispronounce. Making mistakes means that you are genuinely trying to learn. Move outside your comfort zone. Get feedback from others. Some Japanese speakers may not want to correct you out of respect, so make it clear that you'd appreciate some guidance. Enroll in a class. One of the most effective ways to learn a new language is enroll in a class. With the guidance of an instructor, lesson plans, workbooks, and best of all, lots of other people to practice with, enrolling in a Japanese language class can be an excellent use of your time. In addition to helping you learn the language, a class like this can help you meet new people. Watch Japanese movies. In order to learn Japanese, you'll want to expose yourself to as much of the language as you can. Spend your down time watching films or television shows in Japanese. This will expose you to a wider range of terms (including slang) and provide you with another avenue to sharpen your understanding skills. Read. Try to get your hands on Japanese books or a Japanese newspaper. This will expose you to a whole host of new words and phrases, and reading is a very active way to learn. By trying to read in Japanese you will engage deeply with this new language. Listen to Japanese radio. Like television and films, listening to Japanese radio can be a great resource for encountering new words and practice listening. Seek out Japanese music with lyrics and try to sing along. Or look for Japanese talk radio. Japanese podcasts or language learning podcasts can be great resources as well. Immerse yourself. Placing yourself in a completely immersive environment is the most effective way to learn a foreign language. If you have the opportunity to go to Japan, or even to spend time with a Japanese family in America, take it. If you have any Japanese friends, see if it is possible for you to spend a bit of time at their home. Watch people talk. Speaking Japanese will require you use your mouth in a different way than you are used to. In order to produce the proper sounds, you may need to make new shapes with your lips and tongue. Watch the mouth of a Japanese-speaker to get a visual understanding of how to produce these sounds in your mouth. Use electronic dictionaries. Trying to find Kanji words in a paper dictionary can be tedious. Instead, use electronic dictionaries to expand your vocabulary, fill in gaps in conversation, and aid in your understanding of new terms. You may use a free online dictionary, download an app for your phone, or invest in a pocket translator. | Learn Hiragana. Learn some Katakana. Learn Kanji. Avoid relying on Romaji. Practice grammar. Learn some key phrases. Use flashcards. Speak like a kid. Practice with someone in person. Talk to someone online. Make mistakes! Enroll in a class. Watch Japanese movies. Read. Listen to Japanese radio. Immerse yourself. Watch people talk. Use electronic dictionaries. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Invert-Sugar | How to Invert Sugar | Inverting sugar is a process where you use heat and acid to change the texture and taste of sugar. To invert sugar, first you'll need to combine ½ pound of sugar, ⅛ teaspoon of citric acid or cream of tartar, and ¾ cup of water. Place the mixture in a large saucepan on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it starts to boil. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture gently simmer until it reaches 236 degrees Fahrenheit. This can take between 20 and 40 minutes. If you want your sugar to have a richer color, you can simmer it longer and add additional water so it doesn't burn. After it's done cooking, let the inverted sugar cool, then pour it in a large, glass jar, and store it in the refrigerator. It should keep for 6 months to a year. | Combine all three ingredients in a medium saucepan. Add the sugar, water, and citric acid to a non-reactive saucepan and stir the ingredients together until combined. Standard granulated sugar can be used, but extra fine granulated sugar and cane sugar are better options. Extra fine granulated sugar already consists of smaller crystals, which further reduces the likelihood of crystallization occurring in the inverted sugar syrup. Cane sugar consists of fairly large granules, but it gives the final product more flavor. It is preferred especially among those using invert sugar for home brewing. Note that 1/8 tsp (1/2 g) cream of tartar can be used instead of the citric acid if desired. Either ingredient is an adequate acid catalyst and will help the sucrose sugar break down into glucose and fructose. Do not use both cream of tartar and citric at the same time, however. Boil the contents of the pan. Place the saucepan on a stove and heat it over medium-high. Continue heating until mixture begins to boil gently. Induction stovetops and electric stoves are preferred over gas stoves for this process. The gentle, even distribution of heat provided by induction and electric stoves is better than the direct heat given off the flames of a gas burner. Stir the mixture as it heats up to distribute the heat evenly, but stop stirring once the mixture reaches a boil. Scrape the sides of the pan. Use a wet pastry brush to scrape stray sugar crystals off the sides of the pan and into the boiling syrup. Dip the pastry brush in clean water before using it to wash down the sides of the pan. This additional water should not have any effect on the final product. Reduce the heat and let the contents simmer. Reduce the heat to low or medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer lightly for 20 minutes to 2 hours. Do not stir the sugar mixture as it simmers. Stirring will encourage the sugar particles to clump together, which will increase the risk of crystallization and create a grittier final product. Keep the temperature low during this part of the process. High temperatures can cause the sugar to caramelize, which could ruin the final product. Regardless of how long you allow the mixture to boil, it should reach a temperature of at least 236 degrees Fahrenheit (114 degrees Celsius) before you proceed any further past this step. If you want the invert sugar to remain light in color, simmer it for a shorter period of time. To produce a rich amber color, simmer it for a longer period. Watch the invert sugar syrup as it simmers. Once the volume decreases by one-third of the original volume, stir in another 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water. This will prevent the invert sugar from burning in the pan. Doing so is typically only necessary if you choose to simmer it beyond 30 to 40 minutes, though. Let cool to room temperature. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the invert sugar cool at room temperature until it reaches room temperature. Keep the saucepan covered as the invert sugar cools to prevent dust and debris from floating in. After the invert sugar cools to room temperature, it can be used immediately or stored for later use. Pour the invert sugar into jars. Pour the cooled invert sugar into a large glass jar, leaving at least 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of empty headspace at the top of the jar. Seal tightly. You do not need to can the invert sugar, but it the seal should be fairly airtight. Glass jars work best because they are less permeable than plastic containers, but a plastic container can be used if no glass one is available as long as the plastic container has an airtight lid. A 1 pt (1/2 L) glass jar should provide enough space for 1/2 lb (225 g) of invert sugar, but if create a larger batch, make sure that you increase the jar size, too. Store in the refrigerator. Place the sealed jar in your refrigerator. When sealed and refrigerated properly, the invert sugar should be able to last anywhere between 6 months and 1 year. Check the sweetener for mold before using it. If you see any signs of mold, you should discard the remaining portion. Note the benefits of invert sugar. Invert sugar is often used in professional and commercial kitchens because, among other benefits, it can increase the overall shelf life of many baked goods. There are other reasons to use invert sugar, too. The slow heating process breaks down the sucrose into fructose and glucose. The sugar crystals become smaller, so the food made with the invert sugar takes on a smoother texture. The smaller crystals also allows invert sugar to dissolve quicker. Invert sugar is hygroscopic, so it absorbs moisture from the air. This property keeps bacteria in check and elongates the shelf life of baked goods. Invert sugar has a lower freezing point than standard sugar, so frozen dairy products are less likely to crystallize and more likely to remain soft and easy to scoop. Know which recipes benefit most from invert sugar. Invert sugar is rarely used as a straight sweetener, but you can use it when preparing baked goods, candies, frozen sweets, and home brews. Baked goods made with invert sugar tend to be softer and have a longer shelf life. Candies made with invert sugar tend to have a smoother texture. Ice cream, sorbets, sherbets, and other frozen sweets made with invert sugar tend to develop fewer ice crystals. They also remains softer, smoother, and easier to scoop.' Home brews benefit from the use of invert sugar because it dissolves quicker, giving the yeast quicker access to the sugar it needs. Warm the invert sugar before use. If you are using invert sugar after storing it in your refrigerator, it is usually beneficial to measure out the amount you want and allow it to drop to room temperature before using it in a recipe. After you've stored the invert sugar for a while, you may notice crystals beginning to form. If this happens, you should gently heat the amount you want to use in a double boiler over low heat, stirring frequently. Within several minutes, the crystals should dissolve again and the invert sugar should be ready to use. Follow the recipe. When a recipe calls for invert sugar, simply add it according to the recipe instructions. Since invert sugar is primarily used in commercial kitchens, recipes written for the home cook rarely list it as an ingredient. As such, you will usually use invert sugar as a substitute for other sweeteners. Substitute the invert sugar in place of standard sugar or honey. You can usually use invert sugar in a recipe that calls for standard sugar or honey, but the amount of invert sugar you need to substitute can vary. Note that invert sugar is sweeter than normal sugar due to the free fructose crystals in it. As a result, you should lose about 25 percent less invert sugar than normal sugar. When using invert sugar instead of standard granulated sugar, cut down the amount of liquid in the recipe by one-fifth to one-fourth of the amount of measured invert sugar. This adjustment should be made to compensate for the fact that invert sugar is a liquid while standard granulated sugar is a solid. Substitute invert sugar and honey in equal proportions, however, and do not change the amount of liquid in the recipe. Since invert sugar retains moisture, it is generally recommended that you only replace half the amount of sugar or honey instead of replacing the full amount. For example, you can use 1/4 cup (60 ml) of invert sugar and 1/4 cup (60 ml) of honey for a recipe that calls for 1/2 cup (125 ml) of honey. As another example, you can use 1/4 cup (60 ml) of invert sugar and 1/4 cup (60 ml) of regular granulated sugar for a recipe that calls for 1/2 cup (125 ml) regular granulated sugar. Note that you should also reduce the amount of liquid in this recipe by about 1 Tbsp (15 ml), regardless of whether the recipe calls for 1/4 cup (60 ml) or 3 cups (750 ml). | Combine all three ingredients in a medium saucepan. Boil the contents of the pan. Scrape the sides of the pan. Reduce the heat and let the contents simmer. Let cool to room temperature. Pour the invert sugar into jars. Store in the refrigerator. Note the benefits of invert sugar. Know which recipes benefit most from invert sugar. Warm the invert sugar before use. Follow the recipe. Substitute the invert sugar in place of standard sugar or honey. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-a-Baseball-Cap-by-Hand | How to Wash a Baseball Cap by Hand | To wash a baseball cap by hand, first fill a sink or bucket with warm water. Add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of laundry detergent or dish soap, then dip your hat in the water. Use a clean toothbrush to spot clean any stains. For stubborn sweat stains, apply a little shampoo to the stains and scrub it in with the toothbrush. Submerge your hat in the soapy water and let it soak for up to 2 hours. Then, thoroughly rinse the suds out of your hat under warm water. Gently pat the hat with a towel to remove excess water. Finally, place your hat on something rounded so it keeps its shape, like a jar or balled-up towel, and let it air dry. If you're cleaning an old hat with a cardboard bill, avoid soaking it in water so you don't damage it. Instead, just spot clean the hat with soapy water. | Get a container of water ready. You can use a clean bucket, but a kitchen or bathroom sink is also fine. Fill it with water. It's best to use cool water. If the cap is really dirty, you can use slightly warm water. Definitely avoid hot water, however, since this can damage the hat. Add a bit of laundry detergent. Any type of non-bleach detergent normally used for clothing should work. You don't need much of it - about a tablespoon should be plenty. Make sure it is thoroughly mixed into the water. Tackle any trouble spots first. If there are any especially soiled spots on your hat, like clumps of mud or stains, you can pre-wash those. Take a clean cotton swab or an old toothbrush. Dip it in the detergent you are using, and gently spot-clean. Let your hat soak. Plunge your hat into the mixture of cool water and detergent so that it is thoroughly wet. Then, just walk away! Let it soak for a while, preferably for several hours. This will gently clean your hat. You can periodically lift your hat out of the water to check and see if dirt and grime are soaking off. Rinse the suds away. After your hat is done soaking, drain the water from your bucket or sink. Place the hat under warm (not hot) running water. Rinse away all of the suds. This should also help remove any lingering traces of grime. Pat your hat dry. Grab a clean towel and dab at the hat. This will wick away a lot of the water. Just make sure to be gentle, and not scrub. Once the excess water is gone, just leave your hat out to air dry. Placing your hat on top of a melon, ball, or other rounded object will help it keep its shape while it dries. You can also just wear the hat until it is dry. Do not put your hat in a clothes dryer. This will damage it. Get a cleaner specifically intended for wool. The fibres of wool are durable and long-lasting, but they also require different sorts of cleaners. Look for a detergent that says it is meant for wool, or can be safely used with wool fabrics. Let your hat soak for several hours. Mix a small amount (about a tablespoon) of wool-safe detergent into a bucket or sink filled with cool water. Let your wool baseball cap soak in this mixture for about an hour. If your cap is especially dirty, you can spot clean it by dunking the hat in the water, then rubbing any trouble areas with your hands or an old toothbrush. Just don't scrub hard, since this can damage the wool. Rinse the cap clean. Empty your bucket or sink after your cap has had a chance to soak. Hold the hat under cool running water until all traces of suds and grime are gone. Dry your cap on a rounded surface. Wool fabric is especially prone to losing its shape if not dried properly. Set the cap on top of a melon, ball, balloon or other rounded object about the size of your head, and let it air dry. In a pinch, you can even let your cap dry on top of a round coffee can. It may not be comfortable, but you can also wear your until it is dry to help it keep its shape. Never place a wool cap in a clothes dryer. Test old hats for color fastness before cleaning. Older baseball caps are great collector's items, but it's sometimes hard to tell what they are made of or how to best care for them. Generally, you can wash older caps with a mixture of a little detergent and cool water. However, use a cloth to dab a bit of the mixture on the hat in an inconspicuous spot (like the inside of the band) before starting. If the color of the hat comes off on the cloth or seems to run, don't clean the cap yourself. Either take it to a professional cleaner or leave it as-is. If the color seems to hold, you can clean the cap with water and detergent. Spot clean old baseball caps. Older caps tend to be more delicate, so you don't want to dunk them into water. Instead, use a clean soft cloth or an old toothbrush dipped in a mixture of cool water and a small amount of detergent to gently spot clean any areas that are dirty. Once the grime has been lifted off, dip your cloth in clear, cool water and dab at the cap to remove the detergent. Leave your cap alone to air dry. Lay the cap on top of a rounded object like a soccer ball or honeydew melon. Look for something that is approximately head sized. Leave the cap alone until it has thoroughly dried. | Get a container of water ready. Add a bit of laundry detergent. Tackle any trouble spots first. Let your hat soak. Rinse the suds away. Pat your hat dry. Get a cleaner specifically intended for wool. Let your hat soak for several hours. Rinse the cap clean. Dry your cap on a rounded surface. Test old hats for color fastness before cleaning. Spot clean old baseball caps. Leave your cap alone to air dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-the-Risk-of-Breeding-Cleft-Palate-Puppies | How to Reduce the Risk of Breeding Cleft Palate Puppies | To reduce the chances of breeding puppies with cleft palates, give the mother a well-balanced diet during her pregnancy. She'll need more food as the pregnancy progresses to support her growing babies. You should also give her folic acid supplements to ensure that the puppies develop properly. Additionally, you can keep the mother and her growing puppies healthy by staying up-to-date on vaccines, keeping the dog's eating and living areas clean, and keeping toxic substances out of reach. If your dog gets sick, work with your vet to develop a treatment plan that's safe for both the mother and puppies. | Ensure your pregnant dog eats a healthy diet. Aside from a dog's genetic make up, the health and well-being of it mother during pregnancy are also extremely important. During the first two trimesters - or roughly 40 days - of the dog's pregnancy, her nutritional requirements are that same as that of a healthy adult dog. The puppies really begin to develop physically in the third trimester, meaning you'll need to provide more food for the mother dog. During the first two trimesters, monitor your dog's weight and behavior and feed her normally. If she begins to lose any weight at all, slowly increase the amount you are feeding her. Week 6 through week 8 of your dog's pregnancy demand particularly high energy output for the mother. She will need anywhere from 30-60% more food than normal, depending in party on the size of her litter. She also may struggle to eat, as she will be quite literally filled with puppies. Provide a dog food designed to be highly digestible during the third semester in particular. These foods are often labeled as puppy, growth, or development foods. Provide small meals throughout the day to allow the mother to eat whenever she is able. Provide folic acid supplements to your pregnant dog. Folic acid is a nutrient that has proven to be especially important to puppies' healthy development. In fact, supplements of this nutrient alone will reduce the risk of cleft palate, even in genetically predisposed breeds. Give your pregnant dog 2.5mg tablets pf folic acid every day for the first three weeks of their pregnancy. Protect your pregnant dog from infection. Viral infections in a mother dog may increase the risk of her puppies having cleft palates. Further, pregnant dogs are also more susceptible to infection. You can help prevent infection by keeping your dog up-to-date on their vaccinations, allowing them to only drink clean, fresh water, and regularly cleaning their living space, especially any outdoor areas in which they regularly defecate. If your dog is behind on their vaccinations and become pregnant, talk to your veterinarian about potentially vaccinating the dog. Keep your pregnant dog away from potential poisons. Exposure of a pregnant dog to any toxic substances may increase the likelihood that her puppies will have cleft palates. As such, make sure your dog does not get anything that may poison her during her pregnancy, such as household chemicals, prescription drugs, etc. Medicate a pregnant dog carefully. There are many medications that are commonly provided to dogs that are unsafe to provide to a pregnant dog. For instance, do not give a pregnant dog corticosteroids, as they may be especially likely to cause a cleft palate. Talk to your vet about any medications you may be providing to your dog. Ask something like, “Do these medications place the health of her puppies at risk?” Determine if your dog's breed is at particular risk. While any dog breed of dog can be born with a cleft palate, purebred dogs suffer from a higher incidence of this developmental issue. Brachycephalic breeds, which tend to have short or effectively absent muzzles, are the most commonly affected. The specific breeds that are at greatest risk include Boston terriers, Pekingese, bulldogs, miniature schnauzers, beagles, cocker spaniels, and dachshunds. Do not breed dogs that carry the genes for cleft palates. More to the point, do not breed dogs that were born with cleft palates or parents of offspring with cleft palates. It is likely that the gene for particular types of cleft palate is recessive, and can be carried by male as well as female dogs. As such, dogs that were born with cleft palates and their parents are all likely carries of genetic material that is likely to cause cleft palates in their offspring. Spay or neuter dogs with cleft palates. Not all pregnancies are intended. Accordingly, the best way to remove the genetic defects that cause cleft palates from the gene pool is by neutering or spaying the dogs that carry the genes corresponding with these defects. It is cruel to breed dogs knowing that the puppies are especially likely to suffer from genetic maladies. Recognize symptoms of a cleft palate. There are many different types and degrees of a cleft palate. Many are immediately apparent, causing teeth and gums to show unnaturally, or a nostril to be misshapen. Secondary cleft palates may be hidden within the mouth, but can still put a puppy at considerable health risk. Signs that may indicate a secondary cleft palate include sneezing and snorting during nursing or eating, a runny nose after eating, coughing or gagging while drinking water, stunted growth, and breathing issues. Check for a cleft palate manually. You can peer into a puppy's mouth or reach within it to check for a cleft palate in the hard palate. Simply look at the roof of the dog's mouth or run your finger along this area. Look or feel for signs that the palate is not entirely fused. A puppy will likely have to be anesthetized for check their soft palate, as this is located further back in the throat. Whether or not you are able to find evidence of a cleft palate yourself, take your dog to the vet if you are concerned about their health. Take care of a puppy after treatment. A puppy with a cleft palate may need surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery will likely be risky. Obey all of your veterinarian's directions following a pet's surgery, which will likely include the following: Provide antibiotics in the event of an infection. Have the puppy wear an e-collar for at least a week to prevent them from rubbing their face. Feed the puppy soft, wet food that has been blended for 2-4 weeks following the surgery. Withhold hard food or toys for a month following the surgery. | Ensure your pregnant dog eats a healthy diet. Provide folic acid supplements to your pregnant dog. Protect your pregnant dog from infection. Keep your pregnant dog away from potential poisons. Medicate a pregnant dog carefully. Determine if your dog's breed is at particular risk. Do not breed dogs that carry the genes for cleft palates. Spay or neuter dogs with cleft palates. Recognize symptoms of a cleft palate. Check for a cleft palate manually. Take care of a puppy after treatment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Exercise-a-Hamster | How to Exercise a Hamster | To exercise a hamster, put a hamster wheel in its cage, or let it run around outside its cage in a hamster ball. You should also provide structures that give your hamster a chance to climb, like horizontal bars or tubes that it can climb through. Additionally, make sure your hamster has access to toys, such as small stones that your pet can move around, or boxes with multiple openings that it can explore. | Provide the cage with a hamster wheel or "tread-wheel". This is a wheel that turns about when the hamster steps inside and causes the hamster to run as he continues to turn it around. When choosing a hamster wheel or tread-wheel, the following is recommended: Ensure that the wheel is solid. If your hamster chews a great deal a solid metal wheel is best. Never use a mesh or barred wheel - these can cause serious injury because the feet can get stuck between the slats or bars. Check the wheel for size. Syrian/Golden hamsters need wheels that are at least 8" in diameter although 10" plus-sized wheels are guaranteed to be large enough for their entire life. Dwarf species require wheels to be a minimum of 6.5" in diameter. Wheels that are too small can cause severe back problems and is often a reason for hamsters not using them and subsequently becoming bored. Don't place a hamster wheel into a cage with a nursing mother; the mother may lose interest in her young and young hamsters tend to try to get in the wheel together and run on top of one another, thereby creating the potential for injury. Give your hamster a hamster ball. A hamster ball is another great way to give your pet some fun exercise in a safe way. The beauty of a hamster ball is that your hamster cannot fit under anything and get stuck; just make sure that the lid to the ball is closed tightly so that your hamster doesn't get loose. Also make sure that there are no stairs or other drop-offs that your hamster could roll over. As with wheels, ensure that they are large enough to prevent damage to their spines. When using a hamster ball outside the cage, be present at all times so that you can fend off any other pets or hazards before they turn into a problem. It is a good idea to lay down a hula hoop on the floor to provide a boundary that prevents the hamster ball from going anywhere else. You should still watch your hamster in the ball but this makes it easier to keep your hamster in one place. Provide the ability to indulge in climbing. Hamsters love to climb, which is why providing a cage with horizontal bars on it is a great way to encourage your hamster to climb (it also provides terrific ventilation). Of course, the downside for you of a bar cage is that the mess drops out easily. Try to find ways to deal with this, such as having newspaper laid across the surface where the cage sits, or locating the cage inside a much larger base container to catch things that fall out. If you have a Roborovski hamster, choose a mouse cage over a metallic hamster cage because the young ones can squeeze between the bars and escape. Provide toys. Play is exercise and toys are the tools of play that lead to exercise. There are quite a few hamster toys you can improvise, or you can buy them from the pet store if preferred. Here are just some ideas to get you started: A piece of sisal rope: Hang it from the top of the cage. This is great for climbing practice. Build hamster toys out of household items such as empty kitchen and toilet paper rolls. These are very similar to the movement provided by the hamster ball, these will delight the hamster for ages until he discovers he can chew it up too! A stump of wood or tree twigs taken from fruit or willow trees. These will give the hamster something to chew on (jaw exercise) as well as material to carry about and build with. Small smooth stones or pebbles of interesting shapes: These could act like mini-weights, as the hamster carries them about, rolls them, and tries to build things with them. Tin cans which have had all sharp ends removed. This can make a good metallic tube for the hamster to explore. Jar without a lid. This can be another fun place to explore and roll around in. Boxes with multiple openings. This can provide good exercise through hunting and seeking to get through and around the boxes. You could also place differently sized boxes inside a large container to make an open playpen for your hamster to explore. Buy hamster tubes. You can buy hamster tubes to create an elaborate labyrinth for your hamster to climb in. This gives the hamster a lot of places to climb and plenty of tubes to run around through. Buy a few to extend your cage, or buy many to make the tubes cover an entire wall. Remember, Syrian hamsters might not fit in the tubes and get stuck, so make sure your hamster is small enough to get through the tubes. Understand the importance of exercise for your hamster. Hamsters need exercise to prevent them from becoming obese and to mimic the running about that they'd be doing if they lived in the wild. Insufficient exercise for your hamster can lead to obesity, and even to paralysis in some hamsters. The great thing about hamsters is that if you give them the means to exercise, they will. Keep your hamster happy with exercise. Hamsters get bored if they don't exercise. They may become lethargic, irritable, and destructive. Bored hamsters can chew on the cage and destroy items in their cage. They may also be difficult to handle. Exercising a hamster will keep it happy and help prevent this. Protect the hamster from hazards. When your hamster is playing outside its cage, make sure you hamster-proof the room. Hazards such as electrical cords, toxic plants, small hiding spaces, pets, and drop-offs like stairs can cause injury to your hamster. Try putting your hamster in a playpen. If you have the hamster out of the cage, make sure you are supervising it so it doesn't get hurt. Keep the water supply topped up. Hamsters need to stay well hydrated. Ensure that the hamster's water supply is adequately filled at all times. If the hamster is playing outside of its cage, like in a hamster ball, make sure to make the hamster take a break every 15-20 minutes so it can eat and drink water. You can place them in the ball 2-3 times a day. | Provide the cage with a hamster wheel or "tread-wheel". Give your hamster a hamster ball. Provide the ability to indulge in climbing. Provide toys. Buy hamster tubes. Understand the importance of exercise for your hamster. Keep your hamster happy with exercise. Protect the hamster from hazards. Keep the water supply topped up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube | How to Patch a Bicycle Tube | Before you patch a bicycle tube, you'll want to remove the tube from the tire and locate the puncture, which you can do by inflating the tube and checking for holes. Once you've found a hole, mark it so it's easy to locate. Next, apply glue around the hole, let it nearly dry, and press the patch into place. Alternatively, you can simply lay the patch over the hole if it's a non-glue patch. After the patch has set, feed the tube back into the tire and put the tire back on the wheel. | Remove the wheel from the bike. The first thing you should do for any flat is to remove the affected wheel. Check the side of the wheel at the center of the spokes. If you have a quick release (which looks like a small lever), flip it over and spin it counterclockwise to loosen. If, on the other hand, you see a nut, you will need a wrench to loosen it. After this, disconnect the brakes, move the brake pads out of the way, and remove the wheel. If you're dealing with the rear flat, you'll also have the chain and gears to deal with. Put slack in the chain by shifting into the smallest set of gears. Loosen the quick release or unscrew the nut holding the wheel in place as normal. If necessary, use your hands to pull back on the rear derailleur (the "arm" that the chain passes through containing the small pulleys) and/or maneuver the chain out of the way as you remove the wheel. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/aid301936-v4-728px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Use tire levers to remove the tire. When you've successfully removed the flat wheel, take the outer tire off. To do this, it can be helpful to use a sturdy, non-metal prying tool. Bike shops sell small, specially-designed tools called tire levers for this purpose. Whether you use a tire lever or another tool, be careful not to pinch the tube and cause further damage as you work the tire away from the wheel. You can leave one lip of the tire over the wheel rim when you're done to make re-installation easier. Avoid using screwdrivers and butter knives to remove a tire. These are likely to damage the rim and may even puncture the tire. Locate the hole that's causing the leak. When the tire has been removed, pull the flat tube out from the tire and pinpoint the site of the puncture. This can be done in several ways — a few are listed below: Inflating the tube 3 to 4 times its normal size and visually checking the surface of the rubber for holes {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet1-Version-2.jpg\/aid301936-v4-728px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Listening for any hissing noises {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet2-Version-2.jpg\/aid301936-v4-728px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet2-Version-2.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:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Feeling for streams of air {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet3-Version-2.jpg\/aid301936-v4-728px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Plunging the tube in a container of water and looking for bubbles {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet4-Version-2.jpg\/aid301936-v4-728px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-3Bullet4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Mark the hole in the tube. Flat-causing tire punctures can be surprisingly small. Once you've found one, you don't want to lose it! Use a piece of chalk to make a "+" or "x" that intersects at the point of the puncture. If you're using a glue-on patch, make your mark large so that you can still see it after you've smeared on the glue. If you don't have chalk in your patch kit, a ballpoint pen or any other sort of writing utensil will do. However, chalk or a silver sharpie is preferable because it's easier to see on black rubber than blue or black pen. Remove any foreign objects from the hole. Once you find the hole, carefully check to see if it was caused by a foreign object (like, for instance, a piece of broken glass, a sharp rock, etc.) or if it was a pinch flat (which will cause a puncture that looks like a snake bite but won't leave any foreign objects). Carefully check the inside rim of the tire for any protruding foreign objects and remove them if you find them. You don't want the same object that caused the flat in the first place to re-puncture your tire because you didn't see it. Sand around the hole if necessary. Different types of patches work in different ways — some require glue, while others do not, and some require sanding, while others can stick to the smooth rubber of the inner tube with no trouble. Consult the directions included with your patch kit. If you're directed to sand, use a small square of sandpaper to rough up the area around the hole about as wide as the patch to be used. Making the rubber a little less smooth can improve the sticking power of certain types of adhesives. If you're unsure about whether or not to sand, lightly sanding is unlikely to hurt most patches' ability to stick to the tube, so you may want to sand just in case. Apply the patch. Next, stick your patch over the puncture hole according to any included directions. Some patches require glue, while others can stick to the tire on their own — while the latter are more convenient, they can sometimes be less reliable. General directions for both types of patches are below. If the directions included with your patch differ from these, follow your instructions, rather than these directions. Glue patches: Apply the glue or rubber cement to the tube around the puncture hole, wait for the glue to set (many glues must dry until they are no longer tacky — consult any included directions for more information). Finally, place the patch on the mostly-dry glue and hold firmly in place for a few minutes until it has sealed the leak. It may take about 24 hours to for the glue to dry completely, but it may be dry enough to use the bike in about 5 minutes. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-7Bullet1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-7Bullet1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-7Bullet1-Version-2.jpg\/aid301936-v4-728px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-7Bullet1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Non-glue patches (sometimes called "self-adhesive" patches): Simply remove the patch from its wrapper and lay the patch over the sanded puncture like a sticker. Press down firmly to secure and, if necessary, wait until dry before riding. Keep in mind that these patches might not work as well as the glue type. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-7Bullet2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-7Bullet2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-7Bullet2-Version-2.jpg\/aid301936-v4-728px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-7Bullet2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Know when replacing the tube is a smarter choice. In situations where you have a severely damaged tube, you may want to avoid wasting your patch by opting to simply replace the entire tube instead. Tubes that have serious damage may not stay inflated long enough with the patch to make using it worth it, making full-on replacement a better choice. Luckily, if you can get your hands on a new tube, the process of replacing the old one isn't hard. Below are certain types of tube damage which may signal that it's better to forego a patch: Multiple holes, especially along the rim, such as snakebite holes Large tears (if the hole is ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) or larger it cannot be patched) Air leaking even after patch is applied, such as from a valve stem (valve stems cannot be patched, so this would require a new tube) Replace the tube in the tire. After your patch has had an opportunity to set, carefully feel around the inside of the tire for any protruding foreign objects, such as metal wire, which may have caused the puncture. Take your repaired tube and carefully lay it in the hollow inside portion of the tire. This is usually easiest if you inflate the tube slightly and slide one side in first, then work the rest in as necessary. When you're done, double-check to make sure none of the tube is hanging out of the tire. Make sure the inflation valve is pointing inward (away from the tire) when you lay the tube in the tire so that you can eventually inflate the tube. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-9Bullet1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-9Bullet1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-9Bullet1-Version-3.jpg\/aid301936-v4-728px-Patch-a-Bicycle-Tube-Step-9Bullet1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Work the tire and tube back onto the wheel. Next, use your thumbs to slide the tire (which contains the partly-inflated tube) back onto the wheel. Press the outer lips of the tire over the metal lip of the wheel so that they "lock" securely in place, being careful not to pinch the tube between the tire and the rim. You may need to use your tire lever or prying tool to help you with the very last part of the tire, which can often be tricky to get over the lip of the wheel. Note that some high-end bike tires are meant to only turn in one direction. In this case, the intended direction of rotation will usually be indicated by small arrows on the walls of the tires. Don't install the tire backwards! This can reduce the bike's performance and cause the tire to wear improperly. Don't forget to take the valve lid off when replacing the tube in the wheel. The lidless inflation valve should slide through a circle-shaped hole in the wheel so that it can be easily accessed for pumping. Inspect the bead and pump up the tube gradually to let the tube and tire settle. Make sure the tube is not sticking out between the tire and the rim before you start to pump, or the tube might explode. Next, grab an automatic or hand-operated pump and start putting some air in your tire. Go gradually to allow the tube to shift and settle within the tire as it expands. When fully-inflated, give the tire a squeeze, let the bike sit for a few minutes, then squeeze the tire again. If it feels about as firm the second time as it did the first time, you're ready to ride! If you're worried about the tube settling improperly within the tube, feel free to inflate it before re-installing the tire on the wheel. Note, however, that this can make the tire trickier to get back on. Replace the wheel on the bike. You're nearly done — all you've got to do now is slide the wheel back on the bike, secure the quick release or screw on the wheel nut, re-connect the brakes, and you're good to go (unless you've been working with your rear wheel, in which case you'll also need to carefully loop the chain around the gears again). Peddle cautiously until you feel confident that the patch won't immediately burst, then resume riding as you normally would! Consider buying a new tube when you can. Inner tube patches, while handy, aren't necessarily meant to last you forever. These patches are great for getting you out of the woods when your tire blows and you have no replacement, but they don't offer a good long-term solution for a punctured inner tube. While good-quality patches can approach the reliability of a brand-new inner tube, others can leak for a time immediately after patching or may offer only temporary protection. There's no substitute for an actual replacement, so you may want to at least shop for a new inner tube when you get the chance so that you can have one handy if you suffer another flat in the near future. | Remove the wheel from the bike. Use tire levers to remove the tire. Locate the hole that's causing the leak. Mark the hole in the tube. Remove any foreign objects from the hole. Sand around the hole if necessary. Apply the patch. Know when replacing the tube is a smarter choice. Replace the tube in the tire. Work the tire and tube back onto the wheel. Inspect the bead and pump up the tube gradually to let the tube and tire settle. Replace the wheel on the bike. Consider buying a new tube when you can. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Beauty-Queen | How to Be a Beauty Queen | Being a beauty queen is all about being confident, glamorous, and poised. If you wear makeup, keep it light so your natural beauty can shine through. Beauty queens always have flawless nails, so give yourself a french manicure or get one done at a nail salon. You'll also want to have a voluminous hairstyle. Try using velcro rollers and a little hairspray to give yourself big, beautiful curls. If you want to act like you're pageant ready, stand up stick straight, keep eye contact with people, and turn out a big smile, which will show off your confidence. Don't forget that beauty queens are also known for being kind, so work on being nice to everyone around you. | Wear makeup that enhances your natural beauty. You should keep your makeup pretty natural, so that your beauty shines through. That being said, beauty queens always wear some makeup. Learn how to apply makeup too. You could just go to a cosmetics counter at the mall, and ask to be shown a few tips. Always wear lipstick at the pageant. You can go for a subtle look – say nude liner and a non tinted gloss – but beauty queens don't let their lips stay bare. For a more vibrant look, line your lips with color, like pink or red, and then fill them in with matching lipstick. It's good to take care of your brows. Make them look natural, not overly exaggerated, but well groomed and arched. Get this done at a salon. Don't try to do it yourself. Save the heavy makeup for the actual pageant or you could end up clogging your pores, which leads to acne. Other makeup that is commonly worn by beauty queens includes, primer, foundation, concealer, powder, blush, eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara. Buy high-quality makeup. With a little research, you should be able to find quality makeup that doesn't break the bank. You want highly pigmented eyeliner that doesn't smear. Look for face powder that is triple milled so it doesn't become chalky. Consider a spray tan to give your skin a pretty glow. Most people look better with a little color to their skin. However, using tanning beds is really risky. It can lead to melanoma and premature wrinkling. So if you're naturally really pale, try a spray tan instead. They look pretty natural these days. Test out the spray tan a few weeks before the actual pageant so you can make sure it looks good on your skin, and figure out the amount you want. A good bronzing powder can also give you a glowing tan look. You want a bronzer that's not too dark. You should also invest in a bronzing brush so it applies evenly. Make sure you have pageant hair and nails. Pageant hair follows a certain look. You don't want your hair too short, for example, and you want it to look elegant and to have some volume. Pageant hair should have some style to it. It shouldn't just hang there limply. To get volume in your hair, use a round brush. Divide the hair into sections. Work a section at a time. Try spraying a little dry shampoo into your roots. Then, use large Velcro rollers before you style your hair. Put hair spray on them, and leave them in for 20 minutes. You also may need a hairpiece. Choose one that isn't too over-the-top. You could also add a few hair extensions if you want fuller hair. Make sure they don't look obvious. Hairpieces can be a good idea when your hair needs some length or volume. Make sure they match your hair color and texture. They can also make your updo look better. For nails, you want to make sure they are not chipped or with peeling paint. Instead, go for an elegant look at a nail salon, like a French manicure. Don't forget your toes! Get a pedicure. Wear elegant jewelry every day to perfect your look. Beauty queens are not low maintenance. They accessorize, and they usually do so with fine jewelry. You want to go for an elegant look. A thin necklace with crystal or a layered necklace give you a beauty queen look. A choker will too. Bracelets and earrings will complete the look. Choose jewelry with small gem stones. Earrings should not be too big or gaudy. The rule is to not wear jewelry that attracts more attention than your face. Stick with pastels, white or bright colors to stand out on stage. Beauty queens are positive and vibrant, and so you aren't going to see them wearing darker colors much, like black, brown or gray. Instead, wear clothing in pastels. Wear clothes in lilac and pale blue or soft neutral shades with rose undertones. In the winter, when pastels don't work as well, wear clothes with white, navy blue, tomato red, and green. Think bright. It looks good on camera. Pink, red, orange and blue are colors that work well in pageants. The most common winning pageant gown color is white. Buy the right wardrobe to complete the pageant look. You need to go to the pageant with the right stuff in your suitcase. You will need a bling-covered dress, for example. Think quality over super trendy; try a nice department store. Make sure your clothing matches your age. If you're a teenager, for example, you wouldn't want to do a too-cute routine in a cupcake dress. If the pageant participant is your young toddler, you don't want to cake on makeup or put them in too mature of a dress because judges won't like it, and you child is too young for that anyway. Try to pick an evening gown that matches your personality but is not too eye popping, trashy, or bubbly. For example, a gown that is too low cut or too short or has too much bling might be seen as trashy by some judges. Gowns that are too bubbly would include those with excessive feathers or tulle. You want an elegant look. For a swimsuit, pick a solid color two-piece bikini. Don't make it too low cut. For an interview, you should choose a classic dress with a belt, a sheath, or a skirt suit. Don't show cleavage. Get the right heels to ensure your legs look longer and sleeker. Don't forget the shoes to go with the dress! And you definitely need heels, not flats. Heels will make your legs look better. Pageant heels are usually 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 cm) high. For your evening gown, choose any length of heel you want, but make sure it matches the color of your dress or is black. Usually, pageant shoes are brightly colored. For the swimming suit, wear heels on the lower side that match the color of the suit. For the interview, you also want to choose lower heels. Pick a talent that plays to your strengths. It needs to be a talent that is appropriate, and it needs to be something you are comfortable doing. Choose something you're good at, not something you think they want. Good choices include tap dancing, playing an instrument, baton twirling, or singing. Whatever you pick, you need to know your routines perfectly so you can let your personality shine through instead of just trying to remember the moves. Avoid anything that seems at all vulgar or otherwise inappropriate. Practice your talent. Some beauty queens say they train for two hours a day at dance. You're not going to be good at your routine if you don't practice it. Unless you're really, really good at it, stay away from the usual routines in things like dance or gymnastics. There will be a lot of competition, and if you're not advanced at it, you might look poor in comparison and score low. Write a list of things you're great at and things you're not to help you settle on a talent. Get ready for the interview so you ace it. Usually pageants require an interview with the judges, often off-stage first and maybe a question on stage during the pageant. Sometimes these are one-on-one interviews, and sometimes a panel of judges will interview you. You should write down common questions, such as “if you had one wish for the world, what would it be?” and plan your answers in advance. Practice with a friend or parent, so you get used to having an audience. You can also purchase books that list common pageant questions to prepare in advance. Get a modeling or pageant coach to improve your chances. It doesn't matter how pretty you are if you don't have the correct training. A good coach can help you understand the ins and outs of competing in a pageant. Be aware that there are a lot of scam agencies out there. Be very wary of modeling agencies that try to make you pay them, for example. As for coaches, do your homework. Ask competitors and check professional pageant directories for references. A coach will help you learn what to wear, what to expect, what not to do, what to pack and so on. If you've never done this before, choosing a pageant coach could give you an edge. A good coach will help you research pageants. You want to choose a pageant that fits well with you and that you will qualify in, too. If you don't place the first time, try again. Getting pageant experience can make all of the difference. Joining a reputable modeling agency will help you in a number of areas, including poise and confidence. Commission a personal portfolio. You should hire a professional photographer to do a variety of shots for a professional photo shoot. You want to wear your pageant wardrobe for this shoot. This won't come cheaply, though. It's worth it. You don't want photos taken by a friend. They need to look professional. Make sure the photographer takes headshots. These are common in pageant portfolios. Get in shape to better your chances. You need to be in good shape to succeed as a beauty queen. But never starve yourself or engage in harmful dieting. Not only is it not worth it, but you won't look healthy, and it will harm your chances. Instead, join a gym or start attending yoga classes. Any exercise routine will work, although you want to avoid workouts that build too much muscle. Beauty queens look athletic and healthy, but they also look feminine. Eat a sensible diet. That means drinking a lot of water, eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, keeping your portion size in control, and avoiding junk food. It's a good idea to drink a lot of water throughout the day to get a natural glow. Make eye contact with the judges to show them confidence. If that's too intimidating, try staring at their forehead or nose. It will look like you're looking them in the eye without the pressure of eye contact. Establishing brief eye contact with the judges will draw them in and show them you are a good performer. It conveys confidence, which is so important in beauty queens. Don't maintain eye contact for longer than a few seconds, though, or it could come across as intentional or even creepy. Smile (a lot). No one wants to choose a grouchy beauty queen or one who seems inaccessible, arrogant, or who lacks confidence. Smile! It will immediately give people a good impression of you. Show your teeth when you smile. This brings out the best in you. Get your teeth whitened before the pageant so that your smile dazzles as much as possible. If you put petroleum jelly on your teeth at home as practice, you won't be able to stop smiling. Have excellent posture to walk like a queen. Beauty queens have great posture. This is absolutely crucial. You need to walk regally, with your shoulders back and head straight (never looking down). Show confidence at all times. You can walk with confidence, too. If you show any awkwardness or nervousness, you're unlikely to get a great score. Don't crunch your back. Stand up straight! Not only will you feel more confident and beautiful, standing up straight helps improve your mood, memory, and boosts creative thinking. Be a good role model at all times. You don't want to come across like a robot. You need to be confident enough to show your personality. Hopefully it's sassy and fun. You need to come across like a good role model. People get in trouble when they go negative. Stay positive at all times. Become a happy person, and show that in all you do. Be nice to the other contestants. Don't act like a snob. Think about the personality trait you want to showcase before the pageant. Maybe do some volunteer work before the pageant. If you win, you will be representing the pageant organization. Ace the interview to increase your chances of placing. The interview is something you should take very seriously. Beauty queens need to be more than beautiful; they need to be poised, smart, and good communicators. If you don't know much about the question, don't say nothing. Find something to say even if it's not the best answer. Just do your best, and perhaps repeat part of the question at the beginning of your answer to give yourself more time. As in, "The best way to achieve world peace is to.... etc." Answer honestly and from the heart. You want to be genuine. Avoid clichéd answers like “world peace.” It's helpful to get some public speaking experience first. If you get asked a really controversial question be as diplomatic and tactful as possible - try to stay positive - but still answer honestly. | Wear makeup that enhances your natural beauty. Consider a spray tan to give your skin a pretty glow. Make sure you have pageant hair and nails. Wear elegant jewelry every day to perfect your look. Stick with pastels, white or bright colors to stand out on stage. Buy the right wardrobe to complete the pageant look. Get the right heels to ensure your legs look longer and sleeker. Pick a talent that plays to your strengths. Get ready for the interview so you ace it. Get a modeling or pageant coach to improve your chances. Commission a personal portfolio. Get in shape to better your chances. Make eye contact with the judges to show them confidence. Smile (a lot). Have excellent posture to walk like a queen. Be a good role model at all times. Ace the interview to increase your chances of placing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Add-Sales-Tax | How to Add Sales Tax | To add sales tax, start by determining the sales tax rate in your city and converting it into a decimal. If, for example, your city's tax rate is 8%, you would convert it to 0.08. Next. multiply the decimal by the price of the item you want to buy in order to calculate your sales tax. For example, if your item is $20, multiply 20 by 0.08 to get $1.60, which is the sales tax. Finally, add $1.60 to $20 to get $21.60, which is the total price you would need to pay at the register. | Determine the sales tax rate in your location. You can look it up online or ask a sales associate what it will be. While states usually set a statewide sales tax, some municipalities add their own taxes on top of that. This means that the sales tax rate can vary drastically when moving between different cities or counties. Sales tax is not charged on all items you buy. Check online to see what is, and is not, taxed in your area. Convert the sales tax percentage into a decimal figure. Take the percent number and imagine a decimal point after it. Now move that decimal point two spaces to the left, giving you the decimal equivalent of the sales tax percentage. For example, if the sales tax rate is 8%, the decimal figure will be.08. Multiply the price of the item by the decimal figure you calculated in the previous step. This calculation will give you the amount of tax that will be charged for your purchase. For example, if the item you want to buy is $20, multiply 20 times.08 and you get 1.6. That means you will have to pay $1.60 in sales tax. Add the amount of tax you calculated to the listed price. This will give you the total price you will have to pay at the register. Using our same example once again, if you will be charged $1.60 on your $20 item, simply add 1.6 to 20, for a total of $21.60. Round the sales tax rate to 10%. No matter what the actual tax rate is, this will make your multiplication much simpler. The goal in estimating sales tax is to make the math simple enough to do in your head. Don't bother with exact amounts, just estimate well enough to make sure you have enough money to pay for what you want to buy. By using an estimate of 10% it will mean that, in most cases, you are rounding up, making your estimate more than you will actually pay. If you are actually rounding the tax rate down, make sure to remember that your estimate will be a little bit less than you will need to pay. Move the decimal point in the cost of your item one space to the left. This will give you a good, quick estimate of how much tax you will be charged. No need for complicated calculations, just move the decimal over and that will give you 10% of the cost on the tag. In doing this, you are actually multiplying the cost of your item by the decimal equivalent of 10%, which is obviously really easy! For example,.10 times $20 equals $2. Add the estimated tax to the cost of the item. Because we rounded up, your estimate will probably be higher than the tax actually charged, but you will know you can afford to pay the total cost. To use our example from the previous step one more time, $20 plus $2 makes the estimated total cost including tax $22. | Determine the sales tax rate in your location. Convert the sales tax percentage into a decimal figure. Multiply the price of the item by the decimal figure you calculated in the previous step. Add the amount of tax you calculated to the listed price. Round the sales tax rate to 10%. Move the decimal point in the cost of your item one space to the left. Add the estimated tax to the cost of the item. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Abdominal-Swelling-After-a-Surgery | How to Reduce Abdominal Swelling After a Surgery | The best way to reduce abdominal swelling after surgery is by keeping your incision clean and dry, which will help keep infections away. However, wait 24 hours after your surgery before cleaning the incision site. After that, you should wash the area every day with mild soap and water. Cooling your abdomen can also keep swelling down, so wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth and hold it on your incision for no more than 20 minutes per hour. Another way to reduce bloating is by eating small, frequent meals rather than large amounts of food, since heavy meals can overwhelm your digestive system. Opt for light snacks like bananas, apples, or whole grain crackers to keep your energy up during the day. | Follow your post-op care instructions. After surgery, a nurse or doctor will tell you how to take care of yourself at home. This information will include how to care for your abdominal incision. Follow this expert advice perfectly to protect your incision and prevent an infection. To insure that you remember these instructions, ask the doctor or nurse if you can get written notes, or have a loved one listen to the instructions with you. Keep your incision site clean and dry between cleanings. Wash your incision site each day with mild soap and water. Pat the area dry gently with a clean towel. Prevent lingering moisture around this area, which can cause infection and swelling. Wait until at least 24 hours after your surgery to clean the site or shower. Clean and acre for the incision site for as long as your doctor recommends. This time will vary depending on the type of abdominal surgery. Apply cold compresses to your abdomen for 20-minute intervals. Cooling your abdomen after surgery can reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Wrap an ice pack or a resealable plastic bag of crushed ice in a clean towel or cloth. Apply it gently to your abdomen and hold it there for no more than 20 minutes per hour. Avoid applying ice directly to your skin, which could irritate or damage it. Avoid touching the incision site to prevent infection. Other than cleaning the area, you should avoid touching your incision site while it heals. Contact may cause irritation to the wound, or spread germs leading to infection. Both of these will lead to swelling. If you apply lotion to the surrounding area on your abdomen, use a fragrance-free kind and make sure it does not touch the incision. Contact your doctor if you see signs of infection. It is important to monitor the incision site for any signs of infection. Contact your doctor immediately if you observe increased redness, draining, or swelling. You should also seek medical attention if pain at the incision site gets increasingly worse with time. Ask your doctor about wearing a post-op compression garment. A compression garment is elastic shapewear that you wear over your incision site post-surgery. After surgeries such as liposuction, they are necessary to keep your bandages in place and control swelling and bleeding. Ask your doctor if you should wear a compression garment after your operation, and for how long you should wear it. Doctors will typically recommend that you wear a post-surgery compression garment for 3-6 weeks. Compression garments are available online or in medical supply stores. Shapewear garments should be stretch and carefully pulled over the abdominal area and removed gently while your abdomen is still healing. Eat small, frequent meals. Digestion after an abdominal surgery can be difficult, so it is best to eat carefully. Avoid eating large amounts of food at once, which might overwhelm your digestive system and cause bloating. Eat small meals or snacks at frequent times during the day to keep up your energy. Try small meals like oatmeal, salad, or soup. Opt for snacks like bananas, apples, or whole grain crackers. Ask your doctor when you should start to resume eating normally. Drink lots of fluids to prevent constipation. Constipation and bloating after surgery is common, especially if you are taking pain killers. Drink hydrating fluids throughout the day, such as water and herbal tea, to help your digestion and metabolism. As a general rule, try to drink about 8 cups (1.9 l) of hydrating fluids per day. Aim to drink enough fluids to make your urine clear. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which can be dehydrating. Urine that smells particularly bad may be a sign of dehydration. Follow your physician's recommended post-op diet. After an abdominal surgery, foods that are difficult to digest should be avoided. Ask your physician for a list of foods that are safe to consume while you recover, and those you should avoid. As a general rule, a soft, mild, and easy-to-digest diet should be followed for the first week following your surgery. Use a blender to make foods softer and easier to digest. You can also eat baby food during your recovery. Follow this diet for as long as your doctor recommends. Eat high-fiber foods. Gas, constipation, and bloating can be avoided by consuming foods that are rich in fiber. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are the best food choices for dietary fiber. If they are included in your post-op diet, eat foods like: Bananas Peaches, pears, and apples Hot cereals like oatmeal Sweet potatoes Tender cooked vegetables Stay as active as possible to eliminate gas. Being active after an abdominal surgery will help increase your gut motility. This will prevent gas buildup in your stomach that could cause bloating. For moderate exercise, take regular, short walks several times daily to keep yourself moving. Increase the length of your walks as you start to feel stronger. Do not engage in rigorous activity like running, biking, or jumping rope while you are recovering from surgery. Remember to pass gas if you need to. Not passing gas can lead to more bloating and discomfort. Talk to your doctor about taking a stool softener. Going to the bathroom can be difficult after abdominal surgery, and a stool softener may help. Regularly emptying your bowels will help prevent bloating and discomfort in your abdomen. Ask your doctor if a stool softener would be safe to take, and follow their instructions for how long to do so. | Follow your post-op care instructions. Keep your incision site clean and dry between cleanings. Apply cold compresses to your abdomen for 20-minute intervals. Avoid touching the incision site to prevent infection. Contact your doctor if you see signs of infection. Ask your doctor about wearing a post-op compression garment. Eat small, frequent meals. Drink lots of fluids to prevent constipation. Follow your physician's recommended post-op diet. Eat high-fiber foods. Stay as active as possible to eliminate gas. Talk to your doctor about taking a stool softener. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Over-Him | How to Get Over Him | If you want to get over a guy, try your best to stop talking to him for several weeks, so you have time to process your feelings. Take this time to go out with your friends and be around other people to remind yourself that being single can be fun. To keep yourself moving forward, consider exercising more, working more, or exploring a hobby, like reading or baking. When you still have feelings to work out, try writing down how you feel, or talk to a friend about it. You may also want to try making little changes, like dyeing your hair, as a statement of your freedom. Alternatively, you could try making some new friends, especially if a lot of your current friends are also friends with the guy you want to get over. | Stop talking to him. If your relationship is over, stop talking to your ex. That means no Facebook or G-chatting, no texting, no keeping up to date with his dating situation online. Nothing. Even if you plan to be friends later, give it a few weeks at least, to let yourself get over him. Every time you see him, your feelings are going to bubble back up to the surface. It makes it really difficult to try to get over someone you have to deal with regularly. If you have to see him at school or elsewhere, keep your interactions as brief as possible. Say, "I don't have anything to say to you," and walk away. Avoid the ex-stalking Facebook stage of the break-up. There's pretty much nothing to gain from this. If he's already dating someone else, he's a loser anyway and you're lucky to be rid of him. Go out with your friends. Being single can be a good thing. Look at it as a change to get out there and meet more people and have fun with your friends. Just use this point in your life to hang out, instead of worrying about a guy. Be around people as much as possible. The more you're alone, the bigger the chance you'll end up obsessed over the dude again. Be around people who'll keep you having fun and thinking about other things. Let yourself meet new people you might be interested in when the time is right, but don't rush it. Jumping from boyfriend to boyfriend isn't usually the best idea. Get rid of the mementos. The cute teddy bear your boyfriend gave you last Valentine's Day? Cut its head off and throw it in the garbage. The little calendars and cards and letters he made for you? Toss 'em. Mementos do little but remind you of the loss. Don't keep them to help remember the good times, throw them away. If you're not ready to complete lose this stuff, then put it in a box at least. Put it somewhere you won't be able to see it for a few weeks. Give it to a friend for safe-keeping if necessary. Talk it out. Get your friends together and talk about how you're feeling. You don't need to solve your problem, but talking about it honestly and openly is a good way to start the healing process. Be indulgent. Eat chocolate and watch sappy movies together. Talk about your crappy relationship and support each other. No shame. Alternatively, sometimes you might just want to be alone for a while. That's fine. There's no one perfect way to get over a guy. Do what feels natural to you. Write it out. Sit down with some paper and pencil or pen. Write his name at the top of the page. Pour yourself a drink, get a box of tissues, and just start writing. Pour out everything that you're feeling, everything that you're angry about, onto the page. Address it to him. Really let him have it. Then, tear up the letter, or burn it, or throw it away. Don't even give him the satisfaction. Keep yourself distracted with exercise. Use your body and your mind to do positive things, instead of mope. If you're feeling depressed and obsessing over a guy, try to work on yourself instead. Exercising helps to expel energy and boost your mood by releasing feel-good endorphins in your brain. Get moving if you want to feel better. Make your own exercise routine. Find a cardio workout by picking 5-10 exercises that you can repeat three times each, about a minute for each exercise. Do this three times a week at home. Do more at work. Spend some extra hours at work, or at school, doing what you need to do. If you're on a sports team, devote extra energy to planning events or extra workouts with your teammates. Put yourself deep into some project to help yourself focus on other things. The best revenge is living well. If your ex sees how productive, busy, and happy you are? That's the best way to stick it to him. Show him what he lost. On the other hand, it can also be good to take some time off, if you need to. Call in sick, if you're really feeling unproductive and crappy. Take the time you need. Try a new hobby or activity. Use your newfound single-status as an excuse to do other new things. If you've always wanted to write a book, but never had the time because of your relationship responsibilities, you've got no excuse now. Pick a new hobby to throw yourself into and distract yourself from the way you're feeling. Start reading more. Getting lost in a good book can be a great way of forgetting about your troubles. Do something creative. Painting, drawing, or other art projects are a great way to get busy. Pick a daily-baking project, and try to cook something new each day. Channel your frustration energy into fun projects in the kitchen. Make yourself celebrate your freedom. Every break up is a mixed bag. On the one hand, you're alone. And it usually sucks. On the other hand, you're alone. That means, you can do whatever you want, without worrying about how your ex will react. There's nobody to hold you back anymore. Do what you feel. If you feel like blasting Katy Perry at 7 am and eating Fruit Loops in your ugly pajamas, do it. Nobody's going to judge that. Celebrate the fact that you're single. That thing he always hated to do? Yeah, do that thing. And enjoy it. Put an end-date on the sadness. The moping around and being sad is an essential part of getting over a guy. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. But, it shouldn't last forever. Eventually, you've got to be the one who says, "This is enough." Decide when you've had it, and when it's time for you to get better. Then move on. Good rule of thumb? Don't grieve a relationship for more days than months you were together. If you went out for a year, it's ok to be sad for a couple weeks. But eventually, you've got to get over it. Eventually, all the sadness will just get boring. Decide you want something more. Decide you want to be happy. Make a little change. Do something little, but that feels big for you. Let it be a statement of your freedom. Color your hair in a new way, or chop it all off. Do something crazy, or unexpected, like singing karaoke with your friends. Pick something to celebrate your freedom in a surprising way. It'll help. Tattoos can be great ways to commemorate a big change in your life, like a break-up. Or unfortunate decisions that you'll be stuck with. If you've had a design in mind for a while, but your guy didn't like it, then go for it. If you just want to get some ink to be cool, then maybe you should think about it for a while. Make a significant change. Some relationships can hold you back. Was yours? If so, consider making a bigger change in your life. Use your new freedom and your new time to improve yourself. Decide to change your life for the better. Try moving to a new place, especially if you shared your old one with your boyfriend. Move out and explore a new neighborhood. Did you sacrifice things so that you could work on your relationship? Are you doing what you want to do in life right now? If the answer is no, then make a big change. Switch jobs. Move to a new town. Do what you want to do. Make some new friends. Sometimes, when you break up with someone, you can lose a lot of your friends as well. If that's true of your relationship, you might need to find new friends as well so you can hang on to your social life. Don't let a break-up ruin your ability to hang out and have fun. Hang out with different sorts of people than you might normally hang out with. If you're a sporty-type, hang out with some artsy kids. If you're a smart kid, hang out with some jocks. Give some people a chance. Be selfish for a while. You deserve to be happy and feel confident. Work on developing yourself for a while, instead of worrying about your relationship. Do what you want to do. Live the way you want to live. Let yourself be a little selfish for a while. Make decisions based on what you want. Work on things like school, and developing your own identity. Be yourself. Hang out with your friends. Make memories. Don't rush back into another relationship. If you're young, there'll be plenty of time to worry about dating. Even if you're not young, it's good to take a little time to worry about other things. Don't worry about finding a new boyfriend for now. Worry about living your life. Stop worrying about "the one." Lots of people date for a long time before they have a single serious relationship. If you had one, count yourself lucky. Take a bit of time before you start looking for a relationship that you consider serious and lasting. | Stop talking to him. Go out with your friends. Get rid of the mementos. Talk it out. Write it out. Keep yourself distracted with exercise. Do more at work. Try a new hobby or activity. Make yourself celebrate your freedom. Put an end-date on the sadness. Make a little change. Make a significant change. Make some new friends. Be selfish for a while. Don't rush back into another relationship. |
https://www.wikihow.mom/Minimize-Swelling-During-Pregnancy | How to Minimize Swelling During Pregnancy | To minimize swelling during pregnancy, try wearing compression stockings and comfortable footwear since swelling often occurs around the feet and ankles. You can also apply cold compresses to swollen areas and elevate your feet whenever possible to reduce swelling. Additionally, minimize your salt and caffeine intake, and drink 10 glasses of water a day to help reduce water retention. While it may be challenging to exercise during your pregnancy, try walking, which is usually a safe activity that will help reduce swelling. | Wear compression stockings and comfortable footwear. As swelling often occurs around the feet and ankles, take care in how you treat your feet during pregnancy. Select proper footwear and ask your doctor about compression stockings. Your healthcare provider may be able to recommend a brand of tight, compression stockings during the day. Such stockings can help reduce swelling and provide needed support to your legs during pregnancy. You should also be careful about what kind of shoes you wear. Tight fitting shoes or heels can restrict blood flow to the feet, making swelling and related pain worse. Stick with comfortable, loose-fitting flats and tennis shoes. Use cold compresses. Pressing a cold compress to the swollen areas can help reduce swelling and lessen the pain. You can use a cold washcloth, a bag of ice wrapped in a paper towel, or buy an ice pack at the supermarket. Remember, ice and store-bought ice packs should never go directly on the skin. Make sure you wrap it in a cloth or paper towels before use. Rest your feet. Resting your feet during pregnancy can also help lessen pain and swelling. Make sure you stay off your feet and know the proper ways to rest your legs after a long day. Try not to stand for too long. If you have a job that requires you to be on your feet for long hours, talk to your boss about making accommodations during your pregnancy. When you get a chance to sit down, elevate your feet and occasionally roll the ankles. If possible, lie down with your feet elevated. Stand or walk in a pool. Standing or walking in shallow pool can help compress the tissues in your legs and ankles. For some women, this seems to reduce pain and swelling. If you do not have a pool, consider buying a plastic child's pool from the store and filling it with cool water. Sleep on your side. When sleeping, shifting your weight to the side can help alleviate symptoms of swelling. Your inferior vena cava is a large vein that helps with blood flow throughout the body. Sleeping on your side can take pressure off this vein. This can help encourage blood flow and prevent swelling. It also might help to elevate your legs slightly when you sleep. Minimize salt and caffeine intake. Salt and caffeine can encourage swelling during pregnancy. They can also lead to other health issues, like high blood pressure, that could have a negative impact on your overall pregnancy. Minimize your overall salt intake. This can be achieved fairly easily by avoiding processed food and not adding additional table salt to your meals. Salt can cause water retention and raise blood pressure and elevated blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to a number of health effects for you and your baby. The effect on caffeine in pregnancy is not yet fully understood as many studies are inconclusive or produce conflicting results. However, it is advised pregnant women not consume more than 200 mg of caffeine a day. This is equal to about one 12 ounce cup of coffee. Be aware caffeine is also in teas, chocolates, and some over-the-counter medications. Always read labels to watch for caffeine. If you're experiencing swelling, however, you might want to reduce your caffeine intake further and see if it helps. Drink water. Water intake can help reduce water retention, which can have a positive effect on reducing swelling overall. If you're pregnant, it's recommended you drink 10 cups, or 2.3 liters, of water each day. Doing so may help with swelling. Take precautions when traveling. Sitting too long in a car or airplane can cause discomfort and swelling even if you're not pregnant. The effects are more intense during pregnancy. Try to take frequent breaks when traveling to get up and walk around periodically if you travel during pregnancy. Exercise. Strive to stay physically active throughout pregnancy to reduce swelling and have a healthy pregnancy overall. Talk to your healthcare provider about what workout routines are safe for you and your baby. Exercise to the legs is particularly important to reduce swelling. Walking during pregnancy is usually a healthy, safe activity that does not negatively affect most pregnant women. Discuss other activities you might want to engage in with your doctor. Some mild Pilates, yoga, and aerobics might be okay at certain stages of pregnancy depending on your fitness level, overall health, and pregnancy. Stay cool. Warm weather can make swelling during pregnancy worse as it may lead to increased dehydration and water retention. If you live in a warm area, you should make sure you have access to air conditioning during your pregnancy, especially if you're pregnant over the summer months. Stay indoors if it gets too hot or make a trip to the pool or beach. Mention swelling to your doctor. While swelling is not normally a medical concern during pregnancy, any changes should be monitored by your doctor. Mention any unusual swelling you experience during routine visits. Even if the swelling is not a cause for concern, your doctor may be able to offer suggestions on how to better handle it. Recognize the warning signs of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a medical condition where blood pressure becomes elevated during pregnancy. This is a serious medical concern as it can affect the liver, kidneys, and placenta. Your swelling may be a sign of preeclampsia and you should make an appointment with a doctor if it's accompanied with any of the following symptoms: Swelling around the belly A sudden increase in swelling A headache that will not go away Vision problems Swollen hands and face Seek immediate medical care if necessary. In some cases, swelling can become an emergency. It might be a sign of a serious, possibly life threatening complication with your pregnancy. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms: You feel short of breath. You have chest pains. You have a preexisting heart or kidney disease the swelling suddenly gets worse A swollen foot or leg is warm to the touch. You have a sudden increase in swelling | Wear compression stockings and comfortable footwear. Use cold compresses. Rest your feet. Stand or walk in a pool. Sleep on your side. Minimize salt and caffeine intake. Drink water. Take precautions when traveling. Exercise. Stay cool. Mention swelling to your doctor. Recognize the warning signs of preeclampsia. Seek immediate medical care if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Acquire-a-DD214 | How to Acquire a DD214 | A DD214 is a report of separation from the U.S. military, including your dates of service, type of discharge, awards, and any disciplinary actions. You should automatically receive your Report of Separation when you're discharged from service. However, if you need a copy of your report or you're the next of kin for a deceased veteran, fill out an online form on the veteran's online record request system. You'll need to know your or your family member's branch, service component, social security number, and military service number. If you haven't heard anything back after 90 days, send a follow-up request. | Meet online requirements. In order to make an online request for a service person's DD214, you must be either a veteran requesting your own records or a deceased veteran's next of kin, including: The surviving spouse who has not remarried. The veteran's father or mother. The veteran's children. The veteran's siblings. Use the eVetRecs online system. You can begin the online request process by accessing the veteran's online record request system (eVetRecs) at https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/index.html and clicking on the “Submit your request ONLINE with eVetRecs” hyperlink. Provide identifying information. Once you select the hyperlink, you will be redirected to a page asking for identifying information. You can provide your answers by selecting the appropriate response from the drop down menus. The information requested includes: Are you the :? Your answer can be next of kin of deceased veteran or veteran. What is your relationship to the deceased veteran? If you chose veteran in response to the first question, the answer will pre-fill as “not applicable.” If you chose next of kin, you will be given the following options: un-remarried surviving spouse; father; mother; son, daughter, sister, brother. Are you seeking information concerning:? Your can answer either “former military service” or “current military service.” If you meet all of the requirements above, the system will give you the option to continue. If you do not meet the requirements, will be instructed to complete form SF-180. SF-180 is the standard, hard copy form that is used to request military records. You can use this form if you do not meet the requestor requirements for the online system, discussed above, or if you prefer to a paper request form, as discussed below. Provide service details. After selecting the continue button, you will be prompted with five questions regarding the veteran's service information. You must provide the following information: Veteran's branch of service. Veteran's service component (either active or reserve). Whether the veteran was an officer or enlisted. The reason for your request. There is a drop down menu that gives the following options: benefits; employment; medical; retirement; military awards/decorations; correction of records; personal military history; genealogy; or decline to disclose. Lastly, depending on your above choice, you may be prompted to provide additional information. Provide locator information. After providing general information about the veteran, you will be prompted with a continue button. This will redirect you to another request for information, this time for specific identifying information about the veteran. This information is used by the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) to locate the DD214. You will be asked to provide the following information: Veteran's full name used while in service. Veteran's social security number and military service number. Veteran's branch of service and approximate dates of service. Veteran's city and state of birth. Print and sign form. Once you have completed your online request, you must print and sign the request form and submit it by mail or fax. If you are submitting your request by mail, send the form to: National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138. You can fax your request to: 314-801-9195. If you are requesting records as the next of kin, you are required to provide proof of the veteran's death such as a death certificate, letter from the funeral home, or a published obituary. Wait for your records. It may take NPRC anywhere from 10 days to 6 months depending on the complexity of your request. You can make a follow-up request after 90 days. You can check the status of your request by contacting the NPRC at 314-801-0800. Request records online. You can only request your DD214 records online through the Veteran Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) Offices if you recently left the military or you are currently receiving veteran benefits. If you are in one of these two categories, you may be able to request your DD214 through the VA and DOD's eBenefits website. Visit the eBenefits website at: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal. Register for DEERS. In order to request your DD 214 online, you must be registered with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. The easiest way to determine whether you are enrolled in DEERS is by trying to register for a DS Logon Account (discussed below). If you are unable to register for your DS logon, attempt to register with DEERS by: Visiting the following website: https://iris.custhelp.com/app/ask. In the question box, type “Not in DEERS.” Next, from the drop down menu “select a topic,” select the “Veteran not in DEERS (Add)” option. Next, from the drop down menu "Select an Inquiry Type?" select “Question.” Provide identifying information on the form. A VA representative will contact you within a few days. You may also call the VA at 800-827-1000, and then choose option 1, then option 7, and then option 0, for assistance. In order for the VA to assist you, you must be receiving VA compensation through an electronic funds transfer (EFT). The VA will request your checking or savings account number and most recent dollar amount for your EFT in order to verify tour status. Request a DS Logon. Once you are registered in DEERS, you can request your DS Logon at a VA Regional Office (VARO), which you can locate at: http://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp. Additionally, you can obtain your DS Logon in the following ways: You can enter your Last Name, First Name, Date of Birth and your social security number on the online application: https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/. As an active service member, you can use your Common Access Card (CAC) to register for a DS Logon at: https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/identitymanagement/registration.do?execution=e2s1 As a veteran, you can try to register online at: https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/identitymanagement/registration.do?execution=e6s1. If you do not have a CAC, you will have to prove your identity by calling the VA at 800-827-1000 or visiting a local VARO office. Log in to eBenefits account. Once you have your DS Logon, you can use that to log in to your eBenefits account. Once you access your account, you can verify, review and print documents from your Military Personnel File, including your form DD214. You can log in to eBenefits at: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/about/feature?feature=military-personnel-file. Download and print form SF-180. This form is the standard military request form. Veterans or the next-of-kin of deceased veterans can request form DD214 using SF-180. Additionally, the general public can request records for service persons who served more than 62 years ago. These records are considered archival records and can be requested using form SF-180. You can download the form at: https://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf Complete form SF-180. In order to complete the form, you will need to print or type the following information in the correct boxes on the form: The veteran's full name used during service. The veteran's social security number, date of birth and place of birth. The veteran's branch(es) of service and whether the service was active, reserve, or the national guard. Approximate dates of service. Check that you are requesting form DD214. Provide the purpose of the request. The requester's name and relationship to veteran. Sign and date form. Attach any required documents such as proof of veteran's death. Return form SF-180. On page 2 of form SF-180, you will find a list of the possible locations of all military records. The locations are organized according to branches of service, separation from service dates, and the location for DD214s. Locate the correct location based on your veteran's service information and the location for personnel records. You should mail the completed form to that address. Wait for a response. NPRC is able to respond to approximately 92% of the requests for separation documents, such as DD214s, within 10 days of receiving the request. However, if you are seeking records that were damaged in the 1973 archival fire, your request could take up to six months. You should not send up a follow-up request until after 90 days from your original request as it may delay the processing of your original request. Schedule an appointment for a research room. If you want to view a DD214 in person, you can visit the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The NPRC maintains military records for discharged and deceased veterans who served from World War I and until the end of the 20th century. The records can be accessed by a veteran desiring to review his or her own record, the veteran's next of kin, or individuals with written consent from the veteran or his or her next of kin. You can schedule an appointment in the following ways: For military personnel records from before 1955, either e-mail [email protected] or call 314-801-0850. For military personnel records from after 1954, call 314-801-0775. For all military personnel record requests, you must provide the following information: name; phone number; desired date and time for appointment; whether you want to bring electronic equipment; specific information about the veteran and the records you are requesting. Complete researcher forms. Anyone visiting the National Archives and reviewing materials must review and/or complete the following: A Research Application located at: https://www.archives.gov/st-louis/archival-programs/na-14003-researcher-application.pdf Review the Research Room procedures. Once you have your appointment, you should contact the Research Room by phone at 314-801-0850, and ask where and when to submit your forms. You must submit your forms before your appointment. View records. Once you have submitted all of your information, the NPRC will attempt to retrieve your requested documents and have them ready for your review during your appointment. There are some reasons why the NPRC may not be able to provide you with your records. These reasons include: The record does not exist. The record was damaged in the 1973 fire and may not be available because of fire damage. The record is extremely fragile or damaged. The record is not accessible to the public and you do not meet the necessary kinship requirements to view the document. Review the National Archives list of researchers. One of the fastest ways to locate the desired DD214 is by hiring an independent researcher that is very familiar with the National Archives and NPRC. The National Archives maintains a list of military record researchers at: https://www.archives.gov/research/hire-help/topics.html?topic=military. Contact a researcher. Each researcher lists his or her specialty. Once you choose a researcher, email him or her the basic information about the type of documents you are seeking and ask for a quote as to the cost of his or her services. You can contact multiple researchers and compare price quotes. Depending on the cost of the researcher's time, you can choose to hire the researcher or seek the DD214 yourself. Discuss the scope of services. Depending on the services that you request, an experienced and qualified researcher can go to the physical location where your record is being kept and obtain a copy of the document. You will need to provide the researcher with a written authorization allowing him or her to access your information. Typically, a researcher can gain access to the material more quickly than if you request the information through the NPRC. A researcher will assist you in completing your paperwork and physically retrieve the documents for you. You should be wary of any research companies that only have you fill in the DD214 paperwork and then faxes the request in for you. Hire a researcher. If you choose to hire an independent researcher, send the researcher an email that includes the information that you are seeking, the services for which you hired him or her and the agreed upon fee. You should also request that the researcher confirm receipt of your email and that he or she agrees to keep confidential any information that is not publicly available. | Meet online requirements. Use the eVetRecs online system. Provide identifying information. Provide service details. Provide locator information. Print and sign form. Wait for your records. Request records online. Register for DEERS. Request a DS Logon. Log in to eBenefits account. Download and print form SF-180. Complete form SF-180. Return form SF-180. Wait for a response. Schedule an appointment for a research room. Complete researcher forms. View records. Review the National Archives list of researchers. Contact a researcher. Discuss the scope of services. Hire a researcher. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Ice-Candy | How to Make an Ice Candy | To make an ice candy with avocado, scoop the flesh out of 4 large avocados and place it in a blender or food processor. Next, add the regular milk, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar and blend the mixture for 30-60 seconds until it looks smooth and frothy. Then, use a funnel to transfer the mixture into ice candy bags and tie a knot at the end of each bag. Finally, lay the bags on a plate in a single layer and freeze them for 3 hours. | Scoop the flesh out of 4 avocados if you want to make avocado candy. Place the avocados on a chopping board and use a sharp knife to cut them in half. Use a metal spoon to dig out the pip, and then scoop the flesh into a bowl. If possible, use ripe avocados. Soft, green flesh signals that an avocado is ripe. The creamy texture of the avocados will help to give the ice candy a smooth consistency. If you want to make fruit-flavoured ice candy, skip this step. Place all the ingredients into the blender. Measure 4 cups (950 mL) of milk, 14 ounces (400 g) of sweetened condensed milk, and ½ cup (100 grams) of sugar into the blender. Transfer the flesh of the avocados from the bowl into the blender, or add 5.8 ounces (165 gram) of fresh or frozen fruit instead. If you don't have a blender, use a food processor instead. Any fruit will taste delicious in this ice candy recipe. Blend the ingredients until they are smooth. Make sure that the lid is tightly on the blender and then turn the speed up to the highest setting. Turn the blender off once the mixture is frothy and smooth. It normally takes 30-60 seconds to blend the ingredients. If you notice that the mixture still has lumps in it after you have blended it, process it for another 30 seconds, or until all the lumps are removed. Pour the mixture into ice candy bags using a funnel. Place the funnel into the ice candy bag. Use 1 hand to hold the funnel in place and the other hand to pour the mixture into the bag. Only fill 3/4 of each bag to allow room to tie a knot in the end. Purchase ice candy bags online or from a specialty cooking store. If you don't have ice candy bags, pour the mixture into popsicle moulds instead. Tie a knot at the end of each bag. Make sure that the knots are nice and tight so that none of the mixture can escape. Try to tie the knot right at the end of the bags so that mixture has room to expand when it freezes. Freeze the ice candy bags in a single layer for 3 hours. Lay the bags on a plate and place them into the freezer. Avoid stacking anything on top of the bags, as this risks them popping. Enjoy the ice candy as a sweet and refreshing snack! If you want to enjoy the ice candy at a later date, keep them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Simply cut the plastic to open the frozen ice candy. Dissolve 2 cups (250 grams) of cornstarch in a bowl of milk and cold water. Measure 1.5 litres (0.40 US gal) of cold water and 1 cup (240 mL) of milk into a bowl. Mix the ingredients with a spoon until the cornstarch is no longer visible. If you want a richer flavoured ice candy, use condensed milk instead of regular milk. Use full-fat milk for a creamy taste or low-fat milk for a lighter texture. In some countries cornstarch is known as corn flour. Mix the sugar and salt into boiling water until they dissolve. Bring 7 litres (1.8 US gal) of water to the boil in a large pot. Measure 7.5 cups (1.5 kilos) of sugar and ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) of salt into the water. Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until you can't see the sugar or salt in the water. Note that this water is separate from the water that has the cornstarch in it. Be careful when cooking with boiling water to avoid burns. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the boiling water and stir for 8 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients. Keep stirring the mixture to avoid any lumps from forming. If the mixture stops boiling, turn up the heat. Be careful when you pour the cornstarch mixture to avoid splashing the boiling water. Set a timer to remind you when 8 minutes have passed. Leave the mixture to cool for 2 hours. Remove the candy mixture from the heat and leave it to cool at room temperature. If the mixture is still hot after 2 hours, leave it cool for another 30 minutes. Mix 1.5 cups (350 mL) of your favourite ice candy flavor into the mixture. Orange, mango, buko, grape, and chocolate are delicious and refreshing ice candy flavours. Keep mixing the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. Purchase ice candy flavour online or from a speciality cooking store. Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds using a funnel. Hold a funnel over the popsicle moulds and pour the candy into each hole. Leave 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) of room at the top of each mould to give the mixture room to expand when it freezes. Purchase moulds from a homeware or cooking store. Place a popsicle stick into each hole if you like your ice candy to have a handle. If you don't have popsicle moulds, pour the mixture into ice candy bags instead. Freeze the ice candy for 3 hours. The ice candy mixture tastes best when it is completely frozen. This normally takes about 3 hours. However, if you want to enjoy the ice candy at a later date, keep them in the freezer for up to 6 months. | Scoop the flesh out of 4 avocados if you want to make avocado candy. Place all the ingredients into the blender. Blend the ingredients until they are smooth. Pour the mixture into ice candy bags using a funnel. Tie a knot at the end of each bag. Freeze the ice candy bags in a single layer for 3 hours. Dissolve 2 cups (250 grams) of cornstarch in a bowl of milk and cold water. Mix the sugar and salt into boiling water until they dissolve. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the boiling water and stir for 8 minutes. Leave the mixture to cool for 2 hours. Mix 1.5 cups (350 mL) of your favourite ice candy flavor into the mixture. Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds using a funnel. Freeze the ice candy for 3 hours. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sew-Kimono | How to Sew Kimono | Kimonos can be a stylish substitute for cardigans, cover-ups, or lingerie items. While they can be expensive to buy, making your own kimono is easy and inexpensive. All you'll need is a piece of lightweight fabric, like cotton or a knit blend, scissors, and a needle and thread. Once you have your fabric, you'll want to measure a piece that will fall around your hips and have ¾ length sleeves. After cutting your fabric, you'll need to sew your sleeves and sides as well as add a hem to the sleeve openings, bottom, and neckline to ensure that the fabric doesn't fray. | Choose your fabric. Technically, you can use whatever fabric you want to create your kimono. However, lightweight fabrics will look best with this open and easy design. Try using a fabric like chiffon, silk, lightweight cotton, or a knit blend for the best results. You may choose a solid color or a print fabric for your kimono. Your fabric piece will need to measure 40” (107 cm) by 55” (140 cm). To save time, you might consider asking the store associate to cut your fabric to these exact dimension. If you cannot get this exact measurement from a fabric store, then measure and cut your piece to these dimensions when you get it home. This size fabric piece will create a kimono that falls around or just below your hips. If you want your kimono to be longer, then get a piece of fabric that is longer than 55” (140 cm), such as a 40” (107 cm) by 65” (165 cm) piece. The 40” size piece will result in sleeves that are about 3/4 length. If you want longer or short sleeves, then adjust the width of your fabric piece. For example, if you want longer sleeves, then you might go with a piece of fabric that is 48” (122 cm) by 55” (140 cm). Fold your fabric piece in half with the wrong side facing out. To get started, you will need to fold your fabric in half so that the 40” (107 cm) edges of your fabric are lined up evenly and the wrong sides (back side of the fabric) are facing out. Make sure that the edges are all evenly lined up. Chiffon and silk are slippery fabrics, so you might find it helpful to pin the edges together in a few places. This will help to prevent the fabric from moving as you work. Measure 10” (25 cm) from the fold and mark the fabric. Measure from the top fold of your fabric along the outer raw edge of the fabric. Use a piece of chalk to mark the spot on the edge of your fabric that is 10” (25 cm) from the top fold. You may make the first mark on either side of the fabric. You will be repeating the marking process on the opposite side after you make the first set of marks. Measure 6” (15 cm) in from the edge at the 10” (25 cm) mark. Next, measure 6” (15 cm) in from the mark you just made on the edge of your fabric. Mark this location with chalk as well. If you have decided to make longer sleeves and have chosen a larger piece of fabric, then you will need to add to the length that you measure. For example, if you are using a piece of fabric that is 48" (122 cm), then you might mark the fabric at 9" (23 cm) in from the edge on each side instead. Connect the marks with a chalk line. Use a ruler or other straight edged object to draw a line from the 6” (15 cm) mark to the 10” (25 cm) mark. This line indicates where the underside of your first sleeve will be. Draw a chalk line from the 6” (15 cm) mark down to the bottom edge. Next, use your chalk and ruler to draw a line from the 6” (15 cm) mark to the bottom edge of the fabric. Make sure that this line goes straight down from the 6” (15 cm) mark. To ensure a straight line, measure 6” (15 cm) in from the outer edge at the bottom of the fabric and make a mark with your chalk. Then, connect the two 6” (25 cm) marks you have made in a line. Repeat the measuring and marking process on the opposite side. After you finish making the first set of marks, you should have what looks like an upside down “L” shape on your kimono fabric. You will need to make another mark on the opposite side of your fabric to indicate where the other sleeve will be, so repeat the process on the opposite side of your folded fabric. When you are done, you should have two upside down chalk “L” shapes that are facing away from each other. Cut along the “L” shapes. After you have finished marking your fabric with the “L” shapes, cut along the lines you have drawn. Cut slowly and carefully to ensure that your lines are straight and even. This will give your folded fabric the look of a kimono. You may want to place a few pins along the inside of each of the lines to keep your fabric from moving while you cut it. Draw a chalk line down the center of the rectangle. After you have removed the fabric from the corners of your folded fabric piece, draw a line going straight down from the center of your folded edge to the bottom edges of your folded fabric. This line will indicate where the opening of your kimono will be. Use a ruler or straight edge to draw the line. To ensure a straight line, you may want to measure and mark from the edge of your fabric to the center in a few places. Then, you can connect these marks into one long line that goes down the middle of your fabric. Cut along the line on the top layer of the folded fabric. After you have marked your fabric, you will need to cut along the line to create the opening for your kimono. Make an even cut down the center of the layer you have marked. Make sure that you only cut through the layer of fabric that you have drawn your line on. Do not cut through both layers of fabric! Create a softer neckline opening if desired. You do not need to cut anything for the neckline, but you may cut two curved lines extending from about 2” (5 cm) below the top fold and running into the center line. To do this, mark the center line about 2” (5 cm) from the top fold and then draw a slightly curved line extending up towards the fold. Extend the curving line out from the center fold on both sides. This should look something like an ellipses or crescent moon shape. The curved line should be about 3” (7.5 cm) long on either side of the central line. Keep in mind that creating this opening is optional, but it will result in a softer, more open neckline. Sew the sleeves and sides. With the fabric still folded and the wrong sides facing out, pin along the areas where you cut out the “L” shapes. Make sure that the edges of the fabric are lined up evenly. Then, sew a straight stitch about ½” (1.3 cm) from the raw edges of the fabric in these areas. This will secure your sleeves and the sides of your kimono. Remove the pins as you sew. Pin along the raw edges of the kimono fabric to create a hem. If you used a knit blend, then you will not need to hem because this type of fabric does not fray. However, other fabrics will require a hem to prevent fraying. After you have finished cutting your kimono fabric, pin along all of the raw edges to hem your kimono. Pin the fabric so that about ½” (1.3 cm) is folded over and so that the raw edges will be hidden on the wrong side of your fabric. You will need to pin along all of the raw edges on your kimono including the: sleeve openings bottom of the kimono kimono opening neckline (if you have decided to soften the neckline) Sew a straight stitch along the edges to secure the hem. After you have pinned the areas where you need to sew a hem, begin sewing. Sew along all of the pinned areas slightly over ¼” (0.6 cm) from the fold to secure the hem. To hem the kimono bottom and opening, start at one of the bottom corners of the kimono and sew all the way around the edges of the fabric to secure your hem. Go all the way around the bottom edges, and then sew up and around the kimono opening. Then, sew the edges of each of the sleeve openings to secure the hems here as well. Remove the pins as you sew. Trim the excess threads when you are finished sewing. After you have hemmed all of the raw edges of your kimono, use your scissors to trim off the excess threads. Discard the excess threads and turn your kimono right-side out. It is now ready to wear! | Choose your fabric. Fold your fabric piece in half with the wrong side facing out. Measure 10” (25 cm) from the fold and mark the fabric. Measure 6” (15 cm) in from the edge at the 10” (25 cm) mark. Connect the marks with a chalk line. Draw a chalk line from the 6” (15 cm) mark down to the bottom edge. Repeat the measuring and marking process on the opposite side. Cut along the “L” shapes. Draw a chalk line down the center of the rectangle. Cut along the line on the top layer of the folded fabric. Create a softer neckline opening if desired. Sew the sleeves and sides. Pin along the raw edges of the kimono fabric to create a hem. Sew a straight stitch along the edges to secure the hem. Trim the excess threads when you are finished sewing. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Get-Rid-of-a-Blind-Pimple | How to Get Rid of a Blind Pimple | To get rid of a blind pimple, dab tea tree oil onto it with a cotton swab twice a day. Alternatively, try applying apple cider vinegar in the same way. Additionally, hold a used green teabag over your pimple for 5 to 10 minutes twice a day. You could also try making a mask out of honey, an egg white, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of an essential oil, such as peppermint or lavender oil. Then, put the mask on your face or neck for 15 minutes before washing it off. | Dab some tea tree oil on the pimple. Tea tree oil may help with some of the inflammation that is common with blind pimples. Studies have also shown that tea tree oil is an effective treatment for acne. It can reduce the number and severity of pimples on your face. To use tea tree oil for a blind pimple, apply a drop or two of tea tree oil to a cotton swab or cotton ball and then dab the tea tree oil onto your blind pimple. Leave the tea tree oil on your face and repeat this process twice per day. Apply apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar may also help to get rid of a blind pimple. It has been used as a folk remedy for centuries and it seems to have some astringent qualities. To use apple cider vinegar for a blind pimple, pour some apple cider vinegar onto a cotton ball or cotton swab and then dab the vinegar onto your blind pimple. Repeat this process twice per day. Hold a green tea bag on the pimple. Green tea has also been shown to be effective for treating acne. To use green tea for a blind pimple, brew a cup of green tea and remove the tea bag. After the tea bag has cooled down a bit, hold it on your blind pimple for about five to 10 minutes. If you have multiple blind pimples or you just want to treat your whole face, then you can also soak a clean cotton cloth in the green tea and use the cloth as a warm compress. Make sure that you wring out the cloth before applying it to your face so that green tea will not drip all over you. Hold the green tea compress on your face for about five to 10 minutes and then rinse your face with lukewarm water. Try aloe vera. Aloe vera gel has been found to be effective against acne as well. You can apply pure aloe vera gel to your blind pimple after cleansing or use it on your entire face after cleansing. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to your blind pimple or over your entire face. Gather ingredients. Applying an herbal mask can help to get rid of your blind pimple and improve the condition of the rest of your skin as well. To make an herbal mask for your blind pimple, you will need: 1 tablespoon of honey One egg white 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or witch hazel 1/2 teaspoon of an essential oil of your choice, such as peppermint, spearmint, lavender, calendula, or thyme Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. As you measure out all of your ingredients, you can add them to a bowl. Then, use a whisk or fork to mix the ingredients together. Make sure that all of the ingredients are well-combined. Spread the mixture over your face. You can apply the mask to your face, neck, or wherever else you have an acne problem. If you just want to apply the mixture to your blind pimple(s), then use a cotton swab to spread the mixture over those areas. Leave the mixture on for 15 minutes or until it is completely dry. The mask will feel dry and stiff when it is time to rinse it off. Rinse the mask off with lukewarm water. When it is time to remove the mask, use lukewarm water and your fingertips to break up the mask and rinse it away. You can also use a soft cotton cloth to help you remove the mask, just avoid scrubbing your face. Scrubbing can lead to irritation, redness, and scarring. Pat dry and moisturize your skin. After you have removed the mask, use a clean, cotton towel to pat your skin dry. Do not rub your skin, just gently pat it dry. Then, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to your skin using gentle circular motions. Non-comedogenic means that that the product will not clog your pores. To determine if a product is non-comedogenic, you will need to check the label. Start with a clean face. Steaming your face will be more effective if your face is clean. Use your fingertips, a gentle cleanser, and some lukewarm water to cleanse your face before you begin your steam treatment. Use gentle circular motions to apply the cleanser and then rinse it away with the lukewarm water. Gentle cleansing twice per day may also help to get rid of your blind pimple and improve your acne. Avoid scrubbing your face because scrubbing can cause irritation, redness, and scarring. Choose an essential oil. To give yourself a steam treatment, you will need a few drops of an essential oil. Some essential oils have antibacterial properties that can help with acne. Some good choices include: Peppermint Spearmint Lavender Calendula Boil a pot of water on the stove. Fill a large pot with water, place it on a burner, and turn the burner on high. Remove the water from the heat before using it to steam your face. So that you don't get burned, never hold your face over a pot of water as it boils and don't get too close. Add the essential oils to your hot water. After you have your pot full of hot water, you will need to add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice. Add the oil directly to the water. You should be able to smell the oil in the steam. Place a towel over your head. After your steamy water is ready, place a large towel over your head. This will serve as a tent to help more of the steam hit your face and work on your blind pimple. Make sure that the towel is large enough to cover your entire head and the pot. A full-sized towel works best. Hold your face over the pot for 15 minutes. Once you have your towel over your head, you can place your head over the pot so that you are about 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) away from the steamy water. Stay in this position for about 15 minutes. If the steam feels painful or you have trouble breathing, then stop the steam treatment. The water may be too hot. Try adding a bit of cool water and see if that helps. Rinse your face with lukewarm water. After you have finished steaming your face, you will need to head to a sink and rinse your face with some lukewarm water. Empty your pot of steamy water carefully. Then, turn on the faucet and adjust the water so that it is lukewarm. Use the lukewarm water to rinse your face. Pat dry with a clean, cotton towel. After you rinse your face, pat it dry with a clean cotton towel. Do not rub or scrub your skin as your dry it. You may also want to follow up this treatment with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to restore any moisture that was lost from the steam treatment. Moisturizing is an important part of caring for your skin and treating acne. Follow a healthy diet. Following a healthy diet may also help to control acne and get rid of your blind pimple. Try to avoid foods that are sugary, salty, greasy, or processed. Instead, opt for a diet of healthy, low-glycemic foods to help improve your acne. For example, you might want to include: Lean meats like turkey, chicken, canned tuna, and shrimp Whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and whole grain bread Fruits such as cherries, strawberries, apples, oranges, and grapes Vegetables such as broccoli, peppers, carrots, green beans, spinach, and cauliflower Low-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese Try not to touch your face too much. Frequently touching your face can also make acne worse. The oil, dirt, and germs on your hands and fingers can also cause acne. Do the best that you can to keep your hands away from your blind pimple. Try not to let objects touch your face either. For example, don't rest your face on your desk or press the phone receiver against your face. Reduce stress. High stress levels can make acne worse, so it is important to try to manage your stress as much as possible. There are lots of different strategies for dealing with stress. Some good stress management strategies include: Exercising Practicing yoga Finding a hobby Using deep breathing | Dab some tea tree oil on the pimple. Apply apple cider vinegar. Hold a green tea bag on the pimple. Try aloe vera. Gather ingredients. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Spread the mixture over your face. Rinse the mask off with lukewarm water. Pat dry and moisturize your skin. Start with a clean face. Choose an essential oil. Boil a pot of water on the stove. Add the essential oils to your hot water. Place a towel over your head. Hold your face over the pot for 15 minutes. Rinse your face with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean, cotton towel. Follow a healthy diet. Try not to touch your face too much. Reduce stress. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Stop-a-Puppy-from-Barking | How to Stop a Puppy from Barking | To stop a puppy from barking, try making a loud, surprising noise to distract it. You could use a can filled with pennies, clap loudly, or do something else that might get your puppy's attention. To change its behavior over time, ignore your puppy when it barks instead of responding to it, which will prevent it from associating barking with receiving attention. Additionally, provide your dog with plenty of chew toys to keep it distracted and prevent it from barking when it's bored. | Take away whatever motivates the barking. If you can easily remove the cause of the barking, go ahead and do it. This will give you quiet right away and will provide you with some time to make a training plan. The key here is to respond right when you notice the barking. For example, if your dog barks at people it sees through the front window, you can close that window or put your dog in another room. Ask your puppy to go lie in bed. Get a training treat and place it on your dog's bed. Tell your puppy, “Go to your bed” in a firm tone — don't yell at your puppy though or you could scare it. Performing this task will distract your dog from barking. This training is also helpful to curb other puppy behaviors, such as jumping. Make a loud, surprising noise. The goal here isn't to scare your puppy, but to shock them into silence. Drop a can filled with pennies onto the ground. The noise will make your dog curious and a bit concerned. They will usually stop barking. Whatever you do, make sure that it doesn't overly distress or harm your puppy. This method works best if the cause of the sound remains a bit mysterious. So, don't let your puppy see you drop the can. Give your puppy some chew toys. If your puppy is alone for long periods of time, it's possible that they are bored and need some stimulation. Provide age-appropriate bones, rope chews, or squeakers. Look at the toy label to make sure it's the right size and style for your puppy. This will keep your puppy's mouth busy chewing instead of barking. Ignore your puppy when it barks. If your dog is barking for attention, then they are craving a response from you. To them, it doesn't really matter if the response is negative or positive. Turn your back to your dog and walk a few steps away, if you are close. When your puppy stops barking, give it a treat immediately to reinforce the positive behavior. Be warned that this training method may require that you wait a long time, even over an hour. Don't lose your temper or you'll be worse off than before. Identify why your puppy is barking. It's important to note when and why your puppy is barking, so that you can tailor your training to those issues. For 1 week, make a notation whenever your puppy barks and you are present. Write down the time, duration of the barking, your response, and any potential causes. You can also download an app that will let you make barking or puppy behavioral notes. Puppies bark for a wide variety of reasons, including territoriality, fear, excitement, boredom, demand, or health issues. Expose your dog slowly to the barking stimulus over time. Keep the thing that makes your puppy bark at a distance and then gradually move it forward. Give your puppy treats as it notices the stimulus and stays quiet. This will desensitize your puppy to the presence of this object or person. Instead of barking out of fear or for attention, your puppy will start to associate the stimulus with treats and praise. This method works well if your puppy barks at other dogs. They will learn that socialization is actually a good thing. You'll need to repeat this process until it sticks. Take your puppy on multiple, short walks. An exhausted puppy is a happy, non-barking puppy. Talk with your vet about how long you can safely walk your puppy. Then, hit the pavement with your puppy in a well-fitting harness or leash. If you don't want to take a walk, a game of fetch will usually work, too. Schedule time to play with your puppy every day. Like going on regular walks, playing with your puppy can help tire it out so it's not barking as much. It will also prevent your puppy from barking at you for attention. Spread your puppy's playtime out throughout the day. For example, you could play with it in the morning, on your lunch break, and when you get home from work. Minimize your puppy’s line-of-sight. If your puppy barks when they are outside, consider installing privacy fencing or a line of dense bushes. If your puppy barks at the windows, pull the curtains closed or consider installing cling film that blurs the view of the outside. These actions will also help to reduce territorial barking. Create a realistic potty schedule based on the age of your pup. Puppies often bark to let you know that they need something basic, such as a restroom break. A good rule of thumb is that a puppy can wait to relieve itself for 1 hour for every month of age. This means that your 12-week old puppy needs to be let out or given access to a puppy training pad every 3-4 hours. It's a good idea to write down this schedule or put it on an app with reminders. Consistency is key when potty training your puppy. If your puppy is barking or crying in the middle of the night, they likely need to be let out. Puppies usually can't hold their bladders overnight. Talk with your vet. If your puppy is constantly barking or whining, then it's time to make a vet appointment. It's possible that your puppy has a bladder disorder or another medical issue that requires treatment. Some puppies are deaf and can't hear themselves barking or know how to stop. If your puppy is deaf, it's possible to teach them the “silent” command via hand signals or light signals. Enroll in a puppy training course. You can take your puppy to a class at your local pet store or talk with a trainer about private (or group) lessons. These classes will teach you how to provide your dog with positive outlets for their energy, instead of barking. Your puppy will also learn various commands, including the “settle” or “quiet” command. Train your puppy to bark on command. This may sound counterintuitive, but it actually works! Use the “Speak!” command to ask your puppy to bark. When they start to bark, give them a treat. Stop the barking by using the “Silent!” command and again provide a treat when they stop barking. This makes barking a behavior that you can command, not one that the puppy alone controls. Invest time in crate training. Some puppies bark when they are crated, so you'll need to work on making that a comfortable and calming environment. Exhaust your puppy with play before placing them in the crate. Stay in the room after you've crated them, at least initially. Provide treats for even short periods of cry- or bark-free crating. Try clicker training your puppy. Clicker training is a process where you use a clicker to make a noise whenever your puppy exhibits good behavior. Immediately after you make a noise with the clicker, you give your puppy a treat. Eventually, your puppy will associate the noise with good behavior, making it easier to train. Whenever your puppy stops barking, use the clicker to make a noise and then immediately give it a treat. Try an ultrasonic device. You can buy these bark-deterrent devices at your local pet store or online. They often come disguised as a treehouse or other outside decorative item. Once you hang and turn on the treehouse, it emits an ultrasonic signal that encourages your puppy to stay silent and calm. Not all puppies and dogs respond to these devices, but for some it provides a much needed correction. The devices should not be painful for your puppy. But, if you are concerned, talk over your plan with your vet beforehand. | Take away whatever motivates the barking. Ask your puppy to go lie in bed. Make a loud, surprising noise. Give your puppy some chew toys. Ignore your puppy when it barks. Identify why your puppy is barking. Expose your dog slowly to the barking stimulus over time. Take your puppy on multiple, short walks. Schedule time to play with your puppy every day. Minimize your puppy’s line-of-sight. Create a realistic potty schedule based on the age of your pup. Talk with your vet. Enroll in a puppy training course. Train your puppy to bark on command. Invest time in crate training. Try clicker training your puppy. Try an ultrasonic device. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Windows-7-(Beginners) | How to Install Windows 7 (Beginners) | To install Windows 7, first restart your computer and enter the code on the screen to access your computer's BIOS, which is usually Delete, Escape, F10. Once you're in the BIOS, select the “Boot options” menu and choose the CD rom drive as your computer's first boot device. Then, click on the save button to save your settings and turn off your computer. Next, turn the computer on and insert the Windows CD into the CD drive. When you are prompted to do so, press any key to allow the system to boot from the disk. After the system has loaded, follow the on-screen instructions to choose your preferred settings, like language and keyboard type. You should also read and accept the license agreement and select “Custom installation.” On the following screen, choose the hard drive where you want to save Windows before clicking “Next” to begin the installation. | Backup your files. The installation process will delete all data on your hard drive. It is recommended that you back up all files you want to keep before installing a new operating system. You can backup your files to another hard drive, an external hard drive, a flash drive, or a cloud-based service like Google Drive, or Dropbox. Restart your computer. Press the power button on your computer and then click Restart in the power options menu. Immediately press Del, Esc, F2, F10, or F9 when it restarts. Depending on the make and model of your computer, pressing one of these buttons immediately after you power on your computer will enter the system BIOS. Some computers tell you which button to press to enter the BIOS as the computer starts up. Find your BIOS's boot options menu. The boot options menu of your BIOS may vary in location or name from the illustration, but you may eventually find it if you search around. If you can't find the boot options menu, search the name of your BIOS (most likely located in the BIOS menu) online for help. Select the optical disk drive as the first boot device of your computer. Although this method may vary among computers, the boot options menu is typically a menu of movable device names where you should set your CD, DVD or Blu-ray drive as the first boot device. It can also be a list of devices that you can set the order of their boot on. Consult a manual or the internet for help if you're stuck. Place the Windows 7 Installation disc in the disc drive. Press the button on your CD, DVD, or Blu-ray drive. Then place the Windows 7 installation disc in the disk tray and push it back in the drive. Save the changes in the settings. Press the button indicated on the screen or select the save option from the BIOS menu to save your configuration. Shut off your computer. Either turn off the computer by choosing the shut-down option in your current operating system, or hold the power button until the computer powers off. Start your computer from the disc. After you have placed the disc into the disc drive, start your computer. When the computer starts, press a key if you are asked if you would like to boot from the disc by pressing any key. After you choose to start from the disc. Windows Setup will begin loading. If you are not asked to boot from the disc, you may have done something wrong. Retry the previous steps and make sure you have selected the correct drive in the BIOS boot menu. Choose your Windows Setup options. Once Windows Setup loads, you'll be presented with a window. Use the drop-down menus to select your preferred language, keyboard type, and time/currency format, then click Next in the lower-right corner. Click the Install Now button. It's the blue button in the center of the screen. Accept the License Terms. Read over the Microsoft Software License Terms. Then click the checkbox next to I accept the license terms , and click Next in the lower-right corner. Select the Custom installation. This option allows you to do a clean install of Windows 7. This will erase all your files on the installation drive. If you do not want to erase all your files, select Upgrade instead. This option requires an existing Windows installation. You can only upgrade from one Windows edition to another. For example, if you have Windows Vista Home Basic Edition, you can only upgrade to Windows 7 Home Basic Edition. You would not be able to upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium. Select a hard drive and partition you want to install Windows on. A hard drive is a physical part of your computer that stores data, and partitions "divide" hard drives into separate sections. Click the hard drive or partition you want to install Windows 7 on. If the hard drive has data on it, You'll need to use the following steps to Delete or Format the drive. Be aware that this will permanently erase all data from the disk. Select the hard drive from the list of hard drives. Click Drive options (advanced). Click Delete or Format from Drive options. If your computer doesn't have any partitions yet, create one to install Windows on it. Select the hard drive from the list of hard drives. Click Drive options (advanced). Select New from Drive options. Select the size, and click OK. Install Windows on your preferred hard drive and partition. Once you've decided on where to install Windows, select it and click Next. Windows will begin installing. Your computer may start and restart several times during the installation process. Start your computer. Boot up your computer as normally into your current operating system. Check to see if your computer is compatible with Windows 7. The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scans your computer to see if you can upgrade it to Windows 7. You can download it from here. In order to upgrade to Windows 7, you must upgrade to the same version of Windows you already have. For example, if you have Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, you can only upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium Edition. You cannot upgrade from Windows Vista Home to Windows 7 Professional. Prepare your computer to install Windows. Use the following steps to prepare your computer for a Windows installation: Back up your files. It's a good idea to back up any files you want to keep in case there is a problem during the upgrade. You can back up for your files using another hard drive, an external hard drive, a flash drive, or a cloud service such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Scan your computer for malware. Malware can prevent Windows from installing correctly. Disable or uninstall any antivirus software because they may interfere with the Windows installation. Uninstall some unnecessary programs to speed up the upgrade. You can install them after Windows 7 has finished. Update Windows with Windows Update. Delete some unnecessary files to speed up the upgrade. Back up your hard drive in case the installation fails and you lose your files. (optional). Insert your Windows 7 installation disc. Eject the tray of your CD/DVD drive and place the Windows installation disk into the disk drive and then close it. Click the Windows Start menu. By default, it's the icon with the Windows logo in the lower-left corner. Alternatively, you can boot your computer from the disc as outlined in Method 1 and select Update from the installation screen. Click My Computer. This is displays all drives on your computer. If you are using a newer version of Windows, click Windows Explorer. It has an icon that resembles a folder with a blue clip. Then click This PC or your computer name. Double-click the disc drive with the installation disk. This displays the contents of the disk. Allow Setup to start. Click Setup.exe. This launches the Windows 7 installation program. Click Install Now. It's the blue button in the center of the screen. Decide whether to install updates for Windows Setup. The updates are intended to fix known problems with Windows Setup and installing updates makes your installation smoother and more stable. To get updates, click Go Online to get the latest updates for installation (recommended). To skip updates, click Do not get the latest updates for installation. Accept the License Terms. Read over the Microsoft Software License Terms, and click the checkbox next to "I accept the license terms". Then click Next. Select the Upgrade option. It's the first option in the menu. This checks your compatibility and installs Windows 7. Connect a USB flash drive to your computer. Use a free USB port to connect a USB flash drive to your computer. The USB flash drive needs to have a minimum of 4 gigabytes of disc space. Move any personal files off of the drive. Make sure the flash drive has no other files on it before copying the Windows ISO file. Download the Windows 7 Setup ISO. An ISO file is the raw data from a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray drive. It is also known as a disk image. Note: This download may take a while, depending on your internet speed. A list of download links is available here. If the link to the website does not work, click here to download a list of the links. Download and install the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool from this link. This tool will be used to copy the Windows 7 ISO file to the USB flash drive. Install the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool". Double-click the "en-US.exe" file after it finishes downloading. Then click Install to install the program. Follow the on-screen instructions in the Installation Wizard. Open the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool. Once the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool is finished downloading and installing, open the program from the Windows Start menu. Select the Windows 7 ISO file. On the Choose ISO file screen of the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool , click Browse , and then navigate to the save location of the Windows 7 ISO file and click it to select it. Then click Next to continue. Click USB device. It's the blue button in the lower-right corner the "Choose Media type:" screen. Select the USB flash drive and click Begin Copying. Use the drop-down menu on the "Step 3 of 4" screen to select the USB drive you want to copy the ISO file to and then click the green button that says "Begin Copying". If you receive an error that says Not Enough Free Space , click the Erase USB Device button, which will erase all of the files on the drive. Be aware that this will erase all files on the flash drive. Restart your computer. Press the power button on your computer and then click Restart in the power options menu. Immediately press Del, Esc, F2, F10, or F9 when it restarts. Depending on the make and model of your computer, press one of these buttons immediately after you power on your computer will enter the system BIOS. Some computers tell you which button to press to enter the BIOS as the computer starts up. Find your BIOS's boot options menu. The boot options menu of your BIOS may vary in location or name from the illustration, but you may eventually find it if you search around. If you can't find the boot options menu, search the name of your BIOS (most likely located in the BIOS menu) online for help. Select "USB Drive" or "Removable drives" as the first boot device of your computer. Although this method may vary among computers, the boot options menu is typically a menu of movable device names where you should set your USB drive as the first boot device. It can also be a list of devices that you can set the order of their boot on. Consult a manual or the internet for help if you're stuck. Start your computer from the USB drive. With the USB drive connected to your computer via a free USB port, start your computer. When the computer starts, press a key if you are asked if you would like to boot from the USB drive by pressing any key. After you choose to start from the USB drive. Windows Setup will begin loading. Choose your Windows Setup options. Once Windows Setup loads, you'll be presented with a window. Use the drop-down menus to select your preferred language, keyboard type, and time/currency format, then click Next in the lower-right corner. Click the Install Now button. It's the blue button in the center of the screen. Accept the License Terms. Read over the Microsoft Software License Terms, and click the checkbox next to "I accept the license terms". Then click Next in the lower-right corner. Select the 'Custom installation. This option allows you to do a clean install of Windows 7. This will erase all your files on the installation drive. If you do not want to erase all your files, select Upgrade instead. This option requires an existing Windows installation. Decide on which hard drive and partition you want to install Windows on. A hard drive is a physical part of your computer that stores data, and partitions "divide" hard drives into separate parts. If the hard drive has data on it, delete the data off of it, or format it Be aware that this will permanently erase all data from the disk. Select the hard drive from the list of hard drives. Click Drive options (advanced). Click Format from Drive options. If your computer doesn't have any partitions yet, create one to install Windows on it. Select the hard drive from the list of hard drives. Click Drive options (advanced). Select New from Drive options. Select the size, and click OK. Install Windows on your preferred hard drive and partition. Once you've decided on where to install Windows, select it and click Next. Windows will begin installing. Your computer may start and restart several times during the installation process. Remove the USB drive. After Windows is finished installing, remove the USB drive. Reboot your computer. After you have finished installing Windows 7 and have removed the USB drive, reboot your computer and allow it to boot up as normal. Type your username and computer's name and click Next. The first time you start your computer after installing Windows 7, you will need to go through a setup process. Type your password and click Next. If you don't want a password, leave the text boxes blank and then click Next. This is the password you will need to sign in to Windows using your account. Enter your product key then click Next. Your product key is located on the case of your Windows 7 disc if you purchased the disc. To skip entering your product key, just click Next , but Windows will run on a 30-day trial, and you'll have to enter a key once the 30 day trial time is up. Choose your Windows Update settings. You can select "Use recommended settings", "Install important updates only", or "Ask me later". Use recommended settings automatically sets update and security settings recommended by Microsoft. Install important updates only configures your computer only to install necessary updates. Ask me later disables your security until you have made a decision. Set your time and time zone. Use the drop-down menu to select your time zone, and then use the calendar and clock to select today's date and the current time. Set your network type. Once the computer connects to your network, Windows will go through the process of setting up your desktop. If the computer is connected to your own personal network, choose Home network. If you are connected to the network at your workplace, choose Work network. If you're connected to a public network from places such as restaurants and shops, | Backup your files. Restart your computer. Immediately press Del, Esc, F2, F10, or F9 when it restarts. Find your BIOS's boot options menu. Select the optical disk drive as the first boot device of your computer. Place the Windows 7 Installation disc in the disc drive. Save the changes in the settings. Shut off your computer. Start your computer from the disc. Choose your Windows Setup options. Click the Install Now button. Accept the License Terms. Select the Custom installation. Select a hard drive and partition you want to install Windows on. Install Windows on your preferred hard drive and partition. Start your computer. Check to see if your computer is compatible with Windows 7. Prepare your computer to install Windows. Insert your Windows 7 installation disc. Click the Windows Start menu. Click My Computer. Double-click the disc drive with the installation disk. Click Setup.exe. Click Install Now. Decide whether to install updates for Windows Setup. Accept the License Terms. Select the Upgrade option. Connect a USB flash drive to your computer. Move any personal files off of the drive. Download the Windows 7 Setup ISO. Download and install the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool from this link. Install the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool". Open the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool. Select the Windows 7 ISO file. Click USB device. Select the USB flash drive and click Begin Copying. Restart your computer. Immediately press Del, Esc, F2, F10, or F9 when it restarts. Find your BIOS's boot options menu. Select "USB Drive" or "Removable drives" as the first boot device of your computer. Start your computer from the USB drive. Choose your Windows Setup options. Click the Install Now button. Accept the License Terms. Select the 'Custom installation. Decide on which hard drive and partition you want to install Windows on. Install Windows on your preferred hard drive and partition. Remove the USB drive. Reboot your computer. Type your username and computer's name and click Next. Type your password and click Next. Enter your product key then click Next. Choose your Windows Update settings. Set your time and time zone. Set your network type. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Be-a-Badass-Girl | How to Be a Badass Girl | The first step to being a badass girl is to gain confidence by moving, acting, and dressing exactly the way you envision for yourself. Try wearing a new shirt or hat you really like, even if it doesn't match current styles. Don't be afraid to speak your mind and be passionate about the things you enjoy. You should be self-reliant but willing to share the badass-ness with other people, like with the new girl in class who might need a friend! | Develop a badass vision for yourself and your future. What does it mean to be a badass, in your world? What parts of yourself do you think need the badass treatment? Envision yourself as the badass you want to become. What's different about the way you move, act, or dress? Visualize the badass you want to become. What changes? Are you more talkative, or less? Do you dress differently, or the same? Where do you live? What do you do? Who do you associate with? Think of badass icons that you'd like to emulate. Are you more of a Joan Jett or a Madonna? Joni Mitchell or Janis Joplin? Angelina Jolie or Judi Dench? There are lots of badass women who make for good role models. Anchor your actions. Once you've got a badass vision of yourself in place, the first and best way to make little changes is to anchor your actions in this vision. It may sound stupid, but try to move, behave, and even think like this badass vision of yourself. Start small and gradually work your way up to more significant changes. Badasses exude confidence in everything they do. Anchor your vision in that confidence. Try walking down the hall like yourself. Now do it again as your badass self. Make the change you want to see. If it helps, pick one of your icons, an Angelina or a Janis, and pretend to walk like she would walk all day. Dress like you think she would dress, given your wardrobe. Say what you think she would say, given that situation. . Develop your passions What do you want out of your life? What goals do you have? Badasses aren't wet blankets. Badasses take control of their lives, and reach out to get what they want. If you don't know what you want, or how to get it, that becomes a lot more difficult. If the concept of "passions" seems too complicated, just think about interests. What do you like to do? What do you see yourself doing in five years, ten years, thirty years? Stop waiting for permission. Badass girls don't wait around to find out whether or not it's ok to do what they want to do. As a badass, you need to act from a place of intelligence and drive, going after what you want without worrying about whether or not someone else says you can. People-pleasing behavior isn't badass. Act for yourself, without being selfish, just being confident. Of course, if you're still in school, or underage, you'll be susceptible to some rules, and you'll need to follow them to avoid setting yourself back. Learning how to negotiate those rules while still being the assertive person you want to be, though, will be the challenge. Get out of your head. Badasses are reflective and thoughtful, but not locked inside their own heads. It's important to remember that you need to live outwardly, and let your inner light shine through. Think about and plan for your badass persona, but make sure that you adopt it in the real world, instead of living in fantasy. Don't be afraid to speak your mind. If you have something to say, a badass will always say it. Create a running narrative for your life, one that includes you as the badass character at the center of it. Look at yourself as both the main character and the narrator of your own personal bio-pic. Relax. Badasses are at ease in the world that they inhabit. Be unshakable, unflappable, and cool above all. If you can do one thing to make yourself more badass, it's to be cool in the face of pressure, and seem like you're floating above the lesser concerns of your peers. You're not interested in trends, fads, or following the group. You move to the beat of your own drummer, and that drummer is chill. Badasses aren't cold, emotionless robots, either. Get passionate when the occasion calls for it. Try reflecting back what you're getting from the world. If everyone in the group is over-excited, stay calm. If everyone's too cool for school, get lively. Oppose the norm. Speak first in conversations, but speak less. Speaking first accomplishes several things. This allows you to form and control the conversation, moving it into the territory you want to move it into. You set the rules, you make the first play. Speaking less helps you to seem above it all. Don't trouble yourself to argue. After you control the conversation and establish the rules, sit back and be cool. Let the other people talk. Listen closely, and be genuinely interested in what everyone is saying, but not super-affected by it. If you must interject, do it calmly but forcefully. Grab the floor by saying something like, "I have something to say," and then pause for five or ten seconds. People will be rapt. Be self-reliant. There's nothing badass about needing to ask everyone for help. This will obviously depend a lot on where you are and what you do, but it's important to try to be as capable and single-minded as possible. You're not a helpless damsel in distress, you're a badass, who takes care of herself. If you do need help, that's okay - we're human after all. However don't make a big scene of being incapable of doing something yourself. Take pride in accomplishing things with your own work put into it. Help out other girls. Don't keep your badass-ness to yourself. Someone who knows how to be selfless, giving back to others who might need a little help, will stand out as being mature, interesting, and admirable. Don't perpetuate girl-on-girl hate. Be good to your girlfriends and make lots of them. If you're in school, protect the younger kids, and make an effort to hang out with kids who might not have a lot of friends. New kid in class? Hang out with them. Student who doesn't speak the language real well? Try to talk to them. That's badass. Take calculated risks. Being willing to do something that might result in failure? That's badass. Badasses don't dwell in the world of the safe and secure, they're willing to take risks that have great rewards to stand out from the rest. Stand up to your teacher when they present a topic worthy of arguing about. Tell the class bully to shut up when a younger kid is being picked on. Apply for that scholarship you might not get. Try out for the team. Be willing to fail. "Calculated risks" don't mean "dangerous behavior." A calculated risk might be asking out the barista when you're out at coffee, and be willing to get shot down, not downing a bunch of vodka and driving your dad's car. There's a difference between being badass and being stupid. Be real. Being a badass isn't a persona. A badass isn't a "bitch." It isn't a gimmick, a guise, or a fad, and it's not the female equivalent of being "alpha." We recognize badasses for being the truest, least fake version of themselves. If you want other people to say, "She's a badass," it should be because you do things you want to do, for their own sake, not for the sake of your reputation. Choose the way you look. Badasses don't follow fads, or hop trends. Badasses look the way they look because they've chosen to look that way. A badass girl could dress like she walked right off the ranch, rocking a cropped hair-cut and cowboy boots, or could look like a fashionista, big sunglasses and tops straight from Vogue. The way you look should amplify who you are, not change it. Match your style to your real life. If you're a working-class girl who has rough hands and chipped nails, embrace it. Own it. Dress like your vision for yourself. If you want to make a positive change in your life, your clothes can help affect the way you feel. Go through your wardrobe and pick what your inspiration would wear, if she had the choice, or whoever your badass icon is. Wear clothes that make you feel powerful. Your clothes give you an opportunity to affect the way you feel, and can amplify who you are. If how you look doesn't match who you want to be, you can make a change outwardly that will affect yourself inwardly. Be ambitious with your dress, if you want to be, and dress up, or dress down for powerful comfort. Go through your clothes and try on everything. What makes you feel, really feel, like who you want to be? What makes you feel confident? Sexy? Powerful? Badass? Wear that. Do a clothes purge. Get rid of anything that doesn't make you feel like a badass. It's easy to collect clothes over the years, and all that raggedy home wear can be easily purged, if it doesn't help you feel confident and badass. If you only have clothes that make you feel confident and powerful, then you'll feel badass all the time, and that will affect your behavior. Stop trend-hopping. Trends all depend on making yourself fashionable in the eyes of other people, not yourself. You can spend all your time scanning fashion mags for the next cool monthly trend, or you could be out doing badass things. Trying to stay ahead of the curve isn't badass, it's "fashionable." If you're honestly interested in fashion and following trends, then by all means, do it. But don't feel like you have to, to fit in. That's not badass, that's being influenced by others. Make eye-contact. One of the best ways to look badass while you're with people is to make more eye contact. This helps you to appear confident and powerful in your interactions, and people will take notice when you have a powerful gaze. You don't have to be agreeable all the time, nodding along and deferring to the other person. Look skeptical, like you're really thinking of what a person is saying, and like you might disagree. That's a badass way to get the truth from people. Don't let yourself be intimidated, be the one who intimidates. | Develop a badass vision for yourself and your future. Anchor your actions. . Stop waiting for permission. Get out of your head. Relax. Speak first in conversations, but speak less. Be self-reliant. Help out other girls. Take calculated risks. Be real. Choose the way you look. Wear clothes that make you feel powerful. Do a clothes purge. Stop trend-hopping. Make eye-contact. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Say-No-in-Various-Languages | How to Say No in Various Languages | To say no in French, say “Non.” In German, say “Nein,” just like the number. In Russian, you'd say “Niet.” In Hindi, which is the official language of India, you say, “Nahi.” In Arabic, you say “la.” Arabic is spoken in Northern Africa and some Middle Eastern countries. | Say nee in Afrikaans to say no. No in Afrikaans is pronounced differently than it is spelled and should sound like nee-yu. To say yes you say ja. It is a long and low sound with an h sound like ya-hu. Afrikaans is one of the languages of South Africa. It is a descendant of Dutch, a West Germanic language, brought to the Dutch colony of the Cape of Good Hope in Africa by European settlers in the 17th century. Afrikaans evolved from a mixture of Dutch and other languages including Bantu, Khoisan languages, and English. There are approximately 10 million people total who speak Afrikaans as a native language. It is spoken mostly in South Africa, but it is also spoken some in Botswana, Namibia and Swaziland. Say não in Portuguese to say no. The pronunciation of não is nõw, and you say it as you would in English but the ow is more nasalized. In Portuguese yes is sim, and it is pronounced as see or as if you are saying the first half of the word sing in English. Portuguese is a Romance language with Latin roots spoken by around 220 million people in the world mainly in Portugal and Brazil but also in other countries like Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Angola Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe. Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language in the world. A Portuguese quote containing the word no is, Não há remédio para o amor, exceto amar ainda mais, meaning that there is no remedy for love but to love more. Say niet to say no in Russian. No is pronounced nyet. Niet is written Нет in Russian and is the most common Russian word. The Russian word for yes is da. It is pronounced duh. Yes written in Russian is Да. Russian is the eighth most spoken language in the world with 145 million native speakers and 110 second language speakers. It is an official language in the following countries: Abkhazia, which is a part of Georgia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Transnistria, which is a part of Moldova. An expression with the word no in Russian is, Нет. Без муки нет науки. Directly translated this means “without torture no science.” The equivalent meaning in English is something like, “adversity is a good teacher.” Say nein to say no in German. The emphasis is on the "ei" sound when you pronounce the word nein. Ja is how you say yes in German. German is the tenth most spoken language in the world with 101 million native speakers and 128 million second language speakers. It is an official language of Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy (South Tyrol), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Poland, Switzerland. You can say “no way” in German by saying, Auf keinen Fall. Nicht is the equivalent of not in English. Kein is another word for no and can mean not any, no one, nobody, none, and not. Niemals means never in German. A saying with a negation in German is, Wenn der Reiter nichts taugt, ist das Pferd schuld. The literal translation of this saying is, “If the rider is no good, it's the horse's fault.” This means that one should take responsibility for his/her actions and not blame others or the circumstances for one's loses. Say nahi to say no in Hindi. In Hindi, no is written नहीं. No is pronounced nahin and the pronunciation is soft. The emphasis is on the na at the beginning of the word, and the n is nasal. Yes in Hindi is pronounced haa and is spelled हाँ. Hindi is the second most spoken language in the world. 370 million people speak Hindi as their native language and 120 million speak it as a second language. It is an official language in Fiji and India. To say no more politely, add ji to the beginning or end of nahi. This is the same for yes, haa. Although Hindi is the official language of India, there are 22 major languages and 720 dialects spoken in India. A quote that says no in Hindi is, जल में रहकर मगर से बैर ठीक नहीं which translates to you should not have enmity with the crocodile if you are living in the water and means that you should strive to have good relationships with the people you have to live or work with. There are 3 stylistic varieties of Hindi: one used in high courts, journalism, literature, philosophy and religion; another Persianized version that is used in lower courts, films and some genres of literature; and a third Anglicized version for business administration, colleges, and science and technical journals. Say voch to say no in Armenian. In Armenian, no is written as ոչ and is pronounced votch. Ha is how you say yes in Armenian. Che and ayo are another way to say no and yes in Armenian, respectively. There are approximately 6.7 million people who speak Armenian in the world. 3.4 million live in Armenia and the majority of the remainder live in Georgia and Russia. However, there are also smaller populations of Armenians in Lebanon, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Iraq, France, the United States, and Bulgaria. In Modern Armenian there are two written versions, Western Armenian, Arewmtahayerên, and Eastern Armenian, Arewelahayerên. There are also many dialects of Armenian although the number has been drastically reduced since 1915 when the massacres in Turkey began an exodus. A quote that includes no in Armenian is, Ոչ իմ հալը, ոչ քո հարսանիք գալը, or Voch im hal, voch qo harsaniq gal. The literal translation means, neither my situation, nor you coming to a wedding. And it means something like, I am not in the mood for what you're doing right now. Say non in French. Non is "no" in French. Say lo to say no in Hebrew. Lo is pronounced loh. The oh has a low tone, and the emphasis in the pronunciation is on the "L" sound. In Hebrew, yes is written כן , and it is pronounced ken. In ancient times, Hebrew was spoken in Palestine and was starting to be replaced by the Western Aramaic dialect by the 3rd century. In the 9th century, the spoken language of Hebrew declined except in liturgical practices and literature. It wasn't until the 19th and 20th century that the language was revived and made the official language of Israel when it became a nation in 1948. There approximately 5 million native speakers of Hebrew. Hebrew has 22 letters and is written from right to left in a Semitic script. In Hebrew, “I have no idea” is transliterated as, ein li mu-sag and is written, אין לי מושג. A Hebrew saying with lo is, מרוב עצים לא רואים את היער, and it is transliterated as merov etzim lo ro'im eth ha'ya'ar. Directly translated it means that the trees can't see the forest,and is the same as the English saying that means you should be careful to keep the big picture in mind when struggling through day-to-day life. Say la in Arabic to say no. You pronounce la with a glottal stop at the end of the word laa '. An example of a glottal stop is between the words “uh” and “oh” in “uh-oh.” To say “no thank you” in the Lebanese dialect of Arabic you would say la` cukran. It is written in Arabic, لا شكرا. To say yes in Arabic is na'am' or نعم and is pronounced naäam. The middle “a” has a sound like a soft aargh. Arabic is the language of the Qurʾān and the religious language of all muslim people, and it is the most developed of the Semitic languages. Arabic is spoken in Northern Africa, the Arabian peninsula, and parts of the Middle East.There are many countries with Arabic as an official language including Algeria, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Saudi Arabia, Quatar, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Western Sahara, and Yemen. Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world with 206 million native speakers and 24 million second language speakers. To say, “I have no idea,” you would say, La adril! In Arabic it is written as, لاأدري. A quote in Egyptian Arabic with la is transliterated as la yuldaġ il-mo'men min goHr marratein. Written in Arabic it is, لا يلدغ المؤمن من جحر مرتين , and it literally means the believer is not bitten from the same hole twice. Which is the equivalent to the saying in English, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. Say le in Maltese to say no. Le is pronounced as it looks. Iva is yes in Maltese and it is pronounced Eve-a. The Maltese language is close to being a dialect of Arabic, being most closely related to Algerian or Tunisian dialects of Arabic, and it is a Semitic language spoken on the island of Malta. Unlike dialects of Arabic, however, Maltese is heavily influenced by Italian and Sicilian. Also unlike Arabic, Maltese is written in a Latin script. There are two dominant variations of Maltese split by class between the educated upper and middle classes living near cities like the capital, Valletta, and the industrial and agricultural classes that speak a dialect closer to the Arabic roots of Maltese. There are roughly half a million people who speak Maltese in the world. Malta is an archipelago located in the Mediterranean sea between the Northern coast of Africa and Sicily. Malta was first populated by Arabs in 870 CE who stayed until 1090 when it was taken over by Europeans. Malta was ruled by various Europeans including the Sicilians until 1530, the Italians until 1798, and finally the British until 1964 when Malta gained independence. To say, never you would say quatt pronounced 'at. Nothing in Maltese is xejn pronounced sheyn. To say, none you would say hadd pronounced had. A quote from Maltese is, Hadd ma jiehu xejn mieghu, and it means something like no one takes anything with him after he dies. Say hapana in Swahili to say no. The emphasis is on the "AP" when you pronounce the word hapana. To say yes in Swahili, you would say ndiyo. Swahili is a Bantu language that is the native language of around 10 million people. Most importantly, Swahili is the lingua franca of Eastern Africa and is used to as a bridge language for Africans of different dialects and languages that is used to communicate all the way from Kenya to Tanzania, including the African Great Lakes region. Swahili is a hybrid between the Arabic and Bantu languages. In its beginning, Swahili developed through the contact of Arabic traders with the Bantu-speaking tribes. Much of its vocabulary is borrowed from Arabic while the grammar is from the Bantu language. The original scripts that are found of Swahili were written in Arabic but Swahili now uses the Roman alphabet. To say, "No thank you" in Swahili you would say, Hapana asante. A quote with hapana in Swahili is kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana. and means that no one ever listens to advice. Say Bù to say no in Mandarin Chinese. No is written 不 and pronounced bu4. "Not" in Mandarin is very similar and is written 不是 and pronounced bu2shi4. The 4 in the pronunciation means that it is a high tone falling and should be said like a curt command in English. In Mandarin, there are five tones which determine the meaning of words. The tone determines the meaning of the word as much as the difference between the words horse and mother. For example, depending on the tone given to the word "ma" in Mandarin, it could mean mother (妈), flax (麻), horse (马), scold (骂), or a question participle (吗). Mandarin is the most spoken language in China as well as the world. There are 873 million native speakers of Chinese and 178 million second language speakers. It is an official language in China and Singapore. People in the north of the Yangtze River in China speak Mandarin along with other parts of the population, and overall, it is the native language of ⅔ of the population. There are four types of Mandarin spoken in China with the most prominent form being the form in the capital, Beijing. The form in Beijing is considered Modern Standard Chinese or Guoyu. To say “No, thank you,” you would say bu2xie4, and it is written as 不谢. The tone 2 means that the pronunciation of bu2xie4 is a middle pitch that is rising, much like a question in English. The 4 means that it is a high tone falling and should be said like a curt command in English. An informal way to say, “No need to thank me” or “Not at all” in Mandarin is bu2yong4xie4. It is written, 不用谢. A quote with bù in Mandarin is 不作死就不会死 or bù zuō sǐ jiù bú huì sǐ. Literally translated it means "no zuo no die" which means that if you don't do foolish things, you won't be in danger of the repercussions of your folly. Say ma ho bu in Burmese, or Myanmar, to say no. When using a negation in Burmese, you use the structures, ma + ___ + bu or ma + ___ + neh. The first indicates that the verb did not accomplish what it does, for example, nei ma kaing bu means you did not touch it. Nei ma kaing neh structure means that the verb must not be successful, and the translation is “you do not touch it.” To say yes in Burmese, you say ho de. Burmese is spoken in Myanmar, which was formally known as Burma, and it is located in the western part of mainland Southeast Asia. “Never” in Burmese is be daw hma. “No problem” in Burmese is pyat tha nar ma hoat ba bu. The rounded script of written Burmese comes from the use of palm leaves as the original writing materials. Early Burmese script can be found from as early as the 11th century, and this script was a derivative of the Pāli alphabet of India and Taiwan. Burmese is a tonal language like Mandarin and has three tones, high, low, and creaky as well as a stopped and reduced tone. Say không to say no in Vietnamese. No is pronounced khong. To say “No, thank you” in Vietnamese you would say, Da Không Cảm ơn which is pronounced "Ya'a kohng gam uhhn." The respectful way to say yes in Vietnamese is to say, da pronounced ya'a. Another way to give an affirmative is vâng pronounced vuhng. Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam and is spoken by approximately 70 million people. The dialects in Vietnamese do not differ much more than those of the various parts of the United States except for two rural dialects, Hue and Vinh. Standard Vietnamese is the dialect of the educated near Hanoi, the capital. As a language, much of Vietnamese vocabulary has been borrowed from Chinese. A quote with Không is, Điếc không sợ súng and it means that he who knows nothing doubts nothing. | Say nee in Afrikaans to say no. Say não in Portuguese to say no. Say niet to say no in Russian. Say nein to say no in German. Say nahi to say no in Hindi. Say voch to say no in Armenian. Say non in French. Say lo to say no in Hebrew. Say la in Arabic to say no. Say le in Maltese to say no. Say hapana in Swahili to say no. Say Bù to say no in Mandarin Chinese. Say ma ho bu in Burmese, or Myanmar, to say no. Say không to say no in Vietnamese. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Obtain-an-Energy-Performance-Certificate-(EPC) | How to Obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | To obtain a new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your property, find an accredited EPC assessor near you through the EPC Register website at https://www.epcregister.com/home.html. Then, pay the assessor £60 to £120 to inspect your property and compile an EPC report. Wait several days for your new EPC to arrive in the mail, and then you're finished! | Check if your property requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Not all properties require an EPC by law. You'll want to verify that your property requires an EPC before you spend the money to obtain one. Properties that don't require an EPC include: Temporary properties that are designed to be used for 2 years or less. Churches or other places of worship. Residential properties that will only be used for 4 months or less out of the year. To learn other types of property that don't require an EPC, visit https://www.gov.uk/buy-sell-your-home/energy-performance-certificates. Find an accredited EPC assessor. Accredited EPC assessors are responsible for determining how energy efficient a property is and then producing an EPC based on their assessment. It's important that you work with an EPC assessor that's accredited—otherwise, your EPC won't be valid. To find an accredited EPC assessor, visit the EPC Register website at https://www.epcregister.com/searchAssessor.html. Schedule a time to have your property assessed. You'll need to be available for the assessment so you can greet the EPC assessor, show them around the property, and answer any questions they have for you. When you're scheduling your assessment, keep in mind that they can take around 1 hour to complete. Let the EPC assessor inspect your property. When the EPC assessor arrives, you'll need to give them keys to your property and show them around. The EPC assessor will need to be able to access every room on the property, so make sure all hallways and doors are clear of obstructions beforehand. During the assessment, your EPC assessor will take photos and measurements of your property. They may also sketch the layout of your property so they have something to reference later on. Pay the EPC assessor. Costs vary depending on the assessor, but you can expect to pay around £60 to £120. Since different EPC assessors have different rates, you may want to call around for quotes so you can find the cheapest rate. Wait for your EPC to arrive in the mail. After the EPC assessor inspects your property, they'll compile all of their data to determine your EPC rating. Once they've determined your EPC rating, they'll send a copy of your EPC in the mail within a few days of your assessment. You may also receive a digital copy of your EPC via email. Your EPC will contain a letter A through G. This letter is your rating—A is the highest rating (meaning very energy efficient) and G is the lowest rating. Visit the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Register website. The EPC Register website is the official website for EPC-related inquiries and requests. You can find a copy of an existing EPC through the EPC Register. You can find the EPC Register website at https://www.epcregister.com/home.html. Enter the Report Reference Number (RRN) for the existing EPC. An RNN is a 24-digit number that's assigned to an EPC when it's created. Once you visit the EPC Register website, you can enter the RRN for the EPC you're trying to access to pull up a copy of the EPC. You can find the RRN by contacting the energy assessor that produced the EPC or by locating the number on the front of the existing EPC. Enter the property address if you don’t have the RNN. If you can't find the RNN, you can still look up an existing EPC for a property using the property address. To do this, click on the tab on the left of the EPC Register website that says “Retrieve Report Using Property Address.” You'll be asked to enter the property postcode. If you don't have the property postcode, you can enter the property street and post town instead. Save and print a copy of the EPC. After you enter the RNN or property address on the EPC Register website, you'll be presented with a digital copy of the EPC. You can save the copy to your computer and print it for future reference. | Check if your property requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Find an accredited EPC assessor. Schedule a time to have your property assessed. Let the EPC assessor inspect your property. Pay the EPC assessor. Wait for your EPC to arrive in the mail. Visit the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Register website. Enter the Report Reference Number (RRN) for the existing EPC. Enter the property address if you don’t have the RNN. Save and print a copy of the EPC. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-Drought | How to Prepare for a Drought | If you live in an area prone to droughts, you can prepare by making sure you have plenty of water. Stockpile bottled water in case of an emergency. You can also install a rain catch system and water filter if you plan on drinking water you collect from your gutters. Consider installing a low-flow shower head and a low-volume toilet to avoid wasting water in the bathroom in the event of a drought. If a drought does hit, use a bucket to collect water from your shower while it warms up and use this to water your plants or wash the dishes. You can also campaign your local government to practice water conservation so there will be more water available for households. | Put a water rationing plan in place in the event of a water shortage. Serious droughts can result in water shortages that could last weeks or months. With proper rationing and conservation, however, you and your household can hold out for several weeks on stored drinking water. If you live in a drought-prone area, it would be a good idea to have a plan in place for what you'll do in the event of a drought. By drawing up a plan, you and your family can be prepared for when a drought does hit. Humans require about 3/4 gallon of water daily just to live. Including water usage for sanitation, you should plan on each person in your household using a gallon of water per day. Keep this figure in mind when stocking or gathering water. Also bear in mind that certain people will require more water than others. Usually children, nursing mothers, and people with chronic illnesses need more than a gallon a day. If you have any of these particular cases in your household, plan accordingly and stock more water. Also keep some extra water stocked in case of a medical emergency. If someone gets sick or injured, they'll need to drink more to stay hydrated. You also will need the water to clean any wounds. Make sure everyone in your house knows the limits on water usage in the event of a drought. If a situation gets dire and drinking water is getting scarce, don't ration to the point of dehydration. Lost hikers have been found dying of dehydration when they still had water left because they were trying to conserve. Drink what you need to stay alive. Stock your home with bottled water. Remember that each person in your home will require at least a gallon of water daily. To be properly prepared, have enough bottled water to last your entire household at least a week. This water should be used as a last resort in a drought. Use it only if drinking water gets cut off entirely. Install a rain catch system. Thousands of gallons of water fall on your property every year. Take advantage of this by harvesting some of it. You can stock this rainwater for drought-conditions by using it to water your lawn and cleaning. In the meantime, you can use it to take a good chunk out of your water bill. Installing one is easy. Get a large drum (55 gallons is usually standard) from a hardware store. Get several if you plan on storing the water. Place the drum under a downspout gutter and run the gutter into the drum. If you don't have gutters on your house, place the drum under a section of your roof where water usually runs off. Rainwater must be thoroughly filtered before drinking. You should generally only drink it in an emergency situation after boiling for three minutes. Check for and repair any leaks in your home. Leaky pipes can waste thousands of gallons of water per year. Not only will this waste precious water if a drought hits, but it will run up your water bill during normal times. Thoroughly check your home for any leaks and repair them to increase your preparedness for a drought. Check the faucets in your kitchen and bathrooms. Also look at the handles of faucets, since water can escape here as well. Check your toilet to make sure no water is escaping from the back of the tank into the bowl. Add food coloring to the tank. Don't flush and check back in 30 minutes. If there is color in the bowl, you have a leaky seal in the tank and should get it repaired. Take a reading of your water meter. Then wait 30 minutes without using any water and check it again. If there is any difference, you have a leak somewhere. If you can't locate it, call a plumber to investigate. Install water-efficient appliances. Household appliances often use much more water than they have to. Upgrade certain appliances in your home to water-efficient versions to save money and conserve water in the event of a drought. You can get a low-flow shower head to save water while you shower. Install a low-volume toilet to avoid wasting water while flushing. Turn water off when not in use. It is a bad habit to keep the faucet running when brushing your teeth or shaving. Instead, you'll save a lot of water by turning the faucet off while your brush or shave. Reuse water that would have been wasted. There are numerous ways that household water gets wasted. Instead of letting water flow down the drain, collect it and put it to better use. Think about when you run the shower or faucet and wait for the water to warm up. This can take several seconds to a minute, during which time water is running down the drain. Place a bucket in the sink or shower when you do this, then use that water for plants so you don't have to use the hose. Water your lawn sparingly. Over-watering your lawn is a big waste of water. Lawns usually only need to be watered once a week during the summer. Set an alarm to remind you to turn off the sprinkler to avoid over-watering. Also, don't water if you've had heavy rain recently. Some localities, particularly in dry places, have laws about when you can water your lawn and for how long. If droughts are expected, governments may ban watering altogether. Check with your water company or county government to ensure that watering is permitted in your area before watering your lawn. Participate in meetings about water conservation. Many towns in drought-prone areas meet regularly and discuss water policy. If you're concerned, you should attend these meetings and participate. Do all you can to promote efficient water usage. Give suggestions if you have them and, if you think it's necessary, organize local citizens to campaign for certain changes. Local governments often advertise meetings of this sort. Check local newspapers or your local government's website for notice of meetings. If you can't find any meetings advertised, try calling your town or city hall and asking if any upcoming meetings will discuss water policy. It's possible your local government doesn't discuss such issues. In this case, you can form a committee of citizens to petition the government to take action on water conservation. Read Be a Community Organizer for ideas on how to organize fellow citizens. Campaign the local government to practice water conservation. Just as you took steps to conserve water in your own home, you can also petition the government to do the same. Organize citizens and call for water-efficient devices and practices in government buildings and offices. Patronize businesses that practice water conservation. For example, some restaurants serve water only upon request, which saves resources. Show your support for these establishments by using their services and telling your neighbors about them. Push for laws to control and clean pollution. Water pollution is a big problem if a drought hits. The community will have less water it can use in the event of rationing if local rivers, streams, and lake are polluted. It is a matter of public interest to clean up local water sources to prepare for a drought. | Put a water rationing plan in place in the event of a water shortage. Stock your home with bottled water. Install a rain catch system. Check for and repair any leaks in your home. Install water-efficient appliances. Turn water off when not in use. Reuse water that would have been wasted. Water your lawn sparingly. Participate in meetings about water conservation. Campaign the local government to practice water conservation. Patronize businesses that practice water conservation. Push for laws to control and clean pollution. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Fainting-Spells | How to Deal With Fainting Spells | To deal with fainting spells, try to recognize early signs that a fainting spell is coming, such as yawning, sudden sweats, nausea, confusion, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and ringing in your ears. If you think you're about to faint, lie down or sit with your head between your knees to increase the blood flow to your brain and help prevent a fainting episode. Tell someone around you what is happening so they can help you. If you do faint, try to stay calm when you come around, lie or sit down to increase your brain's blood flow, and drink water to hydrate yourself. You should also visit your doctor if you have repeated fainting spells, you faint during exercise, or have a family history of fainting. | Determine if a fainting spell is approaching. There are a number of symptoms, referred to as pre-syncope, that you may experience immediately before fainting. Most fainting spells occur when you are standing, and recognizing warning signs will help you prepare yourself if you do indeed faint. In addition, awareness can also help to prevent a fainting episode and will help you stay safe if you do faint. Common symptoms include yawning, a sudden sweat, nausea (sickness), fast and deep breathing, confusion, lightheadedness, blurred vision or spots in front of your eyes, and ringing in your ears. React quickly to the symptoms. The symptoms of fainting can come on very quickly and with little warning. If you experience the above symptoms it is a good idea to conduct 'antigravity' measures, which when done immediately upon feeling symptoms, can help you avoid a fainting episode. Medical experts suggest that you lie or sit down and place your head between your knees. These positions will help restore blood flow to the brain and can prevent a fainting episode. If standing, you can also cross your legs and tightening your abdominal muscles. This is effective if you are in a crowded place and you are unable to lie down immediately. Prepare yourself for losing consciousness. By preparing, you can ensure that you are in a safe and secure place when you faint. Try telling someone near you what is happening and ask for assistance, try lying down, or try bracing yourself against a wall to prepare. If you find yourself on stairs or other precarious surroundings, sit down and hold on to a railing immediately. If you do faint, blood flow will resume to your brain naturally and you should regain consciousness in two minutes or less. Take it slowly if you do faint. It is normal to feel weak and confused for 20 to 30 minutes after fainting. Remain calm when you regain consciousness. Also, take some time to lay on your back to allow blood flow back to the brain. You should also hydrate yourself with water. Identify the cause. Fainting spells are not necessarily an indication of a serious medical condition. In fact, fainting spells may be caused by anxiety, fear, pain, emotional stress, hunger, dehydration, surprise, overexertion, clenching, spasms, choking, or drug and alcohol use. If you suspect that your fainting spells are being caused by one of these issues, there are measures you can take to prevent future episodes. Prevent fainting spells through hydration. Hydration is the best way to prevent fainting spells without medication. Drinking more water is ideal, but you can get fluids from food sources (like watermelon), milk, soups, etc. All caffeinated beverages, including sodas, should be eliminated. If you are sufficiently hydrated, you will be urinating regularly and your urine will be clear or light colored, not dark. Caffeine stimulates the heart, making fainting spells more likely to occur. If you drink large amounts of caffeine, you should cut back slowly to avoid headaches. While the amount of fluids you need each day depends on a number of factors — including your level of activity, your climate, your overall health and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should drink about half of your weight in ounces each day. So if you weigh 200 lbs. then you should be consuming 100 oz (or 12.5 8-oz glasses) of fluids each day. If you are an athlete with more muscle-mass, you should drink about two-thirds of your weight in ounces. Eating regularly can also help to reduce lightheadedness and reduce your chance of fainting by boosting blood sugar. Practice calming techniques. If anxiety and stress are causing fainting spells, calming techniques can help you avoid fainting spells. You can try counting your breaths or deep breathing , flexing and relaxing different muscle groups , and paying attention to the immediate moment rather than the past or future (also known as mindfulness ). Avoid placing yourself in stressful situations and do your best to remove yourself from such situations. Learning to stay calm and to assert yourself can help you to overcome feelings of anxiety. Avoid excessive drinking and illegal drugs. The flushed look that many people get when they drink alcohol is actually blood rushing to the surface of the skin. This takes blood away from the brain, and can cause fainting episodes. Excessive drinking also causes dehydration, which is a leading cause of fainting spells. Illegal drugs, particularly stimulants such as cocaine or ecstasy, also cause fainting spells. These should be avoided. Find out if you have a medical condition. While it is possible that fainting spells are not related to medical conditions, it is also possible that they are a sign of a medical problem. To determine this, you will need to visit your doctor. You should see your doctor immediately if you experience fainting while exercising, if fainting occurs with rapid heartbeat, or if your family has a history of fainting. If you experience repeated fainting spells, you should consult your doctor. Provide the doctor with your history. Your doctor will ask a number of questions to determine the cause of your fainting. These may include the situation you find yourself in when you faint, how long the episodes last, how quickly it takes you to return to normal, and any other symptoms you may experience during the episodes. The doctor may also order a number of tests to determine the cause of your fainting spells. An electrocardiogram will be ordered if the doctor suspects a heart condition is the cause. An electroencephalogram will be ordered if the doctor suspects something in the brain is the cause. Follow the doctor's advice. There is a chance that your doctor will not recommend any medication for your fainting spells. There is no medicine that treats fainting spells themselves, so your doctor may instead prescribe a medicine to treat the cause of the fainting spells. These may include medicine for low blood sugar, seizures, anemia, or low blood pressure. If any medications are prescribed, be sure to take them exactly as your doctor advises. | Determine if a fainting spell is approaching. React quickly to the symptoms. Prepare yourself for losing consciousness. Take it slowly if you do faint. Identify the cause. Prevent fainting spells through hydration. Practice calming techniques. Avoid excessive drinking and illegal drugs. Find out if you have a medical condition. Provide the doctor with your history. Follow the doctor's advice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sponsor-an-Immigrant | How to Sponsor an Immigrant | If you want to sponsor a relative for a green card, you'll need to petition for them to come live with you. Start by downloading Form I-30, which is a petition for an alien relative, from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website. The form will ask about your personal information and information about your relative. You'll also need to download Form I-485, which is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, which your relative will have to fill out. In addition to filling out forms, you'll need to gather documents, including proof of your U.S. citizenship. You can provide a copy of your birth certificate, an unexpired U.S. passport, or a naturalization certificate. When you're ready to submit your form, include your fee of $420 as well. | Complete Form I-130. This form is called a “Petition for Alien Relative.” You use this form to start the petition process for sponsoring a relative to move to the United States. You can download it from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. The form will ask for the following information: personal information about you (name, address, place of birth, etc.) personal information about the relative you want to sponsor if the relative has a spouse or any children personal information about your relative's children and/or spouse Download Form I-485. This form is called the “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.” The family member you want to sponsor must complete this form. He or she can get it by downloading the form from the USCIS website. You can share the link with your family member or print it out and mail it to him or her. Your relative should use this form only if they are in the United States currently. If they are not in the United States, then they can use “consular processing” instead of Form I-485. Under this process, you submit your I-130 form. Once it is approved, the petition is sent to the State Department's National Visa Center. When an immigrant visa becomes available, your relative gathers required materials and schedules an interview. At the interview, a consular official will help your relative fill out an application and decide eligibility at that time. Gather documents in support of your sponsorship. In order to sponsor a family member, you need to prove that you are a U.S. citizen. You also need to show that you are related to the applicant. You should gather these documents ahead of time since you will need to include them with your application. To show that you are a U.S. citizen, you should provide a copy of your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or unexpired U.S. passport. To prove that you are related to the family member, you will need to provide other documents. See the instructions for Form I-130 for more information about acceptable documents. Pay the required fees. You must pay $420 when you submit your Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Make your check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Do not use abbreviations or initials, such “USDHS” or “DHS.” Your family member will also have to pay fees. Have them refer to the instructions for Form I-485 to calculate how much they must pay. Submit your form. You will mail your form to either the Chicago or Phoenix Lockbox, depending on where you live. You can check the USCIS website for information on which Lockbox to mail your application to. If you and your relative file at the same time, you can use one envelope and mail it to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox. Once USCIS receives your petition, they will send Form I-797C to you, which will show your receipt number and the office processing the case. Check if you qualify to financially sponsor a relative. As part of petitioning USCIS to admit a relative into the U.S., you must also financially sponsor your relative. This means that you agree to support your family member or agree to pay back the government if the family member needs public assistance (“welfare”). In order to qualify, you need to have income and assets at 125% of the federal poverty level for a family of your size. The assets you have must be easily convertible into cash and cannot cause undue hardship. Common assets include checking accounts, stocks and bonds, and property. However, you might not be able to count a sole retirement account, since cashing that out could cause an undue hardship. Identify supplemental sources of assets. If your total income and assets fall short of the guidelines, then you can try to supplement your income and assets to get over the 125% threshold. You can rely on the following: You can rely on the immigrant's own income or assets. For example, if your relative is already in the U.S. and working a job, then you could count the wages if he or she will continue working the job after getting a green card. You can have another person in your household sign the petition if they also earn an income. For example, your husband could sign the petition if he has a job or gets retirement benefits. You can find a joint sponsor who also earns income. The joint sponsor does not need to be related to you or to your relative. However, the sponsor must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or U.S. national who is at least 18 years of age. Gather financial documentation. You need to provide financial documents that show your income and other assets. You should gather the following documents: a copy of your individual Federal income tax returns (including W-2s) for the most recent tax year, but you can include income tax returns for the past three years if you think they would help you qualify a copy of each and every Form 1099 for the past year a statement explaining why you were not required to file your taxes (if you didn't file) a copy of your Schedule C, D, E, or F for the most recent year if you are self-employed proof that the immigrant's current employment will continue and a copy of their federal income tax returns (if you need their income to qualify) documentation of your assets that establishes their location, ownership, date you acquired them, and value other documents explained in the instructions for Form I-864 Download Form I-864. You must complete this “Affidavit of Support.” You do not submit this with your I-130. Instead, you submit it when your relative gets ready to actually immigrate. You can download the form from the USCIS website. If you need a family member to also sponsor so that you can meet the income eligibility requirements, then he or she should complete Form I-864A, “Affidavit of Support Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member.” Complete Form I-864. You should type the requested information into the form or write neatly using black ink. The form will generally ask for the following information: your name information about the principal immigrant, including name, address, date of birth, and country of citizenship information about other immigrants you are sponsoring (if more than one) your mailing address and physical address the size of your household your employer and current income information about your assets information about the immigrant's assets Submit the form at the appropriate time. Generally, your relative is not immediately approved to move to the U.S. Instead, he or she gets in line. Eventually, they will move up to the front of the line. At that point, their visa will start being processed, and you will submit the Affidavit to the National Visa Center. You will be also be invoiced $120 for submitting the Affidavit at that time. Apply for permanent labor certification. This step isn't always required, but it might be. You should start by visiting the Department of Labor's website. From the drop-down box, you can select “Sponsor a foreign national for permanent employment with my company.” The purpose of the certification is to make sure that hiring the foreign national won't negatively impact the employment prospects or wages of U.S. workers. You can download the forms at the Department of Labor website. If you are trying to hire a permanent employee, then you would complete form ETA 9089. Complete Form I-140. After you are certified by the Department of Labor, you must then complete an “Immigration Petition for Alien Worker” on behalf of the foreign national you want to sponsor. You can download the form from the USCIS website. You should also download the instructions. Insert the information using a typewriter or writing legibly using black ink. Be sure to answer all questions accurately and fully. If you need additional space, then attach a piece of paper with your name on the top. Clearly indicate the Page number, Part Number, and Item Number that your answer refers to. Also sign and date each additional sheet. Pay the fee. A $580 filing fee is required, payable by check or money order. Make out payment to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Do not abbreviate to “USDHS” or “DHS.” Mail the form. You can find the address where you are to mail the completed form by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. Once your Form I-140 petition is received, USCIS will send you a receipt. | Complete Form I-130. Download Form I-485. Gather documents in support of your sponsorship. Pay the required fees. Submit your form. Check if you qualify to financially sponsor a relative. Identify supplemental sources of assets. Gather financial documentation. Download Form I-864. Complete Form I-864. Submit the form at the appropriate time. Apply for permanent labor certification. Complete Form I-140. Pay the fee. Mail the form. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bond-with-a-Needy-Dog | How to Bond with a Needy Dog | To bond with a needy dog, you'll need to give it love and attention while setting clear boundaries, which will help it become more independent. For example, don't coddle or hold your dog when it whines, which will reinforce the bad behavior. Instead, reward your dog with petting and playtime once it calms down. Additionally, feed and walk your dog at the same times every day, since having a routine will make it less anxious. You can also help your dog increase its independence by taking it to obedience classes. | Play with your dog. Instead of giving into your needy dog by coddling or holding then when they whine , interact with them by playing with them. Wait until a time when they are not whining or barking for your attention, then engage with them. Try playing fetch, running together, or playing tug-of-war. Note that tugging games can make some breeds, such as terriers, overly excited. You should do this every day. However, you don't have to play with them all day, every day. Doing this may make them more needy. Instead, have structured time each day for playing with your dog. Train your dog. When you train your dog, you work on forming a bond with them. Training also makes it so your dog doesn't frustrate you, which improves the relationship between the two of you. If you train your dog, they have greater freedom to do things with you and your family. They can stay in the room when you eat, go off leash, or go into public with you. Focus on using positive reinforcement, such as treats and ear scratches, to encourage good behavior. Teach your dog tricks. You can move beyond basic training techniques by teaching your dog tricks. Work on teaching the dog one or two fun tricks. It helps teach your dog obedience and forms a bond between the two of your since you are working together. For example, you can teach your dog how to high five , play dead , or roll over. Pet your dog. Another way to bond with your dog is to pet them. However, needy dogs need to be given boundaries with their petting. Since needy dogs would want to be in your lap all the time with your touching them, make sure to pet your dog on your terms. For example, don't pet your dog to stop them whining or barking. This reinforces bad behavior. Instead, wait until your dog is behaving in a manner you want to reinforce. Then, go over to them and pet them, or call them to you and pet them. Keep your dog on a leash around new people. If they act aggressive, try to socialize them more slowly. Spend time alone with your dog. Spending time with your dog just you and them can be a great bonding experience. However, with a needy dog, you need to set boundaries with them during your quiet time. Instead of letting your dog crawl up right in your lap or sleep on your bed, let them in the room, but keep your distance. For example, you can make your dog lay on the floor by your feet or over to the side on their bed. Let them sleep on a bed beside your bed. You may also let them sleep on the floor near you. Taking a walk together is a great way to bond, too. Feed your dog on a routine. Instead of leaving food out all day, you may want to adopt a food schedule for your dog. Routine can help lessen anxiety for dogs, and allowing them to rely on you for food can strengthen the bond. Try to choose two to three times per day when you can easily feed your dog each day. This helps your dog expect food from you at the same time each day. Take your dog to obedience training. Training your dog is a great way to bond with them, and can help you work on increasing your dog's independence. Try taking your dog to obedience training classes, where you both can learn the basics of training. Make sure to be consistent with your training at home. This helps build routine and stability for your dog. Avoid reinforcing negative behavior by giving your dog attention when they are doing bad things. Use positive reinforcement. Another way to bond with your needy dog but help develop independence is to use treats as positive reinforcement. You can increase your distance from your dog as you sit in your home by using treats to get them to stay at certain places in the room. You can also use treats when you leave. Give your dog a treat right before you leave. This helps them associate you leaving with positive things. You can train your dog to realize you won't be gone forever by leaving the house for short periods of time, then returning. You can even try giving your dog a puzzle toy to keep them busy while you are gone. Stay calm. Dealing with a needy dog can be very frustrating. You may want to yell or lash out because they are being too needy and annoying, but this is not the way to respond. Instead, keep your cool. Getting upset, yelling, or being angry will just cause your dog to freak out more and cause more anxiety. Encourage the whole family to spend time with the dog. Needy dogs tend to have separation anxiety. Because of this, you should encourage your entire family to spend time with your dog. This helps reduce the risk that the dog will bond only with you. Other people can feed the dog, play with them, exercise them, and help with training. Make sure you are not the only one showing your dog affection. Be clear with commands. One way to bond with your dog is through communication and training. Being consistent is especially important with a needy dog. Make sure you follow through with commands, and don't confuse your dog by letting them get away with something one day and then punishing them the next. Opt for positive reinforcement over punishment whenever possible. For example, your needy dog may try to get your attention by whining, barking, or acting out. Do not reward this behavior with attention. Instead, ignore them. Only reward behavior you want to enforce in your dog. Avoid making a big deal out of leaving and arriving. Needy dogs suffer from separation anxiety when you are not there. They get upset when you are not in the room, and worse when you leave the house. To help with this, try not to give your dog too much attention when you leave or when you return. Instead, act normally. You may even consider ignoring your dog when you leave or come back. This help reinforce the idea that it's not a big deal. Socialize your dog. Needy dogs need to lessen their attachment to you. To help with this, you can try to socialize them more. Take them to dog parks and let them play. Bring friends or family around and encourage them to interact with your dog. You may try just walking your dog around other people and dogs more often. Keep your dog on a leash around new people. If they act aggressive, try to socialize them more slowly. Consult your vet. If you are unsure how to bond with your dog, you can talk to your vet. Your vet can give you tips on how to improve the relationship, and they can also check the dog over to make sure there are underlying medical problems. Try saying, "Dr. Harmon, Buddy seems to be having separation anxiety when I go to work. How can I help him stay calm?" Consult a veterinary behaviorist if any undesirable behaviors become unmanageable. | Play with your dog. Train your dog. Teach your dog tricks. Pet your dog. Spend time alone with your dog. Feed your dog on a routine. Take your dog to obedience training. Use positive reinforcement. Stay calm. Encourage the whole family to spend time with the dog. Be clear with commands. Avoid making a big deal out of leaving and arriving. Socialize your dog. Consult your vet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Substitute-for-Mustard-Seed | How to Substitute for Mustard Seed | Don't worry if you don't have any mustard seeds for your recipe, since you can substitute them with regular mustard or other ingredients. If you have some regular liquid mustard in your fridge, just use 1/3 as much as the recipe calls for. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of mustard seeds, use 1/3 cup of liquid mustard instead. You can also substitute mustard seeds with the same amount of horseradish to add spice to your dish. Alternatively, add a little wasabi at a time until your food's hot enough. If you need mustard seeds to thicken your dish, try using the same amount of mayonnaise instead. | Use prepared horseradish to add spice. Prepared horseradish is made by combining ground horseradish with vinegar, and sometimes other spices, to form a sauce. You can get it from your local supermarket. In place of mustard seed, use the same amount of prepared horseradish to add spice and complexity to your recipe. Add mayonnaise to achieve the same consistency. Mustard seeds are often used to thicken soups or other dishes. If you need mustard seeds to change the consistency of a dish, substitute the seeds for the same amount of mayonnaise. Substitute wasabi to increase the heat. Wasabi is a spicy green paste used in many Asian dishes. If you don't have mustard seed, substitute it with a smaller amount of wasabi to add heat to your dish. Use caraway seeds for a similar flavor. Substitute the same quantity of caraway seeds for mustard seeds in your recipe. The flavors are similar and using one kind of seed in place of another ensures you don't have to alter your recipe any further. Add turmeric to increase the nutritional value. Turmeric reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and boosts immunity. Substitute ground turmeric for mustard seed using a 1 to 1 ratio for added health benefits. Substitute the same amount of dry mustard for mustard seeds. If your recipe calls for 1 Tbsp (14.3 g) of mustard seeds, simply substitute it for 1 Tbsp (14.3 g) of dry mustard. Use 1 tsp of prepared mustard instead of 1 Tbsp of mustard seeds. If possible, decrease the amount of liquid in the recipe by 1 tsp (5 mL) to compensate for this substitution. For other quantities, use one-third of the amount of prepared mustard in place of mustard seed. Replace white mustard seeds with fewer brown or black mustard seeds. Brown and black mustard seeds are more potent than white (also called yellow) mustard seeds. If your recipe calls for white mustard seeds, try using half the amount of brown or a quarter of the amount of black mustard seeds. Use more yellow mustard seeds, or fewer black, in place of brown. Brown mustard seeds are more flavorful than yellow but less intense than black mustard seeds. Use twice as many yellow mustard seeds or half as many black mustard seeds. Add more yellow or brown mustard seeds instead of using black. Black mustard seeds are the most flavorful and spicy. If you can't find them, use four times as many white mustard seeds or twice as many brown mustard seeds in their place. | Use prepared horseradish to add spice. Add mayonnaise to achieve the same consistency. Substitute wasabi to increase the heat. Use caraway seeds for a similar flavor. Add turmeric to increase the nutritional value. Substitute the same amount of dry mustard for mustard seeds. Use 1 tsp of prepared mustard instead of 1 Tbsp of mustard seeds. Replace white mustard seeds with fewer brown or black mustard seeds. Use more yellow mustard seeds, or fewer black, in place of brown. Add more yellow or brown mustard seeds instead of using black. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sleep-with-a-Toothache | How to Sleep with a Toothache | If a bad toothache is preventing you from sleeping, there are a few things you can do to relieve your pain. Try holding an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to the outside of your mouth for 10 minutes. You can also rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help soothe your pain and kill bad bacteria. If that doesn't help, try flossing, since removing built-up food particles can help relieve your toothache. Take a painkiller, like ibuprofen or naproxen, to reduce inflammation and soothe your teeth. If your toothache lasts longer than a day, visit your dentist as soon as possible so they can work out the cause of your pain and treat you. | See your dentist to treat the cause of your tooth pain. If you have a toothache, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible to figure out what's causing the problem. They may give you a dental exam and take x-rays to find the source of your pain. Once they diagnose the issue, they can begin treatment and offer advice to help you manage any nighttime pain. Common causes of toothache include tooth decay , dental abscesses , cracked teeth, loose fillings, gum infections, and problems with braces. Call your dentist immediately if your toothache that lasts longer than 2 days or if it is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, redness and swelling of the gums, discharge that smells or tastes bad, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or pain when you bite down. Use an over-the-counter medication to reduce pain and swelling. Before bed, take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). These can help bring down inflammation and soothe your pain. Follow the dosage directions on the package or get advice from your doctor or dentist. Don't use NSAIDs if you are pregnant or if you have a bleeding disorder. Talk to your doctor or dentist if you have any health concerns, and let them know if you are currently taking any other medications. If your dental pain is severe, talk to your doctor or dentist about using NSAIDs together with acetaminophen (Tylenol) for more effective pain relief. Don't use aspirin if you are younger than 18 or if you are experiencing any bleeding from your mouth or gums. Because of potentially severe side effects, many dentists no longer recommend using topical benzocaine products (such as Anbesol or Orajel) to treat toothaches. Never give any medication containing benzocaine to a child under 2 years old. Rinse your mouth with saltwater before bed. A warm saltwater rinse can soothe your pain and kill bacteria that might be contributing to your toothache. Rinse your mouth with saltwater at least 2-3 times per day while you have your toothache, and make sure to do one of these rinses right before bedtime. To make a saltwater rinse: Stir 1 teaspoon (6 g) of salt into about 100 millilitres (0.42 c) of warm water until the salt is completely dissolved. Swish the saltwater solution in your mouth for at least 1 minute, focusing your attention on the painful area. Spit out the solution when you are done. Some dentists recommend swishing ice water instead, since the cold can soothe your pain and reduce inflammation. Use an ice pack on your jaw before you sleep. If your toothache is accompanied by tenderness and inflammation, an ice pack can help bring down the swelling and prevent fluids from building up in the area. Take an ice pack or a package of frozen peas and wrap it in a towel. Apply the ice pack to the painful or swollen area for 10 minutes at a time, once an hour, in the last few hours before bed. Always keep a thin layer of cloth between the ice and your skin to avoid ice burns. Avoid using a heat source, such as a warm compress, to soothe your aching jaw. Heat may make your inflammation worse. Floss between the affected teeth at bedtime. Before you go to sleep, floss your teeth, focusing on the area where the pain is located. Removing built-up particles between your teeth can help relieve pressure that may be contributing to the toothache. Carefully guide the floss around the contours of your teeth. Work the floss between your teeth using a rocking or sawing motion so that it does not snap up abruptly and damage your gums. Sleep with your head elevated. When you're ready to go to bed, prop your head up on 1 or more pillows. If you use just 1 pillow, make sure it's thick enough to elevate your head and shoulders. Elevating your head can minimize inflammation by preventing fluids from building up around the troublesome tooth. If possible, try to sleep sitting up slightly (e.g., in a recliner or propped up on a bed lounger). Minimize your sugar intake. Eating too much sugar can contribute to dental decay and make existing toothaches worse. Avoid sugary foods, such as candy, sweet baked goods, ice cream, and soda. Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, fruit juices, and carbonated beverages, can also irritate your teeth and cause decay. See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Regular dental checkups and hygiene visits are critical to preventing tooth decay, damage, and pain. See your dentist for a cleaning and checkup once or twice a year, or as often as they recommend based on your dental health. In addition to doing a visual exam and cleaning, your dentist may wish to take X-rays to spot cavities and other problems that aren't easy to see with the naked eye. Avoid eating foods that are very hot or very cold. If you're already dealing with dental pain, extreme temperatures can make it worse. Avoid cold foods and drinks (such as ice cream, popsicles, smoothies, and icy drinks) as well as very hot ones (like hot coffee, tea, or soup). If you experience tooth pain that lasts for more than 30 seconds after eating hot or cold foods, see your dentist right away. This may be a sign that the pulp of your tooth is exposed or damaged. If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold, try using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle brush, and make sure to use an up-and-down rather than side-to-side brushing motion to avoid damaging exposed roots. Stay away from extremely hard or crunchy foods. Some hard foods—such as hard candies, nuts, popcorn kernels, or hard bread rolls—can crack your teeth or chip your enamel, contributing to dental pain and making you more prone to infections. Hard foods can be extra hazardous if your enamel is already cracked or thinning. Hard candies are especially dangerous to your teeth—not only can they chip your enamel, but the chewed-up candy can cling to your teeth and contribute to decay. Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Good dental care is a critical part of preventing and managing tooth pain. Even if you're already dealing with a toothache, continue to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Keeping your teeth clean will help prevent further decay, inflammation, and damage that could make your dental pain worse. Wear a mouth guard at night if your dentist recommends it. You might experience tooth pain or damage to your teeth if you clench or grind your teeth at night. At your next dental checkup, ask your dentist to examine you for signs of bruxism (teeth grinding). They may recommend using a splint or dental guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. Other treatments for bruxism include: Dental corrections (such as caps or crowns) to fix teeth that have been damaged by grinding. Stress relief techniques to minimize tension that may be contributing to your tooth grinding behaviors. Medications to relax the muscles in your jaw or to relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety. | See your dentist to treat the cause of your tooth pain. Use an over-the-counter medication to reduce pain and swelling. Rinse your mouth with saltwater before bed. Use an ice pack on your jaw before you sleep. Floss between the affected teeth at bedtime. Sleep with your head elevated. Minimize your sugar intake. See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Avoid eating foods that are very hot or very cold. Stay away from extremely hard or crunchy foods. Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Wear a mouth guard at night if your dentist recommends it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Manage-Wool-Sucking-in-Cats | How to Manage Wool Sucking in Cats | You can manage wool sucking in your cat by storing wool clothing and knitting supplies in cabinets out of reach of your cat. To distract your cat, try giving it some soft chew toys to suck on. You can also try spending more time with your cat, since wool sucking is often caused by anxiety. If your cat does find a wool object to suck on, firmly say “no” and tap it on the nose, so it understands it shouldn't do it. Keep in mind that wool-sucking can be caused by hunger, so try breaking up your cat's meals throughout the day so it doesn't get too hungry. | Keep wool away from your cat. Remove any wool or cloth so your cat can't suck on it. You may need to stop wearing wool sweaters around your cat and store any projects that use wool (such as your knitting or crocheting). This is especially important if you have valuable wool items that you don't want your cat to destroy. Don't forget to keep cloth holiday or party decorations out of reach. For example, your cat may be interested by decorations that contain fringe so hang them high out of reach. Say "no" and be consistent. If your cat finds wool or another unapproved item to suck on, remove the item, firmly say "no", and tap your cat on the nose. Do this each time you see your cat sucking on something it shouldn't. Your cat will soon learn that this is undesirable behavior. If your cat sucks on your clothing, try blowing in her face while saying, "No." Never yell or get angry at your cat. Keep in mind that your cat is probably sucking because it's trying to relieve anxiety. Break up your cat's meals throughout the day. Cats that suck on wool are usually very hungry. Instead of giving your cat one or two main meals a day, set out several smaller meals. You can also support your cat's hunting instincts by hiding dry food or putting it into puzzle feeders or treat balls. Hunting for food may also distract your cat from the wool sucking behavior. Offer chew toys to your cat. Just because you've removed the wool doesn't mean that your cat will instantly stop sucking or chewing on things. To manage the behavior, give your cat things that it can suck or chew on like: Cat chews Approved large bones to chew (not chicken or poultry bones that can split) Treat biscuits Cat toys, such as small mice with catnip stuffing Spend time with your cat. If your cat is sucking wool because it's anxious or needs comforting, spend more quality time with your cat. Try to give it more attention and snuggles so it feels reassured. You can also play more games with your cat to keep it active and entertained. For example, try tossing small balls to your cat, playing with a laser light, or dangling ribbons for your cat. Give your cat a soft comforting toy. You might find your cat sucking on any type of cloth even though you've removed all of the wool. Redirect your cat's behavior to a safe, comforting soft toy. Give your cat a stuffed animal or soft cat toy and put it where your cat usually sucks wool. Your cat may eventually cuddle or suck on the stuffed animal or soft toy when it's feeling overwhelmed or needs the stimulation. Use a Feliway diffuser to reassure your cat. A Feliway diffuser releases a synthetic feline pheromone that can help calm your kitty. If you change it once a month, it can provide relief to a stressed cat. If your cat is sucking on wool or fabrics to cope with anxiety or stress, the Feliway can help you get your cat to stop. Rule out any health problems. When you notice your cat sucking wool, think about your cat's diet and energy levels. If your cat isn't eating a nutritious, high-quality diet, then a nutritional deficiency could be causing the sucking. But if your cat eats a good diet, has plenty of energy, and has a nice coat, the wool sucking probably isn't caused by a health issue. If you suspect an underlying health problem, the vet can do a complete physical and run blood work. This may find an untreated chronic health problem that's causing the wool sucking. Identify your cat's risk for wool sucking. Your cat's genes may play a role in causing the wool sucking. Oriental breeds are more likely to develop the behavior. Your cat may also be more likely to suck wool if it was weaned at an early age (around 6 or 7 weeks). Your cat may be sucking wool as a way of comforting itself. Most young cats that start wool sucking begin doing it around 2 to 4 months old or once it's weaned. Watch for signs of an eating disorder. Look to see if your cat begins to suck or eat other items that aren't food. This can mean that your cat has developed an eating disorder known as pica. Talk with the vet about treating it before it causes intestinal blockages in your cat. Talk with the vet if you notice your cat sucking or eating: Cloth and paper Hair Plastic (like electric cords) and acrylic cloths (like nylon) Shoelaces Wood Ask the veterinarian about medications. If your cat isn't responding to redirection or you suspect the wool sucking is caused by another health issue, you may need to talk with the veterinarian about treating your cat with medication. The vet can give your cat medication for the wool sucking compulsion, but it may take weeks or months before you notice an improvement. The vet will need to monitor your cat for side effects and may need to adjust the dosages over time. | Keep wool away from your cat. Say "no" and be consistent. Break up your cat's meals throughout the day. Offer chew toys to your cat. Spend time with your cat. Give your cat a soft comforting toy. Use a Feliway diffuser to reassure your cat. Rule out any health problems. Identify your cat's risk for wool sucking. Watch for signs of an eating disorder. Ask the veterinarian about medications. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Style-Bangs | How to Style Bangs | To style side-swept bangs, use a round brush to pull them away from your face, toward the heavy side of your part for a classic blow-out. Alternatively, french braid your bangs from their roots until you run out of hair, then secure the braid with an elastic or a bobby pin. You can also use a brush to back-comb your bangs into a poof. Then, twist the end of your bangs once and pin them down on top of your head to create a pompadour. | Dry your bangs with a hair dryer to flatten them out. After washing your hair, use a round brush and a blow-dryer to dry your bangs to perfection. Roll the brush under the bangs and pull them away from your face (on the heavy side of your part) to ensure that they are dried in the right direction. If you have a cowlick in your hair where it doesn't lie flat, focus the dryer on that area and brush it down until it's smooth. Use a flat iron to straighten your bangs for a silky, smooth look. Once your bangs are dry, run a paddle brush through them to get out any tangles. Grab your flat iron and run it over your bangs 3 to 4 times from the roots to the ends. Brush your bangs in between each time to keep them looking silky and smooth. Try straightening the rest of your hair for a sleek overall look. Curl your bangs to add some beachy waves. After your bangs are dry, grab a curling iron and separate your bangs into 1 in (2.5 cm) wide sections. Wrap 1 section around your curling iron away from your face, then hold it for about 3 seconds. Let the curl go, then use the curling iron on the rest of your bangs. If your curls are too tight, use your fingers to gently comb through your bangs once you're done. This looks great with crimped or curled hair. Try an easy twist-and-pin to keep your bangs out of your face. Gather your bangs in one hand, and twist them away from your face along your hairline. Pin them on top of your hair using bobby pins going parallel to your bangs. To keep fine fly-aways at bay, use a misting of hairspray over your twisted bangs. For an up-do, you can continue twisting hair beyond your bangs before pulling it all up into an elastic or pinning it at the back of your head. Pin your bangs straight back to open up your face. Style your entire head of hair as you normally would and leave it loose around your shoulders. Grab a 5 in (13 cm) wide section of hair on top of your forehead and brush it backwards with a brush. Lay the section flat on the top of your head, then use 2 to 3 bobby pins to secure the ends of your hair to your head. Spray a thin layer of hairspray to tamp down any flyaways. This is an easy style to do for long bangs that are getting to be an annoying length. Try adding a headband or a decorative hair barrette to make this style a little more fancy. For extra volume, try teasing your bangs with a rat tail comb before you pull them back. Go with a pompadour if you have short hair. With your hair wet, dry your bangs while brushing them backwards on top of your head. Then, grab a styling gel and run it through your bangs, pushing them backwards as you do. Add 2 to 3 bobby pins at the back of your bangs to keep them in place, then spray a thin layer of hairspray all over to discourage flyaways. This technique works great if you have an undercut or a pixie cut. Braid your bangs for a sophisticated look. Separate your bangs out from the front section of your hair, and pull the rest of your hair up with an elastic band. Split your bangs into 3 even sections, then grab each section in your hands. Pull one of the outside sections over to the center, then pull the other outside section over to the center. Keep going down your bangs until you reach the end, then secure the end of the braid to the side of your head with a bobby pin. Braiding is an easy way to keep your bangs out of your face while making them look a little more visually appealing. Hide your bangs with the rest of your hair to make them disappear. Part your hair deep to one side just above your ear and brush it over the top of your bangs. You can pin your hair back if too much of it is hanging in your face, but leaving it down should allow you to maintain the illusion as well. Try curling your hair and your bangs to make them look a little more seamless. This style may only work for very long hair, as shorter hair doesn't have the necessary weight to hold down the bangs and cover them up. Dry your bangs straight down for a silky, shiny finish. Towel dry your hair out of the shower until it's not dripping wet anymore. Hold a paddle brush underneath your bangs and set your hair dryer to a low setting to get your bangs styled without unwanted curls or waves. Use a light misting of hairspray to set your bangs after blow-drying them. If you want a slight curl to your bangs, use a round brush instead of a paddle brush. You can dry the rest of your hair for an overall sleek finish. Push your bangs to the side for a swooped look. While your hair is wet, push your bangs over to one side of your forehead, essentially making them short side bangs. Point your hair dryer in the direction you'd like them to swoop, then use a paddle brush to keep them in place as you dry. Comb through your bangs with your fingers to push them into place for a tousled, messy look. Try adding small waves to the rest of your hair with a curling iron to match the texture in your bangs. Part your bangs down the middle for a curtain fringe. Brush out your bangs until they lie flat on your forehead, then use a small comb to part them directly down the middle. Use a curling iron to curl each side away from your face so your bangs have a small gap in the middle. This style mimics curtain bangs, or french bangs. This is a great style to try if your bangs are getting so long that they're touching your eyes. Braid your bangs to keep them out of the way. Brush your bangs so they swoop over to one side of your face, then separate them into 3 even sections. Start braiding your bangs at the roots, bringing one side over to the center, then the other. Keep going down the side of your head until you reach the top of your ear, then pin your braid into place with a bobby pin. If your bangs are super short, you might not be able to section off enough hair to braid them. Pull your bangs into a top knot to get them off your forehead. While your bangs are wet, push them back over the top of your forehead and blow dry them straight back. Pull back your bangs and the top section of your hair from your forehead upwards into a ponytail. Twist your hair into a messy bun on the top of your head, then pin the base of the bun into place with 2 to 3 bobby pins. This is a great style to try if your bangs are dirty or you're trying to grow them out. Top knots are a great summery style. | Dry your bangs with a hair dryer to flatten them out. Use a flat iron to straighten your bangs for a silky, smooth look. Curl your bangs to add some beachy waves. Try an easy twist-and-pin to keep your bangs out of your face. Pin your bangs straight back to open up your face. Go with a pompadour if you have short hair. Braid your bangs for a sophisticated look. Hide your bangs with the rest of your hair to make them disappear. Dry your bangs straight down for a silky, shiny finish. Push your bangs to the side for a swooped look. Part your bangs down the middle for a curtain fringe. Braid your bangs to keep them out of the way. Pull your bangs into a top knot to get them off your forehead. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-an-Abscess | How to Get Rid of an Abscess | If you need to get rid of an abscess, wash your hands with soap and water before you tend to it to avoid the dangerous spread of infection. Apply a warm compress to the infected area for 10-15 minutes several times a day, which can help drain the abscess and relieve your pain and discomfort. You can also soak the abscess in warm water to help it drain naturally. Keep the abscess covered with a clean bandage, and avoid tight-fitting clothing that irritates your skin. | Keep your fingers away from the abscess. Avoid the temptation to touch, pick at, or squeeze your abscess. Doing so can spread bacteria and cause further inflammation and a bigger infection. Blot away any pus or liquid draining from the abscess with a clean tissue or bandage. Avoid direct contact between your skin and the fingers blotting away the liquid. Throw away the bandage immediately and don't reuse it. Always wash your hands before and after you tend to your abscess so you don't spread an infection. Dangerous infections like MRSA can get into your body through an abscess. Apply warm compresses to the abscess. Wash your hands with soap and water. Heat a cup of water so that it's warm to hot and won't burn your skin. Dip a clean bandage or soft cloth water and place it on the abscess and skin around it. Applying warm or hot compresses can help drain your abscess and reduce your pain and discomfort. Apply the compresses several times a day. Rub the abscess with the cloth in a gentle circular motion, which can release pus from it. Seeing a little blood when you do this is normal. Soak in a lukewarm bath. Fill your bathtub or small container with lukewarm water. Then soak your body in the tub or the abscess in the water for 10-15 minutes. Soaking may help the abscess drain naturally and minimize your pain and discomfort. Clean the tub or small container thoroughly before and after you use it. Consider sprinkling the water with baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal, or Epsom salt. These may calm your skin and help to drain the boil naturally. Clean the abscess and surrounding skin. Wash the abscess with a mild antibacterial soap and clean, warm water. Make sure to clean any skin around the abscess, too. Dab your skin dry with a soft, clean towel. Wash the abscess with an antiseptic cleanser if you prefer to use something stronger than soap. Part of washing your abscess is showering or bathing daily. Maintaining good personal hygiene can heal the abscess and minimize the risk of further infections. Cover the abscess with a sterile bandage. Once your abscess is clean, loosely place sterile gauze or a bandage over it. To prevent infection, change the bandage if the abscess drains through it or if the covering gets wet or dirty. You can also apply Manuka honey to your abscess with a cotton swab before you cover it to help prevent infection. Make sure you don't dip the used cotton swab back into the honey. Take pain medication. Use an over the counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Follow dosage instruction closely to relieve any pain and discomfort you have. Pain medications such as ibuprofen may also minimize swelling. Wash items that make contact with your abscess. Set your washer to high water temperature. Place any clothing or linens or even the washcloth you use as a compress in it. Run the machine and then dry the items of high. This can wash away lingering bacteria that may further inflame or infect your abscess. Wear loose and smooth clothing. Tight-fitting clothing can irritate your skin and make a boil worse. Wear loose, smooth, and light clothing so your skin can breathe and heal faster. Smooth textured clothing such as cotton or merino wool can keep your skin from getting irritated and can prevent excess sweating that may irritate the affected area. Watch for signs of further infection. Continue self-care as long as your abscess is healing and doesn't show signs that the infection is getting worse. Look for the following signs the abscess and infection are getting worse and seek immediate medical attention: Your skin is getting more red or more painful. There are red streaks running from the abscess and surrounding area towards your heart. The abscess and surrounding skin feels very warm or hot to the touch. Significant pus or other fluid is running from the abscess. You have a fever higher than 101.5 °F (38.6 °C). You have chills, nausea, vomiting, headache or muscle aches. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. In some cases, you may need medical attention, such as if you are over the age of 65. Let your doctor know how you've treated the abscess at home and any other information that may help them treat it. See your doctor for medical treatment if: The abscess is on your spine or in the middle of your face, near your eyes or nose. The abscess does not drain on its own. The abscess gets bigger or is very large or painful. You have diabetes or another chronic health problem such as kidney or liver disease. Have the abscess drained. Let your doctor lance and drain your abscess with a scalpel or small needle if necessary. Opening and draining the abscess can remove infectious pus or liquid and relieve pressure. Keep any coverings your doctor places over the lanced abscess clean and dry. Don't try to drain your abscess at home or you could cause the infection to spread. Ask your doctor for a local anesthetic if you have a lot of pain. Your doctor may pack the drained abscess with an antiseptic dressing to absorb extra pus and prevent further infection. Your doctor may also take a sample of the drained fluid and test for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Take a course of topical or oral antibiotics. Get a prescription from your doctor for an antibiotic if the abscess infection is especially severe. Follow dosage instructions your doctor gives and make sure to take the entire course of antibiotics. Taking and finishing an antibiotic can get rid of the infection and may minimize the risk of another abscess or reinfection. If you have a good immune system and your abscess is small or located near the surface of your skin, you most likely won't need antibiotics. | Keep your fingers away from the abscess. Apply warm compresses to the abscess. Soak in a lukewarm bath. Clean the abscess and surrounding skin. Cover the abscess with a sterile bandage. Take pain medication. Wash items that make contact with your abscess. Wear loose and smooth clothing. Watch for signs of further infection. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Have the abscess drained. Take a course of topical or oral antibiotics. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Shoes-with-a-Toothbrush | How to Clean Shoes with a Toothbrush | You can use a toothbrush to clean the soles on any pair of shoes, and you can use it to clean the body of your shoes if they're made out of canvas or mesh. To clean the soles on your shoes, first wipe off any large pieces of dirt with a cloth. Then, mix 1 teaspoon of laundry detergent with 1 cup of water, dip a toothbrush in the mixture, and scrub your soles until they're clean. Wipe off the soles with a towel when you're all done. To clean the body of your shoes, dip the toothbrush in the soapy water and scrub any dirty areas on your shoes with it. Once they're clean, go over them with a damp sponge to get rid of any soapy residue. Let your shoes air dry, and you're good to go. | Wipe off your shoes with a damp cloth. Your shoes might have large clumps of dirt or dust that can be washed away with water. Wipe off any large clumps of dirt or debris with a wet cloth or paper towel. Mix 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of laundry detergent with 1 cup (240 mL) of water. Create your mixture in a container that you don't mind getting soapy, like a plastic bowl or Tupperware container. Use a mild laundry detergent without bleach. Dip your toothbrush in the mix and scrub the soles of your shoes. You can use this mixture on the entire bottom sole of your shoe. Firmly scrub the soles with the toothbrush, focusing extra attention on really dirty areas. Dip the toothbrush in the water mixture over and over as the toothbrush gets dirty. Wipe off the soles of your shoes with a towel. Use a clean rag to wipe the bottoms of your shoes off. Make sure they are totally dry before you put them back on, or they could cause you to slip. You can air dry your shoes overnight if you have time. Mix 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of detergent with 1 cup (240 mL) of water. Use the laundry detergent that you already have in your home. Mix the detergent and water together in a container that you don't mind getting soapy, like a mixing bowl or Tupperware container. Use a mild laundry detergent that doesn't contain bleach. Dip a clean toothbrush in the mixture and spot scrub your shoes. Saturate the toothbrush in your water/detergent mixture and use it to scrub the dirty parts of your shoes. Use the bristles to firmly scrub away dirt in a circular motion. You can use your mixture on every part of the shoe. Use a damp sponge to wipe off the soap. Wet a clean sponge with cool water and wipe off any areas that you used your detergent mixture. Make sure there isn't any soap left on your shoes. Let your shoes air dry. Leave your shoes out in the sun or a cool dry place to dry in order to prevent mildew. Make sure they are fully dry before you wear them again or store them. Drying your shoes in a dryer could cause them to shrink or warp. Mix 1 part bleach and 5 parts water together. To use bleach on white sneakers, you need to dilute it so that it doesn't discolor your shoes. Mix bleach and water together in a plastic bowl that you don't mind getting bleach on. Wear gloves to protect your hands during this process. Dip a clean toothbrush into your mixture and scrub your shoes. If your sneakers are all white, you don't have to worry about discoloring any areas of your shoes. Use your toothbrush to firmly scrub the areas that are the dirtiest, and then give a once-over to your entire shoe. If your shoes are not all white, do not use bleach on them. You could discolor the colored areas of your shoe. Rinse your shoes with warm water. Wash the bleach off of your shoes so that they are safe to wear by running them under warm water in your sink or tub. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly so that no bleach is left on your shoes. You can safely rinse bleach down your drain, as long as you don't pour ammonia down it right afterwards. When ammonia and bleach mix, they create a dangerous gas that can knock you unconscious. Let your shoes air dry before using them. Set your shoes on a towel in the sun or a cool, dry area of your home to air dry. Leave them for a few hours or even overnight until they are no longer wet to the touch. Storing wet shoes could lead to mildew. | Wipe off your shoes with a damp cloth. Mix 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of laundry detergent with 1 cup (240 mL) of water. Dip your toothbrush in the mix and scrub the soles of your shoes. Wipe off the soles of your shoes with a towel. Mix 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of detergent with 1 cup (240 mL) of water. Dip a clean toothbrush in the mixture and spot scrub your shoes. Use a damp sponge to wipe off the soap. Let your shoes air dry. Mix 1 part bleach and 5 parts water together. Dip a clean toothbrush into your mixture and scrub your shoes. Rinse your shoes with warm water. Let your shoes air dry before using them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Medicaid-Card | How to Replace a Medicaid Card | There are 3 ways you can replace your Medicaid card. First, you can visit your local social services agency in person. Second, you can call your state's health and human services department. Third, you can visit your state's health and human services website, navigate to the Medicaid page, and log in to your account. Then, click on the “Replacement documents” tab and fill in the form. Whichever way you choose, you'll need to provide your Medicaid ID and social security numbers to verify your identity. | Call your state’s health and human services department. Go online to find the number for your state's health and human services department on their website, most likely under the “Contact Us” page. If you still have your old Medicaid card, look on the card to find the specific number you'll need to make the call. To find your state's health and human services website, go online and type in your state plus "health and human services" into the search engine. Order your replacement card using the automated system. Most times, to get a new Medicaid card, you won't speak to a real person. Use the automated system to select a language preference and answer the questions asked of you, ultimately resulting in your replacement Medicaid card. Provide your Medicaid identification number and other personal information. Once you've made the call, you'll need to be able to verify your identity. They'll ask for your Medicaid ID number, social security number, birthday, and address. If you're not sure what your Medicaid ID is, you'll need to select the option to speak with a representative. Visit your local social services agency to submit a request in person. If you're near a local social services agency, you can request a new Medicaid card through an in-person visit. The representatives at the agency will be able to walk you through the steps of getting a new card. Go online to find out where your local social services agency is. If you still have your old Medicaid card, you can call the customer service number listed on the card to find the location as well. Receive your Medicaid card in the mail. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 days, depending on your state. If you need proof of your Medicaid coverage before your card arrives, use the letter that you were sent stating that you qualify for coverage. Your provider will be able to use the letter to verify your coverage. Go to your state’s health and human services website. You can find your state's health and human services website by pulling up a search engine and typing in your state and then "health and human services." Find the Medicaid page on the website. If your state's health and human services website has a tab that says "Medicaid," click on it. If you can't find the Medicaid page, type in something such as “Medicaid replacement card” into a search box. Log in to your Medicaid account. Many states will ask you to log in to your Medicaid account before you're able to request a new card. If you've already created an account, you should have your login information in your email. If you don't have an account, you'll be able to create one. Fill in the required information or choose the “Replacement Documents” tab. Some states may show a “Replacement Documents” tab that you just need to click on. Once you click on this, you'll be able to select an option to get your replacement card sent to you in the mail. Submit the request once you're done. Other states may require you to provide additional information before mailing you your card, such as your name, social security number, and birth date. If you can't find the right page, do a quick online search for instructions for how to access your specific state's Medicaid replacement card page. Wait for your Medicaid card to be delivered. Once you've submitted your online request, your new Medicaid card will be mailed to you. How long it will take to arrive depends on which state you live in, so check the website for specific details. The form that you submit should include the information about your mailed Medicaid card, including the date you should receive it by. Make sure your address is up-to-date so that your card is sent to the right place. Some states mail your new card to you within 10 days, while others take 30 days. Print your Medicaid card out at home, if possible. Some states, such as Texas and California, allow you the option to print a replacement Medicaid card out at home. All you have to do is log into your Medicaid account online and start up your printer. | Call your state’s health and human services department. Order your replacement card using the automated system. Provide your Medicaid identification number and other personal information. Visit your local social services agency to submit a request in person. Receive your Medicaid card in the mail. Go to your state’s health and human services website. Find the Medicaid page on the website. Log in to your Medicaid account. Fill in the required information or choose the “Replacement Documents” tab. Wait for your Medicaid card to be delivered. Print your Medicaid card out at home, if possible. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Calf-Raises | How to Do Calf Raises | To exercise and tone your muscles with calf raises, stand up straight on the edge of a stair step, with a wall or railing nearby to help you balance. Then, lift your heels so that you're on your tip toes and hold the position. After 2 seconds, lower your heels so that they're below the level of the step and you can feel the stretch in your calf muscles. Repeat this up-and-down motion until you get tired. For a more intense workout, you can hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms at your sides while doing calf raises. | Stand on the edge of a stair step, or a step of any kind (as long as it's in a safe environment). Make sure the step is not very far up and close to the ground. You don't want to fall too far should you lose your balance. Stand straight, with your tailbone tucked in. Engage your core by pulling in your upper ribs and belly. Make sure that the balls of your feet are solidly planted on the edge of the step. Your heels should be over the edge. If you feel unstable, or like you're losing your balance, practice this method with a wall or railing near by. Place your hands on the wall or the railing. Lift your heels until you're standing on your tippy toes. Distribute most of your weight onto the balls of your feet, and keep your legs straight. Stay on your tippy toes for two seconds. Then, begin to lower your heels, and move your weight away from the balls of your feet. Lower your heels until they're below the step, or platform. You should be feeling your calf muscles stretch on the downward movement. Repeat this sequence until you feel tired. Hold a dumbbell in each hand. It's always a good rule of thumb to start with lighter weights, and work your way up to heavier ones. Get two dumbbells of the same weight, and stand with your feet about shoulder width apart. Keep a chair at arms' length in front of you. If you have trouble with your balance, it's a good idea to have a chair nearby with the back facing you. You can also perform this exercise while facing a wall. Let your arms hang along the sides of your body. Make sure that your arms are below your shoulders, and keep a firm grip on the dumbbells. Lift your heels up. Shift your weight onto the balls of your feet while keeping your legs straight. Continue to keep your arms alongside your body. There is no arm movement involved, as the weights are meant to train your calf muscles. While your legs should be straight, it's a good idea to keep a micro bend in your knees to avoid locking them up. Slowly lower your heels back to the floor. Do this movement with as much control as possible. Practice this exercise sequence twelve to fifteen times in a row. That's an adequate number of repetitions for most people, and should gradually strengthen your calf muscles. Start with a lighter weight. For best results in this method, you'll need a plate weight, like you would find at the gym. Resist the urge to start with the heaviest weight you can manage. It's better to start with a lighter weight and work your way up. Stand with your legs one in front of the other. In other words, your legs should be scissoring out, resulting in about a foot distance between both feet. Hold the plate weight to your chest with both hands. This is the time to decide if the weight is too little or too much. Err on the side of caution, and go with a slightly lower weight than you might be able to hold. Bend the front knee, with the knee over your ankle. Take a step back with your back knee so that the back leg is almost straight. Then, lift your back heel so that you're on the tippy toes of your back foot. Raise your front heel. Both feet should now be on their tippy toes. Lower the heel of your front foot slowly until it's back on the floor. Keep the back heel lifted the entire time. Lift the front heel, hold it for a moment, then lower it back to the ground. Repeat this exercise. Ideally, you should strive to practice this method of the calf raise a few times per week. | Stand on the edge of a stair step, or a step of any kind (as long as it's in a safe environment). Stand straight, with your tailbone tucked in. Lift your heels until you're standing on your tippy toes. Stay on your tippy toes for two seconds. Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Keep a chair at arms' length in front of you. Let your arms hang along the sides of your body. Lift your heels up. Slowly lower your heels back to the floor. Practice this exercise sequence twelve to fifteen times in a row. Start with a lighter weight. Stand with your legs one in front of the other. Hold the plate weight to your chest with both hands. Bend the front knee, with the knee over your ankle. Raise your front heel. Repeat this exercise. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Wine | How to Store Wine | To store wine after it has been opened, cork the bottle tightly. Transfer the wine to a smaller bottle if there is only a little left to minimize the amount of air that comes into contact with the wine. If you're storing white wine, place the corked bottle in a wine cellar or in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for 3-5 days. If you're storing red wine, you can leave it at room temperature in a dark place, where it will also stay good for 3-5 days. For a dessert wine such as sherry or port, keep it at room temperature, for a week or more. | Drink inexpensive light wines within a few weeks. At wineries, some wines will be labeled "table wines," meaning they're meant to be drunk instead of kept for years. Lighter wines, including both red and white, fall into this category. Another indicator is the cork. If it's synthetic or a screw top, the wine is probably meant to be drunk fairly quickly. Most wines you'll see in the stores are meant to be consumed fairly quickly, usually within 5 years. Put white wines in the refrigerator. White table wines are meant to be chilled, and they will be just fine in the refrigerator. For these wines, you should buy them and drink them within a month or 2. Keep red wines in a cool wine rack. If you plan to drink these wines within a month, you can even store them on the counter as long as they are out of direct sunlight. If your counter does get direct sunlight, opt for a below-the-counter rack to hide the wine away. If your house often gets above 77 °F (25 °C), this isn't a good option for you. Pick a cooler spot in the house or even keep them in the refrigerator if you need to. Get advice on which wines can be aged. Most wineries can tell you which wines are meant to age and which ones are not. Similarly, in a wine store, a sommelier can help you determine which wines are meant for aging. Typically, though, these wines will have natural corks, and they will often set you back quite a bit more than your average wine. You can also buy wine at auctions or purchase wine "futures" from wineries, meaning you buy it before it comes out at a discounted price. Common regions that produce higher end wines for aging include Tuscany (Italy), Piedmont (Italy), Napa Valley (California), Priorat (Spain), Rioja (Spain), Burgundy (France), and Bordeaux (France). Pick a dark area away from your AC and washing machine. A cool, dark closet is ideal for most people if you don't have access to a wine cellar. Wine needs to be kept out of the light, particularly sunlight, which can degrade it over time. Choose an area away from vibrating machinery because these vibrations can also degrade your wine. If you can't keep a bottle entirely out of the light, wrap it lightly in a cloth or simply put the bottle inside a box out of the way. Place the bottles on their sides. Natural cork can dry out over the years, leading to oxidation of your wine. Storing bottles on their sides will help with this issue, as the wine will keep the corks moist. This is mainly important if you plan on storing wine for 10 years or so. However, storing wine on its side is also a good way to save space. It will also cause the cork to expand, which will prevent air from getting into the wine. When placing the bottles, try to store them so you don't have to move one to get to another. You want to leave the bottles alone as much as possible. Use a thermometer to maintain a constant temperature of 55 °F (13 °C). If you have a below-ground cellar, that's typically ideal, but you should check the temperature throughout the summer to make sure it's staying cool enough. However, consistency in temperature is even more important. If you can keep it in area that only fluctuates between 68 to 73 °F (20 to 23 °C) instead of 45 to 65 °F (7 to 18 °C), that's better, as fluctuations can push wine out of the cork or draw air in. Avoid letting wine stay in temperatures over 75 °F (24 °C), except for very short periods. Wine starts to oxidize at this temperature. Also, don't let the wine drop below 45 °F (7 °C), as that slows down the aging process. Plus, if it begins to freeze, the expanding wine could pop the cork out, ruining your wine. If you can't find a space that's cool enough, try a cooling unit that's made for wine. Use a humidifier to hit 50-70% humidity in particularly dry areas. In most areas, a humidifier won't be necessary. However, you should check how dry your storage area is with a hygrometer (humidity reader) and make sure it stays within this range. This is most important if you're storing wines for longer than 10 years. Over time, the cork can dry out if the humidity is too low. You can add a pan of water or even a cool humidifier if the room is not humid enough. Humidity over 80% may encourage mold growth. You can use a dehumidifier if you need to decrease the humidity. Try an under-the-counter wine refrigerator for an easy option. If you plan to keep certain bottles for a long time, this is likely your best bet. These refrigerators will keep the wine at a constant temperature and humidity, helping preserve it for the long haul. Since they fit under a counter, they don't take up too much space and will keep your wine in the dark. Store very expensive wines in professional wine lockers. If you've bought wine that you worry about keeping for years, you may just want to have it kept in a wine locker at a local wine store or winery. They will ensure your wines are always at the perfect temperature and humidity. This works best if you plan to keep your wines more than 15 years. Place the cork back in and put the wine in the refrigerator for an easy short-term solution. This is the simplest way to store leftover wine, but it will go bad within a day or so. Always put the stained side of the cork back in the bottle, as it's already added any flavors to the wine it's going to. If your wine has a screw top, you can use that as well. You can also use a simple wine stopper, which you can get at most stores. The wine will keep for 3-5 days, but the flavor will be affected after a day. Pour leftover wine into a half bottle to reduce air exposure for a bit longer storage. Air is what causes wine to spoil, so if you can reduce the amount of air the wine is exposed to, it will keep a bit longer. Funnel it into a half bottle and cap it off with the cork or a wine stopper. Pour the wine into the half bottle right when you open the big bottle, as that will reduce the amount of time it's exposed to air. Don't forget to stick it in the refrigerator. This method might prolong the flavor for an extra day, meaning you'll get 2 days instead of 1 for optimum flavor. Use a needle opener to keep from exposing wine to air in the first place. These openers use a needle to withdraw wine from the bottle through the cork. It pumps argon gas into the bottle to make up for the wine it takes out. When you pull the needle out, the cork re-seals the hole. This will keep wine fresh much longer, but you should still drink it within a few weeks to a month. With this device, it's not as important to put leftover wine in the refrigerator. Try other preservation gadgets, such as vacuum seals and inflatable corks. These devices help limit the wine's exposure to air, and they may keep the wine drinkable for up to 3-5 days. To use a vacuum sealer, simply place the gadget in the top of the bottle and use the hand pump to create the seal. Similarly, with a hand cork, place it in the bottle and use the provided hand pump to blow it up and create a seal. Place the wine in the refrigerator. | Drink inexpensive light wines within a few weeks. Put white wines in the refrigerator. Keep red wines in a cool wine rack. Get advice on which wines can be aged. Pick a dark area away from your AC and washing machine. Place the bottles on their sides. Use a thermometer to maintain a constant temperature of 55 °F (13 °C). Use a humidifier to hit 50-70% humidity in particularly dry areas. Try an under-the-counter wine refrigerator for an easy option. Store very expensive wines in professional wine lockers. Place the cork back in and put the wine in the refrigerator for an easy short-term solution. Pour leftover wine into a half bottle to reduce air exposure for a bit longer storage. Use a needle opener to keep from exposing wine to air in the first place. Try other preservation gadgets, such as vacuum seals and inflatable corks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Friend-Fall-in-Love-with-You | How to Make a Friend Fall in Love with You | To make a friend fall in love with you, try flirting with them by making lots of eye contact, smiling, and complimenting them on their appearance and personality. You can also touch them by tickling, hugging, or brushing against them, which will make them feel closer to you. Another good way to get them to fall for you is to spend plenty of time alone with them so they get a feel for what it would be like to date you. For example, go for a walk, see a movie, or go shopping together. When you think your connection is growing stronger, try backing off a bit and giving them a little distance to show them what they're missing when you're not around. Alternatively, bite the bullet and tell them how you feel about them, since they might be waiting for you to make a move. | Attempt to become their best friend. Not just any other friend, become someone that they couldn't live without, someone who listens to all their problems and always helps out when times get hard. You need to establish a connection like no other, something that neither of you could live without. Becoming fast friends is all about giving her a sense of trust. If she trusts you, she'll be more likely to give you chance when it comes to love. Open up. Tell her about yourself: your dreams, wishes, and sorrows. It's possible for love to grow where there previously wasn't any, but she has to think of you as a person with real goals, successes, and problems instead of just a friend. The more she's able to see parts of you that others don't see, the better off you'll be. Make the person feel special. Let her know that she is someone's friend - your friend - and that you value her in a unique way. Compliment her for her company and for being there when you needed her, times when you felt sad and all alone. Show appreciation for the comfort the person offers you and for making you smile. Always dream with her, build with her, and always cheer her on and encourage her. Give her a hint. Before you two get too close and pass the "I love you as a friend" line or become too much of a brotherly figure, you need to give her hints that you might like her more than as a friend. Simple harmless flirts, comments, something that would make her tell you that you're sweet, but also make her think a moment longer about the comment and wonder if there is another deeper meaning to it all. This is very tough to do with words, because you don't want to make her think you're friends just in order to get in a relationship. In the beginning, stick to flirting with your body. Don't pass up that chance to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with her. Look her in the eye, and smile a lot. If you're really comfortable with her, try tickling her (on her sides or under her arms) or giving her a piggyback ride. Gradually move on to flirting with words. Tell her how much you admire her. Tell her how special she is to you. Tell her she makes your day easier to get through. But remember, a little hinting goes a long, long way! If you're gushing to her every twenty minutes, she could begin to feel uncomfortable as friends and start to distance herself from you. Be a shoulder to lean on. Be someone whom they can always turn to for reliable advice. If you're there when times get rough, and help her through them, she'll look at you like a problem-solver and trust you more. You'll also be someone she feels safe and secure around. Do not give up too easily. When you notice hints coming from her end, you know you're getting somewhere. If your hints haven't really gotten through to her, however, try not to be so subtle. Being more obvious can be helpful because some girls are used to being flirted with. Get her one-on-one. This one's important. If you never see her when it's just the two of you, work toward that goal. The trick is to make it not look like a date when you ask her, but feel like a date when she gets there. Tell her you're in Starbucks studying and you want an awesome girl to distract you from your work instead of "Hey, do you wanna get coffee later on, just you and me?" Make her a mix-tape of your favorite music. The music you listen to shows her a whole other side of you; it helps her to understand you better. It also sends her a subtle message that you enjoy sharing personal things with her. Be sure to include music that you think she might like. You could be setting yourself up for a fall if she only listens to Beethoven and you give her Metallica. After you give her your mix, ask her to make one for you. Play hard to get. Try backing off a little. This can be important because it lets her know what she's missing when she doesn't see you. It might make her think about all the ways you make her life fuller, richer, more enjoyable. She'll be eager to see you in no time. When you're sure that you are getting somewhere, back off a little. If you see her everyday, avoid her for two days or so, no contact! She will end up missing you and really understanding how deeply she feels for you. But make sure you have a valid reason for being away when she asks. You don't want to be caught in a lie, or look like you're avoiding her on purpose. If you think it might work, try hanging out with another girl for a day, just to pique her interest. Girls are attracted to men who get along with lots of attentive women. The goal here isn't to make her super jealous. The goal is to make her think that girls like being around you, and that you have lots of different options when it comes to women. Listen to feedback directly from her. Don't worry about what friends say she feels about you, because, as we all know, information can get distorted. It's like a game of telephone. She tells something to her other friend, who tells it to a completely different friend, who gossips to her acquaintance, and pretty soon the message has changed completely from what it originally was. Tune out any noise that isn't coming directly from her. Be persistent and continue to do fun things with her. Studies show that doing something exciting, daring, or adventurous together helps release a chemical (called norepinephrine) in her body and yours that is associated with romantic feelings. So don't listen to what her friends or your friends say, and bring her to Six Flags, that haunted house, or an exciting game — anything that might cause her to jump, scream, or wriggle with excitement. Tell her. If you're sure you want to take the relationship further, tell her. Remember, only do this if you're okay with the possibility of losing a friend ; it can get very awkward and uncomfortable if she knows that you want a relationship and she doesn't feel the same way about you. Because what you're doing is risking a friendship to get a relationship. Some girls will be mad at you for doing this. You might not be friends after you tell her. If you are sure, you need to tell her. Be honest with her and explain your feelings. You can say something like: "I've really valued our friendship these past couple months, and have grown to see how special of a person you are, and how alive you make me feel inside. I value our friendship over everything, but I really like you. I can't hide my feelings for you anymore. Would you go on a date with me?" Give her an out. Let her know that it's okay if she doesn't feel the same way, and that you can take it. You want her honest opinion, not her sugarcoated idea of what you want her to say. If you give her an out by saying "I know you may not feel the same way about me, and I respect that," it could go a long way to saving the friendship if she doesn't want to pursue a relationship. And if she does want a relationship, it will reinforce to her how sweet and respectful you are when it comes to her. Don't get too emotional. Whatever you do, don't break down. Emotions are powerful things, and she might think that you're using your emotions to manipulate her, causing her to distance herself from the situation. If you get emotional, she'll tend to pity you and revert back to the friend-zone that you want to try to get away from. Stay stoic, even if you're boiling up inside. Smile at her, regardless of what she says, and be as happy as possible. | Attempt to become their best friend. Give her a hint. Be a shoulder to lean on. Do not give up too easily. Play hard to get. Listen to feedback directly from her. Tell her. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Give-Idoxuridine-to-Cats-with-Herpes-Eye-Infections | How to Give Idoxuridine to Cats with Herpes Eye Infections | If you need to give idoxuridine to your cat, listen carefully to any instructions from your vet and read the label on the medication closely. Don't give your cat any more of the medication than your vet prescribes, and make sure to give it on a regular schedule. If you're not sure how to apply the medication to your cat's eyes, ask your vet to show you the correct way to do it. Finally, if your vet has prescribed any other eye medications, wait 5 minutes between applying the other medication and giving a dose of idoxuridine. | Follow the vet’s instructions. When the vet prescribes idoxuridine for your cat, they will give you instructions. This might be how often to give the medication to your cat or which eye to put the medicine in. Listen to your vet closely and follow all their instructions. Read the label carefully. You should do this before using the medication. The label and literature that comes with the medication will explain how to give the medication, along with precautions and potential side effects. Follow the medication schedule. Make sure to carefully adhere to the schedule given to you by your vet. Give the cat the prescribed amount. Don't give it to the cat any more or less, and try not to miss any doses. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If you are about to give the next dose, just skip the dose you missed. Never give a double dose because you missed one. Ask your vet to teach you how to give the medication. If you are struggling with giving your cat the medication, talk to your vet. Medication can be difficult to administer to cats, especially a cat with sensitive eyes. You can ask your vet to help you learn a good way to give the medication to your cat. Wait five minutes between medications. Sometimes, the cat will have to take idoxuridine along with another eye medication. If the vet has prescribed another medicine, wait five minutes between each medication. This helps give the medicine time to start working before applying the next one. You should also ask your vet if the order that you give the medications matters. For instance, it may be better to apply an eye drop followed by an ointment. Wash your hands. Before administering this medication to your cat's eye, make sure to wash your hands. This helps keep any bacteria or other contaminants from transferring from your hands to your cat's eye. Tilt the cat’s head backwards. Place your cat in your lap. Hold the cat's head securely in your hands. Tilt their head back so that their nose is pointed towards the ceiling. Using two of your fingers, gently lift the eyelids to hold the cat's eyes open. If your cat resists being in your lap, try wrapping your cat in a blanket or towel to secure them. This can help you avoid getting scratched or bitten. Drop the medicine in the eye. After filling the dropper with the prescribed amount of medication, hold the dropper over the cat's eye. Make sure not to touch the tip to the cat's eye. Drop the medicine onto the eye. Avoid touching the cat’s eye. When you place the dropper close to the eye, don't touch the tip of the dropper to any part of the eye. This includes the surface of the eyeball or the edge of the eyelids. This will help reduce the risk of contamination. You should also avoid touching the tip of the dropper with your fingers. Spread the medicine over the eye. After you have put the ointment or drops into the eye, close the cat's eyelid with your finger. Carefully massage the eyelids to distribute the medicine around the entire eye area. Wash your hands again. After you have put away the medicine and set your cat down, you need to wash your hands again. This ensures that you don't spread anything you may have gotten on your hands. Wash your hands. Before placing ointment in your cat's eye, wash your hands. This helps keep any bacteria or other contaminants from transferring from your hands to your cat's eye or the medication. Hold the ointment tube securely. Place the tube of medicine between your thumb and index finger. Make sure you are holding on to it securely. Point the tip down towards the floor. Apply ointment to the lower eyelid. Place the cat in your lap. Gently lower the bottom eyelid with the fingers on your free hand. Place the ointment along the lower lid in the space between the lid and the eye. Make sure not to touch the tip of the ointment to the eye. If you find it hard to apply the ointment directly from the tube, ask your vet for sterile cotton swabs to apply the medication. If your cat squirms in your lap, try wrapping your cat in a blanket or towel to secure it and keep yourself from being scratched. Watch to make sure the ointment spreads around the eye. As soon as the ointment is in the cat's eye, they will start blinking. Between the blinking and the ointment melting in the eye, it should spread around to the entire eyeball. You may see ointment building up in the corners of the eye. This is normal. Wash your hands when you’re finished. After you have finished administering the medicine, wash your hands again. This helps prevent you from spreading anything you may have gotten on your hands. | Follow the vet’s instructions. Read the label carefully. Follow the medication schedule. Ask your vet to teach you how to give the medication. Wait five minutes between medications. Wash your hands. Tilt the cat’s head backwards. Drop the medicine in the eye. Avoid touching the cat’s eye. Spread the medicine over the eye. Wash your hands again. Wash your hands. Hold the ointment tube securely. Apply ointment to the lower eyelid. Watch to make sure the ointment spreads around the eye. Wash your hands when you’re finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-up-a-Science-Experiment | How to Write up a Science Experiment | When you're writing up a science experiment for a class, break it into sections for your introduction, procedure, findings, and conclusion. In the intro, explain the purpose of your experiment and what you predicted would happen, then give a brief overview of what you did. In the procedure section, describe all of the materials you used and give a step-by-step account of your method. In the findings section, give the results from your experiment, including any graphs or diagrams you made. Then, explain if your expectations were met and what further research you can do. Finish with a brief conclusion that summarizes your experiment and its results. | Start with an abstract. The abstract is a very short summary of the paper, usually no more than 200 words. Base the structure of your abstract on the structure of your paper. This will allow the reader to see in short form the purpose, results, and significance of the experiment. The purpose of this short summary is to provide the reader with enough information on the experiment that they can see if they want or need to read the entire report. The abstract helps them determine if your research is relevant to them. Devote a sentence to describing the purpose of the project and its significance. Then, very briefly describe the materials and methods used. Follow up with a 1-2 sentence description of the results of the experiment. You might also provide a list of keywords listing subjects related to your research. Write an introduction. Begin with a short outline or review of related literature or experiments. Then, outline or summarize the theoretical background of the issue. Next, provide a statement about the problem or question that this research has raised. Summarize your project and discuss how it addresses the problem or question. Finally, briefly explain your experiment, but save the details for the materials and methods or analysis section of your paper. The introduction will outline what the experiment is, why it was done, and why it is important. It must provide the reader with two key pieces of information: what is the question the experiment is supposed to answer and why is answering this question important. Decide what your expected results should be. This is an educated and well-articulated explanation of the expected results of your research known as a hypothesis. Your hypothesis should go into your introduction, near the end. A research hypothesis should be a brief statement that pares down your problem that you described in your introduction into something that is testable and falsifiable. Scientists must create a hypothesis from which an experiment can reasonably be designed and carried out. A hypothesis is never proved in an experiment, only "verified" or "supported". Formulate your hypothesis correctly. You should start with a general statement about your expected results and build upon it to make it testable. Then, expand upon the idea to give it more directionality. Finally, add enough detail to explain your ideas and make your hypothesis testable. For example, you might start with "Fertilizer affects how tall a plant will grow". You could expand this idea to a clear hypothesis: "Plants grow faster and taller when they are given fertilizer". To make it a testable hypothesis, you could add experimental details: "Plants which are given a solution with 1ml of fertilizer grow faster than plants without fertilizer because they are given more nutrients." Designate a section in your report for explaining your research design. Sometimes this is titled "Procedure" or "Materials and Methods". The purpose of this section is to provide your reader with exactly how you conducted your experiment. Explain all of the materials used and the exact procedure used during the experiment. The goal here is to make your procedure clear and followable. Someone should be able to repeat your experiment exactly from reading this section. This section is extremely crucial documentation of your methods of analysis. Describe all the materials needed to conduct the experiment. This can simply be a list or a few paragraphs of description. Describe any lab equipment used such as the size, brand, and type. It is often helpful to include a diagram of how these materials were set up. Additionally, explain what you used as your research material. For example, if you were testing how fertilizer affects plant growth, you would want to state what brand of fertilizer you used, what species of plant you used and brand of seed. Make sure you include the quantity of all objects used in the experiment. Describe the exact procedure you used. Write this in terms of detailed steps. Write down, step by step, a set of detailed instructions on how you did the experiment. Include descriptions of all measurements made and how/when they were recorded. Describe any steps you took to reduce experimental uncertainty. This could be the use of extra controls or restrictions, or precautions. Remember all experiments involve controls and variables. Describe these here. If you used a published laboratory method, be sure to provide a reference for the original method. Remember the goal of this section is so the reader can repeat exactly what you did in your experiment. No detail should be left out. Designate a section of your report for your results. This will be the bulk of your report. In this section, you should describe the results of both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. Make sure data is both graphed or diagrammed as well as described. All graphs and diagrams should have a number and title. Include any statistical tests and their results in this section. For example, if if you are testing the effect of fertilizer on plant growth you would want a graph showing the average growth of plants given fertilizer vs. those without. You would also want to describe the result. For example "Plants which were given a concentration of 1ml of fertilizer grew an average of 4 cm taller than those that were not given fertilizer." As you go along, narrate your results. Tell the reader why a result is significant to the experiment or problem. This will allow the reader to follow your thinking process. Compare your results to your original hypothesis. State whether or not your hypothesis was supported or not by your experiment. Quantitative data is anything that expressed in terms of numerical forms such as percentages or statistics. Qualitative data is derived from broad questions and is expressed in the form of word responses from study participants. Include a discussion section. This is where you discuss the meanings of your results in depth. Explain whether or not your expectations were met. Present or compare your results to other studies, then suggest further avenues of research into the problem you addressed. In this section, the author can address other questions such as: "why did we get an unexpected result?" or "what would happen if one aspect of the procedure was altered?". If your results did not verify your hypothesis, explain your reasoning why. Write a conclusion. This summarizes the experiment and what your results told you about the problem the experiment addressed. Summarize the problem the experiment addressed and the researched questions which framed the analysis. Next, explain what the experiment shows your problem. Finally, briefly describe any pitfalls or challenges that occurred during the process and suggestions for further research. Be sure to link back to the introduction and whether or not the experiment addressed the goals of your analysis. Make sure you have citations. If you have referenced any research or ideas other than your own, make sure they are properly referenced. You can do this in text with a mention of the year and author in parentheses. Then, include a full bibliographic reference in the works cited section at the end of the document. You can use software such as EndNote to help you cite and build a properly referenced bibliography. | Start with an abstract. Write an introduction. Decide what your expected results should be. Formulate your hypothesis correctly. Designate a section in your report for explaining your research design. Describe all the materials needed to conduct the experiment. Describe the exact procedure you used. Designate a section of your report for your results. Include a discussion section. Write a conclusion. Make sure you have citations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Check-a-Microwave-for-Leaks | How to Check a Microwave for Leaks | To check your microwave for leaks, turn the lights off, put a cup of water in the microwave, and run it for one minute. As it runs, hold a straight florescent lightbulb 5 cm from the surface of the microwave and move it 2.5 cm a minute. If the bulb begins to glow, you'll know you've found a leak. If the bulb doesn't glow, replace the water in the microwave and repeat the process until you've tested the entire area. | Find a light bulb that reacts to microwaves. Certain objects react to microwave frequencies: A straight fluorescent light bulb (not a compact one) A neon "NE-2" bulb from an electronics store, powered and hooked up to a voltage divider so it is just barely glowing Cheap, consumer-grade microwave testers are often inaccurate, but fine as a first test A professional-grade microwave tester can cost several hundred dollars USD. This is only necessary in professional contexts. Darken the room. If you are using a light bulb, dim the lights so you'll be able to see the bulb glow. Skip this step if you are using a microwave testing device. Put a glass of water in the microwave. Running an empty microwave exposes the magnetron (the part that actually creates the microwaves) to high power levels, which can damage or destroy it. A small glass of water (roughly 275 mL / a little over 1 cup) will reduce this risk, while still leaving plenty of un-absorbed microwaves to test for leaks. This is especially important for older microwaves, which may have lower quality shielding around the magnetron. Turn on the microwave. Set it to run for one minute. Move the object slowly around the microwave. Hold the light bulb or tester at least 5 cm (2 inches) away from the surface of the microwave, including the handle. Move the object slowly (about 2.5 cm / 1 inch per minute) around the door seal and any areas that look damaged. The microwave's power decreases rapidly with distance. Consider testing it at the distance you normally stand from the microwave, for instance the edge of the kitchen counter. If the microwave stops before you are done, replace the glass of water and run the oven for another minute. Look for a reaction. If your microwave leaks, the fluorescent tube will glow, or the neon bulb will become noticeably brighter. Electronic testers react in different ways, so check the manual. If the tester displays a measurement, anything about 5 mW/cm at a distance of 5 cm (2 inches) is cause for concern. All of these methods are just quick tests, even the consumer-grade tester. These results do not necessarily mean your microwave is dangerous, but it does mean it's worth taking steps to address the problem. Find two WiFi-enabled devices. Some WiFi networks use roughly the same frequency as microwave ovens (about 2.4 GHz), so the oven's shielding should block the WiFi too. To test whether the oven can do this as intended, you'll need a laptop that fits inside your microwave, plus a second device that can connect to your home WiFi network. The instructions below assume you are using two computers, but you can use WiFi-enabled phones instead if you know how to use them to ping each other. You can use Find my iPhone to ping an iPhone or an iPad or Find my Device to ping an Android. Make sure that the device's data is turned off and that the device is connected to a 2.4 GHz connection. Set your WiFi to 2.4GHz. If you're not sure how to change your WiFi frequency, access your router settings and look for the "802.11 mode" info (usually under advanced settings): 802.11b or 802.11g means you are on a 2.4 GHz network. Continue to the next step. 802.11a or 802.11ac means you are on a 5 GHz network. Some routers give you the option to switch to another standard. If your router does not have this option, this test won't work. 802.11n can operate on either frequency. Look for the frequency setting and set it to 2.4GHz. If the router produces two WiFi networks, one of these is 2.4Ghz. Unplug your microwave from the power socket. Remove the whole electric plug from the wall socket rather than simply turning off the switch. You'll be putting your computer inside the microwave, and the last thing you want is to accidentally turn the oven on. Prepare the computer. Turn your laptop on and connect to the local WiFI connection. Check the energy saver or display settings so the computer won't go to sleep while it's in the microwave. Find your computer's IP address. You'll need this to send a signal to your laptop. Here's how to find it: Windows: Open Control Panel. Go to Network and Sharing... → View network connections → select your WiFi connection → click the chevron to expand (if necessary) → View status of this connection → Details. Look for the number next to "IPv4." Mac: Open System Preferences. Click Network. Select WiFi on the left and find your IP address on the right. Place the laptop in the microwave. Do not turn the microwave on! You're just testing whether the microwave's shielding can block the WiFi signal. Ping from the other device. Open Command Prompt (on Windows) or Terminal (on Mac). Type ping , then a space, then your computer's IP address. For example, type ping 192.168.86.150. Wait for a response. If the ping is answered, the computer has successfully returned the signal through the microwave door. This means your microwave is leaking. If the packets time out, the microwave has blocked the signal from returning. This is not a guarantee that your microwave isn't leaking (since the microwave in operation produces much more powerful waves), but it is a good sign. Microwaves are legally allowed to leak a certain, safe amount. If your router is in the same room as your microwave or on the other side of a wall, a working ping doesn't necessarily mean a dangerous leak. As a rough estimate, a router with a strong signal strength (-40 dBm) should be at least 20 feet (6m) from the microwave (based on US and Canada regulations). Check the seals around the door. Microwave leaks are often the result of worn or broken elements on the microwave oven's door. If you have detected a leak, look for these common causes: Cracks on the hinges Worn areas or cracks on the seal Dents or breaks in the door itself Broken door hinges or door that fails to close firmly Damage to the metal mesh of the door (especially holes wider than 4.7 in / 12 cm) Broken door latch that does not immediately turn off the oven when you open the door. Take the microwave to a professional repair shop. An electronics repair shop has access to much more accurate microwave testing equipment. Its staff can confirm whether your microwave is safe, and identify the problem in need of repair. You may be able to convince a repair shop to rent you the testing equipment for a smaller fee. However, these devices do require calibration and training to use, so hiring a professional may give more accurate results. Report a leaking microwave. If your microwave is leaking, especially if it is new and undamaged, consider contacting the manufacturer. In the United States, all manufacturers are required to pass on your report to the FDA. You can also report it to the FDA directly at this form. Outside of the US, report the issue to consumer safety organizations or government health departments. Understand the danger. Microwave radiation is the same kind of "radiation" as visible light and radio waves, not the ionizing radiation that can cause cancer or radioactivity. The only known risk of a leaking microwave is the high levels of heat it produces. This is most dangerous to the eye (where it can lead to cataracts) and the testes (where it can cause temporary sterility). Extreme levels of microwave radiation can cause skin burns. If you do not notice any symptoms and you stop using the leaking microwave, lasting damage is very unlikely. | Find a light bulb that reacts to microwaves. Darken the room. Put a glass of water in the microwave. Turn on the microwave. Move the object slowly around the microwave. Look for a reaction. Find two WiFi-enabled devices. Set your WiFi to 2.4GHz. Unplug your microwave from the power socket. Prepare the computer. Find your computer's IP address. Place the laptop in the microwave. Ping from the other device. Wait for a response. Check the seals around the door. Take the microwave to a professional repair shop. Report a leaking microwave. Understand the danger. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-the-Distance-to-the-Horizon | How to Calculate the Distance to the Horizon | Before calculating distance to the horizon if you're standing exactly at sea level, start by measuring your total height, unless you already know it. Once you've got your height, measure the distance between the ground and your eyes. Then, subtract the distance measurement from your total height. The amount remaining is the distance between your eyes and the surface you're standing on. Multiply by 13 meters if you took the measurement in meters, or multiply by 1.5 feet if you took the measurement in feet. Take the square root to get your answer, which will be in kilometers if you measured in meters or in miles if you measured in feet. Your calculated distance is a straight line from your eyes to the horizon. | Measure your "height of eye. " Measure the length between the ground and your eyes in meters or feet. One way to calculate this is to measure the distance between your eyes and the top of your head. Subtract this value from your total height and what will be left is the distance between your eyes and the surface you're standing on. If you are standing exactly at sea level, with the bottom of your feet level with the water, this is the only measurement you'll need. Add your "local elevation" if you're standing on a raised surface, such as a hill, building or boat. How many meters or feet above the true horizon are you standing? 1 meter? 4,000 feet? Add that number to your height of eye (in the same units, of course). Multiply by 13m if you took the measurement in meters, or multiply by 1. 5ft if you took the measurement in feet. Take the square root to find the answer. If you used meters, your answer will be in kilometers, and if feet, the answer will be in miles. The distance calculated is a straight line from your eyes to the horizon. The actual distance you'll travel to get to the horizon will be longer because of surface curvature and (on land) irregularities. Proceed to the next method below for a more accurate (but complicated) formula. Understand how this calculation works. It's based on a triangle formed by your observation point (your eyes), the true horizon point (what you're looking at) and the center of the Earth. By knowing the radius of the Earth and measuring your height of eye and local elevation, that leaves only the distance between your eyes and the horizon as unknown. Since the sides of the triangle that meet at the horizon actually form a right angle, we can use the Pythagorean theorem (good old a + b = c ) as the basis for this calculation, where: • a = R (the radius of the Earth) • b = the distance to the horizon, unknown • c = h (your height of eye) + R Calculate the actual distance you'd have to traverse to get to the horizon by using the following formula. d = R * arccos(R/(R + h)), where • d = distance to horizon • R = radius of the Earth • h = height of eye Increase R by 20% to compensate for the distorting refraction of light rays and to arrive at a more accurate measurement. The geometric horizon calculated using the method in this article may not be the same as the optical horizon, which is what your eye actually sees. Why is this? The atmosphere bends (refracts) light that is traveling horizontally. What this usually means is that a ray of light is able to slightly follow the curvature of the earth, so that the optical horizon is a bit further away than the geometric horizon. Unfortunately the refraction due to the atmosphere is neither constant nor predictable, as it depends on the change of temperature with height. There is therefore no simple way to add a correction to the formula for the geometric horizon, though one may achieve an "average" correction by assuming a radius for the earth that is a bit greater than the true radius. Understand how this calculation works. This will calculate the length of the curved line that follows from your feet to the true horizon (shown in green in this image). Now, the arccos(R/(R+h)) portion refers to the angle that is made at the center of the Earth by the line going from the true horizon to the center and the line going from you to the center. With this angle, we multiply it by R to get the "arc length," which, in this case, is the distance that you are looking for. Assume a flat plane or the ocean. This method is a simpler version of the first set of instructions presented in this article, and applies only in feet and miles. Solve for the distance in miles by plugging in your height of eye in feet (h) into the formula. The formula you will be using is d = 1.2246* SQRT(h) Derive the formula from the Pythagorean theorem. (R + h) = R + d. Solving for h (making the assumption that R>>h and expressing the radius of the earth in miles, approx. 3959) yields the expression:d = SQRT(2*R*h) | Measure your "height of eye. Add your "local elevation" if you're standing on a raised surface, such as a hill, building or boat. Multiply by 13m if you took the measurement in meters, or multiply by 1. Take the square root to find the answer. Understand how this calculation works. Calculate the actual distance you'd have to traverse to get to the horizon by using the following formula. Increase R by 20% to compensate for the distorting refraction of light rays and to arrive at a more accurate measurement. Understand how this calculation works. Assume a flat plane or the ocean. Solve for the distance in miles by plugging in your height of eye in feet (h) into the formula. Derive the formula from the Pythagorean theorem. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Organized-at-Work | How to Be Organized at Work | To be organized at work, start your day by ordering the tasks you need to complete from most important or time-sensitive to least important, and work through them in that order. You can also schedule times to accomplish tasks and include meetings and appointments in your schedule so you know exactly how much time you have to get everything done each day. Additionally, take some time to declutter and organize your workspace so it's easier to focus on your job. | Monitor your activities. Spend a couple days keeping a journal or log of your daily activities. This will help you see exactly what you do that you might not even realize, and it will provide an initial glimpse into organizational and productivity gaps. This exercise should also be done with your big-picture goals in mind. Through the activity log, you can see what activities might be time-wasters and which activities might actually further your goals. Determine your productivity times. Some of us are morning people, and some of us cringe at the idea of mornings. You might already have a sense of what times of day you're most productive. Whether you prefer evenings, mornings, lunchtime, or right before or after workday rush hours, take advantage of those times to maximize your productivity. Prioritize your tasks. We all know that some tasks are more important than others, but we don't always prioritize them accordingly. So develop a ranking system by flagging or starring important tasks, for example, and be honest and flexible. Use reminders, either through a digital calendar or through sticky notes on your computer or desk. Devote more of your time and energy to top-priority items on your list. Examples include time-sensitive tasks such as things due by end of business or tomorrow. You might also prioritize responding to clients, bosses, or anyone else who pays the bills. And if you're not sure about the sensitivity or importance of a task, it's always good to ask. Knock out quick tasks right away. Not all tasks need to be prioritized and scheduled for a future completion time. Some tasks take nearly as much time to plan for or schedule as they take to accomplish. If that's the case and you can bang out those tasks right away, by all means do it! Handling quick tasks immediately also helps prevent procrastination. Manage clutter and work materials. Our desks easily go from cluttered to tornado sites, obviously hampering organization. Some people even operate on a clean-desk-only policy. While that's not absolutely necessary, take steps to clear your workspace. Declutter. Toss your junk in the garbage and file your needed materials systematically. Clear clutter whenever possible: during lulls in the workday, breaks, or in between tasks. Clean up after yourself immediately. That way it's on the top of your mind. Plus, you avoid the inevitable agitation of having current clutter become part of your future clutter. Keep necessary supplies handy. Not everything around you is clutter, of course. Having needed tools available saves you time and makes good use of your precious space. Schedule activities and appointments. Some people schedule only meetings, but not activities on their to-do list. Scheduling the most important tasks as well as appointments can be helpful. You might also “batch” your days by having meetings only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for example. Keep some holes in your schedule as well for creative time to yourself or to accommodate the unexpected. Use an organizer and calendar. These can be pen-and-paper organizers, or they could be software-based calendars and personal assistant apps, such as iCalendar or Google Now. Categorize your activities. Categorizing or color-coding activities can give you a quick visual reminder of what's important where. For example, categories might include correspondence, projects, events, meetings, brainstorms, and even breaks or exercise and gym time. Streamline your technology. Online organizers and email platforms such as Outlook, for example, can combine your to-do lists, calendars, and addresses. This not only boosts your efficiency but helps streamline your thinking. Delegate wherever possible. In the madness of the workday, it's easy to forget that you don't have to do everything yourself. Delegate to an assistant or, if you're particularly swamped, ask a colleague to do you a solid and help you with a particular task. You can always repay them later when things slow down. Check email at scheduled times. Not all of us have to be glued to our inbox, as many messages aren't actually as time sensitive as we may think. If you work in a job that doesn't require immediate email follow-up, check your email at scheduled times only about three to four times per day. File emails. Use filing folders and flags to your advantage instead of letting messages pile up in your inbox. Folders and subfolders in Outlook, for example, or Gmail's labels and multiple inboxes can be an asset. If you're a journalist, for example, your folders might be called Current Stories, Future Stories, Old Stories, Interviews & Sources, and Pitches & Ideas. Delete and archive. Archive important, old correspondence, and delete the rest. In the example above, "Old Stories" is the journalist's archive folder. Once you start deleting old emails, you'll be surprised at how many emails are more worthy of the trashcan than the filing cabinet. Some people also swear by “inbox zero,” which means having zero unread emails (or zero emails in your inbox, period). In addition to using folders and labels, you can achieve inbox zero by using your archive feature, deleting old emails during downtime, and using email decluttering apps. Employ other forms of communication when more efficient. Sometimes a quick phone call can do the work of 10 back-and-forth emails. If so, make the call! If you know an email exchange merits a discussion or will involve considerable back-and-forth, sometimes it's better to have a phone call. You will often get more detail over the phone, while you and the other party to the discussion avoid drafting lengthy, time-consuming emails. You might even email a colleague and say, “I have a lot of questions for you on this. Maybe a call would be easier. Can I ring you in 5?” Limit interruptions. While strategic breaks are helpful, interruptions during your work times are not. Interruptions can slow you down, break up your work rhythm, and make you lose your train of thought. So, try using away messages and voicemail when you know you'll be too busy. These tools aren't just for when you're not physically in the office; they can be used when you're just too swamped. Many people also have an “open door policy,” but you don't actually have to keep your door open at all times. You might even leave a friendly note on the door saying, “Conference Call in Progress” or “Occupied. Drop back later or email please.” Utilize the cloud. Cloud computing is worth considering because it can be cheaper, scalable, more efficient, and more easily updated. Content available in the cloud is particularly useful because you can access it across your devices: computers, tablets, smartphones, etc. Cloud storage also serves as a useful primary or secondary form of digital backup. Check with your IT manager or software provider because you might already have a certain amount of free disk space available in the cloud or available for a small annual fee. Use bookmarks online. The major browsers all have bookmarking capabilities where you can save and organize your favorite or most frequently visited web addresses for quick and easy access. Take advantage of them so you don't forget important sites to check for news or industry updates. Avoid multitasking. All the experts seem to agree on this one. While it may sound speedy or look cool on TV, multitasking is not efficient and can actually hurt your organizational effectiveness. Instead, devote your full attention to one task at a time, handle it, and move on to the next item on your list. Create a schedule or timetable for yourself. Thankfully, most jobs don't require scheduling everything in your day down to the minute. However, keeping a basic schedule of the highlights and most important tasks and events of your day can help keep you on task. Set time limits for certain activities. Some tasks do not require set time limits, but others should have time parameters to boost your productivity. Think of tasks throughout your day that tend to take more time than necessary, and give them time limits in the future. Budget extra time for other activities. Some tasks, as you've learned from experience, wind up usually taking more time than expected, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. For these types of activities, and for particularly important events and meetings, for example, budget extra time before and after. Use a timer app, stopwatch, or alarm clock. These can be effective tools when used sparingly. Some people like to set their alarms 10, 15, or 30 minutes ahead of time to give them advance warning or buffer time before an activity. You can also set reminder alerts. Avoid postponing activities. Ask yourself if postponing is absolutely necessary or if this urge is just an example of procrastination. If you sense the latter, don't postpone—power through! However, in cases when postponing all or part of an activity is unavoidable, be sure to make note of where you left off, and reschedule with concrete plans. Alternatively, you might come up with a contingency plan. For example, if you have to cancel an in-person meeting, perhaps you can hold a conference call or web conference instead. Take breaks. Mental downtime is important to our productivity and healthy for the mind. We get so caught up in our work sometimes that we don't stop to take much-needed breaks. Taking breaks gives us needed rest that improves our productivity, but it also gives us the opportunity to take a step back and ask whether or not what we've been doing is the most efficient use of our time. Sleep Better. Without proper sleep, you might feel groggy, tired, or lethargic the next day, which can harm your schedule and efficiency at work. Aim for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. Don’t compare yourself to co-workers. Most of our coworkers' jobs are different from our own, and everyone has different methods of organization that work for them. A method that makes sense and is efficient to a colleague might not be the best method for you and vice versa. Accept that organization is an ongoing process. Don't expect to be perfect. Organization is ongoing and requires ongoing attention. You won't be optimally organized every day, but a little organization goes a long way to boosting your efficiency. | Monitor your activities. Determine your productivity times. Prioritize your tasks. Knock out quick tasks right away. Manage clutter and work materials. Schedule activities and appointments. Check email at scheduled times. File emails. Employ other forms of communication when more efficient. Limit interruptions. Utilize the cloud. Use bookmarks online. Avoid multitasking. Create a schedule or timetable for yourself. Use a timer app, stopwatch, or alarm clock. Avoid postponing activities. Take breaks. Sleep Better. Don’t compare yourself to co-workers. Accept that organization is an ongoing process. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Merino-Wool | How to Wash Merino Wool | To wash small garments made of merino wool, start by turning them inside out and putting them in your washing machine with a mild detergent. Then, run your washer on a gentle, delicate, or knit cycle, using warm water to protect your garment's shape and size. For larger items of clothing, fill a basin with warm water and add a wool-specific soap before submerging them in the basin. Let them soak for 3-5 minutes, then swish the garments through the soap for another minute before rinsing them with warm water until the water runs clear. | Get a wool-specific soap. Merino wool requires a very gentle washing liquid that will prevent bleeding of its color or damage to its fine fibers. Pick a shampoo, soap, or detergent that's especially formulated for wool, like Woolite or Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo. Never use fabric softeners or products with bleach in them on wool. In a pinch, you can use a mild soap with a neutral pH, like a clear, fragrance-free dishwashing fluid for sensitive skin. Fill a basin with soap and warm water. Measure out your wool wash soap according to the guidelines on its packaging. Add it to a basin with enough warm water to cover your garments. The water should be between 30 and 40 degrees C (about 85-100 degrees F). If you have a really large Merino wool product, consider washing it in your bathtub or using a “soak” setting on your washing machine so that you have a big enough basin. Soak your wool for 3-5 minutes. Completely submerge your Merino wool garment in the water, and let it soak for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, swish the water through the wool garment slowly and gently for about one minute. Don't let your wool soak for more than a handful of minutes since doing so can warp the fibers. Rinse with warm water. Rinse your wool several times with a gentle stream of warm water to get the detergent out. Keep rinsing it until the water runs mostly clear of suds. Make sure that your rinse water is the same temperature as the water in which you soaked your Merino wool. Squeeze out excess water. Take the garment and squeeze it to get as much water out as possible. Do not twist or wring your Merino wool to drain the water. Wash smaller garments in the washing machine. It's best to avoid washing larger garments, like sweaters or leggings in a washing machine. However, smaller Merino products, like hats, socks, or mittens, will be able to hold their shape better. Wash with like colors and fabrics. Prevent any potential damage from your Merino wool bleeding by washing it with similarly colored garments, such as darks, brights, or lights. It's also a good idea to wash it with clothing of similar weights or harder fabrics, like canvas or denim, for the sake of minimizing the pilling of the wool fibers. To be completely safe, consider washing your Merino wool by itself. Keeping it separate from other laundry will preserve it and your other garments for longer. Turn garments inside-out. To help keep your Merino wool from pilling or getting fuzzy on the outside, wash it inside-out. Use a wool-specific washing liquid. Merino wool necessitates a very gentle soap that will minimize bleeding or fiber-damage. Wash it with a shampoo or soap that's especially formulated for wool or with a mild detergent that is free from bleach and fabric softeners. Pick the right cycle. You want to select a gentle, delicate, or knit cycle so that the rotation of the machine will not damage the wool fibers or shape of your garment. Note: if you cannot control the speed and/or temperature of your washing machine, stick to washing your Merino wool by hand. Set the right temperature. You want to wash your Merino wool at a consistent warm, low, or cold temperature. Warm (about 30 degrees C or 85 degrees F) is the usually the best bet, but be sure to check the care instructions of your garment's tag to ensure you have the right temperature guidelines for your particular product. Never change temperatures for your rinse cycle. To avoid shrinkage and felting, you need to keep the temperature of your entire wash cycle constant. Either do all warm water or all cold water, never a mix of the two. Never use hot water since high temperatures can seriously shrink your wool. Remove from the machine immediately. As soon as the washing cycle is complete, take your Merino wool out of the machine and dry it according to the care instructions. Leaving it wet in a pile of other laundry will stretch and misshape the fibers. Do not use a drying machine. Unless the washing instructions on your Merino wool product specifically indicate that you can use a dryer, do not tumble dry it. If the care instructions do permit it, be sure to use a gentle, low-heat setting. Never wring your Merino wool. Twisting this fabric can seriously stretch it and leave your garment misshapen. Squeeze out excess water without twisting the wool. Roll it in a towel. Get out the excess moisture in your Merino wool by laying it in a dry towel and rolling it up. Gently squeeze the roll to remove as much of the remaining water as possible. Lay flat to dry. The best way to preserve the shape and texture of your garment is to reshape your Merino wool while it's still damp and then let it dry on a flat surface. You can use a flat drying rack for this. Some racks have a mesh surface that's especially designed for garments that need to lay flat. You can also simply lay your garment on top of a dry towel on a flat surface, like a floor or bed. You don't want to hang Merino wool on a hanger, line, or hook because the weight of the wet fibers can lead to sagging and stretched knits. Keep it away from heat. Don't leave drying Merino wool near a heat source, like a radiator, or in direct sunlight. You should dry your wool in the open air and away from heat to prevent shrinkage. If necessary, use a steam iron on a wool setting. Merino wool is not prone to wrinkling, but if you need to press it, wait until it's completely dried. Then, use a steaming iron on a wool setting to press out the wrinkles. Don't move the iron back and forth over the wool. Instead, lower the iron onto the fabric, press for a few seconds, and then lift it directly up. Repeat this process until you have the wrinkles out. If you have a delicate knit, cover the fabric with a clean, dampened dish towel before pressing it. This will protect the fibers. Brush your Merino wool. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any surface dirt, dust, or soil that could lead to a stain. Doing so will prevent any build-up that might dull the color and texture of your garment. Spot clean stains immediately. Rinse the affected area with cold water and/or seltzer water to keep the stain from setting. Dab it out with a dry, soft, clean cloth. Avoid rubbing the stained area with your cloth since this will only encourage the stain to set into the fabric. For particularly stubborn stains, treat them with wool-specific soap. Dab a small amount of your mild wool detergent onto the affected area. Let it soak for a few minutes, and then rinse it with cold water. Use white spirit for grease stains. Remove any excess grease with a metal spoon. Then, soak a section of a clean, soft cloth with white spirit or mineral spirit. Gently blot the affected area until the grease comes up. | Get a wool-specific soap. Fill a basin with soap and warm water. Soak your wool for 3-5 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Squeeze out excess water. Wash smaller garments in the washing machine. Wash with like colors and fabrics. Turn garments inside-out. Use a wool-specific washing liquid. Pick the right cycle. Set the right temperature. Remove from the machine immediately. Do not use a drying machine. Never wring your Merino wool. Roll it in a towel. Lay flat to dry. Keep it away from heat. If necessary, use a steam iron on a wool setting. Brush your Merino wool. Spot clean stains immediately. Use white spirit for grease stains. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-a-Teen-Is-Smoking | How to Know if a Teen Is Smoking | To know if a teen is smoking, start by looking for physical signs of smoking, like a smokers' cough or yellow teeth. If you aren't seeing any signs, watch out for other signs of smoking, like clothes that smell like cigarettes or lighters in their belongings. However, keep in mind that the best way to know if your teen is smoking is to ask them directly. Sit them down and start the discussion by saying something like, “I love you, which is why I'm concerned you're smoking.” | Start early. Make sure that you talk to your child about smoking long before you think you need to. Kids need to know about the dangers of smoking so that they can internalize the information and already have a negative opinion about smoking before they encounter their first opportunity to smoke. Ask your children about smoking. Be frank with your children and ask them openly if they smoke. Let them know that you love them no matter what and that you understand the lure of smoking, but you don't approve of it. Sometimes starting a dialogue is all you need to do to help your child through a rough time. Note: If you have experience smoking, tell your children about how difficult it was for you to quit and that you wish you had never started in the first place. If your child admits to smoking, try to gather as much information as possible. Ask your child when and why they started smoking, how often they smoke, if their friends smoke, etc. This will help you figure out what appeal smoking has for your child , so you'll be better equipped to help them quit or to learn how to say no in the future. Stay calm. Kids often don't respond as well if you are visibly upset when you talk to them. Keep your cool and talk to your child about smoking. Answer any questions they might have and let them know they can always talk to you about these things. Tell your child that you don't approve of smoking. Even if it seems like they aren't listening to you, your child needs to hear you say that smoking is forbidden. If you don't put your foot down, they won't have any parental guidance telling them that it's not okay to smoke. They might disobey you and smoke anyway, but it is important that you encourage them not to smoke. Be clear about the consequences of smoking. The negative effects of smoking are very real and greatly outweigh any possible perceived benefits. Talk to your kids about the consequences of smoking, including the following things: Health risks. There are many obvious, very scary health problems that come with smoking. Be frank with your children about the risk of heart disease, cancer, and the statistics about early death caused by smoking. Vanity. Appeal to your child's vanity by telling them about the many unattractive qualities that accompany most smokers. Smoking makes your hair and clothes smell bad, yellows your teeth, causes premature wrinkles, stains your fingers yellow, etc. Financial. Smoking is expensive. Even if your child has a part-time job, the financial strain of becoming a smoker will be much harder than they are probably expecting. Do the math with them. Figure out how much a pack of cigarettes costs, how much your child smokes (or use a one pack per day number for an average smoker), and calculate how much they'll be spending on average for a month of smoking. The financial cost will be a sobering reality even if they aren't concerned about the physical risks. Watch out for the smokers' cough. One of the most common and immediate symptoms of smoking is the persistent smokers' cough. It can appear in as little as a few days after beginning smoking and can even be present with casual (not heavy) smoking. The cough is usually the worst in the morning and lessens throughout the day. It is usually accompanied by phlegm which can be clear, yellow, or even green. Watch for yellowing teeth. Smoking causes teeth to turn yellow over time, so be mindful of this if your child's teeth start to look more yellow. Also take notice if your child suddenly becomes interested in teeth whitening products like special whitening toothpaste or whitening strips. Look for yellow stains on your child's fingers. While yellowing teeth may take some time to appear, smoking cigarettes can cause yellow stains on your teen's fingers and fingernails almost immediately. Pay attention if your teen is wheezing. A wheezing sound can indicate several different physical conditions in your child, but one of them is damaged airways/lungs from smoking. Notice any shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is a tell-tale sign of a smoker. If your child is suddenly not able to be active for long periods of time or takes longer to catch their breath after physical activity, you should consider the possibility that they might be smoking. Look for a higher frequency of respiratory diseases. Smokers are more prone to getting certain respiratory diseases like colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. If your child is suddenly getting sick more frequently with diseases like this, you might need to be concerned that these illnesses are the side effects of a new smoking habit. See if their clothes (or hair) smells like smoke. The smell of cigarette smoke is a scent that lingers and is hard to get rid of. If your teenager has been smoking, it is almost guaranteed that you will be able to smell it on their clothes or in their hair (especially if they have longer hair). Note: Sometimes teenagers try to cover up the smell of smoke by overcompensating with cologne or body spray. You will still be able to smell the smoke, but it might be partially masked by the perfume. Notice if they start leaving the windows open in their bedroom. Kids will often try to air out or vent their room by leaving the window open after smoking in their room. It might be normal for your child to want their window open, but pay special attention if they insist on doing it even when the weather is unpleasant (too hot, too cold, rainy, etc.). Look for burn holes in the carpet, in their car, and in their clothing. Teenage smokers are less experienced and have worse hand-eye coordination than adults. So, they are more prone to accidentally burning things if they start smoking. Watch out for burn marks on the carpet in their room or on their clothing. Also look for burn marks in their car, as many teens think they can mask the smell of the smoke more effectively in their car then in their room. Watch out for matches or a lighter in their room or backpack/purse. It may be hard to notice these tiny objects, but if your teenager has recently started carrying around or purchasing lighters and/or matches, this may be a sign that they are smoking. They may claim that they only want it for lighting candles, but notice the frequency with which they use the matches or lighter to determine if you think they are smoking or not. Notice if they have friends who smoke. Teenage smokers can be very persuasive, so other teenagers often succumb to existing peer pressure to smoke. Teens with friends who smoke are much more likely to start smoking than those without smoker friends. Pay attention if they start using mouthwash or gum more frequently. Smokers can be very conscious of the fact that smoking makes their breath smell distinctively like cigarettes. So they often try to counteract this effect by chewing gum or using mouthwash after smoking. If your child appears to be worrying to an extreme about how their breath smells, they might be trying to hide the fact that they are smoking from you. Check how they are spending their money. Smoking is an expensive habit. If you have access, check your teen's online bank account activity and see if they are making frequent purchases at convenience stores, grocery stores, or smoke shops. If they are buying cigarettes regularly, there will be a money trail for you to find. | Start early. Ask your children about smoking. If your child admits to smoking, try to gather as much information as possible. Stay calm. Tell your child that you don't approve of smoking. Be clear about the consequences of smoking. Watch out for the smokers' cough. Watch for yellowing teeth. Look for yellow stains on your child's fingers. Pay attention if your teen is wheezing. Notice any shortness of breath. Look for a higher frequency of respiratory diseases. See if their clothes (or hair) smells like smoke. Notice if they start leaving the windows open in their bedroom. Look for burn holes in the carpet, in their car, and in their clothing. Watch out for matches or a lighter in their room or backpack/purse. Notice if they have friends who smoke. Pay attention if they start using mouthwash or gum more frequently. Check how they are spending their money. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Speech | How to Write a Speech | To write a speech, start off with an attention-grabbing statement, like "Before I begin my speech, I have something important to say." Once you've gotten everyone's attention, move on to your strongest argument or point first since that's what audiences will remember the most. Use transitions throughout your speech, like "This brings us back to the bigger picture," so the audience doesn't get lost. To conclude your speech, restate the key points and leave your audience with a question or something to think about. | Research your topic well. If you are writing an informative or persuasive speech, then it should be very well researched! This will help to give you credibility and make your points far more convincing. Seek out scholarly sources, such as books, academic journals, newspaper articles, and government websites to find information and support for your claims. If you are writing a speech for a class, make sure to check with your teacher to get details about the number and acceptable types of sources. Make an outline that includes your main argument and points. Organizing your ideas and research into an outline is a great way to check for completeness and flow before you actually draft the speech. In general, a speech should include an introduction, 5 main points with supporting evidence (such as statistics, quotes, examples, and anecdotes), and a conclusion. Use a numbered structure or simply outline your speech using bullet points. If you are writing an informative or persuasive speech, then plan to arrange your speech with a problem and solution structure. Start the speech by talking about what is wrong, then explain how to fix the problem in the second half of your speech. Choose a hook to grab the audience’s attention right away. The opening line of a speech may be the most important part because this is when your audience will decide if they want to keep listening or not. Depending on your topic and your goals for the speech, you can start by saying something funny, sad, frightening, or shocking to hook your audience. For example, if you are writing a motivational speech about weight loss, then you might say something like, “Five years ago, I could not walk up a flight of stairs without needing to take a break halfway up.” If you hope to persuade audience members to reduce their use of fossil fuels, then you might start off by saying, “Gas-powered vehicles are the reason why global warming is threatening to destroy our planet.” Connect your topic to a larger issue to give background information. Depending on how niche your topic is, your audience may not feel its relevance unless you explain it to them. This is crucial because if the topic seems irrelevant to your audience, then they are unlikely to pay much attention. Think about the big picture and how your topic fits into it. Why should the people in your audience care about this topic? For example, if you are giving a speech on increasing funding for Alzheimer's research, it would be helpful to provide information on how common Alzheimer's disease is and how it affects families. You could accomplish this with a combination of a statistic and an anecdote. Address each of your main points in a logical order. After introducing your topic and providing context, launch right into your points. State each point clearly and offer additional information, evidence, facts, and statistics to explain each of your points. Plan to devote about 1 paragraph to each of your points. For example, in a speech about ending animal testing for cosmetics, you might start with a point about how animal testing is cruel, then explain that it is unnecessary, and then talk about the alternatives to animal testing that make it obsolete. Introduce new topics and summarize material you have already covered. Another way to help your audience understand the points you are making is to provide a brief 1 to 2 sentence overview before you move onto a new topic and then summarize the material in 1 to 2 sentences after you finish explaining it. Put the previews and summaries in plain, simple terms to help make your points clear to your audience. For example, if you are about to cover the concept of delayed onset muscle soreness (also known as DOMS), then explain what it is in a nutshell first, then go into more detail about it and how it relates to your point, then end that section of your speech with a brief summary of the main point you are trying to make. Include transitions to guide your audience through your speech. Transitions improve the flow of your speech and help readers see how your points are connected. You may not notice transitions when you read or write something, but when they are not included a piece of writing will seem choppy and awkward. Check to make sure that you have included transitions throughout your speech. Some common transition words and phrases include: Then Next Before After First Second In that moment The following week Conclude your speech with a call-to-action. As you near the end of your speech, your audience should be excited by your topic and ready to act. Encourage your audience to find out more and participate in a solution to the problem you have described by telling them how they can do so. This is a great opportunity to share resources with your audience and to give them some direction for how they can participate. For example, if you have just described the effects of global warming on the polar bear population, conclude your speech by telling your audience about non-profit organizations that are working to protect the environment and the polar bear population. If you have just shared your weight loss story to motivate your audience, tell them what they can do to start their own weight loss journey and share resources that you found helpful. Keep your words and sentences short and simple. Using big words when simpler ones will express the same meaning may alienate your audience. Likewise, long, complex sentences can be confusing and muddle your point. Stick to simple language for the bulk of your speech. Only use complex words or phrases if there is no other way to express the ideas. For example, instead of saying, “Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight is the pinnacle of human existence because it enables you to accomplish physical feats that boost your confidence and give you a sense of accomplishment,” say, “A healthy body weight allows you to do more physically, and this may make you happier overall.” Keep in mind that it is also important to vary your sentence structure. You can include a longer sentence once or twice per page to add variety to your speech. Just avoid using lots of long sentences in your speech. Favor nouns over pronouns for clarity. It's okay to use the occasional pronoun, especially if doing so will help you to avoid repeating yourself multiple times. However, using too many pronouns can make it hard for your audience to follow your argument and keep track of what you are talking about. Opt for proper nouns (names of places, people, and things) whenever possible and avoid overusing pronouns. Some common pronouns include: it he her they we that those Repeat a word or phrase a few times during your speech. Repetition is a powerful element of speech writing. While too much repetition in any piece of writing can be distracting, repeating a word or phrase a few times during your speech can help to crystallize your argument and keep your audience engaged. For example, if you are giving a speech for a group of sales associates who are trying to increase sales of a new product called “Synergy,” then you might repeat a simple phrase to that effect, such as “Tell your customers about Synergy,” or you could simply say, “Synergy” a few times during your speech to remind your audience of this product. If you are writing a motivational speech about how running can help people to overcome emotional hurdles, then you might repeat a phrase in your speech to emphasize this idea, such as, “Run through the pain.” Limit statistics and quotes to avoid overwhelming your audience. It may seem like providing tons of statistics and quotes by experts is a sure way to make a convincing argument, but it often has the opposite effect. Limit yourself to only 1 or 2 statistics or quotes per point and only include stats and quotes that are truly meaningful. For example, if you are giving a speech about moose mating patterns, 2 numbers that show the decline in the moose population over a 50 year period may be a striking addition to your speech. However, sharing a complex set of moose population statistics would be less compelling and possibly even confusing to your audience. Choose quotes that are easy to follow and make sure that you explain how each quote you use supports to your argument. Try to stick with quotes that use simple language and take up no more than 2 lines on your page. Maintain an appropriate tone throughout your speech. The tone is the overall mood of your speech, which can range from serious to upbeat, or humorous to urgent. Your choice of words and the way you deliver the speech will affect the tone of your speech. For example, when describing your love of food in a motivational speech about becoming a chef, you might decide to include a joke and say something like, “I always wanted to become a chef, ever since I was a little kid and I discovered that people actually make donuts and they don't just randomly fall from the sky.” Provide visual aids if you are allowed. Having a PowerPoint presentation is not a requirement for a good speech, but it can help your audience members to follow along, especially if you have some complex points to make. You can also use slides to provide visual representations of your main points, such as by projecting pictures, pie charts, and quotes. Avoid relying on the slides to make the speech for you. You will still need to deliver your speech in an engaging manner. Only use the slides as a complement to your words. Practice and check for weak spots that you can improve. Once you have finished writing your speech, read through it several times to practice it and identify areas that you can strengthen. If you need to keep your speech within a set time limit, then time yourself as you read. Make sure to read your speech out loud when you review it! This will help you to determine if it sounds natural and if there are any awkward sections that you can cut, smooth out, or explain more clearly. | Research your topic well. Make an outline that includes your main argument and points. Choose a hook to grab the audience’s attention right away. Connect your topic to a larger issue to give background information. Address each of your main points in a logical order. Introduce new topics and summarize material you have already covered. Include transitions to guide your audience through your speech. Conclude your speech with a call-to-action. Keep your words and sentences short and simple. Favor nouns over pronouns for clarity. Repeat a word or phrase a few times during your speech. Limit statistics and quotes to avoid overwhelming your audience. Maintain an appropriate tone throughout your speech. Provide visual aids if you are allowed. Practice and check for weak spots that you can improve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-Beautiful-Writing | How to Have Beautiful Writing | If you want to have beautiful writing, choose a pen or pencil with a soft grip, and practice your writing on lined paper, which will help you keep your writing straight. Sit up straight, yet comfortably, so your hand and wrist can move freely as you write. Study the handwriting of other people, and if you can, find someone with beautiful handwriting and watch them write to get an idea of how to move the pen across the paper. | Choose the right tools. Some people prefer pen, others pencil. Some like them larger, others smaller. The important thing is to find a writing instrument that feels right in your hand. Consider a pen or pencil with a soft grip, especially if you tend to grip too tightly. Use lined paper for practice, and sturdier paper if you are writing something to keep. Sit upright but comfortably. Yes, your mother was right -- posture counts. Hunching over your paper will make your neck and back sore after a while, and it also restricts your arm movement so that you will over-utilize your hand and wrist in writing (see Method 2, Step 3 below). If you can sit up straight as a rail and be comfortable, great. But don't make yourself overly rigid and uncomfortable. Beautiful writing should not be a painful chore. Hold on loosely. Grasp the pen, don't choke it. (They say a good craftsman never blames his tools.) If you have an indentation or red mark on your finger when you finish writing, you're holding on too tight. A looser hold enables a better range of motion and allows the letters to flow more freely from your pen. There are plenty of “right” ways to hold a pen or pencil. Some pin it against the middle finger with the index finger and thumb, some press with the fingertips of all three fingers; some rest the back of the pen on the index finger base knuckle, some on the webbing between index finger and thumb. Instead of spending time forcing yourself to utilize a new grip, go with what is comfortable for you -- unless you find that you use an awkward grip that negatively affects the quality of your writing. So long as you're utilizing your first two fingers and thumb, it should work fine. Make your content more beautiful. Sure, it's fine to use abbreviations, symbols, non-sentences, etc. when jotting down notes, but especially when it's something that another person will see, take the time to write properly. A shiny, clean car that's missing two wheels and the hood doesn't look as beautiful as a complete one. Make sure you have the appropriate capitalization and punctuation marks. Don't use text speech or internet abbreviations. If you are writing anything other people are going to read, don't use text writing: Gr8, bcuz, u, soz, lols, etc. Seek inspiration. Do you know someone with beautiful handwriting? Watch him or her write and ask for some pointers. You may even want to look at word processor fonts for inspiration on letter shapes. Don't be too proud to seek out writing lessons and workbooks marketed for schoolchildren. For that matter, if you have children, practice together. Turn family bonding time into better penmanship for all. Study the cursive alphabet. Odds are you've forgotten what some of the cursive letters look like since grade school. Seek out some of the many cursive practice books that have lines on the paper to help you practice making the cursive letters. There is more than one style of cursive, of course, and it is fine to give your cursive an individual flare, as long as it is still legible. But it's probably best to start out by copying an existing style. Seek out websites with study tutorials and printable practice sheets. Some even have animations of the pen strokes used to make each letter. Practice using your whole arm to write. Most people write by manipulating their fingers, what is called by some “drawing” the letters. Handwriting artists utilize their arms and shoulders as they write, which facilitates a better flow and thus less angular, choppy handwriting. Try “air writing.” You may feel silly doing it, but it will help re-train your muscles. Pretend you are writing large letters on a chalkboard. (In fact, you can practice writing on a chalkboard.) You will naturally use shoulder rotation and forearm movement to construct your letters. As you become more proficient at air writing, reduce the size of your invisible letters and assume the positioning you would take to put pen to paper. But continue to focus on using your shoulder and arm, not your fingers. Practice basic cursive pen strokes. The two essential moves in cursive handwriting are the upsweep and the curve, so practice them first before writing full letters. You'll want your practice stokes and eventually your letters to be evenly spaced, so lined paper will be really useful here. If you want to write on a blank piece of paper, put in light, evenly spaced pencil lines with a ruler and erase the lines once you've written your letters. To practice the upsweep, start the pen just above the baseline, brush against the baseline as you pull down and slightly forward, then turn the curve upward into a straight line (angled slightly forward) through the midline and to the topline. The basic curve practice stroke resembles a lowercase “c.” Start just below the midline, pull up and back to make nearly a complete counterclockwise, forward-leaning oval (taller than wide), brushing against the midline and baseline as you go and stopping about three-fourths of the way up to your starting point. As you move on to practicing whole letters and combinations, don't forget about the connections. In cursive, they are the “air,” the space between pen strokes when the pen is lifted in script writing. Proper connections will make your cursive writing not only more beautiful, but faster. Start slow. Cursive writing is about writing faster by reducing pen lifts, but start out by practicing forming each letter and connection deliberately and precisely. Pick up the pace only as you master the form. Think of cursive writing as an art, because it is one. Get the right tools. To get the attractive appearance of your calligraphy strokes appearing thick and thin, you'll need to make sure that you have the proper pens, paper and ink. The best writing utensils for calligraphy are broad-edged ones like markers, fountain pens, brushes, quills, reeds, or staff with inserted tips (called nibs). Make sure that you have paper that ink won't bleed through. Practicing on plain, standard notebook paper is fine, but you'll need to test that the ink won't bleed through. Most stationery stores sell paper that is made for calligraphy. If you're going to use inks, avoid India drawing inks because the lacquer in them has a tendency to clog the pen and rust the nib. You're better off using a water soluble ink. Set up your paper properly. This means understanding where the lines go so that your calligraphy has uniformity of appearance. You definitely want to choose lined paper for practice. Either use pre-lined paper, place paper with dark lines under your practice sheet, or use a pencil and ruler to draw parallel lines on your practice sheet. You'll need to set a nib height -- that is, the space between guide lines as measured by the width of your pen nib. (The width of the widest part of your pen tip equals 1 “nib” in this equation). A common standard is 5 nibs between guidelines. The guidelines include the baseline, the waistline, and the ascending and descending lines. The baseline is the writing line that all letters rest on. The waistline is the line above the baseline, which changes according to the x-height of the letter (in this case, 5 nibs above baseline). The ascending line marks the height that all ascending letters (such as a lowercase “h” or “l”) hit. It will be 5 nibs above the waistline (or whichever nib height you're using). The descending line is where descending letters (such as lowercase “g” or “p”) hit below the baseline. It will be in this example 5 nibs below the baseline. Position yourself and your pen. As advised to improve any style of writing, sit with your feet on the floor and your back straight (but not uncomfortably rigid). Likewise, hold the pen so that it is under control but not in a vise grip, or your hand may cramp. Calligraphy requires you to hold your pen nib at a 45 degree angle. To make sure that you're holding your pen at a 45 degree angle, draw a right angle (90 degrees) with a pencil. Draw a line upward from the corner of the angle that cuts the right angle in half. If it's a thin line, then you're holding your pen properly. Practice primary strokes. In calligraphy, these include the vertical downstroke, push/pull strokes, and branching strokes. For the vertical downstroke, practice drawing thick, straight lines down from the ascending line to the baseline and the waistline to the baseline. Slightly lean the line forward after some practice. Eventually you will add “tails” (short thin-line strokes) to the beginning and end of your downstrokes, but save that for later practice. For push-pull strokes, make short, thick horizontal lines along the waistline. This stroke will make the tops of a lowercase “a,” “g”, the cross of a “t,” and others. You may eventually add a slight wave and/or tails to this stroke, but stick to a straight line at first. For branching strokes, make a curved line, slightly leaned forward, from the baseline to the ascending line and waistline to baseline. You will use this motion to make lowercase “n” and “v,” for example. Practice starting the line thick and ending thin and vice versa -- you will need to be able to do both. As you improve with these motions, make shapes like boxes, triangles, and ovals before moving on to the actual letter forms. Pay special attention to keeping the 45 degree angle. Take your time. Unlike cursive, in calligraphy each letter requires one or more pen lifts. As you move into practicing letters, focus on each stroke used to make a letter. Get each piece of the puzzle in place, then assemble that letter. Consider taking a class. If you are serious about learning calligraphy, you may want to consider seeking out a calligraphy class at an art school or perhaps even a community center. Calligraphy is truly an art form, and proper, guided instruction can prove very helpful to many aspiring calligraphers. But even self-taught calligraphy can be beautiful and improve your writing form in general. | Choose the right tools. Sit upright but comfortably. Hold on loosely. Make your content more beautiful. Seek inspiration. Study the cursive alphabet. Practice using your whole arm to write. Practice basic cursive pen strokes. Start slow. Get the right tools. Set up your paper properly. Position yourself and your pen. Practice primary strokes. Take your time. Consider taking a class. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Your-Hair-Healthy-when-You-Straighten-It-Every-Day | How to Keep Your Hair Healthy when You Straighten It Every Day | To keep your hair healthy when you straighten it every day, apply a heat protector before you use a straightener. Then, invest in a ceramic or titanium flat iron that lets you adjust the temperature by degrees, not just by high and low settings. Set that iron to the lowest setting that will work for your hair, and start straightening it in 1/2 inch to 2 inch wide sections. Try to move the iron quickly as well, since that prevents your hair from burning. | Find a quality flat iron. A quality flat iron will be made of ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium. It should have multiple temperature settings so that you can choose what's right for your hair's texture and thickness. These irons may be in the pricier range, but most very inexpensive flat irons only offer a single setting which is too high (usually 450 degrees) and will damage your hair with time. Ideally, you want to use a flat iron that has a temperature gauge with numbers rather than simple On, Off, Low, and High settings. This way you can gauge exactly how much heat your hair is getting. Find an iron that is an inch and a half wide or smaller. Irons larger than that won't be able to get closer enough to your scalp. Ceramic plates ensure that the heat is evenly distributed across your hair as you straighten, and ceramic is good for most hair types and textures. Stay away from “ceramic coated” flat irons, which can dry out your hair. If your hair is curly, however, you may need gold or titanium plates. Purchase a heat protector. You will commonly find heat protector sprays made specifically for use with flat irons; there are also numerous creams and serums on the market, and some mousses contain heat protection. Some frequently recommended choices included Living Proof's Straight Spray, Moroccan Oil (for thick or coarse hair), or products made with silicone. Buy a “smoothing” shampoo and conditioner. While these won't make your hair straight, they can add moisture to your hair and therefore help to prepare it for the process of straightening. Alternately, you may want to try a strengthening shampoo if you find that frequent straightening makes your hair weak. Get a new brush. Typical hairbrushes, which are made of nylon and plastic, cause static. But a brush made boar bristles and nylon will give your hair shape and polish and eliminate the fly-aways. Consider a hair moisturizer. These products will help keep your hair healthy by increasing moisture. Since they may make your hair oilier or heavier, try using just once a week. Some options include Luster's Pink Original Oil Moisturizer and Aveda's Dry Remedy. Keep hair trimmed. Damaged hair will only become more damaged as you put it through the daily straightening process, and you won't be able to get the sleek look you're after. If you've got split ends or inches of damage, start fresh by having your stylist cut them off. If you really don't want to cut your hair, it may be possible to repair some damage over time with products containing oils and moisturizers. This is not a quick-fix, though—it could take two to three months to see improvements. Wash your hair. Use your smoothing (or strengthening) shampoo and conditioner and rinse them well. Apply your heat protector. Depending on the product(s) you choose, you may need to apply it while your hair is still wet. Some products direct you to use them on damp hair, while others are for dry hair and you should apply them immediately before using the flat iron. Whatever the case, be sure to follow the directions on the packaging for best results. Use only as much product as you need for your specific hair type and length. Using too much product could result in hair that is weighed down and looks greasy, rather than sleek and shiny. Partially air/towel dry. Allowing your hair to air/towel dry for at least part of the time will reduce the amount of heat—and thus drying—endured by your hair. If you are able to straighten and style your hair to your satisfaction after allowing your hair to completely air/towel dry, this is a great option for reducing damage. Blow-dry your hair. Blow-drying your hair adds more heat, which can cause additional damage, but many people who straighten their hair also need to blow it dry to get the look they desire. To create volume, blow-dry by lifting at the roots. If you have thick hair, you will want to apply tension with a brush as you dry—this will help to get the hair as smooth as possible. Do not attempt to straighten your hair until it is absolutely dry. If you hear a sizzle, stop! Set the right temperature. To avoid damaging your hair, set the flat iron to the lowest temperature that will work for your hair. This temperature will depend on the specific qualities of your individual hair. The finer your hair, the lower the setting you should go with. For fine or very damaged hair, use the “low” setting or 250–300 degrees. For medium (average) hair, use a mid-range setting or 300–350 degrees. Even if you have very thick or coarse hair, you should be able to use a setting below the very highest one. Try 350–400 degrees if your flat iron has a temperature gauge. Experiment with settings in the middle–high range before opting for the very highest one because repeatedly using that amount of heat can be very damaging to your tresses. If you have chemically processed hair, then your heat tolerance will be reduced. The same goes for badly damaged hair. Section your hair. Divide your hair into sections of about a half an inch to two inches. Pin or pull the top part of your hair out of the way and begin with the pieces underneath, near the nape of your neck. The more hair your have, the more sections you will need. Don't try to straighten your hair by randomly grabbing pieces from all over your head; this will take forever and you'll end up with an uneven looking result. Begin straightening. Place the hot flat iron on a section of hair and smooth it down from top to bottom. You should start about a half an inch from your scalp in order to maintain some volume. Apply some tension as you go from top to bottom so that you can get the desired straightness. Work quickly. Don't let the straightener linger on any one section of hair for more than 3 or 4 seconds, as doing so will damage and possibly singe the hair. Repeat for other sections. Straighten the various sections of your hair, moving from the sections underneath to the middle sections of your hair. Try not to go over the same section of hair multiple times, as this increases the likelihood of damage to those particular strands of hair. If you have curly hair, however, you will most likely have to go over your hair multiple times to get it to become straight. Straighten the crown. Once you get to the top section of your head, place the flat iron as close to your scalp as you can, and smooth it through your hair. This will help you to achieve a sleek finish. | Find a quality flat iron. Purchase a heat protector. Buy a “smoothing” shampoo and conditioner. Get a new brush. Consider a hair moisturizer. Keep hair trimmed. Wash your hair. Apply your heat protector. Partially air/towel dry. Blow-dry your hair. Set the right temperature. Section your hair. Begin straightening. Work quickly. Repeat for other sections. Straighten the crown. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Thicken-Gravy | How to Thicken Gravy | To thicken gravy, first mix 3-4 tablespoons (15-20 g) of flour into a little bit of water until it forms a paste. Then, just whisk the paste into the gravy a little bit at a time until the gravy is thick enough. For a gluten-free option, mix 3 tablespoons (16-24 g) of arrowroot with 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of water to form a paste, then stir the paste into the gravy. Another option is to puree some roasted vegetables, like potatoes, parsnips, or carrots, and then stir the pureed vegetables into the gravy to thicken it and add more flavor. | Buy flour or cornstarch. You can buy both of these items at your local grocery store. Flour or cornstarch will help to thicken any sauce, and gravy is no exception. As long as you can avoid making lumps this option is the fastest way to thicken your gravy. Mix cornstarch or flour with a little water. You should put slightly more water than cornstarch or flour. There are no exact measurements here because it all depends on the amount of gravy that you have. This isn't an exact science so you'll have to eyeball it, but you should use approximately two tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of gravy. Make sure that you make this mix in a separate bowl. Stir thoroughly until smooth. Add the water and flour or cornstarch mixture to the gravy. Don't pour it in all at once, make sure you do this very gradually. Pour a little bit, stir, and then pour some more. Continue this process until all of your mixture is in the gravy. Now give the gravy another good stir to get rid of any cornstarch lumps that might still be in there. Remove your mixture from the heat source when the gravy thickens. When the gravy takes on a viscous look it's probably ready to go. You can also taste it with a spoon to see if it has reached the thickness you wanted. It's all about your own personal taste. Just don't let it burn. Now you are ready to serve your gravy! Choose a fat that complements the gravy. A roux is a thickened mixture made from a fat and flour. This method is more time-consuming than the water and flour method, but the risk of lumps is minimized. Normally you should choose a fat like butter, leftover fat from the meat pan, or a suitable oil such as olive oil. The ratio is usually about half fat, half flour, although a little extra flour doesn't hurt. Melt the butter or fat in a heavy saucepan. You want the saucepan to be sturdy so that you can stir in there without the pan moving all over the place. Keep the stove on about medium heat and turn it down if you smell the butter burning. This will depend on what type of stove you have. Add a similar weight of sifted flour to the melted butter or fat. Mix well, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Constant stirring helps to avoid making lumps. When the mixture starts to froth a little transfer it to the gravy. It should take about five minutes before the mixture froths. Stir the gravy into the mixture. Make sure you stir it well, you want the mixture to fully incorporate itself into the gravy. Otherwise you risk your gravy tasting a little strange. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens – that's how you'll know the mixture is incorporated. If the gravy still isn't thick enough to your liking you can always repeat the process with another roux. Add 2 teaspoons of arrowroot for every tablespoon of flour or cornstarch that is called for in the gravy recipe. Arrowroot is a starch extracted from tropical fruit rhizomes. It's a fine powder and works really well as a last-minute gravy thickener. The arrowroot must be added to a little cold liquid and blended into a paste before being added to the hot gravy. Stir the arrowroot constantly while bringing the gravy to the boil. The beauty of arrowroot is that it will stay clear, which can be important for lighter colored gravy. You don't have stir really hard, just keep the arrowroot in motion while your gravy comes to a boil. Remove the gravy immediately once it has reached its boiling point. Any further cooking can have the reverse effect and thin the arrowroot. As soon as you see bubbles in the gravy remove the gravy completely from the hot stove plate. Don't just turn the stove off and let the gravy sit on there – it will continue to boil! Let the gravy cool and then serve. Hopefully it has reached the consistency that you were looking for. Wait about ten to fifteen before serving your gravy so that it can cool down to an appropriate temperature. You want to be able to taste the flavor after all. | Buy flour or cornstarch. Mix cornstarch or flour with a little water. Add the water and flour or cornstarch mixture to the gravy. Remove your mixture from the heat source when the gravy thickens. Choose a fat that complements the gravy. Melt the butter or fat in a heavy saucepan. Add a similar weight of sifted flour to the melted butter or fat. Stir the gravy into the mixture. Add 2 teaspoons of arrowroot for every tablespoon of flour or cornstarch that is called for in the gravy recipe. Stir the arrowroot constantly while bringing the gravy to the boil. Remove the gravy immediately once it has reached its boiling point. Let the gravy cool and then serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Rap-Like-Nicki-Minaj | How to Rap Like Nicki Minaj | If you'd like to rap like Nicki Minaj, start by writing out her lyrics so you can get a good feel for how the rhythm in her words flows. You can also rap along to Nicki's music to experience her beat and style. As you sing, practice imitating Nicki's giggling high voice and her low growly voice to see which suits you best. Once you're comfortable with how Nicki raps, create your own rapping puns and similes to make your songs unique. For example, you could use a pun like: “You couldn't get a fan if it was hanging from the ceiling.” | Listen to lots of Nicki. Want to learn to rap like Nicki Minaj? The easy first step: Listen to her music like you're getting paid to do it. Treat listening to Nicki's raps and rhymes like it's your job. Study her new stuff, her old stuff, and her best feature verses on other people's songs. Nicki's five studio albums are: Pink Friday Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded: The Re-Up The Pinkprint Queen Nicki's official mixtape releases include: Beam Me Up Scotty Playtime is Over Sucka Free Listen to Nicki's influences. If you want to dig a little deeper to learn how Nicki crafted her sound, it's good to listen to the same people that she listened to. If you're a super fan, you owe it to yourself to check out her favorite artists, as well as her stuff. She's even had Twitter feuds with a few of these people, she's got so much in common with them. Nicki was most influenced by the following pop and rap artists: Madonna Lil Kim Missy Elliot Eve Janet Jackson Trina TLC Lil Wayne Cyndi Lauper Enya Study Nicki's lyrics. The most important part of rapping like Nicki is studying her lyrics and seeing how they're put together. Listen to the sounds of the words, as well as what she's saying. Learn the style of her best rhymes. Memorize some of Nicki's best verses. Before you start trying to rap your own rhymes or songs in a Nicki Minaj style, it's good to memorize your favorite verses entirely so you can see how they're put together. Copy them out into a journal or onto your phone, and carry them around with you. You can check out RapGenius for the lyrics to most of Nicki's songs, or you can check out the lyric sheets in the physical copy of her albums. Start rapping along to Nicki's songs. As you gradually learn more and more of the lyrics, lock yourself in your bedroom and start spitting alongside the pink queen herself. As you play the tracks, try to keep up and mimic the way Nicki uses her voices, staying on beat as closely as possible. Try to keep up. Try rapping them a cappella as well, once you get the hang of rapping along with the track. Try to focus on staying as rhythmic as possible, and not losing track of your Nicki flow. Find your giggling high voice. One of the unique parts of Nicki Minaj's rap style is her squeaky, giggling, cutesy voice that she goes into to emphasize certain parts of some songs. Her whole persona goes back and forth between cutesy and aggressive, and this voice is an important part of that. Rap in your normal voice, then pinch your throat and pull your tongue back to rap in the back of your throat, moving your mouth up and down like a ventriloquist dummy. Nicki does this sometimes to get that kind of sound. She also does a kind of Sorority Girl vocal fry in some of her songs for comic effect. For good examples of this voice, check out her earliest mixtape songs like "Itty Bitty Piggy." Find your low growly voice. Just like her mentor Lil Wayne will slip into a variety of voices, Nicki's got a bunch at her disposal, including a sudden and funny "Cookie Monster" growl. Sometimes, when performing live, Nicki will just start going into nonsense words, chanting gibberish that sounds pretty awesome on beat. Check out some live clips of her performing "Starships" on the Today Show for a good example of this voice style. Be loud. Nicki's got a big voice, so don't try to rap like Nicki if you're going to go to the mic meekly. Work on your roar and rap with lots of confidence in your voice and in your rhymes. Dropping offbeat or flubbing a word is less important than being loud and being aggressive on the mic. When you're rapping, loudly alternate between your two voices, suddenly. One of the reasons Nicki does that growly funny Cookie Monster voice is to show just how much she doesn't care about your opinion, but she's going to throw it in your face anyway. Stress the consonants. One vocal styling that Nicki Minaj includes in many of her raps in a hard, beat-driven emphasis on the consonants of the words in the songs, like she's trying to nail the words into the ground. It's a hard-stuttering beat that she puts on tracks like "I Don't Give A" that make her rhymes stand out. Check out these songs for good examples of her stresses: "Blazin'" "Make Me Proud" w/ Drake "Up All Night" w/ Drake "Beam Me Up Scotty" Don't be afraid to go offbeat. Nicki Minaj will often wander offbeat entirely and just start talking, or growling, or talking trash in a funny voice. It's one of the most unique parts of her personality and one of the reasons people love her music. If you're an aspiring rapper making your own songs, don't be afraid to forget the beat entirely and jump off track to talk some trash. It's all about the heart. For good examples of this, check out live YouTube videos of Nicki performing her songs. This is something she does more frequently live than on record. Be confident. You don't have to listen to many Nicki tracks before you learn about her biggest subject: The greatest rapper alive, Nicki Minaj. Nicki loves to rap about her greatness on the mic and in the sack, and it's her bragging and boasting that makes us laugh and makes us love her tunes. Don't be afraid to compare yourself to other rappers in your rhymes. One thing Nicki does constantly is to set up other wack rappers in her songs to knock down. It's a constant in most hip-hop, and Nicki does it as well as the best of them. Don't be afraid to talk some trash. Use lots of similes and puns. Like Young Money compatriot Lil Wayne, Nicki raps using lots of similes, which are comparison statements using the words "like" or "as." Puns are examples of playing with words that have more than one meaning. Lots of rapper use both of these techniques, but she's a pro. A good example of a simile is a line like "I come through, it gets hotter than a soup kitchen / Leave clips in your head like a beautician." A good example of a pun is a line like "You couldn't get a fan if it was hanging from the ceiling." Rap constantly. Nicki Minaj didn't get where she is now overnight, and didn't get there based on her looks alone. She got there with some serious hustle, grabbing people's attention on the microphone. If you want to rap like her, you've got to study the craft, devote yourself to hip-hop, and rap all the time. Put your favorite Nicki tracks on your iPod or on your phone and walk around with them, rapping along silently. When you get back home, leave the track quiet and try to rap it by yourself. Keep practicing until you get it perfect. Try to find a place you can practice rhyming in quiet, so you can focus on improving. You might want to rush and show your friends as soon as possible, but take the time to make sure you're really good and talented first, so they'll be blown away. Practicing rapping on rhythm. Rapping is about a lot more than rhyming words. Finding the flow that will work alongside different beats and structuring your rap with the beat is a critical part of being a good rapper. Even if you write great lyrics and do a great Nicki impression, being a Nicki-level rapper isn't possible without flow. One good way of learning about flow is checking out other rappers versions of a song on free mixtape, or on YouTube. Check out Nicki freestyling over labelmate Lil Wayne's "A Milli" to see how her flow differs from his. Keep a rhyming journal. To keep your rhymes organized, start a rhyming journal where you can keep track of good rhyming words, good lines, and start building up your Nicki-style songs. If you don't want to carry around a bulky journal all the time, keep your notes organized on your phone or some other mobile device for your rhymes. Keep them clearly labeled so you don't have to hunt around for those nasty rhymes you wrote last weekend. Even if you think of yourself as a freestyle rapper, it's a good idea to keep track of your best rhymes and keep working on them. This doesn't make you a worse freestyle rapper, it makes you a smarter one. Start writing out clusters of rhyming words. If you're an aspiring rapper, this is an essential way to get started and eventually building up your ability to freestyle. Many rappers, as they're learning, will keep rhyming lists, with good endings or punch lines to build toward as you rap. Get a rhyming dictionary, or use rhyming dictionary websites online to help you find rhymes to fill out your best work and give more options. Try writing at least three new rhymes a day. It's important to keep moving forward and keep trying. If you want to improve and start rapping like Nicki, start yourself a regular plan of writing three new rhymes every single day, which means about six lines of rapping. Keep yourself on that track as long as possible, and you'll have a new verse every week. It doesn't need to take more than thirty minutes or an hour each day. At the end of the month, you can go back through and see how many of those verses are worth keeping. Start looking for beats and building your own songs from these rhymes and you'll be on the way. | Listen to lots of Nicki. Listen to Nicki's influences. Study Nicki's lyrics. Start rapping along to Nicki's songs. Find your giggling high voice. Find your low growly voice. Be loud. Stress the consonants. Don't be afraid to go offbeat. Be confident. Use lots of similes and puns. Rap constantly. Practicing rapping on rhythm. Keep a rhyming journal. Start writing out clusters of rhyming words. Try writing at least three new rhymes a day. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Narrative-Essay | How to Write a Narrative Essay | To write a narrative essay, start by choosing an interesting personal story from your life to write about. Try to connect your story to a broader theme or topic so your essay has more substance. Then, write out your story in the past tense using the first person point of view. As you write your story, use vivid details to describe the setting and characters so readers are able to visualize what you're writing. Once you've written your essay, read it several times and make sure you've illustrated your theme or topic. | Read narrative essays for inspiration. Becoming more familiar with narrative essays is an excellent way to understand the genre and to get ideas for what you want to write and how you will organize it. Make sure that you read any essays that your teacher has assigned, and you can also check out a collection of narrative essays or looking for narrative essays on the internet. Choose a story that illustrates some topic or theme. Generally, narrative essays involve 2 main components: a story and some analysis of that story. A narrative essay may be "about" a particular issue, theme, or concept, but it uses a personal story to illustrate that idea. Most of the time, narrative essays will involve no outside research or references. Instead, you'll be using your personal story to provide the evidence of some point that you're trying to make. However, in some cases using research may enhance your story because it will allow you to provide additional detail. Narrative essays are a common school assignment used to test your creative story-telling skills, as well as your ability to connect some element of your personal life to a topic you might be discussing in class. Make sure your story fits the prompt. Often, narrative essays are school assignments or required for a college application, and you'll receive a prompt from the teacher or institution. Even if you've got a crazy story about the time you escaped from a deserted island on a hot air balloon, read the prompt closely to make sure your story fits the assignment. Common topics for narrative essays include but are not limited to a description of some moment that: You experienced adversity and had to overcome You failed and had to deal with the consequences of that failure Your personality or character was transformed Choose a story with a manageable plot. Good narrative essays tell specific stories. You're not writing a novel, so the story needs to be fairly contained and concise. Try to limit it as much as possible in terms of other characters, setting, and plot. A specific family vacation or weekend with a friend? A disaster holiday, or night out during high school? Perfect. Bad narrative essays are generally too broad. "My senior year of high school" or "This summer" are examples of stories that would be far too big to tell in the amount of specific detail that a good narrative essay requires. Pick a single event from the summer, or a single week of your senior year, not something that takes months to unfold. It's also good to limit the number of characters you introduce. Only include other characters who are absolutely essential. Every single friend from your fifth grade class will be too many names to keep track of. Pick one. Choose a story with vibrant details. Good narrative essays are full of specific details, particular images and language that helps make the story come alive for the reader. The sights and smells in your story should all be discussed in particular details. When you're thinking of stories that might make for good essays, it's important to think of some that are rich in these kinds of details. Let your imagination fill in the gaps. When you're describing your grandmother's house and a specific weekend you remember spending there, it's not important to remember exactly what was cooked for dinner on Friday night, unless that's an important part of the story. What did your grandmother typically cook? What did it usually smell like? Those are the details we need. Typically, narrative essays are "non-fiction," which means that you can't just make up a story. It needs to have really happened. Force yourself to stay as true as possible to the straight story. Outline the plot before you begin. Where does your story start? Where does it end? Writing up a quick list of the major plot points in the story is a good way of making sure you hit all the high points. Every story needs a beginning, a middle, and an end. It helps to limit things as much as possible. While it might seem like we need to know a bunch of specific details from your senior year, try to think of a particularly tumultuous day from that year and tell us that story. Where does that story start? Not the first day of school that year. Find a better starting point. If you want to tell the story of your prom night, does it start when you get dressed? Maybe. Does it start when you spill spaghetti sauce all down your dress before the dance? While that might seem like the climax of a story you want to tell, it might make a better starting place. Go straight to the drama. You don't need to write up a formal outline for a narrative essay unless it's part of the assignment or it really helps you write. Listing the major scenes that need to be a part of the story will help you get organized and find a good place to start. Use a consistent point of view. Generally, narrative essays will be written in first person, making use of "I" statements, which is a little unusual compared to other assignments you'll be given in school. Whether you're giving us scenes with dialog, or discussing what happened in past-tense, it's perfectly fine to use first person in a narrative essay. Don't switch perspectives throughout the story. This is a difficult and advanced technique to try to pull off, and it usually has the effect of being too complicated. There should only be one "I" in the story. In general, narrative essays (and short stories for that matter) should also be told in past tense. So, you would write "Johnny and I walked to the store every Thursday" not "Johnny and I are walking to the store, like we do every Thursday." You may be instructed to write in the 3rd person (such as he, she, it, they, them, their). If so, be consistent with your pronouns throughout the story. Describe the important characters. Who else is important to the story, other than yourself? Who else was present when the story took place. Who affected the outcome of the story? What specific, particular details can you remember about the people in the story? Use these to help build the characters into real people. Particular details are specific and only particular to the character being described. While it may be specific to say that your friend has brown hair, green eyes, is 5 feet tall with an athletic build, these things don't tell us much about the character. The fact that he only wears silk dragon shirts? Now that gives us something interesting. Try writing up a brief sketch of each principal character in your narrative essay, along with the specific details you remember about them. Pick a few essentials. Find the antagonist and conflict. Good narratives often have a protagonist and an antagonist, which is what creates the conflict. The protagonist is usually the main character (in most narrative essays, that'll be you) who is struggling with something. It might be a situation, a condition, or a force, but whatever the case, a protagonist wants something and the reader roots for them. The antagonist is the thing or person who keeps the protagonist from getting what they want. Who or what is the antagonist in your story? To answer this question, you also need to find out what the protagonist wants. What is the goal? What's the best case scenario for the protagonist? What stands in the protagonist's way? The antagonist isn't "the bad guy" of the story, necessarily, and not every story has a clear antagonist. Also keep in mind that for some good personal narratives, you might be the antagonist yourself. Describe the setting. Just as important to a good story as the characters and the plot is the setting. Where does the story take place? At home? Outside? In the city or the country? Describe the location that the story takes place and let the setting become part of your story. Do a freewrite about the location that your story takes place. What do you know about the place? What can you remember? What can you find out? If you do any research for your narrative essay, it will probably be here. Try to find out extra details about the setting of your story, or double-check your memory to make sure it's right. Use vivid details. Good writing is in the details. Even the most boring office environment or the dullest town can be made compelling with the right kinds of details in the writing. Remember to use particulars–unique details that don't describe anything else but the specific thing you're writing about, and let these vivid details drive the story. A popular creative writing phrase tells writers to "show" not to "tell." What this means is that you should give us details whenever possible, rather than telling us facts. You might tell us something like, "My dad was always sad that year," but if you wrote "Dad never spoke when he got home from work. We heard his truck, then heard as he laid his battered hardhat on the kitchen table. Then we heard him sigh deeply and take off his work clothes, which were stained with grease." Make sure your theme is clearly illustrated in the story. After you've written your rough draft, read back over it with an eye for your theme. Whatever the purpose of your telling us the story that you're telling us needs to be made very clear. The last thing you want is for the reader to get to the end and say, "Good story, but who cares?" Answer the question before the reader gets the chance to ask. Get the theme into the very beginning of the essay. Just as a researched argument essay needs to have a thesis statement somewhere in the first few paragraphs of the essay, a narrative essay needs a topic statement or a thesis statement to explain the main idea of the story. This isn't "ruining the surprise" of the story, this is foreshadowing the important themes and details to notice over the course of the story as you tell it. A good writer doesn't need suspense in a narrative essay. The ending should seem inevitable. Use scenes and analyses. All narratives are made of two kinds of writing: scenes and analyses. Scenes happen when you need to slow down and tell specific details about an important moment of the story. Scenes are small moments that take a while to read. An analysis is used to narrate the time between scenes. They are longer moments that you read over more quickly. Scene: "On our walk to the store, Jared and I stopped at the empty grass lot to talk. 'What's your problem lately?' he asked, his eyes welling with tears. I didn't know what to tell him. I fidgeted, kicked an empty paint bucket that was rusted over at the edge of the lot. 'Remember when we used to play baseball here?' I asked him." Analysis: "We finished walking to the store and bought all the stuff for the big holiday dinner. We got a turkey, cornbread, cranberries. The works. The store was crazy-packed with happy holiday shoppers, but we walked through them all, not saying a word to each other. It took forever to lug it all home." Use and format dialogue correctly. When you're writing a narrative essay, it's typically somewhere between a short story and a regular essay that you might write for school. You'll have to be familiar with the conventions of formatting both types of writing, and since most narrative essays will involve some dialogue, you should make formatting that dialogue correctly a part of your revision process. Anything spoken by a character out loud needs to be included in quotation marks and attributed to the character speaking it: "I've never been to Paris," said James. Each time a new character speaks, you need to make a new paragraph. If the same character speaks, multiple instances of dialog can exist in the same paragraph. Revise your essay. Revision is the most important part of writing. Nobody, even the most experienced writers, get it right on the very first run through. Get a draft finished ahead of time and give yourself the chance to go back through your story carefully and see it again. How could it be improved? Revise for clarity first. Are your main points clear? If not, make them clear by including more details or narration in the writing. Hammer home your points. Was the decision you made about the starting place of the story correct? Or, now that you've written, might it be better to start the story later? Ask the tough questions. Proofreading is one part of revision, but it's a very minor part and it should be done last. Checking punctuation and spelling is the last thing you should be worried about in your narrative essay. | Read narrative essays for inspiration. Choose a story that illustrates some topic or theme. Make sure your story fits the prompt. Choose a story with a manageable plot. Choose a story with vibrant details. Outline the plot before you begin. Use a consistent point of view. Describe the important characters. Find the antagonist and conflict. Describe the setting. Use vivid details. Make sure your theme is clearly illustrated in the story. Use scenes and analyses. Use and format dialogue correctly. Revise your essay. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drop-Charges | How to Drop Charges | To drop charges against someone, begin by meeting with the prosecutor for the court case and telling them that you don't want to press charges, since it's ultimately their decision. If you have new information that makes the crime seem less severe, go to the police station to submit an amendment to your original report. Alternatively, you can fill out an affidavit of non-prosecution, which tells the court that you don't think the prosecution should occur, then submit it at the district or county court house. | Tell the prosecutor you don't want to press charges. Though the prosecutor decides whether to drop charges, a victim or key witness can have a significant impact on the case. If you say you aren't interested in sending the case to trial, there's a good change the prosecutor will drop the case. This is especially true of minor offenses. In most jurisdictions, domestic violence is a "no tolerance" offense: prosecutors will not drop charges, even at victim's request. Look for inconsistencies in the police report. Call the police station that filed your report to ask for a copy of it. Review the report carefully, paying attention to the section that describes what you told the police. If you notice anything inaccurate in the report, you can change your statement. Do not lie to get charges dropped. You could be prosecuted yourself for fraud, perjury, or obstruction of justice. Add new information to your report. You need convincing reasons to persuade a prosecutor to drop charges. This is usually comes in the form of new information, evidence, or witnesses. Note that you can't contradict your earlier statement when adding new information. Consider this option only if you provided incorrect information to the police. Whether you made a simple mistake or consciously lied, it could result in punishment for an innocent person. For example, if you thought something had been stolen from you, but you just misplaced it, let the police know. Don't try to take back your original statement completely if the statement is correct. You could face criminal charges. Submit your changes in person. Visit the police station to submit an amendment of the report either through interview or in writing. In either case, bring photo identification so that you can prove you are the person who filed the original report. If the case is already scheduled to go before a judge, you may need to show up at the District or County Attorney's office instead. Wait for the prosecutor to contact you. Law enforcement may ask for further information about the case. Making changes to a police report doesn't guarantee that the prosecutor will drop the charges. If the case proceeds anyway, they may ask you to testify in court. If you don't show up and cooperate, you could be fined or arrested, even if you did not want to press charges. Hire an attorney. In some situations or states, you can write an "Affidavit of Non-Prosecution." This is a statement that you don't want prosecutors to pursue the case. Texas allows these affidavits, but, because all states differ, make sure you check your state for the law. An attorney will know how to make your statement convincing. He'll also stop criminal charges of your own by keeping you from contradicting from your original report. Find low-cost or free representation if you can't afford a lawyer. There are many options available to you if you can't afford an attorney. Look for federally funded grant programs that offer free counsel to low-income individuals. Local law firms often take on pro-bono work, or you might consider visiting your local bar association's self-help clinic. Your county courthouse might even provide a facilitator to guide you through the process. Write the statement. Ask your lawyer to provide a standard "affidavit of non-prosecution" form. Upon request, the prosecutor might provide a generic "affidavit of non-prosecution" for you. But if you want to, you can write the affidavit yourself. Describe the event that occurred, emphasizing evidence or factors that put the crime in a less severe light. Make it clear that you do not think prosecution should occur. Submit your affidavit. In some states, you can just pay a fee to file your affidavit with the district or county court handling the case. In others, there is no official affidavit system, but you can send a copy of the statement directly to the prosecutor. Contact the court by phone first to make sure you send the statement to the correct person. Search online to find the phone number for the court. If you're not sure which court is handling the case, search online for "court" and the name of your county. If there's a filing fee, make sure you know which forms of payment the court accepts before trying to file your affidavit. | Tell the prosecutor you don't want to press charges. Look for inconsistencies in the police report. Add new information to your report. Submit your changes in person. Wait for the prosecutor to contact you. Hire an attorney. Find low-cost or free representation if you can't afford a lawyer. Write the statement. Submit your affidavit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Oatmeal-Water | How to Make Oatmeal Water | Oatmeal water is a delicious, creamy drink that's also full of healthful vitamins, minerals, and fiber. To make it, soak a cup of rolled oats and a cinnamon stick in 1 cup of water for 20 minutes. Put the soggy oat and cinnamon mixture in a food processor or blender with a can of evaporated milk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and half a gallon of water. Blend the mixture until you get a smooth, creamy liquid, then pour it through a strainer to remove any chunks of oat or cinnamon. If you want a slightly sweeter beverage, add enough sugar, honey, or another sweetener to get the flavor you want. | Mix the oats and cinnamon. Place the oats in a bowl and add a stick of cinnamon. Soak the oats in water. Pour one cup of water over the oats and let them soak for 20 to 25 minutes. It is normal for the oats to absorb the water. The oats will become spongy. Process the oats. Pour the moist oats and cinnamon into a blender. Add the vanilla extract, water, and evaporated milk. Then, process the mixture until you have a uniform liquid. You can also make oatmeal water without milk. It will be less flavorful, but it is more effective if you plan to use the oatmeal water to lose weight or to cleanse your body. Strain the mixture and add sugar to the remaining liquid. Drink the oatmeal water. This solution is good to drink for one week if you keep it in the refrigerator. Understand the benefits of drinking oatmeal water. Thanks to the great quantity of minerals and nutrients in oats, drinking oatmeal water on a regular basis will help you to: Purify your body, thanks to its amino acids and the lecithin that they help to produce. Regulate your bowel movements and prevent constipation, thanks to its insoluble fiber content. Develop new tissue, thanks to the proteins it contains. Prevent osteoporosis thanks to its high calcium content. Lose weight due to the satiating effect produced by insoluble fiber and slow-burning carbohydrates. Incorporate oatmeal water into your daily diet. If you drink 2 glasses of oatmeal water per day, you will be providing your body with: Proteins Vitamins B9, B6, and B1 Magnesium Zinc Phosphorus Iron Fatty acids | Mix the oats and cinnamon. Soak the oats in water. Process the oats. Strain the mixture and add sugar to the remaining liquid. Drink the oatmeal water. Understand the benefits of drinking oatmeal water. Incorporate oatmeal water into your daily diet. |
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