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https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-Your-Parents-to-Let-You-Go-to-a-Concert | How to Ask Your Parents to Let You Go to a Concert | Concerts can be super fun, but you may need to ask your parents before you go. Before you bring it up, do your research to figure out how much tickets costs, how you'll pay for the concert, and what kind of venue it is. The more details you're able to provide, the more likely they'll be to say yes. Once you've done your research, bring up the concert when your parents are free to talk. You might say something like, “Mom, my favorite artist is performing this Friday. Is it okay if I go?” If they have doubts, try to stay calm and find compromises. For instance, if they're worried about you being out alone, say you'll let them come along to chaperone. Or, if they're worried it's too expensive, explain how you plan to pay for the ticket yourself. | Practice good behavior. Concerts are typically announced well in advance of tickets going on sale. This provides you with plenty of time to demonstrate to your parents that you are deserving and responsible enough to attend the concert. Before tickets go on sale: Work to improve your grades Fight less with your brothers and sisters Do your chores Help out extra around the house Keep your room clean Do your best not to break any of your parents' rules Consider how you will pay for the concert. Concerts are expensive events. In addition to purchasing a ticket, you may have to buy food, pay for transportation, and/or contribute to a hotel room. As a result, most teens can't cover the cost on their own and require financial help from their parents. You can approach this hurdle in a variety of ways. After the concert is announced: Start saving money Find odd jobs around the house or neighborhood Ask for less from your parents Research the artist, concert, and venue. When you ask your parents if you may attend the concert, they'll want specific details about the artist, concert, and venue. To prepare for their questions, answer the following questions: Who/what group is performing? What type of music does the artist/group perform? Is it appropriate for your age group? Who listens to their music? Is it mainly people your age? When is the concert? Where is the concert? Is it close to your house? Do you need to pay for a hotel room? What time does the concert start and end? How expensive is the ticket? Are your friends going? Will one of their parents serve as the chaperone? Do they sell alcohol at the venue? Does the venue provide a free parents room? Are you allowed to bring your cell phone? Find a time to talk. Before the tickets go on sale, you need to speak to your parents. Asking about the concert at the “right” time may increase your chances of hearing “yes.” Talk to them when they are free. “Hi, Mom. Do you have a few minutes to talk?” “Hey, Dad. Are you free right now?” Avoid asking them about the concert if them seem stressed, distracted, or busy. Express your gratitude. Asking outright to attend a concert might result in an immediate “no” from your parents. You can soften your request with a few kind, appreciative words. “Thank you for working so hard to provide for me.” ”I really appreciate everything you do for me.” I am grateful for all of the opportunities you've given me.” Introduce the concert into your conversation. Once you've told them how much you appreciate them, it is time to mention the concert. Provide your parents with the basic information: Who is performing? Where is the concert When is the concert What time is the concert How much will it cost ”My favorite artist, ____, is performing in ____ on ____. The concert starts at ____ and ends at ____. Tickets cost ____.” Ask politely. The goal of this talk is to get permission from your parents. Instead of telling them you are going, ask them if you may go. ”May I go to the concert, please?” Give your parents more information. Before your parents say “yes” or “no,” they may ask you questions about the concert. As you answer their questions, remain respectful and calm. Don't get defensive. Let them know if your friends are planning to attend. Let them know if someone is chaperoning. Tell them more about the artist/group and the music. Explain how you plan to pay for the concert. Let them know if there is a designated “parents room” at the venue. Offer to help cover the expenses. Your parents may be reluctant or unable to pay for the concert. You can overcome this obstacle by: Offering to pay for part or all of the cost Offering to do work around the house in exchange for money towards the concert Asking for a loan from your parents Asking for the ticket for a holiday or your birthday present Find a chaperone you can all agree on. Did you intend to go to the concert without a chaperone? The thought of you at a concert without an adult might make your parents uncomfortable. Rather than insisting you are old enough, mature enough, and responsible enough to go to a concert without an adult, present them with a few alternative solutions. Suitable options might include: An older sibling or cousin Your parents or a friend's parents A trusted babysitter or nanny Ask your parents to reconsider. At the end your conversation, your parents may say “no” to the concert. Rather than throwing a fit, remain calm, cool, and collected. Ask them to spend some time thinking about it. In a few days, ask if they've reached a decision. While you wait for them to decide, remain on your best behavior. | Practice good behavior. Consider how you will pay for the concert. Research the artist, concert, and venue. Find a time to talk. Express your gratitude. Introduce the concert into your conversation. Ask politely. Give your parents more information. Offer to help cover the expenses. Find a chaperone you can all agree on. Ask your parents to reconsider. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Squats-and-Lunges | How to Do Squats and Lunges | To do squats and lunges, start by standing up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. If you want to do a squat, extend both arms straight in front of you with your palms facing down. Then, push your hips back and slowly bend your knees, keeping your back straight and your eyes focused straight ahead. When your knees reach a 90 degree angle, slowly straighten your legs to return to the starting position. This counts as 1 squat. | Stand erect with your feet approximately one shoulder-width apart. From there, you can widen or narrow your stance depending on which muscles you are targeting — a wider stance works the hamstrings and glutes, while a narrower stance works the quads. Point your toes slightly outwards, as this helps to stabilize your stance. Keep your arms extended in front of you. Push your hips back, slowly bending your knees to a 90-degree angle. You want to hinge your hips so that your butt moves backwards, almost as if you were sitting in an invisible chair. Keep bending until your hamstrings are parallel with the floor. Your knees shouldn't extend beyond the tips of your toes. Your body weight should be concentrated on your heels rather than on your toes. This will allow you to squat deeper. If regular squats are difficult for you, or if you just want to change them up a bit, you can try doing squats into a chair or onto a bench. Activate your Glutes and Hamstrings prior to the motion. Keep your back straight and eyes looking ahead. It is very important to keep your back straight while squatting, otherwise you could put unnecessary pressure on the spine which could lead to a pulled muscle or a herniated disc. Keeping your chest up and your eyes pointing straight ahead will help you to keep your back straight as you squat. Also try to keep your stomach muscles engaged as you perform the exercise. Slowly rise to starting position. Pause for a moment at the bottom of the squat, then slowly rise back to your starting position. Keep your back straight and push up from your heels. Squeeze your glutes in tight when you reach the top of the squat. Start with a low weight. The most important thing with squats is to have the correct form, so you shouldn't attempt weighted squats until you can perform body weight squats with perfect form. Start with a low weight — maybe just using the bar (which weighs 45lbs) — and slowly build yourself up to heavier weights as your squat technique and muscle strength improves. Position the bar correctly. Set up the squat rack so the bar is slightly below shoulder level. Position the safety bars so they are low enough to allow you to squat down fully with the bar on your shoulders. When you're ready, duck under the bar and grip it widely with your palms facing forward. Rest the bar across your upper back (not your neck). If this feels uncomfortable for you, try using a bar pad. Squat using the same technique as the body weight squat. Place your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, with your toes pointing slightly outwards. Hinge your hips and push your butt backwards until your hamstrings are parallel with the floor. Keep your chest up, your shoulders back and your eyes looking straight ahead. Remember to keep your back straight — this is especially important when you are squatting with heavy weights. Push out of the squat with your heels and don't let your knees cave in towards the center. If this happens, you may need to reduce your weight. Inhale on the way down, exhale on the way back up. Breathing deeply is very important when squatting heavy weights. If you hold your breath you can become dizzy, nauseous or even blackout. Take a deep breath in as you squat down and exhale powerfully as you rise up. Maintaining this breathing pattern will give you the energy you need to keep going. If you're pushing yourself to get another few repetitions, don't be afraid to pause between repetitions to take a couple of deep breaths. Squat with dumbbells. Take two dumbbells of your chosen weight and hold them in front of you, against your shoulders, as if you were about to do a press up. Hold the weights in this position as you squat, using the same technique described above. If you want to make this a total body exercise, press the dumbbells straight into the air when you reach the top of the squat — this allows you to work your legs, core, back, shoulders, chest, and triceps in a single exercise! Do jump squats. This variation can only be performed with body weight squats, not with weighted squats. Place your hands on the back of your head and squat down as normal. Rise quickly out of the squat and jump straight up into the air. Immediately squat down again when you land. Try a one-legged squat. Hold your arms straight out in front of you at shoulder level and lift your right foot off the ground. Do a one-legged squat, lowering your body as far down as possible, while still keeping your right foot off the ground. Slowly raise yourself back up to the starting position, then repeat with the other leg. Do a barbell stiff squat. This squat is the same as a normal weighted squat, except you complete the entire exercise while balanced on your toes, with your heels lifted as high off the floor as possible. It can be somewhat difficult to balance during this exercise, so make sure you have your basic weighted squat technique down before you attempt this. Stand erect with your feet about one shoulder-width apart. Put your hands on your hips, keep your back as straight as possible, relax your shoulders and keep your eyes facing directly ahead. Engage your core. Lunges should be performed on solid, even ground, not on an exercise mat. An exercise mat will simply throw you off balance. Take a large step forward with one leg. The length of your step will depend on your height, but it will usually be somewhere between 2 or 3 feet (0.6 or 0.9 m). As you step forward, lower your hips and bend your knees until they both form 90 degree angles. Your front knee should not extend over your toes and your back knee should not touch the ground. Return to starting position. Pause at the bottom of the lunge for up to five seconds. Push off the heel of your front foot to return to the starting position. Alternate with your other leg. Repeat the movement, this time with your opposite leg. Remember to keep your muscles tight as you perform the exercise. Choose your weight. Weighted lunges can either be performed with a dumbbell in each hand or a barbell across the back. However, barbell lunges should be reserved for more advanced athletes who have very good balance. As with most strength exercises, you should start with a low weight and work your way up. Get into lunge position. With the dumbbells in your hands (by your sides) or the barbell resting on the trapezius muscles (the muscle below the neck and between the back of the shoulders), step forward with one foot into a lunge position. Both knees should form a 90-degree angle. The front knee should not extend beyond the toes and the back knee should not touch the ground. Straighten your legs, but don't step backwards. With the weighted lunge, your feet remain in the same position as you complete the desired number of repetitions. You simply need to bend your knees up and down to perform the exercise. Remember to keep your back straight, your shoulders back and relaxed, your chin up and your core engaged as you complete your repetitions. Switch legs. Once you have completed the desired number of repetitions, switch legs and repeat the exercise on the other side. Do reverse lunges. Reverse lunges involve the same movement as regular lunges, except they involve stepping backwards into the lunge instead of forwards. Moving backwards instead of forwards requires greater skill and balance, forcing you to perfect your technique. Do bicep curl lunges. Take a dumbbell in each hand and hold your arms down by your sides. As you step forward into the lunge, bend your elbows and raise the dumbbells towards your shoulders to complete a bicep curl. Lower the dumbbells as you step back into the starting position. Do walking lunges. Instead of returning your front leg to the starting position after completing a lunge, walking lunges involve walking around a room, lunging with each step. This exercise requires very good balance, so you should only attempt it after you have mastered the regular stationary lunge. Do side lunges. Side lunges offer the same benefits as forward lunges, but they work the hips, glutes, and thighs in a slightly different way, making them a good variation to incorporate into your routine. Start with your feet and knees together then take a large step out towards the side with your right foot. Bend your right knee until it forms a 90-degree angle and keep your left leg as straight as possible. Push off your right foot to return to the starting position, then repeat with your left leg. | Stand erect with your feet approximately one shoulder-width apart. Push your hips back, slowly bending your knees to a 90-degree angle. Activate your Glutes and Hamstrings prior to the motion. Keep your back straight and eyes looking ahead. Slowly rise to starting position. Start with a low weight. Position the bar correctly. Squat using the same technique as the body weight squat. Inhale on the way down, exhale on the way back up. Squat with dumbbells. Do jump squats. Try a one-legged squat. Do a barbell stiff squat. Stand erect with your feet about one shoulder-width apart. Take a large step forward with one leg. Return to starting position. Alternate with your other leg. Choose your weight. Get into lunge position. Straighten your legs, but don't step backwards. Switch legs. Do reverse lunges. Do bicep curl lunges. Do walking lunges. Do side lunges. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Redness-on-the-Face | How to Get Rid of Redness on the Face | To get rid of redness on your face, cut back on the number of skin care products you use to see if any of them are causing irritation. Try washing your face 1-2 times per day with a fragrance-free cleanser for sensitive skin and warm water. Then, immediately apply a fragrance-free moisturizing cream or lotion to lock in moisture. If you're still experiencing redness after 1-2 weeks of washing and moisturizing, purchase an over-the-counter face cream with 0.5-1% hydrocortisone to use 1-2 times per day. For a more natural solution, dab aloe vera gel or coconut oil over red spots daily. | Find the offender. A product in your skincare routine may cause an allergic reaction, pimples, or other irritation. Think about the cosmetics, skin care products, and hair products you use. Cut back on all of them and slowly reintroduce them back into your routine one by one. This way, you can determine which might be causing your skin to break out. If redness is associated with swelling of the face, especially lips or tongue, or trouble breathing, seek immediate medical attention. In the United States, call 911. Start with the products you have added most recently, since these are the most likely to have triggered a reaction. You can schedule an appointment with an allergist or dermatologist. Either can do a patch test, during which small amounts of chemicals will be applied to the skin and the treated skin will be monitored for a reaction. You may just have sensitive skin. If so, some brands have sensitive-skin product lines; classic examples include the Aveeno Ultra-Calming and Eucerin Redness Relief lines. After you figure out which chemical is at the root of your redness, cut out any product from your routine that contains that chemical as an active or inactive ingredient. Wash your face 1-2 times a day. Use warm water: both hot and cold water can cause your skin to dry out. If you wash it the wrong way, you can make your skin more irritated and redder. You should wash with a sensitive cleanser, one without fragrance, and avoid any that contain alcohol or other drying agents. Try products such as Cetaphil or Purpose. Pat dry with a soft towel when done. Do not scrub your face, which can cause your skin to become more irritated. Try cleansers with sulfates such as Rosanil. These ingredients will help with inflammation. If your redness involves pimples and you do not have sensitive skin, try products that have benzoyl peroxide such as Clearasil. Use moisturizer. After washing your face, immediately apply a moisturizing facial cream (or lotion) over the skin to lock in moisture. You can also store your lotion in the refrigerator and apply it to your face when cold. Cold products cause the blood vessels in your face to constrict and redness to fade. Avoid buying products with alcohol, witch hazel, peppermint, fragrance, eucalyptus, or clove oil. These are considered skin irritants and will only make your skin more irritated. Consider over-the-counter special creams. The most popular is topical cortisone, which has a steroid in the cream to help alleviate redness, soothe skin, and reduce swelling. Find a cream that contains hydrocortisone in a 0.5% or 1% solution. Use it sparingly 1-2 times a day, but only on the affected areas. Do not use these creams for long because overexposure to them can actually cause more irritation. You can also look for more natural calming creams that have ingredients such as licorice, feverfew, tea, turmeric , magnesium, cucumber, or ginger. Consider using aloe vera gel. Aloe vera can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. You can use the gel from an aloe vera plant or buy it over the counter. Apply the aloe gel to your face twice daily to help decrease the redness. To extract the gel from the aloe vera plant, remove a large leaf of aloe from the bottom of the plant. Cut down the center of the plant, score the insides, and pull the gel out. Then apply that gel to your face twice a day. You can find aloe vera gel at most supermarkets or drug stores. Consider dabbing on coconut oil. Coconut oil is a natural emollient, which locks in moisture. Be careful putting oils on acne-prone skin: oil can make acne worse. Coconut oil prevents your skin from losing moisture and becoming dehydrated, which is a common reason for redness. It also has lauric acid in it, which has antiviral, anti fungal, and antimicrobial properties to help revitalize your skin. Each night, rub coconut oil onto your face, paying special attention to problem spots that feel extra rough or that are extremely red. You can also use olive oil, almond oil, or rosehip seed oil. They have similar nutrients to coconut oil and will help hydrate your skin. Coconut oil helps alleviate redness when the redness is caused by dryness. Consider oatmeal masks. Oatmeal is great for soothing many different causes of redness, from sunburn to eczema to simple irritation. Buy pure oats and add water to them. Let the oatmeal soak up the water then apply it as a mask. As often as once each day, leave the mask on your face for at least 30 minutes, then wash it off. You can make it with milk for an added boost. Make sure the milk has some fat in it, such as 2% or whole milk. The fatty proteins in the milk help rejuvenate your skin. Hide redness with corrective concealer. Normal concealers do not hide facial redness well, but a corrective concealer relies on the principle of complementary colors to balance out discolored skin. For facial redness, apply a green-tinted concealer. Apply small dots of concealer over the red areas of your face. Blend it in gently using your fingertips or a makeup sponge. If the redness persists over time or is too strong to be covered up by concealer, you may have a condition called rosacea. Contact your dermatologist if you think you may have it. Avoid applying a heavy layer. The concealer may or may not cover up all of the redness on your face. Even if a standard, moderate amount does not hide every ounce of unwanted red, you should avoid using a thick coating of it. The green tint might start showing through if there is too much concealer to blend into your skin. If you're trying to cover widespread redness from a sunburn , a green-tinted primer might be better than concealer. Wear sunscreen. Your skin redness may be due to sun exposure. Apply sunscreen before leaving the house, even when it seems cloudy. Facial and sensitive-skin sunscreens exist at your local drugstore. Sunscreen must be at least SPF 30 to be effective. “Non comedogenic” sunscreen avoids clogging up your pores. You can also buy face makeup or moisturizer that has sunscreen in it. Protect your skin from cold weather. In drier, colder weather, your face can get wind burnt and the particles in the air can strip away healthy layers of skin and damage the surface of your skin. If you protect them, your cheeks and nose will be less rosy once you step back inside a room. When your face is exposed to the cold, the blood vessels constrict, causing your skin to turn white. Once you step into a warmer area, however, all the blood rushes back to your face at once, causing your skin to become bright red. Wear a scarf, hat, or ski-mask made of non-irritating fibers. Drink water and eat hydrating foods. There are some dietary changes you can make to help with the redness from the inside. Hydrating, cooling foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, celery, coconuts, cucumbers, melons, peaches, papayas, spinach, and broccoli contain antioxidants capable of moisturizing your skin from the inside out. If your urine is a pale yellow that is almost clear, you are hydrated enough. If your urine is a concentrated yellow or orange-yellow, you should drink more water. By consuming more of these foods, you can protect your skin from drying out when exposed to cold winter air or other harsh, dry conditions. Avoid spicy foods, hot drinks, caffeine, and alcohol. These encourage skin redness and will only exacerbate your skin problem. Apply cucumber to skin. Cucumbers have a high water content and many vitamins and minerals that can help hydrate your skin. Peel and slice a chilled cucumber. Lean your head back and place slices over any red areas of your face for 15 to 20 minutes. Within that amount of time, the vitamin C in the cucumber should have reduced any pesky redness. Avoid rubbing cucumber over your skin, however, since the friction can cause further irritation. Apply green tea to skin. Green tea has anti-inflammatory agents and helps constrict blood vessels in your skin, which will help reduce redness and inflammation. Put several tea bags or a few tablespoons of loose leaf tea in a pot of boiling water and remove from heat. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes. Once the tea steeps, pour it into a bowl and lay a washcloth in the green tea, soaking it up as the tea cools. When the tea is at room temperature, run the tea soaked cloth over your face. You can also use chamomile and peppermint tea. Avoid using peppermint tea if your skin is sensitive. Make sure you use a cloth you don't mind getting stained. The green tea will have a color and will likely stain whatever cloth you use. Do not rub the cloth over your face vigorously, since that will irritate your skin further. Cover your skin in petroleum jelly. Be careful putting petroleum jelly on acne-prone skin: it can make acne worse. For an extra layer of protection on your skin, you can spread a thin coating of petroleum jelly over your face. The petroleum jelly will prevent your blood vessels from constricting and expanding too quickly, which can reduce or prevent most facial redness. If you are unsure, apply to a small area of your cheek where your redness is not the worst. If your skin is redder or more irritated in a few hours, do not apply jelly to the rest of your face. Apply a cold compress. Cold temperatures can reduce redness by shrinking the blood vessels in your skin. This method is especially useful if the redness is accompanied by feelings of burning or swelling. For the cold compress, take a clean, soft washcloth and run it under cool water. Gently press it to the irritated area. You can also use an icepack wrapped heavily in towels, if you want to avoid a wet compress. You can also place a wet washcloth in the refrigerator for a few minutes to cool it before pressing it to your face. Do not use rough or cold washcloths. Stay away from rosacea triggers. Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that comes and goes. It can be hard to predict, but one of the best things for you to do in order to get rid of rosacea related redness before it comes is simply to avoid some of the most common, known triggers of the condition. Common triggers include sun exposure, heat, alcohol, spicy food, hard cheeses, intense emotions, and changes in the weather such as increased humidity and strong winds. Emotional upsets for rosacea include stress, fear, anxiety, and embarrassment. Ask your doctor about oral prescription. Prescription medications reduce skin inflammation and can be prescribed if none of the redness remedies or natural treatments work for you. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, have other medical conditions, or take other medications before starting new medications. Your doctor may prescribe you doxycycline, which is an oral antibiotic known to reduce inflammation. A low dose version of doxycycline, known as Oracea, is given initially in high dosages to jump start the drug in your system but then levels out to maintenance dosage levels. Doxycycline treats not only redness but also the red bumps that are associated with rosacea. There are many other prescription medications as well. Ask your doctor which is best for your specific case. These are prescribed with moderate cases of rosacea instead of mild ones. Use prescription topical treatments. Some patients prefer topical treatments to pill ones. Your doctor may prescribe medicated creams such as sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur, Metrogel (metronidazole), or Finacea (azelaic acid), which have the same capabilities as the oral treatment but are applied topically. Each help treat the red bumps as well as redness associated with rosacea. Ask your dermatologist about laser treatments. This treatment is often used by patients to help relieve redness for longer periods of time than other treatments. This can also help with noticeable blood vessels on the face, neck, and chest. This therapy is used to help visibly improve the skin and brighten the complexion. Laser treatment can cause some discomfort, but topical anesthetics and ice packs can be used to decrease discomfort. This treatment is not a one time only treatment but is given in 3-6 week intervals. It takes a few sessions to get the best effect and is likely not covered by most insurance companies. It is used mostly when a patient has continual redness that has not responded to other, easier treatments. Use salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps reduce swelling and redness. It has the added bonus of helping to unclog pores. There are gels, wipes, creams, cleansers, moisturizers, and sprays that contain this drug. Try whichever one you think will best fit into your daily routine. Start with a 2% solution of the acid so your skin doesn't dry out. Apply aspirin topically. The salicylic acid in aspirin constricts the blood vessels and reduces facial inflammation quite well. To make a topical mask, break a tablet of aspirin in half. Mix a few drops of water with the white powder inside the tablet until a paste forms. Apply the paste directly to your acne. Cover with an adhesive bandage for about 30 minutes. If you have a tablet form of aspirin, crush the pill and add water to it until it makes a paste. After 30 minutes pass, the blood vessels should have constricted. The acne and surrounding skin should be notably less red. Get a prescription medication. If you suffer from chronic or severe adult acne, standard skin care products purchased at the store may not be enough to help clear your skin. This is usually when a dermatologist will prescribe a stronger topical cream or ointment to treat your acne with. A doctor can also prescribe oral antibiotics, laser or light treatments, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. A doctor might prescribe oral antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing your breakouts. Hormone-regulating medication, such as birth control pills and spironolactone, which was originally a hypertension drug, might be prescribed as well. Usually, topical creams and ointments include ingredients like topical antibiotics, retinoids, sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. It is not unusual for prescriptions to include a combination of these treatments. | Find the offender. Wash your face 1-2 times a day. Use moisturizer. Consider over-the-counter special creams. Consider using aloe vera gel. Consider dabbing on coconut oil. Consider oatmeal masks. Hide redness with corrective concealer. Wear sunscreen. Protect your skin from cold weather. Drink water and eat hydrating foods. Apply cucumber to skin. Apply green tea to skin. Cover your skin in petroleum jelly. Apply a cold compress. Stay away from rosacea triggers. Ask your doctor about oral prescription. Use prescription topical treatments. Ask your dermatologist about laser treatments. Use salicylic acid. Apply aspirin topically. Get a prescription medication. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Address-an-Envelope-to-a-Family | How to Address an Envelope to a Family | To address an envelope to a family, write, “The (Surname) Family” above their address on the front of the envelope. For example, to write a letter to Tim and Janet Smith and their kids, you would write, “The Smith Family.” Similarly, you can use the plural version of their last name, such as “The Smiths”. Alternatively, you can use the parents' names and titles followed by the words, “and Family,” or “and Children.” | Write "The (Surname) Family" at the top of the address. When you're looking to address an envelope to an entire family, rather than a single individual, you have two options: you can use the family name to represent the entire family, or you can specifically address the envelope to some (or all) of the family members. Let's tackle the first option first. The easiest way to address an envelope to an entire family is simply write "The (Last Name of the Family) Family" as the first line of your address. This method is a good choice for general communications (like friendly letters) but may be unwise for addressing envelopes in which it's important to know who the letter is specifically for (like wedding invitations). For example, if we're writing a letter to Tim and Janet Jones and their children Emma and Peter, we would address the envelope to The Jones Family. Use the plural form of the family name. As an alternative to the above, it's also acceptable to simply use the plural form of the family's surname as the first line of the envelope's address. In this case, the plural family name is always preceded by the word "The" so that the final result is in the form of "The Smiths", "The Garcias", and so on. Don't fall into the trap of using apostrophes here. Apostrophes are used to convey possession, not to make a word plural, so you shouldn't use them in the plural form of the family name. Most family names simply need an -s at the end to become plural (e.g. Thompsons, Lincolns). However, family names that end with an "s", "sh", or "x" sound usually need an -es at the end (e.g. Roses, Foxes, Welshes). Following our example above, if we're writing a letter to the Jones family, in addition to using "The Jones Family" as the first line of our address, we can also simply use The Joneses. Address the rest of the envelope as normal. Regardless of the method you use for the first line of your envelope's address, the rest of the address is written as it would be for any other letter. Under the first line containing the family name, write the street number or PO box, then, on the next line, write the city, state/province, postal code, and so on. If writing internationally, write the name of the country below on a separate fourth line. Write your return address in the same fashion in the top left corner of the envelope. For more information, see How to Write an Address on an Envelope. For example, in our Jones family example, our final address might look something like this: The Jones Family (or "The Joneses") 21 Jump Street Anytown, CA, 98765 As a general rule, whenever you're addressing an envelope to a family, the first line of the address is the one you'll change — the actual street address should remain untouched. In the following methods described below, it is to be assumed that the portion of the address following the "name" line should be written as normal. Begin with the parents' names and titles. When addressing an envelope to an entire family, in addition to using the family name to stand for all of the family's members, you can also name some or all of them individually. This method is useful for letters such as wedding invitations in which it's important to convey who specifically the letter is for. To begin, on the first line of your address, write the parents' names. In most cases, you will want to use their appropriate titles (Mr. and Mrs. are always safe, while titles like "Dr.", "Judge", and so on are usually optional outside of formal or professional contexts). For example, If we're inviting the Jones family to a housewarming party, we would start by writing the parents' names on the first line: Mr. and Mrs. Jones. It's also acceptable to use the traditional form of describing married couples in which the husband's full name serves for both partners: Mr. and Mrs. Tim Jones. However, this method isn't necessary. Finally, you can also write each partner's full name, sans titles: Tim and Janet Jones. This is usually done in familiar, informal contexts, as using someone's first name rather than his or her title can be seen as rude if you don't know him or her well. Follow with any children's names. On the next line, list the names of children who are under 18 and live as dependents of the parents. You can provide the family name once at the end of the list of children's names (e.g., David, Chelsea, and Gabriela Richardson), or you can leave it out entirely (e.g., David, Chelsea, and Gabriela). If you know the ages of the children, list them from oldest to youngest. For example, in our example party invitation scenario, we would write the names of the children in the family below the parent's names like so: Emma and Peter. This means that the first two lines of our address would look something like this: Mr. and Mrs. Jones Emma and Peter Alternatively, write the parents' names followed by "and Family". In situations where you don't know the names of any or all children in the family, it's acceptable to refer to children collectively. In this case, on the second line where you would normally name the children, write "and Family". You may also use "and Children" to make your intent more specific. In our example, we could replace Emma and Peter's names with the phrase "and Family" or "and Children" if we had forgotten their names. In this case, the first two lines of our address would look like this: Mr. and Mrs. Jones and Children Omit children's names if the letter isn't intended for them. The above examples assume that the letter is intended for both the parents and the children in the family. If this is not the case, name the relevant recipients in the first line, then proceed immediately to the street address without using the second line to list additional family members. If, for instance, we wanted only to invite the parents in the Jones family to our party, we would use the standard Mr. and Mrs. Jones without naming any of their children. Send separate letters to children over 18. If the family contains any children over 18 (or the traditional age of adulthood in the recipient's community), send these children their own, separate letter in addition to the one you send to their parents. Receiving your own mail is a sign of adulthood. Though it's relatively minor, it can be perceived as somewhat insulting to, for instance, be invited to a party via a letter addressed to one's parents. Address the outer envelope to the parents only. Some types of letters make a point of requesting a response from the recipient. In situations like these, a small, usually pre-addressed reply envelope is often included inside the outer envelope. If you're mailing a letter like this, it's worth noting that the outer and inner envelopes are usually addressed slightly differently when the recipient is an entire family. To start, address the outer envelope (the one in which the contents of the letter and the second envelope are contained) with only the names of the parents or heads of the household. For the outer envelope, write the parents' names as described in the section above. For example, if you're inviting the entire Jones family to your wedding, for the outer envelope, you would only write the names of the parents: Mr. and Mrs. Jones , Mr. and Mrs. Tim Jones , or Tim and Janet Jones. Address the inner envelope to all the recipients. For the inner return envelope, the rules differ somewhat. If you're requesting a response for every member of the family (for instance, if you're inviting the entire family to your wedding), write the parents' names on the first line of the address and the children's names underneath on the second line. If, however, you're only requesting a response from the parents, you would only write their names on the first line of the address, then proceed to the street address and so on. Note that the directions for the inner envelope refer to its return address. Obviously, the main address that tells where the envelope is being sent will be your own (or that of a relevant agency, business, PO box, etc.) so that their reply will be sent to the correct place. In our wedding invitation example, if we're inviting the entire family, the return address of the inner envelope would have the parents' names on the first line followed by the names of the children on the second. The first two lines of the inner envelope's return address would look something like this: Mr. and Mrs. Jones Emma and Peter Include a stamp on the return envelope. Regardless of who specifically you're requesting a response from, it's always a sign of courtesy to pre-stamp your letter's return envelope. Stamps are relatively cheap, so including a stamp on the return envelope is more a sign of respect and care than it is actual financial aid. Still, it's usually best to avoid a minor faux pas by taking the time to give your letter's return envelope a stamp As above, you should send separate letters to children who are over 18 (or are considered independent adults according to some other standard). In situations where you're sending letters with included return envelopes, this means that you'll need to address and stamp each return envelope with the name of the over-18 child in the return address as well. | Write "The (Surname) Family" at the top of the address. Use the plural form of the family name. Address the rest of the envelope as normal. Begin with the parents' names and titles. Follow with any children's names. Alternatively, write the parents' names followed by "and Family". Omit children's names if the letter isn't intended for them. Send separate letters to children over 18. Address the outer envelope to the parents only. Address the inner envelope to all the recipients. Include a stamp on the return envelope. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Spot-Signs-of-Illness-in-Rats | How to Spot Signs of Illness in Rats | It can be worrisome if you think your rat is sick, but with a careful eye, you can figure out what's wrong and get it help. If your rat frequently tilts its head to 1 side, it may have an inner ear infection. A red, callus-like bump on your rat's foot may indicate a foot infection, called bumblefoot. Reddish discharge around your rat's eyes and nose, along with loud breathing or frequent sneezing, can mean your rat has a respiratory infection. Additionally, lethargy, decreased appetite, and red or bald patches of skin are all general signs that your rat might be sick. If your rat has any of these signs, take it to the vet as soon as you can to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. | Watch your rat for lethargic behavior. In general, rats are active, lively, and curious pets. So, if your rat seems to resist making any movement or sits in a corner of its cage for hours on end, it's most likely ill. A lethargic rat will also show little interest in its surroundings, and may appear indifferent to toys, humans, and other rats. While lethargy doesn't necessarily pinpoint a single illness, it's a helpful general sign that your rat isn't well. Note if your rat stops eating its food. A healthy rat will have a good appetite, and should normally scarf down the food you provide it with. If your rat only picks at its food, or if it has stopped eating altogether, it may be ill. A lack of appetite often points to an internal illness. An apparent loss of appetite may also indicate that the rat has some food caught in its throat. A veterinarian will be able to inspect the animal's throat and remove any obstructions. Notice if your rat frequently tilts its head to one side. This is a common symptom shown by rats with an inner ear infection. Ear infections are most often treated with medication, or by placing medicated liquid drops into the rat's ear. The head-tilting behavior is also known as “wry neck.” Watch for frequent scratching or redness on patches of skin. If your pet rat scratches repeatedly at a specific part of its body, or if you see red, sore-looking areas on the rat's skin, it most likely has skin mites. Mites are often visible to the naked eye. They look like tiny white dots on the rat's fur and skin, and are most often visible on the rats' shoulders and face. If a rat has been scratching at mites for more than a few days, it may develop scabs on places where it has torn its skin. Scabs are usually a sure sign that a rat has mites. While skin mites are not technically an illness, they're still a health concern. If left untreated, mites can cause the rat extreme discomfort and may lead to a skin infection. Look for a reddish discharge around your rat's eyes and nose. This discharge is called porphyrin and, while it does look a little like blood, it's a different substance altogether. If your rat's eyes and nose are discharging more porphyrin than usual, it's a good sign that your rat has a respiratory infection. High levels of porphyrin discharge can indicate other illnesses, as well. It's a reliable sign that something is wrong with your rat. Inspect your rat's coat for dullness or unkempt patches. In general, rats are clean animals and take care to groom and maintain their coat. So, if your rat's coat becomes matted, dirty, or fluffed, it most likely means that the rat is ill and unable to properly groom its fur. Listen for loud breathing or frequent sneezing. Like many other small pets, rats are prone to contracting respiratory infections. You can usually identify a rat with a respiratory infection fairly easily. The rat may make loud gasping sounds, have sneezing fits, or breathe more loudly than usual. If you notice these signs, take your rat to the veterinarian. A respiratory infection can typically be cleared up with medication. Look for a red, callus-like bump on the rat's foot. This is a sign that the rat may have bumblefoot. Bumblefoot is a term for an infection on a rat's foot, and the condition is especially likely if you own multiple rats who like to play and roughhouse together. Bumblefoot can infect a rat's foot through a slight cut or scratch, and quickly worsens into a callus-like bump which can break open and bleed. If your rat does have bumblefoot, a veterinarian can prescribe an antibiotic medication to clear up the illness. Palpate your rat to inspect for tumors. The most common type of tumor that female rats develop is in the mammary tissue. To look for tumors, pick your rat up and look at its underside: belly, chest, and legs. Feel the rat's lower abdomen, and pay attention to any internal lumps. Also note any lumps that have increased in size. Fortunately, in many cases, tumors on rats are benign. Ask your vet to perform a biopsy and evaluate if the tumor is benign or malignant. If it's benign, the vet may be able to remove it via surgery. Observe your rat for signs of weight loss. If your rat begins to look thinner and loses weight, it may be ill. Unexplained or sudden weight loss is often a sign of an internal medical problem, such as cancer or stomach and intestinal disorders. If you notice that your rat has lost weight, take it to a small-animal veterinarian within 1 or 2 days. Weight loss can also be caused by a sudden loss of appetite. If your rat no longer seems interested in food and goes more than 2 or 3 days without eating, it will begin to lose weight. | Watch your rat for lethargic behavior. Note if your rat stops eating its food. Notice if your rat frequently tilts its head to one side. Watch for frequent scratching or redness on patches of skin. Look for a reddish discharge around your rat's eyes and nose. Inspect your rat's coat for dullness or unkempt patches. Listen for loud breathing or frequent sneezing. Look for a red, callus-like bump on the rat's foot. Palpate your rat to inspect for tumors. Observe your rat for signs of weight loss. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Gut-a-Pig | How to Gut a Pig | To gut a pig, cut its throat with a knife after you've killed it humanely. Hang the hog by inserting the hooks on a meat gambrel into the pig's heels, then let it bleed out. If you're keeping the skin, which makes bacon and crackling, dip the pig in simmering water, then scrape off the hair. To remove the entrails, place the hog on a flat surface and cut a 1 inch opening around the anus and vaginal areas. | Get the proper equipment. While the process itself is straightforward, breaking down a hog is a big job–the average 250 lb. hog yields about 144 lb. of retail-ready cuts of meat. That's a lot of valuable pork to mishandle, so it's important that you take the time to get the equipment to do things properly, reducing any possibility of waste and spoilage. We're not talking about a jackrabbit, here. To process a hog, you'll need: Sharp stainless knives, at least six inches long {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/1234931-1b1.jpg\/v4-460px-1234931-1b1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/1234931-1b1.jpg\/aid1234931-v4-728px-1234931-1b1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} A meat gambrel and winch, available at many outdoors and sporting goods stores {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/1234931-1b2.jpg\/v4-460px-1234931-1b2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/1234931-1b2.jpg\/aid1234931-v4-728px-1234931-1b2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Sawzall or hacksaw, used to separate the ribs {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/1234931-1b3.jpg\/v4-460px-1234931-1b3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/1234931-1b3.jpg\/aid1234931-v4-728px-1234931-1b3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} A large tub or barrel with water, large enough to submerge the hog into, along with a heat source large enough to heat the water to boiling {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/1234931-1b4.jpg\/v4-460px-1234931-1b4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/1234931-1b4.jpg\/aid1234931-v4-728px-1234931-1b4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} A bucket {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/1234931-1b5.jpg\/v4-460px-1234931-1b5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/1234931-1b5.jpg\/aid1234931-v4-728px-1234931-1b5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} A large, flat surface outdoors, about waist-high–some wood planks on sawhorses make a good makeshift surface {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/1234931-1b6.jpg\/v4-460px-1234931-1b6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/1234931-1b6.jpg\/aid1234931-v4-728px-1234931-1b6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} A meat grinder for processing ground pork (optional) {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/1234931-1b7.jpg\/v4-460px-1234931-1b7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/1234931-1b7.jpg\/aid1234931-v4-728px-1234931-1b7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Select the right pig. The ideal hog for harvesting is a young male that's been castrated before reaching sexual maturity, called a barrow , or a young female, called a gilt. Generally, hogs are slaughtered in the late fall when temperatures start to cool, at which point the hogs are ideally between 8 and 10 months old and between 180 and 250 lbs. Withhold all food for 24 hours prior to harvesting so the animal's intestinal tract will be clean. Supply plenty of fresh, clean water for the animal to drink. Old, intact males are called boars, and will have a distinctively funky taste, the result of scent-gland hormones, while sows–old females–have a similar note of funk in the flavor. If you're processing a wild boar, you need to remove the genitals and the scent gland near the hind quarters immediately to avoid subsequent “taint.” Some hunters will trim off a bit of fat and fry it up to check for a funky smell before going to all the work of dressing out the hog, or you can just go ahead and process it anyway, because some people don't mind the flavor. Humanely kill the pig. Whether you're harvesting a farm-raised hog or hunting one in the wild, you need to make sure you start the process as clean as possible by using a quick kill, immediately draining the blood afterward to improve the flavor of the meat. The issue of killing the hogs by draining them is a common debate. The morally preferred method of killing hogs is to use at least a.22 caliber rifle shot through the brain to kill the pig quickly and painlessly. Draw an imaginary line from the base of each ear to the opposite eye and aim for the intersection of those two points. Pigs' brains are extremely small, making the need for an accurate shot essential. Traditionally, many butchers preferred killing hogs by bleeding them out after first stunning them with a hammer, because shooting them is so tricky. A common belief is that, if the vein is cut while the animal is still living, the blood drains more thoroughly and the meat is eventually tastier. In many commercial slaughterhouses, hogs are stunned electrically and then killed by cutting the jugular vein. For some, however, this is unusually cruel. In the United States, the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978 (HMSA) prohibits the inhumane slaughter of livestock, such as pigs, intended for commercial purposes. Technically, this only applies to hogs slaughtered in USDA-approved facilities, not private property. However, some states have issued rulings that livestock can only be processed in those facilities, making it important that you research the state bylaws that govern livestock. You can read the federal regulations here. Cut the pig's throat. After you've killed or stunned the pig with a shot, feel for the pig's breastbone, and insert your knife a few inches above it, making an incision across the front of the throat, at least, 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) long. Insert the knife into your incision, and push it about 6 inches (15.2 cm) upward, at a 45-degree angle toward the tail. Twist the knife and pull it out. This is the quickest way to "stick" the pig. The blood should begin draining immediately. Some people struggle to find the exact spot necessary to stick the pick quickly. If you're unsure about whether or not you've got it, all you need to sever is the jugular vein. Some will just cut deep across the throat, just under the jawline, all the way to the spine. You'll know when you've hit it by the volume of blood that comes out. Be extremely careful when you move it to bleed the pig if it's still thrashing. If you've just stunned it with a shot, you may need to cut the throat before you get a chance to hang it. Use extreme caution. It may still be thrashing involuntarily, making it dangerous to move in with a very sharp knife. Shift the pig onto its back and hold the front legs in place with your hands, letting a partner use the knife. Hang the hog. After killing or stunning the hog, you need to hang it, preferably using a meat gambrel, which is like a big clothes hanger made for hanging meat. Hook a chain onto the gambrel and attach it to a winch, or the back of a truck if you want. Start by sliding the hooks at the bottom of the gambrel through the hog's heels, piercing them deep enough to support the weight of the entire hog. Then use a winch (or elbow grease) to raise the hog up and allow gravity to do the work of draining it. This needs to be done as soon as possible after the animal has been killed. A pig will take about 15-20 minutes to bleed out. If you don't have a gambrel, you could also make a small incision behind the back leg tendons in the hog and insert a wooden dowel, or a length of pipe as a substitute. You can hook a length of chain onto the end and bootleg yourself a gambrel. Barn rafters make perfect places from which to hang the hog, as well as low-hanging sturdy tree limbs. Find a suitable location, preferably as close as possible to the killing spot, before you've got 250 lb. of dead weight on your hands. If necessary, gather the hog into a wheelbarrow to move it to the draining location. Use a clean, sterile bucket to catch the blood, if you want. Put the pig's entire head into the bucket to make sure you catch everything. Pork blood makes excellent sausage and is an actively sought-after ingredient in cooking. Scald the skin in hot water, if you want to keep it. Many butchers will probably want to retain the skin, which includes the bacon, the belly fat, and the cracklings, making it useful, delicious, and slightly more labor intensive than if you just want to skin the hog. If you do, the best way to remove the hair is by dunking the hog several times into scalding water and scraping the skin thoroughly to remove it. The best way to heat the water is usually the most rustic: start a fire in a safe fire pit and settle the basin into it, or on top of a sturdy grate. It doesn't need to boil, but it should be at least 150 F. Make sure it is absolutely secure. Keeping the hog on the gambrel, dip it gently into the simmering water, no more than 15 or 30 seconds, and then remove it. If you don't have an outdoor vat big enough to soak a whole hog in, some people have had success soaking a burlap sack in hot water and wrapping the hog in it for several minutes to soften the hairs and move in with the scraper. Wild boars with super-thick coats will likely need to be trimmed with clippers or shears before being dipped like a domestic pig, whose fur is usually somewhat finer. Scrape the hair off using a sharp knife. After dipping the hog, place it on a flat work surface and get to work. A couple of sawhorses with plywood boards and a tarp can work perfectly in a pinch, as well as a picnic table, if you've got one. You want the hog about waist high. A sharp knife works extremely well in scraping the fine hairs off the skin. Start with the belly-side up, placing the knife blade perpendicular to the hog and scraping toward your body in long, smooth strokes. This may take a while and involve several dippings to get all the hair off completely. Some people like to go back and use a small torch to singe off the remaining hair, if necessary. Hog scrapers or bell scrapers used to be commonly used in processing hogs, but are increasingly difficult to find. Lots of people will go to the torch more quickly, as it's very effective at getting the little, hard-to-find hairs off the skin. Skin the hog if you don't want to remove the hair. If you don't have a vat big enough to scald the hog in, or just don't want to put in the effort, it's perfectly fine to go forward with skinning it and discarding the skin. Skip forward to the following method to remove the entrails, then work your knife around the hams to start stripping the skin. To remove the skin, pull the skin back and work a very sharp boning knife underneath, working your way down slowly and trying to retain as much of the fat as possible. Skinning a hog should take anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour. Cut around the anus and pull it upward. To start removing the entrails, work a smaller knife around the anus (and the vaginal opening) of the hog, about an inch or two deep. Make the circle about two inches wider than the anus itself so you don't pierce the colon. Grab ahold and pull up gently, then use a rubber band or a zip-tie to pinch it off. This closes everything up, so you'll be able to pull it out the other side, when you open up the chest. Some butchers wait to remove these organs until after removing the offal and the intestines, but it's good to take precautions, because these are the bacteria-laden parts of the animal that can contaminate the meat. Remove the testicles of intact boars, if you haven't already. Wrap a rubber band around them to gather the testicles and sever them. It's better to do this as soon as possible after killing the animal. To remove the penis, pull it away from the animal, and work your knife underneath it, slicing along the muscle that works back toward the tail. Pull it lose and discard. Cut from the sternum to the groin. Pinch the skin near the base of the sternum, where the ribs end and the abdomen begins, and pull toward you as far as possible. Insert your knife and gently work your way down the center line of the pig's belly, in between the two rows of nipples. Be extremely careful not to puncture the stomach lining and the intestines. Keep working your knife until you get all the way up between the animal's legs. At some point in this process, gravity will likely work in your favor and the entrails will start falling out without you having to do much. As soon as you start opening the belly up, it's a good idea to have a big bucket or tray ready to catch the organs. They'll be heavy, and it's important that you handle them delicately. Reach into the cavity near the groin and pull downward. Everything in the digestive tract should fall out relatively easily with a bit of coaxing, including the lower intestine that you tied off earlier. Use you knife to trim away any stubborn connective tissue. The kidneys and the pancreas are perfectly edible and popular items to reserve. Some serious do-it-yourselfers will save the intestines to process into sausage casings , though this is a time-intensive and difficult process. Adipose tissue is a layer of fat found near the pig's kidneys, and is popular to reserve for rendering into lard. You don't need to remove it now, but be gentle with the cavity as you work the organs out and into the bucket. It can be harvested by "fisting out" the tissue, essentially by pulling it free with your hands. Separate the ribs in the front by splitting the breastbone. After the entrails are removed, you need to open up the chest to remove the rest of the organs. You can use your knife to separate the front of the rib cage, working your way in between the layer of cartilage that connects the breastbone. You shouldn't have to use the saw to do this. After separating the ribs, remove the rest of the organs. The heart and liver and commonly reserved and eaten. Some people will start by reinserting the knife into the "stick" puncture made earlier and cut toward the tail, while others find it easier to start nearer the stomach and work toward the head. Do whatever seems most comfortable for you in your work space. You should chill any organs you hope to save as soon as possible. Rinse them thoroughly in cool water and chill them, wrapped loosely in butcher paper, in the refrigerator. They need to be kept between 33 and 40 degrees F. Remove the head. Behind the ears, work your knife in a circular direction around the throat to separate the head, using the jawline as a guide. As you separate the meat and expose the neck bone, you might need to get in there with a cleaver to break through the vertebrae with firm chop. If you want to remove the head and leave the jowls intact, cut toward the corner of the mouth, under the ears, separating the meat. The jowls are great for making jowl bacon, while others prefer to clean and keep the head intact for use in making head cheese. You can also remove the feet at the "wrist" knuckle, just up from the top each hoof. Use a hacksaw or a sawzall to slice through the joint and remove the feet. Clean the cavity thoroughly with water. Little hairs can be especially tenacious when you're processing out a hog. They'll stick to fat and be hard to find. Before you let the meat rest for a day to process it, it's important to give it another good rinsing with cool, clean water, letting it hang and dry thoroughly before moving it into the cold. Chill the carcass for at least 24 hours before breaking it down. To dry out the meat some, the hog will need to be aged for about a day in cold temperature, between 30 and 40 degrees F. A walk-in fridge is the easiest way to do this, or processing your hot during a very cold season, in which you'll be able to do it in a shed or garage. Making the cuts necessary to break down the pork is almost impossible with warm, or even room-temperature meat. The whole process of making the necessary butchers' cuts are a lot easier with cold meat. You can also do an "ice brine," by filling a vat large enough to hold the hog with ice, with a few handfuls of table salt to keep the temperature down. Pack the meat onto the ice to cool it down. If you just don't have the space and can't let the meat sit, you need to break it down into a manageable size and get it cooled down. If space is at a premium, some people will use the sawmill or a manual hacksaw to cut through the backbones, as well as the pelvic bone, separating the hog into two halves. This will be the next step, regardless, so it's a good idea to do it whenever it's the most convenient for storage. Remove the hams. Lay one half cut-side up, and find where the spine ends, near the fleshy part of the thigh (that's the ham) on that side. Start with a sharp boning knife to expose the ham. Trim back the belly by following the contour of the ham back toward the spine, cutting into the narrowest point. Turn your knife and cut straight down, until you hit the tip of the pelvic bone. At that point, switch your knife for the hacksaw (or your heavier cleaver) and cut through the bone to remove the ham. You should be able to see this point relatively easily, if your cut along the backbone was centered well. Hams are typically cured or smoked , so it's also a good idea to trim it up to make it uniform, especially if you've got an especially fatty ham. The wedge-shaped meat left near the spine after removing the ham is a premium cut, perfect for roasts. It's, in fact, where the phrase "high on the hog," comes from. Remove the shoulder. To remove the shoulder, flip the side of pork over so the skin side is facing up. Pull the limb up, exposing the "underarm" of the shoulder, and work your knife into the connective tissue underneath. You'll only have to use your knife to continue working toward the joint, which should pull away easily by pulling it back on itself. Pork shoulder or "butt" is the best pork for slow-cooking and making pulled pork. It's a fatty cut, and going low-and-slow on the smoker will make for an excellent fork-tender meal. Remove the chops and tenderloin. Flip the side over again, cut-side up. From the smallest rib at the narrow end of the side, count up to the third or fourth rib and use the cleaver to cut through the backbone at that point, between the ribs. Remove everything below that line and reserve the meat for the grinder, or discard it. If you've got an electric butcher's saw, this is much easier. To find the chops, turn the side and look at it head-on, looking down the spine from the side that had the shoulder. Find the "eye" of the loin, which should run alongside the backbone. It's a thin quarter-sized (maybe larger or smaller, depending) dark patch of meat that runs alongside the spine, surrounded by a circle of fat. Perpendicular to the ribs, use the cleaver or saw to cut through the ribs, separating the tenderloin section, which you can separate into chops, from the lower section of ribs, which contains the bacon and the rib racks. Turn the tenderloin section lengthwise, so you can cut slices and form pork chops, as if you were cutting slices of bread. Start with the knife, cutting through to the bone, before switching back over to the saw. You want them to be even, about 2 inches (5.1 cm) thick, cutting through the bone to retain it. It's difficult going, if you're doing it by hand, so use a sawzall or butcher's saw if at all possible. It's a good idea to clean up the bone shards as even as possible, so they won't tear through the butcher paper in the fridge, which can promote spoilage. Have a partner go back over each chop with a metal scour pad to thin out any burrs and trim excess fat off, leaving no more than 3/4 of an inch of each. If there are bone shards, wipe them down with some cool water, cleaning them up as you work. Separate the bacon. The lower, thinner section of the side contains everyone's favorite pork: the ribs and the bacon. It's best to separate the bacon, first. It's just below where the ribs end, and should appear to be quite fatty. To remove it, insert your knife under the ribs, cutting through the connective tissue and pulling the ribs back and away. Leave the cartilage attached to the rib-section, and not the bacon. Use that as you cutting line. It should come off quite easily. You can slice the bacon, or leave it whole for easier storage, until you're ready to do something with it. Leave the rib section whole, or separate into portions of ribs if you want. It's more common to leave the side whole. Bone out the neck and grind up some sausage. The only remaining meat is usually best reserved for grinding up into sausage. If you have access to a meat grinder, you can grind pork to make sausage or basic ground pork. It's usually best to re-chill the meat before feeding it into the grinder, since cooler meat tends to grind up more uniformly. Cut even with the bone along the neck to flay the meat out and separate the bone. It doesn't have to be super-clean, since it's going into the grinder. Store the meat properly. As soon as you portioned out the pork, it's important that you wrap it neatly in clean butcher paper, label it with the cut and date using a marker. You can refrigerate the meat you plan on using right away and find freezer space for the rest of it. There's going to be a lot of meat to deal with, so it's usually more common to freeze most of it immediately. It's a good idea to double-wrap pork in butcher paper, which is particularly susceptible to freezer burn and spoilage from the cold. This is especially the case in larger portions that have sharp bone shards that can cut through the paper. | Get the proper equipment. Select the right pig. Humanely kill the pig. Cut the pig's throat. Hang the hog. Scald the skin in hot water, if you want to keep it. Scrape the hair off using a sharp knife. Skin the hog if you don't want to remove the hair. Cut around the anus and pull it upward. Cut from the sternum to the groin. Reach into the cavity near the groin and pull downward. Separate the ribs in the front by splitting the breastbone. Remove the head. Clean the cavity thoroughly with water. Chill the carcass for at least 24 hours before breaking it down. Remove the hams. Remove the shoulder. Remove the chops and tenderloin. Separate the bacon. Bone out the neck and grind up some sausage. Store the meat properly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Skeleton-Leaves | How to Make Skeleton Leaves | To make skeleton leaves, start by putting the leaves you want to use in a pot. Then, cover the leaves with 1/2-3/4 cup of washing soda and 4 cups of water. When the water boils, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 90 minutes to 2 hours. Next, remove the leaves from the pot using a spatula, place them in a bowl of room temperature water, and gently remove the pulp from them with a paint brush. To finish, wash the leaves in fresh water before placing them between two paper towels and leaving them to dry. | Place the leaves you want to use into a saucepan. However many leaves you choose to use is up to you, but avoid over-crowding the pot. You want to create an even layer across the bottom of the pot, at most. The best type of leaves to work with have a waxy, glossy surface, like magnolia or gardenia leaves. Cover the leaves with washing soda and water. You will need ½ to ¾ cups (70 to 105 grams) of washing soda and 4 cups (950 milliliters) of water. Give the solution a gentle stir to combine it. Do not use baking soda; it is not the same thing. Washing soda is also called "sodium carbonate." You can find it in the laundry section of grocery stores and supermarkets. Cook the leaves until they soften. Bring the water to a boil over medium to medium-high heat first, then reduce it to a simmer. Cook the leaves until they turn soft. This will take about 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of leaf you are using. The water will evaporate as you simmer it. Add more water to the pot as needed so that the leaves don't dry out. Remove the leaves from the water. Put on a pair of plastic or rubber gloves first. Next, use a pair of tongs or a spatula to remove the leaves from the water. If the leaves are pulpy and gloopy, soak them in a tub filled with cool to room-temperature water for a few minutes; this will make cleaning them easier later on. Set the leaves onto a paper towel and gently brush the leaf pulp away. Hold the leaves by the stem with tweezers, and use a paintbrush or a soft toothbrush to gently brush the pulp away. Turn the leaf over, and scrape the other side clean too. It would be even better if you work while the leaves are under cool to room-temperature water. Be very gentle during this step; the leaves will be fragile. Rinse the leaves in fresh water once more. The leaves will be very delicate at this stage, so be gentle with them. Fill a tub with cool to room-temperature water, then place the leaves in the water. Gently swish the leaves around, if needed. If the leaves still have residue clinging to them, change the water and repeat this step. Do not rinse the leaves under running water; the force of the stream will damage them. Allow the leaves to dry. Place the leaves between two paper towels, then stack heavy books on top. The paper towels will help absorb the excess moisture while the books will help make the leaves dry flat. If you don't do this, the leaves may warp and curl. If you want curled or warped (natural) leaves, allow them to dry on a sheet of paper towel without anything on top. Since they won't have anything weighing them down, the leaves will warp naturally as they dry. Steep the leaves in water instead. Boil 2 cups (475 milliliters) of water with 3 tablespoons (26 grams) of washing soda. Remove the water from heat, add the leaves, and let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Once they are done soaking, scrape the pulp off like your normally would. This process is similar to the method above, except that you are not cooking the leaves continuously. This method is ideal for small batches or delicate leaves. Soak the leaves in plain water if you are patient. This will take about 2 to 3 weeks; you will also need to change the water every few days to keep it from going rancid. You can add some bleach to further prevent decay. Once the leaves are soaked, scrape the pulp off using a soft toothbrush. If you are adding bleach, plan on using a 1:30 bleach-to-water ratio. Try a biological detergent instead. Combine 2 cups (475 milliliters) of water with 4 ounces (113 grams) of a biological detergent. Add the leaves, then boil everything for 30 minutes. Rinse the leaves off, then scrape them clean with a soft toothbrush. Press the leaves between two sheets of blotting paper for 2 weeks. Use bleach to turn the leaf skeletons white. Pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) water and ¼ cup (60 milliliters) bleach into a container. Add the leaves, and leave them there until they turn white. This will typically take about 20 minutes, but it may take longer for darker or thicker leaves. If you made a lot of skeleton leaves, you may have to work in a few batches for this step. Do not overcrowd the container you are bleaching them in. Rinse the leaves in fresh water. Fill a clean container with cool to lukewarm water. Dip the leaves into the water, one by one, then set them down onto a paper towel. The water will get rid of any excess bleach and stop the bleaching process Allow the leaves to dry. If you want the leaves to dry flat, place them between two sheets of paper towel, then stack some heavy books on top of them. If you want more natural-looking leaves, allow them to dry on a paper towel without anything on top. Without anything weighing them down, the leaves will curl and warp slightly as they dry. This process should take about 20 minutes. Soak the leaves in food coloring or liquid watercolor for a dyed effect. Mix water with enough food coloring or liquid watercolor to get the shade you want. Soak the leaves in the solution for up to 20 minutes, then lift them out. Rinse them in fresh water, then left them dry using the same method as before: If you want flat leaves, sandwich them between paper towels, then stack books on them. If you want natural leaves, let them dry on a paper towel. Paint the leaves with liquid watercolor or food coloring. Pour your desired colors into small cups or caps. Use a soft, watercolor paintbrush to paint the leaves with the dye. You can paint the leaves a solid color, or you can paint bands to create an ombre effect. Let the leaves dry between two books when you are done. Avoid using brushes with stiff bristles; they can damage the leaf skeletons. Spray paint the leaves if you want a metallic effect. Set the leaves down onto a paper towel. Lightly spray them with metallic spray paint. Use a pair of tweezers to lift the leaves up. Transfer them to a clean paper towel, and let them dry. Repeat the process for the other side. Don't let the leaves dry on the spray painted paper towel, or they will stick. Use floral spray paint for even better results. Add some bling with seed beads, glitter, or rhinestones. Outline the leaf and/or the center stem with liquid glue, then sprinkle on extra-fine scrapbooking glitter. You can also use tiny, glass seed beads or tiny rhinestones instead. Alternatively, you can draw designs onto the leaves using glitter glue. School glue or craft glue with a small tip will work the best for this. You can also paint the glue on using a thin, pointed paintbrush. Don't use the regular kind of glitter. It will be too chunky for this project. Use dried leaves to make a bowl or box. Cover your bowl or box with plastic wrap. Mix equal amounts of school glue and warm water. Dip the leaves into the glue, then smooth them onto the bowl or box. Let them dry, then lift the leaves off; peel away any plastic wrap stuck to the leaves. Add a sprinkle of extra-fine glitter to the glue for some sparkle. If you don't have school glue, you can try craft/tacky glue or decoupage glue (ie: Mod Podge). Use the leaves in scrapbooking and card making. You can glue the leaves to cards and scrapbooking paper using a glue stick. You can also paint the back of the leaf with a thin layer of liquid glue, and stick it to the project instead. For a fancier touch, use a shaped hole puncher or a craft blade to use an interesting shape (ie: heart, star, moon, etc) out of the middle of the leaf. You can also use the leaves to make prints instead. Paint the back with watercolor, press them against paper, then peel them away. Decoupage the leaves onto glass votives or vases. Wipe the glass object with rubbing alcohol first. Paint it with glossy decoupage glue (ie: Mod Podge). Apply a thin layer of decoupage glue onto the back of the leaf, then paint it onto the glass object. Coat the leaf with a final layer of decoupage glue. String the leaves onto a garland. Thread the leaves right through the joint where the center stem meets the base stem. You can even make several garlands, then hang them from vertically to create a backdrop. The string needs to be thin enough to pass through the leaf skeleton. More delicate leaves may only be able to handle thick thread or baker's twine. Sturdier leaves may work well with both thick thread or baker's twine, as well as thick twine, thin yarn, or thin jute cord. If you want to make the leaves keep their position on the string, tie a small knot in the string to either side of the leaf. | Place the leaves you want to use into a saucepan. Cover the leaves with washing soda and water. Cook the leaves until they soften. Remove the leaves from the water. Set the leaves onto a paper towel and gently brush the leaf pulp away. Rinse the leaves in fresh water once more. Allow the leaves to dry. Steep the leaves in water instead. Soak the leaves in plain water if you are patient. Try a biological detergent instead. Use bleach to turn the leaf skeletons white. Rinse the leaves in fresh water. Allow the leaves to dry. Soak the leaves in food coloring or liquid watercolor for a dyed effect. Paint the leaves with liquid watercolor or food coloring. Spray paint the leaves if you want a metallic effect. Add some bling with seed beads, glitter, or rhinestones. Use dried leaves to make a bowl or box. Use the leaves in scrapbooking and card making. Decoupage the leaves onto glass votives or vases. String the leaves onto a garland. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Your-Ear-Piercing | How to Clean Your Ear Piercing | To clean a new ear piercing, start by washing your hands with antibacterial soap so you don't spread germs to your piercing. Then, dip a cotton swab or ball in some isopropyl alcohol or a saline and sea salt solution, and swab around your piercing with it. Repeat on the back of your ear, using a new cotton swab or ball. When you're finished, apply an antibiotic ointment to the post of your earring, rotating the post in both directions so the ointment gets into your piercing. Remember to repeat the process once or twice a day so your piercing doesn't get infected. | Clean your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. You have to be sure that your ears don't get exposed to germs or dirt when cleaning. Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer around. If you won't be able to wash your hands, you can apply some hand sanitizer to sterilize your fingers before touching your piercing. Dip a cotton ball or swab in the cleaning solution. You can use isopropyl alcohol or a sea salt solution. Many piercing professionals will provide you with a saline and sea salt solution to use. If not you can mix 1/8th teaspoon of sea salt per 8 oz. of saline. Swab the ear lobe with the cotton ball or swab. Do this twice a day to keep the area around your piercing clean. First, dip the cotton ball or swab in the cleaning solution or alcohol. Try pressing the cotton ball to the opening on top of the bottle, then quickly turning the bottle over to soak the cotton with alcohol. Apply the swab around the piercing to keep the area free of germs. Use a new swab to clean the back of the ear in the same manner. Use a new cotton ball or swab to clean the other side of the ear. Always use a new cotton ball or swab for each part of your ear. Turn the earring posts. Go a half turn in each direction. Gently grasp the post between your fingers and turn it clockwise, then counterclockwise. This will help to keep the skin from becoming attached to your piercing. Apply an antibiotic ointment. Use a new cotton swab to apply ointment to the post of the earrings, then turn the earring again. Make a half turn in each direction two times. This will help the ointment to get inside the skin. Clean your piercing daily. You can clean them once or twice a day, but don't forget. Making it part of your morning and bedtime routine is a good way to make sure you get in the habit of cleaning your piercing every day. It just takes a few minutes and can save you from getting a painful infection. Keep your earrings in. Removing them for too long may cause your piercings to close. After about six weeks you can take out your earrings. Don't leave them out too long because even if the piercings are healed, they can still close depending on how fast your body heals. Some ear piercings can take longer to heal. For example, a cartilage piercing takes 4 months instead of 2. Make sure to not take out your piercing too quickly. Take your earrings out every night. Be sure your piercings have fully healed before removing them at night. Taking earrings out while you sleep will prevent your earrings from snagging during your sleep. It also will allow air to contact the skin, which will help keep your ears healthy. Clean your earrings with rubbing alcohol. Dip a cotton swab in alcohol. Rub it over the posts when your earrings are out for the night. Doing this regularly will help keep the earring free of germs that can cause infection. Swab your ears with a cotton swab and alcohol and apply antibiotic ointment. Do this once a month, or if your piercings ever begin to feel tender. Regularly treating the ear piercings will reduce the chance you ever have to deal with your piercings becoming infected. Take the posts out and clean them with rubbing alcohol. Germs and bacteria can collect on the earrings themselves. Clean your jewelry 2-3 times a day to help keep them clean until your infection clears. Dab rubbing alcohol on the piercing holes. Use a cotton balls or swab. Dampen the swab with alcohol, then place on the ear lobe all around the piercing. Discard the swab and repeat for the backside of the ear lobe. Cover the post with antibiotic ointment. Do this each time you clean the posts, before you put the earrings back on. You will only need a small amount of ointment. The antibiotic ointment will help fight the infection and heal your ear. Contact a dermatologist if symptoms persist. Most infections can be resolved at home with cleaning and ointments. If the infection doesn't clear up in a couple of days, you will need to consult a dermatologist to prevent it from spreading. | Clean your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. Dip a cotton ball or swab in the cleaning solution. Swab the ear lobe with the cotton ball or swab. Turn the earring posts. Apply an antibiotic ointment. Clean your piercing daily. Keep your earrings in. Take your earrings out every night. Clean your earrings with rubbing alcohol. Swab your ears with a cotton swab and alcohol and apply antibiotic ointment. Take the posts out and clean them with rubbing alcohol. Dab rubbing alcohol on the piercing holes. Cover the post with antibiotic ointment. Contact a dermatologist if symptoms persist. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Model-of-a-Heart | How to Make a Model of a Heart | To make a model of a heart with playdough, find some red playdough and roll it into a ball about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Use your fingers to mold the ball into the shape of an apple, with a slight indent running down the middle to form two bulges. To make the aorta, roll a tube shape in red playdough about 2 inches long and attach it to the top of left bulge. Use more red playdough to add details like the arteries that extend from the aorta. Then, use blue playdough to make a tube that will be your heart's left vein, as well as tiny tubes for the arteries. Use a sculpting knife for the little details. | Create the heart using red playdough. Start by rolling a small red ball about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) wide and thick. Now, lay a finger vertically down the middle and press down gently to create a small indent. Press down firmly on the top to create another more prominent indent as if it were an apple. Finally, press firmly against the bottom-right of the apple shape to create a small, less prominent indent. Leave the left side of the top indent (the right ventricle) slightly taller than the right side (the left ventricle). Remember that the left side is actually the right ventricle and vice versa. If you get confused, imagine the heart inside your body! Attach a small tube of red playdough to the top of the right ventricle. Roll a cylindrical piece of red playdough about 2 inches (5.1 cm) long to act as the aorta. Once you're done, attach it to the top of the left bulge (right ventricle). Create a curve in the tube about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the heart that runs down over the right bulge (left ventricle) and tails off to the right. Use a playdough knife to make a small incision into the end of the cylindrical piece to represent the center tubing of the aorta. Connect a 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) tube vertically to the bottom of the heart. Right now, the top tube is the aorta extending from the top of the heart. Now, make a smaller tube piece about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) long and connect it to the bottom of the heart—this is the bottom of the aorta. Make sure the small tube runs directly across from the top tube, as if both of them make one single piece running through the heart. Attach 3 small 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) tubes to the aorta. Roll 3 small tubes to represent the arteries that extend from the aorta. Now, connect them to the top piece of the aorta. Create 3 small holes in the tips of the tubes using the tip of your playdough knife or a toothpick. These represent the circular inner tubing of the arteries. Run a tube of blue playdough right across the aorta. Roll a tube of blue playdough about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long—slightly smaller than the aorta tube. This is your heart's left vein. Now, connect one end to the base of the aorta extending from the top of the heart. Run it to the right horizontally over the portion of the aorta that extends to the right. If it's easier, break the blue tube into 2 pieces and attach them individually. Start by running one from the bottom of the aorta up to the center of the heart, and the other extending from this point to the right over the remaining section of the aorta. Attach another tube of blue playdough vertically to the left of the heart. This is the heart's right vein. Start by rolling a tube of blue playdough about 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. Now, attach it to the back-left of the heart (the right ventricle) so that only the top and bottom of the tube are visible. Wrap the top of the tube over the heart and toward you. Create a small hole in the top tip of the tube using a playdough knife or toothpick. This represents the center tubing of the vein. Add an artery to the top of each blue vein. Roll 2 small tubes of blue playdough for each artery. Now, attach them to the top about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) from their tips. Create a small hole in each tip of the artery using your knife. Fill 1 Styrofoam cup with water. The cup acts as the heart and the water is the blood. The size of the cup isn't too important, as long as it can hold at least 1 cup (240 mL) of water. If you have something larger, go for it! You can use a beaker instead of a cup for similar results. Add a few drops of red food coloring for a nice effect! Cut the neck of a large balloon off with scissors. Purchase some large balloons that are 11 to 12 inches (28 to 30 cm) in size when inflated. Take one and cut the neck at the region where it starts to widen into the body. Afterward, set the neck aside for later. Keep broken or uninflated balloons away from children under 8 years of age. Stretch the balloon over the cup's opening. Afterward, pull it down over the cup as tightly as possible. When you're finished, the surface of the balloon should be as flat as possible. Discard any broken balloons as soon as possible. Poke 2 holes into the balloon's surface with a wooden skewer. Gently press down on the surface of the balloon with the sharp end of the skewer to create the holes. Try to make them roughly the size of your straws' diameter or slightly smaller. Be sure to create each hole on opposite edges of the balloon about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Purchase wooden skewers from big-box stores and home hardware stores. Insert the long part of your 2 straws into the holes. Gently insert each one to avoid ripping the balloon. Be sure that the straws fit snugly into the holes so that no air escapes. If the holes are too big and air escapes, remove the balloon and repeat the last 3 steps. Wrap the uncut part of the balloon neck onto a straw. Cover the tip of one of the straws with the neck so that no air can escape. After wrapping it around the straw, tape it to the straw to hold it in place. Use Scotch tape for the best results. Pump the heart into a sink by pressing onto the balloon. Start by aiming the open straw into a sink, which will act as the body. Gently press one of your fingers down onto the center of the balloon, which acts as the heart. Each time you press down, the water—acting as the blood—from the cup is pumped through the straws and into the sink. The cut part of the balloon acts as a valve that stops the blood from moving back down the straw into the previous chamber. Remove the balloon neck from the straw and press down on the balloon. After pumping the heart without a valve, nothing keeps the blood from moving down the straw. This prevents the blood from moving through the heart and into the body! Remember that the balloon neck is your heart's valve. This example shows how 1 chamber of your heart works with its valve. But inside your body, there are 4 chambers and 4 valves! Drill 2 holes into a bottle cap with an 11⁄32 inch (0.87 cm) drill bit. Standard straws usually have a diameter of about 0.36 inches (0.91 cm), which is roughly the size of a ⁄ 32 inch (0.87 cm) drill bit. Attach the drill bit to your electric drill and create 2 holes in one of the caps about equal distance apart. To create the holes, place the cap onto a flat surface with the top facing upward. Now, aim the drill into the center of the cap and apply downward pressure while squeezing the drill's trigger. Each hole should be big enough for your straws to slide through. Never use an electric drill without the help of an adult! Drill 1 hole into another bottle cap with a 6⁄16 inch (0.95 cm) drill bit. The hole in the second cap should be smaller than the first 2 holes. Again, attach your bit and drill down into the cap while applying firm pressure. Always place the bottle caps onto a flat surface while drilling. Mix 1 litre (0.26 US gal) of water and food coloring in your pitcher to create blood. Add a few drops of food coloring into a pitcher of water. Don't worry about using an exact amount of food coloring—as long as you have something that looks bloody! Stir the food coloring into the pitcher using a straw. Connect 2 straws and bend them to create two 90 degree angles. Pinch 1 straw at the end of the tip to make it smaller and insert it into the tip of the other straw. Adjust the bendable portion of the straws so each one is 90 degrees. Tape the straws together at the point where they connect. Keep the long portions of the straws parallel and facing downward. Repeat the above process with the remaining 2 straws. Fill 2 of your pop bottles about 80 percent full with water. Carefully pour your red water into each of your bottles. Don't worry about filling them exact—just try to leave about 1/3 of each empty. Remove the labels from your pop bottles if you haven't already. Align your 3 bottles in front of you and insert the final straw. Place your 2 bottles with blood in front of you in a straight horizontal line. Now, place the empty bottle to the right of them. Place your bottles on a clean, flat surface. Slide 2 straws through 2 caps and attach them to the bottles with water. Start by sliding the long end of a straw through the bottle with 1 hole in it. Now, take the other long end and slide it through the cap with 2 holes. Attach the cap with 1 hole to the left bottle and the second cap with 2 holes to the middle bottle. Afterward, fasten the caps. Leave the third bottle empty. Carefully slide the long ends of the straws into each pop bottle before you attach the caps and take care not to bend them. Attach the final 2 connected straws to the middle and right bottles. Insert one end of the final straw into the remaining hole on the middle bottle's cap. Now, insert the remaining end into the empty bottle with no cap. Seal any open space between the holes and the straws with clay. Label each bottle with masking tape. Attach a piece of tape to each bottle horizontally and label each one with a permanent marker. Mark the left bottle as the atrium of the heart, the second as the ventricle, and the third as the lungs (or body). Your fingers act as the heart's valves. You can skip this step if you'd like, but it helps to better understand the function of each part of the model. Squeeze the middle bottle and pinch the first straw connector. Pinch the left straw connector that runs between the left bottle (heart) and the middle bottle (ventricle). Now, squeeze the ventricle and watch the blood flow into the body! Afterward, let go of the left straw connector and pinch the right straw connector between the ventricle and the body while keeping the ventricle squeezed. Now, watch the blood move from the heart to the ventricle! Repeat this process to pump blood from the heart into the ventricle, and then distribute it into the body! When the blood in the heart is low, remove some from the body and distribute it back to the heart. Now, you can start the process over. | Create the heart using red playdough. Attach a small tube of red playdough to the top of the right ventricle. Connect a 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) tube vertically to the bottom of the heart. Attach 3 small 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) tubes to the aorta. Run a tube of blue playdough right across the aorta. Attach another tube of blue playdough vertically to the left of the heart. Add an artery to the top of each blue vein. Fill 1 Styrofoam cup with water. Cut the neck of a large balloon off with scissors. Stretch the balloon over the cup's opening. Poke 2 holes into the balloon's surface with a wooden skewer. Insert the long part of your 2 straws into the holes. Wrap the uncut part of the balloon neck onto a straw. Pump the heart into a sink by pressing onto the balloon. Remove the balloon neck from the straw and press down on the balloon. Drill 2 holes into a bottle cap with an 11⁄32 inch (0.87 cm) drill bit. Drill 1 hole into another bottle cap with a 6⁄16 inch (0.95 cm) drill bit. Mix 1 litre (0.26 US gal) of water and food coloring in your pitcher to create blood. Connect 2 straws and bend them to create two 90 degree angles. Fill 2 of your pop bottles about 80 percent full with water. Align your 3 bottles in front of you and insert the final straw. Slide 2 straws through 2 caps and attach them to the bottles with water. Attach the final 2 connected straws to the middle and right bottles. Label each bottle with masking tape. Squeeze the middle bottle and pinch the first straw connector. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Pretend-to-Be-a-Werewolf | How to Pretend to Be a Werewolf | To pretend to be a werewolf, avoid hanging out with anyone or answering calls during a full moon so people wonder where you are. You could even put some dirt and leaves on your clothes after a full moon so it looks like you've been out in the woods. Also, comment on smells a lot since werewolves are supposed to have a sensitive sense of smell. You can also try sleeping like wolves do by curling up in a ball or sleeping on your side with your arms and legs out in front of you. | Disappear for a while on the night of the full moon. Werewolves are known for their distinctive transformation if they sleep outside with the full moon's light shining directly on their face. Appear worried on the night of a full moon. Remember, you have to change that night. Do not make people think that something really bad is happening and don't lie. So, just excuse yourself and disappear somewhere where no one can find you. (If you're younger, let your parents know, though or they might freak out and call someone.) Never stay around other people on a full moon night. If someone calls you when the moon is up, don't answer. But answer every time when they call you at other times during the month. That behavior will make it easier for them to spot that something is wrong with you and you have changed. Be very protective of the ones you love. Just make sure not to thrash out or terribly injure someone. Wolves are always very protective and help the pack in any way they can. Walk like a wolf. This will depend on what wolf you want to be. The Alpha? Stand tall and walk with pride. Look up wolves and packs and ranks and how each rank acts. But every rank walks wolf-like. They can't help it because that's their nature. And since you are a werewolf, you're more used to that. It's like walking while wearing high heels. It will be uncomfortable, but it will not harm your feet and you will get used to it as you continue walking this way. Practice three different stares. Werewolves can look menacing and outright scary if they're angry. Practice putting on several different stares to perfect the impersonation. One for your enemies. Make it deep and aggressive. Look straight into their eyes and charge around them. Smile at them with your mouth open. When wolves do that, it's a sign of a challenge. The other one for your prey. Charge around your prey while observing every slight movement they make. Even if they move their feet a bit or just their finger. Spot it and make that clear. (Do not try smiling with your mouth open with this, since there is not going to be an equal fight. I don't mean that you are going to fight your prey or attack it, but that's how wolves are.) Last one, for interesting people and friends. Try to make it friendly and playful. Wolves are very playful with their friends. Target someone who loves wolves or is very connected with animals. If there is no one like that, target your best friend. Creep around in places they are and stalk them, but don't scare them! Think that you are a wolf and you are their protector. Keep a close eye on them and make eye contact. In the beginning, they might be scared a little bit if they don't know you. But prove to them that you are a friend and make them feel safe around you. After a full moon night put some dirt and leaves on your clothes and hair. That will give the impression that you have been in the forest. If someone tells you, act scared and excuse yourself. At places with many people, move as if you're hunting. Be sneaky. Keep your head a bit low and observe everyone's moves. Charge around them as if they are your prey. When you sleep, sleep in wolf positions. For example, curl up in a ball in a dark corner. Or lay with both hands and legs straight in front of you, like walking using all limbs. Except this time you're laying on your side. Hang out with canines more than with people. Don't break away from friends altogether, but if you were a werewolf you would feel more comfortable around canines. If you are hanging out way too much, you might also start smelling a bit like fur which is very good for your tries. Comment on smells. Don't be cheesy though! Only do that if you're good at acting. If someone accuses you of being a werewolf, deny it quickly. Act angry and a bit worried. Give them the "Enemy look" and tell them never to bring up the subject again and leave. Don't get in a fight about it. If you are a boy, let your hair grow so it looks like you are quite furry. Werewolves are known for their very hairy exteriors. If you want to start producing more hair (and you're a guy), you can try shaving and see if that helps you produce more hair. | Disappear for a while on the night of the full moon. Be very protective of the ones you love. Walk like a wolf. Practice three different stares. Target someone who loves wolves or is very connected with animals. After a full moon night put some dirt and leaves on your clothes and hair. At places with many people, move as if you're hunting. When you sleep, sleep in wolf positions. Hang out with canines more than with people. Comment on smells. If someone accuses you of being a werewolf, deny it quickly. If you are a boy, let your hair grow so it looks like you are quite furry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Russian-Salad | How to Make Russian Salad | To make a traditional Russian salad, boil potatoes and carrots until they're tender. In another pot, hard boil eggs. Once the vegetables and eggs are cool, cube them as well as cucumbers, pickles, and bologna. After everything is prepped and cubed, drain and rinse your peas. Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl with mayonnaise. Place the salad in the refrigerator for a few hours to chill before serving. | Cook potatoes and carrots. Place your potatoes and carrots in a medium pot and fill it with water. Cook it on high heat and boil them on the stove until they are tender. This should be around 20-30 minutes. Keep checking the tenderness of the vegetables because you don't want to overcook them. Do not peel your vegetables before you cook them. Leaving the skins on will help you retain more of the vitamins in the vegetables. Set your vegetables aside to cool. Hard boil your eggs. Take your eggs and place them in a large pot in a single layer. Fill the pot with water. Heat the pot on high heat until the water comes to a full rolling boil. Once they have boiled, turn off the heat but keep the pan on the hot burner. Cover the pan and let them sit for 10-12 minutes. If you want to eggs that are easier to peel once they are cooked, you should buy your eggs 1-2 weeks ahead of the time you know you want to make the salad. Older eggs are easier to peel. Drain the peas. Open the can of peas. Pour them into a strainer. To remove excess salt from the peas, run cool water over them. If you don't have canned peas, you can use frozen peas. Just thaw them before you use them. Peel your ingredients. Once you cool your eggs, you need to peel them. You can also peel the potatoes, carrots, and cucumbers if you don't like the flavor of the skins. You do not have to peel them. Leaving the skins on the vegetables will add minerals and vitamins to your salad. Cube the ingredients. Once your potatoes and carrots are cooled, cut them into 1/4 an inch cubes. You should also cut the cucumbers, pickles, bologna, and eggs into cubes as well. You should also mince the onion into even smaller pieces. When you buy your bologna, make sure the pieces are cut in thick slices or in a large chunk. They will be easier to cube this way. You can also use chicken or ham in this recipe. Just switch out the bologna with 2 cups of boiled chicken or 1 pound of ham if you prefer either to bologna. The cubes don't have to be precise, but they need to be small and easy to eat. The onion is optional. If you do not like fresh onion, you can omit it. If you just don't like the taste of normal onions, you can use chives or green onions instead. Finish the salad. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl with the mayonnaise. Keep stirring the mixture until all the ingredients are covered in the mayonnaise. Place in the refrigerator for a few hours to chill. Much like potato salad, this dish is designed to be made ahead of time. It will keep in the fridge for a few days after you make it. Boil the potatoes. Take your potatoes and place them in a medium pot. Fill the pot with water and boil it on high heat for 20-30 minutes, or until tender. Take them off the stove and let them cool. Leave the skins on the potatoes to help keep nutrients in the potatoes. Boil the peas. Take the peas and place them in a small pot. Boil them on high for 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain them and let them cool. These can be canned or frozen peas. If they are frozen, they may need to cook a little longer before they are tender enough to eat. Julienne the cabbage and cucumber. To julienne your cabbage, cut it into chunks. Take the chunks and cut thin, long slices out of the cabbage. To julienne the cucumber, slice off both ends. Then cut the cucumber into 2 inch sections. Then cut thin strips of cucumber from the smaller pieces. Place the cut pieces of each in a large bowl. If the cabbage slices are too long, cut them in half. You want them to be be able to be easily eaten. You can peel the cucumber if you want. The rind tends to be tough, but it does have good nutrients in it. Chop the rest of the ingredients. Take the potatoes, apples, carrots, and pineapple and cut them into cubes. Make sure to remove the seeds from the apples. Add these cubes to the bowl with the cabbage and the cucumbers. Mix them all together. You don't have to cut the pineapple if the chunks are small enough for you. You can peel the apples and carrots if you want, but they have beneficial vitamins and minerals in them. Add the remaining ingredients. Add the white pepper powder, sugar, salt, fresh cream, and mayonnaise. Mix the ingredients together well. Make sure the ingredients are covered evenly. Once the ingredients are mixed, top with the raisins. Refrigerate for a few hours or until the salad is completely chilled. Boil the vegetables. Take your carrot, potato, peas, and french beans and place them in a medium pot. Fill the pot with water. Place it on high heat and bring to a boil. Let them boil for as long as it takes for each of the ingredients to become cooked and tender, about 20-30 minutes. Set them aside to cool. You can also cook them in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl. Chop the ingredients. Once the vegetables have cooled, chop them into small pieces. Also, take the celery and chop it into small slices as well. Add them to a medium sized bowl. Add the mayonnaise. Once the vegetables are chopped, mix them together in the bowl. Add the mayonnaise and mix again, coating each of the ingredients evenly. Garnish the salad with slices of cucumber, tomato, or lettuce leaves. | Cook potatoes and carrots. Hard boil your eggs. Drain the peas. Peel your ingredients. Cube the ingredients. Finish the salad. Boil the potatoes. Boil the peas. Julienne the cabbage and cucumber. Chop the rest of the ingredients. Add the remaining ingredients. Boil the vegetables. Chop the ingredients. Add the mayonnaise. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Close-a-Credit-Card | How to Close a Credit Card | Before you close your credit card, make sure you've paid it off completely, as closing a credit card with a balance can lower your credit score. Once the card is paid off, call the 1-800 number of the back of the card to speak with customer service. Be prepared for them to make offers so you'll keep the card open, and stand your ground on your decision to close the card! Once you've canceled the card, make sure to call your lender after a few weeks to confirm the account is closed. | Determine which card to close. Think about why you are considering closing the credit card. It may have higher fees than other cards, be specific to a store you don't shop at any more, or may be simply go unused. Whatever the reason, make sure that you want to close this card. Closing a credit card account can be a somewhat trying process and can have a temporary, negative effect on your credit score, so don't take these decisions lightly. Also be sure not to close all of your credit cards. In theory, this would limit your ability to go into debt, but certain situations call for immediately available credit. You will want to have a sound financial plan, and a large emergency fund in place to avoid debt and high-interest loans. You don't want to have to take out a high-interest loan when you could have used your card. Make sure to close the cards with higher interest rates. If you are looking to narrow down your credit card collection, close those cards with higher interest rates first. It makes sense to keep those cards with good benefits, but paying exorbitant interest rates when you have the choice not to is a bad idea. The same is true of credit cards with high fees. Identify these cards and cut them out first. Find out how long the account information from this card will be on your credit report. Even when a credit card has been closed, the account information will remain on your credit report for quite some time after. Due to specific credit reporting laws, a credit card account in good standing (paid at least minimum amount, no missed payments, etc.) will stay on your report for ten years, while a negative report will stay for seven years. Figure out what closing this card will do to your credit score. Closing a credit card account can affect your credit score in a number of ways. The effects of doing so are generally not seriously harmful to a person's credit; however, they can cause a brief decrease in your credit score in some cases. Keep in mind that closing a card will never improve your score. Closing a card can affect your score in the following ways: Reducing your account variation. Credit agencies use a metric that measures how many credit sources you have and their variety (mortgage, car loan, credit card, etc.). Closing a credit card has the potential to decrease this measurement. Reducing the average account age. Another measurement used by credit agencies measures how long you have held certain accounts. If you choose to close an older credit card, the average age of your accounts may decrease, causing a dip in your credit score. Reducing your credit utilization rate. Finally, reporting agencies use a metric called "credit utilization rate" that measures how much credit you have vs. how much you use. A lower rate is favorable, but closing a card may significantly increase it. This is a very important factor in determining your credit score, so think about the effect this might have. Think about your timing. As previously mentioned, closing a credit card can lead to temporary dip in your credit score. If you planning to make a large purchase, like a car or house, in the near term, think about waiting to close your credit card after you make that purchase. Your temporarily-lower credit score could make your large purchase even more expensive by securing you a higher interest rate on the loan. Make sure you've paid off any remaining balance. Never try to close a credit card if you still owe money on it. If you want to get rid of a card, stop using it and pay it off before you close the account. You can do this the same way you usually pay your credit card bill. This can be online or by writing a check for the amount owed and mailing it with a copy of your bill to your credit card company. Redeem rewards before closing your card. Before closing your card, check online or call in to your lender to check if you have any outstanding rewards balances on your card. You don't want to forgo any potential cash or travel rewards. In some cases, however, this may be unavoidable as rewards may be limited to a certain time of year or value threshold that you haven't yet reached. Take advantage of these rewards if possible, then move on to the next step. Call the 1-800 number on the back of your card to contact the customer service department. You may have to wait on hold for a bit, but this is by far the best way to confirm with a person that your credit card is indeed closed. Tell the company customer service representative that you need to close your card, and be prepared for his attempt to stall you and try to convince you to keep your card. Hold fast, though, and stick to your original intention. The customer service number for your lender is also available on your bill and online. Write down any information given to you when you speak with the customer service representative. Record your contact with the credit card company. Most companies will give you a service or call number. Write this in addition to the time and date that you spoke to the customer service representative. For extra insurance, record the representative's name and employee number (this is also fairly standard). Hold your ground. Your credit card company may try to provide you with an offer to get you to stay. Remember, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to your guns about closing your account, if that's what you want to do. Alternately, you can try bargaining with your provider for lower interest rates and fees. In some cases they may agree to these terms to keep you as a customer. Write a letter to the credit card company reiterating your intention to close the account. This is as much for your own records as it is for making sure the account is closed. Sending a letter will finalize the closure of your account and give you a legal written and dated record of your action should anything go wrong with the closure of your account. If you really want to guarantee full legality, send the letter by certified mail and hold on to the receipt you will receive upon paying the certified postage. In your letter, request written confirmation that the account is closed. Make sure to also include your information, like your name, phone number, and address. You may also want to include proof of payment from when you paid off your remaining account balance. Do so by including a cancelled copy of the check. You can also request that your credit report say that your card was closed "at the consumer's request." This will make the situation clear to future lenders. File the letter in your records. Make a copy of the letter and keep it in a safe place. By doing so you will have complete and reasonable proof that you closed your credit card account. Also be sure to hold onto the certified mail receipt. This will help prove that the credit card company received your letter. Wait a few weeks and then contact your lender to confirm. Follow up a few weeks later to make sure that your account is indeed closed. Companies may occasionally make mistakes and fail to close your account. The closing process can take up to a month, so don't worry if it isn't closed after a few weeks. If your account has not been closed after a month, though, it's time to take action. Once closure is confirmed, cut up your credit card to finalize the closure. You can check whether or not an account has been closed by obtaining a copy of your credit report. File a complaint, if necessary. Check your credit report a month after you first called to have your card closed. If the card is still active, it is is time to take further action. First, try calling your credit card company again and writing another letter. Wait for a response. If this fails, you can file a dispute through a credit reporting agency (either Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax). Each agency's website has clear instructions on how to do so. If your account is still open after this, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at http://www.consumerfinance.gov/Complaint/. | Determine which card to close. Make sure to close the cards with higher interest rates. Find out how long the account information from this card will be on your credit report. Figure out what closing this card will do to your credit score. Think about your timing. Make sure you've paid off any remaining balance. Redeem rewards before closing your card. Call the 1-800 number on the back of your card to contact the customer service department. Write down any information given to you when you speak with the customer service representative. Hold your ground. Write a letter to the credit card company reiterating your intention to close the account. File the letter in your records. Wait a few weeks and then contact your lender to confirm. File a complaint, if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Secret-Society | How to Create a Secret Society | To create a secret society, you'll need a mission or purpose. Once you've got that, you can create a fun name for your secret society, like the Swag Squad or Geeks Only. Then, decide on the rules your members will have to follow, how often you'll meet, and how you'll achieve your goals. For example, you could start a society that wears all blue on Tuesdays or a group that meet up once a week to hang out and listen to rap music. You'll have to be careful when recruiting members so the outside world doesn't find out. Only tell people you know would be interested in your society, like your best friends. You can drop subtle hints about your purpose to see what potential members think about it. Make sure your members never talk about the society to anyone else. Meet somewhere secret where no one will see you or start a secret online chat. | Create a secret or a secret mission. A secret society must have something to protect. Read a few clique-like books, like the clique series by Lisi Harrison, for some background information, although, maybe not so mean like they were. Get any number of your friends to read these books. Privately talk with one of your closest friends whom you know will love the idea of starting a secret society. Think of a name. You and your closest friend should discuss what your secret society should be called. Also discuss who you will induct. Remember, even if you have a large group of really good friends, not all of them are secret society material. They won't find out, as it is a secret society. Conduct a proper initiation for you and your closest friend. This should be done before you initiate others. That way, you are sure to come up with a good idea. The initiation is one of the most important parts of the society. It has to be something neither of you would do normally. Candle-lighting sets a serious and official tone, which is always good. Secret names are fun to have. Figure out what your society does. There has to be rules. Set a schedule for fun things you can do, i.e. dressing alike on certain days, or having monthly rituals. Have fun with it. It's all about your creativity. Newsletters are common. It might be fun to post mysterious messages in some part of your school. Everyone sees it, but very few know what it means. Find potential members. Subtly drop something related to your secret in a conversation with a friend to figure out how they feel about it. Make sure there's no possibility they ever betray you, make sure they will be okay with the rules. Don't mention your secret society until you are absolutely sure they can be completely trusted. If they betray you, your secret society is not so secret anymore! Induct your members. Invite your friends to a sleepover and then spring it on them. They will be surprised and excited, and thrilled because they are special. An important thing in secret societies is to meet in secret, that means meeting in a new place every time or having access to a secret room somewhere. You could even figure out a time to chat online. Make a dress code. Most small secret societies use robes while large ones, like the Freemasons, have complex aprons. Keep quiet and have fun. Your friends and you will be even closer than ever. Initiate well to do people in the society. In a school, initiate the most brilliant and enthusiastic students that seem like clique-material, and they will motivate and inspire others. But you don't want to have too many members. The more members, the less secret it is. Five to ten should be good. At first, be friendly, but do not reveal the central secrets of your society. After time passes, slowly begin to unravel secrets to new inductees. After all, you don't want to tell them the secret immediately, because what if they blab it to others? You don't want that. There needs to be a way to get rid of someone if they become bad for the group or start talking—like blabbing the society's secret. If they do, pretend like that was never the secret, but immediately create a new secret. Put this in the rules. | Create a secret or a secret mission. Read a few clique-like books, like the clique series by Lisi Harrison, for some background information, although, maybe not so mean like they were. Think of a name. Conduct a proper initiation for you and your closest friend. Figure out what your society does. Find potential members. Induct your members. An important thing in secret societies is to meet in secret, that means meeting in a new place every time or having access to a secret room somewhere. Make a dress code. Keep quiet and have fun. Initiate well to do people in the society. At first, be friendly, but do not reveal the central secrets of your society. There needs to be a way to get rid of someone if they become bad for the group or start talking—like blabbing the society's secret. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-a-Cymric-Cat | How to Identify a Cymric Cat | To identify a Cymric cat, first observe its head, as Cymrics have circular faces in comparison to other cats' narrow chins. They also have widely spaced ears, which stand erect on top of their heads. You should also look for a compact body, as Cymric cats are big and heavy at about 12 to 15 pounds due to their sturdy and solid bone structure. Additionally, Cymric cats are more playful than most other breeds, so observe if your cat likes to play fetch, follow you around the house, and carry toys in their mouth. | Identify a round head. A Cymric's head is round in shape, resembling a circle. This is in contrast to other breeds. Other breeds are more likely to have a round head that narrows near the chin and mouth, similar to an upside down triangle. Look for widely spaced ears. Its widely spaced ears stand erect on top of its head. In terms of shape, its ears are wide at the base and gradually taper to a rounded tip. Its ears may have wisps or tufts of hair. Observe large, round eyes. Its eyes are also positioned at a slight downward position toward its nose. In other words, the inner corners of its eyes are slightly lower than the outer corners. A Cymric may have hazel, green, amber, copper, gold, yellow or orange eyes. Identify a compact body. Unlike other cats that may appear big but weigh very little, the Cymric is both big and heavy. This is because the Cymric has a very sturdy and solid bone structure. Its well-developed hindquarters enable it to jump and balance on very high ledges despite its absence of tail. Assess its size. Cymrics are medium to large-sized cats. Male Cymrics can grow to be 12 to 15 pounds (5.4 to 6.8 kg) at maturity. On the other hand, female Cymrics can grow to be 8 to 12 pounds (3.6 to 5.4 kg) at maturity. Look for a knob tail. It is usually made up of only one or two vertebrae. In addition to a knob tail (also called a rumpy-riser), the Cymric may be tailless (also known as rumpy). These short tails give the Cymric's rear end a rounded appearance. Cymrics may also have a tail that is slightly longer than the knob that may be kinked, knotted, or curved (these are known as stumpies). Examine its patterns. Cymrics are typically multi-patterned cats. They may have a tortoiseshell, calico, bicolor, tabby, or ticking pattern. However, they can also have a solid, smoke, or shaded pattern. Identify a double coat. For a Cymric, long guard hairs stand out from a thick, downy undercoat. The long hair that stands out from its undercoat is what distinguishes it from a Manx cat. Observe its ability to play fetch. Cymrics love to play and their intelligence makes them well-suited to learn tricks such as playing fetch. Similar to dogs, Cymrics may also bury their toys and carry them in their mouth as they walk around. Identify a loyal attitude. Cymrics are very loyal to their owners and will follow them around the house, assisting in whatever tasks they are doing. They also like to spend a lot of quality time with their owners. However, they are not pushy or overly demanding of attention. Notice a chatty cat. If talked to, a Cymric cat is known to reply with quiet trills. They may even hold a conversation with their owners. Additionally, you may find Cymric cats talking to themselves as they walk around the house. Look for dexterity. Their dexterity allows them to open doors and cabinets. Therefore, if you do not want your Cymric getting inside a room or a cabinet, make sure to lock or secure the door. Recognize a tendency to protect. Cymrics can be protective of their people and property. They're sometimes even referred to as “guard cats.” While they're usually calm and easygoing with family, they may growl and hiss at strangers or intruders. Look for a reputable breeder. If you're looking to get a Cymric kitten, search online for breeders that seem legitimate. These breeders are more likely to follow a code of ethics and keep track of each animal's accurate information. Don't adopt a kitten from a breeder that has multiple litters at a time, lets you choose any kitten you want, and/or allows you to pay online via credit card. All of these are red flags. Get the necessary documentation from the breeder. When adopting a kitten, ask to see the pedigree certification of both parents and for proof that the litter is registered as Cymric. A genuine breeder will be happy to provide this information. Do a DNA test. To find out for certain whether or not your cat is a Cymric, consider doing a DNA test. This involves going through a company to take a sample of cheek cells with a swab and send them to a reference lab for analysis. Since the Cymric is an unusual breed, choose a company that has a wide collection of DNA samples so that an accurate match is made. | Identify a round head. Look for widely spaced ears. Observe large, round eyes. Identify a compact body. Assess its size. Look for a knob tail. Examine its patterns. Identify a double coat. Observe its ability to play fetch. Identify a loyal attitude. Notice a chatty cat. Look for dexterity. Recognize a tendency to protect. Look for a reputable breeder. Get the necessary documentation from the breeder. Do a DNA test. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Mix-Saltwater-for-an-Aquarium | How to Mix Saltwater for an Aquarium | To mix saltwater for an aquarium, start by rinsing out a large container and then filling it not quite to the top with tap water. Then, place a powerhead and heater in the container so you can regulate the water temperature and help the salt dissolve faster. Next, add sea salt mixture from a pet store to the container per the manufacturer's instructions, working in 3 batches and waiting for the salt to dissolve between batches. Once the sea salt has dissolved, let the water sit overnight and then test the salinity and temperature before adding it to your tank. | Buy a sea salt mix. Fish supply stores offer two ways to get saltwater for your aquarium. One is by pre-made saltwater or getting a synthetic sea salt mix that you blend into the water. If you plan to mix your own saltwater, make sure you purchase the pre-made saltwater solution that you add to water that you supply. Get a dry synthetic saltwater mix. These generally come in tubs of 10 or 22 kilograms or 22 or 48 pounds. You'll need a larger container for bigger aquariums and a smaller tub for smaller aquariums. Keep in mind that even if you have extra, you can use the product to mix future batches of saltwater. Make sure you use a quality, reputable synthetic sea salt mix such as Instant Ocean or Reef Crystals. Decide on your water source. Just as your sea salt mix is important, so is the water for the saltwater aquarium. You can use tap water for a fish-only aquarium but need a different water source for reef aquariums. It is ideal to use reverse osmosis and/or deionized water (RO/ DI) for fish-only and reef aquariums. Be aware that you should only use tap water if its quality is excellent. It should be free of petroleum, organic compounds such as animal manure, or other chemicals introduced by humans' activities. You'll also need to dechlorinate and dechlorinate tap water before you blend it with the sea salt mixture. You can get products that remove chlorine and chloramines, such as Dr.Tim's Aquatics Aqua Cleanse, at fish supply and some pet stores. Purchase RO/ DI water at a fish or pet supply store. If you are interested, you can also purchase a system that produces RO/ DI water. Gather additional supplies. Water and a sea salt mixture are the most important elements of blending saltwater for your aquarium. You'll need a few more supplies to ensure that the aquarium is safe for your fish and/ or corals. Make sure you have the following supplies before you start mixing your saltwater: Clean bucket or heavy-duty plastic storage bin Submersible aquarium heater Floating or battery-powered thermometer Small submersible powerhead or pump for water circulation Refractometer or hydrometer for measuring specific gravity/ salinity, which is how salty the water is Stirring tool Rinse the container. Before your fill your container with the water, make sure to rinse it with tap water. This can ensure there are no substances in the container that could contaminate your saltwater. Avoid using any detergent when you rinse the container. These can cause harm to the life in your aquarium. When you're done, place the container next to your aquarium so it is easier to fill or refill the water. Fill the container with water. Figure out how much water you need in your aquarium, which you can do by checking its size. Fill the container with either tap or RO/DI water in the amount that will work for your aquarium. Avoid filling the container to the top because the salt mix will displace some of the water. Then fill the aquarium with enough of the mixed water to leave room for things such as splashing from the fish, turbulence from the filter, and other animals like snails, which lay their eggs on the top of the water. Insert the thermometer in the container. Add your thermometer to the mixing container in a place where you can easily monitor it. This will help ensure that the temperature in the mixing container is the same as in your aquarium, which can also keep your fish and coral healthy. Measure the temperature of your aquarium before putting it in the mixing container. Note the aquarium temperature on a piece of paper so that you don't forget it. Position the powerhead and heater in the container. Set the powerhead and the heater near the bottom of your mixing container. This can help dissolve the salt more quickly so that you can put it in the aquarium. Make sure the heater temperature is set to the same level as the one currently in your aquarium. The target temperatures you should have are: 72-80 degrees Fahrenheit for fish-only tanks, and 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit for those with reefs. Look to see that the powerhead is creating some turbulence at the water's surface to maximize gas exchange. If it is not, reposition the powerhead until you see light turbulence at the surface. Add the sea salt mixture. Now that the water is in the mixing container, it's time to add the sea salt. It's important to read the packaging instructions before you add the mixture so that you don't put too much the water. Slowly add the salt mixture to your water as you stir it. Note the manufacturers' instructions. They will direct you to use a certain number of pounds of sea salt mixture per gallon of water. You want to ultimately aim for a specific gravity of about 1.025 or a salinity of 35ppt. Add the sea salt mixture in three separate batches. Put in the first batch and stir until it dissolves completely. Then you can add the second batch and blend until the salt dissolves. Finish by adding the third batch of sea salt and mix it until it completely dissolves. Test the specific gravity. Once you've added the three batches of sea salt mixture, it's important to test the specific gravity of the water with the hydrometer or refractometer. This will let you know if you've added too much or too little sea salt mixture. Watch for the salinity/ specific gravity to be between the levels of 1.020 and 1.024. If the level is below 1.020, add more salt until you reach the desired specific gravity. If the level is above 1.024, add more water until you reach the desired specific gravity. Let the saltwater sit overnight. Before you add the saltwater to your aquarium, allow it to sit at least 24 hours. This can ensure that the salt is completely mixed into the water and that the water achieves proper oxygen/ carbon dioxide equilibrium. Leave the powerhead in the container so that it can aerate the water properly. This will help the water achieve proper oxygen/ carbon dioxide equilibrium. You should also leave the thermometer in the container. Monitor the specific gravity. After you've allowed the saltwater mixture for at least 24 hours, it's important to check the salinity/ specific gravity again. This can alert you to potential imbalances that need adjusted. Adjust the specific gravity levels until they reach the optimal level of 1.020 to 1.024. Add more salt if they are too low and more water if they are too high. Measure your aquarium's temperature. Just as salinity is important to the wellbeing of your fish, so is the water temperature. Once you've tested and adjusted the specific gravity, check the water temperature. It should be the same temperature as the water in your aquarium. Keep heating it if the temperature is too low. Remove the heater and keep checking the temperature until it reaches the optimal range of 72-75 degrees Fahrenheit for fish only and 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit for reef systems. Be aware that adding salt water at a different temperature than your aquarium will cause a change in temperature for your aquarium. This could harm the health of your fish. Pour the saltwater mixture into your tank. When all of the water levels are optimal, you can begin adding the new saltwater to the aquarium. Make sure to add the water slowly so that it doesn't shock any fish or other life in the aquarium. Keep checking the temperature and salinity of the water to ensure the levels remain stable. Add your fish back to the aquarium once it is filled to the appropriate level. You may want to consider double checking the salinity and temperature before adding the fish if you are concerned. | Buy a sea salt mix. Decide on your water source. Gather additional supplies. Rinse the container. Fill the container with water. Insert the thermometer in the container. Position the powerhead and heater in the container. Add the sea salt mixture. Test the specific gravity. Let the saltwater sit overnight. Monitor the specific gravity. Measure your aquarium's temperature. Pour the saltwater mixture into your tank. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Mark-a-Baseball-Scorecard | How to Mark a Baseball Scorecard | To mark a baseball scorecard, start by listing your team, the umpire's name, the date, and the opponent's team in the general boxes at the top. Next, fill in the spot where you indicate whether your team is home or away and list your team's batting lineup from top to bottom. Once the game begins, fill in the bubbles or boxes in the top left for each strike or ball and mark each base that a runner reaches by darkening the path on the diamond. Then, write the outcome of an at-bat in each box and shade in the entire diamond whenever a player scores. | Purchase scorecards in bulk or print them out online. If you're going to keep score for your child's or friend's team, you're going to need a lot of scorecards. Find a design that looks clean and easy to understand and order them in bulk from a sports equipment store or online shop. You can also print a bunch of free templates out if you prefer. This way, you'll always use the same design. You don't need to worry about different sheets being radically different—baseball scorecards are universal in terms of the information that they contain, even if the design is a little different. The differences between different sheets are pretty minor. If you're keeping score at the ballpark to enjoy a professional or minor league game, ask an usher for a scorecard. They typically give them out for free or sell them for cheap. Use an offical roster to fill in the batting lineup on the left. You use one scorecard per lineup. The column on the left labeled “player” is where you will list the batting lineup, with the first batter at the top and the ninth batter at the bottom. Each row has an extra line underneath it in case a player is replaced mid-game. If you don't know the player's names, you can use their jersey numbers instead. If you're scoring little league games where there are lots of substitutions, find a scorecard with 3 or 4 lines per player. You only track 1 team's performance on a single scorecard. If you want to score both teams, use 2 separate cards. There are some scorecards that are double-sided so that you can track both teams on one sheet. There is usually a column on the left of a player's name for their jersey number. The “Pos” column on the right is shorthand for “position” so that you can enter the player's fielding position. There is often an extra row at the bottom for a tenth player in case your team uses a pinch hitter or your screw up on a row. Some scorekeepers use this row to take notes. Identify the inning columns at the top. Look at the row above the diamonds that are printed all over the page. You will see the numbers 1-9 listed above each column. These represent the total number of innings in a game of baseball. Every time that your team comes up to bat in a new inning, you'll move to the next column to indicate that it is a new inning. You work from the top to the bottom to indicate which batter is hitting. You work left to right to indicate when things happen in the game. This means that you won't use every single box on a scorecard unless your team has 9 at-bats every single inning. If your team bats around the lineup, cross out the innings at the top and re-label them. There are usually 2-3 extra columns for this purpose. They can also be used for extra innings if the game is tied at the end. For example, the box in the top left indicates the first batter's at-bat in the first inning. The box all the way at the end of the row would indicate the first batter's at-bat in the last inning of the game. Track your team’s pitchers at the bottom of the card. There are a few rows listed at the bottom under “pitchers” or “pitcher” where you list each individual pitcher's name for your team. Some cards have 2 sets of rows for pitchers. This is so that you can track the effectiveness of the other team's pitchers. List the general information at the top before the game starts. List your team, the umpire's name, the date, and the opponent's team in the general boxes at the top. Fill in the spot where you indicate whether your team is home or away. If your team is home, that means they're playing on their regular field. If they're away, it means that they've travelled to play on another team's field. A team at home is generally considered to have a slight advantage in a given matchup. Fill in any other boxes, like time, field, or league if you want. This information isn't always essential, but if your league has time limits it may be important. Start the time as soon as the first pitch is thrown. Fill in your team’s batting lineup from top to bottom. If you're keeping score for a high school or little league team, ask the head coach for a copy of the lineup before the game starts. Write each player's name down on the top line in their row. Include their position and jersey number if you have immediate access to that information. If you don't, you can fill it in as your team makes it through its first rotation at the plate. Remember to skip a line (or 2) for each player so that there is one name in each row of baseball diamonds. When a player is substituted in, write their name, number, and position below the player that they went in for and draw a vertical line in between the baseball diamonds in the inning that it happened. If there is a pitching change, draw a horizontal line in the diamonds between the last batter of the old pitcher and the first batter of the new pitcher. Write the new pitcher's name in the next row at the bottom in the “pitcher” section. Fill in any extra information on the right side of the scorecard. On some scorecards, there are extra rows or columns on the right side of the page for you to list your name, the temperature, the direction of the sun, or other environmental factors. There may also be a section for taking notes or making observations in this area. Fill in bubbles or boxes in the top left for each strike or ball. Every pitch is tracked in the individual boxes at the top of each diamond. There are 5 boxes that are aligned in 2 rows to indicate 3 balls and 2 strikes. During an at-bat, every time that an opposing pitcher throws a strike, shade in a box in the row with 2 boxes. Every time that pitcher throws a ball, fill in a box in the row with 3 boxes. There is no fourth box for balls because the at-bat is over if they throw 4 balls. This is also why there is no third box for strikes. If the pitcher throws a strikeout, write a big K in the middle of the diamond. If the batter didn't swing and took the third strike “looking,” write a backwards K. If a pitcher throws 4 balls and walks the batter, write BB. If they hit a batter, write HBP to indicate that they were hit by a pitch. Draw where a ball was hit by illustrating it on the diamond. Every time that a hitter hits the ball and successfully reaches a base, you can draw the location and type of hit on the diamond. To do this, draw a jagged line for a ground ball, a loopy line for a pop-up or fly out, and a straight line for a line drive. Some scorekeepers like to do this so that they can visually represent where a batter hit the ball. You do not have to do this if you don't want to. It is completely optional, but the information is really helpful if you're trying to track a hitter's tendencies. Mark each base that a runner reaches by darkening the path on the diamond. To show that a runner made it to first base, use your pencil or pen to darken the line on the diamond going from home plate to first base. Darken each individual base path that the runner uses, but do not include a base if they get thrown out. For example, if a player hits a single, darken the line from home to first base. If they steal second base successfully, darken the line from first to second. If they get thrown out trying to reach home plate after a single, leave the final 2 base paths blank, since they did not reach them successfully. Some scorekeepers indicate stolen bases with a broken line instead of a solid line. You can write SB, PO, or CS above a base path; these abbreviations stand for stolen base, pick-off, or caught stealing. Write the outcome of an at-bat in each box. You can write the outcome in the middle of the diamond or in some open space next to the diamond. If they get a hit, write the abbreviation for the base that they reached after making contact. If they were thrown out, grounded out, or flew out, list each player that touched the ball and separate them by hyphens. Put the type of play in front of the numbers. The abbreviations for hits are 1B, 2B, 3B, and HR; these abbreviations stand for single, double, triple, and home run. The abbreviations for outs are F, LO, or GO; these stand for flyout, line out, or ground out. Some scorekeepers also use PO for pop out. DP stands for double play. For example, if a player flies out to left field, you would simply write F7 in the diamond (or next to it) to indicate that the batter flied out and the left fielder caught the ball. If the first baseman caught a ground ball and touched first base for the out, you would write GO3. A more complicated play may read DP3-6-1. This means that the defense scored a double play when the first baseman fielded the ball and threw it to the shortstop. The pitcher went to go cover first base and then caught the throw from the shortstop for the final out. Shade in the entire diamond whenever a player scores. If a player scores, fill in the final line along the base path from third to home. Then, shade in the center of the diamond by holding your pen or pencil at an angle. Use back-and-forth lines to fill in the negative space and indicate that a player scored. If you're making your play notations outside of the diamond, you can fill in the diamond fully so that it's dark. If you're writing the play in the diamond, keep it light so that you can still read the original notation. Mark errors with an E to show when a player screwed up. Errors refer to mistakes that a player makes which result in an opposing player safely reaching a base when they normally wouldn't have. Place your E next to the player that caused the hitter to reach the next base. For example, E7 means that the left fielder either dropped the ball or threw it over a player's head. For a play with an error later in the sequence of the play, put the E next to the player that made the mistake. For example, 4-6-E3 means that the second baseman threw it to the shortstop. The shortstop then threw the ball to the first basemen who proceeded to miss or drop the ball. You don't include the type of hit on an error because it's irrelevant; it doesn't count as a hit for the batter, and it doesn't count as a hit for the pitcher. It is a separate category of play. It's up to you who you want to blame on certain plays with unique mistakes. If the shortstop fields a ground ball and throws in the dirt in front of the first baseman, is it the first baseman's fault that he missed a tough throw, or is it the shortstop's fault for making a bad throw? This can be scored E6 or 6-E3 based on your assessment of the play. Use FC to indicate a fielder’s choice. A fielder's choice refers to any play where a base runner safely reached a base on a play where another base runner was called out. It's important to mark fielder's choices because they don't count as hits but they explain how base runners advanced or reached a base. Mark a fielder's choice with FC. For example, if there is a runner on first base, and the player hits a ground ball to the shortstop, there is a fielder's choice if the shortstop throws the runner out at second but the batter reaches first base safely. Similarly, if the shortstop ignored the first runner and threw the hitter out at first, this would also be a fielder's choice. If a player intentionally bunted or hit a fly ball to move a baserunner, it doesn't count as a fielder's choice. Write SAC to indicate that a player hit a sacrifice bunt or fly ball. Track pitcher information using hashmarks. Unless you're using the opposite side or a second scorecard, there is no way to track a pitcher's performance every inning. There are only columns and rows to list a pitcher's overall performance. To make it easy to track a pitcher's performance every inning, most scorekeepers use small, vertical hashmarks to track hits, earned runs, strike outs, and walks. There are other columns for balks, wins, saves, and innings pitched, but the key information that you need for a single game performance are the number of runs, strikes outs, and walks. These will tell you what a pitcher's overall performance was like. Use a scorecard to pay attention to the game and enjoy it more. Keeping score forces you to pay attention to every single pitch, hit, and play. Since you need to record everything except foul balls, keeping score will tune you into what is happening. For a lot of fans, this makes the game more enjoyable, and the experience of completing a scorecard can be just as satisfying as watching the game. If you just enjoy the act of keeping score, don't feel like you have to hold on to your scorecard after the game is over. If you like keeping score and you have a child or friend in little league, ask the coach if he'd like access to your scorecards. The coach will be able to use them, and this may free up an assistant coach to do something else. Add an exclamation point or asterisk if you want to note great plays. If you're using a scorecard to track a team that you're coaching, mark each play that deserves additional discussion or praise with an exclamation point or asterisk. You can also use the marks to indicate mistakes that you want to address in practice. You'll be able to easily look back over the course of the game and remember which specific play needs to be discussed. This is a great way to track game balls or MVP awards for your players. Compile the statistics for each batter at the end of the game. On most scorecards, there are some smaller columns on the right side of the card for you to list the number of singles, doubles, triples, walks, home runs, strikeouts, and walks that a player completed over the course of a game. Store your scorecards for each game to make it easy to calculate total statistics at the end of a season. Use the scorecards to identify trends in player behavior over time. Scorecards will also show you how a player is performing over time. If they're hitting a lot of ground balls, you can work with that player on getting under the ball. If they're striking out a lot, you can work with them on identifying good pitches. If you see a player hitting a lot of fielder's choices, stick them either at the top or bottom of your lineup. Fielder's choices can turn into double plays quite easily, so you don't want them in the middle of your lineup when the number of base runners is usually high. If a player is particularly good at bunting or hitting sacrifice fly balls, bat them fifth or sixth. This will give them more chances to bring runners in. | Purchase scorecards in bulk or print them out online. Use an offical roster to fill in the batting lineup on the left. Identify the inning columns at the top. Track your team’s pitchers at the bottom of the card. List the general information at the top before the game starts. Fill in your team’s batting lineup from top to bottom. Fill in any extra information on the right side of the scorecard. Fill in bubbles or boxes in the top left for each strike or ball. Draw where a ball was hit by illustrating it on the diamond. Mark each base that a runner reaches by darkening the path on the diamond. Write the outcome of an at-bat in each box. Shade in the entire diamond whenever a player scores. Mark errors with an E to show when a player screwed up. Use FC to indicate a fielder’s choice. Track pitcher information using hashmarks. Use a scorecard to pay attention to the game and enjoy it more. Add an exclamation point or asterisk if you want to note great plays. Compile the statistics for each batter at the end of the game. Use the scorecards to identify trends in player behavior over time. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Your-Dog-in-the-Winter | How to Care for Your Dog in the Winter | To care for your dog in the winter, increase the number of calories you feed it by 10 percent by adding more food to its daily serving size, since this will compensate for the energy it uses trying to stay warm. Additionally, you should take it on shorter walks and dress it in a snug jacket since it may be more sensitive to the cold. Since your dog's paws will be more prone to irritation and dryness, rinse them with warm water after each outing and wipe away any lingering salt or grit from between the pads. Alternatively, you can fit your dog with booties which will protect its paws if they're especially sensitive to the cold. | Feed them more calories. If your dog is a worker or goes outside a lot, they'll be burning even more calories than normal to just stay warm. Any dog, even a house dog who goes outside a few times a day to do their business, will be using up slightly more calories simply regulating their body temperatures. To compensate for this, it's a good idea to increase your dog's caloric intake according to their increased expenditure of energy in the winter. The amount of extra calories will depend on your dog's size, coat, age, activity level, and outdoor exposure as well as the severity of the climate. Most dogs will not require more than a 10% bump in their caloric intake, but outdoor working dogs could require nearly double the calories. Consult with your vet to get their winter diet recommendations for your pet. While dogs do generally need more calories in the winter, they (like us) also have a greater tendency to overeat during the holiday season. If your dog starts to put on weight, go back to their normal diet and consult with your vet. Adjust their food intake and schedule. Besides generally needing more calories, dogs benefit from a more consistent caloric intake during the winter. The easiest way to add extra calories is to add a bit more food to your pet's daily serving size. If you usually feed your dog once a day, consider switching to twice a day and increasing their overall daily serving so that your dog has a steadier caloric intake. If your dog needs to significantly boost their calories, consider swapping their normal dog food for a higher-calorie formula. When switching foods, always be sure to monitor your dog to ensure that it is not causing any digestive issues. Watch for telling symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. It's not necessary to feed dogs hot food or warm water to help them stay warm. This can mess with digestion and upset your dog's stomach. It's better to keep the dog's diet relatively stable. Give your dog fish oil supplements. Fish oils offer natural lubricants that can benefit your dog during cold months. Adding more Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to your dog's diet in the winter can help them stave off any potential weather-related irritations to their skin and paws. It can also be beneficial to older dogs in alleviating arthritis pain that's exacerbated by cold conditions. Provide them constant access to clean water. We often forget that hydration is just as critical in the winter months as it is during the summer. Be sure that your pooch always has a dish of fresh water close at hand, even at night. If you have your dog outside, be sure to regularly check their water to make sure it isn't frozen. Protect your dog from antifreeze poisoning. We use antifreeze a lot in the winter, a substance that's tasty but toxic to our pets. Be sure to keep it out of the reach of your dog on a high shelf or in a securely locked cupboard. Always clean up any spills immediately. Put out sleeping pads for your dogs. If you have hardwood or tile floors, it can get awfully cold at night during the wintertime. Dogs, like you, enjoy being snug and cozy. When they struggle to find a warm spot, they can lose sleep or even disrupt yours with their restlessness. Buy some sleeping cushions or pads for your dog, or put out a couple old blankets for the dog to nest in. Keep dogs inside as much as possible. If the temperature drops below freezing, dogs should be inside far more than they're out. In general, you don't want to leave dogs out for longer than you'd stay out in your winter coat. Even long-haired dogs can be susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. If your dog usually sleeps outside, try letting them sleep inside in a designated area (such as the garage, kitchen, or entryway) when it drops below freezing temperature in the winter. If it's too cold for you to be outside, it's probably too cold for your dog to be outside. Provide adequate shelter if your dog does need to be left outside. High winds and cold temperatures can be deadly for outdoor dogs. It's absolutely essential that you provide them with a dog house and wind-breaks. If you don't already have one, buy or build a dog house. Keep your dog warmer by raising the floor of the dog house off the ground with raised flooring or palettes. Cover the bottom with thick, dry bedding (like blankets and straw) for your dog to nest in. You can also consider purchasing a heated dog house for your pet. However, do not try DIY alternatives like space heaters or electric blankets since these can pose serious fire risks. Don’t leave your house dog unattended outdoors. It's critical to be aware of your dog's tolerance for cold temperatures. While most dogs are naturally equipped to deal with cold conditions, many aren't used to them and may struggle to cope. Especially if your canine companion is usually an indoor dog, always keep a close eye on them when they're out in cold weather. Be on the lookout for symptoms of any potential problems, especially hypothermia. If your dog begins to shiver or whine, look like they're weakening or slowing down significantly, take them indoors immediately. Screen your dog for frostbite by watching for early symptoms, including waxy-looking skin and blisters. Go on shorter walks. Your pet will still need daily exercise, but if your dog is sensitive to cold temps, make the walks relatively short to keep the dog as warm and healthy as possible. Avoid frozen water. Lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams can be very hazardous to your pet and you during the winter. Breaking through the ice can easily lead to drowning or hypothermia. It's often difficult to tell if the ice covering a body of water is thick enough to support your dog's weight, so it's best to steer clear of it altogether. Dress small and short-haired dogs in sweaters or jackets. Very small dogs, like Chihuahuas, and short-coated dogs, like Boxers, are often much colder during the winter months, and may need a little extra help when they go outside. If you have a small or short-haired breed, get your dog a sweater or jacket that fits it snugly and will help them to retain their heat. These are commonly available at pet stores, or you can knit one yourself. Fit your dog with booties. If you live in a consistently cold climate with long winters or your dog's feet are especially sensitive to salt or cold, consider getting your dog cloth or rubber booties to protect their paws. Since these are specialty items, pet stores will not always stock them, and ordering them online may be easier. If you do order them online, be sure to measure your dog's feet and check the booties' specific sizing chart to get the right fit. There are no standard shoe sizes for dogs, so it's important to consult the one used by the brand of booties you are ordering. Dog boots should fit snugly but leave enough room for your dog's paws to breathe since they regulate heat through the pads of their feet. It will take your dog a while to adjust to wearing shoes, so be sure to keep them on a leash at first until they've adapted to walking in them. If you notice that the booties are slipping off, stop and adjust the velcro straps until they fit tightly enough to stay on. Wear lights and/or reflective gear. Winter weather means that the dark sets in early. Be sure that both you and your dog can be seen by suiting up in bright or reflective clothing. Consider getting your dog a collar with lights so that you don't lose them, and they're clearly visible to other people, bikers, and motorists. Put on a jacket or vest with reflective strips so that your dog and others can see you. Keep a towel by the door. Always make sure to dry your dog and clean their paws each time they come in from the snow. Besides creating a big mess in your house, paws that are left wet and dirty will sometimes start to crack or split and can become very painful. Play inside, instead of going out. If you or your dog don't want to go outside because of the cold, it's still important to give your dog some exercise each day. Find an area inside, like a long hallway clear of furniture, and play fetch or other games to keep your pooch fit. Don't shave your dog or trim long-haired breeds. Medium or long-haired dogs, who require frequent grooming, should always have their hair as long and thick as possible during the winter months. No dog should be shaved if they are living in a cold climate. This is an important part of helping them stay warm and clean during cold weather. Brush dogs regularly. Since dogs are more prone to dry skin and dandruff in the winter, it's important to comb them with a soft brush at least once a week to help condition their coats and skin. Doing so will remove dead skin cells while distributing the natural oils in their skin that help protect them against the elements. Double-coated dogs, like Huskies and Collies, should be brushed daily to help maintain their undercoat, which is what keeps them insulated. Bathe them very infrequently. Cold weather dries out your dog's skin, and giving them a bath can make the situation worse. If you do need to wash your pooch, do so using only water or a hypoallergenic, moisturizing shampoo. Never let your dog outdoors with a wet coat. Cold temperatures can quickly lead to a frozen mane and hypothermia, so always give your dog enough time to dry after a bath before they go outside. Use a blow dryer if necessary to speed up the process. Give extra attention to their nails. You may need to clip your dog's toenails more often in the winter since they're probably going outside less and meeting with less hard surfaces when they do. Take extra care of their feet. Your dog's paws take a particular beating during the winter due to ice, snow, and rock salt. Keep them clean and trimmed to avoid irritation, dryness, and cracking. Rinse your dog's paws with warm water after each outing. Use a towel to wipe between the pads of their feet to get rid of any lingering salt, grit, or ice. Check your dog's pads for signs of roughness or cracking. If they are, use a specialized foot-pad balm or a natural cooking oil such as coconut or olive oil to soften them up. Protect their pads by rubbing them with petroleum jelly before your dog goes outside. Keep the hair around your dog's paws and the pads of your dog's feet short. Trimming it regularly with a scissors will prevent snow and ice from matting on their fur or forming balls that are painful for your dog to walk on. | Feed them more calories. Adjust their food intake and schedule. Give your dog fish oil supplements. Provide them constant access to clean water. Protect your dog from antifreeze poisoning. Put out sleeping pads for your dogs. Keep dogs inside as much as possible. Provide adequate shelter if your dog does need to be left outside. Don’t leave your house dog unattended outdoors. Go on shorter walks. Avoid frozen water. Dress small and short-haired dogs in sweaters or jackets. Fit your dog with booties. Wear lights and/or reflective gear. Keep a towel by the door. Play inside, instead of going out. Don't shave your dog or trim long-haired breeds. Brush dogs regularly. Bathe them very infrequently. Give extra attention to their nails. Take extra care of their feet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Eyelid-Tape | How to Apply Eyelid Tape | Eyelid tape can enhance your eyes by defining a fold or crease in the eyelids, which makes them seem wider. Applying eyelid tape is easy, especially if you use a prong, which is a small tweezer-like device that you can use to find the perfect spot to put your tape. Start with a clean face to ensure that the tape adheres well and stays put all day. After drying your face, wait 5 minutes to make sure there's no more moisture on your skin. Use tweezers or your fingernails to peel an eyelid tape strip away from the backing. Gently press the prong on your eyelid to find the new crease you want to create. Then, close your eye and use your fingers to apply the tape just over the area where you want to create the crease. At the end of the day, remove the tape by moistening it until it slides off. | Start with a clean face. It is important to start with a clean slate, so wash your face thoroughly before applying the eyelid tape. This will help to ensure that the tape adheres well and stays put during the day. Try using eye makeup remover to get all of the eye makeup off of your eyes before you apply the tape. Dry your face thoroughly after washing it, then wait about 5 minutes to apply eyelid tape to ensure there is no remaining moisture on your skin. Peel away the strip and trim as needed. Use a pair of tweezers or your fingernails to peel an eyelid tape strip away from the backing. You will need to peel away the piece of plastic covering the eyelid strip as well. The strips might be just the right size for your eyelids, or you might need to trim them. The strips should be slightly shorter than the width of your eyes. Otherwise, the strips may stick out on the sides of your eyelids. If necessary, trim the strip to make it a little narrower. You can also make your own eyelid tape out of double sided medical tape if you cannot find eyelid tape strips. To do this cut the tape into a slim strip that is about the same width as your eyelid. Identify where you would like your new eyelid fold to be. You can use the eyelid prong to help you identify where to place the strip. You should place the strip right along the new crease that you want to create. Gently press the prong on your eyelid to find the new crease you want to create. Do not push hard with the prong! Be very careful using it around your eyes. Close your eye and apply the tape to your crease. When you have found the new crease you want to create, place the tape over the area where you want to create the new crease. Then, use the prong to gently push your eyelid in and create this new crease. As you push the eyelid inwards, open your eye and hold for a second. Then, remove the prong while keeping your eye open. The eyelid tape should hold your new crease in place. Apply eyelid tape adhesive if the tape does not hold. If the eyelid tape does not hold, then you can start over with a new piece or add some eyelid tape adhesive to the strip for a stronger hold. Just apply a small amount of eyelid tape adhesive to the strip and wait for it to dry partially and turn transparent before pushing in your eyelid with the prong again. Some eyelid tape strips come with eyelid tape adhesive, or you can also buy it separately. Remove the tape at the end of the day. Don't wear the tape for more than one day. Remove the tape at the end of the day along with the rest of your makeup. Never pull at the tape or rip it off, instead moisten the tape until it slides off easily. Ripping off the tape could damage the lid and cause skin to droop. Use eye makeup remover and water to moisten the tape and remove the residue. Be cautious with the eyelid prong. The eyelid prong is an essential tool for applying eyelid tape, but it is always important to use caution when putting any objects near your eyes. Make sure that you only use the eyelid prong on your eyelids and press very gently when you do so. If you experience any discomfort while using the prong, then remove it from your eyelid immediately. Stop using the tape if it irritates your eyelids. Eyelid tape contains adhesive that is formulated for use on your eyes. However, it can still irritate your eyes. If you experience any irritation from the strips, remove them and wash away the adhesive immediately. When looking for eyelid tape, find a brand that is hypoallergenic to reduce the chances that it will irritate your eyes. Choose a tape that will be less noticeable on your skin. Eyelid tape comes in a few different colors. You can get eyelid tape that is clear, skin toned, or even black to make it look like eyeshadow or eyeliner. Choose an eyelid tape that you think will work with your skin and makeup. Clear eyelid tape may be your best choice if you don't plan to wear much (if any) makeup while you are wearing the strips. Just keep in mind that any part of the strip that peaks out will be shiny under the light. Wear eyeliner or false lashes. Emphasizing your eyes can also help to hide the tape while you are wearing it. Try going all out with some black liquid liner and false eyelashes to take the attention away from the eyelid tape. Avoid wearing too much eyeshadow while you are wearing the eyelid tape. It can weaken the adhesive. Be honest if someone notices. If someone notices that you are wearing eyelid tape, then it's best to just be honest about why you are wearing it. Don't be ashamed to tell them that you are wearing eyelid tape to make your eyes appear rounder or to create a new crease in your eyelid. People do all sorts of things for beauty and wearing eyelid tape is not a very drastic measure in comparison. For example, wearing a small piece of tape on your eyelids is nothing compared to going from brown hair to blonde hair. Wearing eyelid tape is just another way to accentuate your eyes, like wearing eyeliner or mascara. | Start with a clean face. Peel away the strip and trim as needed. Identify where you would like your new eyelid fold to be. Close your eye and apply the tape to your crease. Apply eyelid tape adhesive if the tape does not hold. Remove the tape at the end of the day. Be cautious with the eyelid prong. Stop using the tape if it irritates your eyelids. Choose a tape that will be less noticeable on your skin. Wear eyeliner or false lashes. Be honest if someone notices. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Feel-Better | How to Feel Better | To feel better, call a loved one like a friend or family member so you can discuss your problem and get some advice. Loved ones often know us the best and can offer valuable insights or distractions. If that's not an option, go do a physical activity, like going for a walk in a nearby park or dancing. Physical activity can help boost endorphins and make you feel happier. Another way to feel better is to spend time doing something you are passionate about, like playing music, painting, or playing sports. | Identify what is getting you down. For some people, the cause of sadness is concrete and easily identifiable, like a breakup, death of a loved one, or loss of a job. For others, the cause may be more elusive and all-encompassing, like having low self-esteem or feeling lonely and isolated. If you can't seem to identify the problem, then try asking yourself an inverse version of the question: What would it take for you to feel happier? Once you have identified what you want or what is lacking in your life, then ask yourself the following questions: Is there a tangible way to fix the problem at hand? What would you have to do in order to fix the problem and get what you want? Is what you're doing on a daily basis helping you get closer to what you want, or keeping you from it? These types of questions help you channel your negative emotions to finding constructive solutions. More importantly, they force you to take some responsibility for the way you are feeling. If the thing you long for is intangible or impossible, like the reappearance of a dead relative, then acknowledge that fact. Remind yourself that whether you spend your days being upset or spend them being happy and moving forward, the circumstances will remain the same. Count your blessings. If you are feeling down, it is probably because you feel that there are certain things, whether they are material or not, missing in your life. But no matter how unfortunate you may think your circumstances are, you inevitably have some things to be thankful for. Make a list of those things. Think of the people in your life that you are thankful for, from your parents to your siblings to your friends to your teachers. Take some time to remember and appreciate all of the positive experiences you have had in your past. If you are not living in poverty, then be thankful for the fact that you have enough food to eat. If you have recently suffered a traumatic event like an accident or a divorce, then take a moment to be thankful that things didn't end up worse than they have. Though it may not seem like it, things absolutely could have been much, much, worse. Additionally, be thankful that the event, whatever it was, is over and in the past. Call a loved one. Talking to a friend or family member about how you are feeling will not only serve as a form of catharsis, allowing you to get all of your feelings out there, it will also help you put your thoughts in perspective. Having an objective point of view can help you realize that maybe your understanding of your reality is somewhat skewed and unrealistic. People have a tendency to over-dramatize or exaggerate their own problems, which is how they find themselves sucked into a "sadness spiral." You may find that some of the people in your life have struggled with the very same issues you are struggling with, which will make you feel less isolated. They may even be able to offer solutions or insights that you would never have thought of on your own. If the issue you are dealing with is too private, or if you don't feel that you have anybody trustworthy to talk to, then write about how you are feeling in a journal. You don't have to keep the journal forever, but getting everything down on paper will help you organize your thoughts and maybe even come to a resolution of some sort. Clean your environment. Having a neat, organized environment will instantly have you feeling more at ease. Fold and put away your clothes, vacuum/sweep the floor, and get rid of any excess clutter. Do this in your home, your office, and anywhere else where you spend a great deal of time. Dance. Put on your favorite music (making sure that it's upbeat), close your bedroom door, and dance. Though dancing may feel like the last thing you want to do right now, the combination of listening to your favorite music and getting up and moving will instantly make you feel better. Spend more time doing things that you genuinely enjoy. If you spend the majority of your days doing things you don't enjoy or feel connected to in any way, then it's no wonder you're feeling down. Find time, either on the weekends or during work/school breaks, to do things you are passionate about. These activities should be active (though not necessarily physically), engaging activities. Passive activities like watching TV or surfing the web don't count. The key is to do something that occupies 100% of your attention and forces you to be in the present moment rather than letting your mind drift off to negative thoughts. If you don't have any enjoyable hobbies or interests, then find some. It could be an outdoor activity like golf, tennis, swimming, or hiking, an artistic activity like music, painting, or photography, or a philanthropic activity like volunteering at an animal shelter. Make goals. Having tangible things to work toward will instantly make you feel more enthusiastic about life, and give your life a sense of purpose. Your goals can be personal, having to do with your career, education, or personal relationships, or they can be external, like striving to make a positive impact on your community. Set both short-term and long-term goals. For example, make a list of things you need to get done today, like finishing your homework, buying groceries, or walking the dog, and check each one off as you go. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to leave the house. If you are having trouble setting long-term goals because you don't know what you want to do with your life, then start by asking yourself what kind of legacy you want to leave behind. How do you want to be remembered by people once you are gone? What kind of impact do you want to make on the world? Whatever your long-term goal(s) are, be sure that they are things that you genuinely care about and want, not necessarily things that your parents or people around you are pressuring you to do. While you want your goals to be realistic, they shouldn't necessarily be easy. Easy goals won't push you past your comfort zone or make you feel accomplished or excited. Don't underestimate your own abilities by setting mediocre goals. Cut out the bad. If there are specific people or things in your life that are truly getting you down, then it's important to remove them as soon as possible. If your job is making you miserable, then quit. If you are in an unhappy or abusive relationship, then end it immediately. There will always be aspects of your life that annoy or irritate you, but that doesn't necessarily mean getting rid of all of them. The key is to determine whether the benefits of having the person or thing in your life outweigh the negative. For example, school or work may be exhausting, but the benefit of being educated and able to support yourself financially are worth the hard work you put in. Similarly, the support and unconditional love you receive from your family are a fair trade for the occasional fighting and bickering. Learn to control negative thoughts. No matter how wonderful your life becomes, it will always seem horrible if you have horrible thoughts. Our thoughts have the power to transform the world around us for either the better or the worse. Happy people aren't necessarily the ones with the best circumstances; they are the ones with the best attitudes. Learning to pay more attention to your thoughts is the first step toward becoming more positive. Notice when you are having excessively pessimistic or negative thoughts, and tell yourself "I'm being very negative right now." Eventually, you will learn to become your own happiness coach by reminding yourself to stop approaching things from such a negative point of view. Get active. Having a sedentary lifestyle is not only detrimental to your physical health, putting you at greater risk for obesity and cancer, it also negatively effects your emotional health, causing you to feel lethargic, bored, and apathetic. You should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity everyday. This doesn't mean you have to join a gym or play an organized sport. Even the simple act of walking around the mall or park for an hour is enough to do the trick. It's especially important to conscious effort to get up and moving if you work a desk job or are a student and spend most of your time sitting at a desk studying. Buy a pedometer to track the number of steps you take in a day. If you are walking enough, then you don't necessarily need to have formal exercise every day. Make small lifestyle changes to fit more activity into your day. Park further away from your destination, take the stairs rather than the elevator, and do chores around the house. Remember that feeling down is a natural part of life. Everybody feels sad or disappointed at some point in his or her life. If you never knew what it felt like to be down, you would have no reference point to understand what it means to be happy. The important thing is to keep a balance in your life between the ups and downs, and not letting the downs spiral out of control. Stop comparing your life to other peoples' lives. A major reason why people feel inadequate or dissatisfied with their own lives is because they constantly compare their own circumstances with those of people who seem to be better off. What's more, people tend to compare the low points of their own lives with the high points of other peoples' lives, without taking into account that even the most "fortunate" people deal with their own struggles behind closed doors. Rather than comparing your life to people who seem to be better off then you, take a moment to compare your life to people who are suffering from poverty and disease. This will help you notice how fortunate you are, and realize that perhaps a lot of your so-called "woes" are actually quite trivial in the grand scheme of things. | Identify what is getting you down. Count your blessings. Call a loved one. Clean your environment. Dance. Spend more time doing things that you genuinely enjoy. Make goals. Cut out the bad. Learn to control negative thoughts. Get active. Remember that feeling down is a natural part of life. Stop comparing your life to other peoples' lives. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Letter-of-Recommendation | How to Write a Letter of Recommendation | The best way to write a letter of recommendation is to start out with a formal greeting, or using "To whom it may concern" if you don't know the recipient. Follow the greeting with 2-3 sentences of praise for the person you're recommending. Then, explain how you know the person and why you're qualified to recommend them. Include specific examples of the person's qualifications and successes in the body of your letter, then end with a sentence affirming that you recommend the person for the job or position. | Use standard formal letter writing conventions to begin. A letter of recommendation is like any other professional communication, and follows the same general rules and guidelines. Place your address on the top right, followed by the date—spelled out. Below that, on the left, place the recipient's name (if known) and address. Open the letter with a formal business greeting. Ex: Dear Ms. Smith, Dear Sir or Madam, (if you don't know the recipient's name) Open with a short, but enthusiastic, bit of praise. Let the company know right off the bat that you believe in this person. You don't have to be over the top or insincere, but a positive note to start will make a big difference. "It makes me extremely happy to recommend Michael for the position of Director of Development at XYZ Corporation." "Any company should count themselves lucky to have an employee as bright, friendly, and dedicated as Gina." "No matter what she does, Helena Bonham does it well." Describe how you know the person. Give some context for your recommendation. Let the reader know how you met them, how you worked together, and your basic qualifications. "As VP of Application Development, I was Michael's direct supervisor from 2009 through 2012. We worked closely together on several key projects, and I got to know him very well during this time. "I was both Gina's adviser and teacher throughout her time at Hamilton College. I watched her shine both in the classroom and in office hours, and had the joy of watching her meet and then exceed expectations with her thesis." "As the Dean of Students, I deal with many young people throughout the day. However, I was lucky to spend several hours a week with Ms. Bonham in her role as Committee President. In my 32 years as Dean, I have rarely been so impressed." Be specific about the candidate's qualifications and successes. Describe what the person has done using specific instances and examples, rather than generalities. Whenever possible, give evidence or stories to back yourself up. "Michael's sophisticated grasp of database architecture, combined with an innate feel for UX design and a warm, personal approach to his in-company client base dramatically improved the productivity of our company's merchandising, creative, and editorial departments. His approach to managing application support, maintenance, and training was highly professional and greatly respected, both by end users and by the executive team." "Gina was always inquisitive but never pushy. Despite being able to answer almost any question, Gina would rather sit back and help others find the answer for themselves. Countless students, who I thought were doomed to struggle, happily told me how tutoring sessions with Gina helped them turn the corner. And I had many conversations, both as her professor and a peer, that I will remember happily for years." "When Ms. Bonham hears the word "no," you can almost see the gears start to turn. She is mover and a shaker -- interfacing with students, faculty, staff, and even outside agencies to find solutions to any problem." Make comparisons to illustrate their success. To put the candidate's accomplishments into perspective, include comparisons so that the recipient will have some basis to understand why you are recommending this person. "Michael's output of completed projects has exceeded the combined results of all other development efforts I've witnessed during my 8 years at UVW Company." "The best students are ones that genuinely love to learn. A student that pushes themselves ever day to learn more and be better, and enjoys every minute. Gina is that kind of student. "I can say with confidence that my job working with the Student Committee was never easier, nor more enjoyable, than when I got to work with Ms. Bonham." Don't exaggerate -- show where and how they can improve. Don't put the candidate on a pedestal. Not only does it not look plausible, it will also set expectations for them that will be next to impossible to meet. If they have an Achilles' heel, don't exaggerate it, but don't hide it, either. "Despite coming in as a novice, Michael has worked hard to improve his documentation and commenting of scripts and processes, making it easier for those filling his shoes in the future to work effectively." "Gina is always on the move -- tutoring, taking classes, joining clubs, etc. -- and though her schedule is perhaps too tightly packed, she somehow manages it all with a smile on her face." "Of course, Ms. Bonham's determination and drive occasionally led to butting heads and conflicting opinions. However, though she is never one to shy away from conflict, Ms. Bonham passion was never mean-spririted or rude." Keep your writing action-oriented. Begin each paragraph with a punchy, active affirmation of the candidate's qualities or character. Strong verbs are your friend. Don't say "Over the course of the last couple years, I have been pleased to watch the ongoing development of Michael's talents." Say instead, "Michael's skills have grown rapidly in the last couple years." "Gina exhibits the drive and dedication of the best students. Her writing is clear and concise, a rarity among many young people but effortless for her." "Ms. Bonham fights for what she believes is right, even if it doesn't mesh with her own preferences. This clear-eyed and selfless attitude will catapult her far in life." Close the letter affirmatively. Reiterate your recommendation of the candidate and, if appropriate, invite the recipient to contact you. For example, say, "For all of these reasons, I think Michael will make a fine addition to your team. Should you have any questions, I invite you to contact me at the number or address, above." "Gina is the kind of person I would love to hire to work for me, and I know she will be an incredible asset for you." "I have no qualms about giving Ms. Bonham the highest recommendation for the position. If you have any questions, please contact me." Use a business closing and sign your name. Above all, be professional. If the you're sending a physical letter, print it out and sign it by hand. Otherwise, just typing your name will do. "Sincerely," "Best regards," "Thank you," Break down the letter into short, but specific, paragraphs. Don't ramble, but do flesh out your key points. Try to keep it at one page, covering the various aspects of their recommendation in brief, specific detail. Introduction Your qualifications, how you know the candidate, general recommendation. Professional Success Why they will be effective, productive workers. Examples of successes. Personal Testimony Why they will be a great addition to work and office culture. Closing. Reaffirm your willingness to recommend them, offer contact information. Target the recommendation. Is it for an academic post, a job, a volunteer position, a background check, or a personal reference? Write your letter so that it is focused on this purpose. For example, if the letter is part of a job application package, it should focus on the professional qualifications and conduct of the candidate. Familiarize yourself with the position. Get a copy of the job description, if you can, and talk to the person you will recommend. If you know the intended recipient of the letter, ask them about the position as well. The more you know about the position, the better you will be able to tailor your letter to suit the needs of both parties. Inform yourself about the person you are recommending. Spend some time talking to them about their goals and the position they are applying for. Gather together their current resume, any memos or notes you may have on them, and any other information that will help you as you write the letter. The best recommendations are thorough and specific, and having all the information at hand will make the process much easier. Get feedback. If you're not sure of your letter-writing skills, or if your letter will carry a great deal of weight for the candidate's application, ask for feedback from a trusted colleague who may also know the candidate. If you are putting your reputation on the line for this person, you want to put your best foot forward with this letter. | Use standard formal letter writing conventions to begin. Open with a short, but enthusiastic, bit of praise. Describe how you know the person. Be specific about the candidate's qualifications and successes. Make comparisons to illustrate their success. Don't exaggerate -- show where and how they can improve. Keep your writing action-oriented. Close the letter affirmatively. Use a business closing and sign your name. Break down the letter into short, but specific, paragraphs. Target the recommendation. Familiarize yourself with the position. Inform yourself about the person you are recommending. Get feedback. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Ice-Cream-with-a-Bag | How to Make Ice Cream with a Bag | To make ice cream with a bag, start by adding 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a sealable plastic bag. Then, seal the bag, squeezing out any excess air, and mix everything together. Next, fill a large sealable bag with ice and 1/3 cup of salt and seal the small bag inside of it. Finally, shake the bag for 5-10 minutes before serving. | Combine the sugar, half and half, and vanilla in the pint-sized bag. Stir it up into an even consistency. If vanilla ice cream isn't your thing, add fruit or chocolate sauce to your creamy concoction. You may do this in a bowl, but why dirty a dish when you don't have to? Make sure the sugar is dissolved! Seal the bag tightly. Squeeze out any extra air, too. Too much air in the bag may force it open upon shaking. If you're concerned about leaking, double-bag your ice cream mixture. Leaks are less likely to occur but it may take a bit longer for the ice cream to adequately freeze. Place the salt and ice into the gallon-sized bag. It should be about half full. Coarse, Kosher, and rock salt works best, but table salt will do. However, know that you may see shabbier results with smaller granules. Place the sealed pint-sized bag into the salt and ice mixture. The salt and ice will freeze the creamy mixture, not become a part of it. Squeeze out any extra air in the larger bag and seal it tightly, too. Put on gloves and start shaking. If gloves aren't handy, use a towel. Your hands will appreciate the barrier between them and the extreme cold. Shake for 5-10 minutes. After this period, check the consistency of your ice cream to see if it's ready. Eat or serve. After adequate shaking, take out the ice cream mixture before unsealing. You don't want any ice or salt in your ice cream! Grab a spoon a dig in! Your ice cream is ready. Or cut the tip of the bag and squeeze out the ice cream into a dish. | Combine the sugar, half and half, and vanilla in the pint-sized bag. Seal the bag tightly. Place the salt and ice into the gallon-sized bag. Put on gloves and start shaking. Eat or serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Temporary-Tattoos | How to Remove Temporary Tattoos | To remove temporary tattoos, apply a small amount of olive oil or rubbing alcohol to the tattoo and then scrub it off with a washcloth. If you don't have olive oil or rubbing alcohol, try using nail polish remover instead. You can also get temporary tattoos off using clear tape. Just press a piece of the tape onto the tattoo and then slowly peel it off, which will cause the tattoo to peel off with it. | Apply a small amount of baby oil to the temporary tattoo. Keep in mind that most temporary tattoos are able to stand up to water and soap, so oil is generally the best way to go if you want to scrub a temporary tattoo off. You could also try to use a face or body scrub. The beads from the scrub should help remove the tattoo from your skin. Alternatively, you can use special temporary tattoo remover wipes like Limisan. Those wipes contain silicons which ensure easy removal of the temporary tattoo. Alternatively, you can pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball or piece of paper towel. Be aware that rubbing alcohol may burn a bit. If you do not have baby oil, you can use olive oil on your tattoo as well. Let the baby oil sit on the tattoo for a minute. Doing this will allow the baby oil to soak into the tattoo (and your skin) making it easier to rub the temporary tattoo away. Get a washcloth and rub the tattoo vigorously. The tattoo should begin to become clumpy and start to peel off and rub away. Keep rubbing until all of the temporary tattoo has been removed. You can use a paper towel in place of a washcloth. Wash the remaining oil off with warm water and soap. Wash your skin until there is no oil left. Pat the area dry with a towel. Rip several pieces of tape off of its roll. Clear tape, such as Scotch tape, works better than masking or painter's tape. Hang the tape pieces by one end off of the side of a table or counter (wherever you will be working). Press a piece of tape down onto the temporary tattoo. Make sure that you press it down firmly so that it attaches to the surface of the temporary tattoo. Use a finger to rub the tape down along your skin. Peel the tape off of your skin. The temporary tattoo should peel off with the tape. This process might take several tries, particularly if it is a large temporary tattoo. Rub an ice cube on the spot where the temporary tattoo was. Do this after all of the temporary tattoo has been removed. Doing this will reduce the redness caused by peeling the tape from your skin. Apply cold cream to the temporary tattoo. Make sure that the tattoo is fully covered by the cream. Let the cold cream sink into the skin. You should leave the cream on for an hour or so to make sure that it thoroughly works its magic on the temporary tattoo. Rub the cold cream away with a washcloth. Use warm water and soap to remove any remaining cold cream. Wet a cotton ball with nail polish remover. If you do not have nail polish remover, you can also use rubbing alcohol. Rub the temporary tattoo with the cotton ball. Scrub at the tattoo so that it begins to flake off of your skin. You may need to wet the cotton ball again or get a new cotton ball, depending on how large your temporary tattoo is. Wash your skin with warm water and soap. Use a washcloth to rinse your skin where your temporary tattoo was. Use warm water and soap to remove any of the acetone left behind by the nail polish remover. Soak make up remover into a cotton ball. Rub over the temporary tattoo. Rub gently. Wash off with soap and warm water. Allow to air dry or dab with a soft towel. Repeat if needed. | Apply a small amount of baby oil to the temporary tattoo. Let the baby oil sit on the tattoo for a minute. Get a washcloth and rub the tattoo vigorously. Wash the remaining oil off with warm water and soap. Rip several pieces of tape off of its roll. Press a piece of tape down onto the temporary tattoo. Peel the tape off of your skin. Rub an ice cube on the spot where the temporary tattoo was. Apply cold cream to the temporary tattoo. Let the cold cream sink into the skin. Rub the cold cream away with a washcloth. Wet a cotton ball with nail polish remover. Rub the temporary tattoo with the cotton ball. Wash your skin with warm water and soap. Soak make up remover into a cotton ball. Rub over the temporary tattoo. Wash off with soap and warm water. Allow to air dry or dab with a soft towel. Repeat if needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-an-Infected-Burn | How to Treat an Infected Burn | If your burn has become more red, swollen, painful, or is leaking pus, visit your doctor immediately to treat the infection. Generally, they'll give you antibiotics to treat the infection and advise how to look after your wound at home. Follow the label for any ointment you're prescribed, which will keep your burn sterile and kill bacteria. You may also be advised to soak your burn in warm salt water for 20 minutes a few times a day. If blisters and scabs start to form around your burn, leave them alone, since picking them can lead to infection and scarring. If your symptoms get worse at any time, seek immediate medical help. | Visit a doctor. If you believe your burn is infected, see your doctor immediately for treatment. They will prescribe you medication and give you instructions to care for the wound at home. If the doctor determines that the infection is severe, you may need treatment at a hospital. Signs that the burn is infected include: Fever Increased pain Redness and swelling Drainage of pus from the wound A red streak around the burn area If you see signs of infection, get medical care right away. An infection can develop into a serious, and sometimes life-threatening, condition. Get a wound culture to diagnose the infection. The type of bacteria, fungus, or virus infecting your wound determines your course of treatment. Your doctor may swab the wound and send the sample to the lab to get a wound culture. This will allow them to the organism causing the infection and determine the best antibiotic to prescribe. Your doctor is more likely to order this test if your infection is severe or chronic, or to evaluate the current course of treatment. Apply a prescription ointment. Most burns are treated with topical creams or gels that are applied directly to the wound. Which medication you use depends on what type of bacteria, fungus, or virus is infecting your wound, but common ones include Silvadene cream, mafenide acetate, and silver sulfadiazine. You shouldn't use silver sulfadiazine if you have an allergy to sulfa. In that case, bacitracin-zinc ointment is a possible alternative. Oral medication, such as pills, are rarely prescribed for burns. Instead, you will apply the cream to the infection once or twice a day. Cover the wound in a silver dressing. Silver helps prevent the spread of infection, reduces inflammation, and has antibacterial properties. While your doctor may prescribe a cream with silver in it, you may also be given dressings made with silver, such as ACTICOAT, to cover your wound under the care of a wound specialist. This dressing should be changed every three to seven days. Closely follow all of your wound specialist's instructions for applying and removing the dressing. Keep the wound clean. It's important to keep your burn wound clean, whether or not it's infected. If it does become infected, however, you should closely follow your doctor's advice on how to care for and clean the wound. This may or may not include washing or soaking the wound with water. If your wound is infected and open, your doctor may ask you to soak it in warm salt water for 20 minutes, two to three times per day. You might also press a warm, wet cloth on the wound. Use warm salt water with 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of salt per quart of water. If you use a washcloth on an infected wound, be sure that it is sterilized before and after. Alternatively, you can use a sterile disposable cloth. Hydrotherapy is sometimes used in rehabilitation to treat wounds that are already healed, or a bit further along in healing. Your doctor might not advise using this treatment, though, as it's controversial. It may also be risky due to pathogens in the water that could worsen any infection. Apply honey to the wound. Honey may be able to provide relief by speeding up the healing of the wound, killing bacteria, and reducing swelling. Ask your doctor if you can use honey in addition to your medical treatments. Use prescription ointment only. If you were given a prescription for your infection, apply it to the infection according to the label's instructions. Unless approved by your doctor, avoid using over-the-counter antibiotic creams. Any antibiotics that you use on the infection must be specific to the bacteria infecting your wound. Avoid activities that irritate the wound. Depending on the severity and location of the burn, your activities may be limited. Avoid any activities that cause the burn to hurt or that might apply pressure to the wound. For example, if the infected burn is on your hand, avoid activities that use that hand, such as typing or grabbing objects. Use your other hand instead. Take a painkiller. If the infected area hurts, you can use an over-the-counter painkiller such as acetaminophen. For severe pain, your doctor may prescribe you a stronger prescription medication. Do not use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen, as these might slow healing of the infection. Get immediate medical help if your condition worsens. Fever, vomiting, and dizziness are all symptoms of blood poisoning and toxic shock syndrome, both of which can be deadly. Call for emergency help immediately if you notice these symptoms. Get a tetanus booster. Tetanus (often called “lockjaw”) is a very serious infection that causes progressive muscle spasms. It can be fatal if untreated. While tetanus usually enters the body through deeper puncture wounds, any break in the skin can put you at risk. Check with your doctor to see if your tetanus vaccination is up to date, and whether you need a booster shot. If you had a primary tetanus immunization in the past and the wound is clean, the doctor may still recommend a booster if your last booster shot was more than 10 years ago. If the wound is dirty or tetanus-prone, you should get a booster if haven't had one in the last 5 years. If you never had a primary tetanus immunization, your doctor will want to give you the first vaccine dose. You'll need to return in 4 weeks and again in 6 months to finish the series. If you can't remember when you had your last booster shot, it's best to be cautious and get one. Undergo physical therapy. If the infected wound limits your movement, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. The physical therapy will teach you to move and exercise in ways that reduce pain and scarring. This can help increase your range of motion after the infection heals. Avoid breaking blisters and scabs. Blisters and scabs may develop on healing burns and infections. Avoid breaking, picking at, or bursting these blisters. Apply an antibacterial ointment to them, and apply a dry dressing over them. Ask your doctor before using moisturizers on the wound. Many people apply aloe and calendula gels to burns to reduce scarring, but these should not be used if an infection develops. They may irritate or worsen the infection. Once the infection is gone, ask your doctor if it is safe to start using these on your wound. Many moisturizers contain stabilizers or preservatives that can damage your skin. | Visit a doctor. Get a wound culture to diagnose the infection. Apply a prescription ointment. Cover the wound in a silver dressing. Keep the wound clean. Apply honey to the wound. Use prescription ointment only. Avoid activities that irritate the wound. Take a painkiller. Get immediate medical help if your condition worsens. Get a tetanus booster. Undergo physical therapy. Avoid breaking blisters and scabs. Ask your doctor before using moisturizers on the wound. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dispose-of-Lithium-Batteries | How to Dispose of Lithium Batteries | If you need to dispose of lithium batteries, look for a local recycling center instead of throwing them in the trash, which can cause a fire. To find a store near you that collects lithium batteries, go to earth911.com and search for your area. Alternatively, next time you're shopping, try to stop at a Best Buy, Staples, Lowes, or Home Depot, as these chain stores usually have a box where you can recycle old batteries. You can also look on your local government's official website to see if your area has a dedicated hazardous waste center. If not, they might host a regular Household Hazardous Waste Collection event. Once you find a place that will take your batteries, tape over the ends and keep them separate from other types of batteries to prevent them from sparking. | Keep batteries out of your regular recycling bin. Household batteries are recycled separately from other items. Mixing batteries in with other recyclables can result in a fire, as the battery can spark. You'll need to take your batteries to a facility that collects batteries. Even a battery that has lost its charge can spark. If you're recycling an item that contains rechargeable batteries, like a cell phone or laptop, you may need to take the batteries out first and recycle them separately. Search for a store that collects lithium batteries for a convenient option. Many chain and big box stores recycle various types of batteries on behalf of customers. Stores often collect batteries for free, but some charge a small fee for certain types of lithium batteries. These services are meant to help with household waste, so the stores may limit how many batteries you can turn in at a time. You can search for a store or recycling center in your area here: https://earth911.com/. Several chain stores that sell electronics or batteries collect lithium batteries for recycling, including the following: Best Buy Staples Lowes Home Depot Ask your local library or community center about battery collection. Some libraries and community centers have battery collection bins or host battery collection events. While not all areas offer this service, it's a good idea to check with your local library or community center. For example, they may have a special recycling bin where you can deposit batteries. They may collect the batteries on certain days, so check in advance to make sure your batteries will be collected. Take them to a household hazardous waste center if your area has one. Some local governments collect household hazardous waste from citizens, which includes lithium batteries. In some cases, they may have a designated center that collects the items year-round, which is called a household hazardous waste center. However, some areas host recurring collection events for hazardous waste. You can find your local center by visiting your state or local government's website. If your area doesn't have a household hazardous waste center, see if your local or regional government hosts a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event. These events often occur regularly, such as annually. Consider using a mail-in program if it's more convenient. A mail-in program can be a great option if you regularly need to recycle lithium batteries. For example, you might work in an office that uses lithium batteries. Mail-in programs are also helpful if you don't live close to a recycling collection center. You may be able to mail in the battery to the manufacturer. To find a mail-in program, search online for an option that meets your needs. For example, you might try https://biggreenbox.com/ or http://www.wm.com/residential/recycle-by-mail.jsp. You may need to purchase supplies to mail in your batteries, which you can buy online from recycling sites. Call to confirm lithium batteries are accepted and check for fees. Some collection sites only collect certain types of batteries, so check to make sure the site collects lithium batteries. Although some centers will take your batteries for free, lithium and lithium-ion batteries sometimes require a fee. If the center collects a fee, check with other collection sites to see if there is a free option in your area. Tape over the ends of your battery using clear or electrical tape. Since dead batteries can still spark, the ends of the battery can be dangerous. Tape helps prevent sparking or the discharge of energy. As soon as you remove the battery from your electronic item, cover the ends in tape. You can safely layer the tape over the ends. Place your battery in a plastic bag, as an alternative. You can tape it prior to bagging it, but this isn't necessary. It's best to leave the bag unsealed if you store it, as the battery can give off gases. If you're mailing it, seal each battery in a separate bag. If you're leaving the bag unsealed, wrap it around the battery to fully cover the battery. Bag your batteries separately if you use a plastic bag. If they're stored together, batteries can spark and cause a fire, even if the charge is almost gone. For safety purposes, keep them separate. Once the batteries are bagged, they can be placed next to each other. Put them in a vented plastic container or cardboard box, if storing. Batteries often give off gases, so they should not be stored in an airtight container. Choose a box that allows air to escape, or put the batteries in a cardboard box. You can still close the box, just make sure it's not sealed. Keep lithium batteries separate from other types of batteries. Combining different types of batteries can result in a reaction, even if they are taped. You need to place them in separate storage containers. You can place the boxes in the same area, as long as the batteries are in separate containers. Store the batteries in a cool, dry place until disposal. It's best to avoid extreme temperatures, since batteries can be reactive. Similarly, it's best to keep the batteries dry. Place your used lithium batteries in a pantry, cabinet, or closet. Take your battery to the collection site. Bring your batteries during the collection times, and make sure you bring enough money to cover any fees. They will take your batteries and send them to an appropriate disposal site. In some cases, the contents will be reused. Keep in mind some collection sites limit how many batteries you can turn in at a time, since these programs are intended for household waste. They're more likely to limit lithium-ion batteries. For example, you may be able to turn in just 3 batteries at a time. Mail in your battery if it's more convenient for you. Follow the packaging instructions from the manufacturer or collection center that is accepting the batteries. In most cases, this will involve taping the ends and sealing the batteries in a plastic bag. You may also need to label the package as containing batteries. In some cases, you may need to purchase a kit to mail in your batteries for recycling. | Keep batteries out of your regular recycling bin. Search for a store that collects lithium batteries for a convenient option. Ask your local library or community center about battery collection. Take them to a household hazardous waste center if your area has one. Consider using a mail-in program if it's more convenient. Call to confirm lithium batteries are accepted and check for fees. Tape over the ends of your battery using clear or electrical tape. Place your battery in a plastic bag, as an alternative. Bag your batteries separately if you use a plastic bag. Put them in a vented plastic container or cardboard box, if storing. Keep lithium batteries separate from other types of batteries. Store the batteries in a cool, dry place until disposal. Take your battery to the collection site. Mail in your battery if it's more convenient for you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Mouth-Breathing | How to Stop Mouth Breathing | To stop mouth breathing, try sleeping on your side, because sleeping on your back forces you to take heavier breaths through your mouth. Also, elevate your head while you sleep using a wedge pillow or by piling more pillows under your upper body so that you can breathe properly. Alternatively, wear a nasal strip that will open your nostrils so you can breathe more easily through your nose. | Try to breathe through your nose for 2 minutes. Close your mouth, watch a clock, and try to breathe through your nose for 2 minutes straight. If you have issues doing this, it probably means that you have a clogged nose and the cause of your mouth breathing is physical or structural rather than habitual. If your mouth breathing is caused by a structural or physical issue, you'll need to investigate further and get diagnosed by a doctor. If you have no issues breathing through your nose, then it's a habit and may be easier to fix. Get an allergy test from a doctor if your nose is stuffed. Allergies could be stuffing up your nose which could be forcing you to breathe through your mouth. Dust and pet dander are common causes for clogged noses. Make a doctor appointment and explain that your nose is constantly stuffed and that you want to take an allergy test. A doctor may be able to prescribe medicine that will unclog your nose. Having a cold may also be the cause of a clogged nose. Get an oral exam if you can’t breathe through your nose. Mouth breathing can be caused by the position of your jaw, teeth, or a deviated septum. A dentist will be able to determine if braces or other orthodontic solutions may be able to correct the structural issues that are causing you to breathe through your mouth. Schedule a checkup with your dentist and tell them about your mouth breathing issue. Braces may be able to fix mouth breathing in some cases. Speak to an ear, nose, or throat specialist. An ear, nose, or throat specialist can determine the source of your mouth breathing if it isn't allergies or a mouth problem. Most primary care physicians can write you a referral to a specialist if they can't figure out the issue. A common cause of mouth breathing is oversized tonsils, which can be removed to help you breathe through your nose. Breathe through your nose when you notice you’re using your mouth. If your mouth breathing isn't a structural or mouth issue, then it's a habit. Breaking the habit is a matter of correcting the behavior when you notice you're doing it. Breath through your nose instead of your mouth whenever you notice that you're doing it. Use sticky notes to remind yourself to breathe through your nose. If you're having issues breathing through your nose because it's a habit, you can leave written reminders for yourself. Write “breathing” on sticky notes and place them on your computer or inside of books to remind yourself to use your nose to breathe. Use a nasal spray to clear up obstructed nostrils. If your nose is stuffed from allergies or a cold, over-the-counter nasal sprays may be able to clear your nostrils and help your breath through your nose. Purchase the spray from a drugstore and read the directions before using it. Clear your nose first by blowing it, then carefully place the end of the nozzle into your nostril and press down on the applicator to spray the solution into your nose. Clean your sheets and carpets once a week. Sheets and carpets can harbor pet dander and dust and can make allergies worse. Cleaning them once a week will prevent dust buildup and can make it easier to breathe through your nose. If you sleep with your pet, you should try to sleep without them to see if that clears up your nose. Upholstered furniture is more likely to trap dirt and dust. Use leather, wooden, or vinyl furniture instead. Perform nose clearing exercises. Breathe through your nose for 2-3 minutes straight, then close your mouth, inhale deeply, and pinch your nose with your fingers. When you can't hold your breath any longer, slowly start to exhale through your nose. Continue to do this several times until you clear your nose. Participate in yoga or other exercises that concentrate on breathing. Many exercises like running, biking, and yoga require good breathing technique. If you get trained by a professional, they will give you the techniques you need to breathe properly through your nose. Look for classes locally and talk to your trainer about your mouth breathing problem. Sleep on your side. Mouth breathing typically occurs when sleeping on your back. When you sleep on your back, you're forced to take heavier breaths through your mouth. Try to change how you sleep to minimize the chances of mouth breathing and snoring while you sleep. Elevate your head and upper back if you sleep on your back. If you can't help but roll over on your back out of habit, using a pillow that elevates your head can help you breathe properly while you sleep. Get a pillow or wedge that elevates your upper back and head on a 30-60 degree angle. This should help you keep your mouth closed while you sleep and promote breathing through your nose. Put a piece of tape over your mouth. Get a piece of masking or scotch tape and place the tape vertically over your mouth. This will help keep it shut while you sleep. You can dab the sticky side of the tape on the palm of your hand a couple of times to remove some of the adhesive. This will make it easier to remove. Wear a nasal strip on your nose as you sleep. An over-the-counter nasal strip can clear your nasal passages and help you breathe through your nose while you sleep. To use the strip, remove the plastic backing on the nasal strip and place the strip over the bridge of your nose. Read the instructions on the packaging before you use it. Use a chin strap to keep your mouth closed as you sleep. You can find chin straps online by typing "chin strap" into your search engine. To use the strap, wrap it around your head, lengthwise, under your chin and over the top of your head. This will keep your mouth closed while you sleep and can prevent mouth breathing. These chin straps are created for those that snore a lot or those that suffer from sleep apnea. | Try to breathe through your nose for 2 minutes. Get an allergy test from a doctor if your nose is stuffed. Get an oral exam if you can’t breathe through your nose. Speak to an ear, nose, or throat specialist. Breathe through your nose when you notice you’re using your mouth. Use sticky notes to remind yourself to breathe through your nose. Use a nasal spray to clear up obstructed nostrils. Clean your sheets and carpets once a week. Perform nose clearing exercises. Participate in yoga or other exercises that concentrate on breathing. Sleep on your side. Elevate your head and upper back if you sleep on your back. Put a piece of tape over your mouth. Wear a nasal strip on your nose as you sleep. Use a chin strap to keep your mouth closed as you sleep. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hang-Curtains-in-a-Bay-Window | How to Hang Curtains in a Bay Window | Before you hang curtains in a bay window, choose curtain rods that work with the kind of bay window you have. If your bay window has more than 3 sections, get a straight curtain rod for each window frame. If your bay window only has 3 sections, use 1 long bay window curtain rod. Mount 2 curtain brackets over each section in your bay window. Then, put your curtains on your curtain rods and place the rods in the brackets. | Choose tension curtain rods if you want something easy to install. Tension curtain rods are straight curtain rods that go inside of window frames as opposed to above them. The ends of the rod will push against the sides of the window frame so the rod stays in place. Tension rods are cheaper than other curtain rods, and they don't require any drilling to install them. If your bay window has 3 window frames in it, you would need 3 tension rods. If you use tension curtain rods, you won't need curtain brackets. Tension rods come in different size ranges, like 40–60 inches (100–150 cm). Measure the width of your window frames and make sure the width falls within the range of the tension rods you buy. Buy a bay window curtain rod if you want to use 1 long curtain rod. Bay window curtain rods are rods designed specifically for bay windows. They're made up of 1 long rod that has bends in it so it fits the shape of a bay window. Bay window curtain rods are convenient because of how simple they are, but they only work if your bay window has 3 sections. If your bay window has more than 3 sections, you'll need to get a different kind of rod. Alternatively you can use a metal curtain track that will bend around the window. This will be compatible with curtains with heading tapes. They are simple to bend around the contour of the bay window. You can adjust the size of a bay window curtain rod so it fits your bay window. Get multiple straight curtain rods if your bay window has more than 3 sections. Straight curtain rods are regular curtain rods that go in brackets above windows. If your bay window has more than 3 sections, get 1 straight curtain rod to go over each individual window in your bay window. For example, if your bay window has 6 windows, you would need 6 straight curtain rods. Most straight curtain rods have adjustable sizes, but it's still a good idea to measure the width of your windows and choose rods that are close in width. Use single brackets if you want 1 layer of curtains over each window. Single brackets are regular, wall-mounted brackets that hold up curtain rods. A pair of single brackets can hold up 1 straight curtain rod. Go with single brackets if you want just 1 layer of curtain panels over the windows in your bay window. You can use single brackets with straight curtain rods and bay window curtain rods. Use double brackets if you want 2 layers of curtains. Double brackets are wall-mounted brackets that have 2 hooks for curtain rods to sit in. With double brackets, you can install 2 rows of curtain rods and have 1 set of curtains in the front and another set behind them. Double brackets are a good choice if you want to have thicker curtains in the front and thinner curtains in the back. Double brackets will work for straight curtain rods and bay window curtain rods. Choose brackets that can hold and support your curtain rods. Measure the diameter of the rods you picked out before you buy brackets. Then, look for brackets that are slightly larger. If you get brackets that are smaller, your curtain rods won't fit in them. Also, if your curtain rods are heavy, choose sturdy brackets with multiple screw holes in them so they can support the weight of the rods. Make sure screws are included with the brackets you buy. If they're not, you'll need to buy them separately. Measure 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) above the window frames. That's how high you'll want to mount the brackets. Hanging your curtains higher than the window frames will make your bay window look bigger. Mark your measurement on both sides of each window frame using a pencil. Do this whether you're using multiple straight curtain rods or a single bay window curtain rod. Don't worry about this if you're using tension curtain rods. You can install tension rods in your window frames without brackets. Mark where you want to mount each bracket above the window frames. One at a time, hold the brackets up to the wall and mark on the wall where the screw holes on the brackets are. You should have 2 brackets above each window frame in your bay window, with one on each end. Use the height marks you made earlier to make sure all the brackets are the same height. Drill into the marks with a drill bit that’s smaller than the curtain screws. Make the holes deep enough that the screws will go all the way into the wall. Make sure you don't use a drill bit that's bigger than the curtain screws or the screws will be loose in the wall. Screw the brackets into the wall with a screwdriver. Hold the brackets up on the wall so the screw holes are lined up with the drill holes you made. Then, tighten the screws into the holes until the brackets are secure against the wall. If you're using a heavy curtain rod that came with wall anchors, hammer the wall anchors into the holes before you screw the screws in. Separate your curtain panels into pairs. A panel is just 1 single curtain. It's traditional to use 2 panels per window frame, but you can use 1 panel per frame if you prefer a simpler look. Separating the panels into pairs beforehand will make it easier to keep track of how many you're putting on the curtain rods. Slide the curtain panels onto the curtain rods. If you're using straight curtain rods, put a pair of panels on each rod. If you're using a bay window curtain rod, put 2 panels for each window frame on the rod and adjust the curtains so the bent corners of the rod are exposed. If you're using double brackets, put curtains on a second set of straight curtain rods, or on a second bay window curtain rod. Place the curtain rods in the brackets. If you're using straight curtain rods, hang 1 rod over each window frame, or 2 rods if you're using double brackets. If you're using a bay window curtain rod, line up the straight edges of the rod with the sections of your bay window. The bent corners of the rod should line up with the corners in your bay window. Once the rods are in the brackets, adjust them as needed. To adjust the rods, pull the ends of the rods out to make them longer, or push them in to make them shorter. If you don't have brackets because you're using tension rods, just insert the rods into the tops of your window frames in your bay window. Extend the adjustable ends on the rods until the rods are snug in the frames. | Choose tension curtain rods if you want something easy to install. Buy a bay window curtain rod if you want to use 1 long curtain rod. Alternatively you can use a metal curtain track that will bend around the window. Get multiple straight curtain rods if your bay window has more than 3 sections. Use single brackets if you want 1 layer of curtains over each window. Use double brackets if you want 2 layers of curtains. Choose brackets that can hold and support your curtain rods. Measure 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) above the window frames. Mark where you want to mount each bracket above the window frames. Drill into the marks with a drill bit that’s smaller than the curtain screws. Screw the brackets into the wall with a screwdriver. Separate your curtain panels into pairs. Slide the curtain panels onto the curtain rods. Place the curtain rods in the brackets. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Voltage | How to Measure Voltage | To measure voltage using a digital multimeter, put the red lead into the V slot and the black lead into the slot marked COM. Use the center selection dial to choose either DC or AC voltage, and choose the range of the voltage you plan to test. If you're not sure what the regular voltage of the electronic device is, check the user manual or on the battery or appliance itself. Place the red lead on the positive terminal and the black lead on the negative terminal and read the display to find the voltage measurement. | Put the red lead into the V slot and the black lead into the COM slot. Digital multimeters are considered to be the easiest device to measure voltage, as well as other electrical measurements such as amps and ohms. Plug the red lead into the slot marked with a V on the multimeter, and plug the black lead into the slot marked COM. Don't reverse the wires, or you could risk destroying the circuitry of the multimeter. Make sure you coordinate the colored wires correctly. Select the mode for DC or AC voltage with the center selection dial. The symbol for DC is generally indicated by a straight line and three dots beneath it, while the symbol for AC is a wavy line. Some multimeters alternatively display DC voltage as DCV, and AC voltage as ACV— find these symbols on the dial, turn the knob to the type of voltage you wish to measure. DC is commonly used in batteries and small electronics, whereas AC is most commonly used in household electronics and outlets. Set the multimeter to measure voltage, not amps or ohms. If you try to measure voltage without the correct setting you could damage the multimeter. Choose the range of the voltage you plan to test. Most digital multimeters are autoranging, so they adjust the range automatically. However, you may have to adjust the range yourself. Check what the regular voltage of the electronic device is — it is usually indicated either in the user manual or somewhere on the battery or appliance itself. Set the range to one level above the voltage you plan to measure, so if you are measuring a 12v battery, turn the dial to 20v to get an accurate reading. If you choose a range that is too low for your test, the multimeter will display a "1", indicating that you need to choose a higher range. If you don't know the operating voltage you can set the meter on its highest range setting and work your way down until you get an accurate reading. Test the multimeter on a battery before anything else. Place the red lead on the positive terminal and the black lead on the negative terminal, and choose the higher range of the battery's regular voltage with the center knob. Make sure to only hold the plastic coverings on each wire. If you place the leads on the wrong terminals, the multimeter will display a negative version of the correct measurement, so a 20v measurement would read -20v. Avoid doing this to avoid malfunctions in your multimeter. To test the voltage on other electrical components, identify the positive and negative terminals in the manufacturer's guide to attach the probes to the correct place. Read the display to find the voltage measurement, and make adjustments if needed. If you have placed the leads on the right terminals and have set the multimeter to the correct voltage setting and range, it should display the correct voltage reading quite quickly. If it reads "1" or has a negative symbol next to the reading, you need to either adjust the range or reverse the lead connections. Select the voltage type on the voltmeter knob. DC is usually represented by DCV, while AC is usually represented by ACV on a voltmeter. Sometimes, DC is represented by a straight line while AC is represented by a wavy line. Make sure you choose the right setting, because voltmeters are particularly prone to damage if you measure DC with the AC setting and vice versa. DC is usually the type of voltage associated with small electronics and batteries, while AC is usually associated with grids and outlets. Set the voltage range to one setting higher than the voltage you plan to measure. Similar to multimeters, voltmeters have a central knob that lets you choose the upper limit of the voltage you plan to measure. Find out the normal voltage for the thing you want to measure, and set the meter one level above that. Voltmeters often have more options than a multimeter, and they can generally measure much more powerful circuits than a general-purpose multimeter. Place the red probe in the positive connection and the black probe in the negative one. There should be two ports to plug the probes into — find the negative one and plug in the black probe, then find the positive one and plug in the red probe to the device. Double check to make sure your probes are in the correct place, or you could risk damaging your voltmeter. Touch the probes together to check if it reads 0. Turn on the device and touch the end of the black and red probe together, making sure to hold them by the protective plastic coating. The voltmeter should read 0, because there is no electricity to measure. If it doesn't, your voltmeter may have malfunctioned and needs to be replaced. Connect the probes to their corresponding terminal and read the display. Once again, connect the red probe to the positive terminal and the black probe to the negative terminal on the electronic that you want to measure. Take the reading, and unplug the probes from the connection. Batteries are the easiest to measure for first-time users, but voltmeters can easily measure outlets and higher-power electronics too. To measure an outlet with a voltmeter, plug in each probe to the rectangular holes of the outlet. It doesn't matter where you plug in each probe, it should still get an accurate reading, provided that you set the range to one level higher than the outlet's voltage. Select the AC or DC voltage mode on the multimeter. Select the AC or DC voltage mode, depending on the circuit you want to test, which is indicated by a straight line with dots for DC or a wavy line for AC. Electricians and beginners tend to prefer digital multimeters because they are faster and easier to use. DC and AC are also commonly represented by DCV and ACV, respectively. Choose a high range to start with, then lower it until the needle reads accurately. Find out the regular voltage of the thing you want to measure and set the middle dial one level above that. So, if you want to measure a 120v outlet, set the dial to the AC side at 200v. Choosing a high range prevents damage from having too low a setting for a high voltage. Damage is uncommon when measuring low voltages, but if you set your multimeter to 20v and try to measure a 220v outlet, you might destroy it and have to replace it entirely. If your analog multimeter is set too high, the needle will barely move. Lower the setting if this is the case to get an accurate reading. If your analog multimeter is set a step too low, the needle will fling to the right. Quickly remove the probes from the connection to sever the circuit and prevent damage to your multimeter if this happens. Attach the black probe to the negative terminal and the red probe to the positive terminal. Hold each probe by the protective plastic coverings and plug them into the corresponding terminals. This is best tested with a battery, if this is your first time using a multimeter, as the positive and negative sides are clearly labeled. It is sometimes recommended to attach the black probe but only touch the red probe to the positive terminal, as if there is an error you can quickly lift the probe and break the circuit. Check the needle to see if it displays the right voltage, and make adjustments. Look at the needle to see if it moves to around the middle of the display. There are various levels of voltages displayed behind the needle, so find the row that corresponds with the range you chose earlier. Take down the measurement, and consider repeating the test a few times to make sure the needle is reading accurately. Remember to start at a high range and work your way down. If the needle barely moves, select a lower range to get an accurate reading. If the needle flies off to the right, you need to break the circuit and select a higher range. If it flies to the right too hard, it might damage the needle, so try starting at a high range. | Put the red lead into the V slot and the black lead into the COM slot. Select the mode for DC or AC voltage with the center selection dial. Choose the range of the voltage you plan to test. Test the multimeter on a battery before anything else. Read the display to find the voltage measurement, and make adjustments if needed. Select the voltage type on the voltmeter knob. Set the voltage range to one setting higher than the voltage you plan to measure. Place the red probe in the positive connection and the black probe in the negative one. Touch the probes together to check if it reads 0. Connect the probes to their corresponding terminal and read the display. Select the AC or DC voltage mode on the multimeter. Choose a high range to start with, then lower it until the needle reads accurately. Attach the black probe to the negative terminal and the red probe to the positive terminal. Check the needle to see if it displays the right voltage, and make adjustments. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Smoke-Shisha-from-a-Hookah-Pipe | How to Smoke Shisha from a Hookah Pipe | Smoking shisha from a Hookah pipe is relatively easy once you have all the supplies you need. To set up your hookah, you'll need to pour about 1 inch of water into the base, fit the shaft onto the base, and connect the hose and bowl. When you're ready to smoke, use tongs to add small pinches of shisha to the hookah bowl until it's about ¾ full. Then, cover the bowl tightly with a square of aluminum foil and poke some small holes in the foil for airflow. Place a couple of lit coals on top of the aluminum foil, and give it a few minutes to warm up before you start smoking. Then, gently draw air through the hose with full breaths. If you're just starting out, wait a minute or 2 between each inhale so you don't get sick. | Learn how a hookah works. This basic overview will help you follow the process. The bolded words describe the main parts of the hookah. The bowl at the top of the hookah will hold the shisha tobacco, with hot coals above it. Air sucked through the hookah will heat the coals, light the tobacco, and bring the smoke down through the main shaft. The smoke leaves the stem at the end of the shaft, and enters the glass base of the hookah. The smoke travels through water and air in the base, becoming cooler and more dilute. The smoke moves through the hose and into your lungs. Clean the hookah. Cleaning before the first use and after each smoking session will keep off-flavors out of your smoke. Wash all components with soapy water, except for the hoses. Most hoses will rust or rot if they become wet. Clean glass components with warm or cold water. Hot water can crack glass. Pour water into the base. Take a look through the glass base and make a note of where the stem ends. Now detach the shaft and pour cold water directly into the base. When reassembled, the tip of the stem should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the surface of the water. Too much water can get pulled into your hoses and ruin them. Always leave a layer of air at the top of the hookah. Assemble the hookah. Fit the shaft onto the base, the hoses into the holes on the side of the shaft. Every connection should have a rubber or silicone "grommet" to make the fit snug and airtight. Test the connection between the bowl and the top of the shaft as well, then remove the bowl for now. Attach all the hoses even if you will only use one of them. This guarantees that the shaft is sealed. Test the airflow. Place your hand over the top of the shaft, blocking the entire hole. Try to inhale through one of the hoses. If you get anything more than a trickle, there's a leak somewhere in your hookah. Check all the connections again and adjust as follows: If a grommet won't fit snugly, wet it and try again. If the connection between the shaft and the base isn't airtight, wrap the shaft with masking tape where it fits onto the shaft. Add layers of tape until it fits snugly but is still easy to remove. If another connection won't fit, wrap it in aluminum foil or moist paper towels. If using moist paper near the hoses, remember to dry them right after smoking. Drop shisha lightly into the bowl. Open your container of shisha and stir the contents until all the tobacco is moist and clump-free. Sprinkle small pinches into the bowl, trying to avoid clogging the holes. Add more pinches until the bowl is about ¾ full. Press it very lightly to make an even layer. If you pack the shisha down too hard, it will be difficult to pull air through it. If you see any tobacco stems, pick them out. If your shisha has many stems, pour it onto a plate after packing and pick them all out, then pack the bowl again. Cover the bowl with a screen or foil. Your hookah might come with a screen or glass "gauze" that sits over the bowl, which needs no extra preparation. Most experienced smokers prefer to replace this with a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil instead, which reduces overheating and gives more control. Stretch the foil over the bowl, pulling gently at opposite edges to make it as taut as possible. Once taut, gently pull down on all sides of the foil until the surface is smooth and flat. Wrap the foil around the sides until secured. Make sure the shisha is low enough to avoid touching the foil, or your smoke will have a burned taste If you don't have heavy-duty foil, use two layers of normal duty foil instead. Poke holes in the foil. More holes (or larger holes) means more hot air flowing through the shisha. You'll need to experiment to find the balance between getting enough smoke and avoiding harsh, overheated shisha. Here are some guidelines to get you started: If poking holes with a toothpick or paper clip, start with 15 holes. If you only have a fine-tipped pen or charcoal tongs, start with 4–7 holes instead due to the larger size. For an Egyptian (circular) bowl, start poking around the outer edge and spiral inwards. For a funnel (donut-shaped) bowl, poke three concentric circles between the outer and inner rims. Add more holes only if you aren't getting enough smoke. Some people like 50 or more small holes, especially with dense, sticky tobacco. Light a couple of coals. Hookah coals and bowls vary in size. A typical bowl requires two medium coals, but you can use ½ less or 1 more if that doesn't produce the right amount of smoke. Always use smokeless, self-lighting coals, never charcoal briquettes or anything that requires lighter fluid; these can poison you. There are two types of hookah-appropriate coals. Handle both types with small tongs over a non-flammable surface, and light as follows: Quick light coals light within 10–30 seconds in a match or lighter flame. Once finished sputtering, let it burn until coated in white-grey ash. Blow on it until it glows orange. Natural coals are less likely to add harsh flavors, burn your shisha, or give you a headache. Light them on an electric stove burner or in an open flame until glowing orange, about ten minutes. Blow on the coals and flip once while lighting to heat evenly. (Avoid glass-top stoves and gas stoves where ash might fall into the gas line.) Warm the bowl. Attach the bowl to the top of the shaft. Place the hot coals on top of the foil, near the edge. Space the coals as evenly as possible. For best results, give the shisha a few minutes to warm up before you begin. Smoke gently. Draw air through the hose with full breaths, but a normal breathing pace. A strong inhale will just overheat the shisha, adding harsh burned flavors. To avoid overheating as well as "hookah sickness" when just starting out, wait a minute or two between each inhale. These tips will also help you avoid an unpleasant reaction to the nicotine: Drink plenty of water before you begin. Drink water or mint tea as you smoke to keep your mouth moist, or you may stop tasting the smoke. Eat light snacks such as bread and dried fruit as you smoke. Stick to a maximum of one bowl a day as a beginner. Avoid exercise immediately before and after smoking. Adjust the heat. Most bowls last 30–45 minutes, but the smoke often declines in quality before then due to smoking too quickly, low quality equipment, or just bad luck. These adjustments help the shisha heat slowly and evenly, so you can maximize your enjoyment: Move the coals about every 10–15 minutes. Tap them with the tongs to knock off ash, then flip them over so the other side is against the foil. If you see smoke rise from the bowl before you inhale, remove the coals and let the hookah cool down. Change the water temperature. Compare a smoke with cold water and ice cubes to a smoke with warm water. Most find cold water smoother, but warm water may filter harsh particles more effectively, so not everyone agrees. Add other contents to the base. To explore new flavors, add fruit juice, wine, frozen fruit, flavored extracts, or breath mints to the water. If using a liquid (besides extracts, which only need a few drops), you can try anything from a light splash to completely replacing the water. Milk and carbonated beverages tend to bubble up, getting in the hoses and leaving a permanent, nasty stink. Let carbonated drinks go flat before you use them. If you want to risk milk, using a small splash in the water only. Never drink or eat the contents. The liquid filters out many harmful chemicals. Always clean the hookah thoroughly right after using anything besides water. Try different shishas. Shisha comes in many flavors, which are a matter of personal preference. You can also tell a little about how the material will burn based on its consistency: Herbal molasses is tobacco-free. This is a nice place for beginners to start, since it has no nicotine and is hard to burn. It won't last as long, so use fewer coals than usual (or place them farther from the center). Shisha with a "shredded" appearance is the most basic type. Smoke as described above. Shisha with a sticky, "pureed" appearance may take a larger coal or a longer warmup time to get started. Once heated, it should produce nice, thick smoke. Leafier tobacco tends to have a stronger tobacco flavor. Many of these (such as Tangiers or Nakhla) are finicky specialty products. Ask an experienced hookah fan for advice or look up a more specific guide. Switch coal brands. Most novice hookah smokers start with convenient quick light coals. Once you've become a hookah hobbyist, it might be worth switching to a natural coal. These can be made from lemon wood, coconut hair, bamboo, and other ingredients, each with its own flavor. Try different equipment. Experienced hookah smokers try to find the right combination of equipment, shisha, and techniques that produce the smoke they enjoy. Since there's no one right answer, talk to other hookah enthusiasts in your community or online. These can recommend specific brands and types of bowl or hookah based on the kind of shisha and smoking experience you enjoy. | Learn how a hookah works. Clean the hookah. Pour water into the base. Assemble the hookah. Test the airflow. Drop shisha lightly into the bowl. Cover the bowl with a screen or foil. Poke holes in the foil. Light a couple of coals. Warm the bowl. Smoke gently. Adjust the heat. Change the water temperature. Add other contents to the base. Try different shishas. Switch coal brands. Try different equipment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-a-Sweatshirt | How to Cut a Sweatshirt | To cut a sweatshirt into a crop top, lay the sweatshirt on a flat surface and draw a line across the bottom to mark how much length you want to cut off. If you're concerned about length, put the sweatshirt on and mark where you want to cut it first. Then, just take it off and cut along the line with fabric scissors! If you want to create a new neckline for the sweatshirt, try cutting all the way around the collar for a cute, off-the-shoulder look. Another option is to cut an upside-down triangle going down from the collar to create a V-neck. | Lay your sweatshirt out on a flat surface. Place the sweatshirt on a hard, flat surface like a table or hardwood floor. Smooth out the sweatshirt with your hands so that there are no lumps or bumps in the fabric. Make sure that the area is clean so that your sweatshirt won't get dirty when you lay it out. Draw a line across the area you want to cut off. Use a piece of chalk or a fabric marker and a ruler to draw a line across the area of the sweatshirt you want to cut. You can cut the sweatshirt as high or as low as you want it to be. You can hold the sweatshirt up to your body to identify where you want the new bottom of it to be. Then, make a few marks across the sweatshirt to indicate where you want to cut it. Use your ruler to connect the marks into a line after you lay it down again. Trying the sweatshirt on and marking it while you are wearing it is the best option if you want a very specific length. Use a sharp pair of fabric scissors to cut across the sweatshirt. Double check to ensure that the sweatshirt is smooth. Then, start cutting along the line you have drawn onto the front of the sweatshirt. Cut through both layers of fabric at once going all the way across the sweatshirt. Cut slowly and be careful not to bunch up the fabric as you go. This will result in uneven or jagged edges. Place the sweatshirt on a flat surface. Lay the sweatshirt on a flat surface, such as a table or clean patch of a hard floor, such as hardwood or linoleum. Then, smooth it out so that the fabric is even and there are no lumps or bumps. Cut a 0.5 in (1.3 cm) slit in the neckline where the layers overlap. Locate the center of the neckline on the front of the sweatshirt. Look for the area of the neckline where the 2 layers of fabric overlap. Use a sharp pair of fabric scissors to cut a 0.5 in (1.3 cm) slit in the fabric right between the 2 layers of fabric. Do not cut any more than this to start! You can always cut more, but you cannot put the fabric back. Try on the sweatshirt to see how it fits. After you have cut the slit, put the sweatshirt on and see if this has improved the fit to your liking. If you want the sweatshirt to be looser around the neck, then take it off and cut further down from the first slit you made. Only cut 0.5 in (1.3 cm) at a time and try on the sweatshirt after each cut. This will help to ensure that you do not end up cutting more than you want. Pull the fabric apart for a more deconstructed look. If you want to add some frayed edges or make the sweatshirt look a bit distressed, then you can also pull the fabric apart with your hands. This will tear the opening apart going downwards from the slit you made. Tug gently to avoid ripping a big slit down the front of your sweatshirt. Cut all the way around the neckline for an off-the-shoulder look. For an off-the-shoulder look, use a sharp pair of fabric scissors to cut off the entire neckline of the sweatshirt. Cut right around the outside of the sweatshirt's neckband. Go slowly to avoid creating any jagged or uneven edges. Try on the sweatshirt after you finish cutting and cut off another 0.5 in (1.3 cm) of fabric going all the way around the neckline if desired. Cut an upside-down triangle going down from the neckline for a V-neck. Identify where you want the V to end and mark the sweatshirt at this point. Then, identify where you want each side of the V to start and mark the sweatshirt's neckline to indicate where you will begin cutting. Use a sharp pair of fabric scissors to cut a straight line going down from the neckline mark to the bottom of the V, then repeat for the other side. You can make the V as deep or as shallow as you like. Try on the sweatshirt first to see where you would like the V to begin and end. Another option is to fold the sweatshirt so that the 2 sides of the front of the neckline are aligned, lay the sweatshirt on its side, and cut a diagonal line through both layers of fabric going from the lowest point of the V to the top of the neckline. You could also use a V-neck t-shirt or sweater that you like as a guide. Measure how far down the V goes from the neckline and then use the same measurements to mark your sweatshirt before you cut it. Draw and cut a U-shape around the neckline for a scoopneck. If you prefer a scoop neck look, then cut a U shape going under the front of the sweatshirt's neckline. Mark the neckline on either side of the front of the neckline to indicate where you want the scoopneck to start. Then, mark the point below the neckline to indicate where the lowest point of the scoopneck will be. Draw a U shape using these points and then cut along the line. Another option is to fold the neckline so that the shoulder seams are lined up and then cut a J-shape going through both layers of fabric. This will create a scoopneck when you open up the neckline again. Make sure to use a sharp pair of fabric scissors to make the cut. Go slowly to avoid creating any jagged edges along the neckline. Lay the sweatshirt out on a flat, hard surface. Smooth out the fabric so that there are no lumps or bumps in it. If you want to cut slits in the arms of the sweatshirt, make sure that the sleeves are laying flat. If you want to cut slits into the back of the sweatshirt, fold the sweatshirt down the center of the back of the sweatshirt and lay it on its side. Identify where you want to make the first cut in the sweatshirt. Then, use a sharp pair of fabric scissors to make a 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) cut. Position the cut along a sleeve, the back of the sweatshirt or in the front of the sweatshirt depending on the look you are going for. Don't cut any more than 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) to start or you may end up with a slit that is too large. Keep in mind that you can always cut more, but you can't add the fabric back in. Cut 5 more parallel 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) slits in the sweatshirt. Continue cutting parallel slits into the fabric over the area until you have the desired number. Space the slits by about 0.5 to 1 in (1.3 to 2.5 cm) depending on how wide you want the fabric to be between them. Go slowly and keep the layers together to ensure that you get straight cuts. Repeat in other areas of the sweatshirt you want to look distressed. Fold the sweatshirt in half and line up the sleeves if you want the slits to be exactly the same on both sides. Cut along the same lines you made on the first sleeve. | Lay your sweatshirt out on a flat surface. Draw a line across the area you want to cut off. Use a sharp pair of fabric scissors to cut across the sweatshirt. Place the sweatshirt on a flat surface. Cut a 0.5 in (1.3 cm) slit in the neckline where the layers overlap. Try on the sweatshirt to see how it fits. Pull the fabric apart for a more deconstructed look. Cut all the way around the neckline for an off-the-shoulder look. Cut an upside-down triangle going down from the neckline for a V-neck. Draw and cut a U-shape around the neckline for a scoopneck. Lay the sweatshirt out on a flat, hard surface. Identify where you want to make the first cut in the sweatshirt. Cut 5 more parallel 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) slits in the sweatshirt. Repeat in other areas of the sweatshirt you want to look distressed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Adopt-a-Cat-Through-a-Rescue-Organization | How to Adopt a Cat Through a Rescue Organization | To adopt a cat through a rescue organization, first try searching online for a rescue shelter in your area. Once you find an organization, you can sometimes look on their website for profiles of different cats that are available for adoption to get a feel for whether or not they have a furry friend you'd like to take home. Once you find a cat you like, set up an appointment over the phone to meet it in person! When you go in to the shelter, be prepared to answer questions about your previous pet history and annual income as part of the adoption screening process. After you've been approved to adopt your cat, you'll likely need to pay an adoption fee before taking it home. | Locate a rescue organization near you. There are several ways to locate a rescue organization in your area. If you have a cat or another pet already, you could ask your vet for a recommendation. You might also ask friends or family members who have successfully adopted a cat via a rescue organization. Finally, you could search for a rescue organization online by typing a word string like “rescue organization [your town]” into your preferred search engine. Check for a cat you’re interested in. There are a few ways to identify whether a given rescue organization has a cat you might be interested in adopting. You could check the organization's website for profiles of the animals up for adoption. Alternately, you could schedule a visit with the rescue organization. Finally, you could visit the rescue organization during an adoption event – a sort of open-house where all the cats up for adoption are on display. To schedule a private visit with the rescue organization you're thinking of adopting a cat from, call or send them an email. Some adoption events are designed for particular target audiences – for instance, families with young children. Check with the rescue organization in question before deciding to attend an adoption event. During some adoption events, you might be able to both see and interact with cats you wish to adopt. Fill out an application. Most rescue organizations will have an application you need to fill out before you can obtain a cat. The application will ask basic information like your name, date of birth, and contact information. It will also ask lifestyle and personality questions such as, “Why do you want to adopt a cat?” and “How long would you leave your cat alone during the day?” Meet a representative of the rescue organization. If the staff of the rescue organization believes you'd be a good cat parent, they will contact you regarding the possibility of adopting. At this interview, they will ask you more questions about your background and motivations for adopting a cat. For instance, you might be asked: Have you had pets before? What is your average annual income? Under what circumstances would you return or give up your adopted cat? Meet the cat you want to adopt. Once you've been approved to adopt, you'll have the opportunity to meet and interact with the cat. Depending on the rescue organization you're working with, you might travel to a central facility, or you might travel to a foster home hosting the cat. In either case, you'll receive more information about how to meet the cat or cats you might wish to adopt after talking with a representative of the rescue organization. It's possible that you've already met the cat during an adoption event. If so, that's okay. There's no right or wrong time to meet the cat you want to adopt. The opportunity to meet a cat varies based on the adoption route you choose. Fill out an adoption contract. If you had a successful meeting with the representative of the rescue organization, you'll need to finalize the deal by signing a contract. This makes you the legal owner of the cat, and delineates certain protocols you'll need to adhere to once you adopt. These protocols vary from one rescue organization to another. For instance, you might need to contact the rescue organization before putting the cat up for adoption You might be required to acknowledge that you understand that cat ownership is a 15-20 year commitment of both time and money. Many rescue shelters will demand that you not declaw your cat. Pay a fee. Along with signing the contract, you'll need to pay a fee to obtain the cat from a rescue organization. The fee to obtain the cat will depend on its age and the number of cats you adopt. Older cats are typically less expensive to obtain than kittens. And if you adopt two cats at the same time, you might qualify for a per-cat discount. The fee varies depending on the rescue organization you select. Prepare to pay $50- $200 for a single cat. Sometimes, like from your local Humane Society, you can even get free cats. Provide proof that your landlord allows cats. If you rent your home or apartment, you'll typically have to demonstrate that your landlord permits you to own a cat. This might be a copy of your rental contract and your landlord's phone number, or it might be a letter from your landlord explicitly stating that cats are allowed. Choose an adult cat if you have kids younger than seven. Kittens – like little kids – can scare easily and often don't know the difference between a threat and an opportunity to play. For this reason, if you have young children at home, adopt an adult cat. Think about how much time and energy you’ll have to invest in your cat. All cats need some attention and affection. But kittens tend to need a lot of attention and stimulation. As cats age, they tend to require less care and become more independent. Therefore, if you are out working or otherwise predisposed for much of the day, avoid getting a kitten. Decide how long you want to be a cat parent. Cats can live up to 20 years or more. If you're unsure whether you want to be responsible for a cat that long, adopt an older cat. That way, when you're ready to take that round-the-world trip, you won't be tethered to caring for your cat at home. Factor in the reaction of other pets. If you already have a cat or dog at home, adopt a cat that is known to get along with the sort of pet you already own. To identify which cats will get along with other pets, ask rescue organization personnel for advice regarding which cats have interacted successfully with other pets. Additionally, don't adopt two cats of the same gender. The urge to be dominant will cause conflicts. For the same reason, if you already have a cat at home, adopt a cat that is younger than it. | Locate a rescue organization near you. Check for a cat you’re interested in. Fill out an application. Meet a representative of the rescue organization. Meet the cat you want to adopt. Fill out an adoption contract. Pay a fee. Provide proof that your landlord allows cats. Choose an adult cat if you have kids younger than seven. Think about how much time and energy you’ll have to invest in your cat. Decide how long you want to be a cat parent. Factor in the reaction of other pets. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-an-African-Grey-Parrot | How to Choose an African Grey Parrot | To choose an African Grey parrot, pick a Congo African Grey if you want a larger parrot that has a stronger personality. Alternatively, opt for a Timneh African Grey to get a smaller parrot with mild manners. Once you start looking for a bird, search for a breeder that specializes in parrots so you know you're getting a pet that's been well cared for. Before you buy a parrot, examine it to make sure it doesn't have dull eyes or a runny nose, which are common symptoms of poor health. If you're struggling to pick one out, spend time handling a few parrots to see which one interacts with you best. | Commit to caring for your bird. If you'd like to get a pet parrot, ask yourself if you're willing to care for it for a long time. If so, you'll be responsible for maintaining it, feeding it, and interacting with it for a long time. African Grey parrots can live up to 50 years. Consider how much time you spend at work or away on vacation. A parrot represents a similar level of commitment as a dog, so if you don't have the time to play, cuddle, or socialize a dog then a parrot isn't for you. Check to see if you can keep a bird at home. Check your lease to see if you're allowed to keep pets, specifically birds. Since African Greys can be very noisy, you'll need to find out if the noise will bother any roommates or people in your house. African Greys are known for mimicking, whistling, and talking. They may screech to get your attention. Think about the time investment. African Greys are very social birds and they need to interact with other birds or people every day. Ensure that you'll be home enough to give the companionship your bird needs. You'll also need to give the bird plenty of time each day to get out of its cage and explore. If your African Grey doesn't get enough companionship, it may begin to pick its feathers. Feather picking is a sign of loneliness. Examine your budget. Decide how much money you're willing to spend every year on your parrot. You'll need to consider the initial cost of the bird, pet supplies (like a large cage and toys or perches), bird food, and trips to the veterinarian. Only commit to getting an African Grey if you're willing to pay for all of these expenses. Remember that you'll be paying to maintain the bird throughout its entire life. Think about how the bird will fit into your household. In addition to the noise and social interaction, consider how the bird will do in your household. For example, if you have lots of cats will the bird struggle to fit in? If you have small children, will they be alright with the noise? Is anyone in your household allergic to birds? Ask your family members or roommates if they're comfortable with having an African Grey in the house before you bring one home. Determine which type of African Grey you want. Once you've decided that you'd like to get an African Grey parrot, you need to decide which type you want to bring home. There are two types, the Congo and the Timneh. The Congo African Grey grows to around 13 inches (33 cm) and has a red tail. The Timneh African Grey is a little smaller and milder mannered than the Congo African Grey. While Congo African Greys can weigh up to 1 pound (450 g), Timneh African Greys only weigh up to 3/4 of a pound. Timneh African Greys grow to around 9 inches (23 cm) long. Find a reputable breeder. Do your research when it comes to finding a supplier of African Greys. Try to find a recommended breeder or animal sanctuary that is knowledgeable about the birds. Look for a place that specializes in parrots, especially African Greys. If you find a bird advertised online or in the newspaper, ensure that it's coming from a good place and that you can see the bird in person before you buy it. Some unscrupulous people breed birds solely for profit and care little about their welfare. Avoid purchasing birds from online ads or from someone who shows little interest in the bird's new home. A reputable breeder will ask you lots of questions to ensure they are placing the bird in a safe, good place. Examine the bird. When you're looking at the African Greys, look for any health issues. To pick a bird that's healthy, avoid any that seem sluggish, have dull eyes, have diarrhea or runny noses, or have broken feathers or physical deformities. If the bird you like has been treated for medical conditions in the past, find out if it will need continuing treatments. Interact with the African Grey. It might seem like the African Grey picks you instead of the other way around. Spend lots of time with the birds to learn about their individual behaviors. Handle the parrots to find out how they act around you. Remember that there's no rush in choosing an African Grey. You can take as much time as you need to find the right one for you. If you have family members or roommates that will be around the bird a lot, bring them with you to select the bird. This will give you a chance to see how they interact. Learn about the bird's background. Once you've found a parrot you'd like to take home, ask about its medical and social backgrounds. You should know if the bird has had any health issues that you may need to monitor. You also need to find out if the bird has been socialized on a regular basis. Daily socialization can improve the bird's behavior and make it easier to bond. If you're choosing a young African Grey, find out if it's been weaned. If it hasn't, wait until it's fully weaned before bringing it home. | Commit to caring for your bird. Check to see if you can keep a bird at home. Think about the time investment. Examine your budget. Think about how the bird will fit into your household. Determine which type of African Grey you want. Find a reputable breeder. Examine the bird. Interact with the African Grey. Learn about the bird's background. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-in-Shape-for-Track | How to Get in Shape for Track | To get in shape for track, do planks and squats to strengthen your core muscles and the muscles in the back of your legs, which are critical for running. You'll also want to jump rope to build up your calf muscles. Additionally, try running each day to boost your fitness for the track season, including by alternating from sprints one day to longer-distance running the next. Also, practice yoga for an effective way to increase your strength and stretch your muscles. | Focus on developing strength in your lower body. This doesn't mean that you should eliminate any strength training for your upper body, which is still important for improving performance; however, for gaining speed, you want the muscles in your butt and the back of your legs to be as strong as possible. Exercise your core. Your core muscles include the muscles in your lower back, as well as your abdominal muscles. It is extremely important as a track athlete that you have very strong core muscles, as these play a huge role in running mechanics. One great way to strengthen your core muscles is to do a plank. To do a plank, begin by laying flat on your stomach on the floor. Then, lift yourself off the floor by planting your bent elbows on the ground directly under your shoulders, and lifting so that your toes are holding you up. Keep your back straight, and your abs engaged. This will work both your abs and your back. Hold the plank for 30 to 60 seconds, and repeat one to two more times. Do different types of squats. Squats are excellent for developing the muscles in your butt and the backs of your legs. Squats can be done using your own bodyweight or you can add a barbell to make them more challenging. There are many different types of squats you can do to target different areas and keep your workout challenging. Remember that, regardless of the type of squat, your back should always be straight and your knees should never extend past your toes. Learn how to perform squats by reading this article: How to Do a Squat. Practice single leg squats. When you are running, you are basically hopping from one foot to the other foot, but for a very long time, so it is important that you have a strong, balanced pelvis. Work your glutes with single-leg deadlifts. This exercise will target your glutes, which are the muscles in your butt. These muscles are very important in running. If they aren't strong enough your body may try to rely solely on your hamstrings (the muscle in the back of your thigh), which will slow you down and reduce your endurance. Hold a dumbbell, a weighted plate, or a kettlebell in your right hand. Keep the opposite (in this case, left) leg planted firmly on the floor. Begin to hinge forward, bending at the waist. Keep your left leg planted on the floor, and allow your right leg to lift straight into the air behind you. You should feel the muscles in the back of your left leg, and your left glute begin to contract in order to support you. Be sure to keep your back straight and your abdominal muscles engaged in order to avoid injury. Stop at the point you feel your muscles contract. When you feel the hamstring and glute muscle in your left leg engage, stop there and hold for a few seconds. Return slowly and carefully back to standing. Then repeat the exercise eight to 12 times, and then do it again using the other leg. Strengthen your hip flexors. Your hip flexors help drive your legs forward, and strengthening them can improve your speed and explosiveness. There are a number of ways you can improve the strength of your hip flexors — even a small improvement can make a major difference, especially if you are a sprinter. Exercises that strengthen your hip flexors include leg raises , decline sit-ups , and running and jumping with high-knees. Work your calves. Jumping rope and exercises like calf raises and box jumps can help strengthen your calf muscles, the gastrocnemius and the soleus. Learn to strengthen your calves without equipment by reading How to Build Calf Muscle Without Equipment. If you have access to a gym with machinery, you can try leg press calf raises, but remember the most effective sport performance enhancing calf exercises use your body weight. The calf press machine does nothing for balance and stabilizers which are critical for protecting the knee and ankle from twisting injuries. Run. This is the most obvious, and most important way to get in shape for track season. Although you don't want to overdo it, you do want to train enough so that your aerobic fitness will be tip top by the time the season starts. Mix up your running, doing different things each day of your training in order to keep it interesting. For example, do sprinting one day and a longer distance run the next day. Run longer distances. Whether you are a long distance runner or a sprinter, you should do some long distance running to improve your endurance. Long distance runs are important for improving cardiovascular fitness, and are also important for teaching your body to run efficiently. If you are a distance runner, this will be your main mode of training, but if you are a sprinter, you should still try to do at least one day of distance running each week. For example, run five miles one day, and then run 3 miles the next. You will want to vary your distance so that you can focus on speed during the shorter distances, and then focus on endurance during the longer runs. Run sprints. Again, it is important to do sprint training regardless of whether you run for distance or for speed. Sprinting is important for teaching your muscles how to store and expend energy quickly and efficiently. If you are a long distance runner, then you can probably limit your sprinting days to one or two days each week, but don't skip it! Sprinting will help you increase your speed, even over long distances. One good example of a sprint workout is to sprint 400 meters as fast as you can, give yourself a one to two minute break, then sprint 300 meters, repeat your break, then sprint 200 meters, take another break (limit this one to a minute), and then sprint 100 meters. Repeat this circuit once more. Run stairs. This is a great way to improve your aerobic fitness, and it will also help to build the muscles in your legs. A really good place to do this running is at your local football stadium, as these usually have several rows of stairs. Start with running (not sprinting) as quickly as you comfortably can up and down one row of stairs, then keep running to the next row of stairs. Continue this for 10 – 15 minutes, then repeat the set one or two more times. Do this with caution though! As you get tired you may not lift your legs as high, making it more likely that you will trip on the stair. Alternatively, if you don't have access to stadium stairs, you can also find a steep hill and run up that as fast as you can. Then walk carefully back down. Repeat this for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure to wear sunscreen if you are doing this on a sunny day. Consider practicing yoga. Not only will this help you build strength, it will offer a good method of stretching your muscles thoroughly. There are many types of yoga you can do. For a more gentle experience, you could try Hatha or restorative yoga. For a harder workout, consider trying Bikram or power yoga. Practice dynamic stretching. Before you begin any workout, especially if it is an aerobic exercise, you should consider doing some dynamic stretching or dynamic warm-ups. Dynamic stretches should get your body moving and warmed up, putting the muscles you will be using through their full range of motion. Start with some simple moves, such as high knees, heel kick backs, then straight leg lifts forward, back, and out to the side. Try doing leg circles in both directions. Big arm moves are very effective for increasing blood flow. Arm raises in front, out to the sides, triceps press backs, overhead reaches, shoulder circles, rowing motions, can all accompany leg moves and improve the warm up. Stretch your spine. You can do this by rounding your back as you bend down to try and touch your toes. Stand up slowly and then extend your back in the opposite direction. Repeat this as many times as you like, ideally about five or six times. Head and neck moves should be done after shoulders and should only be combined with spinal warmup moves such as rounding the spine and arching the spine. Stretch daily after your workout. Regardless of what type of exercise you have done, spend 15 to 20 minutes stretching your muscles slowly and carefully. Stretching regularly can help improve flexibility, range of motion in your joints, and may decrease the risk of injury. Any stretching done before you run must be a dynamic stretch. Static stretches, in which you elongate your muscle and hold it for several seconds, should not be done as part of a warm-up. Doing so can reduce your performance. Remember to stretch your legs , back , chest, shoulders, and arms. If you are outside, and it is cold, put on some warm, dry sweatpants and a sweatshirt while you are stretching to keep yourself and your muscles warm. | Focus on developing strength in your lower body. Exercise your core. Do different types of squats. Work your glutes with single-leg deadlifts. Strengthen your hip flexors. Work your calves. Run. Run longer distances. Run sprints. Run stairs. Consider practicing yoga. Practice dynamic stretching. Stretch daily after your workout. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Run-Cross-Country | How to Run Cross Country | To run cross country, start slowly by running a mile at a local park or high school track, at a pace that pushes you slightly to help you gain stamina. Then, build up to longer runs every few days, trying to keep your original pace. Once you're ready, register for a race and start training on the course you'll be running so you're familiar with it. In the week before the race, do only one hard run so you have enough time to recover. During your run, focus on your own rhythm and avoid looking at another racer's feet, since it can cause you to fall behind. | Prepare your gear. The beauty of all types of running is the low level of equipment needed and cross-country running is no different. You'll need shorts or running pants, shirt, a layer or two if you're headed somewhere high (like mountain trails), a drinking bottle or bladder for water, and some running shoes. If you're running anywhere that could cause safety issues (for example, on a trail also used by cyclists or ATVs etc.), wear a safety vest or bright colors as well. Look for sportswear that breathes well when you sweat and a water bottle or bladder that attaches to you and can be used while you're running. It is recommended that you splash out and buy two pairs of shoes: The first pair is for practice. This pair should be well cushioned, or else you'll develop blisters or shin splints from the impact with the ground. The second pair of shoes should be cross country spikes (or flats, if your courses involve paved roads). This pair is for racing. It is a much lighter pair and has thinner cushions for a lower center of gravity. Do not wear these to practice, for they wear out quickly. Also, wearing spikes or flats during practice may lead to an injury because they're not as cushioned as practice shoes. Always warm up and stretch. A warm up should be a couple of laps to a couple of miles or slow running or even walking, depending on how long you have been running. A good method is to walk briskly for 5 minutes, then to run at your pace for a few minutes. This will raise your heart rate and cause a sweat to break. After you've warmed up, stretch. Stretching will prevent or lessen your chances of injury. Don't forget to warm down at the end of training or racing, too. Walk briskly for 5 minutes at the end of your run. Then stretch. It's more important to stretch after you run than before you run. Stretching after you run prevents injuries and works well because your muscles are warmed up and will be at their most flexible, reducing the possibility of pulling them. Take things slow at the beginning. It's a good idea to start slowly and build your strength, stamina, and enthusiasm for the sport. Running hard at the start will likely put you off and cause you to give up. In the beginning, don't tackle seven miles in a single run. Initially, run just to familiarize yourself with how the different types of terrain feel under your feet, and how your body responds to running up and down hills and over rocky, bumpy, uneven surfaces, etc. Don't race at this stage; just get used to running on as many differing surfaces as possible. Find a suitable place to begin cross-country running. Good choices include local parks (keep off the paved areas), trails in your area, hills, and even botanical gardens if you're allowed to run on the grass and mud! If you can map out the suitable places to run in advance, this will cut down on time spent searching for suitable locations. Build your abilities. Start with the mile trial. Most runners will ask one another what their best mile time is, so this is the perfect place to start as it will give you an idea of your current pace. A mile is equivalent to four laps of a standard running track and gives you a good indication of your speed, ability, and stamina over this initial distance. Run at a pace that slightly pushes you but doesn't cause you to struggle; don't worry if you can't do this at the beginning since this is just about defining where you are at the start, and you'll soon start improving. Time the mile run and work out your running pace – it's a pace that is 1 to 2 minutes slower per mile than your mile trial time. Keep running the mile at your initial pace until you feel ready to move on. Move up to two or three miles or kilometres, and keep working your way up. For novices, runs longer than 10 miles (16 kilometres) will hurt you, for more experienced runners, more than 16 miles (25.7 kilometres) in a run will do more harm than good. Use an easy pace at 2 to 3 miles (3 to 5 kilometres), about 3 to 5 days a week over a few weeks. Focus on long-term improvement. Give yourself permission to take as long as you like to build up your strength, stamina , and interest in this sport. It's not a race to get ready; the race is when you are ready and on the track competing with others. Until then, take it steady and enjoy the training. And don't be afraid to walk in between runs; experienced runners mix running and walking to break down training into smaller chunks and to increase your ability to run for longer periods of time (vital for cross-country running). Use your lunchtimes to run. If you have access to local parks, waterfronts, hills, etc., near your workplace, take the lunchtime opportunity to squeeze in some learning time. If possible, find a running buddy. It's easier to team up with someone as keen as you to learn cross-country running. As you improve, the two of you can race off one another during training. Take care with hill running. Too much uphill running can cause injuries to your muscles and joints, and descents that are too fast can also cause harm. Shorten your stride when running uphill and maintain the effort rather than the speed. Downhill, lengthen your stride a little but maintain discipline to stop yourself from sprinting. Focus on your breathing rhythm on hill runs. Enter a race. Once you've done the training and feel that you're ready to begin racing, look around for suitable races to enter. Pay any necessary fees and make transportation arrangements in advance. It's important to change your training style in the two weeks prior to the race, as you focus on the race itself rather than your standard training. Here are some things to keep in mind in relation to specific race preparation: If it's possible, try to run the circuit as a practice run before the event; knowing the race well is an important part of not being surprised and of knowing where you'll hit your pain barrier or meet other challenges. If it's too far away, run equivalent courses in your own area to get yourself ready. In addition, learn all that you can about the course. Check out the enrollment material, look at the relevant websites, and ask questions of other runners on cross country running forums. Adjust your training before the race as needed. Taper off the training in the last two weeks. In the penultimate week, only do two hard runs. Focus on high quality running. In the last week, only do one hard run, about 3 to 4 days before the actual race. Having lots of recovery periods in the lead-up to the race is extremely important. The day before the race should be an easy training day (running too hard will cause your legs to be too sore) and be sure to have at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep the night before the race. Arrive to the track on the day of the race. You've done your race preparation and you're ready to prove something to yourself. Keep in mind that the event is a culmination of all your hard work and Prepare a snack bag and your water needs. Bring a banana to eat after a workout or race. The sugar in the banana will be quickly absorbed by your body, restoring your energy. Also, the potassium found in bananas will help prevent cramps. Turn up at least an hour before the race. This is even more important if you don't know the area, as you'll want to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the terrain and rules, etc., as well as signing in and meeting officials. Warm up. Do this at least 10 to 30 minutes prior to the race. Be sure that have plenty of time to stretch before you make your way to the starting line. Sort out your starting pace. Some people recommend running the first mile of the race hard and fast. The benefit of this is that you can run ahead and keep pace with the top ability level runners, and there will be less people in front of you. This is encouraging and prevents you from being boxed in. On the other hand, other cross country runners prefer to run at their pace from the start, as running out fast can wear you out immediately and lose you time overall. It's absolutely vital to know your pace and race method before you turn up, although as a beginner, if you're prepared to experiment in the first few races, this can be a good time to find out what works best for you. Find a good race pace for you to use and every race make your race pace a little faster. Run the race to the best of your abilities. Utilize the experience you've gained training and your knowledge about yourself as a runner to run the race to the best of your abilities. When racing, don't worry about the times and the spectators. You're running this at a pace suited to you and the pain barrier is enough to contend with. If you get to the top, make sure that you pull away from the rest of the pack giving you a cushion to work with once you enter the final.1 miles of the race, which so often decides the outcome of a race. When you're running ahead of someone else, dart quickly past them to psych them out. Never look at another racer's feet. Otherwise you risk dropping into their rhythm and falling behind; keep your eyes on their shoulders. Be proud of your achievement no matter where you arrive in the race. This is challenging running and even participating is an incredible feat! Remain flexible. Before you begin training in cross-country, be sure to revisit the basics on staying flexible and well stretched. Don't forget to warm up before heading out, and to warm down. You might also like to include some minor weight training and some cross-training such as swimming , cycling, and walking, as these will work other parts of your body as well as giving you a break from running but still providing you with exercise and stress relief. Additionally, if you're not already running, speak with your doctor about taking up this strenuous sport if you have any fitness concerns. If you're in bad shape, don't give up; just take it more slowly and be very kind to your body as you get used to the running and exercises. The beauty of running is that you will gradually improve your fitness and stamina. Do push ups and sit ups every day. This will strengthen your upper body, which is also vital in a race. Start with fifteen push-ups and twenty-five sit-ups and work your way up. You may discover that your calves and hamstrings get a little sore if you're not already a seasoned runner. This is a good thing; it means that you're working the muscle in a way it's never been used before. This is similar to when you go to the gym after a long absence and do a complete weightlifting workout. Of course your muscles will be sore, but that isn't a bad thing! You might want to consider cutting back a little if they are especially sore. Eat for best performance. Your fitness as a cross-country runner also depends on what you're eating. Be sure to eat healthy foods and to provide your body with the high energy input that it needs for running. It's also helpful to eat smaller meals, but eat more frequently throughout the day (maybe 6 - 8 smaller meals every 2 to 3 hours). Cut down or cut out the fast foods. They provide empty, non-nutritious calories that don't give long-term energy. Instead, fill up on the complex carbohydrates. Eat lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and drink water. Also, get plenty of high quality protein. Before a race, eat lightly. It is recommended that your meal be 2 to 3 hours before a race, and 1 hour before training. Eating any closer to a race can cause you to cramp up. Drink 230 to 460 ml (8 to 16 fl oz) of water or a sports drink an hour before running. Read up on sports nutrition. It's a complex area with lots of ideas but only you know your own body's needs and can make the right choices for fueling it. Do some research and trialing to see what energizes you the best. Set goals. Once you've trialed the terrain for a bit and become used to running on all sorts of different surfaces, focus on little goals and big goals to help build up your resilience and endurance. Set a big goal. Now that you've started, it's time to focus on your first cross country race. Which one will it be? Choose one that is coming up and start working toward it. Start adding one long, hard run to at least one day a week. Do your best to keep running without stopping over a long period of time, such as an hour or two and build it up. Weekends are best for this, although you can also make good use of evenings during daylight savings in the warmer months of the year. Continue training by observing the easy day/hard day routine. No matter how experienced a runner you are, training should not consist of all hard days. Your motivation and your body will soon wear out! Instead, implement a system of training that allows for some days where the runs are easy and other days where you really push yourself. As a beginner, slowly build up to harder training days. Keep a training log. This will help you to keep track of your running progress and will enable you to note when it's time to switch up your training to its next level. Do some research. Look online for training program ideas. There are different training programs suggested by different coaches and cross-country runners. Tailor these to suit your local environs and personal needs. The key is to increase your ability gradually and to ensure that you have covered all the bases including different terrain, inclines and declines, all-weather running, increased stamina and speed, and ability to push yourself just a little further every time. Reflect on the physical benefits of cross country running. Cross-country running has both mental and physical benefits; after being a cross-country runner you're likely to be more robust and versatile, able to run in all weather types and across all terrain types. If you're usually a road or track runner , adding cross-country running to your training schedule can "toughen" you up and get you prepared for anything. On the other hand, cross country training won't improve just your speed; cross country also focuses on endurance. Cross country running demands a great deal from your muscles but the gradual increase in strength and improvement of your range of speeds occurs without the jarring that is common with track or road training. This means that you can slowly improve your running skills over time without cumulative damaging effects. Other benefits to cross-country running that apply to running generally include its potential to keep your weight in check; it can be varied between individual goals and competitive goals depending on what you seek from it; your legs will be in great shape; and you'll experience energy increases. Consider the mental benefits of cross country running, as well. Cross-country running teaches you a lot of self-discipline; even modest running talent is rewarded by good discipline. And despite (or perhaps because of) the challenges involved in cross-country running, you'll have a lot of time for learning how to push yourself in ways you never thought possible. The end of a cross-country run is filled with the desserts of rewards – you're absolutely and utterly entitled to that hot bath, massage, fantastic meal, and night in a comfortable bed (with the added bonus that you're guaranteed to have an incredibly good night's rest). Refresh your motivation regularly. There will be times when you hit a brick wall during training and when it'll be important to take stock and reflect over why you're training. Revisit the reasons that are inspiring you, including the races you want to participate in, the friends you're making by being a part of the cross-country running scene, the enjoyment you're getting out of increased fitness and stamina, and other similar reasons. If you've been pushing yourself too hard, ease up. Allow time for recovery and remember that you're running for yourself, not for other people. This type of running is about participating and giving your best. It doesn't matter where you come in the races or training, just as long as you're persistent and do your best. Keep in mind that, as with marathons , cross-country racing is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical. Make the decision to keep going and to beating your last best. Choose beautiful and breathtaking locations for your cross country races. Once you're comfortable with cross-country running, and you're able to move away from the high school or college circuits, why not combine it with visiting some of the more spectacular places in the world to go cross-country running? For all the hard work and travel costs, the rewards will include gaining an appreciation for the beauty around you, meeting equally enthused cross-country runners from other parts of the world, as well as having the opportunity to stay in some wonderful places if you're prepared to travel too. Cross-country running is popular in many countries, including the USA, Canada, Scotland, England, Australia , New Zealand, and a number of countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. IAAF Athletics provides ongoing updates of running races around the world, including cross-country running which you can check out to plan which races are of interest to you. Happy travel running! | Prepare your gear. Always warm up and stretch. Take things slow at the beginning. Build your abilities. Focus on long-term improvement. Enter a race. Adjust your training before the race as needed. Arrive to the track on the day of the race. Sort out your starting pace. Run the race to the best of your abilities. Remain flexible. Eat for best performance. Set goals. Do some research. Reflect on the physical benefits of cross country running. Consider the mental benefits of cross country running, as well. Refresh your motivation regularly. Choose beautiful and breathtaking locations for your cross country races. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Toad | How to Care for a Toad | To care for a toad, fill a tank with frog moss, hiding spots like stones and tree bark, and a water bath. To feed your toad, give it crickets, waxworms, and mealworms. If you have a young toad, feed it once a day, and if you have an adult toad, feed it 2-3 times a week. You should also take out any uneaten food after 15 minutes and give your toad fresh food at every meal. | Get a properly sized container. You will need to purchase a ten gallon tank for one or two toads. You should generally not put more than three toads together in a tank, as many toads can become aggressive. Do not house different kinds of toads together. Buy substrate that your toad will enjoy. Substrate is ground covering that is specifically made for terrariums. Putting at least three inches of substrate down on the floor of your terrarium will allow your toad to burrow when he feels like hiding. The type of substrate will depend on your specific type of toad. In general 'frog moss', which is sold at pet stores, makes for good covering, as does additive-free potting or topsoil purchased at a garden store. Pulverized coconut fiber is also an excellent form of substrate. If in doubt about which type of substrate you should buy, ask an amphibian specialist at a reptile or pet store. Do not use artificial turf or gravel, as these ground coverings are too harsh for your toad's delicate skin. Give your toad some hiding spots. You can choose which sort of hiding spots you would like to give your toad. You could put a stone, tree bark, or piece of slate down that your toad could burrow under. Other toad owners prefer to buy a store-made hiding places or to provide their toad with an empty coconut shell to climb into. Give your toad a swimming pool. The pool should be roughly half the toad's height and four times as long as your toad. It is very important that the water you use to fill the pool is dechlorinated--toads can die if given chlorinated water. Make sure that there is a ramp of some kind that the toad can walk up when he is done frolicking in the water, as toads are relatively poor swimmers. An easy way to make a water bath for your toad is to buy a shallow plastic bowl. Make a hole in the substrate so that the bowl's mouth is level with the rest of the substrate on the floor of the terrarium. Put a sturdy plank of some kind into the bowl so that your toad can get in and out of the water easily. Keep your toad’s home at the right temperature. Again, the temperature you keep your toad's tank at will depend on the type of toad you are housing. A toad's preferred temperature can range from 65°F to 82°F (18°C to 27°C), depending on the type of toad you have. It is advisable to place a reptile heating pad under one end of the tank if your variety of toad needs heat. Putting the pad under one end of the tank allows the toad to choose to be either on the heated side or the cooler side. For your toad's specific temperature needs, check with your local reptile and amphibian store. Use the right sort of lights to keep your toad happy. Toads should have roughly 12 hours of 'sunlight' each day. Use a daylight lamp or a low UV level lamp, but only you have provided your toad with hiding places (so he can get away from the light if he feels like it.) If you want to be able to see your toad at night, you can install a red lamp to light up his home at night. Toads are most active at night. Toads can't see red light, so they will think they are moving around in the dark but you will still be able to see them. Make sure the terrarium has enough moisture. While toads do not enjoy the water as much as true frogs do, they still need a relatively moist habitat. Use a mist bottle daily to mist one side of the tank (the side with the water bowl) so that the toad can choose whether he wants to be on wet or dry terrain. Only use water that you are positive is chlorine free! Do not take a toad from the wild. Wild animals should not be taken from their home in the wilderness, no matter how cute you think a toad's goofy face is. The fact is, many types of toads are endangered because we have been leveling their homes and turning them into construction sites. Wild toads should be left alone in their natural habitat. Feed your toad the type of food he will want to eat. Standard toad fare includes recently fed crickets, waxworms, and mealworms. Your toad's age will determine how often you feed him. If you have a young juvenile toad, you should feed him everyday. If you have an adult toad you should plan to feed him two to three times a week. You should give your toad four to six standard-sized food items (standard being the size of a cricket) when you feed him. Toads will recognize a routine. Try to feed your toad at the same time every other day or so. Only feed your toad store-bought crickets. Crickets caught in the wild could be carrying parasites that will make your toad sick. Give your toad vitamin supplements. To give the toad the proper amount of nutrients, you should consider dusting their food with multivitamin or calcium powder. As a general rule, it's best to dust their food with calcium powder every time you feed your toad, and with multivitamin powder once a week. Make sure your toad has water. It is incredibly important that you only give your toad dechlorinated water. Toads are very sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and you could very easily cause harm to your toad if you give him chlorinated water. Remove uneaten food everyday. In general, toads will eat their fill within the first 15 minutes of food being introduced to their home. Wait 15 minutes or so and then remove any uneaten food. You should also change the water everyday. Do not handle your toad very often. Toads don't really like to handled and can get scared easily. These animals are much more of a 'see, don't touch' sort of pet. When you do have to handle your toad, like when you clean his cage, you must remember to be very gentle with him. Toads are delicate creatures, despite their bumpy, rugged appearances. Never throw your toad around or drop him. Take precautions when handling your toad. You should always wear gloves when you have to pick your toad up. A toad's skin is mildly toxic and will cause some people skin irritation --however, the oils on human skin can also be damaging to toads. Wash your hands after you handle your toad. Toads are known to be carriers of diseases like Salmonella. You should always wash your hands after you have held your toad, particularly if you didn't wear gloves while doing so. Make sure you wash your hands with warm water and soap. Clean your toad’s tank often. You should try to clean the tank once a week. In order to do this, you must move your toad to a holding area where he cannot escape. Remove all of the old substrate, clean the tank and any props (like hiding places), fill the tank with fresh substrate, and put everything back in its proper place (including the toad). Know the specifics for your type of toad. While this article goes over the basics of how to keep a pet toad happy and alive, some types of toads are pickier than others. If you have any questions about your specific toad type, you can click on the name of your type of toad below. Remember, when in doubt, call on the help of a knowledgeable amphibian specialist at a reptile or pet store in your area. Fire Belly toads American toads Wild Southern toads Gulf Coast toads Sand toads | Get a properly sized container. Buy substrate that your toad will enjoy. Give your toad some hiding spots. Give your toad a swimming pool. Keep your toad’s home at the right temperature. Use the right sort of lights to keep your toad happy. Make sure the terrarium has enough moisture. Do not take a toad from the wild. Feed your toad the type of food he will want to eat. Give your toad vitamin supplements. Make sure your toad has water. Remove uneaten food everyday. Do not handle your toad very often. Take precautions when handling your toad. Clean your toad’s tank often. Know the specifics for your type of toad. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Attract-Cardinals | How to Attract Cardinals | To attract cardinals, set up a stationary or platform bird feeder and fill it with black sunflower seeds, which cardinals love. You can also scatter some of the seeds on the ground since cardinals are ground feeders. Also, put a bird bath nearby so that cardinals have somewhere to clean themselves. You can even install a heated bird bath, which will attract lots of cardinals during the cold winter months. | Make sure cardinals are native to your area. Northern cardinals are found throughout eastern and central North America from southern Canada into parts of Mexico and Central America. These birds live as far north as Maine or Nova Scotia, Canada down south through Florida and the Gulf Coast. They range as far west as South Dakota, Nebraska, and Texas. Cardinals have also been introduced to California, Hawaii, and Bermuda. Northern cardinals do not migrate so they live in the same place year-round. Buy a bird feeder. Cardinals prefer stationary or platform feeders over a hanging variety. Make sure the feeder is sturdy enough to handle the weight of a cardinal (which is equal to 9 US nickels) and that the perches are long enough for the birds to fit on them. Cardinals also like to have cover near feeders, so place it close to trees or shrubs that the birds can flee to if they are frightened. Cardinals like areas with dense foliage and high perches but usually stick to the edges of forests. Suburban landscaping and common backyard trees and scrubs are usually attractive habitats to cardinals. Provide water. Place a bird bath a few meters away. Bird baths do take a bit of upkeep to keep them clean and attractive to birds. Clean the birdbath every week or more often if used heavily. Scrub the bird feeder with a stiff brush, rinse it with cold water, and then refill it. If you have a buildup of algae or scum on the birdbath, use a mixture of one part chlorine bleach to nine parts water to clean the bath. Then rinse thoroughly before refilling the bath with fresh water. If you live in an area where it freezes in winter, a heated birdbath will be very popular with your cardinals. Make sure there are places for cardinals to nest in your yard. Cardinals will not nest in nesting boxes, so you just need to make sure there are natural places for the birds. They like thick trees, thickets, or shrubs, where they can nest between 3 and 20 feet off the ground. Food and water doesn't need to be really close to the potential nesting area, but it should be relatively close. For instance, if the thick shrubs are in the back of your house and the food and water are in the front, it should be ok. Watch for cardinals in your yard. Cardinals feed most heavily in the morning and evening, so keep track of their daily visits for maximum viewing. They shouldn't be hard to spot, due to their beautiful, brilliant color. Male and female cardinals look different. Male cardinals are typically bright red overall, with a black ring around the beak. Female cardinals are usually predominately brown, with bright red bills and a red crest on the top of their heads. Keep your yard free of predators and harmful chemicals. Keep household pets away from feeders, birdbaths, and nesting areas. Avoid using deadly poisons, such as herbicides, insecticides, or fertilizers, in the vicinity of your feeders and birdbaths. Lawn-care chemicals, for instance, are known to contaminate bird food and water and kill all types of songbirds. You can also help cardinals by eliminating the reflection on your windows near feeding or nesting areas. Cardinals are known to fly into windows, which can seriously injure or kill them. Install bird netting, awnings, window screens, or flash tape on the outside of your windows to help cardinals avoid crashing into your windows. Put sunflower or safflower seeds in your feeder. Black Sunflower seeds are a favorite of cardinals. However, cardinals also like safflower seeds and white milo. If you are concerned about litter from seeds, you can buy hulled sunflower seeds. Just make sure to change these seeds more often, as they don't have the same protection from going bad as whole ones with shells do. Cardinals like large seeds. They will eat smaller seeds if nothing else is available, but they prefer large seeds, such as sunflower, safflower, peanuts, or cracked corn. Put a suet feeder out in winter. In the winter use a suet feeder to provide extra energy for cardinals and other birds. While this will probably not be the primary feeding choice of cardinals in your area, they may come to a suet feeder to find extra food in the winter. Suet should only be fed in the winter. This is because it is essentially a block of animal fat mixed with seeds. If it gets too hot, it can melt and go rancid. Put food on the ground as well. Cardinals are actually ground feeders, so they will happily eat off the ground. If you have a patch of ground that is away from low bushes or shrubs, where predators may hide, you can also scatter seed there. Be warned that ground feeding will also be attractive to squirrels. If you have a lot of squirrels in your area, you may want to avoid ground feeding and use squirrel baffles or squirrel proof feeders. | Make sure cardinals are native to your area. Buy a bird feeder. Provide water. Make sure there are places for cardinals to nest in your yard. Watch for cardinals in your yard. Keep your yard free of predators and harmful chemicals. Put sunflower or safflower seeds in your feeder. Put a suet feeder out in winter. Put food on the ground as well. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Money-Tree | How to Care for a Money Tree | If you have a money tree, place it in a room that has at least 50% humidity and receives an abundance of indirect light. Water your money tree whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry and empty the drainage tray underneath it so it's not sitting in water. Re-pot your money tree every 2-3 years, and place it in a pot that's only slightly larger than it's previous pot. | Put your money tree somewhere it will get indirect light. Any spot with bright lighting that doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight will work. Keep your money tree away from windows if direct sunlight shines through them every day. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves on your money tree and kill it. A stand in your living room or the top of your dresser in your bedroom would be good spots for your money tree, as long as they don't receive a lot of direct sunlight. Try to turn your tree every time you water it. This helps ensure even growth and leaf development. Keep your money tree away from extreme heat and cold. Extreme temperatures can shock your money tree and cause it to die. Find a spot for your money tree that's away from heat and air conditioning vents. Don't put your money tree near a window or door if a cold draft comes through it a lot. Ideally, your money tree should be in a space that averages between 60–75 °F (16–24 °C). Choose a spot that has at least 50-percent humidity. Money trees need a lot of humidity to survive. If you live in a dry climate and you're worried about the humidity levels being too low, set up a humidifier near your money tree. Get an indoor humidity monitor so you can keep track of how humid it is in the room your money tree is in. Raise the humidity levels around your money tree if it looks dry. Dry, falling leaves are a sign that your money tree isn't getting enough humidity. If you already have a humidifier set up, start leaving it on for longer amounts of time, or get a second humidifier. Make sure your money tree isn't near any heat vents that could be drying out the air. Watering your money tree more won't help with the dryness, and it could make the problem worse by causing root rot or the leaves on the tree to turn yellow. Water your money tree when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of soil are dry. Don't water your money tree when the soil is still wet or you could overwater it and cause root rot. To check if the soil is dry enough, gently dig down into the soil with your finger. If the soil is dry 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) down, water your money tree. Water your money tree until water comes out of the drainage holes. Once you see water draining out of the holes and into the tray underneath the pot, stop watering. Make sure you keep watering until you see the excess water come out or your money tree might not get as much water as it needs. Dump out the tray full of water after you water your money tree. That way your money tree won't be sitting in water, which can cause root rot. After you water your money tree, wait a few minutes for all of the excess water to drain out of the drainage holes and into the tray. Then, lift up your potted money tree and grab the tray full of water from underneath it. Empty the tray and return it to its place underneath your tree. Water your money tree less during the winter. Money trees grow less during the winter because there's not as much light. Because they grow less, they don't need as much water. During the winter, when you notice the soil your money tree is in is dry, wait 2-3 extra days before you water it. Start watering regularly again once springs arrives. Trim off dead and damaged leaves using pruning shears. This will keep your money tree looking healthy and green. Dead leaves will be brown and wilted, and damaged leaves will be torn or broken off at the stem. When you notice a dead or damaged leaf, clip it off at the base of the growth using the shears. It's OK if you don't trim off the dead or damaged leaves on your money tree. Your tree just may not look as healthy as it could if you did trim them off. Shape your money tree with pruning shears. To shape your money tree, look at the tree and imagine the outlines of the shape you want. Then, look for growth that's extending outside the boundary of the imaginary lines. Take your pruning shears and clip off the part of the growth outside the boundary line. When you're clipping off the growth, clip right after the leaf node that's nearest to the boundary line. Money trees traditionally have a round shape, but you can give yours a square or triangular shape instead if you'd prefer. Prune your tree during the spring and summer to keep it small (optional). If you want your money tree to get bigger, avoid pruning it. To prune your money tree, use pruning shears to cut off unwanted growth right after the leaf node at the base of the growth. Fertilize your money tree 3-4 times a year. Money trees grow the most during the spring and summer, and seasonal fertilizing will help keep your money tree healthy as it grows. Use a liquid fertilizer and cut the recommended dose on the label in half. Stop fertilizing at the end of the summer. Your money tree doesn't need fertilizer outside of the growing season because its growth slows down, so it needs less nutrients. Make sure you're cutting the dose of liquid fertilizer in half. The recommended dosage on the packaging is the maximum amount intended for plants growing in perfect conditions. Using the full dosage may be too much for your plant and it could have negative effects. Pot your money tree in a relatively small pot. A pot that's a lot larger than your money tree will hold too much soil and moisture, which can lead to root rot. When you repot your money tree, choose a pot that's slightly bigger than the pot it was previously in. Choose a pot that has drainage holes. Drainage holes allow excess water to drain out of the pot and into a tray beneath it. Money trees are prone to root rot, which is caused by too much water, so it's important your money tree has plenty of drainage. When you're shopping for pots, look down inside of them at the bottom of the pot. If there aren't any drainage holes, look for another pot that has some. Pot your money tree in a fast-draining, moisture-retaining potting soil. Use a premade bonsai soil mix, or make your own potting mix using a peat-moss based potting soil. Just add sand or other organic material to the peat-moss based potting soil. The peat moss will help the soil retain moisture, and the sand or perlite will help with drainage. Repot your money tree every 2-3 years. To repot your money tree, carefully dig out the roots and soil from the pot it's in, taking care to stay near the edges of the pot so you don't damage the roots. Then, transfer your money tree to a new pot and add new soil to fill in the extra space. If you notice your money tree's roots growing out of the bottom of the pot, it's time to repot it. | Put your money tree somewhere it will get indirect light. Keep your money tree away from extreme heat and cold. Choose a spot that has at least 50-percent humidity. Raise the humidity levels around your money tree if it looks dry. Water your money tree when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of soil are dry. Water your money tree until water comes out of the drainage holes. Dump out the tray full of water after you water your money tree. Water your money tree less during the winter. Trim off dead and damaged leaves using pruning shears. Shape your money tree with pruning shears. Prune your tree during the spring and summer to keep it small (optional). Fertilize your money tree 3-4 times a year. Pot your money tree in a relatively small pot. Choose a pot that has drainage holes. Pot your money tree in a fast-draining, moisture-retaining potting soil. Repot your money tree every 2-3 years. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Refinish-a-Coffee-Table | How to Refinish a Coffee Table | Before you can refinish a coffee table, you'll need to sand off the old finish. Use a coarse grit sandpaper for this to make sure all of the varnish or paint is removed, then smooth the surface with a smaller grit sandpaper. If you like a natural look, try finishing the table with oil. Add some tung or Danish oil to a cloth and wipe it onto the table, making sure to follow the direction of the grain. Alternatively, apply a coat of wood stain to darken the finish. Use a paint brush to cover the surface, then leave it to dry according to the instructions on the packaging. If you'd rather keep the same color but want a smooth finish, put on a coat of varnish. Again, you can apply this with a paint brush. | Pick an easy-to-clean area to work in or put down a drop sheet. You will be making a mess as you refinish the coffee table. Work outside or somewhere like a garage if you can, or put down a drop sheet, tarp, or plastic sheet to catch the dust from sanding and protect the floor from spills. If you don't have a good work area or some kind of drop sheet to use, you could put down 2-3 overlapping layers of newspaper or even create a drop sheet by taping some plastic garbage bags together. Clean the surface of the table with a mild soap and water solution. Mix 2-3 drops of gentle soap, such as a mild liquid dish detergent, into a cup or bowl of water. Soak a clean cloth in the soap solution and wring out excess water until it's not dripping. Rub down the entire coffee table with the damp cloth to clean off dust and grime. It's important to clean off the surface very well so there are no grains of dirt that you might end up grinding into the wood as you sand. Remove the finish by sanding the coffee table with a coarse-grit sandpaper. Attach a sheet of coarse-grit sandpaper, like 40- or 60-grit sandpaper, to a sanding block or electric sander. Start sanding, going with the grain of the wood, until you remove all the finish and expose all the bare wood. Wear a face mask and goggles whenever you're sanding to keep wood dust out of your mouth, nose, and eyes. If there are any hard-to-reach areas, such as engraved legs or sides of the coffee table, fold up a piece of sandpaper into a small square and sand those areas by hand. If your sandpaper stops removing the finish at any point, stop sanding and feel the sandpaper with your fingers. If it is smooth, it has worn out and you need to replace it with a fresh sheet. Wipe down the entire coffee table with a clean cloth to remove the wood dust. Use a tack cloth or other clean, soft cloth to wipe away all the dust from sanding. This will allow you to better see the exposed wood and continue with sanding and preparing the surface for a new finish. A tack cloth is a cloth specifically made for cleaning up wood dust. You can purchase one at a home improvement center, a woodworking supply shop, or online. If you don't have one, something like a microfiber cloth or an old cut-up T-shirt will work. You could also use a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck up the dust. If you notice any spots where there is still paint, varnish, or stain showing after you wipe away the dust, go back over them with the coarse-grit sandpaper until the wood is bare. Smooth the bare wood surface by sanding it again with fine-grit sandpaper. Put a sheet of fine-grit sandpaper, like 120- or 240-grit sandpaper, on your sanding block or electric sander. Sand down the entire coffee table, going with the grain, until it is completely smooth. Stop sanding periodically and run a hand over the whole coffee table to feel for rough spots. Keep sanding and feeling the table until it feels like it has a uniform smoothness. Clean off the coffee table with mineral spirits to get rid of fine wood dust. Wipe off the loose dust with your tack cloth or other soft cloth. Dampen a rag with mineral spirits and wipe down the entire coffee table to clean it and prepare it for finishing. Wear a face mask when you apply mineral spirits so you don't inhale the fumes. If you are working inside, open up any doors and windows you can to ventilate the space. Mineral spirits are also known as mineral turps or mineral turpentine. The liquid is very similar to paint thinner, which you can use as a substitute if that's all you have. Finish the coffee table with furniture oil if you like the natural look of the wood. Apply a natural furniture oil, like tung oil, teak oil, or Danish oil, to a clean cloth. Rub the oil into the coffee table with the cloth, going with the grain, until you have applied oil to all the bare wood. Let the coffee table dry overnight, then apply another coat of oil if you want to bring out the colors of the wood more. Furniture oil will soak into the wood to protect it. You can apply it as often as you want to enrich the finish of the coffee table and keep the wood protected. Furniture oil enhances the natural colors of the wood without drastically altering the color. Depending on how much oil you apply, it can slightly darken the wood. Stain the coffee table if you want a darker or different-colored wood finish. Apply a coat of the wood stain of your choice with a 4 in (10 cm) paintbrush using long, smooth strokes and going with the grain. Wipe off any excess stain with a clean cloth, then let the stain dry for as long as the instructions on the packaging recommend. Since you are applying stain to bare wood, the wood will absorb it very easily. If you don't want the finish to be too dark, wipe off excess stain right away. If you want the finish to be darker, you can apply 1-2 additional coats of stain after the first coat dries, wiping off excess stain after each coat. Make sure to let the second coat dry before you apply a third. Varnish the coffee table if you want a clear protective finish. Use a 4 in (10 cm) paintbrush to apply a polyurethane or polycrylic wood varnish of your choice. Go with the grain and use long, straight strokes to apply an even coat all over the coffee table. Let the stain dry for as long as the manufacturer's instructions recommend, then apply another coat if you want added protection or more shine. Varnish is a transparent protective finish for wood. It comes in matte, semi-gloss, and glossy varieties, so you can choose whether you want the coffee table to look more natural or shiny. You can also apply a coat of varnish on top of a wood stain if you want to make the table glossier and give it an extra protective layer. Paint the coffee table if you want it to be a totally different color. Apply a layer of latex-based primer to the wood using a 4 in (10 cm) paintbrush and let it dry for 1 hour. Paint over the primer using a paint of your choice, working with the grain and using long, even strokes. Let the paint dry for 4-8 hours, then add a second coat if you can still see any of the primer through the paint. You can use either oil-based or latex-based paint for the coffee table. Keep in mind that oil-based paints take up to 8 hours to dry, while latex-based paints only take about 4. Latex-based paint is easier to clean up after, as you can just rinse out your paintbrush with water. Oil-based paint requires paint thinner to clean up. You could use 2 different shades of paint to give the coffee table a 2-tone finish. For example, you could paint the top of the table a dark blue color and paint the legs and sides a slightly lighter shade of blue. | Pick an easy-to-clean area to work in or put down a drop sheet. Clean the surface of the table with a mild soap and water solution. Remove the finish by sanding the coffee table with a coarse-grit sandpaper. Wipe down the entire coffee table with a clean cloth to remove the wood dust. Smooth the bare wood surface by sanding it again with fine-grit sandpaper. Clean off the coffee table with mineral spirits to get rid of fine wood dust. Finish the coffee table with furniture oil if you like the natural look of the wood. Stain the coffee table if you want a darker or different-colored wood finish. Varnish the coffee table if you want a clear protective finish. Paint the coffee table if you want it to be a totally different color. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-a-Banana | How to Eat a Banana | To eat a banana, first find one that's ripe so it's sweet and easy to digest. If it's still green, it's not ripe enough yet. When it turns yellow, the banana is ripe enough to eat. It will be sweetest when there are a few light brown spots on the peel. To peel the banana, snap back the stalk at the top of the fruit, then pull it downwards. Pull the rest of the skin off in similar strips. You can also peel the banana from the blossom end which is the flat, brown stub at the end of the banana. Pinch just behind the blossom end to break it apart, then peel the skin off the banana. Eat the fruit whole or cut it into pieces. For a healthy breakfast, add banana pieces to a smoothie, cereal, yogurt, or oatmeal. For something sweeter, dip whole or sliced bananas in melted chocolate. | Buy a ripe banana. for a banana that is yellow and lightly speckled with small brown or black spots. Some people prefer the firmer yellow-all-over stage; some prefer the softer, sweeter, stronger-flavored yellow-and-brownish stage. If the banana is not ripe, you can leave it on a warm counter for a day or two. Peel the banana. Some people prefer to peel the entire thing and then eat it, while others peel as they go. There's many ways to peel a banana. If you have not peeled one before, you might find one of these methods easy: Peel the banana from the stem end. Snap back the stalk at the top of the fruit, then pull it downwards alongside the fruit. Pull the rest of the skin off in similar strips. Peel the banana from the blossom end. This is the flat, brown stub at the end of the banana. Pinch just behind the blossom end to break it apart, then peel bits of it downward. If you don't want the whole banana at once, cut it in half before peeling. Cover the half you won't be eating right away with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. Remove the "strings. " Bananas have fibrous strands between the skin and the fruit. These usually come off along with the peel, but sometimes they may stick to the fruit. Gently peel these off before eating the banana. They are not bad for you, but many people find them to have a bitter taste and odd texture. Eat the banana. You can eat the banana bite by bite, peeling a little bit of it as you go. You can also peel it all at once, slice it with a knife, and eat it with a fork. You can even use it in smoothies, dip it in chocolate and freeze it, fry it, or even grill it! Here are some ideas to get you started: Add a sliced banana to cereal or oatmeal. Drizzle some honey over banana slices for extra sweetness. Make a peanut butter banana sandwich on whole wheat bread. Cut a banana in half lengthwise, and fill it with peanut butter. Put the banana back together, and eat it like a sandwich. Get rid of the skin. If you are in an in-closed area, such as a room, throw it away in a closed bag or closed trashcan, otherwise the banana will fill the room with its odor. Alternatively, you can also save the banana peel to use as compost in your garden. Add a peeled and sliced banana into a blender. Slicing the banana up first will make it easier to blend and give you a smoother drink in the end. For an extra-thick smoothie, use a frozen banana. Add the milk and yogurt. For a thicker smoothie, omit the milk and use ⅔ cup (165 grams) yogurt. Top it off with peanut butter. If you don't like peanut butter, you can use another type of nut butter, such as almond. You can also use some chocolate sauce instead (start with 2 tablespoons, then add more if needed). Blend the ingredients until smooth. If the smoothie is not thick enough for you, toss in 5 to 7 ice cubes. Pour into two tall glasses and serve immediately. You can garnish each glass with some whipped cream, or a swirl of chocolate and/or caramel sauce. Cut the banana into ½-inch (1.27 centimeters) thick slices. Peel the banana first, and remove any fibrous strands. Cut the banana into thin slices with a sharp knife. Freeze the bananas for 1 hour. Cover a baking sheet with wax paper and spread the bananas across it in an even layer. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small bowl. Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Give the mixture a stir, and heat for another 15 seconds. Stir it until all the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is smooth. If necessary, heat the mixture for another few seconds. Set the mixture aside and take out the bananas. If you'd like, you can glue two banana slices together with some peanut butter to make mini banana sandwiches. This is completely optional, but it makes quite the treat! Dip the banana slices in the cooled chocolate. Once the chocolate has cooled, spear a banana slice onto a fork, and dip it into the chocolate. Use a spoon to help you pour chocolate onto any hard-to-reach areas. For an added touch, you can dip the banana slice into some crushed walnuts for extra protein. Place the coated banana slice back onto the wax paper lined baking sheet. Keep dipping banana slices until you have none left. Put the bananas back into the freezer until the chocolate is set and the bananas are frozen. At this point, they are ready to eat. You can store them in small, plastic sandwich bags for easy snacking. Cut the bananas into ½-inch (1.27 centimeters) long pieces. Set the bananas slices aside, but have them ready for frying. Melt the honey, butter, and cinnamon in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Stir them with a spatula as they melt so that they get mixed together. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, you are ready for the next step. Toss in the banana slices and fry them for 4 minutes. As the bananas cook, they will start to caramelize and turn a golden brown color. If they start to burn too fast, however, turn the heat down. Flip the banana slices over and fry them for another 4 minutes. They are ready when both sides are a golden brown color. Be sure to have a plate ready for serving. Serve the fired bananas immediately. You can serve them on their own, or with other foods, such as: French toast, ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don't have a grill, you can preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) instead. Slice a peeled banana open, lengthwise, and place it on a sheet of tinfoil. Be sure that you are slicing the banana inside the curve. Do not slice it all the way open, however; you want the two halves to be connected at the bottom, like a hot dog. Fill the banana with the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. The chocolate and mini marshmallows will make a small pile on top of the banana. You can layer them, like making s'mores, or you can mix them together first. Wrap the foil around the banana and grill it for 5 to 6 minutes. If you are using an oven, bake it for 5 to 6 minutes, and then broil it (uncovered) until the marshmallows are golden brown. Unwrap the banana and top it with the crushed graham cracker. This is that final touch that will make the banana more s'more like. If you don't have any graham crackers, you can use any cinnamon-honey flavored crackers or cereal. Let the banana cool, then eat it with a spoon. The s'more like flavor makes it an ideal camping trip treat! | Buy a ripe banana. Peel the banana. Remove the "strings. Eat the banana. Get rid of the skin. Add a peeled and sliced banana into a blender. Add the milk and yogurt. Top it off with peanut butter. Blend the ingredients until smooth. Pour into two tall glasses and serve immediately. Cut the banana into ½-inch (1.27 centimeters) thick slices. Freeze the bananas for 1 hour. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small bowl. Set the mixture aside and take out the bananas. Dip the banana slices in the cooled chocolate. Place the coated banana slice back onto the wax paper lined baking sheet. Put the bananas back into the freezer until the chocolate is set and the bananas are frozen. Cut the bananas into ½-inch (1.27 centimeters) long pieces. Melt the honey, butter, and cinnamon in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the banana slices and fry them for 4 minutes. Flip the banana slices over and fry them for another 4 minutes. Serve the fired bananas immediately. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Slice a peeled banana open, lengthwise, and place it on a sheet of tinfoil. Fill the banana with the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Wrap the foil around the banana and grill it for 5 to 6 minutes. Unwrap the banana and top it with the crushed graham cracker. Let the banana cool, then eat it with a spoon. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pavlova | How to Make Pavlova | To make pavlova, start by combining corn starch and sugar, then beat it into 4 egg whites 1 teaspoon at a time. When the mixture develops stiff peaks, mix in the vinegar and vanilla. Pour the mixture into a round tray covered with parchment paper and make an indent in the middle for the topping to sit in later, then bake the meringue at 270 degrees F for 60-70 minutes. Allow the pavlova to cool on a wire rack before spreading the whipped cream on top. Finish by topping your pavlova with strawberries or kiwi slices. | Assemble the ingredients. Pavlova has very few ingredients, but each one is very important. Don't make substitutions for any of the ingredients, since the texture of the dessert depends on the precise chemistry of each one. Preheat the oven to 275 °F (135 °C). Arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven. Prepare a baking sheet. Tear off a large sheet of parchment paper and place it on a baking sheet. Trace around the bottom of a 9-inch cake pan to draw a circle on the parchment paper. You'll spread the meringue mixture inside the circle to bake it. Mix the sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. If you'd like, add a pinch of salt as well. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It's very important to make sure the egg whites don't get tainted by bits of yolk; this will prevent your meringue from stiffening. Make sure you pour the whites into a very clean, dry metal mixing bowl. Water or bits of oil will affect the texture of your meringue. Keep the yolks for a different recipe, or make an omelette later. Beat the egg whites. Use with a hand mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes, or beat with an egg whisk, until soft peaks form. Add the castor sugar mixture by the teaspoonful. Keep beating the egg whites and add the sugar mixture teaspoon by teaspoon. Continue until you run out of sugar and the whites have formed stiff, glossy peaks. Add the vinegar and vanilla. Pour the vinegar and vanilla over the peaks and keep beating until everything is mixed together. The vinegar will help the meringue stay crispy around the edges and soft in the middle as it bakes. Spoon the mixture into the parchment circle. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly. It should be approximately dinner plate roundness in size. Create a small indented hollow in the centre. Pavlovas should be round with a little hollow that takes the cream and topping, so it helps to imagine that you're making a nest shape with slightly raised edges. If your shape is on the oblong side of circular, don't worry too much about how accurate the circular shape is - creative misshapes are permissible as long as the topping stays put. Bake the meringue. Place it in the oven and cook for 60-70 minutes, or until crisp. Don't let the meringue over-brown; it should be an off-white color on the outside when it's ready. Remove the pavlova from the oven. Place it on a wire rack to cool. Transfer it to a serving dish and prepare to add the toppings. Allow the meringue to cool completely before finishing the dish. There's a tradition to turn the pavlova over and decorate the base because it is said that this side is less crisp. Sometimes this reason is actually a nifty cover-up trick for little cooking mistakes like over-browning the top. Either way, the pavlova centre will quickly lose its initial crispness anyway because of the whipped cream and topping. Prepare the toppings. Whip the cream and sugar until the cream forms soft peaks. Slice the strawberries and kiwis or other fruit toppings. If there's time left, research the origins of the pavlova and make up your own mind about who invented it. Add the whipped cream. Spread it evenly to the edges of the meringue. Use the cream to fill in cracks and cover other imperfections. You can also flavor the cream if you'd like - try a teaspoon of vanilla extract, rosewater , orange water, lemon extract, or almond extract. Although whipped cream is traditional, you might like to vary the whipped cream with other soft creamy like substances such as custard. This would be frowned upon by traditionalists but experimental cooks have creative license. Arrange the fruit on top. Lay the strawberry or kiwi slices in a pretty pattern over the whipped cream. Another popular tradition is to drizzle freshly opened passionfruit over the top of the pavlova. Other topping ideas include a mixture of berries, sliced cherries, apricots, mangoes or peaches, grated dark chocolate , or a mixture of chocolate and raspberries. Serve the pavlova. The beauty of a pavlova is in the eye of the creator; everyone else just wants to eat it. Don't be surprised at how quickly your creation disappears. Finished. | Assemble the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 275 °F (135 °C). Prepare a baking sheet. Mix the sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites. Add the castor sugar mixture by the teaspoonful. Add the vinegar and vanilla. Spoon the mixture into the parchment circle. Create a small indented hollow in the centre. Bake the meringue. Remove the pavlova from the oven. Prepare the toppings. Add the whipped cream. Arrange the fruit on top. Serve the pavlova. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Mind-Off-a-Girl | How to Get Your Mind Off a Girl | If you've recently had a break-up and are trying to get your ex off your mind, there are ways to work through your feelings and move on. It's okay to let yourself be sad and bum around the house for a while, as long as it doesn't go on for too long. As you work to pull yourself out of the doldrums, stop communicating with her as you prepare to move on. Unfriend her or block her posts on social media, don't call her, and don't text with her. You'll also want to get rid of any mementos from your relationship since they'll only remind you of the good times. If you really like something that reminds you of her, then box it up and put it somewhere out of sight. Another way to get your mind off of your ex is to celebrate your freedom. When it feels right, go out for a night with friends, blast your favorite music, eat your favorite snacks, and indulge in your interests. | Let yourself be sad, but only for a while. Eating ice cream and binge-watching some television show on Netflix isn't just for girls who get dumped. If you want to be bummed and slop around the house for a while, do it. No shame. It's a necessary phase, sometimes. Don't let it go on for too long, or it just becomes whiny and depressing. Good rule of thumb? Let yourself grieve one day for each month you were together. If it takes longer, it takes longer, but let yourself get over her. Stop communicating with her. Whether you've been dumped or broke it off mutually, stop talking with the girl. If you're stuck on someone, maintaining your distance is the key. Stop texting with her. Stop calling her. Stop talking to her on G-Chat. Just stop all forms of communication. If you have to see this girl, in school or elsewhere, keep it cool. Make your interactions professional and brief. If she keeps bothering you, say something like, "I don't have anything to say to you." Unfriend her or block her posts on social networking sites. There's nothing to be gained from constantly checking your ex's page to see who she's been talking to. That's only going to make it worse. Get rid of any mementos from your relationship. That jersey your girlfriend gave you? Get rid of it. The cute cards and notes she sent you? In the trash. There's little value in surrounding yourself with things that remind you of this person who hurt you. If you really like something that reminds you of your girlfriend, or you just don't want to get rid of it entirely, it's still a good idea to box it up and put it somewhere you can't see it. Give it to a friend to take, or shove it into a closet where you can't see it. Talk to your friends about how you're feeling. Often, guys have a hard time talking about their feelings, especially with their male friends. If most of your conversations revolve around sports, music, or some other hobby, it's still good to just talk. Get together and talk about something to distract yourself, and bring up how you're feeling if it comes up. Consider talking to your dad about it. While he might seem like a gruff dinosaur, he's also probably been there. Open up a little. It's also fine, and maybe even better, to talk to female friends, if you need to. Talk to a sister, cousin, or a close friend who you can lean on. Get advice, or just vent. Write it out. Sit down with a piece of paper and a pencil, and write about how you're feeling. Nobody needs to read it, and you don't even need to look at it when you're done. But if you're struggling to deal with your emotions, and you can't stop thinking about someone, try to write it out, then tear it up when you're finished. Just vent, then burn the evidence. Write her name at the top of the paper, and address the letter to her if it helps you focus your attention. Tell her exactly what you wish you could. Then, of course, get rid of it. Celebrate your freedom. Every breakup is like a coin. On the one side, there's loss and sadness and all the bad stuff. Yeah, you're alone. Yeah, you got dumped. On the other? You're free. Even if you were happy in the relationship, there's a lot to be said for being single, and having options. Kick up your heels a little, when it feels right. Sometimes, going out for a dumb night with the boys is called for. You don't have to ask permission. try to think of something that you wouldn't have been allowed to do in your relationship. Blasting AC/DC at 9 am while you eat ribs for breakfast and watch MMA? Do it. Be responsible, even if you're hurting. A break-up isn't an excuse to abuse alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Get busy. If all you're doing is padding around your room and moping, it's no wonder that you're stuck on some girl. Get out of the house and start doing things. Find something to occupy your time, so this girl won't. Skip to the last section for tips on distracting yourself and getting busy. Take a shot. If you can't stop thinking about a girl, but are too afraid to actually do anything about it, you should do something about it. Pining for someone who doesn't know you exist is way worse than getting turned down. At least you'll know, and then you can move on. Don't make it complicated, or over-think it. Don't use any lines. Just walk up to this girl you've been thinking about a lot and introduce yourself. Say, "Hey, I know this might seem kind of random, but I've just always noticed you. You seem really sweet, and I like you a lot. Would you like to hang out sometime?" Read this article to learn more about talking to girls. Make new and different friends. If you've got a major crush on someone that you can't be with, that can be a tough situation. Maybe it's a friend who is already seeing someone, or a girl who doesn't even know you exist. Whatever the case, it's always a good idea to form new and different relationships with friends, and try to find the group you feel most comfortable around. Try to find some girls that you enjoy hanging out with, but aren't necessarily attracted to. Often, younger people will only focus on looks. Consider just getting to know some girls as friends and hanging out instead. You'll learn a lot. Hang out with a variety of different people. Make some artsy friends. Make some sporty friends. Make some friends from all sorts of different families. Work on yourself for a while. Some people can get totally focused on what someone else thinks. But it's important, especially when you're young, to really focus on forming your own identity, and working on yourself. Pursue your fun hobbies, doing things that you enjoy. Throw yourself into your school work. Hang out with your friends. There's nothing wrong with just enjoying your life as it is. There's plenty of time for dating. If you're pretty young, don't worry about these youth romances. It'll get better. Change up your priorities. When you're young, a lot of guys will focus on the "popular" girls. If you're stuck on some girl because she's very social, or very pretty, or all the other guys like her, that's pretty normal. But, it's also usually not real. It's better to find people that you actually have something in common with, and enjoy being around. That's not always the super-attractive cheerleader type. Try to focus less on superficial things and more on making a genuine connection with someone. Open yourself up to people and be friends first. Don't worry about finding "the one. " When you're young and fixed on young love, it can seem like you'll never find anyone as perfect as this girl you're crushing on. It can seem like you'll be alone forever, even if you're just a teenager. But it's really hard to know what you want when you're young. Remember how into that toy you were obsessed with when you were like 7? How do you feel about it now? That's usually how you'll feel about crushes and young relationships when you get older. Find someone else to crush on. The single best way to move on from a crush that hasn't worked out is to turn your attentions elsewhere. Who else has got your eye? Who else seems like an interesting, attractive, and engaging person in your world? Crushes are fun and all, but it's also good to look inward. Focus on having fun with your friends and spending time with your family. There's plenty of time for romance. Start exercising. An excellent way to get both your mind and body under control is to start using your body in positive ways. If you're feeling stuck and down because of a girl, head to the gym, the track, or the basketball court. Get moving, and work out your frustrations and your sadness by getting in shape. If you like sports, get together with some other people and play. Play touch football, basketball, or some other sport you enjoy playing. Turn all that energy into competing. If you don't like sports, find a cardio-strength training routine that you can do by yourself. Pick about 10 basic exercises that you can repeat in brief circuits to get yourself moving. Many studies report that exercise helps to reduce the risk and the symptoms of clinical depression. Aside from the obvious cardiovascular health benefits, exercise is proven to make you feel better. Distract yourself with work. Whatever you do, do more of it. If you have a job, start taking on extra responsibilities, spending extra hours on the job, and working hard at being the best worker there. If you're in school, throw yourself into your readings and your assignments. Distract yourself by bettering yourself with activity. Alternatively, it might be good to take some time off. If you're struggling to concentrate and take things seriously, try taking a week off. Call in sick. Go camping for the weekend and get away from you responsibilities. Go out more. Use the opportunity to socialize more. Hang out with new friends, old friends, and your family. Hit up a new movie, a new dance club, a new bar. Go to shows, go on hikes, go out. Do anything that gets you out of your house and keeps you from moping around. Try to be with other people as much as you can. It's cool to go out by yourself, but it's also a goo idea to hang out with other people, who'll be able to talk with you and take your mind off things. Try meeting people, if and when you feel ready. Give yourself the challenge of chatting up a stranger you're attracted to. It's a good exercise. Consider moving, or making some other big change. If you've shared an apartment or house with a girl, it can be really hard to stay there. Seeing the same coffee shops, restaurants, and neighborhood spots where you always spent time together can just be annoying. Find a new place, if you can. Explore a new neighborhood on the other side of town. In some cases, it's a good idea to split up different hangouts. Give your ex one coffee shop, but take another. Make a rule the other can't go there. Pick up a new hobby. If you're struggling to stop thinking about a girl, give yourself something new to think about and get obsessed with. There are all kinds of things that are better uses of your time than pining over a girl. wikiHow's a great resource for it as well: Play Guitar Mountain Bike Make Art Appreciate Death Metal Make a Model Ship Collect Coins | Let yourself be sad, but only for a while. Stop communicating with her. Get rid of any mementos from your relationship. Talk to your friends about how you're feeling. Write it out. Celebrate your freedom. Get busy. Take a shot. Make new and different friends. Work on yourself for a while. Change up your priorities. Don't worry about finding "the one. Find someone else to crush on. Start exercising. Distract yourself with work. Go out more. Consider moving, or making some other big change. Pick up a new hobby. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Resourceful | How to Be Resourceful | If you want to be resourceful, it's important to improvise. For example, when you're faced with a challenge, don't box yourself into thinking a certain way. Instead, use whatever you can to make a temporary fix that will let you look for a more permanent solution, like fixing your bike just enough to get you to repair shop. Experimenting is also a big part of improvising, so prepare yourself for a lot of trial and error and try to remember that failures are opportunities to learn what does not work. A good way to experiment is to use objects in unconventional ways. For example, a screwdriver makes for a decent chisel in a pinch. | Keep an open mind. Redefine what is and is not possible. You have unique talents that you can leverage to fulfill goals right now. Considering new possibilities is critical to taking action that will lead to success. Being open-minded means you are willing to find value in the people, events and things you come across. Embrace different possibilities, opportunities, people, views, suggestions and experiences. Recognize that you can learn from things that are new or different. When you can think outside of the box, you can come up with innovative solutions to problems that others can't. Say, “Yes, I can do this,” and push yourself to do what others might think is impossible. This is how people attain success when others give up on their dreams. Get out of your comfort zone and expand your horizons. If you have never been to a different country, tried a certain food, learned another language, tried to write a book or gone skydiving, then do it. You may discover something along the way that makes your life better and helps you solve a problem. Be confident. You are capable of handling any problem. You already have everything you need to solve it—you! Recognizing that you are competent and adequate enough to do something is the first step to actually getting it done. Self-confidence means you like and trust yourself. Appreciate your talents, abilities and good attributes. Know that you can problem-solve and find solutions to challenges. Visualize being successful every day. When difficulties come your way, picture yourself overcoming them. Imagine accomplishing your goals and celebrating your successes. Accept compliments and praise. Know that you deserve them. Keep a diary of your successes. Write down your achievements every day. Soon you will fill the pages of this book and be able to see how much you have done. This will go a long way to help you realize you have earned the right to be confident. Be creative. Resourcefulness is about optimizing what you have to work with. Creativity is not just about creating something new but making old things work better as well. Think of crazy possibilities as well as practical ones. You might find inspiration for a workable solution in one of your ideas. Think about how an experienced mechanic can do amazing things with after-market parts and a little ingenuity. The mechanic probably won't follow a manual but can diagnose problems based on symptoms and decide what tools and materials they have on hand to fix the problem. Be like this mechanic in your situation. Let your mind wander. Don't stop yourself from thinking something because you think it is irrelevant. Often, your thoughts will move from one idea to another and then another. You may discover an Aha! moment or insight in one of these ideas. Be proactive. Don't put your dreams on hold because you're waiting for the right resources or people to show up. If you let circumstances determine when and how you act, you will always settle for less. If an opportunity presents itself, do your best to take it. Don't overthink the opportunity or talk yourself out of it. Be more than an idle observer. Participate actively and get involved. Being proactive means taking initiative so you can be part of any solution. Don't simply react to events, people, challenges and information. Engage and influence them so you can make real contributions to the situation. Be persistent. If you stop trying before the problem is solved, then you haven't accomplished anything. Try again, a dozen or a hundred different ways, if that's what it takes. Don't give up. Think about what motivates you. Determine why you want to accomplish something and use that knowledge to drive you to finish. Develop discipline. Many things will get in the way of your goal. If you practice discipline and make it a habit to do what needs to get done despite obstacles, you will reach your goal. Never consider not succeeding right away as a failure – consider it practice, instead. Be positive. There is almost always a solution to a problem. See the positive in every situation. Once you develop the right attitude, it is easier to find a solution. Think of all the times you dealt with a crisis or difficult situation and the success stories that arose from those rough times. Know that you can get through it. This is the attitude resourceful people have when trouble comes their way. Remember that each time you overcome a problem, you become a better and stronger person. Experiences teach us things that we can pass on to others who need encouragement. Improve yourself. Learn new things, and try to keep up with what is happening around you. Even when you become successful, learning continues and provides enrichment to your life. Learn to accept and encourage other people as well. Identify your challenges and fears so that you can work on improving or overcoming them. If you want to improve a skill (from getting better at math to becoming more assertive to learning to throw and catch a baseball), consider what concrete action you might take to grow in this area. You could take a class at a community college to get better at math, you might buy a book on how to be assertive, or you might work with a trainer or athletic friend to help you improve your game of catch. Be prepared. You can't anticipate everything, but you can predict many problems. The more you prepare ahead of time, the more resources you'll have when faced with a problem. Build a tool kit and learn to use it. The more tools you have to draw on when met with a challenge, the more resourceful you can be. Depending on where you spend your time, the tools at your disposal could take the form of a true tool kit, or they could go in a purse, a survival kit, a workshop, a kitchen, an equipment truck or even your selection of camping gear. Learn to use your tools. Then, make sure you have them with you when you need them. Practice at home. If you don't know how to change a tire, try it in your driveway before you get a flat miles away from home, in the dark, in the rain. Learn to pitch your tent in the back yard or take a short day hike to get used to your backpacking gear. Refine both your tool kit and your skills before you must put them to the test. Anticipate likely problems and deal with them before they become problems. If you worry that you might forget your keys and lock yourself out, hide a spare key in the backyard. Attach your keys to something large and visible so you don't lose them. Coordinate with others who are coming and going so you don't accidentally lock each other out. Practice being resourceful before the pressure is on. Try cooking a meal with whatever is on hand in the pantry rather than going out to the store. Invent what you need instead of buying it. Build or create your own, even if something is ready made and available. Manage Your Time. Your life is made up of time, and time is a limited resource. If you have time, use it for something productive. Make each moment matter so that it contributes in some way to your end goals. Depending on the situation you need to overcome, you may need to work longer hours, ask for more time, enlist the time of others, or implement temporary measures while you can develop something more permanent. Minimize distractions and interruptions. If you can control the things that get in the way of your goal, limit them. There is a time for work and for play. Remember to do both and focus on what you are doing at the time. Don't take phone calls or chat while doing work. Turn off the TV. Likewise, don't let work stress seep into your time out with friends and family. Remember to be patient. Time is important but some things take time to happen as well. Ask the patience of others. Communicate to others. Decide whether there is someone you could contact who might know the answer, be able to solve or lend a hand for a certain problem before it happens. Talk about possibilities ahead of time. Imagine scenarios with knowledgeable or experienced people and brainstorm solutions with limited resources. Human contacts can be collected as a resource in advance. Networking, formal or informal, is one way to create that collection of resources. If possible, offer others favors before you need to ask for any yourself. Engage with others and really get to know and help them when they need it. This will increase the chance that someone will be there for you. Make money. Money can be a powerful asset in some situations. If you don't have money and you need it, being resourceful may consist of thinking of creative ways to raise or earn it. Also, consider solving the problem without money as well. Ask people for money. Offer to do something in return so that the money is earned. You can hold a fundraiser if you are seeking to raise money for a good cause. Get a job. Earning regular money is important to having a steady source of this resource. Look at the skills you have and see if you can apply them to any open positions in your area. Search online sites such as Monster.com or LinkedIn for jobs that match your qualifications. Also, search your local newspaper's classified section for places that are hiring. If there is a certain position or company you want to work for, look at their website or go in and ask what open positions are available. Go back to school. This may be a longer route to obtaining money but if you're end goal is to earn a decent salary, then this may be the best option for you. Evaluate the situation. When a challenging situation comes your way, try to clarify and define the problem as best you can. It is easy to get overwhelmed by emotion, confabulate the problem and lose sight of solutions. When you can determine what the real issue is, you can come up with a plan to improve it. Think about the problem. How severe is it? Is this truly a crisis or merely an inconvenience or a setback? Does it need to be addressed immediately, or can it wait for an appropriate solution to be developed? The more urgent the situation, the more creative you'll have to be. Ask yourself what the nature of the problem is. What is really needed? For instance, do you need to unlock the door, or do you need to get in or out? These are two different problems, since the latter might be accomplished by passing through a window, by climbing over or under a wall, by going around the back way or by removing the hinge pins in the door. For that matter, do you need access at all, or could you get what you need somewhere else? Don't panic. Pressure may be a good motivator, but not if it's clouding your thinking. Think about why you can't just give up on this and that will give you the edge for the persistence you need to succeed. Finding a solution to the problem is better than worrying. This can be learned by training your mind to focus on solutions each time you start worrying. Calm yourself first, think clearly before taking any action. Assess what is available to you. Being resourceful is, above all, about being clever and finding creative use of your current resources. Do you have access to, or could you obtain, anything that might help with the situation? Don't forget that resources aren't all objects—consider skills, people or emotional states as well. Try working backwards. Take stock of what you have available, including objects, resources, knowledge, people and opportunities. Then consider how you can apply it to the problem. Set goals. Resourceful people seek challenges to overcome, goals to achieve and a dream to work toward. Meet small daily objectives that add up to your larger dream. Over time, you will get closer and closer to making your dream a reality. Keep in mind that every day is a chance for you to influence what you want your life to be. Remember to be happy with the life you have now and recognize your progress. Your life today is important because no one knows what might happen tomorrow. Keep one eye on your goals but enjoy the here and now. Start small. Everyone starts with something, no matter how small. Small results will grow with time and continued effort. If its money you need, save what is available now as often as you can. Even regular smaller contributions will make a big difference a year later. Follow through. You won't know how it's going to turn out unless you see it through to find out what the results will be. Pick out specifics. Thinking about the big picture can give you perspective—but sometimes you need to focus on details or steps instead. Decide what you can do in the short term so you can take action and be more productive. Revise specific tasks, roles and responsibilities toward your goals, such as simplicity, savings or risks. Seek information. Has somebody solved a similar problem before? How does the thing (or system or situation) work that you are trying to deal with? Which way is home from here? Whom can you contact, and how? What steps do you need to take to build a fire? Researching and reading is very helpful. Keeping up with important events and information can help you in the future. Focus on something you find interesting or useful and look for different links that are related to the topic or idea so that you can master it. Mine your own resources. Know the difference between seeking resources and being resourceful. When the tools and resources you need are within your reach, things tend to work out. Being resourceful means you make the most of the resources you can find. Recognize that you don't know it all. Be prepared to learn from others, even from someone you think wouldn't know something you don't. Break the rules. Use things in unconventional ways or go against conventional wisdom or societal norms, if it will help. Be prepared to take responsibility, redress wrongs or explain yourself if you do overstep your bounds. Rules exist for a reason, but sometimes rules and tradition can hold back progress. Accomplish things, don't just go along with how things have always been done. Never apologize for your success. The trick is to make sure that any infractions are insignificant compared to the benefit. There are going to be times when you should apologize, but do it only for true offenses. Improvise. Don't box yourself into thinking a certain way. Use what you can for a temporary solution and then look for a permanent solution. Fix your bike just enough so you can get home and properly fix it later. Experiment. Trial and error might take a while, but if you have no experience with a particular situation, it's a very good way to begin. At the very least, you will learn what does not work. Adapt. Nothing is written in stone when it comes to solutions. Look at other examples to get inspiration but make your solution fit your particular situation. Turn challenges into advantages. Don't be afraid to use objects in unconventional ways. Wire coat hangers can be incredibly flexible and while screwdrivers aren't really intended for chiseling, prying, pounding, scraping, etc., they'll often do in a pinch. Don't forget about the value of intangibles. Sunlight, gravity and good will can all act in your favor and can even be harnessed to your advantage. Use situations to your advantage. There are negatives and positives to every situation. Try not to focus on what is wrong or bad about it. Look at the bright side and see what you can do right now with the positive aspects. If you missed the bus and the next one doesn't come for another hour, can you enjoy a cup of coffee or browse a nearby store while you wait? If the weather is freezing, could you use snow as shelter or ice as a building material? If you are afraid, use fear to motivate you. It will drive you to get out of a bad situation. Harness that energy to think of a solution and take action. Emotions can be strong incentives to do things better and more efficiently, so use them wisely. Act quickly. Often an effective solution hinges on a speedy response. Be decisive, and once a decision is made, don't analyze–just act. You can't solve a problem without taking some sort of action first. Remember that not making decisions costs you, whether it results in lost earnings or revenue, a less than stellar reputation or career problems. Empty inboxes and desks that are not covered in piles of unfinished paperwork are signs of making quick decisions and taking action. When something comes your way, take care of it right away instead of letting it linger. Making quick decisions about small matters is incredibly beneficial. Not only does it help you keep on top of everything sent your way, it also reduces stress, improves productivity and gives you a great reputation for managing your work. Let the positive aspects of quick decision-making be motivating factors for doing what needs to be done now. Start somewhere. Putting off what you know needs to be done is not conducive to reaching your goal. Take the first step by initiating the action needed to finish that task. Then move on to another. Learn from your mistakes. If you had to scramble to correct a problem, take steps to make sure that it doesn't happen again. If you tried something that didn't work, try it a different way next time. See what went wrong and go from there. Play a few hands at once. Realize that sometimes your plan might not work out. Work on multiple angles for the same problem. Have a plan B and C ready. Ask for help. Recognize when you need help to complete your goals. Swallow your pride and seek out people who can assist with your problem. The more you show people that working with you will also help advance their goals, the more likely you'll succeed. Whether you need bus fare to get home, good ideas, moral support, the use of a phone or simply extra hands, involve others if you can. Even if you end up asking help of strangers, you will probably be pleasantly surprised by the results. Brainstorming together may result in some great, joint solutions. Ask people you know and trust. Seek professional help. If it's appropriate, ask anybody in charge (authorities, employees, docents, ushers), since these people often have access to additional resources. If one or two people are not enough, find out if you could form a team or task force. Could you persuade city hall or another organization to further your cause? | Keep an open mind. Be confident. Be creative. Be proactive. Be persistent. Be positive. Be prepared. Manage Your Time. Communicate to others. Make money. Evaluate the situation. Assess what is available to you. Set goals. Pick out specifics. Break the rules. Improvise. Use situations to your advantage. Act quickly. Learn from your mistakes. Ask for help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Great | How to Be Great | If you want to be great, start by cultivating your passion. For example, if you want to write a bestselling book, find a writer's group you can join and devote time to writing every day. To help you achieve this, set specific goals and a realistic timeline to motivate you. Another way to be great is by being kind. Practice letting little things go, be kind to strangers, and try being the kind of friend you've always wanted. Regardless of your definition of greatness, find a community of like-minded people you can join. | Be passionate. You want to bring passion to all parts of your life. It will help you to be excited about what you do and what you experience. Being passionate about things is also a great way to find friends and romantic partners, because people are drawn to those who are passionate about things. Figure out what you like. This could be anything from cooking, to video games, to saving the whales. You should get out and try new things to figure out what interests you. For example: you might go to a free lecture at your local university about global climate change and become passionate about saving the planet. You wouldn't have found this passion if you hadn't gone outside your usual comfort zone and tried something new. You can also share your passion with other people. Get your friends interested in your interests, or go online and find like-minded people to get excited about your passions with. There are tons of websites out there devoted to everything from rock climbing to knitting. You can even look around your area to see if there's a group devoted to your passion, or a way to start one (like a writer's group, or a quilting circle). Cultivate gratitude. Being grateful for things in your life is a prime way to boost your mental and physical health. It doesn't necessarily mean that everything is going swimmingly in your life. In fact, many of the most grateful people are those who have experienced some trauma or life altering (usually "bad") event, like an illness or death of a loved one. Keep a gratitude journal. This means that every day you write down between 3 and 5 things that you are grateful for. They can be as simple as "the sun warmed me today" or "I got to have bacon for breakfast" or as big as "I got engaged today" or "my book got accept for publication." Make sure that you spend time thinking about the things that you are grateful for. Say "thank you" to the people you talk to throughout the day: the server who brings you your lunch, the lady who holds the door for you, your son when he makes you dinner. By spreading gratitude you are not only showing yourself everything (even the minor things!) you have to be grateful for, but you are also spreading that appreciation throughout all the people you encounter. It is impossible to have both fear/anxiety and appreciation at the same time. By cultivating your gratitude you are making yourself better equipped to deal with the more difficult aspects of life in a healthy, healing manner. Change what you can. Lots of things happen that you have absolutely no control over. This is why it's important to maintain control over the things that you do have control over. These include: your attitude towards life, your job, how you spend your free time, the people who are in your life, and so on. Attitude is immensely important. You can be having the "worst" life ever and still live well, because your attitude is what is important. Don't focus on the problems in your life, unless you're using them as a learning experience or in order to make changes. Instead, focus on the good things. This doesn't mean that you ignore when things go wrong, or even that you aren't allowed to feel upset about those things. It means that you don't stay mired in misery over the things you cannot change. Trust your instincts. If the job you're doing, the place where you're living, the relationship you're in doesn't feel right, see if there is a way to make it better (i.e. talk to your boss about the job, discuss your relationship and so on). If you can't make it better, it might be time to walk away from it and find a different job, a different apartment, or a different relationship. Keep learning. Honing your mind and keeping your brain sharp is a great way to maintain your mental health, reducing the possibility of Alzheimer's, for example. By continuing to learn and to grow as a person you open up further possibilities. Learn from your mistakes. Whenever something happens where you get rejected, where you screw up, where you fail, examine what went wrong and what you could do better the next time around. Mistakes are not the end of the world and if you remember that, you'll be less afraid to fail. For example: if you tried to make a souffle and the end result was completely deflated, you might look back through the recipe to see if you missed a step, or you didn't follow the instructions as you should have done. It's the same for any sort of failure in life. The more effort you put into learning about your passions the more likely you'll find other people who are interested in them, too. By taking classes on a subject you really enjoy, or going to a convention, or joining a chatroom on the subject, you'll be communicating your passion while learning! There are lots of free or low cost ways to keep learning. You could enroll in a free program like Open University where you can take free online classes in almost any subject. You could also check out what your town or city has to offer. Lots of communities have free lectures at museums or universities, or libraries. They also sometimes offer opportunities to learn different things. Stay healthy. You'll need to keep your health as much as possible if you're looking to be great. Again, there are certain things that can't be helped (like certain illnesses that come out of nowhere) but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you manage these types of conditions. If you don't have a serious illness, having a healthy lifestyle can boost your energy and make life easier to cope with. Eat right. Go for the good, healthy things like veggies and fruits, especially the leafy greens and the colorful veggies like red peppers, Swiss chard, carrots. Get plenty of protein with an emphasis on the leaner meats like chicken. You can also get protein as well as good fats from nuts (almonds and walnuts being the best), eggs, or soy. As for carbs, avoid things with refined white flour and choose instead, brown rice, quinoa, oats, whole grains (Ezekiel bread is especially good ). Get enough sleep. Most people, these days, are operating under a sleep deficit. This means that you aren't functioning up the levels that you could be! Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Have a set bedtime (preferably before 11:00 p.m.) and a set wake-up time. Turn off electronics (cell phones, computer, iPod, etc.) at least 30 minutes before bedtime, so that you aren't messing up your sleep cycles. Drink water. Being dehydrated has a bad effect on your body. It makes you feel sleepy and foggy, it can give you headaches and make it difficult to concentrate. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. You want your urine to be pale yellow in color. Caffeinated or sugary beverages will only make you more dehydrated. Get exercise. It's best not to use exercise as a weight-loss routine, but instead to use it for its health benefits. Exercising releases chemicals, like endorphins, that enhance your mood so that you feel happier.Find an exercise routine that you like. It could be anything from doing the climbing wall at your gym, or going for a run, or even putting on music and dancing. Do this for 30 minutes each day. Take responsibility for your actions. One thing that is incredibly important to being great, is to take responsibility for the things that you do and feel. Remember, that no one owes you anything (not respect, not sex, not love) except civility and that the same is true of you. Don't blame other people when things go wrong. Sure, they might have had a hand in it, but it is very unlikely that it was entirely their fault. Owning up to your mistakes and taking responsibility for them will help people see you as a team player, someone who can handle things appropriately. Again, remember, it's not the situation that's the problem, it's your reaction to the situation. Even the worst situation can be handled in a positive manner. For example: a lot of people who are diagnosed with severe and life threatening illnesses find that this strips away a lot of the pretensions from their lives, allowing them to live more fully and completely. This is not to say that you aren't allowed to feel upset, or angry, or sad. It just means that you don't place the blame of those emotions on other people. No one can cause you to feel anything. (Of course there are instances where someone does irreparable harm to you [like assault, abuse, rape], act in a way that gets you [legal] justice and allows you to heal.) Figure out what you want to do. The world values people who work and you'll spend a large portion of your life working, presumably. This means that you need to find something that you love, or you need to figure out a way to do your work in a manner that fulfills you. Consider the things you're passionate about. If you're really into social justice, look into getting a law or social science degree and work for a nonprofit of some sort. If music is your thing you could start a music camp for disadvantaged children, or do music therapy for the dying. If you find yourself in a job you hate, start looking for another one. You don't have to quit right away, and it's usually a good idea to have another job lined up before you quit the first one. It's best to keep an open mind about the types of jobs you might encounter, because you never know what might be around the corner. If you're in a difficult job and you can't leave, try to to find ways to make it easier. If you have a difficult boss, irritating customers, work that is immensely boring, try to find creative solutions to these difficulties. For example: for boring work, come up with a few reasons why that work is important (you're feeding people, you're cleaning up after people, you're helping people get loans so they can have an amazing life!). Remind yourself of these reasons when the job is getting you down. Set goals. While plans change often and quickly, you should have goals set that you want to accomplish. You should also work towards these goals as best you can, despite the other things that are happening in your life. Have a list of goals, ordered from most important to least. These goals can be things like: run a 10k marathon , and land a job at a publishing house, and make a constellation quilt for a king sized bed. Work hard towards your goals. If you want to work in publishing, don't just halfheartedly look at some job opportunities. Figure out what it would take to get that job you want. Get the degrees and experience you need, look into internships and entry level positions, demonstrate that you're willing to go that extra mile. Create a time-frame. You want to make sure that you have specific plans laid out for how to accomplish your goals and time-frame in which to accomplish them. This, again, doesn't mean that you can't adapt that time-frame or the goals, or that things can't change. It does, however, mean that you maintain your focus and can prove your accomplishments. For example: if you want to run that 10k marathon, you'll need to pick the proper time to do it and the proper place. You'll need to set a specific time-frame for training. How far and fast do you need to be able to run? And when? Are you prepared for the marathon? Have you signed up for it? Each time you cross one of these off your list, you get closer to your goal and you feel accomplished. Refer back to your goals and your time-frame each month. What do you still need to accomplish? What do you need to adjust to make things more feasible? What has changed since your last check-in and what have you accomplished since then? Use positive thinking. Visualization may sound like a silly thing, but it has actually been shown to be effective. It's a technique that many famous people have used to help themselves succeed, including Mohammad Ali. Visualization helps the brain get ready for the actual physical act, be it getting a pay raise or asking that cute boy on a date. The practice of visualization can help increase your confidence, your motivation, and help set you up for success. Each night, right before you go to bed, sit up straight and visualize yourself succeeding at your goals and your life. Visualize these things as if you were actually there (getting the raise, giving a successful speech, asking the girl out). Utilize your five senses: what does it smell like? what sounds can you hear? who is there with you? what are you wearing? Each night as you do this combine it with a positive affirmation: "I am super confident," "I make a great publishing assistant," "I am an amazing runner." Celebrate your accomplishments. When striving towards greatness, you need to take time to recognize and celebrate the things you've already accomplished. These don't have to be huge, life-shattering events. Quiet, simple events like "successfully kept my house clean for 3 months running" count, too. Think back over the last 24 hour period. What was your greatest accomplishment in that time? It could be something as simple as "made a delicious and nutritious dinner" to something as big as "didn't give up on dancing." Be creative. Creativity is a key to being successful in your life and greatness comes from creativity. It comes from having a flexibility of mind to consider other options than the ones immediately obvious. People who use creativity in their lives tend to find it easier to deal with obstacles. Think outside the box. People tend to get stuck in thinking about how to use certain things. Look at the objects around your house and come up with alternate uses for them to get your brain accustomed to looking at things in a different way. For example, you could build a terrarium out of clear plastic c.d. case fronts. One thing that stifles creativity is fear of failure. To get around this, consider an obstacle or problem without limitations attached. These questions can help open you up to the realm of different possibilities: "if I could ask anyone in the world for help, who would I ask? If I had access to any possible tools, what would I use? what riskier solution would I try if there were no possibility for failure?" Daydream. This process helps to form connections and recall information, rather than just being a mindless activity. Setting aside time to let your mind wander can help you have better and more creative ideas. You can daydream while taking a walk, before you fall asleep at night, or even for a few minutes at work. Take risks. If you're going to be great in your own mind and in your own life, you're going to have to be willing to take risks and court the possibility of failure. No one who did well in life got there because everything went 100% smoothly for them (of course, some people did have advantages, but that doesn't mean they didn't take risks). Put yourself out there. Be open with people about who you are and what you do. Don't hide your passions and interests. When you're open to life and all its vulnerabilities, you're also opening yourself up to success and to new things. Obviously, be smart about the risks you take. For example, jumping off a 50 story building without any sort of rope or way to break your fall, is the sort of risk that is going to end in your death or serious injury. It is not advisable. Find a community. Community doesn't necessarily have to mean the people in your hometown or city. It simply means a group of people that supports you. Being part of a community can actually help you live longer and more happily and can make you feel less alone. This is where your passions come in. You can find a community and a place to belong based on things you're interested in. For example: if you're interested in social justice, you might find like-minded people in your area at a rally, or by volunteering at a nonprofit. You can also find community through the internet, on places like Reddit or Tumblr, for example. A lot of these places have search functions that can help you more easily find people with similar interests. All you have to do is reach out and make a move to talk to them. Don't burn bridges. You don't necessarily want to maintain toxic people in your life, but not dumping people dramatically can benefit you in the long run. Even toxic people can do things like write recommendations for you, or introduce you to other people. This is not to say that you don't have the right to protect yourself. If someone is acting in a threatening or derogatory manner to you, you have every right to call it out and to cut them out of your life completely. Remember the 30/30/30 rule. This basically says that 1/3 of the people you meet will love you; 1/3 will hate you no matter what you do; 1/3 simply won't care one way or another. Work on strengthening your relationships with the 1/3 who love you and forget the rest. Be the friend you wish you had. Instead of worrying about what kind of friends you have, be the person you wish you had as a friend. People will respond to that sort of friendship and you'll find yourself attracting the kind of friends you wanted. Be supportive of your friends. When something good happens to them, celebrate with them without the sting of jealousy. When something unhappy happens, make sure that you're there to help them. Tell your friends what they mean to you. Be open about their importance in your life, without worrying if they feel the same way. For example: you might tell your friend how much she means to you by writing her a letter detailing all the awesome things about her. You could also tell a friend "I don't know what I would do without you. You always manage to make me laugh, even when I'm feeling down." Learn to listen. Real listening is a skill that most people don't cultivate, or don't learn until they're much older. It means that when you're talking to someone you're truly listening and thinking about what they're saying rather than being distracted thinking about what's for dinner or about the next thing you want to say. This is called active listening. To do it you need to avoid being distracted by the things going on around you. If you do get distracted, ask the person to repeat what they just said. Ask questions and listen to the answers. Instead of replying right away with a story or thought of your own, ask them a follow up question and keep doing that. People will notice that you are interested in what they have to say. Maintain eye contact and try to avoid fidgeting or checking your phone (especially this last one). So many people only listen with half their attention Be kind. This is a hard one, because it is so easy to get ratcheted up and forget that other people are typically doing the best they can, just like you are. Being kind doesn't necessarily mean being a pushover or "nice." It means giving people the benefit of the doubt and trying to see things from points of view other than your own. For example: When that irritating person cuts you off in traffic, instead of going into a cloud of irritation (and maybe flipping them off), give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they didn't see you. Maybe they were distracted by bad news at work, or at home. Maybe they're simply an angry person, in which case they deserve your sympathy, because their life is guaranteed to be harder than yours since they can't let things go. Being kind means not gossiping behind people's back, being upfront when someone has upset you instead of using passive aggressive actions. It means not having to have the last word in arguments, and really listening to the other person's side. It does not mean that you accept abuse from other people. Be kind to yourself as well as to other people. Write down a list of the things you tell yourself on a regular basis ("I'm ugly," "I'm a loser"). You wouldn't (hopefully) say these things to another person, so you shouldn't say them to yourself. When you find yourself doing so, stop and turn the thought around. Say instead "I'm thinking I'm a loser, but I know that it's just an errant thought and not true." Don't compare yourself to others. Someone else is always going to be doing better at life than you and if you continue to compare yourself to the people you think are more successful, you're going to be intensely unhappy. You'll also start to resent them, which is the opposite of kindness. Be honest. Honesty is an act of courage and trying to live your life in this manner will mean you become great no matter what you do as a job or what you accomplish. You don't have to be rude to be honest. Again, you're tempering your opinions with kindness, but it does mean that you don't sugarcoat things. For example: if you're at work and you make a mistake, it might be easy to cover up the mistake or pretend it wasn't you. However, it wouldn't be honest. Act with integrity and own up to your mistake and give an example of how you might fix it. Give back. This is an intensely important part of being great. Giving back to your community (whatever it might be) helps to foster an atmosphere of giving and makes sure that the members of your community are cared for. Philanthropy actually helps to maintain your health and have a better mental state. Help out friends and family. Offer to drive your grandmother to her doctor's appointment, take care of your friend's kid so he can go on date night with his partner, clean your sister's house when she's intensely busy. Volunteer in your community. This could be for something like a soup kitchen, or a shelter. It could be for an important arts nonprofit, or for a local social justice group. You can also donate money and items, even a small amount can make a huge difference. Do something for a stranger. This could be something simple like donating to someone's medical fund, or secretly buying the drink of the person behind you in line. Do these things anonymously, so the impetus is on the act rather than the congratulations for doing it. | Be passionate. Cultivate gratitude. Change what you can. Keep learning. Stay healthy. Take responsibility for your actions. Figure out what you want to do. Set goals. Create a time-frame. Use positive thinking. Celebrate your accomplishments. Be creative. Take risks. Find a community. Be the friend you wish you had. Learn to listen. Be kind. Be honest. Give back. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fake-Sleep | How to Fake Sleep | To fake sleep when you're trying to avoid someone, start by picking a natural sleeping position, closing your eyes gently, and breathing rhythmically. If you hear a loud noise or are touched, take a short, sudden breath and twitch your body slightly before settling back into stillness. In order to fake that you got a full night's sleep, take a cold shower to increase your heart rate and get your metabolism going. Then, get dressed and complete your typical morning routine to keep up appearances. | Pick a natural sleeping position. Lie in the most natural sleeping position you can. Don't hold anything, put your legs on the bed, and don't pick your head up. If you normally sleep on your stomach, do so when fake sleeping. People you know won't find it suspicious. Lie in bed motionless. When you are naturally sleeping you will move very little. To give the impression that you are truly asleep it is best not to move. Unless someone is watching you sleep for an extended time period, you won't be expected to move. Close your eyes gently. Avoid tightly pinching your eyelids together. To give the best impression of sleep, your muscles, including your eyelids, should be relaxed. Look down as you close your eyes to keep your eyelids from fluttering. Your eyes aren't always fully closed when sleeping. Let your eyelids droop and close gently; you may still be able to see out of the slit of your eyelids. Breathe rhythmically. Take slow, even, deep breaths. You should relax your breathing and try to keep it as even as possible. Count in your head as you breathe in, and then try to breath out for the same amount of time. Repeat this for each breath you take. React to noises or touch. If you hear a loud noise or are touched, take a short, sudden breath and twitch your body slightly. Even during sleep, our bodies are aware of what is happening around them. Sell your fake sleeping by incorporating what appear to be unconscious reactions to sounds and movements in the room. After you have reacted to the disturbance, let your body relax and your breathing return to a slow even state. Be sure not to smile or open your eyes, or you will give away that you are actually awake. Take a cold shower. Jump in the shower for a quick rinse in cold water. The cool water will increase your heart rate and speed up your metabolism as your body tries to warm itself. You do not have to take a long shower, just a minute will do. Dress up and complete your morning routine. Getting out of your pajamas and into nice clothes for the day is the first step to appearing awake. Complete your morning routine such as washing your face and putting on makeup to keep up appearances. Apply a face cream that contains caffeine to reduce puffiness under the eyes. Go through the actions as if you had a full night's rest to keep your routine from being sabotaged by a lack sleep. Eat an energizing breakfast. Eat foods that contain complex carbohydrates and protein such as oatmeal and eggs for prolonged energy. Avoid sugary foods that will lead to an energy crash soon after eating. Drink coffee. A quick solution to dragging energy levels is caffeine consumption. If you don't normally drink coffee, a half a cup can perk you right up. If you need coffee to function after a full night's rest, consider having two cups if you didn't sleep well. Keep moving. Stay active during the day to stay alert. If you sit down to rest, your body will feel tired because you missed out on sleep the night before. Keep your body in motion to stave off the sleepiness. Snack throughout the day. Keep your energy level from sagging by eating nutritious snacks throughout the day. Avoid high sugar foods and large meals so that you don't experience a sugar crash or feel sleepy from a large meal. | Pick a natural sleeping position. Lie in bed motionless. Close your eyes gently. Breathe rhythmically. React to noises or touch. Take a cold shower. Dress up and complete your morning routine. Eat an energizing breakfast. Drink coffee. Keep moving. Snack throughout the day. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Get-Rid-of-Itchy-Eyes | How to Get Rid of Itchy Eyes | To get rid of itchy eyes, avoid touching or rubbing them, since that will only make things worse. Instead, soak a towel or cloth in cold water and apply it to your eyes to soothe them. Additionally, use eye drops, which can help relieve itchiness by lubricating your eyes. You can also try using an eye ointment, but make sure to apply it right before bed since it may cloud your vision. | Keep an allergy journal to identify the cause of your allergies. In order to manage and minimize your itchy eyes caused by allergies, you need to know what causes them. Use a journal or notebook and record the symptoms you have, how long they last, and what you did that day. Writing your experiences will help you identify your allergens based on the time of year and your symptoms so you'll be more prepared to deal with them. You can also present your information to your doctor or allergist so they can help you identify the causes of your allergies. Make note if your allergies are worse after being outside, being in a dusty room, or playing with animals. Take over-the-counter allergy medication to help reduce itchiness. OTC antihistamines are your first choice to help you deal with mild to moderate allergies and itchy eyes. They're available at your local pharmacy without a prescription, so pick some up and take them to help relieve your symptoms and reduce your itchiness. Some antihistamines can make you drowsy and shouldn't be taken if you plan to drive. Check the label for information about how the antihistamine will affect you. OTC eye drops can also help reduce itchiness. Try to minimize your exposure to your allergens. Minimize your exposure to pollen or other allergens that are causing your itchy eyes, especially when they're in season or they seem to be affecting you more. Make changes to your lifestyle that will reduce your exposure to your allergens to keep your eyes from getting itchy. A few strategies you can use include: Planning outdoor activities for low-pollen times, such as the middle of the day. Check the pollen count online or on your weather application, and stay indoors when the pollen count is high and on very windy days. Protecting yourself if when you're outside by wearing sunglasses, hats, and scarves to keep pollen out of your eyes and hair. Mowing your grass short and planting low-allergen plants in your garden. If the source of your allergies is another cause, such as cats or dust, try to minimize their presence in your life as much as possible. Keep your home and car clean. The surfaces in your home and car, such as countertops and your dashboard, collect dust, dirt, and pollen, which can aggravate your eyes and make them itchy. Dust and vacuum your home and car at least once a week to remove potential allergens. Keep your car and house windows closed when your allergies are more severe. If possible, get a vacuum with a small-particle or HEPA filter to suck up more allergens. If you have furry pets, groom and brush them regularly to remove dander that could cause itchy eyes. Shower and change your clothes whenever you get home. Remove the allergens collected on your clothes and skin by changing your clothes and taking a shower as soon as you get home so you don't bring them inside. Wash your hair as well to remove particles that could aggravate your eyes and make them itchy. Change your sheets and pillowcases once a week as well to reduce your exposure. Remove your shoes as well! They can easily track in unwanted allergens. Rinse your eyes with artificial tears to remove allergens. Take a bottle of artificial tears from your local pharmacy and stand over your sink or in the shower and apply the solution over your eyes to flush allergens and contaminants from them. Keep your eyes open to allow the tears to clean the surface of your eyes. Talk to your doctor if your allergies are severe and aren’t improving. If you aren't able to relieve your itchy eyes, see your doctor about the issue. They may be able to recommend strategies and prescribe medications that can help treat your allergies. They may also refer you to an allergist who can give you allergy shots that target your specific allergens, making your symptoms much more manageable. There are many medications that treat allergies, and your doctor will be able to help you find the best one for you. Use herbal remedies for a more natural alternative. Some herbal remedies are effective at improving your allergic symptoms and may be able to help reduce the itchiness of your eyes. Some herbal remedies can negatively interact with each other and with certain medications, so talk to your doctor before you take them to make sure they're safe for you. A few natural allergy relievers include: Extract of butterbur Spirulina Tinospora cordifolia Capsicum Honey Vitamin C Fish oil Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with your hands. It's tempting to rub dry and itchy eyes for relief, but touching them with your hands can make the problem worse. The bacteria, dirt, and other contaminants on your hands can further aggravate your eyes, so do your best to avoid rubbing them. Additionally, your hands may remove extra moisture from the surface of your eyes, which will make them even drier and irritated. Use over-the-counter eye drops to hydrate your eyes. Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops are available at your local pharmacy and will provide temporary relief for your dry and itchy eyes. Use them as directed and apply them directly into your eyes. You can use drops once or several times per day. Rub eye ointment into your eyes before you go to bed. Eye ointments are thicker than eye drops and can provide a lot of relief for dry, itchy eyes. However, they can cloud your vision, so they shouldn't be used during the day if you have to drive or work. Use hydrating eye ointments before bed to help soothe and hydrate your eyes. Keep a daily journal of your symptoms so you can avoid the causes. Dry eyes can cause inflammation, stinging, burning, and itching, and may often be triggered in specific settings, such as on an airplane or when your car's air conditioning is blowing directly onto you. Anytime you experience dry eyes that are bothering you, write it down so you can keep track of your triggers and avoid them. On days when your eyes feel dry and itchy, write down what you did that day. Look over your notes to determine the likely cause of your dry eyes. If you can determine the cause of your dryness, avoid that situation or prepare yourself beforehand by carrying eye drops or wearing sunglasses. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Exposure to smoke can dry up the tears in your eyes and cause them to be itchy. Smoking is harmful to your health and can make your dry and itchy eyes worse. If you do smoke, quit as soon as you can to help improve your symptoms. If you're around others who smoke, try to avoid the secondhand smoke. Tell your doctor if you think your medications are causing your dry eyes. Many medications can cause dry and itchy eyes. If you've tried other methods to relieve your eyes, but nothing is working, it could be caused by a medication that you're taking, such as an antidepressant or birth control. Talk to your doctor if you think your medications are causing your eyes to be dry and itchy so they can work with you to find a replacement or a strategy to relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, and birth control can potentially cause dry eyes. Drugs that treat acne, high blood pressure, and Parkinson's disease can also cause dry eyes. Work with your doctor to treat underlying conditions. Some medical conditions can cause or worsen your dry eyes. If your eyes are bothering you, talk to your doctor about your medical history. Additionally, if you're unable to relieve your dry and itchy eyes, your doctor can help you pursue more drastic treatment options, or they may refer you to an opthalmologist who can treat your symptoms. Some conditions that can cause dry eyes include diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, thyroid problems, and being low in vitamin A. Your doctor may prescribe medications that stimulate tear production, such as pilocarpine and cevimeline. See your doctor if only 1 eye is itchy and red. Pink eye is a common cause of itchy eyes, and usually begins in 1 eye, though it can spread to both. Pink eye is caused by an infection with a virus or bacteria and is contagious, so see your doctor right away if one of your eyes is itchy, red, and swollen. Symptoms of pink eye include redness, irritation or a burning sensation, discharge or a crust in your eyes, and tearing. Take antibiotics to help treat your pink eye. If your doctor determines that your pink eye is caused by a bacterial infection, they may give you antibiotics. Apply the antibiotics exactly as your doctor prescribes to start clearing up your pink eye. Viral conjunctivitis, and some bacterial conjunctivitis, can get better without medication. Your doctor will help you decide what treatment is best. Your doctor may give you antiviral eye drops if your pink eye is caused by the herpes virus. Stop wearing your contact lenses until the infection is gone. If you wear contacts, don't wear them until your pink eye is completely gone, or you may spread the infection or prevent it from getting better. Your doctor may also recommend that you throw away your disposable contacts or cleaning solution to prevent re-infection. Practice good hygiene to keep the pink eye from coming back. Pink eye is highly infectious, so to prevent spreading it to other people, make sure you practice safe and clean habits. Wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently. Wash all sheets, pillowcases, and towels. Do not use makeup until you are healed, and dispose of any makeup tools or brushes that may have touched the infected eye. | Keep an allergy journal to identify the cause of your allergies. Take over-the-counter allergy medication to help reduce itchiness. Try to minimize your exposure to your allergens. Keep your home and car clean. Shower and change your clothes whenever you get home. Rinse your eyes with artificial tears to remove allergens. Talk to your doctor if your allergies are severe and aren’t improving. Use herbal remedies for a more natural alternative. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with your hands. Use over-the-counter eye drops to hydrate your eyes. Rub eye ointment into your eyes before you go to bed. Keep a daily journal of your symptoms so you can avoid the causes. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Tell your doctor if you think your medications are causing your dry eyes. Work with your doctor to treat underlying conditions. See your doctor if only 1 eye is itchy and red. Take antibiotics to help treat your pink eye. Stop wearing your contact lenses until the infection is gone. Practice good hygiene to keep the pink eye from coming back. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Disinfect-a-Phone | How to Disinfect a Phone | Your phone can carry germs and bacteria that can make you sick, so it's important to routinely disinfect it. To disinfect your phone, first remove it from its case, turn it off, and make sure it isn't plugged in. Then, use a disinfectant wipe or alcohol prep pad to wipe down the screen, back, and sides of your phone, avoiding any ports. Do the same thing with your phone case. Let your phone and case air dry. You can also spray a nonabrasive or alcohol-based cleaner on a lint-free cloth and wipe down your phone and case with it. Avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach or pure rubbing alcohol since it can damage the protective coatings on your phone over time. | Turn off your phone and disconnect it from the power outlet. Hold down the power button on the side of your phone until you see the shutdown prompt on the screen. Wait for your phone to turn off completely before you begin cleaning it so you're less likely to damage the internal electronics. If you have your phone plugged into a charger, unplug it while you're working so you don't get shocked. Avoid disinfecting your phone while it's turned on since you cause it to short out. Remove your phone’s case if it has one. Since bacteria can get behind the case, make sure to pop it off while you're cleaning. If your case comes in multiple pieces, separate them so you're able to clean each part individually. Keep your phone and case away from each other while you're cleaning so you don't infect them again. Be careful with your phone when you take it out of the case since it can get damaged more easily. Mix a few drops off dish soap and warm water in a bowl. Fill a small bowl with the warmest water you can handle from your faucet. Add 1–2 drops of dish soap to the water and stir it together until it's thoroughly combined and sudsy. Opt for antibacterial soap if possible since it's more likely to kill harmful germs. Wet a microfiber cloth with the solution and wring it out completely. Quickly dip your microfiber cloth into the soapy water and pull it out before it gets completely saturated. Squeeze the cloth tightly in your hands to wring out any excess water so you don't get your phone dripping wet. Avoid using paper towels or abrasive cleaning pads since you could scratch your phone's screen. Rub the phone's surfaces thoroughly with the cloth to remove germs. Start on your screen and work in circular motions over the entire phone. Work carefully around the microphones, ports, and buttons since water could get trapped inside and ruin the internal electronics. After you finish cleaning the front, turn your phone over and start wiping the back clean. If you have a water-resistant phone, it's okay if you get some water near the ports or buttons since it's less likely to cause damage. Dry any remaining moisture on the phone with a clean towel. Set your phone on a dry microfiber cloth and pat the surfaces dry. Be sure to remove all of the water that's still left on the surface so it's less likely to cause damage. Clean rubber or leather phone cases with the soapy water. Dip your microfiber cloth back into the soapy water and wring it out again. Wipe the interior and exterior of your phone case to remove any dirt or dust that's stuck inside of it. Focus on the corners or any small gaps where bacteria would grow more easily to ensure you completely sanitize the case. Avoid submerging your phone case since you could damage the material. If you have a leather phone case, use a leather conditioner afterward so the case stays soft. Shut off and unplug your phone from the charger. Unplug your phone from any chargers so you don't get shocked while you're cleaning. Press the power button on the side of your phone and hold it down until you see a prompt pop up on the screen. Wait for your phone to completely shut down before you start cleaning it. If you work on your phone while it's still turned on, you could cause the electronics to short out. Pop the phone’s case off and set it aside. Push the edge of the case away from your phone so it comes loose. Pull your phone out and set it aside while you're working. If your phone case is made up of multiple pieces, take them all apart so you're able to thoroughly clean them later. Keep your case and phone separate while you're working so you don't accidentally recontaminate them. Pour rubbing alcohol onto a microfiber cloth. Opt for rubbing alcohol that has at least 60–70% alcohol content so it effectively kills the most germs. Wet the microfiber cloth in your alcohol solution and wring it out to remove any excess liquid which could damage your phone. Don't use paper towels or other abrasive cleaning rags since they could scratch your phone. Lint-free microfiber is best. Wipe the phone’s surfaces from top to bottom with your cloth. Work across the entire front of your phone in circular motions and apply light pressure. Go slowly around the ports, buttons, and speakers so you don't get your cleaning solution in them since the alcohol could ruin the electronics. Flip your phone over and clean the back side in the same way. Wash your hands before you start cleaning your phone so you aren't recontaminating it right away. Opt for cleaning wipes if you need to sanitize your phone on the go. Look for wipes specifically designed for cleaning electronics since they're less likely to damage your phone. Rub the entire phone with the wipe so it's completely sanitized. Focus on areas that have tight seams or small cracks where bacteria are more likely to build up. Be careful not to put the wipe inside any ports since you could damage the electronics. You can buy cleaning wipes for electronics from your local electronics store, and they will usually kill around 99% of the bacteria and viruses on your phone. Keep a few cleaning wipes with you whenever you leave so you're able to disinfect your phone on the go. Pat your phone dry with a second microfiber cloth. Lay the microfiber cloth flat on your work surface and set your phone down in the middle of it. Gently press the cloth onto your phone to pick up any moisture. Make sure the phone's completely dry so it doesn't get damaged. You don't have to dry your phone if you're using cleaning wipes. Sanitize wood or plastic phone cases with your alcohol solution. Dip your cloth back in your cleaning solution and wring it out. Wipe the inside and outside of your phone case, making sure to sanitize each piece. Pay extra attention to any small cracks or seams in the case since bacteria can build up there. Avoid using alcohol on leather phone cases since you could dry them out. If you have trouble cleaning out the crevices, try using a stiff-bristled toothbrush. Buy a UV phone sanitizer online or from an electronics store. Look for a model that's large enough to completely close around your phone, or else the treatment won't be as effective. Compare the features and reviews for multiple options so you can choose the one that's the most affordable for you. UV phone sanitizers are small enclosed cases that have UV-C lights that can kill up to 99.9% of the bacteria and viruses on your phone. You can buy UV light sanitizers for around $60 USD, but more effective models will usually cost you more. Put your phone inside the sanitizer and shut the lid. Open the lid for the sanitizer and set your phone face-up in the bottom section. Make sure the phone doesn't hang over the inset section, or else you won't be able to close it properly. Slowly lower the sanitizer's lid to turn on the UV lights and start disinfecting your device. You can leave the case on your phone or you may take it off. The UV light will also kill any germs on the case. Read the instructions for the sanitizer completely since you may need to do additional steps when you clean your phone. Leave your phone inside the sanitizer for 5–10 minutes. Look for a lit signal light on the outside of the sanitizer so you know that it's working properly. Keep your phone inside of the case with the lid down so it can effectively kill the germs on the surface. After 5–10 minutes, the signal light will turn off so you know when you can remove your phone. The UV lights will turn off automatically if you open the lid at any point while disinfecting your phone. If you take your phone out of the sanitizer early, then it may still have some germs left on the surface. Wash your hands before taking your phone out again. Wet your hands with warm water and lather hand soap for at least 15–20 seconds. Rinse off the soap and dry your hands off before lifting the lid on your UV sanitizer. Take your phone out and use it as normal until the next time you clean it. Use hand sanitizer if you aren't able to wash your hands. If you don't disinfect your hands, then you can contaminate your phone right away when you take it out. Wash your hands frequently so germs don’t transfer to your phone. Always use warm water and soap while you're washing your hands to help kill more bacteria and viruses. Lather the soap on your hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure you clean the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Rinse the soap off with warm water before drying them on a clean towel. Be sure to wash your hands before handling or eating food, treating a wound, or caring for someone who's sick. Then clean your hands after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, or handling garbage. Use hand sanitizer if you aren’t able to wash your hands. Look for a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol so it effectively kills bacteria and viruses. Put a coin-sized amount in your palm and rub your hands together, making sure it reaches between your fingers and under your nails. Keep rubbing the sanitizer in until it completely absorbs into your skin. Hand sanitizer may not kill all germs on your hands. If you have the option, wash your hands instead since it will disinfect your hands more thoroughly. Use headphones to keep your phone away from your face. Opt for headphones that have a built-in microphone so you're still able to answer phone calls. Keep your phone in your pocket or on your desk throughout the day so you don't have to handle it as often. Whenever you take a phone call, put in your headphones so you don't have to bring the screen near your face. If you don't have headphones, hold your phone away from your mouth or use speakerphone to help reduce the spread of germs. Avoid bringing your phone in the bathroom if possible. Leave your phone in another room whenever you go to the bathroom. If you have to bring your phone with you, keep it in a pocket or bag the entire time. Don't touch your phone until you're finished in the bathroom and have washed your hands thoroughly. | Turn off your phone and disconnect it from the power outlet. Remove your phone’s case if it has one. Mix a few drops off dish soap and warm water in a bowl. Wet a microfiber cloth with the solution and wring it out completely. Rub the phone's surfaces thoroughly with the cloth to remove germs. Dry any remaining moisture on the phone with a clean towel. Clean rubber or leather phone cases with the soapy water. Shut off and unplug your phone from the charger. Pop the phone’s case off and set it aside. Pour rubbing alcohol onto a microfiber cloth. Wipe the phone’s surfaces from top to bottom with your cloth. Opt for cleaning wipes if you need to sanitize your phone on the go. Pat your phone dry with a second microfiber cloth. Sanitize wood or plastic phone cases with your alcohol solution. Buy a UV phone sanitizer online or from an electronics store. Put your phone inside the sanitizer and shut the lid. Leave your phone inside the sanitizer for 5–10 minutes. Wash your hands before taking your phone out again. Wash your hands frequently so germs don’t transfer to your phone. Use hand sanitizer if you aren’t able to wash your hands. Use headphones to keep your phone away from your face. Avoid bringing your phone in the bathroom if possible. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Mung-Beans | How to Cook Mung Beans | Before you cook dried mung beans, pour them in a bowl and sort through them, picking out anything inedible and any beans that look old or wrinkled. Then bring about 3 cups of water to boil on the stove. When the water is boiling, add about 1 cup of the sorted beans, and give them a good stir to saturate them. Bring them back to a boil, then let them simmer for 45-60 minutes or until the beans are soft. You can season the beans just before you serve them. | Sort the beans. Slowly pour the beans into a large bowl. As you pour, examine each bean carefully. Sometimes bags of dried beans can have small rocks and other inedible debris mixed in. Remove any suspicious looking beans as well. Old, wrinkled beans won't soften well and may hurt your teeth. Bring some water to a boil. Place a large cooking pot on the stove over high heat. Add about three cups (.7 liters) of fresh water to the pot and let it come to a boil. Always cook with cold tap water. Hot tap water can dissolve contaminants in pipe systems that will be carried into your food. Add the salt. Yes, really. Despite myths to the contrary, salting only temporarily toughens the beans' skin. The salt actually speeds the cooking of the beans overall, and seasons more evenly if added initially. Add the dried beans. Add one cup (200 grams) of dried mung beans to the boiling water. Give the beans a good stir to help saturate them completely. Don't worry if a few beans float on the top. As soon as these beans soak up enough water, they will sink to the bottom. If want to cook more than one cup of beans, use more water. For every cup of beans, you should boil three cups of water. One cup of dried mung beans will yield three cups of cooked beans, or approximately three servings. Simmer the beans for 45 minutes to 1 hour. After adding the beans, allow the water to return to a boil. Next, lower the heat to medium low. Let the soup simmer for 45 minutes to an hour or until the beans are soft. To check if the beans are ready, remove a small spoonful and allow it to cool before tasting it. A simmering pot will release a few small streams of bubbles. If the surface of the liquid is bubbling too much, reduce the heat. Check your seasoning of the beans and serve. You can blend the soft beans to serve them as a hearty stew, drain them to create a healthy side dish, or add them to your favorite savory recipe. Mung beans can be seasoned with: raw aromatics such as green onions and fresh herbs salt, pepper, and olive oil coconut milk A cilantro, coriander, cumin, and ginger spice blend Sort the beans into the slow cooker. Slowly pour the beans into the slow cooker, examining each bean carefully. If you find any rocks or unusually hard beans, remove them and throw them away. Otherwise, they may hurt your teeth while you're eating. When in doubt, throw the bean away. For example, if you're not sure if a bean is too old to eat or not, play it safe and discard it. Add cooking liquid. For every cup (200 grams) of beans, you will need about three cups (.7 liters) of liquid and a teaspoon of salt (the thing about it toughening beans is largely mythical ). You can use fresh water, or vegetable or meat broth but you'll need less salt. However, make sure not to overfill the slow cooker. Most slow cookers have a “fill” line on the inside. Otherwise, only fill the slow cooker halfway full. Add seasonings to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in seasonings such as onion, garlic, or bay leaves. Other delicious seasonings include: Butter Curry powder Shallots Ginger Cook the beans. Place the lid on your slow cooker and turn it on. You can use the “low” setting to cook the beans for 6.5 hours, creating a creamy, soup-like texture. Alternatively, cook the beans on “high” for 3 hours to create a thinner bean dish. After one hour, sample the beans periodically to check for doneness. The beans will be done when they're soft and flavorful. Adjust seasoning and serve. Salt and pepper the cooked beans to taste. After seasoning, serve the beans immediately. You can add extra cooking liquid to create a vegetable soup, on a bed of rice, or by themselves as a healthy side dish. Leftover beans can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days. Pour the dry mung beans into a large bowl. Pour the beans very slowly, examining each bean. This will allow you to identify any rocks or other small debris that got caught in the beans. If a bean looks suspicious, play it safe and take it out. Pour water over the beans. Measure out two or three cups (.5-.7 liters) of water for every cup (200 grams) of beans. Next, pour the water over the beans. Don't worry about any beans that float to the top. They will sink as soon as they soak up enough water. Cover the bowl with a lid or wrap it in plastic wrap to protect the beans from debris. Soak the beans for twenty four hours. Store the bowl of mung beans in a cool, dark place for at least twenty four hours. This will allow the beans to soak up the water and begin to sprout. Choose a low-traffic location to avoid spilling your beans. Some great storage locations include: The corner of a pantry Under your kitchen sink In an unused cabinet Drain the water and cover the beans. After twenty four hours, drain the water away from the beans. You can either dump the entire mixture in a colander or carefully tip the bowl over the sink. Next, cover the bowl with a piece of cheesecloth, gauze, or a thin dishtowel. This will protect the beans while allowing air flow. Return the beans to their cool, dark spot to continue sprouting. Cheesecloth can be bought at most gourmet grocery stores, cheese making depots, and online. Examine the beans. After twenty four to forty eight hours have passed, examine the beans to see if they're ready to eat. Sprouted beans will have a small white tail and a split bean body. If you prefer bean sprouts with longer tails, let the beans continue sprouting for a few more hours. Don't let the beans sprout for more than a few days. Otherwise, the beans will become waterlogged and flavorless. Serve the beans. First, rinse the sprouted beans under cold water to remove any unwanted debris or residue. Allow the beans to dry for a few minutes on a plate lined with a paper towel. Serve the beans immediately. Some excellent serving methods include: Adding the beans to a salad Seasoning the beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a fresh side dish Lining your sandwich with sprouts for a healthy crunch Replace most beans with mung beans. Many bean recipes that call for cooked peas, chick peas, or lentils can use cooked mung beans instead. For example, you can make mung bean falafel by substituting soaked chick peas with cooked mung beans. Some other delicious swaps include: Using mung beans instead of peas in a split pea soup Replacing the chick peas in a cold chick pea salad Substitute mung beans for lentils in a warm lentil salad Add sprouted mung beans to any savory recipe. Sprouted mung beans are incredibly versatile. They can be sprinkled on a salad for a crunchy health boost or sautéed in a stir fry. Some other fantastic ways to use freshly sprouted mung beans include: Adding a layer of bean sprouts to your sandwiches Stirring mung bean sprouts into your favorite vegetable soup Garnishing your favorite Asian noodle dish Make a mung bean curry. The hearty mung bean pairs deliciously with traditional curry flavors such as garam masala, coconut milk, ginger, and lime. Do an online search to find your new favorite mung bean curry recipe. Alternatively, stir some cooked mung beans into your favorite curry recipe to incorporate extra flavor and nutrition. Some excellent curries include: An Indonesian curry such as Gulai Salai Ikan Khas Palembang Palak Paneer , an Indian curry Slow-cooker Chicken Curry | Sort the beans. Bring some water to a boil. Add the dried beans. Simmer the beans for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check your seasoning of the beans and serve. Sort the beans into the slow cooker. Add cooking liquid. Add seasonings to the slow cooker. Cook the beans. Adjust seasoning and serve. Pour the dry mung beans into a large bowl. Pour water over the beans. Soak the beans for twenty four hours. Drain the water and cover the beans. Examine the beans. Serve the beans. Replace most beans with mung beans. Add sprouted mung beans to any savory recipe. Make a mung bean curry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Up-for-a-Disco-Party | How to Dress Up for a Disco Party | To dress up for a disco party, look for shiny, stretchy materials, like spandex, Lycra, or velour. Choose an open-necked button shirt, shiny, long-sleeved top, or mini-dress. Then, go for an extravagant pair of bell bottoms, or flares. Look for a pair of platform shoes and make them shiny to blend in with your disco look. You can also wear chunk bracelets and necklaces or shiny chains. Wear your hair long and straight or give it volume with gel or hairspray. If you wear makeup, use black, brown, purple, or blue eyeliner and a liquid eyeshadow that complements your 70's outfit. | Try on a jumpsuit for a funky and sleek look. Jumpsuits are a great option for both men and women due to their timeless style and sleek appearance. If you truly want to embody the disco era, opt for a one-piece jumpsuit that reaches your ankles. This garment is great if you plan on dancing a lot—you can even jazz it up with high heels or platform shoes. For example, wear a sleeveless coral jumpsuit along with a pair of chunky, high-heeled sandals. For a more masculine approach, opt for a two-toned jumpsuit instead, like purple and black or tan and brown. Unlike other fashion staples of the disco era, jumpsuits are still worn today! Pay homage to traditional 70s fashion by wearing a disco suit. Get into the spirit of the times by going to the party in a three-piece disco suit. For an especially bold look, opt for an all-white ensemble. If you'd prefer to add a splash of color, try pairing a dark vest and slacks with a brightly colored dress shirt. For instance, wear a white vest, slacks, and jacket with a blue and white plaid dress shirt underneath. Add some flair to the outfit with a pair of sunglasses! Pair some shiny pants with a clingy top to look extra chic. If you don't want to commit to the jumpsuit but still want to wear something fun and relaxed, try on some shiny, sleek pants with a form-fitting top! If you aren't a fan of long sleeves, wear a sleeveless top with brightly colored shiny pants instead. For instance, try wearing a pair of shiny blue pants with a teal tube top or sleeveless shirt. For a bold long-sleeve option, try a black shirt paired with some bright red pants. Stay relaxed and comfortable in some bell bottoms. Dress down for a disco party by pairing a funky top with some classic bell bottoms. Don't feel limited to just wearing blue bell bottoms; instead, try creating a theme with your outfit. For example, try pairing a dark, sleeveless top with some pink paisley patterned bell bottoms! For a more masculine look, try wearing a light yellow dress shirt with some gold pants. To really embody the 70s look, try choosing high-waisted pants. Stand out in a mini-skirt or midi-skirt. Pick a form-fitting mini-skirt if you'd rather wear something short and form-fitting. If you'd prefer a skirt that goes down to your thighs, opt for a midi-skirt instead. Make your outfit extra funky by choosing a skirt with a fun pattern, like leopard print. If you don't want your legs to get cold, try pairing your skirt with a pair of opaque tights. Put on a wrap dress if you’d like something more convenient. If you want a last-minute fix for your disco party, try on a wrap dress. Choose this option if you plan on dancing a lot, or if you'd prefer to wear something fancier than a jumpsuit. If you don't like sleeveless dresses and shirts, then this might not be the outfit for you. Keep in mind that, unlike other dancing dresses, the wrap dress usually goes down to your knees. Wrap dresses are unique since they're often made of 2 different fabric colors. They also come with a cord that you can use to tighten the garment around your waist. For example, try pairing a burgundy and light pink wrap dress with a pair of wine-colored high heels. Choose a dancing dress if you’d prefer a traditional option. Unlike spandex and leotards, dancing dresses allow you to look feminine without appearing too gaudy. Look especially striking at the party by choosing a dress in a bright, solid color. For instance, try wearing a bright red dancing dress with white, high-heeled sandals. If you'd prefer a dress with long sleeves, try wearing a Qiana dress, which features long sleeves along with a thigh-high skirt. Opt for a plain look by choosing a dress in a solid color. If you'd like to spice things up, look for a garment that comes in a fun pattern. Wear a white shirt and blue jeans for a quick and easy outfit. Opt for a more timeless look by wearing a traditional shirt and jeans, or something similar. If you want to add a splash of color to your look, go for a multicolored shirt along with a pair of flared jeans. Add some extra pizazz to your ensemble with a chunky belt as well! For example, try wearing a brown and yellow patterned shirt with some blue jeans, accompanied by a chunky brown belt. Look extra suave by wearing a disco shirt. Bridge the gap between fancy and casual by wearing a fun, flowing disco shirt. While still paired with nice pants, you can look a lot more relaxed and laid back by wearing a disco shirt. If you want to dress up a little more, wear some neutral-toned slacks with your shirt. If you'd rather dress down, opt for some blue jeans instead. For instance, pair a black and grey patterned disco shirt with a pair of grey slacks and some nice loafers. Dress up in bright, flashy colors to stand out at the party. Get in the spirit of the disco era by wearing a variety of fun, bright colors. Don't worry about your colors clashing or looking too out-of-place—at the disco, all colors are welcome! If you're feeling especially bold, opt for metallic or sequined clothes to make your outfit sparkle. For instance, try pairing a bright orange, form-fitting crop top with a pair of dark blue bell-bottoms. Pick clothing made of Spandex to wear something fun and flexible. Go to a disco party in maximum comfort by incorporating spandex into your outfit. You can find Spandex in a variety of different clothing items, including jumpsuits, jeans, and tops. Mix and match until you find the perfect outfit! Viscose rayon is also a great option if you like to wear a lot of patterned fabric. Choose accessories with classic 70s symbols to embody the disco spirit. Pay homage to the disco era with a variety of classic symbols on the accessories, such as a peace sign or disco ball. Try to find shirts or other articles of clothing printed with these popular symbols. If you're feeling especially ambitious, order a cheap disco ball online and bring it to the party! If you want to take a more musical theme with your costume, wear some vintage tees of famous 70s bands like ABBA or the Village People. Select fringed fabrics for an extra funky vibe. Look for clothing and accessories that have an element of fringe, or dangly decorations. You can find many vests and boots with fringe, in addition to pants as well as other items of clothing. While not as stereotypical as a jumpsuit or pair of hot pants, fringed clothing and accessories are a great way to add an extra layer of cultural depth to your disco attire. Try on clothing with bright and fun patterns. Take advantage of the disco era's bright and flamboyant fashion style by opting for patterned clothing and accessories. If you're looking for a more feminine style, choose a shirt or dress with a paisley pattern. If you'd prefer a more retro look, opt for a Hawaiian shirt instead. Animal and floral prints are also great pattern options for a disco costume. Apply heavy layers of pastel makeup for a classic disco look. Use a small makeup brush to pack a lot of pastel eyeshadow on your eyelids. To really exaggerate the look, brush some product above the crease, stopping right beneath the brow bone. If you want to go for a bolder look, try an eyeshadow in robin's egg blue or lime green. If you'd like to get some makeup inspiration, look online for images of fashion magazine covers and makeup advertisements from the 1970s. Add some face gems to make your face shine. Stand out from the crowd by decorating your face with rhinestones. Use a skin-safe adhesive to glue the gems into a fun shape or pattern, and let the disco lights do the rest! If you want to look especially bold, try using larger and chunkier rhinestones. Silver or diamond rhinestones are a great color that go with almost any outfit. Wear thick eyeliner to make your eyes pop. Imitate some musical greats of the disco era by applying heavy amounts of dark eyeliner around your eyes. Don't worry about looking out-of-place at the party, since disco is all about bold and exciting looks! If you don't want to apply too much product, start by giving yourself dramatic wings around the corners of your eyes. Feather your hair into layers for a chic, feminine look. Get ready for a disco party by layering your hair in large wispy sections. If you don't want to mess up your natural hair, search online for wigs that have feather layers. If you're styling your natural hair, keep in mind that feathered layers long best on people with shoulder-length hair. For inspiration, look up pictures of Farrah Fawcett online. Part your hair down the center for a traditional 70s hairstyle. Save some time by going for a simpler but classic 70s look. If you'd prefer not to spend a lot of time on fancy updos , use the narrow end of a comb to part your bangs down the middle of your head. Make sure that you have equal amounts of hair on each side of your face. Keep in mind that this style is easiest for people without short bangs. If you have shorter bangs, keep them front and center. Go for a mullet or surfer hairstyle to look like a rockstar. Embody the cool vibe of the disco era by making your hair loose and free. If you don't feel like going to a lot of trouble, tousle your neck or shoulder-length hair so it looks messy, or like you've just come from the beach. If you'd rather give off a more classic look, opt for a mullet instead. If you don't want to style your hair in a mullet, try purchasing a mullet wig online instead. Slip on a pair of sunglasses for a retro vibe. Make your outfit look even funkier by accessorizing with sunglasses! While any sunglasses will do, opt for sunglasses with large, round lenses. Additionally, look for glasses with bulky frames and colored lenses to add some flair to your costume! For a unique look, choose glasses with ovular or circular frames! Include a headband in your outfit to add a burst of color. Round out your disco costume with a fun head accessory, like a brightly colored or patterned headband. Choose a headband that fits the circumference of your head, or that ties easily around your scalp. If you want to be extra fancy, look for a headband with fake jewels or other fun add-ons! If you'd prefer a more natural look, consider wearing a leather band, some macrame decorations, or hair flowers instead! Accompany your fun outfit with a stylish handbag. Switch out your traditional purse or clutch for a fun, shiny handbag! A shiny, disco-era handbag can really tie your outfit together, whether you're using it as an accessory or as a means to carry your wallet. Pick something fun and funky, and don't be afraid to think outside of the box! If you aren't a fan of handbags, opt for a coin purse, wrist canteen, or binocular case instead. Adorn your neck with a colorful scarf or feather boa. Add a pop of texture or color to your disco ensemble with a fashionable scarf accessory. If you're going for a more traditional outfit, try for a solid-colored or printed scarf. If you'd prefer to make your ensemble extra funky, opt for a brightly-colored feather boa instead! If scarves and boas aren't your style, try grabbing a sequin sash or fan! Highlight your ensemble with large, chunky jewelry. Finish off your outfit with some especially flashy earrings and bracelets. If you really want to embody the disco spirit, try on some armbands or wrist cuffs! If you're looking to round out your costume, then whisper chains and checkers are also an option. If you'd like to look extra fancy, finish off your outfit with a tiara or crown! Complete your look with a solid or bejeweled belt. Balance out your costume around the waist by wearing a neutral-toned or multi-colored belt. If you're going for a themed outfit, a belt can really make your ensemble pop! For a simpler look, opt for a braided leather or beaded accessory. If you'd prefer to stand out, choose a shiny vinyl, velvet, or rhinestone-encrusted belt. If you're wearing a full body outfit, like a jumpsuit, consider tying off the garment with a fabric sash. Add some height to your outfit with platform shoes. Be the tallest person in the room by slipping on some platform shoes. If you can't decide what kind of style to go for, platform shoes are great starting point. If you want to try a more simple look, opt for chunky platform loafers that only rise 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm). If you want to go for a bolder style, try on some platform boots or sandals that rise several inches or centimeters. For a classic disco look, pair a jumpsuit with a set of platform loafers or boots. Alternatively, pair a sleeveless white dancing dress with a pair of high-heeled sandals. If you'd like to add more color to the outfit, try a more brightly colored dress with more colorful shoes. Pick out some golf shoes for a classy look. Complete a more formal disco outfit with some monochromatic golf shoes. Unlike many other accessories and outfit choices of the disco era, golf shoes help you look ready for the party without seeming gaudy. For an especially formal look, try pairing golf shoes with slacks or a nice suit. For instance, wear a pair of black and white golf shoes with a black or white disco suit. Wear some loafers to give off a more traditional vibe. Being at a disco party doesn't mean that your whole outfit has to be funky and over-the-top! If you want to put more emphasis on your shirt and pants, slip on some loafers to round out your outfit. You can also try on some loafers with a jumpsuit or disco suit if you'd like to make a statement. For example, try wearing an all white disco suit with a pair of white loafers. You can also pair some neutral-toned loafers with a funky disco shirt and a dark pair of slacks or bell-bottoms. Try on some tall boots to show off your legs. You don't have to choose an outfit with a long skirt or pant legs—instead, pair some tall boots with a miniskirt, or a tight set of hot pants. Feel free to jazz up your outfit with some color, too! If you're wearing a brightly colored top, feel free to wear a pair of colorful, knee-length boots to match. For instance, pair some navy blue and teal boots with a teal top, along with some matching hot pants Fringed boots are also a fun fashion trend you can take advantage of for disco parties! Despite the name, hot pants look more like shorts, and only reach the top of your thighs. | Try on a jumpsuit for a funky and sleek look. Pay homage to traditional 70s fashion by wearing a disco suit. Pair some shiny pants with a clingy top to look extra chic. Stay relaxed and comfortable in some bell bottoms. Stand out in a mini-skirt or midi-skirt. Put on a wrap dress if you’d like something more convenient. Choose a dancing dress if you’d prefer a traditional option. Wear a white shirt and blue jeans for a quick and easy outfit. Look extra suave by wearing a disco shirt. Dress up in bright, flashy colors to stand out at the party. Pick clothing made of Spandex to wear something fun and flexible. Choose accessories with classic 70s symbols to embody the disco spirit. Select fringed fabrics for an extra funky vibe. Try on clothing with bright and fun patterns. Apply heavy layers of pastel makeup for a classic disco look. Add some face gems to make your face shine. Wear thick eyeliner to make your eyes pop. Feather your hair into layers for a chic, feminine look. Part your hair down the center for a traditional 70s hairstyle. Go for a mullet or surfer hairstyle to look like a rockstar. Slip on a pair of sunglasses for a retro vibe. Include a headband in your outfit to add a burst of color. Accompany your fun outfit with a stylish handbag. Adorn your neck with a colorful scarf or feather boa. Highlight your ensemble with large, chunky jewelry. Complete your look with a solid or bejeweled belt. Add some height to your outfit with platform shoes. Pick out some golf shoes for a classy look. Wear some loafers to give off a more traditional vibe. Try on some tall boots to show off your legs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Constitution-for-a-Club | How to Write a Constitution for a Club | To write a constitution for a club, start by defining your club's purpose, its long term goals, and how you will accomplish them. Next, decide on the membership policies, privileges, and responsibilities. As you formalize your club, create a leadership structure by assigning a President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Then, write your constitution by dividing this information into articles, then breaking down the articles into sections. | Set up a time to meet with your club. Try to find a time when all or most club members can meet. In this meeting, you should discuss the different elements that your constitution will address, including your club's name, mission, membership requirements, and officers. The next section will provide more information on these elements. Assign note takers. Have two club members take notes during the meeting. That way, you'll have a summary of everything that was discussed, and the writing process will be easier! It's best to have two or more members take notes. You'll get a more comprehensive summary of the meeting, and you'll be less likely to miss something important. Check with your institution for requirements. If your club is affiliated with an institution or community, such as a school or university, that institution may have specific guidelines and requirements for your constitution. Talk to your administrators so you know the key points to discuss in your meeting. Many universities will provide a template for you to follow. Some institutions require that clubs adhere to set membership policies. Pick a club name. Your club's name is important. This is the title that will represent your club in your community and possibly beyond. Pick a title that reflects your club's purpose and core activities. If your club cleans up beaches in LA, you might name it "The LA Beach Cleanup Crew." Consider if you want your club's name to be fun and catchy, or more formal. Define your club’s purpose. Every club was founded for a reason. Maybe your club aims to combat food insecurity in your hometown, or teach members about sports analytics. In your meeting, talk about your club's long term goals and how you will accomplish them. Try to answer the following questions: Where are will your club perform its work? Who benefits from your club's work? In what way do they benefit? This is the most important part of the constitution, so make sure everyone is on the same page. Decide on membership policies. Discuss who can be a member of your club, and outline members' privileges and responsibilities. Don't forget to address the conditions under which membership can be revoked. This is also the time to decide if you will have a membership fee. If so, how much will it be, and how often will members have to pay? Members might be anyone who pays dues, anyone who attends meetings, or anyone who participates in the club's activities. Assign officers. Your club should have some sort of leadership structure, and often, this comes in the form of officers. Make a list of the officer positions you want in your club. Discuss officer responsibilities and rules for appointing, removing, and replacing officers. Common officer positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. When writing your constitution, use the officer position title rather than the current officer's name. After all, officers will come and go throughout the club's life. Decide if you want committees. You can also have committees within your group, if you'd like. Committees are in charge of running your club or specific projects within your club. Talk about how committees will be formed, which committees will be formed, the duties of each committee, and the processes for selecting and removing committee members and officers. Committees usually have a Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Discuss meeting details. Discuss how often meetings will take place and how meetings will be scheduled. You may want to hold extra meetings for committees or officers only. Discuss how often these will be held. You can also include some information about meeting procedures in your constitution. Think about how decisions will be made. If you want to make decisions by voting, provide a brief description of the voting criteria. Talk about finances. You may want to include a section about finances in your constitution. Talk about the procedures for opening and maintaining a club bank account, if you need one. Discuss how often finances will be reported, and who will keep a record of the club's transactions (this is usually the Treasurer). Don't forget to include a statement about how club funds will be spent. Generally, club money should only be spent on club materials and activities. Decide how the constitution can be changed. In the course of your club's life, members may want to make changes to the constitution. These changes are called amendments.Your constitution should contain rules for proposing and implementing amendments. You might have all club members vote to ratify a change, or only the officers. Requiring the vote of two-thirds of club members is the norm. If you have bylaws , a more flexible document that outlines the daily functioning of your club, your constitution should provide rules for amending the bylaws as well. Divide your constitution into articles. The broad sections of your constitution are called articles. You should have articles for major categories like your club's name, purpose, membership policies, officers, committees, meetings, finances, and amendment procedures. Generally, your club's name and purpose should be the first two articles. Feel free to add additional articles. For example, if members of your club are paying dues, then you could include a separate article for dues, if you want. However, you could also place dues under the membership article. Label articles by number and category. For example, your first article should be titled “Article 1. Name.” If your club is affiliated with an institution, refer to their constitution guidelines. Often, they require specific articles. Divide each article into sections. These sections address different aspects of the broader article category. The text of your constitution goes in the sections. For example, in your article about officers, you might want to include sections about different officer titles, the responsibilities of each officer, the election process, and officer eligibility requirements. Write a sentence or two for each section. Label sections by number. For example, the first section in any article would be labeled “Section 1.” Use clear and concise language. Clarity is key when writing a constitution. Keep your language simple, professional, and to-the-point. For example, when writing about your club's name, opt for a simple sentence like, “The name of the club will be The Youth Rangers.” Make your guidelines comprehensive, but not overly specific. Your constitution should contain the core principles of your organization and its general policies. Try to find a balance between comprehensive guidance and administrative freedom. Things can get complicated if it's too specific. More flexible documents generally work better. For example, you should include rules about meeting frequency in your constitution, but not about meeting time or location. Those things will likely change based on members' schedules and space availability. Write a draft. You should select a couple club members to write your constitution based on notes taken during your discussion. Pick members who are good writers. Remember, clarity is key! Look at various sample constitutions to guide you. You can find tons of them online. If your club is affiliated with an institution, they may provide you with a sample constitution. Review the finished constitution with your group. Call a meeting, and have everyone in your group look over the constitution. The majority of your group should accept the constitution. If this is not the case, you should make some edits based on member feedback. If your constitution wasn't accepted the first time, you'll need to call another meeting after making edits to get it approved. Sign and date the constitution. Once the constitution has been accepted, have at least two club members sign and date it. If your club has officers, it's a good idea to have two of them do this. Signing makes the constitution valid. Distribute copies. Make sure every club member has a copy of the constitution. Digital copies are best--they save paper, and won't become lost or crumpled like paper copies. Don't forget to file your constitution away in a safe location! Again, a digital file is best. | Set up a time to meet with your club. Assign note takers. Check with your institution for requirements. Pick a club name. Define your club’s purpose. Decide on membership policies. Assign officers. Decide if you want committees. Discuss meeting details. Talk about finances. Decide how the constitution can be changed. Divide your constitution into articles. Divide each article into sections. Use clear and concise language. Make your guidelines comprehensive, but not overly specific. Write a draft. Review the finished constitution with your group. Sign and date the constitution. Distribute copies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chocolate-Chip-Pancakes | How to Make Chocolate Chip Pancakes | To make chocolate chip pancakes, start by whisking together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Then, in a separate bowl, combine butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and buttermilk. Next, stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and fold chocolate chips into the batter. Finally, cook 1/4 cup of the batter at a time for 2 minutes on each side in a skillet over medium heat. | Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Pour the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add both the baking soda and the baking powder, then the salt. Mix everything together with a whisk, then set the bowl aside. Mix the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Melt the butter ahead of time in the microwave or in a little saucepan over the stove. Pour it into a medium-sized mixing bowl, then add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together with a whisk. Stir the buttermilk into the butter mixture. Keep stirring with your whisk until the color and texture are even. There should be no streaks of egg yolk left behind. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently pat down the flour mixture, then make a large well in the middle. Pour the milk mixture into it, then stir everything together with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl so that everything mixes in evenly. A few lumps here and there are okay. Fold the chocolate chips into the batter. Do not get carried away; you just need the chocolate chips to be distributed evenly throughout the batter. If you over-mix the batter, the pancakes will turn out tough. Try to use mini chocolate chips. You can find them in the baking section of your local grocery story. Regular chocolate chips are too chunky. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray. You can tell if the pan is hot enough if you flick some water on it, and the water sizzles. Pour ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of pancake batter onto the pan. You can do this with a measuring cup or a soup ladle. Depending on the size of the pan, you may be able to fit a few more pancakes—make sure that they don't touch, however! Cook the pancake(s) for 2 to 4 minutes, then flip them. The pancake is ready to flip when it starts to form bubbles and the bubbles burst. As soon as you see the bubbles, wait for them to pop, then slide a spatula under the pancake and flip it over. Cook the pancake(s) for 2 to 3 minutes more. Once both sides are golden brown, slide the pancake onto a plate, then make the rest. You will need to re-grease the frying pan every few pancakes. Serve the pancakes. You can serve chocolate chip pancakes with maple syrup like plain pancakes. You can also add some fresh berries or even ice cream. For a real treat, serve them with some sliced strawberries or a sliced banana. Mix together all of the dry ingredients, except for the sugar. Pour the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk everything together, then set the bowl off to the side. Mix together the sugar and the wet ingredients separately. Pour the buttermilk into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the oil, egg, and sugar. Stir everything together until the color and texture are consistent. There should be not streaks of egg yolk. Stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Pat down the flour mixture first, then make a hole in the middle. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the well. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over-stir; a few remaining lumps are fine. If you stir the batter too much, the pancakes will come out tough and gummy. Fold the chocolate chips into the batter. You can do this with a rubber spatula or with a wooden spoon. Once again, be careful not to over-mix the batter. You simply want the chocolate chips to be distributed throughout the batter. Heat and oil a skillet on the stove. Place a medium skillet onto the stove. Turn the heat up to medium, and let the pan get hot. Once the pan is hot enough to sizzle a drop of water, coat it with cooking spray. Pour some of the pancake batter onto the skillet. Use a measuring cup or a soup ladle to pour ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of pancake batter onto the skillet. If your skillet is big enough, you might be able to fit a few more pancakes. Be sure to leave some room between each one, or they won't cook properly. Flip the pancake(s) after 2 to 4 minutes. Let the pancake cook for 2 to 4 minutes first. Once the pancakes starts to form bubbles, wait for them to burst, slide a spatula under it, and flip it over onto the other side. Cook the pancake another 2 to 3 minutes. The pancake is ready when both sides are smooth and the inside is cooked through. Use a spatula to slide the pancake off of the skillet and onto a plate. At this point, you are ready to make the rest of the pancakes. You will need to coat the skillet with more cooking spray after a few pancakes. Serve the pancakes. You can serve them with the traditional maple syrup, or you can try a more unusual topping, such as strawberry or raspberry jam. You could also add some sliced strawberries or a sliced banana. For something a little more rich, try whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. For the ultimate chocolate-y goodness, top them off with chocolate syrup. Combine all of the dry ingredients, except for the sugar. Pour the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, and chocolate chips. Stir everything together with a whisk, then set the bowl off to the side. No pumpkin pie spice? No problem! Use ½ teaspoon ground allspice, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Blend the wet ingredients together, including the sugar. Scoop the pumpkin puree into a clean mixing bowl. Add the sugar, egg, oil, and milk. Mix everything together until the texture is smooth and consistent. There should be no streaks of egg yolk left. For an even smoother batter, do this in a blender or food processor for about 45 seconds. Don't use the canned "pumpkin pie" puree, it is not the same thing. Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Pat down the flour mixture first, then make a well in the center. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the well, then stir everything together with a whisk until just combined. There will be a few lumps, which is fine. Do not over-stir, or the pancakes will turn out tough. At this point, you can add in more spices to suit your liking. Heat up a skillet over on the stove. Place a medium-sized skillet on the stove and turn the heat up to medium. Once the skillet is hot, lightly coat it with cooking spray. You can tell if the pan is hot enough if you flick some water on it, and the water begins to sizzle. You can also use an electric griddle. Set it to 350°F (177°C). Scoop ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of the batter onto the skillet. Use a measuring cup or a soup ladle to do this. If the skillet is large enough, you may be able to fit a few more pancakes on it—make sure that they don't touch, however! Allow the pancake(s) to cook for 2 to 4 minutes before flipping them. Cook the pancake for 2 to 4 minutes. Once you see bubbles form, wait for them to pop, then slide a spatula under it, and flip it over. Cook the pancake for 2 to 3 more minutes. The pancake is ready when both sides are golden brown. Slide a spatula under it, then transfer it to a plate. Move on to make the rest of the pancakes. You will need coat the skillet with more cooking spray after every couple of pancakes. Serve the pancakes. You can serve chocolate chip pancakes with maple syrup like plain pancakes. You can also add some fresh berries or even ice cream. For a real treat, serve them with some sliced strawberries or a sliced banana. | Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Stir the buttermilk into the butter mixture. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold the chocolate chips into the batter. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of pancake batter onto the pan. Cook the pancake(s) for 2 to 4 minutes, then flip them. Cook the pancake(s) for 2 to 3 minutes more. Serve the pancakes. Mix together all of the dry ingredients, except for the sugar. Mix together the sugar and the wet ingredients separately. Stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Fold the chocolate chips into the batter. Heat and oil a skillet on the stove. Pour some of the pancake batter onto the skillet. Flip the pancake(s) after 2 to 4 minutes. Cook the pancake another 2 to 3 minutes. Serve the pancakes. Combine all of the dry ingredients, except for the sugar. Blend the wet ingredients together, including the sugar. Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Heat up a skillet over on the stove. Scoop ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of the batter onto the skillet. Allow the pancake(s) to cook for 2 to 4 minutes before flipping them. Cook the pancake for 2 to 3 more minutes. Serve the pancakes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Losing-Your-Cat | How to Avoid Losing Your Cat | Losing your cat is really sad and stressful, but luckily, there are steps you can take to help you avoid going through that! Keep your cat inside as much as possible, since outdoor cats are at a greater risk of being attacked by other animals, becoming lost, or being taken by another person. However, since cats are good at getting out, it's a good idea to put a breakaway collar with an ID tag on your cat. You can also visit your vet to implant your cat with a microchip containing your name and address. | Keep your cat inside to ensure it's safe. An indoor cat is much safer than an outdoor cat. An outdoor cat can be attacked by other cats, be preyed on by predators, or simply get lost trying to come back home. It's also at greater risk for being taken by another family or abused by strangers. Plus, indoor cats are more likely to stay closer to home when they escape than an outdoor cat who gets lost. This makes finding them much easier if they do turn up missing. You can give your cat monitored outside time in a harness or cat play tent. Buy your cat a collar and ID tag. Collars tell other people that the cat belongs to someone, and people can see one even from a distance. An ID tag provides valuable information to anyone who runs across your cat. Include the pet's name, your address, and your phone number so the cat can be returned to you if someone finds it. Make sure you keep the information on it up-to-date. You can buy collars and ID tags at your local pet store. A rabies tag is also a good idea. Pick a collar that's meant to break open when it gets snagged on something. That way, your cat won't choke if the collar gets caught. Try a digital tag to keep track of your cat. These tags are small electronic devices that your cat can wear on its collar. You can use the tag to track your cat in real time through GPS, once you connect it to an app on your smartphone. It can be a way to always know where your cat is if it runs out the door. You can also use Bluetooth-type key finders, as long as they're waterproof and durable. These won't allow you to track your cat if it's run too far, as the Bluetooth range is about 100 feet (30 m) from your phone, but it can help you find it if you wander close by while looking for it. Get your cat microchipped to ensure it can be returned to you. While collars are helpful, they can break open (intentionally), or your cat may be able to wriggle out of one. That leaves your cat without identification, and a microchip can fill that void. Your vet, rescue, or shelter will need to implant the chip. A microchip is a small device inserted under your cat's skin. It can be scanned to find out information like your home address, the cat's veterinarian, and your phone number. Most vets and shelters have scanners. Take photos of your cat in case it becomes lost. These can be invaluable for use on flyers and handing out at animal shelters and vet clinics. Try to take color photos that show off visual identifiers like unusual markings, face shape, and coat pattern. If your cat is lost, local vets may be able to recognize your cat if someone brings it in as their own, and animal shelters will have an easier time figuring out which of the 15 brown tabbies is yours. Have your cat spayed or neutered to deter wandering off when it wants to mate. The urge for a cat to mate is strong, especially if it is still intact. It can make your cat want to escape so they can find another kitty. Spaying and neutering may not take away the urge altogether, but it will lessen the effect. It's best to get this surgery done when your cat is young, as cats are more likely to have the urge to mate after surgery if they go through mating cycles before surgery. Kittens can be spayed or neutered as young as 8 weeks. Feed your cat or give it a treat when you're headed out the door. If your cat always tries to dart when you leave, a distraction may help. Food is often a good distraction! Give your cat its regular food, for instance, or offer it a treat it likes to encourage it to move away from the door. It helps to put down the treat in another room away from the main door. Throw a toy when you're walking out the door. Keep a small cache of toys right by the door for when your cat follows you to it. Then, when your cat is behind you, throw or roll one of its toys to get it to chase it and move away from the door. Ball toys and small stuffed toys work well for this. Keep your cat in a secure area during high-stress times. If your cat is prone to bolt when people are over or when a storm is brewing, for instance, make sure to take precautions to ensure your cat's safety. Put it in a safe room with its food, water, and litter box so it can't bolt out the door. Similarly, if you need to have the door open for prolonged periods, such as when you're bringing in groceries, put your cat in a secure area while you leave the door open. Install self-closing screen doors or storm doors. Doors that shut automatically can help if you have a little escape artist. Cats who like to escape may be deterred if the screen door shuts behind you, even if you haven't closed the main door yet. Also, always be careful when opening and closing doors. Open the door a crack to see if your cat is there before opening it completely. Don't leave doors open for long periods of time. Use a spray bottle if you need to. A spray bottle is a relatively harmless way to keep your cat in check, as most don't like being sprayed. If your cat starts to dart toward the door as you leave, spray it gently in the chest. Similarly, if you peer in the door and see your cat waiting when you get home, spray it in the chest again and shut the door. Shutting the door helps the cat associate spraying with the door instead of with you. Make sure everyone uses this method when coming in and out, as consistency is important! Transport your cat in a sturdy carrier. You will need to transport your cat sometimes, whether you're taking it to the vet or you're moving to a new home. Pick one that's sturdy so that your cat can't escape and get lost. Use a towel or blanket in the bottom that smells familiar if possible. Try putting it in the bottom of the cat's favorite bed a few days before any car trips so it can acquire its smell. Many cats will object to carriers at first, especially if they come to associate them with uncomfortable trips to the vet. Make the carrier less threatening by leaving it out with the door open when you're home and hide treats and toys inside, even if your annual vet visit is months away. If the cat comes to see the carrier as a fun place to hide, it will make using one much easier. Choose a variety of toys to make indoors more interesting than outside. Ball toys, string toys, stuffed mice, and crinkle toys are just a few options. Pick some that your cat can play with on its own but also opt for some that you can use to play with your cat, such as string toys and feather sticks. Try to spend at least 30 minutes each day playing with your cat. Hold some toys back and change them out with the toys your cat plays with. That way, it gets "new" toys from time to time. Use puzzle feeders to engage your cat's hunter instinct. Puzzle feeders make your cat work for its food, much like it would if it were hunting for itself. It makes eating a more interactive process and provides entertainment for your cat. You can find food puzzle toys at most pet stores and online. You can also make your own by cutting holes just big enough for kibble in things like dry water bottles or paper towel tubes. Add food to the container, and then close up the ends. Your cat will bat it around to get the food out. Cuddle with your cat for bonding time to encourage it to stay near you. Despite cats' reputation for being aloof, they love their humans. Your cat wants to spend time around you. If your cat doesn't want to cuddle, sit nearby in a room so your cat gets some human contact. Grooming is also a great way to bond with your cat. Brush your cat gently while offering it treats. Provide indoor places to scratch so your cat doesn't need to do it outside. Cats need to scratch to improve their muscles, sharpen their claws, and mark their territory. Scratching posts, scratching boxes, and scratching carpets are all great options to help keep your cat happy indoors. If you don't provide places to scratch, your cat may take it out on your furniture! Declawing may seem like a good choice to discourage scratching. However, it won't keep your cat from looking for places to scratch, and if it does get outside, it won't have claws to defend itself. Offer up sunny windows to engage your cat without it going outside. Put up a cat tree near a window or place a pillow in a window seat. Make sure to open the curtains and blinds during the day so your cat can see out. Being able to see out will keep your cat entertained with birds and other things going on outside. Give your cat safe outside time so it doesn't venture out on its own. Try a screened-in enclosure, such as a patio or a tent made specifically for cats. Alternatively, try teaching your cat to walk on a harness and a leash so you can take them out on walks. However, never leave your cat outside by itself, as it could be attacked by predators and unable to defend itself. Most cats enjoy being outside, which is why they become escape artists! Giving them time outside can help them be more content with staying inside. | Keep your cat inside to ensure it's safe. Buy your cat a collar and ID tag. Try a digital tag to keep track of your cat. Get your cat microchipped to ensure it can be returned to you. Take photos of your cat in case it becomes lost. Have your cat spayed or neutered to deter wandering off when it wants to mate. Feed your cat or give it a treat when you're headed out the door. Throw a toy when you're walking out the door. Keep your cat in a secure area during high-stress times. Install self-closing screen doors or storm doors. Use a spray bottle if you need to. Transport your cat in a sturdy carrier. Choose a variety of toys to make indoors more interesting than outside. Use puzzle feeders to engage your cat's hunter instinct. Cuddle with your cat for bonding time to encourage it to stay near you. Provide indoor places to scratch so your cat doesn't need to do it outside. Offer up sunny windows to engage your cat without it going outside. Give your cat safe outside time so it doesn't venture out on its own. |
https://www.wikihow.tech/Set-an-Alarm-with-Google-Home | How to Set an Alarm with Google Home | * "OK Google, set an alarm for 6:30 AM." Sets a one-time alarm. | Say, "OK Google," to wake your Google Home device. If you're using a Google Home, Google Home Mini, or Google Max speaker, you can also say "Hey, Google," as the wake word instead. If you are using the Google Assistant on your phone you may need to turn on the screen or unlock the device first. On the iPhone, you will need to open up the Google Assistant app first. Ask Google to set a one-time alarm. Say, "OK Google, set an alarm for 7:15 AM," to have Google Assistant set an alarm that will sound when it turns the time you specified. You can also ask, "OK Google, set an alarm," and Google will respond by asking "Ok, when's the alarm?" You can respond by saying a time without needing to say "OK Google." Ask Google to set a recurring alarm. Say, "OK Google, set an alarm for 6 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays." Google will create an alarm that will repeat every Tuesday and Thursday. You can also say, "OK Google, set a recurring alarm," and Google Home will prompt you to say the time and days you would like the alarm to repeat. Say, "OK Google, set an alarm for 8 AM every day," if you'd like the alarm to go off at the same time every day. Name your alarms. This can be helpful when you have multiple alarms set and want to be able to tell them apart. You can simply say, "OK Set an alarm for 7 AM called 'Medicine'". Although Google Assistant doesn't tell you what alarm is ringing when it goes off, you can ask "OK Google, what alarm is this?" and Google will respond with, "You have an alarm called 'Medicine' that is going off right now." Ask Google to set a music alarm. You can easily set alarms to play with a specific artist, song, or genre of music. For example, you could say "OK Google, set an alarm for 8 AM that plays the Beatles." If you just say the artist's name, the song will be chosen at random, but you can say the name of a specific song. If the song you want to play has a common name, you can specify the song by a specific artist. You must have access to the music you're requesting to play with a music streaming service that's connected to your Google Home, such as Spotify or Google Play Music before this will work. Ask about your active alarms. You can ask Google what alarms are currently active, what time they are set for, or ask about a specific alarm by name. For example: "OK Google, what alarms are set?" Tells you about all the active alarms and what times they are set for. "OK Google, what time is my 'Medicine' alarm?" Tells you about the specific alarm. "OK Google, what time is my alarm tomorrow?" Tells you about all the alarms that are scheduled for tomorrow. Snooze or stop an alarm. If you want to stop an alarm that is going off you can snooze it by saying, "OK Google, snooze." The default snooze time is 5 minutes, but you can snooze for a specific time by saying, "OK Google, snooze for 11 minutes." You can turn off any alarm that is going off by saying, "OK Google, stop," or you can tap touch controls at the top of of your Google Home speaker. Ask Google to cancel alarms. If you named your alarms, you can cancel them individually by saying, "OK Google, cancel my 'Medicine' alarm." However, if you have multiple alarms that aren't labeled or you can't remember their names, you can simply say "OK Google, cancel an alarm" and Google will tell which alarms are set and then ask you which one you want to cancel. You can cancel all the alarms at once by simply saying, "OK Google, cancel all the alarms." | Say, "OK Google," to wake your Google Home device. Ask Google to set a one-time alarm. Ask Google to set a recurring alarm. Name your alarms. Ask Google to set a music alarm. Ask about your active alarms. Snooze or stop an alarm. Ask Google to cancel alarms. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Hammock-Knot | How to Tie a Hammock Knot | Wherever you're hanging your hammock, tying a hammock knot will keep it safe and secure while you rest. To tie a bowline hitch, first hold the rope in your dominant hand and make a loop in the end, leaving about a foot of rope after it. Then, wrap the other end without the loop tightly around your tree or anchor 2 or 3 times. Pass the end through the loop and hold the 2 ends parallel. Next, hold the short end of the rope so that it is pointing toward the anchor, and pull both ends tight. Finally, thread the carabiner through your bowline knot and connect the carabiner to your hammock. | Hold the end of the rope in your dominant hand and make a loop. Leave enough excess rope on the end to wrap around your hammock's anchor 2-3 times. Make the loop large enough that you could easily pass your first through it. Buy a paracord or something similar that can hold at least 700 to 1,000 pounds (320 to 450 kg). You can buy these at sporting goods stores. Most hammocks come with loops on the ends that can be connected to a carabiner and rope, but you will most likely need to buy the paracord separate from the hammock. Wrap the end of the rope around the tree or anchor 2-3 times. Keep the loop in your dominant hand and pass the rope around the anchor, pulling it tight after each wrap. This will help keep your hammock at the desired height. If you're using a tree as your anchor, the bark will help the rope stay in place and you won't need to wrap it around as many times. If your anchor is really wide, you may need to have another person help you wrap the rope around it. Pass the working end of the rope up through the first loop you made. If you find that the end of the rope is short, start over, giving yourself more slack the second time around. You need to have about 2 feet (0.61 m) of rope to work with, especially if you are new to tying knots. Make the 2 ropes parallel to each other when you finish. Having some excess rope to work with will make it less likely you drop your knot while you're tying it. Pull the end under the long strand and then back through the loop. Hold the short end of the rope so that it is pointing toward the anchor, so the 2 strands will no longer be parallel to each other. For extra security, repeat this process of threading the working end down, under, and back up through the loop. Pull the rope tight to form your bowline hitch. Give it a firm tug to ensure the knot stays in place. You can either tie another bowline hitch at the other anchor, or you can use the taut line hitch to make an adjustable knot to finish hanging your hammock. An adjustable knot is advantageous, especially if you aren't sure of how low the hammock will swing once you actually get in it. The taut line hitch allows you to tighten or loosen the slack of the hammock. Attach the bowline knot to your hammock with a carabiner. Thread the carabiner through the bowline knot and then connect the carabiner to the hammock, which will either come with a rope specifically for the purpose of hanging it or it will have a loop of rope at the end that can be used. Press in the hinged section of the carabiner and loop it through the end of the hammock, then release the hinged section to secure the carabiner. Carabiners can be purchased at sporting goods stores or even at your local home goods store. Wrap the rope around your anchor. If you're using a tree as an anchor, wrap the rope around the tree 1-2 times. If you're using a pole or other hammock stand, wrap the rope 3-4 times. Leave enough rope on the working end so you can create your knot—about 1 to 2 feet (0.30 to 0.61 m) of rope should be sufficient. Taut line hitches are often used for hanging up clotheslines or food bags, so this knot can come in handy for many other things! Cross the end of the rope over the long strand and make 3 loops. Thread the loops around the long strand so they are enclosed in a big loop (end with the shorter rope pointing toward the anchor rather than pointing toward your body). Pull the loops tight. These 3 loops are what form the “tube” that allows the rest of the rope to slide back and forth, adjusting the slack of the hammock. Pull the short end of the rope down parallel to the long strand. Pull the working end back down after you make the loops so it is on the left hand side, while the longer strand remains on the right hand side (if you are looking down at the rope). Pass the end under the long strand and then up through the lower loop. Make a “Q” shape with the rope. Make sure this part of the knot is closer to your body than the 3 loops you made earlier. If you find that you are running out of rope, start over and give yourself a little more slack. It's important that you tie a knot securely rather than quickly. Try practicing these knots several times beforehand to get more comfortable with the process. Pull the rope to tighten your knot. Check that it slides up and down the rope easily, making it simple for you to adjust the height of your hammock. Use this knot on one side of your hammock and the bowline hitch on the other side. That way you will have 1 hitch that is adjustable. Using 2 taut line hitches won't provide enough stability for your hammock, so if you aren't planning to use the bowline hitch, make sure you know of another knot you can use on the opposite side. Hook your hammock carabiner through the taut line hitch. Use the rope attached to the end of the hammock. If there isn't a rope, you can simply hook the carabiner through the corner of the hammock itself (this is most common if your hammock is make of rope rather than a canvas material). If your carabiner is starting to get rusty, replace it with a new one from a sporting goods store. | Hold the end of the rope in your dominant hand and make a loop. Wrap the end of the rope around the tree or anchor 2-3 times. Pass the working end of the rope up through the first loop you made. Pull the end under the long strand and then back through the loop. Pull the rope tight to form your bowline hitch. Attach the bowline knot to your hammock with a carabiner. Wrap the rope around your anchor. Cross the end of the rope over the long strand and make 3 loops. Pull the short end of the rope down parallel to the long strand. Pass the end under the long strand and then up through the lower loop. Pull the rope to tighten your knot. Hook your hammock carabiner through the taut line hitch. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Dog-Owners-Liability-Insurance | How to Buy Dog Owners Liability Insurance | To buy dog owners liability insurance, first look for specialty insurers, such as the Federation of Insured Dog Owners, Einhorn Insurance Agency, and Pet Protection Pak. Once you've found some options, ask the companies for quotes. As you compare policies, check if the coverage includes things such as medical expenses for the injured person or injured dog, property damage, and legal fees. After you've chosen an insurer, you can sign their contract and keep up with your monthly premiums. Alternatively, you can ask your current insurer if they can give you umbrella canine coverage so you don't have to buy separate liability insurance. | Decide if homeowner’s insurance is sufficient. If your dog bites someone, then it should be covered by your homeowner's insurance. With most homeowner's insurance, the injury doesn't have to incur on your property. Instead, the insurance will cover any liability you incur. You can get coverage worth several hundred thousand dollars. Homeowner's insurance companies do have a “one-bit rule.” This means that the company will usually pay for the first bite then quickly cancel your insurance. You also might be able to get coverage for certain dog breeds which are commonly thought dangerous: pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, etc. If you have one of these dogs, then you might not be able to get homeowner's insurance coverage. Ask about umbrella coverage. You might already have homeowner's or renter's insurance but it doesn't cover dog bites. Instead of buying separate liability insurance for dogs, you could ask your current insurer to provide you with “umbrella” coverage, which is essentially supplemental coverage. Call your insurance agent and ask about whether or not you can get umbrella coverage. You will need to already have the underlying homeowners insurance. Tell your agent why you want umbrella coverage. Some umbrella policies may exclude canine coverage. Find insurers. If you need separate liability insurance for dogs, then you will need to research specialty insurers. You can research on the Internet for “dog bite insurance” or “dog owner's liability insurance” and see what pulls up. Some of the more popular dog owner's liability insurers are: Federation of Insured Dog Owners Einhorn Insurance Agency Lester Kalmanson Agency, Inc. Pet Protection Pak Get quotes. You should contact the insurance carrier and ask for quotes. Some insurers will have websites where you can get a quote by entering requested information. The insurer will want to know: The age, sex, and weight of the dog. The dog's breed. Some insurers might not insure dangerous breeds. The insurer will let you know. If the dog has been spayed or neutered. If the dog has been vaccinated. Whether you rent or own your home. If the dog has previously bitten someone. You can expect a higher premium if your dog has a history of biting someone. If it has, then you might be denied coverage altogether. Whether the dog has been trained. If your property is fenced. Your name and contact information. Check how comprehensive the coverage is. Not all policies will be the same. Check to see if the policy covers the following: legal fees medical expenses for the person injured, including plastic surgery loss of income for the person injured medical expenses for any injured dog (excluding yours) coverage for property damage Sign a contract. After you have compared insurers on price and comprehensiveness of coverage, you should pick an insurer and tell them that you would like to buy their insurance. If the insurer needs additional information not provided for the quote, then you should get it to them. Sign the contract and return it to the insurer. Keep a copy for your records. Pay your premiums. You need to pay your monthly premiums in order to keep your coverage current. You should set any reminders necessary so that you don't forget. If your coverage lapses and your dog bites someone, then you will not be covered. File a claim, if necessary. In the unfortunate event that your dog bites someone, you should act quickly to get the victim necessary medical attention. You will also need to take steps in order to file a proper claim with the insurer. After attending to the medical needs of the victim, you should do the following: Take a picture (if possible) of the victim's injury. Get your dog secured in a safe area. Document the names of the victims and witnesses Call the police or other appropriate authority Immediately report the injury to your insurer. Your policy may state the number of days that you have to report (e.g., 10). | Decide if homeowner’s insurance is sufficient. Ask about umbrella coverage. Find insurers. Get quotes. Check how comprehensive the coverage is. Sign a contract. Pay your premiums. File a claim, if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Touch-Nettles-Without-Stinging-Yourself | How to Touch Nettles Without Stinging Yourself | To touch nettles without stinging yourself, choose plants in the shade as they tend to have fewer hairs than those in the sun. Next, look closely for the hairs, which typically grow on the underside of the leaf. Choose a leaf near the top of the plant, where they are smaller and less likely to brush against you from above. Then, approach the leaf from the direction the hairs are growing, pinch it firmly, and twist it off. | Understand how nettles sting. Nettles are covered with tiny hollow hairs, filled with irritating chemicals. When you brush against these hairs, the tip breaks off and releases these chemicals, causing the sting. To harvest nettles with bare hands, you'll need to learn to touch the plant without breaking the hairs. Choose a plant in the shade. Nettle plants vary greatly. Some have almost no hairs, while others are covered in them. There is one useful pattern you can use, however: plants in full shade tend to have many fewer hairs than plants grown in the sun. Look closely for the hairs. Typically, a nettle has stinging hairs mostly on the underside of the leaf, and little to none on the top surface. These should all lie along the leaf pointing from the central cleft to the outer edges. Don't assume your plant will match this description. Nettle plants have a high degree of variation, and the name "stinging nettle" actually describes at least two species. Look for the hairs with your own eyes. The stem also has hairs. These angle down or up the stem on some plants, but poke out perpendicular to the stem on others. If your plant looks like the last type, it's best to avoid the stem completely. Choose a leaf near the top of the plant. It's easy to get stung by another leaf when you're focused on the one you're grabbing. Stay near the top of the plant, where the leaves are smaller and less likely to brush against your hand from above. Nettles often grow in dense patches, so keep an eye out for nearby plants swaying toward you. Approach the leaf from the direction the hairs are growing. You're less likely to break the hairs if you grasp from the base of the hairs, rather than run your hand into the tips. If the stem looks safe to grab (with angled hairs), aim for a spot just below the leaf. This will make it easier to pluck the leaf off the plant. Pinch the leaf firmly. A quick, firm grasp is your best bet to avoid breaking the hairs. If you're too gentle, you'll almost always snag a hair and break it. Once pinched, you can twist the leaf and pluck it off the plant. There's no guarantee you won't get stung even with this method. Try this at your own risk. Wash with soapy water. This will wash away any nettle hairs stuck in your skin, and relieve the pain slightly. If you don't have access to water, just brush your skin with a cloth or your shirt. Remove stuck hairs with tape. If you end up falling onto a large number of hairs, peel them off with a piece of adhesive tape. Apply an antihistamine cream. The nettle's hairs contain many chemicals, and studies contradict each other about what causes the pain. However, histamine is a strong candidate, as are two other neurotransmitters called acetylcholine and serotonin. Spreading an antihistamine cream over the stung area can greatly reduce the effect of these chemicals. Wipe with a baking soda paste. Some subspecies of nettle contain tartaric and oxalic acids, which may extend the duration of the pain. Since baking soda is a base, it's possible a paste of baking soda and water may help neutralize these acids. This remedy may have been invented when nettle stings were thought to contain formic acid. As it turns out, the concentration of formic is probably too low to cause an effect. Apply cold compresses. To relieve itching, wrap a cold pack or bag of ice in a towel and press against the rash. Leave it there for up to 20 minutes. Go easy on the affected skin. If you get a severe reaction, do your best to avoid touching it. Wear lightweight clothing and sleep under light blankets to minimize the irritation. Take lukewarm baths or showers, as heat can aggravate the itching. Try traditional remedies. There is no good scientific evidence that these remedies would have a major effect, but they are unlikely to cause harm: Calamine lotion (which may have mild anti-itching properties) Jewelweed ( Impatiens species) Dock leaves ( Rumex species) Plantain leaves Considering protecting your hands. Although experienced nettle harvesters often go bare-handed, this isn't just because they know how to avoid stings. Many of them have become resistant to the stings over years of exposure, while others enjoy the sensation. Consider wearing gloves, or plucking the nettles with tongs. Nettle is a traditional treatment for arthritis, and there's some scientific evidence that it works. So if you suffer from arthritis in the hands, getting stung may actually reduce your pain! Harvest young nettles. Mature nettles may contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can trigger gout episodes or irritate the urinary tract. When picking nettles to eat, look for young plants that have not yet flowered. Look for these in early to mid spring in most areas. Burning nettle, a very similar plant often mistaken for stinging nettle, can germinate anywhere from late fall through early spring. In mild coastal climates, it may flower year round. Cook, freeze, or dry to remove the sting. Any of these processes will neutralize the nettle and make it safe to eat. The two most common uses for nettle are nettle soup and nettle tea. | Understand how nettles sting. Choose a plant in the shade. Look closely for the hairs. Choose a leaf near the top of the plant. Approach the leaf from the direction the hairs are growing. Pinch the leaf firmly. Wash with soapy water. Remove stuck hairs with tape. Apply an antihistamine cream. Wipe with a baking soda paste. Apply cold compresses. Go easy on the affected skin. Try traditional remedies. Considering protecting your hands. Harvest young nettles. Cook, freeze, or dry to remove the sting. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sleep-in-Your-Car-on-a-Road-Trip | How to Sleep in Your Car on a Road Trip | To sleep in your car on a road trip, pack pillows and blankets or a sleeping bag for colder weather to make your car as comfortable as possible so you can be well rested. You should also bring any additional items that usually make you feel relaxed at bedtime, like a book to read or an mp3 player with soothing music. For privacy, bring some towels or cloths to cover your windows while you sleep. | Bring comfortable bedding. Whether you're parking for the night or taking a couple hours' snooze break while your friend drives, you'll need to make up for the car's environment. While not impossible to sleep in cars as-is, it can be uncomfortable. You'll probably bring a bit more if you plan to sleep overnight and not just during the drive. Must-haves are pillows and blankets, or a sleeping bag if you are traveling through regions with cold temperatures. Don't rely for on your car's heating absolutely when you plan to sleep overnight. Make sure you bring enough bedding to accommodate your passengers, especially if they are children. If you are taking a road trip with another person and plan on taking turns driving, you could bring one set of pillows and blankets to save on room space inside the car. Be sure to pack these items inside the car and not in the trunk or on the roof. You may get sleepy earlier than you anticipated, and it's helpful not to have to leave the car when conditions outside aren't great. Pack comforting items to help you fall asleep. A lot of people have difficulty sleeping in locations other than their beds. Bring soothing items you use regularly to relax in order to make you feel more comfortable in your car. For example, if you enjoy reading before bed, bring a book and book light so you can read before falling asleep. Music is helpful here, but don't rely on your car stereo. Bring an mp3 player and headphones so that you can still relax to music with the car off before you go to sleep. If you're especially worried about your ability to fall asleep in the car, consult a pharmacist about over-the-counter sleep aids. Note, however, that you'll be limited from driving once having taken one until you've had at least several hours' rest. Include coverings for your car windows. For those who are hoping to catch some sleep while a friend drives, you'll want something to keep the sun from your eyes. Those who are burdened with an overnight stay will need coverings to ensure their privacy. Towels and t-shirts that you're bringing anyway are a great help here. Provided the t-shirts are large enough, either of these can be used as efficient window covers. Bring along some clothespins or tape to attach the covers. If you've forgotten, you can simply close the doors on the cover you're using with it slightly above the door frame; it will hang, caught between the door and the car. Bring a hat and sunglasses if you plan on sleeping during daylight hours. Wearing a hat and sunglasses while you sleep will protect your face from any sun still getting in, and may also help you sleep better while providing additional privacy. Assume the position. Sleeping while the car is moving is never simple, as you have to keep your seatbelt on and sleep in a seated position. There's no one right way to do this, and it may take you a while to get situated and comfortable. Take a reclinable seat, if possible. Many front passenger seats will allow you to recline the back fully. Provided no one is sitting behind you, this is the best way to duplicate a flat sleeping area. Rest your head on your pillow against the window. If you're unable to use a reclining seat, the next best thing for hanging your head is to use the window. Let the driver know. The enemy of the road trip nap is the unruly driver. Shakes, bumps and hard turns can ruin your sleeping experience and leave you restless. Be sure the driver knows of your intention to get some shut-eye so they can drive accordingly. Remind them that you'll be doing the same in their situation if you plan on switching roles later on. This way they're more open to match thoughtfulness with thoughtfulness. Also check with the driver before covering any windows to block out the light. The driver may very well need those to check blind spots and the rest of the road. Sunglasses and a hat are a little more handy here. Keep the music under control. You don't want to be jarred awake by heavy metal after an hour only because you forgot to take the mp3 player off of shuffle. Accept what sleep you can get. Even when you've planned, prepped, and done every you could've to ensure a long sleep, the unavoidable bump or uncontrollable car horn will inevitably interrupt you. Keep a positive attitude even when drowsy and cranky, and know that you hope your driving companions will do the same. Bring along a sleeping mask to cover your eyes for sudden wakefulness. If something jolts you awake, you won't be disoriented and jarred by sudden sun or streetlight. The mask will keep your eyes in darkness allowing you to drift back to sleep shortly. Choose a safe location in which to park your car. A safe location should be away from traffic and stores entrances, in a spot that allows for extended or overnight parking. Some locations have strict rules in place and prohibit overnight parking, so you may become towed or fined if you park in these locations. Whether or not sleeping in your car will get you a ticket is totally dependent on where you are. Check local and state regulations whenever traveling. Never sleep on the side of the road or highway. Park at a designated rest stop, or 24-hour parking lot. Many interstates and highways have overnight rest stops you can park at and sleep in overnight while on road trips. This is really the best option to avoid interruption either by the public or by law enforcement. Find a 24-hour store. Walmart is the big name in this category. Some locations have explicit rules against over-nighters, however, so check online or in the store before you shut eyes for the night. Park somewhere reasonably well-lit. Though it might seem counter-intuitive to trying to sleep, it's best for your safety to park in a lot with plenty of light. Turn the car off. Leave the keys out of the ignition. There is the possibility of breaking the law if you fall asleep with your keys in the ignition; you may be considered "in operation" of your car while asleep. Keep your doors locked and your keys in your pocket. If you're traveling in very cold temperatures, you may need to wake up periodically to run the car for warmth. Be sure to stay awake while the car is running. Crack your windows or sunroof for ventilation. By allowing air to enter or circulate throughout the inside of the car, you will sleep more comfortably and avoid waking up feeling hot and sticky, or with condensation on the windows. If you end up somewhere relatively populated or crowded, this might not be the best idea. The noise level might be too much to bear with cracked windows. You'd also like to avoid anyone looking in on you. This is also not necessary or even advisable if you're traveling in very cold temperatures. Find a comfortable sleeping position. Luckily when the car isn't in motion you'll have a variety of options. Hopefully you won't have anyone to share the car with for optimal space. Depending on the type of car you have, you might end up in several different positions. Ideally you'll have a hatchback or some other type of car which opens into the trunk from the back seat. If you can put the back seat down and open up trunk space for your legs, this will be the best way to stretch out. When driving a pick-up truck, clear space in the bed of the truck (appropriately named here) to sleep in. You'll want to consider a tarp over the bed to keep out insects. If you're on the shorter side, an empty back seat can make for a usable bed. You'll most likely need to curl your legs for the night so if you're prone to move while you sleep this might end up uncomfortable. At the very least sleep in a fully reclined seat. Being able to lie down at least partially mimics the usual environment of sleeping in a bed. Follow a morning routine after waking. This practice will help you wake up feeling fresh and more comfortable, especially if you have a full day of driving ahead of you. Sleeping in a car can sometimes make you feel especially dirty or cramped, so take the time to stretch and clean up. If you were fortunate enough to stop at a rest stop, take the time to have a shower and brush your teeth at their facilities. Keep some bottled water handy for the exclusive use of these morning ablutions. When you're stuck with nothing else, it'll come in handy to wash your face or brush your teeth. | Bring comfortable bedding. Pack comforting items to help you fall asleep. Include coverings for your car windows. Assume the position. Let the driver know. Accept what sleep you can get. Choose a safe location in which to park your car. Turn the car off. Crack your windows or sunroof for ventilation. Find a comfortable sleeping position. Follow a morning routine after waking. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Theatre-Flat | How to Build a Theatre Flat | If you want to learn how to build a theatre flat, start by cutting pine lumber to create a frame that is 4 feet wide and 8 feet tall to make a Hollywood flat. Make sure that you cut a toggle as well, which will be placed inside the frame to divide it into equal top and bottom sections. Then, assemble the frame by nailing the boards together. Finish by covering the front of the frame with 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch lauan, which is a thin tropical plywood with a smooth surface that's easy to paint. | Cut lumber for the rails, which will form the top and bottom of the flat. You need 2 4-foot (1.2 meter) boards from 1-by-3-inch (20 by 65 mm) or 1-by-4-inch (20 by 90 mm) of pine lumber. Measure and cut 2 boards to form the sides of the flat, called the stiles. The finished flat will measure 8 feet (2.4) tall. Lumber dimensions refer to the unfinished boards, so 1-by-3-inch lumber actually measures ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) (19 mm) by 2-1/2 inches (64 mm). And, 1-by-4-inch lumber actually measures ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) (19 mm) by 3-1/2 inches (89 mm). If you're using 1-by-3-inch lumber, the stiles should be cut to 91 inches (230 cm) (2.31 m); if using 1-by-4-inch lumber, cut the stiles to 89 inches (230 cm) (2.26 m). Assemble the boards into a rectangle on the floor of your workspace. Don't attach the boards to one another. Measure and cut 3 additional boards from the same lumber. One board will become the toggle. Place this inside the frame between the two stiles so it divides the frame into equal top and bottom sections. Two boards will serve as corner braces. Cut these on the miter and place them between the top rail and left stile, and the bottom rail and left stile. Cut 4 triangular pieces of plywood to serve as corner blocks. Attach them to the 4 corners of the frame, where the rails meet the stiles, with carpenters glue and pneumatic staples. Measure and cut 5 straps from the plywood. Use these to attach the corner braces to the rails and stiles and to attach the left side of the toggle to the left stile. Use glue and staples. Cut a trapezoidal piece of plywood to be the keystone. Attach this to the right side of the toggle to the right stile with glue and staples. Turn the frame over and cover the front with muslin or canvas. Lay the cloth over the frame and staple it into place along the insides of the rails and stiles. Fold the edges of the cloth back so the rails and stiles are exposed. Paint the boards with thinned carpenter's glue and smooth the edges back do wn. Go over the edges with a damp sponge, let the glue dry, then trim the cloth. Cover the cloth with a coat of paint to size it. It will stiffen and shrink slightly, becoming taut. Cut lumber for a frame. Cut 1-by-2-inch (20 by 45 mm) or 1-by-3-inch (20 by 65 mm) pine lumber to create a frame that is 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide and 8 feet (2.4) meters tall. Cut a toggle as well. Assemble the frame by nailing the boards together. Cover the front with 1/4-inch (6 mm) or 1/8-inch (3 mm) lauan—a thin tropical plywood with a smooth surface that's easy to paint. | Cut lumber for the rails, which will form the top and bottom of the flat. Measure and cut 2 boards to form the sides of the flat, called the stiles. Assemble the boards into a rectangle on the floor of your workspace. Measure and cut 3 additional boards from the same lumber. Cut 4 triangular pieces of plywood to serve as corner blocks. Measure and cut 5 straps from the plywood. Cut a trapezoidal piece of plywood to be the keystone. Turn the frame over and cover the front with muslin or canvas. Fold the edges of the cloth back so the rails and stiles are exposed. Go over the edges with a damp sponge, let the glue dry, then trim the cloth. Cover the cloth with a coat of paint to size it. Cut lumber for a frame. Assemble the frame by nailing the boards together. Cover the front with 1/4-inch (6 mm) or 1/8-inch (3 mm) lauan—a thin tropical plywood with a smooth surface that's easy to paint. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Kids%27-Hair | How to Cut Kids' Hair | If you want to cut a kid's hair, start by washing their hair thoroughly with shampoo. Dry their hair until it's damp, then have the child sit in a tall chair and drape a towel over their shoulders. If you're buzzing their hair very short, grab a clipper and attach the desired guard. Run the clipper along the child's head, starting at the back, and make sure to keep your strokes slow and smooth. Work your way up toward the crown, and finish by cutting the sides. | Wash the child’s hair thoroughly. Using your child's regular shampoo, wash their hair over the sink or bathtub. Make sure to scrub the scalp well, and wash the entire length of the hair. Dry their hair until it is damp, not completely dry. If your child already washed their hair that day, spray their hair with water rather than shampooing it again. Sit your child in a high chair with their head straight. The chair should be high enough that you don't need to bend over constantly as you move around your child. Keeping their head straight ensures you cut the hair evenly. It can helpful to play a movie in front of your child; they'll be less likely to look around and squirm. Wrap a towel around their shoulders. Hair can be very itchy, and your child might start squirming if hair gets under their clothes. By catching it in a towel, it makes cleanup much simpler. If hair still gets on their clothes, use a blow dryer to blow off as much as you can. Grab a clipper and attach the desired guard. Make sure to have a conversation with your child before starting the haircut. You need to agree with them as to how short they'd like their hair. This is important to avoid grumpy children after the haircut. You can use Google to find images with the corresponding guard number (such as number 3) to show your child what to expect. The smaller the guard number, the more hair you'll take off. If the child's hair is particularly long, you may want to start by trimming their hair with scissors before using a clipper. Run the clipper along the child’s head, starting at the back. Make sure to keep your strokes slow and smooth. Work your way up towards the crown, and finish by cutting the sides. With this method, your child's hair will be one uniform length. If you'd like their hair to be longer on top, you can give them a fade. Use a longer guard length to give your child a fade. A fade refers to a haircut where the hair is longer on top of the head than the sides and back. For instance, if you used a number 3 guard for the top of the head, you might use a number 2 guard for the sides. Start from the nape of the neck, bringing the clipper up towards the bottom of the crown. As you do, bring the clipper towards you in an arc to blend the different lengths together. Clean up the neckline. Take the guard off the clipper, so it will cut hair to the skin. At the neckline, trim until the hair forms a straight line across the neck at your desired height. Then, turn the clippers over to clean up the fuzz below this line. Finish by trimming around the ear. Leave the guard off the clipper. Gently fold down your child's ear, then cut the hair, following the ear with your clipper as if you were tracing an ear pattern in their hair. Don't cut too high: you're just cleaning up the hair around the ear. For the sideburns, just place the clipper straight across the sideburn at the desired length and cut. Look at your child from the front to make sure the sideburns are even. Take a tuft of hair at the neckline between your index and middle finger at a 45 degree angle. You can use a comb to straighten the hair out as you grab it. The 45 degree angle is important to ensure the hair blends well at the back and sides; the slant should go down towards the neckline. Your fingers will serve as a guide; all the hair beyond will be cut. You want to hold the hair firmly, so that it is taut, but not so much that it hurts your child. Use hair shears to cut the hair along your fingers. Be sure to maintain your grip on your child's hair, so it doesn't slip out as you cut. These scissors are very sharp, be careful not to cut yourself. Move to the opposite side of the neckline and repeat this process. Again make sure the 45 degree angle is slanted towards the neckline. Cutting this way will ensure the hair will have a soft V shape as it tapers towards the neck. Bend down to eye level to ensure the neckline is even. Repeat this same cutting process for the back and sides. Always start by taking the hair between your index and middle finger at a 45 degree angle, holding it taut, then cutting along your fingers. Each section of hair that you cut should be used as a guide to measure up against the next section of hair that you cut. To keep the length uniform, ensure that each new tuft of hair you grab includes some of the hair you've already cut. Cut hair this way until you reach the bottom of the crown of the head. Cut the hair around the ears. Gently fold each ear down, and use your scissors to cut the hair around it. Cut as if you were tracing the pattern of an ear. Cut the hair at the top of the head at a 90 degree angle. The process for cutting here is similar to the sides, save for the angle. Pull the hair straight out of the head at a 90 degree angle rather than 45. Hold the hair between index and middle fingers, and cut along your fingers. As with the sides and back, each new cut should have a few hairs from the previous cut to serve as a guide. If you want to add texture to the hair, you can point-cut it (angling the scissors upwards and cutting at the hairs to vary lengths). Check the haircut’s uniformity. Do this by running your fingers through different sections of the hair, pulling up. While the hair should angle as it transitions from the top to the sides and back, there should be no long hairs sticking out If there are any long hairs that shouldn't be there, measure them against their neighboring section and trim them accordingly. Divide the hair into top and back sections, clipping the top to the head. Use a fine comb to brush the hair out to its full length. Start just behind one ear, combing towards the other. Treat all hair above this line as the top section. Comb it up and use hair clips to clip this section up. Comb the back section to its full length. This will give you a more accurate cut. Split the hair here into a left and right section, and hold the right section tautly between your index and middle finger. If the child has thicker hair, separate the right section into about 1–2 inch (3–5 cm) partings before cutting. Hold one of these smaller sections tautly between your index and middle finger in preparation for cutting. Cut to desired length. Use hair shears to cut the hair along your fingers at a zero degree angle. Remember that hair tends to shorten when it dries. For every one inch of hair you want to take off, cut half an inch. You can cut the entire right section in one cut if the child has thin hair. Note that curly hair is much longer when straight and wet. For every inch you want to take off, cut no more than a quarter inch. Hold the left section between your index and middle finger and cut. Make sure to hold some hair from the right section to serve as a guide. Follow the length of the right section as you cut the left. Split the section into smaller sections if the child has thicker hair. Unclip the top section, and part the hair into side sections. Start these side sections along a line about an inch above the ear, going around your child's hair. This should include the back sections you've already cut. Use hair clips to secure the rest of the hair to the top of your child's head. Cut the right section, using the back section as a guide. Hold the right section between your index and middle fingers. Make sure to include hair from the back section in your grip. Hold the hair tautly and continue to cut at a zero degree angle along your fingers. Repeat this process with the left section. Your child's hair should then have the same length all around. You can check the length by running your fingers through the child's hair at various sections, pulling lightly on the hair. If any long hairs stick out, trim them to match the rest of the hair. Let down hair from the clipped sections in half inch sections and cut. While cutting in smaller sections takes more time, it will make for a better, more accurate cut. Holding the released sections between your index and middle finger, cut to match the length of the side sections. Comb wet hair towards the eyes and cut bangs. How you do this depends on the kind of bangs you want to give your child. For straight bangs, part the hair horizontally, starting about an inch back from the child's forehead. The part should end at the outside corner of each eye. Clip the remaining hair back, and cut the bangs across the middle of the eyes. For triangular shaped bangs, choose a point on top of the head, depending on how wide you want the bangs. Comb from this point to the outside of the eyebrows, and clip remaining hair back. Again, cut across the bangs so they fall at the middle of the eyes. | Wash the child’s hair thoroughly. Sit your child in a high chair with their head straight. Wrap a towel around their shoulders. Grab a clipper and attach the desired guard. Run the clipper along the child’s head, starting at the back. Use a longer guard length to give your child a fade. Clean up the neckline. Finish by trimming around the ear. Take a tuft of hair at the neckline between your index and middle finger at a 45 degree angle. Use hair shears to cut the hair along your fingers. Move to the opposite side of the neckline and repeat this process. Repeat this same cutting process for the back and sides. Cut the hair around the ears. Cut the hair at the top of the head at a 90 degree angle. Check the haircut’s uniformity. Divide the hair into top and back sections, clipping the top to the head. Comb the back section to its full length. Cut to desired length. Hold the left section between your index and middle finger and cut. Unclip the top section, and part the hair into side sections. Cut the right section, using the back section as a guide. Repeat this process with the left section. Let down hair from the clipped sections in half inch sections and cut. Comb wet hair towards the eyes and cut bangs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-the-Alpha-Female | How to Be the Alpha Female | To become an alpha female, start by embracing your confidence, since alpha females don't back down. You can do this by writing down a list of your best traits and making a commitment to review it every day. Alpha females are also great social conductors that drive conversations, so focus on improving your communication skills as well. To do this, show more interest in others, rather than talking about yourself, and try to remember something simple about each new person you meet. | Be confident in yourself. This first step is certainly the hardest, but it is the most important. You need to realize that you have opinions and ideas that are worth being heard. If you don't see yourself as valuable, worthy of respect, or competent, then no one else will. Fake it until you make it. The fastest ways to build confidence in yourself is pretend in order to make your confidence believable. You want to convince yourself as well as everyone around you that you're self-assured and capable. Make a list of your best traits. Determine what you like best about yourself and your best talents and skills. You might be a good listener, imaginative, or empathetic to friends. Leave that list somewhere you can read it every day to remind yourself. Start by setting new goals for yourself. For example, push yourself to meet and network with three new people a day. You will become more comfortable with yourself around all sorts of people and develop a web of contacts. Once you've completed one goal, make a new one to work towards so that you're always pushing yourself to be more personable and popular. Self-evaluate yourself but don't put yourself down in front of others. You want to be critical of yourself in a healthy way that helps you grow as a person. Avoid being negative though. Be careful to not beat yourself up to where you doubt yourself. Give yourself constructive criticism in private and not in front of others because that may tell them that you don't think of highly of yourself and neither should they. Gain respect from those around you. As the alpha, you want people to recognize that you are important and worthy of their respect. This will not happen overnight; you will need to work on building relationships where people can see your integrity and honesty. Those two traits, as well as eloquence, charm, and a strong work ethic will help build up your character in people's eyes. Even though you want the majority of people to like you, there will be people who do not. The end goal though is for people to respect you, whether they agree with you or not. They may not like you as a friend or coworker, but make sure that they can't deny your honesty, passion, and strength. Apologize only when it's needed. Obviously, if you insult or hurt someone or make a mistake, you need to own up to it. But don't apologize for things that you are not accountable for because you will be perceived as weak. Females can be especially susceptible to wanting to apologize for every inconvenience but you need to determine when situations require a "pardon me"or "I'm deeply sorry." Stop making excuses. Take responsibility for your actions and own up to everything you do, whether it's an accomplishment or a mistake. This is the kind of honesty and integrity that people associate with good leaders. You don't want to blame situations or other people for your mistakes. Stay positive under stress. If you want people to look to you in times of stability as well as crisis, you need to be the one who does not appear to be affected by stress and pessimism. You may need to set aside emotions in order to see clearly through the storm of chaos, whether it's a looming deadline at work or a friend comes to you for help in search of advice. Use humor to lift others out of the stress, whether it's sarcastic, dry, or sincere. Know what you want and ask for it. First, you need to determine what you want out of life. That could be any number of things, such as a raise, a healthy and stable family, a great relationship, respect and power, or even just being happy overall. Then, once you know what it is you want to acquire, go after it. Do not be afraid. If you feel that you have a right to higher wages or respect from others, then don't hesitate. Be prepared to give an answer as to why you want something. You may not always have to negotiate or argue, but you want to be prepared. Speak clearly and firmly when asking. Hesitation is a sign of weakness. Be persistent and don't give up because your perseverance will be respected in the long run. Don't plead or whine because that comes across as weak. Instead, act like you will get what you want so that it will show others that you are serious about this goal or proposition. Take control of the room. Alpha females are like "social conductors." They have the ability to be the center of attention where people will listen to what they say and do. You don't have to be the loudest person in the room. No matter how much you say, make sure it is worth hearing. Your words have impact on the people who look up to you so take time to think before you speak. Be the most interesting person in the group. Ask other people about themselves and be interested in them rather than turning the spotlight on yourself. If you want to be interesting, be interested in others. Everyone likes to talk about themselves, and they will like you for listening to them. Make your presence known. You want others to know when you're around and that the atmosphere of the room is different now that you've arrived. Practice walking into a room with your head held high, shoulders down, and a straight, firm walk. Act like you expect people to pay attention to you and they will. Expand your circle of influence. Being an alpha female means that you can't be a loner. You want to be well-liked by everyone you meet and cultivate relationships that may one day lead to a future job promotion or an exciting party invitation. Don't forget to introduce people to each other. Take advantage of when you're the one person everyone knows in a group and introduce people. Have many friends and acquaintances. You won't be best friends with the whole world, but you can make the effort to commit people's names to memory and learn something simple about them. When you remember them later, they'll like you because you made them feel important and memorable. However, remember to also have a close-knit group of friends and family on whom you can rely on to be your personal support system. Support other women. Alpha female traits are steeped in feminist ideals such as the notion that women should be unified and stand together in society. Being alpha female does not mean that you put down other women and degrade them in order to elevate your own status. Instead, you should strive to create a strong group of women whether in your workplace or social life. Use your power and influence to help better others rather than isolating yourself. Take the time to get to know the women around you and learn to see their value. This can lead to mentorship. Mentoring other women is a great way to use your power for good. You have the ability to influence other people and develop their skills in the workplace or socially. You have the ability to cultivate the attitude of a group. It's better to develop a healthy bond with other women rather than surround yourself with those who would rather stir up contention and drama. Maintain competition in your life. As alpha female, you need to stay at the top of your game. That may mean keeping up with the latest fashion trends or going the extra mile at work to make a good impression on your boss. As alpha female you need to avoid being stagnant. Push yourself to grow and learn about your job field, hobbies, or other interests. Be self-reliant but don't do everything on your own. You should be capable of doing things for yourself and not be the damsel in distress in situations. This shows others that you are competent and don't need anyone. Just because you can fix a flat tire yourself or cook a meal for a party by yourself, doesn't mean that you can't recognize your your friends', family's, or coworkers' talents and abilities and get them involved. Asking others to come alongside of you and work together makes them feel needed and valued and they will look to you as the alpha. Dress to impress. You don't have to be decked out in a blazer, pencil skirt, and heels with a corner office to gain respect and attention from others. Dress to your own style and be consistent with it. Wear clothes that are presentable but that you also feel comfortable in in order to build your own confidence and communicate it to others. Invest in tailoring. Clothing that is too big or too tight will subconsciously show people that you don't know your own body and how to properly dress yourself. Pick out a few accessories that stand out. You can make people interested in you by choosing striking accessories such as a statement necklace or brightly colored shoes or purses. Smile. This is a simple step but an important one. Smiling tells people that you are positive, are liable, and can be trusted. Appearing positive and well-groomed is a way to boost people's loyalty to you as the alpha. Take care of your body. As an alpha female, people will look to you for direction in life so being healthy and fit is important. It's one way to set a positive example for the people under your influence as well as protect your body from the stress of life. Be careful not to conforming to popular fads and diet trends that may not work so that you are taking care of yourself and setting a good example for others. | Be confident in yourself. Fake it until you make it. Make a list of your best traits. Start by setting new goals for yourself. Self-evaluate yourself but don't put yourself down in front of others. Gain respect from those around you. Apologize only when it's needed. Stop making excuses. Stay positive under stress. Know what you want and ask for it. Take control of the room. Be the most interesting person in the group. Make your presence known. Expand your circle of influence. Have many friends and acquaintances. Support other women. Maintain competition in your life. Be self-reliant but don't do everything on your own. Dress to impress. Smile. Take care of your body. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Poison-Ivy-Rashes | How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy Rashes | Seek immediate medical attention if you are having trouble breathing. To get rid of poison ivy rashes, rinse the affected area with large amounts of cold water as quickly after the exposure as possible, then rinse again with a little dish soap to break up the poison ivy's oils. Do not use hot water, as it will open your pores and cause more of the irritants to enter your body! Next, dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and pat it over the affected area to remove any last remnants of the poisonous oil. If the rash is still bothering you, you can soothe the skin by applying aloe vera gel or a baking soda paste to the rash. | Watch for an itchy red rash line 24-48 hours after you contact poison ivy. The rash might appear earlier if you contact a lot of the urushiol oil. You'll only have a rash where the plant's oil touched your skin, so it often appears in a line. In most cases, the rash will last for about 2-3 days. The rash may spread from scratching if you still have oil on your skin, so the line might not be straight. If you have a rash that's spreading after you scratch it, then it's likely poison ivy or one of its cousins, poison oak and poison sumac. However, keep in mind that other types of rashes can spread as well. Check for rash splotches if a contaminated pet or item touched you. The oil from a poison ivy plant can linger on your pet's fur or on clothing that came in contact with the plant. Unfortunately, this oil can cause rashes. If you suspect your pet or other items have contacted poison ivy, look for a splotchy red rash on the affected area. Wash clothes that came in contact with poison ivy immediately and separately. Handle them as little as possible. If your pets came into contact with poison ivy, wash them immediately. The irritating oil can remain on their fur and spread to things they touch. You should also wash anything you know they touched, as oil could remain on the surface. Pets usually won't develop a rash after contacting poison ivy. You likely won't notice your pet got into poison ivy unless you see them do it or develop a rash yourself after touching the contaminated fur. Watch for blisters and swelling around the affected area. Blisters are normal with poison ivy rashes, and their size can vary from pin-sized to dime-sized. Your blisters may pop and release a clear fluid, but this is normal and won't spread your rash. You'll also have inflammation as a result of the rash, which can cause swelling. Blisters usually develop within 1 to 14 days after you encounter the poison ivy. Never pop blisters on your own! With a poison ivy rash, you'll likely see more swelling than with other types of rashes. Watch for pus coming from the blisters. If you notice pus, then your rash is likely infected and you should see a doctor for treatment as soon as possible. Rinse your affected skin immediately after suspected contact. Run cold water over your affected skin for several minutes, but don't soak the area. Use plain soap to cleanse away the oil. Wash as soon as possible to reduce your chances of developing a rash or having the oil spread across a larger area. It's best to use a wash cloth to apply the soap over the affected area. However, the soap lather should protect your hands from exposure to the oil if you must use your hands to apply the soap. The water needs to be running in order to remove the oil. If you soak in water, the oil will mix with the water and affect more of your skin. Avoid using hot water, which opens your pores. It could cause your skin to absorb more of the oil. Dab the area with rubbing alcohol to remove the oil. You can use a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or an alcohol wipe. It's best to do this within 10 minutes of contacting the plant to avoid a rash, but you can do it later to remove any oil that's lingering on your skin. Don't rub the wipes on areas that didn't contact the oil. You don't want to accidentally spread it. After using 1 piece of gauze or cotton swab, throw it away. Crush up some jewelweed if you're stuck outdoors. Jewelweed is often called nature's natural poison ivy remedy. It is a low growing leafy bush that produces yellow and orange bell-shaped flowers. Mash up some jewelweed to make a paste, then apply it to your rash. Leave it on until it dries, then rinse it away with cool water. Jewelweed helps by countering the oil contained in the poison ivy. It can help you avoid a rash or reduce the intensity of your symptoms. Only use paste you made from the jewelweed itself. Don't rely on extracts and soaps made from jewelweed, which aren't as effective. You can apply more jewelweed paste if you desire. You can purchase jewelweed online if you cannot find the plant. Use an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream for 1-3 days. Dab a small amount of the cream onto your rash using a cotton swab. Use as little of the cream as necessary, as corticosteroid cream can cause side effects when used over a long period of time. Reapply the cream every 4 hours only if you need it. You should only use the cream for up to 3 days after your rash develops. Be sure to read the label and follow all of the instructions. Check with your doctor before using the product. Apply calamine lotion as needed for itching. You can buy calamine lotion over-the-counter for itch relief. Use a cotton swab to dab the calamine lotion onto your rash, then let it dry. You can reapply it every 3-4 hours as desired. Follow all of the instructions on the label. It's best to check with your doctor before applying any over-the-counter medications. Keep in mind that calamine lotion may stain clothing and sheets if it gets on them. Take an oral antihistamine daily as directed. You can opt for diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), or fexofenadine (Allegra). An antihistamine will reduce your body's response to the rash, helping to control your symptoms. Talk to your doctor before you take an antihistamine, even if it's sold over-the-counter. Check the label to see how often you should take your antihistamine. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is often taken every 4 hours, while others are taken just once a day. Keep in mind that some antihistamines cause drowsiness, and alcohol will intensify this effect. Check the label on your product to see if it causes drowsiness. If it does, avoid activities like driving or operating machinery. Reduce itching with a cool oatmeal bath. Run a cool bath, then mix in colloidal oatmeal, which is finely ground. Add about 1 cup (85 g) of oatmeal to your bath. Soak for 20 minutes, then rinse off the oatmeal with clean water before drying off. You can usually find colloidal oatmeal in the bath section of your local department store. As another option, you can grind traditional rolled oats in a grinder or blender to create a bath blend. However, purchasing colloidal oatmeal bath is a much easier option. Use a cool, wet compress for 15 to 30 mins to reduce swelling. For example, soak a clean rag in cool water. You can use a compress several times a day, but it's best to use a clean rag each time. You can also soak your rag in an astringent liquid, such as chilled black tea or a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Some people find more relief with these options. If using vinegar, test it on a small area of your skin first to see if you are sensitive to it. Wash the rag separately from other clothing. Use baking soda to treat itching. You can mix the baking soda with water to make a paste, or you can add about 1 cup (128 g) of baking soda to a bath. Baking soda may draw out the poison and soothe your rash. If you're using a paste, wait until it dries, then rinse it off with cool water. You can reapply the baking soda a few times a day, if you desire. Apply aloe vera to your rash to help with itching. Although aloe vera looks like a cactus, it isn't prickly. The plant contains a gel in its leaves that can relieve itchiness. Simply break open the leaf and squeeze out the gel or buy a bottle of the gel from your local drugstore. Rub the gel on your rash. If you're buying just the gel, make sure the product you choose doesn't have any added ingredients. Seek emergency medical care for severe symptoms or a persistent rash. In most cases, you don't need to see a doctor for poison ivy. It's okay to treat it at home! However, you might visit a doctor if your rash covers a large area, the symptoms interfere with your daily life, or the rash doesn't go away after 2-3 weeks. For example, a large area might mean your entire calf or forearm. You should always see a doctor if the rash is on your face or genitals. Ask your doctor about an oral corticosteroid for severe itching. Your doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid, such as Prednisone, if you're experiencing extreme itching. It might also be an option if your rash covers a lot of your body. However, this medication isn't right for everyone, so your doctor might recommend sticking to over-the-counter options. Corticosteroids can cause side effects, so you should only use them as needed. The most common side effects with short-term use include sleeping issues, appetite changes, and mood issues. Follow all of your doctor's directions for taking the medication. Expect to get an antibiotic if an infection occurs. You likely won't need an antibiotic, but the doctor may prescribe one if your rash becomes infected. It might become infected if your skin is broken, so see your doctor if this occurs. Scratching increases your risk of developing an infection, since you can break the skin. Do not scratch your rash! | Watch for an itchy red rash line 24-48 hours after you contact poison ivy. Check for rash splotches if a contaminated pet or item touched you. Watch for blisters and swelling around the affected area. Rinse your affected skin immediately after suspected contact. Dab the area with rubbing alcohol to remove the oil. Crush up some jewelweed if you're stuck outdoors. Use an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream for 1-3 days. Apply calamine lotion as needed for itching. Take an oral antihistamine daily as directed. Reduce itching with a cool oatmeal bath. Use a cool, wet compress for 15 to 30 mins to reduce swelling. Use baking soda to treat itching. Apply aloe vera to your rash to help with itching. Seek emergency medical care for severe symptoms or a persistent rash. Ask your doctor about an oral corticosteroid for severe itching. Expect to get an antibiotic if an infection occurs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Model-Pyramid | How to Build a Model Pyramid | Whether you're making a simple geometric shape or a scale model of the Great Pyramid of Giza, it's easy to craft a paper pyramid! First, use a ruler and pencil to mark out a square on a clean sheet of paper. Next, use your ruler to find the middle of each side of the square. Draw lines of equal length coming out of the center of each side at a 90-degree angle. The longer you make these lines, the steeper your pyramid's sides will be! Just make sure they're at least as long as the sides of the square. Draw lines connecting each corner of the square to the end of each line to form 4 triangles on each side of the square. Cut out the shape and fold up each of the triangles so their points meet in the middle. Finally, use tape to connect the sides of the pyramid together. If you like, you can decorate your pyramid by covering it with glue and sprinkling on some sand! | Measure and draw out a square using a pencil and ruler. Use a pencil and a ruler to draw out a square on a sheet of clean paper. Hold the ruler in your nondominant hand and use the side of the ruler as a straight edge to draw each side of your square. Make your square 7.7 by 7.7 centimetres (3.0 by 3.0 in) to create a scale model of the Great Pyramid! Every 1 centimetre (0.39 in) will represent 30 metres (98 ft) of the pyramid. Draw 4 symmetrical lines that start on each side of your square. Use your ruler to calculate the midsection of each side of your square. Mark the spot where you need to place each line with a small hash mark and then rotate your ruler to draw each line perpendicular to the square's side. For the Great Pyramid scale model, place each line 3.85 centimetres (1.52 in) in from the corner of each side, and make it extend 6.2 centimetres (2.4 in) out from the square. If you're not building the scale model of the Great Pyramid, you have to draw each line so that it's big enough to meet the other faces of the pyramid in the center. To be safe, make each line at least the same length as a single side of your square. Connect each line to the adjacent corners with your pencil. Use your ruler to line up a connection between the top of each line and the corner on each adjacent side. Start at the top of a line and draw a connecting line to the corner of the square on the left. Draw a symmetrical line going from the top of the line to the corner on the right. Sketch your lines out using the ruler and pencil until you've drawn 8 connecting lines to their corresponding corner on the square. You should now be looking at 4 triangles that share a base with the 4 sides of your square. For the scale model, each connecting line should be 7.3 centimetres (2.9 in). Cut out your pyramid carefully with a pair of scissors. Hold the paper in your nondominant hand and use a pair of scissors to cut along the exterior edges of your shape. Continue cutting along the edges until you've cut out the entire drawing. It should look like it was cut out in one continuous cut. Fold each face of the pyramid towards the middle. Lay your cut-out shape flat on your work surface. Use your nondominant hand to brace the paper along each side of your square before folding each triangle towards the center. Use the pad of your finger to firmly press down along each fold. Continue until you've folded every side of your pyramid towards the center. You can fold each face so that it lays flat in the center before folding the next section if you want to get each side out of the way. This may make folding much easier. Tape the edges of the pyramid's faces where they meet. Pull each folded edge out until each triangle is sitting flush against one another. Use clear tape to permanently join each edge together. Use long pieces of tape, and put each strip on the side of your triangles at the line where they meet one another before pressing lightly along the sides. Press your tape down slowly and delicately. There's nothing but air inside your pyramid, and you don't want to crush it while you're taping it. Cover your pyramid with glue to add sand if you want to make it realistic. Place your pyramid in a small, plastic sandwich container or paper plate to catch the sand that you're going to pour over the pyramid. Use a paintbrush to apply white glue to each face of your pyramid. Spread it liberally across each visible surface until the entire structure is wet. While you certainly want to cover each side of your pyramid, avoid using heavy globs of glue. You don't want to weigh your pyramid down and ruin the paper. Sprinkle sand over the top of your pyramid. Slowly pour sand over the top of your pyramid, covering each side of the structure as you pour. Use a spoon to scoop sand that falls to the bottom of your container on top of the areas that are missing sand. Repeat this process until each section is fully covered. Wait 45-60 minutes for your pyramid to fully dry before handling it. Draw out 4 triangles of equal size on a piece of cardboard. Each triangle has to be exactly the same size to make a perfect pyramid. Measure your base first and then draw a line extending from the center. Use a ruler as a straight edge to draw connecting lines between the top of your center line and each end of the triangle's base. To make a medium-sized pyramid, make each triangle 8 inches (20 cm) wide and 12 inches (30 cm) tall from the center. Cut your triangles out with scissors or a utility knife. Place your cardboard on a stable work surface and hold it in your nondominant hand. Use your dominant hand to cut along each side of each triangle. Continue cutting until you have 4 triangles of equal sizes. If your cardboard is too thick to be cut with scissors, put a cutting board down and lay each piece of cardboard flat. Use a utility knife to cut each triangle out by dragging it through the cardboard along each section of your outline. Glue 2 triangles together at the edge with a glue gun. Plug in a glue gun and set it down nearby to let the glue heat up. Use both hands to hold 2 triangles with their bases flat on the work surface and lean them together so that 2 of their edges meet. Use your nondominant hand to hold them together near the top as you grab your glue gun. Pull the trigger on the glue gun as you slide it along the edge where your 2 faces meet. Hold your 2 sides still for 45-60 seconds to give your glue time to initially dry. Set your 2 pieces aside and leave them for 10-20 minutes to let the glue fully set. Attach your other 2 sides together and combine your pieces. Glue the other 2 sides together the same way and let them air dry. Once you have 2 pieces, arrange them in the center of your work surface so that each remaining edge is connecting. You should be looking at an unglued pyramid at this point. Use your glue gun to run hot glue along the 2 remaining edges and let it dry for 10-20 minutes. After you put glue along the 2 remaining edges, lightly press your pieces together for 30-45 seconds to keep any gaps closed as it dries. Draw and cut out a square base for your pyramid. You can draw your base out so that it fits perfectly around your pyramid by holding your glued triangles in place and using the base of each face as a straight edge. You can also choose to make a bigger base by measuring 4 lines of qual distance out from each side of the pyramid. Use a straight edge and a pencil to sketch your base and cut it out with scissors or a utility knife. For a medium-sized pyramid, a good base is 14 by 14 inches (36 by 36 cm). Draw vertical and horizontal lines with a permanent marker to make bricks. To make your pyramid look like it's made out of individual bricks, draw a series of parallel lines horizontally along each face of your pyramid with a black marker. The lines don't need to be perfectly straight if you want it to look natural, but you can choose to make them even with a straight edge if you'd like. Make vertical marks between each horizontal row every 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) to create the appearance of individual bricks. Use a butter knife or popsicle stick to spread glue over each face. Drizzle white glue over your pyramid and use the flat side of a popsicle stick or butter knife to spread it around. Continue spreading the glue until you've covered most of the pyramid. Don't forget about the base! Spread a lot of glue around your base so that the sand can fully cover it. Sprinkle sand over your pyramid to make it look real. While the glue is still wet, pour sand all over your pyramid. Slowly pour your sand 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) above each section of your pyramid and let it collect at the base to give your pyramid a realistic look. Let it air dry for 1-2 hours before touching it. If you want more of the bricks that you drew to show through, you can scrape sections of your pyramid with your knife or popsicle stick to knock some of it off. Spread glue across the surface of a paper plate. Pour white glue on top of your plate. Use a paintbrush to spread it evenly over the surface where you want to build your pyramid. This will serve as the base, so make sure that each section has some glue on it. You can use a Styrofoam tray or wood surface as a base if you prefer. You'll need 140 cubes for a 7x7 pyramid. Place sugar cubes in a 7x7 square. Start with a corner of your pyramid. Place your first sugar cube in the glue and press down lightly to set it in place. Continue placing cubes next to it in both directions until you have 7 cubes on each side. Fill in the rest of the open space in your square with sugar cubes. Drizzle glue in a 6x6 square on top of your first layer. Use the gaps between cubes to determine where a 6x6 layer will rest on top of the first layer. Pour glue in a square along the edges of your 6x6 outline and then fill in the middle of the square with glue. Put at least one dollop of glue on each interior square to ensure that the upper layer remains in place. Add your 6x6 layer of sugar cubes by putting them on top of the glue. With your glue still wet, begin to place cubes in a 6x6 row on top of your first layer. Line each cube up so that it rests directly on top of a cube underneath it. Do not press down on your cubes as you place them. Save time by setting your layer out on a separate plate and transferring it over by pinching an entire row between two fingers. Continue this process until you've completed a pyramid. Place additional layers on top of your pyramid by moving in 1 cube at a time for each layer. Your next layer will be 5x5, then 4x4, and so on. Add a new layer of glue each time that you add a layer. Do not leave cubes out of the middle of a layer or you'll risk breaking your pyramid. You can use glue and glitter, sand, or paint to cover your cube if you'd like. | Measure and draw out a square using a pencil and ruler. Draw 4 symmetrical lines that start on each side of your square. Connect each line to the adjacent corners with your pencil. Cut out your pyramid carefully with a pair of scissors. Fold each face of the pyramid towards the middle. Tape the edges of the pyramid's faces where they meet. Cover your pyramid with glue to add sand if you want to make it realistic. Sprinkle sand over the top of your pyramid. Draw out 4 triangles of equal size on a piece of cardboard. Cut your triangles out with scissors or a utility knife. Glue 2 triangles together at the edge with a glue gun. Attach your other 2 sides together and combine your pieces. Draw and cut out a square base for your pyramid. Draw vertical and horizontal lines with a permanent marker to make bricks. Use a butter knife or popsicle stick to spread glue over each face. Sprinkle sand over your pyramid to make it look real. Spread glue across the surface of a paper plate. Place sugar cubes in a 7x7 square. Drizzle glue in a 6x6 square on top of your first layer. Add your 6x6 layer of sugar cubes by putting them on top of the glue. Continue this process until you've completed a pyramid. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-an-Acrylic-Tub | How to Clean an Acrylic Tub | To clean an acrylic tub with natural products, start by filling the tub with hot water and vinegar. After 15 minutes, drain the tub and sprinkle it with baking soda while it's still wet. Let the baking soda sit for a few minutes, then use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the tub. When you're done scrubbing, rinse the tub with water. If you notice any lingering stains, rub half a lemon on them until they lift and then rinse the area with water. | Fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. If your acrylic tub is heavily stained or dirty, consider filling the tub with hot water and vinegar. This will help loosen the dirt and grime before you clean the tub. Fill the tub with hot water and pour in 2 cups (470 mL) of vinegar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes and then drain the tub. The acid in the vinegar will help loosen the dirt without damaging the acrylic tub. Sprinkle the tub with baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda all over the tub while it's still wet. If you didn't fill the tub with hot water and vinegar, just pour or spray water along the inside and sides of the tub. Let the baking soda sit on the tub for a few minutes. The baking soda can clean mold, mildew, and soap scum. It's also gentle to use on the acrylic tub. For a stronger cleanser, you could use borax instead of baking soda. Scrub the acrylic tub. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into water and scrub the baking soda in the tub. The baking soda will form a bit of a paste as you clean the tub. Ensure that you're using a non-abrasive sponge or you may scratch the acrylic tub. Gently scrub the entire tub. Avoid using scrubbers or sponges that have a rough side designed for heavy-duty cleaning. Instead, look for a gentle sponge or just use a soft cloth. Use a toothbrush to scrub corners and edges. If you have hard to reach edges or places where the tub meets fixtures (like the faucets), get an old toothbrush and scrub the spots. The toothbrush will be gentle enough to remove tough dirt and grime. You can also use a long-handled scrub brush, as long as the bristles are soft. Rinse the tub and treat any stains with lemon. Fill a bucket with water and pour it over the tub to rinse away the baking soda and dirt. Continue rinsing until the tub is clean. If you notice stains, rub half of a lemon over the stains until they lift. Rinse the stains with water and wipe them dry with a soft cloth. Lemon works well for removing hard-water deposits. Wash the tub with a mild cleanser. Choose a safe and gentle cleanser to clean your tub out. This will prevent dirt and grime from building up. Just wet a soft cloth or sponge with antibacterial dish soap and use it to scrub the entire tub. Rinse the tub to completely remove the dirt and soap. You can use a mild antibacterial soap that you'd use for hand washing your dishes. This is gentle enough to regularly use on your acrylic tub. Choose a safe deep-cleaning commercial product. You should deep clean your acrylic tub occasionally, especially if you notice hard-water deposits or grime that's difficult to wash away with soap and water. Read labels to find a tub cleaner that's safe to use on acrylic. You can also check with your tub manufacturer for a list of approved commercial cleaners to use on the tub. Most tub manufacturers update their approved cleaner list every few years, so ensure that you find the most recent list available. Scrub and rinse the tub. Most commercial cleaning products will have you spray the product. Keep the bottle about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) from the tub as you spray. Let the cleaner sit on the tub for 30 seconds to a few minutes. Rinse the cleanser off and wipe the tub dry with a soft cloth. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the tub. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Acrylic tubs can scratch easily, even from chemical cleaners. This is why it's important to avoid using aerosol cleaners that come in cans or solvents (like acetone). You should also avoid using abrasive sponges that can scratch or damage the acrylic tub. If you're unsure if a product is safe to use, only use it if it says it's safe to use on acrylic surfaces. Clean the tub out weekly. Get in the habit of washing down the tub with a mild soapy cleanser and water every week. This will prevent dirt and grime from building up which would take longer to remove. Regular washing will also keep stains from forming in the acrylic tub and tile near the tub. Avoid using rough sponges and cloths. Don't clean your acrylic tub with materials that can scratch the surface. Never use abrasive scrubbing pads or sponges. You should also avoid using steel wool which will also damage the surface. Instead, use soft cloths and sponges. For example, you could use a microfiber or terry cloth towel. Rinse the drains thoroughly. You may need to use a drain cleaner or tub clog remover every once in a while. If you do pour this down your tub's drain, you'll need to rinse it away completely, so there's no cleaner or remover left standing in the drain area. If you leave cleanser or clog remover in the drain area, it could damage the acrylic surface. Avoid smoking around the tub. To avoid discoloring the tub, most acrylic tub manufacturers recommend that you never smoke in or around it. This is because tobacco smoke can permanently damage the tub. | Fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. Sprinkle the tub with baking soda. Scrub the acrylic tub. Use a toothbrush to scrub corners and edges. Rinse the tub and treat any stains with lemon. Wash the tub with a mild cleanser. Choose a safe deep-cleaning commercial product. Scrub and rinse the tub. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Clean the tub out weekly. Avoid using rough sponges and cloths. Rinse the drains thoroughly. Avoid smoking around the tub. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Resolve-Conflicts-Between-Cats | How to Resolve Conflicts Between Cats | To resolve conflicts between your cats, make sure they have enough space in your home, since cats cat get territorial when they're cooped up together. If you live in a smaller apartment or have to keep your cats confined to one area in your house, try giving them more hiding places, like cardboard boxes, or allowing them to roam outside. Your cats might also feel tension over sharing litter boxes, food, water, or toys, so try to have separate eating and drinking areas as well as individual litter boxes. When your cats are around each other without conflict, reward them with treats and affection to reinforce their good behavior. | Make sure your cats have space. Before taking any other steps to resolve conflict, assess the amount of space your cats have. As relatively solitary and territorial creatures, cats need a decent amount of space. Without the proper amount of space, your cats are more likely to come into conflict. If two or more cats are confined to one bedroom for large amounts of time, they might come into conflict. Instead of cooping multiple cats up in a room, consider letting them roam. If you need to cat-proof the house, do so. If you have many cats in a small apartment or home, you may want to consider moving to a bigger place. However, if this is not an option, then providing some hiding places, such as cardboard, can help to alleviate some of the tension. If you have many cats and a small home but can't move, you may want to consider letting your cats roam outside. However, carefully consider the risks and rewards before letting your cats roam outside freely. Take steps to reduce competition for resources. A common source of conflict between cats is competition for resources. If cats are forced to compete for limited resources, they'll undoubtedly come into conflict. To prevent this, make sure that everything your cats need or want are available in large quantities and in multiple locations. Think about: Litter boxes. You may want to consider providing multiple litter boxes. You should have one litter box for every cat in your household plus one extra litter box. Food. Provide multiple food bowls throughout the house. Your cats may benefit from eating in separate areas of your home. Water. Station water bowls throughout your home. Toys. Buy multiples of toys so your cats won't fight over a favorite. Create a relaxing environment. One of the most important things in resolving (or even preventing) conflict is to create an environment which lacks tumult or conflict. By creating a relaxing environment, you'll establish an environment where it is easier to resolve outstanding conflict. Avoid blasting music or TV programs. Sort out domestic disagreements between family members. Cats, like people, are sensitive to unhappiness or arguments among their caretakers. If there is a lot of conflict in your home between people, there might be more conflict among the cats. Discourage small children from chasing your cats around. In addition, don't stress your cats out by forcing them to spend time on your lap or next to you. Let them come to you when they want to be a lap cat. Provide alternative paths through your home. Cats like to avoid one another rather than having confrontations, so try to provide alternative pathways through the house. This will allows your cats to avoid meeting if they choose. For example, if you normally keep a door closed that would allow your cats to have two options for passing through an area of your house, then try leaving it open and see if this reduces the fighting. Keep resources separate. Separate your cats' resources, such as litter trays and food bowls. Avoid placing them in one location, which the more dominant cat could monopolize. Try placing two or more food and water dishes in separate locations of your home, and spread the litter boxes out in your home as well. Introduce your cats with scent handshakes. This will help your cats to feel less threatened when they meet. This is normally something that you would do when bringing a new cat into your home, but you can also use a scent handshake for your existing cats. Start by separating the cats, such as by putting them into separate rooms. Then, after a day or two of separation, swap their bedding so that they can get used to each other's smells. Don’t punish your cats for fighting. An important way to manage your cat's behavior is to not punish them for their conflict. Ultimately, if you scold or punish your cat, you'll reinforce the negative associations that your cats have with each other. Make sure to not: Yell at them for fighting. Use a spray bottle to punish your cats after they come into conflict with each other. Hit them for fighting with each other. Avoid forcing cats to engage each other. While it may seem like a good idea to make two competing cats play with each other, this is quite possibly the worst thing you can do. Not only will you cause conflict, but you might help create a negative association with you. This will undermine all of your efforts to resolve conflict. Never lock cats in a room to make them interact. Don't pick one cat up and bring it to another cat. Instead, coax the cats into coming to you at the same time. This way, they'll be able to see that the other cat is approaching or is present, and they'll have the ability to run away if they want. Reward cats for coming together. The best way to manage your cat's behavior is to reward them for positive interactions. By rewarding your cats for positive interactions, you'll help them build healthy associations with each other. Give your cats treats when they are around with each other without conflict. Verbally reinforce positive behavior by saying “good kitties!” or “good cats!” Avoid invoking jealousy among your cats by petting one or the other when they are interacting. This could cause more conflict. Instead, offer them treats at the same time. Supervise interactions until conflict is resolved. One of the most helpful things to do is to supervise all interactions until the cats have resolved their conflict. You'll probably find that by refereeing your cat's actions, you'll help them establish more cordial relations. Instead of forcing cats together, allow your cats to voluntary enter into a relatively neutral area so that they can interact. After allowing the cats to enter a neutral area, keep them distracted with food, toys, or yourself. Consider adding a layer of supervision with harnesses or leashes. Play with each of your cats separately. Cats that don't get to display natural behaviors such as hunting as more likely to be testy with one another. Diffuse the situation by regularly playing with each cat (separately) so they expend energy. For example, you can use a laser to play with one of your cats or use a wand for some one-on-one playtime. Provide proper health care. As a good caretaker, you should provide good healthcare to your cats. By providing good healthcare, you'll make sure that your cats don't have problems that exacerbate or cause conflict in your home. Ultimately, a licensed veterinarian might be able to identify or rectify conditions that are causing problems for you and your cats. Conditions that might contribute to conflict include: Toxoplasmosis. Hyperthyroidism. Epilepsy. Rabies. Never abuse a cat or allow one to be abused. One of the greatest ways of both resolving and preventing conflict between cats is to make sure that they're treated well. Ultimately, a cat that is abused or neglected will be a cat that may develop psychological problems and may be more prone to conflict. Never hit your cat. Don't yell at your cat Avoid letting small children tease or torment cats, especially kittens. Instead, explain to children how cats are intelligent and sensitive creatures who need to be loved and nurtured. Learn when you need to separate or rehome your cats. While it may be the last thing you want to consider, you may need to consider separating cats or rehoming one. You should, though, only consider this if one or both of the cats' health or mental health are in danger. If your cats frequently get into fights that result in one of them getting hurt, you should consider separation or rehoming. Consult your veterinarian or a trainer before separating or rehoming a cat. If you don't want to consider the rehoming option, do what you can to separate your cats in your home. You may want to confine one cat to the upstairs and another to the downstairs. When considering rehoming, always place your cat with a reputable rescue organization or a trusted friend. Do not advertise “free cat” on Craigslist or similar websites. Cats given away in such a manner are often hurt or killed by new owners with malicious intent. | Make sure your cats have space. Take steps to reduce competition for resources. Create a relaxing environment. Provide alternative paths through your home. Keep resources separate. Introduce your cats with scent handshakes. Don’t punish your cats for fighting. Avoid forcing cats to engage each other. Reward cats for coming together. Supervise interactions until conflict is resolved. Play with each of your cats separately. Provide proper health care. Never abuse a cat or allow one to be abused. Learn when you need to separate or rehome your cats. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Jordans-Are-Fake | How to Tell if Jordans Are Fake | To identify fake Jordans, start by examining the logo and words on the box and the shoe style number printed on the manufacturer's label. Compare the style number to one on the Nike website and the one on the tag inside of the shoe to make sure that it is authentic. Under the tongue of the shoe, look for embroidery that reads “greatest player ever.” Inspect the logos, stitching, and sole on the shoe to make sure they are high quality and match other Jordans. | Examine the quality of the box. Real Jordans come packaged in a sturdy box. The lid should fit tightly, with no gaps. There will be an Air Jordan “Jumpman” logo on the lid and also on the side of the box. The printed colors on the packaging should appear even and uniform, with no areas of fading. The texture of the box itself will be consistent. The boxes vary in color and style depending on the year and type of Jordans, so you may want to run a Google image search to see what the current boxes look like. Check for spelling errors and logo imperfections. Make sure all of the words on the box are spelled correctly. Ensure that the Jordan Jumpman logo appears complete, without any unusual looking proportions or fading. Everything on the box should be aligned properly, with nothing looking unusual or crooked. If you are unfamiliar with the Jumpman logo, Google the image and make sure the logo on the box looks exactly the same. Look for a manufacturing sticker on the outside of the box. All Air Jordan boxes will have an official manufacturing sticker on the side. Check for the accurate style name of the shoe, the shoe size, color combination, and country of manufacture. The text should look uniform and the words will be evenly spaced out and properly spelled. The sticker should be firmly attached to the box, with no air bubbles underneath. It ought to look complete and easy to read. Fake Jordans will often feature a misshapen or crooked manufacturing sticker. If it is sloppily placed or hard to read, this is a red flag. Confirm the nine digit style number on the manufacturing sticker. All Jordans have a style number listed on the outside sticker. In almost all cases, it will be nine digits long. Check the Nike website for the style number of the shoes you're interested in purchasing and make sure the style number on the actual box matches what you see on their website. The style number is usually listed right below the country of manufacture on the sticker. Match the style number of the tag to the one listed on the box. Locate the small tag on the inside of the shoe. All of the information listed on the manufacturing sticker should also be on this tag. Make sure the information is exactly the same as what's on the box sticker, especially the style number. The stitching on the tag ought to look uniform and neat. Spelling errors on this interior tag are almost always an indicator of inauthentic Jordans. Examine the label under the tongue. Jordans have a very specific label under the tongue. Lift up the tongue and check out the underside. You should see the words “greatest player ever” embroidered there. The embroidery should be white, easy to read and look professional. Check the proportions of the Jumpman logo. Double check the details on the logo located on the back of the shoes (or sometimes on the tongue). The logo should appear crisp and uncompromised. Look at the hands, basketball and feet to ensure everything looks properly proportioned. Nothing should look blurry or smudged. Fake Jordans may have an uneven or lumpy Jumpman, with poor stitching and unusual proportions. Inspect the detail around the laces. The spaces between the shoelace tabs should be even. All of the shoelace tabs will be the same size and shape. Make sure they are all attached firmly, with the same amount of tension. Fake Jordans will often have some shoelace tabs that are looser than others. Look for high quality stitching. Inspect the shoes carefully for neat and professional looking stitching. Everything should look evenly spaced, with no unfinished edges or frayed threads. The stitching on the heel is often a giveaway – if it looks poorly done or uneven, question the authenticity of the shoes. Check for a midsole point. This is where the side fabric transitions into the front of the shoe. It is usually a different fabric and color than the toe section. On real Jordans, the midsole point will be in front of the bottom lace hole. On fake Jordans, the midsole point will often match the bottom lace hole. View the midsole tips. The “mountains” of the sole molding should be sharp tips, not curved edges. Research the known colorways for that particular type of Jordans. Go to Footlocker.com or Nike's own site to find the authentic colorways. Colorways are a color combination that is updated with each new style of shoe. Occasionally there are special edition colorways. If a site or individual seller is selling a colorway that is not listed on any direct Nike supplier site, it is a counterfeit product. Be doubtful of any new Air Jordans that are sold for under $100. Many of these shoes are limited edition and sell out quickly, so there is no motivation for a seller to drop the price below retail value. It is very rare to find Jordans for under $100. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure the shoes are labeled “100% Authentic. ” If you're looking at a pair online that are listed just as “Authentic” you should be suspicious. Don't buy Air Jordan shoes that are advertised as “custom,” “sample,” or “variant.” This indicates that Nike did not commission them. If you're looking at Jordans online and no style number is included, email the seller to inquire about it. Confirm that the shoes come with the right box. Fake Jordans are often sold in boxes that list details which don't match the shoes themselves. Real boxes will feature correct colorway descriptions and all style numbers should match. If the shoes you're considering don't come with a box at all, purchasing them is not recommended. Avoid online purchases unless the images are clear and detailed. When buying shoes online, make sure multiple pictures are posted and you can clearly see the detail in each one. If a photo of the interior tag with the style number isn't included, email the seller to request one. Stock photos of shoes are usually a red flag. The descriptions should be clear, not vague. If the images provided are extremely small, ask the seller for better ones. If they aren't provided, avoid the purchase. Avoid buying Air Jordans from an overseas seller. Unless you are sure of the seller's authenticity, avoid overseas purchases. Nike may import from their overseas factories, but they supply from major hubs in the United States and Europe. Most fake Jordans are manufactured in Asia, especially China. Your chances of purchasing fake Jordans go up substantially if the shoes are shipped from Asia. Check seller feedback on sites like eBay. Look for established sellers with a lot of solid feedback. Avoid buying from sellers who have very little or no customer feedback; the merchandise is most likely inauthentic. Before you bid on a pair of Jordans, do your homework and make sure all of the information and pictures look right. Trust your gut; if something feels off about the sale, it's safer to avoid it and buy from someone else. | Examine the quality of the box. Check for spelling errors and logo imperfections. Look for a manufacturing sticker on the outside of the box. Confirm the nine digit style number on the manufacturing sticker. Match the style number of the tag to the one listed on the box. Examine the label under the tongue. Check the proportions of the Jumpman logo. Inspect the detail around the laces. Look for high quality stitching. Check for a midsole point. Research the known colorways for that particular type of Jordans. Be doubtful of any new Air Jordans that are sold for under $100. Make sure the shoes are labeled “100% Authentic. Confirm that the shoes come with the right box. Avoid online purchases unless the images are clear and detailed. Avoid buying Air Jordans from an overseas seller. Check seller feedback on sites like eBay. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Table | How to Draw a Table | To draw a table, start by drawing a rectangular prism. Then, erase the lines inside of the outline of the prism and draw evenly-spaced vertical lines across the front. Next, draw evenly-spaced horizontal lines across the front of the prism to create a grid. Once you have the grid, use it to draw the legs of the table, which should extend down from each corner at the top of the prism. Finally, erase all of the unnecessary lines so you're left with just the tabletop and legs. | Draw a rectangular prism as shown in the picture. Divide the sides of the rectangular prism into (approximately) equal vertical bars. Divide the sides of the rectangular prism into (approximately) equal horizontal bars. For this step: Clear the black lines. Draw additional green lines. Keep the red lines. Clean up the work. Here is your table. Enjoy! Draw a parallelogram. Draw three lines below the parallelogram. Draw curves below the lines drawn earlier. Based on the outline, draw the dining table. Add details to the dining table. Erase the unnecessary outlines. Color your dining table! | Draw a rectangular prism as shown in the picture. Divide the sides of the rectangular prism into (approximately) equal vertical bars. Divide the sides of the rectangular prism into (approximately) equal horizontal bars. For this step: Clean up the work. Draw a parallelogram. Draw three lines below the parallelogram. Draw curves below the lines drawn earlier. Based on the outline, draw the dining table. Add details to the dining table. Erase the unnecessary outlines. Color your dining table! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Soap-Molds | How to Make Soap Molds | To make a soap mold, start by getting some 1/2 inch thick craft wood from your local craft store. Then, cut the wood so you have two 12 by 4-inch pieces, two 3.5 by 4-inch pieces, and one 3.5 by 11-inch piece. Next, assemble a rectangle with the pieces so the two longer pieces make up the sides and the two shorter pieces make up the ends. Once you've assembled the rectangle, use wood glue and clamps to attach the pieces to each other. Finally, glue the 3.5 by 11-inch piece to the bottom of the rectangle and let it dry before filling the mold with soap. | Gather your materials. To start making a rectangular shaped mold, first gather your materials. You should be able to find the materials for this mold at most craft stores. For this mold, you'll need the following: Two pieces of ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) thick craft wood, cut into 12" by 4" length Two pieces of ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) thick craft wood, cut into 3 1/2″ x 4″ length One piece of ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) thick craft wood, cut into 3 1/2″ x 11″ length Wood clamps Wood glue Trim the wood down, if necessary. You may not find craft wood cut into the exact dimensions you need. You should be able to ask someone at the store to trim the wood down for you. If this option is not available, you can cut most craft wood on your own with a small handsaw. Measure the wood using a ruler or measuring tape. Draw a line marking the dimensions with a pen or pencil. Use your handsaw to gently saw along that line. If the sides are rough, use sandpaper to smooth them down. Sand paper is rated by grit number. The higher the grit number, the stronger the sandpaper. As craft glue is fairly soft, you do not need a high grit sandpaper for your soap mold. Stick to grit levels below 100, as anything above a 100-level grit is best used on large furniture. Create a rectangle out of the sides. Once your wood is cut into the proper dimensions, you can begin assembling your mold. To start, assemble the sides of the wood to form a rectangle. The 12" by 4" boards make up the longer sides of the rectangle. The 3 1/2" by 4" sides make up the shorter sides. The shorter sides will fit inside the longer sides. Take the 12" by 4" boards. Place a line of wood glue along each 4" side. Then, place the 3 1/2" by 4" sides between the 12" by 4" boards, creating a rectangle-shape with your boards. Use the wood clamps to secure while the wood is drying. Glue the bottom piece in place. Once the glue is dry to the touch, and the rectangle feels secure without the wood clamps, you can add the bottom board. The 3 1/2″ x 11″ board fits inside the rectangle. Run some wood glue along each side of the bottom board and then place it inside the rectangle. Use wood clamps to secure the board in place. If your board feels flimsy, use a cordless screwdriver to place four screws into the board where the sides connect. This will further secure the board, as wood glue may loose strength over time. Let dry. Once you've assembled your board, set is aside and let it dry. To be 100% sure everything is dry, it's best to set your board aside overnight before use. Use your mold to make soap. Once you're done creating your board, you can use it to make soap. Make sure to line your board first, as liquid soap will stick to wood. You can use parchment paper or trash bags to line your board. It can take soap anywhere from a few hours to a few days to set. It depends on the soap recipe you're using. Once the soap is set, simply remove it from the board. Set it aside for 3 to 4 weeks to allow it to dry completely. Address leaks. In the event your box leaks, examine the area where the leak is occurring. You can seal this area up with masking tape, duct table, or extra wood glue. Also, you can deal with leaks by lining the box with parchment paper before use. Gather your supplies. If you want round-shaped bars of soap, you can make a cylinder mold. Make sure you get your liquid soap ready before preparing a cylinder mold, as you'll be pouring the soap in as you go along. To start, gather your supplies, most of which you can find at a local craft store. You will need the following: A PVC pipe A wooden cutting board Masking tape Heavy duty wax paper or baking paper Old towels A ladle Plastic wrap Cover one end of the PVC pipe with wax or baking paper. Wrap the wax or baking paper around the end of the pipe, making sure to cover completely so no soap leaks out. Then, take the masking tape and wrap it around the end of the pipe. Use a few layers of tape to make sure the wax paper is secure. You can also use rubber bands. Fill with liquid soap. Set your pipe down vertically. Use your ladle to transfer liquid soap into the pipe. Do not fill the pipe completely. Stop when you're about 2 inches (5 cm) away from the top of the pipe. Cover the other end of the pipe with plastic wrap. Tightly wrap the plastic wrap around the other end of the pipe. Use a few pieces of tape or a rubber band to secure the plastic wrap. You want to keep the soap insulated during the curing process. Wrap the mold towels. Use old towels that you do not mind damaging. Soap may leak out, causing stains or odors. Wrap the mold in enough towels to cover the pipe completely, preventing outside air from getting into the mold. Cool the soap. Set the mold aside for 48 hours, or as long as your soap recipe indicates it will take for the soap to dry. At this point, the soap should be cool enough to remove. Choose a safe place to keep the mold, away from children and animals. You want to make sure the mold is not moved or disturbed during the drying process. Remove carefully. Once the soap is dry, you can remove it from the mold. This can be a little tricky. You should be able to push the soap through the pipe using a bottle or jar. If you have trouble removing the soap, consider lining the mold with parchment paper ahead of time the next time you use this method. This may make the soap slide out easier. Obtain seashells. A clam mold can be a fun, creative shape if you want to do something a little different than round or square-shaped cuts. You will need a few seashells, large enough to contain about half a cup of liquid soap. You can purchase seashells online or at a craft store. If you live near the ocean, you can collect seashells yourself. If you're using seashells you find, scrub thoroughly with antibacterial soap and rinse before use. Pour soap into the shells. Once your seashells are chosen and prepared, pour the liquid soap into each shell. Set the shell on a flat surface and, if necessary, hold the shell down to prevent spilling. Do not fill the seashell to the brim. Leave about half an inch of wiggle room at the top. Wrap the shells with plastic wrap. Take some plastic wrap. Wrap each mold in a few layers of plastic wrap, making sure to use enough layers prevent outside air from getting in and to keep the soap from leaking. Place the molds in a box and cover. Once the molds are secured in plastic wrap, place the shells in a box. You can use any box you can find, like a shoebox. Cover the box with plastic wrap. This helps insulate the soap, quickening the drying process. Store the box until the soap molds dry. Choose a safe place, away from children or animals, where the box is unlikely to be disturbed. Your soap recipe should indicate how long the soap should take to try. Usually, it takes around 24 to 28 hours. Remove the soap from the mold. After 24 to 48 hours, remove each mold from the shells. Place the shells on a drying rack. They should be fully dry in 4 to 8 weeks. | Gather your materials. Trim the wood down, if necessary. Create a rectangle out of the sides. Glue the bottom piece in place. Let dry. Use your mold to make soap. Address leaks. Gather your supplies. Cover one end of the PVC pipe with wax or baking paper. Fill with liquid soap. Cover the other end of the pipe with plastic wrap. Wrap the mold towels. Cool the soap. Remove carefully. Obtain seashells. Pour soap into the shells. Wrap the shells with plastic wrap. Place the molds in a box and cover. Store the box until the soap molds dry. Remove the soap from the mold. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Someone-Fancies-You | How to Tell if Someone Fancies You | To tell if someone fancies you, watch their body language when they're around you. For example, see if the person makes eye contact with you frequently. If they hold eye contact for a long time or if you catch them gazing at you when you aren't looking, there's a chance that they fancy you. Another sign that someone fancies you is if they try to make themselves look good when they're around you. Guys might try to make themselves look big and confident by pumping out their chests, while girls may smile coyly and twist their hair. You can also tell if someone fancies you based on how they act when you talk. Time how quickly they reply to your messages, as if it's relatively fast, there's the chance they like you. It can also be helpful to check how they respond to your humor. If they find your jokes funny and laugh a lot when you're around, this could mean they fancy you. | Keep an eye out for eye contact. Eye contact is one of the most powerful things in all of body language. Someone can use their eyes to communicate a lot of things. If someone's making eyes at you, it means he's interested in you in some way. If you see a longer pattern of eye contact, there's a chance he fancies you. You might try catching him looking at you. It's natural for someone to look in the direction of his crush, especially when he thinks no one is watching. If you're in the same room and you're not talking yet, look over occasionally to see if he's making eyes at you. If he's shy, he'll probably avert his gaze. If he's confident, he'll usually try to hold eye contact with you. See if your crush smiles at you. Like eye contact, smiling can say a ton without someone needing to speak a word. Where eye contact usually just means interest, a smile is usually given to show warmth and affection. Keep an eye out if he smiles at you when the two of you are around each other. If you want to test it, try making eye contact with him. If he smiles back at you, it's a good sign he's interested. Some people are very shy and will feel too embarrassed to smile at someone, especially if it's someone they're attracted to. Notice any affectionate touching. Light touching is often a clear form of flirting. This includes a light touch of the arm or waist, or even an extended hug. While friends may already touch often, there's an added coyness when the touching is meant as flirting. Better still, you can try to touch your crush lightly and see how he reacts. If he seems to like it or feel embarrassed, it's a potential sign he's into you. Watch if he tries to make himself look good around you. Body language is the main unconscious way we show attraction for other people. Whether they mean to or not, people will shift their body language to show how they feel. If you run into your crush suddenly, try to see if he changes anything quickly about his body language. This might show that he's specifically interested in you. Men and women use different types of body language to show attraction. In the case of men, they often try to make themselves look as big and confident as possible. This includes pumping out the chest and putting one's hands on his waist. Women show attraction in more sensual ways. Smiling, hair twirling and coyness might suddenly start up if you end up running into your crush. Ask yourself if he goes out of his way to be near you. A natural urge when you fancy someone is the desire to be around them as much as you can. Whether you go to work or school together, or have met in a more casual setting, someone who is attracted to you will often make very obvious attempts to be around you, even if he thinks he's being sneaky about it. Open up the possibility to talk about personal subjects. If you're on a regular speaking basis with the person you're wondering about, a conversation will offer lots of opportunities to figure out what he feels towards you. One thing that people who are interested in one another do is often make the conversations more intense, at least moreso than you would find in a casual talk. Personal information, secret fears and painful experiences could come up in a conversation where people are interested in one another. Bring the conversation to more of these intimate subjects and see how he responds. If he seem interested in making the conversation intimate, it's a sign that he's interested in you. Flirt. If you're interested in someone who isn't giving off the right signals, you should try flirting with him. Flirting includes a wide range of behaviour that is meant to show you are attracted to someone. If you are interested, chances are you're already showing some of the signs without knowing it. Smiling in his direction, holding (or averting) eye contact, laughing, compliments and gentle teasing all count as flirting. If your crush responds to the flirting with flirtation of her own, it is a probable sign that he is interested. Of course, if your crush is already flirting towards you, this is an even clearer sign of attraction. Keep your ear out for gentle teasing and compliments towards you, especially when those compliments are geared towards things that someone would normally be attracted to, such as your looks or charm. Tell jokes and gauge how he reacts. Laughter and humour is one of the more casual ways a person can express interest in someone. If you are the sort of person who likes to be funny, try to gauge how the person you're curious about reacts to your jokes. Someone who fancies you will laugh a lot more at your humour than if he wasn't interested at all. As a bonus, humour is an attractive quality, and even if someone isn't interested in you yet, knowing how to make you laugh will attract potential partners fast. On the other hand, a total lack of laughter can suggest the person is not interested in you at all. Beware of those who don't laugh. Time how quickly he replies to your messages. In the age of online communication, the way someone acts towards you online can say a ton about the way he feels towards you. If you two are talking via social media or talking over text, you should notice how quickly he gets back to you in a conversation. If it's relatively fast, it may be good sign that he fancies you in a more-than-friendly way. Keep in mind that some people may be very busy on the computer and won't get back to you as fast as you think. Depending on how fast your crush is making other posts online, you should be able to figure out how busy he is at the moment. Ask your crush directly. At last, when all other routes are exhausted, there is always the option of asking someone directly how he feels about you. In many cases, a guy or girl will make their feelings known in other ways, making a direct question unnecessary. However, if you're tired of waiting and need confirmation, it's a straightforward and simple solution. It doesn't need to be elaborate. Just ask something as simple as: "I get the feeling you're attracted to me. Am I right in thinking that?" If someone is easily embarrassed or shy, you might not get a straight answer out of them at first. This is why it's better to ask it in the middle of a conversation rather than going straight up to the person and asking abruptly about it. Make sure he's not interested in someone else. Although single people may find themselves attracted to multiple prospects at once, finding out whether someone has a crush already can be a big indicator as to his availability. Find out through friends, or keep an eye out for the way he behaves towards people of the opposite sex. Get a friend's opinion. Everyone is always observing other people's behaviour, whether they mean to or not. If any of your friends know your crush, you should ask them what they think about any potential attraction your crush may have towards you. Even if you are very observant, another person will see things from a different perspective, and may have something to add. A mutual friend is a great help if you're not sure about the person in question. A friend can offer her opinion on whether she thinks the two of you would be a good match or not. Ask his friends if they have heard anything. If someone fancies someone, there's a chance that it will come up in a casual conversation between friends. If you want a more definite answer but aren't ready to ask your crush directly yet, you should ask his friends what he thinks of you. Sometimes, they may tell you word-for-word what he's said about you. Other times, they might simply give a theory. In either case, it may give you a better idea if a particular someone fancies you or not. Be warned that some friends may tell your crush that you asked in the first place. If you're trying to keep your curiosity a secret for the time being, this may be a risk. Generally speaking, girls tend to talk more about their attractions and love lives than guys. However, the same advice can apply to both genders. Find out what his friends think of you. Groups of friends tend to have a herd mentality in some cases. In other words, what your crush's friends think of you will influence what he thinks of you. If his circle of friends is really into you, it's easier to imagine him liking you as well. On the other hand, a circle of friends that doesn't seem to care about you might suggest he feels the same way they do. It is not recommended to ask anyone directly what they think of you. Many people would rather lie and be polite than risk an uncomfortable interaction. Instead, you should try to ascertain how they feel by observing their reactions to you. Are they making any effort to include you in the conversation? Are they actively listening to the things you're saying, or asking you sincere questions about yourself? It can be difficult to know what someone is really thinking if you have just met them, but you can usually get a general idea by looking at the behaviour of a few friends. Pay attention to the way he treats you around his friends. Even if there are often friendships between genders, someone will undoubtedly treat their crush differently around his friends than he would with a regular friend. If he seems really interested to introduce you to friends, it's may be a sign that he's testing the limits for a potential relationship. If he seems to ignore you around his friends, it is not a good sign. Although some people will feel nervous about showing affection around their platonic friends, there should always be a basic level of respect at work. If he's trying to include you in the conversation or activity and has no problem showing affection in front of his friends, it may be a sign that he has a potential interest in you for a relationship. | Keep an eye out for eye contact. See if your crush smiles at you. Notice any affectionate touching. Watch if he tries to make himself look good around you. Ask yourself if he goes out of his way to be near you. Open up the possibility to talk about personal subjects. Flirt. Tell jokes and gauge how he reacts. Time how quickly he replies to your messages. Ask your crush directly. Make sure he's not interested in someone else. Get a friend's opinion. Ask his friends if they have heard anything. Find out what his friends think of you. Pay attention to the way he treats you around his friends. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Resign-Gracefully | How to Resign Gracefully | To resign from your job gracefully, try to give your company at least 2 weeks notice so they have time to find a replacement. When you tell your boss, try to be polite and positive. You can say something like, “I'm grateful for the opportunities I've found here,” which will show your appreciation and cushion the blow. Then, tie up any loose ends before you leave to be respectful and considerate of your employer. | Try to leave on a high note. Most people hand in their resignation when they are burnt out and feel like they can't work at their job anymore. This burnt out feeling often inspires a lack of productivity. While this is an understandable feeling, you should do all you can to do the best work you can on your last project. You may end up wanting a recommendation from your boss in the future (or you may even work with them again.) It's best if you are remembered as a hard worker who gave it their all for the duration of their employment. Be aware of any types of benefits you may be eligible for. If you are about to be laid off, you may have a severance package, or the option to collect unemployment benefits. These can be very handy if you have not secured a new job. Resigning from a position may disqualify you from receiving anything. It may be better in some cases to receive these benefits while looking for your next position. Make sure you learn the basic rules pertaining to retirement accounts like a 401k, if applicable, to avoid paying a tax bill. Plan to give notice. If you want to leave under the best possible terms, don't leave your employer high and dry, scrambling to cover your position. Give at least 2 weeks notice (or the minimum notice specified in your employment contract, if applicable) so that your boss can prepare to have others cover for you, or have time to groom a replacement. Even if your contract doesn't specify a notice timeline, you want to shoot for 2-3 weeks as a courtesy to your employer. Fewer than 2 weeks and your employer probably doesn't have an adequate replacement; more than 3 weeks and your employer will be wondering why you're still around. Keep it to yourself. Once you've made the decision, don't go blabbing it all over company hill until word gets to your immediate supervisor. Think ahead, like a general, and know that knowledge is power. Give your boss or supervisor time to absorb and process the information. If the company makes an attractive counter-offer, it will be awkward if you have already announced your plans to coworkers. Find out how your departure should be communicated to the rest of the staff once you have spoken with your boss. You boss may send out a company-wide email, or they may ask you to send out your own personal notice. Do not mention your departure to anyone before you have discussed these details with your boss. Tie up any loose ends you may have. This is both a respectful and considerate thing to do and your boss and your coworkers are sure to appreciate it. Finish up projects that you have and prepare guidelines for the person who will fill your position. Consider creating a file that explains where you left off on any long-running projects, and other essentials your replacement might need to know about things you worked on. Make sure all of your files are in order, labeled, and easily located—you don't want to have frantic coworkers calling you after you have left the company because they can't find one of your files. This is especially important if you are working on a team. Once you have given your 2 weeks notice, discuss with your team which individuals will take on which duties until a replacement is found for you. Know what not to write in a resignation letter. You don't need to include personal information, such as your reason for leaving if it is something like a divorce or career change. Never write anything rude, derogatory, or simply mean. You may need to be in contact with your boss later (you may even end up working with them again) so it is better to be respectful in your letter. Otherwise, your terse, ugly and childish words may come back to haunt you. Example of what not to write: “Mr. Anderson: I quit. I hated working here. You are stupid. You also owe me $3,000 in vacation and sick days. -Bob.” Write a well-written resignation letter. There are quite a few details that can separate good letters from great letters. In your letter, follow the guidelines listed below. A standard letter of resignation would read something like this: "Dear Mr. Spacely: It has been my honor to work for Spacely Sprockets, Inc. This letter is to notify you that I will be leaving to accept a new position with another company as of [a date which is AT LEAST 2 weeks from the date of your conversation and letter]. Please accept my thanks for our association, and best regards to you and the entire company for the future. Sincerely, George Jetson." Be friendly and respectful. If you were on a first name basis with your boss, address the letter as such. There is no need to sound stiff if you and your boss called each other by your given names. Plus, using their first name adds a friendly touch to the letter that may lessen a bit of the sting. Show how much you appreciated working there. Even if you hated every second of your job, try to find something complimentary to say. Something along the lines of “I feel like I have learned a great deal about the art gallery world” is complimentary (even if you really mean, I have learned a lot about the art gallery world and I am never, ever going to be a part of it again.) Reflect upon your achievements. Do not boast, but do mention a few of the projects you worked on, and how proud of them you are. This is important to do because your letter of resignation will be filed away, along with any negative remarks the higher-ups may add to your file. Putting your achievements down will help you if you ever apply to a job that runs through the same HR department, as your file will be accessed and your accomplishments will be one of the first things noted. End on a warm note. Mention how you are grateful that you had the opportunity to work at this company, and that you genuinely appreciate the people who work there (including your boss). You may want to add any names of people who you appreciate in particular. For instance, you could add, “I would never have been able to pursue my dream of becoming a prolific author without the insight I gained into the publishing industry by working at this wonderful company. Thank you for all your guidance. With kind regards, Madeline Miller.” Have a copy of your letter of resignation in hand when you got to speak to your boss. You should not email your letter, as that is considered very unprofessional. Print it out and hand it to your boss when you meet with them to discuss your resignation. Ask your boss for a meeting to discuss an important matter. Poking your head in and asking for a moment of their time will do—just be respectful of the fact that your supervisor has a job to do, and may not be able to drop everything at the precise moment you are prepared to spring this news on them. Another option is to ask your boss if they will have time for a meeting the next day. Doing this gives them a chance to clear a bit of designated time to focus on your news. If there is too much going on, you will only add to their hassles, so if it's at all possible, wait for a time when your boss will have a few moments to focus on your news. Be prepared, direct, and polite. Rehearsing privately will help you be ready when your supervisor has you in to talk. Most managers are extremely busy and they will appreciate your direct approach, forgoing the temptation to "cushion the blow," "find the right way to say this," or otherwise beat around the bush. You might say something like: "I've been considering my options here for some time, and I've decided it's time for me to move on. I am grateful for the opportunities I've found here, but I must give my two weeks' notice." OR... "I need to let you know that I have been offered a new position at another company. I have really enjoyed working here, but I need to give you my two weeks' notice as of today. My last day of work will be [whatever two weeks from then is]. Is this reasonable?" Be prepared to discuss your reasons for leaving. Chances are you've been working with this boss for some time, and whatever your reasons are for leaving, they may have some questions. Prepare a response that is concise and understandable. If you are quitting because you hate your job, try to frame your answers in an inoffensive way. Instead of “I hate working here” you might say “I think its time that I head in a different direction with my career.” Consider the possibility of a counter offer. Your boss may value you much more than you realized, and make a counteroffer. Being polite and dignified about your resignation could make this possible. You will need to consider in advance whether you would stay for a pay raise , increased benefits, a promotion , or other incentives. Your meeting with your boss would be a prime negotiating opportunity, so be prepared for it, and know your own bottom line. If staying is an option, what would make you open to it? However, keep in mind that counter offers can have some serious downsides. If you are given a counteroffer, be sure to request for any counteroffer to be put in writing and signed. Those signatures would preferably be your boss, supervisor, and human resources. When considering a counteroffer, honestly evaluate why you want to leave—and protect yourself. While a raise might be nice, it might not solve other issues that require either a promotion (if your job advancement has stalled) or a transfer to another group (if you have personality conflicts with your boss). Emphasize the positive. Be honest, but polite. If the boss asks you if they had anything to do with your decision, and they were a factor, it's best to rely on tact and diplomacy to make an honest answer palatable. In other words, you won't help yourself by saying, "Yes, you're a lousy supervisor and I (or any one) would have been way better off without you," (even if that's true). You can be truthful without being cruel. Try saying something like, "I've gotten an opportunity that will be a better fit for me," in order to keep the terms about you rather than the environment or colleagues you're leaving. Think about the future. Remember, the object of resigning gracefully is to always put yourself in a good position with the people you forged a relationship with while at work. If you blow off everyone at your soon-to-be former workplace, they probably won't write you a very nice letter of recommendation, or perhaps not tell you about that sales job that they heard about through a friend. Being tactful, courteous, and smart about your departure will ensure that you've given yourself the best possible shot at success in the future. Be aware that some bosses don't take kindly to you being "the decider." Be sure you can truly afford to walk away from your job that day, because sometimes the supervisor takes it very personally that you are leaving, tell you there's no need to give notice, and instruct you to leave immediately. You will be the best judge of this, so do your best to assess if your boss is one of these people—but be aware, sometimes, you just can't predict what anyone will do. Re-read your employment contract; you must be aware of all the company's and your own termination options. If there is no formal employment contract, familiarize yourself with the default provisions of your state/provincial law. Shake hands, smile, and thank your boss. Whether your departure is to relocate, to take a better job , or just to get away from a colleague you dislike, show some class when you're walking out the door. Shake hands, thank your soon-to-be-former supervisor (yay!) for "everything," and leave. Give notice to everyone else affected by your departure. After informing your supervisor, ask them if they will announce your departure. If not, be sure to personally tell other managers or key employees with whom you have worked that you have resigned. Say it in a way that "thanks" the person for helping you develop your career. For example, "I don't know if you've heard, but I am resigning to take a position at another company. Before I leave I wanted to be sure to let you know how much I've enjoyed working with you." These people may leave for other jobs in the future and you want them to have positive memories of you. Who knows when they can impact your next career move. | Try to leave on a high note. Plan to give notice. Keep it to yourself. Tie up any loose ends you may have. Know what not to write in a resignation letter. Write a well-written resignation letter. Be friendly and respectful. Show how much you appreciated working there. Reflect upon your achievements. End on a warm note. Have a copy of your letter of resignation in hand when you got to speak to your boss. Ask your boss for a meeting to discuss an important matter. Be prepared, direct, and polite. Be prepared to discuss your reasons for leaving. Consider the possibility of a counter offer. Emphasize the positive. Think about the future. Shake hands, smile, and thank your boss. Give notice to everyone else affected by your departure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Feed-Guppies | How to Feed Guppies | You should feed guppies flake food that is made for tropical fish. If your fish are adults, feed them a pinch of food 1 or 2 times a day to ensure they don't overeat. Only give them as much food as they can finish in 1 minute. In addition, you should replace one meal a week with a treat like a baby brine shrimp or a bloodworm. You can even feed them shredded lettuce or finely chopped cucumber if their flakes are low in vegetable content and contain over 40% protein. | Purchase flake food made for tropical fish. You can purchase flake food at a pet store or fish shop to use as a basic, daily food supply. While guppies will eat any type of flake food, high quality brands that contain both protein and vegetable matter are best. Flake food intended for tropical fish often include natural color enhancers that will make your guppies appear brighter and more colorful. Do not purchase fish food in pellet form, as this will be difficult or impossible for guppies to eat with their small mouths. If you purchase more flake food than you will use in a month, freeze the excess to preserve nutrients. Thaw another month's supply a couple days before you need a refill. Feed the guppies a pinch of flake food once or twice a day, preferably in the morning and at night, leaving a twelve hour difference between the two. Drop a tiny pinch of flakes into the water and watch the guppies eat. They should be finished with the meal in about 30–60 seconds, and certainly no longer than a few minutes. You may decide to feed them once or twice a day, as long as you do so in appropriate amounts. It is easy to feed guppies too much food, and difficult to feed them too little. Guppies will continue to eat or search for food even when they do not need it. Do not feed your fish an additional meal because the fish appear hungry. In fact, guppies that actively seek food will prevent food debris from building up and dirtying your water. Replace the occasional flake food meal with more nutritious treats. While guppies will survive on flake food alone, live or frozen plants and animals contain extra nutrients that are ideal for supplementing a flake food diet. Replace one flake food meal every 2–7 days with no more treats than the guppies will finish within 60 seconds. Any of the following are appropriate treats, and most can be found at fish shops: Baby brine shrimp contain mostly protein, and are ideal supplements if your flake food is high in vegetable content and low in protein (40% or less). They are available in live, frozen, or flake form. Blood worms or mosquito larvae are good treats that you can catch yourself by running a net through standing water. Acquire small quantities of larvae at a time to prevent them hatching into mosquitoes. Earthworms are also appropriate, but must be shredded and rinsed before feeding to the guppies. Feed your guppies shucked peas, shredded lettuce, or finely chopped cucumber, especially if their flake food is high in protein but low in vegetable content. Avoid tubifex worms and live daphnia. Many other types of fish food exist, and fish store employees or other guppy owners may recommend other types of treat. However, you should try to avoid tubifex worms and daphnia, even if recommended to you. While guppies will eat them enthusiastically, tubifex worms sometimes contain lethal bacteria. Live daphnia will only cause harm in large quantities by removing oxygen from the tank, but they are typically more expensive and difficult to raise than other live foods. Watch for signs of overfeeding. Because guppies have such small stomachs but still eat large quantities of food if available, overfeeding is common. If you notice any of the following signs, reduce the number of meals you feed them or the frequency of their treats. Some guppy owners only feed their fish 6 days a week, letting them go hungry on the seventh for their health. Tubes of waste dangling behind the fish are a sign of a blocked intestine from overeating. Adult male guppies develop a "potbelly" or bulging chest if they have too much fat in their diet. Reduce the amount of food and replace fatty treats such as blood worms or beef heart with crumbs of fat-free ham. If your tank water gets cloudy and dirty frequently, excess food or waste may be the cause. As a general rule, you should change 20–30% of the water in your tank about once every 1–2 weeks, or more frequently for crowded tanks. Consider feeding methods for vacations longer than one week. Healthy, adult guppies can last a week without food before experiencing any lasting effects, so if you are only going to be gone a few days, consider simply not feeding them. For a longer trip, one of the following methods is recommended: Use an automatic feed dispenser to dispense food at regular intervals. Make sure you supply enough food for the whole time you'll be away, and set the dispenser to release food once or twice a day. Test a feeder block or gel feeder before leaving. These blocks of dry or gel-covered food are left in the tank and eaten slowly. However, the dry blocks may cause dangerous chemical changes, while the gel variety sometimes go ignored. Test either variety for a few days before leaving so you can be sure there are no problems. Have a friend or neighbor feed them their usual flake food once every two or three days. Because inexperienced feeders often give too much food, it's best to place each pinch of food in a pillbox or other container with the day of the week carefully marked on it. Make it clear to the caretaker that overfeeding could kill your guppies. Prepare a separate breeding tank. Young guppies, also known as "fry", require special feeding separate from the adults, and should be separated for their safety as well. Prepare a 5 gallon (20 L) tank with care, making sure it has everything necessary for the guppies' survival. As with any aquarium, running a fishless cycle is an excellent way to prepare the tank before you introduce any fish. Divide your breeding tank into two sections using a breeding net. Purchase a breeding net or mesh from a fish store that divides the tank into two sections. The newly hatched guppies will be able to swim through the holes of the net and escape the mother fish, which may try to eat them. If you don't want to purchase a net or are not sure if the net you have has the right sized holes, you may protect the fry by planting several aquarium plants for them to hide in. Move pregnant females to the breeding tank until they give birth. Females have a dark spot on their abdomen, also called a gravid spot, which becomes much darker once her internal eggs have been fertilized. The eggs will grow inside her for 21–30 days, and her abdomen will become larger and darker as this happens. Transfer the female back to the main tank as soon as you notice she has given birth, so she does not compete with the fry for food or attempt to eat her young. If you are breeding guppies to sell or to produce specific traits, move the male and female you wish to breed into the tank before the female is pregnant. Return the male to the main tank once you notice the darker gravid spot. Note that female guppies can store sperm for months, so a fish you purchased as an adult may be fertilizing her eggs with a male not present in your tank for the first several litters. Prepare special food for your fry. Guppy fry have tiny mouths and high protein requirements, so they must be fed separately from the adults. Have their special food ready to go before the fry are born, and include both protein sources and vegetable matter. High quality protein can be supplied in the form of baby brine shrimp (not adult), microworms, finely chopped beef heart, and/or a mash of egg yolk and water. Vegetable matter can be used in smaller quantities, and can take the form of infusoria (microscopic organisms that color pond water green), fresh and finely chopped dark green lettuce, or small pieces of boiled spinach. Do not to feed them adult brine shrimp until they have grown into juveniles; if the shrimp remains untouched it is too big for the fry to eat. Feed the fry several times a day. Growing fry have greater energy needs than adult guppies as well as smaller stomachs, so feed them tiny amounts of food about 6 times daily. If the water grows dirty or cloudy despite frequent water changes, reduce the amount of food and make sure it is small enough for them to eat. Change small amounts of water frequently. Once your fry have been born, you may wish to change 10% or less of the water every couple days, instead of doing a larger and more stressful water change every week or two. Young fish are especially vulnerable to water changes, and the high frequency of feeding can cause waste to build up in the tank quickly. Reduce the frequency of their feedings gradually. After about 2 months, the fry should be considerably larger and will only need to be fed 3–4 times a day. After about 4–5 months, they can be switched to an adult diet and fed 1–2 times a day. You may choose to alter the diet slowly to increase the odds of the fry accepting flakes, gradually replacing other parts of the diet with flake food. Different varieties and individuals will grow at different rates, however, and you should not move the fry into a tank with adult fish until they are close to the same size. You may be able to switch to larger food such as adult brine shrimp earlier if your guppies are growing at a good rate. Keep feeding the juveniles high quality food, however, and watch them to make sure they eat the new food. | Purchase flake food made for tropical fish. Feed the guppies a pinch of flake food once or twice a day, preferably in the morning and at night, leaving a twelve hour difference between the two. Replace the occasional flake food meal with more nutritious treats. Avoid tubifex worms and live daphnia. Watch for signs of overfeeding. Consider feeding methods for vacations longer than one week. Prepare a separate breeding tank. Divide your breeding tank into two sections using a breeding net. Move pregnant females to the breeding tank until they give birth. Prepare special food for your fry. Feed the fry several times a day. Change small amounts of water frequently. Reduce the frequency of their feedings gradually. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Live-in-Japan | How to Live in Japan | To live in Japan, you'll need to acquire a Certificate of Eligibility by showing that you plan to work in Japan, enroll as a student, or live there as the spouse or dependent of a permanent resident. You'll also need to provide evidence that you can financially support yourself. Once you receive a Certificate of Eligibility, you can apply for a visa at your local Japanese consulate. Then, you'll be able to live in Japan for an extended period of time, ranging from 6 months to 5 years. | Obtain a passport. You will need a passport to enter Japan. The passport must be recent enough that it will be valid for the entire period of time that you intend to stay in Japan. If you don't have a passport already, you will need to apply for one well in advance of when you plan to go to Japan. In the US, a routine passport application may take more than 4-6 weeks to process. If you need a passport more quickly, you can apply for expedited service for an additional fee. Acquire a Certificate of Eligibility. In order to qualify for an extended stay (6 months to 5 years) or residency in Japan, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility. To get a Certificate of Eligibility, you will need to specify what types of activities you plan to carry out while in Japan (e.g., working, studying, or living in Japan as the spouse or dependent of a permanent resident), and provide evidence that you will have financial support while you live in Japan. It may take 1-3 months to complete the application process. You can submit the application yourself, or the application may be completed by a staff member at an organization sponsoring you in Japan (e.g., a company that has hired you). You will need to submit a copy of your application form, along with a 4 centimeter (1.6 in) by 3 cm (1.6 in by 1.2 in) photo of yourself, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and any required supporting documents. Send these materials to the regional immigration office where you plan to reside. Visit the Immigration Bureau of Japan's website on applying for a Certificate of Eligibility to get application forms and view a list of supporting documents (these vary depending on what you plan to do in Japan): http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/01.html Apply for a visa to live or work in Japan. Once you have a Certificate of Eligibility, you can apply for a visa. The procedure will vary depending on what you are planning to do during your stay in Japan. You can apply for a visa at your local Japanese consulate. You will need: A completed visa application form, available here: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/j/download/VISA_APPLI.pdf A passport-sized photo. A copy of your Certificate of Eligibility, along with any other required documents for the specific type of work, study, or other activities you plan to do in Japan. Get a resident card. Once you are in Japan, you will need to obtain a resident card. If you arrive at Narita, Haneda, Chubu, or Kansai Airport, you can get your resident card at the same time that you get your passport stamped. Otherwise, the Regional Immigration Office in the area where you plan to live will mail the resident card to you at your place of residence in Japan within a few days of your arrival. Once you have your resident card, carry it with you at all times. The Japanese Police are legally authorized to ask to see your card at any time. If you make any changes to your place of residence, you will need to inform your municipal office so that your card information can be updated. You can apply to have your card replaced or your residency period extended at your Regional Immigration Office. Find a place to live. If you are working or studying in Japan, your employer or school may help set you up with a place to stay. However, you may be able to save money or find a place you like better by finding an apartment on your own. If you want to find your own lodgings, check out listings on foreigner-friendly housing sites like apartments.gaijinpot.com or realestate.co.jp. Unless you are very proficient in Japanese, it is easiest to find a find a place with the help of a real estate agent. Most agents charge a fee that is equivalent to 1 month's rent in the property that you choose. Most landlords in Japan will not rent to you unless you have a guarantor who is willing to vouch for your ability to pay rent. Ask your employer, a friend, or a relative in Japan to be your guarantor. Be prepared to pay substantial upfront charges when you move in, including a security deposit and a “key money” ( reikin ) fee that may be equivalent to up to 3 months' rent. While you're looking for a permanent home, you can save money by staying in a share house. Research the requirements for the job you want. There are careers available in numerous industries for people who want to immigrate to Japan. The work and visa requirements may vary depending on the kind of job you are looking for. For example, while some types of work may require a 4 year university degree, others may only require that you have a certain amount of experience in your field. For example, to get a work visa as an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, you need either 3 years of experience in your field or a university degree. Even if your work visa does not require a degree, you may need a degree for the specific job you are interested in. Find out if the jobs you are interested in require other qualifications. For example, if you want to teach English, you may need a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). Make use of Japanese job boards to find postings. There are several job boards that specialize in jobs for foreigners looking for work in Japan. Explore websites like Daijob.com or GaijinPot.com to find jobs in your field. Create an appropriate resume. Many jobs in Japan require that you submit your resume in a very specific format. The company may provide its own resume form, or you can download a standard template from the web. Do an internet search for “rirekisho template” to find standard resume forms. The resume typically includes sections on your academic history, employment history, other qualifications (e.g., licenses or language certifications), general information (this is where you would describe your personal interest in the job), and requests (e.g., salary requirements or desired work hours). If you are not proficient in Japanese, ask someone who knows Japanese to help you fill out the application form. Get a headshot for your resume. Japanese resumes include a passport-sized photo in the top righthand corner. Most metropolitan areas in Japan have numerous photo booths specifically made for taking resume photos. Make sure that you appear professional in your photo. Wear formal business attire and a neat, conservative hairstyle. Don't let your hair cover any part of your face. Shave any facial hair before getting your photo taken. Face the camera directly, and use a friendly but restrained facial expression (i.e., alert and smiling slightly, rather than grinning or frowning). Take a Japanese Language Proficiency Test to be more marketable. If you want to live and work in Japan, having a good grasp of the Japanese language is a big advantage. Some jobs may require you to prove your proficiency by providing a Japanese Language Proficiency Test certificate. Having a JLPT certificate can also help you earn points toward becoming a permanent resident. You can take the JLPT either in Japan or overseas. To find a testing location near you outside of Japan, visit the JLPT Overseas Index here: http://www.jlpt.jp/e/application/overseas_index.html To take the test in Japan, fill out an application on the JEES website: http://info.jees-jlpt.jp/?lang=english Testing dates and application deadlines vary depending on your region and the host institution for the exam. Carefully read all application requirements for your area. Get familiar with local laws. While you are living and working in Japan, you will need to behave appropriately and follow the law. Penalties for even minor offenses can be fairly severe. If you have any questions about what is legal or illegal in Japan, visit your country's consulate or embassy for information. Be especially cautious when bringing drugs or medications into Japan. Recreational drugs are illegal in Japan, and many prescription or over-the-counter medications that are legal in other countries are prohibited in Japan. Check Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare site to find out which drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices you can bring with you: http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html Assess your transportation needs. Depending on where you live, you may be able to use public transit. If you live in a more remote area or have to commute a long distance to work, you will probably need to use a car. If this is the case, you must get an International Driving Permit (IDP). To legally drive in Japan, you will need both an IDP and a valid driver's license issued in your home country. The IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Procedures for getting an IDP vary by country. In the US, you can apply for an IDP through your local AAA office or the National Automobile Club. In the UK, you can apply for an IDP at selected Post Office branches. Budget for the cost of living in your area. The cost of living in Japan can be high, but it varies depending on where you live. For example, the cost of living in Tokyo is about 10% higher than the national average. Do an online search for the average cost of living in the part of Japan where you plan to live, taking into account your expected salary and family size. Be prepared for limited living space. Apartments in Japan might be pretty different from what you are used to. They are typically smaller than apartments in America, for example. A family of 3-4 in Japan might live in an apartment that is about 63 square meters (678 sq. ft.) Additionally, apartments in Japan are typically unfurnished. You will probably have to buy your major appliances (such as the refrigerator and washing machine), and you may even have to buy ceiling lights and curtains. Locate the nearest clinic for medical services. Look in your phone book or do an internet search for clinics in your municipality. If you need more specialized or urgent care, you can visit a hospital. Some clinics and hospitals may offer foreign language services. If you aren't proficient in Japanese, bring someone with you to the clinic or hospital who can interpret for you. Japan's public health insurance system will cover about 70% of most medical services. However, some conditions and services are not covered. Ask your employer in Japan about how to enroll for Employees Health Insurance. Read up on Japanese customs and etiquette. The rules of polite social interaction in Japan are complex, and may be very different from what you are used to. Before moving to Japan, get an up-to-date guidebook, chat with someone who knows Japanese culture well, and read blogs about life in Japan. Minimize misunderstandings and culture shock by familiarizing yourself with Japanese etiquette. Just a few things to keep in mind include: Tipping for service is not usually done, and may be considered impolite. If you are invited into someone's home, you should always bring a gift for your host. The exchanging of business cards is an integral part of any introduction in a professional setting, and it is impolite to put away the other person's business card until you are done conversing. Take Japanese language lessons. Knowing the Japanese language (or at least the basics) will make it much easier for you to live and work in Japan. Before moving to Japan, consider signing up for a course, taking private lessons, or using language learning software like Rosetta Stone or Duolingo. Explore and try new things. The best way to get familiar with Japanese culture is to experience it. Ask a friend, a coworker, or a classmate for advice on interesting things to see and do, or see if they are willing to show you around. Take time to explore the area where you live, and get to know your new neighbors. If you know any other expats from your own country who have more experience with life in Japan, reach out to them. They may be able to help you connect with your new home and feel more comfortable. | Obtain a passport. Acquire a Certificate of Eligibility. Apply for a visa to live or work in Japan. Get a resident card. Find a place to live. Research the requirements for the job you want. Make use of Japanese job boards to find postings. Create an appropriate resume. Get a headshot for your resume. Take a Japanese Language Proficiency Test to be more marketable. Get familiar with local laws. Assess your transportation needs. Budget for the cost of living in your area. Be prepared for limited living space. Locate the nearest clinic for medical services. Read up on Japanese customs and etiquette. Take Japanese language lessons. Explore and try new things. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Clean-the-Oven | How to Clean the Oven | To clean your oven, first take out the oven racks and any other removable components like baking trays or pizza stones. Then, mix 1/2 cup (90 grams) of baking soda and 3 tablespoons (44 milliliters) of water in a bowl until it forms a thick spreadable paste. Use a clean paintbrush or sponge to coat the inside of the oven with the paste, paying special attention to particularly caked or grimy areas. Leave the paste on for at least 12 hours. In the meantime, clean the oven racks with hot soap and water and wipe down the exterior of the oven door with a damp dishcloth. After 12 hours, scrape off the dried paste and spray the interior of the oven with a mixture of vinegar and water. Finally, wipe out the oven with a damp dishcloth and put back the oven racks. If you are in a hurry, you can try using a commercial oven cleaner which may be able to help you clean the oven in less time. | Remove everything from the oven, including the racks. Take anything that is removable out of your oven. Oven racks, pizza stones, foil, temperature gauges, and anything else that can be removed should be before you start the cleaning process. Set all these things to the side so you can clean them later. Create a paste out of baking soda and water. Use 1/2 cup (90 grams) of baking soda and about 3 US tbsp (44 mL) of water. Mix them together in a small bowl until they combine to create a spreadable paste. If you need to, add more water or more baking soda until you get the right consistency. The mixture shouldn't be runny but it also shouldn't be clumpy. Spread the baking-soda paste over the entire interior of the oven. Don't cover any of the heating elements, though! Use a clean paint brush to coat the oven with the baking soda, paying special attention to particularly caked or grimy areas. If the interior glass of the oven door is dirty, go ahead and spread the baking-soda paste over it, too. Make more paste if you run out. Leave the paste to saturate the grime for at least 12 hours. After the baking-soda paste has been spread over the oven, let it sit overnight or for a minimum of 12 hours. Go ahead and close the oven door so that no one trips over it in the kitchen. The baking soda will turn brown, which is completely normal. Basically, it is absorbing and breaking down all that grime that was previously stuck to your oven. while the baking-soda paste is doing its job. Clean the oven racks If they'll fit, clean the oven racks in the sink. If not, clean them in your tub. Simply fill the sink or tub with warm water and add in about ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of dish soap while the water is filling up. Let them soak for 1 to 2 hours, then rinse them off and scrub them clean with a sponge or scouring pad. If your broiler pan is also dirty, this is a great time to remove the pan and give it a thorough cleaning, too. Use the same method as with the oven racks, and wipe down the interior of the broiler drawer with a damp dish cloth. If the drawer is particularly dirty, use the baking-soda paste on it, as well. Use a damp dish cloth and spatula to clear off the dried paste. After the 12 hours have passed, take a clean dish cloth and get it wet, wringing it out so it's not dripping. Wipe away as much of the baking soda as you can, and use a plastic or silicone spatula to scrape away harder bits that are still stuck. Don't use a metal spatula, as this can scrape the finish on your oven. Spray the interior of the oven with white vinegar and water. Use ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of white vinegar to 2 cups (470 mL) of water. Use a clean spray bottle for the liquids, and then spritz the entirety of the oven. The remaining baking soda will react with the vinegar and start to foam. This part helps clean your oven more thoroughly, and it also ensures that all the baking soda will be cleaned away. Wipe out the remaining residue and vinegar with a damp dish cloth. Take a new dish cloth and dampen it, wringing it out again so that it's not sopping wet. Wipe away the white vinegar spray and remaining baking soda. You may have to use a little elbow grease, but you should quickly start to see a shining interior coming through. If you need to, spray more vinegar on spots that aren't coming clean. They may require a little more attention. If you cleaned the broiler drawer, don't forget to spray it down and wipe it out, too. Put the oven racks back inside, and enjoy your shiny, clean oven! Replace everything you had removed that you want back in your oven. If you use your oven frequently, schedule another cleaning for a month out. If you use it infrequently, cleaning it every 3 months should suffice. Take precautions to clean up spills as they happen to make your next cleaning session a little easier. Take everything removable out of your oven. Oven racks, temperature gauges, pizza stones, foil, and anything else stored in your oven needs to be removed before you start cleaning. Set the oven racks to the side so you can clean them later. If your pizza stone or other cooking apparatuses have grime caked onto them, use this opportunity to get them clean, too. Spread old newspapers out on the floor around the oven. If you don't have old newspapers, use paper towels. Lay them out around the bottom of the oven to catch any cleaner or grime that drips through once you start cleaning. This makes the cleaning process simpler as you won't have to worry about mopping your floor right away. Instead, you can just throw out the soiled newspapers. Spritz the interior of the oven with store-bought cleaner. Before you start spraying, put on your rubber gloves and protective glasses, and you may want to crack open a few windows, too. Always read the instructions before using a new product. Fully saturate the interior of the oven with the cleaner, paying special attention to particularly dirty areas. Store-bought cleaners are super effective and work quickly, but they often have a lot of chemicals in them. This is why it's so important to wear rubber gloves and safety glasses. Set a timer and let the cleaner saturate the grime. Most store-bought cleaners only take 25 to 35 minutes to do their work. Check the instructions and set a timer for the amount of time indicated. If you have small children or pets, keep them out of the kitchen while the oven is being cleaned. This will keep them from being exposed to the fumes. Clean the oven racks in a large, plastic garbage bag. While the timer is going for the oven, take the racks outside or to a well-ventilated area. Spray them down with cleaner, set them inside a large plastic garbage bag, and tie off the tops. Let them soak in the bag for the amount of time indicated in the instructions. If you don't do this outside, lay down more newspaper or paper towels to catch excess cleaner as you spray the racks. Wipe down the interior of the oven with damp dish towels. Once the timer has gone off, use clean damp towels to wipe out the cleaner and grime from the interior of the oven. Depending on how dirty the oven is, you may need to use more than one dish towel. Take care to get every corner and crevice of the oven to ensure all the cleaner has been wiped away. If there are hard-stuck spots, scrub them with a scouring pad. Rinse off the oven racks with soapy water and put them back in place. Once the timer is done for the oven racks, open up the garbage bags and rinse off the racks in your sink or bathtub. Use warm, soapy water and a damp towel to wipe away any grease or grime that remains. Remember to wear your rubber gloves and safety glasses during the entire cleaning process. Enjoy your clean oven, and set a reminder for the next cleaning! If you use your oven multiple times a week, set a reminder to do monthly cleanings. If you only use your oven a few times a month, you can clean it every 3 to 6 months, or whenever you notice it has gotten dirty. Store the bottle of cleaner somewhere safe where it can't accidentally be accessed by children or pets. into a baking dish and fill it 1/3 full with water. Juice 2 lemons Cut each lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a baking dish. You could also use a citrus-press if you're having a hard time getting all the juice out. Fill the baking dish with water 1/3 of the way. Include the lemon skins in the baking dish after they've been juiced. This method is nice because you don't need to remove the oven racks. The lemon juice and water will soften any grime on them, and you can clean them at the same time you clean the rest of the oven's interior. Bake the lemon-juice dish for 30 minutes at 250 °F (121 °C). Preheat your oven. Once it's ready, place the baking dish on one of the oven racks, and set a timer for 30 minutes. Your oven may smoke during the baking time, which is totally normal. Just turn on your oven fan and open a window if you need to. Let the oven cool down, then scrape and wipe away the loosened grime. Once the 30 minutes have passed, turn off your oven and let the interior cool down for about an hour, or until cool enough to be touched. Use a scouring pad to scrub away the loosened grime. For tougher sections, use a rubber or silicone spatula. Don't throw away the lemon water! You can use it while you're cleaning to saturate dirty areas and clean away grease. Simply dip your scouring pad into the lemon water, and continue scrubbing. Dry the oven off with a towel, then replace the oven racks. Once you've cleaned away all the grime, take a clean towel and wipe down the interior of the oven. If you come across any areas that are still dirty, take a minute to scrub them again with your scouring pad. Citrus helps cut through grease, so at the end you should be left with a shiny, clean oven. | Remove everything from the oven, including the racks. Create a paste out of baking soda and water. Spread the baking-soda paste over the entire interior of the oven. Leave the paste to saturate the grime for at least 12 hours. while the baking-soda paste is doing its job. Use a damp dish cloth and spatula to clear off the dried paste. Spray the interior of the oven with white vinegar and water. Wipe out the remaining residue and vinegar with a damp dish cloth. Put the oven racks back inside, and enjoy your shiny, clean oven! Take everything removable out of your oven. Spread old newspapers out on the floor around the oven. Spritz the interior of the oven with store-bought cleaner. Set a timer and let the cleaner saturate the grime. Clean the oven racks in a large, plastic garbage bag. Wipe down the interior of the oven with damp dish towels. Rinse off the oven racks with soapy water and put them back in place. Enjoy your clean oven, and set a reminder for the next cleaning! into a baking dish and fill it 1/3 full with water. Bake the lemon-juice dish for 30 minutes at 250 °F (121 °C). Let the oven cool down, then scrape and wipe away the loosened grime. Dry the oven off with a towel, then replace the oven racks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Skunks | How to Get Rid of Skunks | To get rid of skunks, fill a spring-loaded skunk trap with bait like peanut butter and set it near the skunk's den. Once you catch it, wear heavy clothes and gloves and take the skunk to the woods to release it, keeping your face away from the trap's door as much as possible. To deter skunks naturally, rake up natural food sources like nuts, seeds, and berries, lock up your trash cans, and close off hiding places like decks and porches. Place citrus peels around the edges of your yard, or spray with bad-smelling chemicals, like pepper spray or dog urine. | Remove nuts, berries, and other natural food sources. Skunks are scavengers, so they'll eat anything nutritious they can find. If you have trees that produce nuts, berries, crabapples, or other fruits, clean them up by raking your yard as often as necessary. Other vegetation, like piles of grass clippings, should also be discarded, since it may contain seeds or other sources of food for skunks. If you have a garden, harvest ripe fruit and vegetables as soon as you can, to prevent a hungry skunk from feasting on them. Use a tray under your bird feeder to catch most of the seeds, and clean up stray seeds dropped by birds often. Protect your waste. Similarly to raccoons and other stray animals, skunks can survive on garbage alone. It's important to keep your trash cans properly sealed. Sometimes regular garbage cans simply won't do. To defend against scavenging animals, you can buy locking garbage cans at a fairly cheap price at your local home improvement store. If possible, store your trash bins in a shed or in your garage at night, so their smell doesn't attract skunks. Use an enclosed compost bin, since skunks like to eat old fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, and other items that you may be composting. Close off hiding places. Skunks like to make their homes under decks, porches, and in other sheltered areas. Close off spaces that may be appealing to skunks using rocks, fencing, or plywood. Log piles and piles of lumber or building materials can serve as shelters for skunks. Store the materials in a shed or bin to prevent skunks from moving in. Large bushes are also good shelters for skunks. If you see skunks hanging out in bushes or low vegetation, you might want to trim back the branches so it's not quite as appealing. Install lights in your yard. Skunks are nocturnal, and they shy away from bright lights. If you light your yard at night it will be a lot less appealing to skunks. However, you risk attracting insects that like bright light, such as crickets and moths. Since the lights will be shining all night long, consider using solar lighting or energy-saving lighting to avoid paying high electrical bills. You could also install a motion sensor that gets tripped when a skunk or another creature comes close. In this case, the skunk will have to enter your property for the light to work as a deterrent. Use chemicals that repel skunks. There are a few different chemicals known to be offensive to skunks. If you place them around the edges of your yard and in areas where you suspect skunks like to spend time, the skunks will start avoiding those areas. Chemical repellents have to be reapplied every few days, especially after a heavy rain. Fox and dog urine deters skunks since both animals are skunks' natural predators. If you can figure out how to collect dog urine, that's fine to use. You can also buy products containing fox or dog urine at hardware stores. Spray it around the perimeter of your yard. Pepper sprays, also sold to repel squirrels and other wild creatures, are effective skunk repellents. Spray them on trees and other areas where you've seen skunks. Ammonia also deters skunks. Soak old rags in ammonia and place them under your deck or porch to keep skunks from coming in. Citrus peels have natural repellent qualities. Scatter orange or lemon peels around your property and under your deck or porch. Install motion-activated sprinklers. These automatically turn on when an animal wanders too close, and are a safe and natural way to keep skunks away from your property. Place them strategically close to areas where you suspect skunks might want to shelter. Set a trap. Spring-loaded skunk traps lure the skunk inside with bait, then close the door behind them so they can't escape. The skunk is then carried away from your property and set free in the woods or another open, wild area. Bait the skunk trap with peanut butter, canned sardines, cat food, or another strong-smelling food. Set it near the skunk's den or its route of access to your property. Traps designed for raccoons, feral cats, and other wild animals also work well for skunks. When you releasing the skunk in the woods, wear heavy clothes and gloves, and make sure your face is positioned well away from the door where the skunk will exit the trap. Most of the time, skunks leave traps calmly, but you should take precautions just in case you get sprayed. Make a garbage can and ramp trap. Get a 30 gallon (113.6 L) metal garbage can and a long stick of wood. Just before dark, place the garbage can upright where you want to trap the skunk. Have it against something strong, such as a wall, so that the skunk cannot tip it over. Bait it with cat food. Get a long, sturdy piece of wood (it must be thick and heavy enough to hold skunk, maybe a 2 x 4). Use it as a ramp to allow the skunk to get from the ground to inside the garbage can. The skunk will not be able to get out of the garbage can. If handled carefully, it will hopefully not spray. After the skunk is inside, put a lid on the garbage can. Put it in your truck and carry the skunk away to a wooded area. Release by tying (or clamping) a twenty foot or longer cord to the lid handle. This will allow you to take off the lid and letting the skunk make its own way back into nature without danger of getting sprayed. Call Animal Control. If you'd rather leave the skunk handling to an expert, have the animal control center in your region dispatch someone to take care of removal. He or she will have the tools and knowledge to trap and release the skunk. | Remove nuts, berries, and other natural food sources. Protect your waste. Close off hiding places. Install lights in your yard. Use chemicals that repel skunks. Install motion-activated sprinklers. Set a trap. Make a garbage can and ramp trap. Call Animal Control. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Into-a-Middle-School-Morning-Routine | How to Get Into a Middle School Morning Routine | To get into a middle school morning routine, plan your outfit and pack your bag every night so you don't feel rushed in the morning. Then, when you wake up, you can focus on showering, getting dressed, and eating breakfast. If you have a hard time getting out of bed, try placing your alarm clock across the room so you have to get up to turn it off. You can also wash your face with cold water to wake yourself up. Remember that it can be hard to get into a new routine at first, but it will get easier once you're used to it. | Pick out your clothes. They can be stylish, but make sure that they are comfortable and won't get in the way of your education. Avoid choosing clothes that are too tight or too loose. Also avoid clothes with tears and stains. Try to choose clothes that express your personality. Follow your school's dress code. Generally, this means that revealing or suggestive clothing is prohibited. If your school requires a uniform, make sure to wear that. Pack up your school bag the night before. That way, you can grab your bag and go in the morning, and not have to worry about it. If you pack your lunch, try putting your lunch in your lunch bag and then in the refrigerator if necessary. If you prefer to buy lunch, make sure you have your lunch money. Make sure you have all of the essentials (your pens, pencils, erasers, folders, planners, etc.) packed. Avoid unnecessary items, as they can just become unnecessary weight. Get any forms permission slips signed. Chances are the adult you want the slip signed by won't have time to sign it in the morning. Wake up with more time than you need. If you've prepared very well the night before, you probably can wake up a little later. If you do go to bed fairly late, you'll definitely need extra sleep in the morning. Shower the night before. It's a good idea to shower everyday. However, doing it the night before saves time in the morning. On the other hand, many people get hot and sweaty at night and prefer to wash in the morning. Use the bathroom before you get dressed. Brush your teeth, wash your face, put on deodorant, and turn on straighteners and curling irons if you plan to use them. Go back to your room and get dressed. You could also take them into the bathroom with you so that you can change right there, as opposed to going back and forth between the bathroom and your room. Touch up your hair and makeup. If you want to, use those straighteners and curling irons. Now is also the time for you to put on jewelry, style your hair, and if you wear makeup, to put that on as well. Put on your socks and shoes. Make sure to wear a clean pair of socks every day. Make your bed. It can help keep your room looking tidy. If you don't have time to do this, you can do it after school, before bed, or you could just wake up a little earlier. Eat a nutritious breakfast. Having breakfast is a crucial part of the day, so make sure that you have enough time for it! As a last resort, you can just grab a granola or cereal bar. Go to the bus stop. Perhaps you walk to work or get a ride. If you have extra time, go ahead and do homework, tidy your appearance, or watch T.V. Keep an eye on the time! | Pick out your clothes. Pack up your school bag the night before. Get any forms permission slips signed. Wake up with more time than you need. Shower the night before. Use the bathroom before you get dressed. Go back to your room and get dressed. Touch up your hair and makeup. Put on your socks and shoes. Make your bed. Eat a nutritious breakfast. Go to the bus stop. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Your-Partner-Still-Loves-Their-Ex | How to Know if Your Partner Still Loves Their Ex | If you suspect that your partner is still in love with their ex, look for clues in what they say or how they behave. While it's normal to mention an ex now and again, if your partner talks about their ex a lot or compares you to them, then there's a chance they haven't moved on. However, refusing to mention an ex can also be a sign that there are lingering emotions. If your partner talks to or hangs out with their ex and is hesitant to get serious about your relationship, then they're likely stuck in the past. You'll also want to note if your partner keeps tabs on their ex on social media or won't introduce you to people who know their ex, which are red flags that they have unresolved feelings. | Observe if your partner talks about their ex a lot. Although it is normal to bring up one's ex, frequently mentioning them may be a sign of lingering feelings. If your partner seems to be constantly mentioning their ex, it is likely that they are still on their mind. Even if they are badmouthing their ex, too much talk can indicate that they have not moved on. For example, if your partner brings up something about their ex every time you see them, they are likely still hung up on them. Be suspicious if your partner never talks about their ex. Your partner never mentioning their ex is just as much a red flag as them talking about them all the time. If your partner is really over their ex, they should not have any problems talking about the relationship. If they refuse to talk about their ex, there are still some feelings there. If you inquire about their past relationship and your partner responds by saying something like “I don't want to talk about it,” they are still holding on to something. Notice if your partner compares you to their ex. Whether good or bad, if your partner is constantly comparing your to their ex, there likely some feelings there. Any instances where your partner negatively compares you to their ex is an obvious sign that they are thinking about them. However, positive comments can also indicate some lingering feelings. If your partner is constantly talking about how awesome you are in comparison to their ex, they may be trying to convince themselves that they want to be with you. Look for phrases like “You are so much better at that than my ex” or “My ex always hated that.” Be suspicious if they are hesitant to commit. A general unwillingness to get serious about your relationship might signal that your partner is not invested in your relationship. If they avoid hanging out with you at times, appear disinterested in what is going on with you, or refuse to put a label on your relationship, your partner might not be that into you. This could the result of their feelings for their ex. However, it could also be due to bad chemistry or some other issue with your relationship. Notice if your partner is still close with the ex. Although it is possible to eventually develop a friendly relationship, your partner should not be reaching out to their ex regularly. If your partner still talks to or hangs out with their ex, while not committing to your relationship, they are likely not ready to move on. A continued connection may mean that your partner is more invested in their old relationship than the new one. Warning signs can be things like your partner doing favors for their ex or remaining in contact with them. Recognize if your partner still has some of their ex's stuff. Although it is normal to have a few items around from previous relationships, your partner should not have a lot of their ex's things. If they are still hanging on to lots of pictures and other personal belongings, you might want to talk to them about it. Too many things means that they are likely holding on to the past relationships through those objects. Let your partner know that their ex's items bother you and ask them to either donate the items or return them. If they refuse to part with the items, you know that there are still some feelings. Notice if your partner does not introduce you to mutual friends. A reluctance to introduce you to people who know your partner's ex may be a sign of lingering feelings. Your partner should want to share their world with you, including old friends. However, a reluctance to invite you to social gatherings with mutual friends or introduce you to them may be a sign that your partner has not let go of the past yet. Observe if your partner is still close with their ex's family. Although it is normal to be on good terms with your ex's family, your partner should let those ties go after the breakup. If your partner is still talking to or hanging out with their ex's family, they likely still have some lingering feelings. There is a good chance that they are maintaining those relationships in the hopes of getting back with their ex. Recognize if your partner keeps tabs on their ex. If your partner continues to closely monitor their ex's social media presence, they are probably not ready to move on. You might pick up on this if your partner mentions or comments on their ex's social media activity. For example, if your partner appears to get upset that their ex is in a new relationship, which they found out about online, there are likely some feelings there. You should always respect your partner's privacy and not access their social media or email accounts without their permission. Manage jealous feelings. It is normal to have some jealous feelings towards your partner's ex. This is particularly true early on in a relationship. If you want your relationship to succeed, it is important that you trust yourself and your partner. When you notice any jealous feelings towards your partner's ex, be sure to communicate them and let your partner know how you feel. You might say things like “It really bothers me when you talk to your ex” or “The fact that we always see your ex makes me feel insecure in this relationship.” Talk to your partner. If you are suspicious that your partner is still in love with their ex, the best that you can do is be up front and ask them about it. Let your partner know that you suspect that they still have feelings for their ex and that it upsets you. They only way that you will be able to move forward and have a trusting relationship with your partner is by having a frank conversation. You might say something like “I'm concerned that you are still in love with your ex” or “Do you still have feelings for your ex?” For any new relationship to be successful there needs to be a strong foundation of trust. If you see signs that your partner is too focused on their ex, tell them how you feel. It is okay, and appropriate to ask your partner to step back from engaging in conversations with their ex, and to place more focus on you and your relationship. If your partner is trustworthy and there is no concern, then your partner should respond to this request willingly and without hesitation. Listen to your instincts. Ultimately, you will need to listen to your instincts. If you feel that your partner is not in the relationship 100 percent, you should make a change. It is unfair to you to be in a relationship with someone who is still emotionally connected to someone else. Let them know that you need to some space to figure things out and that they should do the same. You might say something like “I think we need to take a break until you figure out your feelings for your ex” or “I can't be with someone who is in love with someone else.” | Observe if your partner talks about their ex a lot. Be suspicious if your partner never talks about their ex. Notice if your partner compares you to their ex. Be suspicious if they are hesitant to commit. Notice if your partner is still close with the ex. Recognize if your partner still has some of their ex's stuff. Notice if your partner does not introduce you to mutual friends. Observe if your partner is still close with their ex's family. Recognize if your partner keeps tabs on their ex. Manage jealous feelings. Talk to your partner. Listen to your instincts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Tether-Ball-Court | How to Make a Tether Ball Court | To make your own tetherball court, you'll need to find an open space, mark the lines for your court, then put up a tetherball pole. You'll need a clear space of about 100 square feet to play tetherball. It doesn't matter if it's paved or grass, as long as it's level. Once you've chosen your space, you'll need to draw a circle on the ground of approximately 10 feet in diameter. Use spray paint for grass or dirt and chalk for cement. Draw a line through the center of the circle to separate it into 2 halves that each player will stand in. Place your tetherball pole in the center of the circle and you're ready to play! | Create a base for the tetherball pole. Weld two 10-inch (25 cm) pieces of steel rebar together in a cross formation. This will serve as the base for the tetherball pole and will be cemented into a tire. Be sure to measure the rebar carefully; the crossbar won't fit inside the tire otherwise. Secure the pole to the base. Weld a 10-foot (3 meter) long piece of 2-inch (5 cm) pipe vertically to the center of the welded cross bars. Alternatively, you can drill holes in the pipe and use 16.5 gauge rebar tie wire to secure the steel rebar to the pole. Install a hook for the cord. Weld an eye bolt about 2 in (5 cm) from the top of the vertical pole. This bolt will hold the cord that is attached to the ball. Alternatively, drill a hole at the top of the pole using a ⅜ in (9.5 mm) drill bit. Attach a washer and ¼ in (6.4 mm) by 2 in (5 cm) eye bolt. Secure the bolt on the inside of the pole with one washer and a ⅜ in (9.5 mm) nut. Put the base inside a tire. Place the bottom crossbar stand of the tether ball pole inside a used tire. Place a heavy-duty garbage bag under the tire to prevent the concrete from seeping out. Secure the pole with concrete. Mix concrete well, per its label instructions, and fill the tire with wet concrete, cementing the tether ball pole firmly in place. Use a level to make sure your pole is completely vertical. Use wire to attach your pole to a ladder or other tall structure to ensure it stays in place while the concrete is drying. Allow the concrete to dry fully. You will typically need to dry the cement overnight, but check the manufacturer's label for specific instructions. Remove the garbage bag from the bottom of the tire once the concrete is dry. Attach a tether ball to a 6-foot (1.82-meter) length of cord or rope. Then, attach the other end of the cord or rope to the eye bolt. Make sure your knots are secure so neither the cord nor the ball comes loose. Some tetherballs come with a cord attached; if this is the case, use that instead of the rope. Choose a tetherball location. Select an appropriate play area, free of obstruction and on level ground. You can choose a grassy location, or somewhere that is paved, such as a driveway. Draw a circle on the ground to make your court. The circle should be approximately 10 feet (3 meters) in diameter. Use spray paint to draw the circle on grass or dirt. Use chalk to draw the circle on cement. Relocate the completed tether ball pole to the center of the circle. Carefully maneuver the tire so that it lays on its side. Then roll the tire to the area you wish to play and stand it up so the pole is vertical. Draw a line through the center of the circle, separating it into two halves. The line should intersect the tetherball pole's midpoint. This line determines the area of play for each player. Play tetherball. Now you are ready to play the game. Choose two players and alternate hitting the ball to each other. One person hits the ball clockwise, while the other person hits it counterclockwise. The object of the game is to wrap the rope or cord entirely around the pole. | Create a base for the tetherball pole. Secure the pole to the base. Install a hook for the cord. Put the base inside a tire. Secure the pole with concrete. Allow the concrete to dry fully. Attach a tether ball to a 6-foot (1.82-meter) length of cord or rope. Choose a tetherball location. Draw a circle on the ground to make your court. Relocate the completed tether ball pole to the center of the circle. Draw a line through the center of the circle, separating it into two halves. Play tetherball. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Shoulder-Injury-Compression-Wraps | How to Apply Shoulder Injury Compression Wraps | To apply shoulder injury compression wraps, start by placing the end of the bandage on top of the injured shoulder. Then, wrap it backwards around the arm twice. Next, wrap the bandage around the shoulder again before wrapping it around the bicep and pinning it in place. If your shoulder feels numb, re-wrap the bandage, since numbness is a sign that it's too tight. Additionally, remove the wrap immediately if you experience extra pain while applying it, which may indicate your injury is not appropriate for a compression wrap. | Ensure that a compression wrap is an appropriate treatment. Tightly wrapped bandages can reduce swelling and increase circulation, but can also risk worsening an injury that should not be compressed. Shoulder injuries that typically benefit from this treatment are those caused by repetitive stress such as weight lifting, golf swings, or volleyball serves, or mild injuries experienced while playing sports or falling. If you're unsure whether a different form of treatment may be more appropriate, see the “Knowing When to Get Professional Attention” section of this article. Do not use a compression wrap on an injured person to try to stabilize the shoulder during transportation to the hospital. If new pain or tingling occurs during the wrapping process, remove the wrap immediately and see a healthcare professional. Use caution when applying compression to areas where there is severe peripheral artery disease or a severe infection. Also be aware of any allergies to certain materials, such as latex. Procure the materials you’ll need to wrap the shoulder. You'll need a roll of compression bandage, bandage clips or pins, and a cloth long enough to serve as a sling. Wash your hands with an antibacterial soap and clean water before touching the injury or any of the medical supplies. Alternatively, you can purchase premade shoulder compression wraps. Many of these include built-in pockets for heating or icing implements. Try on a few to ensure you find one that comfortably fits. Wrap the shoulder tightly and carefully. Position the end of the compression bandage on top of the injured shoulder, wrapping backwards around the armpit twice. Unroll the bandage as needed, making sure to keep the end of the bandage in place on their shoulder blade. As you complete the second wrap go down and across the back, beneath the other arm, and around the chest. Make sure the bandage is snug but not so tight that the person cannot breathe. Repeat the shoulder wrap. Wrap around the shoulder through the armpit again, and continue wrapping onto the bicep for added support. Ensure the wrap is snug enough to provide sufficient compression to stimulate the flow of blood to the area. Secure the end of the compression. Finish wrapping the bandage by pinning the wrap in place where the pins will be safe and secure. At this point, you also need to ensure you have not compressed the muscle tissue too much, as this may detrimentally reduce blood flow (the opposite of what you hope the wrap will achieve). Any numbness indicates that you've the wrapped the shoulder too tightly and need to re-wrap the shoulder a bit more loosely. To ensure the compression bandage is not too tight, check the circulation of the affected arm by pinching a fingertip (including the nail in the pinch) for about two seconds. After about two more seconds, the nail of the pinched finger should return to its normal pinkish color. If it takes more than two seconds for the pinched nail to turn back, the blood flow may be ineffective because of a tight compression bandage. Remove and reapply the compression bandage until it is snug but not too tight. If there is any pain, it should start to go down after you apply the bandage. If there is an increase in pain, then redo the wrapping. Place the arm in a sling. Using a sling reduces movement of the arm and the injured shoulder while it heals. Aside from purchasing an appropriately-sized sling, you can also make one with a meter-length cloth. Fold the cloth diagonally, arranging it into an elongated triangle that can be wrapped beneath the forearm of the injured arm and secured around the opposite shoulder. Secure the injured arm at a comfortable angle across the person's chest (roughly horizontal), with the sling's strap over the opposite shoulder. Perform this maneuver as gently as possible to avoid straining the injured arm. Adjust the sling as needed. It is important to make sure that the sling feels comfortable, so you may need to make some adjustments. The entire forearm up to the hand should be supported by the sling. The sling should not be too tight or placed too high up either. If the sling is too high, then you may experience discomfort and tension in your shoulder. Ice the injured shoulder if recently injured. The cold temperature will actually reduce blood flow to the injured shoulder, which can help reduce any pain and swelling following an injury. Icing with compression is more effective in reducing tissue temperature than icing alone. Wrap the ice pack in a towel or other cloth before wrapping it to your shoulder as directed previously, though with slightly less compression. Apply the cold pack for no more than 20 minutes. For the best results, remove the cold pack after 20 minutes, let the injured area rest for 20 minutes and then reapply the cold pack for another 20 minutes. If the injured shoulder becomes numb at any point, remove the cold pack and repeat the compression wrap process before re-applying the cold compress. Do not apply ice directly to the surface of the skin. This can lead to an increased risk of frostbite. Always wrap the ice pack in a towel first. Shift to a hot compress after 48 hours. A hot compress will stimulate blood flow to the injured shoulder, which is vital to the recovery process. This will also relax the muscles and reduce any muscle pain. A hot compress can also improve the flexibility of the tendons and ligaments in the injured shoulder. Do not use a hot compress if the injured shoulder is swollen. It may cause more swelling. Hot compresses are available in multiple forms. Some create warmth via electric power, while others need to be microwaved or simply shaken. A rubber hot water bottle is best. Whatever you use, be careful that it does not become dangerously hot. As with a cold press, wrap or hold the hot compress in some sort of cloth before bandaging it to the shoulder as previously directed, though again, with less compression than you had used without an icing or heating element. Only apply a hot compress to the injured area for 20 minutes at a time. Seek medical attention for discoloration, numbness, or tingling. These symptoms may indicate a serious injury that cannot be wrapped at home and must be looked at by a doctor, who may suggest other treatment options, such as surgery. Bluish discoloration, numbness, tingling, prickling, stinging or any odd sensations felt in the injured shoulder likely indicate insufficient blood and oxygen supply to the area. See a doctor if you experience any of these sensations. Get medical attention for open wounds on or near your shoulder. An open wound indicates significant force placed on the shoulder during a fall or accident, and you may not have recognized the internal damage to your shoulder. The skin may even have been punctured by a broken bone, which definitely necessitates professional medical attention. See an orthopedic specialist to help identify a persistent shoulder injury. An orthopedic specialist can help identify the type and severity of your injury. They will also be able to provide you the best advice in terms of treatment options, including specific ways to wrap and compress a shoulder. | Ensure that a compression wrap is an appropriate treatment. Procure the materials you’ll need to wrap the shoulder. Wrap the shoulder tightly and carefully. Repeat the shoulder wrap. Secure the end of the compression. Place the arm in a sling. Adjust the sling as needed. Ice the injured shoulder if recently injured. Shift to a hot compress after 48 hours. Seek medical attention for discoloration, numbness, or tingling. Get medical attention for open wounds on or near your shoulder. See an orthopedic specialist to help identify a persistent shoulder injury. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Scratches-on-Hardwood-Floors | How to Fix Scratches on Hardwood Floors | Before you fix scratches on hardwood floors, make sure to clean and rinse the scratched areas first. Then, to fix shallow or superficial scratches, apply a wood staining marker or a thin layer of sealant to them. You can also try rubbing wood wax over the scratches, then buffing the wax and covering the area with stain or sealant. For deeper scratches or gouges, apply wood filler that closely matches your floor's color. Give it a day to dry, then use a fine-grit sandpaper to get rid of any excess filler before you seal the area. | Wipe the scratched area. Use a soft rag dampened with water to gently clean the surface of the hardwood floor from any excess dirt and debris. Make sure there is no dirt or debris in the scratch as well. Do a spot test. Before applying the wood stain to the scratch, test the marker on an inconspicuous area of the wood to see how well it matches. If it is a good match, then you can use it on your scratch. Stain markers come in many colors, and can be found in home department stores, hardware stores, and paint stores. Apply the marker to the stain. If you are confident that the marker is a good match, then run the tip of the marker over the scratch a few times to stain it. Don't worry if the stained area looks a little light. You can go over the area again after your rub off the excess. Rub the stain into the scratch. Lightly press a clean rag soaked in a bit of mineral spirits onto the wood, focusing on the scratched area. Rub the area where you applied the stain to remove any residual, following the grain of the wood. This application method works best (rather than directly drawing the stain marker over the scratch), because it allows for a gradual addition of stain. If you use the marker to draw and fill in the stain directly, you can saturate the scratch with stain, and end up making the scratch darker than the surrounding wood. Drawing straight onto the scratch like that can make the scratch mark even more obvious. Clean the scratched area. If the protective coating of the hardwood floor is scratched, use a soft rag (such as a microfiber cloth) and a small amount of hardwood floor cleaner to remove any contaminants from the scratched area. Any and all small dust particles must be removed from the scratched area so they don't get preserved in the floor when you add sealant. Rinse off the cleaner. After cleaning the scratched area of the floor, dampen another rag with water, and wipe down the scratched area to remove the cleanser. Let the scratched area dry before moving on. Apply a top coating. When the scratched area is completely dry, use a small tipped brush to apply a thin layer of protective finish to the scratched area of the floor. This protective finish could be a sealant, shellac, or some other kind of polyurethane varnish. Ideally, you would use the same kind of finish that is already on the hardwood floor. Consult an employee at your local hardware store for advice on what kind of finish you should use on the floor. If you are an inexperienced wood worker, or if your hardwood floor has a specialty finish (such as a high gloss polyurethane finish), consider hiring a professional to repair and finish the floor. Since hiring a professional will cost more money, it might be most cost-effective to let scratches accumulate, rather than hiring a company to fix one small scratch. Clean the scratched area. Use a soft rag and a small amount of hardwood floor cleaner to clean the scratched area of the floor. This will remove any small dirt and dust particles, and ensure that you are working with a clean surface. Rinse the scratched area. Wipe down the scratched area with a damp rag moistened with water. This will remove the cleanser, further sanitizing the workspace. Allow the damped area to totally dry before moving on. Fill in the scratch. Rub a wax stick over the scratched area to fill in the scratch. If needed, use a plastic tipped putty knife to force the wax down into the scratch. Wood wax can be clear, but they also come in common wood shades like honey, and different shades of brown. Allow the wood wax to dry and harden for at least 10 minutes. Wood wax sticks can be found at home department store, paint stores, or local hardware stores. Let the wax settle and dry. Leave the wax alone for a day or two before you buff it or add any finishes or sealer to the area. Buff the scratch. Use a clean, soft cloth to rub back and forth over the scratched area, and buff the wax. Buffing the wax will smooth the scratched area, remove excess wax, and restore shine to the floor. Clean the scratched area. Use a soft rag dampened with a small amount of hardwood floor cleaner to clean the scratched area of the wood. Rinse away the hardwood cleaner. Dampen a new rag with water, and wipe down the scratched area of the floor. With will ensure that your workspace is completely clean and free of excess dirt, dust, and debris. Allow the scratched area to completely dry before proceeding. Rub mineral spirits over the scratch. If your hardwood floors are coated with a layer of polyurethane, the layer must be removed before you can fix the scratch. If your floors don't have that coating, you don't need to worry about removing the top finish of the floor. Dampen a scouring pad with mineral spirits, and gently rub the scratched area of the floor. Wipe over the area with a clean cloth, and let the area dry completely. If you are inexperienced with woodworking and sealing, it's advisable to hire a professional to repair the flooring. Fill in the scratch. Apply a small amount of wood filler that is similar to the color of your hardwood floor, to your pointer finger. Use your finger to work the wood filler into the scratch or gouge, spreading the filler in all directions to remove air bubbles. You can be generous with the wood filler, because excess filler will be removed later. Be sure to apply wood filler rather than wood putty. The two substances are different, and using wood putty to fill the scratch can alter the effectiveness of matching the filling to the color of the floor, and affect the filling from properly taking the color of staining, if applied. Give the filler a day to dry after you apply it. Wipe off excess filling. After the filler has been allowed to dry for a day, drag a putty knife over the wood filler to smooth out the surface, and help push the wood filler into the scratch. Drag the putty knife over the scratch, moving in many directions, to ensure the edges of the scratch and filler are flat and even. Sand excess filling and around the scratch. Use a small pad of fine grit sandpaper, perhaps 220 to 300 grit, and gently sand the area surrounding the scratch where excess wood filler has been spread. You can sand following the direction of the grain of the wood, or sand in small little circles. Whichever way you sand, be sure to sand very lightly. Wipe away excess filling. Dampen a cloth with water and wring it out. The cloth should be moisten but relatively dry to the touch. Use you finger to precisely wipe away the excess filler surrounding the scratch. Be sure to wipe the areas where filler has been spread, and avoid wiping over the actual filled scratch. Seal the patched area. Apply a thin layer of the same sealer used on the rest of the hardwood floor to the patched area. Use either a small, natural bristle brush or a lamb's wool roller to apply the layer of polyurethane, varnish, or sealer. Allow the sealer a complete 24 hours to dry before any traffic is allowed on the surface. If you use a foam roller, you run the risk of leaving air bubbles in the sealer. You will need to apply at least two coats of finish for best results. | Wipe the scratched area. Do a spot test. Apply the marker to the stain. Rub the stain into the scratch. Clean the scratched area. Rinse off the cleaner. Apply a top coating. Clean the scratched area. Rinse the scratched area. Fill in the scratch. Let the wax settle and dry. Buff the scratch. Clean the scratched area. Rinse away the hardwood cleaner. Rub mineral spirits over the scratch. Fill in the scratch. Wipe off excess filling. Sand excess filling and around the scratch. Wipe away excess filling. Seal the patched area. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Talk-Like-Donald-Duck | How to Talk Like Donald Duck | If you want to talk like Donald Duck, open your teeth slightly and position your tongue so that the top of it is lightly touching the roof of your mouth. Depending on what's most comfortable for you, twist your tongue a little to the left or right, then push it against the inside of the teeth on the side of your mouth. As you start to blow air, direct it into the cheek your tongue is on to vibrate your tongue, and you should be able to hear a high-pitched, hoarse sound. Continue practicing this so the muscles you're using can get stronger, and soon you'll be able to more easily form words with your Donald Duck voice. | Put your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Open your teeth slightly. Place your tongue so the top of your tongue is lightly touching the roof of your mouth. Twist your tongue a little to the left or right. Go with whatever direction feels more comfortable to you. Put the side of your tongue slightly inside the space between your upper and lower teeth. Press your tongue. Push your tongue against the inside of the teeth on the side of your mouth. Use enough pressure that the tongue remains in contact with the teeth, but loose enough that you can push air between your tongue and teeth. Vibrate your tongue. Blow air and direct it into the cheek that your tongue is on. Use your cheek to push the air through the gap behind or between your teeth and your tongue. When you push the air through properly, you will hear a high-pitched, hoarse sound. Try pushing the air through different spaces between your tongue and your teeth until you hit a good spot. It might be difficult at first to make the sound consistently, but keep at it. Getting this voice down will require strengthening muscles of your mouth your aren't used to using for speaking. Be patient. It took the current actor that plays Donald Duck a full year of training to get the voice right. Form words as you would with your own voice. Most of the work in changing your voice should be done with your mouth, not your vocal cords. If you are feeling any soreness in your throat you should take a break. Talking like Donald, especially attempting a long Donald Duck rant, takes a lot of breath and can make you light-headed. Even the voice actor that plays Donald needs a break after a long rant so be sure you don't overdo it. To make the angry Donald sound make the normal Donald noise while shaking your head so your cheeks flap and vibrate the sound. Some letters are easier to say than others. For example, when Donald Duck says the word little, it sounds like widdle. Changes to letter pronunciation will come naturally as a limitation to speaking in his voice. Use Donald Duck expressions. "Boy, oh boy!" This is one of the most common expressions used by Donald Duck and can be heard in most of his dialogues. It can be added on to the beginning of most sentences and can express a wide range of emotions. Use some of Donald's other favorite words like "scram," "phooey" and "doggone" continually. Donald also likes to ask the question, "What's the big idea?" Have a lot of tantrums. Donald is a famously cranky duck that gets angry over just about anything. Work on making angry Donald Duck noises. Try making an angry quacking noise while doing the Donald Duck voice. Inflect your voice like Donald Duck. Donald Duck speaks in an animated way. Listen to some clips of Donald speaking and pay attention to the pitch and tone of his voice. When he is excited he tends to speak faster in a much higher pitch. When he is sad the pitch drops and his speech slows down. | Put your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Twist your tongue a little to the left or right. Press your tongue. Vibrate your tongue. Form words as you would with your own voice. Use Donald Duck expressions. Have a lot of tantrums. Inflect your voice like Donald Duck. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Dishwasher | How to Choose a Dishwasher | To choose a dishwasher, first measure the depth and width of the area you want to install the dishwasher in since dishwashers come in multiple sizes. Then, once you know what size dishwasher you need, start shopping for ones that have the features you're interested in. Generally, you'll want to get a dishwasher that has at least a delayed wash cycle, a rinse and hold cycle, a wash program, a quick-wash, and a sanitize cycle. Also, look for a dishwasher with a decibel level of 45 or under, which will be almost silent when it's running. | Check to see if your kitchen is dishwasher ready. Look at all of the water fixtures to make sure you are able to add in a dishwasher. Most homes should be dishwasher ready with only an installation needed, which is usually done by the company the dishwasher is bought from. Old homes, however, may need some electrical work done to comply with new rules for new dishwashers. Dishwashers now must be on their own dedicated circuit. A shut-off needs to be within four feet of the dishwasher. A GFCI breaker (protection from moisture and sparking) needs to be on the circuit breaker panel. Get a portable washer if there is no hook up. If there is no dishwasher hook up in your apartment, choose a portable dishwasher that can be hooked up to kitchen faucet. Once you are done using it, you can store it away in a closet or another area of the home. You can also choose to buy a small, countertop dishwasher, though it will provide less space for dishes. Brands such as Kenmore, SPT, Whirlpool, and Danby offer portable dishwashers. SPT also offers countertop dishwashers. Measure the space intended for dishwasher. Dishwashers come in multiple sizes. You will need to pick out one that is appropriate for the size of your home or apartment. Take a tape measurer and measure the depth and width of the area you plan to install a dishwasher into. Write down the measurements, take them to a home improvement store, and ask which dishwasher will work for those measurements. You can also look through online catalogs to see which dishwasher will work with your measurements. Decide between integrated or freestanding. Freestanding dishwashers are more common than integrated dishwashers. Freestanding dishwashers are more common because they can fit into any kitchen that has enough space for them. Integrated dishwashers are designed to be incorporated into built-in kitchens. Fully integrated dishwashers are hidden behind a cabinet door, and semi-integrated dishwashers are mostly covered, except for the control panel. Freestanding dishwashers are a great choice because you have the option of taking them with you when you move. Integrated dishwashers are a good choice if you want the look of a streamlined kitchen. Choose between compact and standard. Compact dishwashers are good for smaller spaces. They are typically 18 inches, which leaves extra room for storage. A standard dishwasher is typically 24 inches, and it is ideal for homes with families. A compact dishwasher is a better choice if you live alone, or with one partner or roommate. A standard dishwasher is ideal if you or someone else will be cooking for a family of three people or more almost every night. Make sure it has all of the cycles you want. Modern dishwashers typically have more cycles rather other wash and dry. Think about what needs you will have when using the dishwasher, and what type of dishes you will be putting into the dishwasher. Look for dishwashers that meet your needs. A good dishwasher should have a delayed wash, rinse and hold, wash program, quick-wash, and sanitize cycle. A delayed wash cycle allows you to set a start time anywhere between one hour and twenty-four hours ahead of time. A rinse and hold cycle will rinse food off of a partial load of dishes to remove bacteria and bad smells without using detergent. A wash program allows you to choose a custom setting for things like fragile dishes and oven racks. A sanitize setting will kill 99.9% of bacteria. Consider stainless steel for the tub. There are several options for materials for the interior tub of the dishwasher. Plastic tubs are common and found most often in affordable dishwashers. This is a durable choice. A gray or slate color is another option, and it is good at hiding stains. Stainless steel is a great choice because it resists stains and odors and transfers heat better than other materials, which makes for a faster dry. A stainless steel tub is usually more expensive. A plastic tub will do if you are looking for an affordable dishwasher. Look for adjustable upper racks. Adjustable racks allow you to put together your washer in a way that best fits your needs. This would come in handy when you are washing particularly large items. Look for a height-adjustable rack with two quick-release clips. This allows you to move the rack even if there are dishes in it. A roller rack is another option, but you can only move it when the rack is empty. Make sure to take a good look at the inside of the dishwasher before purchasing to see what type of racks are used. Get a quiet model. A noise is often a factor considered when buying a dishwasher. A loud dishwasher can be annoying in a kitchen where conversation is taking place. Check the decibel level if you are concerned about noise. A decibel level of 45 or under will be almost silent. A decibel level of 50 is equal to the volume of a normal conversation. 44 decibels is the ideal level. You can also add extra insulation around the washing tub, door, toe panel, and access controls to reduce noise. Think about the details. A basic dishwasher may be okay with you, but you should still consider what details you would like to have before purchasing. Details such as a child-safety lock, anti-flood protection, sensor wash, and detergent sensor may come in handy. Dishwashers that feature most or all of these details will likely be more expensive than your average dishwasher, however. Anti-flood detection has two main settings. A float switch detects when water is at the bottom of the machine and stops it from filling further into the tub. An aqua-stop prevents flooding if the hose spills or leaks. The sensor wash detail determines how dirty the water is and adjusts the temperature and length of wash depending on that reading. A detergent sensor can prevent you from washing with too much detergent. The sensor releases as much detergent is needed for the wash. Choose the right dishwasher. You only need a dishwasher that has the capabilities you desire and that is within your price range. Different dishwashers have different features, so choose wisely, and make sure you don't spend your life's savings on a fancy dishwasher. A lot of extra sensors and details are great to have, but they are not necessary if you are on a budget. All you really need are places to put in your silverware, glasses, plates, and bowls. Be reasonable. A good price for a new dishwasher is around 800 to 900 dollars. Check several appliance stores for brands and prices. Don't buy from the first place you look at dishwashers. Look at websites like Reviewed.com and Consumer Reports to see which models are best. Prices may vary depending on the store, and some stores may be having sales when other are not. Some different stores that sell dishwashers could be Home Depot, Lowe's, or even eBay. Make sure that if you are ordering one, check to make sure everything works, such as the sliding rack. Buy during the right time of year. Certain times of year are better for buying dishwashers. For example, dishwashers will often go on sale around the holidays and when new models are being unveiled. Any holiday weekend, September and October, January, and the end of the month are good times to look for a dishwasher. September and October is a good time to look for a dishwasher because manufacturers unveil the new models during this time, so older models will often go on sale. The selection may be limited in January, but all of the remaining models from the previous year will often be discounted even more than they were during the holidays. Employees will often have a quota they have to fill by the end of the month, so the end of the month is a good time to negotiate price. | Check to see if your kitchen is dishwasher ready. Get a portable washer if there is no hook up. Measure the space intended for dishwasher. Decide between integrated or freestanding. Choose between compact and standard. Make sure it has all of the cycles you want. Consider stainless steel for the tub. Look for adjustable upper racks. Get a quiet model. Think about the details. Choose the right dishwasher. Check several appliance stores for brands and prices. Buy during the right time of year. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dial-a-Rotary-Phone | How to Dial a Rotary Phone | To dial a rotary phone, start by removing the handset from the cradle and placing it to your ear to listen for a dial tone. Next, place your finger on the first number you wish to dial, and rotate the dial clockwise until your finger touches the metal stop. Then, remove your finger from the opening and allow the dial to return to its original position. Repeat this process for the remaining numbers. | Remove the handset from the cradle. Place the handset to your ear and listen for a dial tone. The dial tone should be a mid-ranged, constant pitch. If you do not hear a dial tone, something is wrong. 3 Ways to Diagnose Landline Phone Problems Place your finger on the first number you wish to dial. Each number has a corresponding hole that will allow you to place your finger in to begin dialing that number. Rotate the dial clockwise until your finger touches the metal stop. Remove your finger from the opening. This will allow the dial to return to its original position. Find your second number and repeat steps three through five. Do this for the remaining numbers. Return the phone to the cradle when you are finished with your conversation. Remove the handset from the cradle. Listen for a dial tone. The dial tone should be a mid-ranged, constant pitch. If you do not hear a dial tone, something is wrong. 3 Ways to Diagnose Landline Phone Problems Hold the handset with the dial up. The dial is located between the earpiece and mouthpiece of the phone. Place your finger on the first number you wish to dial. Each number has a corresponding hole that will allow you to place your finger in to begin dialing that number. Rotate the dial clockwise. Push through the metal stop until both the metal stop and the dial no longer move. Remove your finger from the opening. This will allow the dial and the metal stop to return to their original positions. Find your second number and repeat steps four through six. Do this for the remaining numbers. Return the phone to the cradle when you are finished with your conversation. Remove the handset from the cradle. Notice the two prongs that rise from the cradle of the phone when the handset is removed. Sometimes you will find a rotary phone that still works, but has a missing or broken dial. Pressing these two prongs down simultaneously is what will allow you to dial the phone despite the damage. Listen for a dial tone. The dial tone should be a mid-ranged, constant pitch. If you do not hear a dial tone, something is wrong. 3 Ways to Diagnose Landline Phone Problems Press both prongs down simultaneously to dial stop the dial tone. Releasing the prongs should bring back the dial tone. Dial the first number of the phone number by pressing down on the prongs simultaneously. To dial a 4 you would rapidly press the prongs down four times. To dial 0, press the prongs down rapidly ten times Pause briefly. Repeat steps four and five until you have dialed all the numbers in the phone number
Return the phone to the cradle when you are finished with your conversation. | Remove the handset from the cradle. Place the handset to your ear and listen for a dial tone. Place your finger on the first number you wish to dial. Rotate the dial clockwise until your finger touches the metal stop. Remove your finger from the opening. Find your second number and repeat steps three through five. Return the phone to the cradle when you are finished with your conversation. Remove the handset from the cradle. Listen for a dial tone. Hold the handset with the dial up. Place your finger on the first number you wish to dial. Rotate the dial clockwise. Remove your finger from the opening. Find your second number and repeat steps four through six. Return the phone to the cradle when you are finished with your conversation. Remove the handset from the cradle. Listen for a dial tone. Press both prongs down simultaneously to dial stop the dial tone. Dial the first number of the phone number by pressing down on the prongs simultaneously. Pause briefly. Repeat steps four and five until you have dialed all the numbers in the phone number
Return the phone to the cradle when you are finished with your conversation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Orange-Julius | How to Make Orange Julius | To make orange julius, combine the orange juice concentrate, milk, water, sugar, and vanilla in a blender. Then, add the ice cubes 1 by 1 until they are completely dissolved and the drink is frothy. Alternatively, you can use fresh orange juice, and replace the milk and water with ice cream to make your drink. Blend the ingredients for 1 minute before serving. | Add all ingredients, except ice cubes, into blender. Blend for one minute, or until smooth. Add ice cubes one by one, until ice cubes are completely dissolved and drink is frothy. Enjoy! Add all ingredients, except ice cubes, into blender. Blend for one minute, or until smooth. Add ice cubes one by one, until ice cubes are completely dissolved and drink is frothy. Enjoy! | Add all ingredients, except ice cubes, into blender. Add ice cubes one by one, until ice cubes are completely dissolved and drink is frothy. Enjoy! Add all ingredients, except ice cubes, into blender. Add ice cubes one by one, until ice cubes are completely dissolved and drink is frothy. Enjoy! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Jump-Rope | How to Jump Rope | To jump rope, first hold the handles of your jump rope at your sides with them pointing away from you. Then, step over the rope on the ground so that it's behind your heels. Next, use your hands and wrists to whip the rope over your head in a circular motion. Hop over the rope as it comes down in front of you, then keep going. Continue swinging the rope around and jumping over it until you find a rhythym that works for you. Once you get good at jumping rope, you can incorporate some tricks into your jumping. To do the criss-cross, quickly switch your arms to the opposite sides while the jump rope is swinging over your head. To do the side-swing, pull the jump rope handles together while the rope swings over you and alternate between swinging it on your left and right sides while hopping. To do one-legged jumps, run in place as you're jump roping and hop over the rope with one foot. | Choose the right rope. You should find a rope that reaches nearly up to your shoulders when it's folded in half. This will give you enough room to comfortably jump over it, but not so much that you trip over the rope. The rope should have handles that are easy to grip and shouldn't be too light or too heavy. Stand up and pick up the rope. Hold the rope's handles in each of your hands. Extend your hands and forearms at least a foot away from your body, at a 45 degree angle. This will create a larger arc for you to jump through. Step over the rope. The rope should hang behind you, so that the middle of the rope hits the back of your feet. Use your hands and wrists to swing the rope over your head. Don't move your arms -- try to keep the motion limited to your wrists. When the rope is coming toward the front of your feet, hop over it. Stand on your tiptoes, and push off with the balls of your feet. Try to keep the motion in your ankles. Bending your knees to jump will make the exercise a lot harder. Set a pace that works for you. For beginners, it's best to move the rope slowly, so that you have enough time to take a small hop in between each jump over the rope. Maintain a straight back and keep your gaze set straight ahead as you fall into the correct rhythm. If you watch your feet as you jump, you'll be more likely to get off balance. As your skill increases, you can swing the rope more quickly and eliminate the middle hop. As you improve your skills, you can count how long you can go without messing up. A fun way to track your progress is to count how many skips you can do in one stretch, without fumbling. Reverse the rope. When you get better at jumping rope forwards, try going backwards. Start with the rope in front of your feet and throw it over your head to the back. Jump over it before it hits the back of your feet. Do the "criss-cross" trick. To execute the "criss-cross" trick, all you have to do is cross your arms in front of you between each jump. It takes practice to get the timing right, but once you've fallen into a rhythm, you can work on alternating between crossing and not crossing the rope between each jump. Do the "side-swing. " Fold the rope in half while still holding on to each of the handles. Then, move the rope by crossing your right hand over your left and moving it toward your left hip, and then cross the rope again, so the right hand returns to the right hip. The right hand will essentially be drawing a sideways "8" in the air. The shape made by the jump rope will create an "X" shape in the air, or a shape that looks a bit like a squashed bow tie. Sway your hips to get the momentum of the rope going. Once you finish making this shape, bring the right hand up and over to create a shape, or a "rainbow," to jump through. Jump through the shape, make the "X" shape again, and keep repeating the process. Combine the tricks. Once you've mastered a few of these tricks, you can combine them together. Try doing the "cross-cross," jumping, and then doing the "side swing," for example. Choose a longer rope. This rope should be long enough to easily go over the head of the jumper or jumpers while the turners stand a comfortable distance apart. Jump after standing between the turners. Face one of them and place the rope to the right or left of your feet. Have them throw the rope over your head, and jump when it reaches your other side. Get the rhythm of this jumping pattern before moving on. Run into the turning rope. It takes some timing, but it can be done. Once you're comfortable running into the rope, you can practice jumping while looking between the turners instead of at them. One or two other jumpers can join you as you run into the rope, but you should approach the rope one by one. Once one person finds a rhythm, the next person should jump in. Jump double dutch. For double dutch jumping, the two turners have a rope in each hand. The turners should turn one rope, and then turn the other in the opposite direction when the first rope is halfway through its arc. Once the ropes start moving, you should jump over each rope while still facing the turners. Remember that you'll have to jump twice as fast as you would with one rope, because you'll have to jump over two ropes in each jump cycle. Double dutch is more challenging and more fun if there is more than one jumper. You can even sing songs to count how many times the jumpers have jumped. One popular song begins, "Bubble gum, bubble gum, in a dish, how many pieces do you wish?" After those words, you can start counting, "one, two, three..." to mark how many times the person or people jumping have successfully jumped. | Choose the right rope. Stand up and pick up the rope. Step over the rope. Use your hands and wrists to swing the rope over your head. When the rope is coming toward the front of your feet, hop over it. Set a pace that works for you. Reverse the rope. Do the "criss-cross" trick. Do the "side-swing. Combine the tricks. Choose a longer rope. Jump after standing between the turners. Run into the turning rope. Jump double dutch. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Descriptive-Essay | How to Write a Descriptive Essay | To write a descriptive essay, start by choosing a topic, like a person, place, or specific emotion. Next, write down a list of sensory details about the topic, like how it sounds, smells, and feels. After this brainstorming session, outline the essay, dividing it into an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Open with a vivid introduction that uses sensory details, then introduce your thesis statement, which the rest of your essay should support. Strengthen your essay further by using metaphors and similes to describe your topic, and the emotions it evokes. | Choose a person to describe. One option for a topic is to describe a person that you know well in your life. This could be a family member like your mother or your father. It could also be a best friend, a coworker, or a mentor. Choose a person that you have a lot to write about so you have enough material for the essay. You could also choose a fictional person to write about, such as a character in a book, a story, or a play. You could write about a character on your favorite TV show or video game. Pick a place or object to describe. Another option is to focus on a specific place or object that you have strong feelings about. This could be a place like your high school, your workplace, or your childhood home. You could also write about an important family heirloom or a gift from a friend. Use sensory imagery and language that's understandable so people can get interested in what you're describing. Another take on this option is to write about a made up place or object, such as the fantastical school in your favorite book or the magic wand from your favorite TV show. Select an emotion to describe. Some descriptive essays are about an emotion that you connect to or relate to. You may choose a strong emotion like anger, loss, desire, or rage. You could then try to describe the emotion using your own experiences with it. You could also choose a more specific emotion, such as brotherly love or self-hatred. These emotions can make for powerful descriptive essays. Don't get overly technical or jargon-y with the words you choose. Make a list of sensory details about the topic. Once you have chosen your topic, draw five columns on a piece of paper or a word document on your computer. Then, label each column for the five senses, “touch,” “sight,” “sound,” “taste,” and “smell.” Write down as many details you can think of for the topic based on each sense. You can then use these notes in your essay. For example, if you were writing about a person like your mother, you may write down under “sound” : “soft voice at night, clack of her shoes on the floor tiles, bang of the spoon when she cooks.” You want to help readers see what you see and feel the corresponding emotions that match with your experiences. Outline the essay in sections. Organize the essay by creating a brief outline. Do this in sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. The standard is to have a five paragraph essay, one paragraph for introduction, three paragraphs for body, and one for conclusion. But you can also try having sections instead, allowing you to have as many paragraphs as you want for the body section of the essay. If you are writing the essay for a class, your instructor should specify if they want a five paragraph essay or if you have the freedom to use sections instead. Create a thesis statement. A thesis statement is the key idea or theme for the essay. It states the purpose of the essay and acts as a guide for the rest of the essay. The thesis statement should appear in your introduction and be restated in your conclusion. For example, if you were writing a descriptive essay about your mother, you may have a thesis statement like: “In many ways, my mother is the reigning queen of our house, full of contradictions that we are too afraid to question.” Write a strong introduction. The introduction to the descriptive essay should set the scene and introduce the reader to the subject. Use the list of sensory details to describe the subject. Have a strong opening line that grabs the reader's attention. Then, end the introduction with your thesis statement. For example, if you were writing the essay about your mom, you may start with: “My mother is not like other mothers. She is a fierce protector and a mysterious woman to my sisters and I.” If you were writing an essay about an object, you may start with: "Try as I might, I had a hard time keeping my pet rock alive." Describe the topic with vivid adjectives. Use adjectives that express emotion. Be as specific as you can. For example, rather than use a broad adjective like “angry,” go for a specific adjective like “rageful” or “tempestuous.” Choose adjectives that will paint a clear image in the reader's mind. You can also use adjectives that connect to the senses, such “rotting,” “bright,” “hefty,” “rough,” and “pungent.” For example, you may describe your mother as "bright," "tough," and "scented with jasmine." Use metaphors and similes. Metaphors are when you compare one thing to another. Use metaphors to show the reader what you think about the topic, rather than simply tell the reader how you feel. For example, rather than tell the reader, “My mother sacrificed a lot for us,” you can use a metaphor like, “My mother is a workhorse. She hasn't taken a vacation in decades.” You can also use similes, where you use “like” or “as” to compare one thing to another. For example, you may write, “My mother is like a fierce warrior in battle, if the battlefield were PTA meetings and the checkout line at the grocery store.” Discuss your emotions and thoughts about the topic. Do not be afraid to express your emotions in your essay. Use first person “I” to discuss your feelings about the subject in detail. Do you feel joy, sadness, angry, or disgust with the subject? How do you respond emotionally to the subject? For example, you may write about your complicated feelings about your mother. You may note that you feel sadness about your mother's sacrifices for the family and joy for the privileges you have in your life because of her. Wrap up the essay with a strong conclusion. Your conclusion should tie all the thoughts in your essay together. Restate your thesis statement in the conclusion and end with a strong final sentence. Do not add anything new to your essay in the conclusion. Simply evaluate your thoughts in the essay and wrap things up with a short, final statement. For example, you may end a descriptive essay about your mother by noting, “In all that she has sacrificed for us, I see her strength, courage, and fierce love for her family, traits I hope to emulate in my own life.” Read the essay out loud. Once you have completed a draft of the essay, read it aloud to yourself. Listen for any awkward or unclear sentences. Circle these sentences so you can revise them later. You can also read the essay aloud to others to get their feedback. Ask them to let you know if there are any unclear or vague sentences in the essay. Show the essay to others. Show the draft to peers, teachers, family members, and mentors. Ask them if they think the essay is descriptive and full of sensory detail. Have them tell you if they got a clear picture of the subject by the end of the essay. Be open to constructive criticism and feedback from others. This will only make your essay stronger. Revise the essay for clarity and length. Go through the essay and remove any sentences that do not feel necessary to the paper. Replace any weak adjectives with strong adjectives. Make sure your descriptions of the subject are clear and easy to follow. If you have a word count requirement for the essay, make sure you meet it. Add more detail to the paper or take unnecessary content out to reach the word count. | Choose a person to describe. Pick a place or object to describe. Select an emotion to describe. Make a list of sensory details about the topic. Outline the essay in sections. Create a thesis statement. Write a strong introduction. Describe the topic with vivid adjectives. Use metaphors and similes. Discuss your emotions and thoughts about the topic. Wrap up the essay with a strong conclusion. Read the essay out loud. Show the essay to others. Revise the essay for clarity and length. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-an-Onion-Into-Wedges | How to Cut an Onion Into Wedges | To cut an onion into wedges, start by cutting the onion in half from bulb to tip. Peel off the papery skin and discard it. Cut off the bulb end and discard that too. Then place the onion halves cut-side down on a cutting board and cut each half into thirds from top to bottom. For thinner wedges, cut the onion into fourths instead. | Cut the onion in half from bulb to tip. Place your onion on a cutting board or another flat surface, like a countertop or table, so that it doesn't roll away. Hold the knife in your dominant hand, then hold the onion securely with your free hand. Make sure to keep the fingers of your free hand tucked out of the way of your knife so that you don't accidentally cut yourself. Then, use a sharp knife to cut your onion lengthwise from bulb to tip in one cut. Find the bulb by looking for the pointed ends of the onion that usually have brown spots Remove the papery skin from the onion and throw it away. Peel away the paper outside of the onion and put it in your garbage or compost. Onion skin is not edible and doesn't taste very good, either. Cut off the bulb and throw it away. The bulb of the onion is the part on the end that has a little brown knob. This part of the onion can't be eaten. Use your knife to cut it off and throw it in the trash or compost. The other side of your onion might also need to be cut off and thrown away, if it has another brown knob on it. Rinse your onion in cool water. Sometimes onions can develop small fungi under their papery skin. Rinse your onion under cool water in the sink to wash away any fungal activity that may have been developing. If you have a lot of onions, you can fill a bowl with cool water and rinse them that way. Place the onion cut-side down onto a cutting board. Make sure your cutting board is on a flat, stable surface, like a table or countertop. Place your onion half with its cut-side down so that it rests on the cutting board. Onions have a very strong flavor, so if you are planning to cut other items and you don't want them to taste like onions, use a separate cutting board. Cut your onion half into thirds. Use your knife to cut your onion half into 3 even slices. Start from the bulb and cut toward the bottom of the onion. If your onion is particularly large, you may need to cut it into fourths instead. Use your onion wedges within 7 days of cutting them. Once onions are cut, they will spoil faster than if they are hole. If you want to save your onion wedges, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days until you are ready to use them. Use your wedges to make a blooming onion, or put them into a vegetable stir fry. | Cut the onion in half from bulb to tip. Remove the papery skin from the onion and throw it away. Cut off the bulb and throw it away. Rinse your onion in cool water. Place the onion cut-side down onto a cutting board. Cut your onion half into thirds. Use your onion wedges within 7 days of cutting them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Educational-Scholarship-Fund | How to Create an Educational Scholarship Fund | To create an educational scholarship, start by determining the purpose of your scholarship, such as memorializing a loved one or providing aid to students studying in a particular field. Next, decide if you're going to fund the scholarship on your own, or if you need to raise funds. In order to raise funds, try soliciting donations from individuals and businesses, as well as holding fundraising events. Then, choose the criteria for applying, such as financial need, academic achievement, or community involvement. | Determine the purpose of your scholarship. Founding a successful scholarship depends upon identifying the reason for awarding it, as well as the target student audience it can potentially help. Normally, your scholarship will carry a name that characterizes its purpose, such as “The Jane Doe Memorial Scholarship,” “The Michigan Rural Community Scholarship,” or “The Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship.” Common reasons for founding scholarships include: Memorializing a loved one by helping students with a scholarship in that person's name Providing financial aid to students studying in a particular field, such as medicine, writing, or social work Providing financial aid to students who attend a particular school or type of school Helping students who have financial or personal hardships to overcome Awarding students who excel in a sport, activity, or academic field Honoring students who have completed an essay on a topic of interest Honoring students who have made a significant impact in their community Honoring students based on personal characteristics such as ethnic or cultural background, gender, or geographic origin Set a timeline for the scholarship. There is a lot of planning that goes into starting an educational scholarship, and you will need to think ahead. Typically, if you want to award a scholarship by a summer prior to a given academic year, you should begin planning for it the previous summer. Steps to factor into your timeline include: Program development Fundraising Advertising Evaluating applications Awarding the scholarship Determine the duration of the award. Some scholarships make a one-time award to one or more students, while others offer them support for multiple years. In addition, scholarships may be awarded only during one year, or they may become an ongoing program with application cycles each year, or on some other set cycle. The duration of your scholarship will depend upon your financial abilities and intentions. Determine the scholarship terms. It is a good idea to specify the details of your scholarship in writing. You may decide to award a certain amount, or leave the amount open. The latter method allows you flexibility in determining the number of students to award each year. Plan how to fund the scholarship. Actually providing the funds for your scholarship is very important. You may decide to fund it entirely on your own, or with the aid of corporate, community, or educationally-based donors. Depending on your scholarship terms, donors may be able to receive tax benefits for making contributions to your scholarship. Contact an accountant or talk to a school's financial aid office for details. Raise funds for your scholarship. If you or someone directly involved with the project cannot finance the scholarship alone, you will need to do some fundraising to get the project off the ground. If you are working with a school to develop the scholarship, it may already have a network of donors to contact. If you will be raising funds on your own, start by making a list of potential donors, such as businesses and community organizations. Draft a flyer, letter, email, or website to let these potential donors know about the purpose of your scholarship. Your promotional materials can also request a donation or let potential donors know about fundraisers you can host, such as: Auctions, where items such as antiques or artwork are sold to raise funds Offering perks (such as a free dinner at a restaurant) to those who donate Raffles for items or perks (each participant pays a fee to enter the raffle; one or more entries is chosen as the winner of a prize) Bake sales A game night (bowling, board games, etc.) where participants pay a donation to enter A crowdfunding campaign , where people from anywhere in the world can donate online to your scholarship fund Determine how the funding will support the scholarship. Scholarships can be based on a one-time gift. This award can be divided and distributed across multiple years, if desired, until the funding is depleted. Scholarships may also be based on an endowed fund. In the case of an endowed scholarship fund: A gift of a fairly large amount is set aside as a principal balance and invested. Scholarships are then awarded by drawing from the interest earned on the principal, and any remaining interest is reinvested to grow the principal and the balance that can be awarded for future scholarships. As a reference point, a scholarship awarding $1000 per year may need an endowment fund of $20,000-$25,000. If you choose to create an endowed scholarship, you should talk to a trusted investment broker about creating a sustainable plan for the scholarship. You will also want to talk to a tax advisor, since there are usually restrictions on how awards can be administered. You may also wish to select an advisory board to help with investing and other financial planning required by an endowed scholarship. Choose the criteria used to award the scholarship. When you advertise a scholarship, you may have many applicants, and you will want to choose criteria that will help you select the most deserving applicant(s) to receive the award. The criteria used for selection will vary based on the purpose of your scholarship, but common ones include: Financial need Academic achievement, shown by grade point average, test scores, etc. Extent of community involvement Leadership skills Work history Writing skills, demonstrated by an application essay or otherwise Achievements in particular fields (sports, debate, performing arts, etc.) Find a scholarship administrator. Creating and reviewing applications, selecting recipients, and making scholarship awards can be time-consuming. You may be able to do all of the work yourself, but selecting a scholarship administrator to assist is very helpful. Your options include: Creating a board of community members. Letting a particular school administer the scholarship, with or without your input. If you choose this option, contact a school's financial aid office or gifts office to create a plan for administering the scholarship. Using a third-party scholarship administration service. These professional services specialize in assisting with scholarships, and can streamline the process. However, most will charge a fee (even if they are non-profit), ultimately cutting into the amount you can potentially award to students. A school's financial aid office may have information about finding a scholarship administration service, if you would like to choose one. Determine the application procedures. Actually getting students to apply for the scholarship, and making the award, entails a lot of steps and requires planning. You will need to consider: Where and when will applications be made available? Where should the applications be sent? When will applications be due? What will the components of an application be? Who will select the recipient(s), and how? How and when will the recipient(s) be notified? How and when will the scholarship funds be distributed? Promote the scholarship. To ensure a successful scholarship program, you will need to notify student applicants of the opportunity. You can ask high schools and/or colleges to advertise the scholarship (via email, flyers, financial aid workshops, etc.) by contacting their office of financial aid or scholarship coordinator. You may also advertise the scholarship opportunity via community groups, student workplaces and activity centers, etc. Design the application. A scholarship application can be simple: for example, a form that asks for an applicant's name, contact details, and grade point average. Usually, however, a scholarship application has many components. However you design your application, you want to make sure that it will solicit the information you need to select the recipient(s) based on your criteria. Common components of scholarship applications may include: An essay on a topic relevant to the scholarship purpose A list of academic and/or non-academic awards and achievements A description of extra-curricular involvement An explanation of financial need Copies of high school and/or college transcripts Letters of recommendation from teachers, advisors, employers, etc. Select the recipient(s) and make the award(s). Once you have designed the application, advertised it, and received submissions from applicants, you can begin to select its recipient(s). A committee working together can read applications, determine the best candidate(s), and then vote for approval. You should then notify the recipient(s) and award the scholarship funds according to the timeline you scheduled. Monitor the scholarship. If your scholarship is a continuing program, it is essential to periodically review it for financial health, and to ensure that it is serving its purpose and help students. An annual report from your scholarship administrator can help with this. Reviewing the scholarship will help you determine if there are any issues to take care of regarding the scholarship fund's finances (such as raising or lowering the award to continue it) or its purpose (such as changing the application to improve the selection process). | Determine the purpose of your scholarship. Set a timeline for the scholarship. Determine the duration of the award. Determine the scholarship terms. Plan how to fund the scholarship. Raise funds for your scholarship. Determine how the funding will support the scholarship. Choose the criteria used to award the scholarship. Find a scholarship administrator. Determine the application procedures. Promote the scholarship. Design the application. Select the recipient(s) and make the award(s). Monitor the scholarship. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-an-Anime-Body | How to Draw an Anime Body | To draw an anime body, start by drawing a stick figure with small circles at the joints and triangles for the hands and feet. Then, draw the head, neck, and torso with a waistline on top of the stick figure outline. Finish the body by drawing the limbs, using the joints to guide you. Once you're finished, add the finishing details, like hair, clothing, and shoes. | Draw a head at the top of your paper. Place a circle near the top center of the page so there's enough room to add hair later on. Put the point of the chin slightly outside the bottom edge of the circle since the jaw will come lower down. Sketch in curved jaw lines from either side of the circle toward the mark you just made to make a pointed chin for your anime girl. Work lightly in pencil so you can erase and make changes if you need to. If you have trouble drawing a circle, use a compass to help you draw one. Don't add any facial features yet since you may need to make adjustments to the size of the head later on. Make a vertical line that’s 6 ½ times taller than the head down the middle of the paper. Measure the height of the head from the top of the circle to the point of the chin. Start your line at the top of your character's head and draw it straight down so it's 6 ½ taller than the head. Space horizontal marks down the vertical line so they're the same distance apart as the head height to use as guides. Measure your proportions each time or else your anime character won't look natural. The guide line will also help keep your drawing symmetrical. Sketch an hourglass shape with 2 circles in it for the torso. Draw the top line of the hourglass shape slightly below the chin to form the shoulders. Draw curved lines going toward the center line, and flare out the bottom of the hourglass shape so it's slightly wider than the shoulders for the hips. Draw 2 circles with a compass in the top half of the hourglass shape for your character's breasts. When you're finished, the head and torso together will be about 3 heads tall. Your anime girl's shoulders should be about 1 ½ times wider than the head. Draw small circles on the top corners of the hourglass shape if you want to visualize the shoulder joints better. Draw the arms so they extend from the top corners of the torso. Draw tubes extending down from the shoulder joints on the top of the torso. Once you reach the point where the body is it's narrowest, put circles inside the tubes you're drawing for the arms to mark the elbows. Continue extending the tubes down to the bottom of the hourglass and sketch small circles for the wrists. Draw mitten shapes for the hands attached to the ends of the arms. The upper arms and forearms on your drawing will be the same length. Try posing the arms a different way if you don't want them straight down. Just make sure the total length of each arm is about the same length as the drawing's torso. Extend legs down from the bottom of the hourglass shape. Start by drawing tubes extending from the bottom of the torso on either side of the center guide line. Once the upper legs are 1 ½ heads tall, draw circles in the tubes to represent the knee joints. Continue drawing the lower legs so they're the same length as the upper legs before adding circles for the ankle joints. Draw trapezoid shapes attached to the ankle joints for your character's feet so the bottoms line up with the last horizontal line. Make sure both legs are the same length or else your drawing won't look symmetrical. Erase your guide lines so you have the basic shape of the body. Use a small eraser to clean up the extra lines on your drawing. Erase the center line running through the middle of your character and any horizontal guides you drew to figure out the proportions. Be careful not to erase the outline for your character or else you'll have to redraw it. Sketch features and hair onto your figure’s head. Place the eyes just below the center of the circle add eyebrows slightly above them. Add the nose and eyes below the eyes in the middle of the face. Choose a hairstyle for your anime character and draw it in clumps rather than individual strands. Look at various characters' hairstyles to get an idea of different anime hair that you can draw. Draw the hairstyles on a piece of tracing paper on top of your drawing so you can practice sketching without affecting the rest of your drawing. That way, you can try multiple styles before committing to one. Add clothing to the figure. There are many different outfits you can draw on your character, so choose one that looks the best for your drawing. Lightly sketch the clothes on your character's body so you can get an idea of what it will look like. Once you find a style you like for your character, erase any lines from the body that are covered by clothes to clean up your drawing. Look at pictures of real people wearing the kind of clothes you want to draw on your character so you can see where it folds and bunches up so you can make your drawing more realistic. Make an oval with a pointed bottom near the top of your paper for the head. Place the oval in the top middle of your paper so you have enough room to add hair later on. Draw angled lines down from either side of the oval that extend down to form the jaw line. Sketch the jaw lines so they meet at a point below the oval to form the chin. Male anime characters usually have longer, narrower faces than females. Don't draw your circle too large or else you won't be able to fit the rest of the body on the page. Extend a vertical line that’s 6 ½ times taller than the head down the page. Measure the height of your character's head from the top of the circle to the bottom of the chin. Multiply the measurement by 6 ½ to find out how tall your character should be so it's proportional. Start the line in the top center of the head and extend it straight down to the length you found so you know how tall your character should be. You can also draw horizontal lines marking the head size along the vertical guide. That way you can visually see where the character's anatomy lines up. Sketch in a rectangular shape for the torso. Draw a horizontal line below the chin on your character's head to mark the tops of their shoulders. Add lines down from the ends of the shoulder that angle slightly toward the center guide. Once the torso extends halfway down the vertical guide line, draw a horizontal line on the bottom for the hips. Your character's shoulders should be about twice the width of their head and the hips slightly narrower. Put circles on the top corners of the shoulders to mark the joints so you can visualize them better. Keep the body as symmetrical as you can so your character looks proportional. Draw the arms coming off the shoulders. Start by drawing tubes that extend down from the shoulder until they reach halfway down the torso. Sketch small circles inside the tubes to mark the elbows so you know where you can bend the character's arm. Continue extending the tubes until the forearms are the same length as the upper arms. Add circles for the wrists before adding the hands on the end. You can draw mitten shapes if you don't want to add fingers right away to your character's hands. The arms will be about the same length or slightly longer than your character's torso. Add legs on the bottom of the torso so they’re half of the figure’s height. Extend tubes down from the bottom of the torso on either side of the center guide line for the upper legs. Once you've drawn them halfway between the hips and the end of the center line, add circles inside the tubes for the knees. Add the lower legs so they're the same length as the upper legs before drawing a trapezoid shape for the feet. Draw one leg first and extend horizontal guidelines from the knee joint and foot so you can line them up when you add the other leg. Hold your drawing out in front of you and look at its proportions to see if they look natural or unnatural. Erase all of your guidelines so you only see the outline of your anime figure. Use the eraser on your pencil to remove the center guide and any horizontal lines you added. Be careful not to erase any of your character's outline or else you'll have to redraw it. Continue erasing any lines that aren't a part of your character. If you don't have an eraser on your pencil, you can either use a block eraser or a small clickable eraser to work in tight areas. Sketch in facial features and muscles to add details. Draw rounded rectangular shapes your slightly lower than the center of the head for your character's eyes. Add a small line for the tip of the nose, and draw the mouth below the eyes so they're lined up with the middle of the circle. Pick a hairstyle that fits your character well and sketch it onto their head. Draw the hairs in clumps that end in a point rather than drawing individual strands. Then add in lines following along with your character's muscles, such as around their pectorals or their abs. You don't have to add muscles if you plan on drawing loose-fitting clothes on them. Look at musculature charts to see what shapes and lines the muscles would make on your character. Draw clothes on your figure. Anime characters wear a variety of different clothes, so choose a style that fits best with your character. Sketch the style lightly onto the outline of your character's body so you can see what it would like if they were wearing it. Once you're happy with how the clothes look, erase any part of your character's body that's covered by clothing to make it look more believable. Practice drawing clothes on a sheet of tracing paper so you don't have to draw and erase on your drawing each time. | Draw a head at the top of your paper. Make a vertical line that’s 6 ½ times taller than the head down the middle of the paper. Sketch an hourglass shape with 2 circles in it for the torso. Draw the arms so they extend from the top corners of the torso. Extend legs down from the bottom of the hourglass shape. Erase your guide lines so you have the basic shape of the body. Sketch features and hair onto your figure’s head. Add clothing to the figure. Make an oval with a pointed bottom near the top of your paper for the head. Extend a vertical line that’s 6 ½ times taller than the head down the page. Sketch in a rectangular shape for the torso. Draw the arms coming off the shoulders. Add legs on the bottom of the torso so they’re half of the figure’s height. Erase all of your guidelines so you only see the outline of your anime figure. Sketch in facial features and muscles to add details. Draw clothes on your figure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-Prominent-Collarbones | How to Have Prominent Collarbones | You can have more prominent collarbones by exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Try to get at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise in every day, like running, cycling, or swimming. You should also do strength-training exercises to tone your upper body, like push-ups and pull-ups. Combine this with a healthy, balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains. Over time, your shoulders and chest will get leaner, and your collarbones will be more noticeable. In the meantime, you can make your collarbones look bigger with makeup. First, apply foundation to your shoulders and chest. Then, apply bronzer that's slightly darker than your foundation just above and below your collarbones. Finally, dab some highlighter directly on each collarbone in a single, consistent line. | Moisturize your chest, neck, and shoulders before applying makeup. Use your hands to apply a generous amount of a thick moisturizer to your chest and neck. It's best to do this early in the day, such as after washing your face in the morning. This will help to create a luminous glow on your chest and neck. Smooth the lotion all over and rub it in until it is fully absorbed. Apply a primer or foundation to even out the tone of your chest. If your chest looks darker in some spots than others, such as from an uneven suntan, you may want to even out the tone with a foundation or primer. Use a makeup brush or sponge to apply an even layer of the foundation to your chest and neck. Then, blend the makeup with the brush or sponge until it looks uniform all over your chest and neck. Make sure to choose a foundation or primer that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. Sweep bronzer under your collarbones and in the grooves behind them. Use a large, fluffy foundation brush to sweep bronzer under each of your collarbones. Don't sweep the bronzer all the way across your chest. Sweep it under each of your collarbones separately. Then, use the brush to sweep bronzer into the grooves behind each of your collarbones. This will make them look deeper and accentuate your collarbones. You might need to blend the bronzer in around the edges of where you applied it to get a more natural look. Wipe off your makeup brush and sweep it back and forth across the bronzer to blend it in with the surrounding areas. Dab highlighter on the topmost parts of your collarbones. To finish your accented collarbone look, take a highlighter stick or powder and apply a dab on the top most parts of each of your collarbones. Use your fingers or a makeup brush to apply it. This will help the collarbones catch the light and look even more prominent. Choose a highlighter that is 2 to 3 shades lighter than your skin tone. Do cardiovascular exercise regularly to burn calories. Burning more calories every day will help to boost your weight loss efforts from dieting, so this may also help to make your collarbones more visible over time. Try to do a total of at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 5 days per week. Some good options include: Running Brisk walking Swimming Skipping rope Cycling Incorporate strength training to target your arms and shoulders. Having more muscle will help your shoulders and collarbones look more defined. It will also boost your weight loss efforts by increasing your resting metabolic rate. Some easy strength training exercises you might try include: Pushups Shoulder shrugs Dumbbell overhead presses Shoulder rolls Add high-intensity interval training to boost your weight loss results. High-intensity interval training, also known as HIIT, burns a ton of calories, so it's a great addition to your workout regimen. Try to incorporate 1 to 2 HIIT workouts per week along with your other cardio sessions. This will help to increase the amount of calories you burn when you exercise and boost your weight loss results. To do a simple HIIT workout , alternate between running for 3 minutes and walking for 3 minutes. Repeat this interval 4 to 5 times for a great calorie-torching workout. Make sure to warm up with 5 minutes of walking first and then cool down with 5 minutes of walking and some stretching after your workout. Set a realistic weight loss goal for yourself if you are overweight. To make your collarbones look more prominent, you might need to lose weight all over. You might have a long-term weight loss goal in mind, but setting a smaller, short-term goal might make it easier to stick with your program. Identify how much weight you'd like to lose and a specific time frame for your goal. For example, your ultimate goal might be to lose 50 lb (23 kg), but setting a goal of losing 5 lb (2.3 kg) over the course of 1 month is more realistic. Make sure to check with your doctor before you begin a weight loss program. They can advise you on what might be a healthy target weight for you. Maintain a healthy diet that includes whole foods. The most important change you can make to start losing weight is to eat healthier foods and consume fewer calories overall. Select a diet plan that works for you and that you will stick with. Avoid crash diets or fad diets that promise quick weight loss since these usually are not sustainable long-term. Try eating more fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins to start. This change alone will help you to cut calories since these foods are filling and nutrient dense. Track your calories using an app on your phone, such as MyFitnessPal. This will help you to see where your calories are coming from and identify ways that you can cut back. Aim for a deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories per day to achieve a 1–2 lb (0.45–0.91 kg) per week weight loss. Cut back on processed food, junk food, and fast food. These foods are high in calories and fat and they don't provide quality nutrition, so it's best to avoid them while you're working on losing weight. Unhealthy foods are also less filling than healthy foods. Remove unhealthy foods from your pantry and fridge, and replace them with healthy foods instead. If you often get fast food when you are out for the day, such as at work or school, start packing yourself a healthy lunch and snacks. Bring these along with you so you won't be tempted to buy and eat something unhealthy while you're out. Drink water to stay hydrated and avoid empty calories. Water has zero calories and your body needs a lot of it to function properly. It's also a great weight loss aid. Drinking water throughout the day every day will also help you to feel fuller and avoid giving in to temptations. Steer clear of sugary drinks, such as cola, sweet tea, and juice since these will add calories with little to no nutritional value. There's no right amount of water to drink. Drink water whenever you feel thirsty. Try flavoring your water with a lemon wedge, a few fresh berries, or a cucumber slice if you find plain water boring. | Moisturize your chest, neck, and shoulders before applying makeup. Apply a primer or foundation to even out the tone of your chest. Sweep bronzer under your collarbones and in the grooves behind them. Dab highlighter on the topmost parts of your collarbones. Do cardiovascular exercise regularly to burn calories. Incorporate strength training to target your arms and shoulders. Add high-intensity interval training to boost your weight loss results. Set a realistic weight loss goal for yourself if you are overweight. Maintain a healthy diet that includes whole foods. Cut back on processed food, junk food, and fast food. Drink water to stay hydrated and avoid empty calories. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-a-Car-Starter | How to Test a Car Starter | To test a car starter, you'll want to start your car and listen for any problematic noises that could indicate something is wrong. First, turn your headlights on and start the car. If you hear a sound like your car's trying to start but the headlights dim, your starter pinion is probably jammed. Open the car and use a wrench to twist the pinion, which will look like a small square stub sticking out of the motor. Once the pinion is free, try starting your car again. However, if the car makes a clicking noise when you try starting it, you likely have a problem with your battery. To confirm this, visually inspect your battery for any signs of damage, such as dirty or corroded terminals. If this is the case, disconnect the battery and clean them with a wire brush before reconnecting the battery and trying again. | Turn on the headlights and try to start the car. A couple of things might happen when you do this. If the car makes a noise like it's going to start, but the headlights dim, then the starter pinion is probably jammed. If the car makes a clicking noise but never sounds like it's trying to start, and the lights dim, then the problem is likely the battery. Skip to checking the electrical system. Turn the pinion stub with an adjustable wrench (spanner). The starter is a large electrical motor in a cylindrical housing, and it's usually bolted to one side of the engine block. If you see a small, square stub (the pinion stub) sticking out of the end of the cylinder, turn it with your wrench until it moves freely in place. Try starting the car again once the pinion can move freely. In modern cars, you'll find the solenoid (which is a smaller cylinder) attached to the starter cylinder, "piggyback" style. They'll be separated and connected by a thick wire in older cars. Refer to your owner's manual for help finding these components. Rock the car if you see no stub and have a manual transmission. Turn the car off and put it in second gear. Release the emergency brake and rock the car back and forth. This can loosen the pinion. If you don't see a pinion stub and you have an automatic transmission, you will have to take the starter motor off and bench test it. Visually inspect the battery terminals. Pop the hood of your car and check the positive and negative terminals of the battery. If there is any dirt or corrosion, it can cause a bad connection and a lack of power to the starter. If the terminals are dirty or corroded, you can disconnect the battery, clean the connections with a wire brush, and hook them up again. In newer cars, the battery terminals or even the entire battery may be covered with a plastic cap. Remove one or all of these caps to get a good look at the battery. But make sure nothing metal (tools, etc.) accidentally touches both terminals while you're working. Test the battery's voltage with a multimeter. Set your multimeter to its "DC" setting and its dial to 20 (to test from 0-20 volts). Place the red probe on the battery's positive (+) terminal, and the black probe on the negative (-) terminal. You'll get a reading above 12V if the battery is working properly. Whether or not the battery terminals look OK, there may be a problem with the wires that feed power to the starter and other components. While you're checking the voltage, make sure that the battery's earth strap is securely connected to the car's bodywork. This is necessary for the battery to operate properly. Visually inspect the solenoid. If you try to start the car and nothing happens, and the battery seems to be powering properly, then there is likely a connection problem with the solenoid. This device is a small cylinder usually attached to the top of the starter. Visually inspect it to make sure all of the wires running to it are connected properly. The solenoid won't work if its wires are hanging loose. Reconnect them and try starting the car again. If this doesn't help, the solenoid may not be powering up properly. Solenoid wires usually clip or bolt into place. If you're not sure where a loose wire goes or how it attaches, get a pro's help. Use a circuit tester to see if the current is getting to the solenoid. Place one lead of the circuit tester (test lamp) to the feed terminal of the solenoid. Attach the other lead to bare bodywork metal. If the tester lights up, then the problem is with the solenoid or the starter itself, not the current getting to it. If the tester doesn't light up, then there is a bad connection and the wiring will need to be worked on. Another potential cause of this problem is a faulty ignition switch. Check the solenoid output current. Place one connector of a test lamp on the output of the solenoid and the other on the battery's ground (earth) terminal. The lamp should light. If not, you will need to take the starter/solenoid assembly off and bench test it. Remove your starter. If you hear nothing when you try to start the car, and the electrical circuits seem to be OK, then there is probably a problem with the starter itself. You'll need to carefully disconnect the starter's wiring, unbolt it, and remove it from the engine block to do further testing. Removing a starter (with or without an attached solenoid) must be done carefully -- including jacking up the vehicle -- to prevent damage or hazards. Your car's owner's manual may be of assistance, but leave this job to a pro if you're not confident in your abilities. If you do remove the starter yourself, make sure you mark all the wires and keep track of the bolts for reassembly! Attach jumper cables to your starter. Take the red jumper cable and connect one end to the positive terminal of a car battery. Connect the other end to the thick positive post on the starter's solenoid. Attach one end of the black jumper cable to one of the starter's ears (the fin-like parts sticking up off of the main cylinder) and its other end to the negative battery terminal. Connect a wire to the starter’s small terminal. Take a few feet of insulated 16-gauge wire. Strip one end and crimp it onto the small terminal on the starter. Go ahead and strip the other end as well, but don't do anything with it yet. Hold the starter down with one foot. When you bench test the starter, it may move around and shoot some sparks. Holding it down with your foot prevents it from jumping around and causing injury. You can ask someone to help you. Have them hold the starter down securely with a booted foot while you perform the test. Touch the other end of the wire to the positive battery post. When you do this, the starter pinion should move and spin. If it doesn't, then the starter is bad and will need to be replaced. If the starter does spin and you still can't figure out why the car won't start, have a mechanic inspect it more thoroughly. | Turn on the headlights and try to start the car. Turn the pinion stub with an adjustable wrench (spanner). Rock the car if you see no stub and have a manual transmission. Visually inspect the battery terminals. Test the battery's voltage with a multimeter. Visually inspect the solenoid. Use a circuit tester to see if the current is getting to the solenoid. Check the solenoid output current. Remove your starter. Attach jumper cables to your starter. Connect a wire to the starter’s small terminal. Hold the starter down with one foot. Touch the other end of the wire to the positive battery post. |
https://www.wikihow.fitness/Tell-if-You-Strained-Your-Knee | How to Tell if You Strained Your Knee | If you suspect you've strained your knee, first check for pain, swelling, redness, or bruising. You might also notice that your knee feels week or that you can't bend or extend it as much as usual. Additionally, check for any numbness, tingling, or muscle spasms in and around your knee. Next, move your knee a little and see if you hear any popping or grinding sounds, which might indicate that you've torn a ligament. Finally, put a little weight on the knee or try walking around. If you have trouble moving or bearing your weight, your knee may be strained. | Check for inflammation and pain. Inflammation is actually your body's effort at early repair of an injury. In order to repair itself, your body tends to swell, become painful, warm or reddened. Check to see if your knee is warm to the touch, enlarged, or red in color by placing your hand on your knee and studying how it looks. Additionally, check for pain and tenderness. Warmth in the affected area is caused by increased blood flow designed to carry body heat from your core to cooler peripheral tissues. Inflammation is caused by your body's reaction to tissue damage and results in increased movement of white blood cells. Redness is caused by increased blood flow to an injury. Sometimes the affected area is not red, but rather discolored or bruised from improper twisting or stress due to hyperflexion or hyperextension. Look for stiffness or decreased range of movement. After a knee injury, it is common for the damaged area to be stiff and to experience a decrease in your range of motion. Stand on your uninjured leg and gently lift your damaged leg to see if your knee feels especially weak or unstable. Your knee may feel particularly limp or you may experience shakiness in the affected area. The tendons or tissues connected to your muscle are affected, causing you to feel stiff or weak. The most common symptom of a knee strain is just a general ache. Check for numbness or muscle spasms. Sometimes an injury can cause the area to feel numb or cause sudden and sporadic muscle spasms. Be sure to check if your knee or the surrounding area feels tingly due to the trauma it suffered during your injury. The numbness is caused by a brief loss of sensory or motor function triggered by an accident that damaged muscle tissues. Listen for noises and look for flexibility. Cautiously move your leg around and notice any unusual noises such as grinding or popping coming from your knee. These types of noises can be a sign that you have torn something. When you check to see if you hear anything usual, determine if you are able to fully straighten your leg. Being unable to completely flex or extend your leg and knee is a sure sign of a strain. Determine if you can bear weight on your knee. Your muscles and tendons are not as strong as they were before you were injured. Stand for a while on your leg with the damaged knee to see if you are able to, or if your leg buckles under the pressure. Another test is to walk or climb stairs to determine if you are able to move with ease. If your muscles, tendons or ligaments are damaged, doing so will be painful and difficult. Oftentimes, when people take up forms of exercise they haven't done before or increase their level of activity, this can cause a general ache in their knee. Disclose relevant medical information. During your appointment, you want to be sure to share with your doctor any past joint problems, complications with past surgeries, trouble with inflammation or injuries and your level of physical activity. Recall recent falls, walking or running on uneven ground, twisting or turning of your ankle or leg, trips, or sudden impact to your knee. Check your knee ligaments. Your doctor can perform several tests to check your knee ligaments. It is important to see how your ligaments are functioning, as they are what stabilize your knee. Your physician may check the following: collateral ligaments, posterior cruciate ligament, and anterior cruciate ligament. The valgus and varus tests check your medial and lateral collateral ligaments. The posterior drawer test check your posterior cruciate ligament. The Lachman, anterior drawer, and pivot shift tests check your anterior cruciate ligament or ACL. If your doctor believes that you are having problems with your menisci based on results from the knee ligament tests, she may perform a McMurray test. If undergoing regular physical exams like the ones above cause you too much pain, your doctor might order arthrometric testing to measure the looseness of your knee. This is, however, very rare. Undergo further testing if your doctor suspects a more serious injury. Your doctor may want to perform a physical examination of the affected area to determine your degree of pain, amount of swelling, stability within your joints, and degree of mobility. At that point, he can recommend additional testing such as x-rays, MRIs, or an ultrasonography. These types of tests will provide a closer look into what may be going on with your knee. These types of tests should be done only when tests to check your knee ligaments don't determine the problem. An x-ray can check for fractures. MRIs will allow the doctor to view the internal structure of your knee to check for swelling and damage to your soft tissues. An ultrasonography can be used to produce images of tissues in your knee and is also a form of therapy. Decrease pain, swelling, and fever with medication. NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, are common pain relievers that you can take to reduce pain, swelling or fever associated with your knee strain. Be sure to check with your doctor prior to taking any medications, as they may cause kidney problems or bleeding. If these over-the-counter medications do not work, prescription medications can be used. Limit your movement to protect your joints. It is important to rest after an injury, but you can usually still move around. Use support devices such as a splint, cast, brace, bandages or crutches to reduce your movement while your knee heals. These devices will also help to reduce pain because your knee will be constrained. Your doctor may also recommend not putting weigh on the affected leg for 48 hours. Elevate and rest your knee. To help manage your pain you should elevate and rest your knee. Make sure you raise your knee above your heart in order to reduce the amount of blood flow delivered to the area. Try sitting in a recliner or in a chair with an ottoman in front of it with a couple of pillows under your knee, or lie in bed with a couple of pillows under your knee. Apply ice and compression to your knee. To lessen the pain and swelling, apply ice and steady compression to your knee. Use an ice pack or crushed ice in a bag and apply it for no more than 20 minutes at a time. You can repeat this every hour. Applying ice will also prevent further damage to your tissues. Applying compression using bandages can also reduce swelling and pain. Use ice for the first 48 hours after injuring your knee. . Wrap your knee with an elastic bandage Applying an elastic bandage or compress, such as an ace bandage, can help to improve blood flow to the injured area and support your knee as well. Wrap your knee to help with your recovery or have it wrapped by a medical professional. Receive physical therapy to help treat your sprain. Depending on the severity of your sprain, your healthcare provider might recommend physical therapy. By getting physical therapy you will learn exercises to reduce your pain as well as improve your strength and range of movement. Seek emergency medical attention if certain symptoms are present. In some cases, you will need to go to an emergency room for a knee injury. Seek immediate medical assistance if you: Can't put weight on the injured leg or if your joint feels unstable. Have redness or red streaks spreading out from the affected area. Have been re-injured in the same place as you have been injured many times before. Your sprain seems severe. | Check for inflammation and pain. Look for stiffness or decreased range of movement. Check for numbness or muscle spasms. Listen for noises and look for flexibility. Determine if you can bear weight on your knee. Disclose relevant medical information. Check your knee ligaments. Undergo further testing if your doctor suspects a more serious injury. Decrease pain, swelling, and fever with medication. Limit your movement to protect your joints. Elevate and rest your knee. Apply ice and compression to your knee. . Receive physical therapy to help treat your sprain. Seek emergency medical attention if certain symptoms are present. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-a-Beauty-Supply-Store | How to Open a Beauty Supply Store | To open your own beauty supply store, find a specialty that you're passionate about, create a thoughtful budget, and set yourself up for success! As you plan your store, think about an area that you're knowledgable and excited about, like organic skincare. Then, do a little research to see if there's a market for this type of shop in your area and if there are other close competitors. While in this brainstorming phase, write up a short business plan that considers who your suppliers will be, what some of your overhead costs might include, and how you'll advertise. The closer you get to making your dream a reality, you'll need to figure out your initial budget, which should cover product and delivery costs, advertising costs, utilities and rent prices, staff salaries, and any legal or permit fees. | Choose a niche and type of store for your shop. Pick something that you're both knowledgeable and passionate about. Try researching other businesses in the area for gaps in the market. You won't want to open up an organic skin-care shop if there are others nearby. This is also the time to decide what type of shop you want to create in terms of sheer size. Do some research on rent prices in your area before setting in stone any one type of shop. Write a short business plan. If you want to write a business plan , it's usually best to keep it simple. That being said, even a basic business plan has quite a few steps. Don't be afraid to ask for help with this one! A few key items to include are: Who your manufacturers and suppliers are and what their rates for key products are Your overhead costs (inventory, salaries, advertising, legal fees, utilities, incidentals) Financial projections regarding when your store should break even (This is hugely important if you're looking for a bank loan!) Advertising strategies A bulleted basic action plan to achieve your goals Figure out your budget. Try to keep your costs as low as possible at the beginning and be realistic about your numbers. Try to account for incidentals as well; unexpected costs always seem to arise in your first few months! A few key parts to look at for your shop include: Your supplier's product and delivery costs Advertising costs Utilities and rent costs Staff salaries Any legal or permit fees for your area Research licensing and fees. Each municipality will differ with their process for opening up a small business. You'll want to do thorough research about your city, county, and state before actually starting your business. A few items to expect include: Annual registration fees Registration fees for any new location Specialty items fees (some states require extra licenses when selling certain items, such as perishables) Professional licensing fees Pick a legal entity. This will take a little bit of research on your end, but many small businesses start out as a sole-proprietor. This usually means fewer fees and less paperwork. There are a few different options here, but be sure to do plenty of research before choosing: Sole Proprietorship - less fees and paperwork, but more personal risk at stake Partnership - more resources for capital and decision making, but can delay processes Limited Liability Company (LLC) - most flexibility for the structure of the business, but more comprehensive paperwork and fees Corporation/S-Corporation - less personal liability, but more government regulation Pick a location with high foot traffic near other beauty stores. Whether it's a mall, a shopping center, or just a popular neighborhood, you'll want to be sure to pick a location that has a high amount of pedestrians and other beauty shops nearby. You don't want your customers to have to make a special trip just to get to your shop! Do plenty of research on beauty product suppliers. There are a ton out there with similar prices and reviews. Make sure to do ample research before agreeing to partner with any one business. Check plenty of reviews online and don't be afraid to flood them with questions. Remember: the products are the foundation of your business! Ask for samples from a few different retailers. Once you've narrowed down your choice of suppliers, try asking for some samples of their products. Most businesses will offer these for free in hopes of partnering with you. Make sure they deliver a high quality product. Try testing them out yourself or comparing them to other products you're familiar with. Ask friends or business contacts their thoughts on the products as well. Their logistics and customer service should also be solid in order to avoid any future headaches! Place your first order. Focus on ordering larger quantities of popular and widely used products at the beginning. Wait on ordering a ton of the riskier items until you're a little more comfortable. Researching beauty publications are a good way to get an idea of what sells and what doesn't. Furnish your store with lights, mirrors, and shelves. Lights and mirrors are super important so your customers will be able to try various products on before purchasing. Be sure to decide on a shelving arrangement as well! You can have shelves line the perimeter, stand alone in the middle of the shop, or both. Properly store your inventory. Storage requirements may differ from product to product, but most beauty items require room temperature storage away from any moisture, smoke, and direct sunlight. Make sure your location has enough storage space to suffice! Decide on your ambience. Find a way to make your store unique. You'll want your customers to feel relaxed so they don't feel rushed when they're inside. The longer your clients stay in your store and shop, the more products you'll sell. A couple ideas for a feel to get you started could be: Fancy, high-end cosmetics with posh displays and decorations Independent, organic shop with rustic decor and minimalist displays Place popular items near the front of the shop. These will be what draw pedestrians in. Many clients are fairly loyal to brands and specific products. Try to place big sellers near the front so they won't have to wander aimlessly trying to find their favorite items. Get creative with your displays. This is especially important in the beginning to separate yourself from other beauty shops and will help to draw in interested customers. This will vary heavily depending on your products and preferences, but a few fun ideas are: TVs running footage of models wearing and/or using your products Holiday centric displays Color coordinated displays with products shaping a larger image Develop an online presence with social media accounts. Try to advertise on Facebook. Sponsored posts will allow you to specify your target market and reach out to those with interests in beauty supplies. Remember to make your social media presence unique and helpful. In order to use social media to market , boast consistent branding across all social media platforms by using the same logos and types of posts. Reach out to local publications, blogs, and websites. Online write-ups are an easy way to get free marketing. Try shooting an email to your local newspaper or city magazine, letting them know about your new business. Do the same for beauty-specific blogs and websites. Most of these outlets are always looking for more content, so offer up yourself for an interview or featured article. Purchase a point of sale software. Instead of a standard cash register, many small businesses these days are pivoting to running their sales through iPads. Most of these platforms also come with easy ways to track your different products and daily reports. While there are a ton of options out there, a few popular ones include: Revel Square Breadcrumb Lightspeed Track your inventory regularly. This will help you make sure you never run out of popular products. Let the inventory and trends directly impact your next order from your supplier. | Choose a niche and type of store for your shop. Write a short business plan. Figure out your budget. Research licensing and fees. Pick a legal entity. Pick a location with high foot traffic near other beauty stores. Do plenty of research on beauty product suppliers. Ask for samples from a few different retailers. Place your first order. Furnish your store with lights, mirrors, and shelves. Properly store your inventory. Decide on your ambience. Place popular items near the front of the shop. Get creative with your displays. Develop an online presence with social media accounts. Reach out to local publications, blogs, and websites. Purchase a point of sale software. Track your inventory regularly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Your-Goldfish-Is-an-Adult | How to Tell if Your Goldfish Is an Adult | If you want to know if your goldfish is an adult, look at its size, color, and the shape of its back fin. Generally, goldfish over 5 inches long are adults. For most breeds of goldfish, their scales will also change from a bronze or brown color to a gold metallic color when they're adults. Some breeds turn white or a darker shade when they reach adulthood. Another common sign of adulthood in goldfish is their back fin. While this is usually rounded when they're young, it will become sharply forked and longer as an adult. | Identify what type of goldfish you have. Different types of goldfish have different characteristics. Understanding what breed you have can help you determine the proper adult coloring and growth for your fish. If your goldfish is metallic yellow or orange with white markings, it may be a common or comet goldfish. These are marked by their sharp, forked tail. If your goldfish is metallic yellow or orange but has a double, flowing tail, it may be a veiltail or a fantail. If your goldfish is black with bulging “telescope” eyes, it is probably a black moor. If your fish has calico markings, it is likely a shubunkin. These colors might include orange, white, gray, blue, and yellow with black speckles. Look at the color. The color of your goldfish can determine its age. It is very common for a goldfish to change color through the course of its life, although it is most common in the first year. For most varieties of goldfish, a bronze or brown coloring may indicate that it is under a year old. If it has a gold metallic coloration, it is probably an adult between one or two and ten years of age. Black Moor juveniles may be silver or dark gray before darkening to black as adults. Shubunkins will be multiple colors, but blue is often the most prominent color in adults. Some goldfish begin to turn white as they grow old. Notice the shape of the caudal fin. The caudal fin is the fin at the back of the fish. For most varieties of goldfish, this can indicate the age of the fish. A young goldfish will have a rounded caudal fin. The adult's caudal fin is sharply forked, and the points look well defined. Goldfish with flowing tails or double tails will not have a pronounced caudal fin. These include the veiltail and fantail varieties. Instead of changing shape, its tail will grow in length as it grows older. Veiltail's caudal fin can grow up to two inches long as an adult. Observe its size. If kept in proper tank or pond conditions, a common goldfish will be around 5 inches (12.7 cm) after a year and 9 inches (22.9 cm) after two years. You can eye your goldfish to see how large it has become. If you keep your goldfish in a small bowl, you may find that its growth is stunted. In this case, size may not be a good indicator of maturity. Some goldfish can grow over 12 inches (30.5 cm) in length. Wait until it is the proper size. It is impossible to tell the gender or sexual maturity of your fish before it has grown to three inches (eight centimeters) in length. This is typically when the sexual characteristics of your fish begin to develop. Sexual characteristics tend to occur after one year of age, although fish in aquariums may take longer to mature. Check for physical breeding characteristics. If you are looking to breed your goldfish, you should carefully watch for the development of breeding characteristics at around one year of age. Males will develop small white spots on the operculum (gill cover) and the pectoral fin. These white spots are called breeding tubercles. A female's abdomen will become fuller and rounder when it is ready to breed. While it is impossible to accurately sex your fish before it has developed these physical characteristics, in general, males tend to be smaller and slimmer than females. Watch for mating behavior. When it is time to mate, male fish will chase the female fish around the tank. It will swim close to the female's abdomen, and you may notice it bumping into the female's stomach area. If you notice hundreds of clear, spherical eggs, your female fish has laid eggs. This is a definite sign of sexual maturity. Some breeds, such as the Black Moor or Shubunkin goldfish, mate only in summer, while the common goldfish can mate at any time of year, provided it has proper tank conditions. Goldfish that live in ponds will typically mate in spring. Consider where you purchased your fish. If you bought your fish from a pet store, it is likely to be small and young. Pet stores may not have given the fish adequate nutrition or space as a young fry, meaning that its growth will be stunted for life. You may also be uncertain of the fish's pedigree; a fish typically only grows as large as its parents. If you want to ensure that your fish reaches its full size or sexual maturity, you should try to buy your goldfish from a breeder. Provide plenty of space for the fish to grow. Your goldfish's growth may be stunted if it does not have a proper tank. This means that your goldfish may not reach sexual maturity, nor will it reach its full adult size. It is not necessarily the size that does the damage, but the buildup of waste matter in a confined bowl of water. Low oxygen levels in small bowls can also affect your fish's growth. A single common Goldfish should be kept in at least 48 gallons (181.7 L) of water. Add 14 gallons (53.0 L) per each additional fish. A single fancy Goldfish can be kept in 36 gallons (136.3 L) with 12 gallons (45.4 L) per each additional fish. Keep the tank water clean and warm. The water temperature should be between 60 degrees F (15 C) up to the mid 70s (23 C). This is particularly important if you want your fish to reach sexual maturity. Poor water conditions are the primary reason why some goldfish have stunted growth and die young. You should replace about 20% of the tank's water every two weeks to keep the water clean. A filter in your aquarium will make sure that the water is clean and properly oxygenated. | Identify what type of goldfish you have. Look at the color. Notice the shape of the caudal fin. Observe its size. Wait until it is the proper size. Check for physical breeding characteristics. Watch for mating behavior. Consider where you purchased your fish. Provide plenty of space for the fish to grow. Keep the tank water clean and warm. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Normal-Teenager | How to Be a Normal Teenager | There is no one right way to be a normal teenager, but you can learn to embrace who you are and to find like-minded friends. Start by spending time with other teens who have similar interests to you. Go to your local comic store, take choir lessons, or join a sports team to meet other potential friends. Wear clothes that you feel confident in and that make you feel good about yourself. Your clothes don't have to be the most expensive, but as long as they help to express who you are and they feel comfortable, then they are a good choice. Maintain your grooming and personal hygiene to a high standard, as this will help you to feel more confident and to fit in with your peers. Brush and floss your teeth regularly, keep your nails clipped and clean, and keep your hair washed with shampoo. | Spend time with people who are doing "positive activities" that you want to do. It's getting increasingly easy to spend too much time alone. While some solitude can be good, even loners have to come out to work, play or eat sometimes. To act normally and behave in a well-adjusted manner (not too different), it's important to spend time around other people, socializing and learning from them, so you can interact more directly and easily get involved. Just being around a variety of people in a coffee shop, or at a restaurant, or at the movies, can help you learn about others and feel less isolated. This will make you more comfortable in your own skin, which in turn will make you more experienced at opening up and interacting. Find places where you're likely to run into like-minded people. Love comics? Quit buying them online and hit up your local comic shop. Love to make art? Head to an art class, craft store or the museum. Take a class in one of your interests and talk some with others learning the same topic or skill. Get in a choir or take music lessons. Some churches have music school and sport activities. Online friends exist in a gray area. They're "real" a lot of the time, but our interactions online are much different than our up close, mano-a-mano interactions. Try to balance your time socializing online with at least as much, if not more, face-to-face interactions. Be happier by not hanging around people who act out in negative, too wild or crazy ways. Having a pessimistic, excitable, or silly friend is fine, but if being around them makes you uncomfortable, consider whether you should keep them as a friend. They may get themselves and you into unwanted difficulties and disgrace, so to speak. Avoid getting closer or hooked up with hateful, troubled, mean, destructive or violent persons. If you're good at something, offer up your help to those who may need it. When asked for, give your opinion or assistance. Don't go looking for trouble; let it come to you (and try to stay out of it). Pay attention to the body language of others. When you're around people, keep an eye out for any clues they might give regarding how to behave 'normally' in situations. Mirror the behavior of others, if it makes you comfortable. When you're in the library and everyone looks very studious, quiet, and absorbed in their work, it's probably not the best time to start cutting up and trying to make jokes. If everyone's dancing at a school dance, it might be normal to dance, but you don't have to. It's normal to feel both ways. If your neighbor at the lunch table keeps trying to make eye contact and smiles continuously at you, it's probably a good time for a conversation, if you feel open. Try being friendly. Available communicating people often have open posture – shoulders back, head up, not too relaxed. Relaxing but not acting open may be about, instead, acting tired, sleepy, angry, shy or grumpy. Arms and legs crossed may be a sign that they are satisfied to sit alone, not looking to be friendly. Learn to recognize and not act that way in your own interactions. If people are uncommunicative or closed off to you – head down, arms crossed – they probably don't want to talk. If you press the issue, it's possible that you might make them feel uncomfortable. Learn to recognize this and disengage from the conversation or interaction. Give them some space. Be a good listener and wait for your turn to speak. When you're talking with someone, or with a group of people, try to balance listening and talking in equal measure. You don't have to be the one to contribute the most if you want to be noticed – it's just as important to be an active listener. Look at the person who's talking, nod your head to show that you're listening, and really listen to what is being said. Stay on topic. If everyone in a group is going around telling stories about their weekend, tell a story about your weekend, if you have one. It would be kind of strange to break the spirit of the moment: "I had to watch my dad eat pickled herring. He eats weird stuff all the time." Hopefully, that's not really about your weekend! Don't hijack a conversation and take it elsewhere, or else, expect groans and protests at your [sense of humor] breaking the line of thought - unless it's time to change the topic! Listening doesn't mean looking across the room or thinking of what you're going to say until a moment of silence appears in a conversation for you to fill. However, listening means actively receiving and responding to what the other is saying nicely, not just trying to think of what you're going to say next to top that bit. Accept the others' points as worthwhile - even if you've heard it already. Then without a yawn or cut-down say, "Hey, yeah, [excellent point/that's true] - but have you ever [been to/done this] ___..." Draw your personal boundaries. A teenager is an individual who wants to be seen as mature and experienced as one's peers. Due to this (while you strive to become the best you ), it can often be tempting to get pushed or pulled into things you might not be ready for, or even interested in. Smoking, drinking, experimenting with the thrills of asking for dates, actually going on dates (when parents permit), holding hands, hugging, kissing and deciding your approach to love, expressing your new found state of being a teen... Balancing all these aspects is what normal teenagers confront in their everyday lives. While there's not just one "set" way to approach each of these aspects, what you should know is that it's your decision - to stand for your values, beliefs and to accept your responsibility to understand the consequences of conduct and behavior in close relationships. It's your life. Make your choices - the right ones - to draw your best boundaries close to your "heart". The closer you set your daily life boundaries to your present norms and accepted "truths"(where you're coming from), the sooner you can be well adjusted in your way. You'll be able to avoid other way-out freaky or boring stuff and be able to expand and extend your near-boundaries, launching out near your everyday "unusual-stuff". "Keep it real! Keep it simple!" is easier than going off track or out into the far off unknown. Wanting to fit in is normal, and it's true that engaging in risky behaviors seems like a way to fit in and get people to "respect" you, but why would you compromise your personality and beliefs? If you're not being yourself, it's not you they're respecting, or even noticing. Keep it cool: Another good boundary to keep in mind is secrecy. It's okay to keep some things to yourself. It's almost too easy to put every event, success and failure, every frustration, anger and joy, up on Facebook as a status update. Does it all really need to be there for everyone to see and "dis" you? You give the answer. Make your room an awesome sanctuary. For a teenager, there's nothing more critical than having a space all to your own. Make your room as unique as you are, filled with posters or candles, records or drawings. Fill it with yourself. Paint it whatever color you want and fill it with things you like to look at. Take some time thinking about what would make the ideal room and get permission to make it that way. If you don't have your own room, find somewhere you feel comfortable that you can spend time in. Take a walk out into the yard or the woods; find a great sitting park bench, or find a table by a window that you love at the library, or spend time in a friend's basement den. Try to find somewhere quiet and available to you where you can find peace. Wear clean clothes that fit you properly. There's no normal type of clothes to wear. Styles change all the time and it can be very difficult to keep up. Wear whatever is comfortable and affordable for you, but make sure the clothes are as flattering as possible. Skinny jeans and crop tops may be in, but just because they're popular or "normal" doesn't mean they're necessarily right for your body type. Wear clothes that will flatter your figure and feel comfortable, not something that will leave you feeling unconfident or exposed. Don't be a wannabe. Don't be afraid to have your own style. If you think throwback basketball jerseys and athletic shorts are cool, you're in good company. If you think rugby shirts and khaki pants look good, you're in safe waters. The important normal constant is that whatever you wear is clean and form-fitting. Learn some about contemporary fashion. It's a good idea to pay attention to what other kids are wearing, not because you must conform and wear the same thing, but so you can at least have some concept of the average dress wear. Then, if you choose to go in another direction, you'll be aware of what you're doing and not end up wearing plaid grandpa pants and golfing shoes to school because you think it's normal. You don't have to go to expensive stores to dress normally. Box stores like Target, Walmart, and other outlets usually have sale items that are affordable and current. At thrift stores, try to find the newest cleanest clothes available that are in your size. In middle school especially, it can seem that all anyone cares about is getting the next "must have" clothes trend which are usually expensive and will be forgotten in another six months anyway. Groom yourself. If you want to look normal, you don't have to do anything fancy with your grooming, however, a little effort will go a long way. Keep yourself clean and well-kept and your confidence will be higher knowing that you're looking your best. Brush your teeth and floss. Your smile will be friendly and picture-ready with proper dental care. Having healthy teeth can up your confidence significantly. Take a shower at least every other day, and every day that you exercise. Wash your hair with shampoo and clean your body with soap. Keep your nails neatly clipped and clean. Normal girls and boys also enjoy painting fingernails sometimes, which is perfectly appropriate if you want. try to keep the paint fresh, and remove it when it starts becoming chipped. Talk to your parents about when it's appropriate to start wearing make-up , if you want to. Use a small amount of natural coloring to highlight your beauty, if you choose to. Style your hair and keep it clean. Your hair is just as important as any other part of your body: it takes some work to keep it healthy and clean. Your hair should be washed at least every 2-3 days to keep it strong and lustrous. Both boys and girls should comb their hair regularly to keep it untangled and healthy. If you use products, don't go overboard. A little mousse, gel, or hairspray can go a long way. You don't want a crispy frosted flat-top like it's 1996. Aim for a natural look that highlights your normal hair. Experiment with new haircuts , going for a buzz or growing it out like a rocker if you want. Being a teenager is the one time you can experiment with your personality and your identity. Take care of your body. When you're young, it seems like you're invincible. You can eat like there's no tomorrow, stay out all night and go through your day like it's nothing, and recover from injuries super-fast. Unfortunately, it won't last. It's important to build the good habits that will ensure your health throughout your teenage years and further on too. Pay attention to what and how much you're eating. Most teenagers have crazy-high metabolisms due to growth spurts, meaning that you'll be able to eat lots and lots of high-calorie food without gaining extra weight, especially if you're physically active and play sports. When that high metabolism ends, though, or you stop playing sports, it's possible to suddenly gain lots of weight. It's important to develop a love of physical activity early on, so you can build the good habits that will keep you healthy in the long run. You don't have to be "one of the jocks" to enjoy exercise. If you love basketball but don't want to play on the team, go to the park and shoot hoops. Who cares if you miss more than you make? If you don't love playing any competitive sports, try out hiking around the woods and getting into nature, or see if you don't enjoy rock climbing or other solo adventures. Find hobbies that help you relax. As a teen, you should have hobbies and interests to keep you occupied and engaged. School probably won't cut it. try to find extracurricular hobbies that will let you blow off some steam and find enjoyment. Some kind of extracurricular activity can be a great way of meeting other kids your age and socializing without having to meet people yourself. Many teenagers take sports very seriously. Find out what team sports are offered at your school and consider trying out for the team. If you don't like any of the sports offered, tennis lessons, golf lessons, or other individualized sports might be more appropriate for you. Heck, check out learning how to fence. Check out clubs at school. Sports aren't even close to being the only way to socialize at school. Foreign language clubs, chess clubs, art clubs, ecology clubs, and all sorts of organizations are available to students for fun and learning outside of school. If you don't like any of the clubs at your school, check out after-school programs at the YMCA, or other youth center in your town, or check out a youth group at a church. Try playing music. Whether in marching band, concert band or by starting your own garage band, music can be a great outlet for teenagers. Studies show that teens who study music learn more efficiently and have a great amount of fun and camaraderie playing. Broaden your worldview. As you get older, it's important to learn as much as you can about other people and learn to exercise your empathy skills. A child thinks only of themselves, and an adult is able to think more selflessly, but a teenager is somewhere in the middle. It can be tough. Mission trips and exchange programs can be excellent and effective experiences for many teenagers if such opportunities are available. Likewise, getting a part-time job and learning to work for your keep is an important growing-up step that you can learn in the summer time, or on the weekends after school. Read as much as you can, about as much diverse topics that you can. Travel from the comfort of a chair by checking out novels, travelogues, sci-fi, fantasy, whatever you like reading. Read some things that are challenging and some things that are easy. Read all the time. Read everything. Try out different ways to express yourself. Being a teen is a time of experimenting, trying on new identities until you learn which one fits you the best. In a given year, you might switch back and forth between thinking you want to be a doctor and loving your position on the soccer team to wanting nothing but to write poetry and hang out with painters and paint your fingernails black. That's ok! That's normal! Try out being an art kid. Take some art classes and learn the fundamentals to see you if you'd like to spend your days in the studio, creating strange masterpieces. Try out the exciting world of mystery. Lots of teenagers take solace in the dark clothes and powerful vibes of a mysterious person. While it might seem "weird," it's pretty normal. Embrace your inner athlete. Jocks don't have to be the villains from high school drama movies. Be a well-adjusted athlete who takes sporting seriously. Make it your "thing." Find like-minded people. Find a community of people you like and people who are like you and get to know them well. Hang out in school and outside of school. Support each other and lift each other up. Emphasize forging a few strong relationships over lots of meaningless ones. It's not worth having 800 Facebook friends if you can't talk to any of them in real life. Alternatively, it's also a good idea to meet lots of people who you don't necessarily have a lot in common with. If you're a sporty athlete, hang out with some of the art kids every now and then to see what you have in common. try to make all sorts of different friends. Make room in your life for school and work. Having fun is important, but taking your responsibilities seriously is just as important a part of growing up. Save enough time in your busy teenage schedule to complete your schoolwork and work as hard as possible at doing well. Even if you think you're sure what you want to do in life, and that plan doesn't involve algebra-trigonometry, give it your best shot. You never know how you might regret blowing off that welding class, or zoning out during sewing down the road. Make sure you take excellent notes. Notes force you to pay attention, improve your memory and provide you with a helpful study guide. Do your homework. Don't slack off on it, because believe it or not, it really does help you learn. Pay attention in class and ask questions to stay engaged. Respect your teachers and try to make the best of it. Give some thought to the future. Where do you want to be in ten years? In twenty? What do you want to do with your life? Tough questions for anybody, and uncomfortable questions for most, especially teenagers. But it's something you're going to have to struggle with. The more you struggle with it, the better you'll prepare yourself for your teenage years, and the more normal you'll be. It's something everyone struggles with before transitioning into adulthood. If you want to go to college, start researching affordable places you might attend that seem to be full of people like you, or places that offer the kinds of specialties you'd like to study. Many teens who struggle to make friends or fit in during high school really come into stride during college. It's also normal and perfectly fine to have no idea what you want to do with your life. Don't worry about it too much. That's perfectly normal. When people ask, tell them that you're just trying to get through your teens first. | Spend time with people who are doing "positive activities" that you want to do. Be happier by not hanging around people who act out in negative, too wild or crazy ways. Pay attention to the body language of others. Be a good listener and wait for your turn to speak. Draw your personal boundaries. Make your room an awesome sanctuary. Wear clean clothes that fit you properly. Learn some about contemporary fashion. Groom yourself. Style your hair and keep it clean. Take care of your body. Find hobbies that help you relax. Broaden your worldview. Try out different ways to express yourself. Find like-minded people. Make room in your life for school and work. Give some thought to the future. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Toast-Pecans | How to Toast Pecans | To toast pecans, spread them out on a greased baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 300°F (150°C). Flip the pecans over halfway so they toast evenly on both sides. If you want to toast pecans on the stovetop, start by preheating a skillet over high heat. Then, turn the heat down to medium and add the pecans to the skillet, stirring constantly as they cook. Once the pecans start to turn brown and develop a nutty smell, remove them from the heat and enjoy! | Preheat the oven to 325 °F (163 °C) and melt the butter. You can heat 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter in a very small saucepan over low heat or microwave it for about 10 seconds until it melts. You can use salted or unsalted butter, but you'll have more control over flavor if you use unsalted. Toss the pecans with the butter and spread them on a baking sheet. Put 1 cup (65 g) of pecan halves into a bowl and pour the melted butter on them. Then, stir the pecans so they're coated and transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the pecans so they're in a single layer. This will help them toast evenly. Bake the pecans for 25 minutes and stir them at the halfway point. Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook the pecans for about 12 minutes. Then, put on oven mitts and remove the sheet. Use a spoon or flat spatula to stir the pecans and put the sheet back into the oven. Toast the nuts for another 12 to 13 minutes. The pecans will smell fragrant and nutty once they've finished toasting. Remove the sheet and season the pecans with salt and red pepper. Turn off the oven and carefully remove the baking sheet. Sprinkle 3/4 teaspoon (4 g) of kosher salt and 2 pinches of ground red pepper over the nuts. If you don't want the heat from the red pepper, you can leave it out or substitute a different seasoning, such as ground cumin or rosemary. Cool the pecans on the baking sheet. Stir the toasted pecans and then leave them on the baking sheet until they're completely cool. If you try to eat a hot pecan, it will be chewy instead of crunchy. Store the cooled, toasted pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Set a skillet on the stove and put 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter into it. Then, turn the burner to medium and let the butter melt. If you prefer, substitute olive, canola, or coconut oil for the butter. Stir in the pecans, salt, and red pepper. Add 1 cup (65 g) of pecan halves to the skillet along with 3/4 teaspoon (4 g) of kosher salt. If you'd like the pecans to have a little spice to them, stir in 2 pinches of ground red pepper. If you'd like to double this recipe, toast the pecans in batches instead of crowding the skillet. Cook the pecans for 2 to 5 minutes and stir them frequently. Keep the burner turned to medium and stir the pecans about every minute to prevent them from burning. Toast the nuts until they smell fragrant and look darker. If you stored the pecans in the refrigerator or freezer, they may take an extra minute to toast. Transfer the pecans to a plate and cool them completely. Since pecans can continue to cook in the skillet even after you've turned off the burner, put the toasted nuts onto a plate. Set them aside to cool before you enjoy them. Put the cooled nuts into an airtight container at room temperature and store them for up to 1 week. Mix the butter, pecans, salt, and pepper in a dish. Get out a shallow microwave-safe dish, such as a pie plate, and put 1 cup (65 g) of pecan halves into it. Stir in 1 tablespoon (14 g) of melted butter and 3/4 teaspoon (4 g) of kosher salt. If you'd like to give the nuts a little heat, add 2 pinches of ground red pepper. Consider using seasoned salt instead of kosher salt for additional flavor. Microwave the nuts for 1 minute. Put the dish of buttered pecans into the microwave and heat them at full power for 1 minute. You'll probably start to smell the nuts and they'll begin to turn a little darker. Heat the pecans for 1 to 2 minutes and stir them every 30 seconds. Open the microwave and stir the pecans before heating them for another 30 seconds. Then, stir the nuts again. Continue to microwave the pecans for a total of 1 to 2 more minutes or until they smell fragrant and toasted. It's important to stir the nuts frequently as they're toasting to prevent them from burning on 1 side. Cool the pecans before you use them. Wear oven mitts to take the pecans out of the microwave since the dish will be hot. Transfer the nuts to a rimmed baking sheet or plate and let them cool completely. Put the cooled pecans into an airtight container and store them for up to 1 week. | Preheat the oven to 325 °F (163 °C) and melt the butter. Toss the pecans with the butter and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake the pecans for 25 minutes and stir them at the halfway point. Remove the sheet and season the pecans with salt and red pepper. Cool the pecans on the baking sheet. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the pecans, salt, and red pepper. Cook the pecans for 2 to 5 minutes and stir them frequently. Transfer the pecans to a plate and cool them completely. Mix the butter, pecans, salt, and pepper in a dish. Microwave the nuts for 1 minute. Heat the pecans for 1 to 2 minutes and stir them every 30 seconds. Cool the pecans before you use them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Bunions | How to Get Rid of Bunions | If you need to get rid of bunions, wear bunion pads or shoe inserts to realign your toes. You could also wrap tape around your foot and toes to hold your toes in a normal alignment. If you are having trouble with pain due to your bunions, soak your feet in warm water for about 20 minutes. If your bunions are causing you severe pain or you can no longer fit your feet into your shoes, consult a doctor, who may recommend surgery. | Try foot exercises. Exercises can help slow or even halt the progression of your bunion, preventing the need to eventually get surgery. Try the following exercises every day, especially after removing your shoes: Stretch your big toe. Use your fingers to pull your big toe into proper alignment with the rest of your toes. Stretch the rest of your toes. Simply point them straight ahead for 10 seconds, then curl them under for 10 seconds. Repeat several times. Flex your toes. Press your toes against the floor or a wall until they are bent back. Hold them for 10 seconds, then release. Repeat several times. Grip with your toes. Practice picking up an article of clothing or a towel with your toes, dropping it, then picking it up again. Wear low-heeled shoes of the appropriate width for your feet. Ask a consultant at the shoe store to measure the size of your feet. They can tell you what width is right for you to ensure your shoes fit properly. Then, select lower styles to avoid the pressure that causes bunions. Bunions are caused by a genetic abnormality in your foot where the first long bone shifts inward. However, this can be aggravated and accelerated by things like wearing tight shoes or heels. Wear a bunion pad or shoe inserts to realign toes. If you catch your bunion in the early stages, a bunion pad purchased at any pharmacy or drugstore may help to alleviate pain and direct your toe back to the proper direction. Shoe inserts may also help to realign your toes when you are wearing shoes. You can use either prefabricated inserts or a custom orthotic that's fit by a foot specialist. Also, consider using inserts to provide your shoes with adequate arch support. If your arch collapses, your bunion will get better over time. Tape your foot and toes into a normal alignment position. Your toes may adapt to the normal position after being taped for a week or two. Ask your doctor if you need assistance with this process. Relieve the pain. Exercising your feet and toes is well and good, but the intense pain bunions cause should also be addressed. Ease sore feet using the following methods: Soak your feet in warm water. Prepare a bowl with warm water and allow your feet to soak for twenty minutes. The warmth will sooth your joints and temporarily alleviate the pain. Try an ice pack. For particularly bad flare-ups, ice packs are a good choice. Fill a plastic bag with ice and wrap it in a thin towel. Apply the ice pack in twenty-minute increments several times a day. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to relieve the pain. Wear bunion splints at night. Try bunion splints to push your toes back into the proper alignment for greater comfort. You can buy these at your local shoe or orthotics store. Try a bunion split. For mild to moderate bunions, a flexible bunion splint such as "Bunion-Aid" has been scientifically proven to effectively correct Hallux valgus and relieve bunion pain. Consult a physician. If you are experiencing extreme pain that seems to be getting worse, or if your feet no longer fit in your shoes, consult a physician right away. It's possible to slow or halt the progression of bunions, but you can't actually cure them on your own. Take prescribed pain medication. In some cases the doctor will advise you as to lifestyle changes and prescribe a medication for the pain. To prevent the bunion from getting worse, be sure to follow the doctor's advice. Consider surgery. Talk to your doctor about surgery if your bunion pain is severe and symptoms do not improve with other therapies. The surgeon will surgeon shave the bone of your big toe and realign your big toe with the other toes. Bunion surgery is common and considered to be the only cure for bunions. There are several options for a bunionectomy surgery. Conduct research with your doctor to find out which option is best for you. Surgery usually helps bunions, but it doesn't guarantee that you will be completely free of pain, or that your toe will look perfectly straight. Follow up the surgery with proper lifestyle changes and exercises to prevent future pain and inflammation. Surgery has potential pitfalls, such as wound infection, recurrence of the bunion or decreased sensation in your big toe, so it's often considered a last resort.#*You can use either prefabricated inserts or a custom orthotic that's fit by a foot specialist. Your doctor can discuss these potential complications with you, so you can make an informed decision. . Go barefoot Whether you inherited a propensity toward getting bunions from one of your parents or your bunions are the result of a lifetime of wearing shoes that are too tight, spending as much time as possible walking barefoot can prevent and even heal bunions. Walking barefoot strengthens the muscles in your feet and helps the bones realign in their natural position, rather than having to conform to the shape of your shoes. However, if your bunions are advanced and very painful, walking barefoot can make them feel worse. If this is the case, only walk barefoot on thickly carpeted floors. Otherwise, wear padded socks when you're walking around the house and doing your daily activities. Wearing thick, comfortable slippers around the house is another option to help ease the pain of your bunions without subjecting your feet to the pressure of wearing shoes. See if your shoes are making your bunions worse. You may think they are comfortable and good for your feet, but even tennis shoes and other athletic shoes could be making your bunions worse. Wear supportive shoes with good padding and arches. If you're in doubt about what type of shoe to buy, ask your doctor for advice. Make sure that your shoes are the right size for you. Wearing shoes that are too small can make bunions a lot worse. When you're trying on shoes, your big toe should never touch the end of your shoe. To ensure you get the most comfortable fit, try on your shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are the most swollen. Also, use a brannock device to measure your feet each time you buy shoes, because your shoe size can change over time. Don't wear high heels or pointy toes. They're pretty, but heels and stylish pointy-toed shoes are terrible for bunions. They lead to additional pain and prevent the bunion from healing. Wear less restrictive sandals whenever possible. Avoid activities that lead to bunions. Ballet dancing, and other activities requiring constrictive shoes, may lead to bunions. If it isn't possible to do the activity in shoes that are healthier for your feet, avoid the activity altogether. | Try foot exercises. Wear low-heeled shoes of the appropriate width for your feet. Wear a bunion pad or shoe inserts to realign toes. Tape your foot and toes into a normal alignment position. Relieve the pain. Wear bunion splints at night. Try a bunion split. Consult a physician. Take prescribed pain medication. Consider surgery. . See if your shoes are making your bunions worse. Avoid activities that lead to bunions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Vinaigrette | How to Make Vinaigrette | To make a basic vinaigrette, start by combining yellow mustard and fresh lemon juice in a bowl. Next, add olive oil and whisk until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Finally, add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Alternatively, whisk together sugar, salt, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil to make a balsamic vinaigrette. Serve immediately over a salad, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. | Add a small amount of mustard to a small bowl. You should add a dollop of mustard that is about the size of your fingertip. Mustard acts as an emulsifying agent--when two liquids don't mix, like water and oil, mustard breaks them down and helps them to mix. You can also add a fingertip-sized dollop of mayonnaise to the bowl. Mayo is also an emulsifier and adds a nice creamy texture to the vinaigrette. However, for a lower-calorie vinaigrette, skip the mayo. Add your acidic element to the bowl. This item will depend on the kind of vinaigrette you are making. The most standard vinaigrette is one made with lemons. Squeeze one fresh lemon into your bowl. If you don't have a fresh lemon, you can also use four tablespoons of bottled lemon juice. Whisk the lemon juice with the other ingredients in the bowl. Make sure that it is thoroughly mixed. Other options for your acidic element include red wine, white wine, and apple cider vinegar. Add the olive oil. To properly combine all of the ingredients, continue to whisk the lemon mixture while slowly pouring in the olive oil. Whisking while pouring will help the water-based lemon juice combine with the oil. Continue to whisk until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Add your seasonings. For a basic vinaigrette, all you need to ad is salt and pepper. Add as much or as little as you like. Season to taste. If you want to add other herbs, now is the time to do so. Other herbs you might like to add include: Minced garlic, onion, or shallot. Finely chopped basil, parsley, thyme, or dill. Other spices like paprika or cumin. Pour the vinaigrette over your salad. Only do this right before you are about to eat so that the lettuce does not get soggy. Enjoy! Add the balsamic vinegar to a bowl. Mix in the sugar and salt and whisk until these ingredients dissolve. After they have dissolved, add the pepper and garlic. The pepper, garlic, and salt are optional. Whisk the mixture until it is blended. If you are using a high quality balsamic vinegar, rather than a cheaper version, you will most likely not need to add the sugar. Once you have mixed in the salt, pepper, and garlic, taste the mixture. Add sugar if so desired. Whisk the mixture while adding the oil. To help the vinegar and oil fuse together, keep whisking while you add a few drops of oil at a time. Once you have added all of the required oil, keep whisking for a few more moments to make sure that the ingredients are blended. Taste the vinaigrette and add more seasonings if you want to. Add other ingredients if desired. Some recipes call for adding a dollop of grainy mustard, some chopped herbs, or minced shallots or onions. Feel free to experiment with your dressing. Toss the salad with the balsamic vinaigrette. Do this right before you eat so that the salad does not get soggy. If you are not planning on using the vinaigrette right away, pour it into a container with a lid. When you are ready to use it, whisk it again as the ingredients will separate while the dressing sits in the fridge. Try some delicious strawberry vinaigrette. If you prefer your salad dressings a little sweeter, you will enjoy this strawberry vinaigrette. Add some walnuts and slice up apple and you've got a mighty fine salad. Give a traditional Italian vinaigrette a try. Pretend you are in Italy for a day with this classic Italian salad dressing. You'll take one bite and feel like you're at a villa listening to the gentle Mediterranean waves. Make a sweet orange marmalade vinaigrette. This sweet vinaigrette also comes with the slightly bitter and entirely delicious bite of the marmalade. Try a salty miso vinaigrette. If you are making a salad with soba noodles, this miso vinaigrette is the way to go. Your guests will be begging for your recipe. Expand your horizons and enjoy curry soy vinaigrette on a salad. This unique vinaigrette is mouth wateringly good. Throw in some green beans and cherry tomatoes to give this salad an extra boost of veggie goodness. | Add a small amount of mustard to a small bowl. Add your acidic element to the bowl. Add the olive oil. Add your seasonings. Pour the vinaigrette over your salad. Add the balsamic vinegar to a bowl. Whisk the mixture while adding the oil. Toss the salad with the balsamic vinaigrette. Expand your horizons and enjoy curry soy vinaigrette on a salad. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Roof-Pitch | How to Calculate Roof Pitch | Before you calculate roof pitch, you'll need to measure the slope of your roof. The easiest way to do this is by accessing a rafter in your attic if you can. If you can't get to your attic, you can measure slope on your rooftop as long as it's safe to go up there. After measuring the slope, estimate the roof pitch by dividing the slope by 2 if you have a simple gable roof. However, if you have a more complex roof, you may need to calculate pitch section-by-section. | Access a rafter. Measuring from the underside of the roof is usually the most accurate way to find the slope, since there is no roofing material to make an uneven surface. Any of the following will give you a good measurement: A rafter in the attic. The overhang of a rafter at the end of the roof. A barge rafter at the side of the gable. Position a level against the underside of the rafter. Place one end of a carpenter's level against the underside of the rafter. Adjust the level until the bubble is centered between the two lines. Find the 12 inch mark on the level. If your level does not have inch marking, measure it with a tape measure and draw on a 12 inch mark. 12 inches is the traditional measurement in the U.S. If you don't have an imperial ruler, however, you can use any units. Just use the same unit for all measurements, and measure a length at least this size (12 inches / 30 cm). Measure the vertical distance from level to rafter. Extend your tape measure perpendicular to the level. Measure the distance from the 12 inch mark to the underside of the same rafter, directly above it. Make sure the level stays in position during this measurement. Find the slope. The slope of your roof is the ratio of vertical distance (rise) to horizontal distance (run). Just write down the measurements you found. There's no need to simplify them. For example, if you find 4 inches of height with the tape measure at the 12 inch mark on the level, your slope is 4:12 or "4 in 12." Most people looking for "pitch" are really interested in this measurement. In technical terms, pitch has a different definition. If you're not sure if you have the right measurement, skip down to find the pitch. Confirm the roof is safe to walk on. Climb up a ladder without your tools to take a look at the roof surface. Do not walk on a wet or icy roof, a very steep roof, or one with obvious structural damage. Even a mild slope can be dangerous to walk on if the roofing material is slippery, gritty (worn composite shingles), or loose (wood shakes or any worn shingles). It's best to walk on a roof when the sun is out and morning dew has evaporated. Never walk directly on a slate roof; slates can easily be broken by stepping on them. Special scaffolding equipment is required to safely work on slate roofs, both to prevent damage to slates and to mitigate fall hazard. Curled shingles or other non-flat roof coverings make this method less accurate. Consider measuring from the rake board at the edge of the roof instead. Wear clean, dry, basketball shoes or sneakers with soft soles. These have good traction but are less likely to leave footprints on your roof. Measure 12 inches on a carpenter's level. Mark the length with the marker. Many levels are equipped with a ruler on the side, but this mark is more visible. Organize your tools. Place the level, a tape measure, paper, and pen in a bucket or tool belt. Make sure you can ascend the ladder and move around easily while carrying the tools. It may help to lock your tape measure in extended position before you climb. You'll only need about 12 inches. Position the level. Place one end of the level against the roof. Pivot it up or down until the horizontal vial's bubble is between the two lines. If your roof is particularly bumpy, lay down a flat board over the roof first. Place the end of the level against this board. Crouch down or sit, as to minimize the potential for slipping. Measure the vertical distance from roof to level. Hold the 0-mark of the tape measure against the roof. Extend it upward so it is perpendicular to the level. Move the tape measure along the the roof until it hits the level at exactly the 12-inch mark. Note the vertical distance on the tape measure and write this value down. Calculate the roof slope. Write the roof slope as the ratio of "rise over run," or vertical distance over horizontal distance. For example, if your tape measure found a 6 inch vertical distance to the 12 inch mark on your level, the slope is 6:12 or "6 in 12". In the United States, slopes are traditionally given with 12 as the second number of the ratio. There's no need to simplify the ratio. Define roof slope. Most people interested in roof "pitch" are actually measuring the slope, which is the most useful measurement when considering roofing material and rainwater. Slope is the correct term for the ratio of vertical to horizontal distance on a particular plane of the roof. Even carpenters often use the terms slope and pitch interchangeably. For example, if one side of the roof rises by 8 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance, it has a slope of "8 in 12" or "8:12." Understand roof pitch. Technically, roof pitch is the ratio of total vertical roof height (the rise) to total horizontal distance from wall to wall (the span). Although most homeowners do not need to measure pitch, it still pays to understand this term. When you're arranging for repairs or roofing material, your calculations will be way off if you misinterpret "pitch" to mean "slope." Again, some carpenters and manufacturers use both terms to mean "slope." Just ask if there's any confusion about which measurement they're referring to. For example, if a roof is 32 feet from wall to wall and the ridge is 8 feet above the walls, the pitch has an 8 to 32 pitch, simplifying to "1 to 4" or "1/4". Find the pitch. If you do need to calculate the pitch, an estimate or shortcut is usually more practical than measuring the roof's overall dimensions. Here are a couple examples: For a simple gable roof, the span (wall to wall) will be twice the size of the run (wall to ridge, horizontally). Divide the slope by two to get the pitch. For a roof with the ridge above one wall, the span is the same as the run. The slope is the same as the pitch. For more complex roofs, you may need to calculate it section by section. Carpenters use special conversion charts to estimate the roofing material required based on the slope and shape. | Access a rafter. Position a level against the underside of the rafter. Find the 12 inch mark on the level. Measure the vertical distance from level to rafter. Find the slope. Confirm the roof is safe to walk on. Measure 12 inches on a carpenter's level. Organize your tools. Position the level. Measure the vertical distance from roof to level. Calculate the roof slope. Define roof slope. Understand roof pitch. Find the pitch. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Pergo-Flooring | How to Install Pergo Flooring | To install Pergo flooring, start by covering the floor with with vapor barrier sheets all the way to the walls and taping any seams. Then, starting in the far corner of the room, lay the first tile down against the wall, removing the tongue so it's flush with the wall. Then, fit the tongue on the next plank into the groove of the first one and press down until it clicks into place. As you lay the tiles, stagger the length of the planks so that none of them end in the same place. Once you've covered the floor, install baseboards around the edges of the room. | Prepare the floor. Clean any debris off the floor and secure any loose floorboards before attempting to install anything over the sub-floor. Make sure the sub floor is level with a carpenter's level. Floor leveling is usually only done on concrete floors, but you can find speckling product at the store that you can apply with large putty knives, if you've got a few spaces out of alignment. You can also just install Pergo over the floor, even if it's a bit uneven, but you risk cracking or separating the tiles eventually. If you're remodeling and not installing Pergo in a new installation, remove any carpet, padding and remnants from the floor. Remove baseboards, vent covers, and any other fixture that would present an obstacle to the flooring. You should clear all the way to the sub-floor. If you need to undercut the baseboard, use an undercut saw with plastic spacers. Saw the bottom of the trim or chip it out using a chisel or utility knife. It should pop off easily. Install the vapor barrier. Whether you're installing Pergo over concrete or wood floors, it's common to install a vapor barrier if you're concerned about moisture. Laying a laminate vapor barrier helps to keep moisture from going into the fiberboard and causing it to warp. This should be available in the flooring section of any home repair store. Lay the underlayment in strips so they are touching but not overlapping. Any overlap will cause uneven spots in the floor, so try to smooth it out as much as possible. Pick a corner to start laying the Pergo. For most projects, you want to start with the back left corner of the room and work toward the door. If you start in the middle, you'll have to make cuts when you get to the edges, to make the tiles fit. To install the tiles, remove the tongue from the first piece. This side will face the wall. Place the tongue side of the second plank into the groove of the first, starting at an angle. When the tongue is in the groove, press down until the joint clicks into place. Work in rows. When you are done with the first row, move to the next. Be sure to leave a consistent 1/4 inch (0.635 cm) gap around all the edges of the room to allow for expansion with temperature changes. It's also common practice to lay the planks in the direction that any light entering the room shines down the length of the plank. Continue the row. At a 30 degree angle along the long side of the two pieces, push the new piece into the groove. They should click together easily, or you can use a crowbar or a hammer to tap them into place gently. Start the next row. Stagger the length of the planks in the second and following rows so that none of the planks end at the same place. The best way to do this is to cut a 2 foot (0.61 m) (60.96 cm) length of plank and start the second row with it. Then use a full plank for the third row and keep rotating across the room. Cut your pieces in an area away from where you are installing the floor so the dust does not get into the joints. There are always unfinished pieces that stick out around two to three sides. Measure from the end of the last piece, subtract a quarter inch, and measure the finished surface to that dimension. Make your cut using a mitre sliding saw. If it's not quite straight on the edges, it'll be covered by the baseboard anyway. Continue laying rows until you've filled the room. Connect the joints of the long side of the starter piece with the groove of the last row laid. Press the plank down until it locks into place. Secure the piece into place by using a tapping block near the end of the plank and gently knocking the piece. Continue with the tapping block down the row as you place a plank. Install the baseboard. When you've completed the rows, you're done with the Pergo installation. Install the baseboard according to your plans for the room and return any fixtures where you removed them. Check to make sure the concrete is level. If you're laying Pergo over concrete, remove all carpet, trim, and other things covering the sub-floor to expose the concrete underneath. Before laying Pergo, it's a good idea to smooth out the concrete to make sure that you've got the flattest surface possible for the new installation. Use the level to make sure it's smooth, and take steps to smooth it out if necessary with new concrete. Mix a batch of concrete leveler. Uneven floors need to be smoothed out with concrete leveler. This usually comes in a 40-50lb bag, which can be mixed with water to prepare. In a bucket, mix a small batch of concrete with water as directed. Don't mix more than you'll use in the next hour, or it'll dry out and become useless and hard. Start at the lowest points in the room and pour a small reservoir, so you can mix water in and wet the concrete back up if necessary. Use a putty knife or a trowel to smooth out the concrete as thinly as possible, feathering out the edges of your work as you go. Install the vapor barrier when the concrete has dried. Wait at least 48 hours before installing a vapor barrier over the fresh concrete leveling job, then put down a vapor barrier as described previously. These polyurethane sheets are usually available from Pergo dealers as part of the package. Cover the entire floor with the sheets, which should be cut to completely cover the floor. Make it big enough on the sides so any vapor coming up will end up behind the baseboard. Tape the seams together before continuing with installation. Install Pergo as before. Once you've smoothed out the concrete and added the vapor barrier, installing Pergo over concrete should be exactly the same as installing over wood. Pick a corner, start clicking them together leaving the appropriate amount of space between rows, and trim them to fit on the ends. | Prepare the floor. Install the vapor barrier. Pick a corner to start laying the Pergo. Continue the row. Start the next row. Continue laying rows until you've filled the room. Install the baseboard. Check to make sure the concrete is level. Mix a batch of concrete leveler. Install the vapor barrier when the concrete has dried. Install Pergo as before. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Exfoliate-Your-Skin-With-Olive-Oil-and-Sugar | How to Exfoliate Your Skin With Olive Oil and Sugar | If you want to exfoliate your skin, you can make a simple scrub with olive oil and sugar. First, pour ½ cup of olive oil into a small glass jar. Then add 1 cup of white, granulated sugar. Use brown sugar instead if you're making a face scrub, since white sugar can be too harsh for the face. If you'd like, you can also add a couple tablespoons of lemon juice to brighten your complexion. Additionally, you can add 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Once you've added all the ingredients, mix everything together. Then, store the scrub in the refrigerator. It should last about a year. When you want to use your scrub, massage a small amount onto clean, damp skin for 2 minutes. Then, use warm water to rinse the scrub off. | Pour ½ cup (120 milliliters) of extra virgin olive oil into a small, glass jar. The jar needs to have a wide mouth for easy access, and be large enough to hold about 1½ cups (350 milliliters). Extra virgin olive oil is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It is great for dry, oily, and aging skin alike. It can help treat acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It can give skin a healthy glow, and make it appear more smooth and youthful. If this is for your face, consider replacing 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of the olive oil with rose hip oil. It has vitamin C and anti-aging properties, making it ideal for dry, aging skin. Stir in 15 to 20 drops of essential oil, if desired. You can use just one type of oil, or you can use a combination of several different types. The essential oil will make your scrub smell nicer. Some types of essential oil also have additional benefit for the skin. If this is for your face, reduce the amount to 10 to 15 drops to avoid possible irritations. For acne, try tea tree, bergamot, or geranium oil. For anti-aging, try pomegranate, grapefruit, or lavender. For a brighter or glowing complexion, use moringa oil or peppermint oil. Dry skin will benefit from rose oil, chamomile, or sunflower oil. Add some citrus juice or spices, if desired. Adding 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 milliliters) of freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice will help brighten up your skin and give the scrub a refreshing fragrance. Another option would be to use 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 grams) of spices, such as cinnamon, apple piece, pumpkin pie, or vanilla. If this is for your face, leave the juice/spices out. Add 1 cup (225 grams) of white, granulated sugar to make a body scrub. White, granulated sugar will work for most people, and is suitable for dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, however, try something with smaller grains, such as castor sugar or brown sugar. To make an extra-exfoliating scrub, add ¼ cup (55 grams) of sugar. While this recipe is for sugar and oil, you can use salt too. Fine sea salt makes for a great, friction-free scrub. Just replace the sugar with the same amount of salt. Add 1 cup (200 grams) of brown sugar instead to make a face scrub. White sugar is much too harsh for the sensitive, delicate skin on your face. If you are planning to make a face scrub, you should use brown sugar instead. It will be much gentler on your face thanks to its smaller granules. It is also a natural humectant, so it helps draw moisture into your skin. Stir everything together with a spoon. Feel the scrub between your fingers. If the scrub is too coarse and grainy for you, stir in some more olive oil. If it's too liquidy, add in more sugar. Start with 1 tablespoon of oil or sugar, then add more, if needed. Store the scrub in a cool, dry place. Sugar scrubs are self-preserving, so they do not need to be refrigerated. It's best if you use them within 1 year, however. If you added citrus juice into your scrub, it will only last 1 week out of the fridge, and 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge. This is because citrus juice is perishable. Start with a clean, damp face. Wash your face first, using your usual facial cleanser. Rinse the cleanser off with warm water. This will remove makeup and dirt and help open up your pores. Scoop up a small amount of the scrub. You'll need less than a coin-sized amount at most. Make sure that you are only using scrubs made out of brown sugar; white sugar scrubs will be too harsh on your face. Massage the scrub onto your face. Use a gentle touch and upward, circular motions. Focus on the dry, rough parts of your face, and take care to avoid the delicate skin around your eyes. It would be a very good idea to rub it onto your neck as well! Rinse the scrub off with warm water. If your face feels oily afterwards, you can wash it again with warm water and facial cleanser. Follow it up by splashing your face with cool water. Apply toner to your face to close your pores. Pour a little bit of toner onto a cotton pad. Wipe it gently all over your face. This will help seal and tighten your pores. If you would like to stick with natural ingredients, try using some rose water as a toner. Apply some moisturizer to your skin while it's still damp. Even though you used gentle, brown sugar in your scrub, it may still dry out your skin. Applying some moisturizer will help keep your skin smooth and soft. It is much better to apply moisturizer to damp skin rather than dry; it helps seal the moisture in. Use the scrub once to twice a week. The best time to apply the scrub is at night. This will give your skin time to replenish and repair itself. If you have very sensitive skin, you might want to limit yourself to just once a week, or even more seldom. If you use the scrub too often, you may end up irritating the skin on your face. Step into the tub or shower. Scrubs work best on damp skin, so enjoy the warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. This will help soften the skin up in preparation for the scrub. Have the jar of scrub ready to use. Scoop out a small amount of the scrub. How much you scoop up depends on what area of your body you will be scrubbing. You'll need more scrub for your legs (ie: palm-full) than for your feet (ie: coin-sized). Cover the jar with its lid immediately after, especially if you are taking a shower, so that no water gets inside. Massage the scrub onto your skin. Use a gentle, circular motion while doing so. Keep the body part out of the water while doing this so that the scrub does not wash off. You can massage the scrub for up to 1 or 2 minutes. Rinse the scrub off. If your skin feels oily afterwards, you can wash it with soap and more water. Leaving a thin film of oil on your skin would not be a bad idea, however, especially if you have dry skin. The oil will get absorbed into your skin, and help moisturize it. Follow up with some moisturizer. Body oil would be even better because it absorbs into your skin more readily. Lightly pat your skin dry—enough so that it is still damp, but not dripping wet—then apply your desired moisturizing lotion o body oil. Use the scrub up to once or twice a week. Avoid using the scrub too often, or you may end up irritating your skin. You can also use the scrub less often, if you prefer. The scrub is self-preserving, so it should last up to 1 year; if it starts to look or smell bad before then, however, toss it out. If you added citrus juice to your scrub, use it within 1 week. You can prolong its shelf life to 2 or 3 weeks by keeping it in the fridge, however. Soak your legs in warm water for 5 minutes. This will help open up your pores and soften the hairs in preparation for shaving. You can do this in the tub or shower. There are mixed opinions on whether or not you should use a scrub before shaving. Some people recommended while others advise against it. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid this. Massage the scrub onto your legs. Scoop up a palm-ful of the scrub, then apply it to your legs using a gentle, circular motion. It might be a good idea to work one leg at a time so that you don't accidentally wash the scrub off. Shave your legs. You can rinse the scrub off first and apply a shaving cream, or you can use the scrub in place of shaving cream. Be sure to use a sharp, clean razor for the closest shave, and the rinse the razor off immediately after. Rinse your legs, then apply the scrub again. Rinse the scrub/shaving cream off of your legs first. Then, reapply the scrub using the same method as before. Wash your legs with soap and warm water to get rid of any residual oil. Alternatively, you can skip the soap and leave a thin film of oil on your skin. Your skin will absorb this oil, and become softer. | Pour ½ cup (120 milliliters) of extra virgin olive oil into a small, glass jar. Stir in 15 to 20 drops of essential oil, if desired. Add some citrus juice or spices, if desired. Add 1 cup (225 grams) of white, granulated sugar to make a body scrub. Add 1 cup (200 grams) of brown sugar instead to make a face scrub. Stir everything together with a spoon. Store the scrub in a cool, dry place. Start with a clean, damp face. Scoop up a small amount of the scrub. Massage the scrub onto your face. Rinse the scrub off with warm water. Apply toner to your face to close your pores. Apply some moisturizer to your skin while it's still damp. Use the scrub once to twice a week. Step into the tub or shower. Scoop out a small amount of the scrub. Massage the scrub onto your skin. Rinse the scrub off. Follow up with some moisturizer. Use the scrub up to once or twice a week. Soak your legs in warm water for 5 minutes. Massage the scrub onto your legs. Shave your legs. Rinse your legs, then apply the scrub again. Wash your legs with soap and warm water to get rid of any residual oil. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Mynah-Birds | How to Care for Mynah Birds | To care for mynah birds, choose a roomy cage and position several perches at different heights throughout the cage. You can feed your bird a steady diet of pellets designed specifically for mynahs that are broken into bite-sized pieces. They also love to eat live insects, which you can provide occasionally, or as much as time and budget allow. Don't forget to include small toys like mirrors, bells, and bottle caps to keep your bird stimulated and happy! | Find a large cage. Your mynah bird's cage should provide easy access for cleaning as well as plenty of room for your bird. The typical dimensions of a mynah bird cage are 3-4 feet wide (90-100cm) by 2 feet tall (60cm) by 2 feet deep (60cm). Because they are such a rarity, it can be hard to find an affordable cage that is specifically made for mynah birds. Most large cages are built for parrots that require less room.. If you are in a pinch, you can put together two parrot cages. Provide perches. Because they enjoy hopping around, place a variety of wooden or plastic perches in your mynah bird's cage. The diameters of the perches should be about one inch (2.5cm). These will help prevent foot injuries and the development of arthritis. Avoid rope perches because the bird's toenails can get caught in them. Place a nest box in the cage. Because mynah birds take multiple short naps during the day, you will want to install a dark place for them to sleep. The best option is a nest box. Simply buy a nest box at a pet store and place it inside the bird's cage. You can also build your own nest box out of a soft wood or cardboard. However, a cardboard nest box will need to be replaced regularly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines when installing the nest box. Maintain a comfortable environment. Find a comfortable place in your home that is near sunlight but not directly in it. Mynah birds also enjoy room temperature (76 degrees Fahrenheit or 24 degrees Celsius) but can acclimate to slightly colder temperatures. If your bird does not have any exposure to sunlight, you may need to install a light fixture. Provide a healthy diet. Mynah birds are omnivorous and, in the wild, eat a variety of fruits, nuts, insects and small animals. In captivity, you may find that it is expensive and difficult to provide your bird with a regular supply of these foods. Instead, you will likely want to feed your animal a steady diet of pellets designed specifically for mynah birds. Also, because mynah birds do not bite and chew their food, it is important that the food is presented in bite-sized pieces. Because mynah birds suffer from hemochromatosis, or an inability to store iron, you should feed them low iron (150 parts per million) mynah bird pellets. These pellets should be roughly 60% of your bird's diet. Unless you are breeding birds, insects should not be more than 5% of your bird's diet. If your mynah bird's diet is less than 60% pellets, you may want to consider various supplements. Exercise your bird. If your mynah bird has been socialized since birth, you can let it out of its cage to fly around your home. However, before you let your bird out of its cage, make sure that you have closed all of the windows and doors, turned off any fans, covered any water, and ensured that there are not any predators around, such as house cats. Also, remember that mynah birds are not a hands-on bird and will not perch on your hand like a parrot. You may want to clip your birds wings. Without a clipping, mynah birds can lose their balance and have a difficult time landing. This can result in injury or death. Allow the bird to groom. Mynah birds are fastidious creatures and bathe multiple times a day. The easiest way to meet their bathing needs is to place a shallow dish of water in your bird's habitat. Make sure to change the dish water on a regular basis, as the bird's droppings will likely fall in it throughout the day. Because of their sensitivity to chemicals and pathogens, be sure to fill your bird's bowl with distilled water and avoid using tap water. Provide playthings. Purchase toys and other playful things for your bird. Mirrors, bells, bottle caps, and other small items can serve as toys for your mynah bird. These products will help keep your bird happy and engaged. Avoid rope toys because they can get caught in your bird's tongue or toenails. Buy a baby mynah bird. The easiest way to socialize a mynah bird is to buy it as a chick. Ideally, this means purchasing a 6-8 week old bird. Mynah birds begin speaking at three to four months and tend to quit learning new words once they reach two years of age. Unless you are okay with the words that they have already learned, you may want to consider a baby mynah bird. Begin speaking to the young bird as soon as you bring it home. Initially, give it simple words like “hello” or “hi.” Place the cage in a busy place. Because mynah birds are extremely social and tend to enjoy human interaction, they can be easily socialized. The best way to do this is to put them in a place where they can talk to multiple people and develop their language skills. They may also form a strong bond with the person who cleans their cage and feeds them. Mynahs also have good memories and remember mistreatment. They will hold grudges and dislike people who resemble the person who mistreated them. Teach your mynah specific words. In order to train it, simply pick a short word or phrase and say it every time you see your bird. Unfortunately, you only have about a year and a half to teach them those words. Although mynah's can learn new words until about the age of two, your mynah is the most impressionable between the ages of three and nine months. Mynah birds are capable of learning over 100 words. If you live with other people, encourage them to also say the words you want around the mynah bird. Condition your bird to different things. Because they are the most impressionable when they are young, you should socialize your bird to new people and things when it is a baby. In the first few months to a year, expose your young bird to new people and things (cats and dogs, household appliances), as well as travel with it. This will make it a calmer, better adjusted, and more social pet. This will also make it less likely to be frightened and, therefore, healthier. | Find a large cage. Provide perches. Place a nest box in the cage. Maintain a comfortable environment. Provide a healthy diet. Exercise your bird. Allow the bird to groom. Provide playthings. Buy a baby mynah bird. Place the cage in a busy place. Teach your mynah specific words. Condition your bird to different things. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Breast-Self-Exam | How to Do a Breast Self Exam | To perform a breast self-exam, start by standing in front of a mirror without your shirt and bra and looking for any changes to the size, contour, or shape of your breasts. Then, lie down with your right arm lifted above your head and feel around your right breast using your left hand. Begin under your armpit and make small circles using your three middle fingers until you've covered the breast and underarm area, repeat with more force. Remember that large, symmetrical lumps between breasts are normal, but small, pea-sized lumps that only appear on one breast are something you should have checked out by your doctor. Check your nipple by squeezing it firmly between your thumb and forefinger and make note of any lumps or discharge, repeat on your other breast. | Learn why to do them. Some women like to perform regular breast self-exams. Regular examinations allow you to detect changes that you may not have otherwise noticed, which can help you detect any cancer; however, self-exam should never take the place of mammograms, since these are considered a more accurate test. When you do an exam, you are looking for pre-cancerous lesions or early signs of cancer before it has spread. At this stage, you can treat it before it grows to be life-threatening, which lowers your risk of death from breast cancer. In addition to self-exams, professional screening involved a mammogram, which is a kind of x-ray specifically used on breasts that can show masses, calcifications, or other signs of cancer. No study has proven that breast self-exams decrease the risk of breast cancer death, which is why many experts do not recommend them. Because of this, many women choose not to do them, but they can still be helpful. Know if you are at risk. There are groups of individuals who are more at risk for breast cancer. There are genetic reason and events in your medical history that can put you more at risk. These include: A mutation in a breast cancer gene called BRCA Previous history of breast cancer A family history of breast cancer, especially at a younger age Women who had radiation of the chest between 10 and 30 years of age Start at the right time. Breast self-exams should begin as early as age 20. You should check your breasts once a month so you can note changes over time. In addition to breast self-exams, yearly mammogram screenings should begin no later than age 45, though you can start as early as age 40. You can continue yearly mammograms starting at 55, or you can go down to once every two years. If you are a higher risk of breast cancer, you may begin screening at age 40. Your doctor may order you to get tested more frequently if you are more at risk of developing breast cancer. Have a clinical breast exam (CBE). In addition to your monthly self-exams, your doctor should perform a breast exam at least once a year during your annual physical or gynecological check-up. Your doctor will first perform a visual inspection of both your breast and nipples. They will then do a physical examination of them similar to your self-exam, feeling all the breast tissue and the tissue under both of your arms. They look for any puckering or changes of the skin around the breast, abnormal discharge or orientation of the nipple, or any lumps, which could signal underlying cancers. Get special testing. Sometimes, a self-exam will not be enough. If you are especially high-risk, such as an increased and long family history of the disease, your doctor may recommend a breast MRI. MRIs are more sensitive tests and show more detailed scans. However, they often lead to more false positives, which can lead to unneeded biopsies. Perform the test monthly. If you are performing breast self-exams, try to do them once a month. The best time to do this is about one week after the end of your period. This is when your breasts are least tender and lumpy. During your period, your breasts can be lumpy because of hormone fluctuations. If you don't have regular periods, do the self-exam on the same say every month. If you don't want to do it monthly, you can do an exam less often. It just depends on what you are comfortable with. Perform a visual exam. One way to look for issues with your breasts is to look for changes in their appearance. Stand in front of a mirror without your shirt and bra. Place your hands on your hips. Press firmly down on your hips to engage the muscles, which will help you notice changes. Take note of any redness or scaling of the skin and nipples, any changes to the size, contour, or shape, and any dimpling or puckering to the area. Check under your breasts as well. Turn side to side, lifting your breasts up so you can see underneath and on the side of them. Also look under your arm, holding your arm only part of the way up. This will prevent the muscles in your underarm from contracting too much, which will distort your perception of the area. Get into position. The best position to perform a physical self-exam is lying down. This is due to the way the breast tissue flattens out evenly over your chest, making the tissues easier to examine. Lie down on your bed or couch with your right arm lifted above your head. Some experts suggest doing the examination while standing, or doing one standing in addition to lying down in order to make sure each layer of tissue is examined thoroughly. This can easily be done in or after a shower. You can choose which works best for you. Start the examination. Using your left hand, feel around your right breast. Start under your right armpit and press down gently but firmly at first. This will help you feel the first layer of tissue under your breast. Make small circles with your three middle fingers using the pads of your fingers, not your fingertips. Move your finger circles up and down the breast tissue, kind of like a pattern you make mowing a lawn, until you cover the whole breast and underarm area. Repeat with more force. Once you have moved over your whole breast, move in the same pattern again, making sure to press harder this time. This will reach further into your tissue and examine the under layers of tissue. It is normal to feel your ribs as you do this. Check your nipple. Once you have finished cataloging the breasts, you need to check your nipples for any irregularities. Using light but firm pressure, squeeze your nipple between your thumb and forefinger. Note any lumps or if it expels any discharge. Switch to the other breast. Once you have made your way across your entire right breast and nipple, repeat the procedure from start to finish on your left breast. Switch the arms behind your head and use your right hand to examine your left breast. The same procedure can be used to perform an examination while standing. Contact your doctor. If you feel any lumps, feel for the texture of them. Abnormal lumps of concern tend to feel firm or gritty, have irregular edges, and can feel as if they are stuck to your chest. If you feel anything that feels like this, call you doctor for an appointment as soon as you can to have it checked. Many people have a hard time knowing which lumps in a breast are normal and which ones aren't. One purpose of regular breast self exams is to get an understanding of which lumps are normal and which are new. If you are having trouble figuring it out, ask your doctor to show you what is normal and what isn't. Your doctor may have a model that demonstrates this in their office. If the lump is small and doesn't feel this way, you still should contact your doctor to make sure there is nothing wrong. There is no need to panic. Eight out of ten lumps are not cancerous. | Learn why to do them. Know if you are at risk. Start at the right time. Have a clinical breast exam (CBE). Get special testing. Perform the test monthly. Perform a visual exam. Get into position. Start the examination. Repeat with more force. Check your nipple. Switch to the other breast. Contact your doctor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/View-Pictures-on-Snapchat | How to View Pictures on Snapchat | Open Snapchat, tap the speech bubble icon, and tap on a username to view your received Snaps. | Open Snapchat. Snapchat's icon is yellow with a white ghost on it. Tap the speech bubble. It's located in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Tapping it will bring you to your Chat window. Tap on a username. If someone has sent you a Snap, a solid square icon will appear to the left of their username. Tapping on their username will bring up their Snap. A solid red square means you have a photo snap awaiting you. A solid purple square means you have a video snap awaiting you. A solid blue speech bubble means you have a chat message awaiting you. Swipe right on a username to view Snaps individually. Doing so will open the Chat window, where you can tap on one Snap at a time. Tap Tap to view on each individual Snap to view it. | Open Snapchat. Tap the speech bubble. Tap on a username. Swipe right on a username to view Snaps individually. |
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