url
stringlengths 27
124
| title
stringlengths 10
107
| summary
stringlengths 15
6.15k
| article
stringlengths 0
117k
| step_headers
stringlengths 0
5.75k
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
https://www.wikihow.com/Manage-Diabetes-in-Senior-Dogs | How to Manage Diabetes in Senior Dogs | If you think your senior dog has diabetes, you should take it to the vet, who will help you develop a management plan. You should try to help your dog maintain a healthy weight to reduce its symptoms. You can do this by feeding it dry foods with high amounts of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, which keep its glucose levels low. It's also important to exercise your dog every day, even if it has to walk slowly, to keep it healthy. If your vet prescribes daily insulin injections, make sure to follow their instructions to keep its insulin levels under control. | Take your dog to the vet. To help manage your dog's diabetes, you should take them to the vet for regular checkups. This is true even if your dog's diabetes seems to be under control. The best way to keep your dog's diabetes under control is to let the vet test their blood to check the blood sugar levels. Make sure to schedule a check up at least twice a year if your dog is stable. If your vet recommends more frequent visits, follow their advice. Develop a diabetes management plan. You and the vet will work together to develop a diabetes management plan for your dog. You will be the primary caregiver for your dog's diabetes treatment, so you need to make sure you know what is required to keep your dog healthy. Your vet will outline the dosage of insulin for your dog and help you learn how to give injections. Your vet will give you a diet for your dog, along with exercise recommendations. Your vet will suggest a glucose monitoring system for your dog. You will also be instructed about any warning signs you should look for. Monitor for diabetes symptoms. Diabetes is a common ailment in senior dogs. If your dog doesn't have diabetes yet, you should monitor for symptoms of diabetes. The most common symptom is an increased appetite without any weight gain. Another symptom is increased thirst and increased urination without any change in activity level. Maintain your dog’s weight. One way to help manage your senior dog's diabetes is to keep their weight within a healthy range. You should make sure that your dog does not end up overeating. Obesity is common in older dogs, and this can make their diabetes worse. Older dogs need less calories than younger dogs. Their energy needs and activity levels decrease, so you should feed your aging dog less food than you used to. Many older dogs may eat out of boredom or because they forget that they have eaten. Keep your dog on a food schedule and watch their weight to make sure they don't start gaining weight. Consider changing your dog’s food. When your dog is older, you should make sure to feed them the best food you can. This is especially important when your dog has diabetes. When your dog has diabetes, the food should contain high-quality protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. The food may need to be low-fat, too. Talk to your vet about the best diet for your senior dog. Some senior dogs with diabetes may do well with a senior blend of dog food, while others may do well with a diet full of food prepared at home. Feed your dog hard dry foods. Your senior dog should have a diet of hard, dry foods instead of soft foods. Soft foods can cause complications for diabetes because it causes more glucose to build in the body. It is also important to make sure that your dog eats before insulin injections, to help lower risk of hypoglycemia. If your dog is unable to chew hard foods, talk to your vet about other food options. You may be able to feed your dog a diet of people food instead. Time the food and insulin by offering your dog a small snack. Once they eat it, give them their insulin injection. Then, give them their meal immediately afterwards. If your dog won't eat the snack or their regular food, only give them half their insulin dose for that day, and if they refuse to eat for two or more meals in a row, contact your vet immediately for advice and treatment. Exercise your dog. Another way diabetes can be managed in older dogs is to make sure your dog gets exercise. Older dogs can still exercise, though they may be slower, have to exercise for a shorter duration, or be unable to exercise at such a strenuous level. For example, you can still take your dog for a walk or play fetch with them. They just may not be able to do the activity for as long as they used to. Give your dog insulin. Many older dogs with diabetes need daily insulin injections. Insulin shots are usually given in the dog's back by folding the dog's skin and using a special syringe or a VetPen. You should hold the needle at a 45 degree angle in your dominant hand. Push the plunger down with your thumb as quickly as possible so as not to prolong your dog's discomfort. When your vet prescribes insulin, they will show you the proper way to give your dog insulin injections. Use only the syringes supplied by your vet, and use them only as directed. Do not repeat an injection if you cannot tell whether the injection went in. Rather than injecting the same spot repeatedly, which may cause pain for your dog, vary the injection site a little every day. Monitor your dog’s glucose level. Often, vets will instruct you to check your dog's glucose levels so you can monitor their condition. This is generally done using a glucose meter or a dipstick provided by your vet. You should use the meter or dipstick to check your dog's urine on a daily basis. When you check your dog's glucose level using the provided meter, you will have to prick the dog's skin on a hairless area to get a drop of blood. The urine dipstick helps monitor your dog for glucose levels as well as conditions like ketosis. If ketones appear on the dipstick after testing, consult your vet immediately for advice. Log the dog's glucose level so you can discuss it with your vet, and schedule an immediate vet visit if your dog shows any signs of an illness that can destabilize a diabetic pet, such as a stomach ache, a sore mouth, or an ear infection. Monitor for symptoms of too much insulin. Dogs with diabetes can get too much insulin, which can lead to complications. If your dog's insulin levels are too high, your vet may need to adjust the injections. If you notice any signs of too much insulin or illness like an upset stomach, sore teeth, or ear infections, take you dog to the vet immediately. Symptoms include: Shaking Unsteady gait Lethargy Falling Seizures | Take your dog to the vet. Develop a diabetes management plan. Monitor for diabetes symptoms. Maintain your dog’s weight. Consider changing your dog’s food. Feed your dog hard dry foods. Exercise your dog. Give your dog insulin. Monitor your dog’s glucose level. Monitor for symptoms of too much insulin. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Oat-Flour | How to Make Oat Flour | You can make oat flour with as much unflavored oats as you want, just remember that you'll generally wind up with 3/4 of the volume of oats you started with. Once you have your oats, use a blender or food processor to pulse the oats for 30 seconds or until the oats are fine and powdery, like traditional flour. Mix the oat flour and pulse a few more times to make sure there are no stray, whole oats. Use the oat flour immediately or store it in an airtight container. Oat flour will stay good for 3 months in a cabinet, or 6 months in the freezer. | Measure out a portion of oats. The type of oats traditionally used for oat flour are called "rolled oats." These can be bought for cheap at many grocery stores, but are not always available. Luckily, you can use instant, quick-cook, or steel cut as well -- the only difference is grain size, and you're grinding them all up anyway. Don't use oats that have been flavored in any way, as this flavor will work into your final dish. Plain oats are best. If you're going to be using your oat flour in a recipe immediately, measure out more oats than the recipe calls for. Once you turn them into flour, they'll settle and take up a smaller volume. You'll generally end up with about 3/4 of the volume of oats you started with. Pulse the oats in a food processor. Any standard blender or "Magic Bullet"-type device will also work well.In a pinch, you could use a coffee grinder. Be sure to clean it out first unless you want coffee-flavored flour. Pulse for 30 seconds or until the oats reach a fine, powdery consistency. They should look a lot like traditional plain, all-purpose wheat flour. No blender? There are a variety of ways to make manual flour, but you need to know they will take a while. You could try: Mincing: Using your sharpest knife, rock it back and forth over a small pile of oats to quickly chop them up. They will be a little bigger than a real flour, but will still work. Grinding: Using a mortar and pestle, grind the oats into a powder. Mashing: A last-ditch effort, put the oats in a resealable plastic bag, squeeze the air out, and start crushing as if washing clothing by hand. Note that this will likely take a long time. Stir to mix in any stray oats, then pulse again. It can be hard to tell whether any extra oats remain in your flour, so open the food processor or blender and stir the powder a few times to be safe. Pulse again for 10 seconds or so. Use or store your oat flour at once. Your oat flour is ready to use right away. You can use it roughly how you would use plain flour ordinarily, substituting it into recipes. If you need to save some, use the same rules you would use for ordinary flour. Keep it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Oat flour lasts for about 3 months in the cabinet and 6 months in the freezer. These are only estimates, and oat flour will never keep as long as whole oats. Only make as much as you can use in the next few weeks. Hot and humid environments will lower the shelf life of your flour. Cold and dry areas may be able to store their oat flour a little longer without problems. Use for its subtle oat flavor. The taste difference between plain flour and oat flour won't immediately jump out at you, but it's somewhat noticeable. Oat flour gives the baked goods a nutty flavor and a chewy texture, different from plain flour but not overwhelmingly so. This is perfect for certain dishes — specifically, savory-sweet baked goods tend to benefit from this taste profile. The classic example, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies , are taken to the next level with oat flour. In most recipes, you only need 3/4 cup flour for every 1 cup of plain flour. If a cookie recipe calls for 2 cups normal flour, you should use 1 1/2 cup oat flour. except in raised yeast breads that need gluten to give them structure. If you're unsure how a baked good will respond, mix and match the flours. Instead of 1 cup of plain flour, try 3/4 oats and 1/4 wheat to get the textural benefits of gluten (it gives loaves of bread shape) without eating too much of it. Use to reduce the gluten in recipes. One of the most popular ways oat flour is used today is as a gluten-free alternative to plain flour. Because gluten is a protein that naturally comes from wheat, using oat flour instead of all-purpose flour will usually remove the gluten from baked goods. Note: The rolled oats you can buy at the store aren't always 100% gluten free. Small amounts of wheat can get mixed into the oats (usually, because the equipment used to process them is also used to process wheat). This can make a difference for people with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, so be sure to use oats that are advertised as gluten-free to fully protect friends with Celiac disease. Use oat flour to give baked goods a lighter texture. Compared to plain flour, oat flour is slightly less dense, which makes foods baked from it a little fluffier than they normally would be. This can be used to make wonderfully light muffins and biscuits, though it's also great for giving a unique texture to thicker pastries like scones and soda bread. You don't need to substitute all of the flour to get this effect. To add lightness without losing the taste or consistency of plain flour, use a half-and-half mixture. Try using oat flour in our scone recipe for a lighter version of this delicious breakfast treat. Use to coat or dredge foods. Just like ordinary flour, oat flour can be used as a coating for a wide variety of foods. For instance, if you're frying breaded cuts of meat, you can coat them with oat flour (instead of plain flour) before dipping in an egg wash and tossing with the breading. Oat flour can also be dusted on proved loaves (loaves that have finished rising, but aren't cooked yet) to create an attractive, crunchy crust. Another excellent idea is to use oat flour when kneading bread dough to keep it from sticking to your work surface. Because of its lighter texture, it won't make the dough stiff if you incorporate too much. Use oat flour for its nutritional benefits. Oat flour is great for your body even if you don't have gluten intolerance. Oats are naturally rich in protein, fiber, and help your body burn fats. They are lower in carbohydrates than most grains and are known to have minor cholesterol-reducing properties. This makes oat flour an excellent choice for your recipes — even if there isn't a special reason to use it. Oat flour has high levels of magnesium, making it very helpful for women going through menopause or menstruation. Magnesium deficiencies are a common cause of profuse menstrual bleeding. Finished. | Measure out a portion of oats. Pulse the oats in a food processor. Stir to mix in any stray oats, then pulse again. Use or store your oat flour at once. Use for its subtle oat flavor. Use to reduce the gluten in recipes. Use oat flour to give baked goods a lighter texture. Use to coat or dredge foods. Use oat flour for its nutritional benefits. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-the-Sex-of-Parrots | How to Tell the Sex of Parrots | To tell the sex of a parrot that's around 3 years old, look for eggs in its cage, since females in captivity often lay eggs without mating. Alternatively, try taking the parrot to the vet for a DNA test, which involves sending a feather or nail clipping sample to a lab. You could also talk to your vet about performing surgical sexing to properly identify your bird's sex organs However, keep in mind that this may only be an option if your bird is older, since the process can harm younger birds. | Look for eggs. The most definitive way to determine the sex of a parrot is to observe whether or not it lays eggs. Only female parrots produce eggs. In the wild, a female parrot only lays eggs after having sex with a mate. But female parrots in captivity may or may not lay eggs in their cage. Parrots do not lay eggs until they reach the age of sexual maturity. For many birds, this occurs at approximately 3 years old. Egg production can have a negative impact on a bird's health. If you have a solo parrot laying eggs, contact your vet. Use a DNA test. Many people do not want to wait several years to determine the sex of their bird. For instance, if you are a parrot breeder, you want to know if the birds you have are sexually compatible. It is possible to have a DNA test performed on your parrot. These results are typically fairly accurate, but not absolute. Ask your vet if he performs DNA-testing. There are labs you can send samples to. You will need to follow the specific instructions for shipping either a feather or nail-clipping. Surgically sex a parrot. Surgical sexing should be performed by an experienced vet. If you are not an expert in animal medicine, it is unlikely that you will be able to properly find and identify the sex organs of birds. Ask your vet if he performs surgical sexing, or if he can recommend a doctor who does. This method is not used regularly since the advent of DNA testing. Surgical sexing is mostly used to determine adult parrots with an unknown history. It has been known to harm the reproductive systems of smaller, younger birds. Categorize a Quaker Parrot. When you purchase or adopt a parrot, make sure that you ask for information about the breed. Different types of parrots look and behave differently. Some of them have easier ways to discern sex, too. With the Quaker Parrot, the only definitive way to tell the sex is to wait for the bird to lay eggs. Some female Quakers do not lay eggs until they are more than 10 years old. You might have to be very patient to determine the sex of your Quaker. You can make an educated guess based on some behavioral traits of Quaker Parrots. For example, a male parrot may move his tail briskly side to side during high hormonal periods. Females are more apt to move their tails up and down. Learn about differences in African Grey Parrots. African Grey parrots have several physical characteristics that can help you tell whether you have a male or female. However, it is important to remember that these are general traits and do not lead to a scientific determination. The best way to tell the sex of an African Grey is to wait for eggs or have a DNA test performed. Male African Greys tend to be larger. They are typically 12-14 inches in height, while females are usually less than 12 inches tall. Male African Greys usually have eye patches that are pointed, while a female's eye patches are mainly rounded. Female African Greys have light grey feathers on the underside of their bodies. In males, these feathers are typically a darker grey. Find the sex of a Ringneck Parrot. The Ringneck differs from some other breeds because it is sexually dismorphic. That term means that there is a way to visually distinguish the sex of these birds. A male Ringneck develops a brightly colored, dark ring around his neck. The female will have a very faint ring. The ring does not develop until the bird is sexually mature. This will occur when he is about 3 years old. A female Ringneck typically has a rounder face than a male. Visually observe Senegal Parrots. There is a fairly accurate way to determine the sex of Senegal Parrots. The under-tail feathers of a male Senegal is almost always pure yellow. It is very rare to find a male Senegal with any green in these feathers. Female Senegals have under-tail feathers that are a combination of yellow and green. This method is not 100% accurate. Sex your Eclectus Parrot. The Eclectus is one of the simpler breeds to visually sex. The male typically is mostly green with vivid splashes of red on his wing bends and the sides of his body. The female Eclectus is mainly red, blue, or purple. The male has a candy corn (multi-colored) beak, while the female almost always has an entirely black beak. Provide out of cage time. If you are considering adopting or buying a parrot, make sure that you have considered all aspects of bird ownership. For instance, in order to be happy, parrots like to have at least a little bit of time outside of the cage each day. Be certain that you are comfortable having a parrot flying around or house before bringing one home. If you have a spare room, consider devoting that room solely to your parrot. She will appreciate having her own space to fly. Parrots like to chew, so make sure to cover wires, candles, air fresheners, or anything else that would be harmful to a bird. Be social. Parrots are very smart and can make wonderful companions. Remember, she is not just decoration. She has a personality, likes, and dislikes. Take some time to get to know your bird. Parrots like to be social, so spend time with her each day. Talk to her or try singing to her. Consider adopting two parrots. They will enjoy having company. Give her a large cage. If your parrot will spend most of her time in a cage, try to make it a comfortable space. Purchase the largest cage that you have room for. Make sure there is room for her to have several perches and toys. Place perches on different levels so your bird has a variety of places to play and rest. Provide plenty of fresh water and food. Like humans, parrots need food from a variety of sources, including grains and vegetables. You can purchase commercial parrot pellets as a base for your parrot's diet. Then, supplement the pellets with specific "human" foods. Feed your parrot a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, peas, and green beans. Cut them into small pieces to feed her. Your parrot can eat almost any type of grain-based breakfast cereal. Feed her dry cereal each morning. Table foods should make up 20-40% of your parrot's total diet. Provide your parrot with fresh, clean water daily. | Look for eggs. Use a DNA test. Surgically sex a parrot. Categorize a Quaker Parrot. Learn about differences in African Grey Parrots. Find the sex of a Ringneck Parrot. Visually observe Senegal Parrots. Sex your Eclectus Parrot. Provide out of cage time. Be social. Give her a large cage. Provide plenty of fresh water and food. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-DNA-Test | How to Get a DNA Test | To get a DNA test result using a home testing kit, start by purchasing a kit at your local pharmacy or online. Once you receive your kit, swab the inside of your cheek or spit into the container for your DNA sample. If you're establishing paternity, you'll also need to get a sample from the child. Next, use the packaging included with the kit to mail out your sample for analysis. Then, register online with the company to review your results. | Purchase a kit. Some kits, such as IDENTIGENE for DNA paternity tests, may be found at pharmacies like Walmart and Walgreens. Other kits can be ordered online at the manufacturer's website. Some options are AncestryDNA for genealogy analysis and 23andMe for health risk analysis. Gather saliva samples. After you receive the kit, use the included tools to gather your DNA sample. The kits either have cheek swabs or saliva containers. Swab the inside of your cheek or spit into the container. DNA tests to establish paternity require a sample from parents as well as the child. Document the source of the sample. The kit will come with packaging to mail back to the testing facility. For example, your paternity DNA test may have several envelopes. Record the name of the sample provider and their personal information, including age and ethnicity. Many DNA test companies operate online. The sample kit will have a barcode that you must register on the company's website. DNA samples to establish paternity require signatures from the sample providers. Mail the samples to the company. Fill out the order form with your information. This will indicate you as the results recipient. The envelopes are typically prepaid, so all you have to do is slip them into a mailbox. Check the results online. Go to the company's website. If you haven't already, set up an account by registering your email and setting a password. Simple paternity tests can be completed relatively quickly, but lengthier ancestry and health risk analysis DNA test will take longer. Seek counseling for your results. The test results often require more analysis to be illuminating. For example, a health-based DNA test will reveal how much more likely you are to get a certain disease than someone else. Don't worry yet and don't disregard any treatment plans your doctor has already given you. Call the company or enlist the help of your doctor to interpret the results before you change your lifestyle. Paternity tests need to be submitted to the court system to be considered official. For ancestry tests, research your family tree to gather more information about your lineage. Visit an accredited testing facility. Search your area for government-sanctioned testing facilities. This is particularly important during paternity tests. The facility must follow established procedures in order for the test to be legitimate. Find lists of facilities online and ask for the facility's credentials before taking the test. Provide the requested sample of DNA. DNA testing can be done with any number of body fluids or tissues. Many on-site tests are done by swabbing the inside of a cheek. When testing an unborn child, the facility can now withdraw blood through the mother. This can be done after the first trimester for a safe and highly accurate paternity test. Blood and swab tests are non-invasive. Invasive tests, such as using a needle to extract amniotic fluid, pose slight risks to an unborn child, so wait until after the child is born to get the test done. Gather necessary samples from other people. Genealogy and medical DNA tests will be complete after you provide your sample. To test paternity or maternity, you'll also need samples from parents. The parent needs to come into the lab and provide their sample. If they can't or don't want to, you'll have to get a sample from a grandparent or other immediate relative. Seek counseling for test results. Medical DNA tests will be explained by the facility or your doctor. Heritage DNA tests can be researched via your family tree. For relational DNA tests, you'll have to go through the legal system. To establish paternity in Ohio, for example, you will need to speak to an attorney and set up a court proceeding to make the DNA test official. | Purchase a kit. Gather saliva samples. Document the source of the sample. Mail the samples to the company. Check the results online. Seek counseling for your results. Visit an accredited testing facility. Provide the requested sample of DNA. Gather necessary samples from other people. Seek counseling for test results. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bake-Bread-on-the-Stovetop | How to Bake Bread on the Stovetop | To bake bread on the stovetop, start by placing round stones on the bottom of a large, heavy pot to create a dutch oven. Next, combine the ingredients to make the dough, then let it rise at room temperature in a covered bowl. Once the dough has finished rising, place it inside a greased and floured baking pan. Then, place the pan over the stones, put the lid on the pot, and bake the bread on high heat for 30 minutes. | Start with a large pot. The heavier the material, the better. You will be cooking dry, so cast iron is preferable. If you choose to use something lighter, like aluminum, consider using this pot only for baking on the stovetop, since the bottom will likely become slightly burnt. Most dutch ovens are between 5-7 quarts and will be large enough for baking bread. Create a thermal ballast. Place something in the bottom and center of the pot. This will become the base where your bread pan will rest, and allow for air to move around the pan. It also keeps the pan from sitting directly on the heat to reduce the amount of burn on the bottom of the loaf. Try using some broken pieces of thick tile. Flat, or smallish round stones would work as well. Another option is re-purposing an empty tuna can. Make sure that the paper is removed and place it in the bottom of the pot. Find a bread pan to fit inside your pot. You may use a Pyrex bowl or equivalent (not ordinary glass) bowl which can withstand the heat. Other options are a metal or ceramic bread pan. Place the pan in the pot on top of the ballast. If you are using a rectangular loaf pan, make sure that the long sides fit within your pot. The height of the pan should not exceed the rim of the pot. It should not fit too snug. You need space for air to flow all the way around the loaf pan. Fit a lid to your pot. This lid should have enough clearance to allow the bread pan to fit while leaving room for the bread to rise over the top of the pan. Test the lid with a bread pan in place. If you are having a difficult time finding a lid which fits, try using another pan large enough to cover the top of the pot. Reinforce the lid. It is important to do all you can to keep as much heat as possible inside the dutch oven. Since heat rises, it is helpful to cover the lid or pan with a second lid to force the heat back down toward the oven. If the pot lid has a steam hole in it, try to find a stainless steel bolt, washer, and nut to fit it. Collect your ingredients. For a basic bread, you will need 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 2/3 cups of warm water. These are the base ingredients, but you can add herbs to your taste. Some suitable herbs might be rosemary or thyme. For smaller loaf pans, you may need to cut this recipe in half. Combine your ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix the dry ingredients together before folding in the warm water. Turn the dough until everything is fully mixed. The dough should be slightly sticky. Allow the dough to rest. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and leave it on the countertop for 18-24 hours. The yeast will allow the dough to rise during this time. It may also create visible bubbles on the surface of the dough. Finish the dough. Remove it from the bowl and place it on a floured surface. Fold the ball of dough in half, then tuck the edges underneath. Wrap this dough in a floured kitchen towel and allow it to rise for another 2 hours until you can poke your finger in about an inch and the dough bounces back. Preheat the dutch oven. Place the dutch oven on your largest burner. Put the thermal ballast in the bottom of the pot and cover it with both lids. Turn the burner on high heat. Allow the heat to rise within the oven for 5 minutes. After five minutes, reduce the heat to just above medium. Place the dough in your floured baking pan. You want to flour all parts of the inside of the pan. It is helpful to rub oil or lard on the inside for the flour to stick to, then pour the flour in, turn and shake the pan until it is completely covered on the inside. The dough should fit well in the pan. The dough will rise more during baking, so it should not exceed the top of the pan. Another option to covering the pan with flour is using oatmeal. Pour oil in the pan covering the bottom and sides, then pour finely ground oatmeal in the pan. Twisting your wrist, be sure to turn and shake the pan until all the sides are also covered in oatmeal. Place the pan inside your dutch oven. Using an oven mitt, remove the lids of the dutch oven and set them aside on a heat-proof surface. Carefully place your loaf pan in the center of the dutch oven, avoiding the hot sides. Make sure there is enough room on all sides of the pan for heat to surround it. Bake the bread. Using oven mitts, place both of the lids back on top of the dutch oven. Bake the bread for about 30 minutes. Check it after 20 minutes to see if it seems to be gaining a crust. The top of the bread will not brown, but it should no longer be soft and doughy once it is cooked. Place the bread on a cooling rack. Remove the lids and the pan from the dutch oven using oven mitts. Carefully shake the bread out of the pan. It should fall out easily because you floured your pan. The bottom of the bread will be significantly more cooked than the top. If you don't have a cooling rack, you can cool the bread on another heat-proof surface like a plate. Start the baking process on the stove top. Place your dutch oven on the stovetop with the bread pan in place on your thermal ballast. Cover and heat on high for 15 minutes. Expect to have a few failed loaves which are under-cooked in the middle or over-cooked. If your equipment is different from that shown, your stove may provide more or less heat. Cooking time may need to be varied accordingly. Finish baking in your own version of a haybox. The idea of baking in a haybox is that enough heat has built up in the dutch oven. Completely surrounding the dutch oven with insulation will keep the heat from escaping and allow the bread to continue to bake. Remove the dutch oven from the stove using oven mitts. Instead of finishing the bread on the stove top, carefully cover the pot with insulating materials such as blankets or sweatshirts to create a haybox. Make sure to use a durable natural fabric like cotton. Synthetic material could melt from the heat of the pot. If it is a sunny day, place the haybox in the sun for a little added warmth. Leave the pot in the haybox for at least an hour. Three hours gives a better chance of success and cannot hurt the bread. When the time is up, or you just get too hungry to wait, uncover the pot carefully. Cut open a loaf and check to see if it is done baking all the way through the center. If it's overdone and dry or burnt, or underdone and doughy in the middle, make a note of it and adjust the stove top time accordingly the next time you try baking another loaf. If it's perfect, as shown here, enjoy the rewards. You have saved up to 80% of the fuel necessary to bake the same loaf in the oven. Make the dough. Stir 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast and 2 teaspoons of sugar into 3/4 cup of warm water. Let this sit for 5 minutes, while you pour 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour the other ingredients and 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the mixing bowl and mix thoroughly until there are no dry spots and the dough is sticky. Finish the dough. Move the dough from the bowl to a flat, floured surface and knead it for 10 minutes. Oil the bowl so the dough doesn't stick and put the dough back into the bowl. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes. Shape the dough. Break the dough into 6 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball in the palm of your hand, then place it on a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a circle. It should be about 8 inches wide. Prepare your pan. Heat a skillet on the stove top. Set the heat to medium-high and allow the skillet to warm. A cast iron skillet would work best for dispersing the heat. If you don't own a cast iron skillet, you can use any pan. Coat the bottom of the pan with oil or butter. Bake the flatbread. Place one circle of the dough in the pan and bake for 30 seconds. Use a spatula to flip the bread. Cook the other side for 1.5 minutes, then flip again and cook the original side for another 1.5 minutes. Set the baked flatbread aside in a kitchen towel while you repeat this process with the other 5 circles of dough. The bread should puff up while it is baking. You want each side to have little brown spots cooked into them. | Start with a large pot. Create a thermal ballast. Find a bread pan to fit inside your pot. Fit a lid to your pot. Reinforce the lid. Collect your ingredients. Combine your ingredients in a mixing bowl. Allow the dough to rest. Finish the dough. Preheat the dutch oven. Place the dough in your floured baking pan. Place the pan inside your dutch oven. Bake the bread. Place the bread on a cooling rack. Start the baking process on the stove top. Finish baking in your own version of a haybox. Leave the pot in the haybox for at least an hour. Cut open a loaf and check to see if it is done baking all the way through the center. Make the dough. Finish the dough. Shape the dough. Prepare your pan. Bake the flatbread. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Spilled-Flower-Pot | How to Create a Spilled Flower Pot | All you need to create an impressive spilled flower pot garden feature is a large container, soil, flowers, and a trowel. Use the trowel to loosen the soil along the ground where you plan for the flowers to spill out from the pot. Place the large container next to the loosened soil on its side, so that it looks like it has fallen over. Fill the base of the container and the spilled path with good quality soil that is suitable for the type of flowers you want to grow. Begin planting the flowers along the spilled path and into the base of the container. Place plants that are drooping slightly into the base of the container so that they look as though they are slipping out. Water the garden when you're done and add fertilizer if you want the flowers to really thrive. | Choose a large container. Wine barrels and large, wooden buckets are very popular. You can also use other types of containers, such as: watering cans, milk pails, large vases, or flower pots. The larger the container, the better. The opening of the container needs to be larger than your flowers, or it will look disproportionate. Pick your flowers. Anything that would go into a hanging flower basket would work especially well. Alyssums, begonias, daisies, geraniums, lobelias, and petunias are all great choices. If you don't have a green thumb, try succulents instead! Choose flowers that require the same amount of sunlight. You can use just one type of plant, such as just succulents or just mini daisies. Buy filler material, if desired. Mulch, bark, and pebbles are a great way to fill the gaps between the flowers and hide the bare soil from view. They can also help keep the soil most. Small rocks would work especially well with succulents. Find a location that's suitable for the flowers you are growing. Check the how-to-grow tag that came with your flowers and see how much sunlight they require. Find a spot in your garden that has the right amount of sunlight. If your entire garden is suitable, consider choosing a spot in the corner, by a fence, or near a tree. If you don't have the tag anymore, research the flowers online. Plan your layout. Get out a pencil and a pad of paper. Sketch out your container and the general shape of the spill path. How long and how wide do you want the spill to go? Do you want it to be straight or wavy? Do you want it to be the same thickness, or tapering? Here are some ideas to get you started: For a tapering spill, have it start the same width as the container opening, then make it get wider and wider further out. This works best for vases. For a short spill, try having something that's curved, like a puddle of spilt milk. A long spill would look great along a fence or wall. Have it run for several yards/meters before running into a rock, pond, or other fixture. Work with your landscape. If you want a wavy spill, have it wind around rocks and other pots that might be in its path. Combine straight spills with tapering spills. You can have them grow wider or narrower the further they are from the container. This will make them look more interesting. Loosen the soil in your desired location based on your plan. You need to loosen the soil not just along the spill path, but also where you will be placing the container. You can easily loosen the soil by turning it with a trowel or shovel. Set the container down on its side. Position it at the start of the spill, with the opening facing the opposite end. It should be about 1/4 to 1/2 of the way deep in the soil. If you are using something like a vase, push it down until the soil is just below the rim. If you are using a vase, consider angling the opening downward or upward. This will make it look like the flowers are pouring out of it. Fill the base of the container with good-quality soil. Keep filling it until the soil is level with the soil on the outside. You won't be filling the entire container with plants, but you will be adding some in there to make it look like the flowers are splitting out of it. The soil in the container should be at least 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) deep. Fill the loosened soil in the spill path with more soil. The soil in your garden is likely not very high-quality. Your plants will be much happier if you give them nutrient-rich soil. Mix your high-quality soil into the loosened soil, and pat it down. Remove the plants from their containers. Gently squeeze on the sides of the plastic pots that the flowers came in. Grab the plants by the base of the stem, and gently lift them out. Arrange the plants on the path where you want them to go. Don't dig holes into the soil just yet. Simply set the plants down according to your plan and where you think they might look best. Even if the plants are all the same type, some might still be a little shorter/taller than others. You may have to adjust your plan based on the actual flowers. Place the taller plants towards the center of the path, and the shorter ones towards the end and edges. Add long, drooping plants into the mouth of the container. This will make it look like the plants are slipping out of it. How many plants you put inside the container really depends on the size of the opening and how much of it is sticking out of the ground. If the container is very deep, or has a small opening (like a vase), plant a long trailing flower near the rim. If your container has a large opening or is shallow (like a barrel), you can fill it almost to the back with shorter plants. Great examples of long, trailing plants include alyssums. Place the plants into the soil. Use a trowel to dig holes in the ground, then place the root ball into the hole. Work one plant at a time, and gently pat the soil around the plant down. Plant the flowers about 3½ inches (8.9 centimeters) apart. You can plant succulents even closer, if you want. Start with the largest ones, then fill the gaps in with smaller ones. Water the garden. If you want to, you can also add some fertilizer into the water to help the plants grow. Make sure that you are using the right type of fertilizer for the type of plants you have. Add any extras, such as mulching. Fill the place between the flowers with your filler of choice, such as bark or pebbles. Make sure that you follow the line of your path. You can extend the filler beyond the edge of the path by a little, however. Outline your path with a row of small stones. If your spill path is very large, consider adding a couple of gardening lights to it. | Choose a large container. Pick your flowers. Buy filler material, if desired. Find a location that's suitable for the flowers you are growing. Plan your layout. Loosen the soil in your desired location based on your plan. Set the container down on its side. Fill the base of the container with good-quality soil. Fill the loosened soil in the spill path with more soil. Remove the plants from their containers. Arrange the plants on the path where you want them to go. Add long, drooping plants into the mouth of the container. Place the plants into the soil. Water the garden. Add any extras, such as mulching. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Success | How to Become a Success | To be more successful, come up with a plan so you can easily see and accomplish the tasks you need to get done. For example, if you want to get a promotion at work, you can plan to complete your tasks earlier than the deadline and pursue additional professional training. While you create this plan, think of any potential obstacles so you can be proactive and avoid them ahead of time if possible. Like with the promotion example, arriving late could hurt your chances of success, so you can set an alarm to ensure you're always at work on time. With a plan in hand, you can figure out how you should invest your time and energy in order to achieve your goals. It's normal to experience some setbacks throughout life, and if that happens to you, take the time to learn from your failures so you can make better choices in the future. | Get up early. U.S. founding father and successful businessman Ben Franklin said "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." Research has shown that getting up early makes you more conscientious and improves problem-solving, while also ensuring you get the most from every hour of the day. Some tactics that can help you consistently get up earlier are: Organize evenings to go to bed at a reasonable hour (that includes ending use of electronics one hour before bedtime). Don't hit the snooze button. Instead, put your alarm clock or timing device on a table across the room from where you sleep, forcing you to get up with the alarm goes off. Exercise. Successful people understand that being at their best means taking care of their body, and this includes regular exercise in order to derive the following benefits: It reduces depression It improves energy levels and fights fatigue. It improves immune responses and prevents disease. It teaches discipline and dedication to goals. If you don't have time for a dedicated workout schedule, make small changes, like taking the stairs or walking as opposed to driving to a nearby location, to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Nurture emotional and mental health. Research shows that a foundation of emotional health is crucial to overall confidence, which is a key component of successful professional ventures. In other words: Success doesn't create happy people; happy people create success. Below are a few suggestions for how to take charge of your happiness and create success: Commitment: In this context, commitment means an attitude of remaining involved, despite challenges and set-backs. It means refusing to be isolated in self-doubt and, instead, using disappointments as a driving force behind current and future efforts. Control: Control means refusing to be powerless. It means embracing tasks and the corresponding struggle, attempting to influence outcomes as opposed to simply letting outcomes happen. Challenge: Challenge reflects an indomitable attitude of viewing instances of stress, whether positive or negative, as fodder for learning and and evolving. Visualize a plan. Take time to plot out the course of each day. More than just list building, actually visualize the steps you will take to complete important projects and tasks. Research has shown that visualizing activities increases the speed and success of task completion, meaning that when you visualize your plan, you are able to get more done each day. Below are suggested ways to harness visualization for success: Focus your mind on the personal attributes you'll need to be successful. Regardless of whether you are the president of a bank or a school's PTA, there are attributes that all successful people share. Listening, learning, communicating, delegating, organizing, just to name a few, and the kinds of skills that successful people possess. Imagine what success will look like. Are you striving to be a successful interior designer, or stay-at-home parent? In either case, it's important to visualize what success will look like for you, down to details like what you'll be wearing and who else will be present. Use affirmations. Vision corresponds with verbal and written affirmations. For example, if you want to be a successful golfer, close your eyes and repeat to yourself "I can see myself on the green. I am comfortable and confident and prepared to swing. When I hit the ball, it goes exactly where I want it to. It lands on the green, 2 strokes ahead of par." Know why you want the things you want. Part of success is self-awareness and part of self-awareness is understanding the motives that drive your desires and behaviors. It requires identifying your goals, what is gained by achieving them, and how those achievements positively impact your life. For example, if you want a promotion at work, ask yourself why. Is it for more money or greater personal achievement? Is it because you are trying to impress someone else? By thinking reflexively about your goal orientation, you may even find yourself re-assessing your needs and making smarter decisions.Thus, if you realize the reason you want a promotion doesn't actually correspond with the person you'll have to become to get it, re-consider your priorities and look for ways to maintain personal happiness while still achieving success. Re-prioritize. Write out a time budget that describes what you've done and how long it took for the past week. Take a hard look at where you are spending your time and effort. This includes time spent developing personal and professional relationships, which can play an important role in success. Ask yourself if what you get back from your time investment warrants the effort you've put it. For example, is staying awake at night talking to your girlfriend helping you be more productive at the job you enjoy? Is working 40 hours a week as a teacher's aide fulfilling your personal desire to help children and make the world better? Adjust expectations and how to fulfill them. Ask yourself what tasks and responsibilities offer you the greatest overall satisfaction and write them down. Now look at your list and ask yourself what obstacles will you encounter to reach your goals. Are these obstacles things you have created yourself or are they challenges that will make you a better person? Are any of these obstacles things you can remove from your path in order to bring yourself closer to success? Embrace your passion. One pitfall to success is pursuing a goal because it brought someone else success, ignoring your own passion. This doesn't mean that you should act impulsively, but it does mean playing to your strengths and learning how to leverage your creativity and enthusiasm. Good work yields good pay. Instead of aiming at jobs because they pay well, instead aim at jobs that you have enthusiasm for and that you can excel in. Excellence in any field will bring financial rewards. You are the product. When people invest in a company, it is rarely because the product they sell is indispensable. Rather, the person at the helm directing the project has vision and inspires confidence. When you embrace your passion, you highlight the key features of your character and skills that make you awesome. People respond to this, and will believe in you. Do it because you can't not do it. Think about what makes you want to wake up in the morning. Is it your role at work, your role as a parent, the hobby you tend in the evenings? Look for ways to marry what inspires you to a marketable skill or product and invent your own success. Learn to tolerate discomfort and delay reward. Mental strength does mean not having emotions. It means being aware of emotions you are having, but being strong enough to manage them in the face of unavoidable discomfort. Be motivated. Do you have anxiety around new people? Are you bored with a current task that is key to the success of a larger project. Instead of saying "I wish I didn't have to do [x]," say, "I can get through this" or "Just take it one day at a time." Start small. Today you are refusing to watching television until after doing the dishes. A year from now, you are refusing to quit running during mile 14 of a marathon. Training for success is not a finger-snap. It's about maintaining standards and good habits over time and in all aspects of life. Reflect on your progress. In the same way that it is important to have a plan, it is equally as important to take a step back and reflect on what you've accomplished and what still remains to be done. Take a step back once a week or once a month to reflect on what is and isn't working for you. Keep a journal. Some activities such as journaling, list keeping, or using a calendar or vision board help reflection and keeping track of out path to success. Remember that reflection isn't easy. The whole point of reflecting on your road to success is not to pat yourself on the back but to critically assess whether you are meeting your milestones. If not, this may require adjustments to your original plan, or an entire overhaul of what you originally thought you'd be doing. Starting over isn't a loss. If upon reflection , you realize you are on the wrong path, it's time to visualize a new direction. Take stock of what you learned and figure out how to transition yourself away from the path you are on to one that more closely allies with your ambitions and talents. Learn from failure. Successful people aren't born; they are made through accumulated life experiences and that includes risk as well as failure. While acting impulsively is never recommended, taking calculated risks can pay off in the long-run. Even if you don't succeed at everything you undertake, studying failure and learning from it is a key feature of all successful people. Steve Jobs was fired from Apple in 1985 in large part because he was difficult to work with. However, he returned 12 years later and turned the then-failing company into a success because he had become a better leader. Be proactive, not reactive. Research has linked personal success with proactivity. Therefore, instead of waiting for opportunity to find you, brainstorm ways to improve your life and career and act sooner rather than later.Below are some tactics for becoming more proactive: Useful brainstorming techniques include freewriting, making lists, and mapping. Anticipate what obstacles you will face and how to tackle them. Related to skills like visualizing is is prediction. When we realistically project a path to success, necessarily, we also project the pitfalls along that path. Prevent avoidable obstacles.While not all obstacles are avoidable, many can be circumvented by preparation, funding, and training in advance. Appreciate timing. Research shows that, just important as taking action, is learning when. Act too soon on something you are unfamiliar you, you may look unprepared or fool-hardy. Act too late and you may not get the opportunity to use your skills and demonstrate leadership. Surround yourself with successful people. Success doesn't happen in a vacuum. Every successful person has a long list of friends, teachers, mentors, co-workers, etc. who assisted them along the way. Look to people you already have in your life who are talented, positive, supportive, motivated, and knowledgeable. Spend time learning from them and collaborating when possible. Internships, seminars, and job-shadowing are other great ways to interact with successful people and to learn from them. Maybe your goal falls outside of the rat race and you are looking for ways to be successful as a parent, or teacher. The rule is still the same. Find those people who are successful and who you admire. Spend time with them and learn what makes them tick. Emulate good habits to bolster your own ambitions. Nurture strong, positive relationships. Are you attempting to improve delivery of a product or service to a client? Are you seeking out mentorship from other, more senior professionals? Are you looking to improve your skills as a competitive cyclist? Whether thinking logistically or personally, fostering strong relationships is an integral part of success, no matter what the playing field. The following tactics can help you grow these relationships in productive ways: Grow your personal network. While every entrepreneur knows that a strong brand and social media presence is key to professional success, these do not take the place of personal encounters, which are the most common source of opportunity and growth. Foster relationships outside your serious aspirations. Think about your personal life as practice for managing people in professional or employment-related contexts. When you don't listen to the needs of family or aren't a loyal friend, these relationships fail to thrive. It's also important to seek out opportunities to develop relationships with new friends as well, so consider joining a club or attending a hobby meet-up. Ask questions and listen more than you talk. Asking questions is a great way to not only be a part of important conversations but it grows your knowledge and increases your likability, as it gives others the opportunity to share. Listening to others also gives you the ability to benefit from their expertise and utilize what you learn toward future tasks. Take responsibility. When you outsource blame for your actions, you also take away the ability to take credit for your success. Don't blame failures on outside forces. Instead, analyze what you did and how, next time, you could do it better. Remember that only you decide whether you succeed or fail. Adhere to high standards. Successful people are intensely motivated and possess a strong work ethic. Apply yourself fully to each task you undertake. Exceed the expectations of co-workers and supervisors. Do not accept "adequate" but instead always work toward improvement and progress beyond what is required. | Get up early. Exercise. Nurture emotional and mental health. Visualize a plan. Know why you want the things you want. Re-prioritize. Embrace your passion. Learn to tolerate discomfort and delay reward. Reflect on your progress. Learn from failure. Be proactive, not reactive. Surround yourself with successful people. Nurture strong, positive relationships. Ask questions and listen more than you talk. Take responsibility. Adhere to high standards. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-a-Shower-With-a-New-Tattoo | How to Take a Shower With a New Tattoo | To take a shower with a new tattoo, wait to shower until you take the bandage off of your tattoo, which is usually OK to do 2-3 hours after getting it. After you take the bandage off, take a lukewarm shower and avoid spraying your tattoo directly with the shower head if possible. While you're showering, apply a mild, unscented soap to your tattoo using your hands, avoiding loofahs or sponges since they carry bacteria. Finally, rinse your tattoo off with water and gently pat it dry when you get out of the shower. | Listen to the tattoo artist about when to take off your bandage. Tattoos heal at different speeds, depending on things like your skin sensitivity and how big or deep the tattoo is. Your tattoo artist will tell you how long you should keep your bandage over your tattoo. If they don't tell you, ask them. When the artist finishes your tattoo, they will wash it off and treat it with an antiseptic. They will then apply a bandage to your tattoo, which will help keep bacteria away from it. Wait 2-3 hours to take off the bandage if you're not given a time period. If you forget to ask or can't get a hold of the tattoo artist, a good waiting period is 2-3 hours. If your tattoo is really large, you can wait up to 6 hours. That gives your tattoo time to get over the initial shock before you shower. Be sure to remove the bandage within the first day, as bacteria can breed in the moist environment underneath it. Remove the bandage applied by the tattoo artist before showering. Before touching the bandage, scrub your hands thoroughly. Wash them in warm water with soap for at least 20 seconds. Then, you can peel back the bandage that's covering your tattoo. Don't try to shower with the bandage in place. The water will soak into the bandage, and the bandage will hold it against your tattoo, which can introduce bacteria to it. Take the bandage off in the shower if it's sticking to your tattoo. Sometimes, the bandage will stick to the tattoo, which can be painful when you try to take it off. Run the bandage under indirect, warm water in the shower, which will help loosen the adhesive. Then move on to cleaning up your tattoo. Wait up to 24 hours to shower. Talk to your tattoo artist about how long it's best to wait. Generally, though, you can shower within the first 24 hours after getting your new ink. Waiting 2 days gives your skin more time to form a barrier over the tattoo. Use lukewarm water. Hot water can make your tattoo sting, so it's best to avoid it. Hot water too soon after getting a tattoo can also make you lose color from your tattoo, as it opens your pores, so it's best to avoid it. Try running cold water on the tattoo for 30 seconds at the end of your shower to tighten your pores. Turn the spray to gentle or keep your tattoo out of the spray. Don't use a hard spray on your tattoo, as it can irritate it. If you only have a showerhead with a heavy spray, let the water run over the tattoo indirectly. You can also use a clean cup or your hand to pour a gentle stream of water over your tattoo. Use your hands to apply a mild, unscented soap to your tattoo. Any mild soap will do, including bar soap or liquid hand soap. You can use antibacterial soap if you prefer. Lather the soap in your hands, then apply it to the tattoo. Just rub it in gently with your fingers. Avoid using loofahs and sponges until the tattoo heals, as they can carry bacteria. Your tattoo will likely have dried blood and other debris on it, which you need to remove. However, you should not scrub it, as that can irritate it. Rinse the tattoo off gently with water. Once you rub the soap into your tattoo, pour water over it to rinse the soap off. If you need to, use your fingers to gently rub the soap off under the water. Hop out of the shower quickly. When in the shower, your tattoo comes in contact with steam, water, and soap. That can be painful and irritating for your tattoo, so avoid staying in the shower too long. Also, try to keep your tattoo out from under running water when washing the rest of your body for at least a week. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft towel. Don't rub the tattoo with the towel, as that could irritate it. Simply dab at the tattoo gently, until it's dry. You may notice a little bit of blood, which is fine. You can use paper towels if you don't have a newly cleaned towel on hand or if your usual bath towel leaves fibers on your skin. Dirty towels can introduce bacteria. Wash your tattoo 3 times a day for the first week to keep it clean. While your tattoo is healing, you need to practice good hygiene to keep it from getting infected. Wash with a mild, unscented soap, and use your fingers to rub it in. Rinse it off gently with water. Pat it dry with a clean towel. Use a moisturizing ointment on your tattoo once it's dry. Pick one that's scent-free and preferably hypoallergenic so it won't irritate your tattoo. Gently rub it in with clean hands. Start with an ointment. You can try a lotion after a week or so. Let your tattoo breathe by leaving the bandage off. Don't re-bandage your tattoo once you've applied the moisturizer. You only need to keep a bandage on for the first day. After that, it's better to let your tattoo get fresh air. Avoid getting in the tub while your tattoo is healing. Sitting a tub full of water can introduce bacteria to your tattoo. Stick to showers instead, which are less likely to introduce bacteria. Skip the swimming pool and lakes. Large bodies of water are teeming with bacteria, and you don't want those bacteria getting in your tattoo. Wait until your tattoo is completely healed before you go swimming. Healing can take 45 days to 6 months, depending on the size and depth of your tattoo. You should also avoid going to the gym so that sweat and bacteria don't build up on your skin. | Listen to the tattoo artist about when to take off your bandage. Wait 2-3 hours to take off the bandage if you're not given a time period. Remove the bandage applied by the tattoo artist before showering. Take the bandage off in the shower if it's sticking to your tattoo. Wait up to 24 hours to shower. Use lukewarm water. Turn the spray to gentle or keep your tattoo out of the spray. Use your hands to apply a mild, unscented soap to your tattoo. Rinse the tattoo off gently with water. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft towel. Wash your tattoo 3 times a day for the first week to keep it clean. Use a moisturizing ointment on your tattoo once it's dry. Let your tattoo breathe by leaving the bandage off. Avoid getting in the tub while your tattoo is healing. Skip the swimming pool and lakes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Spelling | How to Teach Spelling | To teach spelling, write out the entire alphabet and go through the letters with the students, stating how each one is pronounced. Next, sound out specific vocabulary words and ask your students to repeat them after you. Then, demonstrate special cases, like the silent "e" and double vowels, and give the students a list of other pronunciation patterns they may run into. Finally, try teaching tools like word searches, online spelling games, and spelling bees. | State how each letter of the alphabet sounds. Write out the entire alphabet. Go through each letter, and state how it is pronounced. Ask the student to repeat after you. As you pronounce each letter, ask the student if they think it is a vowel or a consonant. A consonant is a letter formed by moving your lips, tongue, or teeth. All letters except a, e, i, o, and u are consonants. When sounding out consonants, ask the child to tell you what part of their mouth is moving. Vowels are letters that can be pronounced without moving your lips, tongue, and teeth. The vowels are a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y. For very young students, you may want to break up the alphabet into smaller sections, so that they can learn these concepts one at a time. Practice letter sounds regularly and quiz your child so they can master each sound. Create a list of simple words to work with. Choose words that are spelled exactly as they are pronounced. These are called decodable words. When you begin, use words that only have one syllable. Good words to start out with are words that end in “-at” (cat, hat, mat, sat) or “-an” words (can, tan, man, fan). You can find entire lists of decodable words online. These will help teach phonics without confusing the student with any complex spelling rules. Say the word while emphasizing its sounds. First, you should say the word normally. For example, you might say the word, “cup.” Then you should stretch out the word to emphasize each sound (or phoneme) in the word. So you might say, “cuuuup. Cuh-uh-puh.” Ask the student to repeat the word after you. Have them say it the same way that you did. Choose which letter creates the first sound. Have the student try to tell you before you help them out. If they're uncertain, walk them through the alphabet again. Point to each letter, and ask them if that makes the right sound. Write down each letter as they spell it. If you are doing “cup,” start with the first sound. Say, “Cuh, cuh. What makes the cuh sound?” If they guess “K,” which makes a similar sound, gently correct them. Then move on to the next sounds. You might say, “Uh. What makes the uh sound?” or “Puh. What makes the puh sound?” When you are done, show the learner the word, and ask them to put all of the letters together again. Celebrate any success with your student. Tell them “Good job” or cheer for them when they're correct. Once they've mastered a difficult word, provide a small reward to keep them motivated. Break up longer words into segments. Once the learner can form basic, one syllable words, you might move onto longer words. Break up the word by syllable and have the student spell out each syllable. Then put all of them together, and spell the word together. For example, you might sound out “spider.” Start by breaking it up into two syllables “Spi” and “Der.” Have the child sound out each syllable before putting them back together. Other good decodable words include “candy,” “volcano,” “unicorn,” and “pencil.” Demonstrate words with double vowels one at a time. Two vowels put together often create a different sound. Once the student has mastered basic phonemes, you can teach them how to spell with double vowels, but only focus on one at a time. To teach “ai,” work through the words, “paint,” “mail,” and “rain.” To teach “ou,” you can use “house,” “mouse,” and “about.” A double “e” or “o” makes the vowel long. For example, you pronounce a long “e” in “peek” and a long “o” in “door.” Show them the rules with a silent “e”. There are a few different rules for using a silent “e” at the end of words. Teach these to a learner once they have mastered the other concepts of spelling. Some rules you may want to include are: An “e” at the end of a one syllable word makes the last vowel long. For example, if you add an “e” to “sat,” it becomes “sate.” Create a list of these words, and ask your student to sound out the difference between words with the “e” and words without the “e.” “E” is also added to the end of words that end in “v” or “u.” For example, there is an “e” at the end of “blue” and “sleeve.” It is also used at the end of non-plural words that end in "s," such as "house." Create a list of words that all contain the same pattern. Choose one pattern for each study session. The idea is that you will teach the student how to identify different patterns of spelling, and they will learn to spell based on these patterns. You might base this pattern on the endings of words. For example, create a list of words that ends only in “-ate” or “-ing.” You can base this pattern on the first letter of the words. This is good for consonants that might change sound based on their spelling, such as “c” or “g.” You can also use the vowels in the word. This is a good way to teach double vowels, such as “ai” or “oi.” Get the student to identify patterns in the way that the words are spelled. Do not tell the student what the pattern is. Ask them to find the similarities between all of the words on the list. Help them pronounce each word out loud so that they can hear how it sounds. Point out the differences in the way that the words are spelled. Having each student say the words out loud can help. For example, they may notice that the c in “cat” is pronounced differently than the c in “chat.” Ask them why that might be and then explain why to them. See if the student can identify the rules of spelling on their own. For example, they may notice that when “c” is followed by an “a,” it is pronounced with a hard sound while a “c” followed by an “e” is always soft. If they don't get it on their own, it is OK to explain it to them. Ask the student if they can spell out a different word. Choose a word that fits the pattern but wasn't on the original list. See if they can spell it now that they have learned the pattern. You may want to go through a few different words to test their skills. For example, if you taught “igh” as your pattern, you might ask them to spell “night,” “eight,” or “right.” Find online games. There are hundreds of free, online spelling games aimed towards learners of all ages. Find one that is appropriate for your student's age and spelling ability. You might also use apps to teach the student. Some good websites include: Spelling City: https://www.spellingcity.com/spelling-games-vocabulary-games.html Learning Games for Kids: http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/spelling_games.html Vocabulary.co.il: http://www.vocabulary.co.il/spelling/ Host an informal spelling bee. If you have multiple students, have them take turns spelling different words. If they spell one wrong, they are out of the game. Choose words and spelling patterns that you have been working on in class. Whoever spells the most words correctly wins. These competitions are fun for older learners, including English language learners. If you are working one-on-one with a student, see how many words they can spell before they get one wrong. Next time you play the game, challenge them to beat their record. Make a word scramble. Take words that the student has been working on, and mix up the letters so that they are out of order. Ask the student to put the letters back into the right order. You can do several words at once. Do a word search. Hide words that you have been teaching within a random assortment of letters. Make a list of all of the hidden words, and ask the student to find and circle the words. This will require them to find patterns within random letters. There are many online websites where you can instantly generate word searches. Simply type in what words you want to use, and it will create a word search for you. Give the student a spelling inventory test. An inventory test will determine how well they can already spell. You might show them pictures and ask them to spell the word. You can also do a multiple choice test, in which they must select the correctly spelled word from a list of misspellings. Do not grade this test for points. This test is simply to see where the student is currently. You should make sure to test the learner every week or two to see how much they have learned and which concepts they are still struggling with. Make a unique spelling list based on the student's need. If the student is struggling with a particular concept, make sure to focus on those areas. Create new lists of words that tackle this unique problem. Continue to work on these concepts until the student has mastered what they were struggling with. Include words that you know your student can achieve so the list is achievable. For example, if your student can't figure out when to use “gh,” make a list of words that includes “through,” “night, “borough,” and “brought.” Have them memorize these words if they don't understand the rules. If you have multiple students, try to create a unique list for each of them. For large classes, break the students up into groups based on their level of spelling. Make a list for each group. Demonstrate how to study spelling. There are many irregular rules of spelling in the English language. While word study and phonics can help, students may need to memorize trickier words. Show the student multiple ways of studying these strange words. Flashcards are a great tool. On one side, put a picture of the word, and on the other, spell it out. Show the student the picture, and ask them to spell the word. Review words you've already learned for a few minutes everyday. Reading simple picture books can help students recognize words and letters. Ask students to match the words with the picture. This will help them associate the letters of the word with the meaning. Provide extra assistance for students with learning difficulties. Some students may require more assistance than others. In addition, some people may have disadvantages when it comes to learning spelling. Be patient and sensitive with their situation. If the student is diagnosed with dyslexia, you may need to spend more time on each word or pattern. If possible, see if you can get them extra attention from the school, either through a special education program or an after-school program. English language learners may use spelling habits from their native language. You may need to work with them one-on-one or in small groups to help them identify English spelling patterns. | State how each letter of the alphabet sounds. Create a list of simple words to work with. Say the word while emphasizing its sounds. Choose which letter creates the first sound. Break up longer words into segments. Demonstrate words with double vowels one at a time. Show them the rules with a silent “e”. Create a list of words that all contain the same pattern. Get the student to identify patterns in the way that the words are spelled. Point out the differences in the way that the words are spelled. Ask the student if they can spell out a different word. Find online games. Host an informal spelling bee. Make a word scramble. Do a word search. Give the student a spelling inventory test. Make a unique spelling list based on the student's need. Demonstrate how to study spelling. Provide extra assistance for students with learning difficulties. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Sales | How to Improve Your Sales | The best way to improve your sales is to use techniques, like creating a sense of urgency and obligation in your customers, that make customers more likely to purchase your product or service. Demonstrate the value of what you are selling and show the customer that you know your field well. | Satisfy your customers. Above all else, try to keep your customer happy and satisfied. Humans aren't perfectly logical creatures - if someone likes you, they're more likely to buy from you, regardless of the deal you're offering. Be friendly, charming, and open with your customer. Give her peace of mind. Whatever your customer is looking for, that's what you should try to provide. This applies both to your conduct and to the thing being sold. Not only should you be a customer's friend up to (and after) the point of the sale, you should do your best to convince the customer that whatever you're selling will give him exactly what he wants - that it will solve his problem, save him money in the long run, etc. Listen. It's pretty difficult to satisfy a customer if you don't know what she wants - luckily, most of the time, all you'll have to do to figure this out is to simply listen. This isn't hard - at the beginning of your pitch, ask a customer what you can help with and let the customer describe her problem or desire. Once you know what she wants, you'll be able to decide which products, services, etc. best meet her needs. Don't just listen to what a customer says - try to pay attention to how she says it in terms of facial expressions, body language, etc. If, for instance, a customer seems impatient or tense, you'll know that you can probably satisfy him by offering him a quick, easy solution to his problem, rather than giving him a lengthy sales pitch for your whole range of products. Give your full attention. When a customer is considering making a purchase, you want to give the impression that you're available to fulfill any needs or answer any questions that may arise. You don't want to give the impression that you're distracted or that you're attending to your customer as an afterthought. Whenever possible, interact with customers on a personal, one-to-one basis, returning to your other duties only when the job is done. This being said, try not to be an annoyance to customers. When you've gotten a sale, you can back off somewhat and allow your customer some breathing room. For instance, you might say something like, "Great, I think you'll be happy with this purchase. I'll meet you at the register when you're ready!" Demonstrate your product/service's value. When it comes to convincing a reluctant customer to make a purchase, flowery, glowing praise for your product or service is only going to get you so far. To really get the customer on your side, show your customer how the thing you're selling will make their life better. Whether it will save them money and time, give them peace of mind, or simply make them feel good, make sure your customer understands exactly how the item you're selling benefits him in real, practical terms. This is a common sales tactic. For instance, car dealers let customers go on test drives and guitar salesmen let customers play on their instruments - even department stores let customers try clothes on before they buy them. If the thing you're selling is intangible or something you can't let customers touch before buying, think of another way to show customers its value. For instance, if you're selling solar panels, you might help customers estimate the savings they'll have on their electricity bill. An old saying goes, "Sell the benefit, not the product." Focus on what your product or service allows your customer to do, rather than on the product itself. Know your field. Customers like buying from salespeople who seem knowledgeable without being condescending. Be a friendly resource for your customer. Ideally, not only should you know the products and/or services you're selling like the back of your hand, but also those of your competitors. If you know this information, you'll be able to make comparisons that cast your product or service in the best light possible and your competitors' in a less favorable light. You'll also be able to intuitively recommend certain products based on your customer's unique situation. For example, if you're selling televisions and you're approached by a single father wrestling to control 3 unruly children, you might want to use your knowledge of your products to recognize that a certain model has extensive parental control options and to use this information as a selling point. Close. It's relatively easy to get a customer to like a product, but your commission ultimately depend on whether your customers buy your products, which is another matter entirely. Try to get a commitment from customers the same day you first meet them - a customer that leaves the store to "think about it" might not come back. If a customer is reluctant to make a purchase immediately, try to sweeten the deal - offer a minor discount or "throw in" extra bonuses in exchange for a customer's commitment. Additionally, try to streamline the purchasing process so that it can be completed with a minimum of hassle. Accept multiple methods of payment, offer options for enrolling in an installment plan, and keep paperwork to a minimum. Not only will this make your customer's overall experience more positive, but it will also reduce the likelihood that customers will get cold feet before completing the process. Build relationships with your customers. Customers that feel that they've been respected and satisfied by a business are likely to give it a good review to their friends and may even return for future purchases. Building happy, respectful relationships with customers is a great way to give yourself a long-term sales boost. Try to genuinely connect with customers - when all's said and done, even if it can be tempting to think of customers as nothing more than numbers on a balance sheet, remember that these are real people with real emotions and that nearly all of them appreciate human warmth. After making a major sale, consider sending a quick note or making a phone call to make sure your customer's enjoying his or her purchase. This can give the impression of a friendly, personal relationship. However, don't overdo it - most customers will eventually want to be left alone. Create the impression of urgency. Most customers, whether they're conscious of it or not, hate the idea of missing out on a good deal. Giving the impression that, by passing on a sale, your customer is missing a special offer or a limited-time deal is one of the oldest, most effective tricks in the book for getting reluctant customers off the fence. To do this, try to call attention to certain deals that won't be offered forever or certain products that are almost out of stock and encourage customers to "jump" on these opportunities. Some business even take this to a borderline-unethical extreme, increasing a product's price so that a big, appealing, limited-time deal reduces its price to normal levels. This sort of trickery is unfortunate, but, sadly, common. Flatter shamelessly (but subtly). The stereotype of the salesperson as a slimy flatterer isn't entirely unearned - by playing to a customer's ego, you can increase your chance for success on almost any given sale. The trick here is to genuinely flatter your customer without seeming transparent, cloying, or phony. Pour on the honey, but don't overdo it: when your customer takes your exclusive deal on a new car, she's smart , not an absolute genius. When a heavy customer tries on a suit, he looks slim , not astoundingly dashing. Flatter, but be reasonable and realistic. When in doubt, it's hard to go wrong by complimenting a customer's taste at having picked a certain product. A simple "great choice!" or "ooh, nice!" can work wonders. Make customers feel obligated. Most people are more likely to do things for others when the other person has already done them a favor. Particularly sly salespeople can take advantage of this fact by giving the customer the impression that they've received some favor or act of kindness. Sometimes, being attentive and responsive to a customer is enough - for instance, a shoe salesman who tirelessly runs back and forth from the storeroom so that a customer can try on a dozen pairs of shoes has demonstrated serious kindness simply by doing his job well. Other times, small "actual" favors are necessary, like getting a customer a drink or clearing time out of your schedule for an appointment. For best results, make sure your efforts are noticed. For instance, if you have to schedule an appointment with your customer, pull out a schedule book and visibly cross out another appointment when you write theirs down. Don't rush a sale. It's tempting, especially if your commission is on the line, to pressure a reluctant customer into a sale, rush him to the cash register, push him out the door, and forget about him. Obviously, this isn't a smart way to make sales. Customers don't like the idea that they're being tricked or swindled, so sales tactics that rely too heavily on making fast, high-pressure pitches can build hostility. Even if these tactics result in short-term sales gains, negative word-of-mouth can cause long-term downturns and tarnish your image. The smartest salespeople present convincing pitches to the customer, then let the customer decide to buy the product, rather than pushing them to do it. While good salespeople do everything in their power to play up their product's benefits and minimize its downsides, they never attempt to actually make the decision for the customer. Be responsible and reliable. Other, slier sales techniques have their place, but if you do nothing else as a salesperson, try your best to have personal integrity. When you make a promise to a customer, deliver on it. When you make a mistake, offer a sincere apology. Respect is at the center of any sales transaction. Customers want to respect a salesperson enough to be confident they won't be swindled, salespeople want to respect customers enough to assume they'll get a good review for their hard work, and businesses want to respect customers enough to assume they'll be paid for goods or services rendered. When one of these respect-based relationships breaks down, sales suffer, so do your part and earn your customers' respect by being a respectable human being. | Satisfy your customers. Listen. Give your full attention. Demonstrate your product/service's value. Know your field. Close. Build relationships with your customers. Create the impression of urgency. Flatter shamelessly (but subtly). Make customers feel obligated. Don't rush a sale. Be responsible and reliable. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Psychiatric-Evaluation | How to Get a Psychiatric Evaluation | To get a psychiatric evaluation, speak to a licensed mental health professional, like a psychologist, psychiatrist, or professional counselor, who can determine your condition and come up with a treatment plan. Before you get evaluated, you may need to speak to the specialist about your concerns so they can decide if further assessments will be necessary. During your evaluation, you may have to answer questions about your emotional responses and feelings, like why you feel sad or what causes you to feel sad. If you have any current or previous illnesses, you should tell the specialist during your evaluation so they have a full understanding of your situation. Although it can be nerve-wracking, remember that getting a psychiatric evaluation is nothing to be ashamed of, and will help you get to the root of your feelings. | Discuss your decision with someone you trust. If you think you want to get a psychiatric evaluation, try talking to someone you trust. This may be a family member, friend, coworker, doctor, teacher, or religious leader. Having support from someone you trust can help you decide. For example, you may say, "I haven't been feeling the best. I think I may have a mental illness and want to get evaluated. What do you think about that?" If you believe you should get tested, don't let people discourage you. Your mental health and well-being comes first. See a licensed mental health professional for assessment. General practitioners cannot perform psychiatric assessments or tests. You need to see a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed social worker, licensed professional counselor (LPC), or licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). You can get a referral to a mental health professional from your physician. You may also want to look up mental health professionals in your area. Your insurance company can help you locate a professional in your area that is covered by your insurance. You'll have a better outcome in your treatment if you can find a therapist you trust and feel comfortable with. Stop feeling like something is wrong with you. Thinking that you need mental health care can make you feel like something is wrong or that you are broken. You may think that you're the only one who has this sickness, and that you will be considered strange and different. This is not true. You shouldn't feel upset about needing help. Getting help is important so you that you can receive the treatment you need. Many common problems, such as depression, are made worse by the feeling of being alone. Many problems like this are very common, so you are not alone. People who have suffered the same problem can help you understand it and cope with it. 1 in 25 adults living in the United States experiences a severe mental illness that interferes with their ability to function. 1 in 6 adults in the United States takes some form of psychiatric medication. Avoid trying to read about tests or assessments online. Professional psychiatric assessments and tests aren't intended to have right and wrong answers. There isn't a way to study for them. To ensure that you're diagnosed properly, only take an assessment that's administered by a mental health professional. Then the mental health professional can accurately determine your condition and create a treatment plan. Many nonprofessional tests that aren't scientifically sound are available online, but you should not look at them. They can skew your results and either cause you to be misdiagnosed or make you think that you have more problems than you do. Avoid being scared of psychiatric assessment. Though the words “psychiatric assessment” may sound scary, it is nothing to fear. Psychiatric assessment and testing can help get you a proper diagnosis so you can receive treatment and alleviate any negative symptoms or complications related to your condition. Learn about different mental conditions. If you think you may have a mental illness, you may want to learn more about them. This may help you get an idea about what your problem could potentially be. You can check out books about different conditions from your local library, or you can search online. There are many reputable websites about mental illness, but try not to diagnose yourself. Remember, you need a mental health professional to diagnose you. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the condition in question is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Otherwise, the condition may not be legitimate. People with emotional conditions respond to situations in such extreme ways that they make things worse. Developmental disorders deal with handicaps that prevent normal mental growth. Physiological problems occur when there is a problem with the brain that is caused by physical problems with the nerves or muscles. Undergo tests based on your symptoms. Psychological and psychiatric tests are similar to medical tests in that a doctor or mental health professional looks at your symptoms and orders a test to understand the underlying cause. These tests may check for certain character traits, developmental problems, emotional disorders, or physical problems. For example, if a child has difficulty in school, they may be tested for a learning disability. A person who feels down, lethargic, or like they can't get out of bed may be tested for emotional disorders. Answer a questionnaire or checklist. Many psychological tests are formal questionnaires and checklists that contain standardized questions. Generally, your answers are ranked and given a score. This score correlates to a potential psychological problem or underlying character trait. These questionnaires generally ask about how you feel, like if you feel sad, hopeless, or nervous often. They also may ask about your emotional responses to things, like if you get angry or upset when things happen, and your sleeping patterns. Be very open and honest when you're answering these questions. That will allow the mental health professional to provide you with an accurate diagnosis, but also to learn what would be the best course of treatment based on your own desired outcome. Provide any health-related information. During your assessment, the mental health professional may want to know more about your health. This may include any illnesses or problems you have had in the past, any treatments you have undergone, and any current medications you are taking. For example, you may be asked about many different disorders, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, any sort of psychosis, anxiety disorders, suicidal/homicidal ideation, ADHD, and substance use disorders. They may also ask you about your sex life and any sexually-transmitted diseases, your medical history, and any history of abuse or trauma. Sometimes physical disorders or substance abuse may mimic psychiatric illnesses. For instance, if you have uncontrolled asthma, it may provoke your anxiety. Undergo an interview. Many psychiatric assessments first require a clinical interview, which is where a mental health specialist talks to you. They will ask you about your concerns, why you think you need the assessment, and what is going on with you. They also may ask you about your family history. Based upon your interview, the mental health professional decides what further assessments may be necessary. The mental health professional will observe you closely, including both your body language and what you say. Have the mental health professional interview those close to you. In addition to being interviewed, the mental health professional may request to interview people that you are close to. They may want to interview family members, friends, coworkers, or others you interact with. Interviewing of others requires your written consent. They cannot interview someone without your permission. Be prepared to talk about your relationships. Another thing often discussed during a psychiatric assessment is your social life and relationships. This may include relationships with your family, partners, children, or friends. They may also ask about your interaction with people at work or in social settings. They may ask you about your social habits, like how often you date, where you go when you go out, and what kinds of social activities you engage in. You will also talk quite a bit about your childhood, including your family of origin and the dynamics of these relationships. Share only what you feel comfortable sharing. Though it's important to be open and honest during your assessment so you can get the right diagnosis, you may not be ready to talk about some things. That is okay. You can tell your mental health professional that you are not ready to discuss certain things, but be honest about what you can. If you need, you can bring a friend or family member with you to support you if you think you need it to discuss difficult things. It's better to be vague and tell the truth than to lie. For instance, you can confirm that you experienced abuse as a child but decline to discuss it further. This is more ideal than refusing to answer the question or denying that anything occurred. Decide on a treatment plan. After being evaluated, you and your mental health professional will determine the best course of treatment. This may include psychotherapy, talk therapy, medication, or changing some of your circumstances. You have the right to give the doctor your input, and you also have the right to ask questions. You may be referred to multiple mental health professionals for treatment. If you need psychotherapy or talk therapy, you may go to a therapist, psychologist, or licensed social worker. If you need medication, it will be prescribed through a psychiatrist. Get a second opinion if you are not satisfied. Not all mental health professionals and treatment centers are the same. You need to be able to trust the people who are treating you. If you're not comfortable with the professional or the assessment, it's perfectly okay to find another one. This is important treatment, and you need to feel comfortable. Find a support system. If you have just been diagnosed with a mental illness and are beginning your treatment, you should find people in your life to provide support. This can be a scary and confusing time in your life, and you shouldn't do it alone. Choose people you can trust or count on to help you. Consider asking a trusted family member, friend, colleague, or neighbor. If you don't feel comfortable talking to anyone in your real life yet, find a therapist you can talk to. You can also find support groups in your area through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or at local treatment facilities. Accept that there isn’t an instant cure. Treating mental illness can be a long and difficult journey. Recovery and progress take time. Sometimes you will feel worse before you feel better. This is due to the difficult process of psychotherapy and also the trial-and-error nature of psychopharmacology. Do your best to be patient, trust your treatment providers, commit to their treatment recommendations for an extended period of time, and let the process work. | Discuss your decision with someone you trust. See a licensed mental health professional for assessment. Stop feeling like something is wrong with you. Avoid trying to read about tests or assessments online. Avoid being scared of psychiatric assessment. Learn about different mental conditions. Undergo tests based on your symptoms. Answer a questionnaire or checklist. Provide any health-related information. Undergo an interview. Have the mental health professional interview those close to you. Be prepared to talk about your relationships. Share only what you feel comfortable sharing. Decide on a treatment plan. Get a second opinion if you are not satisfied. Find a support system. Accept that there isn’t an instant cure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Name-in-Texas | How to Change Your Name in Texas | If you're at least 18 years of age and want to change your name in the state of Texas, you'll need to be fingerprinted and submit the results to the Department of Public Safety and the FBI. The fee for this background check is $29.75. Once done, file your name change petition in the country where you live by filling out the online forms and signing them in front of a notary. Then, take your forms to the courthouse, pay a filing fee of around $275, and hope that the judge approves your petition! | Determine if you need a court order. You may not need to apply for a court order to legally change your name in some circumstances. If you changed your surname as part of your application for a marriage license, you do not need a court order to make that surname your legal name. The new surname you gave on your marriage license application is your legal surname. If you changed your surname when you got divorced, your new legal name should be included in the Final Decree of Divorce. Meet the age requirement. You must be at least 18 years old to change your name. Individuals younger than 18 must go through the process of changing a child's name, and must provide parental or legal guardian consent (see Method 2 of this article). Get your fingerprints taken. You must submit your fingerprints to the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI to get a legal name change in Texas. This is part of a criminal background check that must be performed before you can apply for a name change. The fee is $15 for the DPS and $14.75 for the FBI, for a total of $29.75. You can pay via cashier's check, certified check, personal check, or money order payable to “Texas DPS.” Call your local County Court Clerk's office to find out where to have fingerprints taken. Many Sheriff's offices and police departments will provide this service. You can also visit the website identogo.com and opt to be fingerprinted at a “Print and Go” location. Select the “fingerprint cards” option. Mail fingerprints and payment to: Texas Department of Public Safety, Central Cash Receiving, PO Box 15999, Austin, Texas, 78761-5999. Locate the county where you should file your name change petition. You must file your petition in the county in which you live. If you do not know which county you live in, you can call your local post office and ask. Online searches can also give you this information. Your county should be listed on your voter registration card, if you have one. Find the required form. You need two forms to change your name as an adult. You may be able to obtain these forms from your local county court. You can also use online templates or PDFs, as long as they provide the necessary information. Original Petition for Change of Name of an Adult. This is the form you will fill out to apply for your name change. Order Granting Change of Name of an Adult. This is the form the judge will sign when your name change is granted. Do not sign this form until the judge approves your name change. The Texas Young Lawyer's Association Guide to Name Changes has examples of these forms. The University of North Texas has a downloadable PDF copy of the Original Petition for Change of Name of Adult form and the Order Granting Change of Name. The Collins County Law Library also provides copies of the forms. Fill out the forms. You can use the downloadable PDFs from UNT, or you can use the template to copy and paste the necessary information into a blank word processing document. Do not sign the forms yet. The petition must include the following information: Your current legal name and place of residence Your sex, race, date of birth, and social security number The full name you are requesting The reason you are requesting a name change Whether you have been convicted of a felony Whether you must register as a sex offender in Texas Your driver's license number(s) for all licenses issued within the past 10 years Any assigned FBI number, state ID number, or other reference number in a criminal history record system (or a reasonable explanation of why you cannot provide this information) Any offense above a Class C misdemeanor for which you were charged, or a statement that you have never been charged The case number and the court if an arrest warrant was issued or a charging instrument was filed or presented for any offenses listed in the previous step Fingerprints on a fingerprint card Sign the petition in the presence of a notary. Your information must be verified to apply for a name change. You can verify this information by providing a notary with appropriate identification and signing the form in his or her presence. Do not sign the Order Granting Name Change. This must be signed by a judge first. You can find notaries at most large banks during regular business hours. If you hold an account at the bank, the notary will usually witness and sign your form for free. If you do not have an account, you may be charged a small fee. The Texas Secretary of State has a search feature that can help you find a local notary. Make copies of your documents before filing your petition. Make several copies of your petition and your fingerprint card. You will file the originals with your County Court Clerk's office. Once you have made copies, staple the original fingerprint card to your notarized Petition form. Go to the courthouse in your county of residence. You must file your name change petition in the county in which you live. You can find your court's information by looking online or looking in the phone book. Bring your notarized petition, your fingerprint card, your copy of your form, and a form of photo ID. You do not need to make an appointment. Just go to the court during its normal operating hours. Pay the filing fee. You can expect to pay a filing fee of between $250-$300. Have the Court clerk file-stamp your personal copy of the form. If you cannot afford this fee, you may apply to pay it in installments or request a waiver of the fee. Once you file your petition, a date for your court hearing will be set. You may be able to schedule your own hearing. Attend your court hearing. Ask your County Clerk's Office where and when you should go to your hearing. Bring the Order Granting Change of Name of an Adult form with you for the judge to sign. The Order must contain all of the information in the Petition. It must also state that your name change is in the public interest and will benefit you. You must attest that you are not changing your name for fraudulent reasons. In some counties, you will need to pick up your file from the County Clerk's Office and bring it with you to your court hearing. Check with your Clerk's office before attending your hearing. Testify. To prove that your name change is to your benefit and in the public interest, you may be required to provide a sworn statement in front of the judge. This statement attests that all the information you have provided is true. It also gives your reason for requesting your name change. The University of North Texas provides a sample “prove-up” script you can use to prepare your statement. Use respect when addressing the court. The court must grant your name change if you can demonstrate that you are not a convicted felon, are not required to register as a sex offender, and that your name change will benefit you and is in the public interest. The court may make exceptions for convicted felons or individuals who must register as sex offenders. However, these exceptions are at the judge's discretion. You may wish to have an attorney help you prepare your petition if any of these situations apply to you. File the signed order from the judge. If the judge approves your petition, s/he will sign the Order you provided. You must then file the signed Order in your district or county clerk's office. Once the Clerk's Office has stamped the signed order, your name change is official. You may request a certified copy of the name change order from your court. You may be required to provide this copy for some name change procedures with various institutions (banks, lenders, etc.). Ensure you are eligible to file a name change. Texas requires that you must be a parent, managing conservator, or legal guardian of the child whose name you are wishing to change. Both parents or guardians of the child must be served with the name change petition. If both parents agree to the name change, they can sign the name change petition or testify in court to state their agreement. If both parents do not agree to the name change, a court hearing will be ordered. Different forms and processes may apply. Determine if you need a court order. You do not need a court order to change a child's name on his or her birth certificate if you are correcting a minor error, such as a misspelling. You can also file an amendment form with the Texas Department of State Health Services if you need to add or correct information about the child's biological parents. If you have any other reason to change your child's name, you must request a court order to change it. Any name change must be shown to be in the child's best interest. For example, changing a child's name because you have adopted him or her is in the child's best interest, because you want to all have the same family name to build a cohesive family. However, changing a child's name for frivolous reasons -- such as wanting to call your son “Khal Drogo Skywalker” -- is unlikely to be proven to be in the child's best interest. Get the child’s written consent when applicable. If the child is 10 years old or older, you must get the child's written consent to change his or her name. This consent must be included with the name change petition. You can get a form for your child to provide written consent from your local court. Provide the child’s current information. You must include information about your child and the reasons why you are requesting a name change. The information you must provide includes the following: The child's current legal name and place of residence The child's date and place of birth The reason the name change is requested The full name you are requesting for the child Whether the child is still subject to continuing court jurisdiction Whether the child is required to register as a sex offender Written consent from a child 10 years of age or older Fill out an Original Petition for Change of Name of Child. Changing your child's name requires a court order. You will need to get an Original Petition for Change of Name of Child form from the court serving the district or county in which you live. You can also use the online template from the Collins County Law Library. Do not sign the forms until you have brought them before a notary! Get your petition and verification statement notarized. Your information must be verified to apply for a name change. As the petitioner for the name change, you must provide a notarized statement that verifies the truth of all the information in your name change petition. You must also verify all the information in your petition. You can verify this information by providing a notary with appropriate identification and signing the form in his or her presence. The Verification statement can be obtained from your local court, or you can use the Collins County Law Library sample. Do not sign the Order Granting Name Change. This must be signed by a judge first. You can find notaries at most large banks during regular business hours. If you hold an account at the bank, the notary will usually witness and sign your form for free. If you do not have an account, you may be charged a small fee. The Texas Secretary of State has a search feature that can help you find a local notary. Make copies of the completed forms before filing. Make at least two copies of all of your forms before filing the notarized originals with the court. You will need to pay a filing fee. If you cannot afford this fee, you may apply to pay it in installments or request a waiver of the fee. Receive the court order. Once the court approves the name change, it will sign the Order for Change of Name. You must file this order with your county or district court clerk's office. Once the Clerk's Office stamps the signed order, your child's name change is official. If your child has been involved in a custody or child support order, you must send a copy of your child's name change ot the Central Record File at the Texas Bureau of Vital Statistics. Get a new Social Security Card. You must change your name with the Social Security Administration. You can bring the appropriate identification with you to a local Social Security office, or you can mail certified copies of your documents for processing. You can get an “Application for a Social Security Card” from the SSA website or at your local SSA office. You will need to provide documentation of your name change (e.g., your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree). This document must identify you by both your previous and your new name. You must also provide evidence of your age, such as a passport, birth certificate, or adoption decree. You must provide evidence of your identity. This evidence must be current and unexpired. You can use a driver's license, a passport, or a US State-issued non-driver identity card. The SSA may accept medical or school records for young children. Change your name on your driver’s license. You must change your name on your Texas driver's license within 30 days of your name change. You must apply in person for a replacement driver's license, and you must bring proper identification with you. If your name change is due to marriage, bring your original marriage license, divorce decree, or spouse's death certificate. Texas accepts same-sex marriage licenses and divorce decrees as evidence as of 2015. If your name change is due to court order, bring a certified copy of the court order changing your name. Documentation must either be the originals or certified copies. If your original document is not in English, you must provide a certified translation into English along with the original. A certified translation must be signed and dated by the translator and contain a statement that it is a true and accurate translation. Change your passport. If your name has been legally changed, you are required to apply for a new passport. You will not be able to use a passport with a different name to travel. If it has been less than one year since you applied for a passport, you will not have to pay additional fees. Complete and submit Form DS-5504, along with your current passport, your certified name change document, and a new passport photo. You can find this form online, or print it out from the US State Department's website. If it has been more than one year since you applied for a passport and you can use Form DS-82, you can submit that form with your current passport, your certified name change document, and a new passport photo, along with applicable fees. You can use Form DS-82 if you meet certain conditions, including being able to submit your most recent passport, your passport was issued less than 15 years ago, and you were at least 16 when your passport was issued. If it has been more than one year since you applied for a passport and you cannot use Form DS-82, you must apply in person for a new passport. Bring photo ID, a certified copy of your name change document, evidence of your US citizenship, and a completed Form DS-11. Change your name with other institutions. Institutions such as banks, credit card lenders, car financers, etc., will not get automatic notification of your name change. You must contact each institution and provide the documentation they require. A short list of places to consider changing your name includes: Bank accounts Credit cards Loans, leases, and mortgages Car title or house deed Voter registration Medical offices Post office boxes Start using your new name. Introduce yourself with your new name. Use it to sign checks and other documents. Change your social media profiles and email addresses. Enjoy your new name! Get a doctor’s letter. To change your gender on Texas documents, such as birth certificates or driver's licenses, you must have a signed doctor's letter. This letter must state that you have received irreversible medical treatment that has changed your gender. The US State Department provides guidelines for what information this letter must include when you apply for a passport. It is a good idea to follow these guidelines when asking your physician to prepare his or her letter. The signed doctor's letter should be on official letterhead and include the following information: Physician's full name Medical license or certificate number The issuing state or jurisdiction of his or her medical license or certificate Physician's address and telephone number Language attesting that s/he is your attending physician and that s/he has a doctor/patient relationship with you Language attesting that you have had appropriate clinical treatment for your desired gender transition Language attesting the following: “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the foregoing is true and correct.” If your gender transition is in process, you may have your doctor attest to that in his or her letter. However, be aware that some jurisdictions in Texas are less amenable to changing gender markers for transitioning individuals. The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition offers a template physician's letter at their website. Petition to change your name and gender marker. The process to change your name will be largely the same as for adults in Method 1. You must obtain an official court order to change your name and gender marker before you can change it on your documents. You must also file a petition for a gender marker change at the same court. You must file both petitions at the court in which you live. Give your reason for your gender change. Gender marker changes are awarded at the discretion of the individual judge. Unfortunately, some districts and counties are more willing to grant gender marker changes than others. Dallas appears to be fairly friendly to transgender petitioners. Attach a copy of your doctor's letter to this petition. Receive your signed court orders. Once you have filed your name and gender marker change petitions, a judge will review them. If the judge signs the order, you simply have to file the signed orders with the county court Clerk's Office. Be aware that current case law indicates that many Texas officials and judges may be uncooperative in issuing these court orders. Because the order to change your gender is subject to the judge's discretion, you do not have much legal recourse if the judge refuses to sign your order. Apply to amend your birth certificate. You may apply to amend the sex on your Texas birth certificate. You must provide your doctor's letter and the court order to change your gender. Fill out Form VS170, Application to Amend Certificate of Birth. You can find this at the Texas Department of State Health Services' website. If you do not have a doctor's letter, you must provide a notarized, sworn affidavit along with the court order. There is a fee of $15 to file the amendment. You must also pay a fee of $22 to obtain a certified copy of the amended birth certificate. Apply for a new passport. The US State Department has specific policies for transgender applicants. You must submit your doctor's letter (aka “physician certificate”) with your application. All other requirements are the same, including those for name change. Your passport photo must be a reflection of your current appearance. If your transition is complete, you are eligible to receive a full ten-year passport. If you are in transition, you are eligible to receive a two-year passport. This passport can be upgraded to the full ten-year form once your transition is complete. Having a passport is not a requirement to change your other documents in Texas. However, because it is a government-issued form of photo ID, a passport may carry more weight with other officials than other types of ID or documentation. It may also serve to persuade resistant officials or institutions to cooperate with your applications. Apply for a new driver’s license. You must bring an original certified court order verifying your sex change to the staff at the driver license office. To change the name on your driver's license, bring the certified court order reflecting your name change. It is probably a good idea to bring your amended birth certificate and your doctor's letter, although these are not specifically required. Change your name with other institutions. Once you have completed the basic documentation changes, you can change your information with other institutions, such as banks. Take your doctor's letter and court order for name and gender changes with you. | Determine if you need a court order. Meet the age requirement. Get your fingerprints taken. Locate the county where you should file your name change petition. Find the required form. Fill out the forms. Sign the petition in the presence of a notary. Make copies of your documents before filing your petition. Go to the courthouse in your county of residence. Pay the filing fee. Attend your court hearing. Testify. File the signed order from the judge. Ensure you are eligible to file a name change. Determine if you need a court order. Get the child’s written consent when applicable. Provide the child’s current information. Fill out an Original Petition for Change of Name of Child. Get your petition and verification statement notarized. Make copies of the completed forms before filing. Receive the court order. Get a new Social Security Card. Change your name on your driver’s license. Change your passport. Change your name with other institutions. Start using your new name. Get a doctor’s letter. Petition to change your name and gender marker. Receive your signed court orders. Apply to amend your birth certificate. Apply for a new passport. Apply for a new driver’s license. Change your name with other institutions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Spam | How to Eat Spam | If you want to eat spam, you can have it right from the can since it's fully cooked, or you can bake, fry, or microwave it. To eat spam as your main dish, fry some slices and use them to make a sandwich. Alternatively, make a spam musubi by serving spam as a hamburger between layers of rice and seaweed instead of a bun. You can also eat spam as part of another dish. Try cubing the spam and making spam and rice, or cut your spam into strips and add it to a hot or cold salad or noodle dish. | Fry your Spam in a skillet to give it a crisp finish. Pour 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of oil into your skillet and place it on the cooktop over medium heat until the oil just begins to shimmer. Cut the Spam into 1 in (2.5 cm) slices and fry them for 2-3 minutes, then flip them and let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Afterwards, they'll have a perfect crusty exterior and a soft, meaty center. Be careful not to burn your Spam. The meat product is precooked, so it won't need very long. Frying Spam is one of the best ways to prepare it if you've never eaten it before and you're apprehensive about the texture. Bake your Spam in the oven to reduce its fat and sodium content. Set your oven to 425–450 °F (218–232 °C) and allow it to begin preheating. While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the slices of Spam on top, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each. Bake the Spam for 10-12 minutes, or until it starts to brown around the edges. If you're watching your waistline, bake your Spam slices on a grill pan or wire rack to drain off some of the excess fat. Throw Spam on the grill for a mouth-watering charbroiled flavor. Preheat your grill and wait for it to get nice and hot. Then, distribute your sliced Spam evenly across the grill top and cook it for 1-2 minutes. Once the slices are heated through on their first side, flip them over and give them 1-2 more minutes, or until they reach the desired doneness. You'll know your Spam is ready to come off the grill when it's slightly darker in color and criss-crossed with perfect grill marks. Top each slice with a juicy pineapple ring to lend some complimentary sweetness. Microwave single servings of Spam for 1-2 minutes. Cut the Spam into slices or strips and pop them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds at a time. In just a couple minutes, you'll have a hot, satisfying meal that pairs easily with any number of other foods. Don't forget to remove the Spam from its can before putting it in the microwave. Eat Spam right out of the can. One of the best things about Spam is that it comes fully cooked, which means it's not strictly necessary to cook it at all. This can be a major plus if the power goes out, you find yourself without the proper cookware, or you're just looking for something quick, easy, and filling to wolf down. Bring a few cans of Spam along with you on your next all-day hike or camping trip. Since it doesn't require heating, it makes a perfect high-protein snack to gobble down on the go. Keep in mind that when eaten straight from the can, Spam has a softer, gelatinous texture which many people find unappetizing. Eat your Spam on a sandwich or burger. Prepare one or more slices of Spam using your preferred cooking method and slap it between two pieces of bread. The canned wonder food can also be eaten on a burger as a more substantial alternative to bacon or as the burger patty itself. Pile on crisp lettuce leaves, juicy tomato slices, sweet onion rings, or any other toppings and condiments of choice and dig in. If you're on a low-carb or gluten-free diet, you can even substitute fried slices of Spam for bread to “double down” on your protein intake. Start your day with a hearty Spam skillet hash. First, dice a tin of Spam into 1 in (2.5 cm) cubes and fry them lightly over medium heat. Once they start to brown up, add 1 cup (100 g) of parboiled potato chunks, along with thin slices of white onion, green bell peppers, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook everything together until it's hot and crisp and enjoy with a steaming mug of coffee or a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice. Crack an egg or sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese on top of your hash as it finishes cooking to make it even more filling. For a last-minute breakfast that doesn't require as much prep, simply toss some cubed Spam in with your scrambled eggs. Put together a tasty Spam musubi. Spam musubi is a popular Hawaiian snack that has its roots in traditional Japanese cuisine. To see what all the fuss is about, grill or fry a slice of Spam, then pat out a block of sushi rice into the same shape and place it on top. Wrap a sheet of nori (roasted seaweed) around your filling ingredients to hold them together. If you're having trouble getting the nori to stick to stay sealed, wet the pad of your finger and run it along the lower of the 2 overlapping edges before sticking it down. You can also use your leftover rice and nori to make hand-rolled Spam sushi. Fry up some Spam donuts. Trim 1 in (2.5 cm) slices of Spam into large circles, then cut smaller circles out of the center of the slices. Fry your Spam donuts in a spacious skillet filled with 2 inches (5.1 cm) of cooking oil for about 2 minutes per side and allow them to cool for an additional 2-3 minutes before getting your munch on. To keep your frying oil from scorching between batches, use an oil with a high smoke point, like olive, vegetable, canola, or peanut. If you'd like a little more donut with your Spam donuts, dice the canned meat into tiny cubes and mix it by hand into rings of homemade dough to turn it into a filling. Conquer your hunger with zesty Spam street tacos. Load corn tortillas with chunks of pan-fried Spam alongside pickled red onions, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Customize your tacos with add-ons like grilled jalapeños, mango, sour cream, and homemade guacamole or pico de gallo. Play around with devising your own specialty fusion items using Spam tacos as inspiration, such as Hawaiian pineapple and teriyaki wonton tacos or Mediterranean-style Spam gyros. Create a taco bar for your next summer party and encourage your guests to build their own Spam tacos. Try it with scrambled eggs, chopped jalapenos, salsa fresca, and black beans rolled into a warm corn tortilla. Top a salad with Spam for a light lunch. Cut cooked spam into small cubes or thin strips and transfer them to a bed of mixed greens and veggies. Leave room for halved hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese for a thrifty take on the classic chef salad, or get creative and invent your own unique salad recipe. Bake or microwave your Spam to cut the calorie count a bit and keep your Spam salad from turning into a cheat meal. Spam can make a welcome addition to other kinds of salads, as well, including pasta salad, ham salad, macaroni salad, and egg salad. Whip up some Spam fried rice. Toss cubed Spam with white rice, eggs, peas, carrots, and a stir fry sauce made from soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil and white pepper. Add some scallions, diced pineapple, or thin-sliced fresno peppers to turn up the flavor a few degrees. If you're short on time, cook up your rice and Spam and stir in a bag of frozen veggies and 2–3 tablespoons (30–44 mL) of bottled stir fry sauce. Serve Spam potstickers as an addictive appetizer. Combine finely-diced Spam with grated ginger, minced garlic and green onion, chopped cabbage, and sesame oil. Stuff your filling into store-bought dumpling skins and crimp the edges closed. Blanch your potstickers in a pot of boiling water, then cool them in an ice bath and brown them on both sides in a well-oiled skillet. Dunk your dumplings in sweetened soy or tangy gyoza sauce, or make your own Asian Tahini dipping sauce to continue with the trend. Spam could also be used in place of pork and other meats in egg rolls and Chinese-style steamed buns. | Fry your Spam in a skillet to give it a crisp finish. Bake your Spam in the oven to reduce its fat and sodium content. Throw Spam on the grill for a mouth-watering charbroiled flavor. Microwave single servings of Spam for 1-2 minutes. Eat Spam right out of the can. Eat your Spam on a sandwich or burger. Start your day with a hearty Spam skillet hash. Put together a tasty Spam musubi. Fry up some Spam donuts. Conquer your hunger with zesty Spam street tacos. Top a salad with Spam for a light lunch. Whip up some Spam fried rice. Serve Spam potstickers as an addictive appetizer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Antique-Dinnerware | How to Identify Antique Dinnerware | To identify antique dinnerware, there are certain patterns and marks to look for. Check the back to see if there's a manufacturer's stamp, which will tell you who made your piece. Then, search the manufacturer online to find out the value of your piece. However, if there isn't a stamp, there are other ways to identify your dinnerware. For example, China generally has either rimmed or coupe plates. Rimmed plates contain a second circle indented inside the plate, while coupe plates are all one diameter. The glaze shouldn't be bubbled or cracked, and the pieces shouldn't wobble when laid on a flat surface. Try searching online for popular china patterns and compare them with your own. This will also help you determine the manufacturer. Also, consider historical trends. From 1920 to 1940, designs often features bright colors and geometric patterns. In the '40s and '50s, bold colors like red, blue, and green were popular. From the '50s to the '70s, muted pastels were prominent. | Examine your dinnerware for the characteristics of china. Antique china will have certain qualities that distinguish it from other kinds of dinnerware. The two main factors that you'll be looking for include shape/design and the pattern on the china. These factors will change depending on the period in which they were produced. Prior to the 1950s, most china plates were round, with the exception of some art deco pieces in the 1920s. Generally, china will either have rimmed or coupe plates. Rim plate china contains a second circle indented inside the plate, while coupe plates are all one diameter in shape. Compare the patterns on your china with online examples. This can be especially helpful when you do not know the manufacturer of your china, as many patterns are unique to certain producers. You'll want to make sure the unique features, like corner-work and artistic flourishes, are the same between patterns. Two examples of specialty company designs include Haviland, which was known for china with soft floral displays, and Wedgwood, which themed china patterns off portraits or classical Greek scenes. Look for consistency and evaluate quality in sets. A complete set is often worth more than a single piece. However, different pieces that have similar patterns can often be mistaken as part of a set. Most sets are usually consistent throughout, including similar borders, corner-work, shape, and pattern. While checking for consistency, you'll have a perfect chance to scope out the quality as well. An ideal set will be consistent in both pattern and color. The glaze and construction are also a good way of determining quality. Glaze should not be bubbled or cracked, and the pieces should be completely level so that they don't wobble when laid on the table. Look for a back stamp or marker stamp. This is the easiest way to identify the manufacturer of your dinnerware, although in many cases the stamps may have faded or become illegible. Once you know the manufacturer, you can look up the approximate value of the piece online. The back/marker stamp is usually found on the bottom of the dinnerware. Look for a marking that is painted, impressed, or stamped on the piece. Back/marker stamps can be very small, but these usually include an emblem of some sort, the name of the manufacturer, and possibly numbers indicating the class or date of the piece. A good way of finding the approximate value of your piece is to search for an identical or nearly identical piece on an online auction to see its going value. However, this approximation may vary greatly from that of a professional appraiser. If you find that your dinnerware is valuable, you might want to take it to a professional appraiser so you can determine the precise value. If the stamp on the back of your dinnerware is illegible, you can compare its markings with more visible ones on similar dinnerware in an antique catalog at your local library or an electronic directory online. Use historical trends to your advantage. Certain designs were more popular than others historically. For example, dinnerware from 1900 - 1920 frequently had floral patterns featuring violets, pastel colors, and were rimmed with a shaped edge. Other trends that might help you identify antique dinnerware include: Designs from 1920 - 1940, which often featured bright colors and geometric shapes. Pastel colors were still somewhat popular at this time, as well as ivory or cream white pieces with gold or silver gilding. Designs from 1940 - 1950, which leaned more heavily on bold colors like red, blue, and green. Pastels were rare during this period. The shape most popular in this era was rimless and streamlined. Designs from 1950 - 1970 rarely had gold trim, as the recent invention of the microwave made this impractical. Pastels returned to popularity, but were more muted than the dinnerware of the past. Get your bearings with a brief Internet search. There are many websites that focus on selling or helping to identify replacement pieces for your china sets. You might use these resources to direct your research. These kind of sites often have an alphabetical list of china manufacturers in addition to pictures. Online appraisal services are rarely able to accurately gauge the exact worth of your dinnerware. The best use for these online services is to get direction for further research. Utilize references from a library or bookstore. Digital images can be of low quality or difficult to scrutinize closely, so you may want to visit a library or the antiques/collectibles section of your local book store. Using references at these places, you can compare your dinnerware to other pieces to assist with identification. Your local library may have a specific section devoted to arts and collectibles. This may be the best place to start your research. If your dinnerware has a specific name stamped on it, such as Limoges or Wedgwood, you'll likely be able to find books about those particular manufacturers. Establish a likely period in which your dinnerware was produced. Sometimes a piece of dinnerware can appear as though it fits in a few different periods. But once you narrow down your choices to a likely few, you can compare your piece to others in that period. If you notice many similarities, chances are good the piece was produced in that period. In some cases, the back/marker stamp on the bottom of your dinnerware may give you the exact date of its production. This can help significantly with your research. Maintain the original condition of unappraised items. If you see a small crack or some other kind of deformity in your dinnerware, you might be tempted to do a quick-fix repair or touch up. However, altering the original condition of your dinnerware could actually decrease its value. Even if the change you intend on making would normally be considered an improvement, this can result in a lower appraisal than the original. Keep any parts, spare pieces, or broken pieces with the original piece. In some cases, you may be advised by your appraiser to have the piece repaired by a professional. Avoid online appraisers. Getting an item appraised online can be both cheap and time efficient, but the quality and attention to detail you receive will be less than a physical appraisal by a professional. To fully understand the condition of your piece, your appraiser will need to handle it. If you're having trouble finding an appraiser or if they are too expensive for your budget, you might inquire with bank Trust managers or Estate Lawyers to find a suitable individual to appraise your dinnerware. You should also avoid auction houses and dealers when getting your dinnerware appraised. These people may deflate the value of your piece with hopes of buying it from you cheap. Hire an appraiser. Appraisers have different areas of expertise, so to get the perfect appraiser for your dinnerware, you might have to interview a few before you find the right one. Inspect potential appraisers' resumes to find how long they've been working with antique dinnerware, and check references to ensure you're not being misled. After you've narrowed down the candidates for an appraiser, you should request a written estimate of how much the appraisal will cost and how long it will take. Generally, a written report and full appraisal of your dinnerware will take about a month. However, high demand appraisers may need more time. Get proof of your appraisal. This kind of proof usually takes the form of a written report. The contents of this report normally include the reason for the appraisal, the techniques used to value your dinnerware, a description of the dinnerware, and a precise value of your dinnerware's worth. Reappraise your items. The value of your dinnerware will change as time passes, so old appraisals may be significantly different from the current value. Additionally, market factors can change the value of your dinnerware. For example, if similar dinnerware has saturated the market, the value of your piece may have decreased. In most cases, the written part of your appraisal should indicate the state of the market for your particular kind of dinnerware. | Examine your dinnerware for the characteristics of china. Compare the patterns on your china with online examples. Look for consistency and evaluate quality in sets. Look for a back stamp or marker stamp. Use historical trends to your advantage. Get your bearings with a brief Internet search. Utilize references from a library or bookstore. Establish a likely period in which your dinnerware was produced. Maintain the original condition of unappraised items. Avoid online appraisers. Hire an appraiser. Get proof of your appraisal. Reappraise your items. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Company | How to Start a Company | To start a company, identify a market to work in and brainstorm compelling products, concepts, or services for that market. Next, create a detailed business plan to describe your product or service, define your goals, lay out a marketing plan, and appeal to potential investors. If necessary, apply for a business loan to get your business off the ground. Then, use social media and other marketing tools to build a buzz around your company and attract customers. | Identify a new market. A successful company is one that uses creativity and innovation to discover previously untapped markets for products and services, creating things that consumers didn't even know they needed, then selling it to those consumers at a profit. If your goal is to form a successful company, you need to start by finding a great need in a consumer base and planning a way to exploit it. Do market analysis to identify potential consumer needs and desires. If you've already got a great idea for an innovative product, think about who it is that will want to use and purchase your product or service. Be as specific as possible. Consider important statistical factors in your potential consumer base that will help you plan your product and structure your company around its consumers: Age of average customer Socioeconomic status Location (urban, rural) Education Spending habits Develop a compelling product, concept, or service for that market. When you've identified a need, fill that need with a new concept for a product. Think big. Innovation requires that you identify something that will change the way people think. Apple wouldn't be a successful company if they hadn't identified a consumer base's desire for elegant and simple music, phone, and computing technology. Recent start-up success-story "Coin" had the idea of a simple card that consolidates all your credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, and other wallet-clogging plastic into one, easy-to-use card. By identifying a consumer need (to de-clutter) and a simple, elegant product that filled that need, Coin generated a lot of buzz and attracted serious investors and customers. Create a working model of your product. In order to attract serious investors, you're going to have to prove that your innovation is possible. Whether your company will be structured around the most delicious brownie mix ever marketed to Brooklynites, or a chain of coffee kiosks, you'll have to develop a working model that actually works. Hook up with engineers and other technological innovators if you can't create a working model of your product yourself. Depending on what you're trying to create, this may be a serious time and money investment. Consider crowd-sourcing for an initial product, if it should prove expensive. Create a long-term series of goals for your company. What will you need for your company to be successful at the end of this month? The end of this year? Ten years down the road? Give some serious thought to where you want your company to head and what you'll need to take it there. Flying by the seat of your pants is a good way to create a company that will fail. Careful planning will help you to structure your company and accurately anticipate the challenges that await you. Put a name on it. It's important to come up with an appropriate and eye-catching name for your company to make it official. Brainstorm lots of possibilities and get feedback on a handful of your favorites. A well-named company has a much better chance of sticking around long-term. Your name also needs to be unique in your state, if you plan on filing for incorporation, and should be registered with the Business Bureau or Administration in your state. A good company name should be: Catchy Simple Fresh Easy to brand Write up a business plan to define your goals and appeal to investors. A business plan is an essential step in starting any company. A well-written business plan forces you to articulate the corporate philosophy for your company, the practical execution of your ideas in terms of marketing and funding, and a detailed description of your product or service. Your business plan needs to include: Your vision for the company Market research and consumer analysis A detailed description of your corporate structure, including leadership and staff Your marketing plan A specific breakdown of costs needed to get your company off the ground A personal appeal to potential investors Obtain the proper state and federal permits to conduct business. Depending on the nature of your products or services, you'll have to file at the federal and state level to conduct business legally. Research the requirements and talk to a representative at the business bureau to make sure you've filed appropriately and are within the bounds of the law. You can find the requirements for your particular state by clicking here. Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for maximum flexibility. An LLC is a hybrid of the flexibility of a partnership-style organization, with the liability features of a more complex corporation. While a corporation is owned by shareholders, the members of an LLC are not taxed as a business entity, but rather report the business of the company on their personal tax returns, making it a popular option for small companies getting off the ground. To register as an LLC, you need to: Register your name. The name must be unique and registered with the business bureau in your state. File articles of organization in your state. This is a basic document available from and filed with the Secretary of State in some states, and the corporation commission in other states. Create an operating agreement. While not required in all states, an operating agreement exists to codify the financial organization of your company in terms of profits. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits to hold business and/or manufacturing in your state. Consider forming a business partnership to run a tighter ship. A partnership is shared by one or more individuals who divide profits, responsibilities, and other elements of the company among the parties equally, or on a limited basis depending on the company's structure. To register a business partnership, you'll need to register your name, acquire the appropriate permits for holding business, depending on your company, and file your company with the IRS. The tax formula for partnerships is somewhat more complicated than that of an LLC. The partnership must furnish an Annual Return of Income, as well as both employment taxes and excise axes by filling out IRS form 1095. The individual partners must additionally pay individual income tax, as well as self-employment tax and excise tax. Consider incorporation. To file as a corporation, you'll need to file the proper articles of incorporation in your state, generally with the Secretary of State's office. Depending on the state, you may also have to identify your shareholders and issue the accompanying stock certificates to make the corporation legal and file with the IRS, receive a tax ID number and the accompanying permit. Corporations use IRS form 1120 to file revenue, while shareholders will file income tax as regular employees. Open up to the public by using a cooperative business model. In a co-op model, the company is owned and shared by the workers and the customers, making the decisions and the operation of the business a fluid exchange of ideas between company and consumer. Often, co-ops also operate via consensus. To form a co-op: File for incorporation Draft your company's bylaws, or operating rules Draft membership applications Elect Directors from the initial membership group Estimate your start-up costs. This should be done as part of the business plan, as a way of figuring out exactly what you'll need to request from investors and acquire via other means. It's an essential part of getting your company started, and helps to give possible shareholders or venture capitalists a hard number to consider. Try to distinguish between essential and optional costs. The cost of the start-up should only include essential costs, the bare minimum to get things started. While it'd be great to have money built-in to the start-up for the Fruit Loops bar you've always wanted to have at work, it's probably not a great idea to build that into the initial plan. Complete a cash-flow analysis. Before anyone will consider putting up money to invest in your business, they're going to want to know when they'll start seeing some return on that investment. You can determine this by performing a cash-flow analysis, the result of which will be a reasonable expectation of the time it will take for your company to become profitable and begin paying back the investment. A good cash-flow analysis should accompany your business plan when you meet with investors. Apply for equity or debt financing. To get a business loan, you'll need to provide both evidence of good credit as well as experience in a management role, and also decide whether or not you're going to seek equity or debt financing options, or some combination over several sources. Debt Financing refers to a traditional business loan. To repay this kind of loan, you'll repay the money you've been lent over an agreed-upon period of time. These are offered by banks and the small business authority, who grants SBA loans under the right circumstances. Equity Loans are paid off with shares of the company to be formed. This is generally collected from business associates, friends, and other individuals, and is traditionally favored by small businesses and start-ups. In exchange for a piece of the business and a stake in its future, individuals will put up cash. Generate as much buzz as possible. People will be more willing to invest in your company if there's a difficult-to-define "buzz" around it. You want your company to poise itself as being impossible to fail. You want your ideas to seem so strong, your leadership so secure, that there's no way it could possibly lose money. Partly, this will come from establishing an innovative and exciting idea that it will be difficult to deny, as well as dipping your toe into the vast pool of advertising. Revolights, a garage-start-up that made awesome-looking rotary bicycle lights, managed to crowd-source almost five times their essential funds based on a simple Kickstarter video that went viral. Because the lights looked so cool, it was easy for individuals to convince themselves to pony up some money in exchange for the product's availability. Embrace new media and advertising. While it's important to announce your company in the traditional business trades and make the regular contacts, it's essential to embrace new media and structure your company in the 21st century. Building a buzz around social media and other online venues could be the difference between a hot new unveiling and a flat-out failure. Make your company a trendy place to work. As you recruit and hire new employees, dropping your new company on the world, you want to cultivate a reputation as an innovative and trendy place to be associated with. Companies like Google and Facebook, aside from being incredibly successful and innovative service-providers, have also established a reputation as places that celebrate progressive office culture. If you want to attract the best and the brightest in young workers, forego the dismal office park and the traditional culture in the wake of flextime, worker-friendly aesthetics and features, and an open policy of making your employees happy. In general, the difference between thinking in terms of a successful business and a successful company is that a company requires much obsession over issues of HR and office policy, in addition to the traditional business concerns of product development and innovation. | Identify a new market. Develop a compelling product, concept, or service for that market. Create a working model of your product. Create a long-term series of goals for your company. Put a name on it. Write up a business plan to define your goals and appeal to investors. Obtain the proper state and federal permits to conduct business. Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for maximum flexibility. Consider forming a business partnership to run a tighter ship. Consider incorporation. Open up to the public by using a cooperative business model. Estimate your start-up costs. Complete a cash-flow analysis. Apply for equity or debt financing. Generate as much buzz as possible. Embrace new media and advertising. Make your company a trendy place to work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Speak-in-a-British-Accent | How to Speak in a British Accent | To speak in a British accent, try listening to British music and British radio stations to pick up on the way common words are pronounced. You can also watch British news channels, like the BBC, to get an idea of how British people speak. Also, try watching movies with British characters and repeating their lines out loud to practice your accent. If you know someone with a British accent, ask them to say different words out loud so you can learn how to pronounce them. | Start with the Rs. Understand that in most British accents, speakers don't roll their Rs (except for those from Scotland, Northumbria, Northern Ireland, and parts of the West Country and Lancashire), but not all British accents are the same. For example, a Scottish accent varies greatly from an English accent. After a vowel, don't pronounce the R, but draw out the vowel and maybe add an "uh" (Here is "heeuh"). In words like "hurry", don't blend the R with the vowel. Say "huh-ree". In American English, words ending with "rl" or "rel" can be pronounced using either one or two syllables, completely interchangeably. This is not the case in British English. "-rl" words like "girl", "hurl", etc., are pronounced as one syllable with silent R, while "squirrel" is "squih-rul", and "referral" is "re-fer-rul". Some words are easier to say in a British accent. For example, mirror, which sounds like "mih-ra". Do not say "mirror" like "mere"; British people almost never do that. Some awkward pauses in sentences are also removed by the addition of "r" before a vowel. For example, "I saw it" becomes "I saw-rit", to avoid the pause between the words 'saw' and 'it'. Another example is "Bacteria are small", pronounced "Bacteria-rar-small". Pronounce U in stupid and in duty with the ew or "you" sound. Avoid the oo as in pronounced ; thus it is pronounced stewpid or commonly schewpid , not stoopid , etc. duty would be pronounced dewty or more often jooty. In the standard English accent, the A (for example, in father ) is pronounced at the back of the mouth with an open throat—it sounds like "arh". This is the case in pretty much all British accents, but it's exaggerated in RP. In southern England and in RP, words such as "bath", "path", "glass", "grass" also use this vowel (barth, parth, glarss, grarss, etc.). However, in other parts of Britain "bath", "path", etc. sound like "ah". Enunciate on heavy consonant words. Pronounce that T in "duty" as T : not as the D as doody so that duty is pronounced dewty or a softer jooty. Pronounce the suffix -ing with a strong G. This way it sounds like -ing rather than -een. But sometimes it is shortened to in as in lookin. The words human being are pronounced hewman being or yooman been in certain areas, though it could be pronounced hewman bee-in. Sometimes drop the Ts. With some accents, including cockney accents, T s aren't pronounced in words where Americans use D to replace it. However, there is usually a short pause or "hiccup" in its place. So "battle" might be pronounced ba-ill but it would be a rare occasion to find someone saying "Ba-ill" catching the air behind the back of the tongue at the end of the first syllable before expelling it on pronunciation of the second syllable. This is known as the glottal stop. use glottal stops, too, for words like "mittens" and "mountain". It's just that British use them more often. People with Estuary English, RP, Scottish, Irish and Welsh accents do consider it lazy and rude to drop the T s, and this feature doesn't exist, but in almost all accents it's accepted to do it in the middle of words in casual contexts and almost universal to put a glottal stop at the end of a word. Observe that some words are pronounced as written. The word "herb" should be pronounced with an H sound. The word "been" is pronounced "bean", rather than "bin" or "ben". For RP, "Again" and "renaissance" are pronounced like "a gain" and "run nay seance", with the "ai" as in "pain", not "said." The words ending in "body" are pronounced as written, like "any body", not "any buddy." But use a British short O sound. Observe that H is not always pronounced. The "H" is pronounced in the word "herb," in contrast erb. However, in many British accents, the H at the beginning of a word is often omitted, such as in many Northern accents and the Cockney accent. Say "bean," not "bin" for the word been. In an American accent, this is often pronounced been. In an English accent, been is a common pronunciation, but "bin" is more often heard in casual speech where the word isn't particularly stressed. Notice that two or more vowels together may prompt an extra syllable. For example, the word "road" would usually be pronounced rohd , but in Wales and with some people in Northern Ireland it might be pronounced ro.ord. Some speakers may even say "reh-uud." Listen to the "music" of the language. All accents and dialects have their own musicality. Pay attention to the tones and emphasis of British speakers. Sir Johnathan Ive is a good example, listen to his accent at Apple revealings. Do sentences generally end on a higher note, the same, or lower? How much variation is there in tone throughout a typical sentence? There is a huge variation between regions with tonality. British speech, especially RP, usually varies much less within a sentence than American English, and the general tendency is to go down slightly towards the end of a phrase. However, Liverpool and north-east England are notable exceptions! For example, instead of saying, "is he going to the STORE?" Say, "is he GOING to the store?" Have the question descending in tone as opposed to ascending in tone (going up in tone is more common in American or Australian English). Get a British person to say well known sentences: "How now brown cow" and "The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain" and pay close attention. Rounded mouth vowels in words such as "about" in London, are usually flattened in Northern Ireland. Immerse yourself in the British culture; this means surround yourself with individuals that speak, live, walk and talk British English. It's the surest way to learn a British accent quickly. Soon, you'll find yourself naturally able to speak with the variations above. Anything with a British speaker will work—try listening to the BBC (which provides free radio and television newscasts on the web), songs with British singers, or movies with British characters. | Start with the Rs. Pronounce U in stupid and in duty with the ew or "you" sound. Enunciate on heavy consonant words. Sometimes drop the Ts. Observe that some words are pronounced as written. Observe that H is not always pronounced. Say "bean," not "bin" for the word been. Notice that two or more vowels together may prompt an extra syllable. Listen to the "music" of the language. Get a British person to say well known sentences: Immerse yourself in the British culture; this means surround yourself with individuals that speak, live, walk and talk British English. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-Faster | How to Talk Faster | To talk faster, practice reading a passage of text aloud at increasing speeds. You can also practice saying tongue twisters at different speeds, which will help you enunciate words at a faster pace. When you're speaking normally, try to reduce filler words, like “Um,” “Like,” and “You know,” which slow your speech down and don't add any meaning. If you're practicing a presentation, record yourself giving the speech and listen back to it. Notice phrases or sentences where you slow down, then practice saying those bits to increase your speed. If there are difficult words to pronounce that slow you down, consider switching them for easier alternatives. | Read a text out loud at varying speeds. You can do speed talking drills to improve your ability to speak quickly and clearly. Do this by reading an example passage from a book that contains challenging terms or by using original writing that contains terms you want to get better and faster at saying out loud. Start by reading the text out loud at a normal speed. Then, read the same passage again at a slightly faster speed. Repeat this again, reading the passage at an even faster speed. This can help you get your eyes and mouth to work together at faster speeds. You can also try reading the passage backwards, starting from the end of the passage and moving backwards to the beginning of the passage. This drill will help you get used to reading out loud quickly, as you will not have to pause to take extra time to think about what you are saying out loud. Insert words in a passage and read it out loud. You can also try inserting a word between each word when you read a passage out loud, such as “and” or “the”. For example, the phrase, "The dog walked down the street" can be read as "The and dog and walked and down and the and street and." Inserting a word between the words in the passage will force you to simply read the text without having to think about what it means, which will then allow you to speak faster. It also gives your speech a certain rhythm and diction that you can then translate to other texts and instances when you have to speak fast. Practice tongue twisters. Tongue twisters can help you to get better at enunciating your words at a faster pace. They are also good for getting better at flow and clarity as you speak faster. You can use familiar tongue twisters, such as “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers/A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked/If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers/Where's the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?” If you struggle with words that begin with a certain letter, such as “j” words, you may want to try a tongue twister that features the letter “j”, such as “James just jostled Jean gently. Jack the jailbird jacked a jeep.” Try to practice three to four different tongue twisters a day, saying them out loud at faster and faster speeds. You may also want to time yourself as you say the tongue twisters so you can track how fast and how well you can say them as you practice them every day. Tongue twisters are also great warm up tools for when you are about to talk to others and want to speed up your talking speed. Try to repeat one to two tongue twisters to yourself to get used to talking faster once you are around others. Try speaking with a pen in your mouth. Though you may look silly to your friends, speaking with a pen or pencil in your mouth can help you improve the clarity and speed of your speech. Hold the pen or pencil horizontally in your mouth between your back teeth. Then, practice reading a passage or text out loud. Try to articulate every word as you read out loud, even if it may be difficult due to the pen. This drill will force your tongue to work harder and allow you to get used to over-articulating your words. You will also develop exaggerated mouth and facial movements, which can allow you to become a more engaging speaker. Reduce the use of “filler words” in your speech. Filler words are terms that you tend to say when you are thinking of what to say next or when you are nervous. Words like “uh”, “um”, “like”, and “you know” do not hold any meaning and will slow you down when you are trying to talk quickly. You should work on reducing or removing these words from your speech. Try to remind yourself not to use “like” or “um” when you speak to others. You may need to get in the habit of pausing for a breath whenever you feel the urge to use these filler words. Over time, you can then fill in the pauses by flowing from one meaningful word to the next, without filler words. You can also try the rubber band method, where you put a rubber band on your wrist. Every time you say a filler word, you can gently slap your wrist with the rubber band. Over time, you should remember to avoid using filler words for fear of getting a rubber band slap. Some filler words are redundant and meaningless, leading to greater confusion when you speak to others. Try to avoid filler words like “actually” or “in fact”, such as “The sky was actually blue yesterday” or “In fact, I know the answer.” Removing these terms can make your speech clearer and more concise. Warm up your vocal chords before a presentation or talk. You should give yourself ten to fifteen minutes before a presentation to warm up your voice and prepare your vocal chords for some fast talking. You can do this by doing some common warm up vocal exercises, including: Close your lips and force air between them until you make a horse-like noise. Your lips should vibrate together and make neighing sounds or noises. This can help to loosen up the muscles around your mouth. You can also do face stretches to get the muscles in your face ready for fast talking. Do this by trying to get your mouth, nose, and eyebrows as close together as possible. Then, try to get them as far apart as possible. Stick your tongue out while you do this. Record yourself as you practice the presentation. You can determine how slow you speak by recording yourself talk out loud. You may set up a tape recorder and record yourself as you pretend to present your speech in front of a mirror. Listen to the playback of your presentation and note if you slow down in particular areas of your speech. Focus on speeding up your delivery in these spots the next time you practice the speech. You should also be on the look out for any filler words, such as “um” or “ah”. Try to remove them the next time you practice the speech. Focus on saying the word before and the word after the spot where you used a filler word so you are not prone to using them. Replace words you find difficult to pronounce. You may also notice that you are stumbling over certain words when you read your speech out loud. You should consider replacing terms that are tricky for you with simplified terms or terms that you are more familiar with. This will also allow you to speak faster, as you will not have to consider unfamiliar words when you present your speech. For example, you may replace a term like “utilize” with the more simplified term, “use”. Or, you may replace a more academic phrase like “let me solidify my point” with a more simplified phrase, “let me demonstrate what I mean”. You may also notice that certain sections of your speech appear wordy or long winded. You may decide to cut out certain words and revise the speech so it is shorter and easier to say. Often, shorter is better for speeches and talks. Use your hands when you speak. You can also use other parts of your body, like your hands, to help you maintain a steady speaking pace. You may gesture with your hands to highlight a point or walk slowly back and forth across the room to emphasis your speech. Use your hands and your body to help you keep up a certain rhythm and pace to your speech. You should also demonstrate positive body language when you are giving a presentation or a speech. This means maintaining eye contact with your audience and positioning your body to face your audience. | Read a text out loud at varying speeds. Insert words in a passage and read it out loud. Practice tongue twisters. Try speaking with a pen in your mouth. Reduce the use of “filler words” in your speech. Warm up your vocal chords before a presentation or talk. Record yourself as you practice the presentation. Replace words you find difficult to pronounce. Use your hands when you speak. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Stage | How to Build a Stage | Once you've collected the supplies and gathered the wood, start building your stage by laying 3 3'9” pieces of 2x4 parallel to each other, leaving about 4 feet between each piece. Arrange 2 8 foot pieces of 2x4s on the top and bottom of the frame to complete it, then use wood screws to secure it together. Add 2' 2x4s to each corner of the frame with bolts to serve as legs. Add a plywood platform and secure it to the frame with 1 ½” wood screws, and voila! | Gather the tools you will need to build your stage. Take out the tools that you will use in the construction of your stage. If you don't own any of the tools you need, ask friends to borrow tools, or you can rent tools from many home improvement stores. Drill Circular Saw Pliers Socket ratchet wrench Screwdriver Measuring Tape Pencil Purchase quality lumber. To construct your stage you will need to buy wood that will provide the structure of your stage. Look for lumber that is straight and free from knots. Pressure treated lumber is best if your stage will be resting on concrete or placed outside. For each individual platform you will need: 6 – 8 foot 2x4's 1 – 8'x4' sheet of 3/4 inch plywood 12 – 3.5 inch hex bolts 24 washers 12 nuts 26 - 1 ½” wood screws 24 - 3” wood screws Cut the 2x4s to the proper length with a circular saw. You will need to cut several different lengths of 2x4s to form the supports of your stage platform. To avoid mistakes and wasted wood, remember this rule of carpentry: measure twice, cut once. From two 8' pieces of 2x4, cut 3 lengths of wood to 3'9” (45 inches). You will have 4'3” of wood left from one 2x4, cut it into two 2' pieces. (Discard the remaining 3”.) Use a new 8' 2x4 to cut four 2' lengths of wood. From the fourth 2x4 cut six 1' pieces at a 45º angle on each side. Cut the angles on either end toward each other. The long side of the board will measure 12” while the short side accounting for the angles will be approximately 5 ½”. The angled boards will be used to brace the legs. The other two 2x4s will be used to make the frame. Don't cut these. Cut additional sections of wood to build more platforms. If you need to build a stage that is bigger than 4'x8' you will need to create multiple platforms. Cut all of your wood at once to save time in construction. Lay out the frame for your stage platform. Lay the 3'9” pieces of 2x4s parallel to each other with approximately 4 feet (1.2 m) between each piece. Arrange two 8 foot (2.4 m) pieces of 2x4s at the top and bottom of the 3'9” sections to create a frame. The wood should form a rectangle with one 3'9” section separating the rectangle into two squares. Secure the 2x4s together using wood screws. Drill a pilot hole to prevent your wood from splitting. Use two screws at each joint to fasten the pieces of wood together. Attach two 3'9” pieces of wood between the ends of the two 8' pieces of wood. The 8' 2x4 will be on the outside of the 2 shorter pieces. The shorter pieces of 2x4 will be between the 8' pieces. The measurement from the outside edge to the opposite outside edge is 48”. Place the third 3'9” piece of 2x4 in the middle to support the center of the platform. Center the wood 48” from the end of the 8' 2x4. Connect the legs to your platform. The 2' sections of wood that were cut will serve as the legs. Hold or clamp the legs in place to drill a guide hole for a bolt. Drill two holes for each leg all the way through the leg and the frame. Place one leg at each corner of the frame. Attach the legs to the 8' piece of 2x4 not the shorter cross beams. Slide a washer on the 3” bolt and insert it into the holes. Place another washer on the other end of the bolt and fasten it to the wood with a nut. Tighten the bolts using a socket wrench while holding the nut with the pliers. Brace the legs. The 2x4s cut with the 45º angle will act as a brace f or the legs. One side of the angle cut 2x4 will be against the leg, and the other side will be flush with the top of the platform. Drill pilot holes from the angle cut 2x4 into the leg. Drill pilot holes in the side of the angle cut 2x4 into the beam of the stage frame. Fasten the brace to the legs and frame using 3” wood screws. Fasten the stage platform to the frame. Turn the platform over on its legs. Place a sheet of plywood on the frame. Attach the plywood to the frame using 1 ½” wood screws. Use a drill with a screwdriver bit to drive the screws into the wood. Place a screw around the perimeter of the wood every 16 inches. Insert two screws in the center of the plywood into the 2x4 cross beam of the frame. Build multiple platforms to create a larger performing area. You can arrange multiple 4X8 sections of stage to create a larger stage for your performance. Prepare the wood for painting. Sand the edges of your wood and the surface of the plywood with a 200 grit sandpaper. Smooth the edges of the wood and surface of the plywood with the sandpaper. Paint the wood black. Prime the wood with an oil based primer to seal the wood. Paint the surface of the stage and frame with black latex paint. Giving your stage a coat of black paint will help protect the wood. Configure the sections of stage you built together. Line up the separate stage sections edge to edge. Arrange four sections to create a stage that measures 8 feet (2.4 m) by 16 feet (4.9 m). Wrap the stage with black cloth to hide the legs. Give your stage a professional finish by covering the bottom of the stage with black fabric. | Gather the tools you will need to build your stage. Purchase quality lumber. Cut the 2x4s to the proper length with a circular saw. Cut additional sections of wood to build more platforms. Lay out the frame for your stage platform. Secure the 2x4s together using wood screws. Connect the legs to your platform. Brace the legs. Fasten the stage platform to the frame. Build multiple platforms to create a larger performing area. Prepare the wood for painting. Paint the wood black. Configure the sections of stage you built together. Wrap the stage with black cloth to hide the legs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Firewood-Rack | How to Build a Firewood Rack | To build a firewood rack, you'll need 2 cinder blocks with holes in, 2 4 by 4 wooden boards 5-6 feet long and 4 2 by 4 boards at least 4 feet long. Start by placing 2 cinder blocks 4 feet apart to keep your wood away from bugs. Place them with holes facing up, which you'll need later. Then, lay 2 4 by 4 wooden boards across the cinder blocks to form the base. Don't completely cover the holes in the cinder blocks, since next you'll insert 4 2 by 4 boards vertically into the holes to form the sides of the rack. Once the sides are secure, you can safely stack your firewood up to 3 feet high. | Space 2 cinder blocks 4 feet (1.2 m) apart on concrete slabs. Get 2 cinderblocks that have holes in them. Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the distance between the 2 blocks and position them so they are parallel. The holes on the cinder blocks should be facing up. If you don't have concrete slabs lay down a 1 inch (2.5 cm)-thick layer of gravel under each cinder block. Concrete blocks or gravel will prevent bugs from eating away at the wood. Lay 2 4x4 boards on top of the cinder blocks. Each 4x4 board should be 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) long. Lay the boards on top of the cinder blocks on their wide side. The boards should run parallel and be around 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) apart depending on the size of your cinder blocks. This will form the base that you'll rest your firewood on. Make sure the boards don't completely cover the holes in the cinder blocks. If your boards are longer than 6 feet (1.8 m) long, use a saw to cut them down to size. You can also use thick landscaping timbers as an alternative to the 4x4 boards. Stick 4 2x4 boards into the cinder block holes on both ends of the rack. Stick 2 boards into each hole at each end of the rack. Each 2x4 board should be at least 4 feet (1.2 m) long. The boards should be sticking up vertically out of the cinder blocks. The 2x4 boards will hold the wood in and ensure that it doesn't overflow on the sides of the rack. Stack your firewood on the 4x4 boards. As you fill the rack, the 2x4 boards on the sides will bow out and help carry the load of all the wood. You can safely stack the wood 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) high using this rack. Cut 4 2x4 boards 56 inches (140 cm) long. Mark and measure 4 2x4 inch boards so that they are 56 inches (140 cm) long. Then, use a circular saw or hand saw to cut them to the appropriate size. These boards will comprise the base and roof of the firewood rack. Wear safety goggles whenever you cut the wood. Cut the wood in a well-ventilated area. Saw 4 2x4 boards 16 inches (41 cm) long. Use the same method that you used to cut the 56 in (140 cm)-long boards to cut the smaller boards. These boards will connect the 2 longer pieces together in the middle. You can also use scrap 2x4 wood if you have any leftover. Cut 4 2x4 boards so they are 3 feet (91 cm) long. Measure and cut 4 more 2x4s to create the framing for the walls of your rack. Lay out the pieces on the floor to make sure that you have all the required pieces for the rack. The framing boards can be as long as you want, depending on how high you want to stack your wood. For the purposes of this project, we'll make the rack 3 feet (91 cm) high. Set 2 56 in (140 cm)-long 2x4 boards on the ground. Set the 2 boards 16 inches (41 cm) apart. This will serve as the long sides for the base of your firewood rack. Make sure to work in a large enough area so you can move around comfortably. Glue 16 in (41 cm)-long 2x4s in between the longer boards. Apply wood glue to the thin ends of the 16 in (41 cm) boards. Place the board in between the 2 boards at one end of the board and push the 2 56 in (140 cm)-long 2x4s together to adhere the smaller center piece to each side of the rack. Repeat the process on the other end of the long boards so that it's connected on both ends. This will be the base for your firewood rack. The base should be shaped like a rectangle. Nail the long boards into the 16 in (41 cm)-long 2x4s. Drive 2 3 in (7.6 cm) nails into the outside of the long boards so that the nail goes into the 16 in (41 cm)-long 2x4s. Go to the other end of the rack and repeat the process. The 16 in (41 cm)-long boards should be nailed into the longer boards 2 times on each end. Each nail should be spaced 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) apart. Nailing the framing pieces together will reinforce the firewood rack and will prevent it from breaking. Repeat the process to make the top of the rack. The process to create the top of the firewood rack is the same as creating the base. Connect the remaining 2 56 in (140 cm)-long 2x4 boards together using 2 more 16 in (41 cm)-long pieces. Remember to use both wood glue and nails to reinforce the frame of the rack. Nail 4 3 ft (91 cm)-long boards into the corners of the bottom rack. Align the remaining boards in each corner of the rack and nail them into the bottom rack with 3 in (7.6 cm) nails. Each board should be positioned in the corner the same way so that you can easily attach the roof to the rack. Put 2 nails in each of the 3 ft (91 cm)-long boards. Nail the top frame into the 3 ft (91 cm)-long boards. Lower the frame onto its side so that you can easily position the roof around the 3 ft (91 cm)-long boards. Nail each of the boards into the top frame to complete your project. Place the rack on concrete slabs or gravel. Keeping the rack slightly elevated off the ground will increase the longevity of the wood. You can now stack your wood in a contained firewood rack. Place aluminum siding or a tarp over the rack to add a roof. A roof will prevent your wood from getting wet if you plan on keeping your rack outside. Get a piece of aluminum siding or tarp that's the same size as the top frame of the rack and place it over the rack. Then, use nails to secure the siding to the rack. Space each nail 3 inches (7.6 cm) apart. | Space 2 cinder blocks 4 feet (1.2 m) apart on concrete slabs. Lay 2 4x4 boards on top of the cinder blocks. Stick 4 2x4 boards into the cinder block holes on both ends of the rack. Stack your firewood on the 4x4 boards. Cut 4 2x4 boards 56 inches (140 cm) long. Saw 4 2x4 boards 16 inches (41 cm) long. Cut 4 2x4 boards so they are 3 feet (91 cm) long. Set 2 56 in (140 cm)-long 2x4 boards on the ground. Glue 16 in (41 cm)-long 2x4s in between the longer boards. Nail the long boards into the 16 in (41 cm)-long 2x4s. Repeat the process to make the top of the rack. Nail 4 3 ft (91 cm)-long boards into the corners of the bottom rack. Nail the top frame into the 3 ft (91 cm)-long boards. Place the rack on concrete slabs or gravel. Place aluminum siding or a tarp over the rack to add a roof. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Good-Summary-for-a-Book-Report | How to Write a Good Summary for a Book Report | A good book report summary includes the most important points of the book and explains what your opinion of it is. As you read, take detailed notes of the main characters, the setting, the main ideas, and any important quotations, since this will make putting your book report together a lot easier. Then, when you're done reading, outline each chapter so you can keep track of everything. When you write your summary, give a basic idea of the book, what it's about, and what themes it covers, such as growing up, poverty, or perseverance. You should also include when the book was published and if it has won any awards. After this, briefly explain whether or not you liked the book and why. | Pick an appropriate book. Your teacher may assign a book to you, or give you a list from which to choose. If she/he doesn't give you a specific book, you may find it helpful to ask your school librarian to recommend something that's appropriate for the assignment. If you can, pick a book on a topic that interests you, as this will make it more enjoyable for you to read. Make sure you understand the assignment. Your teacher may give you an assignment or prompt that gives you specific details on the book report. Be sure you follow all the guidelines given, such as how long the report needs to be and what it needs to include. Don't confuse a book report with a book review. A book report summarizes a book and may offer your opinion on a book, but it usually focuses more on facts about the book. A book review usually describes what a book says and evaluates how the book works. If you have any questions, ask your teacher. It's much better to ask questions when you don't understand something than to try to muddle through only to produce work that isn't what your teacher expected. Take notes while you read. It will be much easier to draft your book report if you've taken notes as you go along, rather than trying to remember everything at the end. As you read, jot down a few notes on the following: Characters. If your book is fiction (or a biography or memoir), keep track of who the major characters are. What are they like? What do they do? Are they different at the end of the book than the beginning? Did you like them? Setting. This category mainly applies to fiction. The setting of a book is where and when the story takes place (for example, the Harry Potter novels' main setting is the school of Hogwarts). The setting may have significant influence on the characters and the story. Story. What happens in the book? Who did what? Where in the book (beginning, middle, end) do important things seem to happen? Were there any clear “turning points” in the story, where things seem to change from what came before? How did the story resolve? What parts are your favorite parts of the story? Main ideas/themes. This category will be slightly different for nonfiction or fiction. Nonfiction may have a very clear main idea, such as presenting a biography of a famous historical figure. For fiction, there will probably be a key theme that runs throughout the book. Think about this in terms of what you learned from the book that you didn't know before reading it. You may find it easier if you take a few notes on each chapter. Quotations. A good book report not only tells, but shows. For example, if you really enjoyed the author's writing style, you could use a quotation in your book report that shows why you liked it. A juicy quote that sums up the main idea of the book could also be a good idea. You don't have to use every quotation that you write down in your report, but jot down any quotations that catch your attention. Decide how to organize your book report. Your teacher may have given you specific requirements, and if so, you should follow those. There are two basic ways to organize a book report: Organize the book report by chapter. If you organize your book report this way, you will move from chapter to chapter. You'll probably need to cover multiple chapters in each paragraph. Pro: You can go in chronological order, which could be helpful when you're summarizing books with a lot of plot elements. Con: This kind of organization can be more difficult to figure out if you need to talk about multiple chapters in one paragraph. Organize the book report by type of element ("thematic" organization). If you organize your book report this way, you could have a paragraph about the characters, a paragraph or two about plot summary, a paragraph about main ideas, and a paragraph that sums up your opinion of the book. Pro: You can tackle a lot of plot summary in very little space. The paragraphs are clearly divided, so you know what to cover in each one. Con: This may not be appropriate if your assignment is mostly to summarize the book rather than give your opinions about it. Create an outline. This will help you draft your summary. Put your notes into outline form depending on how you decided to organize your paragraphs. For chronological order: Give each chapter or section of the book its own section. Write down the most important story elements and character developments that happened in each chapter. For thematic organization: Put your notes about the various elements, such as characters, plot, and main ideas, into separate sections. Each will become a paragraph. When you write your first draft, think about what elements move the story forward, because those will probably be the most important. You can give more detail as you revise, if you want. For example, many things happen in Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games, but you can't talk about them all. Instead, focus on the overall movement of the story. Begin by explaining what the Hunger Games are and how Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are chosen. Then you would summarize their time in the Capitol, including information on how sponsorship works. Following that, you would summarize the most important moments from the Games, such as Katniss injuring her leg in the fire, the attack by tracker-jackers, Rue's death, the kiss in the cave, Cato's final battle, and the decision to eat the poisonous berries. Then, you would conclude by wrapping up the most important moments from the book's ending. Write your introduction paragraph. Your introduction should give the reader a basic idea of what the book is about. It should also give a little bit of information about its main characters and/or ideas. You don't have to go into a lot of detail here; you just need to give enough information that your reader knows what to expect from the rest of the report. Give publication information for the book, including the book's title, author, year of publication, and genre. Your teacher may ask you to include other information. If your book was written by someone important, won an award, or is a best-seller, give that information too. For example, a short overall summary of Lois Lowry's The Giver might look something like this: “Lois Lowry's young-adult novel The Giver was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 1993, and it won a Newbery Medal in 1994. It is set in what appears to be a utopian society that thrives on 'Sameness.' There is no hunger, sadness, or poverty in this society. However, this utopia depends on keeping its people from feeling true emotions. This lack of emotion causes serious issues for the main character, Jonas, once he is chosen to become the new Receiver of Memory.” For a nonfiction book, summarize the author's main idea or purpose for writing the book. State what you think their thesis is. For example, a short overall summary for the book I Am Malala might look like this: “The youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala Yousafzai tells her incredible true story in I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. This book was published by Little, Brown and Company in 2013. Malala wants to inspire other young people to believe in their power to change the world by sharing her own experience about the value of education and peaceful protest.” Develop your body paragraphs. Working from your outline, develop body paragraphs that summarize the most important elements of the book. Unless you're dealing with a very short book, you almost certainly won't be able to summarize every detail or even every chapter in your final draft. Instead, focus on what seemed most important to you about the story and the characters. For nonfiction, your summary should focus on what you think the author's main idea is and how that idea is developed in the book. What important points does the author make? What evidence or stories from their personal experience do they use to support their points? Use the movement of the plot to help you develop your paragraphs. If you've chosen to organize your book report chronologically, think about how the plot moves along. What are the major events in the plot? Where do things change? Where are the surprises or cliff-hangers? Break up your paragraphs based on where the important events happen. For example, if you were summarizing J.R.R. Tolkien's novel The Hobbit , you might organize your paragraphs this way: Introductory paragraph: summarize the book in general and gives the publication information. Body paragraph 1: summarize Gandalf's plot to get Bilbo Baggins to become a burglar for Thorin Oakenshield and the party of Dwarves. End with Bilbo's choosing to go on an adventure (because this is a major changing point for the character). Body paragraph 2: summarize the adventures Bilbo and the Dwarves have, such as almost being eaten by trolls, getting kidnapped by goblins, and Bilbo finding Gollum and the One Ring. There are a lot of adventures, so you wouldn't talk about them all; instead, pick the most important points. You might end with the Dwarves being captured by the Wood-Elves, because this is another "turning point" in the story. Bilbo has to decide whether he is brave enough to rescue everyone. Body paragraph 3: summarize the interactions between the Dwarves and the Lake Town people, Bilbo getting into the Lonely Mountain and talking to Smaug, Smaug destroying everything and getting killed (spoiler!), and the many groups of Dwarves, Elves, and Men deciding to fight over the spoils. This is a good place to stop this paragraph, because it's the climax of the story and your reader wants to know the resolution, or how everything turns out okay. Body paragraph 4: summarize how Bilbo tries to stop the fighting, the argument Bilbo and Thorin have, the outcome of the battle, and Bilbo coming home to discover all of his stuff is being sold off. You can also talk about how the main character, Bilbo, ends up as a different character than the way he started off. That would be a good transition into... Conclusion paragraph: talk about the main ideas of the book and what you learned. You might talk about how important it is to learn to be brave, or how greed is criticized in the book. Then, wrap up with your opinion about the book overall. Would you recommend it to a friend? Organize your paragraphs by theme. If you've chosen thematic organization, you can develop your paragraphs according to topic instead of letting the plot determine your paragraphs. You'll want a paragraph (or two) of plot summary, a paragraph about the characters, a paragraph about the book's main ideas or themes, and a paragraph that sums up your overall opinion. Begin with a VERY brief plot summary. Talk about the type of book it is, where the book is set (Hogwarts, outer space, a mythical past), what the main character is trying to do or learn, and how the plot ends up. The paragraph about characters should talk about the main character (or characters). Who are they, and why are they important? What do they want to do or learn? What flaws and strengths do they have? Do they end the book as different in some way than how they began? For example, a paragraph about the characters in The Hobbit would probably focus the most on Bilbo Baggins, the "protagonist" or hero of the novel. It would probably also need to talk a little bit about the other important characters: Thorin Oakenshield and Gandalf the wizard. This paragraph would consider Bilbo's character development from someone who starts off afraid of new things to someone who ends up being brave and saving his friends. The paragraph about the main ideas or themes might be the hardest one to write, but your notes should help. Think about what lessons the characters have learned. What did this book make you think about? Did it make you ask questions? For example, if you were writing about The Giver , you might want to discuss the importance of feelings in human lives. You could also talk about the idea that in order to experience life fully, you have to experience pain as well as pleasure. Another big theme is the idea of becoming your own person: the hero Jonas has to learn how to reject the "Sameness" of society to follow his own path. Write a conclusion. Your conclusion should wrap up by reviewing the main points of the book and giving your opinion of the book. Did you like it? Was it enjoyable? Do you agree with the author's ideas or ways of writing? Did you learn something you didn't know before? Explain your reasons for your reaction, using examples to support your claims. Imagine your conclusion as a way of telling others whether they should read the book or not. Would they enjoy it? Should they read it? Why or why not? Reread your book report. You should have a clear structure in your report, with an introduction that provides a short summary of the book's main points, body paragraphs that clearly summarize the book, and a conclusion that provides an overall assessment of the book. As you read, ask yourself: if you were telling this summary to a friend who hadn't read the book, would they understand what happened? Would they have a good idea of whether or not they would like the book? Check for logical transitions. You need transitions between your paragraphs, and also between each idea in each paragraph. These transitions help guide your reader along as they learn about what happens. For example, instead of beginning sentences with just the word “This” or “It,” remind your reader what happened in the previous sentence. “This” is vague, but “This (contest, lottery, murder)” is clear. Double-check all of the information about the book. Make sure you've spelled the author's and characters' names correctly, given the complete and full title, and provided the publisher of the book (if your teacher asked for it). Read the book report aloud. This will help you catch any awkward spots or places that seem hard to understand. Reading aloud will also help you catch proofreading errors that need correcting. Ask someone else to read your report. The best way to know whether you've done a good job summarizing the important parts of your book is to ask someone else to read your book report. A friend or a parent can help you find the places that are unclear. Don't tell your friend what the book is about or what you're focusing on before you have them read your report. That way, they will have to focus only on what's on the paper -- which is what your teacher will be doing too. Make sure your name and your teacher's name are on the final copy. This is important whether you're turning in a printed copy or a handwritten copy. If you don't put your name on the book report, your teacher won't be able to give you a grade Make a clean copy on good paper. If you're printing out your book report from a computer, use clean, heavy-duty paper in the printer. Keep the book report from getting wrinkled before you turn it in. If you're hand-writing your book report, use your nicest, most easy-to-read handwriting and clean, unwrinkled paper. Celebrate! You've done a good job. Be proud of your hard work! | Pick an appropriate book. Make sure you understand the assignment. Take notes while you read. Decide how to organize your book report. Create an outline. Write your introduction paragraph. Develop your body paragraphs. Use the movement of the plot to help you develop your paragraphs. Organize your paragraphs by theme. Write a conclusion. Reread your book report. Check for logical transitions. Double-check all of the information about the book. Read the book report aloud. Ask someone else to read your report. Make sure your name and your teacher's name are on the final copy. Make a clean copy on good paper. Celebrate! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Concentration-While-Studying | How to Increase Concentration While Studying | To increase your concentration while you're studying, find a quiet area where you won't be distracted, such as a private room or a library. Organize all of the materials you'll need while you're studying so you don't spend a lot of time sifting through papers. If you notice your mind wandering, help yourself stay present by reminding yourself to “be here now.” If you still need help, set goals that can help keep you on track during your study session. | Find an appropriate study environment. Generally, it is a good idea to eliminate distractions as much as possible while studying, so you can concentrate on what's in front of you. You want to find a place that is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for you. Find a quiet area, such as a private room or a library. If you like fresh air, go outside to an area that is reasonably free of distractions, and somewhere you can still connect to Internet, if necessary. Keep in mind that everyone has their own studying environment preferences. While some prefer to study in quiet, others thrive in a bustling environment that mimics white noise. Always believe in yourself. If you don't know your studying preferences, experiment in different areas, studying in a group or studying solo, studying with or without music, etc. Your ability to concentrate and be productive in different environments will reveal itself rather quickly. Gather all of your studying materials. Your studying materials include things like notes, textbooks, study guides, papers, highlighters, or anything else you might need to concentrate and be productive while studying; this includes a snack like a granola bar or nuts, and a bottle of water. All your materials should be within arm's reach so you don't disrupt yourself by going to retrieve your things when you're in the zone, studying. Clear the study space. Clear away materials you don't need to study, and keep your space organized to reduce stress and allow for better concentration. Having any materials around you that don't directly contribute to your concentration only serve as potential distractions. This includes throwing away food containers, paper garbage, and other miscellaneous items. Unplug from unnecessary electronics. Turn off any electronics that you don't need, especially cell phones, music listening devices, and perhaps computers (provided you don't need a computer to study your material). Your laptop or computer could serve as a huge source of distraction when you're trying to concentrate. Stick to a routine. Arrange a schedule for study time, and keep with it. This allows you to build studying time into a habit, making you more likely to follow through on study plans. Be aware of your energy levels throughout the day. Are you more energetic (and therefore more able to concentrate) during the day or nighttime? It may help to study your harder subjects when you have the most energy. Once you know the time of day that you're more energetic, you can make sure you study during those times, increasing your ability to focus and concentrate on your work. Find a study partner. Sometimes reviewing material with someone else can help break up the monotony of studying, clarify confusing concepts by bouncing ideas off of someone else, and see things from a different perspective. This partner can help you keep on track with your studies, and concentrate on the task in front of you. Some people may find study partners distracting. When looking for a study partner, try to find someone who is sensible and focused, maybe even more of an active student in class than you are. That way, you are always pushing yourself to stay matched with them. Think of an incentive. Before you start studying, think of something that can serve as a reward for you successfully studying. For example, after reviewing your history notes for 1 hour, talk to your roommate about your day, make dinner, or watch your favorite upcoming television program. An incentive can motivate you to concentrate on studying for a specific amount of time, and then you reward yourself for your solid block of time concentrating on your work. For bigger projects, develop a bigger incentive to reward yourself for your extra hard work. Find an effective study method. Finding an effective study method that suits you can help you stay concentrated while studying. Again, every person studies differently, so you will have to experiment and find a method that works best for you to maintain focus. Essentially, the more ways you can experience and interact with what you're learning, the better your chances will be of staying on task and absorbing what you're reviewing. Sometimes, simply reviewing readings, notes, or quizzes can serve as an effective way to study, but some other study methods include: Making notecards. For vocabulary or academic terms, making notecards and flashcards and repeatedly reviewing them can help with memorizing words, terms, and concepts. Drawing. Some studying requires reviewing structures and diagrams. Copying those diagrams and structures, and drawing them yourself allows you to create and visualize what it is you're trying to study, therefore making it more memorable. Creating an outline. Creating an outline may help with mapping out bigger concepts including the smaller details. It can also help create visual sections and groupings of information that may help recalling details when exam time approaches. Using elaborative interrogation. Elaborative interrogation is basically producing an explanation for why something you're learning is true. It's like you coming up with a defensive reason for why a fact or statement is important. You could also use this method to talk about concepts out loud and make yourself more familiar with the material by justifying and explaining it's significance. Be an active learner. When reading or listening to a lecture, try to engage with the material. This means instead of just being present with the material, challenge it and yourself. Ask questions about what is being lectured, connect the material to your real life, compare it with other information you have learned throughout your life and discuss and explain this new material to other people. Actively participating with your studies makes the material more meaningful and able to hold your interest, which, in turn, makes concentrating on it easier. Practice some mental concentration strategies. Working on improving your concentration takes time and patience. After practicing some of these strategies, you'll probably begin to see improvement within days. Some concentration strategies include: Be here now. This simple and effective strategy helps bring back your wandering mind to the task at hand: When you become aware of the fact that your thoughts are no longer on your studies, say to yourself, “Be here now,” and try to reign in your wandering thoughts, and focus back on your study material. For example, you're in class and your attention strays from the lecture to the fact that you're craving coffee and the last bagel at the café is probably gone by now. As you say to yourself, “Be here now,” you fix your attention back to the lecture, and keep it there for as long as you can. Keep track of your mental wanderings. Mark down every time you catch your mind drifting away from what you should be concentrating on. As you get better and better with bringing yourself back to the present task, the number of times you break concentration should be less and less. Allow for some time to worry. Research has shown that when people put aside a designated time to worry and think about things that stress them out, people worry 35% less within four weeks. That proves that when you let yourself worry and think about things during a certain amount of time, you spend less time worrying and getting distracted when you should be concentrating on other things. If you ever find yourself worrying about something while you're trying to focus and concentrate, remember that you have a special time to worry about things. You can even try the “be here now” method to bring yourself back to concentrating. For example, give yourself a half hour before you start studying to worry about upcoming exams, your family, or whatever else is on your mind. Worry during this elected time so when you have to study, you can put all your attention and focus on doing that. Set study goals. While the subjects you need to study might not be the most interesting topics, you can shift your perspective while studying to make concentrating easier. By setting goals for yourself, you change your studying experience from having to “get through,” the subject, to reaching check points and continually succeeding in progressing with your study session. For example, instead of having the mentality of, “I have to study all of chapter 6 tonight,” set a goal for yourself with something like, “I will study sections 1-3 by 4:30, and then take a walking break.” That way, conquering a study session transforms from a large, daunting task, to a smaller, more achievable portions. This sectional break up of study time increasing your willingness to concentrate and reach your studying goal. Study with short breaks. Normally, studying for about an hour at a time and then taking a 5-10 minute break is the most effectual study schedule to maintain concentration on a given task. Taking a short break gives your mind time to relax, so it can be ready to stay productive and absorb information. Move around. Get up and stretch after sitting for about an hour. You could do some yoga, push ups, or any other kind of physical activity to get your blood pumping. These short breaks in studying will make the time you spend studying more productive and attentive. | Find an appropriate study environment. Gather all of your studying materials. Clear the study space. Unplug from unnecessary electronics. Stick to a routine. Find a study partner. Think of an incentive. Find an effective study method. Be an active learner. Practice some mental concentration strategies. Allow for some time to worry. Set study goals. Study with short breaks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blow-Glass | How to Blow Glass | The most common and accessible type of glassblowing is called offhand, which is where you heat and shaped the glass on the end of a hollow pipe. You'll need access to a furnace that can be heated to 2 thousand degrees Fahrenheit to melt the glass. After you put your pipe in the furnace, you'll roll it around to gather the glass. Once you gather enough glass from the furnace, you'll want to roll it on a marver, which is a special surface that helps distribute heat, to form a cylinder shape. You can then put the pipe on a stand and blow into it as you roll it. If the glass starts to cool, you'll have to put it in a crucible, which is a small oven, to keep it hot and malleable until you get it the size you want. | Place the molten glass in the furnace. Use heat resistant gloves to place the molten glass in the furnace. The furnace should be heated to 2,000 °F (1,090 °C) to melt the glass. Heating and melting the glass will make it more malleable and easier to gather on the blowpipe. Put the pipe in the furnace and gather the glass. Put one end of the pipe in the furnace, holding the pipe straight. You may need an assistant to open the door of the furnace for you so you can put it in the pipe. Then, roll the pipe around in the furnace to gather the glass. You want to get as much of the glass on the pipe as you can so you have a lot to work with. You can try to open the furnace door yourself if you do not have someone to assist you, but it may be tricky to do if you are a beginner glassblower. Roll the glass on the marver to form a cylinder shape. Carry the glass on the pipe to the marver. Roll it on the marver in a continuous, round motion. The marver will help to distribute the heat on the glass evenly and allow you to shape the glass into a symmetrical cylinder. Put the glass in the crucible, or glory hole, and turn it several times. Roll the glass in the heat of the glory hole so it stays hot. This will ensure it does not become too hard or tough for blowing. Dip the glass into a crushed colored glass to add color. If you want your blown glass piece to have flecks of color in it, carefully dip it in a steel bowl of crushed glass. Add one layer of crushed glass to each side of the rounded glass by dipping it once in each color. Once you've dipped the glass put it back in the crucible and turn it several times so the crushed glass melts. Roll it on the marver again. Try to get it to form the shape of a bullet. Keep the sides even and rounded so the glass is easier to blow. Place the pipe on a stand. Use a steel stand that can hold the pipe securely. This will make blowing into the pipe easier. If you do not have access to a stand, you can blow the pipe by holding it just above the marver. However, it may be tricky for you to hold the pipe and blow into it at the same time, especially if you are a beginner. Blow into the pipe and roll it at the same time. Let out deep breaths into the pipe to blow air into the glass. Turn the pipe as you blow into it so the air is evenly dispersed. Blow into the glass continuously with even breathes for 10-15 seconds. Do not blow into the glass for too long, as you do not want it to become too cool or lose too much heat. Blow into it for 10-15 second intervals so it stays hot. Return the glass to the crucible to keep it hot. Turn pipe several times as the glass heats up in the crucible. Repeat the process until the glass is the size you want. Continue blowing into the end of the pipe to expand the glass. Always turn it as you blow. Then, return it to the crucible and turn it several times. Blow and heat the glass until you have blown the glass to the size and shape you want. Have an assistant cut the bottom of the blown glass with steel tweezers. The assistant will run the tweezers, called jacks, around the bottom of the blown glass as you turn the pipe. This will help to cut the bottom and loosen the glass so it can come off. Tap the pipe to remove the blown glass. Use a wooden block to hit the pipe once so the blown glass comes off the pipe where the glass has been cut. Make sure your assistant is ready, wearing heat resistant gloves, to catch the blown glass when it comes off the pipe. Try to hit the pipe only once with a hard and firm whack. Doing it more than once can cause the blown glass to crack or break. Transfer the blown glass to an annealing oven. The annealing oven should be kept at 960 °F (516 °C). Wearing heat resistant gloves, put the blown glass in the oven. The oven should then be cooled down over 14 hours to room temperature. The slow cool-down period will prevent the blown glass from cracking or breaking. Remove any sharp edges on the finished piece. Take the blown glass out of the annealing oven after 14 hours. Inspect it for any sharp edges, especially on the bottom. Use a grinding block to carefully smooth them out. Wear close-toed shoes. Protect your feet by wearing sneakers with socks or shoes that cover your feet. Do not wear shoes made of plastic or other flammable materials. Put on long pants and long sleeves made of cotton or denim. These materials are breathable and will help to protect your arms and legs from the heat. Avoid wearing clothing that contains plastic, nylon, or other potentially flammable material. Wear heat-resistant gloves when needed. You can buy heat-resistant gloves at your local hardware store or online. Make sure the gloves are heat-resistant up to at least 2,000 °F (1,090 °C). Always wear heat-resistant gloves when you are touching the hot glass or hot metal while glassblowing. Take a glassblowing class. Look for a glassblowing class at your local art center or glass studio to perfect your skills and ensure you are blowing glass safely. Take a class with a seasoned glassblower. Taking a glassblowing class will give you access to all the tools and materials you need to practice this art. You will also be able to watch your instructor demonstrate how to blow glass successfully. | Place the molten glass in the furnace. Put the pipe in the furnace and gather the glass. Roll the glass on the marver to form a cylinder shape. Put the glass in the crucible, or glory hole, and turn it several times. Dip the glass into a crushed colored glass to add color. Roll it on the marver again. Place the pipe on a stand. Blow into the pipe and roll it at the same time. Return the glass to the crucible to keep it hot. Repeat the process until the glass is the size you want. Have an assistant cut the bottom of the blown glass with steel tweezers. Tap the pipe to remove the blown glass. Transfer the blown glass to an annealing oven. Remove any sharp edges on the finished piece. Wear close-toed shoes. Put on long pants and long sleeves made of cotton or denim. Wear heat-resistant gloves when needed. Take a glassblowing class. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Bladder-Cancer | How to Diagnose Bladder Cancer | To diagnose bladder cancer, look out for blood in your urine, which will give it a brownish or reddish color. Additionally, take note of any pain in your pelvic area or in the bones around your groin. If you notice any of these symptoms, visit your doctor, who will take a urine sample and call you with the results in 1 or 2 days. You may also need to undergo a cystoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. | Watch for signs of blood in your urine. This is the first symptom of bladder cancer that most people notice. Healthy urine ranges in color from clear to shades of yellow. If you notice any red tints or brown coloring in your urine, this may be a sign of blood in the urine. Blood could be in your urine for many reasons, only one of which is bladder cancer. Conditions including UTIs , kidney stones , and an enlarged prostate can also cause bloody urine. See your doctor right away if you notice blood or discoloration in your urine. Even if it is not caused by cancer, it may be a sign of another serious condition. Pay attention to pelvic pain. Inexplicable pain in your pelvis can be a sign of bladder cancer, as can bone pain in and around your groin. Bladder cancer can also be signaled by an abrupt and unintentional loss of weight, and swelling in the legs. See your doctor if you note any of these symptoms. Schedule an appointment with your general health care provider. If you see blood in your urine or experience pelvic pain, see your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will have access to medical testing equipment used to diagnose bladder cancer. They will likely ask you about factors commonly associated with bladder cancer, including: A history of smoking. A family history of cancer. Dietary habits that can lead to bladder cancer. These include excessive consumption of fried meat, and chronic dehydration. Prolonged use of certain medications associated with bladder cancer. These include taking pioglitazone (used to treat diabetes) for more than a year, and taking cyclophosphamide (given to chemotherapy patients). Provide a urine sample. Your general doctor or urologist will most likely ask for a urine sample as the first step in testing to determine if you have bladder cancer. They will then run a urine cytology test to determine if your urine shows signs of a tumor or cancerous cells. To avoid having to make a return trip to the doctor's office (or waiting until you have to pee), plan to drink a large glass of water an hour or so before your appointment time. You'll likely hear back from your doctor regarding the cytology test results in 1 or 2 days. Undergo a vaginal or rectal examination. In some cases of advanced bladder cancer, the tumorous cancer tissue in an individual's bladder can be felt through their vaginal or rectal wall. If your doctor suspects that you may have advanced bladder cancer, they may perform a quick rectal or vaginal exam. At this point, if your doctor suspects you do have bladder cancer (or doesn't have the equipment to perform more tests at their office), they'll refer you to a hospital. Undergo a cystoscopy. A cystoscopy is one of the primary means of detecting bladder cancer. A doctor will insert a cystoscope (a very thin, flexible tube) into your urethra and push it up into your bladder. The doctor then uses the tube to fill your bladder with sterile water, enabling them to look at the lining of your bladder with the camera on the cystoscope. This will allow the doctor to detect any visible signs of cancer in your bladder. The procedure should take about 5 minutes, and you'll probably need to urinate after it's been completed. Prepare for this procedure by avoiding taking any blood-thinning drugs. If you're unsure if any prescription drugs that you routinely take will thin your blood, ask your doctor. Consent to a rigid cystoscopy, if needed. When performing a rigid cystoscopy, your doctor will insert a slightly larger and less flexible tube into your urethra, through which the doctor can pass small tools to aid in their diagnosis of bladder cancer. The doctor will perform a rigid cystoscopy if the results of the initial cystoscopy were inconclusive, or if they want to take a tissue sample. The cystoscopy is not painful, although you will probably be given some local anesthesia at the beginning of the procedure. Do not take any blood-thinning drugs before the rigid cystoscopy procedure. In some cases (for both a cystoscopy and a rigid cystoscopy), your doctor will discuss the results with you immediately after the procedure. If tissue samples need to be sent to a laboratory, your doctor will contact you once the results have been returned. Provide tissue samples during the cystoscopy. If the doctor sees what could be visual signs of cancerous cells in your bladder during the cystoscopy, they'll likely want to take a biopsy sample. If you consent, the doctor will pass small tools through the cystoscope which allow them to scrape small amounts of tissue off of the lining of your bladder. Like the cystoscopy itself, this is a relatively mild outpatient procedure. However, the doctor may request that you not eat or drink for up to 6 hours before the biopsy. You will also likely be placed under a general anesthesia for the procedure. In medical terminology, this bladder biopsy is known as a Transurethral resection of bladder tumor, or TURBT. Ask the doctor about an MRI. In addition to looking inside your bladder and taking a tissue sample, doctors at the hospital may want to use various imaging tests to inspect your bladder for cancer. The MRI is a common option. Unlike an X-ray, the MRI test uses magnetic waves to scan the interior of your body and will let doctors detect any tumors in your bladder. You'll likely be given an iodine-based dye known as a “contrast medium” prior to the scan, so that doctors can detect a tumor more easily. If you know or suspect that you are allergic to this type of dye, you must let your doctor know before they administer any tests. Prior to an MRI, you do not need to make any adjustments to your typical daily diet. You also do not need to alter your intake of prescribed medications. Your doctor will have the results from the MRI scan in less than 1 day. Undergo a CT scan. When performing a CT scan (also known as a CAT scan), doctors will take numerous X-rays of your body from a variety of angles in order to create a 3-dimensional image of the interior of your body. Doctors will use the 3D rendering to look for cancerous lumps or tumors in your bladder. Depending on the scans performed, you may need to take a contrast medium prior to a CT scan. This can be taken orally (as a liquid) or injected intravenously. If you are allergic to contrast dyes, you must let your doctor know before they start any procedures. Prepare for the procedure by avoiding eating and drinking for 3 to 4 hours prior to the scan. In most cases, your doctor will have the CT scan results in less than 24 hours. Let your doctor perform an intravenous pyelogram. An intravenous pyelogram, or excretory urogram, is an X-ray of the urinary tract. This test will allow your doctor to see any tumors or other abnormalities in your bladder and urinary tract. Your doctor will inject a small amount of radioactive iodine dye into a vein in your arm. This dye will travel into your urinary tract and make it visible on the x-ray images. If you have any allergies to contrast dyes, let your doctor know before they begin the procedure. Get additional imaging tests to find out if the cancer has spread. If your doctor suspects that you have metastatic bladder cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of your body), they may order additional tests. These might include: A bone scan. This test can detect cancer that has spread to your bones. The doctor will inject you with a mildly radioactive substance and scan your body with a camera that is sensitive to the radioactive tracer. A chest X-ray. This test can detect cancer that has spread to the lungs. Your doctor will look for masses or other abnormalities of the lungs and chest. Let your doctor know if you have any allergies to contrast dyes before having these procedures done. Discuss your treatment options. If you've been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you'll need to speak with your doctor about how the cancer can be treated. Your doctor may refer you to an oncologist or radiologist for treatment. Treatment largely depends on the type and severity of your cancer, and whether it has spread to other organs. If you do have bladder cancer, rest assured that you have options. Bladder cancer is very treatable, and can often be managed with surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these treatments. Look into a TURBT procedure for low-risk cancer. If your cancer is low-risk and non-invasive, doctors may be able to remove all malignant tissue through a TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor) procedure. This procedure involves removing the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue. TURBT is a relatively safe procedure with few risks and side effects. Common complications shortly after the surgery include bleeding or pain during urination. Most people can return to their normal activities within 1-2 weeks after the procedure. Get chemotherapy for high-risk cancer. If your cancer is higher-risk or invasive, you may need to receive chemotherapy treatments directly into your bladder. This treatment is often coupled with multiple TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor) procedures. For early-stage bladder cancers, chemotherapy medications may be put directly into the bladder for a more targeted treatment. More advanced bladder cancer is usually treated with systemic chemotherapy, which is given in oral or injected form. Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, hair loss, sores in the mouth, increased risk of infection, excessive bruising or bleeding, and fatigue. Have a cystectomy done, if necessary. For cancers involving all or most of the bladder, it may be necessary to have your bladder partially or entirely removed, along with some of the surrounding tissues. The surgeon will create a new route to allow your body to eliminate urine. This procedure is called a cystectomy. Talk to your doctor about the risks of cystectomy. Possible risks include bleeding, blood clots, heart attack, infection, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and blockages of the urinary tract or digestive tract. Discuss combining other treatments with radiation therapy. Radiation therapy may be used to treat both early and late-stage bladder cancers. It is usually combined with other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. In some cases, it may be used as an alternative to surgery. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of radiation therapy. Common side effects include skin irritation, nausea and vomiting, urinary symptoms (such as painful or difficult urination), diarrhea, fatigue, or low blood counts. Manage your cancer with immunotherapy. Immunotherapy medications help your immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. Your doctor may recommend different immunotherapy medications depending on how advanced your bladder cancer is. Types of immunotherapy used to treat bladder cancer include: Intravesical BCG: This type of treatment is typically used for early-stage cancers. In this treatment, BCG (a type of bacteria) is put directly into the bladder through a catheter, triggering an immune response that destroys cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors: For more advanced cancers, it can be helpful to “turn off” the proteins that inhibit the immune system from attacking your body's normal cells. This can be done with a variety of medications, including atezolizumab, durvalumab, avelumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab. Immunotherapy medications are often used after other forms of treatment, such as tumor resection or chemotherapy, to prevent the cancer from returning or to destroy new cancer cells. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks of immunotherapy before starting treatment. In some cases, immunotherapy may cause the immune system to become severely overactive and damage your body's healthy tissues. | Watch for signs of blood in your urine. Pay attention to pelvic pain. Schedule an appointment with your general health care provider. Provide a urine sample. Undergo a vaginal or rectal examination. Undergo a cystoscopy. Consent to a rigid cystoscopy, if needed. Provide tissue samples during the cystoscopy. Ask the doctor about an MRI. Undergo a CT scan. Let your doctor perform an intravenous pyelogram. Get additional imaging tests to find out if the cancer has spread. Discuss your treatment options. Look into a TURBT procedure for low-risk cancer. Get chemotherapy for high-risk cancer. Have a cystectomy done, if necessary. Discuss combining other treatments with radiation therapy. Manage your cancer with immunotherapy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-an-Otterbox-Case | How to Open an Otterbox Case | To open an Otterbox Case for the Defender Series, start by popping the snap-on holster off using the large tab on the side. Once the holster is off, find an opening in the silicone slipcover near the camera opening, charging port, or a corner of the screen. If you can't fit your fingers into any of the openings, use an old credit card or other hard, flexible piece of plastic to slip under the cover. Wiggle your credit card under the plastic until you can fit a finger into the gap. After you wedge a corner open, start prying off the silicone. When the silicone is off, find the tension clips along the edge of the case, and pop them open with your fingers. Continue to release the tension clips until the 2 halves separate. | Remove the snap-on holster. If the device is in a belt clip or other snap-on attachment, pop it off using the large tab on the side. The process for removing a Defender Otterbox case will be the same for virtually all devices. The only differences will be the number and the style of tension clips. Find an opening in the silicone slipcover. The most difficult part of removing the Defender case is peeling off the flexible silicone layer. Your best bet is to start at the camera opening, the charging port, or a corner of the screen. Wedge a thin tool under the cover. If you can't fit your finger into one of these openings, use an old credit card or other hard, flexible piece of plastic. Stick it underneath the slipcover, and wiggle it back and forth until you can insert your finger into the gap. Peel the silicone off carefully. Once you've wedged a corner open, you should be able to go around the phone pulling off the silicone. Be careful when removing the silicone from your open ports to avoid tearing any port covers. Find the tension clips along the edge of the case. New Defender cases have clips along the side that you can pop open with your fingers. The larger the device, the more clips you'll find along the edges. There is typically a clip on each corner and clips in the middle for larger devices. If you're using an iPad and don't have tabs or slots, click here. Release one of the tension clips. Use your fingers to pop one of the tension clips open along the side of the case. If you can't get your finger under the clip, you may need to use a small flat-head screwdriver or a stiff credit card to get some leverage. The tension clips release from the bottom. If using a tool to pry the clips open, lift towards the front of the case. Don't try to pull down, or you may break the plastic. Some clips may be easier to remove than others, especially when all clips are closed. If you're having trouble with one, move onto a different clip. Continue releasing tension clips until the two halves separate. The front and back of the case should come apart completely. Don't force the two apart, or you may damage the tension clips. You may not be able to release all of the clips for some devices while the device is inside. Instead, release them along the top, bottom, and one side, then open the case like a hinge. Remove the snap-on cover. You can remove the cover by pulling any of the four corner tabs. Take off the rubber shell. Push the rubber shell off of one of the corners, then continue your way around the device until you've completely removed it. Be careful when removing the shell from ports on the iPad, as the rubber covers can be easy to tear. Flip the iPad over so that you're looking at the back. You'll be removing the panels from the back of the case. Slide the dock panel from the bottom half. This panel will slide off about an inch below the Apple logo. Pull up on the circle around the top of the Apple logo. This circle is the latch that keeps the two pieces of the case together. While pulling the circle up, remove the top half of the case off of the iPad. The case is split into two halves, and pulling the circle up releases the top half, allowing you to remove it. Remove the iPad from the bottom half. You can now pull the iPad out of the bottom half of the case. Connect the two halves if you want to store them. Start at the top of the device. You'll have the easiest time removing the plastic part of the case if you work from the top of the device. Pull the top plastic up and off the rubber. You may have to lift a bit to get the plastic over any Power buttons. When you lift the plastic top off, the rest of the case should come off easily. Push the rubber casing off one of the corners with your thumb. Starting from the corner is the easiest way to begin removing the rubber. The seal will be tight, so you'll need to push with some force. Work the rubber casing off of the device. Work your way around the case to remove the rubber. Be careful with the ports, as the rubber port covers can tear easily. Push the case off one of the corners with your thumb. The Symmetry series is one of Otterbox's simplest cases: a flexible silicone enclosure for your phone. The seal is tight, so you'll have the best luck starting from a corner and pushing the case off the edge. Otterbox recommends starting at the top edge. Use a hard plastic card if necessary. Wedge the card under an edge of the flexible case. Lever it back and forth to pry the case away from the device enough to grasp it with your finger. Work your way around the case. Once you have a corner off, you can work your way around the edge of the case to remove it. Be careful with the port covers so that they don't get torn. Equalize pressure on waterproof models. Waterproof cases form an airtight seal around your device. A change in altitude or temperature can cause a pressure change that makes removal much more difficult. If this happens, equalize pressure by inserting a coin into the gap next to the latch on front of the case, then twisting the coin. Large models have a "purge knob" on the front of the case instead, which you can turn to open and equalize pressure. Tighten the purge knob before using the case again. The case is not waterproof while the knob is open. Open hinged Armor cases. Some Otterbox cases, such as the Armor series models for the iPod touch, do not separate into two parts. Instead, they open when you rotate a latch on the back of the case. The case will pop open enough to remove the phone, but the two halves remain attached at one end. | Remove the snap-on holster. Find an opening in the silicone slipcover. Wedge a thin tool under the cover. Peel the silicone off carefully. Find the tension clips along the edge of the case. Release one of the tension clips. Continue releasing tension clips until the two halves separate. Remove the snap-on cover. Take off the rubber shell. Flip the iPad over so that you're looking at the back. Slide the dock panel from the bottom half. Pull up on the circle around the top of the Apple logo. While pulling the circle up, remove the top half of the case off of the iPad. Remove the iPad from the bottom half. Start at the top of the device. Pull the top plastic up and off the rubber. Push the rubber casing off one of the corners with your thumb. Work the rubber casing off of the device. Push the case off one of the corners with your thumb. Use a hard plastic card if necessary. Work your way around the case. Equalize pressure on waterproof models. Open hinged Armor cases. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Moving-Related-Loneliness | How to Deal With Moving Related Loneliness | To deal with moving-related loneliness, try to meet your neighbors right away so you can start building new friendships. It may be awkward at first, but start with a simple wave or smile. Additionally, try joining a social group or club based on your hobbies and interests. You can also take advantage of built-in networks by asking colleagues to grab dinner after work or joining extracurricular groups after school. Alternatively, use local amenities, like the library or YMCA, to meet people and learn something new. If you have trouble making new friends, call or text your old friends for moral support as you work through this transition. | Get to know your neighbors. When you arrive in your new home, make an effort to get to know your neighbors. You might feel strange, or awkward, but even if you don't become lifelong friends, you will benefit from being on friendly terms. A simple smile and wave will be enough for most people. Stop by your immediate neighbors' homes to say a quick hello and introduce yourself or your family. You can ask questions about the neighborhood (such as trash pick-up days), and can answer a few questions about yourself and your family. If you feel comfortable, you can host a little party for your neighbors to get to know them, offering them a chance to meet you and get to know a little bit about you in a casual, relaxed setting. Building a group of friends often starts with one person. From there, they can introduce you to their social circle, and help you connect through mutual interests. Your neighbors are a great place to start building that network. Find a religious community. If you are religious, getting involved in your local church is an excellent way to meet likeminded people. Choose a church or meeting to attend, or choose several and visit a new one each week. See where you fit in and feel comfortable. While some religions have strict rules about which church you can attend, most do not. Look around, visit different churches, and meet with different clergymen to find the right fit for you. Join a social group or club. Groups run the gamut, from Young Republicans to book clubs. Evaluate your interests and search for a local group of people who enjoy similar hobbies or interests. Social groups often have chapters worldwide. If you are already a member of any type of group, meet with the group's leader to see if there is a branch in your new community, or a similar organization you can join. Some apps are intended for this exact purpose. Meetup, iGon, Weave, and Majikal are just a few that offer groups, events, and local business opportunities. A word of caution, however: any time you meet strangers, be wary of divulging contact information, and always meet in a public place. Use local message boards. Many towns have message boards and Facebook groups designed to keep people in touch with one another. Search to see if your town has a message board or Facebook group, and join in the conversation. Some towns have Facebook groups specifically for selling or buying items, much like Craigslist. Although this might not seem like the ideal way to make friends, selling or searching for certain items could connect you to people in similar lifestyle situations, such as people with young children, or people who love to garden. Visit your city's website for information about message boards. Many cities will have these groups posted directly to the city's website. Make friends at work or school. If you are working or going to school, you have a built-in network of people. While not every person you work or go to school with will be an instant connection, make yourself known and familiar around the office or school. If your colleagues are grabbing dinner after work, or having a drink, tag along. This will allow you to socialize without the pressure of getting work done, and will provide a low-key means of getting to know your coworkers. Make use of after-school programs or extracurricular groups to meet more people in a setting they are familiar or comfortable with. If you're not currently in school, you can even consider taking a course at a community college or joining an intramural sports group to meet people with similar interests. Ask for help. If you need help, ask for it. If you need help moving, find a moving service. If cleaning out your new home is drastically outside of your comfort zone, find a cleaning service and utilize their skills. You can meet some wonderful people by simply inviting them to perform a service for you. While this may not be a great way to make friends, it is a great way to get an idea of what types of people and activities you have in your new town. You can ask the people you've hired what they like to do for fun, where they like to eat, etc. Always treat people helping you with kindness. If they are providing a service, offer a tip. If they are helping for free (such as a neighbor helping you move in), give baked goods or a gift card in exchange. Volunteer your time. Volunteer to walk dogs at the local pet shelter, offer to help with toy donations at your local elementary school, or even offer your time to your local boy scouts troupe. In volunteering your time, you are giving back to your community, while meeting new people and making acquaintances. When volunteering in a new place, start one volunteering position at a time. Even if you are a volunteer veteran, different cities and organizations place different expectations upon their workers. Volunteer according to your interests. This will help you find people who enjoy similar things, which will increase the likelihood of making lasting connections. If you volunteered with other organizations back home, the organization might have a chapter in your new town. Your previous chapter can send an email or make a call to make introductions. Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics are two nonprofits that have branches or offices in numerous towns. Get involved in local boards and elections. To truly integrate yourself into your new community, you need to know what is going on in your city. Visit your city offices to find out what new laws or ordinances are being proposed, what types of services your city has to offer, and to discover whether or not your city has pressing needs you can assist with. Although many boards will require an election process, city offices often have volunteer opportunities, and are happy to help people get involved. When visiting your city office, offer your help. You can lead a park clean-up every Saturday morning, or offer a free yoga class during office lunch. The office may not have any available volunteer positions, but either way, you are making yourself known in your new home. Visit local businesses. Although you may be tempted to indulge in your tried-and-true franchised places for food and necessities, step outside of the box and try new eateries and use local brick-and-mortar shops for your daily necessities. You will likely pay a higher price, but you will meet more locals this way, and can talk to the owners and workers about your new town. Coffee shops are often great places to visit as you work to build community. Striking up a conversation with a stranger over coffee can provide a lot of insight into your home. Libraries are also a great place to meet new people, as well as find community event postings and get recommendations from locals regarding things they love around town. If you find a place you love, show it! Visit regularly, and let your face become familiar to the workers. You can build connections with the workers, or you might find yourself getting along with other regulars. Take advantage of local excursions. Many cities organize nature hikes, community concerts, and even block parties. Take advantage of these offerings, as time permits, and immerse yourself in your new home. If your city does not have any events like this organized, offer to help! If you have experience organizing parties or planning community events, offer your services. You might not get paid, but you can certainly get your name out in your new community, and you will come into contact with a lot of new faces. Use local amenities, like the library or YMCA. Your city likely has basic services such as a library, a park, a community center, etc. Take advantage of these offerings! Check books out from the library, go for a stroll in the park, and enroll in a community class. These are all excellent ways to meet new people and make friends, and they all cost little to nothing--a great option for someone who has just incurred the expense of moving. Most libraries have classes and groups that meet throughout the week. Join a book club, or meet with a “Mommy and Me” group to give yourself some more structure to your week, and meet people in your area. Community centers typically have classes that might be offered at gyms and community colleges, but at a fraction of the price. Take advantage of these savings, and learn something new. Get settled in. Moving to a new place and having no friends or family might mean you have a lot of free time on your hands. Use this time to settle into your new home. Unpack, decorate, and purge, making your home a place you truly love and feel comfortable in. Your home should be your place to retreat to. This is especially true if you have no sense of community or support where you live. Take time to fill your home with the things you love and give yourself permission to remove anything you don't. Part of getting settled in is getting everything changed over to your new address. Get your driver license changed, get your new library card, fill out change of address forms with the postal service, and register any vehicles with the DMV. Fill your time wisely. Moving without community can mean having a lot of free time. This can be a wonderful advantage or a great difficulty. If you find yourself with a lot of extra time on your hands, try to avoid filling your time with TV and eating comfort foods, taking that time to instead get out and try something new, to exercise and explore outdoors, to study for school, or to get a leg up on any housework that needs to be done. Although there is nothing wrong with watching TV, doing nothing else may result in lower self-esteem or a rapid loss of free time. If you must watch TV, try to do something productive during the inactive time, such as cleaning, cooking, or using a new skill such as knitting. Cultivate a new skill. If you are finding it difficult to make new friends, despite having tried to get involved in your community, take time to cultivate a new skill. You can work on your skill at home, or a take a class--either way, opening yourself up to new experiences makes it far more likely that you'll find people who share your interests. Learning a new skill can be expensive, or entirely free, depending on where you go. You can join a local class, or you can use online tutorials for free (or at a reduced cost). Choose the option that best fits your financial needs and time constraints. Say “yes” to invitations. If a neighbor invites you to a party, try to find the time to go. If you receive a mailed invitation to visit an open house for a new business, stop by and give it a glance. This can even be said of things you might not normally attend, like a holiday pageant at a local church, or a play at the community center. Each of these has the potential to connect you with people who can eventually become friends. Try to step out of your comfort zone and start a conversation with the people around you. At a play, you might talk to the people in the seats on either side of you, or at a business opening, you might take a few minutes to talk to the new business owner. Take the opportunity to say a quick hello whenever possible. Take time for yourself. Pamper yourself during this time. Soak your feet at the end of a long work day, get a massage, or take some time to meditate. While it might seem like a trial to be lonely, it can give you the benefit of some time to reflect and slow down. Set aside some time to evaluate your priorities. What is it that you're seeking in a community? What types of qualities are you looking for in a friend? A partner? Determine exactly how you'd like your life to look, and start working toward that goal. Speak with a therapist. Don't be afraid to seek the help of a mental health professional. Loneliness can lead to depression and other mental health concerns, so learn to recognize the difference between being sad that you don't have a support system in the immediate area, and feeling hopeless and unable to break free from your sadness. Although a therapist or counselor is not going to be able to cure your loneliness, they might have some tools to minimize the effects of loneliness. They might also help you with peripheral concerns, such as low self esteem, that might make it difficult to reach out to others and build up a network of friends. Keep in touch. Although you don't want to rely entirely upon your family and friends from your old home, you still need the support of your loved ones. Take a few minutes each week to check in with a quick call or text. Skype and Facetime are excellent ways to stay in touch with friends and family. Set up a monthly date with your loved ones. Although you might not be able to see and speak to them in person, video chats are the next best thing. | Get to know your neighbors. Find a religious community. Join a social group or club. Use local message boards. Make friends at work or school. Ask for help. Volunteer your time. Get involved in local boards and elections. Visit local businesses. Take advantage of local excursions. Use local amenities, like the library or YMCA. Get settled in. Fill your time wisely. Cultivate a new skill. Say “yes” to invitations. Take time for yourself. Speak with a therapist. Keep in touch. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Lucky-Bamboo | How to Take Care of Lucky Bamboo | To take care of lucky bamboo, place your plant in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid keeping it in direct sunlight since the leaves could burn. If you're growing your lucky bamboo in water, make sure there's always enough water in the container to cover the roots. Change out the water once per week so the roots don't start to rot. If you're growing your lucky bamboo in soil, water it whenever the soil starts to dry out, or about once a week. Water it lightly so the soil is moist but not soaked. If the leaves on your plant turn yellow, it could mean it's not getting enough water or it's getting too much sunlight. You can trim off yellow leaves with sterilized scissors to keep your lucky bamboo looking green and healthy. | Find a plant that looks appealing to you. Don't just pick the first bamboo plant you find, but look for a healthy one. You can find Lucky Bamboo plants at your local garden center or nursery, and even some grocery stores. It may be labeled one of the following ways: Lucky Bamboo, Ribbon Plant, or occasionally by its true name, Dracaena sanderiana. Pick one that’s a vibrant green color. Caring for a Lucky Bamboo plant isn't very hard, but if you get one that isn't healthy, it will be much harder to care for and it may die. The size of the plant doesn't matter too much here, as most of them will be fairly small. It should be an even green color all over with no blemishes, bruises, or yellowing. The stalks should be a consistent color from the base to their tops. There also shouldn't be any browning on the tips of the leaves. Make sure it’s been planted properly and doesn’t smell. Lucky Bamboo plants are very resilient, but if they have been planted incorrectly or have a sour odor, they could be sick, and won't grow. Bamboo plants don't have a fragrance like flowers do, but if they haven't been watered properly, they can grow bacteria and develop a stink. Check the current water levels, and check to see if it has soil or fertilization. Many bamboo plants are grown hydroponically, just in water with small rocks or pebbles to hold the stalks in place. Some may be in soil, however, check to make sure that it is at least half full of water, or the soil is moist, but not soaked. Decide between water or soil. There are advantages to both options depending on how much you are prepared to care for it. Too much soil or fertilization can actually harm your plant. However, if you are using tap water and it has fluoride and other chemicals, you may want to use soil and fertilizer to prevent yellow tips. If you are growing it in standing water, you will need some pebbles to hold it upright. If in soil, try mixing a third each of sand, peat moss, and regular soil to ensure excellent drainage. For water only, make sure that your plant has at least enough to cover the base of the roots. You should also change the water at least once per week to prevent the plant from rotting. It is a good idea to rinse the vase, pebbles, and plant each time you do this. If you are growing the plant in soil, water the plant just enough so that the soil is moist. Choose the right container. Your pot should be about 2 inches (5 cm) larger in diameter than the plant. Most Lucky Bamboo plants already come in a pot, but you can use your own pot to make the plant more your own. A clear container works well for water and will show off your plant and pebbles, but make sure that you keep it out of direct sunlight. You can also use a ceramic pot and grow it in either pure water or in soil. If you use soil, plant the bamboo in a pot with a drain hole. Add a very light fertilizer periodically for quicker growth. Too much fertilizer is worse than none at all, so use it sparingly. This is especially true of potted plants because the fertilizer will not become diluted by rain and can't run off like it will for plants in the ground. Water sparingly. Your lucky Bamboo plant doesn't need a lot of water. In fact, too much is bad for it. Water your plant about once a week and ensure that there's a few inches at all times, enough to cover the roots. If you have soil in your pot, make sure that it's not too moist or dry. Your bamboo plant can live well in just water, so over soiling or fertilizing can actually harm it. Keep your plant out of direct sunlight. Lucky Bamboo in the wild is usually shaded from direct sunlight by other, taller plants. You should keep your plant in an open, and bright area, but one that isn't exposed to direct sunlight all day. To best care for your Lucky Bamboo, keep it away from windows that get a lot of light. Instead, place it in a part of your room not so exposed. Your Lucky Bamboo plant will also grow best in temperatures between in 65°F and 90°F. Arrange your stalks. If you wish to style the Lucky Bamboo plant, choose a few prime stalks to make a linked arrangement and put it on display. You can manipulate the stalks to grow around each other or curl with a bit of work; to do this you have to use younger stalks that haven't grown a lot and hardened yet. You can simply plant your stalks in a line or rows if you want straight stalks. To curl your Lucky Bamboo plant, get a cardboard box and cut off the bottom and one side. Place the box over your plant with the open end facing your light source. Your stalks will begin to curl towards the light as they grow. Once you see a bend, rotate your plant. You can also wrap some wire around younger stalks crisscrossing them. As they grow you will add more wire to keep them stable as they intertwine. Remove dead or yellow leaves. Sometimes the ends of your leaves might turn yellow. This could be caused by a few factors: you plant isn't getting enough water, there's too much soil or fertilizer, or too much direct sunlight. You can trim off the yellow parts, or remove the whole leaf. To remove the yellowed tips of your leaves, sterilize a pair of pruning shears or sharp scissors and with light rubbing alcohol or vinegar, then cut the yellow part off following the natural shape of the leaf. You can remove whole leaves by simply pulling them down off the stalk at the base of the leaf. Propagate your plant. When one or two of your stalks gets too tall you can cut them and replant them. This will help you care for your Lucky Bamboo plant by ensuring that it doesn't get too crowded and can produce new plants. Take your longest stalk and remove the smaller leaves at the top of the shoot. With a sterile knife or scissors, cut the shoot so at least two nodes, which are the raised part of the stem, are on the new cutting. Place the shoot in a bowl of clean, distilled water. Keep it in a shady area for about one to two months until it begins to sprout roots. Once you see roots, you can replant it the same pot as your bamboo plant. Tie the stalks in place with ribbon wire or other ribbon. People often tie a gold or red ribbon around the stalks of Lucky Bamboo plants to hold them together, and as an extra symbol of good fortune. Add pebbles to finish off the look and hold the arrangement in place. Place your Lucky Bamboo plant somewhere where you will enjoy it and remind you to care for it. | Find a plant that looks appealing to you. Pick one that’s a vibrant green color. Make sure it’s been planted properly and doesn’t smell. Decide between water or soil. Choose the right container. Add a very light fertilizer periodically for quicker growth. Water sparingly. Keep your plant out of direct sunlight. Arrange your stalks. Remove dead or yellow leaves. Propagate your plant. Tie the stalks in place with ribbon wire or other ribbon. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Clenching-Jaw | How to Stop Clenching Jaw | To stop clenching your jaw, apply a warm compress for 10 minutes as soon as you notice the tension building to help relax the muscles and keep them loose. You can also use your fingers to massage your jaw and mouth area in small, circular motions to release tension and prevent clenching. To prevent long-term problems, increase your intake of calcium, magnesium and Vitamin C with dietary supplements, since these nutrients help regulate muscle activity in the jaw. | Apply a warm compress. Soak a clean washcloth in hot water. Wring out the excess, then hold the moist cloth over the tensed or pained portion of your jaw for 10 minutes. Perform this procedure as soon as you notice tension or pain in your jaw. You can also repeat the procedure immediately before known times of high stress to help prevent tension before it builds. The warmth should relax the muscles in your jaw and help them loosen up. A relaxed jaw is less likely to tense up and begin clenching again. Massage the jaw. Use your fingers to gently massage the affected muscles. Apply firm yet gentle pressure to the tensed portion of your jaw, then work around the entire jaw and mouth area with small, circular motions. It's best to perform this exercise before you have the opportunity to clench your jaw, but you can also repeat it after you notice jaw tension or pain. Massaging the affected area can release tension in the muscles of your jaw. Once the muscles have relaxed and loosened up, you'll naturally be less inclined to clench them. Practice proper jaw placement. If jaw clenching has become a chronic problem, you've likely trained yourself to hold your jaw improperly at a subconscious level. Practicing proper jaw placement every few hours throughout the day can re-train your brain and muscles. When you close your lips, a slight gap between your upper and lower teeth should still remain. Place the tip of your tongue in between your front teeth. Hold it there for at least five minutes. During this time, your jaw muscles should relax and reset to a more natural position. If this simple correction doesn't feel comfortable or helpful, you may need to ask your dentist to show you the best position for your jaw. Memorize the way it feels and take pictures of the way it looks. Consult those pictures later while practicing the same placement in front of a mirror. Take the right dietary supplements. In particular, you should increase your intake of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C. Having adequate amounts of these nutrients can help regulate muscle activity, including muscle activity in the jaw. You can increase your intake of these nutrients through diet or by taking daily nutritional supplements. If you choose to take nutritional supplements, know that you should take one part magnesium for every two parts calcium. For instance, you might take 600 mg of calcium and 300 mg of magnesium. The amount of vitamin C should be determined independently; an adequate daily dose is 90 mg daily. Repeat your nutrient ritual daily for at least two months before determining if it has or hasn't been helpful. Identify stress triggers. Stress can cause you to clench your jaw during daytime and nighttime hours. While stress is unavoidable, you can figure out ways of dealing with causes of stress once you identify them. Consider keeping a journal to help track your causes of stress. Make a note of any incident that causes anxiety, even if it seems mild, and pay special attention to causes of stress that occur immediately before or during daytime incidents of jaw clenching. Avoid any stress triggers that can be eliminated. For triggers that cannot be eliminated, balance them out with behaviors that help relax your mind. For instance, you might listen to soothing music, indulge in a warm bubble bath, meditate, or ease your mind with aromatherapy. Regulate your sleep cycle. Following a regular sleep pattern should improve your quality of sleep, which may reduce jaw clenching at night. Getting eight hours of good, quality sleep each night can also reduce your overall stress, and that may make it easier to quit clenching your jaw during the day, too. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, regardless of your schedule. Try to schedule a full eight hours of sleep in between. In addition to increasing the amount of sleep you get, you should also try to improve the quality of sleep. Try to completely relax your body and mind before going to bed. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, since both can alter the body's sleep cycle. Sleep at comfortable, slightly cool temperatures, and turn off all bright lights and sources of irregular noise. Exercise. Regular exercise can relieve stress while regulating your mood and immune system. As a result, the tension causing your jaw clenching should lessen, and the muscles in your jaw should become stronger and more elastic. You don't need to perform strenuous exercise to gain these benefits. Try walking at a slow to moderate pace for 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week. Make this a regular part of your routine for at least two months, if not permanently. Schedule appointments with your dentist and your doctor. Jaw clenching is often a multifaceted problem that involves both physical and mental factors. A qualified dentist should be able to treat the oral components of the problem, but you'll need to talk with a general physician to determine a treatment plan for any other factors. Invest in dental splints. Both mouth guards and dental splits can keep teeth separated and protect them against the sort of damage caused by jaw clenching. While more expensive, dental splits are better than over-the-counter mouth guards. Mouth guards are generally made of hard plastic. You'll still feel pain caused by clenching the jaw, and that pain may worsen the underlying tension. Dental splints are made from soft acrylic and fitted to the shape of your mouth. They won't stop your jaw from clenching, but they should reduce the associated pain and may prevent the tension in your jaw from worsening. Note that both mouth guards and splints are generally reserved for nighttime treatment, but in extreme cases when daytime clenching is an issue, you can wear the equipment during daytime hours. Correct misaligned teeth. If your teeth are damaged or otherwise misaligned, they may contribute to your jaw clenching problem. Consult with your dentist to determine the best way to fix the underlying issue. Braces may help correct severely misaligned teeth. In some cases, however, your dentist may recommend strategically placed crowns to fix the problem. If you have a damaged tooth, rebuilding that tooth can help restore the proper alignment of your teeth. Seek professional therapy. There are different types of therapy that may help correct jaw clenching, but the most common are biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy. Biofeedback is a type of physical therapy. During the procedure, the doctor will examine the way you hold and control your jaw through specialized monitoring equipment. The doctor can use the same equipment to help train and regulate muscle activity in your jaw. Cognitive behavioral therapy treats the psychological component behind jaw clenching. By talking with a trained psychologist or counselor, you can change the way you approach stress and react to it, which may lead to decreased anxiety. Try acupuncture. Talk with a professional acupuncturist about regular treatments that can reduce jaw pain and tension. While there's very little scientific evidence to suggest the effectiveness of acupuncture, it stands as a popular form of alternative medicine. Similarly, you could also learn about professional acupressure treatments. Acupuncture uses strategically placed needles to control pain in the body, but acupressure applies firm pressure to strategic points, instead. Learn about muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants can relax the muscles in your jaw, which should help prevent your jaw from clenching. You can ask your doctor about both oral relaxants and injected relaxants. Oral muscle relaxants must be prescribed by a doctor, and you should only take them for short periods to avoid dependency. These medications relax your entire body's immune response. They may make you drowsy, so you should take them before bedtime. OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) treatments are injected directly into the affected area and only relax the surrounding the jaw muscles. These treatments last for prolonged periods but are usually prescribed only as a last resort. Examine your medications. If you're currently taking long-term prescription medications and you didn't clench your jaw before you began treatment, ask your doctor if your jaw clenching habits could be a side effect of the medication. If medications are causing the problem, your doctor may prescribe a different medication to help eliminate the jaw clenching. While there are different types of medications that can cause jaw clenching, some of the most common culprits include antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Note that alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs can also cause jaw clenching and should be eliminated. | Apply a warm compress. Massage the jaw. Practice proper jaw placement. Take the right dietary supplements. Identify stress triggers. Regulate your sleep cycle. Exercise. Schedule appointments with your dentist and your doctor. Invest in dental splints. Correct misaligned teeth. Seek professional therapy. Try acupuncture. Learn about muscle relaxants. Examine your medications. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Squirrel | How to Clean a Squirrel | To clean a squirrel, start by getting it wet so its fur doesn't stick to the meat. Then, make a horizontal incision along the base of the tailbone, and extend it all the way up to the squirrels head. Next, make an angled cut in front of each hind leg, and pull the pelt off the body, stopping when you reach the joints on the back feet. Once the pelt is off, cut off the squirrel's head and feet. Finally, cut open the squirrel's belly, and remove the innards. | Get the squirrel thoroughly wet before starting. You can either soak the carcass in a bucket of water or spray it down with a hose. Getting the carcass wet before you begin cleaning it will help prevent hair from getting stuck on the meat. Getting the carcass wet will also help loosen it if it's become stiff. Pluck out hair at the base of the squirrel’s tail. You can use your thumb and index finger or a pair of large tweezers to pluck the hair. Removing this hair will make it easier for you to cut through the tailbone. Pluck out just enough hair to give yourself a clean area to cut, or around 2 centimetres (0.79 in) in width. Don't forget to put on your field dressing gloves before you start to skin and clean your squirrel. Make a 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm) horizontal cut through the base of the tailbone. Use a pocket knife, small paring knife, or other small, sharp knife. Lift the tail with one hand and make the incision with the other. The cut should be just deep enough to get under the skin. The base of the tailbone is just above the squirrel's anus. Be careful not to cut into the hide on top of the rump or sever the tail. You'll want to keep the tail attached to the skin to simplify the following steps. Put the squirrel on a solid surface on the ground. Not that you've made the initial incision through the base of the tailbone, lay the squirrel on its stomach on a low stump, board, or flat rock. The surface you choose should be low enough for you to put your foot down on it. Make sure the squirrel's legs are outstretched. Clean any debris off the surface before starting. Extend your incision 1⁄2–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) towards the squirrel’s head. Put your foot on the squirrel's outstretched back legs to keep it steady. Then, as you hold the tail with one hand, slowly cut up along the squirrel's back. When making the cut, be careful to cut just deep enough to separate the skin from the meat and no deeper. Make the cut about 1 cm (0.39 in) deep. Make an angled cut in front of each hind leg. Position your knife where you made your initial cut, just in front of the top of the squirrel's right leg. Then cut down at a 45-degree angle towards the squirrel's belly. Do the same on the left side of the carcass. Only cut deep enough to separate the meat from the skin, or around 1 cm (0.39 in) deep. Peel the hide until it reaches the foot joints of the front legs. With your feet on the squirrel's back legs, pull up on the tail and slowly begin to peel the hide off the flesh. Stop peeling when you can see the foot joints of the front legs. Peeling the hide off will take a little muscle, but be careful not to pull so hard that you pull the hide all the way off. Flip the carcass over and peel the hide off the belly to the back feet. Standing on the tail, use your fingers to peel off the hide. Stop peeling when you reach the joints right above the back feet. The skin should peel right off, but if you have any trouble, you can use your knife to gently separate the skin from the belly. Remove the head and feet. It is easiest to use a pair of game shears for this step. Cut through the meat of the neck and snap the bone to remove the head, and cut at the joints just above the feet to remove them and the remaining hide. Dispose of the hide, head, and entrails by burying them or carrying them out and taking them to a landfill. Make a shallow cut lengthwise along the center of the belly. Once you've skinned the squirrel, you can start cleaning out the entrails. Start by pinching the stomach and making a small 3 cm (1.2 in) cut between the hind legs. Continue cutting until the you reach the neck. Be careful not to cut too deeply. If the knife goes in too far, you might accidentally cut the entrails. If you're using a pair of game shears, another option is to insert the tip of the shears into the anus and start cutting up through the pelvis to the neck. Before starting to cut into the squirrel's belly, examine the carcass closely and remove any hair that is still stuck to it. Remove the entrails and clean out the internal cavity. Now that entrails are exposed, use 2 fingers to grab the heart, lungs, and esophagus. Then pull the innards down toward the tail and then out. With this motion, you should be able to remove all the entrails. Clean out any pieces you missed. You'll be left with a clean internal cavity. You can inspect the liver to see if the squirrel was healthy. The liver of a healthy squirrel should be a rich, solid red color. Wash out the body cavity if you have access to fresh water. Use a hose to thoroughly rinse the outside and inside of your cleaned squirrel. Make sure to cover the entire carcass with water. A few seconds of rinsing with a running hose should suffice. Put your cleaned carcass on ice. Now that you've skinned and cleaned the squirrel carcass, place it in a gallon-sized resealable bag, and place the bag in a cooler filled with ice. Put the carcass on ice as soon as possible after cleaning it to keep the meat fresh. Then, try to move it into a refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible. You can store squirrel meat in a refrigerator at 35–40 °F (2–4 °C) for 1 – 2 days or in a freezer at 0 °F (−18 °C) for up to 12 months. | Get the squirrel thoroughly wet before starting. Pluck out hair at the base of the squirrel’s tail. Make a 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm) horizontal cut through the base of the tailbone. Put the squirrel on a solid surface on the ground. Extend your incision 1⁄2–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) towards the squirrel’s head. Make an angled cut in front of each hind leg. Peel the hide until it reaches the foot joints of the front legs. Flip the carcass over and peel the hide off the belly to the back feet. Remove the head and feet. Make a shallow cut lengthwise along the center of the belly. Remove the entrails and clean out the internal cavity. Wash out the body cavity if you have access to fresh water. Put your cleaned carcass on ice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Hemorrhoids-After-Pregnancy | How to Treat Hemorrhoids After Pregnancy | To treat a hemorrhoid after pregnancy, add a cup of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak in it for 10-15 minutes. You can nurse your baby while you're in the bath or let someone else take care of them. Alternatively, soak a clean washcloth in warm water and hold it to your hemorrhoid for 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. You can also use an ice pack wrapped in a clean towel for 5-10 minutes to reduce the swelling. Try alternating warm and cold compresses or use whatever works best for you. If you have any witch hazel, soak a cotton pad with it and apply it to your hemorrhoid for a few minutes. Repeat this as often as you like to relieve your discomfort throughout the day. | Take warm baths. If you run a full warm bath, add 1 cup of epsom salts. If you run only a few inches of water in a bathtub, add 2 to 3 tablespoons. Make sure the water is not too hot or it could make your hemorrhoid more painful. Soak in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day. You can also use a sitz bath, a small tub that you place over the toilet so you can soak only your bottom. This might be a good chance for you to relax while someone else takes care of the new baby. Or, use the time to nurse the baby. Apply a warm compress. Get a clean, cotton washcloth and soak it in warm (not hot) water. If you want, you can put a few tablespoons of epsom salts in the water before soaking the cloth. Apply the compress directly to your hemorrhoid for about 10 to 15 minutes 3 times a day. You can also try using ice packs to reduce the swelling but only use them for 5 to 10 minutes and make sure not to apply the pack directly to your skin. This can cause tissue damage. Try alternating a warm compress with cold packs. Use pain and itch-relieving gels or lotions. Apply aloe vera gel or an ointment that has phenylephrine. Phenylephrine acts as a decongestant which can help shrink the hemorrhoid. Aloe vera gel has been shown to prevent infection and help healing in minor wounds. You can also purchase hemorrhoid cream from the drugstore.[Image:Treat Hemorrhoids After Pregnancy Step 3.jpg|center]] Avoid applying steroid creams since these can damage the delicate tissue around a hemorrhoid. Shrink the hemorrhoids with an astringent. Take a cotton pad and soak it in witch hazel. Apply the pad to the hemorrhoid for several minutes. Repeat this as often as you like, especially after painful bowel movements, or at least 4 or 5 times a day. Witch hazel acts as an astringent and can reduce the swelling. Be gentle when cleaning yourself. Avoid using toilet paper to clean yourself after toileting. Instead, fill a plastic peri-bottle with warm water and squirt the area. Gently pat the area dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using baby wipes, which can further irritate the area. You might have gotten a peri-bottle from the hospital or you can buy them at a drugstore or pharmacy. Increase the fiber in your diet. It's important to prevent straining and pressure when you have hemorrhoids. Fiber helps keep water in the stool and bulks it up so that it's easier to pass (and with less pain). Try to eat 21 to 25 grams of fiber a day. Good sources include: Whole grains: brown rice, barley, corn, rye, bulgur wheat, kasha (buckwheat) and oatmeal Fruits (especially with the rinds or peels): apples, raspberries, pears Vegetables: leafy vegetables like Swiss chard, collard and mustard greens, spinach, lettuces, beet greens Beans and legumes (which may cause intestinal gas) Drink lots of water. The Institute of Medicine recommends that you drink 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day. Not only will this help your body function normally, but hydration can help your hemorrhoids. Specifically, water can also help soften your stools making them easier to pass. You can also drink juices or clear broths if you get tired of drinking water. Consider using laxatives. There are several types of laxatives which can make toileting with hemorrhoids easier. Bulk laxatives often contain fiber to increase the mass or weight of the stool. Or, you could use stool softeners which also make stools soft and easy to pass. Lubricant laxatives can lubricate the walls of the intestines and rectum which makes the stool pass easier. Regardless of what you choose, use laxatives only once or twice per week. If you're nursing, talk with a doctor before taking laxatives. Some ingredients may pass to the baby and cause diarrhea. You can try a natural softener like senna or psyllium. Senna is a gentle stimulant laxative that has been used for centuries to relieve constipation. You can take senna as tablets (follow manufacturer's instructions) or as a nightly tea. Or you can try psyllium fiber which is a natural bulking agent. Milk of magnesia and mineral oil are also natural stool softeners. Avoid using stimulant laxatives. These stimulate the bowels to pass stools, but these are more likely to be habit forming than other laxatives. If you use stimulant laxatives, try to only use them once or twice, since they are the harshest and can cause dehydration. Instead of using stimulant laxatives, try to increase the fiber in your diet to improve your stools. Exercise. Keep your body moving to keep your bowels moving. This essentially massages them. You can do any type of exercise: aerobic, endurance, cardiovascular, or just walking. As your body moves, internal organs move and get massaged as well. Be in the habit of exercising 20 to 30 minutes a day. Schedule bathroom breaks. Arrange regular times to use the bathroom without interruptions which can make bowel movements easier. But, if you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, don't wait. Go as soon as you can, but don't sit for too long waiting. Sitting is associated with an increased risk of hemorrhoids. Avoid straining which is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids. Let gravity help, but let your bowels do most of the work. If nothing happens, wait 30 minutes or so and try again. Be prepared for hemorrhoids after pregnancy. Your body just went through a lot of changes during and immediately following pregnancy. These physical, mental, and emotional changes can all cause strain. Your body is recovering from carrying a heavy growing fetus and your digestive system is recovering from the physical changes of pregnancy. These can increase the chance of constipation which aggravates hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids after pregnancy and delivery are commonly caused by pushing during labor. Recognize external hemorrhoids. You may notice blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet after having a bowel movement. This is the most common symptom. Hemorrhoids can also be itchy and painful. You may feel an external hemorrhoid when cleaning yourself. It will be a tender swelling around the anal opening. You won't usually feel internal hemorrhoids, but they can bulge through the anal opening. If your hemorrhoid is larger than the size of a quarter, seek medical attention as this could signal a more serious condition. A physician can diagnose internal or external hemorrhoids by performing a rectal exam. If rectal bleeding is not caused by a hemorrhoid, your doctor will probably recommend a more extensive test called a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy because one of the symptoms of colon cancer is rectal bleeding. Look for external hemorrhoids. Stand with your back facing a large floor length or bathroom mirror. Bend over slightly while turning your head to face the mirror. Look closely at your anus to see if there are any lumps or if there's a swollen mass. These may be hemorrhoids. Alternatively, you can sit with your legs open and use a lighted mirror to look for hemorrhoids. The lumps or mass may be the same color as your skin tone or they might appear darker red. Know when to get medical attention. If you're using home treatments, hemorrhoids will usually resolve within a week or two. If they don't, call your doctor or midwife. Occasionally for external hemorrhoids and more often for internal hemorrhoids, you may still need medical intervention. The most common medical treatments are: Ligation: tying a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow Injection of a chemical solution: to shrink the hemorrhoid Cauterization: burning the hemorrhoid Hemorrhoidectomy: surgical removal of the hemorrhoid | Take warm baths. Apply a warm compress. Use pain and itch-relieving gels or lotions. Shrink the hemorrhoids with an astringent. Be gentle when cleaning yourself. Increase the fiber in your diet. Drink lots of water. Consider using laxatives. Avoid using stimulant laxatives. Exercise. Schedule bathroom breaks. Be prepared for hemorrhoids after pregnancy. Recognize external hemorrhoids. Look for external hemorrhoids. Know when to get medical attention. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Figure-Out-Why-an-Autistic-Person-Is-Upset | How to Figure Out Why an Autistic Person Is Upset | To figure out why an autistic person is upset, ask them calmly if they can tell you what's wrong. If they don't want to talk to you, invite them to write it down on a piece of paper. You can also ask them yes or no questions to narrow down what's upsetting them. For example, if there are other people around, ask them if they're upset about another person. If they're hiding their ears or eyes, covering their face, or putting up their hood, they might be suffering from sensory overload, so ask them if they want to move to a quieter place. You should also consider if they might be afraid of an upcoming event, like an appointment or a test, since this can be stressful for autistic people. | Ask what's wrong. If the person is clear-headed enough to communicate, then they may be able to partially or completely explain the issue to you. They might be able to... Speak to you Write on paper or type on a phone/tablet Use sign language Point to cards on an AAC app Use handheld communication cards Show you what's wrong Nod or shake their head when you ask yes/no questions Check if they're hurt or sick. Rule out any safety or illness-related issues. Some autistic people struggle to communicate when something is wrong. If you ask "Does something hurt or feel strange?", the person may be able to point to an area that hurts or feels off. If an autistic person is self-injuring in a specific area, then it may be that they're experiencing pain in that place. For example, hitting the head could be a sign of lice, a migraine, or a toothache. A checkup may be a good idea. If they're fidgeting with or looking at a specific body part, visually check the area and see if you can tell what's wrong. (For example, you might see a rash or an injury.) Look for sources of sensory pain. An overwhelming environment can be literally painful to some autistic people, and sensory overload may impede clear thinking and communication. Hiding the eyes/ears, covering the face, and putting up hoods are all signs of being overwhelmed. If you ask them if they want to take a break or go somewhere quieter, they'll likely look eager or relieved to do so. Here are some potential problems: Flickering fluorescent lights Loud background noise, especially low-pitched noise Strong smells Clothes with itchy fabrics, seams, or tags (Notice if they're fidgeting with or trying to remove clothes) Think about whether they're trying to tell you something. If they can't speak, then it can be frustrating to be unable to convey something. Try asking "Are you trying to tell me something?" You may be able to ask yes/no questions to help narrow it down. Consider social conflict and pressure. Is anyone making the autistic person uncomfortable or upset? Notice how the person is being treated, and if they're showing signs of distress in response. In this case, the person also might want to be removed from the situation, even temporarily. The person might be bothered by... Arguments Bullying, or a peer or adult provoking them People intruding on personal space Condescending people Being punished unexpectedly People expecting the person to act non-autistic (which can be very stressful and difficult) Someone ignoring their attempts to communicate (including communicating through behavior, such as trying to escape or flopping to the floor) Think about whether they could be hungry or tired. When did they last eat? How busy was their day today? Could they need some food or a rest? Try offering food, suggesting a relaxing activity (like TV time), or proposing a nap. If they jump at the opportunity, that's probably what they need. Too much social time can be tiring. If they've been socializing for a while, then they might need some alone time. Sometimes, parents of autistic kids make the mistake of cramming in too much therapy and not enough downtime. Kids need lots of time to relax and play without being bossed around. Autistic teens and adults might try to take on too much work, not realizing that an average lifestyle may be too busy for them. Think about if they might be afraid of something that has to happen soon. The autistic person may be dreading an upcoming event. Is a difficult part of their routine (e.g. hair-brushing or going to bed to face nightmares) coming up soon? Do they have any hated appointments, such as with a doctor or a bad therapist? Is there a big test or project at school or work? Do they have to go to a party or an otherwise loud/overwhelming event? Consider whether bad memories could be involved. If the person was reminded of something scary or awful that happened, that might stress them out. Driving down a street where the person used to visit a mean therapist Hearing the word "doctor" and remembering a difficult appointment Visiting a school where they were bullied Keep in mind that you're allowed to be upset. It's normal to be frustrated, confused, worried, or otherwise unhappy when you don't know how to help someone you love. It's not easy to watch someone struggle with problems they can't articulate. Give yourself time and space to feel your difficult emotions. Reach out to a loved one, and explain that things have been tough lately. Ask the autistic person about it afterwards (if possible). Once they're calm, say "What happened?", "What was bothering you?" or "How can I help you the next time this happens?" If the person says "I don't know," you can ask specific questions (like "Should I help you take a break?") or you can encourage them to think about it and tell you later. Write a note to help them remember. If the autistic person can't speak or use AAC, then this takes top priority. Find a therapist who can teach them, so that they can start communicating their needs. Talk to a therapist, special ed teacher, parent, or other person who works with autistic people. It's possible that they've seen people struggle with similar or the same issue before, and that they can tell you how to help. If their advice focuses on controlling the person instead of understanding and accommodating them, then ignore it. You don't want to silence the distress and teach them to bottle it up. You want to help fix the problem. Ask autistic adults. If you have autistic friends, explain what's been going on, and ask for advice. You can also go to the #AskingAutistics or #AskAnAutistic hashtags. While no autistic person is alike, many autistic people have similar experiences and can intuitively understand things that non-autistics may not get right away. An autistic person may be able to understand the situation and tell you what's wrong and how you can fix it. If you're posting online, protect your autistic loved one's privacy by using a fake name. | Ask what's wrong. Check if they're hurt or sick. Look for sources of sensory pain. Think about whether they're trying to tell you something. Consider social conflict and pressure. Think about whether they could be hungry or tired. Think about if they might be afraid of something that has to happen soon. Consider whether bad memories could be involved. Keep in mind that you're allowed to be upset. Ask the autistic person about it afterwards (if possible). Talk to a therapist, special ed teacher, parent, or other person who works with autistic people. Ask autistic adults. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Let-Go-of-the-Past | How to Let Go of the Past | If you feel like you can't let go of something in your past, try writing about about it in a journal or private blog so you can make sense of your feelings and move forward with your life. You might also want to share your experience with a close friend, family member, or counselor to get some perspective and get it off your chest. If there are things you regret in your past, consider apologizing for your mistakes if it'll bring you and the other person closure. Then, focus on the things you can do in the present to improve yourself. For example, if you regret cheating in a past relationship, aim to treat your next partner better. | Take a step back. In order to face the past and let go of it, you will have to think about it from an objective position. Reflect on your past, and try to narrow down exactly what is holding you back. Common detractors can take several forms: Sensual (obsession with or shame about sexual matters or material things, for instance) Aversion (pain from the past causes you to avoid a person or opportunity, for example) Ill will (wishing harm or trouble upon others) Restlessness/agitation Lack of motivation or energy Doubt Shed mistaken beliefs. Deeply-rooted beliefs often motivate our actions and thoughts in powerful ways. When you are having trouble letting go of the past, a conscious or subconscious belief might be the cause. Challenging and changing those beliefs can help you move on. For instance, you may have told yourself all your life that you want to reach a certain income level in order to be happy. However, your pursuits might have been holding you back from things you genuinely enjoy, such as hobbies or spending time with your family. Challenge your belief, resolve to spend more time on other areas of life, and reassess how you feel. It can be difficult to change deep beliefs, especially when they are informed by powerful influences like culture, family, and religion. Give yourself time to work through your beliefs, and talk to a friend or counselor if you need help. Accept change. Moving forward in life can be a scary thing. Instead of fearing the unknown, however, accept change as part of life and who you are. Focus on thinking of change as a positive force: For instance, if you lose your job, stay positive by thinking of it as an opportunity to find gather new skills and experiences in a different position or career. Meditate or pray. The strong emotional responses that pain, regret, and other past stressors cause can leave lingering effects in the mind. A calm, balanced mind is an absolute necessity when letting go of the past. Meditation and/or prayer can help put your mind in a more stable and centered place. Mindfulness meditation helps one focus on the here and now. Typically, it involves focusing on your breathing as you attempt to clear your mind of distracting thoughts. If have or are open to personal faith or a religious belief, prayer can be very beneficial. If you follow a certain practice, you can follow set prayers. Alternatively, you can pray using your own words, silently or out loud. Write about your past. Journaling and other forms of writing (like a private blog) can be a great way to come to terms with your past and to move forward. Try writing about the things that bother you, have hurt you, or that you think are holding you back. The experience of expressing yourself can be cathartic. Since you are writing only for yourself, you also don't have to fear what others will think or say, which can build confidence. Forgive yourself. It can be tempting to hide a painful past and pretend like it does not exist. However, fighting your history in this past will deplete your energy. Instead, start by forgiving yourself rather than judging yourself consciously or subconsciously. Try saying something to yourself like: “I know I haven't lived up to who I want to be because of X. I acknowledge that and want to focus on moving forward.” Give yourself time to heal. Instead of telling yourself, “My heart will never heal,” tell yourself, “All pain dulls and passes with time.” You may never completely get over some things, such as the loss of a loved one or the pain of betrayal, but as long as you accept the idea that you are allowed to move on, some level of healing can still occur. Confess. Oftentimes, just getting something off of your chest provides the relief you need to start moving forward. If you have hurt someone, been a victim in some way, done something you regret or are ashamed of, or are grappling with some other sort of pain, talk about it with a trusted friend, counselor, or spiritual advisor. Apologize. Hurting others can cause one to feel guilty or ashamed. Taking the time to apologize to someone you have hurt acknowledges their pain and provides an opportunity to relieve your own. Be sincere and specific when you apologize to others, and offer to correct the situation. For instance, if you have lashed out at your partner, take the time to say something like “I know that I hurt you when I did/said X. It was wrong of me, you did not deserve it, and I am sincerely sorry. How can I make things better?” Repair damages. Having unfinished business, owing debts, and other kinds of situations can be heavy emotional baggage. If you want to clear your conscience, let go of the past, and move forward, you will have to make amends. If you have financial problems caused by lingering debts, unpaid bills, or other issues, seek help from a financial planner. It can be scary or embarrassing to take the first step, but you will feel better once you do. If you hurt someone long ago and it is still on your mind, contact the person and attempt to make amends. If you want to avoid further confrontation, you may even feel better by anonymously repairing damages. For instance, if you stole money from someone, send it back to them in an unmarked envelope. Don’t fear failure. No one succeeds at everything all of the time. If your past has created some sort of fear about a certain circumstance or part of life, actively work on confronting that fear and beating it back. Remind yourself that even when you have failed, you can learn from the experience and use the knowledge in the future. Forgive others. It can be very easy to hold onto anger if someone has hurt you in the past. However, there are enormous psychological benefits to forgiving others. Specifically telling people that you forgive them can help. If someone has said something cruel to you, try telling that person “I was hurt when you said X, but I want you to know that I'm letting it go because I want to move on. I forgive you.” Don’t place blame. While saying that a problem is someone else's fault might seem like an easy way to get rid of it, things don't work that way. When you place blame on others, you may have a subconscious expectation for them to correct things. It is more effective, however, to acknowledge an issue and focus on moving on. For instance, if a partner's spending habits have created financial troubles, don't just say “You've ruined things!” Instead, try to be more constructive: “We are having financial problems and need to make some changes in our spending habits.” Let go of grudges. A grudge is a specific type of emotional baggage that can make a past issue really drag you down. If someone has hurt you or done you wrong in the past, don't focus on retaliating. While you may think it would be very satisfying to see the person get hurt, you will feel better if you move on. For instance, if you are angry because you think that a someone took an ex away from you, approach that person and say something like: "I was upset at first, but I want everyone to be happy and move on. I want you to know that I accept your relationship." Focus on changing yourself, not others. Making changes to get over a past problem is difficult. It is hard enough to change yourself, let alone someone else. If you let others worry about taking care of their own problems, you will have more energy and attention to devote to correcting yours. Give some space if need be. If you have tried unsuccessfully to repair a past personal relationship that is holding you back, it may help to give yourself some breathing room. Time to reflect can work wonders. You might make an agreement with someone to come back to a problem at a later date. For instance, if you are having relationship troubles, you might consider taking a break from one another. Focus on the present and future. Once you can acknowledge your past, you can start to let go of it. Focus on living your present to the best of your abilities, and think of the future as motivation to press forward. Making concrete goals will increase your chances of success. This can mean things like getting a degree, looking for a new job, or practicing and improving your skills in a particular area. Make the present something to be involved in. Take up a new hobby or volunteer activity that you find fulfilling, for example. Start small. If a major car accident left you feeling anxious about being in a car, start slow by sitting in the car while it's parked for a while. After that, go for a short ride to somewhere nearby. Slowly work your way through in this manner until you feel comfortable remaining in the car for a long drive somewhere. Shift behavior. If you do things the same way over and over again, it will seem like the past keeps popping up. If you really want to let go of the past and move on, you might have to make some conscious and specific changes to your behavior. Changing the way you do things can be difficult, but if you it is easier if you remind yourself that you are trying to improve a situation. For instance: If you keep running into an ex (or reminders of him/her), you can consciously change the places you eat, shop, hang out, etc. A change of scenery can make it easier to let go of the past. If you have a problem with spending too much, take a “spending holiday.” Don't make any non-essential purchases for a certain period (such as a few weeks), and tell yourself you will use the time to focus on using or clearing out the things you already have. Use regret or loss as fuel for the future. You overcome past misfortunes when you are determined to use them as motivation for future success. If regrets or losses are on your mind, think of ways that you can use them to push you forward: Mistakes can be learning experiences. If you fail at a job, you can use the knowledge to do better in the future, or to help decide if a new career is better for you. If you have hurt someone you care about, apologize and tell yourself you'll never let them down again. If someone criticizes you, acknowledge that you were hurt, but be determined to improve for yourself rather than to please others. | Take a step back. Shed mistaken beliefs. Accept change. Meditate or pray. Write about your past. Forgive yourself. Confess. Apologize. Repair damages. Don’t fear failure. Forgive others. Don’t place blame. Let go of grudges. Focus on changing yourself, not others. Give some space if need be. Focus on the present and future. Shift behavior. Use regret or loss as fuel for the future. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Acquire-Abandoned-Property | How to Acquire Abandoned Property | To acquire abandoned property, first find out who owns the property by checking your county's property tax records. Then, reach out to the owner of the property and make them an offer. Just make sure you thoroughly research the title of the property to find out how much money is owed on it. For example, you'll want to check that the title is free of any debts aside from those that you're willing to pay for. Finally, wait to see if the owner accepts your offer. | Make sure it's actually abandoned. Just because a house is vacant or appears run-down doesn't necessarily mean it's abandoned. The problem with taking control of an abandoned piece of real estate is that somebody does technically own it, even if they don't live in it or take care of it. Generally speaking, real estate can never be abandoned, because there will always be the name of an owner recorded on the deed for the property. But that doesn't mean that whoever owns it still wants to own it. In many cases, the owner decided selling the property was more hassle than it was worth. Find out who owns the property. The easiest way to find out who owns the property is to check your county's property tax records. You can talk to neighbors or take other steps to find out who owns the property, but property tax records are the easiest way. If real estate exists, someone is paying taxes on it – or owes taxes on it – and the county tax assessor will have that person's name and contact information. Keep in mind it's possible that the address the tax assessor has for the owner is the same as the address of the property you believe is abandoned. Another way to find the property owner is to look up the deed for the property in the county recorder's office. If any liens such as mortgages are recorded on the deed, try contacting the bank or mortgage company instead of the individual listed as property owner. Contact the record owner. Once you have a name and address of the owner of the property, attempt to get in touch with them regarding the status of the property. This may require a little detective work on your part. For example, if the only address you can find for the owner is the street address for the property you believe to be abandoned, try sending a post card anyway. The property owner may be having his mail forwarded to a different address, so you can still reach him that way. If the property owner is actually a bank or mortgage company, you might have better luck tracking them down – especially if you make it clear you want to pay them money. Make the owner an offer. If you are able to make contact with the owner, offer to take the property off their hands. If the owner owes back taxes, you may be able to acquire the property simply by offering to pay the back taxes. However, this amount may be more substantial if the owner owed additional money on the house when he abandoned it. Make sure you conduct thorough research on the house's title to ensure you're taking title free and clear of any debts aside from those you're willing to pay. A bank that owns property due to a foreclosure probably wants to get back as much as it can. Decide how much you can afford to spend on the property, accounting for any repairs that might need to be made, and make an offer. Attempt adverse possession. If you cannot contact the owner, you can stake a claim on the property and see if you can keep it. If you openly "squat" on the property for a number of years – typically anywhere from five to 25 years or more – and the owner of record never tries to stop you, the title for the property might revert to you. In any case, this is a risky move considering the rightful owner could return at any moment and have you arrested for trespassing. Make sure it's actually abandoned. Just because someone leaves something somewhere doesn't mean they've intended to rid themselves of it. However, if someone intentionally abandons most kinds of personal property, they lose ownership of it. This must be a deliberate act. In many states, a previous owner may come back and reclaim even intentionally abandoned property within a certain period of time. In the case of intangible property such as intellectual property, generally a period of time must pass during which the registered owner does nothing to control the property or limit access to it before it's considered abandoned. Determine if anyone else has a better claim to the property. Typically the owner of the building or land where the property is left has a claim to the property that beats everyone but the true owner, even if you found it. For example, if you find a wallet on a street, you may be entitled to keep it. If, however, you find that wallet in a coffee shop, the owner of the coffee shop may have a better claim to the wallet than you do. However, the original owner of the wallet always has the superior claim, and provided the wallet included some sort of ID, you could track down the original owner fairly easily. Hold the property in trust, if necessary. In some circumstances, you may be required by law to store the property for a period of time before you can claim it as your own. For example, if tenants leave personal property behind after an eviction, landlords typically are required to store the property for a period of time and notify the former tenants that the property is being kept. If the former tenants return to reclaim their property, the landlord can charge them reasonable storage fees. The amount of time property must be held varies among states, but typically is less than a month. After that period passes, the landlord is free to sell the property, throw it away, or keep it for himself. Take the property as your own. If the true owner never reclaims the property, you are free to take it. Check state or local law regarding abandoned vehicles. All states have laws regarding abandoned vehicles, but your city or county may have a stricter or more specific ordinance. Make sure the vehicle is actually abandoned. Just because a car is broken down doesn't necessarily mean its owner intended never to claim it again. However, if a car is stripped or burned, or if it's missing significant parts, it's a pretty safe bet that it's been abandoned. Contact local law enforcement. In most states, if you find an abandoned vehicle you must call local law enforcement and report it – even if you find it on your own property. Make sure you call the police or sheriff's department's non-emergency number – not 911 – to report an abandoned vehicle. Be prepared to give the officer who handles your call the exact location of the vehicle, as well as the make, model, and any other information you can give her about the appearance or condition of the vehicle so she can find it. In most states an abandoned vehicle or water vessel becomes state property. For example, in Michigan, you can't claim an abandoned vehicle on your private property, but you may have the opportunity to bid on it at public auction if it remains unclaimed. In many states, abandoning a vehicle may constitute a civil infraction or even a criminal misdemeanor, depending on where the vehicle is abandoned and in what condition. Contact the owner. If you have the owner's contact information and you want the car yourself, you may be able to work out something with the owner before his time to reclaim his vehicle runs out. In some areas, police place a warning sticker on the vehicle instructing the record owner that it will be towed and auctioned if not moved within 24 hours. If the owner moves the car, the period of time starts over. If you find a car that already has an abandoned vehicle sticker or tag on it, you may be able to contact the owner and take the car yourself. Even with the owner's consent, you typically will be on the hook for title, registration, and towing fees, as well as whatever repairs are necessary to get the vehicle back in working order. Bid on the vehicle at auction. If the county or state took ownership of the vehicle, it will either be scrapped or sold at auction. If the vehicle is sold at auction, you have the ability to bid for it there. Some states require a vehicle be sold for scrap if it is in significant disrepair or more than a certain number of years old. Vehicles that are sold for scrap typically can't be re-titled. | Make sure it's actually abandoned. Find out who owns the property. Contact the record owner. Make the owner an offer. Attempt adverse possession. Make sure it's actually abandoned. Determine if anyone else has a better claim to the property. Hold the property in trust, if necessary. Take the property as your own. Check state or local law regarding abandoned vehicles. Make sure the vehicle is actually abandoned. Contact local law enforcement. Contact the owner. Bid on the vehicle at auction. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-a-Sliced-Tomato | How to Store a Sliced Tomato | To store a sliced tomato at room temperature, cover the cut side of the tomato with plastic wrap and keep it in a clean spot that maintains a constant temperature. If the tomato has been diced or chopped, or if you won't be eating the tomato within a single day, you will need to place it into a storage container in the refrigerator. To store the tomato for up to 2 months, place it into an airtight container in the freezer. | Store the halved tomato in a cool, clean, place. If you are not going to refrigerate your tomato and will be able to eat it within 24 hours, it is important to find a clean, cool place in your kitchen to store it. Never put cut tomatoes above a stove, under a sink, or any place prone to high or low temperatures. The ideal storage temperature for tomatoes is somewhere between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or between 12 and 21 degrees Celsius, so be sure your kitchen maintains a consistent temperature. Only store halved tomatoes in room temperature. If you have diced or chopped your tomatoes, you must refrigerate or freeze them. Cover the cut side of the tomato with plastic wrap. If you are not going to store the tomato for long, and plan to use the rest of the tomato for another meal in the same day, you can cover the vulnerable side of the tomato without it going bad. Place the plastic wrap on a clean counter, set the cut side of the tomato down, and wrap it in the plastic wrap. Place the tomato cut-side down on a plate. Leave the plated tomato in a cool, clean place in your kitchen. You can also lay a paper towel down on a plate, and set the tomato cut-side down on the paper towel. Cover the other side of the tomato with a paper towel. With the cut-side of the tomato down on the plate, lay another paper towel over the skin-side. This will keep the tomato from collecting bacteria and drying out. It will also allow the tomato to keep its natural color and texture for at least one day. Place the halved tomato in an airtight storage container and leave it out. If you have airtight tupperware containers, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container and set the halved tomato down cut-side down. Leave the container in a cool place for one day, or until you want to use it for another meal. Refrigerate the tomato if you cannot eat it in a single day. Although refrigerating halved tomatoes can alter the texture and taste of the tomato, refrigeration is the only way to keep a halved tomato from going bad too quickly. Wrap the halved tomato in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for three to four days. You can also place the halved tomato in air-tight tupperware container with the cut-side down on a paper towel to improve the tomato's longevity. Place chopped tomato in a storage container in the fridge. Unlike a halved tomato, chopped tomato must always be kept in an airtight container and refrigerated. Chopped or diced tomatoes are more vulnerable and susceptible to foodborne illness, such as salmonella, and must be protected and refrigerated as quickly as possible. Cut tomatoes should be kept at no less than 41 degrees Fahrenheit, or 5 degrees Celsius. Freeze chopped or halved tomatoes to save them for longer than three to four days. Cover the exposed side of the tomato and place it in an airtight container. Although freezing tomatoes will alter the texture and taste of the tomato, freezing it will keep it from going bad for up to two months. If you are going to freeze the tomato, consider using it as an ingredient in a soup or sauce after it thaws, for it will lose much of its regular texture. Take the tomato out of the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to eating it. Bringing the tomato back to room temperature before eating it or using it as an ingredient in a meal is important for the tomato's texture and taste. When letting the tomato warm, cover the cut side of the tomato with plastic wrap or a paper towel and place it cut-side down on a plate. Thawing a frozen tomato will take longer, so consider taking it out an hour or two before using it. Cook the tomato. After freezing or refrigerating a tomato, it is best to cook with the tomato in a way that masks the change in its texture. Because refrigeration will alter the tomato's natural texture, it is best not to slice the tomato for a salad or eat it as-is. Cooking with the tomato, perhaps by creating a pasta sauce or baking it in the oven with olive oil for a salad, will mask the fact that the tomato has been refrigerated. Turn the diced tomato into a salsa. Use the chopped tomato to create your favorite kind of salsa, adding lemon or vinegar to acidify the tomato. By adding these acidic ingredients to a salsa, you will keep the tomato's pH level below 4.2, which is what the FDA suggests. Once made into a salsa, the tomato simply needs to be kept below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, or 5 degrees Celsius, in a refrigerator. Marinate the tomato with salad dressing. Place the chopped tomato in a container and add your favorite lemon or vinegar-based salad dressing. These ingredients will keep the tomato from spoiling. You can keep the tomato and salad dressing together for two to three days, but you should try to eat the tomato as soon as you can. Once you are ready to eat the chopped tomatoes, you can quickly add them to your favorite salad. Add fresh tomato to another meal and refrigerate it. If you have the time, create an entire salad or sandwich to eat later, and store the meal in the refrigerator. By taking the time to create a meal while the tomato is fresh, you will be more likely to eat the tomato before it goes bad, and you will not have to store the diced or chopped pieces by themselves in a storage container. This takes up less room in your fridge and you will not have to add any acidic ingredients to the tomato. However, you should eat the meal within two to three days. Emulsify the diced or chopped tomato and add lemon juice. Emulsifying the tomatoes will allow you to make a soup or pasta sauce later on. With a blender or food processor, emulsify the tomatoes until they have are completely blended, adding some lemon juice to keep the pH level low. Store the mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate it until you are ready to create a soup or sauce later on. | Store the halved tomato in a cool, clean, place. Cover the cut side of the tomato with plastic wrap. Place the tomato cut-side down on a plate. Cover the other side of the tomato with a paper towel. Place the halved tomato in an airtight storage container and leave it out. Refrigerate the tomato if you cannot eat it in a single day. Place chopped tomato in a storage container in the fridge. Freeze chopped or halved tomatoes to save them for longer than three to four days. Take the tomato out of the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to eating it. Cook the tomato. Turn the diced tomato into a salsa. Marinate the tomato with salad dressing. Add fresh tomato to another meal and refrigerate it. Emulsify the diced or chopped tomato and add lemon juice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pen-Tap | How to Pen Tap | Pen tapping is a fun way to keep your hands and brain busy. Hold a pen in each hand or use one pen and have your other hand free to support the beat with your fingers. If you drum on a hollow object, you'll get a deeper sound, while solid surfaces will barely amplify your taps. For a cymbal-sound, try holding the pen between your thumb and index finger so the tip of the pen faces toward the surface you're tapping on. Then, you can use the heel of your hand to add some bass to your taps. You can also try tilting the tip of your pen and tapping it on a smooth surface for a clean, high-pitched sound. | Pick your pens. You can use two pens--one in each hand--or you can hold a pen in one hand, and use your the fingers and heel of your free hand to support the beat. Different pens will make slightly different sounds: heavier and harder pens will make a slightly deeper sound, while flimsier plastic pens will give you a lighter tapping sound. Make sure to use pens that are durable enough to stand up to heavy drumming. Choosing a surface. You can pen tap on almost anything, but some surfaces will sound better than others. Pick something smooth and hard to practice on at first: a desktop, a hardcover book, or a binder. If you drum on a hollow object, like a box or a garbage can, you'll get a deeper, fuller sound as the hollow space amplifies your taps; however, this might also drown out the clarity of the individual taps. Solid surfaces like concrete and stone, on the other hand, will barely amplify your taps at all. Experiment with new surfaces as you get better at pen tapping. Drum on wood, metal, plastic, brass, porcelain: tap surfaces with your pen and see how you like the sound. Be careful when making beats on fragile surfaces, such as glass or ceramic--you might like the sound, but be gentle so that you don't break anything valuable. Hold the pen between your thumb and index finger. Hold it firmly enough that you can tap with it, but gently enough that you can adjust it for different sounds The tip of the pen should be facing toward the surface that you plan to tap. Wrap your other fingers lightly around the pen for support. Don't completely encircle the pen with your fingers; leave one long edge clear to make the "cymbal" sound. When you release the pen to make a "cymbal" sound, grip it with only your thumb and index finger so that the other fingers don't interfere with the beat. Make the "bass" sound with the bottom of your wrist. While you're holding the pen, thump the heel of your hand--the meaty part of your palm where your thumb meets your wrist--against a smooth, hard surface. Pen tappers call this sound "1". You can make the bass sound (1) with either hand, and you can quickly alternate two bass sounds for a double-bass effect. Use the bass sound to keep the beat. It's the deepest and most powerful of the pen tapping sounds, and it takes longer to execute than the pen taps themselves. Use it sparingly, for emphasis, and try to alternate bass sounds with the higher-pitched tapping sounds for an interesting beat. Learn to make the "snare" sound with the tip of your pen. Tilt the tip of the pen (the end that you write with) and tap on a smooth, hard surface to make a clean, high-pitched "tap" sound. Think of this sound as "2". The tip that you write with is usually heavier: it's loaded with a spring and other supports, in click-top pens, and it's typically where the cap of the pen fits. Use the heavier end for a more powerful snare, or the lighter end for a daintier snare. Be careful not to strike your fingers against the tapping surface while you make this sound. It should be crisp and clear. If you only have one pen, however, you can use the fingertips of your free hand to simulate sound "2". This is the quickest sound, in the sense that you can tap a lot of these out in rapid succession. Use speedy, rhythmic taps to make your beat more complex. Try alternating quick taps between two pens. You can use these to make a drum roll. Make the "cymbal" or "hi-hat" sound by clapping the long edge of the pen against a hard surface. Release your thumb from the bottom of the pen, and use your remaining four fingers to slam the pen into the table. Use your thumb and index finger to quickly pick the pen up again. This is sound number "3". Make sure to keep your fingers clear of the table when you release the pen. The easiest way to do this is to keep them on the top edge of the pen, opposite the table. Ideally, this sound can be almost as crisp and clear as the snare "2" sound. Think of this sound as an intermediate between the "snare" and "bass" sounds. It's slower and more powerful than the snare "2" sound, but it's much more high-pitched than the bass. Alternate sounds 1, 2, and 3 to add variety to your beats. Try writing out your beat patterns. Remember: bass = 1, snare = 2, and cymbal = 3. Beat notation may vary between different communities of pen tappers; the 1-2-3 format is just an easy way to remember and write out the types of taps that you can use. Start by trying out a simple beat pattern. Repeat: 1-2-3-2 (bass, snare, cymbal, snare) at a tempo that sounds right to your ear. Try to keep the space between each tap consistent each time you repeat the pattern. For example: 1 (medium rest) 2 (long rest) 3 (short rest) 2, repeat. When you can repeat the 1-2-3-2 pattern over and over again, with the same consistent amount of time between certain taps, you've got a beat. If you have trouble keeping a beat, just keep practicing. Try to internalize the beat, to get into the "flow" of it, so that you don't need to think about it to keep it going. If you're totally new to percussion, try an even simpler beat: 1-2, 1-2, 1-2. Make the bass sound with the heel of one hand, and follow it with a snare tap from a pen held in your other hand. Try to repeat this simple beat five times in a row with consistent spacing between each tap: 1.. 2. 1.. 2. 1.. 2. 1.. 2. 1.. 2. Join the online pen tapping community. Read pen tapping forums, and watch pen tapping videos for ideas. Make yourself familiar with the sound of pen tapping, and try to copy beat patterns that you like. Search YouTube for "pen tap" or "pen beats". You'll encounter a number of people who are making unique beats--even some who are rapping over their beats or combining them with other sounds. You may encounter a few YouTubers, such as cartinbredan los and Shane Bang, who upload a number of videos dedicated to pen beats. Watch the videos of pen tappers that you admire, and try to pick up pointers from their style. Search the web for "pen tap beat patterns". Pen tappers have collected their favorite beats across the Internet, usually written out in the 1-2-3 format, and you can try out the beats that you find. Some beats are easy for beginners to learn, and some require complex rhythms that may be better suited to advanced pen tappers. Experiment. Try tapping new surfaces, layering complex beats, and even asking your friends to collaborate with you. Remember that you don't need to stick to the 1-2-3 formula, and that the best pen tappers often find their own ways to make their beats sound unique. Try alternating surfaces within a beat: for instance, make your bass sound deep by thumping the wide side of a hollow box, but make your snare sharp and crisp by tapping the tip of the pen against the corner of the box. Try making a high-pitched, ringing cymbal/hi-hat sound by tapping the side of a glass with your pen. Try incorporating scratching--dragging your fingers or your pen across the surface for a second or two--to add another dimension to your beats. Try using your phone to record yourself tapping out a beat, then tapping, rapping, or singing over that beat as you play it back. | Pick your pens. Choosing a surface. Hold the pen between your thumb and index finger. Make the "bass" sound with the bottom of your wrist. Learn to make the "snare" sound with the tip of your pen. Make the "cymbal" or "hi-hat" sound by clapping the long edge of the pen against a hard surface. Try writing out your beat patterns. Join the online pen tapping community. Experiment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Your-Guy-Friend-Sees-You-As-Just-%22One-of-the-Guys%22 | How to Tell if Your Guy Friend Sees You As Just "One of the Guys" | To tell if your guy friend sees you as one of the guys, notice how he talks to you and how he uses his body language around you. For example, if he calls you “dude” or “bro” he probably thinks of you as one of the guys, but if he calls you “babe” or “cutie” he may be interested in something more. If he thinks of you as a friend, he'll probably only talk about sports, raunchy jokes, and video games, just like he would with the guys. Alternatively, if he opens up to you about secrets or insecurities, he may care about you more deeply. Besides what he says, watch to see if he makes excuses to touch you, like brushing his leg and shoulder against you when he sits or putting his arm across your shoulder, as these are signs that he likes you. Alternatively, if he gives plenty of distance between you and him, he probably just sees you as a friend. | Listen to how he addresses you. If he refers to you gives you a boyish nickname, it means he is comfortable around you. Furthermore, if he calls you by the same names he calls his other male friends, it could be a sign that you are close friends but nothing more. Flirty or unique nicknames—such as honey, babe, or cutie— can indicate that he is interested in you romantically. Platonic names could include dude, man, bro, and guy. Flirty nicknames could include babe, sweetie, honey, cutie, and doll. Pay attention to what he talks about. If the topics of your conversations only revolve around sports, raunchy jokes, vehicles, or video games, he is keeping your interactions platonic. If he confides in you his deepest insecurities and secrets, he may be opening up to you in a way that he does not with his male friends. If he's interested, he may compliment you or make specific comments about your sexuality and body. If his sexual comments are about other women or women in general, it may mean that he just sees you as one of the guys. Keep track of how many times he starts conversations. If he doesn't initiate texts or conversations, he likely just sees you as a friend. But if he is constantly texting, calling, and asking to meet up, it could be a sign that he wants to become closer to you. If he texts you first thing in the morning and last thing at night, it could mean that he is thinking about you when he is alone. Similarly, if he texts you back immediately, it could signal interest. If he does not respond to your texts for long periods of time, it may mean that he considers you a friend only. Note if he asks you about other men. If he keeps asking you about your relationships with other men, he may be trying to determine if you are single or not. If you both have mutual male friends, he may be concerned that you are seeing one of them instead of him. If a man demands to know what you are doing with other men, it is a sign of a jealous or controlling personality. If your male friend tries to prevent you from hanging out with other men, take it as a red flag and establish boundaries. Consider how often you hang out alone. If you only ever see each other in group settings, you may struggle with determining if he likes you or not. Try asking him to hang out alone. If he's up for it, he may still see you as a friend, but if he doesn't want to hang out alone, he is signaling that he is uninterested. If you hang out alone often, it may indicate that he cares deeply for you. When you're alone together, he may touch you more than he does in public, or he may bring up deep conversations. These conversations may be about past relationships or insecurities about his future. This can be read as a sign that he trusts you. Such trust may be an indicator of a deeper relationship. If he acts the same way alone with you as he does in public, it still means you're good friends, but it may signal that he is uninterested in a romantic relationship. Try initiating physical contact. He may be waiting for you to initiate physical contact. Sit beside him, touching your leg and shoulder to his, and see how he reacts. You can also try putting your arm across his shoulders or touch his arm. If he shows no acknowledgment, it means he's comfortable with you and considers you a good friend. If he leans into you or puts his arm around you, it could be a sign of romantic interest. If he draws away, he doesn't want to encourage any further physical contact. This can be a sign that he is uninterested. Gauge how much distance he puts between you. If you are hanging out—either alone or with a group—try to see how close he sits to you. If he keeps you closer than arm's length, he enjoys proximity to you, and he may want more physical contact. Similarly, if he always sits next to you at a restaurant, bar, or movie, he is establishing your value to him above everyone else. On the other hand, if he doesn't seem to care where you stand or sit, he most likely considers you a friend. Observe how he sits. If he leans towards you or sits with his body open (legs spread and shoulders rolled back), he could be indicating his attraction to you. Fiddling with objects, showing his hands and palms to you, and nodding at what you say may also indicate interest. Alternatively, if his body is turned away from you or he is closed off (crossing his arms and legs), he might consider you a purely platonic friend. Note his eye contact. If he makes excessive eye contact with you, especially if you are in a group of people, it means that he is more interested in you than he is anyone else in the room. Watch to see if he makes eye contact, then shyly darts his gaze away. This is a common sign of attraction. Watch his gestures. If he actively gestures when he's speaking to you, it means that he is interested in what you are saying. If he nods along to what you are saying or gestures out towards you, he is trying to engage you in himself. If he rubs his hands, it might be a sign that he is nervous talking to you. Finally, if you notice his gestures are becoming similar to your own, his body is signaling that he is interested in you. Hang out alone together. If you are going to talk about the state of your relationship, you should find a time when you two can hang out alone together. Ask him if he's free one weekend and invite him over to your place. If he doesn't agree or tries to avoid coming over, it might be a sign that he's not interested. Do normal activities. Don't ambush him right away with the big question. Do something fun that you two have always enjoyed together. Play a video game, watch a movie, or discuss sports. Ask him if you can talk. When you feel the time is right, pause the video game or movie. You can even wait until just before he goes home. Ask him if you can have a few minutes to talk. Reassure him that you don't want to make things awkward, but that you want to clear up some confusion about your relationship. You don't have to reveal if you like him or not yet. You can try saying, “Hey, do you mind if we have a quick chat? I want to discuss something with you. I'm confused about the state of our relationship, and I want to clarify what we are.” Reassure him that you are good friends no matter what. A conversation like this can be awkward, and you want your friend to be as comfortable as possible. Tell him how much you value your friendship. You can say, “Your friendship means so much to me, and I want to make sure that nothing happens to it. At the same time, I want to make sure that we are both clear in what we want from each other.” Ask him how he feels about your relationship. The question itself can be difficult. You might want to practice beforehand with a friend or counselor to help you. There are a number of ways you can phrase the question. “How do you see our relationship?” “Do you ever see us being more than friends?” “How do you feel about me?” Give him plenty of time to respond. He may react by being shy, bashful, embarrassed, or nervous. Allow him some time to think and phrase his answer. Don't interrupt him. Wait until he is finished speaking before you say anything. Be understanding of his response. If he says you are like a sister, a friend, or “one of the guys,” it's a sign that he values your friendship but doesn't want anything more than that. React gracefully. Tell him that it is fine for him to feel that way and that you are much happier knowing how he really feels. Try saying, “I completely understand what you are saying. I also feel like you're my best friend, and I want to make sure that we can remain friends. I'm just glad we were able to talk to about this.” Your friendship may not be exactly the same as it was before, and there may be some initial awkwardness. Still, if your guy friend still wants to hang out with you platonically, it's a sign that he does care—just not in a romantic sense. Let him know how you feel if he confesses. If he does admit that he likes you as more than a friend, be clear in how you feel about him back. If you share the same romantic attraction, tell him immediately. You can say, “I'm glad to hear that. I like you too, and I feel the same way.” | Listen to how he addresses you. Pay attention to what he talks about. Keep track of how many times he starts conversations. Note if he asks you about other men. Consider how often you hang out alone. Try initiating physical contact. Gauge how much distance he puts between you. Observe how he sits. Note his eye contact. Watch his gestures. Hang out alone together. Do normal activities. Ask him if you can talk. Reassure him that you are good friends no matter what. Ask him how he feels about your relationship. Give him plenty of time to respond. Be understanding of his response. Let him know how you feel if he confesses. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Comfort-Someone-Who-Is-Sad | How to Comfort Someone Who Is Sad | To comfort someone who's feeling sad, talk to them and let them know you're there for them so they don't feel alone. Don't worry about saying the perfect thing or offering them advice. Instead, just listen to what they have to say and let them know you care, which will help them feel better. Try doing something nice for them to take their mind off things, like cooking them a nice meal or giving them a thoughtful gift. You can also distract them with a fun activity, like going for a walk in nature, seeing a funny movie, or grabbing a bite to eat. Don't feel discouraged if they aren't in the mood for fun activities. Let them feel sad if they need to, and ask if there's anything you can do to help. | Open the conversation. Let the person know that you see that they are upset and that you are available to listen. If you don't know the person very well, you could identify why you're trying to help. For instance, if you know the person, you could say, "I see you're having a hard time right now. Do you want to talk about it?" If they do not want your company, that is perfectly okay. You shouldn't force them to be with you if they don't want the company! If you don't know the person very well, you could say, "Hi, my name is Jean. I'm another student here, and I saw you were crying. I know I'm a stranger, but if you want, I'll listen to what's upsetting you." Tell it like it is. That is, you may be tempted to dance around the issue if you already know what's wrong. If the person had a loved one die or if they broke up with someone they cared about, you may find yourself not wanting to say what the problem is because you don't want to hurt the person more. However, the person knows what is wrong and is probably already thinking about the situation. Asking about it in clear terms shows you care and are willing to deal with the issue as it is without sugarcoating it, which will likely come as a relief. For instance, you could say something such as "I heard that your father died. That must have been really tough. Do you want to talk about it?" Ask how they're feeling. One way to help get the conversation going is to ask the person how they are feeling. In any situation, a person is going to feel more than one emotion, even in sad situations, so letting them open up about all their emotions can be helpful. For instance, if they had a parent die after a long and complicated illness, of course they are going to feel sad. But they also may be feeling some relief that the illness is over and some guilt on top of that for the relief they are feeling. Keep the attention on them. It's tempting to compare what they're going through with something you've gone through in the past. However, when someone is upset, they don't want to hear about what you went through, necessarily. They want to talk about what's happening in the present. Don't try to turn the conversation instantly positive. It's a natural tendency to want to help the person feel better by having them look at the positive side. However, when you do that, they may feel like you are glossing over what's wrong; that is, they may feel like their feelings aren't important. Just listen without trying to show them the positive side of things. For instance, try not to say things like, "Well, at least you're still alive," "It isn't all bad," or "Cheer up!" Instead, if you must say something, try phrases such as, "It's okay to feel bad; you're going through a tough time." Understand the person wants to be heard. Most of the time, people who are crying or upset just need someone to listen to them. Don't try to talk over them and offer them solutions. You may be able to offer solutions near the end of the conversation, but at the beginning, focus on listening. Show you understand. One way to listen attentively is to repeat what the person is saying. That is, you could say, "What I hear you saying is that you are upset because your friend wasn't paying attention to you." Don't get distracted. Keep the conversation on them. Turn off the T.V. Drag your eyes away from your phone. Part of staying focused is not daydreaming either. Also, don't be sitting there trying to think about what you want to say next. Actually take in what they're saying. Use body language to show you are listening. That is, make eye contact with the person. Nod along to what they are saying. Smile at the right moments, or show concern with a frown. Also, keep your body language open. That is, don't cross your arms and legs, and point yourself towards the person. Acknowledge your helplessness. Most people feel helpless when faced with a friend going through a tough time. It's a natural feeling, and you likely won't know what to say to the person. However, just acknowledging that fact and telling the person that you're there for them is often enough. For example, you could say, "I'm so sorry you're going through this. I don't really know what to say to make it better, and I know no words really could. But I want you to know that I'm here for you when you need me." Offer a hug. If you feel comfortable doing so, offer the person a hug. It's always better to ask first, though, because some people may not be comfortable with physical contact, especially if they have been through some kind of trauma. For example, you could say, "I'd like to give you a hug. Would you like that?" Ask about next steps. While there's not always a solution to what's bothering a person, sometimes just making a plan can help them feel better. Therefore, now is the time to gently offer solutions if they don't seem to have any ideas; if they do, encourage them to talk about and plan out what they want to do next. Bring up therapy. If your friend is going through a lot, it's fine to ask if they've thought about seeing a counselor. Unfortunately, seeing a counselor comes with much social stigma, but if your friend has been having trouble for awhile, it may be worth it to talk to someone who knows what they're doing professionally. Of course, the stigma around seeing a counselor is unjust. You may even need to convince your friend that it's perfectly fine to see a counselor. You'll be helping to combat that stigma by letting your friend know you'll still see them as the same person even if they need a little help. Ask if you can do anything. Whether someone wants to talk weekly or just go out for brunch once in awhile, you may be able to help. You may also be able to help by offering support with difficult tasks, such as supporting the person if they're obtaining a death certificate for a loved one. Just open up the conversation to see if the person needs anything in particular. If the person seems uncertain about asking you for help, offer up concretes suggestions. For instance, you could say, "I'd love to be able to help. I can drive you somewhere if you need me, or I can help by bringing food over, for example. Just let me know what you need." Be sincere. If you offer support or help of any kind, make sure you are willing to follow through. For instance, if you say, "Feel free to call me, and talk anytime," actually be willing to drop what you're doing to talk. Similarly, if you offer to do something, such as drive the person to therapy, be the person who actually shows up to do it. Check in again. Most people have trouble reaching out to someone when they need help, especially emotional help. Therefore, don't forget to check in with the person from time to time. It's important to be available if she needs it. | Open the conversation. Tell it like it is. Ask how they're feeling. Keep the attention on them. Don't try to turn the conversation instantly positive. Understand the person wants to be heard. Show you understand. Don't get distracted. Use body language to show you are listening. Acknowledge your helplessness. Offer a hug. Ask about next steps. Bring up therapy. Ask if you can do anything. Be sincere. Check in again. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Pregnant-if-Your-Partner-Had-a-Vasectomy | How to Get Pregnant if Your Partner Had a Vasectomy | Although a vasectomy is considered a permanent form of birth control, there are a few ways you can still get pregnant if your partner had this procedure done. The easiest way is to get a vasectomy reversal. This procedure involves reattaching the 2 cut ends of the vas deferens, and usually only takes about 30 minutes. If the procedure is successful, you'll be able to start trying for a baby as normal. Just keep in mind that most people need at least a week after to recover. If a vasectomy reversal isn't an option, you may want to try in vitro fertilization. This method involves collecting sperm from your partner's vas deferens, combining it with one of your eggs, then transplanting the formed embryo into your uterus. Unfortunately, this procedure can be quite expensive and often takes longer than a vasectomy reversal. | Discuss why he had the vasectomy in the past. Many men who have had a vasectomy were quite clear at that point in their lives that they did not want to have children. It is important to take the time to discuss with your partner why he had the procedure, and how his thoughts might have changed since then. Talk about reasons for wanting to get pregnant. Make sure both of you are on the same page about it, and that he is not simply compromising to keep you happy. Remember that when you are planning to become parents together, it is important to have both people on board and fully committed. Otherwise, it may have a negative toll on the relationship, as well as for your baby. If your partner is not fully committed, it might take some soul-searching to determine whether having a baby is really the best idea. You may find couple counseling helpful as you discuss this, as it is a very significant life decision and your partner no doubt had strong feelings about it in the past, or he would not have had a vasectomy. Decide how far you are willing to go. It is important to talk about things such as cost with your partner, and the effort and monetary investment you are willing to make, prior to taking the steps to becoming pregnant. Certain procedures (such as in vitro fertilization) can be very expensive, so it is important to know how far you and your partner are willing to go in order to become pregnant. Have your partner see a urologist. This is a doctor who specializes in the male reproductive system. The urologist can take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam to determine what course of action is best to help you and your partner become pregnant. The urologist can also assess your partner to see if he has any specific fertility problems, other than the vasectomy. It is advisable for you, as the woman, to also consult your OB/GYN and to make sure you have no fertility problems that could hold the two of you back from becoming pregnant. Book time off to take your partner to his vasectomy reversal. It is a procedure that can be done directly in the doctor's office, with only local freezing (anesthetic) to numb the scrotal area, and it is relatively quick (around 30 minutes). Some men find it helpful to have you there as moral support. It is also recommended to drive your partner home after the procedure as he will likely be experiencing some pain and discomfort. Allow the doctor to perform the procedure. Sperm is produced in the testicles, and it then goes to the epididymis to mature. From the epididymis it travels through the vas deferens and eventually joins the urethra for ejaculation. The initial vasectomy procedure cut through the vas deferens to prevent sperm transport during ejaculation. The vasectomy reversal can be done in two ways. The first way is reattaching the two cut ends of the vas deferens (called a vasovasostomy). This is the more common procedure. The second way is reattaching the vas deferens directly to the epididymis (called a vasoepididymostomy). This is used when a vasovasostomy is not possible. Help your partner to recover from his vasectomy reversal. Recovery from this procedure usually does not take more than a few days. The man may have some pain in his scrotal area, and this can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin. Most men are fine with over-the-counter pain medications and do not need anything stronger; however, it is an option to receive prescription pain medication from the doctor if your partner needs it. Refrain from sexual activity until at least one week after the procedure. Sometimes couples will hold off on sex for up to a few weeks after the procedure, as some men experience discomfort (and occasionally some blood) with ejaculation. If this occurs for your partner, it should resolve on its own with time (within a few weeks). If the bleeding is severe or the pain and discomfort are not improving, seek additional help from your doctor. Ensure your partner attends follow-up appointments. The urologist will likely ask for follow-up appointments to check your partner's sperm counts, and to assess whether or not the procedure was successful. Note that success rates of vasectomy reversal are approximately 60%. It partly depends upon the number of years that the man has had the vasectomy for. A shorter duration equates to a greater success rate. Understand that if your partner's vasectomy is successfully reversed, you will be able to get pregnant as any other couple would. In other words, when you have sexual intercourse after the vasectomy is reversed, you will have the same chance as any other couple of conceiving a baby. Note that this also means that the man is no longer "sterile" (that is, the vasectomy is no longer functioning as birth control), so the two of you will need to discuss alternate methods for contraception after the pregnancy is over. Talk to your doctor about in vitro fertilization. This is the route many couples go when the man has had a vasectomy and the couple wants to get pregnant. It is important to talk to a doctor who specializes in this area and who can provide additional information (as well as expected cost) for your case. The cost and complexity of the procedure can vary greatly between couples. One of the main reasons that IVF is chosen is that the vasectomy reversal was unsuccessful, and the couple is still determined to have biological children of their own. Success rates of the procedure vary greatly depending upon the reason for receiving it, as well as fertility factors for both the man and the woman. See if your partner has stored frozen sperm from the past. If he has had his sperm frozen in the past, this can be used for the procedure. If he has not, another option is to collect sperm directly from the man's vas deferens (the portion of the tube that is still intact and that was not cut by surgery) and to use this for in vitro fertilization. Have your doctor combine the sperm sample with one or more eggs from your ovaries. This is a procedure done in specialty medical labs. Normally more than one egg is taken from the female, in order to maximize the chances of a successful embryo forming in the lab. Allow the embryo from the medical lab to be implanted into the uterus. Often more than one embryo will be implanted in order to maximize success rates of the conception (in hopes that at least one of the embryos will successfully survive and grow once placed in the uterus). A complication of IVF, for this reason, is the risk of having multiples (twins, triplets, or perhaps more). Speak to your doctor about how many embryos he or she recommends to have implanted in your specific case. It would depend upon a number of factors specific to each couple, including cost (as if the procedure "fails" and has to be done again that gets expensive), as well as other "fertility factors" that can be assessed by your doctor. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure. Like any medical procedure, IVF has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of IVF include: the vasectomy still exists as permanent birth control after your child is conceived it is an easier procedure for the man (compared to undergoing surgery to have his vasectomy reversed) conception can often occur within a faster time-frame (as compared with vasectomy reversal). The disadvantages of IVF include: cost (quite expensive) it is a more arduous procedure for the woman the procedure may have to be repeated if you wanted additional children. This is not always the case, as sometimes extra embryos can be created that can be frozen for future pregnancies. it may result in more than one child. Oftentimes more than one embryo is inserted into the woman's uterus, to increase the success rate of one surviving. However, this can result in more than one baby for some couples, so it is important to consider the possibility of having multiples. | Discuss why he had the vasectomy in the past. Talk about reasons for wanting to get pregnant. Decide how far you are willing to go. Have your partner see a urologist. Book time off to take your partner to his vasectomy reversal. Allow the doctor to perform the procedure. Help your partner to recover from his vasectomy reversal. Refrain from sexual activity until at least one week after the procedure. Ensure your partner attends follow-up appointments. Understand that if your partner's vasectomy is successfully reversed, you will be able to get pregnant as any other couple would. Talk to your doctor about in vitro fertilization. See if your partner has stored frozen sperm from the past. Have your doctor combine the sperm sample with one or more eggs from your ovaries. Allow the embryo from the medical lab to be implanted into the uterus. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Your-Cat-Pacing-at-Night | How to Deal with Your Cat Pacing at Night | To deal with your cat pacing at night, try playing with it right before bed time to work out its excess energy. You can try dangling a ribbon on the floor or tossing some jingly balls for it to chase. Besides giving it some exercise, you should feed your cat right before bedtime, since it will be more likely to rest well at night when its full. If your cat is still restless at night, consider introducing a new cat companion to stimulate it more. Just make sure your new cat is younger, smaller, the opposite gender, and fixed, which will prevent fights between the two. | Rule out medical problems. If your cat is pacing at night, the first step is to seek the advice of your vet. Your cat's nighttime behavior could be the result of medical discomfort, so it is important to rule out significant health problems first. Play before bedtime. If your cat is not experiencing health problems, the night pacing is best treated with additional activity and stimulation. Make active playtime part of your before-bed routine. Aim to play with your cat for 30 minutes before you go to bed each night. You might try: Dangling some string. Tossing jingly balls for your cat to chase. Dragging a ribbon on the floor. Feed your cat prior to bedtime. Another way to stimulate your cat and encourage restful nights is to alter your feeding schedule. Try feeding your cat their main meal within one hour of your bedtime. If your cat has a full belly, they may be more likely to rest well during the night. Encourage physical activity. Pacing usually comes as the expression of anxiety and/or restlessness. The best way to alleviate such distress is to foster both regular physical activity and mental stimulation. Fortunately, these activities often go hand-in-hand. You might try to: Walk your cat on a leash. Play with your cat for 30 minutes per day. Provide cat trees, paper bags, or cardboard boxes for your cat to explore. Introduce a companion. Sometimes cats just need a friend. Bringing a new, younger dog or cat into your household could provide the stimulation your cat needs to end their pacing at night. If the new pet is another cat, you'll want the new cat to be: Younger. Smaller. The opposite gender. Fixed. Note that depending upon the temperament of the second cat, getting a companion can potentially exacerbate your problem. Provide visual stimulation. Give your cat something fun to watch. Put birdbaths and/or bird feeders outside your window, so that your cat can get a good view. This version of “kitty TV” entertains your cat and provides excellent mental stimulation, which can help alleviate pacing at night. Begin with easy puzzles. Food puzzles--usually constructed of plastic or cardboard--nurture cats' natural hunting behaviors by challenging them to get food and treats.To get your cat started with food puzzles, it is important for them to have success right away. Begin by using simple, see-through food puzzles, which are more than half full (making it easier to get the food out). You can also sprinkle some cat food (or treats) around the puzzle to encourage an association between the puzzle and food. You may also want to leave these out at night. Purchase food puzzles at pet stores or online, or make them yourself at home. Food puzzles are available in a variety of styles and levels of difficulty. Increase the difficulty. Over time, you will need to increase the difficulty of the puzzles, otherwise your cat may lose interest. Try switching to puzzles with smaller holes or different shapes, or placing puzzles in more obscure areas of your house. If your cat has become a master forager, try making or purchasing difficult two-part puzzles. Make DIY puzzles. Instead of simply purchasing cat puzzles, you can make these at home from materials you already have. You will need a plastic or cardboard container that can hold dry food or treats, an X-Acto knife, some food or treats, and maybe some tape. Some options include: Shoeboxes (make holes big enough for cat's paws to enter). Paper towel rolls (seal ends and make holes just large enough to food to fall out). Plastic water bottles (make holes just large enough to food to fall out). Egg cartons (no holes are necessary). | Rule out medical problems. Play before bedtime. Feed your cat prior to bedtime. Encourage physical activity. Introduce a companion. Provide visual stimulation. Begin with easy puzzles. Increase the difficulty. Make DIY puzzles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Migrate-to-the-UK | How to Migrate to the UK | To migrate to the UK, first obtain a visa, like a student visa if you plan to enroll in school or a work visa if you find a job or charitable volunteer position. After you've determined the length of time you want to spend in the UK and your reason for moving there, use the helpful online tool on the UK's government website to narrow down which visa you may be eligible for. Since visas take time to process, plan on applying for your visa several months before moving. | Familiarize yourself with the UK’s visa options. The UK offers a wide range of visas, from temporary travel to more permanent relocation. The UK's government website has a useful tool that will help you figure out what visa you are eligible for and what documents you'll need to apply. Almost everyone migrating to the UK will need a visa of some kind, and many visas are dependent on where you are migrating from and your intentions for moving to the UK. Having a clear idea of why you'd like to move to the UK will help narrow down your visa options. Once you've determined which visa is right for you, apply for a visa here or enlist the help of a third party migration service like VisaFirst. You may be eligible to apply for permanent settlement in the UK if you have claimed asylum as a refugee, under humanitarian protection, are stateless, or would like to reunite with your family. Consulting the UK's section on settlement will help provide you with the necessary information to see if you can apply. If you apply for a visa to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months you'll also receive a Biometric Residence Permit stating the conditions of visa and often your National Insurance Number. Visas take time to process. Allow several months between applying for a visa and your move. Learn about the rights of citizens in the EU, EEA member states, and OCT. You do not need to apply for a visa to live in the UK if you are a national of the European Union (EU), citizen of member states in the European Economic Area (EEA), including Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, or a citizen of an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT). You have the right to abode if you are a British Subject or Commonwealth citizen. EU, EEA, and OCT citizens only need to show their passport, but applying for a certificate of entitlement will help with applying for future benefits. Keep in mind that the UK voted to leave the EU, also known as Brexit, on June 23, 2016, which could cause significant changes to the EU freedom of movement rules currently in place. The referendum agreement takes approximately two years to complete, which means the UK won't officially sever ties with the EU until 2018 at the earliest. Enroll in an educational institution. Student visas are quite common, but they come with a few restrictions. It is assumed that your time as a student will be finite, which, at most, only gives you up to one month to live in the UK before beginning your time as a student and up to four months after you've finished. Tier 4 (General) visas allows students over the age of 16 who are enrolled in a Tier 4 sponsored institution to live in the UK for no more than four months after the completion of their study. Tier 4 (Child) visas allow for children between the ages of 4 and 17 who are enrolled in an educational institution to live in the UK with the consent of a parent or guardian. Apply for a work visa. In order to apply for a work visa you'll first need to find an employer who is willing to hire you. There are many visas for new long-term employment, transfers within multinational companies, temporary employment, and unpaid volunteering. Contact your employer, or reference this list of work visas , to see what visa will suit your employment terms best. Tier 1 work visas generally apply to those who show exceptional promise or talent in their field, multimillion dollar investors, or entrepreneurs with access to at least 50,000 GBP of investment funds. Tier 2 visas are for skilled employment, celebrities, sportsman, or ministers of religion. Most Tier 2 visas require a certification of sponsorship, which holds your employment details, as well as 945 GBP in a savings account for at least 90 days. Tier 5 visas cover most temporary employment from charity work to overseas professional development. Apply for a other available visas. The UK offers many visas to families of UK or EU citizens, as well as parents whose children have UK visas. These visas are often more specialized and have specific criteria. Apply for a visa to join family permanently living in the UK. You can apply for this visa if you have a spouse living in the UK, need to look after family members, or be looked after by family members. Apply for a Parent of a Tier 4 child visa if your child holds a Tier 4 visa in the UK. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 12 months with the possibility of extending your stay for a further 12 months. Learn as much English as possible. The UK, although culturally diverse, is mainly an English speaking country. Although fluency is not required to work and live in the UK, having a basic understanding of reading, writing, and speaking the English language will make your transition and cultural acclimation much easier. Enroll in an English class before you leave or see if your employer or school can provide International English classes. Some specialized jobs and educational institutions require English fluency. If you are uncertain if you need to take a fluency test contact your employer or school. Create a budget. Creating a detailed budget will help you organize the tasks you will need to complete before moving to the UK as well as plan your expenses once living in the UK. Become familiar with the types and amount of income tax you'll have to pay once living in the UK. The cost of living in the UK varies, but is generally more expensive in the south and cheaper in the north. Use an online cost of living comparison tool to see what expenses might increase once you move. Find a job. If you are moving to the UK as a part of a career move, chances are you already have a job in mind. However, if you are not sure what job you will be able to work, consider your level of fluency in English and degree of cultural familiarity with the UK. Finding a stable job in the UK will allow you more flexibility in applying for residency or switching your visa. Once you have found a job your employer will need to apply for a work permit on your behalf. Search for job openings on sites like jobsite.co.uk, reed.co.uk, monster.co.uk, or indeed.co.uk. Visit a British Embassy or Consulate in your country to inquire about employment options. Find living accommodations. Find temporary living in the UK at a hostel or hotel while searching for more permanent housing. If you can, start looking weeks before you arrive in the UK, and don't sign a contract until you fully understand the terms. Rental prices in the UK vary from monthly to weekly payments. London is one of the most expensive housing markets in the world. Consider living outside of London and commuting by train. Become familiar with health care in the UK. Emergency medical services are free to all in the UK. However, there are many different qualifications for more consistent healthcare options that are dependent on which visa you have. Many visas require yearly payments that provide healthcare coverage. Consult the UK government's website to see how much you have to pay for healthcare. It's up to GP's as to whether or not they will accept you into NHS coverage. Buy an Oyster card. An Oyster card is a pre-paid public transit card that will give you access to trains and buses in London without having to buy an individual ticket. You can purchase Oyster cards at most newsstands and at every train station in London. The UK also has an efficient railway system, allowing you to travel smoothly throughout the majority of the UK. Open a bank account with a bank in the UK. Having a bank account in with a bank in the UK will reduce the amount of time you'll need to spend on organizing your finances, particularly when it comes to paying taxes. Most debit and credit accounts are free to open in the UK. Consult one of the larger banks like NatWest, Barclay's, or HSBC to see what account might be best for you. Get your National Insurance Number. Making sure you have a National Insurance Number is essential for maintaining employment and applying for benefits while staying in the UK on a visa. If your NIN is not printed on the back of your Biometric Residence Permit you will need to apply for one separately. If you need to apply for a NIN contact Jobcentre Plus. Familiarize yourself with cultural differences. Although culturally diverse, particularly in larger cities like London and Manchester, culture in the UK can be quite different from your country of origin. Do your best to become familiar with culture in the UK by asking questions about phrases or gestures that might be confusing. Buy a book on UK culture or emigrating to the UK. | Familiarize yourself with the UK’s visa options. Learn about the rights of citizens in the EU, EEA member states, and OCT. Enroll in an educational institution. Apply for a work visa. Apply for a other available visas. Learn as much English as possible. Create a budget. Find a job. Find living accommodations. Become familiar with health care in the UK. Buy an Oyster card. Open a bank account with a bank in the UK. Get your National Insurance Number. Familiarize yourself with cultural differences. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Beer-Batter | How to Make Beer Batter | To make beer batter, pour 12 ounces of beer into a bowl, beat in 1 egg, and whisk in 2 cups of flour. Then, add 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder and whisk until it reaches the desired thickness. If you want, you can season it with salt, pepper, or another spice that goes well with the meal you're making. This recipe makes enough batter for 20 fish fillets. | Use one 12 oz beer you like to drink. Beer batter can be made with any style or variety of beer, so you should feel free to experiment with different styles to see what you like best. If you've got Bud Lite on hand, that would make for just as good a beer batter as a craft IPA. Generally, ales and lagers are used to make beer batters. The lighter and more carbonated, the lighter the batter. If you're not a big fan of beer flavors, use a lighter lager or a pilsner. Darker stouts, porters, and ales are also perfectly fine for making beer batter, and will add a malty richness to the batter. Sometimes, these beers are significantly less carbonated, so it might be a good idea to cut it with half sparkling water. Mix beer with equal parts of water, if you want. It's fine to just use beer in the batter, but some people like to cut it in half with an equal amount of water to stretch the batter a bit, and to save the beer for drinking with dinner. While beer batter is similar in some ways to a basic pancake batter, never add milk to beer batter. Milk added to beer will curdle, unless a small amount of lemon juice is added. If you're wondering, the process of frying the beer cooks off all the alcohol. Adding more beer won't make the fried food more boozy. Beat in one egg. Into your beer mixture, beat an egg directly into the liquid, until it's frothy. Some people leave this step out and just stick to a basic beer-and-flour batter, which is perfectly effective. But, beating in an egg helps to add a little body and golden richness to the batter, helping it to crisp up a little more nicely. Whisk in all-purpose flour. Holding your whisk in one hand, start adding flour to the beer mixture, a few tablespoons at a time, whipping it vigorously to avoid lumps. Integrate all the flour you add until you add more. If you use one 12 oz bottle or can of beer, you'll need about 2 cups of flour to make batter. This will make enough batter to coat about 20 fish fillets. Add 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder. If you want a fluffier, more cake-like beer batter, it's also good at this point to add about a 3/4 of baking powder, like if you were making pancakes. If you don't have it on hand, it's also fine to leave out. Continue whisking in flour until the batter reaches the desired thickness. Depending on how much batter you're making, and what you're using with it, you may want it thicker, or thinner, depending. Some people prefer a thicker, hearty coating, while others prefer a thinner and lighter version, which can be more crispy. Totally up to you. Some people suggest adding flour until the whisker can stand straight up in the bowl. Match the batter to complement what you're making. If you're making a really light, flaky fish, or squash chips, try to keep the batter somewhat lighter in turn. Season to taste. Generally, beer batter is seasoned with little more than salt and fresh black pepper, but you can use whatever seasonings match the dish that you're eventually planning to make. If you're making fish, add a little Old Bay, or Cajun spice mix to the batter. If you're making vegetable chips or potato wedges, try adding a pinch of curry powder or turmeric with a pinch of spice to taste. Set up a battering station. After you've made your beer batter and prepared the food that you're going to batter it with, set up a battering station just to the side of the stove, where you can drop the food into the oil, and bring it out effectively. If you can, frying food is a little easier with a helper, since it takes a lot of steps that need to happen pretty quickly. To the left, put your raw fish, or chopped onions, or other vegetables, then put the bowl of batter between the food and the oil. On the other side of the range, have a plate waiting with some paper towels, to place the fried items onto when they're done cooking. It's a good idea to wear gloves and long sleeves, and to pull your hair back while you're doing this. It's not the cleanest process. Also, it's a good idea to crack a window as the smell of frying oil is strong. Heat a half-inch to an inch of vegetable oil in a sturdy cast iron skillet. The best pans for frying food evenly are big cast-iron skillets, which will distribute the heat and offer a more even frying. If you don't have one, use a flat-bottomed skillet with as heavy a bottom as you've got, or a deep fryer. Heat until the oil shimmers. Vegetable oil needs to be heated to 375 °F (191 °C) to fry food in it effectively. If the temperature is too low, the batter will absorb much of the oil and will become extremely greasy and cloying. If you don't have a food thermometer, the best way to tell if the temperature is in the “Goldilocks Zone” is to see if the oil is shimmering on the surface. It's also a good idea to add a little bit of batter by itself while the oil is heating. When you see it start to sizzle quickly, you will know that it's time to add the battered items to the skillet. Batter your food. When the oil is ready, and not before, batter a few pieces of fish or vegetables, whatever you're planning on frying, and place them immediately into the hot oil. Make sure food is dry before dipping into wet beer batter. If your fish fillets are very delicate, or damp, it's good to dust them lightly in flour before dipping them in the beer batter. This helps fish fillets and shellfish hold the batter slightly better. Don't soak the food in the batter. It should collect enough to create the crust just by quickly submerging it in the batter and removing it. Add the battered food. Carefully lay your food into the hot oil, by dropping it away from you, very gently. Drop one end of each fillet or vegetable in to the food, and then lean it back toward the back of the skillet, away from you. This way, the oil will spatter in that direction. Adding food will lower the temperature of the oil slightly, so you want to be sure to avoid overcrowding the skillet. You can add a few pieces, depending on the size of the food you're frying, but usually no more than 3-4. If you overcrowd the pan, nothing will cook properly, and the food will be oily. When the oil is hot, it will start to spit and spatter a bit, even when you're not dropping stuff, which means you should be extremely careful to avoid burns. Use a metal turner to turn the food. Just leave the food alone as it fries, checking every minute or two for brownness on the bottom side. Flip the item when golden, and let the other side fry. Cook 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Fish and vegetables will cook pretty quickly in the fryer, so they're usually safe to remove when the crust is golden brown. Remove them with your metal turner immediately, shifting them to the plate prepared with paper towel. Check out other frying articles. If you want to know what to batter, and more specific guidelines for making fried foods, check out these wikiHow guides, all workable with beer-battering: How to Fry Fish How to Make Onion Rings How to Cook for a Southern Fish Fry How to Make French Fries | Use one 12 oz beer you like to drink. Mix beer with equal parts of water, if you want. Beat in one egg. Whisk in all-purpose flour. Add 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Continue whisking in flour until the batter reaches the desired thickness. Season to taste. Set up a battering station. Heat a half-inch to an inch of vegetable oil in a sturdy cast iron skillet. Heat until the oil shimmers. Batter your food. Add the battered food. Use a metal turner to turn the food. Cook 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Check out other frying articles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Put-a-Collar-on-a-Kitten | How to Put a Collar on a Kitten | Before you put a collar on a kitten, make sure it's a breakaway or quick-release collar so your kitten doesn't choke if it gets snagged on something. Then, place the collar on the floor, and give your kitten time to sniff and inspect it. Next, when your kitten is calm, place the collar around its neck and secure it with the clasp. Finally, test the collar's tightness by slipping 2 fingers under it. If you can't, the collar is too tight. | Keep safety in mind. As cats, unlike dogs, are able to climb and jump in a variety of places, safety concerns for collars are of particular importance. Make sure you select a collar that will not harm your kitten. Avoid collars made from elastic or those that contain elastic inserts. As these are stretchable, cats have been known to push their legs through in attempt to get the collar off. This can result in cuts the upper leg and joint injury. Over-the-counter flea collars sometimes contain chemicals harmful to cats. In fact, many flea repellents should not be used by kittens at all. Talk to your veterinarian about flea control rather than buying a collar yourself. For a kitten, who is likely very playful, your safest choice is a breakaway or quick release collar. These collars are secured with a breakaway clasp that will come undone in response to pressure. This prevents your kitten from inadvertently choking if the collar gets snagged on anything. Find a tag. The main reason cats and kittens need collars is identification purposes. Less than 2% of kittens in animal shelters are returned to their owners, so it's important to have your contact information with your kitten in the event he gets lost. If possible, choose a tag that doesn't hang. Hanging bits, like tags and bells, are a safety concern as these can snag on tree branches and other outdoor hazards. This increases the risk of choking. A breakaway collar minimizes the risk, however. If you have a breakaway collar, a non-hanging tag might not be necessary. Tags are available online or at local pet stores. Non-hanging tags clip flat on a collar. Your tag should include your name, your cat's name, your phone number, and other contact information. Browse different styles and designs. You have many different style options when it comes to picking a collar for your kitten. Kitten collars come in many different colors and patterns, and are made of many different materials. A simple leather collar might be better if you're mainly just concerned with function, but you may want to try a collar that has beads, sequins, or jewels if you're going for something more fashionable. Make sure the breakaway buckle works correctly. If the buckle is defective, this defeats the purpose of a breakaway clasp. Place your finger under the collar and pull. It should come undone in response to pressure. If it doesn't, have the collar exchanged for one with a working clasp. As you don't want to put the kitten's collar on twice, which can cause undue stress, conduct this test using a stuffed toy. Allow the kitten to familiarize itself with the collar. Place the collar on the floor and allow your kitten to inspect it as his discretion. Gently coax your kitten into the room where the collar is. Never rush a cat or kitten, as this can cause stress and elevate the situation's tension. Let your kitten sniff the collar and familiarize himself with it. If possible, rub your kitten's fur on a towel and rub the towel on the collar. That way, the kitten's scent will be on the cloth and the collar will smell familiar. You can also rub the collar on the kitten's bedding or toys. Place the collar around the kitten's neck. Once the kitten is familiar with the collar, you can safely place it around his neck. Pet the kitten for a minute to calm him down. You do not want him to start off his relationship with his collar on stressful grounds. Once he's calmed, gently wrap the collar around his neck. If he starts to resist and pull against the collar stop, let him relax, and try again. You do not want to cause strain to his neck. The collar should not pull against his throat while it's being secured. If he squirms, you may need to enlist the help of another person. Fasten the breakaway clasp until you hear a soft clicking. Undo the towel restraint and release your kitten. Test the collar's fit. A collar should fit snugly without causing strain to your kitten's neck. Make sure the collar fits your kitten properly after putting it on. Ideally, the cat's collar should be snug enough that you can slide two fingers under the collar. If you can fit more than that, tighten it. If you can fit less, loosen it. Supervise your kitten at first. Your kitten needs to be supervised when first using the collar. Do not simply let him wander unsupervised until he's accustom to the collar. Your kitten might try to take the collar off at first. He'll paw at it, rub his neck against surfaces, and attempted to scratch it off with his back legs. Keep on eye on him as long as these behaviors continue. Once your kitten has accepted the collar, you can let him roam unsupervised. Understand the benefits outweigh the risks. Many people are wary of putting collars on cats or kittens due to perceived health risks. However, with proper precaution collars are very safe and beneficial especially if you have an outdoor cat. In a study conducted through Ohio State University, 538 collared cats were studied for a six-month period. At the end of the study, the majority of the cats were still wearing their collars and only a few suffered injuries. None of the injuries were serious or fatal. Collars greatly increase the chance that, if lost, the cat will be returned. While microchipping is also an option, cats are not always checked for a microchip if found and oftentimes cats without collars are assumed to be stray or abandoned. | Keep safety in mind. Find a tag. Browse different styles and designs. Make sure the breakaway buckle works correctly. Allow the kitten to familiarize itself with the collar. Place the collar around the kitten's neck. Test the collar's fit. Supervise your kitten at first. Understand the benefits outweigh the risks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Dog-With-a-Broken-or-Fractured-Pelvis | How to Care for a Dog With a Broken or Fractured Pelvis | To care for a dog with a broken or fractured pelvis, keep it confined in a crate for at least 6 weeks while it heals. Make sure the crate is big enough for your dog to stretch out in, and pad the bottom with blankets and pillows so your dog is comfortable. During the first 2 weeks, restrict your dog's movement completely, and carry it outside to relieve itself or use an indoor training pad. After 4 weeks, start taking your dog for short walks and slowly returning it to physical activity. | Use a crate that's large enough for your dog to stretch out. Your dog will be living in this crate 24/7 for the next month, so you want to make sure it's comfortable. Your dog should be able to stretch out, change positions, and lick or chew at toys. If your dog is too large to fit in a crate and have enough space to turn around and stretch out, you might consider confining it to a small room (or even a closet) rather than a crate. The ideal crate is meant for use during long-term recovery from an injury. If you already have a crate for your dog for travel or for short periods of time, it's likely not large enough to keep your dog comfortable while recovering from a broken or fractured pelvis. Pad the bottom of the crate with blankets and towels. Your dog won't be very mobile for at least the first few weeks of crate rest due to its injuries. Make sure the bottom of the crate is soft and comfortable. Pillows and cushions can also help. If you put a dog bed in the bottom of the crate, use one without raised sides so you can easily move it and check its condition when you need to. Provide toys and bones to engage your dog. While on crate rest, your dog may get bored and restless without toys and bones to distract it and help it occupy the time. Many dogs particularly enjoy toys that allow you to hide treats inside for your dog to extract. Dogs often chew for stress relief, so include sturdy toys and chewy bones that your dog can gnaw on. Rest your pet for at least 6 weeks total. In most cases, it takes at least 6 weeks for a broken or fractured pelvis to heal – assuming your dog did not have surgery. While the level of permitted activity gradually increases during this time, your dog should remain confined for the entire period. Your veterinarian will let you know how long your dog should be on crate rest. As difficult as it may be to keep your dog in the crate, particularly if it whines or seems upset, try not to deviate from the veterinarian's instructions. Restrict your pet's movement for the first 2 weeks. During the initial healing process, your dog likely won't be able to put very much weight on its back legs. Smaller dogs may begin to stand within 1 week or less, while larger dogs may take a little more time. If your dog doesn't stand voluntarily after 2 weeks, use a sling to support the dog's weight and encourage it to stand. Simply run a towel or blanket underneath your dog and pull up both sides, lifting the dog's abdomen. Carry your dog outside to relieve itself in the first weeks. In the first 2 weeks of crate rest, your dog may be unable to walk on its own. If you have a smaller dog, carry it outside to relieve itself, then carry it back to the crate. If your dog is too large for you to carry, leave an indoor training pad in the crate or room where your dog is confined. Once your dog can walk and stand, try using an abdomen sling to help support your dog's weight as it walks outside. Simply wrap a towel or blanket under your dog's abdomen and hold both sides up firmly to support your dog. Take your dog for short walks after 4 weeks. Typically, your dog will be able to start going on short walks after about a month of crate rest. Talk to your veterinarian about going for walks and follow their instructions regarding the length of the walk and the locations you take your dog. When you take your dog outside, you may need to support its weight with a sling. This is more important with larger dogs, who may take longer to heal. A harness is better than a collar while your dog is recovering from its injuries. Walk very slowly, keeping your dog close to you. Don't take your dog to dog parks or other areas where it might encounter other dogs. Return your dog to physical activity slowly. As your dog recovers, it will likely be stiff and have more limited mobility. Even after crate rest is over, vigorous activity could cause re-injury. Wait at least a month before you allow your dog to run or play with other dogs. If you have access to a dog park, you may re-introduce your dog gradually by taking it to the dog park when there are few, if any, other dogs there. However, keep your dog on a leash at all times until your veterinarian says it's okay to let it off the leash. Give your pet medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. You'll typically have prescription pain medications for your dog. If your dog is highly nervous or restless, your veterinarian may also prescribe sedatives. Depending on your dog's condition and any other injuries, your dog may have additional medications. Medicate your dog according to the prescription instructions. Keep track of when you've given your dog medications so you don't accidentally overdose your pet. If the medications don't seem to be working or your dog still seems to be in pain, contact your veterinarian. Ask your vet how to measure your dog's pain using a pain scale. This will allow you to assess how uncomfortable your dog is so you can consult your vet about additional pain relief if necessary. Monitor your dog's mood and behavior carefully. Watch your dog's reactions and interest level in things going on around it. If your dog seems depressed, or is flat and listless, contact your veterinarian. If your dog is having trouble relieving itself or refuses to eat or drink water, let your veterinarian know as soon as possible. These symptoms could indicate that something more serious is going on. Check your dog and its bedding twice a day for dryness and cleanliness. Your dog's bedding should be clean and dry. Particularly in the first 2 weeks of crate rest, check your dog for bed sores, which can develop when a dog lies in the same position for a long period of time. During your dog's recovery, use puppy pads or VetBed as your dog's main bedding materials. These wick away urine and will help keep your dog dry if it wets the bed. Change any soiled or wet bedding as soon as possible. Laying on damp bedding can damage your pet's skin and cause a rash to develop. If your dog does develop sores that seem painful or inflamed, have your veterinarian take a look. They can determine whether the sores are infected and prescribe antibiotics to relieve the infection. Take your dog for follow-up vet appointments. Depending on your dog's overall condition, your veterinarian may want to check its progress as often as once a week. An appointment for follow-up x-rays 4 to 6 weeks after the injury is common. In between appointments, keep in contact with your veterinarian's office to provide updates on your dog's condition. Your veterinarian may alter your dog's care plan based on its condition and how well the pelvis fracture is healing. Maintain a daily routine throughout your dog's crate rest. With a strict daily routine, your dog will know what to expect during the day. The structure helps calm your dog so it can recover faster. At least during the first week of crate rest, you should remain home with your dog if at all possible. Plan meals and toilet breaks at the same time each day. Include 2 or 3 sessions of "quality time" with your dog, as well as 1 or 2 sessions of "quiet time." Flex and extend the joints in your dog's rear legs. Spend about 5 minutes 2 to 3 times a day gently flexing and extending all of your dog's joints from the toes to the hip. These passive range-of-motion exercises help your dog retain mobility while confined, and keep it from losing too much muscle mass. Your veterinarian may give you a demonstration of exercises for your dog. It's a good idea to do the exercises yourself while the vet looks on, so they can correct anything you're not doing properly. Generally, your movements should be slow and gentle. Don't attempt to flex and extend your dog's joints if it appears to cause your dog pain. Use gentle massage to stimulate blood flow. While your dog is relaxed, press against the skin on its haunches and down its back legs with long, sweeping motions. Gradually increase the pressure, but avoid pressing down directly on any bones or joints. Continue massaging your dog for 3 to 5 minutes. Massage your dog 2 to 3 times a day, or as often as your veterinarian recommends. Using massage both before and after range-of-motion exercises will make the exercises easier and keep your dog from getting cramps or additional stiffness. Massage and passive range-of-motion exercises are particularly important during the first 2 weeks your dog is on cage rest, when it won't be moving around much if at all. Apply heating pads to reduce stiffness and relieve pain. You can use a regular human heating pad if you have one. Place a towel between the heating pad and your dog's skin so you don't burn your dog. Leave the heating pad on your dog for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time, or until your dog's skin feels warm to the touch. The heating pad itself should be warm, not hot. If your dog shows any signs of pain or discomfort, remove the heating pad immediately and talk to your veterinarian. Placing a heating pad on your dog's haunches or rear legs can increase blood flow and reduce inflammation in your dog's muscles. | Use a crate that's large enough for your dog to stretch out. Pad the bottom of the crate with blankets and towels. Provide toys and bones to engage your dog. Rest your pet for at least 6 weeks total. Restrict your pet's movement for the first 2 weeks. Carry your dog outside to relieve itself in the first weeks. Take your dog for short walks after 4 weeks. Return your dog to physical activity slowly. Give your pet medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. Monitor your dog's mood and behavior carefully. Check your dog and its bedding twice a day for dryness and cleanliness. Take your dog for follow-up vet appointments. Maintain a daily routine throughout your dog's crate rest. Flex and extend the joints in your dog's rear legs. Use gentle massage to stimulate blood flow. Apply heating pads to reduce stiffness and relieve pain. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Shut-Off-a-Car-Alarm-That-Won%27t-Quit | How to Shut Off a Car Alarm That Won't Quit | To shut off a car alarm that won't quit, use your key to lock and unlock the driver's side door so the alarm stops. Alternatively, stand close to the car and press the lock button on your key fob, followed by the unlock button. You can also try to start the car by turning on the ignition, since the alarm is designed to prevent theft by someone without a key. However, be aware that some aftermarket alarms may not allow you to start the car once the alarm goes off. | Use the key to lock and unlock the driver’s side door. Many factory car alarms are designed to turn off when in proximity to the appropriate key or key fob. You may be able to shut your car alarm down simply by inserting your key into the lock on the driver's side door, locking it, and unlocking it again. Because the car is being unlocked by the appropriate key, it may send a signal to the alarm that it can shut down. While the passenger side door may work, it is more likely it will work on the driver's side. If the door is already locked, simply unlock it. If the alarm doesn't stop, try locking it an unlocking it again. Use the key fob to lock and unlock the door. Using a similar methodology to the key method, unlocking the vehicle's doors with the key fob will also shut down many factory car alarms. When standing close enough to the vehicle for your key fob to reach, press the lock button followed by the unlock button. Many car alarms will shut down when the car doors are unlocked by the keys or appropriate key fob. If the door locks do not respond, the batteries may be dead in the key fob. Replace the batteries and try again. If the doors unlock and the alarm continues to go off, there may be a specific way to turn off the alarm for the aftermarket model you may have. If it has a "switch" turn it to the "on" position. Hold the black button down and press the gas pedal at the same time while the key turned to the on position in the ignition. Hold until you hear fast beeps indicating the alarm has been reset. Make sure you haven’t hit the panic button. Most key fobs have an orange or yellow button on them commonly referred to as a “panic button.” This button activates something very similar to a car alarm. The horn will honk and the lights will flash. If you accidentally hit the panic button, it may continue until you press the button again. In some cars, you may be able to shut down the panic mode by starting the car and driving it. Most panic alarms will shut off on their own after a certain amount of time. The panic alarm may not shut off when you start the car, but will if you begin to drive. Start the car. Your alarm is designed to prevent your vehicle from being stolen by someone without a key, so starting the car with the ignition key is often sufficient to power down your car alarm. Unlock the door and enter your vehicle. Insert the key and turn it to “ACC” (accessories). If the alarm persists, attempt to start the car. Remember that some aftermarket alarms may not allow you to start the car with the alarm sounding, even with the key. Turning the key in the ignition should reset the alarm, but that may not always be the case. Read the owner’s manual. Standing next to a car with a blaring alarm may not strike you as the best time to do some light reading, but your vehicle's owner's manual can likely provide you with important information about shutting off your car alarm. If you are unable to shut the alarm off with your keys or key fob, check the owner's manual for instructions on what to do. Every auto maker uses different car alarms, so some may require a specific action be taken before the alarm will shut down. You may need to repeat an action a certain number of times to reset the computer, such as locking and unlocking the door. Locate the appropriate fuse box. Most modern vehicles have more than one fuse box located throughout the vehicle for various electronic components. Use the vehicle's owner's manual to identify the box with the fuse powering your factory car alarm. The fuse box may be located in the engine bay or the cabin of the car. If it is located in the cabin, you may need to remove some trim pieces to be able to access it. Be careful when removing plastic trim pieces of your interior, as they may be brittle and prone to breaking. Place trim pieces off to the side to ensure you don't step or sit on them as you work. Identify the fuse for the car alarm. Many fuse boxes will have a diagram on the underside of the fuse box cover. If there isn't one there, check in the vehicle's owner's manual as well. Identify the fuse in the diagram that powers the car alarm, then locate its corresponding fuse in your vehicle. If you do not have a diagram on the cover or in the manual, you will need to utilize the “guess and check” method of locating the fuse for the alarm in the next step. You may be able to locate a diagram of your fuse box online if you don't have one available to you. The fuse box diagram will be in your vehicle's repair manual if you have one. Remove the fuse with pliers. Once you have located the correct fuse, use a pair of needle nose pliers or plastic tweezers designed to remove automotive fuses to pull the fuse out of its location in the fuse box. The alarm should power down immediately with the fuse removed. If you were unable to identify which was the correct fuse using a diagram, remove and replace fuses one at a time until you remove the one that makes the alarm stop. The alarm will shut off immediately when you remove the correct fuse. Some aftermarket car alarms may not have a fuse in the fuse box. Replace the fuse and see if it starts again. Use the pliers or tweezers to slide the fuse back into place once the alarm has shut off. The alarm should be reset and should not turn back on once the fuse has been reinserted into the fuse box. If the alarm reactivates as you slide the fuse back into place, it means the alarm is not functioning properly. If the alarm comes back on, you will likely need to take the vehicle to be repaired by a professional. If the alarm comes back on a few minutes after you reinsert the fuse, something must be setting it off, such as a faulty key fob or an issue with the electronic control unit of the vehicle. Put on the appropriate safety gear. Before doing any work on your vehicle, you should always make sure to put on the appropriate safety gear. Because there is a risk of sparks when working with an automotive battery, wear safety glasses or another form of eye protection before attempting to disconnect it. You may also want to wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat of the engine bay as well as from pinches and cuts. Always wear eye protection when working on your vehicle, especially when dealing with electrical components. Gloves can protect your hands from pinches, scrapes and the heat of the engine bay. Locate the battery. You can usually find the battery for your vehicle under the hood in the engine compartment, but some automakers opt to put their batteries in the trunk to save space or improve weight distribution. When a battery is in the trunk of a vehicle, it is often under a carpeted piece of wood separating it from the trunk compartment and may be located alongside your spare tire. If you are having difficult locating your battery, refer to your owner's manual to help you find it. There may be a protective cover over your battery in the engine bay that you may need to remove in order to find it. Disconnect the ground wire from the negative terminal. You can identify the negative terminal by following the thick black cable connecting it to the body of the car or by looking for the letters “NEG” or the symbol (-) above one of the two battery terminals. Using a wrench or pair of pliers, loosen the nut holding the black ground cable to the negative terminal on the battery. You will not need to remove the nut completely, just loosen it enough to be able to slide the cable off of the terminal. The alarm, as well as everything else electronic in the vehicle, should shut off immediately. Tuck the ground cable alongside the battery to ensure it can't accidentally come back into contact with the negative terminal. You will not need to remove the positive cable from the battery. Disconnect any alarm backup batteries. Some aftermarket car alarms come equipped with a small backup battery that will keep the alarm functioning after the battery for your car has been disconnected. These batteries are not designed to power the alarm, horns and lights for long. Their primary role is to keep the alarm in working condition while you work on your vehicle so you don't have to reset anything when reconnecting your primary vehicle battery. Refer to the user manual for the alarm system, or owner's manual for the vehicle for factory installed backup batteries, to locate and disconnect the backup battery as well. Most factory alarms do not come equipped with a backup battery. If you are unable to locate the backup battery, it will eventually die if disconnected from the primary battery for too long. Wait for the computer to reset. Depending on the vehicle, the amount of time required for the computer to reset can vary widely. You may want to leave the vehicle disconnected for up to an hour to ensure the alarm and the vehicle's ECU (Electronic Control Unit) have both been forced to reset due to a lack of power. Forcing your vehicle's computer to reset will also result in losing your radio station pre-sets and having to reset the clock in your vehicle. Reconnect the battery. After waiting an hour or so, reconnect the ground cable to the negative terminal on the battery. Tighten the nut that secures the cable to the terminal and check it to make sure it can't jiggle loose. If the cable were to become disconnected while you were driving, it would shut the car off. The alarm should not go off when you reconnect the battery. If it does, you will need to have your vehicle repaired by a professional. Ensure the battery cables are secure and replace any covers you may have removed to gain access to the battery. Start the car to make sure there are no further issues. | Use the key to lock and unlock the driver’s side door. Use the key fob to lock and unlock the door. Make sure you haven’t hit the panic button. Start the car. Read the owner’s manual. Locate the appropriate fuse box. Identify the fuse for the car alarm. Remove the fuse with pliers. Replace the fuse and see if it starts again. Put on the appropriate safety gear. Locate the battery. Disconnect the ground wire from the negative terminal. Disconnect any alarm backup batteries. Wait for the computer to reset. Reconnect the battery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Symptoms-of-Sleep-Apnea | How to Recognize Symptoms of Sleep Apnea | If you think you might have sleep apnea, watch for common symptoms, like extreme drowsiness after a full night of sleep, concentration problems, moodiness, and morning headaches. To check for nighttime signs of sleep apnea, try recording yourself sleeping with a video or audio recorder and listen for symptoms like loud snoring, as well as any choking, gasping, or wheezing. If you have sleep apnea, visit your doctor to be evaluated for a final diagnosis. Your doctor may prescribe a continuous positive airway pressure device for you to wear at night to help regulate your breathing while you sleep. | Monitor your sleep. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, you will want to monitor your sleep for symptoms. A professional sleep study is the main method of determining if your have sleep apnea, but telling your doctor about the symptoms you have will also help your doctor make a diagnosis. Ask your sleeping partner to provide feedback on your sleeping patterns, especially if your behavior is interrupting your partner's sleep. If you sleep alone, record yourself sleeping with a video or audio recorder or keep a sleep diary so you can record the hours you spend in bed, any awakenings during the night, and how you feel in the morning. Consider the volume of your snoring. Loud snoring is one of the main symptoms of sleep apnea, especially the obstructive kind (which occurs when the muscles in your throat relax too much). You have loud snoring if it disturbs the sleep of those who share a room or a home with you. Loud snoring will cause you to suffer from extreme fatigue and sleepiness during the day, whereas normal snoring won't affect your daytime health. Consider how often you wake up during the night. People with sleep apnea often wake up suddenly due to shortness of breath. Upon waking, they may also choke, snort, or gasp. You may not even be aware of some of these symptoms while you sleep, but waking up feeling out of breath is a strong indicator that you have sleep apnea. Consider how you feel during the day. People with sleep apnea suffer from extreme lack of energy, drowsiness, or sleepiness during the day regardless of the time spent in bed. Sufferers of sleep apnea may even fall asleep while performing important tasks such as working or driving. Consider how often you wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat. It is common for sufferers of sleep apnea to wake up with a sore throat or dry mouth as a result of their snoring. If you frequently wake up with a dry mouth and/or sore throat, then that might be a sign of sleep apnea. Consider how often you experience headaches upon waking up. Morning headaches are common in people who suffer from sleep apnea. If you notice that you often wake up with a headache, you might have sleep apnea. Consider how often you suffer from insomnia. People who suffer from sleep apnea often have trouble staying asleep or sleeping at all. If you have a hard time getting to sleep or staying asleep, then this might be a sign of sleep apnea. Consider how mentally well you feel during the day. It is common for sufferers of sleep apnea to experience forgetfulness, concentration problems, and moodiness. If you frequently experience one or more of these issues, then this might also be a symptom of sleep apnea. Visit a doctor if you think you have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause serious health problems, so it is important to get a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible. If your doctor suspects that you have sleep apnea, she will order a sleep study or polysomnogram to make a final diagnosis. The sleep study may be done in a sleep lab for complicated cases or at home for simpler cases. During a sleep study, you will be connected to monitoring devices that will record the activity of your muscles, brain, lungs, and heart while you sleep. Consider your age and gender. Men are more likely to have sleep apnea than women. The risk for both sexes increases as you age. People over the age of 65 or women past menopause are more likely to have sleep apnea. Your risk of developing central sleep apnea, in which the brain fails to signal your breathing muscles to work, increases once you are in middle age. A family history of sleep apnea also increases your risk, especially of obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type. African American and Hispanic men may be more at risk of developing sleep apnea. Take your weight into account. Being overweight or obese can raise your risk of having sleep apnea. People who are obese are four times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea -- about half of the people with obstructive sleep apnea are overweight. People with thicker necks are also at increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea. For men, having a neck circumference of 17 inches (43 cm) or more increases your risk. Risk increases for women with a neck circumference of 15 inches (38 cm) or more. Consider any medical conditions you have. The risk of sleep apnea is higher for people with certain other medical conditions. Risk of sleep apnea is linked to the following conditions: Diabetes Metabolic syndrome Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Stroke or heart disease High blood pressure (hypertension) Congestive heart failure Pregnancy Chronic nasal congestion Pulmonary fibrosis Acromegaly (high levels of growth hormone) Hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone) Small lower jaw or narrow airways Use of narcotic pain medications Take note of smoking. Smokers are three times more likely than non-smokers to develop obstructive sleep apnea. Smoking negatively affects your entire body's health, so talk to your doctor about quitting as soon as you can. Smoking e-cigarettes increases airway resistance, which makes it harder to breathe. Using e-cigarettes, or "vaping," will also increase your risk of sleep apnea. Consider your child's risk. Children may also experience sleep apnea. Like adults, children who are overweight are at increased risk of sleep apnea. Children may also have enlarged tonsils, which raises the risk of children experiencing sleep apnea. Enlarged tonsils may result from infections. Tonsil enlargement may not produce any symptoms, or it may cause a sore throat, trouble breathing, snoring, or recurring ear or sinus infections. Start with your GP. Your regular doctor will be able to get you started. First, they will probably want to look at your risk factors – blood pressure, weight, snoring, daytime sleepiness, and others. Your doctor can then initiate a sleep study. Your doctor may well have you do a home sleep study before referring you to a sleep specialist. This is done with special equipment at your home. Some insurance companies also require it as a first step. Follow your doctor's instruction if you do a home sleep test. This might include not napping, not consuming caffeine, and following your normal routine as much as possible. If a home test is abnormal, then you'll need to move to the next steps of seeing a specialist or getting a hospital sleep evaluation. Get a referral or choose a specialist. It is important that you find the right kind of specialist, and because of the seriousness of this disorder, make it a priority. A certified pulmonologist is the best doctor to see to test for sleep apnea, confirm a diagnosis and be treated by if you are diagnosed. Your GP should be able to refer you to a suitable specialist. You might also search WebMD or the internet in general to find a local pulmonologist or Sleep Unit, and review their profile to verify credentials and whether they specialize in testing for and treating sleep apnea. Schedule an initial consultation once you've found a doctor. In this first appointment, the doctor will ask specific questions that will help identify if you experience any of the major symptoms. Almost certainly, the doctor will then set you up for a sleep study test and explain in detail what the sleep study is, how it is performed, what it will specifically be testing, and how to prepare for the sleep study. Try taking notes during your appointment if you wish, or ask if there are leaflets you can take away with you to make sure you are completely prepared. Make sure you do not miss your scheduled sleep study. You will be spending the night in a specialized medical center that has several rooms designed for comfort and tailored to make you feel like you're at home. Normally, you will be scheduled to report to the center in the evening of the study near a certain time for paperwork and the study and will be woken around 6 A.M the next morning. These are the general hours, with the goal that you get at least 6 hours of sleep, and cycle through 3 - 6 REM periods. When you've been awakened, you'll be sent home with a follow-up appointment scheduled before you leave. At the follow-up appointment, the doctor will inform you if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or not, and go over the results of the tests performed during the sleep study. The staff will all be professional and respectful. You don't need to worry about doing anything embarrassing in your sleep. They want you to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Start immediate treatment and plan for the future. If the sleep study confirms you have sleep apnea, the doctor will document the diagnosis, and you will have your official record of a positive diagnosis of sleep apnea. Follow your doctor's instructions for treating your sleep apnea. Your doctor may prescribe either a continuous positive airway pressure or bilevel positive airway pressure (CPAP or BiPAP), device to help regulate your breathing. You will need to wear this device every night to help regulate your breathing while you sleep. Your doctor may also make other recommendations about your lifestyle that may eliminate or at least lessen the symptoms of your sleep apnea. It is very important that you follow the instructions and use the CPAP or BiPAP machine every night or at least five nights out of the week. The C-PAP is not only to help treat your diagnosis, but to ease the symptoms and suffering caused by this serious condition. It is vitally important not to ignore symptoms of sleep apnea and seek confirmation and treatment. If left untreated, the symptoms become worse, and the risk of developing additional serious physical ailments increase, and the higher the chances of putting your physical health and well-being at risk. If left untreated long enough, it can be even be fatal. Be assured that sleep apnea is easily treatable, and with proper diet and exercise in addition to the disciplined use of the CPAP machine, your symptoms and suffering will begin to lesson, more and more. Within a year, it is very possible you may be symptom-free and healed of the disorder. Your doctor will re-test you at the end of the treatment period to determine if the disorder is still present, and the majority of cases where treatment was followed consistently, the test will confirm you no longer suffer from sleep apnea. Lose weight if you are overweight. Since excess weight may be the cause of your sleep apnea, losing even a little weight may help to treat your sleep apnea. Make sure that you seek your doctor's advice before beginning a weight loss program and follow your doctor's recommendations for healthy weight loss. Exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. Obstructive sleep apnea symptoms may improve by getting 30 minutes of moderate activity each day. Try walking at a comfortable pace for 30 minutes per day to start and slowly increase your activity level as tolerated. Decrease alcohol, sleeping pills, and sedative intake. These chemicals interfere with your breathing patterns by relaxing your throat. By decreasing or eliminating your intake of these chemicals, you may see an improvement in your sleep apnea symptoms. Make sure that you talk to your doctor before stopping any prescription medications. Quit smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking increases fluid retention in your throat and upper airways and increases inflammation in the same areas. These effects can make obstructive sleep apnea much worse. Talk to your doctor to get help as well as information on smoking cessation programs in your area. Sleep on your side or stomach instead of sleeping on your back. Sleeping on your side or stomach will lessen or eliminate the symptoms of sleep apnea. When you sleep on your back, your tongue and soft palate are more likely to block your airway and cause sleep apneas. Try placing pillows behind you or sew a tennis ball into the back of your pajama top to prevent yourself from rolling over onto your back. Talk to your doctor about nasal sprays and allergy medicines. For some people, using a nasal spray or allergy medicine can help keep your nasal passages open at night, allowing you breathe more easily. Talk with your doctor about whether this is a good option for you. | Monitor your sleep. Consider the volume of your snoring. Consider how often you wake up during the night. Consider how you feel during the day. Consider how often you wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat. Consider how often you experience headaches upon waking up. Consider how often you suffer from insomnia. Consider how mentally well you feel during the day. Visit a doctor if you think you have sleep apnea. Consider your age and gender. Take your weight into account. Consider any medical conditions you have. Take note of smoking. Consider your child's risk. Start with your GP. Get a referral or choose a specialist. Schedule an initial consultation once you've found a doctor. Make sure you do not miss your scheduled sleep study. Start immediate treatment and plan for the future. Lose weight if you are overweight. Exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. Decrease alcohol, sleeping pills, and sedative intake. Quit smoking if you are a smoker. Sleep on your side or stomach instead of sleeping on your back. Talk to your doctor about nasal sprays and allergy medicines. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Flatten-Chicken | How to Flatten Chicken | To flatten out a chicken breast, cut the chicken in half horizontally. You can either cut all the way through to make 2 pieces, or you can cut almost all the way through and lay the chicken out flat. Place the chicken between 2 sheets of wax paper, then pound the chicken lightly with a meat mallet. Start in the center of the chicken breast and work your way out to the sides. Make sure the chicken is the same thickness all the way across to ensure it cooks evenly. | Cut thick chicken breasts. If you are working with especially thick breasts, it will make your job easier if you cut them before flattening them. Using a sharp knife, cut them horizontally. You can cut it all the way through, leaving you with two separate pieces, or you can cut it almost all the way through and then open it like a book. Place the thawed chicken breast between wax paper or plastic wrap. Lay down one layer of wax paper or plastic wrap on top of a large cutting board. Place the chicken breast on the wax paper. Then, cover it with another layer of wax paper or plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can place the chicken in a plastic bag, as long as you ensure that there is no air in the bag, and there is enough extra space for the chicken to flatten out. Many chefs prefer moistening their wax paper or plastic wrap with water to ensure that the chicken doesn't stick too much. Pound the chicken with a meat mallet. Pound lightly in the center, making sure to use enough force to flatten the chicken. Then, move out to the sides of the breast, making sure the entire breast is even. If you don't have a meat mallet, you can pound the breast with a rolling pin. Remove the top layer of wax paper. Once your chicken feels flat enough for whatever recipe you are following, or whatever dish you are preparing, remove the top layer of paper or plastic wrap. Double check that it is even. Then, you can begin spreading filling on the top, transfer it to a dish with a spatula, or whatever else your recipe calls for. If your chicken breast is uneven or not flat enough, simply place the wax paper or plastic wrap back on it and pound out the uneven spots. Lay the whole chicken on your cutting board. Place it breast side down. If possible, choose a plastic cutting board over a wooden cutting board. Plastic cutting boards are preferable to wooden cutting boards, because they can be washed at high temperatures in a dishwasher to remove bacteria. Remove the backbone. First, locate the backbone, which runs straight down the chicken. Then, you can use either a sharp knife or kitchen shears to begin cutting it. Cut parallel to the backbone on both sides. Cut along the length of the backbone from the next to the tail, until you can remove the backbone entirely. Spread open the chicken. This part can be a bit tricky, and don't be afraid to really get messy, and get in there. Pull the two sides of the chicken apart, so that you can see underneath the breast of the chicken. Look for a small white piece of gristle at the top portion of the chicken. Cut through it, and then cut gently down that line to the tail of the chicken. Remove the keel bone. Insert your index and middle finger until you find can feel it between your fingers, between the two breasts. Dig your fingers down each side of the keel bone and pull it away from the skin. Remove the keel bone. Open the chicken. Once you've removed the keel bone, you can bend that chicken and flatten it out for baking, grilling, or whatever else you have in mind. If you desire, you can cut the chicken in half, or cook it whole Place your chicken on a cutting board. You need to place your whole chicken breast side down, with its legs towards you. Spatchcocking is an alternate method to flatten a whole chicken, making it simple for barbecuing a chicken or baking it in the oven quickly. Cut along either side of the parson's nose. The parson's nose is the fleshy bit that pokes out of the end of the chicken, between the legs facing you. Using your kitchen shears, cut down the chicken in two lines on either side. It's important to use sharp shears, because you will be cutting through rib bones as you do this. Go down either side of the parson's nose, until you reach the other side of the chicken. Remove the strip you've just cut. Flip your chicken over and flatten it with your hand. Now that you've removed that strip, you can open your chicken up. Lay it flat on your cutting board, and use the heel of your hand to press down. By doing this, you'll ensure the chicken cooks more evenly. There is no exact science to this – simply press down firmly on all parts of the chicken until it's relatively the same thickness throughout. Pierce your chicken with skewers to hold its shape. By poking skewers through your flattened chicken, you will help keep it flat throughout the cooking process. Use two skewers, threading them through breast and thigh meat. When you're finished, they should form an "X" shape, piercing enough meat to hold that flattened shape. Now, you're ready to cook your chicken. | Cut thick chicken breasts. Place the thawed chicken breast between wax paper or plastic wrap. Pound the chicken with a meat mallet. Remove the top layer of wax paper. Lay the whole chicken on your cutting board. Remove the backbone. Spread open the chicken. Remove the keel bone. Open the chicken. Place your chicken on a cutting board. Cut along either side of the parson's nose. Flip your chicken over and flatten it with your hand. Pierce your chicken with skewers to hold its shape. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Bathroom-Cabinets | How to Paint Bathroom Cabinets | To paint bathroom cabinets, start by removing the doors and hardware. Then, lightly sand the cabinets with high-grit sandpaper, which will help the paint adhere to them. Next, apply a thin coat of primer to all of the surfaces you plan on painting, and let it dry completely. Once the primer is dry, apply multiple coats of satin or semi-gloss paint to the cabinets, letting the paint dry in between coats. Finally, put the doors and hardware back on the cabinets. | Clean the cabinets first. Before you sand, prime, or paint, you need to thoroughly clean the cabinets. Put on gloves and mix trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water according to the instructions on the box. Dip a sponge in the solution, wring it out, and wipe down each cabinet. Then, wipe down each cabinet with a clean cloth to remove any residue. Be sure to clean the inside and outside of each cabinet. Remove all doors and hardware. Before you get started, take off the cabinet doors, pull out drawers and pop off false drawer plates. You'll also want to unscrew any handles, pulls, stops or hinges that might get in the way while you're painting. This way, you'll be able to work without obstructions. Keep everything together in one place to avoid losing important pieces. Labeling the individual bits of hardware or placing them in separate plastic bags can make it easier to keep track of everything. If you'd also like to use this project as a chance to install new hardware, this would be an opportune time. Sand the cabinets to remove existing paint. Go over the outside of the doors, panels and baseboards with a high-grit sandpaper. There's no need to remove every trace of paint or lacquer—you just want to make the cabinet's outer surfaces coarse enough for the primer to cling to. Work out any rough edges or irregularities and aim for a smooth finish. Put on gloves and eye protection before sanding. Sand using smooth, circular motions, moving outward as you progress. Run the sandpaper straight along edges and narrow panels. Don't forget to get inside corners and along the inner edges of the cabinet doors. Use a Shop-Vac to deal with the dust and debris when you're done. Brush on a coat of primer. Apply a basic primer to the areas you plan on painting. One thin, even coat should do the job. Primer will be useful for protecting the cabinet's underlying materials and getting the paint to hold better. Primers should be specially formulated for use with the type of paint you're working with. Water-based primers, for example, should be used only with water-based paints. Lightly sand dry primer to make the painting surface more uniform. Put down painter’s tape. Use a few strips of painter's tape to mask the underside and inner edges of the cabinets, including the area where the cabinet meets the wall. Mask the countertops as well. Make sure the tape is straight and even to avoid glaring mistakes. Painter's tape will allow you to establish exact boundaries for your paint job and cover areas that you want to keep clear. Wider tape will give you a greater margin of error and can be useful for painting near walls and trim. If you'd prefer not to remove your cabinet doors prior to painting, fold a piece of painter's tape over the hinges to keep paint from getting on them. If your bathroom is small, consider painting the drawers and cabinet doors in another space that has better ventilation. Mix the paint. Make sure your paint is thoroughly blended and free of clumps or separation. You can do this with an electric drill with a paint paddle attachment if the paint has been sitting in storage for a while, or simply give it a stir if you're just bringing it home. The better the paint is mixed, the smoother coverage it will create. Oil based paints may separate more than other varieties. Do your blending outside and set down a few sheets of newspaper or cardboard to protect from splatters. Apply the base coat. Paint cracks, crevices and other hard to reach spaces first, using a brush to give you greater control. Afterwards, go over flat, broad surfaces using a dense foam roller. Let the initial coat set up for a couple of hours before applying subsequent coats. Don't worry too much about making the first coat flawless. You can cover up any visible imperfections with later coats. Paint additional coats as needed. Most cabinets will require two to three coats for a seamless finish. For the final coat, use a steady hand and a consistent brushing pattern. Watch out for drips, as these can permanently settle into the complete finish once it dries. When you're done, the your cabinets should have a rich, uniform appearance. Use your best judgment after applying the base coat to decide how many follow-up coats will be necessary. Many new types of paint are self-leveling, which means they won't run or clot as easily. Working with these paints can save you a lot of frustration in achieving the perfect finish, as well as additional mess during cleanup. Allow the paint to dry completely. The paint will dry to the touch within 24-48 hours, though it may take up to a week for it to harden to the point that it becomes resistant to scuffs and other marks. Leave the doors open to provide air flow. Keep small children and pets away from wet paint as it dries. Leaving the fan running in the bathroom may help the paint set up at a faster rate. Replace the doors and hardware. Once the cabinets are dry, reassemble the doors, put all hardware back into place and enjoy the newfound beauty and relaxation of your bathroom! Make sure the paint dries completely before installing the hardware or it will adhere to the paint. Use a satin or semi-gloss paint. Most experts recommend choosing a paint with a smooth, creamy consistency, rather than one with a lot of luster or texture. This will make your cabinets easier to clean. It can also help diffuse the lighting in your bathroom and create a soft, warm atmosphere. Silky finishes also tend to last longer, as they don't lose as much shine as time goes on. Smooth paints are easy to clean and resistant to mildew buildup, which will be a plus for humid bathrooms where bathing is done. A single gallon of paint should be more than enough to redesign your bathroom and still have some left over for future projects. Go with what you like. When picking out paint for your bathroom, listen to your gut and get as creative as you please. Now is your chance to reimagine the room with a beachy aesthetic complete with a seafoam green vanity, or lend it a peaceful springtime glow using lavender or other pastels. Feel free to explore new, daring ideas. To make your home more cohesive, consider matching the color of the bathroom cabinets to the cabinets in other bathrooms or to your kitchen cabinets. Compare samples until you find a paint that really stands out to you. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors in order to find the right one. If it doesn't come out the way you want, all you have to do is repaint. Change the ambiance of the room. If you've traditionally had light or dark cabinets in your bathroom, switch things up and reverse the appearance of the room. Redo dark shades or wood stains in a light cream finish, or paint over plain white surfaces with sleek, attractive colors like gunmetal or hunter green. Taking your bathroom's color scheme in the opposite direction will make it look and feel like a whole new room. Lighter shades will be good for country-style homes and bathrooms with large windows, and for making small half baths look roomier. Dark colors can be used to establish a relaxing spa-like atmosphere, especially when paired with natural hues and materials. Complement new fixtures and decorations. Choose a paint that suits the rest of the decor in the bathroom. For instance, you could bring out the ruddy hues of a brass faucet with teal or rustic red paint, or use navy or charcoal gray to highlight the polished shine of chrome hardware. Look at the entire room as a whole and go with colors and finishes that look natural and tasteful together. Neutral colors will go with the widest range of accessories. Bright colors should be chosen carefully so as not to clash with ornamental fixtures that attract a lot of attention. | Clean the cabinets first. Remove all doors and hardware. Sand the cabinets to remove existing paint. Brush on a coat of primer. Put down painter’s tape. Mix the paint. Apply the base coat. Paint additional coats as needed. Allow the paint to dry completely. Replace the doors and hardware. Use a satin or semi-gloss paint. Go with what you like. Change the ambiance of the room. Complement new fixtures and decorations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Paragraph | How to Write a Paragraph | To write a great paragraph, start with a topic sentence that states the subject and main idea. In the next 3-5 sentences, present evidence, like facts, examples, or even short anecdotes, to back up your main idea. Use transition phrases, like “in addition to,” or “however,” to help your paragraph flow well. Finish the paragraph with a concluding sentence that reinforces the main idea, briefly sums up the evidence, and hints at the ideas to come in the next paragraph. | Decide what the main topic of the paragraph is going to be. Before you begin writing your paragraph, you must have a clear idea of what the paragraph is going to be about. This is because a paragraph is essentially a collection of sentences that all relate to one central topic. Without a definite idea of what the main topic is, your paragraph will lack focus and unity. In order to pin down the exact topic of your paragraph, you should ask yourself a number of questions: What is the prompt I have been given? If you are writing a paragraph as a response or answer to a particular prompt, such as "You have decided to donate money to charity. Which charity do you choose and why?" or "Describe your favorite day of the week," you will need to think carefully about that prompt and make sure you are directly addressing it, rather than going off topic. What are the main ideas or issues that I need to address? Think about the topic you are being asked or have decided to write about and consider what the most relevant ideas or issues relating to that topic are. As paragraphs are usually relatively short, it is important that you try to hit on all of the main ideas, without going off topic. Who am I writing for? Think about who the intended readership of this paragraph or paper is going to be. What is their prior knowledge? Are they familiar with the topic at hand, or will it require a number of explanatory sentences? If your paragraphs are part of a larger essay, writing an essay outline can help you define the major ideas or goals of each paragraph. Write down information and ideas relating to that topic. Once you have a clearer idea of what you want to address in your paragraph, you can start organizing your thoughts by writing down your ideas on a notepad or word document. There's no need to write out full sentences just yet, just jot down some key words and phrases. Once you see everything on paper, you may get a clearer idea of which points are essential to include in your paragraph, and which points are superfluous. At this point, you may realize that there's a gap in your knowledge and that it will be necessary to look up some facts and figures to support your argument. It's a good idea to do this research now, so you will have all the relevant information easily at hand when it comes to the writing stage. Figure out how you want to structure your paragraph. Now that all of your thoughts, ideas, facts and figures are laid out clearly in front of you, you can start to think about how you want to structure your paragraph. Consider each of the points you wish to address and try to arrange them in a logical order - this will make your paragraph more coherent and easier to read. This new order may be chronological, may put the most important information first, or may just make the paragraph easier and more interesting to read - it all depends on the topic and style of the paragraph you wish to write. Once you have decided where you want everything to go, you can rewrite your points according to this new structure - this will help to make the writing process a lot faster and more straightforward. Write a topic sentence. The first sentence of your paragraph needs to be the topic sentence. A topic sentence is an introductory line that addresses what the main idea or thesis of the paragraph is going to be. It should contain the most important and relevant point you wish to make regarding your topic, thus summarizing the paragraph as a whole. Don't: use an obvious fact as your topic sentence. Do: feel free to start with a vague idea if you feel stuck, and improve it once you've finished the paragraph. Every other sentence you write should support the topic sentence and provide further detail and discussion of the issues or ideas it raises. If any sentence you write cannot be directly related to the topic sentence, it should not be included in this particular paragraph. More experienced writers can include their topic sentence at any point in the paragraph; it doesn't necessarily need to be the first line. However, writers who are new or less comfortable with paragraph writing should stick with having the topic sentence first, as it will help to guide you throughout the rest of the paragraph. Your topic sentence should not be too broad or too narrow. If your topic sentence is too broad you will not be able to discuss its ideas adequately in your paragraph. If it's too narrow, you won't have enough to discuss. Fill in the supporting details. Once you have written and are happy with your topic sentence, you can start to fill in the rest of your paragraph. This is where the detailed, well-structured notes you wrote earlier will come in handy. Make sure that your paragraph is coherent, which means that it is easy to read and understand, that each sentence connects with the next and that everything flows nicely as a whole. To achieve this, try to write clear, simple sentences that express exactly what you want to say. Link each sentence with transition words which form a bridge between one sentence and the next. Transition words can help you compare and contrast, show sequence, show cause and effect, highlight important ideas, and progress smoothly from one idea to the next. Such transition words include "furthermore", "in fact" and "in addition to". You can also use chronological transitions, such as "firstly", "secondly" and "thirdly". The supporting sentences are the meat of your paragraph, so you should fill them with as much evidence to support your topic sentence as possible. Depending on the topic, you can use facts, figures, statistics and examples or you can use stories, anecdotes and quotes. Anything goes, as long as it is relevant. In terms of length, three to five sentences will usually be enough to cover your main points and adequately support your topic sentence, but this will vary greatly depending on the topic and the length of the paper you are writing. There is no set length for a paragraph. It should be as long as it needs to be to adequately cover the main idea. Write a concluding sentence. The concluding sentence of your paragraph should tie everything together. A good concluding sentence will reinforce the idea outlined in your topic sentence, but now it has all the weight of the evidence or arguments contained in your supporting sentences behind it. After reading the concluding sentence, the reader should have no doubt as to the accuracy or relevance of the paragraph as a whole. Don't disagree with your own evidence: Despite these comments, the report was a failure. Do qualify the conclusion if it transitions to the next paragraph: These quotes prove the report had major support, but this does not mean it led to major change. Don't just reword the topic sentence. Your concluding sentence should acknowledge the discussion that has come before it and remind your reader of the relevance of this discussion. For example, in a paragraph dealing with the topic "Why is Canada a great place to live?" The concluding sentence might look something like "From all the evidence provided above, such as Canada's fantastic health care provisions, its top-notch education system and its clean, safe cities, we can conclude that Canada is indeed a great place to live." Know when to move on to a new paragraph. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell where one paragraph should end and another begin. Luckily, there are a number of guidelines you can follow which can make the decision to move on to a new paragraph an obvious one. The most basic guideline to follow is that every time you start to discuss a new idea, you should move on to a new paragraph. Paragraphs should never contain more than one central idea. If a given idea has multiple points or facets, then each individual aspect of the idea should be given its own paragraph. A new paragraph is also used each time you are contrasting two points or presenting each side of an argument. For example, if your topic is "should civil servants receive lower salaries?" one paragraph would deal with the arguments supporting lower pay for civil servants, while the other paragraph would provide arguments against it. Paragraphs make a piece of writing easier to comprehend and give readers a "break" between new ideas in order to digest what they have just read. If you feel that the paragraph you are writing is becoming too complex, or contains a series of complex points, you may want to think about splitting it up into individual paragraphs. When writing a paper, the introduction and conclusion should always be given their own paragraphs. The introductory paragraph should define the aim of the paper and what it hopes to achieve, while also giving a brief outline of the ideas and issues it will go on to discuss. The concluding paragraph provides a summary of the information and arguments contained in the paper and states in clear terms what the paper has shown and/or proven. It may also introduce a new idea, one that opens the reader's mind to the questions raised by the paper. If you're writing fiction, you need to start a new paragraph in dialogue to show a new speaker. Check your paragraph for spelling and grammar. Once you have finished writing, it is essential that you re-read your paragraph two or three times to check it for misspelled words and poor grammar. Spelling mistakes and bad grammar can significantly impact the perceived quality of your paragraph, even if the ideas and arguments it contains are of a high quality. It is very easy to overlook small mistakes when writing, so don't skip this step, even if you're in a rush. Ensure that each sentence has a subject and that all proper nouns are capitalized. Also make sure that all of the subjects and verbs agree with each other and that you use the same tense across the entire paragraph. Use a dictionary to double-check the spelling of words that you are unsure about, don't just assume that they are correct. Check your paragraph for the proper use of punctuation, making sure that you use marks such as commas, colons, semicolons and ellipses in the correct context. Check your paragraph for coherency and style. Not only should the technical aspects of your writing be spot on, but you should also try to achieve clarity in your writing, as well as stylistic flow. You can do this by varying the length and format of your sentences and by using transitional words and a varied vocabulary. Don't: use long words or "thesaurus finds" for their own sake. Do: use well-known synonyms to vary your writing rather than repeat the same word many times. The point of view of your writing should remain consistent throughout the paragraph, and indeed, the entire paper. For example, if you are writing in the first person (e.g., "I believe that...") you should not switch to a passive voice ("it is believed that") halfway through. However, you should also try to avoid beginning every sentence with "I think..." or "I contend that..." Try to vary the format of your sentences, as this will make the paragraph more interesting for the reader and help it to flow more naturally. For beginner writers, it is better to stick to short, to-the-point sentences which clearly express your point. Long, rambling sentences can very quickly become incoherent or fall victim to grammatical errors, so try to avoid them until you gain more experience as a writer. Decide if your paragraph is complete. Once you have re-read the paragraph and fixed any grammatical or stylistic errors, you should have one more glance over it to determine whether it is complete. Try to look at the paragraph objectively and decide whether it sufficiently supports and develops your topic sentence, or whether it needs a few more details or additional evidence to back up your claims. Don't: get bogged down in minor edits before you've finished your essay. Do: make sure your point is crystal clear before you move on. If you feel that the main claim of your topic sentence is sufficiently supported and well-developed by the contents of the rest of your paragraph, then your paragraph is probably complete. However, if any important aspect of the topic remains unexplored or unexplained or if the paragraph is shorter than three sentences, it probably needs a little more work. On the other hand, you may decide that your paragraph is too long and contains superfluous or tangential content. If this is the case, you should edit the paragraph so it contains only the most relevant information. If you feel that all of the content is necessary to your point, but the paragraph is still too long, you should think about breaking it up into several smaller, more specific paragraphs. | Decide what the main topic of the paragraph is going to be. Write down information and ideas relating to that topic. Figure out how you want to structure your paragraph. Write a topic sentence. Fill in the supporting details. Write a concluding sentence. Know when to move on to a new paragraph. Check your paragraph for spelling and grammar. Check your paragraph for coherency and style. Decide if your paragraph is complete. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Basmati-Rice | How to Cook Basmati Rice | To cook basmati rice, soak the rice in a bowl with enough water to cover it. Swirl the rice and water for 1 minute to remove the starch, drain the water, then repeat these steps 2-4 times until the water is clear. Fill the bowl with water and rice again and soak for 30 minutes. Boil 1.75 cups of water with a teaspoon of salt, add the cup of rice, and return to a boil. Then lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes. Once removed from the heat, let the rice stand for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork, and enjoy! | Pour one cup of rice into a bowl. Use a measuring cup when dumping your rice into a bowl. Deviating from the quantity of ingredients will make your rice over or undercooked. If you want to make 2 or more cups of rice, maintain the same ratio of other ingredients. You typically want to keep a 1:1.5 or 1:2 ratio of rice to water. Fill the bowl with water to submerge your rice. Use your sink to fill your bowl up with water. Don't let it overflow or some rice may be lost. The water should just cover the surface of the rice. Swirl the rice around with a spoon for 1 minute. Swirling your rice will remove the starch from it, which is the traditional method used to cook basmati rice. The water in your bowl should now look murky and cloudy. Removing the starch will prevent your rice from being overly sticky, which is popular among Japanese and Korean dishes. Drain the water out of the bowl. You can use a colander or a fine-mesh sieve to drain your rice. Make sure that all the water is drained out and you're not letting rice fall into your sink. If you don't have a sieve or colander, you can tip your bowl on an angle to drain it. Make sure you aren't tipping the bowl too much or the rice may fall out. Repeat steps 2-4 until the water becomes clear instead of murky. Continue to wash your rice and drain it, until the water in the bowl ceases to be murky. This indicates that you've washed away the rice's starch and it can now attain a traditional basmati texture, once cooked. This process will usually take 3 to 4 times before your rice is free of excess starch. Fill up bowl again and let rice soak for 30 minutes. Allowing the grains to soak will expand them, adding to the texture of the rice. Another added benefit to soaking is that the expanded grains are capable of soaking up more sauce from your dishes. Add 1 3/4th cups of water inside of a deep saucepan or pot. If you are using 1 cup of rice, use anywhere from 1 ½ to 2 cups of water. Adding more water will make your rice more fluffy, while less water will make it taste tougher. Don't add too little water or your rice may not fully cook or come out burned. If you use more than one cup of rice, make sure to adjust the amount of water you're using. Add a teaspoon of salt to your water. Adding salt to your boiling water will season the grains of rice, and allow your water to boil at a higher temperature, and thus more thoroughly. Water typically boils 212 Degrees Fahrenheit, but when you add water it boils at 216 Degrees Fahrenheit. Adding salt after your rice is cooked could make it too salty. Place your pot on a stove top and bring your water to a boil. Set your stove to medium or high and wait until large bubbles break the surface of the water in your pot. Though it depends on the amount of heat your stove is able to produce, your water should boil in anywhere from 5-10 minutes. Add your cup of rice to the pot. While the water is boiling, add your rice to the pot of water. This should stop the pot from bubbling. Do not touch the heat settings on your stove. Make sure to not drop the rice from too high up, to avoid splashing boiling water on yourself. Stir rice until it comes back to a full boil. Using a wooden or heat safe spoon, stir your rice until the water starts to boil again. It should only take a couple of minutes for your water to return to a full boil. Turn your stove to low once the water starts boiling again. Once the water comes to a fierce boil again, lower your stove top settings to low. You should see the water in the pot simmer instead of large bubbles breaking the surface. Cover the pot and let rice cook for 15 minutes. Keep your stove's heat settings to low as you continue to cook your rice. These directions are for typical basmati rice and not special varieties of basmati like wholegrain basmati rice, which takes longer to cook. Do not uncover the lid on your pot, because you'll let the steam that's cooking your rice out. Do not stir the rice or it may become broken and mushy. Let stand for 5 minutes and fluff with fork before serving. Letting the rice stand for 5 minutes allows unfinished grains to fully cook, and the remainder of the water to evaporate. Afterwards, make sure to fluff it with a fork. Fluffing rice with a fork separates the grains so there are no large clumps and the rice maintains a fluffy and light texture. Fill a bowl with a 1:2 ratio of rice and water. In a single, microwaveable bowl, add one cup of rice, and two cups of water. If you want to make more rice, make sure to add more water at the same ratio. For example, for 2 cups of rice you'd use 4 cups of water, for 3 cups of rice, 6 cups of water. Make sure you have a big enough bowl. Place in microwave and cook for 6-7 minutes on high, uncovered. Amount of time you keep your rice in the microwave depends on its wattage. For a 750W microwave keep your rice cooking for 6 minutes. For a 650W microwave keep your rice in for 7 minutes. Cover bowl with microwavable plastic wrap, leaving a vent on the side. Covering your bowl with plastic wrap will steam it and completely cook it. Do not poke holes on the top of the plastic wrap. Make sure to use wrap that can be microwaved. Reduce microwave to medium (350W) and cook for another 15 minutes. Refer to your microwave's instruction manual to see how to reduce its settings to medium. Not reducing the settings could result in overcooked or burnt rice. Do not stir your rice at any time during the cooking process. Let stand for 5 minutes and fluff with fork before serving. Your rice should not be completely cooked. Fluff with your fork to break up the rice before serving it. Be careful when taking the bowl out of the microwave. It will be hot. | Pour one cup of rice into a bowl. Fill the bowl with water to submerge your rice. Swirl the rice around with a spoon for 1 minute. Drain the water out of the bowl. Repeat steps 2-4 until the water becomes clear instead of murky. Fill up bowl again and let rice soak for 30 minutes. Add 1 3/4th cups of water inside of a deep saucepan or pot. Add a teaspoon of salt to your water. Place your pot on a stove top and bring your water to a boil. Add your cup of rice to the pot. Stir rice until it comes back to a full boil. Turn your stove to low once the water starts boiling again. Cover the pot and let rice cook for 15 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes and fluff with fork before serving. Fill a bowl with a 1:2 ratio of rice and water. Place in microwave and cook for 6-7 minutes on high, uncovered. Cover bowl with microwavable plastic wrap, leaving a vent on the side. Reduce microwave to medium (350W) and cook for another 15 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes and fluff with fork before serving. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Kitchen-Cabinets-Without-Sanding | How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding | If you want to paint your kitchen cabinets without sanding, start by pulling the drawers out and using a drill to remove any hinges or hardware. Once these pieces are removed, apply a degreaser to the doors and frames with a scrubbing sponge and wipe down all of the components with a cloth soaked with water. After giving them an hour to dry, use a clean cloth to apply deglosser to the doors and drawers, then wait 30 minutes for it to set. Within an hour of the deglosser drying, paint the primer onto the front of the doors and let them dry for 30 minutes. Then, paint primer on the back of the doors and wait 2 hours for everything to dry. Finally, paint the cabinet pieces and give them 24 hours to dry before reattaching them. | Pull the drawers out from the cabinets. Clear out the drawers first and stack them in an easily accessible area. You may need to lift them up slightly to remove them from the tracks inside of the drawer unit. Be carefully not to pull the entire track away from the unit by pulling too hard. Some cabinet drawers don't come out of the frame. If that's the case for yours, leave them in the frame and paint them when you paint the frame. Use a drill to remove the hinges and hardware from the doors and drawers. Unscrew all of the doors from the hinges and organize them by size and location. Flip the doors on their back to unscrew the hardware, and set all of the pulls, handles, and screws aside if you plan to reuse them. If you don't have a drill, you can use a screwdriver to remove the hinges and hardware. It might take a bit longer, but it is much less expensive than purchasing a drill for the project! If you have special hardware for your cabinets, it might be helpful to put the hinges and handles in a labeled bag. For instance, if you have a corner cabinet that has a different pull, you can label the bag “corner” and place the handle and hinges into the bag. Remove all of the items from the cabinets and pull out the shelves. Place the items from the cabinets in boxes labeled with their location, and set them aside. Then, take the shelves out of the cabinets so that you can paint them to match. Some shelves are built into the cabinets. If you don't have brackets holding up your shelves, you probably won't be able to remove them. If this is the case, you'll have to paint the shelves when you paint the frame. Apply a degreaser to the doors and frames with a scrubbing sponge. Before you paint, the cabinets and frame need to be clean. Pick the degreasing cleaner of your choice, and thoroughly scrub the cabinet doors, shelves, drawers, and frames to remove any leftover dirt or grime from the kitchen. Try to avoid scrubbing in one section for too long, as this can scratch the wood, causing a dull spot when you paint. Wipe down all of the components with a wet cloth and let them dry. Soak a clean cloth in water without any soap, and use it to clean off the frames, doors, drawers, and shelves. Be sure to get harder-to-reach places like corners and the undersides of the cabinets to rinse off all of the degreaser. Wait at least 1 hour for the water to dry. If you want to speed up the drying process, you can position a fan to blow on the wet cabinets. Pour liquid deglosser onto a cloth and rub it onto the doors and drawers. Purchase a deglossing product from the hardware or home improvement store and take your doors and drawers outside or to a well-ventilated area. Then, put on a pair of work gloves and add a quarter-sized amount to a clean cloth. Rub the deglosser on all of the door fronts and backs, and apply it to the fronts of the drawers as well. You don't need to apply the deglosser to the frames since they tend to be cleaner and have less varnish than the door fronts. Never apply the deglosser indoors as it is very potent and can be harmful if the fumes are inhaled. Let the deglosser dry for 30 minutes. You don't have to wipe the deglosser off of the doors, but you should let it dry. Set a timer for exactly 30 minutes after you finish applying the deglosser to ensure that you have enough time to apply the primer. Avoid touching the deglosser with your hands to see if it's dry as it can be very strong. Rely on the timer to tell you when it's ready for primer. Apply primer to the cabinets within 1 hour after the deglosser has dried. Use a medium bristle brush to paint a layer of primer on the fronts of doors and drawers where you applied the deglosser. Once the doors and drawers are primed, apply a coat to the frames while the primer dries. It's important to prime the deglossed components within an hour after the deglosser is dry. If you don't, the primer won't stick to the drawers and doors as well, which can cause the paint to peel. Wait 30 minutes and then turn the doors over to prime the backs. Once the front of the doors are nearly dry, use a medium bristle brush to apply a light coat of primer to the backs of the drawers. Then, wait 2 hours for the primer to dry completely on both sides. Keep in mind that you want to have the doors and drawers primed within 1 hour after the deglosser dries. Add a coat of cabinet enamel to the backs of the doors and drawers. Use a roller for painting since the back surfaces of the cabinets tend to be flat with few crevices. Then, lightly go over the paint layer with a fine brush to prevent bubbles. Let the paint dry for at least 4 hours before flipping them over to paint the fronts. You don't have to paint the interior parts of the drawers, since they'll mostly have items inside of them. Instead, you can paint the sides since they'll be visible when you pull the drawers out. Use a fine bristle brush to paint if the front of your cabinets have molding. Some cabinets have molding or designs on the front faces of the doors which can be hard to paint with a roller. Use the bristles of the brush to reach into smaller crevices and coat finer details with a layer of paint. You may need to use a smaller paintbrush for more detailed and intricate molding. Once you paint the molding, take a step back to make sure you didn't miss any small corners or divots. Roll paint onto the fronts of the doors, drawers, and the shelves. Once the molding is painted, apply an even coat all over the flat surfaces, including the fronts and backs of the shelves. Then, go back over the paint with a fine bristle brush to remove air bubbles and thicker areas of paint. Keep the doors and drawers in a well-ventilated area when you're painting them and while they dry. This will help to speed up the process as much as possible. Paint the frames and shelves while the doors and drawers dry. Move into the kitchen and use a roller to coat the frames with the first layer of cabinet enamel. As you finish each section, go back over the paint with a fine bristle brush to remove air bubbles and spread out thicker areas. Use the brush to ensure that any tight corners and junctions are painted. It's best to work in sections while painting the frames, since it tends to be a larger area. You can roll a section and then go over the area with the brush. Then, move onto the next section and roll on the paint before using the brush to even it out. Add a second coat of paint to the cabinets once they dry. For a brighter color and more coverage, wait at least 4 hours for the paint to dry, and then apply a second coat to all of the doors and the frames. Be sure to use the same roller and brush technique to ensure an even coat. If you're painting very dark cabinets a lighter color, it's a good idea to use at least 2 coats of paint to prevent the darker color from showing through the light paint. Wait 24 hours for the paint to dry and reattach the hardware. Let the paint dry and set for at least a day before you put the hardware back on the doors and drawers. If you put the hardware on too early, it can easily dent or scratch the paint. When you're reattaching the hardware, use a screwdriver to avoid potentially tightening the hardware too much, causing a dent or chip in the paint. Rehang the doors and replace the drawers to finish the room. Gather the hinges and position the doors and drawers where they need to be hung. Screw the hinges back onto the doors and into the frames, and test the doors and drawers to make sure they open and close smoothly. If your hinges are dirty, you can clean them while you're waiting for the paint to dry. | Pull the drawers out from the cabinets. Use a drill to remove the hinges and hardware from the doors and drawers. Remove all of the items from the cabinets and pull out the shelves. Apply a degreaser to the doors and frames with a scrubbing sponge. Wipe down all of the components with a wet cloth and let them dry. Pour liquid deglosser onto a cloth and rub it onto the doors and drawers. Let the deglosser dry for 30 minutes. Apply primer to the cabinets within 1 hour after the deglosser has dried. Wait 30 minutes and then turn the doors over to prime the backs. Add a coat of cabinet enamel to the backs of the doors and drawers. Use a fine bristle brush to paint if the front of your cabinets have molding. Roll paint onto the fronts of the doors, drawers, and the shelves. Paint the frames and shelves while the doors and drawers dry. Add a second coat of paint to the cabinets once they dry. Wait 24 hours for the paint to dry and reattach the hardware. Rehang the doors and replace the drawers to finish the room. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Tomboy-(Teen-Girls) | How to Be a Tomboy (Teen Girls) | If you're a teenage girl who feels uncomfortable dressing super girly, you might like more of a tomboy style. Choose clothes made of breathable, stretchy fabrics that are comfortable and practical. Opt for relaxed-fit jeans, joggers, cargo shorts or pants, and athletic shorts most of the time, which will let you move freely throughout the day. Pick neutral colors, like black, white, gray, or navy blue, for your pants or shorts. Then, wear comfortable tops, like graphic tees, polo shirts, button-downs, or athletic shirts in colors or cuts that express your style. To accessorize your look, opt for things like thick chain necklaces, leather cuff bracelets, chunky watches, or stud earrings. For more formal occasions, you can keep your tomboy look by wearing a pantsuit, dressy jumpsuit, or a simple dress. | Choose clothes made of breathable, stretchy fabrics. Part of the appeal of being a tomboy is being able to wear comfortable clothes most of the time. Look for clothes made of materials like cotton, jersey, or performance knit—these are likely to be less restrictive than materials like silk or polyester, and they'll help keep you cool if you're being active. Performance fabrics are especially helpful at wicking away sweat, so opt for these if you know you're going to be playing hard. Look for clothes in solid, neutral colors. Choose garments that are black, white, gray, navy blue, and so on. Feel free to mix in a few other colors if you like them, but keep in mind that very bright colors like teal, pink, and purple tend to look more feminine, as do patterns like polka dots or chevron. Opt for shorts or pants most of the time. As you embrace your tomboy style, you'll probably want to stay away from skirts, dresses, tight-fitting jeans, and short shorts. Instead, stick with styles like relaxed-fit jeans, joggers, cargo shorts and pants, and athletic shorts. Typically, loose-fitting shorts and pants will allow you more freedom of movement, helping you stay more comfortable throughout the day. Wear comfortable tops that express your style. When you're building your tomboy wardrobe, look for graphic tees, polo shirts, button-downs, and athletic shirts in colors and cuts that you like. As a tomboy, you may feel more comfortable in shirts that provide you plenty of coverage and room to move, so avoid shirts that are very tight or low-cut, unless that's what you want to wear. Remember, it's most important to carve out your own style, so don't feel like you have to wear certain styles or avoid certain pieces just because you're more of a tomboy. If you want, you might wear all black every day, or you might wear a pink top with athletic pants when you're working out. Try mixing and matching pieces from different departments. For instance, you might prefer the fit of T-shirts, polos, and dress shirts from the men's department, but you might prefer athletic tank tops cut for a woman's body. Mix athletic wear in with your regular clothing. Tomboys are typically associated with a more sporty style. Even if you don't play sports, you might find some style inspiration by checking out the workout gear section of your favorite store. Consider trying on clothes from both the men's and women's athletic sections to find the cuts that fit your body and your style the best. Then, create outfits by mixing your athletic wear with your regular clothing, like jeans and T-shirts. For instance, you might wear a pair of basketball shorts with a baggy T-shirt for a comfy, relaxed look. You could also wear a sporty tank or performance tee with a pair of jeans and sneakers for a school-ready outfit. Choose a suit, jumpsuit, or comfortable dress for fancy occasions. While you're probably most comfortable in comfy, casual clothes for most of your daily activities, you might not be sure how to stay true to your style when you have to attend a dressier occasion. Luckily, there are still plenty of options that you can be comfortable in, including pantsuits, dressy jumpsuits, and simple dresses. If you're more comfortable in masculine clothing, a tailored suit can be a great way to flatter your figure while still feeling like you're dressed like yourself. A dressy jumpsuit is a nice middle ground between a feminine dress and a traditional suit. If you lean to the more feminine side of being a tomboy, you might opt for a sheath dress. These fit close to your body, which may be more comfortable for you because there's not a lot of extra fabric to deal with. However, you might prefer a slightly flowier, less restrictive style. Avoid form-fitting, low-cut, or overly feminine clothing. As a tomboy, you may not want to wear clothes that are revealing or that fit super close to your body, as these can emphasize your curves and make you look more feminine. In addition, you might want to avoid wearing clothes that seem especially girly, like anything with ruffles, lace, sparkles, or the color pink. Try buying clothes that are 1-2 sizes larger than you normally wear if you want a more relaxed fit. However, some clothes, like your undergarments or sports gear, should still fit closer to your body. Choose comfortable, supportive undergarments. When you're shopping for undergarments, look for items made of stretchy, breathable fabrics. In addition, choose full-coverage fits so you don't have to worry about your underwear creeping up or the cups of your bra cutting into your breasts. Sports bras are a great option because they'll give you full coverage without restricting your movement. Your underwear style is a personal choice, so try on different styles to see what feels most comfortable for you. For instance, you might prefer bikini, brief, boyshorts, or boxer underwear. Stick with versatile, sturdy footwear. When you're choosing shoes, think about the activities you participate in each day. If you're athletic, you'll probably be most comfortable in sneakers, whereas if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you might prefer hiking boots. In warm weather, you might prefer flip-flops or slide-in sandals, and if you're dressing up, you might prefer loafers or sensible flats. If you need to wear heels for a nice occasion and you're not used to them, practice walking in them at home until you feel comfortable. Start out a few minutes at a time, until you can comfortably wear them for an hour. Toss on an oversized hoodie or a zip-up jacket if the weather's cold. There's nothing cozier than a big slouchy hoodie on a cold day, so having a few of these on hand is a tomboy staple. You can wear a pullover hoodie if you prefer, or opt for a zip-up style if you'll need to be able to take the jacket on and off throughout the day. If the weather is cool, but not cold, try wearing an unbuttoned flannel shirt to stay warm. Of course, you might also prefer to wear nicer outerwear, like a leather or canvas jacket. Find what you like! Stick with simple, heavy-duty accessories. Just because you're a tomboy doesn't mean you have to skip accessories altogether, although you certainly don't have to wear any if you don't want. However, if you do want to add a little flair to your outfit, opt for accessories like a thick chain necklace, leather cuff bracelet, chunky watch, plain band, or stud earrings. As a tomboy, you probably don't want to wear much dainty jewelry. Not only do delicate pieces look more feminine, but they'll also be more likely to break if you're playing a little rough. If you want to wear a hat, beanies and baseball hats are both good options! Wash your face twice a day. Whether or not you wear makeup as a tomboy, taking good care of your skin is important. Wash your face morning and night with a cleanser formulated for your skin type to keep it looking great. For instance, if you have oily skin that's prone to breakouts, you might use a foaming cleanser with an acne-fighter like benzoyl peroxide. If you have dry skin, you might opt for a creamy moisturizing cleanser. Wear light makeup or skip it altogether. Being a tomboy doesn't mean you can't wear any makeup at all, but you'll probably feel more like yourself when your face is fresh and clean. However, you might still choose to use a little concealer to cover up any blemishes that pop up, or you might wear lip balm if your lips start to get dry. If you do wear makeup, remember to wash your face at the end of the day. Otherwise, the makeup could clog your pores, leading to more breakouts. Choose a no-fuss hairstyle. Of course, there's no one way to wear your hair if you're a tomboy. However, you'll probably feel most comfortable with easy-to-maintain styles. For instance, you might wear your hair in a chin-length bob, or if it's longer, you might pull it back into a neat ponytail or wear it parted it down the center and tucked behind your ears. If you prefer shorter hair, try using gel or mousse to hold a style that you like. Keep your fingernails short and unpolished. Long, polished nails look more feminine, so if your style is more tomboyish, you'll probably prefer to keep your nails bare. In addition, keeping them clipped short will allow you to still look neat and put-together, and it will also be easier to keep them clean. If your nails are prone to splitting or breaking, try painting them with a clear coat of nail strengthener once a week. Be tough. Part of being a tomboy means you aren't afraid to show everyone how tough girls can be! Go outside and play, get dirty, and don't shy away from things that might seem gross to girly girls, like bugs or slugs. Part of being tough might mean playing sports like football or basketball, but you can still be a tomboy even if you aren't athletic. It's fine if you prefer to ride bikes with your friends, or even if you'd rather stay inside and read all day! Have a more relaxed posture. Typically, tomboys aren't known for having perfectly upright posture or sitting with their legs daintily crossed at the ankles. While you should always practice standing up straight with your shoulders back, it's fine if you tend to be more relaxed when you're sitting or standing. For instance, you might find it more comfortable to sit with your knees and slightly apart. Watch or play sports, if you like them. Tomboys are often considered athletic, but even if you're not especially coordinated, you can still follow a sport that you enjoy. If there's already a team you like, watch them play and try to learn the rules and names of the players so you can chime in when your buddies are talking about the game. If you don't have a team, ask your family and friends who they like, then bond by rooting for them together! If you are more athletic, try joining a school team, like basketball, softball, or track. Listen to harder-hitting music, and avoid light pop. While everyone's taste in music is unique, if you're a tomboy, you probably won't be interested in hearing the latest soft pop chart-topper. Instead, look for music with a stronger beat and lyrics that speak to you. For instance, even if you're into pop music, you might opt for more alternative singers like Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish than feminine singers like Taylor Swift or Adele. However, if you find songs you like from those singers, that's okay too! You might also choose to listen to hard rock, old-school country, EDM, or rap music. Keep an even-keeled demeanor. If you want to be less girly and more of a tomboy, try to keep your emotions in check, no matter what's going on around you. Although it's not always true, being outwardly emotional is often associated with being more feminine. Being generally calm doesn't mean that you can't ever experience or express strong emotions. If someone does something to you that genuinely upsets you or offends you, feel free to speak up for yourself! Hang out with the guys. Tomboys are typically associated with having more male friends than female. If you want to have a tomboy image, spend more time around your guy friends, and participate in some of the same activities they enjoy, like playing video games or skateboarding. If you have close female friends, don't neglect your relationships with them! Just don't feel like you have to spend all your time hanging with groups of girls at school if you're more comfortable talking to boys. Do what you love, whether it's seen as feminine or masculine. Don't change who you are to conform to what people think you should be like, whether that's feeling pressured to be girlier or more of a tomboy. Embrace who you are, and always do what makes you feel good about yourself. Sometimes tomboys might have a hard time with their self-esteem because they don't always fit in with other girls, but they're not always completely accepted by the guys. If you struggle with your self-image, try spending time in hobbies and activities you love, and surround yourself with people who build you up. | Choose clothes made of breathable, stretchy fabrics. Look for clothes in solid, neutral colors. Opt for shorts or pants most of the time. Wear comfortable tops that express your style. Mix athletic wear in with your regular clothing. Choose a suit, jumpsuit, or comfortable dress for fancy occasions. Avoid form-fitting, low-cut, or overly feminine clothing. Choose comfortable, supportive undergarments. Stick with versatile, sturdy footwear. Toss on an oversized hoodie or a zip-up jacket if the weather's cold. Stick with simple, heavy-duty accessories. Wash your face twice a day. Wear light makeup or skip it altogether. Choose a no-fuss hairstyle. Keep your fingernails short and unpolished. Be tough. Have a more relaxed posture. Watch or play sports, if you like them. Listen to harder-hitting music, and avoid light pop. Keep an even-keeled demeanor. Hang out with the guys. Do what you love, whether it's seen as feminine or masculine. |
https://www.wikihow.com/End-a-Conversation-Without-Being-Rude | How to End a Conversation Without Being Rude | If you want to end a conversation, but you're worried about coming across as rude, a compliment is a great way to start. Saying something like “I'm so glad we ran into each other” or “It's been great talking to you” puts the other person at ease. Then, if they still haven't gotten the hint, you can use a generic excuse to exit the conversation gracefully. If you actually like the person you're talking to, suggesting concrete future plans will reassure them that you're not being rude. | End with a positive comment. A great way to end a conversation is to wrap things up with a positive comment. You can thank the speaker for his or her time, dropping the hint that you now need to exit the conversation. When things seems to be going on a bit too long, wait for the speaker to finish his or her sentence. Then, smile and say something like, "I'm so glad that we had the time to talk" or "Thanks very much for you time." In the event the speaker does not take the hint, say something like, "Well, thanks again, but I really have to get going." Most people will not question a vague excuse and allow you to get on your way. Return to the original purpose of the conversation. A good way to push a conversation towards its natural end is to return to the conversation's original purpose. This can help bring the conversation full circle, allowing you to exit gracefully without seeming rude. Almost every conversation has some purpose, whether its something specific, like making plans, or something vague, like sharing anecdotes from the weekend. By looping back to the conversation's beginning, you can force it towards a natural conclusion. Wait for the speaker to stop talking. Then, make a comment about the original purpose of the conversation, indicating the conversation has accomplished that purpose and can now end. This could be something like, "Thanks for that tip. I will definitely try that next time I'm doing laundry" or "Nice to hear you had a great weekend." You can then offer a few closing lines, like, "I'll see you around" and make your exit. Look for a natural transition. In a given situation, you may be presented with a natural transition to end a conversation. If you're in a bar, the music may suddenly become loud, allowing you to offer an apologetic smile and exit. If you're at a conference or networking event, a speaker may begin talking. If you anticipate there may be a natural conversation-ender coming up, you may want to wait for that. This can prevent you from looking as if you want to back out of a conversation early. Wait for a lull in conversation to leave. Conversations have natural ebbs and flows. You may both be conversing gracefully for awhile, and then there may be a natural pause. If you want to get out of the conversation, try to wait for this pause. After a few seconds of silence, try saying something like, "Well, it's been nice talking to you, but I really should get going." Make future plans. A good way to politely end a conversation is to offer a concrete future plan. This shows the speaker you enjoyed talking to him or her, as you're making plans for the future, but you need to leave in the present moment. Simply wait until the speaker finishes talking. Say something like, "Say, what are you doing next Wednesday? Do you want to grab coffee?" If this person does not have your contact information, you can also say something like, "Why don't I give you my e-mail so we can make plans sometime?" Keep in mind you should only use this tactic if you intend to keep your plans. If you say you'd be interested in getting coffee sometime, but never contact that person again, this can come off as rude. Use a common excuse. One of the easiest ways to end a conversation tactfully is to use a common excuse. Say that you need to run to the bathroom, grab another drink, or are running late for a commitment. This will allow you to leave the conversation without making the speaker feel like you're bored with it. You can use different excuses depending on the conversation. If you ran into someone at the store, try something like, "Well, I've gotta get home and make dinner. Nice talking to you." At work, you can say something like, "Anyway, I have to work on this presentation." At a bar, try something like, "I need to go meet up with my other friends" or "I'm going to grab another drink." At a networking event, you can say something like, "Anyway, I met a guy earlier who wanted to chat with me as well, so I should get going." In most situations, you can say you need to run to the bathroom as an excuse. This usually provides you with a graceful exit. Pull another person into the conversation. At networking and work-related events especially, you can always pull another person into the conversation. Offer to introduce the other person to someone else. You can also bring them along if you get pulled into another conversation. Convey the conversation is over using body language. Oftentimes, non-verbal cues can be used to end a conversation without feeling rude. You can indicate with your body that the conversation has ended. This may help the speaker get the hint without you spelling it out directly. If you've been sitting down, try standing up. This can indicate you have somewhere to go. You can also move towards the door. Keep your responses short and quick. Try something like, "Yeah, yeah" or simply smiling and nodding. Check your phone or watch to indicate your time is running short and you need to get going. Use a prop to end the conversation. You can also make use of a prop to end a conversation tactfully. If you have your phone or laptop out, pretend you need to return an e-mail. If you have a book or magazine you're reading, try to gently get back to your reading. This conveys that you're busy and do not have time to talk. Use active listening. Sometimes, people go on and on in conversations because they genuinely struggle with self-expression. If this is the case, try to listen actively. This can promote mutual understanding, allowing the speaker to figure out his or her words. Simply listen to what the speaker is saying, using non-verbal cues like smiling and nodding to show you are paying attention. When the speaker completes a thought, try to reiterate what was said. Say something like, "So, I'm hearing you're stressed about the work deadline." This gives the speaker a chance to clarify if you missed anything. Active listening can allow the speaker to feel heard early on, allowing the conversation to end gracefully on its own. Summarize what you think the speaker's trying to express. If someone has been going on for awhile without pause, try to insert yourself in the conversation to help them reach their point. Gently say something, "So, I feel like I'm hearing..." and then offer an interpretation. This may help the speaker clarify what he or she is trying to convey. The speaker may resist if you try to interrupt him or her. He or she may say something like, "No, wait. I wasn't finished." You can politely say, "Oh, sorry. I just want to clarify something to make sure I understand." By helping the speaker clarify, you may be able to push the conversation to its conclusion early on. This will allow you to exit the conversation. End the conversation if it gets too long. While you may want to help someone who's struggling to express him or herself, you're not doing that person a favor by listening past a point that's reasonable. People learn to better communicate based on social cues and interactions. If a conversation has been going on for too long, it's okay to politely end things. You can use one of the tactics above to gracefully step out of the conversation. | End with a positive comment. Return to the original purpose of the conversation. Look for a natural transition. Wait for a lull in conversation to leave. Make future plans. Use a common excuse. Pull another person into the conversation. Convey the conversation is over using body language. Use a prop to end the conversation. Use active listening. Summarize what you think the speaker's trying to express. End the conversation if it gets too long. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Medical-Technologist | How to Become a Medical Technologist | To become a medical technologist, get your high school diploma and then enroll in an accredited program for laboratory sciences. Get your Bachelor's degree in a science related field, such as medical technology or laboratory sciences. While you're in school, get internships and practicum experience in labs, hospitals, and doctor's offices. Once you graduate, set up interviews with local medical facilities, or consider getting an advanced degree, such as a Master's in medical research. | List your attributes. As a medical technologist, you must be able to problem-solve, multitask, be meticulous, and be organized. You will need attention to details and the ability to handle delicate or dangerous materials. You'll be an important part of a medical team. Write a list of your skills and attributes – things you consider to be your strengths. Consider whether this career will be a good fit for you. Think about your career goals. Make a list of what you want out of your career – salary, working hours, career advancement, etc. Take some time to think about whether you want to pursue a career as a medical technologist. Medical technologists must be able to work independently, sometimes at night or on weekends. You may sometimes be under considerable pressure, especially when a patient's life depends on fast and accurate test results. Speak with professionals in the field. Contact the hiring department or human resources department at your local hospital or medical laboratory. Ask about what they look for when hiring. You can also ask to speak with a professional in the field when they have time, and ask about their career path and education. Say something like, “I'm interested in becoming a medical technologist. Could you please suggest any good programs in the area? What degree did you pursue?” Get advice from your peers or your school counselor. If you know anyone in the field, talk to them about what program they went to, whether they liked it, and what was required for admissions. You can also work with your high school guidance counselor to find a program that's right for you. Locate several possible program options and learn what they require for admission by visiting their website or speaking with their admissions department. Get your high school diploma. Prepare in high school by taking science classes such as biology and chemistry. Take computer classes, because much of the work in a medical laboratory is done by automated equipment that is controlled by computer programs. Math skills, especially statistics, are also important, so take as much math as you can. Find an accredited program. Find a program in medical laboratory technology that is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Visit their website at www.naacls.org and select the option for Students, then click Find a Program. Search by state, country, or type of program you want to attend. Select Medical Laboratory Technician in the drop-down menu for Program Type, and search by your location. Locate a program that interests you so you can familiarize yourself with their admissions requirements. Start preparing in high school, if you can. Earn your Associate’s Degree if you want to start slow. Often a 4-year degree is necessary to become a medical technologist, but a 2-year Associate's degree can be a good jumping off point. Attend an accredited program and complete all the program requirements. Many 4-year programs will accept transfer credits from your Associate's degree. Speak with the admissions office at the 4-year college you wish to attend in order to find out. Get a 4-year Bachelor’s degree. Getting a 4-year Bachelor's degree can lead to more job opportunities and higher salaries in the future, and some workplaces may require it. Major in medical technology or clinical laboratory science. You will take classes in chemistry, blood science, bacteriology, and other sciences, and have labs to learn about collecting samples, analyzing lab results, and working with lab equipment. Some programs will require that you complete an internship or practicum to gain real-world experience. Courses and requirements will vary by program. Consider getting an advanced degree. Think about earning a graduate degree if you want to become a laboratory manager or director. A Master's degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, medical research, or a related field can lead to advanced job opportunities and a higher earning potential. Rewrite your list of needs. Now that you've completed your schooling, re-write your list of career goals. Think again about salary, working hours, career advancement, location, and anything else that matters to you. Your ideas and goals may have changed since before you embarked on this career path. Decide if your needs are flexible or strict, so you can narrow down your job search. For instance, “I will not work on weekends,” or, “I'd like a salary over $xx,xxx, but I'll accept a position with a lower salary.” Check in with your connections. If you had an internship or a practicum at a hospital, lab, or doctor's office, check in to see if they're hiring. Many people get hired at locations that took part in their education – so be sure to be an excellent student! Find a job. Search for a job by word of mouth by asking professionals you know in the field if they're aware of any job openings. Visit a resume-building website like Monster.com. Go to the website of your local hospital or lab and search for Career Opportunities to look for jobs. Create your resume beforehand so it's ready. Write a new cover sheet for every position for which you apply. Consider becoming certified and licensed. Certification assures potential employers that you are competent, and many employers prefer – or even require – technologists who are certified. The requirements for certification and licensure vary by organization and state, but generally you have to pay a fee and pass an exam. Visit www.ascp.org for the American Society for Clinical Pathology to learn about specific certification requirements through their organization. Organizations offering certification of medical technologists include the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Medical Technologists, the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, and the American Association of Bioanalysts. As of 2011, states requiring licensure include: California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Tennessee, West Virginia and New York. Puerto Rico also requires that medical technologists be licensed. Pursue continuing education opportunities. As technology advances, you will have to learn to use new equipment and computer programs. Most certifications also require that you complete continuing education hours in order to maintain your certification. You can learn about continuing education opportunities through the major professional organizations. Choose a specialty if you want to. While many medical technologists don't specialize, you may be interested in a specific kind of work. In a small laboratory, a medical technologist will do a variety of tests, but in large laboratories, each will have a specific task based on a specialty. For instance, phlebotomists specialize in collecting blood samples, and histologists concentrate on cutting and staining samples so they can be tested by others. | List your attributes. Think about your career goals. Speak with professionals in the field. Get advice from your peers or your school counselor. Get your high school diploma. Find an accredited program. Earn your Associate’s Degree if you want to start slow. Get a 4-year Bachelor’s degree. Consider getting an advanced degree. Rewrite your list of needs. Check in with your connections. Find a job. Consider becoming certified and licensed. Pursue continuing education opportunities. Choose a specialty if you want to. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Defend-Yourself-in-Court | How to Defend Yourself in Court | Defending yourself in court can be difficult, but if you learn how the court system works and plan your defense, you might have a chance. Before you go to trial, try to meet with the opposing party outside of the courtroom to negotiate a settlement so you don't need to learn the ins and outs of the legal system. If you can't reach a settlement, you'll need to learn all of the terminology and processes used in a case. You'll also have to research the federal or state court rules, which you can get by calling your court. Then, you'll need to secure evidence or witnesses to defend your case. You may also have the option of having an attorney appointed if you can't afford one. Alternatively, contact local legal aid societies, which can offer you low-cost or free legal support. | Understand the legal names for parties involved in a case. You must learn all of the legal names of the participants in a trial. The judge or opposing attorney will refer to people by these names. The participants include the following: Pro Se litigants are individuals who are a named party in the civil lawsuit or criminal case but are not represented by an attorney. If you are preparing your own defense in a case, you will be known as the pro se defendant. The plaintiff is a person who files a civil lawsuit (a case for money damages) against another person or business. If you are involved in a civil as opposed to a criminal case (discussed below) the plaintiff is the person(s) suing you. The plaintiff may or may not be represented by an attorney. The prosecutor is the attorney that represents the state in a criminal case. In a civil lawsuit, a plaintiff sues a person that they believe has harmed them in some way and that harm has caused damages. There are a variety of civil lawsuits that could be brought such as a personal injury lawsuit, a divorce proceeding, a discrimination case, or a breach of contract case. In a criminal case, a prosecutor presents evidence to the jury to try and prove that a person accused of committing a crime actually did commit the crime. A jury or judge hears all of the evidence and the defense and decides whether the prosecutor presented enough evidence to demonstrate that the accused committed a crime. Familiarize yourself with court rules. Each state court and federal courts have procedural rules that all parties must follow when bringing a case to court. Below is a list of potentially relevant procedural rules and where to locate them. If your case is in federal court you will need either the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence. You can find these rules at http://www.uscourts.gov/rules-policies/current-rules-practice-procedure. Federal courts also require that you review and follow and rules of procedure for the specific federal district court where your case is being heard. These rules are located on district court websites. You can locate the relevant district court website here: http://www.uscourts.gov/court-locator. Once on the relevant website search for “rules of practice” or “civil procedure rules” and you should be able to locate the rules. If your case is in state court, you can locate the relevant rules by conducting an internet search with your state name and “rules of civil procedure” or “rules of criminal procedure,” and “rules of evidence.” You can locate local court rules by calling the court clerk where your case is being heard. In a civil case, you can find the name of the court on the first page of the Complaint that you received from the plaintiff. Also, you can conduct an internet search for the court's name and “rules of civil procedure” or “rules of criminal procedure,” and “rules of evidence.” Most courts provide this information on their website. Request an attorney if you are in criminal court. The Sixth Amendment entitles criminal defendants to have an attorney assigned to them if they cannot afford an attorney on their own. If your criminal case carries a potential prison sentence of six or more months, you are entitled to have an attorney appointed to you. If you have the option to have an attorney appointed to you, rather than you defend yourself, you should request an attorney. Determine whether you can afford to retain an attorney in civil case. One of the reasons people choose to defend themselves in court is because they cannot afford to hire an attorney. If this is why you are planning to defend yourself, you should determine whether there any ways to retain a low-cost or free attorney to assist you in preparing your defense or handle the entire case themselves. Below are some ways to locate potential attorneys: Contact your state bar association and ask about how to locate and pay for an attorney when you cannot afford an attorney. The American Bar Association has compiled a list of state-by-state resources that can direct you to attorney referral sites, such as contact information for state bar associations. The ABA provides this information at http://apps.americanbar.org/legalservices/findlegalhelp/home.cfm Contact legal aid in the area where your case was filed. Legal Aid societies often provide low or no-cost representation for individuals who cannot afford to retain an attorney on their own. You can locate Legal Aid societies by conducting an internet search for the name of the state where the case is pending and the words “Legal Aid.” You can also contact local law schools and see whether they have a law clinic that would represent you for free. Provide an answer to the complaint. A civil action begins when someone files a complaint and serves you with a copy. If you have been served with a civil complaint, you will have to quickly determine if, and how, you plan on responding. As soon as you receive a copy of the complaint, review it. It will detail the claims being made against you. In addition to the complaint, you will also receive a summons, which is a document telling you that you have been sued and it gives you information on how and when to respond. In general, you will have 30 days to respond to a lawsuit, starting with the day you were served with the complaint. In order to respond, you will have to file an answer. If you do not file an answer in time, you risk having the court rule in favor of the plaintiff in what is called a default judgment. To file an answer, contact the court in which you have been sued in and ask for an answer form. You can usually find them online but if not, you can also visit the courthouse in person and obtain one. The answer will contain straightforward responses to the plaintiff's claims. For each paragraph of the complaint you will deny the claims made, you may agree with the claims made, or you may state that you do not have enough information to provide an answer. Once you complete the answer, you will pay a filing fee and serve the other party with your answer. In California, the filing fee for a contract dispute involving $25,000 or less, the fees will range from $180 to $300. To serve the other party, you will have someone that is not a party to the lawsuit give a copy of your answer to the other party. Consider filing a cross-complaint. In addition to filing an answer, you may want to also file a cross-complaint, which is like filing a lawsuit against the person that just sued you. A cross-complaint can only be filed if the claim you are making is related to the lawsuit that has been filed against you. You must file your cross-complaint at the same time you file your answer. If you do not do this, you will waive your ability to raise your claim later. To file a cross-complaint, find the appropriate form in the same way you found your answer form. A cross-complaint form will usually ask you to state the cause of action and why you think you deserve to have a court rule in your favor. For example, if you have been sued for injuries you are alleged to have caused in a car accident, but you also received injuries that you think were the fault of the other party, you can file a cross-complaint alleging that they should be liable for damages as well. Research the relevant law. In order to defend yourself in court, you must understand the legal claims or charges against you and prepare your legal defense. This requires that you research the law related to your case and strategize on how best to defend yourself based on the legal claims against you. You can gain access to legal resources in the following places: You can use local law libraries open to the public. To locate a local library, conduct an internet search for the name of your city or town and law library and “open to the public.” You can ask the law librarian to direct you to the legal resources you need. You can search for local state laws and statutes online at: http://www.findlaw.com/11stategov/indexcode.html. You can also use free online legal research websites to locate legal information to assist in your defense. Conduct discovery. As soon as you file your answer, a legal process called discovery will begin. During discovery each party will have the opportunity to request information from the other party in order to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the case. During discovery you can collect facts, get witness statements, find out what the other side is going to say, and see how good your case is and how good their case is. You can collect informal discovery by conducting your own interviews, gathering documents from public agencies, and by taking photographs. You can also conduct more formal discovery by taking part in: Interrogatories, which are written questions directed to the other party that they must answer. Depositions, which are formal interviews between you and someone else important to the case. Requests for the production of documents, which are formal requests for particular documents. Requests for admissions, which simply ask the other party to admit or deny a specific statement. Subpoenas, which are court orders requiring the other party to provide you with certain information. Attend all required court appearances. Before your actual trial, you will be required to attend at least one pretrial conference. In some states (i.e., California), this court appearance is called a case management conference (CMC). At your CMC, you and the other party will meet with the judge and discuss how the case is going to be handled. At the CMC you should be prepared to discuss: The possibility of a settlement; Your readiness to schedule a trial date; How discovery is going or has gone; and Your willingness to concede certain issues that are not in dispute. Oppose any motion for summary judgment. In most cases, the opposing party will file a motion for summary judgment, which argues that the undisputed facts of the case require the judge to rule in their favor without the necessity of a trial. You will need to respond to this motion quickly. For example, in Nevada, you will have ten days to respond to a motion for summary judgment. In order to respond, you will need to file your own motion explaining to the court why the motion should not be granted. You must be able to show that factual questions exist and are in dispute, and that a judge or jury should decide these issues at trial. Your motion should contain enough information to convince the court that a judge or jury could potentially rule in your favor at trial. To do so, you should present evidence supporting your story from information you have gathered during discovery. You can usually find an opposition motion form on your court's website. Fill out the form completely and accurately and attach any necessary documents. Try to settle the case outside the courtroom. Before your trial date, meet with the opposing party and try to come to an agreeable solution so you do not have to go to trial. In California, for example, there can be mandatory settlement conferences aimed at resolving the dispute. Settlement conferences can also be voluntary. During a settlement conference, you and the other party will meet with a neutral third party. During your meeting, you will discuss a possible settlement with everyone. The neutral third party will not make a decision but they will help assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Settling a case can save you time because you will not have to go to trial. Also, coming to an agreement will save you money because you will not have to pay court fees, witness fees, and you will not have to take as much time off of work. Finally, settling before trial will give you more control over the outcome because you will not be leaving the decision up to a judge or jury. Prepare for trial. If all else fails you may have to go to trial. Before your trial date, be sure you prepare adequately and are confident in your game plan. To prepare: Be sure you have prepared your evidence, which will be in the form of witness testimony or exhibits. When preparing your evidence, make sure you organize it in a way that makes it easy for you to introduce it in court. Have everything in the order you are going to bring it to the court's attention. Also, make sure you have prepared your witnesses so they know what you are going to ask them and what the other party might be expected to ask. Also, be sure you know the rules of evidence. While no person, attorneys included, knows every possible rule out there, you should try and understand the basics so you are ready for court. The rules of evidence dictate how, why, and when evidence can be introduced in court. They are there to make sure the court only gets reliable, relevant, and accurate information. Go to trial. When the day of your trial arrives, get to the courthouse early and get settled in. When your case is called, step to the front of the courtroom and be ready to go. In general, you will be required to conduct the following: An opening statement, which is your opportunity to lay out the facts of your case and tell the judge or jury what you will prove during the trial. You should plan and write your opening statement as part of your preparation for trial. In addition, outline the evidence they will see and the witness testimony they will hear. A Cross-examination of witnesses. The Plaintiff must provide you a list of witnesses before trial and you should prepare to cross examine them at trial. During cross-examination, you want to make juries question the believability of witnesses. When cross-examining witness, it is important to remember the following: Ask direct and leading questions so that a witness has little opportunity to explain his or her answers. Do not appear to “badger” the witness or it may make the jury more sympathetic to the opposing side. If a witness changes their testimony, use their deposition testimony to show that they are providing inconsistent testimony. This may make the jury discount the entirety of the testimony as unreliable. If the witness is hostile to your case, then you must highlight their bias so that the jury understands that their testimony may not be completely reliable. A presentation of your defense. After the plaintiff is finished putting on their trial, you will have a chance to call witnesses and introduce evidence that supports your position. The plaintiff must prove his or her case in order to win and therefore, the burden is on the plaintiff to present enough evidence to meet legal requirements and convince a jury. Objections. During trials, the opposing attorney may try to present evidence or question a witness in a way that is not permissible under court rules. You should make an objection to this type of evidence. You do this by stating, “I object” and then give the legal basis for your objections. Give a closing argument. After you finished your defense, you will have a chance to make closing remarks to the jury. Since the Plaintiff must prove their case to win, you should restate your story of what happened and refer to the evidence that supports your story. Your closing argument should be brief and directly on point so the jury can easily follow your argument. At the end, ask the jury to find you not responsible. Actively take part in your arraignment. The first time you will have to represent yourself in criminal court will be at your arraignment. At your arraignment the court will tell you what the charges against you are, what your constitutional rights are, and that you have the right to an attorney. Once the judge has said their piece, you will have the opportunity to respond to the charges by entering a plea. You will have to respond by saying not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most often you will want to plead not guilty and force the prosecution to go to trial and prove their case. However, in some situations, especially if you have negotiated a favorable plea agreement, you may end up pleading guilty or no contest. If you have been in jail awaiting your arraignment, you will also have the opportunity to discuss bail options. The judge will generally have the ability to release you on your own recognizance, set bail and send you back to jail until you post the required amount, or refuse to set bail and send you back to jail without the possibility of being released. Request evidence from the prosecutor. After your arraignment, you will exchange information with the prosecution. This process is called discovery. The prosecution is usually required to provide you with certain information to ensure a fair trial and balance the scales because you will inevitably have a harder time finding information that the prosecution might hold. In general, you as the defendant will have to request the information. You should be sure to request any oral or written statements you may have made, your criminal record, any reports, expert witness names and contact information, and you should request to examine any object or document the prosecution might have. However, because you are representing yourself, you may be limited in the amount of information you can see. Prosecutors are required by law to protect the identity of witnesses while they are preparing their case so the witnesses are not put in jeopardy. This is one of the reasons you should seriously consider getting an attorney. If you have an attorney, the prosecutor will be required to release information to them that they may not have to release to you. Investigate your case. After you have received all of the documents you requested, you should begin the process of investigating your case. If you are not in jail, you can call, email, or talk to people in person to try and gather more information about your case. If you are in jail, you will need the assistance of someone else. While you may be able to send letters and make phone calls, investigating a case while you are locked up can prove difficult. As a criminal defendant, you have to be careful not to be seen as intimidating or threatening witnesses or victims. In fact, if you are going to try and interview witnesses or victims, you should hire a professional to do so. Research the relevant law. In order to defend yourself in court, you must understand the legal claims or charges against you and prepare your legal defense. This requires that you research the law related to your case and strategize on how best to defend yourself based on the legal claims against you. You can gain access to legal resources in the following places: You can use local law libraries open to the public. To locate a local library, conduct an internet search for the name of your city or town and law library and “open to the public.” You can ask the law librarian to direct you to the legal resources you need. You can search for local state laws and statutes online at: http://www.findlaw.com/11stategov/indexcode.html. You can also use free online legal research websites to locate legal information to assist in your defense. If you are in jail, you can ask to access the jail's legal library, if they have one. If they do not have any legal books at jail, you may need to ask for help from someone that is not in jail. Attend all required preliminary hearings. In a majority of misdemeanor cases there are very few preliminary hearings, if any. Most of the time a trial date will be set and you will go straight to trial unless you negotiate a plea deal. In most felony cases, you will take part in at least one preliminary hearing before going to trial. At this preliminary hearing the judge will decide if there is enough evidence against you to make you appear in court for a trial. If the judge decides that there is not enough evidence, your case will be dismissed and you will be released. If the judge decides there is enough evidence to make you stand trial, you may be arraigned again and a trial date will be set. Submit motions to exclude evidence. Before your trial date, you will have a limited amount of time to review the evidence against you and submit motions to the court to exclude any evidence that was gathered illegally. To do this, you must write and file a motion to suppress with the court. The judge will read your motion and decide whether to grant or deny it. In general, evidence can be suppressed if it was gathered in a way that violated your constitutional rights. For example, a murder weapon cannot be introduced in court if it was found during an illegal search or seizure (i.e., the police did not have a warrant). However, there are a number of exceptions to this rule and if the prosecution can convince the judge that an exception exists, the evidence may still get in. Negotiate a plea agreement. As a last ditch effort to avoid trial, you may want to negotiate with the prosecution about a possible plea deal. A plea deal is made when you and the prosecution agree to certain terms that you will submit to the court. For example, you may agree to plead guilty to a single charge and in return the prosecution will drop any other charges they have against you. Alternatively, you may agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge in order to avoid going to trial on a more serious charge. Also, you may agree to plead guilty to a single charge and in return the prosecution will drop any other charges they have against you. In a final example, you may agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge in order to avoid going to trial on a more serious charge. By pleading out, you can avoid the time and cost of defending yourself at trial, the risk of a harsh punishment, and the publicity that may come from a trial. However, if you are truly innocent and you feel that you can prove it, you should not agree to a plea deal. Go to trial. The last phase in your criminal process will be the trial. You will be considered innocent until the prosecution proves otherwise, which they will have to do at your trial. Also, during your trial, you will have the right to remain silent and not testify against yourself. If you choose to remain silent, the prosecution will not be able to use it against you. At the beginning of this process, you will have the option of requesting a jury trial or waiving that right and having a judge decide your case. Once the trial begins, you will conduct yourself and go through the same tasks as if you were in civil court. This means you will be able to provide an opening statement, cross-examine witnesses, present your defense, object when necessary, and make a closing statement. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Defend-Yourself-in-Court-Step-21.jpg\/v4-460px-Defend-Yourself-in-Court-Step-21.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Defend-Yourself-in-Court-Step-21.jpg\/aid400546-v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-in-Court-Step-21.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} | Understand the legal names for parties involved in a case. Familiarize yourself with court rules. Request an attorney if you are in criminal court. Determine whether you can afford to retain an attorney in civil case. Provide an answer to the complaint. Consider filing a cross-complaint. Research the relevant law. Conduct discovery. Attend all required court appearances. Oppose any motion for summary judgment. Try to settle the case outside the courtroom. Prepare for trial. Go to trial. Actively take part in your arraignment. Request evidence from the prosecutor. Investigate your case. Research the relevant law. Attend all required preliminary hearings. Submit motions to exclude evidence. Negotiate a plea agreement. Go to trial. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Roll-Out-Dough | How to Roll Out Dough | To roll out dough, lightly flour the rolling pin and a flat surface in your kitchen. Next, roll the dough into a large ball, place it in the middle of the floured space, and press the ball down with your hands until it's about 1 inch thick. Then, place the rolling pin on top of the flattened dough, press down, and let the pin rotate as you push it. Start in the middle with each stroke and roll out the dough away from you until it's as thin as you need for your recipe. | Find a flat surface in your kitchen. This could be a counter, table, even the stove if you have a large flat wooden board to work on. Lightly flour the surface and the rolling pin. Roll the dough into a large ball and place it in the middle of the floured space. Use your hands to press it down into a flatter circle about 1 inch or 2.5cm thick. Take the rolling pin and set it on top of the flattened dough. Press down and let the pin rotate as you push it. Roll out the dough away from you in gentle even strokes. Turn it occasionally in order to keep an approximately circular piece. Always starting in the middle, continue to roll away from you until it makes as thin a sheet as you need for your recipe. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Roll-out-Dough-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Roll-out-Dough-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Roll-out-Dough-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/aid653811-v4-728px-Roll-out-Dough-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} | Find a flat surface in your kitchen. Lightly flour the surface and the rolling pin. Roll the dough into a large ball and place it in the middle of the floured space. Use your hands to press it down into a flatter circle about 1 inch or 2.5cm thick. Take the rolling pin and set it on top of the flattened dough. Turn it occasionally in order to keep an approximately circular piece. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Yoga-at-Your-Computer | How to Do Yoga at Your Computer | To do yoga at your computer, start by doing head tilts to stretch out your neck before moving on to the rest of your body. After stretching your neck, lift your shoulders and roll them back and forth to relax the muscles. You can also try twisting your upper body to one side and holding it for 3 seconds to stretch your spine. As you do these stretches, try closing your eyes and repeating a mantra, such as “om” to focus yourself. You should also practice taking deep, full breaths from your belly to relax your body and mind. | Use head tilts to stretch out your neck. When practicing computer yoga, it's best to start at the head and move down. To do this, move your head in all directions by pushing your neck forwards and backwards and turning it from side to side. Try to make your motions gentle and calculated, not erratic or jerky, and give yourself ample time to complete each one. Every time you move to a new side, stretch your neck out as far as you can and hold it in place for 3 long, deep breaths. Repeat this for 30 seconds to a minute. Perform shrugs, rolls, and shifts to relax your shoulders. To stretch out your shoulders, try shrugging them, rolling them back and forth, or shifting them up and down. Do these motions slowly enough that you can feel each time your muscles move. While stretching, pick 2 positions to switch between, such as shoulders up and shoulders down. When you enter the first position, inhale and hold the position for 3 seconds. Then, move to the other position and exhale. Repeat this for up to 1 minute. Twist your upper body to loosen your spine. Spinal stretches are particularly good for relieving tension caused by a poor sitting posture. To do them, hold your neck and shoulders firm and keep your lower body still so you can focus entirely on your back. Inhale, then twist your spine to one side. Hold this position for 3 seconds, then return to the center and exhale. Do the same with the other side, then repeat the whole process for between 30 seconds and 1 minute. Put your feet down and move them in circles to ground yourself. Place your feet firmly on the ground and concentrate on their connection to the planet. Visualize the earth turning in your mind, then move your feet in a circular motion, mimicking the speed of the rotating planet. Take deep, long breaths from your diaphragm, matching them to the rhythm of the earth. Do this for up to 1 minute. Massage your body from head to toe to relax your muscles. For areas with little stress, this can be as simple as touching your body for a physical reminder of your presence on Earth. For areas with a lot of stress, press deep into the skin and rub it with force to remove as much tension as you can. As you massage, focus on releasing negativity from your body. Massage yourself for as long as you feel is necessary. To release tension from your eyes and face, gently cover the areas with your fingers or palms and move them in a circular motion. Think of a mantra to better focus yourself. When performing spiritual yoga, reciting a mantra out loud or in your head can help you block out excess thoughts. The most common mantra is “Om,” but any simple, calming word or phrase will work. Take deep, full breaths to block out excess thoughts. Place your hands on your stomach and begin to take deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling from your diaphragm. Focus on nothing but your breathing until it starts to feel natural, second nature. This process, known as breath sensing, will help you block out distracting, useless, and obsessive thoughts while forming a deeper relationship with your breathing. Visualize yourself as a powerful entity to see your place in the universe. Put your hands together as if you were praying. Imagine yourself as a spiritual being, such as the Buddha, or as a collection of pure energy. Remember that you are connected to something greater, whether that be a deity, supernatural power, or the cosmos. This greater entity is where you come from, what you are a part of, and where your energy lies. Send good vibrations to people to help yourself feel more positive. Focus your mind on someone who, as soon as you think of them, elicits a warm, happy feeling within you. Visualize them standing with you and let the idea flood you with positive emotions. In your mind, wish them health, safety, happiness, and relaxation, then stretch your hands out to send light and positivity to them. Repeat this step with: Yourself, opening your mind up for personal joy and happiness. Someone you barely know, such as a work or school acquaintance. A person you dislike or have passionate disagreements with. The world and everybody in it, no matter who they are. Ask for guidance as a reminder that you’re not alone. Hold your hands in front of your heart and rub them together. If you are religious, think of a divine being or enlightened master and ask them for guidance. If you are not religious, think of the universe itself or someone you respect deeply, such as a family member or mentor, and ask them to show you the way. Remember that, as you take your next steps in life, you are not taking them alone. Stop thinking for 1 minute to find peace. Place your hands on your stomach or legs. Focus on your breathing as it moves to different parts of your body, such as your head, thorax, stomach, legs, and feet. Let yourself be clear of all thoughts except inhaling and exhaling. Be calm as your body, mind, and spirit relax. Think of a positive goal to end your session with. For your first few times practicing computer yoga, think about how you intend to make yourself happier in the near future, such as focusing on positive things or simply being content with your life. In later sessions, move your thoughts toward bigger things, such as how you can help other or complete your larger life goals. | Use head tilts to stretch out your neck. Perform shrugs, rolls, and shifts to relax your shoulders. Twist your upper body to loosen your spine. Put your feet down and move them in circles to ground yourself. Massage your body from head to toe to relax your muscles. Think of a mantra to better focus yourself. Take deep, full breaths to block out excess thoughts. Visualize yourself as a powerful entity to see your place in the universe. Send good vibrations to people to help yourself feel more positive. Ask for guidance as a reminder that you’re not alone. Stop thinking for 1 minute to find peace. Think of a positive goal to end your session with. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Body-Lice-Symptoms | How to Recognize Body Lice Symptoms | To recognize body lice symptoms, look for itchy skin or tiny red bumps especially around the neck, armpit, and groin. You should also turn your clothing inside out and check the seams for lice eggs, or nits, which are small, yellow and white ovals. If you think you have lice, take a shower to kill the lice on your body, then wash all of your clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water. If the lice don't go away, talk to your doctor about getting additional treatment, like a skin cream or pediculicide. | Know the common symptoms of body lice. When body lice feed they can cause an allergic reaction in the skin. These reactions include: Intense itching Rashes on the skin, particularly the neck, armpit, groin, and waistline areas of the body Tiny red spots or elevated bumps on the skin Thickened or darkened skin Examine your skin for any irritations. Irritations on the skin can be caused by bites or by repeated scratching--both could be indicators of body lice. Repeated scratching can also cause further blistering, which can lead to a bacterial or fungal infection. Be sure to check the waistline, upper thigh, and groin areas specifically. Check the skin for lice. Sometimes body lice can be seen while feeding on the skin. Although this is not very common, you should nonetheless examine the waistline, upper thigh, and armpit areas of the body for lice. Body lice are the same approximate size, shape, and color of a poppy seed. Check any areas of the skin that are irritated. Check any areas of skin that are darkened or calloused. A magnifying glass will help you find clusters of eggs but is not absolutely necessary. Turn an article of clothing inside out. Body lice live mainly in the seams of clothing. Only after hatching and maturing, do body lice invade the skin. Although it is rare, body lice can lay eggs directly on or in the human body. Examine the seams. Mature lice cannot live longer than five-to-seven days after falling off a host. Because of this, it is more common to find lice eggs, or "nits," in an article of clothing. Nits are oval in shape and can be yellow or white. Nits are generally found in the waistline and armpit areas of clothing. Nits will hatch in one-to-two weeks. Maintain a regular personal hygiene regimen. Most cases of body lice will go away once the body has been cleansed of any nits or lice. Unlike hair or pubic lice, body lice only invade the body when they need to feed and are not consistently present on the skin. Nits are rarely laid on the body. Visit your physician. Your doctor will be able to provide you with prescription creams and body-washes that will help reduce any skin irritations or allergic reactions that may have resulted from body lice feeding (or from excessive scratching). Use a pediculicide. In extreme cases, doctors may recommend the use of a pediculicide. Popular over-the-counter pediculicides include "Clear," "Rid," and "Nix." Pediculicides are designed to kill lice in one of two different ways. Ovicidal pediculicides kill nits and only need to be used a few times. Non-ovicidal pediculicides kill mature body lice, but not nits. It is therefore recommended that non-ovicidal pediculicides be used on a regular basis to avoid re-infestation (from nits that hatch). Delouse personal items. Be sure to wash all articles of clothing, bedding, and towels in water that is at least 130 °F (54 °C). This will kill any lice or nits. Machine-dry articles of clothing in high heat. Unfortunately, machine-drying certain articles of clothing may not be possible. Due to the high risk of re-infestation, however, you should consider destroying these pieces if you can. Seal articles of clothing that you do not want to destroy in a garbage bag. Isolate infested items in a garbage bag for five-to-seven days, then rewash separately. This may cause the infestation to multiply. Vacuum upholstery, mattresses, and carpets thoroughly. Vacuuming will remove any lice or nits that may have made their way into the seams and cracks of furniture. Nits can lay dormant for up to two weeks, so it is imperative that you prevent them from being transmitted to another host by eliminating their presence in common areas. Pair vacuuming with disinfectant spray to help kill the lice. | Know the common symptoms of body lice. Examine your skin for any irritations. Check the skin for lice. Turn an article of clothing inside out. Examine the seams. Maintain a regular personal hygiene regimen. Visit your physician. Use a pediculicide. Delouse personal items. Machine-dry articles of clothing in high heat. Seal articles of clothing that you do not want to destroy in a garbage bag. Vacuum upholstery, mattresses, and carpets thoroughly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Carry-Someone-Who%27s-Bigger-Than-You | How to Carry Someone Who's Bigger Than You | Carrying someone who's bigger than you is easy if you use the fireman's carry. Have your friend stand next to you, facing your right shoulder. Put your right leg between their feet as you bring your friend's right arm behind your neck. Squat down to bring your right arm down to the back of their right knee. Use your grip on their arm and knee to pull them onto your shoulders. Lifting with your legs and hips, keep your back as straight as possible as you stand up to avoid hurting your body. Once you're upright, move your friend's right arm across your chest, let go of their knee, and wrap your arm around their leg. | Position yourself. Ask your friend to stand next to you, facing your right shoulder. You'll be picking him up with the "fireman's carry," which can make it surprisingly easy. Place your right leg between his feet. Shift your right leg so it is between your friend's feet. Put more weight on this leg, so it is ready to support your friend. Bring your friend's right arm behind your neck. Bring your left hand across your chest to grasp your friend's right wrist or forearm. Lift your friend's arm over your head and duck forward, placing it across your neck and shoulders. When finished, you should be bent forward slightly, with our left hand back on your left side. Maintain a firm grip on your friend's arm. Bring your right arm down to his right knee. Carefully move your right arm off the other person. Now squat slightly, keeping your back as straight as you can while supporting the weight of the larger person. When you're low enough to reach his legs, slip your right arm between his knees. Grasp the back and side of his right knee with your hand. Your left hand should keep a firm grip on his right arm this whole time. Bring him onto your shoulders. You should now have a firm grip on his right forearm and the back of his right knee. Use these grips to pull him onto your shoulders. When you're finished, he should be positioned like this: His legs dangle in front of your right shoulder. Your hand is firmly and easily gripping one knee. His torso is mostly straight across your shoulders. His right arm is pulled in front of you. Stand. Lift with your legs and hips, never your back. Keep your back as straight as possible, bent forward just enough to support your friend. If necessary, adjust your friend to balance his weight more evenly. Move your friend's arm. Move your friend's right arm across your chest. With your other hand, let go of your friend's knee and wrap your arm around his leg. Grasp your friend's right arm with your right hand. Your left hand should now be free to help you balance as you walk around. Carry someone out of a car. A possibly injured victim should be left in place whenever possible, since moving may cause injury. If the car is burning or there is another reason the victim must move immediately, follow these instructions: Move the victim's legs clear of the pedals. Rotate the victim so her back faces the open car door. Lock your arms under her armpits and in front of her chest. Drag the victim to a safe location, supporting her head with your body. If her legs or feet catch on the car, slowly lower her to the ground, lift her legs out by hand, then drag using the next step. Drag someone by the legs. If the ground is smooth and there are no obvious leg injuries, use this technique to move the victim out of the danger area. Crouch low and grab the patient's ankles. Lean back and pull the victim to safety. Leaning back uses your own body weight as leverage, allowing you to drag someone much heavier than yourself. To reduce the risk of self-injury, do not extend your arms more than 15–20 inches (38–51cm). Flex your arms slowly backwards, then reposition yourself before pulling again. Some first aid agencies do not like this method because it drags the victim's head along the ground. For this reason, never use it on rough ground. Drag someone by the shoulders. Bend over next to the top of the person's head. Grasp the victim's clothing underneath the shoulders, supporting her head with your arm. Drag backward. Alternatively, pull the victim's arms above her head. Grip the elbows, pressing them against the victim's head to support it. Use this method if the victim's clothing is torn or weak. Carry the victim only when absolutely necessary. Carrying someone is a last resort in an emergency. It can make an injury worse, or expose the victim to smoke inhalation during a fire. Use it only when immediate movement is necessary, and dragging is not possible. If the victim is unconscious, it can take considerable strength to lift her to a standing position. To do this, roll the person onto her stomach. Kneel at the top of her head, and place both arms under her armpits. Grasp her back and stand by pushing with your legs, keeping both your backs as straight as possible. Once the victim is in a standing position, you can follow the instructions under "carrying a friend." Alternatively, give a "piggyback ride" by crossing the victim's arms in front of your chest and balancing the victim's weight on your hips. This may be safer if the victim is injured, but it is still not ideal. | Position yourself. Place your right leg between his feet. Bring your friend's right arm behind your neck. Bring your right arm down to his right knee. Bring him onto your shoulders. Stand. Move your friend's arm. Carry someone out of a car. Drag someone by the legs. Drag someone by the shoulders. Carry the victim only when absolutely necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Piping-Bag | How to Make a Piping Bag | If you want to make a piping bag, start by finding a plastic resealable bag that can hold the amount of icing you want to use. Next, scoop your frosting into the bag and push the air out before sealing the bag tightly. Once the bag is sealed, squeeze all of the icing down into 1 corner of the bag and use scissors to snip off the corner of the plastic bag. If you want your bag to produce a thicker flow of icing, you can cut a little more of the corner off the bag. When you're ready to pipe the icing, hold the bag over the cake or cookie and gently squeeze the bag to get the icing flowing. | Get a resealable plastic bag and a pair of scissors. Resealable plastic bags make excellent piping bags because the frosting or sauce won't come out from anywhere but the point that you want it to. Select a plastic bag based on the amount of frosting or sauce that you need to apply to the top of your dish. Most packages list the interior volume of the plastic bag. This can make it easy to determine whether a bag is big enough for the recipe. A thicker resealable bag, like a freezer bag, is a good choice if you have a thicker frosting that will require a lot pressure to be applied to the bag. You can use a non-sealable plastic bag if that's all you have available, but you'll need to twist it at the top once you fill it to close it. These bags also tend to explode when you squeeze them, so they're not great for thicker frostings. Open your plastic bag and add your icing or sauce with a spoon. Set your bag and other materials out on a cutting board or flat work surface. Open the resealable plastic bag and start scooping your sauce or frosting into the bag. One of the advantages of using a plastic bag is that the sauce or icing won't leak out of the bottom while you're adding it. You can make a nozzle for your bag by cutting out a flexible strip of matboard or aluminum and wrapping it into a cone before cutting the points out with scissors. Insert the nozzle from the inside before filling your bag if you want one. The pattern that comes out may not be perfect though. Seal the bag at the top to close it. Once you've added your frosting or sauce, seal your bag by running your fingers on the opposite sides of the seal and pressing it together. If you have a plastic bag with a zipper, all you need to do is slide it to the other end of the bag. Push the frosting, icing, or sauce down towards the corner that you're going to cut. You can push the air out before sealing it if you want. It'll make it easier to dispense the icing or sauce but it will also come out quicker. Use scissors to snip a corner of the bag off. Open your scissors and place the blades around the corner of the bag. Line your scissors up so that there is 0.5–2 inches (1.3–5.1 cm) of plastic sticking out past the line that you're going to cut. Close the scissor blades to snip a section of the bag off and make the spout for your piping bag. The size of the cut that you make will determine the amount of sauce or frosting that dispenses as you squeeze your bag. The bigger you make the hole when you cut the bag, the more icing or sauce that will come out. Lift your bag up with the opening pointing upwards so that your sauce or frosting doesn't spill out. Hold the bag over your dish and squeeze the bag to use it. Put your nondominant hand around the top of the bag to control the pressure in the bag and move it. Place your dominant hand lightly around the bottom of the bag to control where the icing or sauce comes out. Keep the opening of your piping bag 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) from the surface of the dish to apply your sauce or frosting. If you want to stop dispersing the sauce or frosting, all you need to do is stop squeezing the bag and tilt the opening of the bag upwards. Cut a large triangle out of a sheet of parchment paper. Pull out a sheet of parchment paper and cut an isosceles triangle out. The size of your sheet will determine the size of your bag. A triangle with a base of 12 inches (30 cm) is a good general size for applying sauce or frosting. You can buy parchment paper from a pharmacy, grocery store, general goods store, or some corner stores. The advantage of using parchment paper is that it's extremely cheap and easy to cut. It also comes in rolls, so you can pull out any length to adjust the size of the bag. Fold 1 corner over the middle of the opposite side. Hold 1 side in front of you with your nondominant hand. Grab the opposite point in your dominant hand and fold your dominant hand over the side that you're holding. Angle it slightly to any side to make one of the openings smaller than the other. Pinch the junction where your side and point meet your nondominant hand. Continue wrapping the corner around the side until the sheet forms a cone. Keep the side and point pinched lightly together and continue pulling the point around the parchment paper at an angle. Continue pulling it until the narrow opening at the bottom is 0.5–2 inches (1.3–5.1 cm) wide. The size of the opening will determine how much sauce or frosting comes out of the bag when you're using it. Staple the junction where the corner folds over your sheet if you want. You can use the bag without stapling it by simply holding the junction with your nondominant hand as you're using it. If you want to ensure that the paper stays folded though, use a stapler to put a few staples over the area where it overlaps so that it doesn't unfold. You can make multiple piping bags ahead of time if you need to use multiple bags while you're baking or cooking. Fill the bag with icing, sauce, or frosting by scooping it in with a spoon. Hold the bag on its side and start scooping sauce or icing into the middle of the bag. If the material that you're adding is particularly thin, pinch the opening at the bottom of your cone to keep it closed as you add your icing or sauce. You can't really add a nozzle to the tip of your paper pastry bag. It's kind of unwieldy as it is, and the seal won't be airtight around the nozzle. Fold the top of your bag over to close it. Once you've added a decent amount of icing or sauce, fold the opening at the top over itself to close it. Fold it multiple times to ensure that nothing spills out. Lift the bag and squeeze it to apply your icing or sauce. Discard your bag after you've used it. You can't really store it for a long period of time without anything leaking out. | Get a resealable plastic bag and a pair of scissors. Open your plastic bag and add your icing or sauce with a spoon. Seal the bag at the top to close it. Use scissors to snip a corner of the bag off. Hold the bag over your dish and squeeze the bag to use it. Cut a large triangle out of a sheet of parchment paper. Fold 1 corner over the middle of the opposite side. Continue wrapping the corner around the side until the sheet forms a cone. Staple the junction where the corner folds over your sheet if you want. Fill the bag with icing, sauce, or frosting by scooping it in with a spoon. Fold the top of your bag over to close it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-Baseball-Statistics | How to Read Baseball Statistics | You can use baseball statistics to evaluate how well players are doing and predict how they'll perform in upcoming games. To start, take a look at the 4 categories listed at the top of a box score. “Ab” stands for at-bats, “R” stands for runs-scored, “H” stands for base hits, and “RBI” stands for runs batted in. Each row corresponds to a specific player, listed at the far left of the box score. A good player will have higher numbers in each of these categories. Similarly, if you're looking at stats for a pitcher, you'll see things like “H” for hits allowed, “R” for runs allowed, and “K” for strikeouts. In general, it's better to have lower numbers for hits and runs allowed and higher numbers for strikeouts. | Scan a standard box score. Box scores are statistical representations of how players performed in specific games and you can find them in the Sports section of a newspaper or on a sports website. Standard box scores list, in a table format, 4 offensive statistics and 6 pitching categories. View the team's lineup. The entire lineup is listed in the offensive, or batting, section of the box score. Players are listed in batting order with the positions they played during the game following their names. Substitutes' names are indented in the box score and are listed under the player they replaced. The 4 categories listed in the offensive table are: AB: at-bats R: runs scored H: base hits RBI: runs batted in Scan the more-detailed fielding and batting information under the offensive table. Individual accomplishments are singled out in this section. For example, if a player named Smith hit his 6th home run of the season, the box score would read, HR: Smith (6). Other statistical categories in this section of the box score would include: E: errors, LOB: left on base (team statistic), and DP: double plays (team statistic). 2B: doubles, 3B: triples, and HR: home runs (with season total). SB: stolen bases, SF: sacrifice flies, and S: sacrifices. Browse pitching statistics. Pitchers are listed in the order they appeared in the game. If a pitcher earned a decision in the game--win, loss or save-�it is shown after his name as either W, L or S. The symbol is accompanied by his current win-loss record or the number of saves he has earned to date. The 6 categories listed in the pitching table are: IP: Innings pitched: this can involve a decimal figure of either.1 or.2, representing part of an inning. For example, a starting pitcher completed 6 full innings and retired one batter in the 7th. His IP figure would be 6.1. H: hits allowed R: runs allowed ER: earned runs allowed BB: walks allowed K: strikeouts Survey in-depth pitching data. Under the pitching table is a list of additional pitching statistics. They can include: WP: wild pitches, BK: balks, HBP: hit by pitch, and PB: passed balls (catcher's statistic). Examine season statistics. Season statistics include all of the categories listed in box scores, and also other important data. Some of the most notable are: OBP: To find a player's on-base percentage, or OBP, add his hits, walks and hit-by-pitch totals and divide that sum by the combined total of his at-bats, walks, hit-by-pitch and sacrifice flies. (H+BB+HBP/AB+BB+HBP+SF) Slg.: To find a player's slugging percentage, divide his total bases by his at-bats. Total bases are the sum of the player's home runs x 4, triples x 3, doubles x 2, and singles. Avg.: Divide the number of hits by the number of at-bats to compute Avg., which is the player's the batting average. ERA: Earned-run average, or ERA represents a pitcher's overall effectiveness per 9 innings. To find an ERA, divide the pitcher's earned runs by his innings pitched, and multiply the quotient by 9. Investigate other statistical applications. In recent decades, various methods of statistical analysis in baseball have surfaced. Few have revolutionized the process of evaluating baseball talent like Sabermetrics. While many of Sabermetrics' tenets have gained widespread acceptance among fans and analysts, the two below stand out. OPS: On Base + Slugging. Sabermetrics creator Bill James sought a simple, defining statistic that would gauge a player's ability to produce runs. After compiling OPS figures on hundreds of players over many years, its effectiveness in determining a player's value to his team was continually supported. The Major League average for OPS is 0.728. A superstar has an OPS of 0.900. Pitching analysis: Using a variety of complex computations, Sabermetrics devised ground-breaking methods to examine pitchers. With nomenclatures as unusual as their formulas, BABIP, dERA and DIPS measure pitching effectiveness while removing the effects of luck and defense, and incorporating the effect of the ballpark. Add walks and hits given up by the pitcher in his outing. Divide the above total by the total number of innings pitched. For example: Kershaw walks none and gives up one hit over 7 innings, 1/7 = 0.143 WHIP. If that hit was a home run, his ERA would be 1.28. But it if was just a hit, his ERA would be 0.00 which doesn't fully dictate what happened. To better show the difference, say he scatters 3 walks and 4 hits, but no runs. His ERA is still 0.00, but now his whip has jumped to 1.00. You can take that two ways, either he gets out of trouble, or he's gotten lucky to avoid giving up runs. | Scan a standard box score. View the team's lineup. Scan the more-detailed fielding and batting information under the offensive table. Browse pitching statistics. Survey in-depth pitching data. Examine season statistics. Investigate other statistical applications. Add walks and hits given up by the pitcher in his outing. Divide the above total by the total number of innings pitched. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Car-Engine | How to Change a Car Engine | To change a car engine, start by removing the hood and draining all the fluids from the engine, including the coolant and engine oil. Next, disconnect the lines and wiring connected to the engine and remove the bolts attaching the engine to the transmission and motor mounts. Then, use a cherry picker to lift the old engine from the car and replace it with the new one. Once the new engine is in the vehicle, replace the bolts on the mounts and transmission before reconnecting the wiring and lines. Finally, add coolant and oil to the engine and replace the hood. | Remove the hood. While most projects done “under the hood” can be done beneath a hood that's still in place, removing the engine from your vehicle is likely not one of them. The hood may interfere with your ability to access connections or bolts and will cause problems if you lift the engine out of the engine bay using a cherry picker or engine hoist. The hood will be held in place by hinges on either side, each with two or three bolts. You and a friend will need to support the weight of the hood as you each remove the bolts connecting the hood to the hinges. Once the bolts have been removed, lift the hood off of the vehicle. Removing the hood is a two-person job, as one person will have to lift each end. Screw the bolts back into the hood to avoid losing them once they are removed. Place the hood someplace safe, with cloth pads at each point it may come into the contact with the ground to avoid damaging the paint. Drain all fluids from the engine. An engine uses a number of different fluids in regular use and all of it will need to be drained prior to removing the engine. Start with the engine oil, which can be drained through the oil drain plug on the oil pan. The coolant can be drained from the radiator petcock, though it's important to note that there will still be coolant throughout the system as you disconnect coolant lines. The washer fluid reservoir is likely attached to the body of the vehicle, rather than the engine, and can be left alone. The fluids drained from your vehicle cannot be re-used in the new engine. Drain engine oil and coolant into separate containers for later recycling. You can bring oil and coolant to many auto parts stores to be recycled for free. Disconnect the intake, exhaust and coolant lines. The intake draws air into your engine and looks like a pipe or tube traveling from the air filter to the throttle body. Disconnect the pipe from the throttle body, then remove all the fasteners holding the intake in place and remove it from the engine bay. You may or may not need to remove the radiator in order to remove the old engine, but you will certainly need to disconnect the coolant lines traveling from the radiator to the old engine. The exhaust can be unbolted at the bottom of the exhaust manifold. Expect coolant lines to drip or pour coolant as they are disconnected, so place a container beneath each as you disconnect them. Refer to your vehicle's service manual to ensure you have located and disconnected all necessary coolant lines. Remember that removing the exhaust bolts can be extremely difficult. Spray the bolts with WD40 and use a breaker bar to remove them, but be careful not to break the bolts. Disconnect the wiring. Depending on the era of your vehicle, there is a wide variety of wiring possibilities that you may need to address when conducting an engine swap. The more modern the vehicle, the more wiring and sensors you'll often have to contend with when disconnecting the engine. Be careful not to damage the connectors as you pull them apart, as they are usually made of plastic that can become brittle. Refer to a service manual specific to your vehicle's year, make and model to ensure you disconnect all of the appropriate connections. Older, carbureted motors may have fairly few wired connections to contend with, while brand new cars often have many electrical connections. Unbolt the engine from the transmission. Depending on how the engine is mounted in the vehicle's engine bay, the transmission may either be behind or to the side of the engine. The bell housing of the transmission fits into place at the back of the engine, or opposite where you will find the serpentine or drive belt. Remove all of the bolts that pass through the bell housing of the transmission and into the engine block. Place a transmission jack below the transmission to support its weight once it is no longer connected to the engine. Be very careful not to strip the bolts that connect the transmission to the engine block, as it will be very difficult to drill and tap out bolts with broken heads. Do not remove the bolts one at a time. Instead, loosen each of them a bit at a time until they are all hand loose before removing them. Disconnect the motor mount bolts. The engine in your vehicle is likely connected by three motor mounts, with the fourth serving as the transmission mount. These motor mounts are usually made up of steel and rubber (to absorb engine vibration) with a single bolt passing through the mount to secure the engine. You will need to use a wrench on one end of the motor mount bolt to hold it in place as you use another wrench to loosen and remove the nut from the other side. If you are using a cherry picker to lift the engine out of the engine bay, use your vehicle's service manual to locate the points to bolt the chain to the engine without doing any damage, and put the chains in place as you remove the motor mounts. If you intend to lower the engine out of the bottom of the vehicle, you will likely need to remove a cross member and place an engine jack beneath the engine. With the motor mount bolts removed, the engine will now be supported by the cherry picker or engine jack. Either raise or lower the engine from the engine bay. Depending on the design of your vehicle, it may be easier to raise the engine out of the engine bay using a cherry picker, or to leave the engine where it is and raise the vehicle itself over it. If you are using a professional lift, raising the vehicle above the engine is fairly straightforward, but most home mechanics may struggle to lift the vehicle above the engine. Have a friend jack the engine up using the cherry picker, as you carefully guide the engine to ensure it doesn't begin to swing dangerously. Allowing the engine to swing around could cause damage to the engine or your vehicle and can easily injure you. Be extremely careful not to get a finger or hand pinched between a swinging engine and the engine bay, as most engines weigh hundreds of pounds. Locate a good replacement. There are two primary methods of locating a replacement engine: new or rebuilt motors or motors from donor cars. New and rebuilt motors can be purchased from a number of online retailers. Brand new motors are commonly called “crate” motors and offer the reliability of a brand new engine. Rebuilt or refurbished motors were removed from donor cars and disassembled to identify any issues, then reassembled with new gaskets. Both new and rebuilt motors are reliable, and both can often be bought with a warranty. Donor engines are often the least expensive, as they are simply removed from another car and placed into yours. Donor engines can sometimes be extremely easy to install, especially if both your vehicle and the donor vehicle are at your garage. Crate motors are the most expensive, but offer the highest level of reliability. Rebuilt and refurbished motors tend to cost slightly less, but are still considered quite reliable. Visually inspect the new engine compared to the old. Before installing the new engine, compare it to the one you just removed to ensure they match. Because the same vehicle may have come with multiple engines in the same model year and there may be dozens of variations over the years, it's important to verify the new engine will bolt in exactly as the old one did. Look for the placement of the accessories (like power steering, alternator and air conditioning) as well as the location of the intake and exhaust manifolds and motor mount brackets. If the new engine is missing any accessory components like power steering, it may be easier to remove it from the old engine and install it on the new one before it is placed into the engine bay. Engine blocks often have engine codes cast into them. If you locate the engine code, refer it to your vehicle's service manual to ensure it is the proper engine for the vehicle. Either lower or raise the new engine into the engine bay. Place the new engine in the engine bay using the same method you used to remove the old one. If you are lowering the engine into place, have a friend slowly and carefully release the pressure in the cherry picker as you guide the engine into place. Take great care to slide the engine into place over the input shaft of the transmission without damaging it. The engine may want to twist in the chains as it is lowered by a cherry picker, so be careful to keep the engine aligned properly. Do not release all of the tension in the cherry picker once the engine is in place. If you lower the vehicle down over the engine, take great care to ensure it is lined up properly to avoid doing damage to the body of the vehicle or the engine. Bolt the engine in place using the motor mounts. With the engine in place, slide the motor mount bolts through the motor mounts and secure them using two wrenches. Make sure to have all three motor mounts connected and tight before releasing the tension on the cherry picker and allowing the car to support the weight of the engine. Before connecting the new motor mounts, inspect them for damage. If the rubber bushings are cracked or damaged, you should replace them before installing the new engine. Reduce the pressure on the cherry picker slowly to ensure the motor mounts will support the weight of the engine. Connect the engine to the transmission. Using the same bolts you removed from the bell housing of the transmission, connect the new engine to the old transmission. Make sure the transmission's bell housing slides into place and is flush against the engine block and is not at any kind of an angle as you tighten the bolts. Refer to your vehicle's service manual to find out the specific torque specifications required for the bolts connecting your transmission to the engine. You may need to use a torque wrench to ensure you place the proper force into tightening these bolts. Connect the engine wiring harness. Depending on the make, year, and model of your vehicle, connecting the engine wiring harness may be a fairly simple or an incredibly complex endeavor. If the new engine and the old are exactly the same, it will simplify the process of locating and connecting each of the necessary wires, sensors and connections. New model vehicles have far more wiring to contend with. Failing to connect the wiring harness properly can prevent the engine from running, make it run poorly, or affect the interior operations of the vehicle such as the gauge's operation. Run all the necessary connections. Reconnect the coolant lines and all other connections you had to separate when removing the old engine. If you needed to remove components from your old engine to install on your new one, such as the intake manifold or fuel rail, be sure to connect these as well. Use your vehicle's service manual to locate and connect all coolant, vacuum, and fuel lines that must be present to make your vehicle run properly. This is likely the most time consuming step in the process, as there are a number of connections to address. Clearances should not be an issue with a replacement motor when running the connections. Install the intake. Reinstall the intake, connecting it to the air filter and mass airflow sensor (if equipped) on one end and the throttle body on the other. Many intakes are supported by mounting brackets that will also need to be secured. There should be at least one vacuum line connecting to your intake from the cylinder head, but some vehicles may have others. There should be no open nipples or nozzles on the intake anywhere once installed. Connect the coolant lines. Reconnect the coolant lines to the radiator in the same way you removed them. Many coolant lines will require a hand wrench or phillip's head screw driver to tighten over their respective pipes. Make sure all connections are tight, but be careful not to overtighten them and crack the plastic piping. If any of the hose clamps used on the coolant lines seem unusable, you can purchase replacement ones at most auto parts stores. Look over your work for what you've missed. An engine needs air, fuel and spark to run, so start by making sure the intake, fuel lines and electrical system are all installed and intact. Then start running through the rest of the connections you've made, ensuring each is tight and in its proper place. Refer to your vehicle's service manual regularly as you compare its diagrams to what you see in your engine bay to be sure everything has been installed properly. If you see an issue, it may be daunting to take things back apart to address it, but starting the engine with something connected poorly or incorrectly can cause serious damage to your new engine. You may want to ask a friend to look things over as well, in case they notice something you've missed. Add oil and coolant. With everything in place, refill your radiator with a 50/50 water and coolant mix and add the appropriate amount of oil to the engine. Refer to your vehicle's service manual for fluid capacities and ensure you meet them. With everything connected and the fluids refilled, the vehicle should be ready to run. Turn the car over without letting it start a few times (by turning the key as though you want to start it, and then back quickly) to prime the fuel pump and being pumping oil through the engine before starting it for the first time. Break in new and rebuilt motors. New internal engine components must wear together under certain conditions before they can perform their best. This is referred to as "breaking them in." Start by driving the car at varying speeds for the first two hundred or so miles. Then, take a few medium throttle accelerations up to around 4,500 RPMs and allow the engine to cool completely. Repeat this with heavy throttle a few times, and allow it to cool again. Then change the oil. Drive the car for another 500 miles regularly, without exceeding the red line for your vehicle to finish the break in. Properly breaking in a motor can prolong its life and ensure it performs properly. Do not drive the vehicle aggressively until after you've broken it in for 500-700 miles. | Remove the hood. Drain all fluids from the engine. Disconnect the intake, exhaust and coolant lines. Disconnect the wiring. Unbolt the engine from the transmission. Disconnect the motor mount bolts. Either raise or lower the engine from the engine bay. Locate a good replacement. Visually inspect the new engine compared to the old. Either lower or raise the new engine into the engine bay. Bolt the engine in place using the motor mounts. Connect the engine to the transmission. Connect the engine wiring harness. Run all the necessary connections. Install the intake. Connect the coolant lines. Look over your work for what you've missed. Add oil and coolant. Break in new and rebuilt motors. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Overcome-Social-Anxiety | How to Overcome Social Anxiety | Dealing with social anxiety can seem daunting, but by identifying your triggers and gradually exposing yourself to them, you can eventually overcome your fears. Start by writing a list of things that trigger your anxiety, such as talking to strangers, being in crowded places, or making eye contact with people. Once you've identified your triggers, gradually expose yourself to them one by one so you'll get used to them. For example, if making eye contact causes you anxiety, commit to holding people's gaze for 1 extra second before you look away. As you get used to your triggers, gradually increase the intensity of triggers. For instance, once it feels normal making eye contact for an extra second, try to hold their gaze for 3 seconds before looking away. | Understand symptoms of social anxiety. There are some common symptoms or experiences of social anxiety. Common markers of anxiety disorders include: Excessive self-consciousness and anxiety in everyday social situations that generally others would not find overly stressful. Extreme worry about social situations for days, weeks, or even months beforehand. Intense fear of being watched or judged by others, especially people you do not know. Avoiding social situations to a degree that limits your activities or disrupts or otherwise negatively impacts your life. Fear of humiliation. Fear that others will notice that you are nervous and react negatively. Understand physical symptoms. While experiencing anxiety affects the way you feel emotionally, your body creates triggers to clue you in on how you're feeling. People with social anxiety may experience: Blushing Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Nausea, or “butterflies” Shaky hands or voice Racing heartbeat Sweating Feeling dizzy or faint Learn to recognize your triggers. Different people with social anxiety have different triggers, although many are pretty common. By knowing what causes you to react with anxiety, you can start to process these experiences in a more positive manner. It may be obvious, or sometimes seemingly random. Sometimes keeping a journal can help pinpoint common experiences. For example: Do you feel anxiety when you walk into a classroom? Is it the same for math class as it is for art class? Do certain people, like your boss or coworkers, trigger anxiety when you interact with them? Do you feel anxiety in social situations? Is it the same for a restaurant as for a concert? Is a group of close friends different than strangers? Pay attention to situations you tend to avoid. Do you always sit by yourself at lunch, rather than asking to sit with others? Do you always turn down invitations to parties? Do you avoid family get-togethers? Do you avoid using public restrooms? Some other common triggers include: Meeting new people Being the center of attention Being watched while doing something Making small talk Being called on in class Making phone calls Eating or drinking in public Speaking up in a meeting Attending parties Face your fears. Many people who suffer from social anxiety tend to avoid their fears rather than facing up to them. Although this can help to alleviate social anxiety in the short-term, it can actually make the anxiety worse in the long-run. Facing your fears is always difficult and requires a lot of bravery and determination, but if you want to cure your anxiety it is something you must do. Write a list of situations that trigger social anxiety. Once you've identified your triggers, write them down. Then, look at your list and arrange the triggers from least threatening to most threatening. At the bottom of the list might be making eye contact while speaking, in the middle may be asking a stranger for directions; the top of the list might be asking someone to a dinner date or singing karaoke. If you struggle to rank your fears, try assigning them numbers. Give a 1 to "scary" triggers, a 2 to "quite scary," and a 3 to "terrifying." Start tackling your list. Make a goal to tackle one list item every week. Start with the items you gave a “1” rating, and work up the list. You want to start with the more manageable items first and build your confidence as you attempt more and more challenging items. Remember that you get credit for just trying--you may need more than one attempt to succeed. Every 'failure' is one step closer to succeeding. People with anxiety tend to take an "all or nothing" approach--either you summon up the courage to ask to sit next to someone at the coffeeshop, or you fail forever. If you did not do it today, try again tomorrow or next week. You may have to break down big goals into little goals. For instance, if you are finding it difficult to ask to sit next to someone at the coffeeshop, you may need to find a smaller, related goal. Maybe smile at a stranger at the coffeeshop? Or sit kind of close to a stranger? For some people, it may be to even go in the cafe at all! Start with small, easily reached goals. It may be too daunting to even start at a "1". It is better to gain confidence through baby steps than to try to bite off too much at once. Treat the list as cumulative. If you start feeling stressed and anxious, then take a short break before moving on. It's okay to re-evaluate your goals and move at your own pace. Practice relaxation techniques. If you're struggling to feel comfortable in new social situations, learn ways to relax yourself. Meditation and exercises like yoga and tai chi are techniques you can use to calm down and prepare yourself to face your challenges calmly. If you carry tension in your muscles, tighten your whole body for three seconds (including your hands, feet, jaw, neck, etc.), then release. Do this two more times and feel the tension leave your body. Learn to recognize your body overreacting to feelings of anxiety and immediately practice calming yourself in those situations. Use breathing techniques. People who suffer from social anxiety often find themselves in situations where their panic gets the better of them and they have difficulty breathing. In this situation, one of the best ways to regain control and calm your mind is just to focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply through the nose for six seconds. Feel the breath moving down through your chest, into the pit of your stomach. As you breathe focus solely on the movement of air in and out of your body. Exhale slowly through your mouth for another six seconds. Repeat this exercise until you begin to feel calm again. Pick a mantra or a "pump-up" song. Recite a comforting prayer, line of poetry, or famous quotation, something that inspires you and that you can return to when feeling anxious. Find a song that inspires confidence you can listen to as you drive to a social gathering or before a big presentation. Even something as simple as "I can do this" will help you center yourself and feel confident. Change your diet. Stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine can increase anxiety symptoms. Alcohol can also trigger anxiety attacks, so be careful when drinking. Know the difference between drinking to calm nerves and drinking in excess. Identify negative thoughts. When you experience social anxiety, chances are your thoughts are to blame in creating negative experiences, so start to observe the thoughts you have, then begin to challenge them. Some common thought patterns include: Being a mind reader – You assume you know other people's thoughts, and they are thinking negatively about you. Fortune telling – You attempt to predict the future by assuming a bad outcome. You “know” that something bad will happen so you feel anxious even before anything happens. Catastrophizing – You assume the worst situation can and will happen to you. Making it about you – You assume that others are negatively focusing on you or assume that what other people are doing or saying is about you. Challenge your negative thoughts. Once you have learned to identify your negative thoughts, you must begin to analyze and challenge them. Ask yourself questions about the thought and test whether or not it's really true. Use logic and evidence to disprove these automatic, negative thoughts. For instance, if you are afraid to go to a party because everyone will notice that you're nervous and sweating, try something like, "Wait a minute. I was invited to this party because these people are my friends and they want to see me and spend time with me. There will be tons of people there, do I really think I'm going to be the focus of their attention? Will my friends even care if they notice that I'm nervous?" Use positive affirmations. Instead of engaging in negative thoughts, replace them with positive thoughts. When a negative thought pops up, follow the same protocol of first challenging that thought with evidence to the contrary, then give yourself a positive message to say to yourself. For instance, if you think, "No one really wants me to come to the party," you can challenge that with: "They invited me, so obviously they want me at the party. The hostess even texted me yesterday to say she really hopes I can make it." Then look at yourself in the mirror and say to yourself: "I am funny and fun to be around, and anyone would be lucky to have me as a friend." Other positive affirmations for someone dealing with social anxiety might be: "I am working to feel more comfortable with social situations every day. I know with practice and patience I will feel more comfortable in social situations." You can also write positive messages on sticky notes and put them around your house or stick them to your mirror. Decrease your self-focus. To reduce the concentration on yourself, engage with your surroundings. Observe the people around you and your environment. Focus on listening to what is being said, and stay away from engaging negative thoughts. When you notice yourself focusing on your thoughts or what people think of you, flip your attention away from yourself. Assign less value to the responses of others. Lots of anxiety comes from feelings of being judged. Other people may not always agree with you or respond to you, but this is not a reflection on you or your abilities. Everyone experiences social interactions where they get along with other people great, and times where they don't hit it off. It's just part of life, and has nothing to do with how likable you are. You're working toward comprehensive confidence, so what matters most is that you're working on your list. You're trying! Ask questions. One of the easiest ways to get more comfortable in one-on-one conversations or group discussions is to ask questions. You'll put others at ease if you ask sincere and open-ended questions. Start with general questions, such as “What have you been up to today?” or “How did your presentation go?” Open-ended questions allow the responder to say whatever she wants to say, without being confined to a simple yes or no. If you ask, “Do you want to see that movie?” it may not elicit as much of a response as “What do you think about that movie?” Listen actively and curiously. This can make all the difference in the world. When you listen, you show that you are engaged in what someone is saying, and that's it's important and interesting to you. Listen to what someone else says and then respond to her comments. Think about what she's saying, and allow her to finish her statements without interrupting. Pay attention to your body language. This is a big factor in conversation, even though it is unspoken. Instead of looking over someone's head, try to make eye contact. Listening intently also prepares you to ask good follow-up questions. Communicate assertively. This style of communication means you are able to express feelings, thoughts, beliefs, needs and opinions while still respecting the rights of others. When you are assertive, you respect yourself and others. Learn to be okay with saying "No." It can be very difficult for some people to say no, but saying yes or agreeing to something you can't or don't really want to do can cause stress and resentment. Take care of yourself and say "No" when you need to. Be direct, keep a neutral tone of voice and body language. Make your needs clear, and understand that being assertive doesn't necessarily mean getting exactly what you want. If you're within a group at a meeting or at a party, try talking in a moderately louder voice than you usually do. Make eye contact and speak decisively. This projects confidence and will command presence. Prepare for social situations. Practice relaxation beforehand, and read a paper to have talking points to engage with people at social events. Prepare a comment to make at a meeting, or have a topic from the radio to discuss over lunch. If you have to stand up in front of a large group of people to give a presentation or speech, being prepared will give you extra confidence. Try learning your speech by heart. This will help you to avoid forgetting any important points on the day itself. Ask your friends or family for support. Especially as you begin to tackle more and more daunting fears, reach out to your support network to help you. If you have to attend a large event, such as a party or conference, bring a close friend or family member along with you for support. Just having a familiar person close can make a huge difference in your confidence levels. If you start to feel overwhelmed, turn to your friend and try to keep your mind off your nerves. Expand your social circle. People who suffer from social anxiety can find it very difficult to put themselves out there and meet new people. However, this is an essential part of overcoming anxiety and moving forward with your life. Think of an activity that you enjoy, whether it's knitting, horse riding, or running, and find a group of people in your area who share this interest. You will find it much easier to strike up a conversation with people who have similar interests to your own. If you get invited to a party or event, make sure you say yes. People with social anxiety tend to shy away from group gatherings, but this can cause you to feel even more isolated and unhappy. Make an effort to go to any social gathering (even if it's only for half an hour). You need to push yourself out of your comfort zone if you want to get better. Take a social skills or assertiveness training class. Taking a class to gain skills is a great way to learn and practice your social skills and assertiveness. Get to know the people in your class and practice your skills with them. Make an appointment with a therapist. If, after working on confronting your anxiety triggers for a while, you're still having trouble moving down the list and still suffering from severe anxiety, or if your anxiety is debilitating, talk to a professional. | Understand symptoms of social anxiety. Understand physical symptoms. Learn to recognize your triggers. Pay attention to situations you tend to avoid. Face your fears. Write a list of situations that trigger social anxiety. Start tackling your list. Practice relaxation techniques. Use breathing techniques. Pick a mantra or a "pump-up" song. Change your diet. Identify negative thoughts. Challenge your negative thoughts. Use positive affirmations. Decrease your self-focus. Assign less value to the responses of others. Ask questions. Listen actively and curiously. Communicate assertively. Prepare for social situations. Ask your friends or family for support. Expand your social circle. Take a social skills or assertiveness training class. Make an appointment with a therapist. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-%22Foxtail%22-from-a-Dog%27s-Nose | How to Remove a "Foxtail" from a Dog's Nose | To remove a foxtail weed from your dog's nose, your best bet is to take your dog to see a vet so they can remove the entire foxtail and use an anesthetic if necessary. However, if you can't get your dog to the vet, you can try to remove the foxtail at home. To remove it yourself, grip the end of the foxtail with tweezers, and pull gently along the axis of the nose. If the foxtail snaps off, you'll need to see a vet to remove the rest. Never poke tweezers up your dog's nose where you can't see. | Look for sneezing. The dog may sneeze in a manner that seems uncontrollable. This sneezing may even be accompanied by a bloody discharge. Bloody discharge accompanying sneezing is a fairly good indicator that a foxtail is lodged in the nose. Notice reverse sneezing. A reverse sneeze is what some may refer to as "snorting." It is a method the dog may use to try and clear something from its nose, which could include a foxtail. If the dog is reverse sneezing, this could be a symptom of a foxtail lodged in the nose. Recognize nasal irritation. Nasal irritation may be apparent if the dog paws or scratches his or her snout, rubs the snout, head, or face, or shakes the head. If a foxtail is not visible, but the dog exhibits symptoms of nasal irritation, a foxtail may be lodged in the nose. Check for foxtails often. Checking your pet after every walk and thoroughly search between toes, in armpits, and ears for foxtails. Remove them or see a vet if it looks lodged. Seeing a foxtail on one part of the body might indicate foxtails in the nose or elsewhere. Recognize symptoms of a foxtail in the ear. A dog with a foxtail seed in its ear might rub its head on the ground or shake its head violently from side to side. It might paw at its ear or hold its head at a strange angle with the infected ear angled down. The ear could become infected, and the eye on the same side may look abnormal as well. Recognize symptoms of a foxtail in the eye. If a dog gets a foxtail seed in its eye, it will probably appear to be in a great deal of pain. The eye and the area around it may swell, and a discharge may appear. The dog will probably keep its eye shut tightly as well. Recognize symptoms of foxtails in the skin. Foxtails commonly get caught in dogs' skin. The area around the site where the foxtail is stuck may be swollen and red and there may be a bloody or clear fluid draining from the area. The dog may lick the area a lot and may appear to be in pain. Affected sites often included the webbed area between the dog's toes as well as the chest and/or shoulders. Calm the dog. First, try to keep the dog calm. He or she may be stressed out and/or in pain, so it is best to try and calm the dog before a trip to the vet. This may require you to restrain the dog for its comfort and safety as well as your safety. Sit on the ground with the dog and speak in soothing tones. If the dog is restless, you can try to use basic commands to get him to calm down. If commands don't work, you may need to use a leash or even a muzzle. Restraining the dog may be easier if you have someone to help you. Find a veterinarian. Not all veterinarians may have experience removing nasal foxtails, so it would be a good idea to seek out a veterinarian who has experience with them. You may be able to see the foxtail in the dog's nose, but only a trained professional can ensure the foxtail is properly removed. Call the veterinarian or check his or her website to see if you can verify whether he or she has foxtail experience. A foxtail in the nose could lead to a sinus infection or worse. The dog's nose is very sensitive, so anesthesia may very likely be required to safely remove the foxtail. Bring your dog to the veterinarian. Bring the dog to his or her office. Explain the symptoms that your dog has been exhibiting and that you suspect a nasal foxtail. If the veterinarian agrees with you after an examination, they can remove out the foxtail a number of ways. The vet will most likely use an anesthetic. The vet might use an endoscope, which is a fine tube with a fiberoptic camera, passing it up the nose to check that it is a foxtail that is causing the problem. The vet can remove the foxtail using forceps or a grasper on the endoscope. A vet's forceps will have much longer and narrower arms than tweezers at home. The vet might flush the nasal cavity to remove all nasal debris. Do not poke up your dog's nose where you cannot see without a vet. Attempt to remove the foxtail if a vet is unavailable. If you can see the foxtail clearly on your dog's nose and cannot get your dog to a vet, you can try to remove the foxtail yourself. Use tweezers to get a firm grip on the foxtail. Pull gently but firmly along the long axis of the nose. Do not poke up your dogs nose where you cannot see. If the foxtail snaps off mid-pull, then it likely doesn't make a difference but see a vet to remove the rest. If you see no more foxtails and your dog seems less irritated, it is possible you removed the whole foxtail. Check with a vet to make sure. | Look for sneezing. Notice reverse sneezing. Recognize nasal irritation. Check for foxtails often. Recognize symptoms of a foxtail in the ear. Recognize symptoms of a foxtail in the eye. Recognize symptoms of foxtails in the skin. Calm the dog. Find a veterinarian. Bring your dog to the veterinarian. Attempt to remove the foxtail if a vet is unavailable. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Blue-Eyes | How to Get Blue Eyes | To get blue eyes safely, wear blue contact lenses which cover up the iris and make them look blue. If you already have some blue in your eyes, draw it out by wearing copper or gold eyeshadow. You may also be able to make brown eyes look blue from a distance just by wearing a blue eyeshadow. In addition, you could try going on a bowel cleanse, as some people claim it can change your eye color semi-permanently. Either way, your eyes should get more blue as you age. | Understand that your eye color is genetic. Just like your hair and skin color, the color of your iris' is genetic. That means that unless you break down your genetic code or cell structure, your eye color cannot be changed permanently without surgery. The color of your eyes is determined by the amount of melanin that your iris' contain: very little melanin gives blue eyes, while lots of melanin gives brown eyes. Many babies have blue eyes when they're born, because their body hasn't created very much melanin yet. There are genetic mutations which cause some people to have two different colored eyes or both eyes with multiple colors. Know that changes in eye color may signify disease or illness. If you notice that your eyes are changing color on their own - especially from brown to blue - you should seek medical attention immediately. Changing eye color is a symptom of many illnesses, some of which may cause damage to your eyes leading to blindness. Although it may be exciting to have a new eye color, you should always contact an eye doctor if the change happens naturally. Understand that you can’t permanently change your eye color. Although there are few surgeries available in some parts of the world that claim to change eye color, there is no strictly permanent way to change it. As a result of being genetic, you can only truly change your eye color by using superficial means. Surgery may alter it, but studies haven't shown how long it actually lasts, and what the long-term health effects are. Before taking any 'permanent' measures, you should always take some time to seriously consider the pros/cons. Test out non-permanent blue eye options before doing something drastic, such as surgery. Use blue contact lenses. The only safe and 100% proven way to get blue eyes is to use blue colored contact lenses. Contact lenses are thin sheets of plastic you wear in your eyes, to cover up the natural iris and give the illusion of a different color. The nice thing about contact lenses is that they are cheap, and come in many different shades of blue. This makes it easy to test-drive multiple colors and types of lenses to find the right ones for you. Keep in mind that certain contacts and certain colors may blur your vision and make it foggy. You will need to learn how to put in your contacts. Depending on whether they are hard or soft, the difficulty of putting them in varies from person to person, not to mention the type of contact. If you wear prescription glasses or contacts, you have the option of getting prescription colored contacts. Change up your makeup. If you wear makeup , you can change the colors you wear to either bring out natural blue undertones in your iris', or add blue to your eyes if your eyes are dark. If you have some blue undertones in your eyes, look for a copper or gold eyeshadow. The warm hues of the bronze-y shadow will bring out the blue highlights in your iris'. If you have brown eyes, try wearing a cool blue eyeshadow; you'll add the color near your eyes, which will create an illusion of blue-ish eyes from a distance. Apply the eyeshadow using a shadow brush over your entire eyelid, and on the outer-corner of your lower lash-line. You can use blue eyeliner for a similar effect. . Photoshop your eyes blue If you want to test out blue eyes to see what they would look like, or you're just interested in making your eyes more blue in your photos, you can use photoshop to alter the color. Although this doesn't technically change the color of your eyes in real life, it does give you the opportunity to show off baby blues in photos, and try on different shades to see if you like it. You can use other photo editing programs outside of photoshop to change the color of your eyes. Change your emotional state. When you get angry , sad, or excited , your pupils will contract, which 'enlarges' the size of your iris's. As a result, your eyes appear brighter and more colorful than they do when you're simply contented. If you have any blue undertones in your eyes, working up your emotions will bring them out naturally. Plus, if you cry , your eyes will get slightly red which contrasts with the blue that might be present, giving your eyes more of a blue appearance. Any change in your hormones or pupil size will slightly alter the appearance of your eyes. This technique will only make eyes appear blue if they're green or hazel, and have a bit of blue in them already. Get a special laser surgery. Although it hasn't been approved for use in the United States, there is a type of laser therapy on the market that will permanently make your eyes blue. The treatment works by using a laser to burn out the top layer of melanin in your eyes, revealing blue iris' underneath. As a result of being a relatively new treatment, there is no word on what the long-time health effects of it is. However, using a laser on your eyes under any circumstances can be dangerous, and should be avoided if at all possible. Because no long-term studies have been conducted, it's hard to know if the melanin that was removed every returns later in life. Get iris implants. A treatment originally developed for people suffering from serious eye problems, you can have a small silicon disc implanted over your iris to change the color of your eye. Almost like a permanent set of contact lenses, the colored disc will turn your eyes bright blue. However, there are serious downsides to the procedure: more than one person has gone blind as a result of seeking out the procedure for cosmetic reasons. Iris implants are typically only used on patients who are going blind or who have serious cataracts, and should be avoided for the sole purpose of changing your eye color. Iris implants aren't available cosmetically inside the United States. Go on a bowel cleanse. Although this method hasn't been scientifically proven, many people claim that cleansing their bowels has lead to a semi-permanent change in eye color. The theory is that when you change what you eat/drink and what your bowels take in, your hormones change, therefore altering the melanin production in your eyes. Talk to your doctor about finding a bowel cleanse that is healthy and safe based on your lifestyle. You should never do a bodily cleanse without first speaking to your physician about the possible outcomes. Don't drastically change your diet for the purpose of altering your eye color, as this could have other unintentional negative results. Wait it out. If you've ever looked at the eyes of someone who is quite old in age, you'll notice that they all tend to be a milky blue-ish hue. That's because as you age, your body doesn't produce melanin as heavily as when you are young and in prime physical condition. As a result, eyes turn a dark blue color. If nothing else, waiting until you're in the later years of your life will give you blue eyes that you otherwise might not have. | Understand that your eye color is genetic. Know that changes in eye color may signify disease or illness. Understand that you can’t permanently change your eye color. Use blue contact lenses. Change up your makeup. . Change your emotional state. Get a special laser surgery. Get iris implants. Go on a bowel cleanse. Wait it out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Decorate-Birthday-Cakes | How to Decorate Birthday Cakes | If you want to write a message on a birthday cake, buy or make a piping bag by filling a zippered plastic bag with frosting, sealing it firmly, and cutting a tip off one corner. If you are nervous about writing directly on the cake, start by gently etching your message on the cake with a toothpick, which you can then write over with the frosting. If you prefer, you can make a stencil of your message, place your stencil close to the surface of the cake, and dust the stencil with powdered sugar to give you a guide to follow with your piping bag. | Brainstorm your cake theme. Your decisions here will likely depend on the person the cake is intended for. You might use that person's favorite color to as the color scheme of your cake, but you should also think about favorite activities, like sports, or characters, like those from favorite books and TV shows. When basing your cake around a favorite book, TV show, or character, try to pick out iconic features that will be easy to recreate on your cake. For example, if making a Harry Potter themed cake, you might use Lego Harry Potter figurines to decorate. If making a Minnie Mouse shaped cake , use pink frosting to create a bow. Plan out any messages on your cake. Writing with icing can be difficult. Letters that are too small will turn out squashed and can be easily missed. On the other hand, writing that is too big can leave your message incomplete, or throw off the balance of your cake. Use a pencil and a piece of scrap paper to get a feel for the spacing and size of the letters in your message before you attempt icing. You might want to practice your writing by using your pencil copy as a stencil. Mix up some extra frosting, and use a piping bag to follow the letters of your message accustom yourself to cake writing. You might also want to check out how to write with frosting. Make stencils if a newcomer to cake writing. Write out your message in the fashion you desire and then cut out a stencil of your message with scissors. Once you have cut the shape of the letters of your message into your paper, you can set your stencil off to the side to use later. When you're ready to write your message, you should place your stencil close to the surface of the icing where you will be writing, and dust it with powdered sugar. This way you have a powdered sugar guide for your cake writing. Check the levelness of your cake. A flat top will be best for your decorating endeavors, as you won't have to worry about decorations sliding down a sloped or domed portion of your cake. If your cake has a slight crown, you can correct this by putting a plate on top of your cake after you take it from the oven and press down gently. Check the levelness of your cake by lying a piece of clean cardboard atop it. If the cardboard lies flat, your cake is level. Using a small carpenter's level will ensure the flattest possible cake. Your oven temperature might be the cause of your uneven cake. Temperatures that are too high can cause this to occur; avoid this by double checking your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Allow your cake to cool completely. Applying frosting while your cake is still warm can result in a melty mess. Beyond that, while your cake is still cooling it will be less structurally sound. Cool your cake by: Removing your cake from the oven and placing it on a cooling rack or your counter for about 5 - 10 minutes. Moving your cake to the refrigerator to aid cooling while locking in moisture. Sealing your cake inside its mold with two layers plastic wrap will prevent it from drying out. Returning your cake to the refrigerator for another one to two hours. Gather your cake decorating supplies. There are many different kinds of decoration you might use for the birthday cake you are making. Some of these may be edible, like fondant decorations and candy accents, while others may be inedible, like figurines and models. Some supplies you'll likely want to have on hand include: Chocolate chips (optional) Edible glitter (optional) Fondant (optional) Food coloring (optional) Frosting Fruit (optional) Mixing bowls (for frosting) Nuts (optional) Piping bag (or plastic baggie) Scissors (for homemade piping bag) Sprinkles (optional) Stencils (optional) Toothpicks (optional) Prevent frosting splatter and runs with wax or parchment paper. Even expert cake decorators sometimes have dribbles of icing puddle or pool around the base of the cake. To create a clean edge between your cake and the surface it rests on, place the corners of four pieces of wax or parchment paper under your cake so the paper skirts the bottom edges of the cake. You should be able to easily remove any drips or messy frosting around the cake's base by pulling free the paper from underneath it. Protect your frosting from crumbs with a crumb coat. A crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting that you put on your cake before the main layer of frosting. When frosting your cake, crumbs can get stuck in your frosting, making it look less than great. Your crumb coat will trap these crumbs and keep your main layer of frosting looking clean and professional. Use a knife or offset spatula to apply your frosting, spreading it until you can see the cake underneath. Give your crumb coat a few minutes to set before you move on to your main layer of frosting. Buy some icing, or make your own. Vanilla buttercream frosting, as delicious as it may be, is fairly simple to make. For more complicated versions of icing or frosting, you may want to check out how to make icing or frosting. The following recipe only needs to be beaten together to a regular consistency in a mixing bowl: Softened butter (½ cup) Confectioners' sugar (4½ cups) Vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons) 2% milk (5 to 6 tablespoons) A few drops of food coloring in your icing can change plain white buttercream into whatever color best suits your cake design! Frost your cake evenly. To keep your frosting equally distributed, you should start from the top and spread small amounts frosting across your cake with your knife or offset spatula. As the frosting thins, you should scoop more of it from its container or mixing bowl with your knife of spatula, and continue to spread the frosting on you cake little by little until it is completely frosted. Try not to apply too much frosting at once. This can sometimes make it difficult to achieve an even look. Wait until the top of your cake is done before frosting the sides. This way you'll have a more consistent look for your entire cake. Make or buy a piping bag. A piping bag is flexible plastic container that you can fill with frosting. After loading the bag with frosting, you should cut the end of the bag that comes to a point to create a nozzle. Then all you need to do is squeeze the bag to force your icing out in a controlled stream. If you have trouble finding a suitable piping bag at your local grocery, you can make a homemade piping bag with a zippered plastic bag. Put icing in your baggie and seal the top firmly. Cut off the tip of one corner of the baggie and voila! Your homemade piping bag is finished. Model your messages before writing with frosting. Beginning pipers might not yet feel confident piping a message freehand onto a cake. If you're one such person, you may want to sketch out the message in your frosting with a toothpick. This way you can follow your sketch with your piping bag and limit mistakes. Add details and a message with your piping bag. You can use the end of your piping bag to direct your stream of frosting, or you can buy special tips to create special effects with your frosting. Some special effect tips you can use with your piping bag include: Round tips, which are suited for lines, dots, and writing messages. Star tips, which are mostly used to create stars shapes, decorative shells, flowers, borders, and rosettes. Basket-weave tips, which are fitting for making lattices and lines that mimic ribbons, and other borders. Border your cake, and add other edible designs. You may need to wait until you graduate from beginner before you tackle any designs that are too complex, but with your piping bag you can create all sorts of shapes and designs. You can also make clever designs from a special, hardened sugar substance called fondant. You might even try: Icing flowers Icing roses Use edible decorations to give your cake extra appeal. In the baking section of most grocers, there will be decorative candies that you can use to dress up your cake. Candy beads, sprinkles, and other special edible confectioner ornaments can change your cake from simple delicious to dazzling. Hide blemishes and errors with a thin layer of glitter. Edible glitter is a great way of giving your cake a magical touch, and can also be used to hide small inconsistencies in your frosting. Simply dust the surface of your cake in a thin layer of glitter for an effect that will impress all who see. You can also drizzle your glitter through stencils to create special shapes and patterns on the surface of your cake. Add candy to your design for candy lovers. Pieces of Kit-Kat can be used to create a border around your cake. Stick the wafers of the candy one or two at a time to the frosting on the side of your cake until it is completely bordered. M&M are another popular addition to birthday cakes. You might even use these to spell out a message or create a special design. Top your cake with toys or figurines. Especially for themed cakes, this is an easier way to indicate a favorite character or series than drawing an elaborate picture freehand. Consider using Lego models. These are small enough that they can easily nested in the icing of your cake. Enjoy the look on the birthday boy or girl's face. There's nothing better than the look of pure gratitude you'll get when the recipient sees the beautiful cake you've crafted. Place candles in the cake, sing happy birthday, and share your handiwork with all your guests! | Brainstorm your cake theme. Plan out any messages on your cake. Make stencils if a newcomer to cake writing. Check the levelness of your cake. Allow your cake to cool completely. Gather your cake decorating supplies. Prevent frosting splatter and runs with wax or parchment paper. Protect your frosting from crumbs with a crumb coat. Buy some icing, or make your own. Frost your cake evenly. Make or buy a piping bag. Model your messages before writing with frosting. Add details and a message with your piping bag. Border your cake, and add other edible designs. Use edible decorations to give your cake extra appeal. Hide blemishes and errors with a thin layer of glitter. Add candy to your design for candy lovers. Top your cake with toys or figurines. Enjoy the look on the birthday boy or girl's face. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Vote-in-the-United-States | How to Vote in the United States | Voting is one of the most important things U.S. citizens can do to help shape the country's future. Before you can vote in an election, you must first register to vote. Fortunately, registering to vote in most U.S. states is a quick and easy process. To be eligible to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, and at least 18 years old by election day. If you are under the age of 18, you may be able to pre-register to vote if allowed by your state's laws.If you are a first-time voter, you will need to provide proof of identity when registering such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You may also need to provide additional proof of residence such as a current utility bill, or bank statement. Check your State Election Office website for a list of acceptable documents, as well as for any additional eligibility requirements.If you meet your state's requirements, you're ready to register. There are three ways you can submit your registration: in person, by mail, or online. You can register to vote in person at your local or state election office or at the DMV if your state has what is known as a “motor voter” law.You can register by mail by using a National Mail Voter Registration Form or via your state's voter registration form. If your state doesn't accept this form or you don't have access to a computer, you can pick up a state registration form at many government offices, such as the Post Office, a DMV, or a public library. In several states, you can also register to vote online. Currently, 39 states plus the District of Columbia offer online registration.Once you're registered, you can vote in one of two ways: in-person or by mail. To vote in person, visit your local polling center on election day and fill out a ballot. In some states, you may need to bring proof of identification or residency when voting, such as your driver's license, passport, or a utility bill. Some states also offer early in-person voting. Check your State Election Office website to find more details about voter identification requirements, and early voting deadlines and locations.To vote by mail, try to request an absentee ballot from your State Election Office website. In many states, anyone can request an absentee ballot and vote by mail, but some states do require a valid excuse for not voting in person. Once you receive your absentee ballot in the mail, fill it out and send it back to the provided address by the deadline. If you live in Oregon, Washington, Colorado, or Hawaii you don't need to request an absentee ballot. Ballots are automatically mailed to every registered voter for each election. If you live in one of these states and you want to vote by mail, fill out the ballot you receive and send it to the provided address or drop it off at a designated location by your state's deadline.Regardless of how you choose to vote, voting is an effective and meaningful way to participate in the democratic process of the United States. | Find out if you're eligible to vote in the next election. It isn't just the Presidential election every four years that matters — there are also midterm, state, and local elections that happen more frequently. "Midterm" elections happen in the middle of a president's term when members of the U.S. House of Representatives and other offices are elected. In all states, you must be at least 18-years-old on Election Day and a U.S. citizen to vote, though your state may have other eligibility requirements, which you can check here: https://www.vote.org/voter-registration-rules/. Some states allow 17-year-olds to vote in the primaries and caucuses if they'll be 18-years-old on Election Day. Find out if you're already registered. Visit https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/ to figure out if you're already registered. Some states automatically register you when you apply for your driver's license, for example, so you might have registered without knowing it. If you're not registered, Vote.org can lead you through the process to register in your state. Keep in mind that, even if you're already registered to vote, you will need to re-register if you've changed your name, address, or, in certain states, if you'd like to change your political party affiliation. Register to vote. If you have not yet registered to vote, then there are three main ways to do it, depending on your state: you can register online , register by mail, or register in person. The most important thing is that you're aware of your state's registration deadline , which may fall between 2-4 weeks before an election. You can register online if your state is one of the 39 states that allows it. You can check this table to see whether or not your state offers online registration. If yours does, you can register through your State's election website or a site like Vote.org at https://www.vote.org/register-to-vote/. You can also easily print, fill out, and mail in a National Mail Voter Registration Form. If you don't live in Wyoming, North Dakota, or the U.S. territories, then this option will work for you. If you live in North Dakota, you don't have to register to vote. Registration in person is also an option, and you can generally do so at any of the following locations: the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), your state's election offices, Armed Service recruitment centers, public assistance facilities, or state-funded disabilities centers. Check if your state allows early voting. Many states allow voters to cast their ballot before Election Day. Early voting is convenient because you may have more flexibility to work around your schedule and you're less likely to wait in line. You can find out if your state offers early voting and when you can vote early here: https://www.vote.org/early-voting-calendar/ Learn where your polling place is. Polling places can be almost anywhere — government buildings, offices, schools, churches, restaurants, and sometimes even citizens' houses. In certain cities and counties, you may be able to choose which polling location you visit, but in most places you're required to vote at your assigned polling place. Make sure you know where it is and how to get there well before Election Day. Keep in mind that your polling place may have changed since the last election. You can find your polling place at https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/ or by visiting your state's election office website. If you've recently registered, you should make sure to get confirmation of your registration at least a few weeks before it's time to vote. Check in with your state or local offices if you still haven't received confirmation of your registration or verify your registration at https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/. Find out what you need to bring with you to vote. Each state has different requirements for what you need to bring for identification, whether it's a driver's license, other state-issued ID, or proof of residency, such as bank statements or bills with your name and address on them. Check your state's requirements here: https://www.vote.org/voter-id-laws/ Learn what's on your ballot. If you're new to voting, it may be a good idea to familiarize yourself with your local ballot. Each local ballot is a bit different. This will let you know exactly who is running for which office, and it will also spell out any referendum or initiatives appearing before the voters. Find a sample ballot for your area and mark it according to your choices. This will help prevent confusion once you get to the voting booth and will allow you to cast your vote in the way you intend. Educate yourself on the candidates and the issues. Read the newspapers, look at the candidate's website, and look for voters' guides which may be published by nonpartisan groups in your area. Listen to radio or TV candidate debates or attend a debate or a forum in person. In local elections, where coverage is limited, it can be very effective to pick up the telephone and speak to a candidate. Go to your polling place. Be prepared for a wait — if you go before or after normal working hours, you may have a line ahead of you. Bring a book to kill time. You can also make friends with your fellow citizens while you're waiting. If you're voting for the first time or live in a state that requires you to show identification, make sure you bring this with you. You can find your state's voter identification requirements here: https://www.vote.org/voter-id-laws/ Before you vote, you'll need to check in with the poll workers so they can know who you are and can give you a ballot. If you have any questions about the voting process, they would be happy to answer them. Fill out the ballot as you wish. Follow the instructions for how to select your choices. Then, indicate how you want to vote. Take your time so you don't make any mistakes. If you're having trouble filling out the ballot, ask a poll worker to show you how. Review your ballot to make sure it's accurate. Take a moment to review your choices to make sure they're correct. If you find any errors, correct them before you cast your ballot. If anything does seem to be amiss, call over one of the poll workers — they'll be able to help. Turn in your ballot to cast your vote. Follow the instructions for submitting your ballot. Give your ballot to the appropriate person or feed it into the machine. Once your ballot is turned in, your vote will be counted. Find out if you can vote early or by mail. The majority of states allow for in-person early voting and every state offers the option to vote by mail with an absentee ballot if certain criteria are met. Check your state's policies to see if you're eligible to vote absentee or to vote early. You can check your state's absentee voting rules here: https://www.vote.org/absentee-voting-rules/ You can find out if and when your state offers early voting here: https://www.vote.org/early-voting-calendar/. Fill out your ballot. When you receive your ballot, read all of the included information. Fill out the ballot as directed to make your selections. If you are voting by mail, sign your ballot or envelope in the appropriate place when you're done. Make sure all your choices are clearly marked — don't leave any room for interpretation. Follow the instructions on the ballot carefully. Mail your ballot to the address provided. Read over the instructions to check the address where you need to mail your ballot. Check that the envelope is sealed and make sure you attach proper postage. Submit the ballot in advance of the deadline. Double check that your ballot is properly signed, sealed, within the deadline, and has proper postage. Each state has its own requirements, so be sure to follow the instructions on your ballot. | Find out if you're eligible to vote in the next election. Find out if you're already registered. Register to vote. Check if your state allows early voting. Learn where your polling place is. Learn what's on your ballot. Educate yourself on the candidates and the issues. Go to your polling place. Fill out the ballot as you wish. Review your ballot to make sure it's accurate. Turn in your ballot to cast your vote. Find out if you can vote early or by mail. Fill out your ballot. Mail your ballot to the address provided. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Yahtzee | How to Play Yahtzee | Yahtzee is a fun dice game for 2 or more players where players roll dice and try to get combinations to get the highest score. To play the game, start by rolling all 5 dice. You can keep your roll as is, re-roll all of the dice, or save some of the dice and re-roll the rest. You can roll a total of 3 times per turn. As you're rolling, you want to try to get one of the combinations listed on your score sheet. The upper section of your score sheet has score boxes for ones, twos, threes, fours, fives, and sixes. If you have 3 sixes at the end of your turn, you could write “18” in the sixes box since that's how much all of your sixes add up to. Or, if you end your turn with 2 fives, you could write “10” in the fives box. It works the same for the rest of the boxes in the upper section. You can only score one box per turn. If all of your scores in the upper section add up to 63 or higher, you earn a 35 point bonus at the end of the game. The lower section of your score sheet has score boxes for different dice combinations you can roll, including 3 of a kind, 4 of a kind, full house, small straight, large straight, Yahtzee, and Chance. If you end your turn with one of these combinations, write the corresponding score that appears on the scoresheet in the box for that combination. A Yahtzee is when you roll 5 of a kind. Your first Yahtzee is worth 50 points, then subsequent Yahtzees are worth 100 points. Chance is the total of any 5 dice combined, and you can score it at the end of any turn in the game no matter what you rolled. If a player isn't able to fill in one of the score boxes on their sheet at the end of their turn, they must cross any score box off of their choosing. Play continues clockwise until every player has filled in or crossed off all of the boxes on their score sheet. Then, the players add up their total scores. Whoever scores the highest wins the game! | Review the score sheet. In Yahtzee, scores are kept on a sheet of paper containing a column of 13 boxes. On each turn, you must choose which box to fill in based on your best scoring option. If you are unable to enter a score, or choose not to, you must enter a "0" in one of your boxes. Each box can be filled in only once. Learn about the upper section. The upper section boxes are scored differently than the lower section boxes. Your goal, in the upper section, is to score at least a 63. If you have 63 points or more in the upper section, you get a 35 point bonus at the end of the game. The upper section contains six boxes labeled aces (ones), twos, threes, fours, fives, and sixes. You roll 5 dice in Yahtzee. To fill in the upper box, you combine the values on the dice with the same number. Then, you add the number to the appropriate box. You can only choose one box to fill in with each turn. This can be confusing when discussed in the abstract. Let's look at an example. Say you roll the dice and you score two fives and three twos. As you have two fives, you could enter a score of 10 in the fives box. You have three twos, so you could also enter a total of six in the twos box. You have to choose which number you want to enter. Choose where to score your points. You want to get at least a 63 to get the bonus, so choose wisely. In our above example, you might be inclined to score in the fives box, as this is a higher score, but be careful. You can only fill in each box once. If you get four fives on your next roll, you miss out on a much higher score in that box. Learn about the lower section. The lower section scores are more complicated. Instead of simply listing numbers, phrases like "Three of a Kind" and "Full House" are written in the lower section. These are different combinations of dice that are all scored differently. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the lower section scores before playing Yahtzee. Score a three of a kind. One value you can score in the lower section is a three of a kind. To score a three of a kind, you have to roll three of the same dice. With a three of a kind, you add all the values of your dice together. This gives you your total score for the three of a kind box. This can be confusing. Let's look at an example to clarify. Say you rolled three fives, a two, and a four. This could be scored as a three of a kind. You would multiply five by three to get the value 15. Then, you would add two and four. This would give you a total score of 21, which you would write in the Three of a Kind Box. Score a four of a kind. A four of a kind is similar to a three of a kind. You can score in this box if you get four of the same dice in one roll. Then, you would score it by combining the values of all the dice. For example, if you roll four twos and a six, you can score a 14 in the Four of a Kind box. Score a full house. A full house is worth 25 points regardless of dice values. A full house is made up of three dice of one number and two dice of another number. For example, say you roll three 6's and two 5's. This could be scored for 25 points as a full house. Score a small or large straight. Small or large straights are scored when you roll dice in numerical order. For example, you roll a one, a two, a three, a four, and a five. A large straight is worth more points than a small straight. A small straight includes four dice in a numerical sequence. For example, say you score a one, a three, a four, a five, and a six. You could score this as a small straight. A small straight is automatically worth 30 points. A large straight includes five dice that move in a numerical sequence. For example, if you score a two, a three, a four, a five, and a six, this would be a large straight. A large straight is worth 40 points. Score a Yahtzee. A Yahtzee is one of the highest rolls you can score. A Yahtzee occurs when all five dice are the same number. A Yahtzee is worth 50 points the first time, regardless of dice value. Additional Yahtzees are worth 100 points. If you roll a Yahtzee after having already filled in the Yahtzee space, you get a 100 point bonus. Fill in the chance box. In the event you're unable to score in any other box, use the chance box. You can score any combination of dice in the chance box by totaling their numbers. For example, say you roll two threes and three sixes. Two times three is 6. Three times six is 18. You would add 18 and 6 to get 24. You could then write 24 in the chance box. Calculate your total score. At the end of the game, you calculate your score. Whoever scores highest wins. Add the upper section scores together and write the total in the "total score" section. If you score 63 or over, add a bonus of 35 points. Total the scores in the lower section as well, adding 100 points if you scored any additional Yahtzees in the game. Then, add the upper and lower score together to figure out your grand total for the game. Determine who goes first. You can play Yahtzee in a group of at least 2 players. If you have a big group, you can play in teams. To start the game, you first need to figure out who goes first. To do so, each player or team rolls all 5 dice. You would add all the values of the dice together. The player or team with the highest score goes first. Roll the dice the first time. You can roll your dice up to 3 times in a game of Yahtzee. Yahtzee comes with a cup or shaker in which you place the dice, shake, and then spill them on the table. As you roll, you can strategize to try to maximize your score. In any roll, you can choose to keep some dice and re-roll others. To start, roll all five dice. To help understand the process, let's look at an example. Say you roll a one, a three, a four, a five, and a six. You have a small straight with the three, four, five, and six. This would come to 30 points. However, if you re-roll the one and get a two, you would have a large straight. This means 40 points. Roll the dice a second time. If you're happy with your initial score, you can add your score to your card and complete your turn. However, you can also try for a higher score. Choose which dice you want to keep and which you want to re-roll. In our above example, it would make the most sense to re-roll the one. This way, you have a chance at a large straight. Say you roll the one and get a three. You still do not have a large straight. However, you can roll the dice for a third time to try again. Roll the dice a third time. If you're still unhappy with your score, you can roll the dice one more time. Once again, you can re-roll as many dice as you want. In our above example, say you re-roll the three you rolled in your second turn. If you get a 2, you can score it as a large straight. However, if you get another number you can still score it as a small straight. You can also fill in one box in the upper level. Keep going until each player has taken 13 turns. Every player rolls the dice 3 times each for 13 rounds. As you go, you need to try to fill in all your boxes. Each box can only be filled in once, so make wise choices in terms of how you choose to count your scores. Maximize your chance at a Yahtzee. Yahtzee is a game of both strategy and chance. There are steps you can take to maximize your chance at a Yahtzee each round. Remember, after your first Yahtzee, each additional Yahtzee earns you 100 points. Early in the game, anytime you have a chance for a Yahtzee, take it over settling for a lower score. The earlier you score a Yahtzee, the better. This maximizes your chance at the 100 point bonus. If you already have a Yahtzee, never settle for lower scores over the chance at getting a second Yahtzee. For example, don't score three 4's and two 2's as a full house. Instead, re-roll the 2's to try for a second Yahtzee. Go for the 35 point bonus. Trying to decide where to score your round can sometimes be confusing. However, keeping the 35 point bonus in mind can help you strategize. Higher scores with lower numbers, like the one and two boxes, are rare. It's to your advantage to score in the upper section if you roll a high number of twos or ones. For example, say you roll four twos, a five, and a six. You can score a 6 in either the two or six box. However, you should aim to score in the 2 box. The highest you can score in the two box would be an 8 or 10. The highest you can score in the six box, conversely, is a 30 or a 36. You don't want to fill up the six box with a low score. Aim for straights early on. You do not want a "0" score in any of the lower boxes. These boxes have the potential for high point values. Therefore, aim to get straights early on so you can then concentrating on going for Yahtzees. Be on the lookout for combinations like "two, three, four" or "four, five, six." Re-roll the dice as needed to get a straight early in the game. Score high Yahtzees in the upper section late in the game. A Yahtzee is fairly rare, even with good strategy. If the score is tight, it's late in the game, and you have not scored a Yahtzee yet, it might be worth it to score high Yahtzees in the upper section. This usually guarantees you'll get the bonus, which may mean a higher score. For example, five sixes plus the 35 point bonus leaves you with 65 points. A Yahtzee is only worth 50. However, keep in mind if you score another Yahtzee you risk getting 50 points as opposed to the 100 point bonus. | Review the score sheet. Learn about the upper section. Choose where to score your points. Learn about the lower section. Score a three of a kind. Score a four of a kind. Score a full house. Score a small or large straight. Score a Yahtzee. Fill in the chance box. Calculate your total score. Determine who goes first. Roll the dice the first time. Roll the dice a second time. Roll the dice a third time. Keep going until each player has taken 13 turns. Maximize your chance at a Yahtzee. Go for the 35 point bonus. Aim for straights early on. Score high Yahtzees in the upper section late in the game. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Brew-Loose-Leaf-Tea | How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea | To brew loose leaf tea, start by measuring out 1 teaspoon of loose tea leaves per cup of tea you're making. Then, put the leaves into the cups you're going to be drinking out of. Next, bring a pot of water to a boil and then pour the boiling water over the tea leaves in the cups. Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes, remove the tea leaves, and enjoy! | Pour fresh, cold water into a saucepan or kettle. Don't use distilled or previously boiled water as it may negatively affect the taste of your tea. Instead, start with fresh, cool water from the tap. Use an electric kettle, stovetop kettle, or a saucepan to warm up the water. If your local water is especially hard (i.e. high in mineral content), consider using bottled water for a more pleasant taste. Heat the water until it reaches 160 to 212 °F (71 to 100 °C). Remove the water from its heat source once it begins to steam, simmer, or reach a rolling boil. Depending on the tea variety you're preparing, you may need it to be slightly warmer or cooler to bring out the best flavors in the leaves. Use an instant-read thermometer to get the most accurate temperature. If you prefer, you can boil the water and allow it to cool down to the correct temperature before adding it to the tea leaves. In general, white and green teas can be brewed at a lower temperature with the water just starting to steam, while oolong tea is typically best prepared at a moderate simmering temperature. Black and Puerh teas can withstand a higher temperature when the water hits a rolling boil. Weight out 2 to 3 grams of loose leaf tea for every 6 fl oz (180 mL) of water. Since tea leaves come in different shapes and sizes, it's best to measure out your tea by weight (i.e. grams) rather than by volume. But if you do measure by volume, start with roughly 1 teaspoon for smaller leaves and about 1 tablespoon for larger leaves. Spoon out your desired amount of tea into a tea strainer or teapot, depending on how you plan to steep it. A teacup holds about 6 fl oz (180 mL) of water, but since most coffee mugs hold about 10 to 12 fl oz (300 to 350 mL) of water, you may need to double the amount of loose leaf tea you use in a larger mug. The amount of tea you decide to use is completely a matter of taste. Steep more or less to see which flavor you prefer. Steep the tea in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes. Pour the hot water directly over the tea leaves and allow the flavors to seep out for a few minutes. Different tea varieties require slightly different steeping times, so be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. If you're not sure how long to steep the leaves, start with 3 minutes for your first cup. Then add 30 more seconds for each subsequent cup until you find the perfect taste. Generally speaking, green and oolong teas can be steeped for about 3 minutes, white tea for 4 minutes, and black and Puerh teas for 5 minutes. Avoid steeping tea longer than 5 minutes; it will only taste bitter. If you want a stronger cup, just add more tea leaves and keep the timing the same. Since herbal teas don't contain any actual tea leaves, they can often be left to steep longer without taking on a bitter flavor. Remove the tea leaves from the water once they’ve steeped. How you do this will depend on the type of strainer you're using. Basket-style strainers, metal or silicone infusers, and filter bags can be lifted out of your teapot or cup to stop the infusion. Place the strainer on a spoon rest or saucer to catch the drips from the soggy tea leaves. If you steeped the tea directly in the teapot, hold a strainer over your teacup to catch the damp leaves as you pour out the tea. Discard the used tea leaves while they're damp, or wait until they've dried out to more easily tip them out of the strainer. Place the tea leaves directly into a tea strainer for easy cleanup. Place a basket-style tea strainer into a cup or teapot first. Measure out the loose leaf tea into the strainer and pour the hot water directly over it. Make sure you completely cover the tea leaves with water so that they steep properly. After a period of 3 to 5 minutes, simply remove the strainer and the damp tea leaves. Choose a disposable filter bag for fine, powdery teas. Buy a packet of disposable tea filter bags from a tea shop or grocery store. Use one when you're preparing especially fine tea which tends to slip through mesh strainers easily. Keep the bag upright with the opening well above the water level so the tea leaves don't float out. You can also use a filter bag if you just want to make 1 cup at a time with easy cleanup. Use a mesh, basket-style tea strainer for larger tea leaves. Most loose leaf teas can be successfully steeped in these types of strainers. Choose one that fits correctly within the opening of the cup or teapot you'll be using; it shouldn't shift around or sink into the vessel, otherwise the tea leaves will escape. Try a travel tea mug with a built-in basket strainer if you'll be on the go. Just remember to remove the tea after it's steeped for 3 to 5 minutes. While a short or rounded basket strainer may work for a single cup, use a deeper basket to steep loose leaf tea in a deep mug or teapot. Avoid using tea balls or infusers for large or fine leaves. Metal tea balls and silicone tea strainers are popular since they come in playful designs, but keep in mind the limited practicality of these tools. Refrain from using them for large-leafed tea as they won't leave much room for the leaves to unfurl as they become hydrated. Additionally, avoid using a tea ball or infuser for fine, powdery teas as the tea leaves may slip through the holes easily. If you're steeping medium-sized tea leaves in small quantities of water, a tea ball or infuser might not pose any problems. Hinged tea balls are difficult to fill and the mechanisms can be tricky to open and close, especially when the metal is hot. Leave plenty of room for the tea leaves to expand in the strainer. Loose leaf tea leaves can grow up to 5 times their original size once you hydrate them with hot water. For this reason, aim to leave plenty of space in the tea strainer or filter bag. Don't overfill it with too much tea. A mesh basket-style strainer will allow the tea to expand, while a tea ball may compress the leaves. A little extra space will allow the water to flow around the tea leaves so you'll have a better result. Strain the tea after it steeps in the teapot if you prefer. This is a useful technique if you don't have a tea strainer that fits correctly in your teapot. Instead of placing the leaves into a strainer, what you can do is measure out the tea leaves and drop them directly into your teapot. After the leaves have steeped, hold a tea strainer over your cup. Carefully pour the liquid into the cup and you'll see the strainer catch the leaves. Since there will still be leaves sitting in the teapot, the tea will grow more bitter as it continues steeping. | Pour fresh, cold water into a saucepan or kettle. Heat the water until it reaches 160 to 212 °F (71 to 100 °C). Weight out 2 to 3 grams of loose leaf tea for every 6 fl oz (180 mL) of water. Steep the tea in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the tea leaves from the water once they’ve steeped. Place the tea leaves directly into a tea strainer for easy cleanup. Choose a disposable filter bag for fine, powdery teas. Use a mesh, basket-style tea strainer for larger tea leaves. Avoid using tea balls or infusers for large or fine leaves. Leave plenty of room for the tea leaves to expand in the strainer. Strain the tea after it steeps in the teapot if you prefer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Pool-Cue | How to Choose a Pool Cue | To choose a pool cue, start by thinking about your budget and needs. For example, if you're getting one for home use, select a one-piece cue, which tend to be less expensive than travel cues that come apart. Alternatively, get a two-piece cue if you need it for travel and competitions. Next, pick a cue that's the right length for your height. A standard cue is 57 inches, but children or those who are shorter should opt for a 48 inch or 52 inch cue. Additionally, cues weigh between 17 and 21 ounces, so pick a weight you can easily handle. | Set a budget. A good pool cue is not worth going into debt over, so be honest with yourself about how much you can afford to spend on a cue. Having a specific price limit in mind will help you be more selective about what cue you choose. For a quality cue on the low end of the price scale, plan for about $100. Factors that affect the cost are the material the cue is made of, wrap types, and size. If you are above average height and need a longer cue, you may pay more. Professional cues can cost $500 or more, but a cue like this is not necessary for a casual player. Select a one-piece cue for home use. One-piece cues do not come apart, so they are not meant for travel. For a home pool table, you don't need a cue that is made to travel. One-piece cues tend to be a little cheaper, and they are the best option for home use. It's not that one-piece cues can't be taken somewhere, but it will be inconvenient to take a nearly five-foot stick in your car with you. A potential disadvantage of a one-piece cue is that they are more prone to warp over time. Buy a two-piece cue for travel and competitive play. If you are buying a pool cue so that you can play in tournaments outside of your own home, it's wise to buy a cue that can be broken down into two pieces. These typically come with some kind of carrying case to make travel easier. You can still buy a two-piece cue for home use if you find one that fits you well, but it isn't necessary. A benefit of two-piece cues is that if the shaft begins to warp, you can buy a new shaft and retain the butt of the cue. Pick a cue that is the right length for your height. Standard cues tend to be 57 inches for one-piece cues or 58 inches for two-piece cues, but children or people of below-average height should opt for a 48 inch or 52-inch cue. Players over 6 foot, 5 inches tall may need to special order a cue that is up to 61 inches long. Hold the cue in your hand to feel the weight. Pool cues weigh between 17 ounces and 21 ounces, with most players preferring either 19 ounce or 20-ounce cues. The weight affects your shot, so it's important to choose a weight that you can easily use. Most of the cue's weight is in the butt end because the butt is thicker than the shaft. If you test the cue and it feels too heavy in your back hand then opt for a lighter cue. Short people tend to want a lighter cue because a heavier one will cause them to lower the butt and raise the cue's tip during the shot. This results in not connecting solidly with the ball. Some players prefer a heavier cue for breaking and a lighter cue for skill shots. Choose a comfortable wrap. The wrap is the part of the cue that you hold with your back hand. Since this is the part of the cue that you have the most skin contact with, you want to be comfortable. Wrap options include leather and linen, but some cues may not have a wrap at all. If you tend to have sweaty hands when you shoot pool, you want a grip rather than bare wood or fiberglass. Your best options are Irish linen or leather which are both good for absorption. Rubber grips are also available but you want to make sure that the rubber is of high quality and feels smooth and dry without any stickiness. Rubber wraps might deteriorate faster than leather or linen wraps. This is not something you can choose just by looking at it. You need to hold the cue in your hand and choose a wrap that feels best to you. Look down the length of the cue to judge its straightness. Hold the butt of the cue at eye level and stare down its length. Slowly spin the cue to see around the whole surface. Look for any abnormalities in the cue. Only buy a cue that is perfectly straight. Most pool cues are manufactured to a high standard, so it's unlikely that you'll find a new cue that is crooked, but it is still good to check. It is sometimes recommended to roll the cue along a flat surface to see if it rolls smoothly, but this is not always a valid test as you can't tell for sure if the surface is perfectly flat. Choose a tip. Tips come in soft, medium and hard. Each tip type offers a slight difference in play. Soft tips are great if you put a lot of spin on the cue ball. Hard tips tend to last longer but are less capable of ball spin. Medium tips are fairly standard on new cues. Soft tips tend to misshape and wear out faster, so if you do not want to keep an eye on them and perform more frequent maintenance, don't get a soft tip. Hard tips are more prone to glance off of the cue ball when you strike it off-center. If you typically shoot more toward the outside of the ball, a hard tip is not your best option. Take practice shots on a pool table. If you are buying from a store that has tables set up, you should test the cue you choose before you buy it. Get into a proper shooting position and take four or five shots with the cue. If the store does not have tables set up or they won't let you practice, ask what the return policy is so that you can play a game or two with the cue before you make a final decision. You won't be able to tell if a cue is right for you unless you play with it. Opt for the stick with the least vibration within your price range. Listen to the sound the cue makes hitting the ball, and feel the vibration in your hand. If you hear a loud click when you strike the ball, you will probably also feel a strong vibration. A softer pop sound means less vibration. Higher end cues will make more of a soft pop sound when they hit the ball and this corresponds to less vibration running through the stick into your hand. Vibration affects the smoothness of your shot, so you want to find a stick with low vibration. | Set a budget. Select a one-piece cue for home use. Buy a two-piece cue for travel and competitive play. Pick a cue that is the right length for your height. Hold the cue in your hand to feel the weight. Choose a comfortable wrap. Look down the length of the cue to judge its straightness. Choose a tip. Take practice shots on a pool table. Opt for the stick with the least vibration within your price range. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Martinis | How to Make Martinis | To make a make a classic gin martini, pour 2 1/2 ounces of gin and 1/2 an ounce of dry vermouth into a cocktail shaker or mixing glass filled with ice. Then, either stir or or shake the drink for 15 seconds. Strain the mixture into a glass and top your drink with a green olive on a toothpick. To make it a dirty martini, you can add a 1/2 shot of olive brine to the mixture before you shake it. Like the classic martini, it's also best served while chilled and garnished with an olive. | Add the ice, gin, and vermouth to a cocktail shaker and stir well. To make the martini, you'll need a cocktail shaker or mixing glass. Fill it with cracked ice, 2 ½ ounces (74 ml) of gin and ½ ounce (15 ml) of dry vermouth. Use a long spoon to stir the ingredients for about 15 seconds or until it's well mixed. If you prefer, you can shake the martini to mix it together. If you prefer a dryer martini, adjust the ratio so you're using less vermouth and more gin. A wetter martini would have closer to a 50-50 ratio of vermouth and gin. Strain the martini into a glass. Once you're done stirring the martini, cover the top of the shaker or glass with a cocktail strainer. Pour the martini into a martini glass through the strainer to remove the ice. Garnish the martini with an olive and serve. After you've poured the martini into the glass, place a single green olive on a toothpick and set it the glass to garnish. Serve the martini while it's still cold. You could also garnish the martini with a lemon twist or a cocktail onion. Add the ice, vodka, and vermouth to a mixing glass and stir well. Fill a large mixing glass with ice. Next, pour 1 ⅔ parts of vodka and ⅓ part of dry vermouth into the glass. Use a long spoon to stir the ingredients together for 10 to 15 seconds. You can shake the martini if you prefer. Strain the martini into a chilled glass. Once the martini is mixed, cover the glass with a cocktail strainer. Pour the liquid through the strainer into a chilled glass so you keep the ice out of the glass. To chill the glass, place it in the freezer for 2 minutes before you pour the martini. Garnish the martini with an olive and lemon twist. After you've poured the martini, drop a green olive into the glass. Next, float a piece of lemon rind on top and serve the martini while it's still chilled. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. To make the martini, you'll need a cocktail shaker or mason jar. Add enough ice to the shaker to fill it completely. Add the gin, brine, and vermouth and shake well. Once the shaker is filled with ice, pour 2 ½ shots of gin, ½ shot of cocktail olive brine, and ⅛ shot of extra-dry vermouth over it. Cover the shaker, and shake the contents for 10 to 15 seconds to mix them well. Strain the martini into a glass and serve. After the martini is mixed, place a cocktail strainer over the top of the shaker and pour the martini through it into a martini glass. Add a green olive as a garnish and serve the martini while it's still chilled. | Add the ice, gin, and vermouth to a cocktail shaker and stir well. Strain the martini into a glass. Garnish the martini with an olive and serve. Add the ice, vodka, and vermouth to a mixing glass and stir well. Strain the martini into a chilled glass. Garnish the martini with an olive and lemon twist. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, brine, and vermouth and shake well. Strain the martini into a glass and serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Expunge-a-DUI | How to Expunge a DUI | To expunge a DUI, first find your state's appropriate agency from the DUI Process website and request a copy of your criminal records. Then, obtain an expungement form, usually from the court's website, and fill it in, attaching any relevant documents. When you file it, don't forget to send a copy to your district attorney, so that any victims have the chance to object. Once you've paid the fee, wait 30-50 days for the result. | Check if you qualify. Several states, including New York and Nevada, do not have expungement procedures. At most, they will allow a DUI conviction to be sealed. A sealed conviction, however, is not erased from your record and is still available for certain people to access. Some states also refuse to expunge DUI. In Illinois, you can only get a DUI conviction expunged by seeking a pardon. Most states which allow expungement for DUI convictions require that a certain amount of time have passed from either the date of the sentence or the completion of probation. For example, New Hampshire will allow you to apply to expunge a DUI conviction 10 years after the date of your conviction. In Arkansas, you can apply 5 years after you completed your sentence. Other requirements typically include a history of no further alcohol-related convictions or arrests. Also, most states will only expunge a first DUI conviction. To check whether your state allows DUI expungements, visit the DUI Process website for general information on each state's expungement laws. Retain a lawyer, if necessary. Some states may allow you to proceed on your own. In Oklahoma, however, the state strongly encourages that you have an attorney. You can find a lawyer who specializes in expungements by visiting your state's bar association. The state should have a referral program. Get a copy of your criminal records. You should get either a “rap sheet” of your criminal history or certified disposition records. You should contact the appropriate agency, such as the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Information. You will have to pay to access these records. In Rhode Island you have to pay $5 by check or money order. Call ahead before ordering to ask about the cost. Obtain the expungement form. In many states you can download the appropriate form from the court's website. You must apply for expungement in the court for the district in which you were prosecuted. You can get the expungement form by contacting the clerk of court. If you live out of state, then you should call. If you need help getting the form, contact the attorney who handled your DUI conviction. She might be able to point you in the right direction. In states without a form, your attorney will prepare a motion to file with the court. Fill out the form. The form will ask for basic information. For example, most forms ask for: Your name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and driver's license number. The name of your attorney. A list of your convictions, including offense, date of arrest, county/municipality of arrest, name of arresting agency, case number, and name of court. Your signature and the date. Attach necessary documents. Depending on the court, you may have to attach a copy of your rap sheet or certified dispositions. The form should tell you what to attach. In North Carolina you must attach notarized affidavits from at least 2 people attesting to your good moral character. You must also sign a good character affidavit yourself. Attach copies unless the form specifies originals. Serve the district attorney with a copy. You must send a copy to the district attorney who prosecuted you for the DUI. It is recommended that you call ahead and ask about their preferred method of service. If the prosecutor does not object to the expungement, she will sign the form and return it to you. The prosecutor may also try to find any victims to the crime and notify them that they can object. File the form. You can file the form with the court or mail it to the address provided on the form. Always keep a copy for your own records. If you need to fill out a form again, you will now have a handy reference guide. Pay the filing fee. Fees will vary depending on state and jurisdiction. You will pay $175 in North Carolina , and $100 in Kansas. In Rhode Island, you don't have to pay to file, but you will have to pay $100 if you are successfully granted an Expungement Order. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the court clerk if you can apply for an indigent waiver. There should be a form to fill out. Wait for the results. The prosecutor as well as other interested parties (such as victims) usually have a set amount of time to object. Generally, they have between 30-60 days. If there is an objection, the court will schedule a hearing. The hearing will probably be set 30 days after the objection. Prepare for the hearing. You may want to retain a lawyer at the hearing stage, who will prep you for the hearing. Even if you do have an attorney, you can prepare by answering the following questions: How do I show that I have the requisite good moral character? Have I participated in community service or volunteer activities? Am I actively involved in my church? Have I done anything since my conviction that would make someone suspicious that I might drive drunk again? Have I been successfully rehabilitated? What proof do I have? For example, have I completed a 12 step program? Dress appropriately. You want to project a confident, professional image. Your clothing should suggest you have yourself pulled together. You should dress business casual: a dress shirt and pants for men; a blouse and slacks or a skirt for women. Avoid loud jewelry and talking on your cell phone in court. Do not chew gum in the court room or bring a beverage inside. Answer questions truthfully. Part of conveying good moral character is being honest. Answer questions honestly but also carefully. There is no reason to say too much. Apply again, if necessary. You may have to wait a specific amount of time before applying again. The timeline should be specified in any communication you received from the court. Notify agencies of the expungement. The state may tell you that it will notify agencies of the record. Unfortunately, the state may have a backlog or may simply forget. It is better that you reach out to agencies yourself. First, send a copy of the court's order to the Attorney General's Office and the arresting police department. Then, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and tell them about the expungement. Disclose the DUI when appropriate. In most situations you will never again need to disclose the DUI. For example, when you apply for a job or apply to rent an apartment, you will not need to disclose. However, if you apply for a government job or a professional license then you may need to disclose an expungement. Government employers often ask explicitly about whether you have had a conviction expunged, as will professional licensing boards, such as the attorney bar. Get mugshots removed from websites. Many websites have sprung up that posts people's mugshots. To get these removed, you have to contact the website and pay around $200-400. Unfortunately, these websites will sell your mugshot to a sister website, which then will want to charge you $200-400 to remove the mugshot again. Check to see if your mugshot is online. The website Mugshotsonline acts as a clearinghouse for mugshots from around the country. If your mugshot has been posted, contact a lawyer who can aggressively pursue removal of your mugshot. | Check if you qualify. Retain a lawyer, if necessary. Get a copy of your criminal records. Obtain the expungement form. Fill out the form. Attach necessary documents. Serve the district attorney with a copy. File the form. Pay the filing fee. Wait for the results. Prepare for the hearing. Dress appropriately. Answer questions truthfully. Apply again, if necessary. Notify agencies of the expungement. Disclose the DUI when appropriate. Get mugshots removed from websites. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake | How to Make a Motorcycle Diaper Cake | To make a motorcycle diaper cake, first make the wheels by wrapping 2 round bundles of diapers in some ribbon. Then, tie the wheels together with a rolled-up baby blanket, and tie another blanket to the front tire for the base of the handlebars. Next, pin a cute bib over each tire, slide cardboard into the handlebars to give them definition, and wrap a baby sock around the end of each handlebar. Finally, prop a stuffed animal up on your diaper motorcycle. | Purchase the colors and styles of the required items that you think the expectant mom would like. The following list explains exactly what is needed (also see Things You'll Need below for the crafting items): At least 34 diapers (newborn or early stage) 2 receiving blankets 2 bibs, a chain linked toy (appropriate for a newborn or infant) 1 pair of infant socks 1 baby bottle 1 washcloth 1 plush stuffed toy (that does not contain buttons or any items that could pose a choking hazard). Line the cake pan with folded diapers. Start by lining one side and stacking the diapers on their side so they sit upright, but placed horizontally. As you build up one wall side, migrate to the other side of the pan and build up that area. Continue lining the sides of the pan with folded diapers. Keep creating the swirl shape. Contain the diapers in the pan. Wrap one of the rubber bands or soft elastic loops around the perimeter of the diapers. Lift the diaper "tire" from the pan and carefully place on a hard surface. You may want to ask a friend to help with this because if a single diaper slips from the band, you'll have to start the process all over again! Create another diaper tire. Do this inside the pan the same way you designed the first swirl. Add the rubber band around the diapers, then gingerly lift the tire from the pan and set next to the first diaper tire. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-8Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/aid2839157-v4-728px-Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-8Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Wrap each diaper tire with the decorative ribbon. Cover the rubber band or elastic loop with the ribbon. This improves the look and helps to give the impression of a tire. Pin the ribbon in place, leaving the pin at the bottom of the tire so it doesn't show. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-9Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-9Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-9Bullet1.jpg\/aid2839157-v4-728px-Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-9Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Fold the first receiving blanket in half, length-wise. If necessary, iron the blanket to remove wrinkles. Roll the blanket into a very tight roll. The roll must be tight enough to fit in the middle of the diaper tire hole. Pin the blanket roll in place. Slide the rolled blanket through the diaper tire hole. Match the ends so the blanket is hanging out half and half. The roll must remain in place, so pin each end of the blanket if necessary. Stand the diaper tire on its side (so it now looks like a tire). Join the blanket from the first diaper tire to the second tire. Align the tires next to each other so they form the base of the motorcycle. Tuck the end of the blanket into the hole of the second diaper tire. Pull gently so the blanket easily holds the two tires in place. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-13Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-13Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-13Bullet1.jpg\/aid2839157-v4-728px-Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-13Bullet1.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>"} Add a pin on the ends of the blanket to ensure the blanket stays in place inside the tires. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-13Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-13Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-13Bullet2.jpg\/aid2839157-v4-728px-Make-a-DIY-Motorcycle-Diaper-Cake-Step-13Bullet2.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>"} Fold the second blanket in half length-wise. Then roll the blanket the same way you rolled the first blanket. Place the blanket into the opening of the front tire. Slide the blanket completely through the hole until both blanket ends meet. Pin the bib to the top of the front diaper tire. Keep the graphic or child's name visible and facing outward. Hold the ends of the front diaper tire blanket upward. Slide the ring toy through the top so they hold the two blanket ends. Slide the toy until it is almost all the way down to the diaper tire. Insert the baby bottle above the bib and underneath the ring toy. Check that it fits snugly. Create more definition and strength in the handlebars. Slide a small piece of rolled-up light cardboard inside each handlebar roll. Stuff the baby socks with a small amount of tissue paper to puff up the garment. Top the handlebars with one sock on each side. Try to pin in place if they don't hold naturally. Add the second bib to the back diaper tire the same way you added the first bib to the front. Prop the stuffed toy on top so it appears that the toy is riding the motorcycle. You may need to pin the toy in place, especially if the toy is pliable. Finished. You now have a fun, cute and very useful gift to give to the expectant mom. | Purchase the colors and styles of the required items that you think the expectant mom would like. Line the cake pan with folded diapers. Continue lining the sides of the pan with folded diapers. Contain the diapers in the pan. Lift the diaper "tire" from the pan and carefully place on a hard surface. Create another diaper tire. Wrap each diaper tire with the decorative ribbon. Fold the first receiving blanket in half, length-wise. Roll the blanket into a very tight roll. Slide the rolled blanket through the diaper tire hole. Stand the diaper tire on its side (so it now looks like a tire). Fold the second blanket in half length-wise. Place the blanket into the opening of the front tire. Pin the bib to the top of the front diaper tire. Hold the ends of the front diaper tire blanket upward. Insert the baby bottle above the bib and underneath the ring toy. Create more definition and strength in the handlebars. Stuff the baby socks with a small amount of tissue paper to puff up the garment. Top the handlebars with one sock on each side. Add the second bib to the back diaper tire the same way you added the first bib to the front. Prop the stuffed toy on top so it appears that the toy is riding the motorcycle. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Coffee-Stain-from-Carpet | How to Remove a Coffee Stain from Carpet | To remove a coffee stain from your carpet, start by mixing a solution of 2 cups of warm water and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Alternatively, you can combine 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water. Apply your homemade cleaner, and soak up the excess coffee with paper towels. Next, dip a cleaning towel into the solution and press it onto the stained area of carpet. Finally, spray the stained area with water to remove any leftover cleaning solution. | Try lemon juice. Add two cups (473 mL) lukewarm water and ¼ cup (59 mL) of lemon juice to a bucket or bowl. Swirl or agitate to solution to mix it fully. Fresh squeezed lemon juice is best. Mix vinegar and dish soap. Add one tablespoon (14.8 mL) of dish soap, one tablespoon (14.8 mL) of white vinegar, and two cups (473 mL) warm water to a bucket. Agitate the solution to ensure it is fully mixed. Use club soda. Be sure to choose a club soda without any additional flavoring or color. You can pour a small amount of club soda directly on the stain, or transfer the club soda to a spray bottle and spritz it on the stain. Remove excess moisture first. Apply paper towels to the stain to absorb as much of the coffee as possible. Don't rub the stain, or it may spread. Gently press the paper towels into the carpet to soak up the coffee. You can also use a clean, absorbent towel if you wish. Test the solution on an inconspicuous area. To be sure the cleaning solution won't fade the color of your carpet, test a small amount of the solution on a small area. Apply the solution and wait 20 minutes. Check the spot for color changes. If there is a negative reaction, try a different cleaning solution. Apply the solution to your carpet. Use a clean towel dipped in the cleaning solution. Press the towel onto the stained area. Frequently change the area of towel you are using, or get a clean towel, to ensure you aren't further dirtying the carpet. Be sure to get the entire stain, including the edges and any errant drops. Blot the wet area. Gently press down on the carpet with a clean, dry towel. Use the towel to remove the stain and any excess moisture from your carpet. Use a clean portion of the towel each time. Flush the area with water. This removes the cleaning solution from your carpet as well as ensures all the coffee is removed. Pour water directly onto the area, or dip a clean towel in water and apply it to your carpet. You could also spray the area using a spray bottle filled with water. Remove excess moisture. Blot the entire area to remove as much water as possible. Use a clean towel to press down on your carpet and soak up the moisture. Be sure to frequently change the towel for maximum absorbency. Allow the carpet to dry. Place a clean towel over the wet area. Cover the towel with a plastic bag and place a heavy item on top. You can use a heavy pan, paper weight, or other item. Leave the weight on for several hours to allow the towel to soak up the moisture. Remove the weight, bag, and towel, then allow the area to fully air dry. | Try lemon juice. Mix vinegar and dish soap. Use club soda. Remove excess moisture first. Test the solution on an inconspicuous area. Apply the solution to your carpet. Blot the wet area. Flush the area with water. Remove excess moisture. Allow the carpet to dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Migrate-to-Australia | How to Migrate to Australia | To migrate to Australia, first you'll need to obtain a visa so you can temporarily move to the country. Then, you may be able to apply for permanent residency depending on the kind of visa you have. To get an employer visa, you'll need to have an Australian company hire and sponsor you. Then, after working for them for 2 years, you can apply for permanent residency. Alternatively, if you have a partner, spouse, child, or parent that lives in Australia, you may be able to get a family visa. | Find a migration agent. If you wish to move to Australia, you will need to go through a long and complex visa application process. A registered migration agent can help ensure that you provide all the necessary information and documentation. He or she may even be able to smooth your way into the country by speaking with government officials. Make sure to use a an agent that is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). This way, he or she will be able to speak with government officials on your behalf. This can go a long way. Many migration agents live and work within Australia. However, you may also be able to find an agent who is based overseas. Decide which visa you need. If you decide not to use a registered migration agent, you can use the online resources provided by the Australian government to find the appropriate visa type. The DIBP's Visa Wizard can help you pick the visa that suits your situation. The online program does not include every type of visa that the country offers, but it does include the most common ones. Get a sponsor. Some migratory visas, such as a "partner category" visa, require you to be sponsored by a person who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Certain eligible New Zealand citizens may also be able to sponsor you. Find an employer to sponsor you. If an Australian company offers you a job, you can get a work visa and eventually leverage this into permanent residency. Apply for residency once you've spent two years working for the same employer. Make sure to pay your bills, integrate into the country, and stay on the right side of the law. You may also be able to do this with the General Skilled Migration program. This approach only works for certain approved skills. The employer must also convince the government that no Australian worker is available for the job. For highly-skilled jobs like doctors, nurses, and medical technicians, it's even possible to come straight into the country on a permanent visa. Apply for a family visa. This subset applies if your partner, spouse, child, or parent is already a citizen or permanent resident of Australia. You may be able to secure a migration visa based on your connection to this person. Partner and Spouse Visa: You must be the spouse, fiancee, or interdependent partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. Parent and Child Migration: You might be able to migrate to Australia if your child is already a citizen or permanent resident of the country. Likewise, minors can migrate to Australia as the dependent child, orphan relative, or adopted child of a citizen or permanent resident. Consider getting a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). This visa will allow you to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months, although you cannot spend more than six months working for any one employer. The WHV is not an option for permanent residency, but it can be a great way to live in Australia for a while. You must be aged 18-30 to qualify for a WHV. You must have a valid passport with at least six months left until its expiration. You need to prove that you'll be able to financially support yourself once you arrive in Australia. You must also meet several health and character requirements. You cannot have any serious criminal convictions on the record, and you cannot have any serious (especially contagious) medical issues. Gather all the information for your application. Make sure to provide everything that's relevant to finding work and getting sponsored. You also must meet basic health and character requirements to be eligible for a migratory visa to Australia. Your visa application will include a checklist of all of the supporting documents that you must include with your application. If you are applying online, use your ImmiAccount to attach documents as you copy or scan them into the computer. Complete the application. In order for your application to be considered complete, you do not strictly need to upload every document listed. However, you will speed and smooth the process by including all of the optional documentation. Provide as much information as possible to reduce your processing time and lessen the chances that the DIBP asks you for additional information. Many migratory visas require a multi-step process. For instance: if you are applying for a partner category visa, you must undergo a trial stage in which you are granted a temporary or provisional visa. At the end of the temporary visa period, you can apply for a permanent visa. Submit your application to the DIBP. Make sure to complete your application and attach all necessary documentation. Then, submit the information along with the required application fees. This begins the approval process. The fees for a migratory visa range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. This depends on whether you are applying from inside or outside Australia. It may also vary based on the type of visa for which you're applying. For example, if you want to migrate to Australia to live because you are getting married to an Australian citizen, expect to pay around AUD $6875 for your visa application. If you wish to submit your application in person or through the mail, you can download and print the required forms on PDF. Seal the forms in an envelope, and be sure to include paper copies of all required documentation. Mail to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. | Find a migration agent. Decide which visa you need. Get a sponsor. Find an employer to sponsor you. Apply for a family visa. Consider getting a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). Gather all the information for your application. Complete the application. Submit your application to the DIBP. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Your-Legs-from-Getting-Hurt-from-the-Splits | How to Prevent Your Legs from Getting Hurt from the Splits | The best way to a prevent leg injury when you do the splits is to warm up beforehand with some leg stretches and 10 minutes of cardio, like running or jumping rope. Then, start getting into split position very slowly. Hold the pose only for a few seconds, and stop right away if you feel any pain. Alternatively, if you can't quite get the full pose, try it while sitting on a yoga black. You will need to work up to doing a full split, so be patient and practice the technique every day. | Improve flexibility. To prepare your body for this new position, you'll first need to work on improving your flexibility. Try focusing, primarily, on the muscles in your lower body. Improved flexibility in the hips, quads and hamstrings is the primary goal, as you prepare to do a split. There are many different ways to improve flexibility including yoga and stretching. Get into the habit of always stretching before you attempt to do a split. This will help to prevent injuries. Do leg stretches. Leg stretches are important for improving flexibility in your legs. By doing so, you'll help to prevent leg injuries while doing splits. There are simple ways you can stretch your legs before you attempt a split. You will need to lay down faceup on a yoga mat or another comfortable surface. Keep your legs straight. Now slowly lift your right leg into the air keeping it as straight as possible. Bring your fingers towards your toes and hold the position for at least 30 seconds. Slowly lower your leg back to the ground. Do this with your left leg as well. You should feel the stretch in your quads. Stretch both legs simultaneously. You will need to use stairs or another slightly elevated surface. This stretch requires a slightly elevated, sturdy surface. The bottom step of your stairs could work well. Start in a standing position facing the stairs. Place your right leg on the stair or other elevated surface. Make sure to keep your legs straight as you lean forward with both hands to place them on either side of your foot. Make sure your left foot is straight and firmly planted on the ground. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side. Remember hamstring stretches. To prevent injuries in your hamstrings, remember to include hamstring stretches in your pre-split workout. An easy way to get blood flowing to your hamstrings, is to run in place for 10 minutes or so. You can also jump rope. A simple hamstring stretch is to begin with your feet shoulder width apart. Now bend to your left and try to bring your chest to your thigh. Make sure to keep both of your legs straight. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds and repeat on the other side by bending to the right and bringing your chest to meet your right thigh. Find a yoga mat or another comfortable surface. Give yourself enough room to spread out and make sure you're dressed comfortably. Don't attempt to do a split if you're wearing jeans or other restrictive clothing. Using a yoga mat will help to keep you from sliding as you get into the split position. Despite what you may think, attempting to do a split on a slippery surface such as a hardwood floor will do more harm than good as you could injure yourself by moving too quickly into position. Get into position. To do a forward split, slide one of your legs forward. You can use either your right or left leg. Use the one that feels most comfortable to you. For a side split, both of your legs should slide out to your sides. Initially, they should be shoulder width apart, but then they need to slide further out as you begin to lower your body. Slowly lower your body to the ground. Keep your hands out to your sides to both keep balance and to catch yourself if you start to fall. Make sure to keep your hips squared for the forward split. This should force your body to stay straight and not sideways. For both types of splits, your chest should also stay nice and straight. Start slow. Hold the pose for only a few seconds. Get your muscles used to being in this position. Don't worry if you can't go all the way to the ground. That will come with time. If you start feeling pain in any part of your body, get out of the position immediately. Stop for the day and try again tomorrow. Once you've held the position for a few seconds, stop for the day. You will want to work up to doing a full split. Try doing this every day. However, if you feel pain in your muscles, always wait a few days before going back to it. Do yoga. To help your joints stay limber, try doing yoga on a regular basis. You don't need to join a class in order to do yoga. There are some simple positions you can try from home such as the warrior pose. Additionally, there are split poses in yoga, which can help with additional split practice. To do the warrior pose stand on a yoga mat with your feet together. Keep your core tight as you extend your left foot behind you, towards the back of your mat. Once the leg is fully extended, plant your heel and turn your toe out to a 45 degree angle. Your hips should still be facing forward. Now raise your arms slowly and hold the pose for 45 seconds. You should feel the stretch in your legs. Doing poses such as the warrior pose will help to improve flexibility in your leg muscles, which will help to prevent injuries when you're doing splits. You can also do split poses in yoga, which will help to give you extra split practice. Try the monkey pose. You will need to kneel on your yoga mat. Now extend your right leg out in front of you, but keep your heel on the ground. Keeping your core tight, lean forward and press your fingertips to the floor. Your right leg should now be straight, but be careful not to hyperextend the knee. Slowly press your right heel forward and rotate your right thigh such that your kneecap is facing upward. While you're doing this, slide your left knee back behind you making sure that the top of your left foot is firmly planted on the ground. Your hips should still be squared as you gently flex your right foot. Hold this pose for 30 to 45 seconds. Maintain a healthy weight. Watching your weight is important to your overall health and flexibility, particularly when it comes to avoiding injuries while exercising. Excess weight puts added pressure on your joints and doing splits will only further exacerbate problems. Exercise regularly and try to include healthy alternatives when cooking. For example, you can substitute olive oil for butter and vegetables for starches. Cut back on the junk food and stock up on healthy snacks like apples and yogurt. Take joint supplements. An additional step you can take to help keep your joints healthy is to take a natural supplement. Purchase fish oil. While there are many benefits to fish oil, an important aspect for your joints is that it helps to get your blood flowing. Vitamin D is another helpful supplement, as it keeps your bones strong by absorbing calcium into your system. Vitamin D can also be found in some of the healthy foods you eat including milk and salmon. | Improve flexibility. Do leg stretches. Remember hamstring stretches. Find a yoga mat or another comfortable surface. Get into position. Start slow. Stop for the day and try again tomorrow. Do yoga. Maintain a healthy weight. Take joint supplements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-King-Crab-Legs | How to Cook King Crab Legs | Before cooking king crab legs on the grill, preheat the grill on low. Then, cut the legs at the joints to make sure they fit on the grill and brush the legs with oil. Once the grill is heated, set the legs on the surface of the grill and cook them for 5 minutes on each side before serving them with melted butter and lemon wedges. Alternatively, boil crab legs by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a boil. Once it boils, add the crab legs, reduce heat to keep the water simmering and cook the legs for 5 to 7 minutes before removing with tongs, and serving with butter and lemon. | Thaw the crab legs overnight in the refrigerator before cooking them. They take about 8 hours to defrost. Wait until you're ready to use them before you begin the defrosting process. If you're trying to thaw them in a hurry, submerge them in cold, running water. Although you can cook frozen king crab legs in most cases, they cook at a quicker and more even rate when thawed first. King crab legs spoil rapidly. For that reason, don't thaw them out days in advance. Most crab legs are sold frozen to preserve their freshness. You won't find a lot of fresh crab unless you live near the ocean. If you're getting a fresh crab, remember to clean it. Trim the crab legs with kitchen shears if necessary to reduce their size. You can usually place the crab legs whole in a steamer basket, pot of water, or baking sheet. However, king crab legs are pretty big and may not fit as well as you would like. To compensate, use something sharp, like kitchen shears, a good chef's knife, or a paring knife. Cut across the legs as the joints to separate them into multiple pieces. If you have the opportunity to cook the legs whole, leave them alone. It not only saves you a little extra work, but it helps ensure the meat stays juicy and tender. Score the crab legs with a knife to make them easier to open. This is optional, but it can help you deal with the hard shell covering the legs. Flip all of the legs over to the back side, which will be colored white. Run a sharp, serrated paring knife vertically down the center. Be careful to avoid cutting into the meat. Leave the shell closed and intact until you have finished cooking the legs. Then, you can pull them open at the cut you made. They will be easier to open this way. Don't pull open the shell or cut it too deeply. Exposing the meat makes it more likely to dry out while it's cooking. Score the shell, but don't cut through it. Fill a large pot with about 3 cups (710 mL) of water. The water temperature doesn't matter, but keep the pot about ⅓ of the way full. Have a steamer insert that also fits inside the pot, but wait to put it in for now. A steamer insert is basically a small metal basket that helps cook food by holding it above the water level. Make sure the water doesn't reach the steamer basket or the crab legs. If you don't have a steamer insert, try using a metal colander. You may also be able to fit something like a wire cooling rack or foil inside the pot. The water level doesn't have to be exact. The most important part is adding enough to last throughout the steaming process while also making sure the crab legs aren't submerged. Add halved lemons and garlic to the water if you wish to season it. It isn't necessary, but it will add some additional flavor to the crab legs. Slice up to 3 lemons in half lengthwise and drop them into the water. Then, peel the skin off a head of garlic. Split it in half before dropping the cloves into the water. You can use fewer lemons or garlic cloves if you wish. You could also use store-bought minced garlic or chop up the garlic bulbs if you prefer. Warm the water over high heat until it begins to bubble. Bring the water up to 212 °F (100 °C). Once it begins to bubble rapidly, it is ready for the crab legs. Since you aren't using a lot of water, you won't have to worry too much about it bubbling over. However, make sure you have enough water to last for at least 5 minutes. Do a final check on the water. It shouldn't touch the steamer basket once you place it inside the pot. If the water level is too high, let the water cool, then pour some of it out into the sink. Place the crab legs and steamer basket inside the pot. Fit as many crab legs as you can by laying them flat inside the basket. Overlapping them a little is fine as long as they are inside the pot. You can usually cook about 1.5 to 2 lb (0.68 to 0.91 kg) at once, but it depends on the size of pot and steamer basket you're using. If you're cooking a lot of crab legs, plan on dividing them into batches. This will ensure they all get an equal amount of time in the basket and plenty of steam. Stuffing too many in at once could cause them to cook unevenly. Cover the pot and cook the crab legs for 5 minutes. Check all of the crab legs once your timer goes off. When they are done, a strong crab smell will fill your kitchen. The crab legs turn a consistent red color and feel warm all over. Melt butter if you wish to create a dipping sauce. Making a basic sauce is easy since you can simply melt a little butter and dunk the crab meat into it. Try melting 0.5 cups (113 g) of butter in a saucepan on the stove. If you wish to add more flavor to it, add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons (6.56 g) of garlic powder. Then, drizzle it onto the meat or dip the meat into it after removing it from the shells. Making a sauce is optional and the crab legs will taste fine on their own as well. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Let the oven warm up while you prepare the crab legs. Give it at least 5 to 10 minutes to reach full temperature. Meanwhile, keep the door shut until you're ready to put the crab legs in the oven. Be careful about using different temperatures. It will effect how long the crab legs take to cook. High heat settings could also cause the meat to dry out. Spread the crab legs in a single layer on a shallow cooking sheet. Pick a baking or cookie sheet with plenty of room to fit the crab legs. Don't use one with high sides, since that could cause the crab legs to cook unevenly. Lay the crab legs flat over the sheet. You can usually fit up to 2 lb (0.91 kg) on one sheet. ' If you can't fit all of the crab legs, split them into batches or use multiple sheets. Don't try stacking them. They won't cook at the same rate. Boil about 0.5 cups (120 mL) of water and pour it onto the sheet. Try warming the water up in a microwave or kettle. Be careful when pouring it to avoid burns. Pour it directly onto the baking sheet so it covers the bottom by about 0.125 in (0.32 cm). You may need to use more or less water depending on the sheet's size. Wear rubber kitchen gloves to avoid the possibility of coming into contact with scalding water. The water isn't strictly necessary, but it's useful for keeping the crab legs moist while they bake. Without the water, the meat could turn out dry and rubbery. Mix lemon juice, garlic, and other herbs to add to the crab legs. The main advantage of baking is getting to cook the crab legs with all sorts of other ingredients. For a simple recipe, try pouring 0.25 cups (59 mL) of lemon juice into a separate bowl. Mix in 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of olive oil, ¾ of a cup (170.1 g) of butter, 3 cloves of garlic, and 1 teaspoon (0.54 g) of parsley. You can customize the flavor mixture any way you want. For example, you could add ingredients like salt, cajun seasoning, or other herbs like dill. If you like the crab legs plain, you don't have to add anything at all. Brush or pour seasonings onto the crab legs if you are using any. Use a kitchen brush to coat all of the crab legs with a consistent layer of the seasoning mixture. If you don't have a brush, pour the mixture onto the baking sheet. Try to distribute it evenly over all of the crab legs. Consider saving half of a butter sauce mixture to eat with the crab legs after they finish cooking. You don't have to do this, but it's a way to give the crab more flavor. Cover the crab legs with a layer of aluminum foil. Use the foil as a way to seal in the moisture and flavors. Cover the entire sheet, taking care to tuck the edges of the foil over its sides. When you move the sheet to the oven, watch out so the ingredients don't spill out the sides. Cook the crab in the oven for about 15 minutes. Set your timer and wait. Then, lift the foil to check on the crab legs. They turn a bright red color as they cook. You can touch them to see if they feel warm all over. You will also be able to detect a strong crab smell in your kitchen. Keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on your oven and the heat setting used. Preheat the grill to about 325 °F (163 °C). Use the medium-low setting if your grill has it. Then, wait about 15 minutes for the grill to reach full temperature. While it's heating up, prepare the crab legs. If your grill has a limited temperature range, using a medium setting is fine. Remember to watch the crab legs carefully to ensure they don't overcook. Brush the crab legs with oil if you will place them directly on the grill. Pour about 0.25 cups (59 mL) of olive oil into a bowl. Using a kitchen brush, cover all of the crab legs in the oil. The oil will prevent them from sticking to the grill. If you don't have a brush, you can rub the oil onto the crab legs by hand. Another option is to roll them in the oil. You could also wrap the crab legs in aluminum foil. It's safe to use on the grill and will prevent them from sticking. If you plan on seasoning the crab legs before cooking them, use foil instead of oil. Wrap the crab legs in foil if you plan on seasoning them. Lay 4 sheets of aluminum foil on a countertop. Spread the crab legs out evenly between them. You can generally fit as much as 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) king crab legs, so get more foil if you wish to make more than that. Set aside another 4 sheets of foil to wrap up the crab legs. The foil isn't necessary if you plan on cooking the crab legs plain. Simply coat them in oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill. Coat the crab legs with butter and seasonings for additional flavor. For example, take about ¼ of a cup (55 g) of butter. Rub it over each of the crab legs by hand. Then, cut a lemon into quarters and squeeze them onto the crab legs. For additional flavor, chop up 5 cloves of garlic and sprinkle them over the crab legs. Add ½ of a cup (2.5 g) of parsley, 1 teaspoon (5.69 g) of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon (2.33 g) of black pepper as well. You can also melt some butter to pour over the crab legs once you're done grilling them. Cook the crab legs on the grill for about 5 minutes. Place the crab legs closer to the side of the grill, away from the coals or direct heat, to prevent them from overcooking. Keep them about 5 in (13 cm) away from the heat. Then, close the grill top and leave the crab legs undisturbed. If you're cooking the crab legs in foil, be sure to wrap them up tightly to lock in any added seasonings. Butter and other ingredients won't do you any good if they leak out! Flip the crab legs and cook them for up to 5 minutes. Use a pair of tongs to turn them over, keeping them in the same spot on the grill. Close the top again when you're done. When the crab legs are done, they will be bright red and have a strong smell. They will also be consistently warm all over. Note that the cooking time can vary a lot depending on your grill and the heat setting used. All grills cook food at a different rate. Keep an eye on the crab legs to prevent them from burning. Fill a large stockpot half-full with cold water. The amount of water you need will depend on the stockpot you're using. A basic stockpot takes about 24 cups (5,700 mL) of water, but adjust the amount as needed. This will be enough to cook about 4 lb (1.8 kg) of king crab legs. Make sure the crab legs are completely submerged in the water or else they may not cook evenly. If your stock pot is too small, cook the crab legs in batches or use multiple pots. Salt and season the water if you wish to flavor the crab legs. For example, start with 1 tablespoon (17.06 g) of salt and stir it into the pot of water. Then, mix in 2 tablespoons (34.12 g) of store-bought seafood seasoning. You could mix in herbs like parsley and dill, put garlic and lemons in the pot, or customize the flavor however you wish. The salt is useful for seasoning the crab legs and getting them to cook at a more uniform rate. Even if you don't plan on adding anything else, the salt is worth adding. Turn the heat up high until the water begins to boil. Set your stove to a high setting and wait. Watch for the water to bubble at a consistent rate. It will take a little bit of time, so don't rush to turn down the heat. The water has to be boiling before you put the crab legs into the pot. If it isn't boiling, you will have a much harder time determining when the crab legs are done cooking. Submerge the crab legs in the water. Drop the crab legs into the water, taking care to avoid splashes from the hot water. Use tongs to push the crab legs down and tuck them into the water as much as possible. Try to keep them completely covered by the water before letting them cook. Any parts that are out of the water won't get cooked. If you want the legs to cook at the same rate, keep them submerged. If you can't fit all of the legs into the pot, save some of them to cook later. Reduce the heat to medium and wait for the water to boil again. Adding the crab legs reduces the water temperature, so it won't be bubbling anymore. Wait a couple of minutes until it begins to bubble rapidly again. Once it reaches that point, it will quickly cook the crab legs at an even rate. Plan on simmering the crab legs until they're done. Check the water for tiny, consistent bubbles and wisps of steam. Start the timer once the water reaches that point. Boil the crab legs for 5 to 7 minutes until they are heated through. Leave the pot uncovered and watch as the crab legs change color. They will turn a consistent shade of red as they fill your kitchen with a delicious smell. Once they look done, use tongs to pull them out of the water. Put them on a plate to eat warm. Try serving the warm crab legs with melted butter and lemon juice. You could also enjoy them plain if you wish. | Thaw the crab legs overnight in the refrigerator before cooking them. Trim the crab legs with kitchen shears if necessary to reduce their size. Score the crab legs with a knife to make them easier to open. Fill a large pot with about 3 cups (710 mL) of water. Add halved lemons and garlic to the water if you wish to season it. Warm the water over high heat until it begins to bubble. Place the crab legs and steamer basket inside the pot. Cover the pot and cook the crab legs for 5 minutes. Melt butter if you wish to create a dipping sauce. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Spread the crab legs in a single layer on a shallow cooking sheet. Boil about 0.5 cups (120 mL) of water and pour it onto the sheet. Mix lemon juice, garlic, and other herbs to add to the crab legs. Brush or pour seasonings onto the crab legs if you are using any. Cover the crab legs with a layer of aluminum foil. Cook the crab in the oven for about 15 minutes. Preheat the grill to about 325 °F (163 °C). Brush the crab legs with oil if you will place them directly on the grill. Wrap the crab legs in foil if you plan on seasoning them. Coat the crab legs with butter and seasonings for additional flavor. Cook the crab legs on the grill for about 5 minutes. Flip the crab legs and cook them for up to 5 minutes. Fill a large stockpot half-full with cold water. Salt and season the water if you wish to flavor the crab legs. Turn the heat up high until the water begins to boil. Submerge the crab legs in the water. Reduce the heat to medium and wait for the water to boil again. Boil the crab legs for 5 to 7 minutes until they are heated through. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Simple-Electrical-Circuit | How to Make a Simple Electrical Circuit | To make a simple electrical circuit with a battery, use wire strippers or scissors to strip the ends of a length of insulated wire, but do not cut all the way through the wire. Install your batteries in a battery pack, then attach your wires to the battery pack using a battery snap or electrical tape. Fasten the other end of the wire to the metal screw of the bulb holder. Screw the bulb tightly into the holder. If the circuit is properly connected, the bulb should light up! | Gather the necessary materials. To build a simple circuit, you will need a power source, 2 insulated wires, a light bulb, and a light bulb holder. A power source can be any type of battery or battery pack. The rest of the materials can be found at your local hardware store. When choosing a light bulb, find one that is around 15-25 volts so a single battery can power them. To simplify the wire attachment process, use a battery snap with wires pre-attached and a 9-volt battery or battery pack. Strip the ends of the insulated wires. In order for your circuit to work properly, the wires need to be totally exposed so you must strip the ends. Using wire strippers, remove about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the insulation from the ends of each wire. If you don't have wire strippers, you can carefully use scissors to cut off the insulation. Be careful not to cut all the way through the wire. Install batteries into the battery pack. Depending on the type of batteries you are using, you may be able to skip this step. If you are using multiple batteries, you will need a power pack to hold the batteries. Push each battery in by the side taking care to put the positive and negative ends in the correct orientation. Attach your wires to the battery pack. The wires will be conducting your electric current from the batteries to the light bulb. The easiest way to attach the wires is to use electrical tape. Attach the end of one wire to one side of the battery, making sure that the wire maintains contact with the metal of the battery. Repeat with the other wire on the other side of the battery. Alternatively, if you are using a battery snap, snap the end onto the end of a 9-volt battery or the battery pack. Use caution while building your circuit. Although unlikely, it is possible to get a very small shock if you touch the wire directly while attached to the battery. You can avoid this by only touching the insulated part of the wire or removing the batteries until you install the light bulb. Fasten the other end of the wire to the metal screw of the bulb holder. Take the exposed metal end of each wire and bend it into a U-shape. Loosen each screw on the light bulb holder just enough to slip the U-shape of the wire around the screw. Each wire will be attached to its own screw. Tighten the screw, ensuring that the metal of the wires remains in contact with the screw. Test your circuit. Screw the light bulb into its holder until it is tight. If your circuit is hooked up properly, the bulb should light up when fully screwed into its socket. Light bulbs can heat up quickly so be careful when installing and removing the bulb. If the bulb doesn't light, check to make sure the wires are touching the ends of the battery and in contact with the metal of the screws. Gather the materials. To install the switch, you will need 3 pieces of wire instead of 2 as well as a simple switch. Once you strip the wires and get them attached to the battery pack you can proceed to install the switch. Install the switch. Take the exposed metal end of one of the wires from the battery pack and bend it into a U-shape. Loosen the screw on the switch and slip the U-shape of the wire underneath. Tighten the screw making sure that the metal of the wire remains in contact with the screw. Attach the extra third wire to the switch. Bend each of the metal ends of the wire into a U-shape. Slip the U-shape under the second screw of the switch to attach it. Tighten the screw ensuring the metal of the screw stays in contact with the metal of the wire. Hook up the light bulb. Take the end of each wire (one from the battery and one from the switch) and bend it into a U-shape. Loosen each screw on the light bulb holder just enough to slip the U-shape of the wire around the screw. Each wire will be attached to its own screw. Tighten the screw, ensuring that the wires remain in contact with the metal screw. Test your circuit. Screw the light bulb into its holder until it is tight. Flip the switch! If your circuit is hooked up properly, the bulb should light up when fully screwed into its socket. Light bulbs can heat up quickly so be careful when installing and removing the bulb. If the bulb doesn't light, check to make sure the wires are touching the ends of the battery and in contact with the metal of the screws. Make sure all of the wires are connected properly. In order to complete the circuit, all wires must be touching the metal parts of each component. If your bulb doesn't light up, check each side of the battery and the screws on the bulb holder to make sure the wires are in contact with metal. Make sure screws are tightened down to maintain contact. In some cases, you may need to strip more of the insulation off the wire. Check the filament in your light bulb. Your bulb will not light if the filament is broken. Hold the bulb up to the light and ensure the filament is one connected piece. Try replacing the bulb with a new one. If the bulb isn't the problem, proceed to the next troubleshooting step. Test the charge of the battery. If the battery is dead or low on charge, it might not have enough power to light the bulb. Using a battery tester, check the charge or just replace the battery with a new one. If this was the problem, your bulb should light immediately after replacing the battery. | Gather the necessary materials. Strip the ends of the insulated wires. Install batteries into the battery pack. Attach your wires to the battery pack. Fasten the other end of the wire to the metal screw of the bulb holder. Test your circuit. Gather the materials. Install the switch. Attach the extra third wire to the switch. Hook up the light bulb. Test your circuit. Make sure all of the wires are connected properly. Check the filament in your light bulb. Test the charge of the battery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Bacon-Sandwich | How to Make a Bacon Sandwich | To make a bacon sandwich, start by frying some bacon over medium-low heat until it's crispy. Then, get 2 slices of bread and spread butter over 1 side of each slice. Next, sprinkle shredded cheese on the unbuttered side of one of the slices, and add guacamole, the bacon, and another layer of cheese. Finally, top of the sandwich with the other slice of bread and cook it in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. | Cook the bacon over medium-low heat in a skillet, turning it occasionally, until it turns crispy. This will take about 5 minutes. When you are done, place the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels so that the excess grease can drain. Spread some butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will be on the outside of your sandwich and help make it extra crispy when you grill it. Sprinkle ¼ cup (25 grams) of cheese onto the unbuttered side of one of the bread slices. Save the rest of the cheese for the other half of the sandwich. This will help "glue" your sandwich together so that it doesn't fall apart. Add the guacamole, bacon, and the rest of the cheese. If you don't like guacamole, you can either leave it out or use a few thin slices of avocado instead. Finish off with the other slice of bread. Make sure that the buttered side is facing up. This will help prevent the sandwich from sticking to the skillet. Grill the sandwich over medium heat, about 2 to 3 minutes. Place a skillet on the stove, and turn the heat up to medium. When the skillet is hot, place the sandwich on top and grill it for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the sandwich over and cook it another 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully flip it over using a spatula, then cook it until it turns golden brown and the cheese is melted. Take the sandwich off the heat and cut it in half using a sharp knife. This will make the sandwich easier to eat so that it doesn't fall apart on you. Serve the sandwich. Put the sandwich pieces on a plate and serve it promptly. If you'd like to go an extra step, stick frilled sandwich or cocktail pick through center of each sandwich half to help hold it together. Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat, turning it occasionally, until it turns crispy, about 5 minutes. When you are done, place it onto a plate lined with paper towels so that the grease can drain. Spread some butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will be the outside of your sandwich. It will help make your sandwich extra crispy and prevent it from sticking to the skillet. Spread some mayo onto the unbuttered side of one or both slices of bread. You can spread one thick layer onto one slice or bread, or a thin layer onto both slices. Make sure that you are putting the mayo onto the unbuttered side, and not the buttered side. Add the lettuce, sliced tomato, bacon, and guacamole. If you don't like guacamole, you can leave it out, or you can use a few thin slices of avocado instead. At this point, you can also add some salt and pepper. The lettuce may lose some of its crispy texture after you grill the sandwich. If you don't want this, wait until after you grill the sandwich; simply open up the sandwich, and pop the lettuce in, then close it. Place the final slice of bread on top, buttered side up. Gently press down on your sandwich to "seal" it. Again, make sure that the buttered side is on top, as this will help keep your sandwich from sticking to the skillet. Grill the sandwich over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Place a skillet on the stove, and turn the heat up to medium. When the skillet gets hot enough, put the sandwich on and grill it for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the sandwich over and grill it for another 2 to 3 minutes. Slide a spatula under the sandwich, and carefully flip it over onto the other side. Continue cooking it until it turns golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Take the sandwich off the skillet and cut it in half using a sharp knife. This will make the sandwich easier to handle so that it doesn't fall apart. Serve the sandwich. Put the sandwiches on a plate and serve it promptly. If you'd like to go the extra step, put a frilled sandwich or cocktail pick in the center of each one to hold it together. Fry the bacon over medium-low heat in a skillet, turning it occasionally, until it turns crispy, about 5 minutes. When you are done, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels so that it can drain. The bacon slices should be long enough to fit across your English muffin with hanging over the edge. If they are too long, cut the bacon into halves or thirds so that it fits. Split open an English muffin, toast it, and then set it aside. You can also use a small croissant; you do not have to toast the croissant, however. If you'd like a larger breakfast, try a toasted bagel instead. Prepare the skillet for making the egg. Heat the skillet for about 3 minutes over medium heat. Add ½ tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet, and let it melt. Gently move the skillet around to swirl the butter in it. Beat the egg in a small bowl or cup until it yolk is broken and mixed in with the white. You can use a fork or a mini whisk to beat the egg. If you'd like, you can season the egg with some salt and pepper. To save time, do this step while the skillet is heating and the butter is melting. Cook the egg in the skillet, then transfer it to a plate and set it aside. Pour the egg onto the skillet and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Flip it over, and let it cook for another 30 to 45 seconds. When you are done, use a spatula to transfer the scrambled egg to a plate. To get a perfect, round shape, use a pancake or egg ring; they are meant for frying pancakes and eggs into perfect circles. Place the scrambled egg on one of the muffin halves. You may have to fold the scrambled egg a little until it fits onto the muffin. Make sure that nothing is hanging over the muffin's edge. Add the cheese and bacon. Place the cheese down first so that the heat from the egg helps melt it. Line the bacon slices on top of the cheese. If you'd like, you can also add extras, such as a tomato slice or chopped chives. Place the other half of the muffin on top. Press down on the sandwich lightly to help "seal" it. Serve the sandwich while it is still hot. If you used a bagel to make the sandwich, cut it in half first; this will make it easier to handle. You don't have to cut sandwiches made from English muffins or croissants because they are so small. | Cook the bacon over medium-low heat in a skillet, turning it occasionally, until it turns crispy. Spread some butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle ¼ cup (25 grams) of cheese onto the unbuttered side of one of the bread slices. Add the guacamole, bacon, and the rest of the cheese. Finish off with the other slice of bread. Grill the sandwich over medium heat, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the sandwich over and cook it another 2 to 3 minutes. Take the sandwich off the heat and cut it in half using a sharp knife. Serve the sandwich. Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat, turning it occasionally, until it turns crispy, about 5 minutes. Spread some butter on one side of each slice of bread. Spread some mayo onto the unbuttered side of one or both slices of bread. Add the lettuce, sliced tomato, bacon, and guacamole. Place the final slice of bread on top, buttered side up. Grill the sandwich over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the sandwich over and grill it for another 2 to 3 minutes. Take the sandwich off the skillet and cut it in half using a sharp knife. Serve the sandwich. Fry the bacon over medium-low heat in a skillet, turning it occasionally, until it turns crispy, about 5 minutes. Split open an English muffin, toast it, and then set it aside. Prepare the skillet for making the egg. Beat the egg in a small bowl or cup until it yolk is broken and mixed in with the white. Cook the egg in the skillet, then transfer it to a plate and set it aside. Place the scrambled egg on one of the muffin halves. Add the cheese and bacon. Place the other half of the muffin on top. Serve the sandwich while it is still hot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-White-Leather-Purse | How to Clean a White Leather Purse | If your white leather purse is looking a bit worse for wear, you can clean it up with a few household cleaners. Wipe it with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water to remove dirt and grease. Wipe it lightly in the direction of the leather's grain to avoid damaging it. Then, dry it with another dry cloth. For tougher stains, try rubbing a little shoe polish on it with its sponge. Or, spray some leather cleaning product and wipe it with a cloth. | Wipe down your bag once a week with a microfiber cloth. If your bag is pretty clean, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe it down weekly. To remove minor dirt, mix a drop or two of mild soap and 8-12 ounces of warm water together. Lightly dampen the microfiber cloth with the solution and wipe the dirt off the leather. Dry the surface immediately after using a damp cloth. After using the mild soap solution, go back over the surface with a dry microfiber cloth to ensure no water is left standing on the leather's surface. Avoid using soggy paper towels for this. Microfiber is the ideal material because it won't crumble and wicks away moisture quickly. Wipe gently and with the grain of the leather. To avoid damaging the leather, always wipe the bag lightly. Wipe in the same direction as the grain of the leather. Use smooth, uniform strokes. Be sure to wipe the parts you touch the most, such as the handles, strap and clasp. These areas are easily soiled by the natural oils on your hands. Avoid using bleach, vinegar and baby wipes. Some commonly suggested “home remedies” involve using these substances. Don't use them. The chemicals in these products can damage the surface, dry out the leather and cause grease stain issues. Address spills as soon as they occur. The faster you remove the spilled substance, the less likely it is to stain the leather. Blot spills immediately with a dry microfiber cloth. You may want to tuck a small microfiber cloth into your purse for emergencies. Try white shoe polish on tough stains. This works particularly well on ink stains, since they are extremely difficult to get out. Buy a white shoe polish product at a shoe or department store. Squeeze the container until a small amount of the polish comes out. Cover the stain completely with it. Gently buff the area with the sponge applicator tip to cover the stain. Sprinkle baby powder on oil stains. If you've discovered an oil-based stain on your leather bag , sprinkle enough baby powder on top of the spot so that's completely covered. Leave it on overnight. The next day, brush away the baby powder with a dry microfiber cloth. The stain should be gone. If not, reapply and give it another day. If the stain persists, you'll need to have your bag cleaned professionally. Never use water on an oil-based stain. Use a professional leather cleaning product on major stains. You can buy these specially formulated products at department stores and shoe shops. They may cost a little more than a solution you can mix up at home, but these products are very effective. Apply the cleaner directly to the stain. In most cases, you will not need to rinse the bag because the leather soaks up the cleansing cream. Check your particular product's instructions to confirm. If your product does call for wiping, do so very gently and with the grain of the leather. Rough scrubbing can drive the stain more deeply into the leather. Avoid touching your purse after you’ve used hand lotion. This is a very common cause of oil-based stains on leather purses. When doing a routine wipe-down, check the handles and clasps particularly, since the natural oils from your hands may also cause oily stains. Keep your bag in a dust-free space when not in use. Dust can settle on the white leather and affect its appearance. If your leather bag came with a dust bag (many designer purses do), store your purse inside it when you aren't using it. If you don't have a dust bag, an old pillowcase or garment bag will work. Store your bag out of direct sunlight. The sun's rays can damage the leather's surface. Make sure you store it in a non-humid area with no direct sunlight. Stuff the bag with newspaper while in storage. This will help the leather bag keep its original shape. Condition the leather every few months. Wipe the leather down first with a dry microfiber cloth to ensure there's no lingering dust or dirt. Rub a small amount of the conditioner onto the surface of the purse. Allow it to sit for several minutes, which allows the leather to soak up the hydration. Gently wipe the conditioner off with a clean microfiber cloth. Regular conditioning will keep the leather supple and prevent cracking. Leather conditioner products can be purchased at shoe and department stores. | Wipe down your bag once a week with a microfiber cloth. Dry the surface immediately after using a damp cloth. Wipe gently and with the grain of the leather. Avoid using bleach, vinegar and baby wipes. Address spills as soon as they occur. Try white shoe polish on tough stains. Sprinkle baby powder on oil stains. Use a professional leather cleaning product on major stains. Avoid touching your purse after you’ve used hand lotion. Keep your bag in a dust-free space when not in use. Store your bag out of direct sunlight. Condition the leather every few months. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Your-Boyfriend-Is-Being-Disrespectful-to-You | How to Know if Your Boyfriend Is Being Disrespectful to You | To know if your boyfriend is being disrespectful to you, consider whether he makes you feel controlled by forbidding you from doing certain things or acting out when things don't go his way, which may be signs that he doesn't respect your autonomy. Another thing you should think about is if he refuses to apologize and often makes excuses after saying or doing something hurtful since this could mean that he doesn't own up to his disrespectful behavior. Also consider whether he constantly lectures you in a demeaning manner. For example, if he finds a way to insult you rather than asking you nicely to make a change, then it may be less about concern and more about pointing out your flaws. | Think about whether you feel heard. If your boyfriend is disrespectful, you often won't feel like you're being heard in the relationship. Do you feel like your boyfriend truly understands you? Do you think he knows your needs and wants? If not, he may be disrespecting you. You may feel like your boyfriend does not know basic things about you, such as personal boundaries and what you like to do. This may be because he talks over you or dismisses you. Listening is a basic sign of respect. Someone who does not listen to you does not likely respect you. Examine if you feel unworthy. Think about how you feel about your role in the relationship. Disrespectful people will often make their partners feel unworthy. In a healthy relationship, you will feel you deserve love and respect. You may find yourself consistently having thoughts like, "I don't deserve him" or "It's my fault he yells. I don't deserve to be treated well." You do deserve respect. Every human deserve as much. If you consistently feel unworthy of basic aspects of respect (being listened to, being treated with kindness, having your needs met, etc.) then your boyfriend may be being disrespectful towards you. Evaluate your overall energy level. Disrespectful people can create toxic relationships with those around them. If you're being perpetually disrespected, think about your overall energy level. Do you feel tired most of the time? Do you feel drained and exhausted? If so, your boyfriend may be disrespecting you. Think about your behavior. A disrespectful partner can affect how you behave. If you're with someone who doesn't respect you, you may often feel like you're at your worst. Do you feel like you're not the person you used to be? Do you feel like you're no longer able to keep up with things like your friends, hobbies, and social life and are just doing the bare minimum? Do you feel like you're not dealing as well in social interactions? Maybe you've been more short tempered or dismissive lately. This is a sign you're not being respected and lashing out at others. Think about whether your partner lectures you. No one is perfect. It's normal for a romantic partner to sometimes point out your flaws if they affect him or the relationship. However, a disrespectful partner will lecture you constantly about even minor, inconsequential flaws. He will also sound less concerned and more demeaning. In a respectful relationship, your boyfriend may say something like, "Could you not text as much while we watch TV? I just like to have you present." If your boyfriend is being disrespectful, his reaction will be more over the top. Instead of asking nicely that you don't text during certain times, he will lash out and start lecturing you about your flaws. For example, "This just shows how you can't concentrate on anything. I think this is why you've been having so much trouble at school lately. Your professors are probably as frustrated with you as I am." Consider whether you feel controlled or dominated. A disrespectful boyfriend is often very controlling and domineering in his behavior. During interactions, you may feel your boyfriend will not let you have your way. He may have an "It's my way or the highway" mentality, and act out when things don't go the way he wants. A disrespectful boyfriend may, for example, take major issue with you seeing friends without him. He may berate you and question this decision, saying things like, "Your friends are so boring. Why do you need to see them so much?" While he may not directly forbid you from going, he may do things to make your night difficult. For example, he allows you to see a movie with your friend Maggie, but texts and calls the whole time in the theater. He may also let you grab coffee with a friend, but cold shoulder you when you get home. Think about whether your boyfriend is ever willing to compromise. Compromise is important to any healthy relationship. Your boyfriend should occasionally be willing to meet your needs, just as you've met his. You may feel like you always end up doing things your partner's way, whether you want to or not. In a normal relationship, people compromise on things like taste. You may, for example, go see a movie you don't really want to see, but then eat dinner at your favorite restaurant afterwards. With a disrespectful boyfriend, everything will be about him. If you try to say "No" or offer a compromise, he simply berates you until he gets his way. For example, he wants to go hiking for your anniversary. You're not much of a hiker, but propose a short, easy hike as you've never gone before. Instead of agreeing, he keeps complaining that he loves long hikes and a short hike will be boring for him until you eventually agree to go on the shorter hike. Watch out for angry outbursts. Is your boyfriend quick to anger? Does he create a generally hostile atmosphere in your home? If you feel unsafe when around him, and feel as if you need to walk on eggshells constantly, he may be disrespecting you. Evaluate whether your boyfriend ever takes responsibility for his actions. A chronically disrespectful person will not own up to the fact his behavior has hurt others. Most people apologize for their shortcomings or try to change them. A disrespectful person will never take full responsibility for himself. Your boyfriend may refuse to apologize for even little things. For example, he's consistently late but is always making excuses such as "There was traffic" and "I was stressed, so I lost track of time." He may also make excuses for major aspects of disrespect. For example, "I'm sorry I yelled at you, but you don't get the pressure I've been under lately." He may even go as far as to blame you. For example, "I would be more respectful about you seeing your friends if I felt more valued in the relationship." Assert yourself when necessary. If you feel your boyfriend is being disrespectful, learn to assert yourself. In the moment the disrespect occurs, let him know you will not tolerate it. You do not have to be aggressive or mean. Simply state your needs in a calm fashion When your boyfriend is being difficult, say so in the moment. Calmly let him know what he's saying is not respectful and you don't appreciate it. Do this in a calm fashion to avoid escalating the argument. For example, your boyfriend is on your case about you going out with friends from work because he feels these friends are not responsible. Say something like, "I appreciate your concerns, but I know how to stay safe. I'm allowed to have a social life and I need you to respect that." Exit conversations if you're not being respected. If your boyfriend is chronically disrespectful, he may not always listen when you assert yourself. Instead of hearing your needs and backing off, he may become hostile or even aggressive. For example, "I don't care what you think you need. I don't want you going out with those girls from the office." In this case, just walk away. You need to back up your words with behavior. If you want your boyfriend to respect your social life, and he isn't, show him you won't tolerate this lack of respect. Say something like, "You're not listening to me and this isn't getting us anywhere. I'm going for a walk." Then, leave for a few hours to give your boyfriend a chance to calm down. Remind yourself of your own worth. Living with a chronically disrespectful person can drain your self esteem. You may start to feel you are not worth things like love and respect. This is not the case. Everyone has worth, so remind yourself of yours when necessary. Most people have some areas in their lives they could use to improve. However, this does not mean you don't deserve love or respect. Just because you're, say, a little messy does not give your boyfriend the right to yell at or berate you constantly. Remind yourself of of this. Adopt a personal mantra. Try something like, "I matter. I deserve respect. I deserve love." Think about taking a break from the relationship. If someone keeps disrespecting you, you don't have to stay in the relationship. If you consistently feel controlled, uncomfortable, or unhappy with someone, the relationship is probably not worth your time. There's nothing wrong with walking away if someone is not respecting you. | Think about whether you feel heard. Examine if you feel unworthy. Evaluate your overall energy level. Think about your behavior. Think about whether your partner lectures you. Consider whether you feel controlled or dominated. Think about whether your boyfriend is ever willing to compromise. Watch out for angry outbursts. Evaluate whether your boyfriend ever takes responsibility for his actions. Assert yourself when necessary. Exit conversations if you're not being respected. Remind yourself of your own worth. Think about taking a break from the relationship. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Hair-Without-Shaving | How to Remove Hair Without Shaving | One way you can remove body hair without shaving is by using a depilatory cream to dissolve the hair at the skin's surface. To get the best results when using these creams, apply them right after bathing since your hair is at its softest. Alternatively, try plucking unwanted hairs individually with a pair of tweezers. If you want to remove patches of hair without chemicals, opt for hair removal pads, which have a rough surface that rubs the hair off of your skin. Another way you can remove a lot of hair quickly is by waxing, either at home or via a professional. | Use depilatory cream. Depilatory creams are products that remove hair by dissolving it at the skin's surface. Usually, these products come in a lotion or shampoo-like bottle and are sold at pharmacies like Walgreens, etc. for fairly cheap. If you use this method, check the ingredients when shopping to make sure that you aren't sensitive and make sure to always follow the directions on the label. Pros: Doesn't hurt. Easy to use. Cons: Requires frequent use (hair grows back at normal speed). Can smell bad. Notes: For best results, apply after bathing when hair is softest. Don't use products labeled for body use on the face — these can be made from harsher chemicals. See our depilatory article for more information. Try hair removal pads. Another product that's useful for getting rid of unwanted hair is the aptly-named hair removal pad. This product basically works like a small handheld buffer: you rub the rough surface against the skin with short, quick movements and moderate pressure and hair is gently rubbed out. The area that the pad can "buffer" at one time is small, making this method best for small patches of hair. Pros: Doesn't hurt when used correctly. No soreness afterward from lotion, aftershave, etc. Cons: Time-consuming. Notes: This product will also abrade the skin, leaving it looking ashen or "ashy." You may want to apply lotion afterwards to re-moisturize. Wash and dry pads after use. Try threading. This method of hair removal, which originated centuries ago in Turkey, is gaining popularity worldwide. When someone has unwanted hair "threaded," a "threader" gathers the hair in a loop of cotton thread, twists the thread, and plucks it out. With this technique, a good threader can clear a decent amount of hair fairly quickly — 15 minutes for a set of eyebrows is considered good. Pros: Healthier for skin than waxing. Good choice for sensitive skin. Lasts for several weeks. Cons: Can hurt. Most useful only on flat surfaces (not joints). Can't be done at home. Notes: Take the time to find a threader with good reviews. An expert threader can make the process much less painful. Try tweezing. An old, reliable tool for hair removal, a pair of tweezers lets you grab and pluck unwanted hairs individually. This somewhat painful method is usually reserved for removing just a few hairs at a time — much more can be hard to bear. Pros: Precise — allows you to remove exactly which hairs you want, one at a time. Cons: Painful. Time-consuming except when plucking just a few hairs. Can cause mild irritation in some individuals. Notes: Wash tweezers before and after use. See How to Avoid Bumps When Plucking Hair for a guide to minimizing skin irritation during a tweezing session. Try waxing. This widely-known hair removal method has a fearsome reputation, but it's often not as bad as it's cracked up to be. Waxing is great for removing stubborn hair from the legs, underarms, bikini area and face (when applied cautiously and gently.) It's also especially good for people with coarse, dark hair that contrasts with their light skin. Waxing can be done by buying kits bought from cosmetics stores or via a professional. Pros: Removes lots of hair relatively quickly. Lasts for several weeks. Cons: Painful, though this reduces after the first waxing. Difficult to do at home; professionals can be somewhat expensive. Notes: If waxing yourself, always apply wax in the direction of hair growth and pull in the direction opposite the hair growth. Follow all directions on the wax packaging, especially when it comes to heating the wax. Try sugaring. "Sugaring" is a method of hair removal that works almost exactly like waxing — a thick liquid mixture is applied to the skin, allowed to set, and pulled off with cloth. The difference is in the ingredients of the mixture: unlike waxing, sugaring uses natural ingredients (often, a honey-like mixture of sugar, lemon juice, and water). This makes it gentler on the skin for some (especially those with allergies). Pros: Removes lots of hair relatively quickly. Lasts for several weeks. Smaller risk of allergies/irritation. Can be made at home (cautiously). Cons: Similar pain level to waxing, though this reduces after the first sugaring. Difficult to do at home; professionals can be somewhat expensive. Notes: See our sugaring article for an at-home recipe and directions for use. Try an epilator. An epilator is a device that more or less works like an automatic set of tweezers, pulling hairs out with a set of mechanical grabbers. However, unlike tweezers, epilators pull on only the hair — not the skin around it — which makes them less painful to some. Epilators are a good all-around tool, as they work relatively quickly, can be used on many parts of the body, and keep pain to a reasonable level. Pros: Removes lots of hair relatively quickly. Lasts for several weeks. Quicker than tweezing manually. Gentler on the skin for some. Cons: Some pain, though this reduces after the first use. Requires minor cleaning/maintenance. Notes: If you can, get a waterproof epilator and remove hairs in the shower when they're softest and easiest to pull out. Consider laser therapy. Laser hair removal therapy is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed today. In this procedure, a highly-concentrated beam of light targets individual hair follicles, destroying them. Hair generally stops growing back near-permanently after three to seven sessions. Pros: Quick, relatively painless. Widely available due to popularity. Cons: Causes pain and redness similar to that of a sunburn for several days. Blisters, temporary discoloration, and other, more painful side effects are possible but rare. Notes: Treated hair falls out over about a month, not immediately. Sunscreen usually recommended to protect the treated area. Cost: Varies; about $235 per session. Consider electrolysis. In an electrolysis, a small, very thin probe is used to destroy individual hair follicles with a shortwave radio frequency. After, the hair itself is removed with tweezers. This method causes near-permanent hair loss after several treatments. Electrolysis is suitable for most of the body. Pros: Generally very minor discomfort. Short appointments, only a few sessions usually needed. Cons: Can cause temporary pain and redness. Notes: Be sure to choose an accredited, certified electrolysis expert. Poor technique can cause additional pain. Cost: Varies; about $25-$150 per hour. Understand that even these methods can have minor hair regrowth. Unfortunately, for the time being, there is no truly "permanent" hair removal method. While the methods above can permanently end hair growth, they won't always have 100% perfect results. After a few years, some minor amount of hair regrowth is possible, so repeat "touch up" sessions may be necessary. Be aware of this as you make your decision. Talk to your doctor before pursuing any "permanent" solution. While both laser therapy and electrolysis are considered by the FDA to be generally safe when performed by a professional, there is a very small (but real) chance of danger with these hair removal procedures and others. For example, in a few isolated cases, individuals who used excessive amounts of face-numbing cream for their laser therapy treatment reportedly experienced life-threatening symptoms. For this reason, it's crucial to discuss these procedures with your doctor before agreeing to undergo them. Only your doctor can tell you for sure which treatments (if any) are safe and appropriate for you. | Use depilatory cream. Try hair removal pads. Try threading. Try tweezing. Try waxing. Try sugaring. Try an epilator. Consider laser therapy. Consider electrolysis. Understand that even these methods can have minor hair regrowth. Talk to your doctor before pursuing any "permanent" solution. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Marble-Cake | How to Make Marble Cake | To make marble cake, pour a box of yellow or white cake mix into a bowl and beat it with the sugar, salt, eggs, vanilla, fats, milk, and water for 2 minutes, then stir in the flour. Next, put the cocoa, sour cream, and 1 cup of the batter in a separate bowl and mix it to make the chocolate batter. Then, spread the plain batter in a cake pan, spoon the chocolate batter on top, and use a skewer to swirl the batters in a figure-8 pattern. Finally, bake the cake for 30 minutes at 350°F. | Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease 2 round cake pans. Choose 9 in (23 cm) pans that are at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) deep. Spray the inside with baking spray to prevent the marble cakes from sticking. To make a large, single-layer cake, use a 9 in × 13 in (23 cm × 33 cm) cake pan. Put the mix, sugar, salt, eggs, vanilla, fats, milk, and water in a bowl. Open a 15.25-ounce (432 g) box of yellow or white cake mix and put it in a large mixing bowl. Ignore the instructions on the box and instead add 1/2 cup (100 g) of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) of salt. Add 4 eggs and these liquids: 2 teaspoons (9.9 ml) of vanilla extract ⁄ 3 cup (79 ml) of canola oil or vegetable oil 4 tablespoons (56 g) of melted butter ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of whole milk 1 cup (240 ml) of water Beat the ingredients in the bowl for 2 minutes. Turn a hand or stand mixer to low and beat until the eggs are combined. Then turn the mixer up to medium speed and beat the batter for 2 minutes. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula once or twice. Stir in the flour until it's incorporated. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually beat in 2/3 cup (83 g) of all-purpose flour or 3/4 cup (75 g) of cake flour. Beat just until the flour is mixed into the wet batter. Mix the cocoa, sour cream, and 1 cup (340 g) of the batter in a another bowl. Put 3 tablespoons (22 g) of unsweetened cocoa powder into a separate mixing bowl and add 2 tablespoons (24 g) of sour cream. Stir or whisk the cocoa until it's incorporated. Then stir in 1 cup (340 g) of the batter from the other mixing bowl. This will make the chocolate batter for the marble cake. Spread the plain batter and spoon the chocolate batter on top. Divide the plain white or yellow cake batter between the prepared cake pans or pour the plain batter into the large cake pan. Then dollop large spoonfuls of the chocolate batter over the plain batter in the pan. Leave about 2 inches (5.1 cm) of space between the blobs of chocolate batter. Use a skewer to swirl the batters. Insert the skewer so it almost reaches the bottom of the pan and then drag it in a figure-8 pattern so it moves through several of the chocolate blobs. Then insert the skewer into another part of the pan and make another figure-8. Do this 1 to 2 more times so each chocolate blob is marbled. It's important to not over-swirl or the batters will mix and you won't be able to see the marbled effect. Bake the marble cake for 30 minutes. Put the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake them until they pull away from the sides of the pan. To test if they're done, insert a toothpick into the center and pull it out. If it comes away clean or with just a crumb, the marble cake is finished. If batter sticks on the toothpick, bake the cake for 3 to 5 more minutes and check it again. Cool the cake completely before you frost and serve it. Turn off the oven and transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Carefully flip the cakes out of the pans and leave them to cool completely before you frost them with 3 cups (700 g) of your favorite chocolate buttercream , ganache , or icing. Cover the leftover cake and store it at room temperature for up to 2 or 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease 2 round cake pans. Use 9 in (23 cm) pans that are at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) high. To prevent the cakes from sticking, spray the inside of the pans with baking spray. If you prefer to make a single-layer sheet cake, grease a 9 in × 13 in (23 cm × 33 cm) cake pan. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Get out a large mixing bowl and put 2 cups (230 g) of cake flour, 2 teaspoons (8 g) of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt into a sifter. Shake the sifter so the dry ingredients fall into the bowl and put the bowl aside. Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour. This will make a lighter textured marble cake. Cream the butter and sugars for 4 to 5 minutes. Put 1 cup (230 g) of room-temperature unsalted butter into a large mixing bowl and beat it on high speed for 1 minute. Once the butter is smooth, beat in 3/4 cup (150 g) of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup (100 g) of packed light brown sugar. Keep beating on high for 3 to 4 minutes so the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula occasionally. If your butter is too cold, it won't combine smoothly with the sugars and you'll see tiny lumps of butter in the mixture. Mix in the eggs, yolks, and vanilla on low speed. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add 1 whole egg to the creamed butter mixture. Once the egg is incorporated, beat in the remaining 1 whole egg and 4 egg yolks, 1 at a time. Then beat in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vanilla extract on medium speed. Using room temperature ingredients will ensure that they combine perfectly in the batter. This will trap air so your cake turns out light and fluffy. Mix in the dry ingredients alternating with the buttermilk. Turn the mixer back down to low and beat in 1/3 of the dry mixture. Then mix in ⁄ 3 cup (79 ml) of the buttermilk. Add another 1/3 of the dry mixture followed by the remaining ⁄ 3 cup (79 ml) of buttermilk. Finish mixing in the rest of the dry ingredients. The batter will be thick, but there shouldn't be large lumps. It's alright if there are a few small lumps, since it's important not to over mix the batter. Melt the chocolate and stir in 1 cup (340 g) of the batter. Put 4 ounces (113 g) of coarsely chopped bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate in 20-second increments until it's melted. Then stir in 1 cup (340 g) of the batter and set it aside. This will make the chocolate batter that you'll need to marble the cake. Spread some plain batter in the pans and top it with chocolate batter. Divide 1/2 of the plain batter between your prepared pans and spread it evenly or pour all of the plain batter into the large pan. Drop large spoonfuls of the chocolate batter onto the plain batter. Then pour the rest of the plain batter over the batter in the pans. Use a skewer to swirl the batters. Dip a skewer into some of the chocolate batter and drag it through the plain batter in a figure-8 pattern. Do this 2 to 3 more times so there's a marble effect. Ensure that you're not mixing the batters or you won't see a swirl. If you don't have a skewer, use a butter knife. Bake the round cakes for 22 to 27 minutes. Put the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake the cakes until they begin to pull away from the sides of the pans. Insert a toothpick to see if it comes out without wet crumbs sticking to it. If there's still batter on the toothpick, bake the cakes for a few more minutes and check them again. If you're baking a 9 in × 13 in (23 cm × 33 cm) marble cake, it may take a few more minutes to finish baking. Check the cake once it's baked for 30 minutes. Remove and cool the marble cake completely. Turn off the oven and take the cakes out. Set them on a wire rack to cool for a few minutes and then turn them out onto the wire rack. Let the cakes cool before you stack and frost them with 3 cups (700 g) of your favorite chocolate frosting. Cover leftover cake and store it at room temperature for up to 2 or 3 days. You can also refrigerate leftover cake for up to 5 days. | Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease 2 round cake pans. Put the mix, sugar, salt, eggs, vanilla, fats, milk, and water in a bowl. Beat the ingredients in the bowl for 2 minutes. Stir in the flour until it's incorporated. Mix the cocoa, sour cream, and 1 cup (340 g) of the batter in a another bowl. Spread the plain batter and spoon the chocolate batter on top. Use a skewer to swirl the batters. Bake the marble cake for 30 minutes. Cool the cake completely before you frost and serve it. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease 2 round cake pans. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream the butter and sugars for 4 to 5 minutes. Mix in the eggs, yolks, and vanilla on low speed. Mix in the dry ingredients alternating with the buttermilk. Melt the chocolate and stir in 1 cup (340 g) of the batter. Spread some plain batter in the pans and top it with chocolate batter. Use a skewer to swirl the batters. Bake the round cakes for 22 to 27 minutes. Remove and cool the marble cake completely. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Picking-Your-Face | How to Stop Picking Your Face | To stop picking your face, try covering your blemishes with medical tape when you're at home so you're not able to pick at them. You can also try covering up your blemishes with acne-friendly makeup so you're less likely to obsess over them. Also, try to limit how often you look in the mirror by avoiding, covering, or hiding the mirrors in your home, which will help prevent you from focusing as much on your face. | Cover pimples with medical tape if you have the urge to touch them. If you're tempted to pick at trouble spots on your face, conceal them with bits of medical tape. Each time you attempt to pick you will be reminded that this behavior is off-limits. Apply makeup to facial skin to cover marks. Wearing makeup over your facial skin serves a dual purpose: it covers imperfections so that you are less likely to obsess over them and it acts as a barrier to prevent picking. If you spend extra time in the morning applying makeup, you won't want to smudge it by picking at your face, right? Ask your dermatologist for a makeup recommendation that reduces acne and helps clear skin. Reduce your mirror time to cut back on obsessing. If you spend a lot of time in front of mirrors, try to decrease your mirror time. Time yourself in front of the mirrors--if you know you only have 5 or 10 minutes, you won't be able to linger on that blemish. Put away or cover the mirrors in your home so that you only use them when you are getting dressed or doing a beauty routine. Get rid of magnifying mirrors that only serve to enhance your imperfections and make you feel worse about your appearance. Try delaying your picking when the urge comes. The next time you get the urge to pick your face, tell yourself you must wait 10 minutes. Set a timer on your phone. When the time elapses, see if the urge is still there. More than likely, the urge will have passed. If not, challenge yourself to wait a little bit longer before picking. Try to increase the amount of time between picking. You may notice yourself becoming better at dealing with the urge, or you may find healthier replacement activities to do instead of picking. Play with a fidget toy when you need to release anxiety. If you tend to pick when you're nervous, occupy your hands with a fidget toy. Hold on to a squishy ball, a fidget spinner or some other fun gadget that keeps your hand busy without them wreaking havoc on your face. Place the toys in areas where you have a tendency to pick, like near your couch or at your computer desk. Wear gloves if you can't control the urge to pick. Decrease your picking habit by donning gloves during the times when you're most likely to pick. If you do try, the gloves will act as a barrier and stop you from doing any damage. Get a manicure so your nails can't do damage. Visit your local nail salon and get your natural nails cut down really short to prevent you from picking. You might also choose to have a set of acrylic nails installed. Either option will make your usual face-picking habit harder to achieve. Use a soft and gentle cleanser to control acne. You're probably picking your face because you're breaking out, so getting your acne under control is an important step. Create a simple cleansing routine that involves washing twice daily with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. The best acne-fighting ingredients reduce swelling, decrease redness, and clear up breakouts while cleaning your skin. Stick to gentle products that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and tea tree oil. Adding a facial massage to your cleansing routine could significantly reduce breakouts. In slow circles, gently massage your face while you cleanse or afterwards when applying moisturizer. Apply nourishing oil-free moisturizers to keep pimples at bay. After cleansing, be sure to smooth on a non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) moisturizer on your skin. Doing so helps your skin stay adequately moisturized and keeps new blemishes from forming. If you can, invest in a high-quality moisturizer. By smoothing on creamy, luxurious moisturizers, your skin will feel slick and make it harder for you to pick. Spot-treat with a clay mask when you're at home. Cleanse your face thoroughly and apply a small amount of clay mask to the affected areas when you come home in the evenings. Leave it until you're ready for bed or overnight if you like. Clay helps detoxify skin and draw out impurities to relieve acne. This method can help reduce the appearance of pimples and stop you from picking, too. Fight acne by protecting your skin from environmental factors. Try changing your sheets and pillowcases at least twice a week to control dirt and oil buildup. Keep your hair out of your face to keep hair products from aggravating your skin. Apply sunscreen to prevent acne scars from darkening. Eat, sleep, and exercise to boost your skin health. Exercise regularly, get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, and hydrate your skin by drinking plenty of water. Dietary changes may also improve the condition of your skin. Try eating more healthy fats like walnuts and avocado. Probiotics, such as Greek yogurt, may also help relieve acne. See a dermatologist. A doctor may be able to prescribe medicated treatments to help you get rid of acne that causes you to pick your face. Set up an appointment to meet with a dermatologist. This professional can evaluate your skin type and suggest appropriate cleansers, moisturizers and acne treatments that may work best for you. A dermatologist can also help you fade acne scars that prompt you to pick at your skin. Create a self-care routine. If stress or anxiety is at the root of your skin-picking habit, try doing more soothing activities during your leisure time. When you feel stressed, practice deep breathing , yoga, or meditation. You might also carve out “me time” to do things like polish your nails, apply nourishing masks or lotions to your face (instead of harming it), soaking in the tub with bath salts, or reading a book. Recognize when skin-picking becomes a problem. Does your tendency to pick at your face point to a bigger issue? For some people, skin-picking is a minor thing that doesn't interfere with their lives. For others, it's a serious condition that requires professional attention. See if any of the following apply to you: Picking at your skin causes you significant distress--either you avoid others because of how your facial skin looks or you spend inordinate amounts of time dedicated to picking. Picking happens nearly all the time, even when you're not conscious of it Picking at your skin has resulted in injury, infection, or serious scarring Get help if you can't stop picking on your own. Compulsive picking can be a difficult habit to overcome alone. If you're having trouble, consider seeing a mental health professional who specializes in body-focused repetitive behaviors at https://www.bfrb.org/. A psychiatrist or psychologist can help treat your picking disorder and offer much-needed encouragement, too. If you have compulsive skin-picking disorder, you might benefit from proven treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy or a class of antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Therapy can help examine and change the underlying thought problems that contribute to skin-picking, such as thinking “My skin needs to be perfect.” Medications can help ease obsessive thoughts that tempt you to pick. | Cover pimples with medical tape if you have the urge to touch them. Apply makeup to facial skin to cover marks. Reduce your mirror time to cut back on obsessing. Try delaying your picking when the urge comes. Play with a fidget toy when you need to release anxiety. Wear gloves if you can't control the urge to pick. Get a manicure so your nails can't do damage. Use a soft and gentle cleanser to control acne. Apply nourishing oil-free moisturizers to keep pimples at bay. Spot-treat with a clay mask when you're at home. Fight acne by protecting your skin from environmental factors. Eat, sleep, and exercise to boost your skin health. See a dermatologist. Create a self-care routine. Recognize when skin-picking becomes a problem. Get help if you can't stop picking on your own. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Monopoly | How to Play Monopoly | Monopoly is a 2-8 player board game where players buy properties and try to get the other players to go bankrupt. To start the game, choose one player to be the banker. The banker is responsible for changing out money, collecting bank fees, and distributing money for passing Go. The banker gives $1,500 to each player that's made up of two $500's, two $100's, 2 $50's, 6 $20's, 5 $10's, 5 $5's, and 5 $1's. Place the Chance and Community chest cards face-down on their spots in the middle of the board. Then, each player selects a token and places it on the Go space. Each player rolls a pair of dice and the player with the highest roll goes first. On a player's turn, they roll the dice and move their token that number of spaces. If the player lands on a utility, property, or railroad, they may purchase the deed from the bank and collect the card for that property. If they land on a Chance or Community Chest space, they draw a card from the corresponding pile and follow the instructions on the card. If a player can't afford or doesn't want a property, utility, or railroad, the property goes up for auction. During an auction, each player can bid to buy the property. Whoever bids the highest amount wins and gets the property. If a player lands on a property, utility, or railroad that's already owned by another player, they owe that player the rent price listed on the deed. Players can increase the rent owed on their properties by owning a complete set of one color, called a monopoly, and buying houses and hotels on those properties. Whenever a player passes Go, they collect $200 from the bank. Once a player is done with their turn, the player to their left goes next. If a player rolls doubles, they roll again after their first turn is over. If a player rolls three doubles in a row, they go directly to the Jail space on the board. Players may also be sent to Jail by Chance or Community Chest cards or by landing on the Go to Jail space on the board. If a player ends up in Jail, they can either pay $50 to get out at the beginning of their next turn, or they can try rolling doubles on their next turn to get out for free. If they don't get doubles, they have to wait until their next turn to try again. If 3 turns go by and they still don't get doubles, that player pays $50 and leaves Jail. Players are allowed to trade properties with other players during their turn to try to build monopolies. If a player can't afford to buy a property or pay another player rent, they can mortgage their properties and collect the mortgage value from the bank. Players don't collect rent on mortgaged properties. If a player runs out of money at any point in the game, they lose. If they ran out of money by landing on another player's space, all of their property and remaining money goes to that player. The game continues until only one person is left in the game and wins! | Find 2 to 8 players. Monopoly can be played with as few as 2 people up to 8 players at most. Each number of players brings its own advantages and drawbacks so it is important to know them before you decide on how many people are going to play. 2-person games are not recommended due to the nature and mechanics of the game. At the start of the game, both players will be evenly matched and find the game to last a long time. Once someone gets lucky or makes a great move, they usually win the game without a chance for their opponent to catch up. Do not let this deter you though if you only have two available players. It can still be very fun. 3-5 person games are great because of their balance between fairness and enjoyment. Games can last over two hours if players are evenly matched and when someone appears to be winning, there's a lot of room for the losing players to stay in the game. 6-8 person games are fun but can have a few problems. As only one person can win the game, more players means there will be more losers. Furthermore, there is a longer wait between turns, yet this isn't too much of an issue as Monopoly gives you a handful of options you can do when it's not your turn, until everyone wants to do an action at once. Monopoly is intended to be played by people aged 8 or over. Younger players may not enjoy the game if they do not like to lose as the game requires some strategy to win. It is recommended to help new and young players by offering tips and opting for a more co-operative playstyle. Choose a banker. This player is in charge of all the money, property, houses, and hotels still belonging to the bank. The banker can still play the game, but they should make sure their own money is separate from the bank's. If it is easier, the banker can place the box where most players can reach, allowing people to help themselves to money, houses and properties, providing that they only do this when they're allowed to. Set up the board. Unfold the Monopoly board and lay it on a flat surface. Make sure each player has enough space to keep their money and property deeds in front of them. You should also lay out the Chance and Community Chest cards on the board. They are marked in the center. Pick a game piece. Each player gets a game piece to move around the board. The game comes with a large selection, but you can also play with any small object. It does not matter what piece you choose as they all serve the same purpose. Give each player $1500. Before the game starts, the banker gives everybody their starting money. It should add up to $1500. Most players like to keep their lined up in front of them, but you can store your money any way you want as long as it is in front of you. Players may also exchange money for different bills of the same value. For example, giving $500 to the bank in exchange for 5 $100s. US Version | UK Version 2 $500s | 2 $500s 2 $100s | 4 $100s 2 $50s | 1 $50 6 $20s | 1 $20 5 $10s | 2 $10s 5 $5s | 1 $5 5 $1s | 5 $1s Roll the dice to pick the first player. Whoever rolls the highest number goes first, and play then continues clockwise around the board. You can use two dice or one, whichever you prefer. A quicker alternative is for the youngest or newest player to go first. This skips the initial dice rolling and gives them a small advantage. After the first turn, play goes to the player on the left in a clockwise fashion. Roll the dice and move your game piece. Each player rolls the dice and moves their game piece the same number of spaces. If you roll doubles, you get to move again after resolving the space you have landed on. Look at the space you landed on. Monopoly has many different kinds of spaces. Most of them are properties that you can buy or pay rent on, but some of them require you to draw a card from one of two decks, collect money, or even go to jail. Buy an unowned property when you land on it. If you are the first one to land on a spot with a colored stripe across the top, a railroad, or a utility, you may buy the property for the amount printed on the board. The banker in turn gives the player the title deed for that property. Most players recommend buying every property you can as if you don't, the other players have a chance to get it for cheaper. Auction any unsold property. If you land on an unowned property but choose not to buy it, then the property is auctioned and awarded to the highest bidder. This rule is part of the official game but many people omit it at home. Whenever a player who lands on an unowned property opts not to buy it, the banker takes over and auctions it off immediately. The player who initially declined to buy the property at the printed price can still participate in the auction. Bids start at $1 and stop when no one wants to increase their bid. If absolutely no one wants the property, it returns to the bank and the game resumes. Collect rent. If you land on someone else's property, you must pay them the rent printed on the title deed card for that property (unless they have mortgaged the property). Rents vary according to the price of the property, whether or not a player has a complete color set (monopoly) and how many buildings have been built there. Buy all the properties in a colored group to get a monopoly. If you own all the properties in a colored group, you have a monopoly! This is one of the main goals of the game--you can bankrupt other players easily if you have a monopoly. Players with a monopoly get to charge double rent for their property on unimproved sites of that color set. The reason rent is so high when you have a monopoly is based on real life business as no competitors means no need to fight for the lower price. Build houses on your monopoly. If you have a monopoly, you can start to build houses on any of those properties to charge more rent. You can find the building prices on your property deed. You can build up to four houses on each property of your monopoly. Buildings raise the rent on your property significantly. For example, the first property on the board, Mediterranean Avenue, rents for $2 without any buildings. When you build four houses, you can charge $160 to each player who lands on it. You have to build evenly--you can't build two houses on one property in your monopoly and none on the others. If you buy one building for a property, you can't put a second one on that property until you have bought a house for every property in your monopoly. Build a hotel after you've built four houses. The most lucrative buildings you can add to your properties are hotels. After you've built four houses on each property, you can buy a hotel from the bank and replace the houses with them. A hotel is roughly equivalent to having five houses yet the maximum number of houses on a site is four. However, it is sometimes better to leave the four houses on each property instead of building the hotel if you wish to create a house shortage for other players. Collect $200 when you pass GO. Every time a player lands on or passes over the corner space marked "GO," they earn a $200 salary. This is a great way to add a little cash to your reserves! According to the official rules, you only get $200 for passing or landing on the GO square, but many people allow you to collect more whenever you land right on GO. This house rule should be avoided as it can prolong the game in the bad sense of the word. Take a Chance or Community Chest card. If you land on a spot marked "Chance" or "Community Chest," take the top card off of the corresponding deck of the space that you landed on. These cards have effects that can cause you to earn or lose money, move you across the track or even send you to jail. There's also the infamous "get out of jail free" card. When you're done reading the card, return it to the bottom of the corresponding deck. Go to jail. Going to jail prevents you from moving around the board until you're free. But you still can collect rent, buy houses, participate in auctions, and trade with other players. There are three possible ways to go to jail: Landing on the space marked "Go to Jail" is the most common way to end in jail. The player goes diagonally across the board to the jail space without passing GO, and their turn ends immediately. If you pick a Chance or Community Chest card that reads this, your turn ends immediately and you must go directly to the space marked "In jail". If you pass GO on the way to jail, you don't get to collect your $200. Put your game piece inside the jail cell when you are sent to jail. Rolling three consecutive doubles on the same turn also sends you to jail immediately. Place your token into the jail cell as soon as the third double is rolled. If you just land on the jail space by an ordinary dice roll, you can place your token on the "Just Visiting" section of the square. You are not subject to any restrictions and can take your next turn as usual. You can get out of jail by paying $50 bail, using a Get Out of Jail Free card, or rolling doubles on your next turn. If you succeed in rolling a double to get out of jail, you move forward the given number of spaces but do not take another turn. You must leave jail on your third turn and immediately pay $50 if you fail to roll doubles on that turn. Make deals with other players. Trading with other players is a key part of the strategy of any Monopoly game. This is usually how you obtain a monopoly to build houses and hotels. Many players also have house rules that allow them to grant rent immunity to another player, lend money to another player, or borrow from the bank without mortgaging property. Do not include any house rules during your first game as including them can impact the enjoyment of the game and extend how long the game goes on for which isn't a good thing. Set a time limit to determine the winner (optional). If you want a faster game, try setting a timer for 1 or 2 hours. When the timer goes off, each player counts their total amount of money, the printed prices of all their unmortgaged properties, half the prices of all their mortgaged properties, and the printed prices of all houses and hotels. The richest player wins the game! If you do decide to play using a time limit, players' strategies can differ slightly. In a normal game of monopoly, the winner of the game could have a bad start and be very poor early on. You may want to declare the winner not to be the richest player but the one who made the best decisions, decided by your group democratically. Do NOT award money for landing on Free Parking. Many people use a variation of the rules to add more money to the game. Instead of putting tax money or other payments back in the bank, they put it in the center of the board and give it to anyone who lands on Free Parking. While it's fun to win a pile of money, it actually makes the game go on for much longer! A game of Monopoly should only take about two hours. Mortgage property. If you can't pay the rent when you land on a property, you can mortgage your property. You can also choose to mortgage a property to buy other properties, houses, or hotels. When a property is mortgaged, no rent can be collected. To unmortgage it, you must pay 10% interest when you pay it off. If you have to pay a decimal, always round it up. Mortgages have their rewards and their consequences. You should only mortgage a property to avoid bankruptcy or to make a quick boost of money for buying more properties and trading. You can also sell your mortgaged properties to other players, causing them to pay the bank if they want to collect rent on that property. The 10% interest is far better than the 50% loss from selling buildings. Go bankrupt. If you owe more money than you and your assets can afford, you're declared bankrupt and are out of the game. In official rules, your money and properties are given to the player who caused you to become bankrupt after selling all the buildings first. However, this can cause a winning player to win even more. It is recommended that when a player becomes bankrupt, all of their property is auctioned off as this makes the game a bit more balanced for the remaining players. | Find 2 to 8 players. Choose a banker. Set up the board. Pick a game piece. Give each player $1500. Roll the dice to pick the first player. Roll the dice and move your game piece. Look at the space you landed on. Buy an unowned property when you land on it. Auction any unsold property. Collect rent. Buy all the properties in a colored group to get a monopoly. Build houses on your monopoly. Build a hotel after you've built four houses. Collect $200 when you pass GO. Take a Chance or Community Chest card. Go to jail. Make deals with other players. Set a time limit to determine the winner (optional). Do NOT award money for landing on Free Parking. Mortgage property. Go bankrupt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Say-Thank-You-in-Japanese | How to Say Thank You in Japanese | To say “thank you” in Japanese, use “Domo arigatou” if you're with friends or co-workers. You can also shorten the expression to “Arigatou” with family and friends. If you're speaking to a supervisor, teacher, family elder, or someone who has a higher status than you, use the formal phrase, “Arigatou gozaimasu.” Alternatively, use “Domo arigatou gozaimasu” to express gratitude in the most polite and formal way possible. | Say "domo arigatou. "This is a fairly standard yet casual way to say "thank you." Use this expression with friends and co-workers, but avoid using it with someone who is in a position of authority over you. Also avoid using it in formal situations. Pronounce domo arigatou as doh-moh ah-ree-gah-toh. In its non-romanized form, write どうもありがとう. Shorten it to "arigatou. " arigatou is a pretty casual way of saying "thank you." You can use this phrase with friends and family members. But someone with a higher status, for example a supervisor or teacher, should be treated with more respect. Pronounce arigatou as ah-ree-gah-toh. In its non-romanized form, write arigatou as ありがとう. Shorten it to "domo. " Domo is more casual than arigatou. On its own, domo means "very much," but it is understood to mean "thank you" depending on the context of the conversation. You cannot use this in polite contexts. If you need to be polite to someone, you should opt for a more formal phrase. Pronounce domo as dough-moh. In its non-romanized form, write どうも. State "arigatou gozaimasu. " This phrase essentially means "thank you very much." You can use arigatou gozaimasu with people who have a higher status than you, including supervisors, family elders, teachers, and strangers or acquaintances who appear older or higher in rank than you. You can also use this phrase to express formal or heartfelt gratitude to someone close to you. Pronounce arigatou gozaimasu as ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee- mas. In its non-romanized form, write ありがとうございます. Switch to "domo arigatou gozaimasu. " This is even more polite way of saying "thank you very much." Use this phrase with those who have a higher status or in formal circumstances. You can also use the phrase to express sincerity with someone familiar. Pronounce the phrase as dough-moh ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee-mas.' In its non-romanized form, write domo arigatou gozaimasu as どうもございまずいます. Express thanks in the past tense as "arigatou gozaimashita. " If someone has done something for you in the recent past, make the phrase past tense by changing the -u ending of gozaimasu to -ita. Pronounce the phrase as ah-ree-gah-toh go-za-ee-ma-shi-tah. Use "gochisou sama deshita" after a meal. If a host serves you dinner or if someone treats you to meal, you should use this phrase at the end of the meal to express gratitude. Note that at the beginning of a meal, you would say "itadakimasu" instead. Pronounce this phrase as goh-chee-sou sah-mah deh-shee-tah. At the end of a work day, say "o-tsukaresama deshita. " It essentially means something along the lines of "thank you for your hard work."" The implication is that the listener has worked hard and deserves to rest. The phrase is polite and shows gratitude for that person's hard work. Pronounce this saying as oh-tsoo-kah-reh-sah-mah desu. In Osaka, say "ookini. " This is not standard Japanese. Instead, this form of saying "thank you" is only found in areas near/aroun Osaka. Ookini can mean "thank you."It can be used at the end of a sentence to smooth relations, or it can be used on its own to show appreciation to someone close. The term was originally a way of indicating quantity and was used with arigatou as ookini arigatou. Over time; however, the phrase was shortened to ookini. Pronounce ookini as oh-kee-nee. In non-romanized format, write it out as おおきに. Reply with "dou itashi mashite. " In both casual and polite contexts, this phrase is used in response to thanks. It essentially has the same meaning as "you're welcome." Pronounce the saying as doh ee-tah-shee mah-she-teh. In non-romanized form, write the phrase out as どういたしまして。 Informally, instead of "dough itashimashite", you can say "iie", pronounced "e-yeh" written いいえ, which literally just means "no." By doing so, you are just telling the person who helped you "it was nothing,' or "No thank you." | Say "domo arigatou. Shorten it to "arigatou. Shorten it to "domo. State "arigatou gozaimasu. Switch to "domo arigatou gozaimasu. Express thanks in the past tense as "arigatou gozaimashita. Use "gochisou sama deshita" after a meal. At the end of a work day, say "o-tsukaresama deshita. In Osaka, say "ookini. Reply with "dou itashi mashite. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Nether-Portal-in-Minecraft | How to Make a Nether Portal in Minecraft | The easiest way to make a Nether portal in Minecraft is to build a diamond pickaxe with 3 diamonds and 2 sticks. Once you've built the pickaxe, find a water source and fill up at least 10 buckets. Locate a lava lake above the bedrock between level 1-10, then pour water over it to create obsidian. Use the axe to mine 10 blocks of obsidian, then use the blocks to construct the portal frame. Light the portal with flint and steel until it glows orange, then stand in the center. In a few seconds, you'll be in the Nether! | Craft a Diamond Pickaxe. It can be crafted with three diamonds and two sticks. You will need a diamond pickaxe if you want to mine obsidian. If you want to build a Nether Portal without a Diamond Pickaxe, you can build a "mold" using other materials and create obsidian in the correct shape for the portal. Click here for instructions. See Find and Mine Diamonds Fast on Minecraft for tips on finding diamonds. Fill some buckets with water. Obsidian is created by pouring water onto lava source blocks. One bucket of water will create one block of obsidian. You'll need at least ten blocks of obsidian, and you'll want to have extra water on hand in case something goes wrong, so pack accordingly. Find lava. Lava typically occurs deep underground, though you can stumble across a lava lake anywhere in the world. You'll have a very good chance of finding lava when your y-coordinate is at 11. Pour a water bucket on the side of the wall, over the lava blocks. The principle here is to spread the water over the lava blocks. Any water the lava comes into contact with will become Obsidian. Putting out the lava can also remove your light source. Put some torches down before placing the water so that you can still see. Collect the source water block using an empty bucket. By doing so, the Obsidian underneath will be revealed. Using your Diamond pickaxe, mine the Obsidian. You need 10 to make a portal. Rinse and repeat the water bucket trick as necessary. Note that mining obsidian takes a very long time (9.4 seconds). You can speed this up with the "Efficiency" enchantment. If you're standing in the water, be careful that the flow doesn't push you into the exposed lava. Build the frame for your Nether Portal. You'll likely want to build the frame near your home so that you can easily resupply when you return from the Nether. The frame needs to be at least 4x5 blocks, but you don't need the corners, meaning you'll need ten blocks at minimum. Place two obsidian blocks next to each other on the ground, and then place a placeholder block on each end. Place three obsidian blocks in columns on each of the placeholder blocks. Put a placeholder block on the top of each column. Place two more obsidian blocks between the top placeholders. You can now remove the placeholder blocks to create the corner-less frame. The inside area should be 2x3 blocks of empty space. Light the portal with Flint and Steel. This can be crafted with one iron ingot and one piece of flint arranged in a diagonal formation. The middle of the portal will glow purple when activated. Stand in the portal for a few seconds. Depending on how strong your device's processor is, you'll be transported to the Nether in 4 seconds average. You can abort the teleport by stepping out of the portal, though it may be too late when your player's vision starts getting distorted. A return portal will be created in the Nether where you enter. Make sure to bring your Flint and Steel with you into the Nether. A Ghast can put out your return portal, requiring you to re-light it. That being said, you might have to consider bringing extra obsidian, probably another ten blocks, in case a ghast breaks or destroys the portal (although that is not common considering the strength of obsidian). Use this method if you don't have a diamond pickaxe. You can build a Nether Portal without the use of a Diamond Pickaxe by constructing a manmade waterfall and using lava buckets to build the obsidian frame. Grab 2 buckets of water, 10 lava buckets, and a stack of Cobblestone and Dirt. You'll need this to make the frame for your Nether Portal. Dig a 6x1 trench. 6 long, 1 deep. This will be considered the front of the frame. Behind this trench, make a 6x3 high wall, with the 2 center blocks being 4 blocks high. Place dirt blocks at the sides. You'll need this later to go up your mold. Using your water bucket, place 2 water blocks on the opposite ends of your cobblestone mold. A mini waterfall should arise. Remember this principle from now on: Any empty block right NEXT to or directly ON TOP OF a water block, will become an Obsidian block if you strike it with a Lava Bucket. Therefore, be careful. If you accidentally creation obsidian block, it will remain there forever until you find a diamond pickaxe. Using your lava buckets, make a pillar of Obsidian 3 blocks high. Do this for both sides. See the trench below with water? Use your lava buckets and make the base, 2 blocks side by side. Using your empty buckets, collect the 2 water source blocks on top of your cobblestone mold. You'll need these to make the top of your nether portal. Climb the mold and use your water bucket on the side of the overhang. Use your lava bucket directly on the water source. The water should be extinguished and an Obsidian block will take its place. Do this again for the other side. There you have it! Your very own Nether Portal, without the need of a Diamond pickaxe! | Craft a Diamond Pickaxe. Fill some buckets with water. Find lava. Pour a water bucket on the side of the wall, over the lava blocks. Collect the source water block using an empty bucket. Using your Diamond pickaxe, mine the Obsidian. Build the frame for your Nether Portal. Light the portal with Flint and Steel. Stand in the portal for a few seconds. Use this method if you don't have a diamond pickaxe. Grab 2 buckets of water, 10 lava buckets, and a stack of Cobblestone and Dirt. Dig a 6x1 trench. Behind this trench, make a 6x3 high wall, with the 2 center blocks being 4 blocks high. Place dirt blocks at the sides. Using your water bucket, place 2 water blocks on the opposite ends of your cobblestone mold. Remember this principle from now on: Using your lava buckets, make a pillar of Obsidian 3 blocks high. See the trench below with water? Using your empty buckets, collect the 2 water source blocks on top of your cobblestone mold. Climb the mold and use your water bucket on the side of the overhang. Use your lava bucket directly on the water source. There you have it! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Save-a-Stranded-Dolphin | How to Save a Stranded Dolphin | You can save a stranded dolphin by immediately calling the police or a local marine animal rescue service that's trained to deal with stranded animals. Once you call for help, ask anyone else near the dolphin to stay back to protect themselves, since dolphins can injure people and spread disease. Additionally, you should make sure no one tries to move the dolphin, which could end up aggravating its injuries. While you wait for help to arrive, you can carefully pour some water on the dolphin's back to keep it wet, taking care to avoid the blowhole so it doesn't suffocate. | Call the authorities. The most important thing about a dolphin stranding is keeping everyone—people and dolphin—safe. The best way to do this is to report the dolphin's presence to the local police. They will know what experts to contact to get proper care for the dolphin. The police may come to the scene to barricade the animal in order to prevent it from spreading disease. The dolphin may not have stranded itself because it's sick, but if it is, the disease could pass to humans through contact. Look up the nearest marine animal rescue service. Although the police will probably do this for you, it's a good idea to report what you see directly. Do an internet search for “marine animal rescue service” or “regional stranding network” with your location to find one. Every coastal region of the United States has a volunteer stranding network. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) connects with these networks to save stranded mammals of all kinds, as well as turtles. Make note of the dolphin's physical characteristics so that the marine rescue agency you contact can bring the right equipment. Make sure it’s alive. Even if the mammal is dead, the body needs to be removed from the beach to protect swimmers and other beach-goers. Calling the authorities is the right thing to do whether it's alive or dead. Watch the blowhole. Dolphins breathe out of this hole, not their mouths, so keep an eye on the blowhole for exhalation. You can do this without touching the dolphin. Most dolphins can hold their breath for a long time, so wait about 20 minutes for breathing or movement. If there isn't any, the dolphin is probably dead. If the dolphin is dead, protocols like staying quiet do not apply, but staying back and not touching the dolphin become even more important in order to prevent the spread of disease. Keep people back. If you are the first responder to a stranded dolphin, it's your job to coordinate the safety of both those near the dolphin and the dolphin itself. The most important thing for the safety of both is no contact. Keep people, dogs, and anything else at least 50 feet away from the dolphin. Ask them to keep quiet so the dolphin doesn't get upset. Tell any crowd that has gathered what you're doing in a calm, low voice. Explain that the dolphin is probably scared and to please keep their voices down. If you don't feel comfortable taking charge, quickly find someone who will step in. Recruit others to help protect the dolphin. Once people have moved away from the dolphin, recruit others to assist you. The more people are in the crowd, the more help you will need, especially if there are young children and pets present. Leave the dolphin where it is. Trying to move a dolphin will make its current injuries worse, or injure it in a new way. The best thing for the dolphin is to let it lie still until professionals arrive with proper equipment. Understand the danger of illness. Marine animals carry diseases. Although scientists are not completely sure why dolphins strand themselves, one theory is that it is most likely due to disease. Such diseases can easily pass to humans, so the best thing to do is not touch the dolphin. Illness in wild animals is especially a concern for young children, whose immune systems are not as strong as those of adults. Take special care that kids do not touch the dolphin. If you do come in contact with a dolphin, immediately wash your hands and skin. Use extreme caution. A stranded dolphin is a wild animal. It may feel threatened by your presence and choose to attack those near it. Although dolphins usually defend themselves by swimming in packs of about 12 dolphins (called pods), they can do some damage on their own with their strong beaks and tails. Stand away from the tail and face. Dolphins are strong, muscular creatures. Make sure that if you are standing near, or working with, a stranded dolphin, be far from the face and tail. A dolphin's most powerful feature is its tail. Do not hold or even touch the tail. By shaking its head from side to side, a dolphin can strike anyone within range. Make sure anyone who is authorized to help the dolphin stands clear of the face and the range of its snout. Continue to keep people back. It may take some time for the authorities to arrive. While you wait, use your volunteers and keep the crowd at least 50 feet away from the dolphin. Remember to have people keep their volume down so the dolphin is kept as calm as possible. Explain to everyone that the dolphin can both hurt people standing too close and spread disease if touched. This explanation will more than likely keep people from ignoring you. If you do see someone touch the dolphin, make sure they wash their skin immediately. If the dolphin hurts someone, call 911 again to get an ambulance ready. Check the location of the blowhole. A dolphin's blowhole is located on the top of its head. Any debris or blockage of this hole—even from water—can cause suffocation. Never get water or sand anywhere near a dolphin's blowhole. Just like a human can drown if too much water comes into our mouths, dolphins can drown from water blocking their blowholes. Roll the dolphin onto its belly if needed. If the dolphin is lying on its side or back, this means the blowhole is at risk of being blocked or is blocked entirely, whether by sand or water. Since this will cause suffocation, there is an immediate need for someone to roll the dolphin onto its stomach. Only proceed with this step if you have assistance and are confident you know what you're doing! Do not pull on the fins or tail, or try to push the dolphin back into the water. Douse the dolphin in water. Soak towels in water and lay them over the dolphin. If someone has a bucket, they can pour water over the dolphin's back, making sure not to get water near the blowhole. You can cover the dolphin with a wet towel below its blow hole if you cut a slit for the dorsal fin, which is the fin on the dolphin's back. Fit the towel very carefully over the dorsal fin. Get shade for the dolphin. If the dolphin is in direct sunlight, create shade for it with a beach umbrella or other device, making sure it doesn't come in contact with the dolphin at any time. Dig holes under the pectoral fins. This will make the dolphin more comfortable as it is not used to being on land. The pectoral fins, also known as flippers, are not made for flat surfaces. You can also dig a hole under the chest and fill it with water. This will not only keep the dolphin wet, but it will support its chest while relieving pressure on the lungs and flippers. Get out of the way of professionals. When the authorities arrive, get out of their way, and help the crowd stay out of the way too. The professional marine mammal rescuers that have arrived know how to take care of the dolphin better than you do, so making sure no one interferes is the best thing you can do for the dolphin. Prepare for death. Even with your best efforts, if a live stranded dolphin is already injured, dehydrated, or very sick, it may not survive its rescue. This may be especially difficult for children who are observing the rescue to cope with. | Call the authorities. Look up the nearest marine animal rescue service. Make sure it’s alive. Keep people back. Recruit others to help protect the dolphin. Leave the dolphin where it is. Understand the danger of illness. Use extreme caution. Stand away from the tail and face. Continue to keep people back. Check the location of the blowhole. Roll the dolphin onto its belly if needed. Douse the dolphin in water. Get shade for the dolphin. Dig holes under the pectoral fins. Get out of the way of professionals. Prepare for death. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Obesity | How to Prevent Obesity | To prevent obesity, keep your fridge stocked with low-calorie drinks, fruit, and veggies. High protein foods like lean meats and dairy products are also important for a healthy diet, but it's best for your waistline to limit your consumption of processed goods and refined grains. An active lifestyle and regular exercise are crucial for keeping the pounds off, so try to spend less time sitting and more time moving around. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day for the best results. | Eat plenty of servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. With each food pyramid that the USDA comes up with, fruits and vegetables (mostly vegetables) keep getting more and more emphasized. Your diet should consist mostly of the colorful stuff, along with lean protein and dairy. If all of your meals have fruit and/or vegetables (potatoes don't count!) as a main contender, you're doing it right. When it comes to nature's delicious gifts, the leafier and more colorful, the better. Potatoes and other starchy vegetables aren't nearly as good for and are loaded up with carbs -- and are made worse when they're fried in oil or slathered in butter. Make it a point to eat the entire rainbow every day. Think high protein and high-fat dairy. Protein is also an essential part of our diets. It builds and strengthens your muscles and keeps your appetite suppressed -- which means you won't be reaching for that late night Death by Chocolate, ruining the efforts you've made all day. And as for dairy, eat a normal amount. It's a good source of calcium. Don't overdo it, though. Those dairy-is-super-important messages you've been hearing are more indicative of the power of the dairy industry than anything; there's actually little correlation between osteoporosis and the like and significant correlation between high dairy consumption and prostate and ovarian cancer. Don't be afraid of saturated fats. These fats, which were previously thought to be bad for you aren't actually bad. In fact, low-fat products can contain added sugars. One acceptable low-fat dairy product is greek yogurt which is high in protein. However, don't be afraid of the fat content in dairy. Drink water. The benefits of water are practically endless. Your skin clears up, your organs get flushed out, toxins get rid of, you lose weight, and you feel more energized. And when you're drinking water, you're not drinking sugary, calorie-riffic drinks, hitting that temporary caffeine buzz and drinking empty calories. Win, win, win, win, win. Research says that if you up your water intake by around a liter a day, the weight will start slowly coming off -- with no other effort. Men should drink around 3 liters (0.8 US gal) and women around 2. Limit your consumption of processed goods and refined grains. If there's one reason the obesity epidemic is, indeed, an epidemic, it's because of the fact that packaged, refined grains are some of the most easily accessibly foods on the planet. You can grab that cookie, piece of Wonderbread, or bag of chips and walk out the door. Sure, it's convenient now -- but it wreaks havoc later. The more and more processed something is, the fewer nutrients it has. And the whiter it is, too -- all the color has been taken out. So if it comes in a package or if it's as white as a poodle on Christmas morning, put it down. It's just simple sugars that are going to spike your insulin and lead to excess fat storage. Weigh and measure your food. It's not that certain foods need to be avoided per se ; it's that they need to be avoided in excess. And, unfortunately, we live in a society that wants everything supersized. If you weigh your food, you'll be able to see just what an appropriate size is. For example, a 3-ounce serving of meat is just the size of a deck of cards. How often do you go to your favorite restaurant and it takes up the entire plate?! Weighing your food can be a pain in the rear -- so knock it all out at once! Take your favorite healthy snack -- nuts, dried fruit, etc. -- and package up some portion-controlled bites for the entire week. Then on your way out the door you can grab that snack and know you won't ruin your entire day by what was a healthy snack turning into absent-mindedly finishing that jar of peanuts. Eat breakfast. On the outside, it seems like a quick way to cut calories. And while in the morning you'll be in a calorie deficit, research shows that you'll more than make up for it later, scarfing down a much bigger lunch. What's more, you'll be sluggish the entire morning, looking for that energy come lunchtime. Make an effort to squeeze in time for a decent breakfast. And "decent" here does not mean 4 donuts and a vanilla Frappuccino™. If only. In fact, foods like that can leave you hankering for real food, resulting in you just eating more. Instead, go for protein to fill you up -- egg (whites), lean meat, oatmeal, and a bit of peanut butter or a banana. Be food-aware at home, work, and school. It's hard enough to control what we keep in our own kitchens, but being at the will of the cafeteria at work or school makes things infinitely more difficult. If you can, bring your own food from home. For 5 minutes in the morning, you won't feel the afternoon sugar crash of your traditional Tuesday Snickers and Mountain Dew luncheon. If at all possible, get involved in your work or school's health program. Do they offer healthy, mindful alternatives in the cafeteria? Do they encourage physical activity? If not, tell them to get on it! Their employees or students will be healthier, happier, and -- in their interest -- take fewer sick days, require fewer expenses, and workplace morale will skyrocket. What's not to like? Stop sitting in front of a screen. The average American spends 34 hours a week watching TV, and that's not even including in front of your phone, tablet or computer. You know what you're doing when you're in front of a screen? Not moving and being productive, that's for sure! Start by cutting out just 30 minutes of TV or computer usage every day. See the things you can get done! You might actually be happier, too. Not only will you not be sitting down, lazily, comparing your life to the amazing ones you see on Facebook, but you'll be getting up and getting stuff done. Even if it's just doing the laundry, it's something! Get sweaty. Let's not beat around the bush because it's about the farthest thing away from rocket science: exercise is good for you, helps keep the weight off, and can improve your mood. Ideally you want to get around 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day, but whatever you're capable of is a step in the right direction. You don't have to sign up for the gym or go buy running shoes and start saving up for your inevitable knee replacement. Make exercise a part of your lifestyle instead of something you have to go out of your way to do. Take hikes, go swimming, sign up for a league. When exercise isn't work, it's enjoyable and you do more of it. There's no reason you can't keep it fun and natural. Take care of your children's health. When you start out on the wrong path at an early age, it's infinitely harder to get back on the right track. So start your children out right! Making sure they make good decisions will help you make your own good decisions, too. Here are some basics: Be a good role model. If your children see you scarfing a bag of Fritos, they'll do the same. Show them that eating healthily is just a normal, everyday thing. If you don't want the Fritos, they'll be less inclined to want the Fritos, too. Be encouraging. That is, encourage physical activity, drinking water, and eating only when they're hungry. Offer to do active things with them or get them a glass of water when you're thirsty. Eat meals together so they're not eating alone (and more often). But don't use bad foods as a reward -- they'll make the association that they're more desirable. For babies, breastfeed six months or longer. Studies show that children who are breastfed for this amount of time are 20-40% less likely to be overweight. That's a pretty staggering statistic. Use active transportation. If it's at all possible for your lifestyle, keep the car in the garage. Not only will you be saving the environment, you'll be getting to point B the healthiest way you can. Riding your bike or walking to wherever you need to go gets you out in the fresh air, burning calories, and still gets you where you need to be. Get some sleep. This is pretty much the most perfect diet ever: sleep more, lose weight. It's not only because when we're sleeping we're not eating, it's because sleep regulates the hormones leptin and ghrelin. This is basically code for sleep keeping you from being hungry and allowing you to feel full. Amazing! Have you ever pulled an all-nighter and the next day, whatever you do, you cannot drink enough coffee, eat enough pizza, or just get going? That's leptin and ghrelin at work. Your hormones are all sorts of off-kilter. Focus on a habit shift, not your weight. To prevent lifelong obesity, partaking in diets or current trends isn't going get you the long term results you're looking for. Being healthy has to be a way of life -- no options, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. It just has to be how you live. So instead of focusing on that number on the scale, focus on your habits. The rest will then fall into place. That being said, do weigh yourself once in a while. Studies show that being aware of your weight leads to better, healthier decisions. And you'll know what works and what doesn't. No surprises there! Know that there can be other factors at play. Unfortunately, some people are just more predisposed to being heavy. Others have conditions (thyroid, namely) that guarantee a hefty number on the scale for the rest of their lives. There's metabolism and genes and a whole cacophony of weight-fighting battles that make everything more difficult than it already is. If it's an intense struggle for you, some other force could be at play. If you eat right and exercise and the weight still isn't coming off, go to your doctor. Your health is at stake here! You may be able to start a medication that can normalize your hormones and get you going on the right path. You may also find out about a condition you have that you weren't aware of, ultimately saving your life. Never leave your health up to chance! Know your food traps. We all have them. 10 pm hits and we want that pizza, we're stress-eating because of work or a relationship, or we're super tired in the morning and pound that full-fat latte. What's your fix? Your guilty pleasures? What beats down on your self-control until you can't not cave to the temptations? If you know what gets your appetite out of control, you can avoid it. What are your food traps? The most common food traps are eating when we're bored or stressed. If you can be mindful of when you're eating and why, that's half the battle. If you know this is an issue for you, why not start keeping a food journal ? Stock the fridge with low-cal drinks, fruits, and veggies. In other words, don't stock the candies, refined grains, and other villains in the house. When they're not there, you won't eat them! You'll be forced to eat what you have available -- and you'll start craving what's there. Remove the temptation and you remove the bad choices. Don't just stick to good foods. You want to think of the drinks, too. All too often we drink away those calories, not realizing that it counts just as much as food, even though we're not full. Keep the soda to a minimum and concentrate on water and tea. Live life by "taking the stairs. " In other words, make every day a chance to find small opportunities to live healthier. Take the stairs. Park far away. Wash your own car. Remodel the kitchen yourself. Take your work lunch for a walk. 5 minutes here and there can really make the difference! And once you get used to staying "active" on a normal basis, that urge to feel lazy will go away. You'll no longer groan at the idea of tending the garden or organizing your shelves. Getting up and getting things done is just par for your healthy, lively course. Eat at home. This packs a powerful punch: not only will you be saving money, but you'll be saving calories, portion sizes, and knowing exactly what goes into every bite. You'll also be removing temptation from ordering that drink, appetizer, and dessert. And did we mention the whole being-able-to-cook thing? Arm yourself with a dozen or so healthy recipes. When cooking healthy is easy and delicious, you'll find that you make no excuses to do it. You'll be able to bang out dinner in no time flat and you'll be honing your skills! Destress. Not only will it make you happier and more content with your life if you're relaxed, but you'll have more control over your health, too. Higher cortisol levels knock the rest of your hormones off balance and it all leads to making poorer life choices. Feeling lazy, exercising less, and opting for Chinese take-out over cooking a healthy dinner, to name a few. Take this as an excuse to have "me" time! If you haven't gotten on the meditation or yoga bandwagon, give one or both a try. Just 15 minutes a day can make the other 1425 minutes in your day infinitely better. | Eat plenty of servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Think high protein and high-fat dairy. Drink water. Limit your consumption of processed goods and refined grains. Weigh and measure your food. Eat breakfast. Be food-aware at home, work, and school. Stop sitting in front of a screen. Get sweaty. Take care of your children's health. Use active transportation. Get some sleep. Focus on a habit shift, not your weight. Know that there can be other factors at play. Know your food traps. Stock the fridge with low-cal drinks, fruits, and veggies. Live life by "taking the stairs. Eat at home. Destress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Personal-Profile-Outline | How to Write a Personal Profile Outline | To write a personal profile outline for an application, use "I" instead of "he" or "she" to create a strong and direct voice. Additionally, include one key experience, achievement, or contribution to highlight. You should also be clear about your career aim or goal, and what you hope to gain from the position you're applying for. Once you draft your profile, read it out loud for flow and tone, check that it's under 200 words, and attach it to the top of your resume. | Determine how much space you have for each social media platform. Though some of these platforms may have a large word count, the most effective profiles will still be concise and to the point. Facebook: An “About You” section, including the freeform “Write About Yourself” prompt, Work and Education, “Professional Skills” area, and “Favorite Quotations” section. There is no cap on word count. Twitter: A 160-character bio, plus space for a link and your location. LinkedIn: A headline section and a summary section. There is also a section for your resume and skills. Look at examples of strong social media profiles. Look up several social media profiles on several platforms that use a limited word count to their advantage. Hillary Clinton's Twitter profile: “Wife, mom, lawyer, women & kids advocate, FLOAR, FLOTUS, US Senator, SecState, author, dog owner, hair icon, pantsuit aficionado, glass ceiling cracker, TBD....” In 160 characters, Clinton has managed to include factual details about herself as well as humorous details. Her profile is informative but also entertaining and unique. A short but sweet Facebook profile: Scroll through your friends' Facebook profiles and look for examples that avoid rambling on in their “About You” section and the “Write About Yourself” prompt. If a friend is trying to create a professional profile on Facebook (which is smart, as employers may do a Facebook search), notice if she uses appropriate content that is still interesting and personal. Ask yourself: if I didn't already know this person, would I want to be friends with her based on their Facebook profile? A LinkedIn profile by Corporate Communications specialist: “Even though I am a PR person by trade, I'll always be a reporter at heart. I'm incapable of pitching something I myself don't believe in. I have a passion for uncovering unique and compelling ways that people are using a product, service, or site and revel in knowing that I can help thousands of people tell their story.” This introductory paragraph is specific, assertive, and professional. But the author also includes personal details about herself to add some personality to the introduction. Keep it short and informative. Most personal profiles for social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+ only allow you to use a limited number of characters to describe yourself. So it's important to maximize your word count and KISS - Keep It Simple Sweetie. A good personal profile for a site like Twitter, with its emphasis on short, brief tweets, can almost become a postmodern work of art. Though it can be challenging to cram your persona into a very small profile, think of it like a copywriting exercise. Or an attempt at a six-word memoir. Include basic information about yourself. Start by making a list of your basic information, like your name, what you do (or what you're good at), where you live, and any links or tags to other social media sites, like your blog. Remember that readers want to know what they can expect for your social media account and what value you will bring to their Newsfeed, Twitterfeed, or LinkedIn feed. If you are creating a profile for Twitter, be sure to include any other handles for any other Twitter accounts you also own. For example, if you are creating a profile for your personal Twitter, but also run a Twitter account for your business, include a handle (@ExampleCompany) at the end of your Twitter profile. For example, a basic Twitter bio could be: “Jane Doe, writer based in California. Also tweets for ABC press @ABCPress”. Add in your interests, your background, and a dash of humor. How much or how little personal details you include in your profile will depend on the social media platform you are writing the bio for. Often, social media profiles work well when they have a sense of humor. This could mean a witty descriptor, like Hillary Clinton's “pant suit aficionado” note, or self-deprecating humor, like a writer who “is sorry/not sorry about correcting your grammar” or a student who is “addicted to caffeine in all its forms.” Facebook does not have limited space, so you can expand quite a bit on your interests and your background. If you're creating a professional Facebook profile, it could read very similar to your LinkedIn profile or your Twitter profile. Don't be afraid to reuse a well-written profile on another site. Twitter does have limited space, so you will want to say to most you can in the fewest words. You could keep your profile short, such as: “Jane Doe, writer based in California. Also tweets for ABC Press @ABCPress.” Or you could expand it to include personal tastes and some humor, such as: “Jane Doe, word junkie, living the dream in California. Find more of my witty (but clean) tweets @ABCPress.” Be unique but avoid buzzwords. Now that you have your basic information, edit it so it has some personality. But try to stay away from buzzwords, which are words that are considered overused by most readers. LinkedIn recently put out a list of the buzzwords to avoid. The danger of using buzzwords, such as “responsible”, “creative”, or “efficient” in your profile is that you end up sounding generic or boring. Think about other terms or phrases that are more specific to who you are. For example, in the Corporate Communications LinkedIn bio, the author avoids buzzwords by expanding on her personal approach to PR: “I have a passion for uncovering unique and compelling ways that people are using a product, service, or site and revel in knowing that I can help thousands of people tell their story.” This is a more compelling sentence than: “I am a responsible, creative PR person who can get the job done.” Tailor your profile to your audience. If you're creating a profile for a personal social media account, you could include humor, slang, and catch phrases. If you're creating a profile for a professional social media account, you may want to be more formal and polished with your language. It's important to tailor your bio to your audience, and think about how you want your followers or readers to view you. For example, a Twitter bio for your personal account could be: “Jane Doe, word addict, lover of West Coast living, 24/7 sun, and tacos. Also in charge of witty tweets for ABC Press @ABCPress.” A Twitter bio for a professional page may be more formal. However, most professionals on Twitter still keep their tone pretty casual and light. For example: “Jane Doe, word enthusiast, based in California, also tweets for ABC Press @ABCPress.” Re-work your bio often. As your skills, interests, and expertise evolve, so should your bio. Check it every few months to make sure it still reflects you. Revising your bio to include sharper, funnier descriptions and language can also help you get more readers and followers. Paying attention to your personal profile on social media will also show your current followers that you care about how you present yourself, and can do it well. Understand the role of a personal profile for an application. The purpose of a personal profile is to grab the reader's attention as soon as they start reading your resume. Along with your cover letter, its your chance to hold their attention, express your key skills and achievements, and entice the employer or judging committee to want to know more about you. Your personal profile is a short introduction to the skills and experience listed on your resume or CV. It should not restate or repeat all the details in your resume or cover letter. It should be between 50-200 words, or no longer than four-six lines. It should be placed at the beginning of your CV. If you aren't sure what your career aims and goals are, it's better to avoid including a personal profile at the start of your CV. No personal profile is better than a vague or dull profile. Write your personal profile last. If you are struggling to condense your career experiences and goals into a few sentences, focus first on your resume and your cover letter. Then, based on the information in your resume and your cover letter, tackle the personal profile. You'll have a much better idea of what your key skills, experiences, and goals are and your value as an applicant. Use the first person. Though the third person is always an option in a personal profile, using the first person will create a stronger and more direct profile. Your personal profile should be about you and your specific skill set, so using “I” instead of “he” or “she” will create a clear, assertive profile. But this doesn't mean you have to begin every sentence with “I”. A good personal profile will combine your skills and goals, but not rely on the overuse of “I”. For example: “As a highly-motivated copy editor at renowned publishing house ABC Press, I have a proven track record of providing expert editing services in a wide range of subjects and writing styles, including technical documents and educational texts.” The use of “As a…” as the first clause in the sentence avoids to overuse of “I” in the personal profile. It also allows you to highlight what your current professional role is and the skills you have developed in your current job. If you don't have a current job or role, you can adjust the opening sentence so it is in the past tense. Avoid mixing the first person and the third person in the same personal profile. Choose one tense and stick to it. Include one key experience, achievement, and contribution. Think about any past experiences, such as a work experience, a school related experience, an award, an internship, etc. that you want to highlight. Don't be afraid to brag about your achievement, as this will entice your reader to pay attention to your application. For example, if you want to highlight a recent internship you completed or are currently doing, you may state: “During my recent internship at the non profit Literary Arts organization, I worked with the head of the Writers in Schools program to contribute content to several projects, such as their award winning reading series and their educational outreach program, and managed my own research by interviewing guest writers, creating online copy for their readership, and editing education material for their outreach program. Drawing on my excellent communication skills, I developed and maintained successful working relationships with the staff and the participants at Literary Arts.” State your career aim or goal. It's important to be clear about what you are working towards in your career and what you hope to gain from the possible position. Make sure your career aim or goal relates back to the possible position. This shows you understand what the position is and how it will help you achieve your career goal. For example: “I am looking to secure a position at a top tier publishing house, where I can bring immediate and strategic value and develop my current skill set further.” Avoid buzzwords. Refer to the LinkedIn list of buzzwords to avoid. Replace any buzzwords, like “dynamic”, “extensive experience”, and “team player” with terms that are more specific to your resume and your career aim or goal. For example, a bland, buzzword filled personal profile might be: “I am an energetic and dynamic person who enjoys a challenge and achieving personal goals. My present career aim is to work in publishing because I like reading and writing.” A more specific, interesting, and successful personal profile might be: “I am a motivated and detail oriented professional editor looking to secure a position at a top tier publishing house, where I can bring immediate and strategic value and develop my current skill set further. During my recent internship at the Literary Arts organization, I worked with the head of the Writers in Schools program to contribute content to several projects, such as their award winning reading series and their educational outreach program, and managed my own research by interviewing visiting writers, creating online copy for their readership, and editing education material for their outreach program. Drawing on my excellent communication skills, I developed and maintained successful working relationships with the staff and the participants at Literary Arts. I am a reliable, hardworking editor and am eager to expand my skills at ABC Press.” Check that your personal profile fits with your resume and cover letter. Read over your completed personal profile to make sure it matches the skills and experiences discussed in your resume and cover letter. Rather than repeat any points in your resume, your personal profile should act as a summary of your career goals and your skills. Read it out loud for flow and tone, and check that it is under 200 words. Attach it to the top of your resume and send it out with your cover letter. Use a recent photo that shows your face. You don't need to splurge on a professional photograph, but posting a blurry cellphone photo or a photo of you as a child doesn't tell the person viewing your profile much about your current appearance. Have a friend take a photo of you, preferably on a summer day. Don't wear sunglasses, a hat or stand in the shadows. Don't forget to smile and look at the camera like you're happy to see the person behind it. You want your profile picture to be appealing and show you at your best. Action shots also work well as they show off your interests in an active, immediate way. Choose a shot of you playing ultimate frisbee in the park or dancing at a concert. Pick a profile name that isn’t too silly or juvenile. Names like “SpunkyHunk” or “HotMinx” may have been funny back in high school, but silly or overly sexual profile names will only signal to others that you aren't interested in a serious connection or relationship. Choose a profile name that shows off your personality but still feels grown up. You can also abbreviate your name for an easy profile name. For example: “SuperSteph13” or “BradW.” Ask a close friend to help you write your profile. It can be difficult to describe yourself well in words. A close friend may know you better than you know yourself and be able to add in details about yourself that you may not be aware of or feel awkward about putting in your profile. Be specific about your hobbies. Don't just put down hobbies like “walking on the beach” or “drinking on the weekend”. These are cliches that won't help your profile stand out. Think of interesting hobbies that could be conversation starters, like “Cards Against Humanity Champion 2015” or “Addicted to traveling in South America” or “Fan of early Battlestar Galactica”. Try to also include sociable hobbies. Hobbies like “bookworm” or “internet addict” indicate you are not a very social person and don't go out much. Play up your love of anything sporty, outdoorsy, or public, like concerts and art exhibitions. Focus on concrete and specific details, like your favorite books, films, celebrities, or sports. Rather than noting “hockey”, list your favorite hockey team, or rather than noting “thrillers”, list your favorite action novel. Be honest and be bold. Honesty is the best policy in any dating situation, especially online dating. Lying in your profile will make for a very awkward face to face meeting if things end up progressing with a potential mate. So be honest and upfront about yourself. Be bold in your profile about you're looking for. Avoid posting a list of highly specific and inflexible demands. Instead, try to write a simple statement that begins with “I believe…” or “I'm seeking…” Instead of: “I'm looking for a tall, strong, outdoorsy, vegan and gluten free guy to sweep me off my feet and be a father of my three (not four!) future children.” Try: “I believe in love and in being respectful and honest with my partner. I'm seeking someone who shares my interests and is serious about a relationship.” Include a playful question or statement in your profile. This will make your profile more interesting and engaging to potential dates. For example: “If you decide to message me, I want to know: What was the high point of your day today?” Keep the profile short and sweet. Imagine you are meeting someone in a bar and only have five minutes to tell them about yourself. Stick to the main points of your biography and your hobbies or interests. Avoid rambling on for paragraphs about yourself. Stay positive. While sarcasm can be great in person, the tone can get a little lost in an online profile. Avoid a negative or snide tone and try to always be positive about yourself. A profile with a bitter, resentful, I-can't-believe-I'm-online-dating tone can be an immediate turn off. So, focus on what you do want, rather than what you don't want. Instead of: “I am NOT looking for a casual hook-up or an option relationship, whatever THAT means. Commitment-phobes and flakes stay away.” Try: “I believe that connection can mean different things to different people, but monogamy is my type of connection. It's the only type of connection I'm looking to make. You, too?” Check your grammar and spelling. Many people find bad grammar and spelling a turn off, or an indication that you didn't put a lot of time and effort into your profile. Before you post your profile, copy and paste it into Word and use spell check to make sure your profile is grammatically correct. Be wary of using dating acronyms, like WLTM (Would Like To Meet) and LTR (Long Term Relationship). Not all users will know what these are. If you do want to use them in your profile, here are a list of several common ones: WLTM: Would Like to Meet GSOH: Good Sense of Humor LTR: Long Term Relationship F/ship: Friendship R/ship: Relationship F2F: Face to face IRL: In Real Life ND: Non-drinker NS: Non-smoker SD: Social drinker LJBF: Let's just be friends GTSY: Glad to see you GMTA: Great minds think alike Update your profile regularly. Try to review your profile on a regular basis and add in new information about yourself to keep your profile current. | Determine how much space you have for each social media platform. Look at examples of strong social media profiles. Keep it short and informative. Include basic information about yourself. Add in your interests, your background, and a dash of humor. Be unique but avoid buzzwords. Tailor your profile to your audience. Re-work your bio often. Understand the role of a personal profile for an application. Write your personal profile last. Use the first person. Include one key experience, achievement, and contribution. State your career aim or goal. Avoid buzzwords. Check that your personal profile fits with your resume and cover letter. Use a recent photo that shows your face. Pick a profile name that isn’t too silly or juvenile. Ask a close friend to help you write your profile. Be specific about your hobbies. Be honest and be bold. Keep the profile short and sweet. Stay positive. Check your grammar and spelling. Update your profile regularly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-White-Hat | How to Clean a White Hat | If you need to clean a white hat, look at the tag or the printing inside to see what the hat is made out of and whether there are any washing instructions. If the hat is made of cotton or polyester, soak it in a mixture of oxygen bleach, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and warm water for about 10-15 minutes. After the hat has soaked, gently scrub away any stains with an old toothbrush or a dish brush. When you're finished, rinse the hat with water, then place it over an upside-down bowl and allow the hat to air dry. | Examine the hat. Before you decide to wash a white hat, you should carefully examine it. Look at how the hat is stitched, at the headband, and at the brim. If the hat appears to be constructed of quality material, has durable stitching, and has a plastic brim, it is a good candidate for washing. Do not attempt to wash a hat with a cardboard visor. Avoid washing a hat if it has loose or flimsy stitching. Check the material. You will need to figure out what type of material the hat is made of. Look at the tag or printing inside the hat. It should tell you what material the hat is made out of, such as cotton, polyester, twill, or wool. These materials are all washable. Look for washing instructions. The tag or printing inside your hat can tell you how you should wash the hat. These instructions can include what temperature of water to use, whether to hand or machine wash, and how you should dry your hat. It is important to follow these directions if you hat's tag includes them. Go to a dry cleaner. If you are unsure about whether or not you can safely wash your white hat at home, consider taking the hat to a dry cleaner. A dry cleaner can clean the hat for you, or provide you with suggestions about how you can launder the hat yourself. Reconsider the dishwasher. Washing a hat in the dishwasher can lead to damage. This is due to the high temperatures and washing intensity of the machine. For best results, you should wash your hat by hand or take it to a dry cleaner. Gather your supplies. To wash a white cotton or polyester hat, you will need one cup of hydrogen peroxide, one tablespoon of dish liquid, and one scoop of a product like Oxi Clean White Revive. For a white wool hat, you will need a detergent specially designed for wool like Woolite. You will also need a sink or washtub to wash the hat in, and an old toothbrush or dish brush to remove tough stains. Prepare the sink according to fabric type. If you are washing a cotton or polyester hat, fill a sink or washtub with warm water. As you are filling the sink with water, add one scoop of a product such as Oxi Clean White Revive, one cup of hydrogen peroxide, and one tablespoon of dish liquid. Once your sink is about 2/3 full, turn off the water and swish it around to combine. For a wool hat, fill a sink or washtub with cool or cold water and add one capful of detergent designed for wool, such as Woolite. Soak the hat. Once your sink is about 2/3 full and you have swished around the cleaning agents to combine them, place your hat in the sink. You will want to make sure the hat is fully submerged in the cleaning mixture. Let a cotton or polyester hat soak in the mixture for 10-15 minutes. Soak a wool hat for at least one hour. Scrub a cotton or polyester hat with a toothbrush. After you have soaked the hat for 10-15 minutes, you can work on removing tough stains. Grab an old toothbrush or a dish brush. Gently scrub any tough stains. Then scrub the entire hat to remove any remaining dirt. If your hat is made of wool, you should avoid scrubbing the hat as this can cause pilling of the wool. Rinse the hat. Once you are done cleaning the hat, rinse it with water. If the hat is made of cotton or polyester, rinse it with warm water. If the hat is made of wool, rinse it with cool or cold water. Make sure all of the cleaning agents are rinsed from the hat. Dry the hat. Once your hat is rinsed, you will need to air dry it. You should not put the hat in a dryer. Instead, place the hat over an upside down bowl and allow it to dry in the sun. This will help the hat keep its shape. If you cannot place the hat in a sunny spot, dry it indoors. You can speed up the process by placing a fan near the hat. Pretreat the headband and any stains. Use a laundry spray to pretreat any stains on the hat. You can also spray this on the headband of the hat. If your hat has colored stitching or graphics, make sure your laundry spray is color-safe. Place the hat in a mesh laundry bag. If you have a laundry bag that is designed for washing delicate items, such as lingerie, you can use it to wash your hat. Washing your hat in a lingerie or laundry can add a degree of protection from the washing machine. Wash the cap with cool water on the delicate cycle. After pretreating any stains, choose the appropriate cycle on your washing machine. For most hats, you will want to set it to a delicate or gentle cycle with cool or cold water. Wash the hat in the machine and remove once the cycle ends. Allow the hat to air dry. You should never place your white hat in the dryer. Instead allow the hat to air dry outside. You can also allow the hat to dry in a well-ventilated area. Create a solution according to fabric type. For cotton and polyester hats, combine one cup (250 mL) of hydrogen peroxide, one tablespoon of dish liquid, and one scoop of a product like Oxi Clean White Revive to a gallon of warm water. For a wool hat, add one ounce of a detergent specially designed for wool like Woolite to a gallon of cool water. Wet the stain with plain water. Before you begin cleaning the spot, you will want to wet it with water. If you are cleaning a cotton or polyester hat, use warm water. For a wool hat, use cool water. Gently scrub the stain with a soft toothbrush. Dip the toothbrush in the solution of cleaning supplies and water. Then gently scrub the stain with an old, soft toothbrush. If you are worried about pilling your hat, you can massage the cleaning solution in with your fingers. Rinse and air dry. Once you scrub the stain, rinse the area with cool water. Make sure you remove all the cleaning solution from the hat. Air dry the hat in the sun, if possible, or inside your house. | Examine the hat. Check the material. Look for washing instructions. Go to a dry cleaner. Reconsider the dishwasher. Gather your supplies. Prepare the sink according to fabric type. Soak the hat. Scrub a cotton or polyester hat with a toothbrush. Rinse the hat. Dry the hat. Pretreat the headband and any stains. Place the hat in a mesh laundry bag. Wash the cap with cool water on the delicate cycle. Allow the hat to air dry. Create a solution according to fabric type. Wet the stain with plain water. Gently scrub the stain with a soft toothbrush. Rinse and air dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Moisturizer | How to Make Moisturizer | To make your own moisturizer, start by stirring together 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of cocoa butter in a double boiler. Once the mixture is melted, remove it from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil. Next, add in 15 drops of any combination of essential oils, such as lavender and rosemary, before putting the mixture in the refrigerator to cool. After 1 hour, take it out of the refrigerator and whisk it until the lotion is light and fluffy. Finally, refrigerate the lotion for another 30 minutes before transferring it to a small container. | Assemble a double boiler. Fill a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) of water and place a glass, heat-safe bowl on top. Make sure that the bottom of the bowl is not touching the surface of the water. Melt ½ cup (115 grams) of shea butter in the double boiler over medium heat. Stir the shea butter occasionally to help it melt evenly. Unlike coconut oil, shea butter does not clog pores, making it ideal for sensitive skin or acne-prone skin. Add 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of oil and stir with a whisk until combined. You can use just one type of oil, or you can use a combination of two different kinds. Consider using any of the following oils: Apricot seed Avocado Jojoba Sweet almond Refrigerate the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. Take the bowl off of the saucepan, cover it with a sheet of plastic wrap, and place it into the fridge. Take it out when the mixture starts to harden and turn translucent, about 10 to 15 minutes. Don't let it harden completely. Add in 10 to 15 drops of your desired essential oils. Choose 2 to 3 different types of essential oil, and add them to the bowl. You need 10 to 15 drops total, so play around with the different proportions. For example, you could have 5 drops of lavender essential oil, 3 drops of carrot seed oil, and 3 drops of Clary sage. Consider any of the following oils listed below: Carrot seed Clary sage Frankincense Lavender Myrrh Rosemary Blend the ingredients together using an electric mixer for about 1 minute. The cream is ready once it turns thick and creamy—like whipped cream. You can do this using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer. If you don't have a mixer, you can use a food processor fitted with whisk attachments. Transfer the mixture into a glass jar using a rubber spatula and store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Avoid using plastic, as it tends to leach chemicals overtime. The essential oils in the cream may also degrade the plastic overtime. Use the cream within 6 to 12 months. Assemble a double boiler. Fill a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) of water and place a glass, heat-safe bowl on top. Make sure that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Melt ½ cup (115 grams) of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of cocoa butter in the double boiler over medium heat. Stir the two together with a whisk to help them melt evenly. Coconut oil and cocoa butter are both very moisturizing. Keep in mind, however, that coconut oil can clog pores, so it may not be recommended for those who suffer from acne, blackheads, or oily skin. Remove the mixture from heat, let it cool, then whisk in 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of oil. You can use just one type of oil or a combination of two different types. Consider using any of the following oils: Apricot seed Avocado Jojoba Sweet almond Add in 10 to 15 drops of your desired essential oils. Choose 2 to 3 different types of essential oil, then add them to the bowl. You will need 10 to 15 drops total, so you can experiment with different combinations. For example, you could have 4 drops of carrot seed essential oil, 4 drops of Clary sage, and 4 drops of Myrrh. Consider any of the following oils listed below: Carrot seed Clary sage Frankincense Lavender Myrrh Rosemary Refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour. Cover the bowl with a sheet of plastic wrap and put it into the fridge. Leave it there for 1 hour so that it can harden and set. This will make it easier to whip later on. Whisk the mixture until it is light and fluffy. Take the bowl out of the fridge, and whisk the mixture together. You can do it by hand with a whisk, but an electric mixer (either stand or handheld) will be much faster and easier. You can even use a food processor fitted with whisks. Refrigerate the mixture for half an hour. This will set the mixture to its final consistency and make it more cream like. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the cream to a glass jar, and store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do not use a plastic jar. The plastic may leach chemicals into the cream over time; the essential oils may also degrade the plastic as well. Use the cream within 6 to 12 months. Coconut oil has a low melting point. If your cream starts to get too soft, store it in the fridge. Assemble a double boiler. Fill a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) of water and place it on the stove. Set a heat-safe glass bowl on top and make sure that the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water. This is a beeswax-based moisturizer, so it is best to use it on the body and not on the face. Melt ¼ cup (227 grams) of beeswax in the double boiler over medium heat. Chop up the beeswax into smaller pieces first, then place it into the bowl. Turn the heat to medium, and wait until the wax starts to melt. Stir it occasionally with a spoon to help it melt faster. This will create the base for your moisturizer. Whisk in ¼ cup (55 grams) of coconut oil. Keep stirring until the coconut oil melts and gets evenly mixed into the melted beeswax. Coconut oil is naturally moisturizing, but some people find that it clogs pores. If you tend to get a lot of blackheads or acne, you may wish to omit it or replace it with shea butter. Add in some cocoa butter, shea butter, or vitamin E oil, if desired. Keep stirring these until they melt and combine with the beeswax mixture. All three are wonderful for the skin. They are not completely necessary, but they can take your moisturizer to the next level. Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the sweet almond oil. Carefully lift the bowl off of the saucepan and set it down on your counter. Stir in the sweet almond oil. If you can't find any sweet almond oil, try any of the following: Apricot seed Avocado Jojoba Add 10 to 15 drops of your favorite essential oil, if desired. You can use just one type of essential oil or a combination of different types. If you wish to use more than one type of essential oil, make sure that you end up with 10 to 15 drops total. For example, you could use 5 drops of lavender essential oil, 3 drops of frankincense, and 3 drops of rosemary. All of the below essential oils are wonderful for the skin. Carrot seed Clary sage Frankincense Lavender Myrrh Rosemary Pour the mixture into a glass jar. Avoid using a plastic jar, as the chemicals in the plastic may eventually leach into the moisturizer. The essential oils may also corrode the plastic as well. Wait for the moisturizer to cool before using it. Store it in a cool, dry place, out of reach of sunlight, and use it within 6 months. Whip 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of shea butter in a bowl until it turns creamy. You can do this by hand using a whisk, but an electric mixer (such as a stand mixer or a handheld mixer) would be much faster. You can even use a food processor fitted with whisks. Shea butter is great for sensitive skin, because it doesn't clog pores. It also contains lots of anti-aging vitamins. Add 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) of apricot seed oil. Apricot seed oil is especially good for sensitive skin because it is non-irritating and soothing. It also feels light and doesn't clog up pores. If you can't find any apricot seed oil, consider any of the following oils: Avocado Jojoba Sweet almond Add in 1 teaspoon of both vitamin E oil and aloe vera gel. Vitamin E oil helps reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles and lines. It also helps promote skin growth and regeneration. Aloe vera gel is cool and soothing, making it idea for reducing acne and inflammation. Add in your essential oils. You will need 3 drops of Clary sage, 5 drops of myrrh, and 5 drops of helichrysum. All three oils have anti-aging benefits and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines. If you can't find these oils anywhere, or if you simply don't like them, consider any of the following anti-aging oils: Carrot seed Frankincense Geranium Patchouli Sandalwood Beat the ingredients together with a whisk, then transfer it to a glass jar. Once you have all of the ingredients in your bowl, beat them together with a whisk until all of the oils, butters, and gels are evenly mixed together. Transfer the mixture into a glass jar using a rubber spatula. Store the moisturizer in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Use it within 6 to 12 months. | Assemble a double boiler. Melt ½ cup (115 grams) of shea butter in the double boiler over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of oil and stir with a whisk until combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. Add in 10 to 15 drops of your desired essential oils. Blend the ingredients together using an electric mixer for about 1 minute. Transfer the mixture into a glass jar using a rubber spatula and store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Assemble a double boiler. Melt ½ cup (115 grams) of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of cocoa butter in the double boiler over medium heat. Remove the mixture from heat, let it cool, then whisk in 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of oil. Add in 10 to 15 drops of your desired essential oils. Refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour. Whisk the mixture until it is light and fluffy. Refrigerate the mixture for half an hour. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the cream to a glass jar, and store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Assemble a double boiler. Melt ¼ cup (227 grams) of beeswax in the double boiler over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup (55 grams) of coconut oil. Add in some cocoa butter, shea butter, or vitamin E oil, if desired. Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the sweet almond oil. Add 10 to 15 drops of your favorite essential oil, if desired. Pour the mixture into a glass jar. Wait for the moisturizer to cool before using it. Whip 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of shea butter in a bowl until it turns creamy. Add 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) of apricot seed oil. Add in 1 teaspoon of both vitamin E oil and aloe vera gel. Add in your essential oils. Beat the ingredients together with a whisk, then transfer it to a glass jar. Store the moisturizer in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Communications-Strategy | How to Write a Communications Strategy | To write a communications strategy, write down the long-term and short-term goals of the company, and define a few relevant objectives that will help the company meet those goals. In the strategy, identify the audience of your communication, such as stakeholders, media outlets, or the general public. Then, translate these objectives into actionable steps that you can take to help the organization achieve its goals. Try to limit the strategy to 3 main points, and use a narrative to tell the audience more about the organization. | Consider the long- and short-term goals of your organization. Whatever you do should be in support of these goals, so it is important to be clear on them. Indicate what your organization wishes to achieve on the communications front, such as increased media prominence, damage control, branding, etc. For instance, growth may be your company's long-term goal, while creating greater brand recognition locally is your short-term goal. Define objectives that support your company's goals. Define your objectives as clearly as possible. Explain why each objective is relevant. Your goals should be specific enough that their success or failure should be easy to establish after they have been implemented. They should also be flexible enough to be adjusted in the case of possible changes. If your company is aiming to grow by means of establishing greater brand recognition locally, your communications strategy may be "Create brand recognition in those local communities that are less familiar with our product, in order to attract more vendors within those neighborhoods." Identify the audience of your communications. Name the populations and individuals you are trying to reach, such as the general public, a media outlet, invested individuals, or others. Remember to consider all the stakeholders in your organization. List your audience. Of those listed, who is it most important to reach? Rank your list. For instance, while it usually makes sense to get more media exposure, there are times when it's even more important to communicate with key stakeholders. For instance, you may define your most important audience as community members within a few neighborhoods in which brand recognition for your company is especially low. When you have completed your draft, go back and make sure that you have a plan to reach all of the stakeholders you listed. Translate your communications objectives into actions. Describe the activities you will undertake to achieve your objectives. It isn't helpful to present goals alone: lay out the work you will do to achieve them. Explain what you will do for media outreach, public relations, and customer care. If you are trying to drum up local recognition of your brand, for instance, your actions may be something like "Take out ads in local papers," or "Sponsor community soccer leagues." Consolidate your message into three main points. Your points should be concise so you can return to them many times. Put the most important point first. Explain how each point will be transmitted to each target audience. For instance, your message might be that your product is readily available, that it is more reliable than other options, and that it is appreciated by children and adults alike. Create an engaging narrative. Communications is all about storytelling, and there's no reason the strategy should be any more dry than the narrative it will eventually produce. Craft a story arc with your presentation. Include human interest anecdotes, vivid narrative, and intriguing images. To define a narrative, position your company or your team as a hero embarking on a mission. Define the motives, risks, and benefits in terms of a hero's journey that will have a happy ending. For instance, you might say, "After succeeding in select markets in Dayton, Ohio, our company has reached a plateau. We have secured vendors within all of the University-affiliated neighborhoods, and our customers couldn't be happier. Sure, we have a loyal customer base, but many of our customers will move after a few years. How can we build greater brand recognition within the permanent residents of Dayton, enough that we can expand our operations to Cincinnati? To Columbus?" Follow this setup by laying out your plan, and detail the positive outcome you project. Detail how you'll spread your message. Describe the forms that your messages will take and how they will be disseminated, including details about mailings, social media platforms, media destinations, etc. List any media contacts, public relations arrangements, social media services, etc. If your goal is to reduce coverage or scrutiny of your organization, identify specific methods for deflecting attention. List your resources. Describe the resources or budget that you will use to support your communications strategy. This may include technology, teams or individuals in your company, anything you'll need to purchase and resources your company already has. Include projections of future costs. Verify any parts of the plan you are unsure of with those in charge of your company's budget. Provide a timeline. Draw up a calendar detailing the proposed implementation of your communications strategy. Set definite benchmarks as barometers of progress. Make sure to leave enough time for the each part of the process. Ask, does this give us enough time for the project to be seen by everyone who has to see it? Propose methods for evaluating the success of your strategy. Include information about any surveys you hope to conduct, results you hope to see at certain dates, responses you wish to receive from individuals or media organizations, etc. Ensure that there is a definite way to gauge whether your strategy has failed or succeeded. Identify ways in which your strategy can be adapted to changing conditions and how you will respond to feedback from within and from outside the organization. Prepare for crisis. Include a crisis communications plan within your communications plan. Explain what will you do if this strategy goes wrong. List possible weaknesses you will be prepared to address. Make sure to include a plan for keeping your beneficiaries safe. Specify your digital strategy. While you probably cover many digital platforms in your initial plan, you may want to draw up a specific strategy for increasing your company's digital presence. Identify the areas where you company needs to grow: is the website effective? Is social media being used effectively? How easy will it be for customers to react to your communications across platforms? Present this alongside your company's communications strategy. | Consider the long- and short-term goals of your organization. Define objectives that support your company's goals. Identify the audience of your communications. Translate your communications objectives into actions. Consolidate your message into three main points. Create an engaging narrative. Detail how you'll spread your message. List your resources. Provide a timeline. Propose methods for evaluating the success of your strategy. Prepare for crisis. Specify your digital strategy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Forget-About-Someone-Important | How to Forget About Someone Important | While it can be hard to forget about someone important, it's important to release your emotions in a way that feels natural to you, like crying, screaming, or writing, so you can start to feel better. Although it's good to work through your feelings, it's also helpful to use distractions to help you cope with the pain, so indulge in some fun activities, funny movies, or nights out with your friends. As you work towards moving on with your life, remove any upsetting reminders of the person. For example, you might donate or throw out items that trigger sad memories. If there are things you want to keep, place them in a box for safekeeping. If you follow the person on social media, unfollow or block them to create healthy distance and reduce the temptation to check in on what they're doing. | Give yourself permission to grieve in your own way. When you lose someone from your life, it's natural to grieve that loss. Take as much time as you need to work through these feelings. Additionally, don't try to make yourself feel a certain way because there's no right or wrong way to grieve. For instance, you might feel really mad if the person hurt your feelings or broke up with you. Similarly, you might feel really sad that someone you loved passed away or that you lost the future you thought you had with an ex. Release your emotions in a way that feels natural to you. You might feel really overwhelmed by your emotions right now, and that's okay. To help yourself feel better, express your emotions in a healthy way. This can help you start to feel better. Here are some ways you might deal with your grief: Cry. Scream into your pillow. Write in a journal. Write a letter telling the person goodbye, then burn it. Draw or paint something. Take an exercise class. Talk about your feelings with someone you trust. Venting is a great way to help yourself move on. Tell your friend what happened and how it made you feel. Then, explain that you're trying to forget the person. Let them know if you want advice or not. You might say, “I'm not looking for advice, but I need to vent a little. A friend of mine stole from me, and I'm having trouble dealing with it. I'm really sad that she did this, and I feel mad at myself for trusting her. I've decided to stop being friends with her, but forgetting about her is hard.” Reach out to friends and family so you have support. You might feel really alone right now, but there are people who care about you. Ask the people closest to you to spend more time with you as you go through this loss. Invite them over to your home, join them for social outings, or call them on the phone. Spending time with others will help you feel better. If you can't see people in real life, try texting or video calls. You can also interact with people in online forums. Use distractions to help you cope with your pain. While it's important that you work through your feelings, sometimes you just need a break from the pain. Distract yourself from your pain with fun activities, funny movies, and hanging out with your friends. Immerse yourself in what you're doing so that the thoughts of the person you're forgetting fade to the background. For instance, go bowling, walk your dog, get coffee with a friend, read a book, watch a funny movie, go to an improv class, or paint mugs with a friend. Practice self care so you’re meeting your physical and emotional needs. When you're coping with a loss, remembering to take care of yourself is hard. At the same time, eating healthy meals, exercising, and being kind to yourself will help you feel better faster. Create a routine to make sure you're meeting your needs. For example, create a morning routine of brushing your teeth, showering, getting dressed, and eating greek yogurt. Your evening routine might be to eat a healthy dinner, indulge in a hobby, and get ready for bed. Do nice things for yourself like soaking in a bath, coloring in an adult coloring book, giving yourself a massage , or buying yourself a small present. Unfollow them on social media and block their phone number. If you're seeing their updates, you won't be able to stop thinking about them. Similarly, you don't want them contacting you, which will trigger your memories. Make sure you delete all of your digital links to them so you won't be tempted. If the person you want to forget has died, you may not want to unfollow them completely. In this case, try taking a break from social media. Donate or throw out items that trigger your memories. Seeing gifts, mementos, and photos can keep you locked in a cycle of thinking about them. To avoid this, go through the things you own and pull out anything that reminds you of them. Then, donate items that are in good condition and throw out things no one can use. You might have an item that reminds you of them even though they didn't give it to you. For instance, you might have used an old blanket for picnics with your ex. If the item triggers you, consider getting rid of it. Place items you want to keep in a box for safekeeping. Don't feel like you need to purge every reminder of them if that's not what you want. For instance, they might be in photos from special events, or you might want to remember a lost loved one after your pain lessens. If this is the case, put the items in a box that you can save for later. Then, put the box in a safe place. It's okay if you decide to get rid of the box later. Do what feels right to you. Stay away from places they frequent while the pain is fresh. At first, it may be hard for you to go to places they frequent without thinking of them. This is especially true if they might be there! Do your best to stay away from these places until you feel comfortable going there. For example, stay away from their workplace if possible. Additionally, avoid their favorite coffee shop and lunch spot. Replace your memories of the person you’re forgetting with new ones. You likely made a lot of memories with this person, and it may be hard to stop thinking about them. Replacing unwanted memories is a great way to help yourself forget them. There are 2 ways to do this: Ask your friends to recreate situations with you, like dinner at a certain restaurant, playing a board game at a coffee shop, or walking on the beach. Then, turn your thoughts to this new memory anytime the old memory surfaces. Redirect your thoughts to a different memory when the unwanted memory comes up. For instance, if you start thinking about the last day you saw the person you're forgetting, shift your thoughts the day you met a new friend. Express your gratitude for the positive things in your life. Right now, you might be focused on the loss of this person, and that's okay. However, thinking about everything good in your life can help you start to feel better. Make a list of the things you're grateful for, like your friends, home, and talents. Then, re-read your list anytime you're feeling down. You might also write down the positives you got from the person you're forgetting. For instance, you might be grateful for the time you had with someone who passed away, or you might be grateful for the new experiences you had with an ex. Use mindfulness to help you focus on the present. Being in the present can help you stop dwelling on the past so you can forget. Ground yourself in the present by engaging your 5 senses. Notice what you can see, hear, smell, feel, and taste in your environment. For instance, you might see the leaves on a tree, hear the wind blowing around you, smell the scent of honeysuckle, feel the warmth of the sun, and taste your lip balm. Meditation and Yoga can also help you ground yourself in the present. Forgive the person if they hurt you so you won’t be weighed down. If someone hurts you, it's hard to release that pain. You have every right to feel like you do. At the same time, holding onto a grudge will only hurt you more. To help yourself move on, forgive them for what they did to you with an expression of forgiveness. Express your forgiveness out loud to yourself or in a letter that you can destroy. You don't need to tell the other person they're forgiven unless that's what you want. You might say, “I forgive Alex for cheating on me. I realize that people make mistakes, and it wasn't done to hurt me. I'm going to let go of my hurt and anger now.” Pursue your interests and build the life you want. You deserve to be happy! Doing the things you love will help you find happiness, and it will also help you forget about the past. Make a list of your personal goals and what you like to do. Then, do 1 thing every day from your list. For instance, take a class, learn to play an instrument , train for a marathon , paint , or get a pet. Make connections with new people. Meeting new people and making new friends will help you move on. Attend clubs, meetups, and local events to meet more people. Just try to talk to people and get to know them. Over time, you'll start to build friendships with some of the people you meet. Check meetup.com and Facebook groups and event for activities in your area. This will help you connect with people who share your interests. If you're in school, look for an after-school club. If you're religious or spiritual, attend events related to your faith to meet more people. See a therapist if you’re struggling to find peace. You might find that it's really hard for you to move on, and that's okay. You may need additional support from a therapist. They can help you understand your feelings and learn new ways to cope. Additionally, they'll help you take your first steps toward moving on. Your therapy appointments may be covered by your insurance, so check your benefits before you go. Ask your doctor for a referral to a therapist or look for 1 online. | Give yourself permission to grieve in your own way. Release your emotions in a way that feels natural to you. Talk about your feelings with someone you trust. Reach out to friends and family so you have support. Use distractions to help you cope with your pain. Practice self care so you’re meeting your physical and emotional needs. Unfollow them on social media and block their phone number. Donate or throw out items that trigger your memories. Place items you want to keep in a box for safekeeping. Stay away from places they frequent while the pain is fresh. Replace your memories of the person you’re forgetting with new ones. Express your gratitude for the positive things in your life. Use mindfulness to help you focus on the present. Forgive the person if they hurt you so you won’t be weighed down. Pursue your interests and build the life you want. Make connections with new people. See a therapist if you’re struggling to find peace. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Frizzy-Hair | How to Fix Frizzy Hair | To fix frizzy hair, work a dime-size amount of oil, like olive or coconut oil, into your hair and leave it in overnight. In the morning, rinse it out in the shower and your hair should be less frizzy! You can also fix frizzy hair by limiting how often you use shampoo since shampooing can strip hair of its natural oils. When you do wash your hair, use a deep conditioner and leave it in for 15-30 minutes. Also, always let your hair air dry since towels and blow dryers can make frizziness worse. | Use hair-care products to keep your frizz at bay. There are many brands of conditioner, hair spray, shine spray, and heat protector that are designed to prevent your hair from frizzing. It also helps to try hair care products (shampoo, conditioner) that are as natural as possible and don't contain things like sulfates or mineral oil. Some of these products will only de-frizz your hair temporarily, but others will have gradual, permanent ant-frizz effects if you use them over time. There are products like sprays or gels that you use while your hair is dry and after you have styled it. These types of products are temporary, and will not have any permanent effects on your hair. The other type of hair product you can use are shampoos and conditioners/deep treatments. These products are applied to wet hair and will have permanent effects and great results on your hair. It won't happen all at once, but the results will be worth the wait. Make sure you are using sulfate-free shampoo and silicone-free conditioner. Sulfates are harsh detergents that strip your hair of the natural oils that help keep it moisturized. One of these oils is sebum, an oil your scalp produces to keep hair moisturized and help hair grow. Silicone is an artificial material added to many conditioners; it is added in an attempt to keep the hair moisturized by creating a shaft over the hair and protecting it from the air and heat around it. However, it also keeps out helpful oils and therefore creates frizzy hair. Don't worry if you put your sulfate-free shampoo in your hair and it doesn't foam or bubble up. This is because sulfates are what make your shampoo foam up when you apply it to your hair. However, if you scrub at your scalp with the shampoo, then run the shampoo through the rest of your hair (don't bundle it all up on top of your head), it will still clean your hair. If you color your hair, use a product without ammonia. Ammonia damages your hair, and damaged hair is more likely to frizz. Avoid any hair products that contain alcohol or citric acid, as these will only dry out your hair more. Consider using shampoo made specifically for curly hair. If you have extra frizzy hair and the sulfate- and silicone-free shampoos products aren't working for you, try using a shampoo and conditioner meant for people with curly hair. More than people with wavy or straight hair, people with curly hair are prone to extremely frizzy hair. Because of this, curly-hair shampoos and conditioners usually include more natural oils and frizz-fighting materials than regular shampoos. Use an after-shower hair product that states it is made specifically for frizzy hair. These are usually "leave-in" products that you don't rinse out of your hair. You will use some leave-in products while your hair is still damp, and others after your hair is dry. If you don't have a leave-in product on hand, you can use regular hand lotion on dry hair. Rub the hand lotion into your hands as usual, then run your hands over your hair while they are still slightly damp from the lotion. This should smooth down the frizzy areas. This can be done several times, if needed, but always remember to rub the lotion into your hands until slightly damp first, and then run through your hair. Never have lotion in your hands that you can visibly see. If you run hand lotion through your hair without rubbing it into your hands first, or overdo the process, you will have oily-looking hair. Getting it right may take some practice. Oil your hair! Spread oils thoroughly onto your roots and tips for a gradual de-frizzing effect. Start by using a dime size amount on damp hair, from about the ear lobe down to the ends. Keeping oil off of your roots and scalp will prevent your hair from getting greasy. Oils that are good for de-frizzing include almond oil, argan oil, keratin oil, coconut oil, macadamia oil, olive oil, and Moroccan oil. You can use oils as a hair treatment by thoroughly working the oil into your scalp and through the hair shaft, letting it soak over night and washing your hair in the morning. You can also purchase products that have these oils in them. Consider using a flat iron. It will definitely remove the frizzy factor, but keep in mind that flat iron use can cause damage your hair over time. The lower the heat setting that you use, the better it is for your hair. Don't pull your hair when using the flat iron. Find a product that is made especially for spraying on the hair to help protect it from the heat from the flat iron. Change out your cotton pillowcase for a satin or silk case. This will allow your hair to slip and slide on the pillow while you sleep, which may reduce frizz. Consider sleeping in a silk scarf if your hair is super textured. To keep your cotton pillowcase from sucking up all the moisture in your hair, wrap it up at night in a bun, and then tie on a silk scarf, which will help retain moisture. Eat a healthy diet with healthy oils and nuts. Oils might include olive oil and coconut oil. Nuts might include cashews and almonds. The healthier you eat, the healthier your hair will be. You can find special vitamins that are designed especially for your hair. Take advantage of these products, but ask a doctor first before taking anything—even vitamins. These vitamins make your hair stronger, and stronger hair has less breakage. Less breakage means less frizz. Trim your split ends, or get them trimmed. When you don't cut your hair for a while, the ends can split. Over time, they continue to split all the way up the hair shaft, making your hair look gradually frizzier. Don't shampoo your hair every day. Shampooing your hair every day can strip it of oils it needs to be smooth and healthy. The natural oils that accumulate are good frizz fighters. Instead, use shampoo once a week, and use conditioner whenever you wet your hair. If your hair feels uncomfortably oily, use a dry shampoo between washes. Shampoo hair once or twice in a week, maximum, thrice. Keep your hair properly moisturized with a deep conditioner. This is a key part of preventing frizz. To keep your hair properly moisturized, try using a deep conditioner that you can let sit on your hair for an extended period of time. Unless your hair is extremely fine, use a deep conditioner each time you wash, and be sure to leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes. Frizz happens when dry, porous hair sucks up moisture in the air, causing the shaft to swell. This heavy dose of conditioner coats the hair shaft, making it harder for moisture to sink in. Don't touch your hair more than required. If you have curly hair or plan on wearing your hair in a curly style (twist out, braid out, bantu knot out, etc.) try to avoid touching it while it's wet to prevent frizz. It also helps to seal your twists or braids with a natural oil such as coconut oil or olive oil. Everything like hair ties and head bands, can also pull and rip hair, causing more damage to the hair, and adding more frizziness. So be careful when choosing and using hair accessories. Never use your nails to scratch the scalp when washing your hair. This tears up your roots, causing damage to the hair, which then can cause breakage or frizziness. Always use your fingertips to massage your scalp while washing hair. Let your hair air-dry. Avoid blow-drying your hair or wrapping in a towel. It's best to use a wide-tooth hair pick on wet hair to pick out any hair knots first, if needed, instead of using a brush or a fine-toothed comb, because this keeps the hair from breaking or frizzing. After it is completely dry then you may brush or comb your hair gently. Any pulling of the hair will cause it to frizz. Don't wrap your hair up in a towel. Wrapping and twisting your hair to keep it up will cause the hair to frizz. Try just laying the towel over your head any way you like, standing straight or bent over, and gently patting your hair dry. Never rub quickly to towel-dry, because it causes your hair to frizz. Regular towels can create friction and unnecessary frizz. Instead try using either a microfiber towel or a 100% cotton t-shirt. Don't blow dry your hair. If you blow dry your hair every time you wash—or just too often—it may be suffering from heat damage. If you must blow-dry: let your hair dry 90 percent of the way before you blow-dry. Too much hot air focused directly on your strands dehydrates it, making it frizzy — especially during the winter months when the air is less humid. | Use hair-care products to keep your frizz at bay. Make sure you are using sulfate-free shampoo and silicone-free conditioner. Consider using shampoo made specifically for curly hair. Use an after-shower hair product that states it is made specifically for frizzy hair. Oil your hair! Consider using a flat iron. Change out your cotton pillowcase for a satin or silk case. Eat a healthy diet with healthy oils and nuts. Trim your split ends, or get them trimmed. Don't shampoo your hair every day. Keep your hair properly moisturized with a deep conditioner. Don't touch your hair more than required. Never use your nails to scratch the scalp when washing your hair. Let your hair air-dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Braided-Bracelets | How to Make Braided Bracelets | To make a double-strand braided bracelet, start by cutting 6 strands of cord, 2 in each color, 19 inches long. Next, gather the strands, measure down 5 inches, and tie an overhand knot, which is where you wrap the rope into a loop and push the end through. Then, tape the strands just above the knot to your desk and separate the strands by color so you can do a basic 3-strand braid. Cross the 2 left strands over the middle strand, then cross the 2 right strands over the new middle strands, and repeat until you knot off at the end. | Cut 6 strands of cord, 2 in each color. Choose 3 colors for your bracelet, such as pink, purple, and magenta. Cut 2 strands of each color, making sure that they are all the same length. The strands should be about 19 inches (48 cm)long. For best results, use 1.4-milimeter Chinese knotting cord. Rattail cord will also work well. Embroidery thread or embroidery floss are not recommended because they are too thin. Knot the strands together, then tape them to your desk. Gather all of your strands together, making sure that the ends are aligned. Measure down 5 inches (13 cm) from the top of your gathered strands. Next, treating the strands as a single rope, tie them into an overhand knot. An overhand knot is where you wrap the rope into a loop, then push the end through the loop. Make sure that the knot is below the tape. There is enough length in the tails to prevent the braid from sliding out. Separate the strands based on color. Divide the strands into 3 groups, keeping the colors together. For example, if your color scheme was pink, purple, and magenta, you'll have 2 pink strands on the left, 2 purple strands in the middle, and 2 magenta strands on the right. You will be creating a basic 3-strand braid. Treat the 2 strands of each color as a single strand. Cross the 2 left strands over the middle strands. Treating the 2 left strands as a single strand, pick them up, and cross them over the middle strands. They are now your new middle strands. Make sure that the 2 strands are flat and not twisted. Cross the 2 right strands over the new middle strands. Take the 2 strands on the right, and cross them over the new middle strands. Keep them together and make sure that they aren't twisted. Tighten the strands. Gently tug on your outer strands so that the cross-over point scoots towards the knot at the top of your braid. Make sure that the tension is distributed evenly between the strands. You don't want 1 strand to be tight and have another so loose that it sticks out. Repeat the process until the bracelet is the length you want it. Continue to cross the left 2 strands and the right 2 strands over the middle ones. After each set of cross-overs, gently tug on the strands to tighten them. Keep braiding until the braid is long enough to wrap loosely around your wrist. Remember to treat the 2 strands of each color as a single strand. Knot the end of the bracelet, then cut the rest off. Treating all strands as a single rope, wrap them into a loop, then pull the tail through the loop. Slide the knot towards the end of the braid while tightening it. Cut the tails until they are 5 inches (13 cm) long. Skip this step if you'd like to make an adjustable closure. Click here instead. Remove the tape, then tie the ends together. Peel the tape off of the desk first. Wrap the bracelet around your wrist, then ask someone to tie the 2 5 in (13 cm) tails together. Trim off the excess tails, if desired. Cut 5 pieces of cord that are all the same length. It would be easier if you used 5 different colors, or 5 different shades of the same color. If you are an experienced braider, however, you can use fewer colors. The strands need to be 2 to 3 times your wrist circumference. If you want a wider bracelet, cut 2 strands of each color. Treat the pairs as a single strand for the rest of the tutorial. 1.4-milimeter Chinese knotting cord will work the best, but rattail cord may also work. Alternatively, you can use embroidery thread instead. It is not the same thing as embroidery floss. Instead of being made up of separate strands, it is twisted like a thin rope. Knot and tape the strands to your desk. Gather all of the strands together. Make sure that they are aligned, then treating them as a single rope, tie them into an overhand knot , 5 inches (13 cm) from the end. Tape the knot to your desk. The knot needs to be below the tape. The tails are long enough to prevent the braid from sliding out. Spread the strands out, with 3 on the left and 2 on the right. Spread the strands out on the desk. Create a large gap in the middle of the strands. Make sure that you have 3 strands on the left and 2 strands on the right. The exact width of the gap does not matter. It needs to be wide enough to distinguish it from the spaces between the other strands. Again, if you cut 2 strands of each color, treat them as a single strand and group them together. Weave the outermost left strand towards the gap. Take the first strand on the left. Weave it under the second strand and over the third. Stop when you reach the gap. Repeat the process for the outermost right strand. Take the last strand on the right. Weave it under the second-to-last strand, and over the next one. Take a moment to straighten and tighten the strands. Continue to weave the outermost strands under and over to the middle. Work your way across the braid until you get the length you want. Every so often, tug on the strands to tighten them and straighten them out. You want the tension to be even; you don't want 1 strand to be tight and another loose. Knot the end of the bracelet once you get the length you want. Continue to braid the bracelet until it is long enough to wrap loosely around your wrist. Gather all of the strands together, and wrap them into a loop. Pull the tails through the loop, then tighten the knot right above the braid. Skip this step if you'd like to make an adjustable closure. Click here instead. Trim the tails to 5 inches, then tie the ends together. Cut the excess string down to 5 inches (13 cm). Peel the tape off, then wrap the bracelet around your wrist. Ask someone to tie the 2 5 in (13 cm) together into a secure knot. Cut off the excess tails, if desired. Find 3 strands of ribbon or chain. A basic braid consists of 3 strands woven together, but there are no rules as to what those strands have to be made from. Find 3 strands of ribbon, string, or chain. They can be all different, or you can have 2 be the same. Here are some ideas: For a trendy look, use 2 suede ribbons and a thin chain. For a vintage look, use 1 velvet ribbon, a thin chain, and lace trim. For a bohemian look, cut 2 different types of fabric into ⁄ 4 to ⁄ 2 in (0.64 to 1.27 cm) wide strips. Use a thin chain or suede ribbon for the third strand. Cut the strands until they are all the same length. Wrap a measuring tape loosely around your wrist, then triple that measurement. Cut all 3 of your strands down to that length. Use fabric scissors for fabric strands, including ribbon and lace. Use sharp scissors for non-fabric strands, including pleather and suede. Use wire cutters for chains. Secure fold-over cord ends to fabric suede strands. You will eventually slip the ends of your strands over a jump ring. You can do this easily with a chain, thanks to the loops, but you can't do it with fabric, string, or suede strands. Buy a pack of fold-over cord ends from the beading section of a craft store, then do the following: Slide the end of your strand into the cap of the fold-over cord end. Use heavy-duty pliers to clamp the cap shut. Don't do the other end yet. You may need to cut the strands shorter. Repeat the process for the other strands. Gather the ends together and tape them to your desk. Gather all 3 strands together. Make sure that the ends all match up, then tape them to your desk. Make sure that the tape is strong enough to hold the strands; a piece of masking tape will work especially well here. Braid the strands until the braid is the length you want. Cross the left and right strands over the middle strand. Tug on the strands to tighten them, then repeat the process until the braid is long enough to wrap loosely around your wrist. Keep the strands flat for a nicer finish. This is especially important for velvet strands, which have a fuzzy and non-fuzzy side. Cut off the excess, then add the remaining fold-over cord ends. Use the same tools as before to cut off any excess ribbon, lace, or chain. Slip fold-over cord ends over ribbon, lace, fabric, or suede cords, just like before, and clamp them shut. Open up a jump ring. Pinch 1 half of a jump ring between your thumb and index finger. Pinch the other half of the jump ring with a pair of pliers. Make sure that the seam in the jump ring is facing up. Pull the pliers away from you and your fingers towards you until the seam widens. Slip the ends of the strands over the jump ring. Find the end of your chain, if you are using it, and slip it over the jump ring. Slide the ends of the fold-over clamps over the jump ring too. Fold-over clamps have a tiny loop at 1 end. Close the jump ring using the same technique you used to open it. Pinch the jump ring between your fingers and pliers. Move the pliers towards you until the jump ring closes. If there is a gap in the seam, use the pliers to pinch it shut. If the jump ring is very small, you may have to hold it between 2 pliers instead of your fingers and 1 pair of pliers. Repeat the process to add a lobster claw clasp to the other end. Remove the piece of tape sticking your bracelet to the table. Open up the jump ring on the end of your lobster clasp. Slide it through the loops at the ends of your chains and fold-over ends, then close it. Complete a braided cord bracelet. This method only works for bracelets made from Chinese knotting cord, rattail cord, or embroidery thread. It will not work for mixed-media bracelets. The bracelet needs to be long enough to wrap loosely around your wrist. Do not cut or tie the bracelet off. Tie 1 of the outer strands around the rest. Find 1 of the strands on the outside edge of your bracelet. Wrap it around the other strands to create a loop, then pull it through the loop. Pull on the strand to tighten the knot. It does not matter if you use the left or right outside edge. Use the same cord to create a second knot. Take the same cord you just used to wrap around the other cords. Wrap it around the other cords a second time to create a loop, then pull it through the loop. Tug on the strand to tighten the knot. Cut the remaining strands, then seal them. Use a pair of scissors to cut the other strands as close as possible to the knot. Do not cut the strand you used to make the knot. Seal the cut ends as follows: Chinese knotting cord or rattail cord: hold the cut ends over a flame until they melt. Embroidery thread: place a drop of liquid glue over the ends, and let the glue dry. Super glue will work the best, but you can use tacky or fabric glue. Repeat the process for the beginning of the braid. Remove the piece of tape first. Undo the knot, then tie 1 of the outer strands around the rest 2 times. Cut the other strands and seal them. Do not cut the strand you used to make the knot. The beginning and end of your bracelet should look the same. Try to use a different color for the knotting cord than you did for the end of the cord. This will make the next step easier. Tie the first cord around the second cord 2 times. Take the first cord at the end of your braid. Measure 1 ⁄ 4 inches (4.4 cm) along it, then wrap it around the second cord. Pull the tail through the loop to tighten the knot. Make sure that the knot is 1 ⁄ 4 inches (4.4 cm) from the end of the braid, then create a second knot. Make sure that the braid is not twisted for this step. Do not use the second cord from the beginning of the braid to make the knot. You should be able to slide the knot along the cord. Cut the cord close to the knot, then seal the end. Take the rest of the cord you just used to make the knot. Cut it as close as possible to the knot. Seal the cut end using the same method as before: Chinese knotting cord or rattail cord: candle or lighter flame. Embroidery thread: liquid glue. Slide the knot towards the beginning of the braid. You should be able to slide the knot up and down along the second cord. Slide the knot towards the base of the second cord so that it bumps up against the beginning of the braid. Repeat the knotting process with the second cord. Measure 1 ⁄ 4 inches (4.4 cm) along the second cord. Wrap the second cord around the base of the first cord, right next to the end of the braid. Tie the cord into a knot twice, using the same method as before. Cut the excess cord, and seal the knot, just like before. Pull on both knots to open and close the bracelet. Slide the knots along the cords to move them. The closer you move the knots together, the wider the bracelet will become. The further you move the knots from each other, the smaller the bracelet will become. | Cut 6 strands of cord, 2 in each color. Knot the strands together, then tape them to your desk. Separate the strands based on color. Cross the 2 left strands over the middle strands. Cross the 2 right strands over the new middle strands. Tighten the strands. Repeat the process until the bracelet is the length you want it. Knot the end of the bracelet, then cut the rest off. Remove the tape, then tie the ends together. Cut 5 pieces of cord that are all the same length. Knot and tape the strands to your desk. Spread the strands out, with 3 on the left and 2 on the right. Weave the outermost left strand towards the gap. Repeat the process for the outermost right strand. Continue to weave the outermost strands under and over to the middle. Knot the end of the bracelet once you get the length you want. Trim the tails to 5 inches, then tie the ends together. Find 3 strands of ribbon or chain. Cut the strands until they are all the same length. Secure fold-over cord ends to fabric suede strands. Gather the ends together and tape them to your desk. Braid the strands until the braid is the length you want. Cut off the excess, then add the remaining fold-over cord ends. Open up a jump ring. Slip the ends of the strands over the jump ring. Close the jump ring using the same technique you used to open it. Repeat the process to add a lobster claw clasp to the other end. Complete a braided cord bracelet. Tie 1 of the outer strands around the rest. Use the same cord to create a second knot. Cut the remaining strands, then seal them. Repeat the process for the beginning of the braid. Tie the first cord around the second cord 2 times. Cut the cord close to the knot, then seal the end. Slide the knot towards the beginning of the braid. Repeat the knotting process with the second cord. Pull on both knots to open and close the bracelet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Turtles | How to Care for Turtles | To care for a turtle, make sure its tank is at least 10 gallons of space for every 1 inch of shell length. Be sure to line the bottom of the tank with peat moss or soil, and include a basking rock so your turtle can sun itself. Then, add enough water for your turtle to swim in, which will vary depending on the species. Remember to set up a reptile light near the basking rock, and install a filter to keep the water clear. Feed your turtle a mix of turtle food, fresh vegetables, like carrots, lettuce, and invertebrates, like minnows or grasshoppers. | House your turtle in the largest possible enclosure. Keep your turtle in a large glass aquarium. As a rule of thumb, the enclosure's volume should be 10 US gal (38 L) per 1 in (2.5 cm) of your turtle's shell length. Keep in mind your pet's exact space requirements depend on its species. If you have a juvenile turtle, be sure to find out how large it'll be when it's an adult. Suppose you buy your 4 in (10 cm) juvenile turtle a 40 US gal (150 L) tank. If the turtle eventually grows to 12 in (30 cm), that tank will be way too small. The tank should also have a secure cover to prevent your turtle from escaping. Additionally, aquatic turtles need water deep enough to swim. The water's depth should be at least twice the turtle's length. Cover the bottom of the tank with peat moss or soil. Mix together equal parts of wood chips and peat moss or sand and soil. Line the bottom of the tank with about 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of the mixture. Avoid lining the bottom of the tank with gravel. Your turtle could eat the small rocks and choke. Make a basking area for your turtle. Make the layer of sand and soil or peat moss and wood chips higher on 1 side of the tank. Build up smooth, wide river rocks or driftwood onto the elevated side of the bedding. This side of the tank should stay dry and rise up out of the water. Gently slope the peat moss or soil and river rocks so the incline won't be too steep for your turtle to climb. Get a hiding box at the pet supply store and place it in the basking area. Your turtle will appreciate having a cozy spot to hide. Keep in mind the water in the tank will need to be deeper if you have an aquatic turtle. Make the basking area's height more than twice the turtle's length to ensure it'll be above water. Add water to the tank. You can fill the tank with tap water, provided your water doesn't have high chlorine levels. If you have a box turtle, the water should be shallow enough that the turtle can lift its chin above the surface when it's submerged. Box turtles can drown in deeper water. If you have an aquatic species, such as a pond terrapin, remember that the water should be at least twice as deep as the turtle's length. Find a chlorine test kit online, at a pet supply store, or at a home improvement store. If your tap water's chlorine level is above 0, fill the tank with bottled water or purchase a dechlorinating agent at the pet supply store. Use a reptile lamp to heat the basking zone. Creating a temperature gradient with a hot side and cooler side is an important part of raising reptiles. Purchase a reptile lamp with a reflector at the pet store; make sure it's labeled for reptiles. Keep a thermometer in the tank, and make sure the basking zone's temperature stays between 85 and 90 °F (29 and 32 °C). If your reptile lamp uses an incandescent bulb, you'll also need to buy a UVA/UVB fluorescent lamp. UV light provides your turtle with vitamin D, which helps it absorb calcium. You'll need to turn the lamp off at night, but the tank cannot cool to less than 60 °F (16 °C). If the tank's air and water temperatures get too cool at night, place the the tank on a heating pad and purchase a water heater at the pet store. It's wise to set up the tank at least 2 weeks before getting your turtle so you can perfect the temperature and other environmental conditions. Install a filter to help keep the water clean. Invest in a filter labeled for a volume of water at least twice that of your tank. Suppose you have an aquatic turtle, you house it in a 100 US gal (380 L) tank, and half of the tank is filled with water. Since the tank contains about 50 US gal (190 L) of water, go with a filter labeled for 100 to 150 US gal (380 to 570 L). When you're at the pet supply store, ask an employee for advice about purchasing a filter. Even though you're using a water filter, you'll still need to remove feces and other debris from the tank with a net every day. To keep the water cleaner, feed your turtle in a separate tank. Invest in a smaller backup tank. A back-up tank will come in handy if you need to transport your turtle. Additionally, you'll have to clean the main tank regularly, and you'll need a place to store your turtle in the meantime. Since it's only for temporary use, the backup tank doesn't have to be big. Just make sure your turtle has some room to crawl around. To keep your turtle warm, transfer the heat lamp to the backup tank when it's in use. Purchase turtle food labeled for your pet's species. Purchase pellets or canned turtle food at your pet supply store. Most turtles kept as pets need both animal protein and veggies. Store-bought food will provide most your turtle's nutrition, but you should also supplement its diet to ensure it stays healthy. Supplement your turtle's diet with fish, invertebrates, and veggies. Buy frozen and live guppies or minnows, worms, grasshoppers, and crickets. Additionally, chop up veggies, such as kale, lettuce, dandelion, and carrots, and add them to your turtle's food. Swap up what you feed your turtle to keep its meals interesting. You could feed it store-bought food 1 to 2 times a week and homemade meals another 1 to 2 times per week. Live fish and insects can provide mental stimulation. To prevent choking, cut up veggies into bite-size pieces smaller than your turtle's beak. Feed your turtle 3 to 4 times per week. Most turtle species commonly kept as pets need to be feed every other day, but check with the breeder or pet store to be sure. Mornings are good feeding times, since turtles are more active earlier in the day. Determining the right amount of food is a little tricky and isn't an exact science. As a rule of thumb, give your turtle the amount of food that it can eat in 5 minutes. Observe it when you first feed it to gauge the right amount. Turtles are opportunistic eaters, and they're prone to overeating if they have an unlimited supply of food. If you have an aquatic turtle, put its food directly in the water. Aquatic turtles can't swallow food unless it's in the water. After 5 minutes, scoop out any extra food with a net to help keep the water clean. Feed a box turtle with a food bowl, and remove the bowl after about 5 minutes. Add calcium to your turtle's food every other feeding. You can find powdered calcium carbonate online and at pet stores. Sprinkle a pinch onto your turtle's food 1 to 2 times a week to ensure it meets its calcium requirement. Turtles need lots of calcium to keep their bony shells strong. If have an aquatic turtle, you can also keep a block of calcium carbonate in the water for it to chew. Check your turtle for signs of illness regularly. Give your turtle a quick inspection every 1 or 2 days, such as when you feed it. Make sure your turtle's skin and shell are smooth and free of any marks, blisters, or blemishes. Check its eyes, nose, and beak for discharges or discoloration, and notice any unusual changes in behavior. Turtles are generally healthy, but they are prone to infections, malnutrition, and eye problems. If you spot concerning signs, such as a soft, leathery shell, cloudy eyes, or skin blisters, bring it to an exotic pet vet who's experienced with treating turtles. Search online for an experienced local vet, or ask the breeder or pet store for referral. Use a net to remove droppings from the tank every day. To keep the water as clean as possible, scoop out droppings, leftover food, and other debris daily. Be sure to wash your hands after touching the inside of the tank or handling your turtle. Turtles carry salmonella, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Test the water's pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels every few days. Get an aquarium water test kit at the pet supply store or online. Make sure the pH is between 6.0 and 8.0, or roughly pH neutral. Ammonia levels should be 0, nitrite levels should be less than 0.5 ppm (parts per million), and nitrate levels should be less than 40 ppm. Your turtle will drink the water, so it's important to test it and keep it clean. If the pH is off, amend the water with a store-bought agent, which you can find at the pet supply store. If ammonia, nitrate, or nitrate levels are high, change the water and consider upgrading your filter. Change 25% of the aquarium's water weekly. Using a bucket or siphon, drain and discard about 1/4 of the tank's water. Then replace it with an equal amount of new water. The water contains beneficial bacteria; whenever possible, avoid changing it entirely. Clean the tank every 3 weeks. Transfer your turtle to the backup tank so you can clean the main enclosure. Save 1/4 to 1/2 of the water, and discard the rest along with the old peat moss or soil. Then scrub the rocks, hide box, and inside of the tank with a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts warm water. Rinse the tank and accessories thoroughly, and be sure to wash away all traces of the bleach solution. After thoroughly rinsing the tank and accessories, put the habitat back together and refill it with water. Be sure to wash your hands and sanitize the sink or tub with bleach after washing the tank. Remember that turtles carry germs that can make people sick. | House your turtle in the largest possible enclosure. Cover the bottom of the tank with peat moss or soil. Make a basking area for your turtle. Add water to the tank. Use a reptile lamp to heat the basking zone. Install a filter to help keep the water clean. Invest in a smaller backup tank. Purchase turtle food labeled for your pet's species. Supplement your turtle's diet with fish, invertebrates, and veggies. Feed your turtle 3 to 4 times per week. Add calcium to your turtle's food every other feeding. Check your turtle for signs of illness regularly. Use a net to remove droppings from the tank every day. Test the water's pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels every few days. Change 25% of the aquarium's water weekly. Clean the tank every 3 weeks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Good-Care-of-Your-Lungs | How to Take Good Care of Your Lungs | The easiest way to take good care of your lungs, besides avoiding smoking, is to breathe deeply more often. By breathing deeply, you're oxygenating your blood with the full capacity of your lungs. You'll want to breathe so deeply that you feel your diaphragm lower when you inhale and lift up as you exhale. Additionally, breathe through your nose instead of your mouth, because your nose hairs filter out a lot of particles, like pollen. | Quit smoking. The single best thing you can do for your lungs is to quit smoking or (better yet) never start. Cigarette smoking in particular is a major cause of lung cancer and COPD. Smokers have a 20 times higher risk of developing lung cancer and COPD than non-smokers. Lung cancer is when cells grow out of control and form tumors in the lungs. These tumors interfere with normal lung functioning, such as breathing. If the cancer metastasizes, then it may affect other organs and tissues, such as the breasts. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) causes excess mucus, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. This disease worsens over time. While cigarette smoking receives the most negative attention, keep in mind that no form of smoking is safe. You should also avoid pipes, cigars, marijuana smoking, etc. Avoid all contact with secondhand smoke. While not smoking is a great start, you should also avoid all contact with sources or secondhand smoke, such as in bars, casinos, and other socially acceptable environments for smoking. Nonsmokers who frequently inhale secondhand smoke have a 20 percent higher risk of developing lung cancer than nonsmokers who never encounter it. Though studies are new, many experts believe that people, especially babies and children, should also stay away from third hand smoke. This is the residual toxins and chemical compounds that stick to clothing, hair, carpet, walls, etc. even after a cigarette has been extinguished. The lingering smell of a cigarette even after cigarette smoke has dissipated is the telltale sign of secondhand smoke. Avoid exposure to outdoor air pollution. While avoiding all exposure to carbon dioxide and other common air pollutants is virtually impossible, you can take steps to reduce your exposure. AirNow is a government-run website that provides realtime updates regarding air quality all across the United States. You can check this to determine the air quality in your city before planning to spend time outside. Ozone is another common air pollutant, and stagnant summertime weather systems can often trap ozone and other pollutants around a city. Be especially aware of the air quality in your area from late spring into the warmest summer months due to this phenomenon. Eliminate exposure to indoor air pollution. Air pollution isn't just an outdoor concern. Fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, pet dander, and mold are all common sources of indoor air pollution. By eliminating these sources, cleaning regularly, and changing the air filters in your home often, you can reduce indoor air pollution considerably. Consider getting an air purifier for your home to help filter out indoor air pollution, such as smoke, mold, and pet dander. Chemicals from home cleaning supplies, paint, and other common household items can also irritate your lungs or trigger conditions such as asthma. Always carefully read and follow the instructions for using these products in areas with proper ventilation. You can find more information on improving the indoor air quality in your home via the EPA. Radon is a naturally occurring element present in some homes that effects indoor air quality. It is associated with increased risks of lung cancer. You can find radon detectors at most home improvement stores if you want to test the levels present in your own home. Eliminate occupational exposure to carcinogens and pollutants. Many of those who work in mining, labs, or industrial settings commonly come into contact with large quantities of carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals and other pollutants. Always take the proper workplace precautions in situations that call for respirators, fume hoods, and other safety devices. Asbestos, arsenic, nickel, and chromium are just a few of the workplace chemicals associated with lung cancer and other lung complications. Lung cancer and COPD may also develop as a result of exposure to these substances. Avoid inhaling other irritants. Human lungs simply aren't meant to inhale a wide array of substances. Cover your mouth and nose whenever you're working with or in the same space as any small particles you may potentially inhale. Additionally, never suppress a cough in the presence of a foreign substance since this is your body's way of expelling it. These particles include: Talcum or baby powder: these have microscopic crushed rocks that become trapped in your lungs. Use a corn starch-based baby powder instead. Fiberglass: Fiberglass can make tiny cuts in your lungs if inhaled. Breathe deeply more often. The act of breathing supplies oxygen to your entire body. Breathing deeply uses the entire capacity of your lungs to oxygenate blood. Though normal breathing levels aren't unhealthy, deep breathing reaches the peak level of oxygen flowing through your body. Pay special attention to your diaphragm while slowly inhaling and exhaling full deep breaths. Feel your diaphragm lowering while you inhale and exhale fully until you feel your stomach muscles tighten and your diaphragm lift. Laugh more. Like deep breathing, laughing forces more air out of your lungs, which leads to a greater inhalation of fresh air and a higher supply of oxygenated blood. Laughing also works abdominal muscles and increases lung capacity. Get regular cardio. Aerobic exercise doesn't necessarily make your lungs stronger on its own. However, great cardio-respiratory fitness makes it easier for your lungs to supply your heart and muscles with oxygen. This puts less strain on your lungs, allowing them to function properly with less work. The American Heart Association recommends at least thirty minutes of moderate-intensity cardio exercise five days a week or more in order to maintain good cardiovascular health. Make dietary changes. Studies have shown that diets rich in fresh fruit and fish are associated with benefits to lung health. This is especially the case with those who experience asthma, COPD, and other common lung diseases. A 2010 study also showed that a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy) can decrease the risk of lung cancer. Breathe through your nose. The hairs in your nose act as a filter and only let extremely fine particles through. Your nose can filter particles as small as a single grain of pollen with 100 percent efficiency. This makes breathing through your nose a much better option than breathing through your mouth. Keep your nose clear. Sickness, allergies, and other conditions can all lead to common nasal congestion. A plugged nose means you're pulling 100 percent of germs and pollution directly into your lungs by breathing through your mouth. This can exacerbate conditions such as asthma and other lung complications or even cause them in those who don't already suffer from them. Treat common allergies with antihistamines or other decongestants to help keep your nose clear. Additionally, overly dry nasal passages that can accompany sickness make nose hairs less effective at filtering air. Consider using a humidifier or even an over-the-counter nasal mist to keep your nasal passage moist and properly filtering the air you breathe. Stay hydrated. In addition to its myriad other positive effects, drinking plenty of water is good for your lungs. You lungs have a mucosal lining, and staying hydrated keep the lining thin, which helps your lungs function more efficiently. Take medication if you have a lung condition. If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, ensure you see your doctor for regular exams to help control the condition. Albuterol, a prescription bronchodilator, works well to help with asthma symptoms, for instance. Stay current on your vaccinations. Yearly flu vaccines and pneumococcal vaccinations can help lower the risk of respiratory infections. This also means less risk of developing associated lung complications such as pneumonia. Smokers between the ages of 19 and 65 should get a pneumococcus vaccination. Also, anyone with chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, alcoholism, chronic liver disease, or who is over the age of 65 should get the pneumococcus vaccination. Buy houseplants. Houseplants are one of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality. In addition to converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, studies have also shown that houseplants can reduce the indoor concentration of ozone, which is another harmful pollutant. Three common houseplants that studies have proven beneficial include snake plants, spider plants, and golden pothos. Use an air purifier. A filter purifier for the air in your home can help remove dust, smoke, and other pollutants. Air filters, electronic particle cleaners, and ionizers are all common forms of indoor air purification systems. Beware of brands that claim they create ozone in order to purify indoor air. Ozone a leading pollutant, especially during calm summer months, and these models can create harmful amounts of ozone while cleaning other particles from indoor air. Avoid high traffic areas. Especially for those who live in big cities, it's common to run or bike along busy, congested streets while exercising. The abundance of vehicle exhaust and other pollutants in these areas can damage your lungs, especially given that you tend to breathe through your mouth during vigorous exercise, which bypasses the natural filtration you get through your nostrils. You can also check the EPA's nationwide air pollution forecast for your area here to determine the air quality in your area. | Quit smoking. Avoid all contact with secondhand smoke. Avoid exposure to outdoor air pollution. Eliminate exposure to indoor air pollution. Eliminate occupational exposure to carcinogens and pollutants. Avoid inhaling other irritants. Breathe deeply more often. Laugh more. Get regular cardio. Make dietary changes. Breathe through your nose. Keep your nose clear. Stay hydrated. Take medication if you have a lung condition. Stay current on your vaccinations. Buy houseplants. Use an air purifier. Avoid high traffic areas. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Explicate-a-Poem | How to Explicate a Poem | To explicate a poem, explain the poem's main idea by starting with a phrase like, "This poem dramatizes the conflict between..." Next, write a few paragraphs that explore the language, syntax, and overall style of the poem. You can talk about specific phrases and images, symbolism, and the figurative language that shapes the meaning of the poem. It can help to separate the figurative language from the literal so you can analyze it carefully on its own. | Make an explication chart. This tool is a two-columned T-chart with the left side labeled "Literally" and the right side labeled "Figuratively." In the "Literally" column, you will list the words, phrases, and descriptions that catch your eye from a given poem. In the "Figuratively" column, you will pair the literal meanings with connotations and impressions: the subtle allusions that exist behind the words. Choose a poem. If you already have a poem in mind, feel free to use it. If you aren't sure, do your research. Flip open a book of poetry and find something suitable; ask for a recommendation from a friend or teacher; or visit http://www.poetryfoundation.org/browse/ to look for poems online. This article will explicate Walt Whitman's work "A Noiseless Patient Spider" for the sake of example. Pick something short for your first explication. This is not to say that you can't work through a longer poem – but it will be much quicker if you choose a piece that spans just a few stanzas. Look for a poem that captures your imagination. The process of explication may be more rewarding if you feel strongly about the poem. Read the poem. Read it aloud, three times through, for full effect. Put emotion into the lines, and try to tap into the natural cadence of the words. In the left-hand column of your explication chart, write down words or phrases that catch your eye. If you're reading Whitman's "A Noiseless Patient Spider," you might notice the words: "noiseless," "patient," "spider," "promontory," "isolated," "vacant vast surrounding," "filament," "tirelessly," "soul," "surrounded," "detached," "measureless oceans of space," "musing, venturing, throwing," "seeking the spheres to connect," "bridge you need," "gossamer thread," "fling catch somewhere." Your grand total of words and phrases may be more or less than the words from the example. There is no "right" or "wrong" answer! It's all about what the poem means to you. Fill the right-hand column with figurative meanings. Read over the list of words and phrases that you picked out, and look for the deeper meaning behind each of these things. Consider your own connotations and impressions, and try to imagine what the poet may have intended. Think about the emotions or sensations that a word triggers. Search for symbolism, metaphor, and allusion. In "A Noiseless Patient Spider," in order of when they occur in the poem, you might get: "unheard," "waiting," "unwanted," "dangerous place," "bitter," "alone," "open space," "string or fiber," "ongoing," "self," "with someone," "unable to connect," "surrounded yet not alone," "trying," "trying to connect," "in need of a way," "breakable threads," "connect with something." Try to understand the poem. Use your right-hand column as a figurative compass – as a guide to help you understand what the speaker of the poem is trying to say. Use your deductive reasoning, and proceed with empathy. Put yourself in the shoes of the poet, and try to decide what the speaker is trying to say. Search for a clear and identifiable theme: love, for example, or loss, fear, remorse. In the case of "The Noiseless Patient Spider," for instance, you might get the sense that Walt Whitman identifies with the spider. He portrays his soul as "surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space," flinging "gossamer thread" in the hopes that it will catch somewhere. Perhaps the "gossamer thread" is Whitman's poetry, or at least his words; perhaps he saw his words as his way of exploring the world and connecting with people. First, consider the literal language of the poem. All of the figurative meaning that you find will lie behind these seemingly-straightforward phrases. Break the lines down into sentences, and define the meaning of each of these sentences. Try to rewrite the poem in prose form: paraphrase the lines plainly and simply, without any semblance of poetic structure. Study the structure and style of the poem. Identify whether the piece is written in stanzas (grouped sets of lines) or loose free verse. Decide whether the work fits into a classic poetry structure, or whether it transcends structure. Determine whether there is a rhyming pattern. Look for "turns"—often at the end of a stanza, or midway through a piece—when the poem flips upon itself and redefines its meaning. Identify the climax of the poem, where the action or pacing of the narrative reaches its most powerful point. Study various poetry structures. Is the poem written in a classic and structured meter – perhaps an ABAB rhyming pattern? Is it written in loosely-jointed free verse, with little-to-no consistent structure? Is it a haiku, a sonnet, a villanelle, a limerick? Determine the "rhetorical situation" that the piece describes. Identify the "speaker" of the poem, and who he/she is speaking to. When and why is this "speaker" or narrator saying what he/she is saying? As the reader, consider your relation to the author: perhaps the speaker is addressing you directly, or speaking to someone else, or shouting indiscriminately into the void of existence. Identify figurative language. Look out for simile, metaphor, and personification. Train yourself to notice when phrases make connections between seemingly-disparate things. These connections can point to the deeper meaning of a poem: perhaps the poet is trying to shed light upon one thing by linking it to something else. Notice vivid imagery, allusion, and symbolism. A simile uses "like" or "as" to compare one thing with another thing: "Your eyes are shining like starlight." A metaphor makes a comparison through direct comparison. It substitutes one thing for another: "Your eyes are shining with starlight." Personification imbues an inanimate object or concept with human qualities: "The stars are winking conspiratorially." Notice the diction of the work. Think about the sort of language that the poet uses: formal or casual, abstract or concrete, vague or clear, nonsense or slang. Perhaps the poem plays with syntax (word order) to create vivid and memorable expressions; perhaps it experiments with the meaning, structure, and connotation of "regular" words. Write out your analysis. If you are explicating a poem for a class assignment, then you may have already been taught a particular explication structure. If not, never fear: the process is straightforward. The point here is to clearly and concisely explain the meaning of the poem in a way that enlightens the reader. This is not an essay, and you don't need to begin with a formal thesis or introductory paragraph. Begin with the main idea of the poem. Explain the setting, the speaker, and the broad themes. Name the structure and the meter, if you can, try to place the poem in an academic context for your reader. Use the first paragraph of your explication to convey the big picture. Try starting with the phrase, "This poem dramatizes the conflict between..." Delve into the details. Use the next few paragraphs to explore various elements of language, syntax, and style. Talk about specific phrases and images; discuss any symbolism that permeates the work; and point out the major "narrative devices" that push the poem toward a powerful conclusion. Explain all of the specific figurative language that shapes the meaning of the poem. | Make an explication chart. Choose a poem. Read the poem. Fill the right-hand column with figurative meanings. Try to understand the poem. First, consider the literal language of the poem. Study the structure and style of the poem. Determine the "rhetorical situation" that the piece describes. Identify figurative language. Notice the diction of the work. Write out your analysis. Begin with the main idea of the poem. Delve into the details. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-a-Dyslexic-Child | How to Teach a Dyslexic Child | To teach a dyslexic child, use a Multi-sensory Structured Language approach, which engages all of the child's senses, making learning more engaging and enjoyable. For this MSL approach, incorporate sand trays, note cards, and music to learn phonics, vocabulary, writing, and spelling. You'll also want to repeat concepts, instructions, and key words often since children with dyslexia can struggle with short-term memory. Additionally, regularly schedule short breaks since it can be hard for the children to stay focused. | Utilize the Multi-sensory Structured Language (MSL) approach. While this method is the gold standard for teaching children with dyslexia, it is beneficial for all children. MSL teaches phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, accuracy and fluency, and writing and spelling. Students are encouraged to use all of their senses (touch, sight, movement, and sound) as part of the learning process. Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, recognize, and use the individual sounds in a word. A child that can identify that the words pat'' , park , and "pump" all start with the same sound would be demonstrating phonemic awareness. Phonics is the relationship between letters and sounds. Knowing what sound the letter "B" makes or that "ph" makes the same sound as the letter "f" is an example of phonics. You can receive MSL training and certification. The International Dyslexia Association and the Institute for Multi-sensory Education provide information about training and certification requirements. Visual cues help individuals with dyslexia to understand written material. Use color on the blackboard or marker board. Write decimals in math problems in a different color. Grade in a color other than red, as red carries a universally negative connotation. Write note cards. This provides something tangible for students to look at while also giving them something to hold. Having them read the note card out loud also engages their motor and auditory skills. Make sand trays. Sand trays are simply tray-like containers that contain sand (or beans or shaving cream). Students can use these to spell words or draw pictures in the sand. This engages their sense of touch. Incorporate fun activities into their learning time. Games and other creative activities get the dyslexic child more involved in the learning process. This makes learning more fun and rewarding, as it gives them a sense of accomplishment. You can use music, songs, and chants to help students learn and remember rules. Be direct and explicit when teaching. Explicit teaching includes describing and modeling the skill, breaking down the skill into steps, providing clear instructions and feedback throughout the process, providing examples and demonstrations, clearly stating the purpose and reasoning behind the skill., and presenting the information in a logical order. This process is done until students master the skill. You should not assume that student has any previous knowledge or understanding of the concept. If you are using explicit teaching to teach a child about the letter "s," you would begin by clearly stating what he or she will be learning that day. You would then demonstrate the sound that the letter "s" makes and have them repeat it back to you. You would then model different words that begin with "s," and have them repeat the words out loud. You may also use songs, chants, or pictures of things that begin with the letter "s." You could ask them to think of some words that start with the letter "s." You would provide constructive feedback throughout the lesson as well. Repeat yourself often. Since dyslexic children may struggle with short-term memory, it is challenging for them to remember what you say. Repeat instructions, key words, and concepts so students are more likely to remember what you say, at least long enough to write it down. When building on new skills, continue to incorporate previously learned information. Repetition will help reinforce older skills and create a connection between concepts. Use diagnostic teaching. You should continually assess how well a student understands what is being taught. If something is not clear, the skill should be retaught. This is an ongoing process. Students with dyslexia often require more time and more intense instruction to learn a concept. If you wanted to teach children phonemic awareness, you might start by giving them some words and asking them to identify all the sounds in the words. You would note the strengths and weaknesses and then develop your lesson and teaching strategy based on the assessment. As you are teaching, you would provide correction and feedback by asking the child questions and noting any progress. You may also conduct small quiz at the end of each day to monitor progress. When you feel the child has learned the skill, you would give them the original assessment and compare the results. If the child has mastered the skill, you would move on to something more difficult. If the child did not master the skill, you would continue to teach the skill. Use time wisely. Dyslexic children often struggle with focusing. Other things may distract them, or they may have a hard time listening to a long lecture or watching a lengthy video. Dyslexic children may also struggle with short-term memory, making it difficult for them to take notes or understand simple instructions. Take your time. Do not rush through a class lecture. Give students time to copy anything written on the board. Make sure dyslexic students understand you before moving on to another section. Incorporate short breaks regularly. A dyslexic child often struggles to sit for long periods of time. Take short breaks throughout the day to divide long lectures. You can also move from activity to activity. For example, lecture, game, back to lecture, followed by a learning activity. Use appropriate time limits. It takes dyslexic children longer to complete assignments other students may have no problem completing. Allow dyslexic students more time to take exams and quizzes and to complete homework so they do not feel rushed. Stick to a daily routine. Schedules help dyslexic children know what to expect and what is coming up next. If possible, post your routine, using both words and images, on a classroom wall for students to refer to. Your daily routine should also include a daily review of previous information. This well help the students connect previous lessons to the lesson you are currently teaching. Utilize other resources. Do not feel like you are the only teacher for a dyslexic student. There are several resources available to help dyslexic children learn. Seek out other teachers, dyslexia specialists, or tutors who have experience working with dyslexic students. You should also ask the child and the parents about preferences, learning styles, and the strengths and weaknesses of the student. Encourage peer tutoring. Peer resources and social support are probably one of the strongest resources you can offer. Students can read aloud to each other, review notes, or conduct lab experiments together. Different forms of technology are a great way to enhance learning. Games, word processors, voice activated software, and digital voice recording can all be very useful for a child with dyslexia. Consider developing an Individual Education Plan (IEP). An IEP is a comprehensive plan that identifies the educational needs of the child, provides specific recommendations, and defines specific curriculum adjustments. The IEP is a collaborative document to ensure that the school supports the needs of the student. This document will also make sure parents, teachers, counselors, and the school are on the same page. The IEP process is long and complex, but it is worth it. If you are a parent, you should talk to someone at your child's school about starting the process. If you are a teacher, let the parents know that you think an IEP would be helpful. Be aware of the child’s self-esteem and emotions. Many children with dyslexia struggle with low self-esteem. They often feel that they are not as smart as other students, or they are perceived as being lazy or problem students. Try to be as encouraging as possible and highlight the strengths the student has as well. Have the student sit close to the teacher. Placing the student near the teacher will help eliminate any distractions and allow the child to focus on their work. Sitting next to extremely talkative children or a noisy hallway may make it more difficult for them to concentrate. This will also make it easier for the teacher to provide extra instruction of necessary. Allow the use of recording devices. Tape recorders can help students overcome reading difficulties. The student can replay instructions and concepts for clarification or reinforcement. If recordings are made available before class, the student can read along as he or she listens to the tape. Provide handouts. Again, since dyslexic children struggle with short-term memory, providing them with some sort of outline as you are lecturing is helpful, especially following long lectures. This well help the child follow along with the lesson, take better notes, and know what to expect.. Use visual cues, such as asterisks and bullets, to highlight important directives or information. Write homework instructions directly on the assignment so the child knows what is expected. It is also beneficial to allow use of reference guides such as alphabet and numbers Use different test taking formats. Because children with dyslexia learn differently, the usual test taking formats may not allow them to demonstrate what they have learned. Children may benefit from oral testing or untimed tests. During an oral test, the test questions are read to the student and the student answers the questions orally. The test questions can be pre-recorded or read at the time of the test. The student's answers could also be recorded for easier grading. Students with dyslexia often have trouble working under pressure and take longer to read questions. Allowing the student ample time to take a test will ensure that student has time to understand the questions, think, and write down an answer. Seeing all of the test questions at once can be overwhelming. Only allowing the student view one test question at a time will help them focus. Decrease the amount of copying. Students with dyslexia need more time to copy information from the board, take notes from lectures, and write instructions for assignments. Teachers can provide lecture notes and written instructions for assignments so the student can focus on the actual information. Teachers may also assign another student to take notes or allow a good note taker to share their notes with the student. Do not focus on the quality of handwriting. Some children with dyslexia may struggle with handwriting because of the fine motor skills it requires. You can change the response format of the question to multiple choice, underlining, or some other form of marking to make it easier for them to answer. Students could also be given extra space to write answers. Emphasis should be placed on the content that the student provides versus how the information looks or is presented. Model organizational structures. Help individuals with dyslexia to develop organizational skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Organization could involve using different folders and dividers to keep track of homework, assignments, and tests. Model these in your classroom, but also encourage them to apply them at home. Students should also be encouraged to use personal assignment planners and calendars to keep track of due dates for assignments, test dates, and other activities they may be involved in. Have them write daily assignments in their assignment book. Check the assignment book before the students leave school to make sure they understand the direction. Modify homework assignments. A one hour assignment for a typical child may take 3 hours for a dyslexic child to complete. This can make the child anxious, stressed, and place an unnecessary burden on them. Instead having the student complete questions 1-20, have the student only answer the odd or even numbered questions. Teachers can also set a time limit for homework each night or only have the student focus on key concepts. Instead of presenting homework assignments through writing, students may be allowed to present information orally, visually, or other ways that they communicate best. | Utilize the Multi-sensory Structured Language (MSL) approach. Be direct and explicit when teaching. Repeat yourself often. Use diagnostic teaching. Use time wisely. Stick to a daily routine. Utilize other resources. Consider developing an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Be aware of the child’s self-esteem and emotions. Have the student sit close to the teacher. Allow the use of recording devices. Provide handouts. Use different test taking formats. Decrease the amount of copying. Do not focus on the quality of handwriting. Model organizational structures. Modify homework assignments. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-Russian-Fast | How to Learn Russian Fast | To learn Russian quickly, try to pick up basic phrases you'll need, such as "Sdrastvooyte" for "Hello" and "Spaseeba" for "Thank you." You can also use an app to help you learn the language, like Duolingo or AccelaStudy, or even set your phone to Russian so you get more familiar with the language. Additionally, try labeling items around your home with the Russian words. You could also sign up for an online class via a university or other provider. | Learn basic courtesy phrases. Since you'll probably be interacting with other Russian speakers, it is helpful to learn simple phrases. Being able to introduce yourself and say please and thank you are important in any location. In Russian, “Hello,” is “Zdrastvooyte” or Здравствуйте “Thank you” is “Spaseeba” or Спасибо “Goodbye” is “Da sveedaneeya” or До свидания! "My name is..." is "Meenya zavoot..." or Меня зовут... "Please" is "Požalujsta" or Пожалуйста "Where...?" is "Gde" or Где Note that Russian has consistent pronunciation. The 33 letters in the Russian alphabet are phonetic, which means they sound the way they look. The pronunciation of these letters is the same no matter what words they are in. This is different from English, which can have several sounds for one letter. Knowing that every letter you see has the same sound helps you speak new words quickly. For example, in English, the letter “c” can sound like the letters “k” and “s” depending on what word it is. In Russian, you always know how to pronounce a word because there is no question about how each letter might sound. Keep in mind that the Russian alphabet is Cyrillic, which means its letters look very different from English. You might want to study a chart of the Russian alphabet in order to start understanding the letters you see. Focus on vowel sounds when learning pronunciation because these are the letters that lend meaning to most Russian words. You want to stretch out the sound of each vowel, such as when you are calling to someone from the other room and you say "Mo-o-o-m!" Use context to build vocabulary. It is helpful to begin learning a language by building your vocabulary. This way, you can quickly pick out words when you hear or read them. An easy way to learn Russian vocabulary is to take the Russian word for something and insert it into a sentence every time you speak it. The Russian word for “rug” is “covyour.” Use “covyour” every time you would say “rug”: “Did you wipe your feet on the covyour?” or “Your covyour looks lovely in this room.” You might put up sticky notes on household items with the names in Russian. Every time you pass that item, you will remember to call it by its Russian word. Use this technique in every place you go regularly—in your car, your locker, your office, etc. Find words adopted from your language. Like many languages, Russian borrows words from other languages. When a language borrows a term, it is called a “cognate.” If you are an English speaker, you may be able to find words that you recognize. For example, there is a section of Russian verbs that is borrowed from English, such as “parkovat” (to park) or “adoptirovat” (to adopt). Parkovat looks like this: парковать Adoptirovat looks like this: адоптировать Change the word order. Russian has some simple elements that, once you know about them, make it easier to learn. For one thing, Russian frequently allows speakers to change the order of words in sentences without losing meaning. Although the order of many phrases is usually generally accepted to be one way, a different order can still be correct. In Russian, the phrase "A cat caught a mouse" can be spoken in six different ways and still be correct. The most common word order of a Russian sentence is subject-verb-object, although grammar rules allow this to be rearranged in nearly any order imaginable. Discover that there are few grammatical exceptions. The great thing about Russian grammar is that there are few exceptions. Once you learn a rule, you don't have to worry about when it might change. There are a lot of rules, but if you learn them one at a time, you will master them. For example, the last letter of a noun in Russian determines what the gender is. The main exception for this rule occurs when a noun has a physical gender, like a human or animal. The word “Папа” looks like it should be feminine. But the word is “daddy,” so this noun is considered masculine. Master basic verb conjugation. In order to understand a language when it is written or spoken, you need to understand the verb forms. Since the conjugation for different subjects (I, you, he, they, we, etc.) will sound and look different, you need to quickly identify them. Knowing the ending of verbs for each type of subject will help you understand faster. For example, in Russian, only one present tense conjugation is used in any present tense scenario in English. In English, you could say I go, I do go, I am going, I have been going. In Russian, there is only one conjugation for all of these. However, don't get bogged down in grammar rules. You will understand them naturally as you begin to speak Russian. Live with a Russian family. If you are able to visit a Russian-speaking country, you should stay in a household where they don't speak your language. This way you are forced to communicate only in Russian. It may take a few months, or longer if you don't have basic understanding of the language. However, being in a situation where you can only communicate in Russian will help you pick it up quickly. Having a basic knowledge of grammar structure and vocabulary is preferable when living in total immersion. This way, you are able to understand most of what you hear, and grow in understanding much more quickly. Move to Russia. If you visit Russia, you may like it. Moving to Russia can also be an option. If you place yourself in total immersion on a more permanent basis, you will be highly motivated to both understand and speak Russian. You will learn quickly so that you can function better in society. It is better to know people before you move to a new country. They will help you find a place to live, make friends, stay safe, and so on. You might want to visit before making the decision to move there. Take an intensive course on Russian in person. Some colleges and community centers offer Russian language courses in their facilities rather than online. Try taking a course where the instructor only speaks Russian. During the class time, you will only hear, read, and speak in Russian. This is a good way to immerse yourself if you don't live in a Russian-speaking area. Look at the course offerings of your local university or community center by visiting their catalog online or giving them a call. Find a tandem partner. If you are unable to go to a Russian-speaking country, a good place to start is to find a Russian tandem partner. Tandem partnering means that you meet with a native speaker on a regular basis. They teach you Russian, and you teach them your language. Keep in mind that while this arrangement is free, it doesn't mean it will be easy. Your partner may not be good at teaching, and vice versa. You should study when not with your partner so that you don't forget what you learn each time. Use any study method you know of, whether a Russian language textbook, workbook, website, app, and so on. Have your partner teach you verb structure, vocabulary, and quiz you on everything you learn. Try to have as many conversations in Russian as you can. Surround yourself with Russian media. Another way to practice immersion if you can't go to a Russian-speaking country is to immerse yourself at home. Make all your media be in Russian. Find Russian radio stations online, watch Russian-speaking movies and TV shows, listen to Russian music, and so on. You can look into changing your computer, tablet, and smartphone language settings to Russian. Whenever you see an option to translate a website, choose to translate it into Russian. Read only in Russian. To help with visually understanding the Russian language, try to read only in Russian. Purchase newspapers, books, and magazines only in Russian. Go onto Russian websites and read web articles and webzines in Russian. Try changing the language settings on your social media to Russian. For example, you can change your Facebook language to Russian by clicking “Settings,” then “Language” in the upper right hand corner after signing in. Learning the sounds of the Russian alphabet is helpful for reading the language. Practice writing in Russian. Being able to write in Russian is proof that you are learning it. Whenever you have the chance, write down your thoughts in Russian. A class will provide this opportunity and give you feedback. If you're not in a class, try finding a Russian speaker to write letters or emails with. You could also try texting or having instant message chats with a Russian speaker to test your Russian writing skills. Find a reliable website. You can use language learning websites and smartphone apps to help you master Russian quickly. Consider a Russian language learning website. Most of these websites are free. You can go onto most of them and click the links to find vocabulary, verb conjugations, the alphabet, helpful phrases, and so on. The trouble with using a website instead of a class is that you have no clear instruction about where to start and where to go next so that you're not learning in a logical, organized manner. Language-learning websites are free, but they can be confusing. Sign up for an online class. There are both free and paid Russian classes available online. Some of them are low cost, and some are available through online universities. Some universities that offer Russian courses include Cornell and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). UCLA offers business and literature podcasts in Russian. These are good options for increasing your exposure to spoken Russian. Download a language-learning app. There are several apps for smartphones and tablets that claim to teach Russian, and many of them are free. For example, the app AccelaStudy claims to teach Russian in a very short time frame. Other apps include Duolingo, Memrise, and Learn Russian. Apps make language learning mobile. Don't rely too much on apps. They're great for learning basic grammar and vocabulary, but you'll need to go beyond apps to really learn how to speak and understand Russian. Meet a native speaker online. Use technology to its advantage. Find someone to teach you Russian over teleconference. If you already know someone who speaks Russian, just ask them to start video chatting so you learn from them. You might also look for a language partner in online forums or social media. For example, you could ask your friends on Facebook if they know anyone who speaks Russian who would be willing to teach you on video chat. Join social media groups. You could join a group on on Facebook or in Google plus, or any social media platform that has groups. You might be able to find a group of people who are also interested in learning Russian. Go to the search bar in any social media and type in “Russian language groups.” Join the group, and as soon as you have permission, post a public message about your desire to learn Russian from someone in the group. | Learn basic courtesy phrases. Note that Russian has consistent pronunciation. Use context to build vocabulary. Find words adopted from your language. Change the word order. Discover that there are few grammatical exceptions. Master basic verb conjugation. Live with a Russian family. Move to Russia. Take an intensive course on Russian in person. Find a tandem partner. Surround yourself with Russian media. Read only in Russian. Practice writing in Russian. Find a reliable website. Sign up for an online class. Download a language-learning app. Meet a native speaker online. Join social media groups. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Money-Order | How to Get a Money Order | Before getting a money order, you need to know exactly how much the amount will be for. Visit your bank, post office, or a local grocery or convenience store to purchase your money order. When you purchase it, tell the store how much money you want the money order to be for, and then pay them in cash, debit, or credit depending on their policy. To fill out the money order, write the name of the person or business you're paying in the “Payee” space and sign the document. | Decide on the amount of the money order. Many establishments will ask you to pay for the money order in cash. In some cases you will be able to pay with a credit or debit card. Go to your bank. If you have a bank account, the easiest way to obtain a money order is to go to the teller and ask for one. Some banks may charge a small fee, but many offer money orders for free. Some banks offer cashier's checks, which are similar to money orders. Make sure the recipient will accept a cashier's check before buying one instead of a money order. Banks offer the benefit of keeping a record of your money order purchase, which could come in handy in the event that the money order gets lost. Try local businesses. Drugstores, grocery stores, and places like Walmart offer money orders for a fee. Visit a few different places and choose the one with the lowest fee. Some establishments have a limit on the amount of the money order. If there is a cap, simply purchase more than one money order until you have the total amount you need. Try the post office. Money orders issued by the United States Postal Service are usually replaceable if they are lost, stolen or damaged. The following benefits also apply to money orders purchased from the USPS: They can be purchased with debit cards. They are cashable in 29 other countries. Consider purchasing a money order online. If you'd rather not purchase a money order in person, an online vendor might be a convenient choice. However, online companies usually charge steeper fees than local establishments. The leading online money order company is Payko, which caps daily money order purchases at just $200. Try a money-oriented establishment. Western Union, credit unions, and other places that handle money usually issue money orders. Check to be sure the amount is correct. The establishment that issued your money order will have printed the amount on the money order slip. Double check to make sure it's right before you end the transaction. Decide where to fill out the money order. You may want to fill out the money order on the spot, rather than carrying it to another location. If the money order lands in someone else's hands before it is filled out, that person could fill in their own name and cash it. If you do carry the blank money order to another location, keep in in a safe place on your person. When you get home, put it in a place where it won't get lost. Fill in the "payee" blank. The first blank to fill in will say "Pay to the Order of" or "Payee." This is where you write the name of the person or company to whom you are giving the money order. Use black or blue non-eraseable ink to fill out the money order. Fill in your personal information. Some money orders will have a space for you to fill in your name and address or other information. If you wish to fill this out, do so in blue or black ink. Fill in transaction information. You may want to add details about the nature of the transaction, such as the name of the item you are paying for. Sign the money order. If there's a space for you to sign the money order, you may do so, although it can still be cashed without your signature. First make a copy. Since money orders are often used to pay people you may not know well, it's good to keep a personal record of the money order in case a problem arises. Make a copy of the money order and file it with your financial records. Keep it with the receipt that came with your money order. Hand it over in person. The best way to pay with a money order is to give it directly to the recipient. This eliminates the chance that it will get lost or tampered with by a third party. Mail it in a business envelope. If you're mailing a money order, make sure it's in a security envelope, rather than a letter envelope. Packaging it discreetly will prevent someone else from getting curious and attempting to tamper with the money order. | Decide on the amount of the money order. Go to your bank. Try local businesses. Try the post office. Consider purchasing a money order online. Try a money-oriented establishment. Check to be sure the amount is correct. Decide where to fill out the money order. Fill in the "payee" blank. Fill in your personal information. Fill in transaction information. Sign the money order. First make a copy. Hand it over in person. Mail it in a business envelope. |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.