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https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Toilet-with-Coke | How to Clean a Toilet with Coke | To clean a toilet with Coke, pour 1-2 cups of Coke into a glass, and bring the glass into the bathroom. Then, pour the Coke over the stains around the bowl of the toilet, coating the walls while it flows into the water. Let the soda sit in the toilet for at least an hour to break down the stains, and then flush the toilet to wash away the stains with the Coke. Repeat as needed until the stains are eliminated! | Measure out a cup or two of Coke. Open a bottle or can of Coke. You won't need much to clean your toilet — a standard-sized soda can contains 12 fluid ounces (1.5 cups), which should be plenty. If you have a bigger container of Coke, measure about this much and pour it into a glass. Coke works as a cleaner because of the gentle carbonic and phosphoric acid it contains. These chemicals come from the carbonation, not from the flavorings in the soda, so Diet Coke works just as well as regular Coke. This also means that club soda and many other carbonated beverages can be substituted for Coke (though these are rarely as cheap). Pour the Coke into the bowl. Pour the Coke around the rim of the bowl. Let it flow over the stains below. Be sure to give all the stains a good even coating of Coke — it will appear to wash into the bottom of the bowl, but a thin coat will remain on the stain. For stains high in the bowl that is hard to reach, try soaking an old rag in Coke and applying it by hand. You can also use a spray bottle filled with Coke if you prefer not to get your hands dirty. Let the Coke sit. Patience is key. The longer you let the Coke sit, the more of a chance you give the acids in the Coke to break down the stains. Try to let the Coke sit for at least an hour without disturbing it. For extra cleaning power, pour the Coke in before you go to bed and let it sit in the toilet overnight. Flush. While you let the Coke sit, the acids will slowly loosen the built-up stains in the bowl. Now, flush the toilet once. The loosened stains should be (at least partially) rinsed away with the toilet water. Repeat as needed. At this point, you can see how well the Coke was able to remove the stains. While Coke usually works well for the sorts of rings and built-up mineral stains that are common problems in toilets, it may not completely eliminate every stain. If desired, simply re-apply a second layer of Coke and repeat the process. If your stains just won't seem to go away with a second application of Coke, check out the section below, which has suggestions for especially hard-to-remove toilet stains. Use lots of scrubbing. A good old-fashioned toilet brush is your best bet if simple flushing won't remove your stains. The mechanical action of a brush (or a similar item, like an abrasive pad) will further loosen built-up stains and help remove them from the walls of the bowl after you've treated them with Coke. Be sure to wash your hands after scrubbing and wear gloves if germs make you squeamish. For best results, scrub before and after using the Coke. In other words: Open the bowl and scrub the stains with the brush. Apply the Coke. Let the Coke sit. Scrub once again with the brush and flush to rinse the stains away. Use heat. In general, chemical reactions happen much more quickly at high temperatures. The acid reactions that allow Coke to remove stains from toilet bowls are no exception. For difficult stains, try heating up your Coke in the microwave before you apply it to the bowl. It doesn't need to be boiling, but for best results, it should be hot to the touch, so use caution when handling the hot Coke. Never microwave soda (or any liquid) in a sealed container or a container made of metal. This can lead to dangerous explosions of hot liquid. Instead, pour the soda into a microwave-safe glass (like one made of glass or ceramic), then microwave it. Heating Coke will make it fizz slightly more than normal, so you may want to wear gloves to avoid getting splashed with tiny drops of soda. Use Coke along with other household cleaners. While Coke can remove many stains, it's not always the absolute best cleaning agent for the job. For very difficult stains, you may want to try pairing it with other cleaning solutions. Here are some other cleaning methods you can try with items around the house: Try mixing 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) jug of water. Apply the mixture to the toilet bowl, scrubbing and waiting an hour before flushing. Follow with Coke treatment as needed. For mold, try mixing one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a spray bottle. Spray it onto the moldy surface, let sit at least one hour, and scrub until the mold dissolves. Use Coke to remove any residual stains or scaling around the moldy spot. Try mixing two parts borax with one part lemon juice and one part Coke for another versatile cleaning agent. Apply the mix to the toilet bowl, let it rest an hour, then scrub off the stains. Know when Coke isn't the best choice. Coke is suitable for most of the mineral deposits and rings that commonly occur in toilets. However, it won't always work for rarer stains, so other solutions are sometimes necessary. See below: Coke isn't great for removing oil, fat, or grease-based stains. For these, you're better off using dish soap, detergent, or a stronger acid like vinegar. Coke isn't great at killing germs. In fact, the sugary residue left behind by regular Coke can actually feed certain types of bacteria. Stick to soap, a commercial cleaning solution, or an alcohol-based sanitizer to kill microorganisms. Coke won't remove stains caused by inks, dyes, or pigments. Rubbing alcohol and other chemical solvents are often the best choice here. | Measure out a cup or two of Coke. Pour the Coke into the bowl. Let the Coke sit. Flush. Repeat as needed. Use lots of scrubbing. Use heat. Use Coke along with other household cleaners. Know when Coke isn't the best choice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Good-Grades-in-Economics | How to Get Good Grades in Economics | There are a few simple study habits you can adopt to help you get better grades in economics. First off, try to do your economics homework as soon as possible after you get it, even though it can be tempting to put it off. That way, if you don't understand something, you have plenty of time to talk to your professor or teaching assistant to get some help. You also want to be studying regularly throughout the semester and not just when you have an exam coming up. Review your notes after class each day along with any graded homework you get back. Studying regularly like this will leave you much more prepared for your exams than if you were to cram at the last minute. When it's time to take an exam, immediately write down any important formulas and key terms you studied so you can refer back to them during your test. As long as you keep up on your homework, get help when you need it, and study regularly, you can do it! | Develop an understanding of economic theories, history, and practice. When starting to study economics, immerse yourself in existing academic literature on the topic. Browse your library's economics section. Read newspapers like The Financial Times or magazines like The Economist. Renowned economics blogs like Economist's View or Grasping Reality are good sources for up-to-date information. Ask a librarian if you need assistance finding the economics section. Podcasts are a great way to gain entrance into economics. For example, you could listen to NPR's Planet Money. Economic books that are written for the masses and are easier to understand include Freakonomics, The Naked Economist, and The Armchair Economist. Watch the news. The economy is tied to political decisions, the environment, weather, and social movements. Stay up-to-date on what is happening in the world. Try to gather a range of perspectives. Although you might favor CNN, check out Fox News occasionally. If you are based in the U.S., be sure to access non-American sources as well. The BBC or Al-Jazeera offer English-language programming. For econ-specific programs, check out the following: CNN's Richard Quest offers the business oriented show "Quest Means Business." CNBC offers the programs Kudlow's Corner and Mad Money with Jim Cramer. Fox Business provides EMac's Bottom Line. Attend on-campus lectures. When prominent economists visit your campus, attend their talks. This will give you insight into new developments in the field. Although the knowledge you acquire might not be related directly to your next test, you might be able to use an example from a lecture in an essay question. It is likely that some concepts about which you've learned (e.g. supply and demand) will come out in the lecture. Hearing concepts applied to practical situations will help cement your knowledge. Prepare before class. Read all assigned readings. Write down any new vocabulary, theories, models, graphs, or measures. Notate any questions you might have. Read an article's introduction and conclusion carefully. Authors often use the introduction to outline the lecture's material. The conclusion could serve as a summary and help you see if you missed anything. Plan to spend two hours of studying for every one hour in class. Sit toward the front. When taking your economics classes, try to sit in the front of the classroom. Your teacher is more likely to see you, recognize you, and be willing to help you. Additionally, there will be fewer distractions (e.g. other people's laptops) to keep you from the lecture. Take good notes. When your professor is giving a lecture, take thorough notes. While you don't need to copy every word she says, try to craft an outline of her ideas. Create a wide lefthand margin for summarizing content. Fill in each segment with sub-points and facts. Write down any important definitions. Leave a smaller righthand margin for your own thoughts on the material. If your professor says, “this will be on the exam,” take note! If your professor provides a PowerPoint, fill in the presentation with extra details. It is unlikely she will give you all the information upfront. Taking notes by hand is actually better for memory retention than taking notes on a laptop. If you have time, take notes by hand and later type them. Draw your own versions of graphs. When your professor draws a graph to illustrate a concept on the blackboard, draw your own version. Even if she gives you a print out, practice drawing and labeling the graph. You likely will need to reproduce this skill later. Focus on the connection between ideas that your professor is explaining or has mentioned previously. Aim to understand the logic between numbers in a mathematical problem. If you don't understand the concept, draw a question mark in your notes and ask a classmate or your TA later. Participate in class. You are more likely to remember what happened in class if you participate. Ask questions when you have them. Answer questions that you know. Engage in debates. Offer to draw graphs. Many classes have a participation grade but even if they don't, being an active learner will help you get better grades. Use class time to clarify misunderstandings about the material being covered rather than to ask logistical questions. For example, rather than asking "What's the reading for next week?," look at your syllabus. A good question would be, "Could you please explain how you produced that figure? I did not quite understand." Be a smart test-taker. When you get your exam, immediately write down any formulas, theories, or key terms that you think you might want to recall during the test. Read the entire test and pay attention to how many points are given to each section. Read all directions slowly and carefully. Then begin with questions about which you feel confident. Keep in mind requirements for your writing equipment. If you must use a pen, do so. Look to see if any questions are similar to questions you went over in class. When answering multiple choice or true or false questions, look out for words like "never, sometimes, always, or none." Be sure your answer fits an answer for whichever word is included. For essay questions, be sure to include a graph if one is asked for. Follow the directions carefully. If the prompt says to "explain" something, do so. If it asks you to draw a diagram and identify certain markers, do this as well. Write legibly and budget your time wisely. Review your notes after class. The day after your class, review your notes. If you wrote them by hand, make sure you can read your writing. If not, correct it. It is easier to correct poor penmanship earlier than after you have forgotten what you have written. Quiz yourself on any new key terms. Use highlighters, colored pens, pencils, and sticky notes to highlight important points. Analyze graphs thoroughly. Look at the units of measurement for each axis. What is the relationship between the axes? What concept is the graph trying to explain (e.g. supply and demand curves)? Why do the lines slope in the directions they do? Complete homework assignments early. Although you likely are busy, aim to get your homework done in advance. This way, if you have questions, you can ask your professor or teaching assistant (TA) before your homework is due. If you complete your homework at the last minute, do not expect your TA to email you back at 3 a.m. When doing your assigned reading, create questions before you read based on the main concepts you are discussing in class or the theme the reading should address. Read while seeking answers to those questions. Study for exams gradually. By reviewing your notes, you are inadvertently studying for future exams. Continue this process by reviewing graded homework assignments when receiving them. Ask your teachers about any confusion you have regarding answers that you did not get right. If your teachers do not discuss the test format, ask. Request information on what types of questions will be ask and how many points will be allotted to each section. Create a study guide. Bring together the main ideas from each homework assignment, quiz, or paper. Explain each concept in writing. Share your guide with a classmate to check whether your understandings of the material are the same. Define the top five or six key terms per chapter. Write down the key ideas and draw the most essential graph of each chapter. Give examples of a numerical problem and an algebraic problem. Use different amounts and numbers than the examples given in class. Write your own exam questions and practice answering them. Make flashcards for vocabulary terms. Hire a tutor. If you are having trouble understanding economics, consider hiring a tutor for extra individual help. Visit office hours. Your professor and TAs have office hours: use them. If you have any questions, bring them to office hours. Attending office hours is a good way to build a professional relationship with your instructors as well. Perhaps you would like to develop your own economics research project. Your instructor is more likely to mentor you if he knows you. Do not expect your professors to be available 24/7 via email or phone. Office hours exist for a reason and email does not supplant the function of office hours. Keep your goals in mind. When studying for a difficult exam or doing a tedious homework assignment, remember why you are studying economics. Perhaps you want to work for the National Economic Council at the White House. Maybe you want to be a college professor yourself some day. Having a list near your desk of what you want to achieve with your economic knowledge will help you stay motivated. Start a study group. One way to remember the information you learn is to communicate it to others. Gather a few classmates and form a study group. You can quiz each other before exams and practice applying theories to case studies. Try to form a group of students with similar academic abilities. This will optimize your study time and ability to assist one another. Aim for no more than six people in your group. Larger groups tend to lose focus more easily. Apply your economic knowledge to everyday situations. The great thing about studying economics is that it is relevant to your everyday life. For example, you can apply the concept of scarcity to your budget. Resources are not unlimited and you need to plan for their use. Look for moments while shopping or planning your money when you can apply economic theories. You could use the theory of marginal utility, or buying goods that give you the highest pleasure for the cost. For example, you could spend $10 on an economics handbook or $10 on a movie ticket. While you might enjoy the movie for two hours, the handbook could help you receive an A in economics, which could lead to graduate school, and a promising career. The lasting returns of the handbook are higher. Diminishing returns works when considering whether to get a second latte, for example. The first latte might have tasted wonderful. It cost $3.50 and was worth every cent to you. You would like a little more but probably would only drink ⅓ of the second drink, which also will cost $3.50. The utility (satisfaction) of the second latte is considerably lower so it is not a wise decision to purchase one. Tutor a younger student. When studying economics, one way to solidify your knowledge of the basics is to review previous material by tutoring younger students. If you are a junior, for example, consider tutoring a first year college student. This will also be economically beneficial in the sense that you will earn money. | Develop an understanding of economic theories, history, and practice. Watch the news. Attend on-campus lectures. Prepare before class. Sit toward the front. Take good notes. Participate in class. Be a smart test-taker. Review your notes after class. Analyze graphs thoroughly. Complete homework assignments early. Study for exams gradually. Create a study guide. Visit office hours. Keep your goals in mind. Start a study group. Apply your economic knowledge to everyday situations. Tutor a younger student. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Net-Sales | How to Calculate Net Sales | To calculate your net sales, start by figuring out your gross sales, which will be the total of all invoices you've submitted to clients in the relevant period. Then, deduct sales returns, which occur when products are returned by the buyer, and sales allowances, such as a price reduction due to poor quality. If you offered any sales discounts, subtract them as well. Finish by recording the figure you have after these deductions as your net sales. Finally, use your net sales to create an income statement that includes other revenues. | Review the net sales formula. Sales represents the total units you sold, multiplied by the sale price per unit. The formula for net sales is (Gross sales) less (Sales returns, allowances and discounts). Net sales is important to the people who read and use your financial statements. Your gross sales are total sales before any adjustments. The net sales total is the most precise figure for the sales that your firm generates. Sales generate revenue. Revenue is defined as the amount of money a business receives in a period. Most of the revenue generated by a business is from selling a product or service. Your company can also generate revenue from non-sales activities, such as selling a building or a piece of machinery. Use the accrual method of accounting for your sales. The accrual method recognizes revenue when it is earned and expenses when they are incurred. Since sales generate revenue, you should post sales using the accrual method. You can recognize revenue from sales when you send an invoice to the client, or when you physically deliver the product. Every company has a policy for recognizing sales revenue. This accounting method matches revenue with expenses. It is a better indicator of company profit than the cash method of accounting. The cash method recognizes revenue when cash is received. Expenses are posted when cash is paid. Only publicly traded companies are required to use the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) accrual method of accounting. Many smaller, private companies prefer the simplicity of the cash method. Compute gross sales. Gross sales is the total amount of products and services sold during a period of time. You can think of gross sales as the total dollar amount of invoices that you sent to clients. Invoices are sent to request payment for a sale. Subtract sales returns. A sales return occurs when a customer returns merchandise to you. Typically, a sales return happens when the goods are defective or damaged. If you buy a pair of pants and notice that the stitching is coming apart, for example, you would expect to return the item for a full refund. Assume you have $50,000 in returns. Account for sales allowances. A sales allowance is a reduction in price charged by the seller. The reduction could be due to a problem with the goods sold. For example, the quality of the items sold did not meet the seller's standards. If there is a mistake in the number of items shipped, or an error in the sale price, the seller may post a sales allowance. Say that sales allowances total $40,000. Post a sales discount. A sales discount is a reduction in the sale price, in exchange for an early payment from the buyer. In this case, the seller would prefer to collect cash early, even the cash received is less that the amount billed to the customer. Offering sales discounts can improve the company's cash flow. Assume that sales discounts total $60,000. Calculate net sales. Assume that your gross sales total $1,000,000. You have $50,000 in sales returns, $40,000 in sales allowances and $60,000 in sales discounts. Your net sales would be ($1,000,000 - $50,000 - $40,000 - $60,000 = $850,000). Record net sales in the general ledger. Typically, a company records gross sales, followed by discounts and deductions, followed by net sales. Generate income statements. On a regular basis, the company should generate income statements from the records in the general ledger. These present revenue, expenses, and the difference between them: net income or profit. Net sales should be added to other revenue when generating the income statement. Analyze the income statement to make business decisions. You can compare the results in income statement to the amounts you budgeted for the period. This analysis can help you make informed business decisions to improve your company. If net sales were lower than budgeted, you may consider lowering your sales price to attract more customers. | Review the net sales formula. Use the accrual method of accounting for your sales. Compute gross sales. Subtract sales returns. Account for sales allowances. Post a sales discount. Calculate net sales. Record net sales in the general ledger. Generate income statements. Analyze the income statement to make business decisions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Dog-Bite-Wounds-on-Dogs | How to Treat Dog Bite Wounds on Dogs | To treat dog bite wounds on a dog, take it to a vet immediately if it's bleeding heavily, breathing rapidly or shallowly, or if it seems weak or loses consciousness. On your way to the vet, apply pressure to the wound with a sterile gauze swab or a piece of cotton fabric. If your dog isn't bleeding and it seems alert, you may be able to treat the wound at home. To treat the wound at home, clip the fur around it and rinse the wound with a saline or saltwater solution. | If your dog is bleeding heavily, take him to the vet. Blood pumping from the wound is a sign that an artery or large vein has been damaged. The blood vessel may need to be ligated (tied off) in a surgical procedure done by your vet. Use a sterile gauze swab to apply pressure to the wound. Do this as a first aid measure on the way to the vet. You will find sterile gauze swabs in a first aid kit. If you don't have a first aid kit handy, you can use an article of clothing like a cotton t-shirt, diaper, or maxi pad to create a compress and press it against the wound with sufficient pressure to stop the bleeding. After 5 minutes, cautiously lift the compress up. If the bleeding starts again, replace the pad and hold it in place until you arrive at the vet clinic. Use a cotton t-shirt rather than a wool sweater or anything fuzzy, as fibers from these materials can get into the wound. Check your dog to see if they have rapid, shallow breathing. This is a possible indication of shock, which can be life-threatening in it's own right, or that a tooth has penetrated into your dog's chest and is allowing air to enter the thoracic cavity. Take them to the vet clinic as soon as possible, as this serious injury needs immediate medical attention. If you can see a wound over your dog's ribs, place a pad (a sterile gauze swab or a folded cotton t-shirt) over the wound and either hold it there, or secure it in place with a tie or belt, tied around the dog's chest. You are trying to seal off the hole to prevent air from entering your dog's chest and causing his lungs to collapse. If your dog displays any weakness, pale gums, or loses consciousness, take him to the vet. There are all signs of possible shock or internal bleeding. Stop any obvious hemorrhage with sterile gauze or a cotton pad, cover the dog with a coat or blanket to keep him warm, and make your way to the vet clinic. Search for any large wounds or flaps of skin on your dog. If your dog was shaken in the jaws of their attacker, a large wound or skin flap may have been torn away from the underlying tissues. Use sachets of sterile saline from a first aid kit to flush the wound. If you do not have access to a first aid kit with saline, you can make a salt water solution. Use 16 ounces of previously boiled water and stir in one teaspoon of salt. Allow the solution to cool to body temperature and then soak cotton wool in the salt water, and use it to clean your dog's injuries. If you do not have access to sterile saline or time to make a salt water solution and your dog's wound warrants a trip to the vet, don't worry about this step. Your vet will be sure to thoroughly flush the area. Clean any wounds as best as you can before heading to the vet. To clean the wound, snip the corner off a saline sachet and squirt the fluid over the wound. This flushes away contaminants and reduces the risk of infection setting in. Reserve a small volume of saline and use it to moisten the sterile dressing pad in the first aid kit. Place the moist dressing pad over the wound and bandage it in place. This keeps the exposed tissue moist on the way to the clinic and in optimal condition for suturing. If your dog is bright, alert, and the wound is not bleeding, you can clean the wound at home. A nip or skin wound is fine to treat at home. Once you clean the wound, you can contact your vet to confirm if the dog should be brought in to be checked. Clip the fur around the wound. To see the full extent of the damage, use a pair of scissors, ideally with curved blades, to trim the hair away from the wound edges. Start trimming at the wound edge and snip around the area until the whole wound is exposed. Repeat this for all the bite wounds you can see. Keep the blades parallel to the dog's skin, and look carefully to make sure you are not about to snip any skin. You may want to keep the scissors a fraction of an inch above the dog's skin to prevent accidental injury. Curved scissors help you to avoid accidental snips because the blade curves away from the skin. You can improvise with a pair of nail scissors if you do not have curved scissors. If you use a small pair of regular scissors, work with the tips rather than the whole blade for finer control. Bathe the wound in saline solution. Saline solution is ideal because it is gentle on the exposed tissue and will not dry it out. If you do not have access to a first aid kit with saline, you can make a salt water solution. Use 16 ounces of previously boiled water and stir in one teaspoon of salt. Allow the solution to cool to body temperature and then soak cotton wool in the salt water, and use it to clean the injuries. Ask someone to assist you as you clean your dog’s wound. Your dog will likely wiggle around and get jumpy or cranky as you try to assess and clean the bite, so ask a friend or neighbor to hold his head to steady him. If you cannot get someone to assist you, use a tie or cord as a muzzle. To do this, wind the tie around and around his muzzle with his mouth shut, and then tie the ends on themselves. If your dog has puncture wounds, bring him to the vet. Puncture wounds are usually circular and measure less than a quarter of an inch across. These wounds are inflicted by the attacker's canine teeth and do not always need to be sutured as they may heal on their own. But it's best to get the puncture wound checked by a vet, because sometimes there is a pocket of dead space beneath the puncture. Dead Space occurs when the skin is wrenched away from the underlying tissues and is no longer attached. This forms a pocket, into which seepage of serum, or pus, can prevent healing. Dead Space may need surgical attention to tack it down, in order for the wound to heal. Ask your vet to assess the extent of the bite and determine if sutures are needed. If the wound does not need suturing, you can expect it to scab over, and a week or so later the scab will peel away to reveal healed tissue underneath. Check the scabbed area every day to ensure it is dry and there is no pus present. Daily bathing with a cotton wool ball soaked in saline helps to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. If the area starts to swell, or pus is discharging from the wound, consult with your vet. Allow your vet to suture the wound. Wounds longer than half an inch may need suturing. This can often be done under sedation and local anesthetic, unless the dog is aggressive or the wound in a difficult to access,in which case general anesthesia is required. Your veterinarian freshens the wound edges to provide a healthy healing surface and then places sutures. These stay in place for 10-14 days and can be removed without sedation, since it is a non painful procedure to snip the suture and pull it out. Check the sutures every day to make sure the area is dry, there is no pus discharge and it is not swollen. If the wound gets muddy, keep it clean by gently bathing it with cotton wool soaked in salty water. Make sure your dog can not lick at the wound, which may mean covering the wound with a T-shirt or putting a buster collar on the dog. If the wound becomes red, swollen, or there is a pus discharge, check in with your vet. Get pain relief medication from your vet. Your dog is likely to be bruised and sore, and 4- 5 days of pain relief will be a much needed kindness for him. Usually, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are supplied. These act by inhibiting the release of chemical messengers (cyclooxygenases) in the body that encourage inflammation and pain. This medication will come as a liquid and should be given with or after food in order to reduce the risk of gastric ulceration. The dose is 0.1mg/kg given orally once a day. A typical dose is 1 milliliter (0.034 fl oz) of meloxicam (1.5mg/ml strength) for each 15 kg of body weight. Only give pain relievers that are prescribed for dogs by your veterinarian. Some pain medications can be deadly for pets. Ask your vet if antibiotics are needed. Depending on the vet, they may or may not prescribe antibiotics, but dog bites are not sterile so antibiotics are a wise precaution. A broad spectrum antibiotic like a potentiated amoxycillin can work against the bugs commonly found in a dog's mouth. This antibiotic acts by interfering with the bacterial metabolism and also disrupts their cell membrane. A typical dose is 12.5mg/kg twice a day orally for 5-7 days. So, for example, a 20 kg dog takes a 250mg tablet twice a day. | If your dog is bleeding heavily, take him to the vet. Use a sterile gauze swab to apply pressure to the wound. Check your dog to see if they have rapid, shallow breathing. If your dog displays any weakness, pale gums, or loses consciousness, take him to the vet. Search for any large wounds or flaps of skin on your dog. Use sachets of sterile saline from a first aid kit to flush the wound. Clean any wounds as best as you can before heading to the vet. If your dog is bright, alert, and the wound is not bleeding, you can clean the wound at home. Clip the fur around the wound. Bathe the wound in saline solution. Ask someone to assist you as you clean your dog’s wound. If your dog has puncture wounds, bring him to the vet. Ask your vet to assess the extent of the bite and determine if sutures are needed. Allow your vet to suture the wound. Get pain relief medication from your vet. Ask your vet if antibiotics are needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Blood-Stains-from-Silk-Fabric | How to Remove Blood Stains from Silk Fabric | To remove a blood stain from silk fabric, start by laying the stained item flat and blotting it with a paper towel or cloth until no more blood is coming up. Then, mix a solution of 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of cold water, put your salt solution in a spray bottle or on a clean cloth, and apply the solution to the stain. Next, blot the fabric with a dry cloth and repeat the process until you can't remove any more blood, and finish by rinsing with cold water. | Lay the stained silk item on a flat surface. Blot the excess blood with a cloth or paper towel. Do not rub, just blot so as not to spread the blood stain. Repeat the blotting process until you cannot get anymore of the blood. Make sure to change the cloth when needed. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of cold water and put the solution in a spray bottle. Spray the salt solution on the blood stain. If you don't have a spray bottle, get a clean cloth, dip it into the salt solution and blot it on the stained area. If you are working on a large stain, start on the edges and work your way towards the center; this is a strategy to contain the stain and to prevent it from spreading. Blot the area with a dry cloth, Repeat the spraying and blotting process until the blood stain is gone or the cloth is not absorbing anymore blood. Rinse the affected area with cold water. Launder the silk item as you normally would. Lay it flat on a dry towel and allow it to air dry. When the silk fabric is dry and the blood stain is still visible, do the removal method for tough blood stains. Lay the silk item on a flat surface. Mix 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dish-washing detergent (in powder form) and 8 parts water to make a wet spotter and store the solution in a plastic squeeze bottle. Shake the bottle well before every use. Moisten an absorbent pad with the wet spotter. Cover the blood stain with the absorbent pad. Keep it there until it is no longer picking up any more of the stain. Repeat this process until the stain is gone. Make sure to use a new absorbent pad every time. Flush the affected area with cold water. Launder the silk as you normally would. Lay it flat on a dry towel and allow it to air dry. | Lay the stained silk item on a flat surface. Blot the excess blood with a cloth or paper towel. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of cold water and put the solution in a spray bottle. Spray the salt solution on the blood stain. Blot the area with a dry cloth, Repeat the spraying and blotting process until the blood stain is gone or the cloth is not absorbing anymore blood. Rinse the affected area with cold water. Launder the silk item as you normally would. Lay it flat on a dry towel and allow it to air dry. Lay the silk item on a flat surface. Mix 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dish-washing detergent (in powder form) and 8 parts water to make a wet spotter and store the solution in a plastic squeeze bottle. Moisten an absorbent pad with the wet spotter. Cover the blood stain with the absorbent pad. Flush the affected area with cold water. Launder the silk as you normally would. Lay it flat on a dry towel and allow it to air dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Dental-Problems-in-Gerbils | How to Treat Dental Problems in Gerbils | If your gerbil is losing weight, drooling, refusing to open its mouth, or not eating, you should schedule an appointment with your vet since these are usually signs of a dental problem. Your vet might suggest trimming your gerbil's teeth if they have grown too long and are causing problems. This is usually done using a specialized dental drill or bone file but may require sedation if your gerbil's teeth are really overgrown. To prevent your gerbil's teeth overgrowing again, you should schedule regular teeth trimmings with your vet. | Look at your gerbil’s teeth. Gerbils' teeth continue to grow throughout their lives. To keep their teeth from growing too long, gerbils need to gnaw or chew on something. If your gerbil doesn't have much to chew or gnaw on, or is old and cannot chew very well, his teeth will begin to overgrow. Sometimes, your gerbil may have broken or missing teeth. You may notice that your gerbil's teeth do not align well with each other. This can cause the incisors and/or cheek teeth (teeth in the back of the mouth) to overgrow. Overgrown incisors look like tusks. Pick up your gerbil to detect weight loss. With dental problems, your gerbil may not be able to eat very well, causing him to lose weight. If you are used to picking him up every day, you will probably be able to tell if he has lost weight. If he feels a bit lighter, but looks otherwise healthy (e.g., bright eyes, alert), he probably has a dental problem. Watch for signs of dental problems. Other than weight loss, you will notice other changes with your gerbil if he has dental problems. For example, he may begin drooling because he can't chew his food properly. He may also start preferring soft foods over hard foods, or stop eating completely. Your gerbil may not want to open his mouth, and might shy away from you when you touch his head. Take your gerbil to your vet. Since your gerbil's dental problems could cause serious health issues, you should take him to your vet when you notice any signs of dental problems. Your vet will be able to take a closer look in your gerbil's mouth and come up with a treatment plan. Allow your vet to trim your gerbil’s teeth. If your gerbil's teeth are overgrown, your vet will need to trim them. They will use specialized dental tools so they can trim the teeth and even out any sharp or uneven surfaces on the teeth. For example, your vet will use a dental drill or bone file to smoothen the teeth's edges. If your gerbil's teeth are really overgrown, your vet would need to sedate your gerbil for the teeth trimming. Do not attempt to trim your gerbil's teeth at home! Not only would this be painful for your gerbil, but you may also worsen his dental problems. Schedule regular teeth trimmings. Since your gerbil's teeth are always growing, you may need to take him to your vet for regular teeth trimmings. Be aware that, over time, these regular trimmings may get tedious and expensive. Your vet can let you know how often your gerbil would need to come in. Feed your gerbil what he would eat in the wild. Wild gerbils will chew on grass and gnaw on tree bark to prevent their teeth from overgrowing. Feeding your gerbil grass from your yard wouldn't be such a good idea though, since the grass could contain harmful ingredients like pesticides that would make your gerbil sick. Not all types of wood are safe for your gerbil. Feed your gerbil only safe woods, including mulberry, magnolia, and poplar. If you have any of these trees in your backyard, wash and dry the wood pieces before giving them to your gerbil. If you are not sure if the tree branches in your yard would be safe for your gerbil to gnaw on (or if you think they have pesticides on them), purchase a gerbil-safe wood block from your local pet store. Give your gerbil chew toys. Other than wood, chew toys are a great way to prevent dental problems in your gerbil. Toys made of wood, leather, or rope make excellent chew toys for gerbils. Empty cardboard boxes, Kleenex boxes, and toilet paper rolls are also ideal for your gerbil to chew on. Watch the chew toys for signs of wear and tear. Replace them frequently. Check your gerbil’s teeth at least once a month. The more regularly you check your gerbil's teeth, the quicker you will be able to tell if he has a dental problem. Make a habit of looking in your gerbil's mouth about once a month. Fortunately, since gerbils are so friendly and like to be handled, it should be easy for you to check your gerbil's teeth. | Look at your gerbil’s teeth. Pick up your gerbil to detect weight loss. Watch for signs of dental problems. Take your gerbil to your vet. Allow your vet to trim your gerbil’s teeth. Schedule regular teeth trimmings. Feed your gerbil what he would eat in the wild. Give your gerbil chew toys. Check your gerbil’s teeth at least once a month. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Boost-Your-IQ-Test-Score | How to Boost Your IQ Test Score | To boost your IQ test score, practice basic math and vocabulary since IQ tests typically cover spatial reasoning, verbal knowledge, and quantitative understanding. During the test, use process of elimination to quickly disregard answers that are incorrect and save some time during the test! Additionally, if the geometric shapes appear random, try turning the paper or rotating the shapes in your mind until you can find a pattern between them. | Study every day. Set aside 20-30 minutes every day for test-specific studying. This could be taking a practice test, working on your basic math skills, or playing a brain game. The goal is to be consistent over time. You want your mind to anticipate being challenged in unpredictable ways. By practicing every day you will keep your brain engaged and avoid 'losing' knowledge due to extended breaks. For example, students enrolled in summer learning programs generally maintain or increase their IQ levels. In contrast, students who do not study over the summer holiday often experience an IQ drop by the time that they return in the fall. It is important to stop studying for the day when you begin to feel fatigued or mentally foggy. So, the time limit is a bit flexible (especially if you are taking an extended practice test), but 20-30 minutes of concentrated studying often yields the best results as it forces you to focus for a limited amount of time. It also helps you to resist the urge to 'cram' in the final days before your test. Take practice tests. It is best if you can use old versions or current practice tests of the exam that you would like to take. Find these by approaching the company that runs the exam or by searching the exam name online. You can also look for a generic free IQ test online. Some IQ test booklets also contain whole or partial exams. Go to your local bookstore and flip through a couple of books before making a purchase to ensure the content is worth the cost. If buying online, use the preview function to look inside the text. Be aware that some groups, such as American Mensa, refuse to release their past tests, citing copyright restrictions. As a result, practice tests that fall into these categories may be more difficult to locate. Play games. Keep your mind flexible by engaging in a variety of mental games. Pick those games that challenge your memory and require speed, such as Dual-N-Back. This is a game that pushes a player to recall a geometric sequence. It is available online for free practice by searching “Dual-N-Back.” Playing these games can count as your mind practice. Just don't overdo it by going beyond 20-30 minutes each day. Be wary when playing generic brain training games. If you play them frequently enough you will improve your gameplay but not your overall cognitive abilities. Your best bet is to move on once any game gets easy. Read. Sitting down with a book as often as you can is a cheap, quick way to stimulate your brain. Recalling the sequence of events helps with memory retention. The act of reading itself is relaxing and can improve focus. For maximum benefit, jump between different genres and authors to keep your brain challenged. Most IQ tests are written and contain a significant verbal component so reading is a natural form of preparation. As you read make sure to look up any terms that are unfamiliar to you. Also, work on comprehension by re-reading any passage that is unclear to you. Learn something new. Actively seek out “novelty” or challenging mental tasks, such as mastering a new language. Performing these “new” tasks often prompts your body to increase dopamine levels which in turn leads to the production of new neurons, a necessary step in long-term learning and retention. Music lessons are one way to reap an IQ benefit over time. The mental challenges and novelty of even consistent lessons push the brain to adapt and result in climbing IQ numbers. Put aside your technology. On occasion, lock up your cell phones and other devices and go through the world relying on your wits and skills alone. This may mean writing out a math problem instead of looking up the answer. All of these added tasks stimulate your brain in a positive way. One example of this is trying to navigate your route to somewhere by using a paper map instead of a GPS. If you can do this without compromising your safety, try it. Stay away from the TV. We've known for quite some time that watching television holds little to no cognitive benefits. So, it should come as no surprise to you that TV time does nothing for your IQ. Limit yourself to 30 minutes a day and use the remaining “TV time” to do something new, challenging, and active instead. When you do watch TV, try to steer yourself towards educational programming. It is not active learning, but it is still something. Get a good night’s sleep. Aim for 8 hours of solid, uninterrupted sleep every night. This will allow your body to head into a deep sleep cycle and replenish. Your brain gets to rest after a hard day of work. Keep this pattern up heading into a test and make sure to sleep in the days immediately before. Eat well. Consume a well-balanced diet of fruit, veggies, grains, and meat. Eat regular meals and snacks. Try to avoid processed and sugary foods. Keeping a close eye on your diet gives your brain the fuel that it needs to perform at a top level. Pay attention to those foods that make you feel mentally sharper, such as walnuts. Diets that are high in fats and sugars can lower mental reaction times, reduce memory retention, and prompt feelings of depression. All of these outcomes are problematic in many ways, including damaging your IQ potential. Herbal supplements may also prove helpful. Ginseng and sage are both potential memory boosters. Exercise. Engage in cardiovascular exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes each session. This will help to increase the blood supply headed to your brain which in turn elevates the oxygen level as well. Exercise creates a better physical environment for your brain to do difficult work. There is currently some talk about creating a series of “exergames” that combine physical activity with brain training. Relax your mind and body. As you take the test, concentrate on making deep, slow inhalations of breath. Mentally repeat the mantra “calm down” if you get stressed by a particularly difficult question. Put your arms over your head and do a slow stretch. Practice in the days and weeks before to figure out exactly which methods calm you down the best. Wear comfortable clothing. Nothing will distract you more than fiddling with your clothing or jewelry mid-test. Wear simple, basic clothing without any embellishments that you can play with. Choose something that you will comfortable sitting in for a long time. Don't worry about what anyone thinks, you are there for the test. If you can find out the general temperature of the room beforehand that may be helpful. Some test centers keep rooms extra-cold to prevent drowsiness meaning sweats may be a good idea for you. Get information about the test proctoring. If you are taking a proctored IQ test, find out all of the details well in advance by contacting the testing center or the test program officers. Ask if there is any paperwork that you'll need to bring with you. Find out what items you are allowed to bring in to the testing room. Many IQ tests are simply done online now, eliminating at least some of these worries. However, IQ groups such as Mensa will only accept scores created under a specific testing process. Find out about any time constraints. Some IQ tests give you one hour to finish the questions while others operate without a time limit. Find out in advance how long you'll have for the test then divide this by the number of questions asked. This will give you a rough idea of how much time you can spend on each question. Know what the test covers. All IQ tests are a bit different but they usually cover the same basics. Look for questions about spatial reasoning, verbal knowledge, and quantitative understanding. Memory and retention questions are spread throughout. “Emotional intelligence” and creativity are generally not measured, creating a disadvantage for certain out-of-the-box thinkers. It is a good idea to practice your basic math and vocabulary skills headed into any IQ test as these types of questions are ever-present. Learn how the test is scored. Before taking the test, try to set a score goal for yourself. The raw score for most tests is the result of the number of correct answers. Some tests also factor in your age as well. Your raw score is then converted into your IQ by comparing it to the scores of other test-takers. You will also see a percentile ranking showing how your IQ stacks up against others. Eliminate wrong choices. As you proceed through the test, increase your odds of choosing the correct answer by instantly identifying and disregarding those options that are incorrect. Each time you do this you make your final choice a bit easier and more precise. For example, on a question with answers A through D, try to scratch out the least likely option before making your final choice. Search for patterns. This is especially helpful when dealing with visual or listing questions. Recognize that you are being tested on your ability to perceive order amongst the chaos. If you see a question that at first appears totally disorganized it is your job to look for a potential organization that works. Think about it that way and the questions are not so intimidating. Visualize rotating the images. Spatial aptitude segments of an IQ test will often show a series of geometric or odd shapes sometimes with additional symbols placed therein. When you see a question like this remember that your point of view is not fixed. You can rotate the image in your mind or simply turn the paper until a pattern or solution emerges. Focus completely on the test. It goes without saying but while you are taking the test remove all outside distractions. Turn off and put away your cell phone. Arrange it so that you are not disturbed. Paying attention to a task beyond the test, even briefly, could lower your IQ score by 10 points or more. | Study every day. Take practice tests. Play games. Read. Learn something new. Put aside your technology. Stay away from the TV. Get a good night’s sleep. Eat well. Exercise. Relax your mind and body. Wear comfortable clothing. Get information about the test proctoring. Find out about any time constraints. Know what the test covers. Learn how the test is scored. Eliminate wrong choices. Search for patterns. Visualize rotating the images. Focus completely on the test. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Stains-out-of-White-Clothes | How to Get Stains out of White Clothes | To get stains out of white clothes, mix hydrogen peroxide with dish soap and apply it to the stains. Let the mixture sit on the stains for a few minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. You can also try rubbing the stains with lemon juice or white wine, which will help them come out in the wash. For stubborn stains on white clothes, dab some bleach on the stains or add bleach directly to your washing machine. Whichever method you use, avoid drying your clothes until the stains are completely gone. | Know what caused the stain. The first thing to do when you are deciding how to deal with a stain is to work out what caused it. The principal thing to determine is whether it is an oily, or a non-oily stain. It's important to figure this out because it influences what you're first step will be. The majority of chemical stain removers are designed to work on all kinds of stains. Finding out if it is an oily or non-oily stain is mainly to direct your immediate response. Tips for which home made stain removers work best for specific stains are highlighted in the third method. If it is an oily stain, avoid using water. If the stain is oily, avoid the obvious temptation to rinse it under cold water straight away. Oil repels water, so any water than comes into contact with the stain could contribute to it setting more strongly. Instead, dab it with a dry paper towel. Oily stains have a variety of sources, but most commonly include: Grease stains. Mascara. Lipstick. Foods which are rich in oil or butter. If it not an oily stain, rinse with cold water. If the stains comes from a non-oily source, then usually the first thing to do is dab off any excess and the rinse it in cold water. If you hold the garment under the tap so that the water is hitting the back of stain, it can help to flush out the stain from behind. Holding the stained side facing the flow of water could press the stain further into the fabric. Typical non-oily stains on white clothes can include: Sweat stains. Non-oil based makeup. Foods that aren't oily. Blood. Toothpaste. Dirt. Apply stain remover to the stain. You can buy stain removal sprays, liquids and powders from your local store. There will most likely be quite a variety of products available, so look for that is designed to work on white clothes if possible. The next step is simply to apply the stain removal powder or liquid to the stain according to the instructions on the packaging. Some products will recommend you apply it to the edges of the stain, others at the heart of the stain. Generally, you won't need to apply a particularly large amount for a small stain. Place it in your washing machine. Once you have applied the stain remover, you simply put it into your washing machine and wash it as normal. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before you do this to check if the product you have recommends a particular temperature. Obtain hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid. There are any number of possible home made stain removers, but one particularly effective and simple one requires just hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid. The recipe is easy, just pour two parts low-strength (3/4%) hydrogen peroxide and one part dishwashing liquid into a bucket. These parts will be quite small, but will depend on how much of the cleaner you want to make. You can try this for oily and greasy stains, as well as normal dirt and food stains. This home made cleaner can work on cotton, canvas and other clothing fabrics. It is not recommended to use it on silk or wool. Mix the liquid together and pour it into a spray bottle. Once you have mixed hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid together in the bucket, grab an empty spray bottle that you have cleaned out. Carefully pour the liquid into the bottle. You might want to use a funnel for this, especially if you are pouring it out of a large bucket. Do a spot test. With all stain removers, but especially home made ones using chemicals, it is recommended that you do a spot test before applying a lot of the stain remover to your fabric. A spot test just means testing out a very small amount of your mixture on a discreet part of the fabric. You are checking to be sure that the stain remover does not discolour or damage the material. This mixture should be safe for all colours, but do a spot test to check before proceeding. Spray the cleaner directly onto the stain. Fasten the lid of the spray bottle securely, and test it once by spraying it into the sink. Once you are happy with it, spray the solution directly onto the offending stain or stains. Apply it liberally to the stain and leave to it soak for a few minutes or longer, depending on how patient you are. Rinse it off with cold water. If necessary, repeat this for harder stains. Consider soaking it for larger or stubborn stains. If you have larger stains that wouldn't be tackled best with a spray bottle, you can modify this method to suit your needs. A diluted version of this cleaner is great for soaking a larger garment in. Simply add the same ratio of hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid to a bucket of hot water. Place your clothes in the liquid and leave it to soak. Rinse it off, and repeat if necessary. You may find gently rubbing the affected area while it is submerged will help loosen the stain. Use baking soda. The chemicals in store-bought stain removal products can be very effective, but can also irritate the skin and some people might prefer a more natural alternative. Baking soda is one of the classics of stain removal. It is well-known as a something to grab if there is spill. Just make a quick paste with some water, gently apply to the stain and let it sink in. You can also combine it with some distilled white wine vinegar. Use lemon juice. Lemon juice is known as a particularly effective way to tackle unpleasant sweat stains on your white shirts and tea-shirts, especially under the armpits. Mix up a solution that is equal parts water and lemon juice, and then rub it into the affected area of the garment. Lemon juice and salt can work well to tackle mildew and rust stains on white clothes. Adding some lemon juice to a white wash can generally refresh the clothes. Use white wine. One of the worst things to spill all over your white clothes is red wine, but, perhaps surprisingly, a good remedy for this is to spill more wine on yourself. Take a little white wine this time, and carefully pour it onto the stain and it will work against the red wine. Dab at the edges of the stain gently with some kitchen towel to prevent it spreading. This won't make the stain disappear, but can help it come out in a normal wash subsequently. Use white chalk for an oily stain. Oily stains are particularly tricky to deal with as water can make the problem worse. One natural method for oily stains is to use white chalk. Rub some white chalk onto the fabric without being too rough. By doing this, it is the chalk which will be absorbing the oil rather than the clothes. Dust off any excess chalk before putting the garment in the wash. Only wash it in cold water, and don't put it in the dryer as this can cause the oil to set. Differentiate between oxidizing and chlorine bleaches. Oxidizing bleaches are less severe than the chlorine versions, and as such are kinder to fabric. Hydrogen peroxide is a commonly used example of an oxidizing bleach which is often used to tackle stains. Chlorine bleaches are much stronger, more toxic, and should be used with care. Chlorine bleaches will damage colour on fabrics, but for white fabrics that is less of a problem. If you use bleach regularly in your machine washes you may find some yellowish marks appear on white clothes. Use bleach to spot clean persistent stains. If you have a really tough to shift stain on something white, the careful application of bleach can help. After a quick spot test, gently dab some bleach onto the reverse side of the affected area of the garment with a cotton swab. Then rest the fabric face down on some kitchen towel. Don't push down on the fabric or rub against it. After treating the stain with bleach, wash it as normal. Wear rubber gloves if you are using bleach like this. Add bleach to your wash. A less precise way to use bleach to lighten whites and work against stains is simply to add some bleach to your normal wash. Always be sure to read the label to see how much it is recommended for you to add to a washing load. As well as checking the label of the bleach, check the label of any garments you are washing to see if it acceptable to use bleach to clean them, for example you mustn't use bleach with silk or wool. Add ammonia to your wash. Ammonia is an alkaline solution that can be very good at tackling grease and dirt stains. You can use it in a similar way to bleach, by adding a small amount to your normal wash. It is also a strong chemical that is often found as an ingredient in cleaning products, but can be bought on its own. You should NEVER mix bleach with ammonia as the reaction causes highly toxic and potentially deadly fumes. Work in a well-ventilated room and wear rubber gloves if you use ammonia. Use an ammonia turpentine solution. If you want to apply the ammonia directly to the stain, you can mix it in equal measures with turpentine to create a good cleaning solution. Once you have mixed up a small amount pour it onto the stain and let it sink in. You can leave it for up to eight hours, before washing it. The first time you wash it after this treatment, be sure to keep the garment separate from other clothes. Concentrated ammonia can damage and stain your clothes. Sponge tricky spots with ammonia. Difficult stains can be treated with ammonia at source by dabbing them with a sponge, which has been dipped in ammonia. This is particularly recommended for stains from bodily fluids, such as blood, sweat and urine. After sponging the stained area wash it as normal. | Know what caused the stain. If it is an oily stain, avoid using water. If it not an oily stain, rinse with cold water. Apply stain remover to the stain. Place it in your washing machine. Obtain hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid. Mix the liquid together and pour it into a spray bottle. Do a spot test. Spray the cleaner directly onto the stain. Consider soaking it for larger or stubborn stains. Use baking soda. Use lemon juice. Use white wine. Use white chalk for an oily stain. Differentiate between oxidizing and chlorine bleaches. Use bleach to spot clean persistent stains. Add bleach to your wash. Add ammonia to your wash. Use an ammonia turpentine solution. Sponge tricky spots with ammonia. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-Catholic | How to Become Catholic | If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the true Messiah and you want to become Catholic, start by reading the Bible and the Catechism. Once you have familiarized yourself with those holy texts, talk to your priest or deacon about beginning your Catholic education classes (RCIA). Your priest or deacon will guide you through the period of purification and enlightenment, after which you will be baptized, confirmed, and receive Eucharist. | Sit down with yourself for a serious talk. Becoming a Catholic will change the rest of your life. It's not like deciding to be a hipster or marking "Y" on your driver's license to be an organ donor. This will become a part of you and it's not something you want to do half-heartedly. Sure, there are shiny lights at Christmastime, but those can't be the basis for your faith (pretty though they are). Are you familiar enough with the teachings of the Catholic church to be able to say that you know this is something you want to be a part of? If the answer is yes, great! Keep on reading. If you're not so sure, seek out a friend or a member of the clergy for information. And there's always the Internet! Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the true Messiah? Do you have faith in the Holy Trinity -- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? How about the Virgin Mary and transubstantiation? Yes? Great! Moving on. Read the Bible and the Catechism. The Catechism (you probably know what the Bible is, huh?) is basically a set of instructions for Christians in the form of questions and answers. It may be just the source you need to seal the deal! If time isn't on your side, read Genesis and the Gospels. You'll get a good grasp on the creation story and the story of Jesus. What's more, when you do talk to a priest and express your interest, it'll be clear you've done your homework. Know your circumstances. If you have no prior history with the Catholic church, you'll be going through the process outlined in this article -- namely, RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) classes and getting the full head-to-toe spa treatment at next year's Easter Vigil (Baptism, Confirmation, etc.). However, if you've been baptized but nothing else or have other previous ties to the Church, your process may be a bit different. If you've been baptized, but your initiation process stops there, you may not need to take RCIA classes. It all depends on your education and desires. Most baptized people will go through a much shorter period of inquiry and reflection and can join the church on any Sunday. Visit local Catholic churches. It's not too hard -- just look under the yellow pages of the phone book under "Churches" or wander around your neighborhood. They'll be the big, pretty buildings with crosses on top, hint hint. Alternatively, search on the internet for churches and their Mass times. There is also an app for that - MassTimes is free and uses your GPS to show you what Roman Catholic Churches are in your immediate area. Sure, finding one is good, but finding 4 is great. Think about churches the way you would think about college. They'll all offer you an education, but each one will be very different from every other. One church may turn you off while another feels like home. If you haven't found one that speaks to you, keep looking. Attend Mass. You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it, would you? Going to church is not a privilege reserved for those in the elite Catholic club, so attend! Anyone is welcome and no questions will be asked if you do choose to go. Go with a Catholic friend who can explain when to do things and what they mean. While you won't participate in Communion, you will participate in everything else. And no, no one will notice (or care) that you didn't go up to receive the Eucharist! The church is welcoming of all. Don't let a particular Mass or church influence your decision. Most churches have a fair amount of variation in services. Many churches often offer "teen Masses" or "guitar Masses" as well as Masses in different languages corresponding to the local minority community. Additionally, your enjoyment of the sermon may depend on the priest who is celebrating that particular Mass. So search around! There are plenty of options out there. Pray. Just because you're not a seasoned veteran of the Catholic church doesn't mean you can't pray. And it definitely doesn't mean God can't hear you! Take some time out of your day to pray and see how it feels. If it relaxes you or connects you to a deeper level, that's a good sign. You're not necessarily looking for answers when you pray. Just a little talk with someone up there (saints included! ) to show your appreciation, ask for help, or just to relax with and take in the moment. It can be done anywhere, anytime, anyplace, and through thought, words, singing, or action. Contact the Parish Office of your chosen church. Inform them of your desire to convert and you're on your way! There are group classes, called RCIA ( Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults ), for all people wishing to convert within a period, giving you a social framework for assimilating the experience. But before you start, you'll have to go through the "precatechumenate" process -- which basically means talking to a priest, reflection and attending Mass regularly. It's not nearly as intimidating as it sounds! Sometimes churches work like schools in that you're only allowed to go to the one designated by your geographical area. If you find one that is further away and this is the rule in your diocese, just get a letter from your local parish allowing you to attend your desired church. Talk to a priest or deacon. He will ask you why you wish to become Catholic and in general, talk to you to be sure you are sincere in your desire and are aware of the conditions of being Catholic. If you both are ready to move forward, you will begin in the RCIA. During a Mass, you (and everyone else in your "term") will publicly announce your intentions through the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Welcoming. Don't worry -- there's no public speaking involved. You are no longer in the pre-catechumenate process and have stepped forward to being a catechumen! Start your Catholic education classes (RCIA). You will learn the history of the Church, the beliefs and values of the Catholic Church, and the proper order of celebration of Mass. During this stage, many classes have you attending Mass for only part of the time, leaving before communion, as you may not receive Eucharist until you have entered the Church. However, you'll be involved in many other ways! You will receive anointing, participate in prayers, and become involved with the community at large. Not to mention, your class will become closer and closer and do things on their own time. Complete the season with a sponsor. Most RCIA classes take place over the course of one liturgical cycle. That way, you get to experience all the feasts, fastings, and holidays. In this time, you'll receive a sponsor -- or, if you have one in mind, you can choose one to work with. They're just there to help, answering all the questions you may have. During this time, you may be asked to clarify your marriage status. If you are divorced but have not received an annulment, you will need to obtain one before becoming Catholic. If you are married but not by the eyes of the Catholic church, you may be asked to get "remarried," (or have your marriage "blessed") which can -- believe it or not -- be done by appointment. Begin the period of purification and enlightenment. Once the end of the liturgical cycle nears, you will be deemed "an elect." This is the part where you'll prepare for three public celebrations: the Rite of Election, the Call to Continuing Conversion, and the deal-clincher at the Easter Vigil. The first two listed are at the beginning of Lent. When the 40 days are up, at the Easter Vigil you will be baptized, confirmed, and receive Eucharist. Yayyyyy! Become a full-fledged Catholic. After the Easter Vigil (a truly memorable, beautiful experience), you are now a proud, valued member of the Catholic church. All your hard work and studying has paid off and you're good to go. Welcome! In case you're curious, for the Sacraments, no, you don't really have to do anything. Showing up with a smile on your face and good intentions in your heart is really all that's required. There's no memorizing, no actions, and no final test. The church is just glad you're here. The priest will take care of the work! Make sure to go to continue Mass regularly, and get into the habit of going to Confession on a regular basis. Begin the period of mystagogy. Sounds magical, doesn't it? Technically, it's a lifelong process of becoming closer to God and delving deep into your Catholic beliefs. Non-technically, it ends around Pentecost and is a fancy term for exploring your experience through catechesis. Some churches may continue to "teach" you (more like guidance when needed) for up to a year. You're still considered a newbie and may ask all the questions you need! Really, they're just there to help. Then it's out of mother's nest and into the heavens! | Sit down with yourself for a serious talk. Read the Bible and the Catechism. Know your circumstances. Visit local Catholic churches. Attend Mass. Pray. Contact the Parish Office of your chosen church. Talk to a priest or deacon. Start your Catholic education classes (RCIA). Complete the season with a sponsor. Begin the period of purification and enlightenment. Become a full-fledged Catholic. Begin the period of mystagogy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Fish | How to Eat Fish | If you want to eat a fish that is being served whole, cut its head off first, just behind its gills. Then, cut the belly open from its head to its tail, and peel the fish open. Pry the backbone out with a fork if you can, or peel the flesh off of the bones with a fork. Either way, leave the belly of the fish up because turning it over is bad etiquette. Eat de-boned fillets with a fork and knife, with or without the skin. | Fillet and de-bone whole fish before eating it. If the fish is being served whole, you'll want to cut the head off first, just behind the gills. Next, hold the body with your fork, and use your knife to the belly open, starting at the head and ending at the tail. Pull open the body, and remove the backbone. You can do this by placing the tip of your knife under the spine, then lifting it out with your fork. If you can't remove the bones, simply eat around them. Don't flip the fish over to eat the flesh from the other side of the bones. This is bad etiquette. Instead, use your fork to lift the bone up and pull the flesh away. Eat fish fillets and steaks with a fork and knife. Most fish fillets will be de-boned, but you will still want to be careful. If you bite into a bone, simply pull it out of your mouth with your fingers, and set it down onto the side of your plate. Some people like to eat the skin of their fish. Other people like to peel it away first using a fork and knife. Don't eat the shell, vein, tail, or head on shrimp or prawns. If you ordered pasta, likely the shrimp and prawns will already come peeled and deveined. If you ordered them as a dish, they may come whole. In this case, you'll need to the pull off the head and tail, then the shell. Be sure to pull out the black thread along the back and discard it before eating the shrimp or prawn. To eat a peeled and headless prawn or shrimp: grip it by the tail, bite the body off, and discard the tail. When peeling shrimp, it is easiest to start from the underside of the body, where the legs are. Eat crab and lobster directly from the shell with a fork. Crack the claws and legs with special cracker, then pull meat out with fork or pick. Some restaurants will also offer to serve the meat already extracted from the shell for you. Use a fork or shell to pull the flesh away from clams and mussels. When eating a bowl of clams or mussels, see if you can find an intact shell, then use it to grip and pull the fleshy bits from the shells. You can also use a fork instead, if you'd like. For something classic, pair fish and seafood with pasta or spaghetti. Seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, go especially well with spaghetti. Tuna goes well with alfredo sauce and pasta. For something easy, pair fish, especially fried fish, with potatoes. You can also pair fish fried in breadcrumbs with fries/chips for a typical "fish and chips" pairing. For something refreshing or simple, pair fish and seafood with salads or steamed vegetables. Caesar salad goes well with pasta and shrimp or scallops, and bean salad is great when paired with tilapia. Steamed vegetables are also an excellent choice. You don't have to worry about adding any fancy sauces or oils. A little bit of seasoning, such as salt and pepper, will be plenty. Try fish with brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber. Quinoa is full of fiber, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and vitamin B. It goes well with just about any type of fish. Brown rice is an excellent source of fiber, and goes well with salmon, especially miso-glazed salmon. Pair lean, flaky fish with zesty, refreshing white wines. Delicate fish, such as sea bass, flounder, sole, and tilapia, need a delicate white wine for balance. Consider white wines from the South of France, Greece, or Portugal. Lean, flaky will also go well with wines like Champagne, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc. Pair medium-textured flakey fish with medium-bodied white wines. Consider wines that are rich in aromas, or aged in oak. Fish like trout, catfish, cod, and halibut go well with wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris. Pair firm, meaty fish with rich, flavorful white wines, and some red and rosé wines. Fish like salmon, mackerel, mahi mahi, shark, swordfish, or tuna have a firm texture, almost like steak. They go best with rich wines, such as: Chardonnay, Dry Rosé, Sauvignon Vert, and vintage Champagne. They also go well with Pinot, such as White Pinot Noir and Pinot d'Alsace. Pair salty, strongly flavored fish with mostly red wines. Fish like anchovies, sardine, herring, and mackerel need a strong wine, but will also go well with Champagne. Consider any of the following wines: Champagne, Dry Rosé, Pinot Noir, and any Greek red wines. Enjoy Eat Sushi for lunch or dinner. You can eat it at sushi bars , or you can prepare it yourself. If you choose to prepare it yourself, make sure that you buy sushi-grade raw fish, as the standard fish sold at the super market may not be fresh or flavorful enough. Eat sushi with a pair of chopsticks. You can eat nigiri sushi with your fingers, but sashimi should only be eaten with chopsticks. Nigiri sushi looks like little pieces of fish served in little bricks made of rice. Sashimi is thin slices of raw fish. Try to eat nigiri sushi in one bite. This may be more challenging in Western countries, where nigiri is usually made larger. Always dip nigiri sushi fish-side-down into the soy sauce. Never dip it rice-first into the soy sauce. The rice will soak up too much sauce, and it may fall apart. The last thing you'd want is a bunch of rice grains in your soy sauce. Consider serving a bowl of Miso soup before the sushi. Miso soup complements the delicate flavor of sushi well. It is usually drunk straight from the bowl. Be mindful of the pickled ginger and wasabi. Use pickled ginger as a palate cleanser between bites of sushi; don't eat it all in one bite. Also, don't mix wasabi into the soy sauce. The chef will already have placed what he feels to be the right amount into the sushi before serving it. If you want that extra spice, slip a little bit of wasabi under the sushi with the tip of your chopstick. Save the sake for before or after the meal. If you must enjoy your sake with your meal, consider pairing it with sashimi instead of nigiri. Both sake and nigiri are rice-based. Many people feel that this will create a poor balance. Enjoy sushi with a cup of green tea. It works well with both nigiri and sashimi type sushi. | Fillet and de-bone whole fish before eating it. Eat fish fillets and steaks with a fork and knife. Don't eat the shell, vein, tail, or head on shrimp or prawns. Eat crab and lobster directly from the shell with a fork. Use a fork or shell to pull the flesh away from clams and mussels. For something classic, pair fish and seafood with pasta or spaghetti. For something easy, pair fish, especially fried fish, with potatoes. For something refreshing or simple, pair fish and seafood with salads or steamed vegetables. Try fish with brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber. Pair lean, flaky fish with zesty, refreshing white wines. Pair medium-textured flakey fish with medium-bodied white wines. Pair firm, meaty fish with rich, flavorful white wines, and some red and rosé wines. Pair salty, strongly flavored fish with mostly red wines. Enjoy Eat Sushi for lunch or dinner. Eat sushi with a pair of chopsticks. Always dip nigiri sushi fish-side-down into the soy sauce. Consider serving a bowl of Miso soup before the sushi. Be mindful of the pickled ginger and wasabi. Save the sake for before or after the meal. Enjoy sushi with a cup of green tea. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Asparagus | How to Cook Asparagus | To cook asparagus on the stovetop, first snap the woody ends off the asparagus and cut them to your desired size. Then, add some oil or butter to a pan and saute the asparatus on high heat for 3 to 5 minutes. You'll know it's done when it's lightly browned and tender. To roast asparagus in the oven, first place the asparagus in a bowl and add olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings. Toss the asparagus so all of the spears are coated, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Finally, cook the asparagus at 400°F (205°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the spears are browned and tender. If you want to grill asparagus, first preheat your grill over high heat. Then, toss the asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the spears directly on the grill and grill them for 3 to 4 minutes or until they're charred and tender. Serve and enjoy! | Choose thick or thin spears. Thin asparagus cook quickly and tend to have a crisp exterior and soft center, while thick asparagus take a bit longer to cook and have a bulkier texture. Either type of asparagus is excellent no matter how you cook it, with the main difference being the final texture. Just be sure to choose asparagus that's fresh, green and firm - not floppy or discolored - when you're picking it out at the market. Thick asparagus often has a slightly woodier stem, which you may want to peel before cooking. To peel an asparagus, just take a vegetable peeler and lightly stroke it from the middle of the asparagus to the base. Thin asparagus is a good choice for use in salads or stir fries. Wash fresh asparagus under cool running water. Asparagus is grown in sand, so it might have some sandy residue left in the cracks and crevices. Hold it under running water for a few moments. If sand is hiding in the tips, fill a large bowl with cool water, then dunk the asparagus in the water until the sand is removed. Break off the ends. The base of the asparagus is tough and woody, and not very tasty when it's cooked. The easiest way to figure out how much to take off is to feel it by hand. Hold each asparagus spear with two hands and gently bend it until you feel the spot where it gives, then break the spear. Discard the tough, white end. If you don't have the time to break each spear, place the bunch of asparagus on a cutting board and chop off about 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the bottom of the spears. If you choose to peel the asparagus, just chop about 1 inch (2.5 cm) off of the ends. Blanch the asparagus. This is a common way to quickly cook asparagus to perfection and serve it cold in salads or as a luncheon side dish. If you'd prefer to serve the asparagus warm, skip the ice water bath. Here's how to blanch asparagus: Boil a large pot of water and 2 teaspoons of salt. Place the asparagus in the water and let it cook for 2½ - 3 minutes. Test an asparagus spear for doneness - it should still be crispy, not limp. If you wish, plunge the asparagus in a bowl of ice water to cool it down. Steam asparagus in a vegetable steamer basket. For a quick, flavorful side dish, steaming is the way to go. it preserves the asparagus' nutrients and crisp texture. Place about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water in a saucepan, and place a steamer basket in the pan. Heat the water to a boil. Break the asparagus into lengths that easily fit in the steamer. Place the asparagus into the basket, cover and steam for 5 to 7 minutes, until they're bright green and still crisp. Boil asparagus. This is an easy way to cook asparagus, but you have to be careful not to overcook the spears. They can quickly become limp and mushy if you aren't careful. Place a few inches of water and 2 teaspoons salt in a saucepan. Bring the water to a full boil. Place the asparagus spears in the boiling water. Once the water returns to a boil, cook for 5 minutes. If you wish, use a microwave-safe cooking dish to boil asparagus in the microwave. Fill the cooking dish with ¼ cup water, then add the spears and place the lid on the dish. Cook the asparagus on your microwave oven's high power setting for 3 minutes, then open the door and stir. Finish cooking until the spears are just barely tender, about 3 to 4 more minutes. Cut the asparagus or leave the spears whole. If you want to make a stir fry, slice the spears into 1 to 2-inch pieces for stir-fry, making the cuts diagonally. Heat oil in a saucepan. Place about 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a saucepan, and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus to the pan. Carefully place the asparagus in the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir-fry it until it's tender, about 3 to 6 minutes. The asparagus is ready when it's bright green with a few charred spots. If you're making a stir fry, add other vegetables to the pan at the same time. Carrots, onions, green peppers, and mushrooms are all delicious served in a stir fry with asparagus. Season the asparagus. Sauteed asparagus is delectable with lemon juice and butter drizzled over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 400℉ (205℃). Make sure the oven is completely preheated before you put the asparagus inside - otherwise they'll steam instead of roasting. Place the asparagus spears on a baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer so that they'll cook evenly. Drizzle olive oil over the spears. The oil will help the asparagus stay crisp. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the spears on the baking sheet. If you'd like to ensure the spears get evenly coated, you can toss them with the olive oil in a bowl, then arrange them on the baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste over the asparagus spears. To take the dish up a notch, grate some Parmesan cheese over the asparagus, too. Roast for 12 minutes. Place the asparagus in the oven and roast it for 12 minutes, until it turns bright green and appears charred in a few places. Take care not to overcook it, as it will quickly burn if left in the oven for too long. Enjoy! | Choose thick or thin spears. Wash fresh asparagus under cool running water. Break off the ends. Blanch the asparagus. Steam asparagus in a vegetable steamer basket. Boil asparagus. Cut the asparagus or leave the spears whole. Heat oil in a saucepan. Add the asparagus to the pan. Season the asparagus. Preheat the oven to 400℉ (205℃). Place the asparagus spears on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the spears. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 12 minutes. Enjoy! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Newborn-Rabbits | How to Care for Newborn Rabbits | To care for newborn rabbits, make sure they're nursing from their mother for the first 8 weeks after they're born. If they're not nursing, contact a vet immediately so they can help. Also, start to introduce pellet food 2 weeks after the rabbits are born so they start to wean off of milk. Try to handle the newborn rabbits as little as possible during the first 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, you can handle them as much as you'd like so they get used to you. | Feed the mother a quality diet. Your rabbit's diet will not vary much while she is pregnant or weaning, but it is as important as ever to provide high-quality nutrition. Check your feed label and provide a feed that is: 16 to 18 percent protein 18 to 22 percent fiber 3 percent or less in fat She should also have constant access to clean water, which you should change two to three times per day. You can supplement her diet while she is gestating and weaning the kits (babies) by giving her some alfalfa hay or cubes to provide more protein. Separate her from the male rabbit. It is uncommon for the male rabbit to harm the kits. However, he can impregnate the female again as soon as she gives birth, resulting in another pregnancy before she finishes weaning the first litter. To avoid this, you should separate the two rabbits as birthing draws closer. Ideally, you should keep the male close enough to make contact with the female through their separate enclosures. Rabbits bond very closely and still being close to the male will cut down on unnecessary stress for the female during the pregnancy and birth. Prepare a nest box. Kits are born without fur and will need constant warmth initially. Providing a nest box with bedding materials will help keep the kits warm and collected in one place. This small box (cardboard is fine) should be slightly larger than the mother with about a one-inch lip to stop the kits from getting away from the box. Put a generous handful of grass (make sure no fertilizer or pesticides are present), straw, or hay in the box as well for bedding. Put the bedding on top of a clean towel without any loose threads that might catch on the kits. The female might rearrange the bedding in the box or even pull out some of her fur to add to the bedding, which is usually a sign that the birth is close. Make sure you place the nesting box on the opposite side of the cage from the mother's litter box to help avoid any complications for the kits. You should also place the cage in a quiet, darkened space. Too much activity around the mother and her new kits will cause her undue stress. Check the kits. The pregnancy for your doe will last roughly thirty-one to thirty-three days. She doesn't need any help with the birthing process, which usually happens at night or in the very early hours of the morning. This means you'll likely wake up one morning to the new litter of kits. Immediately check to see if any of the kits did not survive the birth. You may have to draw the mother away with a treat to get access to the nest box to remove any of the dead kits. You should also remove any placenta or afterbirth from the box. Don't be afraid of handling the babies as the mother will already be accustomed to your scent. Warm the kits if necessary. If the mother gave birth to any of the kits outside of the nesting box, then you'll have to place them in the box. These kits will often be too cold and need warming. To do so safely, fill a hot water bottle with warm (not hot) water and place the bottle under the towel and bedding in the nesting box. The kits should not have direct contact with the bottle since this will likely be too warm. Provide the mother constant access to food and water. The doe will need constant access to food and water to eat at will while she's nursing the kits. This is to ensure she produces enough milk to adequately feed the litter. Put out plenty of fresh food daily and check her water often, as she'll drink more more than normal as well. Ensuring that she receives proper nutrition will also help reduce the possibility of the mother cannibalizing the kits. Look for signs of nursing. The doe's natural instinct is to stay away from the nest most of the time, so don't be alarmed if you don't actually see her nursing, which will only happen once or twice a day. Instead, look for signs that she's nursed. The babies will be warm and have round tummies from feeding. They'll also be quiet instead of making mewling noises like a kitten if they're well fed. Contact your vet immediately if the mother isn’t nursing. If the babies are weak (barely respond to being handled), have sunken tummies, and have wrinkly skin (caused by dehydration), then the mother isn't properly nursing them, and you should see your vet immediately. If the mother set up the nesting box—especially if she pulled some of her fur—then she's paying attention to her mothering instincts. The problem may be as simple as your vet providing a small dose of oxytocin to help with milk production. You should also contact your vet if the litter is more than eight kits, as this may be too large a number for the mother to support all of them. If the mother has more than eight kits or she abandons the litter and will not nurse them, then your vet will likely provide instructions for bottle feeding the babies. However, results are often unsuccessful because there is no formula 100 percent adapted to newborn rabbits. Keep the nesting box clean. The babies will toilet in the box until they are strong enough to eventually climb out of it on there own, so you'll need to clean the box daily, providing a new, dry bottom towel and clean bedding. Adapt the diet of the kits. The babies may begin nibbling at pellets as soon as two weeks after birth. However, they should not stop nursing for a full eight weeks after they're born. During this period, the babies will slowly decrease nursing and increase their consumption of pellets, but it's important that they continue to nurse as well as the mother's milk provides antibodies against pathogens. If they are weaned too soon, their immune systems might not yet be strong enough without these antibodies. You should additionally avoid feeding the rabbits greens for several months due to the potential for digestive complications. You can try tiny bits of one item at a time starting around two months, but remove it from the rabbit's diet immediately if it causes intestinal problems such as diarrhea. Good items to start with include carrots, romaine lettuce, and kale. Handle the babies beginning at eight weeks. Until they're weaned, the babies will be highly susceptible to illness and bacteria, especially E. coli, which can kill a kit in a matter of hours. You should thoroughly wash your hands anytime that you need to handle the babies until they're weaned. After that, try to handle them often because it will lead to tamer adult rabbits down the line. | Feed the mother a quality diet. Separate her from the male rabbit. Prepare a nest box. Check the kits. Warm the kits if necessary. Provide the mother constant access to food and water. Look for signs of nursing. Contact your vet immediately if the mother isn’t nursing. Keep the nesting box clean. Adapt the diet of the kits. Handle the babies beginning at eight weeks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grill-Salmon-with-Skin | How to Grill Salmon with Skin | To grill salmon with skin, wipe the grate of the grill with a thin layer of cooking oil to ensure that the skin doesn't stick to the surface, and preheat the grill to a medium-high heat of about 375 °F. Once the grill is at the appropriate temperature, place the salmon skinless side down on the grill, and let it cook for 5 minutes. Then, use a pair of tongs to flip the salmon so that the skin side is facing down, and let it cook for 10 minutes. Remove the salmon from the grill and let the meat rest for 2 minutes before serving! | Pull any pin bones out of the salmon. Lay the salmon on a cutting board skin-down. Run your fingers over the meat to feel for any small, hard lumps. Grasp the ends of the bones with needle-nose pliers or tweezers and pull them out at an angle. Try to pull the bones out at the angle they are pointing. Pulling them straight up will tear the fish. Cut the salmon into fillets. Use a sharp knife to divide larger pieces of salmon into fillets about 1 ⁄ 2 to 2 in (3.8 to 5.1 cm) wide. The pieces don't have to be perfect, but try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate. Season the fish with a sprinkle of salt. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt evenly on each piece of salmon. The salt will prevent the fish from sticking to the grill. Let the salmon rest for 20 minutes. Leave the salmon out so that it reaches room temperature. It's best to do this as the grill heats. If you plan on marinating your salmon, this is also the perfect time to let the salmon rest meat-side down in the marinade. You could use a basic teriyaki marinade, for example, made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar. Lightly oil the grill with a paper towel. Wad up a paper towel and pour some vegetable oil onto it. Using tongs, wipe the paper towel over the grill grate. Make sure you only apply a thin coating of oil so that the fire doesn't flare up. Preheat the grill to a medium high heat. A medium-high temperature equals about 375 °F (191 °C), if your grill has a thermometer. To test the grill later, hold your hand over it. It should feel so hot that you can only hold your hand over it for 1 second. Grill the skinless side for 5 minutes. Spread the fillets on the grill skin-side up so they all cook evenly. Avoid touching the salmon until you're ready to flip it. When the salmon is done, the meat will begin curling away from the grill. If you like the skin extra crispy, you can cook the skin side first instead. Flip the salmon with a spatula or tongs. If the salmon sticks to the grill when you try to flip it, it most likely isn't done, so let it cook for another minute. Grill the skin side for 10 minutes. After about 6 minutes, the salmon will begin to appear pink in the middle, and after 10 minutes, it will be fully cooked through. Salmon that is done looks very pink and flaky. It feels firm to the touch instead of soft and spongy. Depending on the grill and the thickness of the fillets, your salmon may need more time to cook. As the salmon cooks, white foam called albumin will appear. A little bit is normal, but if your salmon is covered with it, that means it's overcooked. Remove the salmon when you notice the white spots forming. Move the salmon to a serving plate and let it rest for 2 minutes. Use a metal spatula to pick up the salmon and place it on a plate. No matter how delicious it looks, give it 2 minutes of resting time. The fish will continue cooking due to residual heat. | Pull any pin bones out of the salmon. Cut the salmon into fillets. Season the fish with a sprinkle of salt. Let the salmon rest for 20 minutes. Lightly oil the grill with a paper towel. Preheat the grill to a medium high heat. Grill the skinless side for 5 minutes. Flip the salmon with a spatula or tongs. Grill the skin side for 10 minutes. Move the salmon to a serving plate and let it rest for 2 minutes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Erectile-Dysfunction-Naturally | How to Cure Erectile Dysfunction: Can Natural Remedies Help? | You can try to cure your erectile dysfunction naturally by taking herbal dietary supplements and making healthy lifestyle changes. Try taking L-arginine supplements to help increase blood flow, which can help combat erectile dysfunction. Another natural remedy is taking DHEA, a supplement that's been shown to help treat erectile dysfunction. You can also try applying a ginseng cream that's been recommended by your doctor before sex. To make healthy lifestyle changes, try taking a walk for at least 30 minutes a day and eating a healthy diet to improve your overall physical health. You can also try strengthening your pelvic floor with Kegel exercises. | Follow a healthy, balanced diet. A healthy diet helps keep your weight down and reduces cholesterol, both of which can improve ED. Eating right also supports your heart health, which is important for overcoming ED. Base your diet around fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products to maintain good nutrition. For ideal heart health, include 4-5 servings each of fruit and vegetables in your diet every day. Have 1 or 2 in each meal, then have some more for snacks throughout the day. Get your proteins from lean sources like poultry, fish, beans, nuts, and eggs. Switch to whole-wheat or whole-grain products instead of white and enriched types. Reduce saturated fat in your diet. Studies show that decreasing the amount of saturated fat in your diet can help treat and prevent ED. Try to replace saturated fats in your diet with healthier or non-fat sources instead. Saturated fats come from processed, fried, and salty foods. Red meat and brown-mean poultry are also high in saturated fats. Get only 10% of your daily calories from saturated fat and 25-35% of your calories from all fats. That means if you eat 2,000 calories less than 200 should come from saturated fat and less than 700 should come from all fats. Get plenty of vitamin D to boost testosterone. A vitamin D deficiency could also contribute to ED by lowering your testosterone levels. Include plenty of fortified foods, dairy products, eggs, and fish. Your body an also produce vitamin D if you spend time in the sun. Vitamin D deficiencies are common because foods don't contain high amounts. You might need to take a supplement if your doctor tells you to. Drink alcohol in moderation. Excessive drinking could interfere with your circulation and prevent blood flow to your genitals, triggering ED. Keep your drinking limited to an average of 1-2 drinks per day. This should help you avoid any problems. Trying to have sex while you're drunk could also cause ED. Eat more vitamin B12 if you have a deficiency. A vitamin B12 deficiency could interfere with your nerve function and cause ED. A simple blood test can confirm if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency. If you do, the include plenty of leafy green vegetables, eggs, dairy, lean meat, and fish in your diet to get your daily dose of B12. Adults need 2.4 mcg of B12 per day. You can get this from food or a multivitamin supplement. Exercise every day to improve your heart health. Besides supporting your heart health, regular exercise also improves your circulation and blood flow. All of this can help treat ED. Moderate-to-intense aerobic activity is best for treating ED. Try more vigorous running, cycling, swimming, or other cardio exercises for the best results. The general recommendation is to get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. Space that out and exercise for 30 minutes 5-7 days per week. If you ride your bike often, this could make ED worse by interfering with circulation in your genitals. Limit your riding to 3 hours per week and use other exercises instead. If you aren't healthy enough for intense exercise, you can still add more physical activity to your life. Even a daily walk could treat ED. Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight could cause ED or make it worse. If you are overweight, then losing weight could be a big help. Talk to your doctor and determine the ideal weight for you, then design a diet and exercise routine to reach and maintain that weight. Fortunately, the other steps for treating ED naturally, like following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, will also help you lose weight. You can tackle both problems at once. Quit smoking and using illicit drugs. Tobacco and drugs can constrict your blood vessels, making ED more likely. It's best to quit both habits if you have them, both to treat your ED and to improve your overall. Reduce stress as much as you can. Stress could also cause ED by distracting you from intimacy. If you regularly feel stressed, then taking steps to reduce it can improve your physical and mental health significantly. Relaxation exercises like meditation or deep breathing are great for relieving stress. Try setting aside 15-20 minutes each day for these activities. Doing things you like is also good for reducing stress. Make time for some of your hobbies each day as well. Stop taking medications that could cause ED. A number of prescription and OTC medications could trigger ED. These include antidepressants, diuretics, antihistamines, muscle relaxers, pain relievers, and tranquilizers. Talk to your doctor about switching to medications that don't cause ED as a side effect. Never stop taking medications without asking your doctor first. Maintain your dental health. This probably sounds strange, but there is actually a link between your oral health and ED. Studies show that gum disease could inflame blood vessels throughout your body, including in your genitals, which could trigger ED. You can prevent this by practicing good oral health, brushing every day, and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. Stimulate blood flow with L-arginine. L-arginine is an amino acid that could open blood vessels and improve ED symptoms. Try taking 6-30 mg per day, depending on the dosage instructions. Usually the daily intake should be spread out in 2 or 3 different doses, but follow the instructions provided. Do not take L-arginine along with Viagra. It may also cause nausea and cramping. Try ginseng supplements. Ginseng is a popular remedy for many health issues, and might help treat ED by stimulating blood flow. Try taking 200 mg per day to see if this helps you. Common side effects from ginseng are insomnia, headaches, and vertigo. Use DHEA to increase libido. Men with ED often experience decreased libido as well. The hormone DHEA shows some success in boosting libido and could also treat ED. Try taking 50-100 mg daily, depending on the product instructions. This supplement may cause acne. Women can also take DHEA to raise their libido. Speak to your partner about your problem. You might feel embarrassed and avoid talking about ED with your partner, but shutting them out isn't the right answer. Partners might feel like the situation is their fault. Be as open as you can and talk with them about your problem. That way, you two you will stay connected and can tackle the problem together. Be sure to reassure your partner that this isn't their fault and it doesn't mean you aren't attracted to them. There are many physical and mental factors that can cause ED that are completely unrelated to your relationship. Try to find other ways to show your feelings. Cooking a nice dinner or cleaning the house could show them you still care about them and the relationship. Visit a therapist or psychiatrist if you feel overwhelmed. ED can be an overwhelming problem, and you don't have to face it alone. Seeing a therapist to talk over your stress and anxiety can be a big help. This kind of emotional support might even treat your ED. Try and include your partner in your therapy sessions. Their support can be a big help for you. Therapy is also helpful if stress or emotional problems were the cause of your ED in the first place. Handling any emotional issues can be a big part of your recovery. Work on problems in your relationship if you have any. All relationships have problems and while it's rare less common, relationship problems could contribute to ED. Communicate any problems or complaints you have to your partner and encourage them to do the same. Fixing any relationship issues could help end your ED. You two could also attend couple's counseling together for professional help. | Follow a healthy, balanced diet. Reduce saturated fat in your diet. Get plenty of vitamin D to boost testosterone. Drink alcohol in moderation. Eat more vitamin B12 if you have a deficiency. Exercise every day to improve your heart health. Maintain a healthy body weight. Quit smoking and using illicit drugs. Reduce stress as much as you can. Stop taking medications that could cause ED. Maintain your dental health. Stimulate blood flow with L-arginine. Try ginseng supplements. Use DHEA to increase libido. Speak to your partner about your problem. Visit a therapist or psychiatrist if you feel overwhelmed. Work on problems in your relationship if you have any. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-for-Mold | How to Test for Mold | To test for mold, start by looking for signs of visible mold in your home in places where there is a lot of moisture and humidity, like the basement or utility room. Also, look under sinks and in the corners of ceilings for spots of fuzzy black, green, or brown mold that give off a musty odor. If you still can't find mold, but suspect it's hidden in your walls or ceiling, try using an in-home mold testing kit and send in a sample to the lab according to the directions. | Look for telltale characteristics. Mold often has a fuzzy appearance but can also look like a stain if it's growing on a wall or furniture. Its most common colors are black green, brown, or white. Mold can feel like cotton, leather, velvet, or sand paper. It usually gives off a musty or earthy odor. Also look for visible signs of possible water damage such as stains or paint bubbling. This could mean there is mold growth within the wall cavity. Check the basement. This should be the first place you look. Its underground location makes it especially vulnerable to moisture and humidity buildup. After each heavy rain, look for and immediately treat any water seepage. Check the following spots: Baseboards Walls, especially where they meet the ceiling Behind and under appliances, especially the washer and dryer Check the utility room. Look in and around the clothes dryer duct for mold growth. If it's not properly ventilated, it can trigger a build-up in humidity in the room. Make sure the duct is vented toward the exterior of the house. Check small enclosed spaces. Darkness and moisture create ideal conditions for the spread of mold. You should check: Under sinks, especially if they sit on top of cabinets Closets, especially if they don't receive proper ventilation. Check your windows. If your house isn't properly insulated, windows could accumulate condensation year-round. Look for mold growth around each individual pane and along the frames. Check places recently damaged by water. Inspect the baseboards in the basement and first/ground floor if your house recently flooded. Tear out all carpeting in these areas. If you recently experienced heavy rain, look for water stains in the attic and on the upper-story living areas. If a pipe recently burst, treat all water-damaged areas as if they had been flooded. Check shower curtains. Dirt and grime that washes off your body has a tendency to mix with shampoo and soap residue. This mixture ultimately collects on shower curtains. Make sure the bathroom is well lit. Spread out the shower curtain to check the entire surface. Use a magnifying glass to check for small patches of mold that you could otherwise miss. Check ceiling corners. The corners where your walls meet the ceiling are prime locations for mold growth because they trap water from roof leaks. Check for growth and accumulation in all four corners of each room. If your wallpaper is peeling at the ceiling juncture, check behind it for mold growth. Check air ducts and vents. Fluctuations between heating and air conditioning cause moisture buildup on cooling coils and in drain pans. Remove the vent plate from the duct and inspect it closely. Turn on the lights or use a strong LED flashlight to easily catch mold clusters. Check the duct for as far as your eye can see. Use an in-home mold testing kit. In-home testing kits come equipped with their own instruments and instructions. Follow the kit's directions. Submit the sampling to a local lab. If you see mold in a visual inspection, a testing kit isn't necessary. These kits can be difficult to use, and their results can be unreliable. Use them only as a last resort if other options aren't available. Use a borescope. A borescope can be helpful for inspecting spaces between walls. Drill a small hole into a wall recently affected by water or moisture. Slowly insert the fiber optic cable end through the hole. Check the monitor for signs of mold. Continue to move slowly as you probe deeper into the area. Borescopes distort the size and color of mold on the monitor. If you find areas of discoloration inside the wall, contact a professional for a second opinion. You can also use a borescope to inspect air ducts, but there are drawbacks. The instrument only lets you see so far into a duct. If the duct makes a sudden 90-degree turn, you won't be able to see beyond that turn. Hire a professional mold inspector. They have instruments for mold detection that aren't available to the general public. Get estimates from several inspectors to make sure you get a fair deal. Contact former customers for reviews and possible complaints. Consult your state's contractor licensing board to ensure your potential inspector is licensed. Make sure the inspector works with a lab accredited by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). Protect yourself. Cover your mouth and nose with an N-95 respirator to avoid breathing in spores. Wear elbow-length rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands from mold and cleaning materials. Cover your eyes with goggles to protect them from airborne spores. Clean hard surfaces. Mix equal parts water and detergent or bleach. Dip a scrub brush into the mixture and remove the mold. Dry the area completely when you're finished. If you don't have bleach on hand, you can also mix vinegar and water together. Be sure to never mix vinegar and bleach, though, as it creates a toxic solution. Fix all leaks. If you noticed any leaking pipes or water seepage in your inspection, deal with it immediately. Call a professional plumber to repair leaking or sweating pipes. Fill in any spaces between pipes and walls with caulk or Icynene insulation. Seal small openings. Use caulk to seal cracks around your windows, doors, and at critical junctures where the walls meet the floor and the ceiling. Apply caulk or weather stripping to your windows, especially between the frames and panes. Dry the area completely. Don't caulk or paint any surfaces until the mold is completely removed. If you're not comfortable doing these repairs, hire a professional. Have your air ducts cleaned. Unless you're trained to remove mold from air ducts, call a professional. This is especially crucial if you notice mold growth in more than one room or if your mold problem keeps recurring despite your best efforts. Search online for local professionals or ask your local health department for a recommendation. Dispose of surfaces that absorb moisture. If you notice mold on carpeting, ceiling tiles, and other porous surfaces, remove and discard them. The mold makes them unfit for recycling. Ask your local waste management whether they consider it hazardous waste. Seek assistance. If you find black mold growing in your home, it may be best to consult a professional so that the problem can be dealt with completely. Search online for mold removal specialists in your area. Reduce humidity levels. Keep the humidity level in your home between 30 and 50 percent. Open the windows on days when it's not humid. This will allow fresh air to circulate and inhibit mold growth. If you live in a humid climate, run a dehumidifier in the rooms most prone to moisture. Remove carpeting from the basement and bathroom. These areas are already prone to humidity. Carpets can trap moisture under their surface, even without flooding or water seepage. If your basement or bathroom isn't carpeted, leave the floors bare. Use removable, washable mats to avoid slip hazards. Install a sump pump. This is a great investment if you live in a flood-prone area. Water that seeps into the basement collects in a sump basin and is pumped outside. Unless you are a licensed home improvement contractor, call a professional to install one. Choose a sump pump with the following specs: Cast iron core Alarm that sounds when the water level gets too high Mechanical switch Submersible pump No-screen intake design Impeller that can deal with objects of 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter. Run exhaust fans. When you cook, turn on the exhaust fan over the stove to catch water vapor. Use the fan in the bathroom as you shower to reduce condensation cause by steam. Even if you take cooler showers, run the exhaust fan for good measure. Let the fans in each room run until all steam has been eliminated. Use dehumidifiers. Install them in the basement and in closets. Clean each dehumidifier regularly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely for best results. Wipe down the shower curtain. Use a clean dry towel or a squeegee to remove any leftover water droplets. Make sure the curtain is completely dry. Do this after the last shower of the day to prevent moisture buildup. Prevent water from pooling. Water can pond around the foundation of your house and push moisture into the interior. Landscape the area around the foundation to slope downward and away from the foundation. Add extensions to downspouts to direct rainwater at least 5 feet (1.5 m) away from the foundation. Use the right insulation. Apply spray-on Icynene foam to the ceiling of your attic. The foam forms a water-tight seal as it dries. Avoid fiberglass and hard foam insulation. They can separate from their surfaces and allow moisture to seep in. Wet spray-applied cellulose insulation is also prone to mold. Inspect your home regularly. Check all problem areas or potential problem areas for mold (re)growth. Monitor all sealed leaks and cracks after heavy rains or floods. Otherwise, recheck your home thoroughly every six months. | Look for telltale characteristics. Check the basement. Check the utility room. Check small enclosed spaces. Check your windows. Check places recently damaged by water. Check shower curtains. Check ceiling corners. Check air ducts and vents. Use an in-home mold testing kit. Use a borescope. Hire a professional mold inspector. Protect yourself. Clean hard surfaces. Fix all leaks. Seal small openings. Have your air ducts cleaned. Dispose of surfaces that absorb moisture. Seek assistance. Reduce humidity levels. Remove carpeting from the basement and bathroom. Install a sump pump. Run exhaust fans. Use dehumidifiers. Wipe down the shower curtain. Prevent water from pooling. Use the right insulation. Inspect your home regularly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Tiles | How to Clean Tiles | To clean floor tiles, start by sweeping up any dust and dirt with a broom. Once they're clear of dirt, mix water and tile cleaner in a mop bucket. Alternatively, you can make your own tile cleaner by mixing equal parts water and vinegar. Then, mop the tiles with your cleaning solution to sanitize them and get rid of any stains. After you've cleaned the whole floor, dry it with an old towel to give the tiles a shiny, clean look. If you spot any remaining grease marks, try mixing dishwashing liquid with warm water and rubbing it onto the tiles with a sponge. | Sweep up any dust and dirt with a dustpan and brush. Use the brush to push any debris and dust into the dustpan. This avoids you spreading the dirt around the floor when you mop it later. If you don't have a dustpan and brush, use a broom instead. Mix water and tile cleaner in a bucket. Choose a tile cleaner that is designed for your type of tiles. For example, look for a commercial cleaner marketed as “ceramic-friendly” or “safe for stone floors.” Fill a mop bucket with water and add the tile cleaner, as directed on the back of the container. Purchase tile cleaner from a cleaning store. Most tile cleaners require approximately 1 capful of tile cleaner per bucket of water. Avoid using citrus cleaners on stone as this can damage the tiles. Try not to use cleaners containing soap or detergent, as these can make your tile floors slippery. If you want to make your own tile cleaner , mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bucket. This can be used on all types of tiles. Wipe the cleaner over the tiles with a mop. Dip the mop into the bucket of water and tile cleaner, and then squeeze out any excess liquid to avoid drips. Push the mop back and forth over the entire area until the tiles are clean. Press the mop down firmly when cleaning any stained areas, as the tile cleaner and the pressure of the mop will help to remove the stains. This process removes the dirt and sanitizes the tiles. A sponge mop works best for this method; however, any mop will do the job. Change the water in your bucket if it turns brown or grey so you don't leave a film on your tiles. Buff and dry the tiles with an old towel. Rub an old towel over the tiles to dry the area. Press down on the towel while you rub it back and forth to buff the tiles and give them a shiny clean look. Wipe up oil splatters as soon as they happen, if possible. Tile splashbacks look fantastic but can get greasy quickly. Oil marks are easiest to remove when they are fresh. If you notice oil splashing on the tiles while you are cooking, use a paper towel to blot the oil. If you don't have a paper towel on hand, use a clean dishcloth instead. This method will remove greasy marks from all types of tiles. Fill a bucket with warm water and 2 drops of dishwashing liquid. If you notice greasy marks on the tiles that have likely been there a while, use this method to get rid of them. The warm water and dishwashing liquid help to break down the oil and remove the stains. Add the water and dishwashing liquid into the bucket and then use your hand to gently stir them together. Any dishwashing liquid or detergent works for this method. Dip a sponge into the soapy water and use it to wipe up the grease. Soak the sponge in the water and then squeeze it to remove any drips. Press the sponge onto the greasy marks for 5 seconds and then wipe in circular motions until all the marks are gone. If you are cleaning a large area, dunk your sponge in the soapy water regularly to ensure that it has fresh dish soap on it. If there's is a lot of excess build-up on your tiles, you may need to clean with a store-bought degreaser or use a vinegar solution. Wipe the soap suds off the tiles with warm water and a dishcloth. Dunk a clean dishcloth in warm water and wring it out to remove any excess water. Wipe the entire tile surface until all the soap suds are gone. If the dishcloth get soapy, rinse it in warm water and then carry on wiping the tiles. Dry the area with a tea towel. This avoids the tiles from growing mold or mildew. Use a clean tea towel to dry all the moisture from the tiles and grout. If you don't have spare tea towel, use paper towels instead. Mix 1 c (240 mL) of vinegar and 1 c (240 mL) of water in a spray bottle. Measure the vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Screw the lid on tightly and then shake the spray bottle vigorously for 5 seconds to combine the water and vinegar. Malt vinegar and white vinegar both work well for this method. This method works on all types of tiles and surfaces, such as flooring, backsplashes, or countertops. Spray the solution liberally over the grout and let it sit for 5 minutes. Ensure that all the grout is coated with the water and vinegar spray. Leave it for 5 minutes to soak into the grout. Mix 1 cup (180 g) of baking soda and ½ cup (125 mL) of water in a bowl. Measure the baking soda and water into a small bowl. Use a spoon to stir them together until they are fully combined and form a paste. If you are cleaning a very small area, halve this recipe. Scrub the paste into the grout with a grout brush. A grout brush is a thin brush that is designed to easily remove the dirt from between tiles. Dip the brush into the baking soda paste and then scrub it over the tiles until all the dirt is gone. Use a scrubbing brush or a toothbrush if you don't have a grout brush. Spray the vinegar solution over the areas that you have scrubbed. The vinegar will mix with the baking soda paste and start bubbling vigorously. This chemical reaction helps to dissolve any remaining dirt and grime from the grout. Spray enough vinegar solution to completely cover the baking soda paste. Use warm water and a dishcloth to wipe up the baking soda and vinegar. Dip a clean dishcloth in water and then squeeze it to remove any excess water. Wipe up all the baking soda and vinegar paste from the grout. Rinse your cloth after each wipe to avoid spreading the baking soda over the tiles. This also helps to remove the vinegar smell from the grout. | Sweep up any dust and dirt with a dustpan and brush. Mix water and tile cleaner in a bucket. Wipe the cleaner over the tiles with a mop. Buff and dry the tiles with an old towel. Wipe up oil splatters as soon as they happen, if possible. Fill a bucket with warm water and 2 drops of dishwashing liquid. Dip a sponge into the soapy water and use it to wipe up the grease. Wipe the soap suds off the tiles with warm water and a dishcloth. Dry the area with a tea towel. Mix 1 c (240 mL) of vinegar and 1 c (240 mL) of water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution liberally over the grout and let it sit for 5 minutes. Mix 1 cup (180 g) of baking soda and ½ cup (125 mL) of water in a bowl. Scrub the paste into the grout with a grout brush. Spray the vinegar solution over the areas that you have scrubbed. Use warm water and a dishcloth to wipe up the baking soda and vinegar. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Skin-in-Minecraft-PE | How to Change Your Skin in Minecraft PE | 1 Open Minecraft. 2. Tap the clothes hanger icon on the Title Screen. 3. Tap a skin. 4. Tap Confirm below your character on the right. | Open the Minecraft app. The app has an icon that resembles a Minecraft dirt block. Minecraft is available for purchase from the Google Play Store on Android or the App Store on iPhone and iPad. Tap Profile. It's on the right side of the title screen below your Minecraft character. If you're not signed in to your Minecraft account, tap Sign In on the left and sign in with the email address and password associated with your Microsoft or Xbox account. Tap < or > to select a character. You can have a few different characters to select from. Tap the arrow icons next to your Minecraft character to select a character. Tap Edit Character. It's the button on the left below your character. This opens the character editor screen. Tap the icon that resembles a face. It's the first tab above the menu on the left. This option allows you to customize your character. Tap Body. This displays options you can use to edit your character's body. Tap a body part you want to edit. You can edit the following body parts. Base (skin tone) Hair Eyes Mouth Facial Hair Arms Legs Size Tap a body part to select it. When you see a body part you like, tap it in the menu to the left to select it. Select a color for the body part. To select a color for the body part, tap the icon that resembles a paint pallet below your character and to the left. Then tap one of the colored swatches to select a color. Tap < in to go back to the previous menu screen. It's the icon with an arrow pointing left. It's in the upper-right corner. Tap Style. It's the second drop-down menu in the menu to the left. This displays clothing options you can add to your character. Tap a clothing option. This displays options for that clothing in the menu to the left. Clothing options are as follows: Top Bottom Outerwear Headwear Gloves Footwear Face Item Back Item Tap a clothing option. Clothing options are listed in the menu to the left. Tap a clothing option to select it and add it to your character. Items that have a gold coin icon in the lower-right corner must be purchased with Minecoins. To purchase Minecoins, tap the gold coin icon in the upper-right corner and select a purchase option. Then select a purchase option. Minecoins start at $1.99 for 320 Minecoins. Tap < in to go back to the previous menu screen. It's the icon with an arrow pointing left. It's in the upper-right corner. Tap the icon that has multiple Minecraft characters. It's the second tab at the top of the menu on the left. This displays options for changing your skin. Tap Owned. This displays skins that you own. They are listed by package and category. Alternatively, you can tap Purchasable to see a list of skins that are available for purchase. Tap a skin to see what package it is part of and how many Minecoins it costs to buy it. Tap the number next to a skin pack to see all skins in that pack. The menu displays 3 skins from each skin pack in the menu to the left. Tap the icon with plus (+) and a number next to the three skins to see all skins available in that skin pack. Tap a skin. This selects the skin. Your character will wear that skin when you play the game. Tap the back arrow in the upper-right corner to return to the title screen. Open the Google Play Store . It's the app that has an icon that resembles a colorful triangle. Type Skins for Minecraft PE in the search bar. The search bar is at the top of the Google Play Store, or in the center of the search page on the App Store. This displays a list of apps in the search results. Another app you can install is Skinseed. Tap Skins for Minecraft PE. It's in the list of search results. Tap Install next to Skins for Minecraft PE. It has a blue icon with three Minecraft characters. Open Skins for Minecraft PE. Tap the icon on your home screen or apps menu to open Skins for Minecraft. You can also tap Open next to the app in the Google Play Store or App Store. Tap < or > to browse skins. There are several pages of skins for you to choose from. Tap < or > to changes pages. Tap a skin. When you see a skin you like, tap on it to display the skin. Tap Save. It's the button that has an icon that resembles a disk. It's at the bottom of the screen. Tap Gallery. This exports the skin to your Gallery as a flat image. Open Minecraft. Minecraft on mobile has an icon that resembles a dirt block. Tap the icon on your home screen or apps menu to open Minecraft. Tap Profile. It's on the right side of the title screen below your Minecraft character. If you're not signed in to your Minecraft account, tap Sign In on the left and sign in with the email address and password associated with your Microsoft or Xbox account. Tap < or > to select a character. You can have a few different characters to select from. Tap the arrow icons next to your Minecraft character to select a character. Tap Edit Character. It's the button on the left below your character. This opens the character editor screen. Tap the icon that has multiple Minecraft characters. It's the second tab at the top of the menu on the left. This displays options for changing your skin. Tap Owned. This displays skins that you own. They are listed by package and category. Tap Import. It's the first option at the top of the Minecraft Skins menu on the left. This allows you to import a Minecraft Skin. Tap Choose New Skin. It's the option at the bottom of the screen. Tap the image of your skin. It will be an image that resembles the skin you selected but with all the pieces layed out flat instead of in 3D cube shapes. Tap the option that looks best. Minecraft displays two options for how the skin should be worn. Tap the option that looks best. This selects your skin. You can now wear the skin in the game. Open the App Store . It has a blue icon with a white capital "A". Tap the Search tab. It's in the lower-right corner. Type Skinseed in the search bar. This displays a list of apps that resemble you search result. Tap GET next to Skinseed. This installs the app on your iPhone or iPad. Open Skinseed. Skinseed has an icon that resembles a green monster head. Tap the icon on your home screen or tap OPEN in the app store to open Skinseed. Tap the "X" icon to close any ads that open while using Skinseed. Browse skins. There are a variety of skins on the home screen that you can browse. Swipe up and down to browse the different skins. Tap a skin to display it. Alternatively, you can tap the Search tab at the bottom of the screen and use the search bar to search for Minecraft skins by name. Some Minecraft skins in Skinseed come in packs of multiple skins. If you tap a skin pack that displays multiple skins, tap the skin you want to view it. Tap Export. It's below the display of the skin. This displays options for exporting the skin. Tap To Minecraft Pocket Edition. This exports an image file of the skin to your photos. You may be asked to allow Skinseed to access your photos. Tap Allow to grant Skinseed access to your photos. Open Minecraft. Minecraft on mobile has an icon that resembles a dirt block. Tap the icon on your home screen or apps menu to open Minecraft. Tap Profile. It's on the right side of the title screen below your Minecraft character. If you're not signed in to your Minecraft account, tap Sign In on the left and sign in with the email address and password associated with your Microsoft or Xbox account. Tap < or > to select a character. You can have a few different characters to select from. Tap the arrow icons next to your Minecraft character to select a character. Tap Edit Character. It's the button on the left below your character. This opens the character editor screen. Tap the icon that has multiple Minecraft characters. It's the second tab at the top of the menu on the left. This displays options for changing your skin. Tap Owned. This displays skins that you own. They are listed by package and category. Tap Import. It's the first option at the top of the Minecraft Skins menu on the left. This allows you to import a Minecraft Skin. Tap Choose New Skin. It's the option at the bottom of the screen. Tap the image of your skin. It will be an image that resembles the skin you selected but with all the pieces layed out flat instead of in 3D cube shapes. Tap the option that looks best. Minecraft displays two options for how the skin should be worn. Tap the option that looks best. This selects your skin. You can now wear the skin in the game. | Open the Minecraft app. Tap Profile. Tap < or > to select a character. Tap Edit Character. Tap the icon that resembles a face. Tap Body. Tap a body part you want to edit. Tap a body part to select it. Select a color for the body part. Tap < in to go back to the previous menu screen. Tap Style. Tap a clothing option. Tap a clothing option. Tap < in to go back to the previous menu screen. Tap the icon that has multiple Minecraft characters. Tap Owned. Tap the number next to a skin pack to see all skins in that pack. Tap a skin. Open the Google Play Store . Type Skins for Minecraft PE in the search bar. Tap Skins for Minecraft PE. Tap Install next to Skins for Minecraft PE. Open Skins for Minecraft PE. Tap < or > to browse skins. Tap a skin. Tap Save. Tap Gallery. Open Minecraft. Tap Profile. Tap < or > to select a character. Tap Edit Character. Tap the icon that has multiple Minecraft characters. Tap Owned. Tap Import. Tap Choose New Skin. Tap the image of your skin. Tap the option that looks best. Open the App Store . Tap the Search tab. Type Skinseed in the search bar. Tap GET next to Skinseed. Open Skinseed. Browse skins. Tap Export. Tap To Minecraft Pocket Edition. Open Minecraft. Tap Profile. Tap < or > to select a character. Tap Edit Character. Tap the icon that has multiple Minecraft characters. Tap Owned. Tap Import. Tap Choose New Skin. Tap the image of your skin. Tap the option that looks best. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Up-All-Night-Doing-Homework | How to Stay Up All Night Doing Homework | If you need to stay up all night doing homework, there are a few ways to help you stay as productive as possible. First, break down your work into smaller tasks and write a schedule to cover everything. Make sure you take regular breaks to walk around and refresh yourself. You should also turn off your phone, log out of your social media accounts, and avoid any other distractions to help you focus. Keep the main lights on in your room and open a window, which will help you stay awake. You'll probably need caffeine and some healthy snacks, like fruit and nuts, to keep you going. Just make sure you spread them out over the night so you don't crash after a few hours. | Create a workspace. Find a place in your house that's clean, organized and free from distractions. The space should be comfortable, but not so comfortable that you could easily fall asleep there. Make sure you have all the resources you'll need –all your books, assignments and stationery. If it helps you to have music playing as you work, work near a speaker. But choose instrumental music to avoid being distracted by focusing on the song lyrics instead of your assignments. Gather your fuel. Staying up all night is an endurance event, so you'll need to fuel yourself accordingly. Make sure your fridge and pantry are stocked with food, water, milk and your favorite caffeinated beverage, like coffee, tea, energy drinks or soda. Feed your body protein rich foods, like peanut butter sandwiches, turkey sandwiches or hummus and carrots. Stay away from sweets; the sugar will cause you to crash. Prioritize your work. If you're staying up all night, you have a lot of work to do, but not all of it necessarily needs to be done by the next day. Make a list of all your assignments, then figure out which assignments are most pressing. Put the biggest assignments that are due first near the top of the list. Put smaller assignments that you can complete quickly and easily near the bottom of the list. Try to do these towards the end of your night when you're exhausted. Any assignment that isn't due the next day should be completed on another night. Create a schedule. Figure out what time you need to complete your work by. If you have school the next day, you'll need some time in the morning to shower and prepare, so factor in an hour to get ready. Then work backwards and schedule out your night. Approximate how long each assignment will take you and then block off an appropriate amount of time in your night to do the work. Schedule high priority assignments early in the evening, when you're still at your best. Schedule in a ten minute break every two hours. Use this time to get up and walk around and give your brain a break. Pump yourself up with a nap. If you're tired before starting your work, take a caffeine nap. Drink a cup of coffee, then immediately take a 20-minute nap. The caffeine will take effect just as you wake up and you'll feel refreshed and energized. Don't nap for longer than 30 minutes. If you nap for longer than 30, you risk entering into REM sleep cycle. If you don't have time for a nap, take a fifteen-minute walk outside. It will accomplish the same thing. Start as soon as you can. If you're planning an all-nighter, it's because you're crunched for time, but don't make it any more difficult on yourself than it has to be. Start working as soon as you can, and don't put the work off till later in the night. Make a concrete plan of what time you're going to begin working and stick to it. Set an alarm, if you have to. Turn off your phone and any other distractions that might impede you from beginning your work. Begin your caffeine cycle. As you start working, drink one of the caffeinated beverages you have set aside. Drink it slowly, so the caffeine doesn't overwhelm your system and cause you to crash. For every caffeinated beverage you drink, drink a cup of water. As the night goes on, increase the time between caffeinated beverages. If you feel yourself falling into a slump, take a multivitamin. Take a break for exercise. No matter how focused you are, at some point, your brain will hit a wall. Instead of working through the slump at your computer, use this time to get in some exercise. A quick workout can boost your brain's ability to learn and retain information, which will help you break through your slump. Don't do a full workout – instead, do some quick exercise in the form of 10 pushups, 10 jumping jacks or 10 sit ups. Keep from falling asleep by making yourself uncomfortable. Pain stimulates the brain and keeps you from falling asleep. When you feel yourself nodding off, try pinching your thigh or eyebrow to give yourself a quick jolt. If pinching isn't cutting it, splash cold water on your face for an added boost. Lower the thermostat in your house or study area to keep your body alert. Take a cold shower to freeze yourself awake. Keep the lights turned on. Melatonin, the hormone that makes humans sleepy, is brought on by darkness, so turn on your brightest lights. Try to work in a room with fluorescent lighting, if possible. The closer the light is to your eyes, the better, so try to work near a desk lamp or computer screen. Change rooms every couple of hours so your eyes don't have time to fully adjust to the bright lights. Chew gum. Mint increases brain activity and improves memory, so chewing gum and sucking on mint candies can help you increase your alertness and improve the quality of your work. Keep a stash close to your desk and dip into it whenever you feel yourself slowing down. Drinking mint tea is also a great way to get some added caffeine. Invite a friend to join you. Misery loves company, so inviting a friend to spend the evening with you is a great way of holding yourself accountable. Inviting a friend who has similar assignments to yours is even better; you'll be able to help each other out with the work. Don't invite over a friend who only wants to talk and hang out. You need someone who will motivate you, not distract you. Stay focused. The best thing you can do for your all-nighter is to remove any potential impediments. Turn off your phone, move out of the room with the TV in it and stay away from the Internet as much as possible. If you know you can't go all night without checking Facebook, deactivate your account for the night. You can reactivate it as soon as all your work is done. Give your social media passwords to a friend or parent for the evening so you can't break in to check your accounts. Don’t try to multi-task. Staying up all night is already challenging enough – it won't help you to try to work on more than one assignment simultaneously. Stick to the schedule you created earlier and don't jump around between assignments. Use your priority list from earlier, cross each item off the list when it's completed, then move on to the next one. Set up a system of rewards. Staying up all night is hard and you deserve a reward for doing so. The reward can be big, like buying a new shirt or DVD for completing all your work. Or you can reward yourself intermittently throughout the night. Every time you finish an assignment, throw a five minute dance party. You'll get some exercise in and you can listen to your favorite song. Give yourself five minutes to check your phone after completing an item on your to-do list. Take breaks. When you're working hard, taking a break might seem counterintuitive, but it's actually very important. Breaks keep you from getting bored, help you retain information and give you a moment to evaluate your work from afar. Take 10 - 15 minutes every two hours to grab a snack or take a walk. If you feel overwhelmed, take a 10 minute break to meditate. | Create a workspace. Gather your fuel. Prioritize your work. Create a schedule. Pump yourself up with a nap. Start as soon as you can. Begin your caffeine cycle. Take a break for exercise. Keep from falling asleep by making yourself uncomfortable. Keep the lights turned on. Chew gum. Invite a friend to join you. Stay focused. Don’t try to multi-task. Set up a system of rewards. Take breaks. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Plan-Activities-with-Your-Dog | How to Plan Activities with Your Dog | If you're looking for fun activities to do with your dog, try going on a hike together if it's nice outside. Just make sure you check to see if dogs are allowed on the trail before you go. Alternatively, you can bring your dog to the dog park, where it will be able to run around off leash and play with other dogs. Even if it's cold or rainy out, you can still find fun things to do with your dog indoors, like playing tug-of-war, cuddling on the couch, or playing hide-and-seek with treats. | Establish a consistent exercise routine. Many of the activities that you and your dog can enjoy together require little to no equipment, and you can do them in your own neighborhood. For instance, you can take your dog for a walk or jog, play fetch in the nearest park, or bring them to the nearest watering hole for a swim. The most important factor, especially from your dog's perspective, is keeping a regular schedule. Physical activity is extremely important to your dog's health and happiness, not to mention your own. At the very least, take them for a ten to twenty minute jog or brisk walk twice a day. Go for a hike together. On days where you have more freedom, take the dog somewhere new. Opt for large parks and nature preserves with trails away from any roads. While large, popular parks sometimes do not allow dogs, many parks do. There are even websites that can help you plan hiking trips ahead of time, with information regarding where dogs are or are not allowed. Socialize together at the dog park. Of the many sorts of public outdoor areas that allow dogs, there are some parks that are specifically designed to welcome canine visitors. While the phrase “dog park” is used to describe many different areas, it is generally safe to assume that you and your dog will both be welcome, and will likely meet other four-legged friends as well. One of the specific benefits of many dog parks is that it will likely be okay to allow your dog to run off of their leash. This can offer a safe area to train your dog to “come,” among other learning opportunities. Similarly, many large parks, especially those in urban areas where outdoor space is more limited, allow dogs in certain parts of the park. Always obey posted signage. Figure out your dog's favorite activity. For many dogs - not to mention many people - it really is the simple things that are the most enjoyable. Experiment with all the classic dog activities, even if you're not sure they'll appeal to your dog. For instance, it's a rare dog that can help itself from fetching a thrown ball. If your arm isn't what it used to be, there are simple, cheap plastic tennis ball launchers available online or in pet supplies stores. Try throwing a frisbee. This may be more fun for you and your dog, as frisbees can be enjoyable to throw, and your dog may enjoy jumping into the air to catch them. Make sure to work a bit of activity into rainy days indoors as well. Order a laser pointer online or grab one from your local pet store. Chances are, both you and Voldemutt will wind up entertained for hours with a marathon session of catch-the-mysterious-red-dot. Host a dog party. You know what they say: there ain't no party like a dog party. And as much fun as it will be for you, hosting your dog-owning friends and their own four-legged family members will absolutely make your dog's day. Be sure to remove anything fragile or potentially dangerous to your dog from the areas where visitors will be allowed, and plan to accommodate hungry, thirsty, and socially excited canines. Include your dog when you host human visitors. It's not always possible to host a bunch of your human friends' dogs. However, your dog can still enjoy the company of your friends with you. To make sure your dog feels comfortable, provide it with a safe zone where only it will be allowed to go during the party. Don't host large gatherings before your dog is trained to behave around other people, Further, be sure to tell guests that a dog will be present and make sure they will comfortable as well. Bring your dog to others' social functions. When the context is appropriate, bring your dog along when you visit a friend's home. The important factor here is always ensuring that the host is aware that a dog is coming and gives their approval. Ask a host ahead of time before bringing your dog to another's home, even if you know you'll be hanging out in their yard. While you may be excited to introduce Sir Woofsalot to your buddy's miniature poodle, the poodle may not be fond of canine visitors. Similarly, very young children may be attendance, and their parents may not feel comfortable with dogs around quite yet. Take your dog out on the town. You probably already know it, but bringing your dog to the bar is just about the easiest way to get a conversation going there is. Fortunately, many restaurants and bars with outdoor seating do allow dogs to sit on the patio or deck. Call ahead to make sure your canine will be welcome, or be willing to change you plans when establishments won't allow your furry companion in. Never allow your dog off of their leash in public bars or dining areas. Even if your dog is incredibly well behaved, it's important to ensure that other patrons know that your dog is safely under your control. Make sure your planned accommodations welcome dogs. Traveling with your dog does require a bit of planning, but it is fully possible to do so. Accommodations are especially important to plan, as many hotels and rental facilities do not allow dogs. Always ask about pet policies before booking a stay when traveling with your dog. Don’t leave your pet alone in unfamiliar spaces. Even if you bring a crate along, do not assume it is safe or appropriate to leave your dog in a hotel room or rented space. Leaving them somewhere they aren't comfortable will likely lead to some barking, howling, or worse. When you're in a hotel room together, turn the TV or radio on low. Select a station with calm, familiar sounds. This will help cover the sounds of other guests, and help reduce the likelihood that Jim Har-Paw will be tempted to bark. Bring along some comfort items. When traveling with your dog, it's important to ensure they are as comfortable as possible. Outside of keeping as much of a routine as you can, the best way to do so is by bringing along their favorite toys, blankets, and food. Get a location-specific dog friendly travel guide. Many popular travel destinations provide information on places you can stay with your pet, as well as activities you can enjoy together. This include both specific destinations, such as cities or national parks, as well as general destinations. Often, local, state, or national governments will make this information available online. For instance, if you live in or are visiting a particular U.S. state, visit the state's tourism website to find or ask about a pet-friendly travel guide. Aside from hotels, information is available regarding pet-friendly vacation rentals, beaches, airports, shopping malls, and more. Visit a dog camp. There are various types of dog “camps.” Some revolve around a particular event or activity, such as a sport or skills competition. Others are more social and are designed to host you, your dog, and other campers in a place that can accommodate both bipeds and canines. Make sure to opt for the sort of camp that hosts both you and your dog. | Establish a consistent exercise routine. Go for a hike together. Socialize together at the dog park. Figure out your dog's favorite activity. Include your dog when you host human visitors. Bring your dog to others' social functions. Take your dog out on the town. Make sure your planned accommodations welcome dogs. Don’t leave your pet alone in unfamiliar spaces. Bring along some comfort items. Get a location-specific dog friendly travel guide. Visit a dog camp. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-a-Bengal-Cat | How to Take Care of a Bengal Cat | To take care of a Bengal cat, feed it high quality wet or dry food according to the package's recommended amounts. You should also provide mental stimulation by giving it lots of toys, puzzles, and play time. Additionally, give your cat plenty of opportunities to climb, such as a floor-to-ceiling cat gym and cat platforms. In order to groom your Bengal, use a rubber grooming glove to get the loose hair out of its coat and keep it extra glossy. | Feed your Bengal responsibly. As with any cat, feed a good quality cat food of either a wet (canned or pouch) or dry (kibble) variety. Use the feeding guide on the back of the package as a guide to the initial quantity. Take care your cat does not become overweight. Check once a week that you can feel his or her ribs and that he or she has a waistline. If you have difficulty identifying individual ribs then the cat has become overweight and you need to cut back its food allowance by 10%. After this cut back, check your cat's weight again in one week's time. Give your Bengal water. You could just give it water in a dish, or get a running water system. You can buy running water for cats at you local pet store. If you can't find one there, go online and order one. If you don't want to buy a running water system, give them water in a dish and occasionally turn on the faucet in the bathroom and let them jump up and drink it! Bengals have a thing about water - an obsession really. They love to play with it and running water holds a special fascination. They will sit and bat at it with a paw for hours. This is great except you can end up with very wet carpets. Therefore, it's best to site water bowls on a waterproof floor that can be mopped dry if it all gets too much. Also remember to keep the toilet seat cover down. This is the Bengal equivalent of a play pool and it will enjoy dipping its paw in and splashing water everywhere. Give your cat a litter box that has a cover! It will give it the feeling of privacy. Also be sure to give you cat a litter box with high edges. Bengal cats can jump up to three times their height, so don't be afraid to give them a little higher edge around their litter box. The high edge is so they don't pee outside the box. If they only have to step into the box, they may pee along the edge of the box, thus leaving you a big mess to clean. If you want to teach your cat to go to the bathroom in a toilet, your job is a lot easier with a Bengal! Do some research on training programs and start it when your Bengal is young. Do only a small amount of grooming. Bengals have a satin finish to their coat that doesn't need a lot of care. However, like most cats, if you start brushing a Bengal as a kitten, it will grow up loving the attention. Use a rubber grooming glove get the shed hair out of the coat and keep it extra glossy and sleek. Take your Bengal to the vet on a regular basis. Like all cats, for a long and healthy life the Bengal requires certain routine health measures. As a kitten, this includes vaccinations, deworming, neutering, and having a microchip inserted. Having a microchip in place means you can prove ownership is the cat is recovered from thieves or if found when it's lost. Make sure your vet takes care of Bengals, because not all vets do. Start vaccination from six weeks of age to give temporary protection. Repeat again at 10 weeks, with the final shot of this initial course at 14 weeks of age. The vet will vaccinate against distemper and rabies, as a basic course, and discuss vaccinating against feline leukemia and chlamydia. There is some resistance amongst Bengal breeders to giving the leukaemia vaccine. The reasons for this are not clear but are related to the ancestry of the Asian leopard. There is no proof whatsoever that Bengal cats are especially sensitive to this vaccine and there are no special complications in the breed. Neither does the Bengal's ancestry give them natural immunity, as some breeders argue, so not vaccinating leaves your cat open to possible infection. However, if your cat is going to be purely indoors, then you can save yourself the debate, because an indoor cat is at low risk of contracting feline leukemia. Get your cat desexed. Desexing is usually done between 5 - 6 months. However, some breeders insist on the kitten being neutered before they are homed (at 12 weeks), in order to avoid their kittens being used for breeding stock. Get your cat dewormed. Worming should be done at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age with an oral product, such as Panacur. Good products, such as Stronghold (UK) or Revolution (US), last for 1 month, so they should be applied monthly from 6 weeks of age. Understand the unique health issues Bengals can have. The breed is at greater risk than others of Feline Infectious Peritonitis. This viral disease is most likely to spread in establishments where more than five cats live and who use shared litter trays. Unfortunately, this means breeding establishments can be potential breeding grounds for the Corona virus which mutates and causes clinical FIP. There is no preventative treatment for FIP, and if you buy a kitten that is incubating the infection, although feeding a good diet will generally strengthen his immune system, it will not stop him from becoming sick with FIP at some point in the future. Thus, avoidance is your best option. If you already have cats and take on a kitten from a breeder with a history of FIP, then make sure the cats do not share litter trays. The Coronavirus, which is responsible for FIP, is spread via feces, so the closer the other cats contact with poop, the greater the risk of them acquiring infection. FIP usually affects cats under the age of 12- 18 months, and causes fever, loss of appetite, and seepage of fluid out of the circulation where it accumulates as fluid on the belly. There is currently no cure for this heart-breaking condition. Before getting the kitten, ask the breeder if they have any history of FIP within their breeding stock. If they are honest, and tell you they have had problems with FIP or reports of homed kittens suffering from the condition, then sadly you should walk away and source a Bengal kitten from a different breeder. Other common health problems are HCM (a heart disease), PkDef (chronic anemia) and an early onset autosomal recessive disorder which can lead to blindness within the first year of life. However, many breeders screen against these problems and can reduce the likeliness of your cat having such issues. Nasal dermatitis was found affecting Bengal cats in Sweden. The scientists' conclusions were that this unique skin condition in the Bengal breed suggests a heritable cause. Consider taking out pet insurance for your Bengal cat. This will cost you a modest sum every year. However, it will help significantly if your cat has a medical emergency. It will pay a portion of your vet bills, depending on the exact policy, and it will assure that you don't have to make treatment decisions based on cost alone. Give your Bengal a chance to climb. Bengals love to climb and the higher they get the happier they are. If you don't give them suitable things to climb on, they will find things for themselves, such as your curtains. A floor-to-ceiling cat gym is ideal, with lots of platforms and nest boxes. In fact if you have one in every room so much the better. Place one cat gym beside a window, so your Bengal can climb and watch birds through the window at the same time, which he or she will hugely enjoy. Give the Bengal mental stimulation so it doesn't get into trouble. Provide plenty of toys, and be sure to have a minimum of twice daily play sessions, lasting at least 10 minutes (or until the cat gets tired). Bengals are intelligent and extremely energetic so you need to provide an outlet for all that pent up hunting behavior. Neglect this and the cat is likely to find its own amusement by shredding your best furniture. The Bengal is highly intelligent and adept at problem solving. This means he or she may work out how to open the food cupboard, or even the fridge. Be prepared to fit child locks on doors where there is anything that could harm the cat (such as cleaning products) or where there is food. Have fun with your Bengal! Playing with your cat can provide hours of entertainment for you, and your Bengal. These cats love attention, so the more, the merrier! They also love to sleep with their "parents" so, let 'em snuggle up to you at night! Bengals only live 12-18 years average, so make the most out of each day with your cat. Play time with kitties is always important! Cats love anything moving. Get a feather on a string, and move it slowly on the ground. This will make your Bengal think it is alive. Move it slowly, shaking it a little back in forth, until your Bengal pounces. Help the Bengal to bond with all members of the household. Bengals have a tendency to become one-person cats and ignore everyone else. To avoid this, when you get the Bengal kitten, make sure all members of the house spend equal time playing with, feeding, and grooming the kitten. This will help the cat become equally familiar with everyone. Consider giving your Bengal cat a friend to play with. Bengals have play fights in the middle of night, so if you don't want a cat to bother you all night, get another cat. The second cat doesn't have to be a Bengal. It can just be a stray, cat from the pound, or a cat you already own. | Feed your Bengal responsibly. Give your Bengal water. Give your cat a litter box that has a cover! Do only a small amount of grooming. Take your Bengal to the vet on a regular basis. Start vaccination from six weeks of age to give temporary protection. Get your cat desexed. Get your cat dewormed. Understand the unique health issues Bengals can have. Consider taking out pet insurance for your Bengal cat. Give your Bengal a chance to climb. Give the Bengal mental stimulation so it doesn't get into trouble. Have fun with your Bengal! Help the Bengal to bond with all members of the household. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Polyester-Couch | How to Clean a Polyester Couch | Before cleaning your polyester couch, check the care label to see whether you can clean it yourself, or if you should have it cleaned professionally. If you can clean the couch yourself, start by vacuuming it to remove any dirt or debris. Then, spray it down with the recommended cleaner until it's damp. Next, blot or rub the cleaner into your couch with a clean cloth. When your couch is dry, you can use a soft-bristled brush to restore the fabric's soft, fluffy texture. | Decipher the couch tag. Polyester couches should have a tag, usually found somewhere underneath the cushions. The tag will have one of the following letters or letter combinations written on it: W, S, SW, or X. These codes let you know what kind of cleaners you can use on your couch. The letter W indicates water cleaning only, while S indicates solvent cleaning only. The tag SW means either a water or solvent based cleaner is safe. If the tag reads X, do not attempt to clean the couch yourself. Tags with an X label require professional cleaning. Find the right cleaner. Choose the right cleaner depending on your tag. Cleaners are sold at department stores. You can also buy one online. Couches marked "W" can be cleaned with an upholstery cleaner. Couches marked "S" should be cleaned with dry cleaning solvents. If your couch is marked SW, you can use either an upholstery or dry cleaning solvent cleaner. Find a professional cleaner for a couch with an "X" label. Do not attempt to clean a couch marked "X" on your own. Unfortunately, couches with this label will require professional upholstery cleaners. Go online and find a professional cleaner within your price range if you need to clean a couch with the label "X." Vacuum a couch and remove any crumbs. Before applying a cleaner, give your couch a good vacuuming. This will remove any crumbs or debris stuck in your couch's nooks and crannies. You can use the detachable upholstery brush, if your vacuum has one, to vacuum up things like pet hair, dirt, and debris. Make sure to get into hard to reach places, like between the cushions. If you do not have a vacuum cleaner, use a foxtail brush to sweep dirt and debris off your couch. Spray down your couch with your cleaner. Take your chosen cleaner. If it is not already in a spray bottle, pour it into a spray bottle. Spritz down the surface of your couch with the cleaner. Get the couch damp. If you're only spot cleaning, only spritz your cleaner on spoiled or stained areas. Blot down the couch. Once your cleaner is on, take a take a clean cloth. Blot or rub the cleaner into your couch. Target areas that are stained or soiled, blotting or rubbing the stains gently until they come off. Most couch cleaners do not need to be rinsed off. You simply blot them into the fabric. If your cleaner needs rinsing, however, refer to the instructions on the package for directions. Fluff the couch when you're done. Cleaners can make polyester couches feel a little stiff after cleaning. If your couch is stiff after cleaning, take a soft-bristled brush and gently rub it against the fabric after the cleaning solution has dried. This should give your fabric a soft, fluffy texture. Test any cleaner you use first. You should never apply a cleaner before testing it. Some couches do not respond well to certain commercial cleaners. Apply your cleaner to a small patch of your couch that is not directly visible, such as a corner on the back of the couch. Wait a few hours and check the area. If you notice any discoloration or other damage, try a different cleaner. Take safety precautions. Commercial cleaners can often be very strong. Use gloves when handling the cleaners. Clean in a well ventilated area. Open the windows, for example, when cleaning a couch in your living room. Use a small amount of your cleaner only. A little cleaner goes a long and less cleaner will be less taxing on your couch. Only spritz on a light layer of cleaner. If stains do not come off the first time, you can always repeat the process. Check labels first before purchasing a couch in the future. If you have a couch marked "X," it can be difficult to maintain. Calling in professional cleaners each time the couch gets dirty can be pricey. In the future, check the manufacturer's label before purchasing a couch and avoid buying couches with the "X" label. | Decipher the couch tag. Find the right cleaner. Find a professional cleaner for a couch with an "X" label. Vacuum a couch and remove any crumbs. Spray down your couch with your cleaner. Blot down the couch. Fluff the couch when you're done. Test any cleaner you use first. Take safety precautions. Use a small amount of your cleaner only. Check labels first before purchasing a couch in the future. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Sand-Flea-Bites | How to Treat Sand Flea Bites | To treat a sand flea bite, make a paste using 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Then, rub the paste on the affected area to soothe it. Alternatively, apply calamine lotion to the bite area to reduce itchiness. You can also use hydrocortisone cream, which you can buy at a drug store. Additionally, add 1 or 2 cups of oatmeal flour or oatmeal to a warm bath and soak in it for 30 minutes. Avoid scratching the bites, which can open them up and increase the chance of infection. While sand flea bites normally heal themselves, see a doctor if the bite area starts swelling, develops a white point in the center, or if the bites don't heal after several days. | Don’t scratch the bites. Many people immediately want to scratch sand flea bites because they can cause an itchy irritation on the skin. Avoid scratching the bites because this can actually open up the bites, making you more susceptible to infections. Apply calamine lotion. One way to relieve the itchy irritation caused by the bites is by applying calamine lotion to the area. This lotion can be found at your local drug store and will work to soothe the skin and relieve the itching. In order to apply calamine lotion, read all of the instructions provided and then gently rub a small amount onto the injected area. Do not use on eyes, mouth, or genitals. Talk with your doctor before using calamine lotion on children under the age of six months. You should also consult a physician before using the lotion while pregnant or breast feeding. Try hydrocortisone cream. You can also relieve the itching by applying hydrocortisone cream to the area. This will help to prevent you from scratching the bites. Hydrocortisone cream can be purchased at your local drug store. In order to apply the cream, you should read all of the instructions provided. Then, gently rub the cream over the infected area. Wash your hands afterwards. If you are pregnant or taking any other medications you should speak with your doctor before using hydrocortisone cream. Speak with a doctor before using on children under the age of 10. Create a baking soda and water mixture. Baking soda mixed with water can help soothe itchy and irritated skin. In order to use baking soda and water to soothe sand flea bites: Pour 1 cup of baking soda into a bathtub filled with cool water. Then, soak your entire body in the tub for approximately thirty minutes to an hour. Alternatively, you can mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Stir together until a paste is formed. Then, rub the paste onto the irritated skin. Leave the paste on the skin for approximately 30 minutes and then wash off with water. Soak in an oatmeal bath. You can also relieve skin irritations and itches by soaking in an oatmeal bath. Oatmeal contains antioxidants, which have soothing effects on the skin. In order to create an oatmeal bath, simply add one to two cups of oat flour or oatmeal to a tub filled with warm water. Then, soak in the tub for approximately one hour. Do not use hot water. This can actually cause greater skin irritation. Apply aloe to the skin. Aloe vera is excellent for soothing and healing a number of skin irritations. You can purchase aloe vera gel from your local drug store. Gently rub the aloe vera over the irritated area. This will help to soothe your skin giving you a bit of relief. Use essential oils. Certain essential oils, such as lavender oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and cedar oil may help to reduce the skin irritation caused by sand flea bites. In order to use, apply the essential oils directly to the irritated skin. Follow the directions supplied on the package for the correct dosage. Always consult a doctor before using essential oils for medical purposes, especially if you are pregnant. If you have known allergies or sensitivities, perform a patch test first on a small area of unaffected skin. Most essential oils need to be mixed with a carrier oil before being used on the skin to prevent irritation. Avoid using undiluted essential oils on the skin unless specifically directed to do so by a professional. Check the bites for breeding fleas. In most instances sand flea bites will consist of a small red spot, similar to a mosquito bite. In some cases, however, a female flea will burrow into the skin to hatch eggs. These can cause severe irritation and infection. The bite will look like a swollen area with a small black spot in the center. If you think you have a burrowing sand flea, you should visit the doctor to have the flea removed. Visit your doctor. After applying hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion the symptoms should decrease. If this does not happen or if the symptoms worsen, then you should visit your doctor immediately. This could mean that the bites have become infected or that you are allergic to flea saliva. Treat bites with an antihistamine cream. Your doctor may recommend that you treat the bites with a prescribed antihistamine cream. This cream will help reduce irritation caused by an allergic reaction to the flea bites. Follow the instructions provided by your doctor. Avoid the beach at dawn and dusk. Sand fleas are most prominent in the early mornings and evenings when the temperature is slightly cooler. To prevent sand flea bites, head to the beach in the middle of the day. You may still get a few bites, but there will not be as many fleas out during this time. You should also avoid the beach when it is raining. Sand fleas are most active in cool and moist temperatures. Try insect repellent. Insect repellent may help to prevent sand fleas from biting. Prior to heading to the beach spray insect repellent on your feet, ankles, and legs. Follow the directions provided and look for a repellent that specifically mentions sand fleas. You may also want to have the repellent with you at the beach so that you can re-apply after swimming! Cover your legs, feet, and ankles. A great way to prevent sand flea bites is by covering your legs, feet, and ankles. Sand fleas can only jump 20 to 40 cm (8-16 inches) so it is unlikely that you will get bit anywhere above the waist. While walking along the beach, wear light pants and sandals. If you are lying down on the sand, make sure to sit on a towel or blanket. | Don’t scratch the bites. Apply calamine lotion. Try hydrocortisone cream. Create a baking soda and water mixture. Soak in an oatmeal bath. Apply aloe to the skin. Use essential oils. Check the bites for breeding fleas. Visit your doctor. Treat bites with an antihistamine cream. Avoid the beach at dawn and dusk. Try insect repellent. Cover your legs, feet, and ankles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-IKEA-Place-on-Android | How to Use IKEA Place on Android | 1, Open IKEA Place. 2. Tap +. 3. Browse for an item. 4. Tap an item. 5. Tap TRY IT IN YOUR PLACE. 6. Tap the check mark. 7. Position the item as desired. | Open IKEA Place on your Android phone or tablet. Look for the blue and yellow IKEA on the home screen or in the app drawer. If you haven't installed IKEA Place, you can download it for free from the Play Store. IKEA Place requires Android 7.0 (Nougat) or later. Complete the tutorial and tap OK. If it's your first time using IKEA Place, the app will walk you through a brief tutorial that helps you get acquainted with its features. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. You'll have to give the app permission to access your camera, as well as agree to the privacy statement. Once the setup is complete, you'll see the camera viewfinder with a large ″+″ at the bottom. Tap the +. It's at the bottom of the camera viewfinder. This opens the product browser. Search or browse for furniture. There are two ways to find furniture and other household goods: Searching: If you know the name of the furniture you want to try in your space, type it's official product name into the search bar. It's not possible to search by product type (e.g., bookshelf, dresser ), only the IKEA product tile (e.g., Ektorp ). Browsing: Tap the ≡ at the top-right corner of the screen to view a list of categories, then tap a category to view its products. Tap a furniture item or household good. This opens the item's information page, which includes its description and price. Swipe across the photos to see the item at different angles. Save an item to your favorites by tapping the heart. You can browse your favorites at any time by tapping the outline of a person at the bottom of the camera viewfinder. Tap TRY IT IN YOUR PLACE. This brings you back to the camera viewfinder screen. Point the camera at the part of the room where you’d like to place the item. Tap the check mark. It's at the bottom of the screen. The selected item now appears in the room. It may take several seconds for the item to appear. Position the item as desired. You can drag the item to the exact place you're hoping to place it upon purchase to see how it fits. If necessary, use two fingers to rotate the item so it's facing the right direction. Continue redecorating your space. Tap + to add the next item, and then place it into the space just as you did with the first. Look in the camera viewfinder as you move around the room so you can get an idea of what the furniture will look like if you decide to purchase it. Open IKEA Place on your Android phone or tablet. Look for the blue and yellow IKEA on the home screen or in the app drawer. You can use IKEA Place to find alternatives to the furniture you already have. If you haven't installed IKEA Place, you can download it for free from the Play Store. Tap the dashed square icon. It's at the bottom-left corner of the screen. Aim the camera at the furniture you want to replace. For example, if you want to check out IKEA's selection of bookshelves, hold the camera so that your current bookshelf is in the frame. Tap the furniture item. A frame will appear around or near the item. Drag the frame so that it surrounds the item. Tap the search button. It's the magnifying glass at the bottom of the screen. This performs a search based on the selected item and displays a list of similar items. Tap an item to view it. This displays information about the item, including its price. Save the item to your favorite. Tap the heart to save the item to your favorites so you can find it again in the future. Your favorites are located in the profile section of the app, which you can find by tapping the person icon at the bottom of the camera screen. | Open IKEA Place on your Android phone or tablet. Complete the tutorial and tap OK. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. Tap the +. Search or browse for furniture. Tap a furniture item or household good. Tap TRY IT IN YOUR PLACE. Point the camera at the part of the room where you’d like to place the item. Tap the check mark. Position the item as desired. Continue redecorating your space. Open IKEA Place on your Android phone or tablet. Tap the dashed square icon. Aim the camera at the furniture you want to replace. Tap the furniture item. Drag the frame so that it surrounds the item. Tap the search button. Tap an item to view it. Save the item to your favorite. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Register-a-Homemade-Trailer | How to Register a Homemade Trailer | To register your homemade trailer in the United States, start by contacting your closest DMV to find out what documents you need for the application process, since it differs state by state. Most states require that homemade trailer over a certain weight must have a title, so take your trailer to a local car garage or body shop and ask to have it weighed. Make sure to hang on to the weight slip they give you because you'll need it to determine which forms you need to fill out, how much you need to pay in fees, and whether you need to title your trailer. If your state requires a title for your trailer, head to your local DMV to fill out the application and be prepared to provide your driver's license, the weight slip, a notarized description of your trailer, proof of address, and bills of materials used to make your trailer. | Contact your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) in the US. Most states require that homemade trailers over a certain weight must have a title. These laws and the application procedures can vary state by state. Contact your closest DMV to see what is required. You can find your closest DMV by entering your state or zip code here: https://www.dmv.org/dmv-office-finder.php. In the US, you must apply for a Vehicle Identification number (VIN) when you register your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of identity. Some states will require an inspection. Some states require all trailers to be titled while others may not register trailers at all. Others will only require titles on vehicles above a certain weight. For example, in Texas, you do not need to title or register a trailer weighing under 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg). In New York, however, all homemade trailers need to be titled. Ask your province’s Ministry of Transport in Canada. Canadian provinces may base your titling requirements either on weight or number of axles. You will need to apply for a VIN through your local ministry of transport, and your car must undergo a safety inspection. In Canada, each province has their own office, services, and websites for registering vehicles. Your best option is to call the same office where you registered your car or applied for your driver's license. For example, in British Columbia, you will register and insure your trailer through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. They will consider your trailer a “ubilt” vehicle. Go here for more information: http://www.icbc.com/vehicle-registration/specialty-vehicles/Pages/Ubilt-vehicles-and-trailers.aspx. Check with your state’s department of transport in Australia. Your trailer must fulfill a certain number of safety and construction standards. Processes for registering trailers can vary from state to state. Generally, you will need to have a state inspection, a completed application for licensing a vehicle, and proof of identity. The general standards for homemade trailers can be found here: https://infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/vsb1/index.aspx. The weight of your trailer will determine fees. A light vehicle is any trailer under 4,500 kilograms (9,900 lb). Heavy vehicles are over this weight. Contact the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK. First, you will need to get a VIN by contacting the DVLA. Then, your trailer must undergo an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) inspection. Contact the DVLA via their website or call for more information. You can go here to find the forms and guidelines for trailers: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/individual-vehicle-approval-iva-it. Weigh your trailer at a local weight scale. Contact local car garages, body shops, and public officials to determine where your closet car weight scale is located. Take your empty trailer to the weight scale to be measured. Drive the trailer over the scale, unattach your car, and drive your car off the scale. The scale will record your trailer's weight. Cat Scales and Penske both offer weight scales around the US. You can visit their websites to find a location near you. You will be given a weight slip when you get your trailer weighed. Save this, as you will need to submit it with your application. The weight of your trailer may determine which forms you fill out, how much you pay in fees, and whether you need to title your trailer. Collect receipts for the materials to determine the car’s value. Most states and countries will require you to present bills of sales for the materials of the trailer. This will determine the value of the trailer, and it may affect what you pay in fees. Add up the cost of materials before you fill out any forms, as you may need to state the total value of the trailer on the application. In the US, you can bring original receipts with you to the DMV. In most cases, they will return the receipts to you when they are done. Take the trailer in for a safety inspection at a certified inspector. Most states and countries may require a safety inspection on your homemade trailer to make sure that it is stable. These inspections usually cost between $10-20 USD, although the inspector may charge their own fee on top of that. Some areas will require the safety inspection to be done by DMV or transport officials. In this case, call your local transport officials to set up an appointment. Some areas will let you get an inspection done at approved garages, body shops, or even gas stations. In this case, call your local DMV or other motor vehicle authority to locate the most convenient safety inspector for you. Write a description of how you built the trailer. In some areas, you may need a notarized statement detailing how you built the trailer. Include the materials and techniques that you used to construct the trailer. If you used salvaged materials, you may need to state that as well. You can take the document to a notary at a bank, library, or law office to be notarized. Some US states may have a special form for this called a Statement of Ownership. In this case, use the form to report this information. Some places, such as British Columbia, may just require a summary of the components that you used. Break this list down into tires, axles, frame, deck, and rim. You may need to pay the notary a small fee to have it notarized. While this can vary, it is usually around $25-40 USD. Some banks offer this service for free to their clients. Take photographs of the front and back of the trailer. Some areas may require additional photographs of the sides of the trailer. Print these photos out and attach them to your application if required. Apply for trailer insurance if it is required. Trailer insurance is sold by automobile insurance agents. You can use the same agent that you use for your car insurance, although you may need a separate policy for the trailer. The insurance agent may require the weight slip, bills for materials, and safety inspection to complete your application. Trailer insurance may be required for some US states and Canadian provinces. It may be optional elsewhere. Fill out the proper forms required by your local government. Some areas require more forms than others, so it is a good idea to call your DMV or local transport authorities first. Most forms can be found online on their website or picked up from their office. Some forms you may be required to fill out include: Application for Title and Registration of a Vehicle Sales tax exemption Proof of ownership Application for a VIN A special form for homemade trailers Take the application and other necessary documents to apply in person. You will usually apply in person in the US, Australia, and Canada. Make copies before bringing them to the DMV or transport office. Check with your local office to see what you need to bring with you. In general, you may need: Your driver's license The weight slip of the trailer Bills of materials used to make the trailer The notarized description of the trailer Proof of car and trailer insurance Completed applications and forms A proof of address, including a driver's license, payroll stub, utility bill, or voter registration card Submit copies of your documents online to the DVLA in the UK. Fill out form IVA1t with a Declaration of Amateur Built. Scan and upload the necessary documents to the Technical Application System on this website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-vehicle-approval. Pay the registration fees. Fees can vary widely between different areas. You may need to pay for the VIN plate, title, registration, and taxes. Some areas may have special fees applicable only to homemade trailers. You can usually pay by credit or debit card. Typically, trailer registration fees are between $20-40 USD. Plate fees may be anywhere from $20-200. These fees can vary based on the weight of the trailer and the state of registration. Wait for your plate and title in the mail. Once you have submitted your application, it may take between 2-4 weeks for you to receive your documents in the mail. If you were given temporary documents, you can usually use your trailer, as long as you carry the documents with you. Once you receive your plate, screw it onto the back of your trailer. | Contact your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) in the US. Ask your province’s Ministry of Transport in Canada. Check with your state’s department of transport in Australia. Contact the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK. Weigh your trailer at a local weight scale. Collect receipts for the materials to determine the car’s value. Take the trailer in for a safety inspection at a certified inspector. Write a description of how you built the trailer. Take photographs of the front and back of the trailer. Apply for trailer insurance if it is required. Fill out the proper forms required by your local government. Take the application and other necessary documents to apply in person. Submit copies of your documents online to the DVLA in the UK. Pay the registration fees. Wait for your plate and title in the mail. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Fence-Post-in-Concrete | How to Replace a Fence Post in Concrete | To remove a fence post secured by concrete, start by disconnecting the post from the fence itself. Then, dig a hole around at least 1 side of the post, exposing the concrete and giving it some wiggle room. If the post is loose, you may be able to simply lift it up by hand. If it is stuck, try connecting the post to a jack via a thick chain, then slowly pump the device until it pops out. | Disconnect the post from any fence panels or wires. To gain access to the specific post you want to remove, you'll first need to detach any fasteners securing the post to a wood fence panel or wire mesh. These fasteners may include: Nails placed through a wood post into a wood panel. Screws connecting the post to the fence via a detachable panel. Tension bands holding wire mesh to the post. Dig a hole around 1 side of the fence post. With a shovel, break into the ground surrounding the fence post's concrete base. Keep digging until you create a half-circle gap between the ground and concrete. If possible, dig a hole that is as deep as the concrete itself, giving the post as much wiggle room as possible. Creating a semi-circular hole will be more than enough for most posts. However, if your pole refuses to budge, try digging out the rest. Rock the post back and forth to break up the surrounding ground. Your pole will resist at first, but should eventually start to move. Keep wiggling the post until you can move it back and forth with ease, indicating that the ground has lost its hold on the concrete base. Lift loose posts up by hand. Some posts, especially those that were not installed particularly well, can be easily removed by hand. Simply grip the base of the pole and lift up with your legs, pulling it out of the ground. Concrete is incredibly heavy, so make sure to grab a friend or 2 for help. Use a jack to remove your post if it’s stuck. Place a thick block or brick next to your post and set a high lift jack on top of it. Then, wrap 1 end of a thick chain around the base of your post and connect the other end of the chain to the jack. When you're ready, pump the jack slowly. The additional force will help pull the post out of the ground. If the jack doesn't provide enough support, try connecting the chain to something even larger like a power lift. Clear the hole of any post and concrete remains. To prepare the hole for your replacement post, pull out any remaining wood splinters, concrete slivers, and other unwanted items. If necessary, run the head of a shovel along the inside edge of the hole, pulling out any excess debris and smoothing everything over. Coat the bottom of wood posts with copper naphthenate. Due to their potential for rot, wood posts need a bit more care before placing them in the ground. Specifically, you'll need to cover the bottom of your post in a copper naphthenate solution like Cuprinol. Copper naphthenate mixtures act as in-ground preservatives, protecting the wood from decay and damage. Look for copper naphthenate solutions at home improvement and paint stores. You can apply the solution by brushing it onto the post or dipping the post into a tub filled with the liquid. Fill the bottom of the hole with aggregate. Construction aggregate is a coarse material made from sand, crushed stone, rock, and similar items. To hold your post steady, you'll need to pour in enough of this material so that, when the post is fully inserted, the very bottom is covered by 2 in (5.1 cm) of aggregate or more. Your aggregate should provide a sizeable cushion between the bottom of the hole and the base of your pole, so pour in a liberal amount. Aggregate helps water drain more quickly, preventing mildew and rot. Place your post inside the hole. Set 1 end of your pole inside the hole, pushing down until it enters the aggregate mix. Then, if you're lining the post up with a pre-existing fence, check to make sure that your pole sits at the same height as the other posts. If possible, pull your fence panels up to the post to make sure they fit together nicely. If the pole won't stand up on its own, ask a friend to hold it or place small stakes around the base. Check the post’s vertical orientation with a bubble level. To avoid any issues with alignment, check to make sure that your post is perfectly straight. You can do this by placing a vertical bubble level flush against the side of the pole. If the bubble does not sit inside the device's level markers, adjust the pole until it does. Fill the hole with concrete. Purchase a ready-to-use personal concrete mix from a hardware store, then prepare it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once it's ready, pour the concrete solution into the hole, making sure to fill it up evenly. Keep pouring until the concrete reaches just above the top of the hole. Wear protective eyewear, working gloves, and long-sleeved clothes to keep your eyes and skin safe from the concrete. If you get concrete on your skin, scrub it off and run the area under clean water for a minimum of 20 minutes. If necessary, prevent burning by adding vinegar or citrus to the water. If you get concrete on your clothes, remove them immediately and rinse them in clean water. Slope the concrete away from the post using a trowel. Before the concrete dries, scrape the top of the mixture with a trowel to make it smooth. Then, continue scraping the mixture until it slopes away from the post, ensuring the area drains properly. Let the concrete dry for at least 4 hours. Most ready-to-use concrete mixtures will need at least 4 hours to set, though this time can vary based on the specific brand. To see if your concrete is dry, poke it with a small wooden rod. Seal the base of the post with caulk. Once the concrete is completely dry, place a line of silicone or acrylic latex caulk around the area where the base of the post meets the concrete. During colder periods of the year, this caulk will prevent the concrete from opening up and creating a gap. Connect the post to any fence panels or wires. Check that the post is set and stable, then attach it to any pre-existing fence panels or wires using the same types of fasteners you removed earlier. | Disconnect the post from any fence panels or wires. Dig a hole around 1 side of the fence post. Rock the post back and forth to break up the surrounding ground. Lift loose posts up by hand. Use a jack to remove your post if it’s stuck. Clear the hole of any post and concrete remains. Coat the bottom of wood posts with copper naphthenate. Fill the bottom of the hole with aggregate. Place your post inside the hole. Check the post’s vertical orientation with a bubble level. Fill the hole with concrete. Slope the concrete away from the post using a trowel. Let the concrete dry for at least 4 hours. Seal the base of the post with caulk. Connect the post to any fence panels or wires. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-Marriage-to-a-Narcissist | How to Handle Marriage to a Narcissist | It can be frustrating to be married to a narcissist, but you can handle it by getting them help and taking care of yourself. People with true narcissism will make grandiose promises to people, lie about good deeds they've done, act like they are better than you, and have extreme reactions to criticism. If your spouse has any of these characteristics, share your concerns with them to encourage them to get help. Try to frame it so they understand how it will help them specifically. For example, you could say “Sweetie, I know you've been having trouble with the team at work, but if you talked with someone, it might help your chances of getting that promotion.” If your spouse doesn't want to get help or refuses to acknowledge their behavior, focus on caring for yourself. Take time to focus on your hobbies and interests, which will help you de-stress. Additionally, find a trusted friend to share your feelings and experiences with. Keep in mind that some narcissists can be hurtful people, so if your spouse is abusing you mentally or emotionally, seek help. | Watch for self-inflated comments and behaviors. A grandiose sense of self-importance is one of the most identifiable traits of the narcissist. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder believe that they are elite and special. They may select their friends and acquaintances based on their status or popularity. They may also go out of their way to make important contact as it cements their perceptions of themselves. Narcissists also often pose as helpers, make grandiose promises to people, and lie about good deeds they've done, leaving them with good reputations. But look closely to see if they have ever delivered on these. They will have often left a series of tragic relationships in their wake. If your spouse is a narcissist, you may have felt as if they act like they are better than you or those around you. They expect to be admired and believe they deserve the very best of everything. This can lead to you feeling insignificant and even suffering from a low self-esteem. Be on the lookout for extreme reactions to criticism. Narcissists portray a unique dynamic when it comes to criticism. They are extremely sensitive to the criticism of others, yet they themselves are incredibly critical. Because narcissists are naturally arrogant, your spouse may act as if they know it all. You may receive the brunt end of this behavior as they attack various aspects of your character or appearance. However, if you offered constructive criticism to your spouse, they may respond negatively. Although your spouse may appear to have a high self-esteem, you probably notice that it is fragile. They may become incredibly angry or even violent when criticized. They will also withhold love and affection if you criticize them, disagree with them, or do not give them exactly what they want. Notice a lack of empathy. Narcissists have a hard time feeling compassion or concerns for others. You will often find yourself having to explain basic human decency to a grown adult. This is a warning sign. Your spouse's #1 priority is themselves. Everything is “me” or “I.” They seem to have very little insight into your emotional needs and are unable to show empathy when you are upset. The narcissistic spouse may also lack an ability to recognize your feelings, interests, or personal values. You might say, “That was selfish of you and it hurt my feelings.” They will either be confused or say you're too “sensitive.” Check for exploitative behaviors. Narcissists have no qualms about using others to get what they want. They may take advantage of acquaintances or family members to improve their own situation or advance in some way. Being the spouse of a narcissist, you have probably felt manipulated or used on various occasions in order for your spouse to achieve their goals. For example, your spouse may open credit cards in your name without you knowing, or use your social connections to advance their own status. Share your concerns with your spouse. If your narcissist seems open-minded, bring up the topic of getting help. In many cases, narcissistic behavior patterns have led to problems in the narcissist's marriage, family, friendships, and career. Use one of these aspects as a benchmark to convince your spouse to get help. For instance, if your spouse is very career-oriented, but has been struggling to work as a team player, you might use this as fuel for a conversation. Say, "Sweetie, I know you were hoping for a promotion this year, but you've been having trouble with the team at work. I think it would be a great idea if you talked with someone who can help you build on the skills you already have to increase your odds of getting chosen for the position." Accompany your spouse to see a professional. Although it may seem like a good idea to search for a marriage therapist to help your spouse, avoid this dynamic in favor of having your spouse attend individual therapy. In many cases, couples therapy results in the narcissist playing the victim role, leading to very little change. Instead help your partner find an individual therapist who has experience treating personality disorders. You don't have to share your suspicions about the specific disorder with your spouse, but this increases the odds of your spouse being properly diagnosed and treated. Be sure to let the therapist know about your suspicions that your spouse is a narcissist. However, do not let your spouse find out that you have shared this information or they may become enraged. Be supportive. Refrain from trying to steer your spouse into treatment one way or another. Treatment for personality disorders like narcissism require long-term, intensive one-on-one therapy, and your spouse must be a willing participant. However, it can be helpful to ask how you can show support as they go through treatment. You might say, "Darling, I'm so proud of you for seeking help with what you're going through. What can I do to show my support or help you through this time?" Be open to your spouse's response. They may simply ask for space while they come to terms with the disorder. Participate in support groups. Since family members are often left to sort through their own emotional situation alone as the narcissist seeks individual treatment, you might find support by attending a local group or joining one online. Ask your spouse's therapist for a recommendation of a support group for loved ones of those with narcissistic personality disorder. You might also research forums online to locate other spouses or family members of narcissists. It may also bring awareness for your spouse to attend these groups as well. Spouses of narcissists may also benefit from seeing a therapist to resolve the emotional damage inflicted by their spouses and help them learn to cope. Know that the majority of narcissists never get treated. Narcissistic personality disorder involves a long-term and enduring behavior patterns. This condition must be diagnosed and treated by a qualified mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Unfortunately, an overwhelming majority of narcissists never seek treatment. Without treatment, it is unlikely that the narcissist will get better. Your spouse may only see a professional when the consequences of their behavior significantly interferes with their ability to function at work, at home, or socially. You might try talking to your spouse about getting help, but expect resistance. Stop taking their behavior personally. If you are going to try to make your marriage work with a narcissist, then you will need to build an emotional wall around yourself. Because the narcissist's behavior is purely self-driven, it's important to recognize it as a part of the disorder and not take it personally. This will undoubtedly be difficult to do, but it is necessary if you want your marriage to work. When your spouse says or does something particularly offensive or exploitative, try reciting a mantra to yourself like “What he/she does is a reflection of him/her, not of me.” Don’t expect your spouse to meet your emotional needs. Narcissists are a classic example of being takers rather than givers. Your spouse requires a great deal of admiration and/or affection, but they are unlikely to provide the same to you unless it serves them in some way. Expect for the relationship to be out of balance. Instead, use your friendships and relationships with family members for emotional support. Use flattery before making requests. Your narcissistic spouse likely responds well when you pump up their ego, so try this tactic when making demands on them. That way, you are able to keep your spouse satisfied and see to it that your own needs are met also. For instance, if you need your husband to complete a home-improvement project, you might say, “Darling, I know you are super busy, but your amazing carpentry skills are needed in the garage. The new shelves need to be hung, and I know no one will do as great a job as you can.” Praise positive behaviors. Positive reinforcement may also be helpful when trying to deal with a narcissistic spouse. Your husband or wife wants to be reminded of all the things they're good at, and they can barely handle learning about their shortcomings. So, try your best to ignore the undesirable behaviors, and when you see them doing something helpful, be sure to praise them. For example, when your wife asks “How was your day at work?” you might kiss her forehead and say, “How wonderful is it for you to ask that?” This reinforces the likelihood that she will inquire about your feelings in the future. Regain your identity by pursuing passions. When you're married to a narcissist, self-care should be a #1 priority. It's important for you to take part in activities that make you feel good about yourself and connect you with positive people. Narcissists often try to isolate you from other people, which may make it hard to maintain your relationships. You may also find that it is hard to keep up with your interests because you are trying to keep the peace at home. Think about some activities that you have put off since becoming married, or have been dying to try out. Sign up for a class, a Meetup, or check a book out from the library to learn more about a specific interest. You might learn a language, start crafting, become a writer, or start taking kickboxing. Do something you love, just for you. To ensure that your time away doesn't create a sore spot for your attention-hungry spouse, check in often while you're engaging in hobbies. You might say, “I'm at my writing course, dear. Is there something I can get for you when I'm headed home?” or “I'm enjoying kickboxing, but I sure miss your handsome face.” Develop realistic personal goals for yourself. Marriage to a narcissistic spouse can feel like everything is about your partner while nothing is about you. Combat feelings of inadequacy by giving yourself permission to be a little selfish and set some goals you have been secretly harboring. To make sure you achieve them, make them SMART goals—that is, specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. Have you always wanted to go back to school? Make a list of steps you must take to reach this goal. Your list might include researching universities, deciding on a major, taking entrance exams, and getting letters of recommendation. Surround yourself with a positive network. Just because your spouse isn't attending to your emotional needs doesn't mean no one can. Find a trusted friend or confidant to share your feelings and experiences with. Spend time with people who value who you are as a person and give as much as they take. You can reach out to an existing friend by saying, “Hey, Randy, some things have been happening in my marriage and I could really use someone to talk to. Can I trust you to keep this between us?” If you don't have a trusted person to talk to, try attending a support group for loved ones of narcissists. In such groups, you can connect with people who are going through similar experiences and learn how they cope. See a professional therapist. Although it can make your marriage more fulfilling if your spouse gets treatment, it can also be helpful if you see a professional as well. Years of belittling, criticizing, and being put in second place can take a toll on your self-esteem, leading to anxiety and depression. Research a therapist in your area who has experience working with the spouses of narcissists. Interviews several professionals before selecting one you feel comfortable with. Seeing a therapist can also help you learn more about the disorder affecting your spouse and learn more skills about how to cope with it in your marriage. Consider ending the marriage if your spouse becomes violent. You may be completely against divorce, but you should reconsider your decision if your spouse starts to abuse you. Although many narcissists never become violent, it can happen. Speak with a professional to develop an action plan to follow in times of crisis. Even if your spouse never physically abuses you, narcissistic abuse still involves emotional and mental abuse that can have lasting consequences to your well-being. Talk to your therapist to weigh the pros and cons of leaving your marriage, especially if you have children because this behavior can be learned. | Watch for self-inflated comments and behaviors. Be on the lookout for extreme reactions to criticism. Notice a lack of empathy. Check for exploitative behaviors. Share your concerns with your spouse. Accompany your spouse to see a professional. Be supportive. Participate in support groups. Know that the majority of narcissists never get treated. Stop taking their behavior personally. Don’t expect your spouse to meet your emotional needs. Use flattery before making requests. Praise positive behaviors. Regain your identity by pursuing passions. Develop realistic personal goals for yourself. Surround yourself with a positive network. See a professional therapist. Consider ending the marriage if your spouse becomes violent. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Glazed-Carrots | How to Make Glazed Carrots | To make honey glazed carrots, start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat and adding 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Next, give the mixture a brisk stir with a fork or mini whisk to combine. Then, add peeled, cut carrots and cook for about 15 minutes so the carrots turn tender and become infused with the glaze. As the carrots cook, make sure to stir them occasionally to prevent scorching. Finally, transfer the carrots to a dish and serve! | Prepare the carrots. Rinse the carrots under cool water, then chop the ends off. Peel the carrots using a vegetable peeler, then cut them into thick slices; try to make the cuts diagonal rather than straight down. Bring some water to a boil in a skillet. Fill a deep skillet with 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) of water. Place the skillet on the stove, and bring the water to a boil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the carrots, then cook for 3 minutes, then drain them and set them aside. Pour the carrots through a strainer, then place the skillet back on the stove. Shake the carrots until they are free of water, then set them aside. They will be slightly underdone, which is fine; you will continue cooking them in the glaze. Combine the rest of the ingredients in the skillet over medium heat. Put the butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice into the skillet. Turn the heat up to medium, and wait for the butter to melt, stirring occasionally with a spoon or whisk. Wait until the glaze starts to bubble, then add the carrots, and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir the carrots often with a rubber spatula. This ensures that they cook evenly, and that they get coated with the glaze. Serve the carrots. Once the carrots are tender, they are ready to serve. If you will be serving this to young children, however, allow the carrots to cool for a few minutes. Cook the carrots until they turn tender. Put the carrots into a large saucepan, then cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, then cook the carrots until they turn tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the water from the carrots, then set the carrots aside. Pour the carrots through a strainer, then shake them gently to dislodge any last bits of water. Place the carrots back into the saucepan, then set the saucepan aside. Cook the orange juice in a separate saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Pour the orange juice into a small saucepan, then bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the sugar, butter, and salt using a fork or a small whisk. Don't worry if the ingredients don't come together right away. This will give you a basic glaze. If you'd like to step things up a bit, try some of the following: If you'd like extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of ground allspice. If you don't have any brown sugar, try ¼ cup (90 grams) of maple syrup instead. For a richer glaze, increase the butter to 4 tablespoons (55 grams). Cook the glaze over medium heat until it thickens, stirring often. The butter will melt first, then the sugar will start to dissolve. Eventually, the glaze will start to thicken. If it is not thick enough for you, stir in 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Pour the glaze over the carrots, then toss the carrots. You can stir the carrots up with a rubber spatula, or you can cover the saucepan with a lid and shake it. This will coat the carrots in the glaze. Serve the carrots. They taste great on their own, or as a side for a larger meal. If you are serving this to young children, let the carrots cool down for a few minutes first. It might also be a good idea to cut them into bite-sized pieces as well. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir the butter occasionally with a spatula to help it melt faster and to prevent it from burning. Add the honey and brown sugar. Give everything a brisk stir with a fork or mini whisk to combine. Your basic glaze is almost complete but if you'd like a more savory dish, you could add 2 teaspoons of fresh dill and/or 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme. You can also use 1 teaspoon of dried dill or parsley instead. Add the carrots, and continue cooking until they turn tender, about 15 minutes. Stir the occasionally to prevent scorching. Adding the carrots into the glaze during the cooking process not only allows them to be coated with glaze, but it also infuses them with honey and sugar. Serve the carrots. Once the carrots are done to your liking, transfer them to a serving dish. If you are serving them to small children, let them cool for a few minutes first. It might also be a good idea to cut them into smaller pieces for very young family members. | Prepare the carrots. Bring some water to a boil in a skillet. Add the carrots, then cook for 3 minutes, then drain them and set them aside. Combine the rest of the ingredients in the skillet over medium heat. Wait until the glaze starts to bubble, then add the carrots, and cook for 2 more minutes. Serve the carrots. Cook the carrots until they turn tender. Drain the water from the carrots, then set the carrots aside. Cook the orange juice in a separate saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir in the sugar, butter, and salt using a fork or a small whisk. Cook the glaze over medium heat until it thickens, stirring often. Pour the glaze over the carrots, then toss the carrots. Serve the carrots. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the honey and brown sugar. Add the carrots, and continue cooking until they turn tender, about 15 minutes. Serve the carrots. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Your-Eyebrows | How to Dye Your Eyebrows | To dye your eyebrows, use beard dye, semi-permanent hair dye, or demi-permanent eyebrow dye, and never use permanent hair dye since it can singe your eyebrows off and cause serious damage if it gets in your eyes. If you want to add definition to your brows and make them appear fuller, try going a shade darker than your natural color. Or, if you've recently dyed your hair lighter and your eyebrows look too dark in comparison, try going 1-2 shades lighter. When you're ready to get started, be careful that you don't get any dye in your eyes, and keep a bottle of sterile eye irrigation on hand just in case. | Avoid using permanent hair dye. The dye that is formulated for use on your scalp is going to be way too harsh on the skin around your eyes. You may damage the fragile skin around your eyes or even singe your brows off. Hair dye is also incredibly damaging to your eyes if it gets in them. Look for beard dyes, semi-permanent hair dyes, or demi-permanent eyebrow dyes instead. Beard dyes often come in a wide variety of neutral tones and are designed to dye fine hairs, like the ones in your eyebrows. Go a shade darker to add definition and make brows appear fuller. Darkening the hair will refine the shape of your brow and can make your brows look thicker and fuller--perfect for anyone with sparse or very light eyebrows. You can try dyeing your brows 2 shades darker if you want to up the drama of your look. Try not to go drastically darker than your natural shade--your brows can look inky and fake and your natural roots will be obvious when new hairs grown in. Some beauty experts suggest trying to match the color of your eyebrows to the darkest hairs on your head. Lighten your brows 1 or 2 shades if you've gone from dark to blonde hair. If you've made a big color change with your hair, your dark brows might look a little harsh. If your brows are black, try dyeing them a dark brown. Again, try not to stray too far from your natural shade so it won't look strange when your roots grow in. If you've colored your hair red, you can add some warmth to your eyebrows to complement your hair color. For instance, go from dark brown to mahogany. You can use honey as a natural lightening product. Mix a few tablespoons of honey with a cup of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, and then apply this to your eyebrows for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Be aware of the risks. No dye—even products marketed as eyebrow dye—is FDA approved for use on your eyebrows or eyelashes. You can have an allergic reaction or damage the sensitive skin around your eye. The dyes can cause irritation and, if they get in your eye, can potentially cause blindness. If you decide to dye your eyebrows, be very very careful not to get any in your eye. Apply the dye in small amounts so there is less chance it will drip off the applicator and into your eye. Keep 2 bottles of sterile eye irrigation solution on-hand to flush out your eye, should you get any dye in it. Irrigate your eye with the entire bottle and, if burning continues, use the entire second bottle. Be sure to spot test the dye on your skin (the back of your neck or the inside of your upper arm will work). If your skin doesn't react in the 2 days following the treatment, then you can dye your brows without worrying about a reaction. Wash your face with facial cleanser or soap. Eyebrow dye should be applied to a clean area. Gently scrub your eyebrows to remove oil and dirt. If your skin or eyebrows are oily, the dye may not work as well. Secure your hair back from your face, either by pulling it into a ponytail or using a headband or bobby pins. Make sure you remove any makeup as well so you can clearly see the color change. Outline your brow with a generous amount of petroleum jelly. Use a cotton swab to spread petroleum jelly or a thick conditioner on the skin around your eyebrow (but make sure you don't get any on your eyebrows). This will act as a barrier to make sure you don't dye the skin around your brow and help keep the dye out of your eye. It may also reduce skin irritation. Prepare the eyebrow dye according to the directions on the package. Mixing instructions vary based on the brand of product purchased, but the result is the same. The mixed dye should have the consistency of a thick paste when using it on eyebrows or beards. If the dye is runny or watery, it is not mixed correctly. The pasty composition keeps the dye on your eyebrows without running into your eyes. If the dye consists of 2 tubes of product that you mix together, use only about a pea-sized amount of each. You won't need much, and you can save the rest of the dye for touch ups later. Make the dye solution right before you plan to use it. Apply the eyebrow dye by spreading a thick layer over your brow. Eyebrow dye kits come with an applicator, but you also can use a cotton swab or a clean spoolie wand. Try building up the dye from the inside half of your eyebrow (the side closest to your nose) and working out toward the thinner end. Make sure you work the dye into the roots of your eyebrows and cover the entire eyebrow evenly. Cover 1 eyebrow completely, then do the other eyebrow. Make sure that you are only putting the dye on your eyebrows! Do you best not to get it on your skin because it will temporarily stain your skin. If you do get some on your skin, immediately rub lotion or petroleum jelly into the dye and wipe it away with a paper towel. Wait for 3-5 minutes, cleaning up the dye with a pointed cotton swab. Brands usually suggest between 10-15 minutes to dye, but dyeing in smaller minute increments gives you more control over the final color. If you have thick, dark brows, go for 5-minute increments. For thin, light brows, stick to 3-minute increments. Use a cotton swab dipped in warm water to wipe off any cream that ended up on your skin and not your hair, or to clean up areas where it appears to be dying your skin. If warm water doesn't work, you can use a little facial tonic to clean it up. Wipe the dye from your eyebrows with a dry cotton pad. Close your eyes to avoid getting any dye in them. Smooth your brows and inspect the color. If the dye didn't take, repeat the dye process for another 3-5 minutes. Don't use the dye more than 2 or 3 times, as you may dry out or damage your skin. Wait 48 hours before dying your brows again if you want to achieve a darker color. When you reach the desired shade, remove the dye with a dry cotton pad. Then go over your eyebrow with cotton pad wet with dye stain remover to stop the dyeing process. Rinse or wipe your brow with warm water. Check your eyebrows in the mirror to see if you missed any spots. You may want to use a magnifying mirror so you can easily see your brows. Use a cotton swab dipped in dye to spot-treat anywhere you may have missed. Tweeze or wax your eyebrows into a desired shape. It is important you don't tweeze before dying your eyebrows, as this can lead to irritation and infection. Don't stress out if the color isn't exactly what you wanted. Eyebrow dye usually begins to fade after a week so the color won't be as intense. If you can't wait a week, brush a drop of clarifying shampoo through your eyebrows with a clean toothbrush or spoolie. Allow it to sit for 60 seconds, then rinse your brows. The clarifying shampoo will strip the oils and some of the dye off your eyebrows. If you notice you have dye on your skin underneath your eyebrows, apply an oil- or silicone-based makeup remover to a cotton pad and gently wipe your brows. If there is dye on your skin it should show up on the cotton pad, and your brows should be toned down about 1 shade once they dry. You can also make a paste using a 1:1 ratio of baking soda and your usual shampoo. Apply this to your brows with a clean brush and allow it to sit for several minutes. It may take a few tries, but this should calm the color of your brows. | Avoid using permanent hair dye. Go a shade darker to add definition and make brows appear fuller. Lighten your brows 1 or 2 shades if you've gone from dark to blonde hair. Be aware of the risks. Wash your face with facial cleanser or soap. Outline your brow with a generous amount of petroleum jelly. Prepare the eyebrow dye according to the directions on the package. Apply the eyebrow dye by spreading a thick layer over your brow. Wait for 3-5 minutes, cleaning up the dye with a pointed cotton swab. Wipe the dye from your eyebrows with a dry cotton pad. Check your eyebrows in the mirror to see if you missed any spots. Tweeze or wax your eyebrows into a desired shape. Don't stress out if the color isn't exactly what you wanted. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Divide-Binary-Numbers | How to Divide Binary Numbers | To divide binary numbers, start by setting up the binary division problem in long division format. Next, compare the divisor to the first digit of the dividend. Tack on the next digit and repeat until you get a 1, then find the remainder. Bring down the next digit of the divisor and repeat the process until you've solved the problem! | Review decimal long division. If it's been a while since you did long division with ordinary decimal (base ten) numbers, review the basics using the problem 172 ÷ 4. Otherwise, skip ahead to the next step to learn the same process in binary. The dividend is divided by the divisor , and the answer is the quotient. Compare the divisor to the first digit in the dividend. If the divisor is the larger number, keep adding digits to the dividend until the divisor is the smaller number. (For example, if calculating 172 ÷ 4, we would compare 4 and 1, note that 4 > 1, and compare 4 to 17 instead.) Write the first digit of the quotient above the last dividend digit you were using in the comparison. Comparing 4 and 17, we see that 4 goes into 17 four times, so we write 4 as the first digit of our quotient, above the 7. Multiply and subtract to find the remainder. Multiply the quotient digit with the divisor, in this case 4 x 4 = 16. Write the 16 underneath the 17, then subtract 17 - 16 to find the remainder, 1. Repeat. Once again, we compare the divisor 4 with the next digit, 1, note that 4 > 1, and "bring down" the next digit of the dividend, to compare 4 with 12 instead. 4 goes into 12 three times with no remainder, so we write 3 as the next digit of the quotient. The answer is 43. Set up the binary long division problem. Let's use the example 10101 ÷ 11. Write this as a long division problem, with the 10101 as the dividend and the 11 as the divisor. Leave space above to write the quotient, and below to write your calculations. Compare the divisor to the first digit of the dividend. This works just like a decimal long division problem, but it's actually quite a bit easier in binary. Either you can't divide the number by the divisor (0) or the divisor can go in one time (1): 11 > 1, so 11 can't "go into" 1. Write a 0 as the first digit of the quotient (above the first digit of the dividend). Tack on the next digit and repeat until you get a 1. Here are the next couple steps to our example: Bring down the next digit of the dividend. 11 > 10. Write a 0 in the quotient. Bring down the next digit. 11 < 101. Write a 1 in the quotient. Find the remainder. As in decimal long division, we multiply the digit we just found (1) with the divisor (11), and write the result underneath our dividend aligned with the digit we just calculated. In binary, we can shortcut this, since 1 x the divisor always equals the divisor: Write the divisor underneath the dividend. Here, we write 11 aligned underneath the first three digits (101) of the dividend. Calculate 101 - 11 to get the remainder, 10. See how to subtract binary numbers if you need a review. Repeat until the problem is finished. Bring down the next digit of the divisor to the remainder to make 100. Since 11 < 100, write a 1 as the next digit of the quotient. Continue the problem as before: Write 11 underneath the 100 and subtract to get 1. Bring down the final digit of the dividend to make 11. 11 = 11, so write a 1 as the final digit of the quotient (the answer). There is no remainder, so the problem is complete. The answer is 00111 , or simply 111. Add a radix point if necessary. Sometimes, the result is not an integer. If you still have a remainder after using the final digit, add a ".0" to the dividend and a "." to your quotient, so you can bring down another digit and continue. Repeat until you reach the desired specificity, then round the answer. On paper you can round down by chopping off the last 0, or if the last digit is a 1, drop it and add 1 to the new last digit. In programming, follow one of the standard algorithms for rounding to avoid errors when converting between binary and decimal numbers. Binary division problems often end up with repeating fractional portions, more often than they occur in decimal notation. This is referred to with the more general term "radix point," which applies in any base, since the "decimal point" is only used in the decimal system. Understand the basic concept. One way to solve division problems – in any base – is to keep subtracting the divisor from the dividend, then the remainder, while tallying up the number of times you can do so before getting a negative number. Here's an example in base ten, solving the problem 26 ÷ 7: 26 - 7 = 19 (subtracted 1 time) 19 - 7 = 12 ( 2 ) 12 - 7 = 5 ( 3 ) 5 - 7 = -2. Negative number, so back up. The answer is 3 with a remainder of 5. Note that this method does not calculate any non-integer portion of the answer. Learn to subtract by complements. While you can easily use the method above in binary, we can subtract by a more efficient method as well, which saves time when programming computers to divide binary numbers. This is the subtraction by complements method in binary. Here are the basics, calculating 111 - 011 (make sure both numbers are the same length): Find the ones' complement of the second term, subtracting each digit from 1. This is easily done in binary by switching each 1 to 0 and each 0 to 1. In our example, 011 becomes 100. Add one to the result: 100 + 1 = 101. This is called the twos complement, and lets us perform subtraction as an addition problem. Essentially, the result is as though we added a negative number instead of subtracting a positive one, once we finish the process. Add the result to the first term. Write and solve the addition problem: 111 + 101 = 1100. Discard the carry digit. Discard the first digit of your answer to get the final result. 1100 → 100. Combine the two concepts above. Now you know the subtraction method of solving division problems, and the twos' complement method of solving subtraction problems. You can combine this into one method for solving division problems, using the steps below. If you like, you can try to figure it yourself before you continue. Subtract the divisor from the dividend, by adding twos' complement. Let's go through the problem 100011 ÷ 000101. The first step is solving 100011 - 000101, using the twos' complement method to turn it into an addition problem: Twos' complement of 000101 = 111010 + 1 = 111011 100011 + 111011 = 1011110 Discard carry bit → 011110 Add one to the quotient. In a computer program, this is the point where you increment the quotient by one. On paper, make a note somewhere in a corner where it won't get confused with your other work. We've successfully subtracted one time, so the quotient so far is 1. Repeat by subtracting the divisor from the remainder. The result of our last calculation is the remainder left over after the divisor "went in" once. Continue adding the twos' complement of the divisor each time and discarding the carry bit. Add one to the quotient each time, repeating until you get a remainder that's equal to or smaller than your divisor: 011110 + 111011 = 1011001 → 011001 (quotient 1+1=10 ) 011001 + 111011 = 1010100 → 010100 (quotient 10+1=11 ) 010100 + 111011 = 1001111 → 001111 ( 11+1=100 ) 001111 + 111011 = 1001010 → 001010 ( 100+1=101 ) 001010 + 111011 = 10000101 → 0000101 ( 101+1=110 ) 0000101 + 111011 = 1000000 → 000000 ( 110+1=111 ) 0 is smaller than 101, so we stop here. The quotient 111 is the answer to the division problem. The remainder is the final result of our subtraction problem, in this case 0 (no remainder). | Review decimal long division. Set up the binary long division problem. Compare the divisor to the first digit of the dividend. Tack on the next digit and repeat until you get a 1. Find the remainder. Repeat until the problem is finished. Add a radix point if necessary. Understand the basic concept. Learn to subtract by complements. Combine the two concepts above. Subtract the divisor from the dividend, by adding twos' complement. Add one to the quotient. Repeat by subtracting the divisor from the remainder. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Birch-Trees | How to Grow Birch Trees | Growing a birch tree from a seed is relatively easy. You'll need to germinate your seeds in the late winter so they'll be ready to plant in the spring. Plant them in a container by a sunny window and keep the soil damp. When a seed's roots outgrow the container, repot the biggest one in its own pot and prune the rest. Gradually leave the pot outside for longer periods of time as the weather warms up to acclimatize it to the outside conditions. Once the seedling is 15 inches tall, replant it in the ground. Cover its soil with mulch to protect it and water it once a week. Only use fertilizer in the late summer if it seems to be lacking nutrients. | Pick a birch tree that is suitable for your climate. Paper, white, and gray birches are a good selection for cold climates, while the river birch does well in warmer climates. Keep this in mind if you order seeds from an online seller or purchase them at a garden store. If you're foraging for seeds near your home, you can assume they're coming from birch trees that have been successful in your climate. Capture seed pods from a birch tree in late summer. The seed pods, or catkins, start fluttering to the ground in the early fall, and may lose their seeds in the process. Collect a catkin straight from the birch tree in late summer to ensure you get a seed. Catkins are slim, cylindrical flower clusters that have no noticeable flower petals. They look somewhat like small, soft pinecones. Dry out the catkin on a sunny windowsill. Place the catkin in a paper bag or on a paper towel. Then let it rest on a sunny windowsill for a couple days while it dries out. Allowing it to dry will make it easier to get the seed out. Remove the seeds from the dried-out catkin. Break the dried catkin by snapping it in half between your fingers and emptying the seeds out onto a plate or piece of paper. If the catkin breaks into a bunch of small pieces, just try to keep track of where the seeds are as you pull the shell apart. Place the seeds in a container with well-rotted compost. Buy a small plastic plant pot with drainage holes in the bottom and fill it with a few inches of compost. Sprinkle the seeds across the top of the compost, spacing them as evenly apart as possible. Try to give each seed 1 to 2 square inches (2.5 to 5 square cm) of space just in case they begin to germinate in the container. Cover the seeds with a little compost and water. Sprinkle less than a centimeter of compost or soil over the seeds, and don't pack it down. The seeds should remain somewhat loose in the container. Then pour a small amount of water over the seeds to dampen, but not drench, the soil. Place the container in a plastic bag. Find a plastic bag that will be large enough to hold the container and close with a seal. A plastic freezer bag with a zip closure would work well. Slip the container inside without tilting it and close the bag. Place the plastic-wrapped container in the fridge until spring. The seeds need a period of cold rest time until they're ready to be germinated in the late winter. Place them in an out-of-the-way spot in your fridge for several months. Avoid pushing it to the back of the fridge since temperatures may be too cold back there. An unheated garage is also a good place to store the seeds over the winter. Check the bag periodically for adequate moisture. Peek in at your seeds every couple of weeks to make sure there's still enough moisture in the container. If it seems to be drying out, add a little more water. But never pour in enough that there's standing water anywhere. If a seed begins to sprout during this time, immediately move the container to a windowsill. Move the container to a sunny window in late winter. Germinate the seeds in the late winter so that you have a strong seedling by late spring, when they can safely be planted. Move the container to a sunny window and remove the plastic. Dampen the soil if it feels dry to the touch, and keep it damp while you wait for the seedlings to grow. Prune the seedlings down to the sturdiest one. Seedlings will begin to pop up within a few days. After a week or two, look for the strongest, sturdiest one, and prune all the others away. If you wanted to plant more than one, keep the strongest two or three seedlings. Repot when the roots outgrow the container. When you see the roots of your seedling begin to stretch along the surface of the container or out the drainage holes, it's time to repot. Find a pot that's at least twice as large as the one it's in and fill it halfway with a mixture of potting soil and compost. Transfer the seedling and fill in the soil. Carefully scoop the root ball out of its current container and place it into the new one. Fill in the rest of the pot with the soil-compost mixture and water thoroughly. Adjust the seedling to outdoor temperatures gradually. Once the danger of frost has passed, start leaving your seedling outside for longer periods of time. Start with a couple days in a shady spot, then try a few days outside in partial sun before moving to full sun. Avoid leaving it outside in any extreme conditions during this time. Select a planting location with full sun. Birch tree leaves need sun all day long, so find a spot in your yard that gets full morning and midday sun. The northern and eastern sides of your home are acceptable as long as the tree won't be shaded by your house. Avoid western and southern exposure, since the late-afternoon sun may dry out the soil. Choose a planting location with moist, slightly-acidic soil. Birch trees have shallow roots that require lots of moisture, so search your property for areas where the soil doesn't dry out easily. Be sure that the soil around the tree is shaded in the late afternoon. And avoid areas with compacted soil since these won't allow your seedling roots proper drainage. A handheld PH-meter can help you determine the acidity of your soil. You can purchase one at your local garden store or online. Plant the seedling when it reaches 15 to 20 inches (40 to 50 cm) tall. Once your seedling reaches 15 to 20 inches (40 to 50 cm) tall it's ready to be planted in the ground. To get it out of the container, insert a spade into the soil a few inches out from the seedling. Scoop the seedling out, being careful not to break any of the roots. Dig a shallow, wide hole in the ground. Whether you grew your own seedling or bought one, dig a hole in the ground that's as deep as the root ball and about three times as wide. Use a spade or a small shovel to displace the soil and set it off to the side. Place the seedling in the hole and replace the soil. Gently place the seedling with its root ball intact into the hole. Be sure that the seedling is straight up and down, and then refill the hole with the displaced soil. Soak the seedling roots with water. Aim a hose at the base of the seedling and run water over the roots for several minutes. Stop when you begin to see standing water that's not draining away. Mulch with wood chips, leaf compost, or shredded bark. Add mulch around the base of the seedling to help the soil maintain moisture. You can use wood chips, leaf compost, or shredded bark. Apply 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) around the base of the seedling, but avoid letting it come in direct contact with the trunk. Fertilize only if a soil test determines that nutrients are lacking. You can purchase a nutrient test to determine if your soil is lacking any necessary nutrients for a healthy tree. If you do fertilize, use only a slow-release fertilizer and don't apply the fertilizer after August. Water the birch tree roots once a week during growing season. Keep the soil thoroughly moist to about 18 inches (0.5 m) deep. If you are not getting sufficient rainfall for this to happen naturally, use a hose or sprinkler to give it an hour-long soak once or twice a week until the fall. Use an insecticide spray to fight borers and leaf miners. Birch trees are susceptible to some pests, particularly leaf miners and bronze birch borers. Purchase an insecticide spray to apply to the bark or the soil around your birch tree once a season. Signs of borers include holes in the bark and winding galleries just beneath it. Look for brown splotches on the leaves to know if you have leaf miners. Prune the branches as they approach other trees or structures. Birch trees can grow 40 to 60 feet (12.2 to 18.3 m) (12 to 18 m) tall, with a canopy spread of 20 to 25 feet (6.1 to 7.6 m) (6 to 7 m). As you see the branches growing toward other trees, buildings, or power lines, prune them back with pruning shears to avoid entanglement. | Pick a birch tree that is suitable for your climate. Capture seed pods from a birch tree in late summer. Dry out the catkin on a sunny windowsill. Remove the seeds from the dried-out catkin. Place the seeds in a container with well-rotted compost. Cover the seeds with a little compost and water. Place the container in a plastic bag. Place the plastic-wrapped container in the fridge until spring. Check the bag periodically for adequate moisture. Move the container to a sunny window in late winter. Prune the seedlings down to the sturdiest one. Repot when the roots outgrow the container. Transfer the seedling and fill in the soil. Adjust the seedling to outdoor temperatures gradually. Select a planting location with full sun. Choose a planting location with moist, slightly-acidic soil. Plant the seedling when it reaches 15 to 20 inches (40 to 50 cm) tall. Dig a shallow, wide hole in the ground. Place the seedling in the hole and replace the soil. Soak the seedling roots with water. Mulch with wood chips, leaf compost, or shredded bark. Fertilize only if a soil test determines that nutrients are lacking. Water the birch tree roots once a week during growing season. Use an insecticide spray to fight borers and leaf miners. Prune the branches as they approach other trees or structures. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hang-a-Painting | How to Hang a Painting | To hang a heavy painting, start by attaching d-rings to it, and stringing picture-hanging wire through the hooks. Then, measure and mark a spot on your wall where the painting will be at eye level. Next, press a curved hook into the wall that braces against the inside of it. Alternatively, drill a hole and insert a screw with a plastic sleeve that expands into the wall. Finally, hang your painting carefully, making sure it's secure on the hook before letting go. | Find the right wall space. When you have a small painting, between one and three square feet, you shouldn't hang it on a big empty wall by itself. You'll make the painting look even smaller. So find a small section of wall or choose a few other paintings to hang with it. Hang the artwork at eye level, around 60”. Small paintings are great to hang around larger paintings to offset them and create some balance. You can also hang a collection of small paintings in a pattern. Use a 4D or 6D nail. As long as your painting is less than about 5 pounds, a regular finish nail will be sufficient to hold it, even in drywall. The nail should be around 1 ½”(3.8 cm). Definitely don't use a nail that is over 2” (5 cm) because it will end up being too long. Don't use a nail that is less than 1” (2.5 cm) because most walls will be at least that thick and the nail won't be long enough If you know that your walls are made of brick or plaster , use a screw rather than a nail. Use screws that still have a small head on them. Drive the nail at a 45 degree downward angle. Many people make the mistake of pounding a nail straight into the wall, but this is not the most stable way. Gently hit the nail into the wall so the head is angled up toward the ceiling. Leave about ½” (1.3 cm) sticking out of the wall. If you have a small hammer, use this rather than a large carpenter's hammer. A 20 or 24 oz hammer is too heavy and might damage the wall. Attach a d-ring to the painting. These hooks are standard for hanging artwork. Measure the width of the painting and make a mark in the middle of the top on the back. Attach the hanger here. Make sure it is centered so the painting will hang straight. If you purchased the artwork or frame, it may have a hanger attached already. You can pick up d-ring hangers at most hardware and home improvement stores. Hang the painting. The d-ring hangs right on the nail. Step back at least five feet from the artwork and look at it to see if it is straight. If there is someone else around, it is good to have a second person take a look to see if they think it is straight as well. Attach picture-hanging wire to the frame. For heavier paintings, wire is a better way to hang them than just one ring on the back of the frame. Make a rough judgment about how heavy the painting is as this will determine the strength of wire you need. You can buy wire that will hold up a 100 lb (45 kg) painting. Attach a d-ring to each top corner on the back and string the wire through the hooks. The point of this is that now the weight of the painting is distributed across two rings and a wire, rather than all being on a single ring. Measure and mark a spot on the wall for the hanger. Paintings should be hung at eye level. The way to accomplish this is to measure the length of the painting and divide that by two. Add 60 inches (152 cm) to this. Using that number, make a small mark on the wall at that height. For example, if your painting is 36 inches (91 cm), then half of it would be 18 inches (45.7 cm). So the hanger for the painting should be at roughly 78 inches (198 cm). Use a sturdy hanger. Heavy paintings are not meant to be hung with a single small nail. Use a curved hook which you press into the wall and that braces against the inside of the wall. Another good option is to use a stud finder to sink a larger nail, perhaps a 10d or 12d, into a stud rather than only into the drywall or plaster. Depending on the size and weight of the painting, it is often advised to use two hooks or nails. This braces the painting even more. Split the width of the painting into thirds and put the hangers at those points. For plaster walls, you may want to drill a hole first and then use a screw that has a plastic sleeve which expands when you screw it into the wall. Hang the painting. Gently hang the wire onto the hook or screws that are in the wall. With heavy paintings, you want to hang them slowly to make sure that the hangers are going to stay. It can be good to set a level on top of the painting to see if it is hanging straight. Large paintings will look more natural if you put some smaller ones around them to balance out the largeness. Create a row of paintings. If you have three or more paintings of the same size or similar size, you can hang them in a straight row. Measure to the same height and pound a nail for each one. Fill the wall space from side to side as much as you can. If you are able to reframe the paintings, it will look best when all of them are in the same type of frame. For a few paintings that are not the same size, you want to arrange them in a way that seems balanced. If you have one small, one medium, and one large painting, hang the largest in the middle and balance with one of the others on each side. This arrangement is good to accentuate a long piece of furniture in a room, such as a couch or dining table. Design a cluster of paintings. Hang five or more paintings of various sizes in an asymmetrical cluster. You might put a large one in the center and arrange the others around it. Or you can make an organic shape with all of the paintings at different heights. Make the cluster look somewhat uniform by putting them all roughly six inches (15 cm) apart. This somewhat disorganized pattern works great when you have a lot of paintings to hang because the overall look ends up balancing out. Make a rectangular grid. If you have an even number of frames, and an even number of like-sized frames, you can build a grid. You can use as few as four paintings, hanging them in a square pattern. This arrangement is only limited by the amount of wall space you have to work with. If you had 30 paintings that were one square foot, you could line them in rows of ten, five, or six. You can work with this arrangement with varied size paintings, but it will work better if you have frames that are all the same size. | Find the right wall space. Use a 4D or 6D nail. Drive the nail at a 45 degree downward angle. Attach a d-ring to the painting. Hang the painting. Attach picture-hanging wire to the frame. Measure and mark a spot on the wall for the hanger. Use a sturdy hanger. Hang the painting. Create a row of paintings. Design a cluster of paintings. Make a rectangular grid. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Give-Atenolol-to-Cats-with-Heart-Disease | How to Give Atenolol to Cats with Heart Disease | If your cat has been prescribed Atenolol for heart disease, make sure to follow all instructions from your vet when administering the dosage. Don't stop giving your cat the drug unless your vet tells you to do so, even if it seems to be improving after a few days, as cats typically need this medication for the rest of their lives. To easily give your cat the pill, mix it into its food or place it into a pill pocket treat. After your cat starts the Atenolol, look out for side effects, including slow heart rate, loss of energy and appetite, and diarrhea, and call your vet if these side effects persist. | Notice heart disease symptoms. In many instances cats will not show signs of heart disease until it has become severe. If you notice your cat struggling to breathe or their mobility suddenly becomes restricted, they may be suffering from heart disease. If these symptoms occur, you should visit your vet immediately. Other symptoms of heart disease in cats include: Lethargy Loss of appetite Blue gums or tongue Collapse or sudden death Visit your veterinarian. If you believe your cat may have heart disease or a related heart condition, you should take your cat to the vet immediately for a medical assessment. Your vet will likely perform x-rays of the heart to diagnose the problem. Once diagnosed, they may prescribe atenolol. Atenolol should only be given to your cat if it has been prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. If necessary, your veterinarian may also refer you to an animal cardiologist for specialized testing, such as echocardiography or heart ultrasound. Your veterinarian may also perform bloodwork to rule out other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, which can cause a rapid heart rate. Inform your vet if your cat takes other medication. If your cat has been prescribed atenolol to treat heart disease, there is a good chance it is already on other medications for related health issues. Atenolol can interact with other drugs that your cat may be taking. These interactions can either reduce or increase the effects of other drugs. For example, atenolol will increase the effects of many drugs that are used for anesthesia. Alternatively, it will reduce the effects of drugs that are used to increase heart rate or blood pressure. Follow all instructions provided by the vet. If you do not understand the instructions provided by your vet, ask for clarification. It is very important that you follow these instructions carefully. This includes giving the proper daily dosage. The typical dose for a cat is 1mg per pound (2 mg/kg), once a day. Atenolol can be given with or without food. Ensure your cat has lots of water available while taking atenolol. If you miss a dose and it is close to the next dose, then only give one dose. Do not double dose to catch up. If you have any questions, call your veterinarian. Do not stop giving the drug unless instructed by your vet. If your cat begins to show signs of improvement, you should not abruptly stop giving the drug. Instead, you should continue the entire prescription. Although cats typically need this medication for the rest of their lives, your vet may decide to reduce the dosage at some point. An abrupt stop could actually make the heart condition worse. Administer the pill orally. Atenolol comes in tablet form. Give the pill to your cat by mixing it with their food or placing it into a pill pocket treat. Alternatively, you could try inserting the pill into the back of their mouth using your fingers. Unless your vet instructs otherwise, hide the pill in food or a treat and give it to your cat. This is the easiest way to give your cat a pill. Let your veterinarian know if you are having any trouble administering the dose. It is possible to have the medication compounded by a pharmacy into a liquid that will be appealing to your cat. Wash your hands after administering. Once you have given your cat the pill, you should wash your hands with soap and warm water. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds and then rinse off the soap and dry your hands on a clean towel. Watch for side effects. Ask your vet about any possible side effects from the drug and monitor your cat to see if any develop. Some possible side effects to look for include: Slow heart rate Low blood pressure Loss of energy and appetite Diarrhea Monitor your cat for signs of an overdose. Some common indicators that your cat may have overdosed on atenolol include: slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness, weakness, confusion, or nausea. Contact your vet in the case of an overdose. If you suspect that your cat has overdosed on atenolol, you should contact your vet immediately. Perhaps you left the pills on the counter and your cat got into the container while you were out. If your vet is not available, you can also contact the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). Always bring the prescription bottle with you to the vet or APCC. This way they will be able to see exactly which drug has been overdosed. | Notice heart disease symptoms. Visit your veterinarian. Inform your vet if your cat takes other medication. Follow all instructions provided by the vet. Do not stop giving the drug unless instructed by your vet. Administer the pill orally. Wash your hands after administering. Watch for side effects. Monitor your cat for signs of an overdose. Contact your vet in the case of an overdose. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lower-Liver-Enzymes | How to Lower Liver Enzymes | If your doctor diagnoses you with elevated liver enzymes, ask them about making dietary changes that might help. For example, you may be able to reduce fatty deposits in your liver by eating lots of leafy green vegetables. You can also support healthy liver function by eating antioxidant-rich foods, such as avocados and walnuts. Additionally, you can reduce strain on your liver by eating high-fiber foods, like beans, berries, and whole grains. If you're not sure how much protein to eat, talk to a doctor or dietitian. They can recommend a healthy amount to promote healing without overwhelming your liver. | Learn what the liver does for your body. The liver aids both in glandular function and with other organ systems. It protects the body by detoxifying hormones, drugs, and any biological molecules not produced in the human body. The liver also synthesizes cholesterol and proteins that might otherwise lead to clotting and inflammation. It stores vitamins, minerals, and sugar while removing bacteria. The liver is involved in several important body functions, so it can become taxed by overuse. It's very important to return an overburdened liver to healthy enzyme levels to ensure all of these processes continue to function normally. Educate yourself on conditions that can tax the liver. Partly because the liver performs so many essential functions, it is prone to a number of different diseases. There are a wide variety of diseases that can cause your liver enzyme levels to shoot up: Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): fats such as triglycerides and cholesterol accumulate in the liver. Hepatitis viruses: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E all have different causes. However, each different type of hepatitis infection taxes the liver. Other infections that burden the liver include mononucleosis, adenoviruses, and cytomegalovirus. Tick bites and parasites can cause harmful diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or toxoplasmosis. Cancer that is often related to previous viral infections and liver cirrhosis Alcoholic hepatitis Jaundice Cirrhosis or the late-stage scarring of the liver Recognize the symptoms of liver disease. Because the liver is involved in so many different processes, there is no single list of symptoms that point to liver disease. However, every liver disorder has both unique and shared symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider immediately: Yellowish skin and eyes that suggest jaundice Abdominal pain and swelling Swelling in the legs and ankles Itchy skin Dark yellow or reddish urine color Pale stools or bloody, tarry stools Chronic fatigue Nausea or vomiting Loss of appetite Weight loss Dry mouth, increased thirst A tendency to bruise easily See your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. See your doctor for a physical exam, and provide him with a complete medical history and description of your symptoms. The doctor will also order a Liver Function Test (LFT) analysis of a blood sample. The LFT will test for the levels of various liver enzymes and proteins. Your doctor will use that information to aid in diagnosis. Some of these enzyme tests include: AST (Aspartate aminotransferase): AST levels are analyzed to determine the likelihood of acute or chronic hepatitis. ALT (Alanine aminotransferase): ALT is used to detect and follow the progress of hepatitis and liver injury. High levels are found in those with alcoholism, viral hepatitis, and diabetes. The ratio between AST/ALT levels is often used to tell if liver disease is due to infection, inflammation, or alcohol use. ALP (Alkaline phosphatase): Can help diagnose bone disease, liver disease and gallbladder disorders. GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase): With ALP, can be used to distinguish between liver and bone disease. GGT is also useful to help determine alcohol history; it is increased in about 75% of chronic alcoholics. LD (Lactic dehydrogenase): LD (sometimes known as LDH) is used along with the other LFT values to monitor treatment of liver and other disorders. High levels are seen in various liver diseases, anemias, kidney disease, and infections. Track your liver enzymes. If you have a history of liver disease, you may need liver tests every month or every six to eight weeks. Keep track of the numbers carefully. A downward trend in lab values over six to twelve months will indicate success in supporting the liver. Always keep your physician informed regarding any supplements you are taking, and let her know if there is any change in your symptoms. Eat plenty of leafy greens. Leafy green vegetables have high levels of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Importantly for liver function, they can lower the level of fat deposits in the liver. Leafy greens include spinach, collard, beet, turnip and mustard greens, kale, the cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts), Swiss chard, dandelion greens, and all lettuces. Look for foods high in antioxidants. Beets alone won't lower your liver enzymes, but they're high in "flavonoids" that act as antioxidants that support liver function. Avocados can also be helpful, as they have a lot of vitamin E, which is an effective natural antioxidant. Avocados and walnuts have precursors for the body's primary antioxidant — glutathione. Walnuts are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce liver inflammation. Other nuts, including walnuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, and almonds also contain B vitamins and minerals in significant amounts. Get 35–50 grams of fiber a day. Foods that are high in fiber prevent your body from absorbing cholesterol. By reducing the amount of cholesterol your liver has to process, you increase liver health and lower enzyme levels. Fiber also increases the liver's bile secretion, improving fat digestion and preventing liver disease down the line. Foods high in fiber include: Oat, wheat, corn, rice bran Beans (lima, adzuki, black, red, kidney, white,navy and pinto beans), lentils (red, brown and yellow) and peas Berries (raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, loganberry, gooseberry, boysenberry, salmonberry) Whole grains ( wheat, oats, corn, rye, teff, buckwheat, brown rice) Leafy green vegetables (Greens of turnips, mustard, collard, beets and Swiss chard, kale, and spinach) Nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews, walnuts) and seeds (sesame, pumpkin, flax, sunflower) Fruit (especially those with edible rinds such as pears, apples, prunes, plums, peaches, apricots) Drink citrus juices rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in tissue repair and wound healing. Eating citrus fruits or drinking their juices will help the liver heal, bringing enzyme levels back to healthy levels. Citrus fruits are also known to reduce the risk of liver cancer. Find ways to work oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes into your diet. When buying juices, look for products fortified with extra vitamin C. Increase your consumption of cruciferous vegetables. The family of vegetables called "cruciferous vegetables" are known to balance the production of detoxifying liver enzymes. These "phase two detoxification enzymes" neutralize cancer-causing carcinogens in the body. These vegetables also have plenty of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber: Broccoli Brussels sprouts Cauliflower Radishes Horseradish Rutabaga and turnips Wasabi Watercress Ask your healthcare provider about your protein intake. Protein is usually the key to repairing damage in the body, so you might think you should increase protein to treat a strained liver. But because the liver is the organ processing the protein, you may overwhelm it with too much protein. This causes even more strain, further elevating your enzyme levels. Speak to your doctor and/or nutritionist about how much protein you should be consuming. They will be able to provide you with a plan specific to your body's needs. Hydrate your body well. Drinking enough water will help your liver flush out waste products, reducing its work burden. Drink eight to ten 8 oz. glasses of water every day. Take special care to drink water at the following times: When you first wake up. Before and during meals. Before and after physical activity. Right before you go to bed. Avoid foods that harm liver health. Healthy foods can support the liver, but unhealthy foods can damage the liver. Too much fat, salt, sugar, or oil can overburden the liver. If you already have high enzyme levels, you need to give your liver a break for a while. Avoid the following foods to balance your enzyme levels: Fatty foods like lamb, beef, chicken skin, foods made with shortening or lard, and vegetable oils. Salty foods like most processed and prepared foods, snacks like pretzels and chips, and canned foods. Sugary foods like cakes, pies, or cookies. Fried foods. Raw or undercooked shellfish (these may contain liver-damaging toxins). Alcohol (though it's not a food) should be avoided as much as possible, especially if you already have liver disease. Drink herbal teas that improve liver health. There are many herbs that have been traditionally used to support liver function. Little is known about how these herbs function, but there is a long history of safe use. In general, most of these herbs have been given as teas, so dosing is not often clear. Follow manufacturer's instructions and consult your physician for dosing. The doses listed here should only be used as guidelines. Milk thistle: Research suggests it may be most useful for those with alcohol-related liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatitis. Dosages range from 160-480 mg daily. Astragalus: The usual dose used is 20–500 mg of extract taken three to four times daily. Dandelion/Taraxacum root: Decreases cholesterol, reducing the burden on the liver. Drink two to four cups of dandelion root tea daily or two to four gm of root daily. Combination formulas: There are many of these on the market, though most have not been clinically tested. Examples include NOW's Liver Detoxifier and Regenerator, Gaia Herbs Deep Liver Support, and Oregon's Wild Harvest Milk Thistle Dandelion. Green tea: Reduces the risk of liver disease, but in some people, it can increase liver problems. The best course is to speak to your physician for advice regarding using green tea. In general, two to four cups of green tea has been shown to reduce the risk of liver disease. Cook with garlic and turmeric. These herbs not only taste delicious, but are also known to improve liver health. Add these herbs to taste, and use at least one of these daily. Garlic also prevents liver cancer and heart disease and boosts the immune system. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that support the liver by decreasing the inflammation that leads to hepatitis, NASH, liver cancer, and cirrhosis. Take antioxidant supplements. Though there are plenty of ways to get antioxidants through diet, supplements can help you get even more. Alpha-Lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that has been studied in diabetes, heart disease and liver disease. It supports sugar metabolism in the liver and prevents alcoholic liver disease. The most common dose is 100 mg three times a day. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) serves as a precursor to glutathione, the body's major antioxidant. The most common dose to support the liver is 200–250 mg twice daily. ALA may interact with diabetes medications, so consult your physician regarding the best dose. There have been rare cases where very high doses of NAC increased liver enzymes. | Learn what the liver does for your body. Educate yourself on conditions that can tax the liver. Recognize the symptoms of liver disease. See your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Track your liver enzymes. Eat plenty of leafy greens. Look for foods high in antioxidants. Get 35–50 grams of fiber a day. Drink citrus juices rich in vitamin C. Increase your consumption of cruciferous vegetables. Ask your healthcare provider about your protein intake. Hydrate your body well. Avoid foods that harm liver health. Drink herbal teas that improve liver health. Cook with garlic and turmeric. Take antioxidant supplements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-a-Girl-or-Boy | How to Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy | To tell if a puppy is a girl or boy, wait until it's at least 3-4 weeks old so it will be easier to make a correct determination. Then, when you're ready, gently hold the puppy, making sure you're in a warm area and that your hands are warm since puppies can easily get sick if they're cold. Next, turn the puppy on its back so you can see its stomach. If the puppy has 2 openings under its tail, it's a girl, and if it only has 1 opening, it's a boy. | Wait several weeks to thoroughly examine a newborn puppy. It becomes easier to determine the sex of a puppy as it ages. Try to wait at least 3-4 weeks before checking in order to increase your chances of making a correct determination. It will be easiest to wait until a full 8 weeks have passed, since after 8 weeks the genitals of male puppies should be fully visible. If the puppy still has its umbilical cord, look approximately 1/3 inch (1 cm) behind the cord for the puppy's penis. Within the first few weeks of a puppy's life, the penis will look like a small raised lump in the middle of the puppy's belly. Unlike male puppies, female puppies do not have any genitals on the belly itself. Handle the puppy carefully. Newborn puppies are fragile, so you'll need to be especially gentle while handling them. Wash and dry your hands before picking up a puppy. While handling the puppy, be very gentle and very steady to avoid accidental injury. Make sure that the mother dog is comfortable with you handling her puppies. Some mother dogs can become aggressive if someone unfamiliar touches their puppies. If the puppy or the mother become distressed when you handle it, you should return the puppy to its mother and try again at another time. Keep the puppy warm. You should perform the check in a warm area to prevent the puppy from catching a chill. Also make sure that your hands are warm when you pick it up. Young puppies can easily become sick if they get cold. To the same end, you should only handle the puppy for 5 to 10 minutes. Keeping the puppy out for longer than that can cause it to get too cold. If the puppy begins to shiver or cry, you should immediately return it to its mother's side or to a heated puppy pen. Rest the puppy on its back. Either place a clean, soft towel on a sturdy work surface or do the check while holding the puppy in your hand. Carefully pick up the puppy and lay it on its back, thereby exposing its belly. Holding the puppy safely on its back in your hand can only be done if the puppy is small and docile enough. Make sure you securely support the puppy's head while holding it on its back. The towel should be warm. If necessary, throw the towel into a dryer for a few minutes before placing the puppy on it. Do not use towels that are cold, hot, or wet. Differentiate between the penis and the umbilical cord. One of the most common mistakes made when sexing a small puppy is thinking that the umbilical cord is a penis. While both will look like small lumps on the puppy's belly, the detached umbilical cord (navel) will be just beneath the rib cage, while the penis is further down between the legs. Moreover, remember that both sexes will have at least one bump since both will have a navel. Male puppies will have a second bump in between the navel and the legs. Male puppies, by contrast, will only have one opening under their tail, while female dogs will have two. It's best to rely on a vet, breeder, or other professional dog handler if you want to sex a very young pup. Examine the dog for external male sex organs. Identify the penis and scrotum of male dogs by looking at the area between the belly and the tail. In older dogs these sex organs will be very visible, while they may be small and almost non-existent in young puppies. The scrotum should be just below the anus, almost directly between the hind legs. If a male dog has been fixed, meaning its ability to reproduce has been eliminated, it will not have a visible scrotum. Look for external female sex organs. If a dog is female, you should be able to identify her vulva while she has her belly exposed. Gently lift the dog's hind legs apart until you can see the anus. Above the anus and between the dog's legs, you should be able to see a leaf-shaped structure. This is the female dog's vulva. Look for the physical signs of pregnancy. One sure fire way to identify that a dog is female is to determine that it is pregnant. The signs of pregnancy include having a very large belly that appears despite no change in diet and, of course, the physical act of giving birth. Avoid using other physical traits to identify sex. It can be tempting to try to find other traits to use as sex markers. However, any differences that may exist would be very subtle and hard to identify unless you are an expert on the dog's breed. Because of the subtlety of physical sex differences in different breeds, it's best to use other markers. For example, both male and female dogs have nipples, so assuming that a dog is female based on that alone will not work. Also, just because a dog is large for its breed or has a lot of muscle tone, that doesn't mean it is male. Size differences are minimal between male and female dogs. Watch urination habits after the the dog is at least 6 months old. Young puppies urinate in identical manners regardless of which sex they are. However, after 6 months most male dogs will lift their legs while urinating, while female dogs will continue to squat. During the first few weeks, puppies will not be able to control their bowel movements or urination at all, so it is useless to use urination stance at this point. Even after the puppies are strong enough to stand and control their habits, all puppies will squat while urinating for the first 2 months. Many male puppies need as many 6 months before developing the urination habits of adult dogs. Be on the lookout for marking. Once male dogs are a few months old, they may begin to mark their territory. This is a pretty good behavioral marker of sex, because female puppies lack this instinct. The urge to mark his territory will be especially strong in male puppies who have not been neutered. Neutering a puppy will greatly reduce this urge. The exact age when male puppies begin to mark will vary from puppy to puppy, but most will start between 2 and 6 months. A dog that urinates quickly in many different locations is likely marking, especially if he intentionally urinates after thoroughly smelling each spot. Dogs that only urinate once or twice generally aren't marking, even if they stop to smell many different spots during a walk. Watch for signs that the dog is going into heat. Female dogs who have not been spayed will go into heat on a semiannual basis. The first heat cycle will occur when the puppy is between 6 and 10 months old and each cycle will last for approximately 3 weeks. The signs that a female dog is in heat include changes in behavior, the vulva swelling, and discharge coming out of the vulva. Behavioral changes that a female dog may exhibit during their heat include jumpiness and clinginess. Female dogs in heat will produce a vaginal discharge that can be clear, brown, or bloody, depending on the point in their reproductive cycle they are in. Don't use personality or general behavior as an indication of sex. Both male and female dogs can be equally affectionate, defensive, active, and calm. These aspects of their personality do not indicate anything about a dog's sex. For example, even mounting and humping, which is behavior that is generalized as a male trait, is often exhibited by female dogs. | Wait several weeks to thoroughly examine a newborn puppy. Handle the puppy carefully. Keep the puppy warm. Rest the puppy on its back. Differentiate between the penis and the umbilical cord. Examine the dog for external male sex organs. Look for external female sex organs. Look for the physical signs of pregnancy. Avoid using other physical traits to identify sex. Watch urination habits after the the dog is at least 6 months old. Be on the lookout for marking. Watch for signs that the dog is going into heat. Don't use personality or general behavior as an indication of sex. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Invest-in-Bonds | How to Invest in Bonds | If you want to invest in bonds, set up a brokerage account through an established brokerage firm. If you have a specific time-frame for investing, select bonds that mature near that future date. You should also check the credit rating on the bond, which is based on the company's ability to pay interest and repay the principal on schedule. Your investment advisor can give you this information or you can check with a credit rating firm like Standard and Poor's or Moody's. | Learn how a bond works. A bond is a debt instrument issued by a government entity or a corporation to raise capital. The purchaser of a bond is a creditor and the bond issuer is the debtor. When a bond is issued, it is sold to investors for the first time. The investor pays the issuer (government or corporation) for the bond. Say, for example, that General Electric (GE) wants to raise money to build a new plant. They issue a $100,000,000 15-year, 8% corporate bond. Assume that 2,000 people buy a portion of the $100,000,000 bond issue. The bond buyers are paid 8% interest on their investment each year. At the end of 15 years, the bond matures. GE repays the entire $100,000,000 to the bondholders. All of the bondholders are repaid their portion of bond issue. A bond is issued to the public for the first time in the primary market. The GE bond example is a primary market transaction. GE (the issuer) gets the sale proceeds from the investors. They use the proceeds to build the new plant. Understand how bonds are issued. Bonds are issued with a certificate in electronic form. The par value is the dollar amount stated on the face of the bond certificate. The annual interest rate paid to the investor is also included on the bond certificate, along with the maturity date. Once the bond is sold to the initial investor in the primary market, the bond can be traded between an unlimited number of investors. Bonds are bought and sold between investors in the secondary market. Assume that Bob owns an IBM corporate bond. Bob sells the bond to Sue. The sale between these two investors is a secondary market transaction. Bonds trade based on a market price in the secondary market. The price is driven by demand, the interest rate on the bond and the credit quality. If a bond is trading at a discount, the market price is less than $1,000 per bond. Premium bonds are bonds that are priced above $1,000 per bond. An investor who sells a bond may incur a gain or a loss. Analyze a bond purchase and a bond maturity. Par value is $1,000. An investor can buy bonds in any multiple of $1,000 ($5,000, $100,000, etc.). The issuer receives the sales proceeds from the investor, and the investor earns interest each year. On the maturity date, the original investment is returned to the investor. Assume that Acme Corporation issues a $1,000 6% bond with a maturity date of 5 years. The investor earns $60 in interest each year ($1,000 multiplied by 6% = $60). After 5 years, the issuer repays the investor $1,000. The last $60 interest payment is also paid on the maturity date. The investor receives a total of $1,060 at maturity. Consider a gain or loss on a bond sale. If an investor sells a bond before the maturity date, they are selling the security at the current market price. The market price may be higher or lower than the par value (issue price). Selling at a premium: Assume that an investor purchases the newly issued bond at $1,000. He or she decides to sell the bond after 3 years, which is before the 5-year maturity date. Assume that the market price is $1,050. The gain is ($1,050 sales price - $1,000 issue price = $50 gain). Selling at a discount: Assume that an investor purchases the newly issued bond at $1,000. The investor decides to sell the bond after 3 years, which is before the 5-year maturity date. This time, assume that the market price is $980. The loss is ($1,000 issue price - $980 sale price = $20 loss). Remember that bonds can trade between investors. Assume that an investor buys a $1,000 par value bond from an investor at $950. The investor sells the bond to another investor 2 years later at $1,100. Your gain is ($1,100 sales price less $950 = $150 gain). Note that your gain is based on your cost of $950- not the $1,000 issue price. Set up a brokerage account. Investors can purchase bonds through a brokerage firm which is in communication with governments and companies that want to issue debt. They also have access to the markets where bonds trade in the secondary market. Consider how much advice you need to set up an account. If you plan to direct your own investments, you can set up an account online by going to the website of a brokerage firm such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity or TD Ameritrade. If you wish to work with an advisor, you can locate an independent professional in your area through one of the following sites: www.letsmakeaplan.org , www.napfa.org , www.garrettplanningnetwork.com. You can also go to your local bank or full service firm; just make sure you shop around, as fees and services can vary a great deal. When an investor opens an account, the individual will be asked to complete a customer new account form. They will answer questions about investment experience and risk tolerance. When the account is approved, the investor can transfer funds into the account to purchase bonds. Purchase individual bonds for your portfolio. One investment objective is your timeframe for investing. If an investor has a specific time period for investing, they can select bonds that mature near that future date. Bonds have maturity dates from just a few years to 30 years. Investors should consider the maturity date of the bond, and when they need access to their invested funds. Say, for example, that an investor plans on retiring in 15 years. They can buy bonds with maturity date of 15 years. The bond issuers will return the invested funds on that date. The longer until maturity, the higher the interest rate offered on the bond. Check the bond’s rating. An investor must consider the credit rating on the bond. Credit rating refers to the ability of the bond issuer to make all required interest payments and to repay the principal balance on time. Bonds are rated, based on their ability to pay interest and repay principal on schedule. Standard and Poor's and Moody's are the two largest ratings firms. The higher a bond's rating, the more expensive that bond may be. Highly rated bonds can also offer a lower interest rate. If a bond has a poor rating, it will have to offer a higher interest rate to attract investors. Consider a corporate bond due in five years. The highly rated five-year bond might be sold with an interest rate of 5%. The five-year bond with the lower bond rating may have to offer a rate of 7%. The higher interest rate compensates bond buyers for taking more risk. The bond with the lower bond rating is judged to have a higher risk of not paying interest and principal payments. Place an order. Once an investor decides on a bond, a brokerage firm can place the order for him or her. If new offerings are available, investors can buy a bond when it is issued. Most bond purchases, however, are placed in the secondary market. In that instance, the investor is buying the bond from another investor. An investor will receive a confirmation from the brokerage firm. The confirmation details the purchase. Trade confirmations should be kept on file. Most investors typically hold their securities at the brokerage firm. That allows people to easily access and sell the bonds, or turn them in at maturity. Investors also receive a statement from the firm. The brokerage statement will detail all of the securities holdings at the firm. If an investor decides to sell the bond before maturity, the brokerage firm will quote a sale price. That price is based on demand in the secondary market. When an investor places a sell order, the brokerage firm will deliver securities to the buyer. The investor also receives a trade confirmation for a bond sale. Evaluate the issuer of the bond. The most important characteristic of any bond is its issuer. This is because, as an investor, you are counting on the issuer to return your money as promised. Issuers, which may be corporations or governments, vary in reliability. The primary categories of bond issuers are as follows: The United States Treasury. These are considered to the golden standard for reliability (credit-risk free). This means that they will likely have low yields, but will also reliably return your money, even in economic downturns. Interest earned on these bonds is also exempt from state income tax. Other United States Government Agencies. These bonds are issued by other government agencies such as Fannie Mae and Ginnie Mae. Yields on these bonds will be higher than Treasury bonds due to slight risk, but the risk here is considered minimal. Several of these agencies also offer what are known as mortgage-backed bonds. These are generally more expensive and somewhat riskier than other types of government-issued bonds. Municipal governments. These bonds are offered by municipal governments and offer a variety of tax advantages, depending on your location and tax bracket. Their risk is slightly higher than that of a federal government bond. Foreign Governments. Foreign government bonds can carry either minimal or very high risk (and thus low or high yields), depending on the nation offering them. Their performance is also susceptible to currency exchange rate fluctuations. Corporations. Like foreign governments, the yields and risks associated with corporate bonds can vary widely between issuers. The company's ability to repay the bond will depend on the company's ability to properly convert the investors' money into additional revenue. Determine a bond's quality. Bonds are given a rating or grade that indicates their credit quality. This measures a bond issuer's ability to repay the invested capital and interest on time. The agencies that rate bonds are private, independent companies such as Standard & Poor's, Moody's, and Fitch. Ratings may be found by searching for the bond online. Bonds are generally rated from "AAA" to "C", with a rating closer to AAA indicating higher reliability. Though different rating agencies use different combinations of uppercase and lowercase letters to represent these ratings, they use the same combinations of letters (for example, "AAA" is the same as "aaa"). As a general guide, anything over "BBB" is considered to be investment grade. That is, the ratings agencies consider it to be safe enough to invest in. An additional rating, "D", is sometimes used for bonds in default. Determine a bond's interest-rate sensitivity. The value of a bond is susceptible to change due to fluctuations in the market interest rate (usually a government interest rate). Put simply, fluctuations in the interest rate change the value of a bond by making it more or less attractive to investors against other investment options. To measure this susceptibility, bonds and bond funds have a stated value known as duration, which is stated in years. A higher duration represents a greater susceptibility to interest rate fluctuations. Specifically, duration represents a period that indicates how long it will take an investor to regain the true value of a bond, considering the present value of its future principal repayment and interest payments. In general, if interest rates rise, the value of a bond or bond fund will decrease. Evaluate bonds as diversification opportunities. By investing in different types of bonds, you can lower your overall investment risk. Diversification may include investing in bonds from different issuers, bonds with different maturity dates, and bonds from different geographical areas. Technically, this style of investing eliminates what is known as non-systemic risk, or risk due to fluctuations in markets and industries. Try the following techniques to diversify your bonds. Invest in bonds of varying quality. By balancing risky investments in lower-rated bonds with investments in higher-rated bonds, you mitigate some of the risk associated with lower-rated bonds. Additionally, the large spread in lower-rated bonds may help buffer some of the effects of interest rates on the value of your bond portfolio. Buy bonds with different maturity dates to get the best of short-term and long-term returns. Short-term bonds may be performing better than long-term bonds at any given time, or vice versa. By holding money in both types, you are able to more frequently benefit from price fluctuations. Invest in geographically diverse bonds. Whether this is within your own country, maybe diversifying between regions or states, or between nations, you can limit a large amount of risk by purchasing bonds from different areas. For example, by purchasing foreign bonds, an American investor might be temporarily insulated from the price effects of a United States interest rate hike. Consider using a mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund (ETF). Mutual funds and ETF's are pools of funds gathered from many investors. The funds can be invested in many types of securities, including bonds. Mutual funds and ETF's are considered investment securities. If an investor wants a portfolio that guarantees a specific dollar amount that will mature on a specific day, he or she should buy individual bonds. Bond funds are a blended portfolio of bonds. There are dozens of bond maturity dates in the portfolio. Get some advice. When an investor sets up a brokerage account, he or she should ask his or her advisor for some bond mutual fund recommendations. If the investor is not working with an advisor, then he or she must do his or her own research to determine the appropriate bond fund(s) to use. Match the fund’s investment objective with the investor’s objective. Funds are sold by prospectus. The prospectus is a document that discloses everything an investor should know about the fund. All fund investors must receive a copy of the prospectus. The security of a bond fund corresponds with the credit rating of the bonds in the fund's portfolio. If an investor buys a mutual fund with highly rated bonds, the fund's investments are expected to have a lower risk of default than a portfolio with lower rated bonds. Review the fund's investment objective. If, for example, the fund charged ½ of 1% as an annual expense ratio, an investor would pay 50 cents on every $100 invested. Take a look at the maturity dates on the bonds in the portfolio. If an investor is investing for 20 years, for example, the investor may want to buy a bond fund with 20-year maturities. That will allow them to earn a higher interest rate than a five- or ten-year maturity bond portfolio. Analyze the credit ratings on the bonds. If safety is an important goal for the investor, her or she might buy a highly rated bond fund and accept a lower interest rate. If he or she is willing to take some risk, an investor can earn more interest on a portfolio with a lower credit rating. Review the cost of the fund. Funds sold by full-service brokerage firms will have a sales charge. The sales charge compensates the investment advisor. There are "load" mutual funds and "no-load" mutual funds: load funds have a sales commission charged in addition to other costs, and can range from 4% to 8% of the value of the investment, whereas no-load funds do not have this additional cost. These are typically sold by full-service brokerage firms. Funds also have an annual expense ratio. The expense ratio is charged to cover the costs of operating the fund each year. The charge is based on a percentage of assets. Determine if the fund's objectives are consistent with the investor's goals. Investors can ask a financial professional for help on this issue. Place an order for the fund. Once an investor sets up a brokerage account and transfer funds, placing a mutual fund or EFT order is very similar to buying individual bonds. Bond mutual funds are priced each day, based on the current value of the fund, whereas an ETF's price varies throughout the market day. When investors buy a fund, they purchase mutual fund shares. These fund shares are similar to buying shares of common stock. When an investor buys a mutual fund, he or she pays the ask price on the business day that they place your order. Nearly all investors hold their mutual fund shares at the brokerage company or mutual fund company. Investors can sell mutual fund or EFT shares on any business day. A brokerage firm or your mutual fund can directly place a sell order. The investor will receive the bid price for each share that he or she sells. Just as with individual bonds, the investor receives a trade confirmation for all fund buy and sell orders. | Learn how a bond works. Understand how bonds are issued. Analyze a bond purchase and a bond maturity. Consider a gain or loss on a bond sale. Set up a brokerage account. Purchase individual bonds for your portfolio. Check the bond’s rating. Place an order. Evaluate the issuer of the bond. Determine a bond's quality. Determine a bond's interest-rate sensitivity. Evaluate bonds as diversification opportunities. Consider using a mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund (ETF). Match the fund’s investment objective with the investor’s objective. Place an order for the fund. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Control-of-Your-Time-and-Your-Life | How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life | To get control of your time and your life, start by minimizing your expenses, since money equals time in the long term and not worrying about money frees your mind to focus on what's important. Try to make a habit of planning your day each morning so you can clearly see what you want to achieve and stay on top of your goals. Then, when you sit down to work, avoid multitasking, since it's more efficient to focus on one thing at a time. You might feel like you have to work all the time to be productive, but it's important to schedule time for pleasure too, since this can help you unwind and come back with a fresh mindset. You should also consider cooking in bulk and refrigerating or freezing the leftovers so you can spend less time and money on cooking throughout the week. | Stop buying stuff you don’t need. So, a lot of people's lives look something like this: you work a lot so you can make a decent amount of money, and then you use that money to buy a whole bunch of stuff. You buy the stuff, the money runs out, and back to work you go to rinse and repeat. If you're having a hard time getting control of your life and your time, then chances are, one of the things you're doing is working too much. Now, if you cut down on the spending, then you might feel less pressure to keep working so hard or for so many hours, and you'd have more of that free time you want so badly. Here are some tips for minimizing your spending while still having a great life: Do you really need a car? Is all the time you spend running maintenance on the car, giving rides to people, and trying to find a parking spot everywhere you go really worth it? Wouldn't your life be easier if you were more dependent on your own two feet and the bus schedule? If so, then it may be time to let go of your favorite vehicle. Do you really need five new outfits every month? Instead of just indiscriminately buying a bunch of new outfits every time you go shopping, focus on quality over quantity. Buy a high-quality sweater, a well-fitting pair of pants, and a sturdy scarf that will go with everything so that you leave with a few key items that are made to last. Sure, they may not cost that much less than piles of cheaper new clothes, but they will keep you from having to shop as often as you do. Going out to eat is one of the biggest wastes of money. Try not to go out to eat or order takeout more than once or twice a week and spend more money on high-quality ingredients that can make home cooking more fun and delicious. Avoid multi-tasking. You may think that multi-tasking is a great way to get your work done faster and to make the most of your time, but the truth is that multi-tasking will actually make all of your work take longer. Additionally, if you're multi-tasking, then the quality of your work will go down because you won't be able to be fully immersed in any one task. Think about it: are you really doing that great of a job if you're Skyping your boss about your plan to improve the company while you're on the phone with your mother to plan your cousin's bridal shower? Instead, focus on your work one task at a time and see how much more quickly you get everything done – and how much more you're able to fully focus on one task. This is where making a to-do list comes in handy. Tackle the items one task a time instead of trying to do three at once and ending up getting nothing done. Don’t overcommit yourself. You may feel like you're struggling to gain control of your time and your life because you've committed yourself to way too many tasks: working on a new project for your job, having a “girls' night” once a week, teaching a yoga class every morning, or spending time helping your neighbor redecorate her home. Think about the things that really matter to you and which you're doing for yourself, not out of obligation. Sure, you can't just drop everything because you don't really feel like doing it, but see what you can cut out of your schedule and see how much of a relief you'll feel. You may be in denial, telling yourself that you really want to do every little task on your social calendar. Before you do something, ask yourself, “How would I feel if this were suddenly cancelled?” If the answer is “incredibly relieved,” then why do it? Get organized. Getting organized can help you feel much more in control of how you spend your hours. Having a planner, a calendar, working pens, and a clean notebook where you can make your to-do lists can help you feel less overwhelmed. You may think that you work better on the fly and that you can always find something when you need it, but having an organized desk, bag, or purse can help you relieve stress because you won't waste time looking for a receipt, phone number, or memo since you'll know exactly where everything is. You may think that you don't have the time to go through everything in your desk or to organize the contents of your drawers, closet, or trunk, but in the long run, this will save you hours and hours of time. Don’t drink too much. Sure, grabbing a few drinks with your guy friends or girlfriends once or twice a week can help you relieve stress, relax, and just get silly after a long day of work or school. But if you get in the habit of working, working, working, and then drinking, drinking, drinking so you don't have to think about all the stress you're dealing with, then you'll only make yourself even more stressed out. You may go out with your girlfriends on a Friday night, drink way too much, and spend half of Saturday in bed, instead of waking up early to go to yoga, visit the farmer's market, or to work on your poetry collection. That's how alcohol can make you lose even more control of your time – and your life. As a rule, you should only drink when you're already in a good mood, not when you're stressed and thinking that drinking will make the problem go away. Alcohol is a depressant and it will only make you feel worse, even if it offers temporary relief. Cook for the week. Here's another quick time-saver: instead of spending over an hour each evening on cooking and cleanup, cook on just two or three nights a week, making enough food for the next few days. For example, on Monday, you can make a delicious lasagna that lasts until Thursday, and you can spice it up with a home-made salad or another simple dish instead of cooking something completely new every day. You can also save time by buying almost everything you need for the week at the grocery store. Make a schedule of what you'll cook and when you'll eat it and make sure to use everything you've bought before dipping back into the well. Avoid procrastinating. Ah, procrastination. How can something that feels so right be so wrong? Because it'll keep you from doing what you have to do, that's why. You may think that you really are working because you're spending time on ordering your BFFs birthday present online (who cares that it's three months away?) or responding to those important Facebook messages, but let's get real: aren't there twenty things that you have to do right now that are much more important? If the answer is yes, then get to the task that you've been avoiding all day and see how much better you'll feel once it's done. You know how you're going to do four “easier” things before you get to the last thing on your list? Well, try mixing it up: do the last thing first, when you have the energy for it, and then enjoy winding-down and doing easier tasks when you're done instead of saving the worst for last. Show up early. One of the reasons you may not feel like you're in control of your life is because you're always rushing around to move from one task to the next. This will make you feel stressed out and frazzled and it can lead you to make a bad impression on the people who are waiting for you. Even if you've shown up ten minutes early with nothing to do, that's better than running like a madman to get somewhere exactly on time and then waiting for your heart to stop racing. Pretend every meeting is 15 minutes earlier than it really is and aim to get there accordingly. Sure, this may not help you get more work done, but it will improve your attitude about it, and that's the most important thing. Part of the reason you may be running late everywhere is because you're so overbooked that you haven't given yourself enough time to move from one task to the next. If that's the case, make sure you space your commitments far enough apart. Plan ahead every morning. Every morning when you wake up – or every night, if you're feeling ambitious – wake up and make a game plan for the day. Write down the tasks you will accomplish, whether they are work or school-related, and work in the time you will spend eating lunch, exercising, hanging out with friends, or doing whatever else you want to do. You can even make a plan for the week, but having an hour-by-hour account of what you'll do can be a little more challenging. Make a to-do list and check off every item and see how good it feels to accomplish every task. Plan a reward for yourself for the end of the day, or after you get a few tasks done, so you have more to look forward to. Carve out alone time. You may think that alone time should be the first to go when you set out to plan your day or your week. However, that alone time should be just as precious to you as your time with your dear friends, your family, or your significant other. Alone time will help your reboot your system, get some perspective, and give you the energy you need to jump into your next social interactions or work obligation. Make sure you get to spend at least a few hours all alone each week, and wake up earlier to get that alone time if you need to; don't let a friend's last-minute plans keep you from having that date with yourself. Take a look at your entire week. See where you can carve out time for yourself; maybe you can walk to work one morning instead of carpooling; maybe you can set aside time to read instead of seeing that movie you didn't really want to see with your friend anyway. Don't let a friend make you feel guilty about not going out with friends if you need some time to yourself. Develop your ability to recognize what you really want to do. What's the point of hanging out with friends if they'll instantly be able to tell that you'd rather be hanging solo? Schedule your work around your energy peaks. Get good at recognizing when you're the most productive. Most people get the most done in the morning, after they wake up feeling refreshed. Some people do better in the evenings, when they wind down after their long day. Others get a burst of energy after their afternoon coffee. After you figure out when you're the most productive, plan to do the hardest, most demanding tasks then so you get the most out of your efforts. Additionally, you can schedule the easiest tasks for the hours when you know you'll be more sluggish, like the hour after lunch or the last hour you spend at work, watching the clock. This will not only make it easier for you to achieve your goals, but it'll make the act of achieving them much more pleasant. Get enough sleep. When people are busy, sleep is often the first thing to get sacrificed. However, if you really want to feel like you have control of your life and your time, then you can't go around feeling like a zombie as you try to get through your day. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a day and to go to bed around the same time every night and to wake up around the same time every morning so that your body gets used to your sleep patterns. Work on having a solid winding-down routine before bed by turning off all visual stimuli, like your phone and computer, at least half an hour before bed so you have an easier time drifting off. Avoid caffeine after noon or you'll be more likely to feel jittery and to have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep. Remember that quality of sleep is just as important quantity. Eat healthy meals. Make time to have a hearty breakfast, an energizing lunch, and a nutritious dinner if you want to make the most of your day. You may be too busy to eat a full meal, or think that you are, but you have to make eating a priority. Don't just slam down a muffin on the way to work; instead, have a bowl of oatmeal while you read the paper, even if that means you have to wake up fifteen minutes earlier. Don't eat lunch at your desk to be more efficient; take a break to enjoy the sandwich or salad you're eating at lunch. Eat a dinner that is filling enough to keep you from waking up hungry, but that isn't so greasy or heavy that it makes you feel lethargic and gives you indigestion. Plan your meals at the beginning of the week. This will make you more likely to stick to your healthy-eating routine. Make time for fun. Planning fun into your weekly schedule is a must. You won't feel at all in control of your life and your time if you don't have a moment to rest from all of the hard work you're doing. You may think that fun is a superfluous part of your week and that it should be viewed as luxury, but it should be viewed as an important part of your routine instead. Plan a mini-golfing date with your best friends, a trip to the movies with your significant other, or bake a pie with your mother on Sunday afternoon. Do whatever you want during your fun time, as long as it helps you relax and keeps you from feeling completely overwhelmed. Take a break every 90 minutes. The human mind isn't meant to focus non-stop for eight or ten-hour stretches. In fact, almost anyone will need a break after working for 90 minutes straight, so you should not see the need to take a break as showing weakness. Every 90 minutes, have a snack, eat lunch, call up a good friend, take a 20-minute walk, or just rest your eyes for fifteen minutes. Do whatever you have to do to regroup and to be able to throw yourself back into your work. Taking breaks will actually help you accomplish your tasks faster because you'll be tackling them with more enthusiasm. Exercising for 10-15 minutes can be a great way to take a break while giving yourself even more energy to get your work done. Take a 15-20 minute power nap if you need to. Napping for this short amount of time is better for helping you regain your energy than napping for 1-2 hours, which will only make you feel groggy. Make the most of your commute. Stop looking at your commute as time that you've completely wasted. Instead, listen to an audiobook while you're driving to work, or get a headset and call a close friend or family member to catch up after work. Or just turn off the radio and use the time to reflect on your life and to see what changes you can make to improve its quality. If you want to shorten that commute, try waking up a little early to miss the worst of the traffic or leaving work a little early or late to do the same. Commutes are often a time when people feel angry, out of control, and stressed-out. Listening to a great book you love is a way to make this time of your day be something you look forward to, instead of something you face with dread. Minimize your distractions. If you really want to make the most of your time, then put away your phone, stop g-chatting your friends at work, and set aside a specific time for personal communication. Get away from Facebook; if you're really addicted, then set aside a 15-minute period each day when you can check your Facebook, post updates, and see what your friends are up to. You may think that having ten browser windows open isn't really slowing you down, but it is. Set aside “email time”. Instead of checking your email every fifteen minutes and responding to emails sporadically throughout the day, set aside “email time” each day, which will be time for you to go through your email every day and to send back those emails. You can do this two or three times a day, or more often if your job requires it, but don't keep that email window open so you can read every new email the second you see it. Always make time for exercise. It's easy to sacrifice exercise – and sleep – when you're in the middle of a busy week. However, exercising is great for your mind and body and it will give you energy and make you feel more capable of doing everything you need to do. Drop the temptation to say you're “too busy” to work out this week and see what you can cut out instead of exercise. Do you really have to watch two hours of TV today, or can you make time for a thirty-minute run instead? See how much room you can make for improving your body and mind. If the hour-and-a-half yoga class is too time-consuming, see if you can take an hour-long barre class or go for a quick walk instead. Even if you don't have time for a longer workout like you're used to, you can still find something that works for you. Consider getting a work-from-home job. If you're really feeling overwhelmed and feeling like there just aren't enough hours in a day for you to get everything done, then consider getting a job where you can work from home or have more flexible hours. Though you will have to work just as hard at home, you will have the luxury of avoiding a long commute and you may be able to find more flexible hours that fit your schedule. Working from home isn't for everybody. You have to be hardworking and self-motivated to be able to take the work seriously. Consider a radical change. Maybe working a 70-hour-a-week job just isn't the thing you want. Maybe you want to switch career paths altogether. Maybe your relationship isn't bringing you satisfaction anymore but it's sucking up all of your time. Maybe you love your job, but the 2-hour commute a day is killing you and you may need to move. Take a look at the big picture and see if there are any major changes you can make that can help you feel in control. Be more selfish. That's right. Stop doing things because your mother/best friend/co-worker/neighbor really need you to do them. Do them because it's what you want to do to make your life feel meaningful and manageable. Commit to yourself before you commit to anyone else and make sure you don't overbook yourself just to fit someone else's needs. It's important to learn to say no to people and to stop feeling guilty about it. If you say yes to everyone else, you'll always be saying no to yourself. Try to monetize your passion. Do you really love photography, writing, interior decorating, or cooking? It's a pretty radical step, but see if you can actually make money doing it, if not making a full living out of it. It may seem like a stretch, but if you have the talent and are willing to put in more time to pursue your dreams, then imagine how rewarded you'll feel when you get to spend more time doing what you love and to make money from doing it. You may be feeling overwhelmed because you're trying to make time to succeed in a career you don't really care about as well as make time for pursuing your passion. This is a great way to change that. Do a “time audit” on your life. At the beginning of your week, start tracking how you spend every hour of your life. Be honest: if you spent half an hour texting your BFF or deciding what to wear, write it down. If you wasted forty-five minutes gossiping over gchat, write it down. At the end of the week, take a look at what you've done with your time and see where you can be more efficient, which things you can cut out, and what you'd like to do more. Then, create a “dream week” for yourself and try to follow it the following week. You may find that you spent a total of two hours emailing people. Can you cut that down to one hour and make an extra hour for exercise? If you see that you've spent sixty hours doing work, it may be time to think about taking down your hours. Ask yourself, “What is the most important thing I can be doing right now? ” In the classic time-management book, How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life , by Alan Lakein, he asks his readers this very important question. It's a simple question, but it's very effective in making you see what you should really be doing – instead of what someone else thinks you should be doing – to get the most done and to feel the most in control of your day. The next time you feel overwhelmed, take a minute to breathe and ask yourself this question, and you may be surprised by what you discover. | Stop buying stuff you don’t need. Avoid multi-tasking. Don’t overcommit yourself. Get organized. Don’t drink too much. Cook for the week. Avoid procrastinating. Show up early. Plan ahead every morning. Carve out alone time. Schedule your work around your energy peaks. Get enough sleep. Eat healthy meals. Make time for fun. Take a break every 90 minutes. Make the most of your commute. Minimize your distractions. Always make time for exercise. Consider getting a work-from-home job. Consider a radical change. Be more selfish. Try to monetize your passion. Do a “time audit” on your life. Ask yourself, “What is the most important thing I can be doing right now? |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Leaves | How to Paint Leaves | To paint on leaves, look outside on the ground for dry leaves that are large enough to have room to paint on. When you've picked some interesting leaves, lay them face-up on some newspaper on a flat work surface. Then, use a small paintbrush with acrylic paint to color the leaves any way you want to. You can also try using chalk crayons, liquid chalk markers, or spray paint. | Find some dry leaves on the ground for longer-lasting painted leaves. Try to find an assortment of large leaves, so that you will have more room to paint on them. Look on the ground around the bases of trees for recently-fallen leaves. You can put dry leaves underneath a heavy book or other heavy flat object overnight to flatten them out before you paint them. Pick fresh leaves if you can’t find any on the ground. Keep in mind that fresh leaves will begin to wilt and dry after a few days. Look for big leaves such as maple leaves. Get permission if you want to pick leaves from someone else's property. Lay out the leaves face-up on some newspaper on a flat work surface. Put down old newspapers or other scrap paper to protect your work surface. Select a few of the leaves that you want to start painting and place them in front of you on the protected surface. Make sure to leave space between the leaves and the edges of the newspapers, so that you avoid getting paint outside of the protected area. Paint the leaves with acrylic paint to make designs with solid colors. Squeeze out small amounts of the acrylic paint colors that you want to use on a paper plate. Use a small paintbrush to paint any designs you would like on the leaves. Try mixing different colors to create interesting color patterns on your leaves. Acrylic paint will usually air dry in 20-30 minutes Use chalk crayons if you prefer drawing to painting with a brush. Try either regular chalk crayons or liquid chalk markers. Draw any patterns and designs that you think look nice on the leaves. Draw repeating patterns to create intricate designs on your leaves. Spray paint leaves if you only want to use one color. Lay your leaves out on some newspaper outside or in a well ventilated area. Hold the spray paint can about 6 in (15 cm) away from the leaf you want to paint and press down on the cap to spray the paint on. You can even spray paint small branches with the leaves still attached to create unique decorations. Try using gold or silver spray paint and then place the branches in a vase when the paint is dry. Spray paint should be dry to touch within 1-2 hours. Pick some fresh leaves of different shapes and sizes. Fresh leaves work best for prints because they won't break as easily as dry leaves when you press on them. Make sure it's ok to pick the leaves from the trees or plants where you find them. Big leaves like maple leaves work really well to make prints. If you aren't sure what a plant is and you want to pick leaves from it, try looking for pictures of it on your phone to identify it and make sure it is safe to touch. Lay newspapers on a flat work surface and get your leaves and paints ready. Squeeze out some different colors of acrylic paint on a paper plate. Lay out your leaves with the backs facing up. Leave space between the edges of the newspapers and the leaves so you don't get paint on the unprotected parts of your work surface. Cover the back of a leaf with acrylic paint. Paint over the entire backside of the leaf with a generous amount of acrylic paint. Make sure to get paint in all the creases and wrinkles of the leaf so that it makes a detailed print. The backside of the leaf will make the best print because that is where the veins and details of the leaf are most pronounced. Experiment with different colors on one leaf to create multi-colored patterns. Flip the leaf over onto a piece of paper and carefully press it down. Apply even pressure on all parts of the leaf. Gently rub every part of the leaf while you press it down so that all parts make an even impression on your paper. You can use any kind of paper you want. Things like sketch paper, construction paper, and cardstock work well. Use watercolor paints for a different kind of printing effect. Cover the back of a leaf with watercolor paint and press it down on a piece of paper. This will give you interesting partial prints instead of the more solid prints that acrylic paint makes. Don't make the watercolor paint on your brush too watery, or it won't transfer well to the leaf. Use just enough water so that the paint sticks to your brush. Press the leaf against your paper very firmly so that the veins make a good impression on the paper. Paint around leaves on paper to create outlines instead of prints. Put double-sided tape on the back of several leaves and stick them to a piece of paper. Use watercolors or acrylic paints to paint in all the white spaces and around the edges of the leaves. Try blending a bunch of different watercolors to create a unique looking print with a variety of leaf silhouettes. You can even try adding glitter around the edges of leaves or in the blank spaces on top of the paint to create additional effects. | Find some dry leaves on the ground for longer-lasting painted leaves. Pick fresh leaves if you can’t find any on the ground. Lay out the leaves face-up on some newspaper on a flat work surface. Paint the leaves with acrylic paint to make designs with solid colors. Use chalk crayons if you prefer drawing to painting with a brush. Spray paint leaves if you only want to use one color. Pick some fresh leaves of different shapes and sizes. Lay newspapers on a flat work surface and get your leaves and paints ready. Cover the back of a leaf with acrylic paint. Flip the leaf over onto a piece of paper and carefully press it down. Use watercolor paints for a different kind of printing effect. Paint around leaves on paper to create outlines instead of prints. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Harmonica | How to Make a Harmonica | To make your own harmonica, start by cutting a piece of paper so it's about the size of an ice block stick. Then, place the paper between 2 ice sticks, which will be the body of your harmonica. Next, wrap a rubber band around the left side of the harmonica 7 times and slide a toothpick to the right of the rubber band, on top of the paper. Once you're done, repeat this same process on the right side of the harmonica, so both ends have a rubber band and toothpick. From here, you can finish your harmonica by trimming the ends of both toothpicks with scissors so they don't stick out. If you want to make sounds with your new harmonica, blow air into the middle section while holding both ends. | Cut a piece of paper down to the same size as an ice block stick. Place an ice block stick on top of the paper and trace around it with a pencil. Take the ice block stick off the paper and cut around the line with a pair of scissors. You will need 2 wide ice block sticks for this activity. Look for ice block sticks that are about 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. Thin printer paper works best for this activity. Avoid using thick paper or card, as this makes it difficult to create a sound when you blow on the harmonica. Make sure that your paper doesn't have any creases or folds in it. Place the paper in between the 2 ice block sticks. This creates the body of the harmonica. Lie the paper flat on top of 1 of the ice block sticks so that it covers the entire stick. Cover the paper with the remaining ice block stick. Purchase ice block sticks from a supermarket or a craft store. Wrap a rubber band around the left end of the harmonica 7 times. Secure the sticks and the paper together with a rubber band, 0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the left end of the ice block sticks. Continue to wrap the rubber band around the harmonica until the band sits firmly against the sticks. Thin rubber bands work best for this task. However, if you only have thick rubber bands, use these instead. Slide a toothpick on top of the paper, to the right of the rubber band. Place a toothpick in between the top ice block stick and the paper. Position the toothpick so that it touches the right side of the rubberband Purchase toothpicks from a grocery store. If you don't have toothpicks, use thin skewers instead. Secure the right end of the harmonica with a rubber band. Place a rubber band 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the right end of the ice block sticks. Wrap the rubber band around the harmonica 7 times, or until the band sits firmly against the sticks. Place a toothpick under the paper at the right end of the harmonica. Slide the second toothpick to the right of the rubber band, in between the bottom ice block stick and the paper. Try not to crease the paper as you push the toothpick into the harmonica. The toothpicks give more room for the paper in the harmonica to vibrate. This helps to increase the volume of sound that the instrument can produce. Trim the ends of the toothpicks with scissors. Cut off any toothpick that sticks outside of the ice block sticks. This prevents the sticks from poking you in the face when you are playing the harmonica. Hold the ends of the harmonica and blow through the middle section. Place your lips on either side of the ice block sticks and blow firmly through the harmonica. Exhale lightly through the harmonica to make a quieter sound. You can use these same techniques with a store-bought harmonica. Keep your tongue inside your mouth as you blow the harmonica. Suck the air through the harmonica to make a different sound. Place your lips on the middle of the harmonica and take a breath in. Listen to the different sound that the harmonica makes. Try breathing in quickly and then slowly, to vary the sound that the harmonica makes. If the harmonica isn't making any noise, try breathing in more vigorously. Hold down the middle of the harmonica while you blow to vary the pitch. Pinch the middle section of the harmonica between your thumb and index finger. Blow vigorously through the harmonica to make a louder sound. Tighten your pinch on the harmonica to increase the pitch of the sound. If the harmonica isn't making any sound, loosen your grip on the harmonica and blow more firmly. | Cut a piece of paper down to the same size as an ice block stick. Place the paper in between the 2 ice block sticks. Wrap a rubber band around the left end of the harmonica 7 times. Slide a toothpick on top of the paper, to the right of the rubber band. Secure the right end of the harmonica with a rubber band. Place a toothpick under the paper at the right end of the harmonica. Trim the ends of the toothpicks with scissors. Hold the ends of the harmonica and blow through the middle section. Suck the air through the harmonica to make a different sound. Hold down the middle of the harmonica while you blow to vary the pitch. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Publish-a-Book-at-a-Young-Age | How to Publish a Book at a Young Age | If you've completed a manuscript and want to publish a book at a young age, check out online platforms like Lulu and CreateSpace, which let you set up a profile and publish your work. Alternatively, try entering your work into a writing contest with a publication like 805 or Amazing Kids eZine. To contact publishers directly, use the #MSWL hashtag on Twitter to let agents know you're looking for a publisher. Then, when they contact you, write a query letter summing up your story in 2-3 paragraphs, and submit it to the publisher along with your manuscript. | Set your manuscript aside for a week. Work on something else related to your book, like designs for your book cover, finding publishers , or drafting your query letter. Once you come back to read your book, you will have a set of fresh eyes to revise it with. This way, you will be able to see flaws in your book that you couldn't see before. Writing skills develop most reliably through constant writing. Get in the habit of journaling every day. Reading frequently can also help you gain an appreciation of language. Check your plot for continuity and flow. Make sure the characters behave true to the personalities you have created for them. Conversations between your characters should tie back to the plot as well. The relationships between your characters should also be convincing. Maintain a single point of view (POV) for each scene or chapter. Each scene or chapter should have only one character's perspective. When introducing a new character's POV, make sure the switch is clear. Avoid switching perspectives within a scene, paragraph, or sentence. Replace adverbs with stronger verbs. Strong verbs are more descriptive than adverbs. They will get your message across much better than adverbs. By using strong verbs, you can also avoid using too many unnecessary or irrelevant words. For example, instead of saying, “She yelled loudly,” say, “She shouted.” Instead of saying, “He ran quickly,” say, “He sprinted.” Have your teacher or one of your parents read your book. A fresh set of eyes will be able to spot spelling and grammatical errors, as well as holes in your story or your characters. Take their edits and advice into consideration. If you need a second opinion, then have your other parent read the book. Then revise your book again. The more you write and read, the more you'll naturally feel the texture of words and the more likely you will be able to find your voice and tone without getting bogged down with having to consciously remember grammar rules. Join a local critique group. Ask your English teacher about local writing groups, or visit your local library to find a list of local writing groups. Go with one of your parents to a meeting. Read your book to other writers, or give it to them to read and critique. Make sure to take their feedback into consideration. Also check out the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' (SCBWI) regional chapters for writing meet ups. You can find these on their website. Go to a reputable writing conference with an adult. Writing conferences are a great way to find editors to read your manuscript. Some conferences allow their writers to submit their manuscript to editors or agents who have also attended the conference. This is a great way to go around editors and publishers who have the “no unsolicited manuscript” rule. Ask your local public library about writing conference dates and locations. Make the first paragraph your book’s hook. Write 1 to 2 sentences describing who the book is about and the problem or conflict they face. Describe the story's setting and what year the story takes place. Also, explain why the story is important and what the protagonist has to do to triumph or resolve their conflict in the end. For example, “During the summer of 1921 in a rural Louisiana town, a girl, who has never believed in fate, spots her ring around the neck of another girl. Who is this girl and why is she wearing her ring? Dalia will soon find out that answering this question will make her face parts of her past she has sworn to forget.” Write a mini synopsis in the second paragraph. Use 5 sentences to expand on the story of your book. Write more information about your main character and the conflict they are facing. Also, describe in-depth how the conflict will change their life. Read inside covers of your favorite novels for guidance on writing a mini synopsis. Use the third paragraph to write about yourself. Using a sentence or two, describe your writing experience. Add another sentence describing any awards or writing credentials that you may have such as winning 1st Place in a writing contest, or publishing a story in your school's newspaper. Write a strong closing paragraph. Thank the publisher for their time and consideration. Offer to provide the first few chapters of your manuscript, or the whole manuscript upon request. Sign the letter with your name and contact information underneath. For example, “Thank you for your time and consideration. I will provide the full manuscript upon request. I look forward to hearing from you.” Revise the letter. After you write the first draft, set the letter aside. Come back the next day to review and revise it. Revise it for clarification, and proofread it for grammatical and spelling errors. Remember that the query letter is the first impression of your book. Let your parents or a teacher read and edit your query letter as well. Your query letter should be no longer than a page. Browse your local bookstore and make a list of potential publishers. Go to the section of the bookstore that pertains to your writing genre, whether it is teen mystery, romance, horror, or novels. Look on the inside cover of books to find potential publishers. Make a list of at least 10 different publishers. Check the Writer’s Market at your local library. Visit the reference section at your local library to find a copy of the Writer's Market. Write down the contact information of publishers pertaining to your genre. The book may also list information about how to approach the company's editor. Additionally, there are market books for specific genres like short stories, children's books, romance, science fiction, and mystery. The Writer's Market is a book that lists all of the publishers that are currently accepting submissions. If a website is listed for the publisher, visit the website to make sure that the company is still in business and accepting submissions. Use the hashtag #MSWL to find publishers. The hashtag stands for Manuscript Wish List. Type the hashtag into Twitter. The hashtag will lead you to agents and publishers accepting submissions. Scroll through the entries to find ones that are of interest to you. Visit the website of the publishing companies to find more information about their submission guidelines. Finalize your manuscript. Make sure your manuscript is double-spaced and written in a clear font like Times New Roman or Courier New. The font should also be in 10 to 12 pt. font. Number the pages and use 1-inch margins. Print your manuscript on high-quality paper. Send your query letter and manuscript per the editor’s specifications. Some publishers may want you to mail them your manuscript in a stationary box. If they do, place the query letter on top of your manuscript inside of the box. Use a packaging box at the post office to send your manuscript. Address the box to the editor that requested your manuscript. Provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope in the package for the editor to use in the event that they need to send your manuscript back to you. Alternatively, some publishers may want you to copy and paste your query letter and the first 3 chapters of your manuscript into the body of an email. Make sure the letter and manuscript are formatted properly in the email. Wait for a response. It may take 2 months or longer until you hear back from an editor. While you may never hear back from some editors, others may send a rejection letter back within a week. While you are waiting, contact other publishers, or start working on a second story. If you receive a rejection letter, read the letter thoroughly. The editor may offer advice on where to send your manuscript, or they may critique your story. Make sure to take their advice and critiques into consideration. Track your submissions on a spreadsheet. Write down the name of the publisher and the date you sent the submission. If you receive a rejection letter, write down the letter's date. This way you can calculate how long the whole process took. Avoid being discouraged. It is not uncommon to be rejected by a whole slew of publishing companies. This is a normal part of the process. The main difference between writers who get published and writers who don't is perseverance. Tell yourself you can do it because you can! Submit excerpts of your book to a journal. You can submit short stories, poems, and excerpts of your book to literary journals that support emerging writers. While many journals tend to publish a wide range of work, it is still a good idea to look for publications that fit your genre and writing style. This will increase your chances of getting published. Double check the page limit before you make your submission. Some examples of journals that you can submit your work to are Canvas , Cicada , The Claremont Review , Stone Soup , Launch Pad , New Moon Girls , and many others. Enter your work into a contest. A writing contest is another great way to get your work recognized and published. Many publications host writing contests. Publications typically publish their winners' work. Make sure to target publications that fit your genre and style of writing. Publications that host annual writing contests are 805 , Amazing Kids eZine , Blue Marble Review , Creative Kids , Cricket Media , "Young Writers", and many more. Self-publish your work. Some publications provide online platforms for young writers to self-publish their own work, like Figment and New Moon Girls. These platforms allow aspiring writers to create their own portfolios to showcase their work. This is a great way to meet other aspiring writers as well. Some of these online platforms require an annual membership fee of $25 to $30. Alternatively, check out independent publishing platforms like Lulu and CreateSpace. These sites allow you to create, publish, and sell your book all through their site. Avoid publishing scams. If you decide to go the self-publishing route, be wary of publishing companies that use flattery and promises of greatness to get your business. Also, make sure to ask self-publishing companies how they plan to market your book. If press releases and listings in a catalog are their strategies, you may be better off marketing your book yourself. Additionally, don't let these companies fool you into thinking that obtaining an ISBN is difficult and costly. You can typically purchase an ISBN for $100 to $125. You can protect your copyright by registering your book with the Library of Congress online for $35. | Set your manuscript aside for a week. Check your plot for continuity and flow. Maintain a single point of view (POV) for each scene or chapter. Replace adverbs with stronger verbs. Have your teacher or one of your parents read your book. Join a local critique group. Go to a reputable writing conference with an adult. Make the first paragraph your book’s hook. Write a mini synopsis in the second paragraph. Use the third paragraph to write about yourself. Write a strong closing paragraph. Revise the letter. Browse your local bookstore and make a list of potential publishers. Check the Writer’s Market at your local library. Use the hashtag #MSWL to find publishers. Finalize your manuscript. Send your query letter and manuscript per the editor’s specifications. Wait for a response. Track your submissions on a spreadsheet. Avoid being discouraged. Submit excerpts of your book to a journal. Enter your work into a contest. Self-publish your work. Avoid publishing scams. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Toilet-Brush | How to Use a Toilet Brush | To use a toilet brush to clean a toilet, start by pouring cleaner into the bowl, like vinegar or toilet bowl cleaner. Let it sit for 2 minutes so it can disinfect. Then, use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl, taking care to reach under the rim, around the edges, and into the hole of the toilet. Flush the toilet and place the brush back in the brush holder once it's dried. To keep your toilet brush clean, disinfect it once a month by soaking it in a bucket of hot water and 2 cups of bleach for 1 hour before rinsing it with hot water. | Pour toilet cleaner in the bowl. Find a toilet cleaner that fits your needs and pour the recommended amount into the bowl. This specific measurement can be found on the container. Leave it alone for a minute or 2 so that it can do its job and remove germs from your toilet. If you find that the ingredients in a cleaner are unsafe for you, you can make a natural cleaner using white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, or essential oils. Scrub the inside of the bowl. Take the toilet brush, and start brushing the bowl thoroughly. Clean under the rim of the toilet seat, down in the main hole of the toilet, and around the edges of the bowl. Concentrate on scrubbing clean any stained areas. Flush the toilet and rinse the brush. Pull or push the flush, and as the water flows into the bowl, rotate the brush in the water to clean it. Then, place the wet brush somewhere to dry. Store your toilet brush. Be sure that the brush dries before storing it. Return the toilet brush to its container, and store it either in the bathroom, in a storage closet, or in another handy place. Keep it inaccessible to any pets or babies, as they may try to touch it. Scrub your toilet at least once a week. This weekly upkeep will keep it clean and well maintained. If you notice that it is dirty, feel free to clean it more frequently. Wipe down the exterior of the toilet. Keep the outside of the toilet clean by wiping it down with disinfectant wipes. Start at the top to prevent dripping on surfaces you have just cleaned. Wipe the outside lid of the toilet, and remember to wipe the seat of the toilet as well. Wash your hands. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs. This should be done after each cleaning. Fill a bucket with hot water and add bleach. Add 2 cups (470 mL) of bleach to the water. Follow the instructions on the back of the bottle. For a more eco-friendly method, you can add washing soda crystals to the water instead of bleach. Place the brush into the bucket to soak. Let the brush soak in the bleach for at least 1 hour. It could take up to 4 hours, so allow it extra time if needed. If you notice that the brush isn't clean after 1 hour, you could add more bleach or more crystals. Do not mix in more than an additional ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of either. Take the brush out and rinse it. Once clean, remove the brush from the bucket and rinse it under hot water. Replace your toilet brush in its holder. Your brush should be cleaned at least once each month. Don't forget to disinfect the sink or tub you use to rinse the brush when you're done. | Pour toilet cleaner in the bowl. Scrub the inside of the bowl. Flush the toilet and rinse the brush. Store your toilet brush. Scrub your toilet at least once a week. Wipe down the exterior of the toilet. Wash your hands. Fill a bucket with hot water and add bleach. Place the brush into the bucket to soak. Take the brush out and rinse it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Enamel-Pins | How to Make Enamel Pins | To make enamel pins, start by using a program like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to create your design. The lines of your design should all be connected and it should feature solid colors. Try to avoid using small text and details, since they don't translate well during manufacturing. Then, choose a manufacturer by running an online search and upload your design to their website so they can make a sample or proof. Finally, place your order at least a month before you need the pins. | Come up with an idea. You can look to television shows, books, and movies for inspiration, featuring your favorite characters on your pins. Pins are a great medium for fanart. You can also think about combining fun lettering and icons. Keep a small sketchbook with you, so that whenever inspiration strikes you can quickly jot down your ideas. Online communities are great places to start if you're looking for ideas. Possible starting points are the Facebook groups Pin Nation or PinTrades, or the Enamel Pins tumblr page. On Instagram, noteworthy enthusiast accounts include @pincommunity, @pinoftheday, and @pin_lord. Choose a graphic design program to use. You can start with a hand-drawn sketch, but manufacturers will need your design to be sent in a printable vector file. (Vector graphics are the most crisp and clear, and they're usually AI, PSD, or EPS/PDF files.) Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are best-suited for this. But, if you can't afford these programs, there are several alternatives! The base requirement is that the program you use has layers, as your line work and colors should be separated. Public libraries or schools will often have Adobe Creative Suite installed on public computers. Adobe also usually offers free trial periods for their products. Autodesk Sketchbook works across multiple interfaces, and you can even use it on a smartphone to work on your art on-the-go. Some of its features include layering, a variety of brushes to choose from, and the ability to save as a PSD file (the Photoshop file format). Vectr is a free graphics editor that you can download or use online. Vectr is pretty simple and doesn't have as steep of a learning curve as other, more intricate graphics programs. Inkscape has more features than Vectr, and it's also open-source—meaning users are able to edit its source code if they want to change aspects of it. Draw your design with clean, connecting lines. It's super important to make sure that all of your lines connect to one another. If you have any unconnected lines, color will spill out into places that you don't want it during the manufacturing process. If you can, try to avoid small text or details on your designs, as it does not always translate well in manufacturing. Be sure to indicate if there are parts of your pin that you want cut out! Placing a red X over these areas is generally the way to indicate that these sections need cut out. Choose which colors you want to use. Only use solid colors in your design, as gradient or transparent colors won't translate onto a pin. Use the Pantone color matching system to ensure that your colors are accurate. The Pantone system is a way of organizing colors, and it's used by most designers and printers to ensure color accuracy. When you send in a design, be sure to include color swatches that are labeled with the numbers of the colors you want. It's best to invest in a set of Pantone color swatches, but there's also a free online tool to help you match your colors within the Pantone system: https://www.pantone.com/color-finder Choose hard enamel if you want a more durable pin with a smooth surface. There are 2 types of enamel that you can use to make your pins: hard and soft. Hard enamel produces a polished, flat pin because the enamel is added before the plating, and each color has to be baked one by one. This means that they take more time and labor, so producing these pins is typically more expensive. Opt for soft enamel if you want a pin with a textured surface. Soft enamel pins have recessed enamel because, in production, the image is first stamped in metal and cut to the right size. Then, all of the enamel is poured into the recessed areas, which is why it's important to have all your lines connected so the colors stay separated. Generally, the colors are brighter and more vibrant with soft enamel pins. Decide where you want your pins to be made. The pin industry has been growing rapidly as of late. This means that there are now manufacturers all over the world. Manufacturers in Asia tend to be cheaper than those in North America and Europe, but be mindful of potential problems caused by language barriers. A quick Google search for manufacturers is a good starting point, but because there are so many it can be helpful to get a referral from someone you know. Additionally, Alibaba is a great way to find trustworthy overseas providers, as they feature user reviews that can verify the quality of a particular manufacturer: https://www.alibaba.com/. Global Sources offers a similar service: http://www.globalsources.com/. Describe what you want your pins to look like to get a quote. You'll want to know exactly what you want before reaching out to a manufacturer. Tell them how many pins you want, the dimensions of your pins, and your preference of hard or soft enamel. They can then provide you with a quote for cost. Ask questions about other specs of the pins. Before settling on a manufacturer, ask questions about different parts of the pin production process to make sure that your pins will be produced the way that you want. The following considerations are especially important if you're looking to sell your pins. How long is the production process? It should take between 2-4 weeks. What will the bases of the pins be like? Will they be colored? How heavy will they be? What type of needle will be affixed to the back of the pin? Will it have a clasp or rubber backing? How much will shipping cost? There are different ways manufacturers can ship your pins in terms of packaging. What kind of backing card will the pin be attached to? Or will it be put in a plastic bag? Request a sample. If the manufacturer that you're reaching out to is reputable, they should be perfectly willing to send you a sample of their work if you ask. Request an example pin that is similar spec-wise to what you are looking to buy. This can help you make a final decision. Order 1 month before you need the pins so they arrive on time. It will generally be 2-4 weeks before your pins arrive at your doorstep, so consider the timing of your order, especially if the pins you're ordering are seasonal. You wouldn't want holiday pins to arrive after the holidays have passed! Communicate clearly with the manufacturer. Be extremely clear and specific in any descriptions of the pin you want to be produced. Provide the exact dimensions of your pin. It's better to be more specific than too vague, as this could result in a pin that doesn't match your creative vision. Stay within your budget. Ordering pins doesn't have to be extremely expensive if you are mindful of how cost is determined. Your cost will be affected a lot by what type of material you choose to have your pins made of, the complexity of your designs, the plating (the outlines and back of pin) color, and the type of backing (the piece on the back of the pin that attaches it to a garment). The bulk of what you're paying for from your manufacturer is the process to create new molds to stamp your pins. This means that re-ordering existing molds is relatively inexpensive, and ordering in bulk can lower costs even more. If you want to keep costs down, limit the amount of new molds that you order. | Come up with an idea. Choose a graphic design program to use. Draw your design with clean, connecting lines. Choose which colors you want to use. Choose hard enamel if you want a more durable pin with a smooth surface. Opt for soft enamel if you want a pin with a textured surface. Decide where you want your pins to be made. Describe what you want your pins to look like to get a quote. Ask questions about other specs of the pins. Request a sample. Order 1 month before you need the pins so they arrive on time. Communicate clearly with the manufacturer. Stay within your budget. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sing-the-U.S.-National-Anthem | How to Sing the U.S. National Anthem | If you don't already know the words to The Star-Spangled Banner , listen to the song and write the lyrics down until you memorize them. Once you know the song, the best way to sing the national anthem is to sing it in the lowest key possible and record your starting pitch. Mark your breaths so that you don't run out of air while you sing, and practice moving from one vocal register to another to ensure that you maintain control of your voice. | Listen to the song. To learn the lyrics and melody, download or stream the star-spangled banner on your device. Listen to it throughout the day whenever you have a few extra minutes. Focus on the words being sung, the different notes, and analyze the singer's style and approach. Try downloading the song through iTunes or streaming it on Spotify. Watch different people perform the song online. There are many versions of the national anthem and there are a lot of recordings of different people singing it. Look for performances of the national anthem online and watch a few so that you can identify how different singers add their unique touch to it. If you aren't sure where to start, look up “Super Bowl performances of the star-spangled banner” online. Write the lyrics down. Instead of just printing out the lyrics, write them down onto a sheet of paper while listening to the song. This may help you memorize the lyrics, which might be very beneficial if you ever perform the national anthem for an audience. Read the lyrics. After you've written the lyrics out a few times, read what you wrote. This is another memorization tactic that may help you while you're performing the national anthem. Performing for others can be distracting, so you'll want to be at a point where you don't even have to think about the words. Look up any words you don't know. The star-spangled banner was written in 1814, so the wording isn't quite as familiar and common as many lyrics that are written today. Defining terms within the lyrics that you don't know may help you to remember them and also understand them. This way, you may also be able to sing with more passion and emotion. Start off as low as possible. The national anthem is known as a very difficult song to sing, mostly because it includes both very high and very low notes. Sing the first 3 notes of the song by singing, “oh, say.” Try starting the song in multiple different keys until that third note, the one you sing when you sing the word “say,” is at the very bottom of your range. This will ensure that the higher notes of the song are as low and attainable as possible. If you don't know where to start, F is a relatively standard key. If this is too high for you, try singing in E. If it's too low for you, try singing in G. Record your starting pitch. Once you've figured out which key works best for you, play your starting note on a piano and record the audio on your phone or another recording device. This way, you can listen to the recording just before you start singing the song. This may help you start singing the song on pitch with confidence. Adjust your pronunciation of the lyrics. Mouth shape can be very limiting vocally. While practicing, go through the song and slightly adjust how you pronounce different words by making the vowels more narrow. This may make it easier to hit certain notes consistently. For example, one of the most challenging lines of the national anthem is, “And the rocket's red glare.” Instead of pronouncing this line like you normally would, try pronouncing it like, “And the rockits rid gleer.” Mark your breaths. If you don't strategically plan out your breathing before you sing the national anthem, there's a good chance you'll run out of air and sound weak. To keep this from happening, mark where you'll take breaths during the song on a printed out sheet of the lyrics. Only take breaths in those marked spots while you practice and perform. Some important places to take breaths include: Just after you sing the words, “gallantly streaming.” Just before you sing the words, “banner yet wave.” Just after you sing the word, “free.” Just before you sing the word “brave.” Practice moving from chest voice to head voice. Because this song requires such as wide vocal range, you'll likely need to shift between vocal registers while you sing it. Lower notes are often easier to sing well in chest voice while higher notes are typically easier in head voice. Do different vocal exercises to get use to changing registers. Vocal registers are different ways of producing sound. Your vocal folds look and vibrate differently when you sing in different registers. Head voice (the higher, lighter, sweeter register) and chest voice (the deeper, lower, more powerful register) are the more common vocal registers. Use runs sparingly. Runs, or melismas, are passages of several notes that are sung to just one syllable of text. Many people use runs when they sing and it sounds great, but it's also more challenging to control your voice when you use them. Start out by singing the national anthem as simply as possible, with as few notes as you can. When you feel confident in your ability to do this, add in a couple runs to put your personal touch on the song. Artists like Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston are known for their ability to successfully use vocal runs. | Listen to the song. Watch different people perform the song online. Write the lyrics down. Read the lyrics. Look up any words you don't know. Start off as low as possible. Record your starting pitch. Adjust your pronunciation of the lyrics. Mark your breaths. Practice moving from chest voice to head voice. Use runs sparingly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Check-a-Background-for-a-Tenant | How to Check a Background for a Tenant | As a landlord, it's important to check your tenant's background to make sure they'll pay you on time and treat your property right. Ask them to complete an application including details of their previous landlords and personal references. On the form, ask for their permission to run a credit check, which is a legal requirement. You can download a sample application form online. You can also interview the potential tenant and ask them things like why they're moving, if they work nights, and if they often have other people staying with them. This will give you an idea of what the tenant will be like. Once you have their information, order a background check from a screening company, which will tell you if they have any criminal history. Then, contact their employer and previous landlords to make sure they're honest and reliable. | Require potential tenants to complete a rental application. You can obtain sample rental applications online or from your local real estate association. The application will furnish you with all the necessary information to conduct a background check and assess whether the applicant would be a good tenant. The rental application should ask for: the applicant's full name, social security number, date of birth, contact information, and driver's license number and state of issue (also, make a copy of license). current and previous addresses, dates of residence, contact information for current and former landlords. current income, dates of current and past employment, the names and contact information of current and former employers. banking and credit references for a credit check. contact information for three personal references. Request potential tenants complete a credit report authorization form. Section 604 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires landlords to ask permission to perform a credit check. In order to comply with the FCRA, you must have a completed credit report authorization form before obtaining an applicant's credit report. If a potential tenant refuses to sign a credit report authorization form and allow for a credit check, you can deny him or her the ability to rent the property. Interview the applicant in person. This is someone that you could interact with frequently, from paying the rent to addressing maintenance concerns, and you want to make sure they are friendly and respectful and that you are comfortable with them as a tenant. During the interview ask of potential tenants: Why are they moving? Do they have any pets and are they housebroken? Do they smoke? Indoors or outside? Who else will be living with them now or in the future? Do they have any friends or relatives who frequently spend the night? What is their typical work day like? Do they work nights? Can they pay the first month's rent and security deposit before moving in? Obtain credit reports for the applicant. A credit report will help you identify tenants who are financially stable and reliable. On the credit report, you will see information about any foreclosures, bankruptcies, unlawful detainer lawsuits and evictions. Each credit company will provide a credit score for the tenant demonstrating the financial reliability of the applicant. A typical credit score required for renting an apartment is over 620. Credit reports can be obtained online from the three major credit reporting bureaus (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax ) by setting up an account online and following the instructions for making a request. If you deny an applicant because of negative information on a credit report, you must send the applicant an "adverse action" letter, which informs the applicant of three things: the reason for rejection, the name and address of the agency that reported the negative information and, the applicant's right to obtain a free copy of the report by requesting it from that agency within 60 days. Pull a background check on your applicant from a verified tenant screening company. The background check will show a number of things like any criminal record, including running the name on the sex offender database, whether he or she ever damaged any property and whether they paid rent on time. You want to find honest rule-following tenants, and this will help you identify them. Under the FCRA, you must use an approved Consumer Reporting Agency to obtain a background check on a potential tenant. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau has compiled a list of approved CRAs for tenant screening. Tenant background checks can run anywhere from $20 to $50, depending on the items selected to screen. You can request tenants to pay an application fee that will cover the cost of the background and credit checks. Contact the applicant’s employer. This is an opportunity for you to verify that the employment and income information the applicant supplied is true and determine if the potential tenant is able to pay the rent. For example, ask: Is the person employed by you, and for what length of time? Does the person earn a fixed salary? Is this a full-time or part-time job? What is the person's current wage? Contact the applicant’s previous landlords. This is your chance to demystify the applicant. Previous landlords can tell you about the person as a tenant. Ask them: When and how long did the person rent a property from you? Did they pay the rent on time? Did they break the lease agreement in anyway? Did they cause any property damage? Were there any complaints from other tenants or neighbors? Why did the lease end? Would you rent to this person again? ? Contact the applicant's personal references. Though friends and family will have some bias toward the applicant, they have also known him or her for many years and will be able to inform you about the applicant as person, providing information about their character, demeanor and manner. Ask these references: How long they have known the applicant? Do they deem the person to be reliable? Would they recommend this person as a tenant to a landlord? | Require potential tenants to complete a rental application. Request potential tenants complete a credit report authorization form. Interview the applicant in person. Obtain credit reports for the applicant. Pull a background check on your applicant from a verified tenant screening company. Contact the applicant’s employer. Contact the applicant’s previous landlords. Contact the applicant's personal references. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Homemade-Spaghetti-Sauce | How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce | To make classic homemade spaghetti sauce with meat, start by browning the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat for 7-8 minutes. Next, add the tomato paste and spices and cook the sauce for 2 minutes. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, broth, and sugar and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes. Remove the sauce from heat, spoon it over cooked pasta, and enjoy! | Crush 6 cloves of garlic with the back of a knife. Peel 6 cloves of garlic and set them on a cutting board. Use the flat blade of a chef's knife to press down firmly on each clove of garlic. The pressure will crush the garlic and release flavor. Sauté the garlic in olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Put the crushed garlic into a non-reactive saucepan and pour in 5 tablespoons (74 ml) of the extra-virgin olive oil. Turn the burner to medium and heat the garlic until it becomes golden brown. Stir the garlic occasionally so it cooks evenly. Stir in the tomatoes with their juice and season with salt and pepper. Open a 28-ounce (794 g) can of whole plum tomatoes and stir the tomatoes with their juice into the saucepan. Add salt and pepper according to your taste. Stir and simmer the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes over medium-high heat. Turn the burner up to medium-high so the sauce begins to bubble steadily. Stir the sauce occasionally as it cooks and thickens. The tomato juice should evaporate as the sauce cooks. Stir in the rest of the olive oil and crush the tomatoes with a spoon. Turn the burner to high and stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of olive oil. Use the back of a wooden spoon to crush the tomatoes. Cook the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes and turn off the burner. Continue to simmer the sauce until the oil turns red. Then turn off the burner and serve the sauce. Stir in fresh basil and serve the sauce over pasta. Add 10 fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce. You can leave the basil whole or chop it. Spoon the sauce over cooked pasta and serve it immediately. Store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months. Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat for 7 to 8 minutes. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven and turn the burner to medium. Stir in 1 pound (450 g) of lean ground beef, 1 cup (150 g) of diced yellow onion , and 2 teaspoons (6 g) of minced garlic. Stir and cook the meat mixture until the beef is browned and crumbly. Since you're using lean ground beef, there shouldn't be much grease to drain off. If the meat is very greasy, drain off excess grease before finishing the sauce. Add the tomato paste, basil, oregano, thyme, fennel, and optional crushed pepper. Scoop 6 ounces (170 g) of tomato paste into the skillet and add the herbs. Stir well to combine the ingredients and cook the sauce over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the tomatoes, broth, and sugar and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes. Open a 28-ounce (794 g) can of whole or crushed San Marzano tomatoes and pour it into the skillet. Stir in 2 cups (470 ml) of beef broth and 2 teaspoons (8 g) of sugar. Turn the burner to medium-high so the sauce comes to a boil. Reduce the temperature to low and let the sauce bubble gently for 30 minutes. Keep the lid off of the sauce so some of the liquid evaporates and the sauce thickens. Simmer the sauce for up to 2 hours for a more flavorful and tender sauce. Adjust the flavorings and add the butter if the sauce is too acidic. Taste the sauce and add more herbs or salt and pepper according to your taste. If the sauce tastes too harsh or bitter, stir in the optional 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter. Turn off the burner and serve the classic meat sauce. Spoon the meat sauce over cooked pasta or use it as a filler for homemade lasagna. You can also flavor the meat sauce with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Refrigerate the leftover sauce in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days or freeze it for up to 6 months. Sauté the onion in olive oil for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil into a large skillet and turn the burner to medium. Once the oil shimmers, stir in 1 chopped yellow onion. Cook and stir the onion occasionally until it's clear. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 minute. Stir 1 1/2 teaspoons (4.5 g) of minced garlic into the skillet and cook it until it becomes fragrant. Stir it constantly to prevent it from burning. Pour in the wine and cook the sauce for 3 minutes. Turn the burner to high and pour in ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of red wine. Stir the bottom of the skillet well to deglaze the pan. Cook the sauce until the wine evaporates. You can use any good table wine such as burgundy, chianti, or pinot noir. If you'd like to leave out the wine, substitute chicken, beef, or vegetable stock. Add the tomatoes, parsley, salt, and pepper. Open a 28-ounce (794 g) can of crushed or chopped tomatoes in puree and add it to the sauce. Stir in 1 tablespoon (4 g) of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of freshly ground black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce bubble gently. Stir it occasionally as the flavors develop and the sauce thickens a little. Serve the marinara sauce. Turn off the burner and immediately spoon the marinara over cooked pasta. You can also use the marinara as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or bread sticks. Store the leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or freeze it for up to 6 months. | Crush 6 cloves of garlic with the back of a knife. Sauté the garlic in olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes with their juice and season with salt and pepper. Stir and simmer the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes over medium-high heat. Stir in the rest of the olive oil and crush the tomatoes with a spoon. Cook the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes and turn off the burner. Stir in fresh basil and serve the sauce over pasta. Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat for 7 to 8 minutes. Add the tomato paste, basil, oregano, thyme, fennel, and optional crushed pepper. Add the tomatoes, broth, and sugar and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes. Adjust the flavorings and add the butter if the sauce is too acidic. Turn off the burner and serve the classic meat sauce. Sauté the onion in olive oil for 5 to 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 minute. Pour in the wine and cook the sauce for 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes. Serve the marinara sauce. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Digital-Photo-Quality-in-Photoshop | How to Improve Digital Photo Quality in Photoshop | Working with a dull or blurry digital photo can be frustrating, but luckily, Photoshop can easily improve the look of your pictures. If your image looks too dark or flat, use the brightness and contrast sliders brighten it up and make the shadows and highlights more vivid. To fine-tune the lighting even more, use the shadows and highlights controls to separately adjust light and dark areas. You can also bring out or correct the colors in the picture with the hue and saturation controls. To fix a blurry image, use the “Sharpen” tool or shrink the image to make blurring and pixilation less obvious. | Use the Brightness/Contrast sliders to get dark, complete blacks and vivid whites. No matter what picture you're editing, the difference between your darkest areas and your lightest areas (called Contrast) should be distinct. This leads to more compelling photos. Your goal is a well-lit picture with deep, dark blacks and bright, well-defined whites. Use the brightness to make sure the picture is still clear as well. Click "Image" → "Adjustments" → "Brightness/Contrast..." Make sure "Preview" is checked so you can see how the image changes as you move the slider. Almost all images can benefit from 10-15 points of higher contrast, at the least. Increase an image's Saturation to make the colors more vibrant and eye-popping. Going too far can make the picture look like something out of Willy Wonka, but saturation is a necessary adjustment in almost every shot, especially with a lower-cost camera. Click "Image" → "Adjustments" → "Hue/Saturation." Increase saturation by 5-10 points, adding a few points at a time until you hit your desired level. Slide the saturation bar all the way to the left to put the picture in black and white. Edit the picture's hue if the whole thing is tinted the wrong color. This can happen under some indoor lights, which can make the whole shot look yellow or green. Hue settings, found along with Saturation, let you change the overall color palate of the picture for strange, artsy effects or to correct these all-over color issues. Click "Image" → "Adjustments" → "Hue/Saturation." Even small changes to Hue can make dramatic effects, so work slowly. Use the "Shadows/Highlights" settings to remove any overly bright areas and weaken dark shadows. The most common use of this is when the sun forms a big, unsightly bloom of white light in the corner of the picture, washing out part of the actual photo. Alternatively, it helps when a shadow obscures half of someone's face. Shadow/HIghlights targets the lightest and darkest parts of a shot directly while leaving the other areas intact: Click "Image" → "Adjustments" → "Shadows/Highlights." Lower the Shadow slider to make the dark areas lighter. Raise the Highlight slider to darken up any bright areas. Use the Sharpen filter to help combat semi-blurry or out of focus shots. This filter is not god, and can't fix seriously blurry photos. But it can make a serious difference for slightly "soft" shots, bringing back some clarity and definition in the photo's lines. To use it: Click "Filter" from the top Menu. Under "Sharpen...", choose "Sharpen" for a minor adjustment, and "Smart Sharpen" for a more detailed effect. Under "Smart Sharpen," use "Amount" to choose how severely you'll sharpen sharpen, "radius" to make more precise lines, and "Reduce Noise" to smooth out any over-sharpened areas. Consider shrinking very blurry or lower-quality images to minimize the problem. The bigger the image, the more apparent the blemishes and issues. Shrinking the image will provide some clarity, as the pixels are more compact and our eyes do a better job filling over blurry or grainy areas. To shrink an image: Click "Image" → "Image Size." Choose whether or not to change the size in inches, pixels, or even as a percentage of the original. Make sure the chain icon is on -- this keeps the proportions of your new image the same instead of shrinking it unevenly. Cut 25% or so of the image, shrinking more if needed. Crop pictures using the "Rule of Thirds" as a guide for compelling shots. Never assume a photo's original framing is the best option available. The Rule of Thirds is one of photography's oldest and most trusted guides. It states that if you cut the image in thirds horizontally and vertically (making 9 mini squares), the most interesting elements should always be the lines and intersections. In Photoshop, these lines appear automatically when cropping, making it easy to improve. Even small crops can dramatically improve a photo. Are there any unnecessary elements in the corners of the frame that you can eliminate to focus on more interesting things? Always put major lines, like the horizon in the example above, on a third line. To crop a photo, press "C" to pull up the crop tool. Use the Red Eye Tool to simply clean up the eyes of any portraits. The Red Eye Tool is found under the Patch tool, which is found underneath the eyedropper icon in your toolbar. You can also press J to bring up the Patch tool, then click and hold on the icon to reveal the red eye tool. Once you have it, simply click and drag over the eyes to remove red eye. Play with the spot healing brush to remove small blemishes. Want to get rid of that small pimple on your forehead? The spot healer is here to help. Click and hold the Patch tool (press "J") to find it, as it will pop up in the small menu under the Patch tool. This tool simply replaces the spot you click on with pixels surrounding it, blending them in perfectly. This means thin, small issues, like a zit or a power-line in the background, can be quickly erased without ruining the image. The healing brush works similarly, but you can tell it which pixels to replace from. To select the "healing area," hold the Alt/Opt key, click once, then start healing your blemish area. Use the Content-Fill effect to remove objects and simple imperfections. For example, imagine there was some dirt on the lens that you missed, which put a big brown spot in the sky of your beautiful landscape shot. Content-fill can cover it up for you. To do so, use Quick Selection tool (found under the Lasso icon) to select the smudge. From there: Click "Select" → "Modify" → "Expand." Expand the selection by 5-10 pixels. Select "Edit" → "Fill." Select "Content Aware" in the Fill, dialogue box and select "okay." Use the patch tool to replace small sections of a photo with another section of the photo. Imagine you've got a great shot of a soccer player in action but there is one fan in the background up against a fence that you want out of there. Of course, you need to remove him while keeping the fence, which may seem impossible when he's covering the fence up! The patch tool will take another section of the fence and duplicate it over your man to replace him. Use a selection tool (like "Quick Selection") to select the thing you want to be removed. Select the Patch Tool by pressing J. It can also be found underneath the eyedropper icon. Click on the selected area (the place you're replacing), but don't let go of the mouse. Drag the selected area to the spot you want to replace it with and let go of the mouse. Use the "Save as a Copy" feature to make a duplicate image before editing. It is the best practice, especially if you're new to digital editing, to always save a copy of your image before working on it. This allows you to experiment and edit without worrying about making a mistake. While you can also click "Undo," this gets much harder if you're trying multiple things at once, like cropping, tinting, sharpening, etc. Click "File" → "Save As," or simply press Ctrl+Shift+S (Windows) or Cmmd+Shift+S. At the bottom of the "Save As" menu, click "Save as a Copy." Learn the power of Adjustment Layers to gain permanent control of most edits. The last thing you want to do is experiment color, contrast, saturation, etc. and not have the ability to fix it when you go too far. While you should always save a separate copy of an image before editing, Adjustment masks let you keep tinkering with these setting at any point in the future, including turning them on/off, without using "Undo." Click "Window" in the top bar. Select "Adjustments." Choose your adjustment, from Brightness/Contrast to Gradient Maps. Note how a new layer is created. Delete, re-order, or change the opacity of your layers at any time, or double-click to change the settings. Set Photoshop to open photos in "Camera Raw" mode to quickly fine-tune any photo without ruining the original. Camera Raw opens a new copy of your picture with sliders for color temperature, contrast, light control, clarity, saturation, and cropping. This allows you to make quick, basic changes with real-time sliders and effects. It will appear automatically when the picture is open if you set it properly: Click on "Photoshop" in the upper left corner. Click on "Preferences" → "File Handling" Under "File Compatibility," check "Prefer Adobe Camera Raw for Supported Raw Files." Click on "Camera Raw Preferences" and set JPEG and TIFF Handling to "Automatically Open all Supported." Use "Batch Commands" to make the same edits on multiple photos automatically. Say, for example, you know that most of your images are a bit too dark, and they all could use an extra 10 points of Brightness. Instead of manually editing each photo, you can teach Photoshop to do it for you on many pictures at once. For learning's sake, say you want to add 10 points Brightness to 15 images: Click "Window" ↠ "Action" to bring up the Actions menu. Click "New Action" in the bottom of the menu and name it after whatever you're doing. The button looks like a sticky note. Click on "Image" → "Adjustments" → "Brightness/Contrast" and add your 10 points Brightness like normal. Click the square "Stop" button in the actions menu to end the recording. Click "File" → "Automate" → "Batch" from the top bar. Under "Play," select the action you just made (it will be whatever you titled it). Select "Choose..." and select the photos you want to edit. Check the boxes "Suppress File Open Option Dialogs" and "Suppress Color Profile Warnings" and hit OK to edit your images all at once once. | Use the Brightness/Contrast sliders to get dark, complete blacks and vivid whites. Increase an image's Saturation to make the colors more vibrant and eye-popping. Edit the picture's hue if the whole thing is tinted the wrong color. Use the "Shadows/Highlights" settings to remove any overly bright areas and weaken dark shadows. Use the Sharpen filter to help combat semi-blurry or out of focus shots. Consider shrinking very blurry or lower-quality images to minimize the problem. Crop pictures using the "Rule of Thirds" as a guide for compelling shots. Use the Red Eye Tool to simply clean up the eyes of any portraits. Play with the spot healing brush to remove small blemishes. Use the Content-Fill effect to remove objects and simple imperfections. Use the patch tool to replace small sections of a photo with another section of the photo. Use the "Save as a Copy" feature to make a duplicate image before editing. Learn the power of Adjustment Layers to gain permanent control of most edits. Set Photoshop to open photos in "Camera Raw" mode to quickly fine-tune any photo without ruining the original. Use "Batch Commands" to make the same edits on multiple photos automatically. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Your-Blood-Pressure | How to Check Your Blood Pressure | To check your blood pressure, start by purchasing a wrist monitor from your local pharmacy. Then, strap the device onto your arm, and keep your arm flat on a surface in front of you. Next, press the button to initiate the reading, and wait for the numbers to flash on the screen. Alternatively, use a blood pressure machine in a pharmacy, where you insert your arm into the machine and hold it steady to get a reading. | Avoid temporarily raising your blood pressure. When you check your blood pressure, there are quite a few factors that can cause your numbers to temporarily rise. Things like stress, smoking, and caffeine can make your blood pressure rise right before a reading. It's best to avoid these things for at least twenty minutes before you plan to check your blood pressure. Other elements can also cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure, such as exercise, cold temperatures, a full bladder, a full stomach, or certain medications. Learn to use a blood pressure cuff. If you want to check your blood pressure at home using a manual pump cuff monitor, you'll need to purchase one and familiarize yourself with it. Most cuff monitors consist of the cuff with a center arrow for proper positioning that wraps around your arm, a gauge that indicates the BP reading, a rubber tube that connects the gauge to the cuff, and a bulb that you squeeze to inflate the cuff. You should be able to purchase one at a pharmacy or medical supply store. Secure the cuff on your arm. Remove any clothing items that cover your upper arms and wrap the cuff around your arm, placing it at the main artery. Find this artery by tracing a line from your pinky finger to just above your elbow. Center the cuff's arrow with this artery. Make sure your arm is supported and your palm is face-up, otherwise your blood pressure monitor may show an incorrect reading. With the cuff fully deflated, fasten the cuff snugly around your arm with the Velcro strap. The stethoscope head should be placed over the main artery in your arm at the inner bend of your elbow. Inflate the cuff. Use the manual hand pump to inflate the cuff while it is securely in place on your upper arm. Squeezing the hand pump will send air into the cuff and cause it to inflate. You may have to squeeze the pump quite a few times. Keep inflating the cuff until the gauge reads approximately 30 points (mm Hg) higher than your expected systolic pressure number (the top number). Be sure to keep your cuffed arm level and parallel with the ground during the entire inflation and reading process. Deflate the cuff and listen. As you start deflating the cuff, listen for the heartbeat with the stethoscope at the main artery. As you are listening, slowly deflate the cuff with arrow on the gauge going down at about 2-3 mm of mercury per second by turning the air release valve counterclockwise. Try to turn the valve very slowly, otherwise it could ruin your entire reading and make you start over again. Keep your eyes on the gauge while you deflate the cuff. Take the reading. Once you hear the first beat, note the number on the gauge; this is your systolic number. Continue to listen until the heartbeat disappears. Note the point at which you can no longer hear any heartbeat, this is your diastolic pressure number. Keep consistently deflating the cuff as you listen for these two points. Once you acquire the systolic and diastolic readings, deflate the cuff completely and remove it from your arm, as continuous cuff inflation can result in numbness and tingling in the arm Wear a wrist monitor. Purchase a wrist blood pressure cuff and read the instructions carefully. Strap the cuff onto your wrist and turn the machine on. Press the button that initiates the reading and wait for it to inflate. Keep your arm level on a table in front of you while the wrist monitor is working. When the process is over, the cuff will automatically deflate and the reading will flash on the screen. You should be able to purchase a wrist monitor relatively inexpensively at your local pharmacy store. Use a blood pressure machine at a local store. Find a blood pressure machine and follow the instructions on it. These types of machines typically require you to insert your arm, remain motionless while the machine inflates, and then wait for the reading. The cuff will automatically deflate when the reading is complete and you can remove your arm. Most pharmacies have these types of machines, including pharmacies inside grocery stores. Make sure you take a minute or two to calm down and rest before you take your blood pressure reading. Go to the doctor. The most accurate way to check your blood pressure is to have it checked by a medical professional. Make an appointment with your regular doctor and tell the nurse (or the doctor) that you are interested in finding out more about your blood pressure reading. Some of the other machine methods may have a wider degree of variance than getting your blood pressure checked by a medical professional. Monitor your blood pressure if you have risk factors. Some factors contribute to the risk of higher blood pressure, which can require closer monitoring. If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you may want to consider monitoring your blood pressure at home. Some additional risk factors include pregnancy, smoking, age (older people tend to be at higher risk for high blood pressure), gender (men seem to have more problems with HBP), and race (African-Americans tend to develop HBP more often than other races). Check your pressure at home if you have anxiety. Many people who suffer from anxiety get nervous at the doctor's office. This can lead to artificially high blood pressure readings, whereas if you monitored from home your readings would be much lower. This is often called “white coat” hypertension. Check your blood pressure in both arms. Alternate arms when checking your blood pressure, rather than always checking it on one side. A normal difference of 5-10 mm Hg exists between the arms, but anything greater than that can suggest circulatory problems. Get a diagnosis from your doctor. The best way to determine whether or not you need to monitor your blood pressure is to get a diagnosis for high or low blood pressure from your doctor. Your doctor will be able to determine a course of action with you. Your doctor may prescribe you medication and will tell you often you need to check your own blood pressure. | Avoid temporarily raising your blood pressure. Learn to use a blood pressure cuff. Secure the cuff on your arm. Inflate the cuff. Deflate the cuff and listen. Take the reading. Wear a wrist monitor. Use a blood pressure machine at a local store. Go to the doctor. Monitor your blood pressure if you have risk factors. Check your pressure at home if you have anxiety. Check your blood pressure in both arms. Get a diagnosis from your doctor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Measles | How to Identify Measles | If you suspect you or someone you know has the measles, check for a rash consisting of clusters of small red blotches and bumps. Once you spot the rash, be on the lookout for a fever, which is any temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. You may also notice coughing, a sore throat, and a runny nose. If you see all these symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor right away so you or your loved one can get a proper medical diagnosis and appropriate treatment. | Watch for a distinctive red rash. The most identifiable sign of the measles is the rash it causes, which shows up a few days after the coughing, sore throat and running nose appear. The rash consists of many small red spots and bumps in tight clusters, some of which are slightly raised, but mostly it looks like large flat blotches from a distance. The head / face are the first to break out, with the rash showing up behind the ears and close to the hairline. Over the next couple of days, the rash spreads to the neck, arms and torso, then down the legs to the feet. The rash isn't itchy for most people, but can irritate those with sensitive skin. People with measles typically feel the most ill on the first or second day after the rash develops, and then it takes about a week to fade completely away. Shortly after the rash appears, fever usually rises sharply and can reach or exceed 104 F. Medical attention may be necessary at this stage. Many people with measles also develop small grayish-white spots in their mouth (inner cheeks), which are called Koplik's spots. Check for a fever. Measles typically begins with nonspecific signs and symptoms, such as malaise (tiredness) and a mild-to-moderate fever. Thus, if your child seems listless with a poor appetite and has a mild temperature, then chances are good they have a viral infection. However, most viral infections begin the same way, so a mild fever is not a strong identifier for measles by itself. Normal body temperature is 98.6 F, so a fever for a child is any temperature over 100.4 F. A temperature greater than 104 F in children warrants medical attention. A digital ear thermometer, also called a tympanic thermometer, is a quick and easy way to measure a child's temperature. Measles has an incubation period of 10 to 14 days post infection, which is a period of no signs or symptoms. Look out for coughing, sore throat and a runny nose. Just after you notice a mild-to-moderate fever in your child, then other symptoms quickly develop with measles. A persistent cough, sore throat, runny nose and inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis) are typical of the early stages of the measles. This relatively mild collection of symptoms may last two or three days after the onset of the fever. These signs still don't clearly identify your child's illness as measles — other viral infections, such as the common cold and flu, cause very similar symptoms. The cause of measles is the paramyxovirus, which is highly contagious. It spreads through droplets in the air or on surfaces, then replicates in the nose and throat of an infected person. You can contract paramyxovirus by putting your fingers in your mouth / nose or by rubbing your eyes after touching any infected surface. Getting coughed or sneezed on by an infected person can spread the measles also. A person infected with measles can spread the virus to other people for a period of about eight days — starting when symptoms begin and lasting until the fourth day of the rash (see below). Recognize who's at high risk. While people who receive the complete vaccine series for measles have almost no risk of getting the disease, certain groups of people are at higher risk for measles. The most at risk are people who: don't get the entire measles vaccine series, have a vitamin A deficiency and/or travel to places where measles are common (Africa and parts of Asia, for examples). Other groups more susceptible to measles are those with weakened immune systems and children younger than 12 months old (because they are too young to be eligible to receive the vaccine). The measles vaccine is usually combined with others that protect from the mumps and rubella. All combined, the vaccine is known as the MMR vaccine. People who get immunoglobulin treatment and the MMR vaccine at the same time are also at higher risk of developing the measles. Vitamin A has antiviral properties and is very important for the health of mucus membranes, which line the nose, mouth and eyes. If your diet is deficient in vitamin, you're more likely to get the measles and experience more severe symptoms. Make an appointment with your family doctor. If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms in your child or yourself, make an appointment with your family physician or pediatrician for consultation and an examination. Measles in American children has been rare for well over a decade, so doctors who are recently graduated may not have much experience with the distinctive rash. However, all experienced doctors will immediately recognize the characteristic splotchy skin rash, and especially Koplik's spots on the inner lining of the cheek (if applicable). If in doubt, a blood test can confirm whether the rash is actually measles. The medical lab will look for the presence of IgM antibodies in your blood, which are produced by your body to fight against the measles virus. In addition, a viral culture can be grown and examined from secretions swabbed from your nasal passages, throat and/or inner cheeks — if you have Koplik's spots. Get the appropriate treatment. There's no specific treatment that can get rid of an established case of measles, but some measures can be taken to reduce the severity of symptoms. Non-immunized people (including children) can be given the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to the paramyxovirus and it may prevent symptoms from developing. However, as noted above, it often takes 10 days of an incubation period before the mild symptoms of measles begin, so catching it within 72 hours is unlikely unless you're traveling to an area where many people obviously have the disease. Immune boosting is available for pregnant women, young children and people with weakened immunity who are exposed to the measles (and other viruses). Treatment involves an injection of antibodies called immune serum globulin, which ideally should be given within 6 days of exposure in order to prevent the symptoms from becoming severe. Immune serum globulin and the MMR vaccine should not be taken at the same time. Medications for reducing aches and pains, and the moderate-to-severe fever that accompanies the rash of measles include: acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Never give aspirin to children or teenagers with the measles to control fever. Aspirin is approved for use in kids older than 3 years, but it can lead to Reye's syndrome (potentially life-threatening condition) in those with chickenpox or flu-like symptoms — which can be confused with the measles. Give children acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) instead. Avoid complications from the measles. Although potentially deadly (especially in developing countries), cases of the measles are rarely serious, nor require medical attention unless fevers get above 104 F. However, the potential complications from the measles are often much worse than the initial viral infection. Common complications stemming from the measles include: bacterial ear infections, bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia (viral and bacterial), encephalitis (brain swelling), pregnancy problems and reduced blood clotting ability. If you are experiencing other symptoms after having measles or if you feel like your symptoms never went away, you should see your doctor. If you have low levels of vitamin A, ask your doctor for a shot in order to reduce the seriousness of the measles and any potential complications. Medical dosages are usually 200,000 international units (IU) for two days. | Watch for a distinctive red rash. Check for a fever. Look out for coughing, sore throat and a runny nose. Recognize who's at high risk. Make an appointment with your family doctor. Get the appropriate treatment. Avoid complications from the measles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Pictures-of-Your-Black-Pet | How to Take Pictures of Your Black Pet | To take pictures of your black pet, pick a spot outside or near a window to take advantage of the natural light from the sun. Alternatively, if you're limited to staying indoors, take the picture in a room with lots of light fixtures since this will brighten your image. While you take the pictures, experiment with the lighting using lamps and flashlights to alter how your pet appears in the images. If your black pet has bright or colorful eyes, make them the focus of your pictures by adjusting your focus ring until they are clear and sharp, since this will create a striking image. | Choose a light, muted backdrop. For subjects that are difficult to photograph, a light-colored background can provide helpful contrast. Look for places with muted primary colors or pastels. Avoid dark backgrounds, bold primary colors, and neons so your pet isn't overshadowed by their surroundings. Sharp white backgrounds can create uncomfortably high contrast with jet black pets. For a more pleasing look, try off-white, beige, or a light color instead. Choose a clean, simple environment. Busy places may look cool, but they will draw people's eyes away from your pet. Look for backgrounds comprised of simple textures or uniform patterns. Wood tables, light quilts, and similar household objects can make a photo appear casual while avoiding the dullness of a single-colored wall. Thematic backgrounds like bookshelves can bring extra life to your image, just make sure they appear uniform and don't pull focus away from your pet. Remove clutter from the area. Before taking your photo, make sure you clean up the area. Look for dust or spills that can be cleaned and pick up any trash. Remove objects that are large or brightly colored so they don't distract from your pet. Grab a prop. To help create an impactful scene, try grabbing a toy or other prop. This will make your photo more dynamic and give your pet something to focus on. Bones, chew toys, and scratching posts can help a photo appear natural and less staged, while human objects like cards, game controllers, and sporting equipment can lead to hilarious results. For whimsical and holiday shoots, put your pet in a hat or costume for fun or silly results. Bright costumes will even help dark animals stick out by defining their figure. Keep treats and shiny objects on hand. Pets aren't always as cooperative as people, so have treats on hand to keep them still, happy, and engaged. To help animals figure out where to look, use your fingers or a shiny, noticeable object to grab and direct their attention. Get exposure for your image. To make your pet stand out, you'll need all the light you can get. If possible, take the photo outside or near a window to take advantage of the sun. If you're stuck indoors, look for a room with lots of lighting fixtures. For gorgeous outdoor lighting, try shooting right after sunrise and right before sunset. These are known as golden hours and will make your image appear warm and soft. Use lamps to add additional light. For many photos, especially those taken indoors, additional light may be necessary to get a good shot. You can use lamps, flashlights, and other household staples to brighten the overall image or emphasize certain features on your pet. The direction of light will alter how a subject looks, so test your lamps at different positions to find the best result. If your camera has a black and white mode, turn it on and check if you can see your pet clearly. If not, try moving your lighting fixtures until you can. Diffuse your lights for a softer look. Lightbulbs naturally give off hard light, which makes a subject look coarse and rough. This may be perfect for guard dogs, but it probably won't work for poodles. To soften your lights, place a thin fabric or lampshade in front of each bulb, allowing the light to spread over your entire subject. Put a rim-light behind your pet. A rim light refers to any light positioned behind the subject. They are designed to create extra separation between parts of an image and work especially well for dark-colored pets, making sure their outline doesn't blend into the background. For the best results, place your rim light to the side of your pet, raise it up, and point it near their shoulders. Check your camera to make sure the light source itself isn't in the image. Compose your shot using the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is a photography principle that makes photos more pleasing to the eye. Divide your image using two evenly spaced vertical and horizontal lines, then position your pet's eyes or face on one of the areas they intersect. This will make your image more dynamic and fun to look at. Many picture apps and cameras have a rule of thirds grid built into them, though they may be off by default. The rule of thirds is a great starting place, but don't let it stop you from trying other photos out. Symmetrical or off-balance pictures are often incredibly beautiful. Focus on your pet’s eyes. Portrait photographers focus on the eyes because they are dynamic and ensure the rest of the face is clear and sharp. For dark pets in particular, bright or colorful eyes can help people find and concentrate on the animal. For phone cameras, tap your pet's eyes to focus on them. For lens-based cameras, adjust your lens' focus ring until the subject's pupils are clear and sharp, a process known as racking focus. If your pet is distracted, hold a treat, toy, or shiny object in your hands to draw their attention to the lens. Blur the background using a shallow depth of field. A blurred backdrop will hide unwanted or distracting elements and make your pet pop. If you're using a phone, look for a focus, depth of field, or tilt-shift option. If you have a lens-based camera, change your f-stop to the smallest number you can. This will alter the amount of light the lens takes in, so check and make sure your photo is still properly exposed. An extremely shallow depth of field means that, if your subject moves, they will no longer be in focus. Keep this in mind when photographing active or easily distracted pets. Some phone apps let you adjust the depth of field only after the photo is taken. Tweak your photo using image manipulation software. Processing an image can turn a good photo into a spectacular one. Using computer programs like Photoshop or phone apps like Instagram, adjust settings like contrast, brightness, and color balance to help your photo pop. If your photo is off-balance, crop it for a more pleasing composition. | Choose a light, muted backdrop. Choose a clean, simple environment. Remove clutter from the area. Grab a prop. Keep treats and shiny objects on hand. Get exposure for your image. Use lamps to add additional light. Diffuse your lights for a softer look. Put a rim-light behind your pet. Compose your shot using the rule of thirds. Focus on your pet’s eyes. Blur the background using a shallow depth of field. Tweak your photo using image manipulation software. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-a-Table | How to Set a Table | To set a table, start by putting down a plate for each guest and a carefully folded napkin to the left or on top of the plate, depending on your personal preference. Place a dinner fork on the left side of each plate, and then a salad fork to the left of the dinner fork. The dinner fork is bigger than the salad fork. Finish arranging the silverware by placing a knife to the right of each plate. You can also place a soup spoon to the right of the knife if you're planning on serving soup. Once you're done with the silverware, place a soup bowl or a salad plate on top of the plate. It is fine to move the napkin on top of either of these, if you prefer this style. Next, place a bread plate and butter knife on the top left corner of each place setting. Then, place a water and wine glass on the top right corner of each place setting. You can then spruce up the table by placing out a decorative centerpiece, like a vase filled with flowers, or candles. You can also add more color by using different style napkins, decorative plates, a table-runner, or a nice tablecloth. This is the traditional way to set a table, however you can set it anyway you like, especially if you are having a casual meal. | Put down the placemat. Put a placemat in front of each of the chairs you've set up for your guests. For a true formal dinner setting, you should have enough matching placemats for all of the guests, and the placemats should also match the tablecloth. Place the napkin on the left side of the placemat. Fold the napkin in halves or fourths, depending on the napkin. The napkin should be ideally made of cloth. You can also fold your napkin to the left of the forks after you put them down. Place the plate in the center of the placemat. It should cover just the right side of the napkin. If you want to have a fancy setting, use ceramic plates. Place the dinner fork and salad fork on the napkin. The dinner fork should be very close to the plate without touching it, and the salad fork should be just a centimeter or so to the left of the dinner fork. The tines of the forks should be pointing away from the diner. If you forget where each fork should go, just think of the order in which you would eat your meals. You would have your salad before your dinner, and you should eat from the outside in, using the utensils from left to right, so the salad fork would go to the left of the dinner fork. Remember that you should be eating with the utensils from the outside in, starting with the ones on the outside of the plate and working your way closer to the plate until the end of the meal. Place the knife to the right of the plate. The knife should be pointing away from the diner and the cutting edge should be facing the plate. If you mix up where the forks and knife should go, just think of how a right-handed person would use a fork and knife to cut something. If you sit down and mimic the gesture, you'll see that you would pick up the fork with your left hand and the knife with your right, so that's where each utensil should go. Place the teaspoon to the right of the knife. The teaspoon will be used for stirring coffee or tea at the end of the meal. Place the soup spoon to the right of the teaspoon. Do this if the first course will be soup, so that this will be the first utensil you pick up when you have your soup. Note that in some traditional settings, the soup spoon is actually larger than the teaspoon. Place the wine glass on the top right corner of the placemat. To place an additional glass for water, just position it above and to the left of the drinking glass. The tip of the knife should be pointing to the water glass. Add any additional plates and utensils that you may need. If your meal includes more courses or items, you may need to add the following additional plates and utensils: A bread and butter plate and knife. Place this small round plate about five inches above the forks. Place a small knife horizontally over the plate, with the blade facing to the left. A dessert fork and spoon. Place the small dessert fork and spoon horizontally a few inches above the plate, with the spoon on top of the fork facing left, and the fork facing right. A coffee cup. Place the coffee cup over a small saucer a few inches above the outermost utensil on the left and a few inches to the left of it. A red and white wine glass. If you have two different glasses , then the white wine glass will be the one closer to the guest, and the red wine glass will be slightly above and to the left of the white wine glass. You can remember this because guests should move from white to red wine. Put the placemat in the center of the table. The placemat can be more casual than it would be for a formal table. A solid-colored cloth placemat will do. Put the napkin to the left of the placemat. You can fold a cloth or a paper napkin in halves or fourths. Put the plate in the center of the placemat. The plate doesn't have to be ornate or elaborate. Just try to use matching plates for all of the settings. Place the dinner fork to the left of the plate. You'll only need to use one fork for a casual meal. Place the knife to the right of the plate. The blade of the knife should face the plate, just as it would in a formal setting. Place the soup spoon to the right of the knife. If no soup will be served with the meal, then eliminate this utensil. Place the dessert spoon horizontally above the plate, facing left. The dessert spoon should be substantially smaller and less concave than the soup spoon. Place the dessert fork parallel to and below the dessert spoon, facing right. The dessert fork should be substantially smaller than the dinner fork. It should be directly below the dessert spoon without touching it. Place the wine glass a few inches above and to the left of the soup spoon. For a more casual setting, the wine glass can be stemless. Place the water glass a few inches above the soup spoon. It should be placed further back than the wine glass, and to the left of the wine glass. The water glass should be slightly larger than the regular glass. | Put down the placemat. Place the napkin on the left side of the placemat. Place the plate in the center of the placemat. Place the dinner fork and salad fork on the napkin. Place the knife to the right of the plate. Place the teaspoon to the right of the knife. Place the soup spoon to the right of the teaspoon. Place the wine glass on the top right corner of the placemat. Add any additional plates and utensils that you may need. Put the placemat in the center of the table. Put the napkin to the left of the placemat. Put the plate in the center of the placemat. Place the dinner fork to the left of the plate. Place the knife to the right of the plate. Place the soup spoon to the right of the knife. Place the dessert spoon horizontally above the plate, facing left. Place the dessert fork parallel to and below the dessert spoon, facing right. Place the wine glass a few inches above and to the left of the soup spoon. Place the water glass a few inches above the soup spoon. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Feed-a-Horse-Treats | How to Feed a Horse Treats | To feed a horse treats, give it fruits and vegetables, like apples, strawberries, melons, and carrots. Just make sure you remove the pips from any stone fruits so your horse doesn't choke, and avoid giving your horse potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, or cauliflower since they could harm its digestive system. You can also give your horse commercially-made treats, as well as the occasional sugar cube as long as it's not overweight. | Feed your horse fresh fruit and veggie treats to nourish its digestive system. Horses are at their happiest and healthiest when you feed them a nutritious diet. Opt for healthy treats that your horse enjoys to keep it in top shape. Most horses like apples, strawberries, melons, carrots, and bananas. Always remove banana skins from bananas before giving them to your horse. Remove the pips from any stone fruits to stop your horse from choking. There is no need to remove small pips, such as those from apples. Horses like watermelon and enjoy eating both the flesh and the rinds. Give your horse commercially made treats if you’re travelling. These treats come in handy packages and keep well when travelling. Choose a treat that has added vitamins and minerals to nourish your horse. Purchase horse treats from a vet or an equine store. Check the packet of the horse treats for the serving recommendations. Most brands recommend giving your horse only 1 packet per feed. These also make easy snacks when you are at home and don't have any fresh fruit or vegetables on hand. Consider giving your horse sugar cubes as an occasional treat. Sugar cubes are a traditional horse treat but aren't the healthiest option. If you decide to give your horse sugar cubes, only feed them 1 or 2 and try to make it an occasional treat. Avoid feeding your horse treats that are high in processed sugar if it is overweight. Avoid foods that cause health complications in horses. Before you give your horse any new food, it is best to research if it is safe for horses. Search online whether the food is safe for horse consumption or ask your local vet. Avoid feeding your horse bread, lawn clippings, potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, as these can harm their digestive system. Don't give your horse chocolate if it competes in shows, as this can cause drug tests to give a positive result. If your horse doesn't compete, you safely give your horse 1 or 2 pieces occasionally as a treat. Chop the treats into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes to help prevent it from choking. Small pieces of food are much easier for the horse to eat. Be especially thorough with cutting up the treats if your horse is prone to not chewing its food. Give your horse 1 large handful of treats. It is best to give treats to your horse in moderation, as large amounts of unfamiliar food can harm its digestive system and can lead to weight gain. Try to make the bulk of your horse's diet grass or straw, rather than treats. Give your horse treats a few times a week. For a medium-sized horse (1.6 metres (5.2 ft)), feed it 1-2 carrots or apples as a treat. Give your horse a heaping handful of strawberries or 1-2 sugar cubes as a sweet treat. Place the treats into a bucket and give it to the horse. This is much safer than placing the treats in your hand and helps to prevent accidental bites from occurring. Put the treats in the bucket and place it on the ground or hold it up to your horse's mouth. If you do decide to feed the horse from your hand, ensure that your hand is flat and your thumb is tucked in when you give the treats to the horse. Vary when you feed your horse treats to teach it to be respectful. Avoid giving your horse treats every day or each time it performs a certain task, as this can cause it to get greedy and misbehave. This can be dangerous, as the horse may become nippy or choke on its food. For example, feed your horse after it performs a jump 1 day and then later in the week, give it a treat for no reason. Avoid giving treats to strange horses. It is important to know the food requirements of a horse before you feed it. Don't feed a horse that you don't know, as it may have allergies or specific dietary requirements. If you want to feed someone else's horse, always ask permission first. | Feed your horse fresh fruit and veggie treats to nourish its digestive system. Give your horse commercially made treats if you’re travelling. Consider giving your horse sugar cubes as an occasional treat. Avoid foods that cause health complications in horses. Chop the treats into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes to help prevent it from choking. Give your horse 1 large handful of treats. Place the treats into a bucket and give it to the horse. Vary when you feed your horse treats to teach it to be respectful. Avoid giving treats to strange horses. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fly-an-Airplane | How to Fly an Airplane | To fly an airplane, you need to keep the artificial horizon instrument, also known as the altitude indicator, lined up so the plane stays level. If you start to fall below the horizon, pull back gently to raise the nose of the plane. If you need to turn the plane, turn the wheel or stick in front of you in the direction you want to go. Make sure you regularly scan the flight instruments in front of you and check for other aircraft so you're not zoning out. | Perform an inspection of the aircraft before getting in. Before taking off, it's important to perform a walk-around examination called a "pre-flight." This is a visual inspection of the aircraft to verify that the airplane components are in good working order. Your instructor should provide you with a highly useful operating checklist for the specific plane and this checklist will tell you exactly what to do in each phase of flight, even pre-flight. The basics of pre-flight: Check control surfaces. Remove any control locks and make sure your ailerons, flaps, and rudder are moving freely and smoothly. Visually check your fuel tanks and oil. Make sure they're filled to the specified levels. To check the fuel level, you'll need a clean fuel measuring rod. To check oil, there's a dipstick in the engine compartment. Check for fuel contaminants. This is done by draining a small amount of fuel into a special glass container tool, and looking for water or dirt in the fuel. Your instructor will show you how. Fill out a weight and balance sheet which helps ensure that you are not flying outside the capabilities of your airplane. Your instructor will show you how. Look for nicks, dings, and any other type of body damage. These small imperfections might inhibit your aircraft's flying ability, especially if the prop is compromised. Always check props before an engine start. Use caution around airplane props. - If there are electrical issues with the plane, the prop could turn over unexpectedly, causing severe injury. Check emergency supplies. Although it is not pleasant to think about, prepare for the worst. - There is always the possibility of something going wrong with the aircraft. Make sure there is a supply of food, water, and first aid items. Also ensure that you have an operating radio, flashlight, and batteries. A weapon may be needed along with standard repair parts for the plane. Locate the flight control (column) in the cockpit. When you take your seat in the cockpit, all of the systems and gauges will look complicated, but they'll look much simpler once you become familiar with what they do. In front of you will be a flight control that looks like a modified steering wheel. This control, more commonly called the yoke , works like a steering wheel in a car. It controls the pitch of the nose (up or down) and banking of the wings. Get a feel for the yoke. Push to go down, pull to go up, and use left and right to roll, unsurprisingly, left and right. Don't use too much force when flying. - It doesn't take much to control the plane. Locate the throttle and fuel mixture controls. They are usually located between the two seats in the cockpit. The throttle is black, and the mixture knob is red. In General Aviation, they are usually just push/pull knobs. Thrust is controlled by the throttle and the mixture knob adjusts the fuel-to-air ratio (lean or rich in gas). Familiarize yourself with the flight instruments. On most aircraft, there are six primary flight instruments located along two horizontal rows. These indicators are often referred to as the six pack and show, among other things, altitude, attitude (orientation of the aircraft relative to Earth's horizon), compass heading, and speed—both forward and up or down (rate of climb). Top left - The " Airspeed Indicator " shows aircraft airspeed, usually in knots. (A knot is one nautical mile per hour—about 1.15 MPH or 1.85km/h). Top center - The " Artificial Horizon " shows the aircraft attitude, that is, whether the plane is climbing or descending and how it is banking - left or right. Top right - The " Altimeter " shows the height (altitude) of the aircraft, in feet MSL—feet above mean, or average, sea level. Lower left - The " Turn and Bank Indicator " is a dual instrument which tells how fast you are changing the compass heading (rate of turn) and also whether you are in co-ordinated flight, This is also called the "Turn and Slip Indicator" or "Needle Ball." Lower center is the " Heading Indicator " which shows your aircraft current compass heading. This instrument should be calibrated (usually every 15 minutes). To calibrate, adjust the instrument to agree with the compass. This is done on the ground or, if in flight, only in straight and level flight. Lower right is the " Vertical Speed Indicator " which tells how fast you are climbing or descending in feet per minute. Zero means that you are maintaining altitude and are neither climbing nor descending. Locate the landing gear controls. Many small planes have fixed gear, in which case you will not have a landing gear control knob. For airplanes that do have a landing gear control, the location varies, but it usually has a white rubber handle. You will be using this after you take off and before you land and taxi the plane. It may deploy any non-fixed landing gear—wheels, skis, skids, or floats beneath. Place your feet on the rudder pedals. These are a set of pedals at your feet used to control the rudder which is attached to the vertical stabilizer. When you want to make minor adjustments to go left or right on the ''vertical'' axis, use the rudder pedals. Basically, the rudder controls the yawing aspect of turning the aircraft. Turning on the ground is also controlled by the rudder pedals and/or the brakes, not by the yoke. Get permission to take off. If you are at a controlled airport you must contact Ground Control before taxiing. They will give you further information as well as a transponder code, commonly called a "squawk code." Be sure to write this down, as this information must be repeated to Ground Control before you are given clearance for takeoff. Once given clearance, proceed to the runway as directed by Ground Control, making sure to never cross any runway unless you are cleared to do so. Adjust the flaps to the proper angle for takeoff. Usually 10 degrees of flaps are used to help increase lift. Check your aircraft manual, though. - Some aircraft do not use flaps for takeoff. Perform an aircraft run-up procedure. Before you reach the runway, stop at the run-up area. You'll have to perform the engine run-up procedure here. This helps insure that your aircraft is ready to fly safely. Ask your instructor to show you this procedure. Notify the tower that you're ready for takeoff. After completing a successful run-up, notify the tower and wait to be cleared to continue to and/or enter the runway. Start the take-off run. Push the fuel mixture knob completely in and advance the throttle slowly. This will increase the engine RPMs (revolutions per minute), generating thrust and the airplane will start to move. Note, though, that the plane will want to go left when you do this, so add proper rudder to stay on the runway centerline. If there's a crosswind, you will need to turn the yoke, carefully, into the wind. As you pick up speed, slowly decrease this correction. You'll need to control the yaw (twisting on a vertical axis) with the rudder pedals. If the plane starts doing twisting, use the foot pedals to control it. Get up to speed. In order to take off into the air, the plane needs to achieve a certain speed to create enough lift. The throttle should be full on in most aircraft, though some will have a maximum setting to reduce over torquing. You will gradually build enough airspeed to become airborne (usually around 60 knots for small planes). The airspeed indicator will tell you when you have reached this speed. When the plane gets enough lift, you'll notice the nose lifting off the ground a bit. Pull gently back on the flight control, being sure to maintain the proper climb rate for the particular aircraft. Pull back on the yoke at this point. This will cause the whole airplane to leave the runway and rise into the air. Remember to maintain climb speed and apply proper rudder. When at a safe height above the ground and you have a positive rate of climb as indicated by the VSI (Vertical Speed Indicator), return the flaps and landing gear to neutral position. This will reduce drag and extend the safe flying time and distance. Line up the artificial horizon, or attitude indicator. This will keep the plane level. If you fall below the artificial horizon, pull back to raise the nose of the airplane, lifting it. Again, be gentle. - It doesn't need much. The best way to keep the plane at the right altitude is making sure you constantly scan the attitude indicator and the altimeter, as well as the rest of the six pack. Get in the habit of scanning so that you don't fixate on any single instrument for an extended time. Bank (turn) the plane. If you have a wheel in front of you (the yoke), turn it. If it's a stick, move it to the left or right to turn. Stay in coordinated flight by using the needle ball (turn coordinator). This gauge depicts a little airplane with a level line and a black ball along it. Keep the black ball in the center by adjusting the rudder so your turns feel smooth (coordinated). A useful learning aid is think step on the ball to know which rudder pedal to step on when co-ordinating a turn. The ailerons "control" the bank angle and work in conjunction with the rudder. When turning, coordinate the rudder and ailerons by keeping the turn and bank instrument ball centered, remembering to keep an eye on your altitude and air speed by scanning the six pack. Note: When the yoke is turned to the left, the left aileron goes up, and the right goes down; when turning right, the right aileron goes up and the left aileron goes down. Do not worry too much about the mechanics of aerodynamics at this point, just try to become familiar with the basic concepts. Manage the speed of the airplane. Every airplane has an engine power setting optimized for the cruise phase of flight. Once you've reached your desired altitude, this power should be set to around 75%. Trim the aircraft for straight and level flight. You will feel the controls become smoother as you trim the plane. You'll also find on some aircraft that this power setting is in the torque free zone, where no rudder input is required to maintain straight line flight. At maximum power you may find that the nose drifts laterally due to the engine torque and requires an opposite rudder correction. Similarly, you may find that the opposite rudder input is required at flight idle power setting. To keep the plane steady, it's necessary to maintain sufficient airflow and speed. Flying too slowly or at overly steep angles can cause the plane to lose airflow and stall. This is most dangerous during takeoff and landing, but it's also important to keep the plane at the appropriate speed during flight. Just as you would wear out your car engine if you drove with your foot planted to the floor, you'll do the same to the plane's engine. Only increase power to maintain airspeed in a climb and reduce power to descend without accelerating. Fly with a light touch on the controls. If (and when) you experience extreme turbulence, it is critical not to over-correct. Sudden, large changes in the control surface orientations can push the aircraft past its structural limits, causing damage to the plane and, potentially, compromising its ability to continue flying. Another issue is carburetor icing. There is a small knob labelled "carb heat". Apply carb heat for short periods of time, about every ten minutes or so, especially at the high relative humidity levels that encourage icing. Note: This only applies for planes with a carburetor. Don't zone out. – You still need to be scanning for other aircraft and keeping an eye on the six pack. Set the cruising engine speed. Once you get a constant cruising speed, you can set the controls and lock them, so the plane will remain at a constant power and you can focus on keeping it level. At this stage, reduce the power on the throttle to about 75% of where it was set. For a single engine Cessna, this should be somewhere around 2400 RPM. Next set the trim. The trim is a small surface on the edge of the elevator. It can be moved from within the cockpit. Setting it correctly will prevent the plane from climbing or descending while in cruise flight. There are different kinds of trim systems. Some consist of a wheel, lever, or crank which pulls a cable or rod attached to a trim surface bell-crank. Another is a jackscrew and rod. And yet others are an electrical system (which is the easiest to use). The trim setting on each plane has a corresponding speed that the aircraft will seek and hold. It varies by weight, plane design, center of gravity, and carrying weight (cargo plus passengers). Get clearance to land using the communication radio. An essential part of flight is staying in touch with ATC (Air Traffic Control), Approach Control, or Tower, during approach and landing procedures. You can find the correct frequencies on your sectional chart. When changing frequencies on the communication radio it is courteous to listen for the better part of a minute to make sure no stations are in the middle of an exchange. Only when you are sure there are no "conversations" going on should you make your initial broadcast. This helps to avoid the "stepped on" situation which occurs when multiple stations are broadcasting on the same frequency at the same time. Reduce the airspeed. To do this, reduce power and lower the flaps to the appropriate level. Do not deploy flaps at excessively high speeds (only when airspeed is within the white arch on the airspeed instrument). Stabilize the airspeed and rate of descent by applying back pressure on the control wheel. Knowing if you're right just takes practice. Pick your aiming point and begin your descent. Get the right angle of descent and airspeed. This is controlled by a mixture of throttle and yoke. Once you've found a runway, you need to have the combination exactly right to land. When it comes to flying an airplane, this is the hardest part. A general rule is that the best approach speed is 1.3 multiplied by the stalling speed of the aircraft. This should be indicated on the ASI. However, always take into account wind speed, too. Lower the nose and watch the numbers on the runway. Those are there for a reason: They tell the pilot whether he or she is going to overshoot or land short. Lower the nose, keeping the numbers right on your horizon. If the numbers start to disappear under the aircraft nose, you are landing long. If the number distance themselves from the aircraft nose, you are landing short. As you get closer to the ground, you will experience the "ground-effect." This will be explained by your instructor in detail, but basically the ground effect causes the plane to float a bit because of reduced drag near the ground. Reduce the throttle to idle. Raise the nose slowly by pulling back on the yoke, until the two main wheels touch down. Continue holding the nose wheel off the ground; it will settle to the ground by itself. Come to a stop. Once the nose wheel has touched down, you can apply brakes to slow for exiting the runway. Exit as soon as possible on the off ramp specified by the tower. Never stop on a runway. | Perform an inspection of the aircraft before getting in. Locate the flight control (column) in the cockpit. Locate the throttle and fuel mixture controls. Familiarize yourself with the flight instruments. Locate the landing gear controls. Place your feet on the rudder pedals. Get permission to take off. Adjust the flaps to the proper angle for takeoff. Perform an aircraft run-up procedure. Notify the tower that you're ready for takeoff. Start the take-off run. Get up to speed. Pull back on the yoke at this point. Line up the artificial horizon, or attitude indicator. Bank (turn) the plane. Manage the speed of the airplane. Fly with a light touch on the controls. Set the cruising engine speed. Get clearance to land using the communication radio. Reduce the airspeed. Get the right angle of descent and airspeed. Lower the nose and watch the numbers on the runway. Reduce the throttle to idle. Come to a stop. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Throw-a-Baseball | How to Throw a Baseball | To throw a baseball, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with your knees slightly bent. Hold the ball in your glove near your chest. Place your index and middle finger across one of the rows of seams, and grip the ball directly under your first 2 fingers. Your ring and pinky fingers should curl slightly behind the ball to support it. Bring your arm up behind your head, then swing your arm forward, releasing the ball when it lines up with your target. | Get into throwing position. Before you make any throw, your entire body should be shifted into the “ready position” for throwing. Your feet should be shoulder width apart with knees slightly bent, your body should be relaxed, and your hips and shoulders should be lined up. Start with the ball held in your glove near your chest. This places it in a good location for you to make a quick throw. Make sure your feet aren't staggered. You will start your throw with your feet at a level distance, and then take a step away as you throw. You should not take this step before beginning to throw though. When you throw the ball, you will keep your feet and shoulders in line similar to in the ready position. Stay alert and focused whenever you are preparing to throw. Even if you are waiting around before practice, avoid dawdling while you stand and practice your throwing stance. Get the right grip. Once you've gotten into position, the next step is to hold the ball. Although simply holding the ball may seem easy, it is necessary to use the proper grip. Place your index and middle finger across one of the rows of seems, with your thumb forming a third gripping-point directly underneath. Your ring and pinky fingers should curl slightly behind the ball and aid in supporting it. Holding the ball along the seams correctly positively influences the speed and direction of the throw. When held this way, your throw is more likely to be straight rather than a curved lob. Keep the ball out on your fingertips and not in the palm of your hand. Palming the ball will cause a slower release time, which worsens your accuracy and speed. Ideally, your grip should allow you to contact all four seams at once. This is difficult at first, but practicing holding the ball in this fashion from the get-go will give you improved throwing over time. At first you may have to look at the ball to line up the seams with your correct fingers, but as you practice you should be able to feel the correct finger placement without looking, using only touch. Move your joints correctly. One of the most important parts of making a good throw is moving your joints in the correct manner. This includes your wrist, elbow, and shoulder. In good throwing, all three of these should be moved together. If any of these joints is stiff and doesn't move when you throw, practice actively moving each during every wind-up. When you wind-up for your throw, your arm should swing loose in your shoulder socket. To practice your ability to move your shoulder freely, do windmill arm exercises. Rotate your arms in wide forward-facing circles around your shoulder. Make sure you keep a bent elbow during each throw. Although you use a windmill-like motion to bring the ball back and around your body, your elbow should bend in the process. A stiff elbow will limit the distance of your throw. Think of your wind-up as a cross between making a windmill circle and pulling a bow and arrow. Your elbow should be bent, but will wind-up behind your torso in a circular rotation. Your wrist should be incredibly flexible and used heavily in each throw. As the saying goes, “it's all in the wrist.” Just prior to releasing the ball, your wrist should be bent back so that your palm is facing forward. As you throw the ball, you will flick your wrist downwards in a strong motion. This will give your throw momentum and increase its accuracy. Get into position. Once you are sure of your stance, grip, and joint movement, put the three together to throw the ball. Your torso should be turned away from your target, and you should be holding the ball in your throwing hand near your chest. Aim the ball before you throw it. If you want your throw to be accurate, you need to be sure of where you want it to go. If you are throwing to a partner, always aim for their chest. Feel free to use your glove to point at your target, as this will help your body to line up into position. Wind up your arm. Bring the ball back and around your body for your wind-up. You should bring your elbow back and around, allowing it to open and close as you rotate your arm. As you bring your arm around in front of you, release the ball when it lines up with your target. Move your body forward with your throw. As you prepare to release the ball, take a step towards your target with your leg opposite your throwing hand. If you are right-handed, you will take a step with your left foot. Simultaneously, rotate your hips towards your target. Maintain eye contact with your target as you throw. Your throw will follow your eyes, so if you are looking around or not paying attention, you will not hit your target with the ball. Have a strong follow through with your throw. After you release the ball, your throwing arm should continue downwards and land on your opposite hip. This will give power to your throw and increase your accuracy. Check your finished throwing stance. Your feet should be a bit wider and staggered because of your throw, your hips will be turned, facing your target, and your throwing arm should be diagonally across your body with your hand on your opposite hip. Practice flicking your wrist. If you find that you have a difficult time getting that extra flick of the wrist in at the release of every throw, try this for practice. Kneel on the ground with a partner, spaced about 5–10 feet (1.5–3.0 m) apart. You don't need to use your mitt for this, as you won't be throwing hard enough to cause an injury. Bend your throwing elbow so that it is vertical, or parallel to your torso. You won't be winding up your arm for this, so stiffen your shoulder and elbow joints to hinder movement. Use your non-throwing hand to hold the elbow of your throwing arm. You are doing this to prevent it from moving, so cup the front of your elbow tight enough that you will block your forearm from moving forward. Throw the ball by flicking your wrist only. You should start with the correct ball grip and your wrist tilted slightly back, and then toss the ball forward by flicking your wrist downwards sharply. You are using your wrist to provide all the momentum of the throw; don't use any other part of your body. As you practice this, move a few steps further back. This will strengthen the power of your wrist and help you to use this motion even at a distance. You should never exceed 20 feet (6.1 m) from your partner though, so that you don't accidentally cause injury to yourself or your partner. Practice your follow through. If you have problems with making strong, fast throws while maintaining accuracy, it may have to do with your follow through. To do this exercise, kneel on one knee (your throwing knee) on the ground about 10 feet (3.0 m) away from your partner. Practice softly throwing the ball, focusing on your form and windup. As you release the ball, bring your arm completely across your body so that your throwing hand rests on the other side of your opposite thigh. If you were standing, your arm would rest on your hip. You should not focus on speed or strength for the exercise. Concentrate solely on the accuracy of your throw and your follow through. Make sure that although you are bringing your arm totally across your body, that you are still releasing the ball when it lines up with the target in front of you. Releasing the ball too early or too late will cause it to go off target. As you feel more confident in your follow through, slowly move further back while still kneeling. Eventually, use this same practice while standing. Practice your aim. With good wrist-movement and follow-through, you are on the road to perfect aiming. To practice your aim, stand with a partner a short distance away (10-15 feet). Use the aforementioned exercises to throw the ball to the other person. Before each throw, stick out your gloved hand to point at the chest of the other person. Simultaneously, take a small step with the same foot. Practice this without gloves, so that you are focused on aim rather than strength. As you throw, keep your eyes on your partner's chest. You should never release eye contact, until they have caught the ball. Pointing, taking a step, and maintaining eye contact should help to perfect your aim. Move further and further back, and begin using your glove if necessary while practicing your aim. | Get into throwing position. Get the right grip. Move your joints correctly. Get into position. Aim the ball before you throw it. Wind up your arm. Move your body forward with your throw. Maintain eye contact with your target as you throw. Have a strong follow through with your throw. Check your finished throwing stance. Practice flicking your wrist. Practice your follow through. Practice your aim. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Get-Rid-of-Skin-Imperfections | How to Get Rid of Skin Imperfections | To get rid of skin imperfections, like blemishes, use a concealer that matches your skin color to cover the affected area. You should also wear a sunscreen with zinc or titanium oxide to minimize the appearance of blemishes. In order to reduce the look of a blemish, try applying green tea extract or silicone sheeting to your skin. Alternatively, apply onion skin products to your skin daily to heal the affected area over time. If you want to lessen the amount of skin damage caused by blemishes that appear red, irritated, inflamed, or swollen, you can also use an over-the-counter steroid product several times a day for 1 week. | Use an over-the-counter steroid product. Some products may help minimize skin damage and blemishes caused by acne. If the blemished area appears inflamed, irritated, red, or swollen, then you may be able to reduce the size and appearance of the blemish by using the topical steroid cream. Hydrocortisone cream is available in 0.5% and 1% strengths without a prescription. The active ingredient, absorbed by skin cells in the damaged area, works to reduce the inflammation and improve the appearance of the blemish. Apply the cream or ointment several times a day according to the product directions. General recommendations limit the use of topical steroid products to no more than seven days. Monitor the area for any unwanted effects. Sometimes the prolonged use of topical steroid products can cause the skin to atrophy, or start to break down. This reaction most commonly occurs with use in moist areas of the body and on the face. Apply onion skin products. Studies support the benefit of using products containing onion skin derivatives mixed with other ingredients, such as allantoin, for its healing abilities. Products that contain onion skin derivatives are available without a prescription. Recommendations for use include a once daily application for several months. It takes time to alter the skin tissue and allow for remodeling to occur. Use silicone sheeting. Silicone sheeting products are effective in reducing the size and appearance of some types of scars. Many variables may influence your response to using this type of treatment to improve the appearance of your scars. Silicone gel sheets are available without a prescription at most local and online pharmacies. The package contains sheets that can be cut to fit the size of the area. Using the silicone gel sheeting daily may help minimize or fade a scar as well as prevent it from getting worse. Use silicone sheeting for 3 months for best results. Wear sunscreen. Sun protection is vital for minimizing scars. Choose a sunscreen with zinc or titanium oxide to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Try applications of green tea extract. Green tea contains chemical compounds called phenols that have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying green tea topically causes a release of a phenol compound that provides benefit in treating scar tissue. Research supports the topical use of green tea extract. One study was able to show a significant reduction in the growth of scar tissue as well as shrinking tissue that was already developed. Every scar is different. Green tea extract was studied in the types of scars called keloid scars. This generally means that the scar tissue formed above the regular skin tissue, causing a raised scar that can be felt. Green tea extract creams can be purchased at most pharmacies or online. Make your own green tea extract cream. There is no scientific or absolute recipe for making your own topical green tea extract product, so use caution. Adjust your recipe as you learn what works best for your skin. One recipe suggests using two tablespoons full of green tea added to ¾ cup of very hot, but not boiling, water. Steep the tea for five minutes, then strain it through a fine filter or cheesecloth. The remaining liquid should equal about ½ cup of strong tea. Let the liquid cool completely, maybe overnight. Select your base cream. Basic emollient creams that do not contain any added preservatives or fragrances are available for purchase and are not expensive. Use a sturdy spatula, or even a blender or electric mixer, and add cream to the tea in small portions until you have the desired thickness. Store your cream in a jar or other suitable container in a cool, dry place. Remember, you did not add preservatives. Do not keep your cream around for an extended amount of time. Store your cream in the refrigerator, but not the freezer, to extend the time it will remain uncontaminated. Consider a topical hydroquinone product. Hydroquinone 2 to 4% topical products work by fading discolored areas of skin. For some types of scars, including those caused by acne, the skin can appear discolored with a pinkish or reddish tone. Hydroquinone products require a prescription. Concerns have developed about the use of topical hydroquinone and the possible development of some forms of cancer. The FDA is reviewing products that contain hydroquinone for safety. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the risks and be sure this is the most effective treatment option for managing your scars. Consider a medical procedure. Some scars are too large and possibly too old to respond well to topical remedies. In some cases, you may want to talk to a dermatologist about procedures available to remove your scars. Laser resurfacing is a procedure that removes the external surface layers of the skin where the scar or skin damage is located. Newer techniques and equipment accomplish the desired results in very little time. Dermabrasion uses special equipment and procedures that target the damaged or scarred areas. The procedure removes the outer layers of skin in those areas and stimulates the growth of new skin. Microdermabrasion is a milder form of dermabrasion. This procedure is helpful in reducing scars and imperfections that are more superficial. Steroid injections into the skin can soften existing scar tissue. Steroid injections often need repeated treatments. Injectable fillers, such as collagen and fat injections, can immediately raise sunken scars, making them more level with the natural surface of the skin. However, this treatment is not permanent and may need to be repeated. Radiotherapy is not used often due to the potential problem with longer term side effects. Radiotherapy uses low-dose radiation to prevent the formation of certain types of scar tissue. Surgery can be performed to alter the size, depth, or color of a scar, although it can't be removed completely. However, surgery isn't suggested for hypertrophic or keloid scars because it can make them worse. Wear concealer. Putting concealer on a scar is a good way to hide it temporarily. Pick a shade that is as similar to the color of your skin as possible. If the scar is red or pink, try a concealer with a green undertone. If the scar is brown, try a concealer with a yellow undertone. Be sure to choose a waterproof concealer. Get rid of dark spots. Age spots, liver spots, and solar lentigines, are all names used to describe places on the skin that change to a darker color over time. Most people experience this type of skin pigmentation change, especially in areas exposed to sunlight over the years. Changes in coloration of your skin can be alarming since they may appear to be signs of skin cancer. See as dermatologist if you are suspicious. Your doctor may take a small skin sample of the area called a tissue biopsy to test for the presence of early skin cancer cells. Always see a doctor as soon as possible if you experience any changes that may indicate the development of a serious disease. Age spots are not cancerous. They occur from sun exposure and usually develop on areas of the skin that have been repeatedly exposed to the sun, like the face, shoulders, and arms. Use bleaching creams. Bleaching creams work by fading the darkened areas in a gradual manner over time. Continue to apply the product until the area matches the natural skin color. Prescription creams that are often used to fade age spots include products that contain 2-4% hydroquinone. Talk to your dermatologist about the risks and benefits of using a hydroquinone topical product. Other prescription products include steroid creams, ointments, products that contain tretinoin or retinoic acid, and combination preparations. Keep in mind that bleaching creams have very little success. Try a procedure such as cryotherapy if you aren't seeing results with bleaching creams. Ask your doctor about a procedure. Several procedures are available that can help to get rid of darkened areas of the skin. Intense pulsed light therapy uses a laser instrument that targets the skin that has darkened. The laser disrupts the melanin-producing cells that are causing the area to be darker. Several treatments may be needed to lighten larger or very dark areas. Cryotherapy is a process used that freezes areas of the skin. The process of freezing destroys the melanin cells in the area that are causing the pigment changes. Cryosurgery and laser surgery can destroy age spots but may leave a temporary or permanent white or dark spot. Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are options that can be used to treat dark spots on the skin. The procedure is performed in the same manner as that for reducing visible scars. Destroying the outermost layer(s) of the skin allows for new skin to grow in its place without the darkened areas. A chemical peel uses topical acids that destroy the outer layer of the skin. It may take more than one treatment to get rid of larger areas of dark pigmentation. Evaluate the risks and benefits. Some natural products make claims that are not supported by scientific research. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the demand for quality products that are effective against dark spots, also called liver spots, age spots, melasma, and sun lentigines, has prompted further research on natural ingredients. Always monitor your skin for possible sensitivities to products, the development of a new allergy, or unwanted skin reactions and changes. Let your doctor or dermatologist know if you develop any unwanted changes. The experts have looked at existing research on many natural products and found them to be a good way to get rid of dark spots. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This helps to prevent dark spots from appearing, and helps to protect the areas you successfully treat from reappearing. Consider using soy products. Soy works to lighten skin by interfering with the transfer of clumps of the dark skin cells that contain melanin to the surface of the skin. Soy prevents the additional and unwanted dark pigment from reaching the surface of the skin. Soy is contained in many skin lightening agents and cosmetics. Soy used in these products comes from the soybean plant. Use products with niacinamide. Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3. Look on product labels for either description, vitamin B3 or niacinamide as part of the active ingredients. Niacinamide works in a way similar to soy. It helps to lighten areas of the skin and prevent the dark pigmented cells from reaching the surface of the skin. As the existing skin cells slough away over time, the newer skin cells with not contain the darker pigment with continued use. Apply ellagic acid. Ellagic acid has antioxidant properties and inhibits certain enzymes needed for the production of melanin, which is the source of the dark areas on the skin. Research suggests that ellagic acid is one of the most potent natural skin lighteners available. Ellagic acid is commonly found in natural food sources that include strawberries, cherries, and pomegranates. Other natural sources include blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, wolfberries, grapes, walnuts, and peaches Non-food sources of ellagic acid include the North American white oak and the European red oak. Some medicinal mushroom species contain ellagic acid, such as the phellinus linteus. Apply lignin peroxidase. Lignin peroxidase is an enzyme that breaks down the melanin in the layers of the skin. Breaking down the melanin reduces the appearance and formation of dark spots. Many products contain this enzyme, even though the research is still ongoing to determine the role of lignin peroxidase as a skin lightener. Lignin peroxidase is derived from a fungus. It is most commonly found in wood pulp as it breaks down and becomes lighter. This enzyme is used to lighten wood pulp during the paper manufacturing process. The use of lignin peroxidase in lightening wood pulp led to its discovery as a source for skin lightening. Use products that contain arbutin. Arbutin, sometimes referred to as alpha arbutin, is a natural product derived from plant sources. Arbutin is considered a natural form of hydroquinone which is scientifically proven to lighten skin. Plant sources for arbutin include bearberry, blueberry, cranberry, mulberry, and pears. The substance comes in two forms. The alpha arbutin isomer is more potent in lightening skin than the beta arbutin isomer. Available products contain as much as 3% arbutin concentrations. Arbutin works by inhibiting the production of melanin in the skin. Apply products that contain kojic acid. This a substance produced as a byproduct during the process of rice fermentation to make sake. Pure kojic acid can be unstable when exposed to air, so many companies use a derivative of kojic acid called kojic dipalmitate. Research with this agent is ongoing. Some concern exists. Using large concentrations of kojic acid has created concerns of possible unwanted and serious skin changes, as well a risk of an allergic reaction. Kojic acid is also derived from plant fungus. Many available products contain concentrations that range from 1-4% of kojic acid or a derivative. The active agent is sometimes combined with other skin lightening agents to enhance the effectiveness of the product. Consider using licorice. While ingesting licorice can have several unwanted side effects, using licorice or licorice derivatives in a topical manner has been shown to lighten areas of the skin. Some products used for skin lightening, including topical patches among other types of topical preparations, are available that contain licorice, licorice extracts, or licorice root. Recipes to make licorice preparations are available on line. Preparing your own topical preparation may result in some difficulty with application since the results are usually sticky and somewhat smelly preparations. Don’t give up hope. Wrinkles are the creases in your skin that form over time in areas of repeated muscle movements. For example, smiling and squinting causes creases that become wrinkles. Even though most factors that cause your skin to wrinkle as you age are beyond your control, there may some things you can do to minimize those unwanted wrinkles. As we get older, our skin naturally loses elasticity and flexibility, accompanied by natural changes in the texture and fragility of our skin. Three primary factors cause the development of wrinkles: genetics, sun exposure over the years, and smoking. Other environmental causes of early wrinkles include prolonged exposure to pollutants in the workplace and possible in the air, depending on where you live. Notice the wrinkles of the older people in your family. Genetics set the stage for changes that occur in your skin that lead to wrinkles. Those changes include the gradual loss of elasticity in your skin, decreased production of natural oils, and loss of fat in the deeper layers of the skin. The fat deposits in the deeper layers of your skin help to prevent the development of wrinkles over time, or at least help to minimize the appearance of some wrinkles. Research suggests that your facial wrinkles linked to genetic changes most likely come from your mother. In other words, if your mother has very few wrinkles compared to other people her age, then you will likely follow the same pattern. Limit your sun exposure. Regardless of your age, protect your skin from the sun. Sun damage is a major contributor to the development of wrinkles. Always apply a sunscreen product that has broad spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB light and has a SPF of at least 30. Exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun is a major cause of wrinkling. Ultraviolet light rays from the sun cause the connective tissue in your skin to break down prematurely. Connective tissue contains collagen and elastin fibers. Protecting your skin from connective tissue damage results in maintaining flexible skin that is less susceptible to premature aging and the development of wrinkles. Stop smoking. Smoking contributes to premature skin aging and causes wrinkles. The more cigarettes you smoke and the length of time you have smoked contribute to the severity of the wrinkles. The nicotine in cigarettes causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin, which restricts blood flow and reduces oxygen to your skin. As a result, skin begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely because of smoking. Many of the chemicals in tobacco smoke also damage collagen and elastin, which are fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. Apply topical retinoids. Products are available with a prescription that contain tretinoin. This is an agent derived from retinoids found in vitamin A. Regular application of topical retinoid products can help to reduce fine wrinkles, minimize the appearance of rough areas, and even out blotchy areas of discoloration. Topical application of retinoid products can cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight and burn easier. Be sure you wear protective clothing and use the appropriate sunscreen. Common changes with the use of retinoids include a burning or tingling feeling in the skin, redness, and dryness. If you experience any type of unwanted skin reaction, contact your doctor. These products come in a range of strengths. You many need to stop using the product, or you may be able to try a reduced strength. Try alpha hydroxy acid products. Alpha hydroxy acids are a group of chemical compounds that restore some of the skin's natural elasticity. Topical products have proven to be somewhat helpful in reducing wrinkles in the skin. The best results cause only slight to modest changes in the appearance of wrinkles. Alpha hydroxyl acids are derived from natural sources. Examples of alpha hydroxy acids and their common sources include glycolic acid which comes from sugar cane, lactic acid which is available from many sources including sour milk, malic acid which comes from apples, citric acid which is derived from citrus fruits, and tartaric acid which is an extract of wine products made from grapes. Recognize the benefits and risks. For any alpha hydroxy acid product to improve the appearance of wrinkles, the chemical has to be able to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin. This group of chemicals are included in a variety of cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals, and are available in a range of concentrations. Alpha hydroxy acids can help to restore oils and flexibility of the skin. The agent in this group of compounds that has the best absorption into the skin is glycolic acid. Cosmetic products contain lower concentrations of glycolic acid, or other alpha hydroxy acids, at a concentration of 5 to 10%. Slightly higher strengths provide greater benefit, but continued use is needed to maintain the results even if you use a product with a higher concentration. The highest concentrations do the most good, but are not available for general purchase. For example, concentrations of glycolic acid as high as 50-70% are used in chemical peels that are done only with medical supervision. Ask your doctor about medical procedures. Medical procedures used to treat wrinkles have the greatest visible benefit and the longest lasting effects. Some people get the greatest benefit from using a combination of procedures under the supervision of their doctor. Regardless of the procedure chosen, be sure to take care of your skin by using protective clothing, wearing the appropriate sunscreen, and stop smoking if you are a smoker. Cost is a consideration in pursuing medical procedures, as is the potential risks associated with some methods. Talk to your doctor and be sure you have all your questions answered before you proceed. Consider dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, or a chemical peel. All three procedures involve some form of physical and/or chemical resurfacing the outermost layer of the skin. Dermabrasion uses a hand tool that sands away the surface of the skin. New skin growth is promoted and has the results of fewer and minimized wrinkles. Dermabrasion can usually done in one office visit. Microdermabrasion follows the same principle but removes only the fine outermost layer. It often takes several treatments to get good results. Chemical peels use acids to dissolve the outer layers of the skin. It may take more than one treatment to get the results you want. Ask your doctor about laser light source procedures. Methods used to resurfacing the skin with laser light sources use either ablative or nonablative techniques to reduce the appearance and size of wrinkles. Ablative treatment destroys the outer layer(s) of skin. At the same time, layers beneath the outer layer are heated to promote the growth of new skin and new collagen. Laser resurfacing done in this manner may require several months for the skin to grow back in a healthy manner. Non-ablative treatments use the same general process, only this type of treatment often needs more than one treatment. Nonablative treatment means less skin is damaged or wounded. New laser technology has improved these procedures. Consider soft tissue injections. Botulinum toxin and dermal filler injections are the most recent approaches to getting rid of wrinkles. These methods of treatment are effective and last for several months or even longer. Variables that impact the duration of efficacy include the product used, the depth of the wrinkles, the overall size of the wrinkle, and location of the treatment area. Botulinum toxin, or botox, injections prevent the muscle tissue from contracting causing the wrinkles to be more obvious. The results of botox injections can last as long as four months. Botox injections work well in the areas between the eyebrows, the forehead area, and sections of wrinkled skin along the outside edge of the eyes. Dermal filler injections involve injecting material into the areas on your face where the deeper and more visible wrinkles have developed. Ingredients used in soft filler injections include fat, collagen, and hyaluronic acid gel. The agents work to fill up the areas that are the sunken part of the wrinkles. This serves to plump up those areas making the skin surface even. This type of procedure is less costly than a face-lift but requires repeat treatments. It depends on the severity and depth of the original wrinkles and the success of the treatment to determine the time frame for repeating the filler injections. Consider heat treatments. Recent developments have led to the use of radiofrequency treatment devices that use electromagnetic waves to heat the skin. Once the target temperature is reached, collagen is stimulated to develop from within the deeper layers of the skin. The collagen production significantly reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Heat treatments involve promoting collagen development and skin tightening by the use of a heat source. The procedure is relatively inexpensive and is noninvasive. Different devices are available for use to tighten the skin using applications of heat. Expect to receive several sessions of treatment and wait four to six months for best results. Ask your doctor about surgery. Face-lift surgery is still a good option for those that want to tighten their facial skin and reduce wrinkles and imperfections. Face-lift surgery is the process of surgically removing skin and fat in areas of your face and neck, then tightening the muscles and connective tissues. It takes several weeks for bruising and swelling to subside after surgery but the results can last for as long as five to ten years. Choose your plastic surgeon, the specialist who does face-lifts, very carefully. Check reviews and use word of mouth to find out which doctor is the best in their field. Research where they doctor went to school and for how long. Make sure they are accredited in the field of plastic surgery as well as reconstructive facial surgery. | Use an over-the-counter steroid product. Apply onion skin products. Use silicone sheeting. Wear sunscreen. Try applications of green tea extract. Make your own green tea extract cream. Consider a topical hydroquinone product. Consider a medical procedure. Wear concealer. Get rid of dark spots. Use bleaching creams. Ask your doctor about a procedure. Evaluate the risks and benefits. Consider using soy products. Use products with niacinamide. Apply ellagic acid. Apply lignin peroxidase. Use products that contain arbutin. Apply products that contain kojic acid. Consider using licorice. Don’t give up hope. Notice the wrinkles of the older people in your family. Limit your sun exposure. Stop smoking. Apply topical retinoids. Try alpha hydroxy acid products. Recognize the benefits and risks. Ask your doctor about medical procedures. Consider dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, or a chemical peel. Ask your doctor about laser light source procedures. Consider soft tissue injections. Consider heat treatments. Ask your doctor about surgery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Ribs-on-the-Grill | How to Cook Ribs on the Grill | To cook ribs on the grill, start by soaking them overnight in a marinade of chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and garlic. Next, pat the ribs dry and rub them with a combination of spices such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, place the ribs bone side down and heat them in the oven for 30 minutes at 300°F. After that, brush the marinade on both sides and cook for 3 hours, making sure to flip the ribs every 30 minutes. Finally, move the ribs to an oiled grill set at 225°F and cook for about 40 minutes. | Pick the right meat for the grill. Most pork ribs will do well on the grill, as long as you prepare them correctly and pre-cook them at a low temperature for an hour or two. However, baby back ribs and spare ribs are the easiest to cook. You can cook beef back ribs the same way you cook pork ribs. However, if you want to cook beef short ribs, you'll need to spend much longer cooking them in the low-and-slow portion, as long as 6-8 hours. If your ribs are frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the silverskin with a sharp knife. The silverskin is the membrane on the concave side of the ribs. Stick a knife under the membrane on one end of the ribs. Once you get the edge up, peel up the membrane with your hands. Use a paper towel to grab it if you're having trouble holding on to it. Try not to pierce the membrane or the ribs when inserting the knife. Toss the membrane when you're done peeling it off. Soak the ribs in a marinade overnight for extra flavor. A marinade is just a flavorful mixture of liquids and spices. You can use a combination of ingredients, such as soy sauce, chicken broth, worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lemon, lime sugar, cumin, garlic, onion powder, chile powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. For a simple marinade, try 0.75 cups (180 mL) of chicken broth, 0.75 cups (180 mL) of soy sauce, 0.5 cup (100 g) of sugar, 6 tablespoons (89 mL) of apple cider vinegar, and 6 tablespoons (89 mL) of olive oil. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic, and stir to combine. Pour 2/3 of the marinade over the meat in a shallow dish and let it sit overnight, flipping the meat occasionally. Some cooks swear by marinades, while others prefer dry rubs. The truth is, you can use both when cooking ribs. The marinade will soak into the main part of the meat, making it flavorful and juicy, while the dry rub will work on the outside of the meat. If you don't have time to marinate the ribs overnight, give them at least a couple of hours. Pat the ribs dry and dispose of the marinade. Pour off the marinade. Use paper towels to dry off the meat so that the spice rub will adhere. You don't need to save marinade, as you only used 2/3 of your recipe. Use the rest of it while cooking. Apply a spice rub. For the rub, use a combination of spices and other flavorful ingredients, such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, oregano, cayenne pepper, stone-ground mustard, and brown sugar. Combine the ingredients, and use your hands to rub it on the meat before you start cooking it. For an easy rub, try 3 parts kosher salt, 2 parts chili powder, 2 parts dark brown sugar, 2 parts paprika, 1 part garlic powder, and 1 part ground mustard. A dash of black pepper would also be tasty. Heat the ribs in the oven at 300 °F (149 °C) for an easy method. Cover a baking tray with aluminum foil, then set a wire baking rack in it. Place the ribs bone-side down in the tray, and heat them for 30 minutes. Brush marinade on both sides of the ribs and turn them over. Keep brushing the ribs with the marinade and turning them every 30 minutes or so for 2-4 hours. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145 °F (63 °C). Use an instant pressure cooker to quickly cook and tenderize the meat. Pour some marinade in the bottom of the pot. Lean the ribs against the inside of the pot and each other so they're standing on end. Place the lid on the pot, and bring the pot to high pressure for 9 minutes, and then let it slowly release pressure over 10 minutes. Carefully release the rest of the pressure by opening the valve on top. Keep your hands and face out of the way of the steam. Place the ribs in a smoker at 225 °F (107 °C) for extra smokiness. Put the ribs bone-side down in the smoker. Brush the ribs every hour or so with the marinade. Cook the ribs for 4 to 5 hours, until they reach an internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C). Any kind of smoker will work for this process, as long as you maintain a constant temperature. Try cherry, apple, or mesquite wood for a flavorful smoke. Grill over indirect heat for one-method cooking. Oil the grill first. To create indirect heat, either pile the charcoal on one side or light only one part of the grill. Set the meat bone-side down off to one side. Do not place it directly over the heat. Cook each side of the meat for 30 minutes, applying marinade several times. If the ribs aren't fork-tender yet, cook them for longer. Aim for 225 °F (107 °C) for a gas grill. You can soak wood chips in water and place them on the charcoal or in the bottom of the gas grill if you want the meat to have a smokey flavor. Move the ribs to direct heat on the grill. Whatever method you used to cook your ribs low-and-slow, you can move them to the grill at this point. Heat an oiled grill to about 225 °F (107 °C) or a bit higher before setting the ribs over the direct heat. Baste with barbecue sauce or marinade. You can keep using the same marinade you've been basting with all along. However, you can also finish with a barbecue sauce. Brush the sauce on every 5-10 minutes to start building up a thick coating on the outside. You can use store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own. Cook the ribs 20-40 minutes more to reach peak tenderness. Flip the ribs occasionally during this process, every 10 minutes or so. That way, the ribs will heat evenly on both sides, browning the sauce as you go. To check for doneness, pierce the meat with a fork. It should slide through the meat fairly easily. Slice the ribs between the bones. Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes under tented foil. Use a sharp knife to cut the rib rack into individual ribs by cutting the meat between the bones. | Pick the right meat for the grill. Remove the silverskin with a sharp knife. Soak the ribs in a marinade overnight for extra flavor. Pat the ribs dry and dispose of the marinade. Apply a spice rub. Heat the ribs in the oven at 300 °F (149 °C) for an easy method. Use an instant pressure cooker to quickly cook and tenderize the meat. Place the ribs in a smoker at 225 °F (107 °C) for extra smokiness. Grill over indirect heat for one-method cooking. Move the ribs to direct heat on the grill. Baste with barbecue sauce or marinade. Cook the ribs 20-40 minutes more to reach peak tenderness. Slice the ribs between the bones. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Life-Together | How to Get Your Life Together | If you want to get your life together, put yourself first and cut off contact with people who have a negative influence on your life. Putting yourself first could mean making decisions people in your life don't agree. However, if you're truly doing what's right for you, your friends and family should understand and support you. One way you can work on yourself is by exercising regularly to reduce stress and increase your overall health. In addition to being active, take control of your life by cutting out processed foods like boxed meals, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables instead. Another way to gain control over life is to spend 10 minutes a day cleaning and organizing an area of your home, which will help you feel like you're making tangible improvements. | Remind yourself that you are in control of your choices. Many of the bad or unpleasant things that happen in life are out of your control. Blaming others for your circumstances makes you powerless, however. While you can't control everything that happens in your life, you can choose how you react to whatever life throws at you, and take responsibility for the things you can control. Be honest with yourself. Everyone comes up with excuses and blames others sometimes. Recognizing these behaviors in yourself is the first step to changing them. Be objective and pinpoint places where you can improve. Remember that your choices, thoughts, and actions are in your control, not someone else's. Acknowledging this helps you move forward. If you do mess up, accept that it happened, but don't dwell on it. Instead, move past it and try to change your behavior so you don't do it again. Identify the things in your life that you can change. Instead of agonizing over what you can't change, figure out what is in your control and what you can change. Make a list of problems in your life and pinpoint which things you can control and which ones you can't. For example, if you're dealing with family drama, you might say, “I can't control how my sister behaves. I can set healthy boundaries and say 'no' when she makes unreasonable demands.” Let go of what you can't change. Sometimes things will happen to you that are out of your control. Since you can't change or fix these things, let them go. It's okay to acknowledge these things and feel frustrated by them. Remind yourself that it's not helpful to dwell on things you can't fix, however, and then go do something productive to take your mind off of it. Things in our past are beyond our control. Learn from past mistakes, but try not to fixate on them. You can't successfully move forward if you keep looking backward. You can't change other people, only yourself. Don't obsess over what other people do. Talk to people if they hurt you, but if you have done everything you can, let it go. You can only control yourself. Figure out what makes you happy. Understanding what makes you happy and content can be the hardest question to answer. If you are unhappy and feel your life is out of control, start by asking yourself, "What will make me happy?" Answer truthfully. Figuring this out can help you focus on the positive aspects of life and start to get your life together. Answer realistically. Travelling around Europe for 6 months or becoming a millionaire may be out of your reach. However, saving up for a vacation or getting a job promotion are things that you can work on achieving. Assess your core values. Are they honesty, compassion, love, acceptance, dedication, or hard work? Whatever they are, figure them out and write them down. Then look at your life. Are you living up to your core values? Are the people in your life living up to them? Knowing what you value can help you be a better person and help you surround yourself with better people. Identify stressors in your life and work on minimizing them. It's impossible to avoid all forms of stress—you probably have a variety of responsibilities in your life, like paying your bills, caring for family, working, or going to school. You can, however, change certain aspects of your responsibilities so they don't always feel like such a burden. Are there better days for you to perform certain responsibilities? Can you buy groceries on a Thursday night instead of spending your Saturday in the grocery store? Find ways to adjust your life so you get everything done but still have time for yourself. Does your job make you happy? If not, decide how you feel about that. Do you want a different career or a promotion? Or are you happy with your job despite not being passionate for your work because it has flexible hours or great pay? You don't have to be passionate about everything in life. Instead, decide if you are okay with the aspects of your life and accept what role they play. Acknowledge that you can't do it all. There is so much pressure on us to juggle everything, and to do it perfectly. You are only 1 human being, and there are only 24 hours in a day. You can't possibly do everything, so don't feel like a failure if you have to let things slide sometimes. Do what you can, and let the rest go. Prioritize your time and commitments. This is especially important if you are busy and pressed for time. Decide what has to be done, what things can slide, and what needs your attention. Make a to-do list. This can help you not forget anything. It will also give you a sense of accomplishment once you finally cross things off the list. Just remember, don't be discouraged if you don't finish everything. Instead, focus on what you have finished. Accept that your abilities and values may change. Setbacks, tragedies, and stressful periods are bound to happen in your life from time to time. Once you start moving forward again, you may expect to be the exact same person you were before. This isn't always the case. Every experience you have changes you in some way. Don't get upset because you are different than you were 1, 5, or 10 years ago. Instead, embrace the new you as you move forward and put your life back on track. Not all changes are permanent. For example, if you are going through a depressive period, this doesn't mean you'll never feel happy again. You may just need to look for new ways to find meaning and fulfillment in your life. Change "I'm not" to "I am”. Think about how many times you say "I'm not" in a day. What have you convinced yourself that you can't do? Societal pressures may shape your thinking, so that you start to believe you're not young enough, wealthy enough, or smart enough to do the things you want to do. Stop thinking like that. Instead of thinking "I can't do that" or "I'm not that kind of person," look at the things you want to do realistically and objectively, and think about ways you could work towards achieving them. For example, if you've ever thought "I'm not a runner," ask yourself why. Is it because you physically can't run due to an injury, because you're not a marathon runner with an 8 minute mile stride, or because you've never tried? Instead of just accepting that thought, think about realistic goals you can set to get you on the path to running. If you have an injury, consider signing up for physical therapy. If you're out of shape, you might start with a couch-to-5k program. Even if your best pace is a 13-minute mile, you're still running! Try new things. Do something that scares you and that you think you can't do. Sometimes you will fail or feel like an idiot. But sometimes you will succeed, improve your life, and even make friends. Put yourself first. Sometimes, the best way to get your life together is to put yourself first. That may mean cutting off contact with people who have a negative influence on your life instead of keeping them around out of obligation. It may mean making a decision people don't agree with, because it's best for you. Most of all, it means staying true to what is best for you. Of course you don't want to hurt the people you love, but if you are doing what's right for you, they should understand and support you. The people you love shouldn't bring you down. If they do, talk to them. Learn to say no. You don't always have to do everything for everyone else. Sometimes, you don't have time to commit to something or don't have the energy to do something. That's okay. Saying no doesn't make you a bad person. Put yourself out there. One way to get your life together is to move forward and move on. Getting your life together includes making a life for yourself. This may include joining new organizations, finding new friends, or trying a new hobby. It might mean just getting out of your house on a weekend. Whatever it is, go ahead and get out of the house. Join a community organization to meet people and get involved. Put a profile on an online dating site. Join a meetup group and go to an event. Give yourself time to heal if you’ve suffered a setback. Don't move on or put yourself out there before you are ready. There is no timeline for when you should be healed. Some people heal faster than others. There's nothing wrong with that. However, you may need to push yourself out of your rut. Start small. Call up a friend. Go to a community event. Go somewhere you've never been. See how you feel when you do it. If it's too much, take some more time. If you feel okay, then maybe you're ready to get out there more. Stop basing your worth on external factors. One reason people are unhappy is that they put their entire worth on the outside. They think money will make them happy, or a prestigious job, or looking their best. There is nothing wrong with wanting a good job, to have enough money, or to look your best, but making your entire existence about this is unhealthy and damaging. Focus instead on internal factors. Don't compare yourself others. Be the best you that you can be. Enjoy what your financial circumstances allow you, even if that is just going on day trips instead of month-long voyages to the Caribbean. Live your life according to your core values. Be a good, honest, loyal, hardworking person. Value your individual work and what you offer the world above being the best at everything. Instead of focusing on your image, choose to do things that build on your individual strengths. For example, if you're trying to decide on a career path, choose something that you find interesting instead of whatever seems most prestigious. . Get moving Exercise is a great way to make a positive change for yourself. Not only does exercise make you look and feel good, but it also increases your overall health. Exercise reduces stress and anxiety and helps you relax. Plus, exercise releases endorphins, which boost your mood. Start by getting out of the house and walking for 30 minutes 3 times a week. Go for a hike in a park you've never been to. Join a gym and go to a spin, weightlifting, zumba, or crossfit class. Sign up for that 5k you've always wanted to do and start training to run it. Eat healthy. Another way to take control of your life is to change your eating habits. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, you will lose weight, feel better, and improve your health. Start small and add new things every week or 2. Even making small changes can yield huge benefits on your body and mind. Cut out processed food. That includes boxed meals, take out, and prepackaged snacks. These things are not good for your body. Replace processed, artificial foods with natural foods. Eat fruits and vegetables. Eat usable carbs, like quinoa and oatmeal. Eat lean meats, such as fish and chicken. Eating healthy doesn't mean starving yourself. Simply make better choices for meals and snacks. For breakfast, try an omelet with tomato, spinach, ham, and avocado. Or try oatmeal with fruit, like strawberries, pineapple, or banana, nuts, and dark chocolate chips. For lunch, eat a kale bowl with sautéed vegetables such as kale, asparagus, carrots, or broccoli, avocado, tomato, chickpeas, beans such as cannellini or black beans, protein such as chicken, tilapia, or salmon, and feta cheese. For dinner, cook a lean protein and an array of vegetables. Plan to take a “mental health day” on occasion. If you're overworked and exhausted all the time, you'll eventually start to burn out and become less productive. If you can, take a day off from your job once in a while, or set aside a day when you don't do any school work. Use your free time for self-care and relaxation. Give up unhealthy vices. Another way to get your life together is to try to get rid of unhealthy and harmful vices. Try to cut back on alcohol if you drink too much. Quit smoking. Look at your unhealthy, damaging habits and start trying to change them. Remember to start slow, and don't try to do everything at once. Some unhealthy habits, like smoking, can be extremely hard to break. If you want to quit drinking or smoking, but aren't sure how to do it, talk to your doctor. They may be able to offer practical advice or prescribe medications to help you quit, if necessary. Make small changes. When making positive changes in the way you eat and exercise, start slowly. Don't try to do everything at once – that is a recipe for failure. Think about it as a layered process. Each time you adopt one new habit, you build on that to change another habit. Each small success is one step towards a better you, and eventually, these small changes will add up to a big change. Start by writing down what you want to change. Then, think about how you can change it. Look at the list. What is something you feel you can accomplish this week? Maybe you're not ready to give up sugar completely, but you can start by eating a healthier breakfast every day this week. Once you gain some momentum and feel successful in what you've accomplished so far, your bigger goals will not seem so impossible to tackle. Set aside 10 minutes a day to clean. This doesn't sound like a lot of time, but when you're busy and feel your life is out of control, you may feel like you don't have 10 minutes to spare. Plan to take 10 minutes every day to clean something in your home. You can't clean everything in 10 minutes, but that's okay. You are taking small steps at improving your living space, which in turn will make you feel better. Set an alarm for 10 minutes and turn on some music. Spend that time making your bed, putting away laundry, loading the dishwasher, vacuuming – whatever chore needs to be done. Assign a room for each day of the week. Mondays you clean your bedroom, while Tuesdays are for your bathroom, and Wednesdays you work on your kitchen. This way you tidy up your entire home throughout the week. Focus on one thing at a time. Our lives are chaotic. We have multiple commitments and only 24 hours in a day. With technology at our fingertips, we spend a lot of the day multitasking. While this can be effective, it also can be counterproductive and make us feel even more disorganized and spread thin. Try taking your tasks and focusing on them one at a time. Instead of working on 5 different incomplete projects and making a small amount of progress in each one, choose 1 project to devote your time to until you have finished it. That's 1 less thing on your to do list. Don't try to clean your entire house at the same time. Focus on 1 room and refrain from moving to another room until that room is clean. Have "Get Things Done" days. Because things pile up and make us feel like failures, schedule "Get Things Done" days. During these days, focus on getting caught up on tasks that get pushed to the side during your normally hectic schedule. Sort through your mail, do your laundry, or take the recycling to the nearest center. These days can be used for things that aren't chores. Respond to e-mails, call your parents, or have lunch with a friend. Use technology to your advantage. Smartphones are convenient devices, and they can help you get your life together. There are apps for just about everything. This means you can set up reminders for yourself, plug everything into a calendar, and have everything in one place so it's convenient for you. Try a list app. Use this to make to do lists of what you need to do every day, for that week, or just in general. Use the app to make a list of things you want to do, like what movies you want to see and activities you want to complete. Use fitness apps. There are apps that will lead you through workouts and race training programs. Other apps will count your calories and give you recipe suggestions for weight loss. There are even apps that will remind you to drink water. These apps can help you stay on track, keep you motivated, and remind you to stay healthy. | Remind yourself that you are in control of your choices. Identify the things in your life that you can change. Let go of what you can't change. Figure out what makes you happy. Assess your core values. Identify stressors in your life and work on minimizing them. Acknowledge that you can't do it all. Accept that your abilities and values may change. Change "I'm not" to "I am”. Put yourself first. Put yourself out there. Give yourself time to heal if you’ve suffered a setback. Stop basing your worth on external factors. . Eat healthy. Plan to take a “mental health day” on occasion. Give up unhealthy vices. Make small changes. Set aside 10 minutes a day to clean. Focus on one thing at a time. Have "Get Things Done" days. Use technology to your advantage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-a-Blood-Clot | How to Diagnose a Blood Clot | To diagnose a blood clot, keep an eye out for swelling, especially in your arm or leg, which can be an early sign of a clot. You may also notice severe pain around the location of the clot or displaced pain, like in your back, shoulder, or jaw. Your skin might feel warm to the touch and develop a reddish or bluish discoloration that doesn't go away. If you notice these symptoms, or if you experience sudden weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. | Watch for swelling, especially in an arm or leg. Since clots block your blood flow, blood builds up behind the clot. This excess blood will cause swelling in the area around the clot. Swelling is often the first symptom that you will notice. If your arm or leg is swelling but you haven't injured yourself, then you may have a blood clot. In some cases, swelling can be severe in size. Notice if you have pain in your shoulder, arm, back or jaw. Blood clots can cause pain in the location of the clot, or, as in the case of heart attacks, which are caused by blood clots, displaced pain. The pain may feel like a cramp or charley horse. Unlike with a cramp, you will also experience other symptoms such as swelling and discoloration. Any blood clot can cause this type of pain, but it's especially common with DVT. The pain will be severe and not relieved by over-the-counter pain killers. Look for patches of discolored skin. The skin around the swollen area may also have a reddish or bluish discoloration that looks like a bruise that won't go away. If discolored skin is coupled with swelling and pain, then you should seek immediate medical attention. Feel to see if your skin is warm. Blood clots cause your skin to be warm to the touch. Place your palm against your skin to feel the temperature. Compare it to the temperature of your forehead to determine if the skin over the potential clot feels warmer. While the warmth may radiate just from the swollen part of your body, your entire limb could be warm. In some cases, your skin may feel hot to the touch, rather than just warm. Watch for sudden weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face. This symptom can be caused by all types of blood clots, including DVT, heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms. You may not be able to lift your arm, walk, or speak. If you experience this symptom, you should seek medical care immediately. At first, you may feel clumsy or like your legs are heavy. You may have difficulty speaking or lifting your arms. Recognize symptoms of a blood clot in your lungs. A blood clot in your lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. While they share many of the symptoms of blood clots in other parts of your body, they also include a few specific symptoms involving your lungs. Blood clots in the lungs usually have a sudden onset, so you may feel okay but then have symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, you should call emergency services immediately: A bloody cough. Lightheadedness. Excessive sweating. Chest pain or tightness. Difficult or painful breathing. Rapid or irregular heartbeat. Identify a stroke with F.A.S.T. Blood clots are the most common cause of strokes. They often cause headaches, dizziness, trouble seeing, lightheadedness, and trouble walking. Since it's important to get treatment quickly, you can use the acronym F.A.S.T. to easily identify a stroke. Face- Look for one side of the face drooping. Arms - Check if the person can raise their arms and keep them up. Speech - Is the person's speech slurred or strange? Time - If you notice any symptoms, act quickly and call emergency services. Know if you have risk factors. You're more likely to develop a blood clot if you have risk factors for one. Knowing your risk factors could help you and your doctor determine if your symptoms could be a blood clot. This is particularly important in the early stages when your symptoms may not be that serious. Common risk factors include: Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, surgery, and prior history of stroke. Prolonged sitting or rest, pulmonary embolism, DVT, and heart failure. Hiatal hernia, peripheral artery disease, polycythemia vera , and heart arrhythmias. Factor V Leiden, family history of blood clots, arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis, and antiphospholipid syndrome. Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, hormone therapy, and some breast cancer medications. Consult your doctor immediately if you are experiencing symptoms. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Provide your doctor with a list of your symptoms, as well as your risk factors for blood clots. Your doctor will want to examine you and perform diagnostic tests to confirm if you have a blood clot. If you have serious symptoms such as extreme pain, swelling, or weakness or trouble breathing, you should call emergency services immediately. Get an ultrasound to check for clots. Your doctor will place the ultrasound wand over the area where a blood clot is suspected. The sound waves from the wand will travel through your body and may provide an image of the clot. Your doctor may do several ultrasounds over a few days to see if the clot is growing. CT or MRI scans can also provide an image of the clot. The most common area for a DVT is your calves, so get any pain in that area evaluated immediately. Undergo a blood test to find out if you have high levels of D dimer. D dimer is a protein that can be left in your blood after you've had a blood clot. High levels of D dimer mean that you likely have a blood clot or one that's recently dissolved. Based on the results of your D dimer blood test, your doctor can determine if the symptoms you're experiencing are caused by a blood clot. Consent to a venography test. Your doctor will inject a contrast solution into your veins, which will mix with your blood and highlight any clots. Your doctor will then take X-rays of the area where the suspected clot is located. Take anticoagulants as prescribed by your doctor. Once your doctor has diagnosed a blood clot, you will likely be prescribed anticoagulants, which are also called blood thinners. This medication prevents your blood from thickening, which reduces the likelihood that it will form another clot that would cause the vein blockage to worsen. It won't fix an existing clot, but it will keep the clot from expanding and prevent others from forming. Blood thinners are prescribed based on how long it takes your blood to clot. This is called your prothrombin time (PTT) baseline. Your doctor will conduct tests to determine your PTT before prescribing blood thinners. Blood thinners can be given as an injection or in pill form. If you're on blood thinners, take care to avoid accidents and injuries as your blood will be less able to clot. You will likely need to continue taking the blood thinners after the danger has passed so that another clot doesn't form. Your doctor will conduct blood tests to determine if the dosage of the blood thinners is correct. They will likely need to adjust the dosage frequently. Ask your doctor about clot busters. A clot buster is injected into your body via an IV or catheter to break up a serious clot. Since they cause a lot of bleeding, they are only used in extreme cases. This treatment will be administered in an intensive care unit. Allow your doctor to insert a filter if medication is not an option. If you are unable to take medication to prevent clots, then your doctor can insert a filter in your vena cava. This is a large vein in your abdomen. The filter will stop clots that may form from traveling to your lungs. Your doctor will need to do this in an in-patient hospital setting to ensure there are no complications. Undergo surgery to remove the clot if other treatments don’t work. Surgery is often the last treatment option for a clot, unless you're in an emergency situation. This surgery is called a thrombectomy. The doctor will open your blood vessel, remove the clot, and then close the vein. They may also install a catheter or a stent to keep the vein open and clot free afterwards. Surgery comes with risks and is most often reserved for life-threatening situations. Avoid sitting for long periods. Blood clots are more likely to occur after you've been sitting for a long time. Make a point to get up at least every hour during the daytime to walk around for a few minutes. Even if you move slowly or just stand, it's better than remaining seated all day. Flying on an airplane can be especially risky because you often have to remain seated for a long time. When you fly, get up and walk around the plane, even if it's just to the bathroom and back. When you must sit for long periods, rotate your ankles and move your legs often. Try to get up and walk around if you can. You can also wear special socks that prevent DVTs while you fly or drive for long periods. Move around as soon as possible after surgery or bed rest. You should follow all of your doctor's instructions during your recovery from surgery to prevent blood clots. As soon as recommended, stand and take a short walk around the hospital or care facility. Make sure that you have someone there to help you and offer support so that you don't fall. It's normal for you to get up out of bed a day after surgery with supervision. Wear compression socks or hose to prevent swelling. You should wear them every day to help support your legs and prevent fluid build-up. Socks or stockings should come up to at least your knee. You can buy these at a medical supply shop or get a prescription for them. Getting a prescription can reduce the cost and ensure you get good quality socks. If you'd prefer, you can find hose that cover your whole leg. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Dehydration increases your risk for blood clots, so make sure you drink enough water. If you don't like the taste of water, you could drink other beverages like tea or juice. Lose weight if you are obese. Obesity is a risk factor for blood clots, so losing weight can help you lower your risk. Talk to your doctor before beginning any new diets, exercise programs, or supplements, especially those that claim to help you lose weight. Use a calorie counting app like myfitnesspal to keep up with how much food you're eating and how many calories you're burning. Build your meals around vegetables and lean protein. Limit your intake of added sugars. Increase your activity level after speaking with your doctor. You could try walking, bicycling, dancing, or jogging. Exercise regularly. Exercise helps you lower your risk of blood clots by helping you maintain your weight and avoid becoming too sedentary. Before you begin any new exercise programs or increase your activity level, you should get approval from your doctor, as increasing activity too quickly can be harmful. Exercise at home by walking, jogging, or bicycling outside or using DVDs. Join a gym for access to a variety of machines and fun group classes. Take a sport like tennis, baseball, or basketball. Stop smoking. Smoking narrows your veins, making it hard for your blood to flow freely. This increases your risk of blood clots. Quitting can help you lower your risk. You can try quitting on your own, or talk to your doctor about using supports for quitting, such as gum, patches, or medications that can help you manage cravings. Lower your blood pressure if it’s high. High blood pressure is another risk factor for blood clots that can be managed. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about creating a treatment plan for lowering it. This may include medications, dietary changes, and exercise. Since high blood pressure is hereditary, you may not be able to lower it back into a normal range without medication, but any progress is helpful. Lower your cholesterol if it's high. High cholesterol can lead to blood clots because it can lead to fatty deposits that can break off, resulting in a clot. Your doctor can test your blood cholesterol and determine if you are at risk. If your cholesterol is high, you should change your diet accordingly. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help you manage it. | Watch for swelling, especially in an arm or leg. Notice if you have pain in your shoulder, arm, back or jaw. Look for patches of discolored skin. Feel to see if your skin is warm. Watch for sudden weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face. Recognize symptoms of a blood clot in your lungs. Identify a stroke with F.A.S.T. Know if you have risk factors. Consult your doctor immediately if you are experiencing symptoms. Get an ultrasound to check for clots. Undergo a blood test to find out if you have high levels of D dimer. Consent to a venography test. Take anticoagulants as prescribed by your doctor. Ask your doctor about clot busters. Allow your doctor to insert a filter if medication is not an option. Undergo surgery to remove the clot if other treatments don’t work. Avoid sitting for long periods. Move around as soon as possible after surgery or bed rest. Wear compression socks or hose to prevent swelling. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Lose weight if you are obese. Exercise regularly. Stop smoking. Lower your blood pressure if it’s high. Lower your cholesterol if it's high. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Massage-Your-Partner | How to Massage Your Partner | Giving a massage is a great way to bring you closer to your partner and show them how much you care about them. Get some massage oil, like sweet almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil. Warm up the oil by pouring it into a metal container and putting it in a pot of water on the stove. You can also rub the oil between your hands right before the massage to warm it up. To massage their back, lightly rub your hands over their shoulders, then circle around their shoulder blades. You can also spread your hands out with your thumbs on either side of their spine and rub up and down their back, gently increasing pressure every time you go. Use the palms of your hands to make long, fluid strokes along their lower back, hips, and buttocks to help release any knots or tension. | Choose a room with enough space to move around in and that can fit both of you. The best place to give your partner a romantic massage is on the floor, as a bed can be too springy. Lay a duvet or a soft blanket on the floor. You can also have your partner sit in a chair, a la the massage scene between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in the film Ghost. Keep some small pillows close by to ensure your partner is lying comfortably during the massage. Light some candles and put on some relaxing music. If you have access to an indoor fire, get it going to warm up the room. Look for music you know your partner would enjoy or music you find soothing and calming. Warm up the massage oil. The most popular massage oil is sweet almond oil as it glides easily on the skin, doesn't get absorbed too quickly and is thin and light. Other oils like olive oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil also work well for a massage. Each of these different oils offer unique therapeutic benefits that can enhance and improve the effects of a certain type of body massage. To warm up the oil, pour the oil into a metal container and place it in a pot of water on the stove. Turn the stove to low heat and let the oil warm up. You can also rub the massage oil between your hands right before the massage to warm up the oil. Always check the temperature of the oil to ensure it is not too hot before you use it for the massage. You don't want to burn your partner's skin and turn a sensual experience into a painful one! Ask your partner to lie down on the duvet. Place a pillow under their head and a pillow under their legs. Cover their body with two large, warm towels. It's best if your partner is naked or wearing just underwear as you want to be able to massage them directly on their skin. Kneel by your partner’s upper back. Take some of your weight on your legs so you'll be able to reach your partner's back without straining yourself. Rub massage oil between your hands. This will help to warm the oil up and release the scent of the oil. Place your hands on your partner’s back, over the towels, and ask them to take three deep breaths. Breathe with them and check to make sure they are feeling relaxed and comfortable. Sweep your hands from the base of their back, on either side of their spine. Lightly rub your hands over their shoulders. Start with light pressure on their back and shoulders. Massage the back and shoulders. Roll the towels down to expose your partner's upper and lower back and place one hand on top of the other and circle around their shoulder blades. Use the pads of your fingers to massage the tops of their shoulders, around the sides of their neck and up to the base of their skull. Maintain a slow, even rhythm as you use your fingers and thumbs to rub around the tops of their shoulders. Squeeze them lightly to loosen them up. Then, sweep back down the base of their spine with a few long, smooth strokes. If your hands tire easily, switch to your forearms. Have your partner sit up while you stand behind them. Place your right forearm on his left shoulder, with your palm facing up. Rest your left forearm on his left shoulder and use your body weight to press down on your forearm while rotating it in towards his neck. Repeat this on the other side of his body. Spread out your hands with a thumb either side of their spine. Starting at the base, run up to the top and gently back down their spine. Use your palms and run up and down their spine, gently increasing pressure every time you run up and down their spine, so that your hands soothe the muscles on both sides of their back. Apply petrissage. Petrissage is a kneading massage technique that involves using your fingers and thumbs to lightly knead the skin around the back and shoulder muscles. - Form a 70 degree angle with your hand and thumb and knead the tissue around their back and shoulders. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Massage-Your-Partner-Step-11-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Massage-Your-Partner-Step-11-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Massage-Your-Partner-Step-11-Version-4.jpg\/aid378881-v4-728px-Massage-Your-Partner-Step-11-Version-4.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>"} You can also make small circles with your thumbs all the way up both sides of their spine. Be careful not to touch the bones of their spine or rub directly on their spine. Check in with your partner to ensure they are still comfortable and let them know you are going to also massage their lower back and lower body. Fold the towels down to expose their hips and upper legs. Rub more massage oil on your hands. Use the palm of your hands to move up and down over their lower back, hips and buttock. The buttock is the site of a lot of stress and tension, as are the hips, so take your time and use petrissage or long fluid strokes to release any knots or discomfort in these areas. Massage your partner's legs. Move to a kneeling position by your partner's feet. Use long, flowing strokes to massage their legs: ankle to thigh and back again up again. Massage their feet. Making sure your hands are well oiled, make small pressure circles with your thumbs under their toes, around their arches, and all around their heels and ankles. If your partner is ticklish on their feet, it might be best to skip this part of the massage. Make circular strokes from their toes, up over their feet, around their ankles and up along their legs. Keep your fingers outside of the main muscle, and your thumbs inside. Maintain a rhythm with each stroke or knead, and keep your movements slow and soft. Soothe your partner's legs with long, downward strokes from the upper thighs to the soles of their feet. As you stroke down, press the palms of your hands more firmly, then lift off at the toes. Ask your partner to turn over. When they're comfortable lying on their back, put the pillow under their knees - if they have a back problem, add more pillows as needed. Cover them up again with the towels. Fold the bottom towel up to expose their legs and feet and oil your hands. Use your palms to give long, even strokes all the way from the toes to the tops of their legs and back down again - go very lightly over the knees. Loosen up their toes by rolling the pad of each one, firmly, between your thumb and index finger. Then rest your partner's ankle in the palm of one hand and massage their ankle with your other hand: thumb on one side; fingers on the other. Continue on their legs with thumb-and-finger movements. Go softly over the knees, as these joints are sensitive to pressure, but apply firm pressure on their thigh muscles. Keeping your rhythm, and with plenty of oil on your hands, pick up the upper thigh muscles and squeeze - as you did with the shoulders. Work gently back down their legs with circular strokes. Give pressure on the down stroke with your fingertips; on the upstroke with your palms. Fold the towel back down to cover their legs and feet. Fold the top towel down to expose their chest and neck. Slide your hands over their upper-chest area. Rubs massage oil between your hands. Focus on the Shoulder Well. This is an acupressure point in the middle of the tendons on either side of the base of their neck. It's a center for tension that feels good when massaged. However, only work on it for a minute as massaging it any longer could lead to a headache. Massage their clavicle. This is the indentation below their collarbone, as this is an erogenous zone. Press the clavicle gently with your thumb and forefinger. Move to the center of their breastbone, right over their heart. Feel for the dimple in the bone. This acupressure point is called the Sea of Tranquility, which is an intense relaxation trigger. Press it with your fingers and feel tension ease from your partner's chest. Stimulate their nipples. Pour some oil on their chest and use a connecting stroke, or a long, fluid flat handed rub, to move from over their nipples. Pinch the nub lightly and roll the flesh between your thumb and index finger. Do not rub or twist their nipples too hard as this is a sensitive area. Move to a position behind your partner's head. Have them lay down on their back and place a pillow under their head. Check in to make sure they are feeling good and are ready for the last part of the massage session: a massage of the neck and head. Make long, smooth strokes from their waist up to their shoulders. As you come back to their shoulders, gently use the backs of your hands to continue stroking your partner's neck and under their chin. Massage around their shoulders and up to the back of their neck. Make small pressure circles, using the pads of your thumbs, either side of the spine to the base of the skull. Never touch the spine itself: it's uncomfortable and can cause injury. Do not wrap your hands around the front of your partner's neck, as this could be uncomfortable. Avoid putting any pressure on the indentation behind their eyes, just above their jawline. This area, if pressed on, can cause facial paralysis so steer clear of it. Run your hands up their neck lightly and cup their head in your hands. Where their neck meets their skull, you will find little hollows in the bone. There hollows are acupressure points and little known erogenous zones. Put your fingers on the hollows and gradually increase pressure, but do not press too hard. Rub their temples and their forehead. Take the time to massage their entire head with firm circular strokes. Trace their forehead, nose, and jawline with your fingertips. Gently press the center of their forehead, between their eyebrows for 30 seconds to release any tension in their Third Eye. Stroke their forehead with your fingertips. Stroke lightly towards you, passing one hand quickly over the other, lifting off as you reach the hairline. Make your strokes lighter and lighter as you continue. Rub and stroke their ears, as the ears are a very sensitive erogenous. You could even gently nibble or kiss their ear lobes to relax them. Finish the massage. Ask your partner how they are feeling and if there were any areas you missed, or that still need to be massaged. Wrap your partner up in towels so they stay warm and relaxed. Allow them to rest or remain still as they feel the positive after effects of a full body massage. | Choose a room with enough space to move around in and that can fit both of you. Light some candles and put on some relaxing music. Warm up the massage oil. Ask your partner to lie down on the duvet. Kneel by your partner’s upper back. Rub massage oil between your hands. Place your hands on your partner’s back, over the towels, and ask them to take three deep breaths. Sweep your hands from the base of their back, on either side of their spine. Massage the back and shoulders. Spread out your hands with a thumb either side of their spine. Apply petrissage. Fold the towels down to expose their hips and upper legs. Massage your partner's legs. Massage their feet. Make circular strokes from their toes, up over their feet, around their ankles and up along their legs. Soothe your partner's legs with long, downward strokes from the upper thighs to the soles of their feet. Ask your partner to turn over. Fold the bottom towel up to expose their legs and feet and oil your hands. Loosen up their toes by rolling the pad of each one, firmly, between your thumb and index finger. Continue on their legs with thumb-and-finger movements. Work gently back down their legs with circular strokes. Fold the top towel down to expose their chest and neck. Focus on the Shoulder Well. Massage their clavicle. Stimulate their nipples. Move to a position behind your partner's head. Make long, smooth strokes from their waist up to their shoulders. Massage around their shoulders and up to the back of their neck. Run your hands up their neck lightly and cup their head in your hands. Rub their temples and their forehead. Finish the massage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-Dominica | How to Help Dominica | The best way to help Dominica is to donate money to verified charities. To ensure that your donation is going straight to the affected people of Dominica, contribute to the official Dominica Hurricane Maria Relief Fund or give to the Dominica American Relief and Development Association. You can also donate to UNICEF to help the children of Dominica continue their education in difficult circumstances. | Give money to the Dominica Hurricane Maria Relief Fund. The Dominica High Commission has set up a fund to get relief sent directly to the areas that need it most. This is an official fund run by the Dominican government, so you can be sure that your donation will go where it's most needed. For more information, visit the fund's website at https://www.dominicarelief.org/ To donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dominica-hurricanerelief Give to DARDA to ensure that your funds to directly to Dominica. DARDA, which stands for the Dominica American Relief and Development Association, is based in New York and is dedicated to helping Dominica in many different capacities. Following Hurricane Maria, all of their focus is on rebuilding the island and helping victims. Donate to DARDA's relief fund at their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/dominica-hurricane-maria-relief For more information, you can also look at DARDA's homepage: http://www.darda.org/ Donate to UNICEF to help children affected by the hurricane. One of UNICEF's primary goals is to ensure that children hurt by natural disasters like Hurricane Maria still have access to education. In addition to sending emergency supplies to Dominica and other affected areas, UNICEF provides teaching supplies, “schools-in-a-box,” and early childhood development kits. You can't donate directly to UNICEF's Dominica efforts, but you can contribute to their general relief fund, which will use the money wherever it's most needed. You can donate here: https://secure.unicefusa.org/donate/disaster-relief-help-protect-children-harm/32787 A school-in-a-box contains school supplies for a teacher and 40 students, including exercise books, pencils, erasers, counting cubes, and more. They're even packed in an aluminum box that can double as a blackboard. Early childhood development kits contain health and sanitation supplies as well as and toys for people taking care of young children during emergencies. Donate to organizations that are helping around the Caribbean. Hurricane Maria was devastating for islands all around the Caribbean, and many organizations are collecting funds to help in multiple locations. Giving to these more general organizations is a way to help many different countries, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as well as Dominica. To donate to GlobalGiving's Puerto Rico and Caribbean Hurricane Relief Fund, go to: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/hurricane-maria-caribbean-relief-fund/#menu. This fund will send victims emergency supplies, like food and water, as well as long-term aid. The Caribbean Tourist Organization is collecting donations for its member nations, including Dominica, Martinique, and Montserrat. Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/hurricane-relief-fund-cto Check Charity Navigator for new, verified ways to donate. Charity Navigator provides curated lists of charities who have shown that all of their funds go to their stated cause or crisis. The list of Caribbean relief organizations doesn't include any groups for Dominica specifically, but you can contribute to the many general relief organizations listed. To see Charity Navigator's list of Caribbean relief organizations for Hurricane Maria, go here: https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=5356 Watch out for fake charities. Unfortunately, people often take advantage of natural disasters to create fake charitable organizations. To avoid getting scammed, only donate money to organizations that you've heard of before. If you're set on donating to an unfamiliar group, do some research into their background before sending money. If you're not sure about an organization, call them. Ask if your donation will be tax deductible, and what percentage of their money goes to different causes. If they can't answer confidently, choose a different organization. You could also type the name of the organization into a search engine, followed by the word “scam.” News reports and articles about the charity will often come up if it's fake. Look on social media to see if specific items are needed. Donations of food, water, and other specific items are not currently being requested in Dominica. If you want to know if officials will start asking for them, follow a few Dominica relief organizations online. Some organizations to follow include: The Dominica America Relief and Development Association's Twitter page, found here: https://twitter.com/DARDA_ORG The Dominica Hurricane Maria Relief Fund's web page: https://www.dominicarelief.org/. You can also follow their Twitter ( https://twitter.com/dominica_relief ) and Facebook pages ( https://www.facebook.com/DominicaMariaRelief ). Volunteer even after the emergency has passed. Volunteer help is needed months and even years after a major natural disaster, so don't hesitate to offer your services even when you think it might be too late to help. There's always someone who can benefit from your generosity. Look online for volunteer positions to help in a personal way. Search for “volunteer positions Dominica” and look at the opportunities that show up. Many individuals and small businesses ask for volunteers, and you can often talk to them directly and find an opportunity that connects with you. Some websites to consider include: WorkAway: https://www.workaway.info/hostlist-DM.html Go Overseas: https://www.gooverseas.com/volunteer-abroad/caribbean Sign up to volunteer in Dominica through the Red Cross. The Dominica Red Cross Society is working to repair the island's electricity and rebuild homes and structures. To volunteer, sign up to be a Red Cross volunteer and request to be placed in Dominica. To sign up to be a Red Cross volunteer, go here: http://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer#step1 You're not guaranteed a place in Dominica, and you'll likely be doing local volunteer work at first. Be patient, work hard, and show that you'd be a good addition to teams working in Dominica and throughout the Caribbean. To do more advanced work, apply to work for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. You can learn about more opportunities here: http://www.ifrc.org/en/who-we-are/working-with-us/ Research each opportunity thoroughly. Volunteering overseas is a big choice to make, so make sure each opportunity is legitimate before pursuing it. If you're volunteering through a company, look for reviews of them online and call them up to ask for more information. If you're volunteering with a company that places you with an individual, contact that person beforehand and ask for more details about the opportunity. Learn how long the volunteer position will last. See if traveling and living expenses will be provided, or if you'll have to pay for yourself. Use a valid passport if you’re staying for 6 months or less. You don't need a visa for trips to Dominica that last 6 months or less. If you're planning to stay and volunteer for longer, talk to your volunteering agency or call your country's Dominican embassy. Travel to Dominica by air or ship. To fly into Dominica, you'll need to connect through airports on the other Caribbean islands, including Antigua, Puerto Rico, and Barbados. From this connection, you'll take a flight to either Douglas-Charles Airport or Canefield Airport on Dominica. You can also sail into Dominica by catching a catamaran on Guadeloupe, Martinique, or St. Lucia. Your volunteering agency should help you with the booking and travel logistics. Be aware of continuing health concerns in Dominica. Dominica will be dealing with damage from Hurricane Maria for some time, and still might not have access to electricity, water, food, or medicine. Check the US State Department's website to see if any health or safety alerts are currently in place. See the State Department's Dominica travel page here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Dominica.html | Give money to the Dominica Hurricane Maria Relief Fund. Give to DARDA to ensure that your funds to directly to Dominica. Donate to UNICEF to help children affected by the hurricane. Donate to organizations that are helping around the Caribbean. Check Charity Navigator for new, verified ways to donate. Watch out for fake charities. Look on social media to see if specific items are needed. Volunteer even after the emergency has passed. Look online for volunteer positions to help in a personal way. Sign up to volunteer in Dominica through the Red Cross. Research each opportunity thoroughly. Use a valid passport if you’re staying for 6 months or less. Travel to Dominica by air or ship. Be aware of continuing health concerns in Dominica. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Trumpet-Vine | How to Kill Trumpet Vine | Trumpet vines can be tough to kill, but you can safely get rid of them by destroying their root systems. Start by chopping any large roots above the ground with an ax. Put all the pieces of the vine in a bag and dispose of it so the vines don't start to grow again. If the vines have a small stump, you may be able to dig it out with a shovel. If it's too big to dig out, drill a few holes in the stump and pour boiling water inside to kill the roots. Do this once a month until the roots are completely dead. Then, cover the stump with mulch, soil, or cardboard, which will suffocate any surviving or new roots. | Chop large roots with an ax. Identify the vine's thickest roots above ground. Use an ax to chop the roots down to a stump. To chop the roots down to their stumps, you may need to chop or cut smaller vines and foliage as well. Wear gardening gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your hands and arms while you chop the vine down. Place roots and foliage in garbage bags. Make sure to pick up any flowers, seedpods, and pieces of vine off of the ground to prevent regrowth. If they are left on the ground, the vine may re-seed itself and start growing again. Use a shovel to dig up small stumps. If some of the stumps are small enough to dig up from the ground, do so. Use a shovel to dig around the stump to expose it. Chop any roots attached to the stump with an ax. Use a garden pitchfork to pull the stump out of the ground. Place the stumps in the trash bag. Drill 2 to 3 holes into the stumps that are left behind. Some of the stumps may be too large to dig up from the ground. Using a drill, place 2 to 3 holes into the stump. Pour boiling water into the stumps if desirable plants are nearby. If the vine is growing near desirable plants and trees, use boiling water to kill the root system. Boil 6 to 8 cups (1.4 to 1.9 l) of water in a pot on the stove. Pour the boiling water into the stumps to damage the root system. You will need to continue this treatment every 4 to 6 weeks for several months to kill the vine completely. Apply an herbicide to the stumps if desirable plants are not nearby. Pour a full strength herbicide like Round Up, Rodeo, Pathfinder II, or Triclopyr 3 into the stumps. Apply the herbicide per the instructions on the bottle. Retreat any regrowth with the herbicide after 6 weeks. If trees and plants are nearby but you still want to use an herbicide, Round-Up and Rodeo are less invasive than Pathfinder II and Triclopyr 3. You can find these herbicides at your local gardening store. Mow your lawn once a week until the vine is dead. As you attempt to kill the large roots, the vine will start growing smaller shoots to keep itself alive. Mowing your grass once a week will keep smaller shoots at bay while you attempt to kill the larger roots. Cover the stumps with mulch once the vine is finally dead. The mulch will help suffocate any remaining roots that are still under the ground. You can also cover the area with soil, cardboard, or something thick that will block sunlight. Prepare a mixture of high acidity vinegar and orange oil in a spray bottle. Combine ⁄ 4 gallon (0.95 L) of 20-percent acidity vinegar and ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of orange oil in a large spray bottle. You can find high acidity vinegar online or at your local home improvement store. Spray the trumpet vine with the mixture on a hot, clear day. Don't spray the vine if it has rained recently or if the forecast is calling for rain, or the mixture could wash away. Make sure you completely cover the vines, roots, and stumps of the plant with the mixture. Wear protective gloves and eyewear when you're spraying the plant. Repeat if the trumpet vine doesn’t die after one application. It may take more than one application of the vinegar and orange oil mixture to kill the trumpet vine. Wait for a hot, clear day to apply the mixture again. Look for green, leaf-like shoots growing from the ground. Trumpet vine spreads itself above ground and below ground. Keep the vine from expanding above the ground by immediately removing the new shoots that sprout through the soil. Remove new shoots from your garden and flower bed with your hands. Wear gardening gloves to do this. Pull the new shoots up and out of your garden or flower bed. For stubborn shoots, use a garden hoe to pull them out of the ground. Keep mowing frequently to remove shoots from your lawn. Regular mowing helps prevent an old trumpet vine from re-emerging, and also helps stop a new vine from taking off. Mow your lawn once every 7 to 10 days. | Chop large roots with an ax. Place roots and foliage in garbage bags. Use a shovel to dig up small stumps. Drill 2 to 3 holes into the stumps that are left behind. Pour boiling water into the stumps if desirable plants are nearby. Apply an herbicide to the stumps if desirable plants are not nearby. Mow your lawn once a week until the vine is dead. Cover the stumps with mulch once the vine is finally dead. Prepare a mixture of high acidity vinegar and orange oil in a spray bottle. Spray the trumpet vine with the mixture on a hot, clear day. Repeat if the trumpet vine doesn’t die after one application. Look for green, leaf-like shoots growing from the ground. Remove new shoots from your garden and flower bed with your hands. Keep mowing frequently to remove shoots from your lawn. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-MSM-for-Hair-Growth | How to Take MSM for Hair Growth | Although there's no scientific evidence to back this up, some people take the dietary supplement MSM to help hair growth. To take MSM safely, take 3 doses a day with water or a meal to prevent an upset stomach. The recommended dosage is 6 grams per day, so each dose should be no more than 2 grams. People report that MSM takes about 2 weeks to have a visible impact on your hair growth. If you don't like taking MSM orally, you can also apply an MSM cream or use an MSM shampoo. MSM is also found in protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and legumes, so try to include these items in your diet. Other food options include adding raw onions and garlic to salads, and eating more kale and cabbage. If you experience any side effects, like diarrhea, sore head, or stomach pain, reduce your MSM dosage or stop taking it altogether. | Take up to 6 grams per day of MSM in tablet form. While the recommended daily dosage is up to 6 grams, divided into 3 doses, start at a lower dose and see how it affects you. Try taking a 1-gram tablet 3 times a day, and increase your dosage over the course of 1 to 2 weeks. To prevent an upset stomach, take each dose with a glass of water and a meal. MSM is available in tablet, powder, and liquid forms online, at pharmacies, and at health stores. It's most often used for arthritis and muscle pain, so check your store's joint health section. Those who use MSM and report positive results say that it takes at least 2 weeks to notice effects. Mix powdered MSM with water if you don't like taking pills. Go with the oral dosage form that you're most comfortable taking regularly. If you can't or don't want to swallow pills 3 times a day, use the powdered form. Check your product's instructions for specific information about how much powder and water you should mix together. Try a 5 to 10% MSM shampoo or cream instead of taking it orally. Oral supplements are more popular and more readily available, but you can also try using a topical product. Daily use of an MSM solution at concentrations between 5 and 10% might help hair loss. Read your product's instructions and use it as directed. The study showed positive results within 20 days of beginning treatment. Make your own MSM shampoo if you can't find a product. If you can't find a store-bought MSM shampoo or cream, or if you don't want to splurge on one, making your own is relatively easy. Bring 2 cups (470 mL) of distilled water to a boil, then add ⁄ 2 ounce (14 g) each of rosemary, sage, nettles, and lavender. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, add 2 grams of powdered MSM. Let the mixture sit for 30 to 40 minutes, then strain it into a bowl. After straining it, combine 1 part of the herbal mixture with 2 parts of liquid castile soap in a plastic bottle, such as an empty shampoo bottle. For instance, combine 4 fluid ounces (120 mL) of the herbal mixture with 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of castile soap. Most stores that sell shampoo and bath products carry castile soap. Store MSM supplements in a cool, dry place after opening. MSM products don't need to be refrigerated. A medicine cabinet, pantry, or drawer will do just fine. You should use the MSM by the expiration date printed on the label. Eat plenty of protein-rich foods. MSM is found in protein sources including eggs, fish, poultry, and legumes. Most health organizations recommend eating 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram you weigh, or about a third as many grams as your weight in pounds. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds (64 kg), your recommended protein intake is 53 grams per day. A 3 ounce (85 g) serving of tuna, salmon, or trout counts as 21 grams of protein. A 3 ounce (85 g) serving of poultry counts as 19 grams of protein, and 1 egg counts as 6 grams. The healthiest way to add extra protein to your diet is to eat more legumes, such as beans or peanuts. Additionally, go for lean cuts of fish and poultry instead of fattier red meats. Go for garlic and onions. While garlic and onion contain MSM and other sulfuric compounds, they're most often consumed cooked instead of raw. Since MSM breaks down during the cooking process, try adding raw onion and garlic to salads and dressings. Add more Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale to your diet. Fruits and veggies are, in general, good sources of sulfuric compounds such as MSM. Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage) are especially good choices. Leafy green and other fruits and vegetables also contain vitamins and minerals that promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. Eat foods that contain MSM raw, if possible. Cooking breaks down MSM, so you don't get as much from cooked foods as raw foods. While cooked foods still provide MSM and other beneficial sulfuric compounds, try to eat MSM sources raw if there's no risk of foodborne illness. For example, snack on unsalted peanuts or have kale salads with chopped onions and grated garlic. Talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplement. MSM is not associated with any health risks, drug interactions, or side effects. However, you should still ask your doctor if taking an MSM supplement is right for you. They might recommend other treatment options or test for underlying conditions if you're experiencing premature or unusual hair loss. Additionally, there's little scientific evidence that MSM promotes hair growth or improves hair loss. Lower your dose or stop taking MSM if you experience side effects. While there's no scientific evidence that MSM causes side effects, some people report stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue. Stop taking MSM and seek medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, trouble breathing, or swelling. Don't take MSM if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Medical professionals aren't sure if MSM can affect pregnancy or pass to an infant through breast milk. Even if there's no known harmful effects, you should still avoid taking it if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding. | Take up to 6 grams per day of MSM in tablet form. Mix powdered MSM with water if you don't like taking pills. Try a 5 to 10% MSM shampoo or cream instead of taking it orally. Make your own MSM shampoo if you can't find a product. Store MSM supplements in a cool, dry place after opening. Eat plenty of protein-rich foods. Go for garlic and onions. Add more Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale to your diet. Eat foods that contain MSM raw, if possible. Talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplement. Lower your dose or stop taking MSM if you experience side effects. Don't take MSM if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Botia-Fish | How to Take Care of Botia Fish | To take care of your botia fish, you should have at least 5 in a tank that can hold a minimum of 30 gallons of water since they're a social fish and will enjoy the space. Botia fish like soft, slightly acidic water, so make sure the water in the tank is distilled, dechlorinated, and approximately 6.5 to 8 on the pH scale. You should also keep the water between 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, which you can do by putting a thermometer in the tank to check. Feed your botia fish by giving them a variety of frozen food, like krill, and dried food, like sinking carnivore pellets, three times a day. | Monitor for illnesses. Loaches, having almost no scales, tend to acquire illnesses easily. There are two primary diseases that afflict botia. The first is known as ich (short for ichthyophthirius), a disease caused by a parasite that results in small white speckles across the surface of the fish. The second illness is known as skinny disease. Like ich, it is also caused by a parasite, and (as the name implies) results in your fish losing weight even when it is eating a normal diet. If you notice one or more of your botia are ill, remove them to a quarantine tank (a smaller backup tank with water of the same quality as that in your main tank) and do not introduce new fish to the tank until the illness has been cured. Take your fish to the veterinarian if it is ill. Unfortunately, botia health is so delicate that many medications that work fine for other species cause adverse side effects in botia. Consult with a veterinarian familiar with botia in order to treat your fish should they be afflicted by ich, skinny disease, or any other illness. If you notice your botia becoming lethargic, clamping its fins, rubbing against the side of the tank or against inanimate objects, or floating vertically for periods of time, it needs medical attention. These behaviors are abnormal and could be caused by any number of illnesses that a vet is best qualified to diagnose. Locate a fish specialist in your area using the American Association of Fish Veterinarians database at http://www.fishvets.org/tools/locator/locator.asp?id=30. Feed your fish. Botia like to eat both frozen and dried food. Feed your botia a variety of foods at first and observe their behavior. Feed them primarily the foods they like the most, but maintain some variety in their diet. Feed your botia three times each day with the lights dimmed or out. To feet your fish, dump an appropriate amount of food in the water. The amount you need depends on how many fish you have in your tank. The back of most commercially available fish foods should have directions for use. If you notice uneaten food collecting on the bottom of the tank or floating near the top, this is a sign you're over-feeding your fish. Scale back the amount of feed slightly until your fish consume everything you give them. You could feed your fish frozen foods like daphnia, brineshrimp, krill, or mysis. You could also feed them dried foods like sinking carnivore pellets, sinking catfish pellets, and algae wafers. Larger botia might enjoy salad shrimp. Botia also enjoy human snacks like cucumber and zucchini in small slices. Younger botia are less picky about what they eat than older botia. Only introduce healthy fish to your aquarium. When introducing new fish -- whether new botia or new dither fish -- ensure you purchase them from a reputable dealer. They should be at least two inches long. Fish smaller than two inches will require intensive feeding and will generally only cause headaches for you. Keep new fish in a quarantine tank for at least two weeks prior to introducing them to the main tank. Do not buy fish that seem lethargic or fish that have clamped fins (fins that are laying flat against the fish's body). Botia are virtually scaleless and are therefore more susceptible to illnesses than other fish. Choose the right tank. Ensure your tank has a firmly-closed cover or mesh screen to ensure the fish cannot jump out but can still get fresh air circulating within the tank. Your tank should hold at least 30 gallons (110 L). A tank of this size is appropriate for about five five-inch botia fish. Of course, if you have space and money for a larger tank, your botia would surely appreciate it. Choose the right type of water. Botia fish prefer water that is soft and slightly acidic (approximately 6.5-8 on the pH scale). Their water should be clean, well-oxygenated, and low in nitrates. Ensure your tank has a pump to keep oxygen flowing into the tank, and a filter to keep yucky bits out. Include a thermometer in the tank so you can see what temperature the water is, and try to keep it between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (23.5 and 28 degrees Celsius). If you have trouble with the temperature, install an under-tank heater to boost the temperature, or a get an aquarium cooler to reduce the temperature. Use water that is distilled and dechlorinated. Check the specific needs for your particular species of botia when setting tank conditions. Change the water regularly. Water should be changed at least once a week. In order to change the water, carefully remove your fish to a quarantine tank. Remove 30% of the water in the main tank. You can use a measuring cup or a siphon. For instance, if your tank has 20 gallons (75.7 L) in it, you should remove six gallons of water. Add new water to the tank equal in amount to the water you removed from the tank. For instance, using the prior example, you would add six gallons of clean, fresh water of an appropriate pH, temperature, and hardness to the tank. Cycle the water for about 20 minutes with the pump, then replace the botia from the quarantine tank back into their main tank. In addition to weekly cleanings, change the tank water when you notice it is visibly dirty or has a lot of detritus floating on top or at the bottom. Add substrate. There are several choices for substrate. You could add fine, smooth aquatic gravel, or aquarium sand. Aquarium sand is a more natural choice compared to gravel. It is also cleaner than gravel, since gravel has large gaps between it where grime and yucky bits can accumulate. Do not keep your fish on any substrate that is sharp or jagged. Since botia fish are bottom-dwellers, they will spend a lot of time in close proximity to the substrate, and can wear down their barbells quickly on sharp substrate. It might also lead to infected barbells. Keep the substrate clean by using an aquarium vacuum on the bottom of the tank during weekly water changes. This will collect uneaten food bits and waste from the tank. Include appropriate decor. While it is a good idea to include either natural or artificial aquarium rocks just as you would with any fish, be careful to ensure any rocks you include are not rough or sharp. Lava rock, for instance, should be excluded from botia fish aquariums. Additionally, avoid introducing rocks or features with very deep, narrow cracks. Botia fish like to wiggle their way into very narrow cracks where they might get stuck. Use a silicone adhesive to close openings and fill small cracks in aquarium features. Elements that are easy and safe to incorporate into your botia fish tank include bogwood and slate. While it is important that no very narrow cracks exist, you must still include some areas where the fish can hide. Botia fish get stressed if they feel they cannot conceal themselves or if they feel threatened. A small fish house or hollowed-out log are good choices. Don't bother adding plants. Botia will eat them. Turn off your aquarium lights. If you have overhead or internal aquarium lights, they might stress your new fish. Keep the lights off for the first three or four hours to avoid stressing your new botia. Botia are most active in the dark. Keep the lighting levels low most of the time, even when you're nearby, to avoid upsetting them. Place the new fish in the tank. Put the sealed transport bag with the botia still in it into the tank. Let the botia bag float on top of the aquarium water. After five minutes, take the bag out, and slowly pour out about half the water. Place one open corner of the bag into the tank and fill it up with water from the tank. Leave the bag with mixed water in for 20-25 minutes. Finally, open the bag and let the botia join the rest of the tank fish. Be careful not to hurt the fish. Beneath their eyes, botia have tiny spikes known as suborbital spines. These spines are released in self-defense when they feel threatened or stressed, including when they are scooped out of one tank and into another. When transferring your botia from its bag or tank into its new home for the first time (or any time) be sure not to entangle the suborbital spines with the netting. Bring in some fish friends. To most closely approximate the natural environment of the botia fish, you must keep them in multiples. A population of five botia fish is the minimum you should maintain. If you keep your botia fish by itself, it might become aggressive or reclusive, and could starve itself to death. In addition to others of their kind, botia like to see “dither fish” -- fish of other species that show the botia the waters are safe to swim in. Danios, rasboras, tetras, and barbs make excellent dither fish. | Monitor for illnesses. Take your fish to the veterinarian if it is ill. Feed your fish. Only introduce healthy fish to your aquarium. Choose the right tank. Choose the right type of water. Change the water regularly. Add substrate. Include appropriate decor. Turn off your aquarium lights. Place the new fish in the tank. Be careful not to hurt the fish. Bring in some fish friends. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Truck | How to Draw a Truck | To draw a pickup truck, start by drawing a long rectangle for the body of the truck, and 2 circles for wheels. Next, draw a smaller rectangle near the top front of the larger rectangle for the cab, and make sure the side nearest to the front of the truck is slanted so it looks a windshield. Then, add details such as the front bumper, side mirror, and the lines for the door. Additionally, feel free to add creative details like logos, stripes, and decals. Finally, color, shade, or paint your truck any way you like! | Draw a rectangle for the main section of the truck. Draw a smaller rectangle for the hood. It should intersect the bigger rectangle drawn earlier and divide it into two sections; the right section must be inside the bigger rectangle. Draw an elongated rectangle for the lower part of the truck. Draw four circles for the wheels of the truck. Draw slanted rectangles for the window and windshield of the truck. Draw a series of combined arcs for the above the wheels for the fenders. Draw a rectangle divided by lines in front of the truck for the grills. Add a semi rectangle with a curved left portion for the top of the truck. Add a variety of rectangles for the doors, exhaust, and gas tank of the truck. Based on the outline, draw the truck
Add details to the wheels, headlights and exhaust. Draw some stripes, a wiper and a logo to the main body of the truck. Erase the unnecessary outlines. Color your truck! Choose different designs if you want. Use a pencil to draw a long rectangle. This shape will be the side view of the vehicle. The rectangle will serve as the entire length of the truck. This is only the foundation of the truck drawing. The lines will be modified and erased as the picture progresses. Draw two circles to be the wheels. One is drawn near the front and one near the back. The two circles should be the same size. Because this is the side view, only two tires are seen. Erase the lines inside the circles that were created when the rectangle was drawn. Create the cab of the truck. Draw a smaller rectangle on top and near the front of the longer rectangle. Make the side of the rectangle that is nearest the front of the truck have a slanted side. The slant will serve as the windshield. Add details to the tires in the truck picture. Draw a circle inside each of the wheels. Draw a third, smaller, circle inside each of the previously drawn circles. Add upside down "u" shapes above each tire. Each side of the "u" should meet the bottom of the long rectangle. Erase any rectangle lines that are seen in the middle of the "u" shape. Make a front bumper by drawing a sideways "u" attached to the "u" above the front wheels. The ends of the "u" should touch the front of the truck. Erase any lines from the initial rectangle that are visible inside of the "u" shape. Apply a hood to the front of the truck by making the piece of the rectangle in front of the cab a rounded line curving downward to meet the side of the rectangle. Form a side window by making a shape in the cab. The shape will look like a trapezoid on the half nearest the front of the truck (have a slanted side). The back half of the shape should be a rectangle (have a straight side). Add a mirror by creating a semi-circle near the bottom of the side of the window nearest the front of the truck. The flat part of the semi-circle should face the back of the truck and the rounded part face the front of the truck. Create a door handle by placing a small rectangle under the window toward the bed of the truck. Draw a line straight down from the back of the cab to the bottom of the original long rectangle. This line will separate the cab section from the bed of the truck. Add another line from the front of the cab down to the bottom of the truck. This will form the door. Add any additional details that you wish. A gas tank cover, stripes, decals and other details are optional. Paint, color, or add shading to the truck. | Draw a rectangle for the main section of the truck. Draw a smaller rectangle for the hood. Draw an elongated rectangle for the lower part of the truck. Draw four circles for the wheels of the truck. Draw slanted rectangles for the window and windshield of the truck. Draw a series of combined arcs for the above the wheels for the fenders. Draw a rectangle divided by lines in front of the truck for the grills. Add a semi rectangle with a curved left portion for the top of the truck. Add a variety of rectangles for the doors, exhaust, and gas tank of the truck. Based on the outline, draw the truck
Add details to the wheels, headlights and exhaust. Erase the unnecessary outlines. Color your truck! Use a pencil to draw a long rectangle. Draw two circles to be the wheels. Create the cab of the truck. Add details to the tires in the truck picture. Make a front bumper by drawing a sideways "u" attached to the "u" above the front wheels. Apply a hood to the front of the truck by making the piece of the rectangle in front of the cab a rounded line curving downward to meet the side of the rectangle. Form a side window by making a shape in the cab. Add a mirror by creating a semi-circle near the bottom of the side of the window nearest the front of the truck. Create a door handle by placing a small rectangle under the window toward the bed of the truck. Draw a line straight down from the back of the cab to the bottom of the original long rectangle. Add another line from the front of the cab down to the bottom of the truck. Add any additional details that you wish. Paint, color, or add shading to the truck. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Led-by-the-Holy-Spirit | How to Be Led by the Holy Spirit | Through prayer and devotion, you can let the holy spirit lead you through life. Study the bible as often as you can and try to incorporate God's wisdom into your life. If you're struggling with a particular problem, look for passages that offer relevant advice so you can channel God's strength. Pray regularly to ask God for guidance. You can ask for help with specific issues or just ask Him to give you strength in your everyday life. Don't forget to thank God for His love and be grateful for the light He shines upon your life. | Recognize that the primary way that God will lead you is through your conscience and the Bible (Romans 8:14-16, John 17:17). Even Jesus followed His conscience (Mark 2:8). You should follow Him first before expecting your prayers being met. John 15:7 says, "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." Avoid all that sinful. For your conscience to be a good guide, you must avoid associating with sinners or it will contaminate your spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1). Ask God for Guidance (Jeremiah 33:3, James 1:5, John 16:13). 1 John 5:14-15 says, "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us..." You can pray for wisdom (Ephesians 1:17). James 1:5 shows that God wants you to have wisdom and He wants you to have it in abundance but you must ask in faith. Be still (Psalms 46:10). You don't have to be on your knees. God gets your prayer anyway, though you must be in a state of reverence. Address Jesus. Start with saying, "Dear God," or "Dear Lord" Ask what He would like you to do. You must show willingness to leave everything for Jesus just like Abraham showed willingness to give his only son to God. God happily gave his son back to him. But a certain wealthy man turned away when he asked Jesus and Jesus told him to sell all he has. He denied Jesus. James 4:3 says, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss..." Ask for forgiveness for your sins. You can then end with, "In Jesus name I pray. Amen" Allow silence. The next type of leading is when God is silent. This is where I do not have any leading in my conscience. God is saying, "Wait it is not His timing or it is not His will." In I Kings 13, the younger prophet lost his life when he proceeded without a leading from God. Find God's peace. The next type of leading is the green light where you feel joy or peace or God's presence. This is God saying, "Yes" and sometimes it comes with a revelation as to what to do (like Acts 16 and Acts 27), you just know supernaturally what to do inside your conscience. Renew your mind as spoken to you. Renew your thoughts and desires with the Word of God as that will help you to mature (Roman 12:2) and make better decisions.You must be able to perceive the No's before you actually get guidance (I Corinthians 14:10, Acts 16:6-7, Acts 27:10). Paul says that there are many voices in the world and they all have their significance. There is the voice of diet, exercise, education, mastering a trade, but what is God telling you to do? When you perceive a "No", you may not usually feel good inside. God is trying to warn you that if you proceed, there will be danger or failure. Thank Him for His blessings. Praise Jesus as you feel a sudden positivity. Do not hate God if your prayer is not answered the way you wanted! God has your whole life planned. Keep on following what is true and evaluate if your journey thus far has been blessed outside of your effort. | Recognize that the primary way that God will lead you is through your conscience and the Bible (Romans 8:14-16, John 17:17). Avoid all that sinful. Ask God for Guidance (Jeremiah 33:3, James 1:5, John 16:13). Be still (Psalms 46:10). Address Jesus. Ask what He would like you to do. Ask for forgiveness for your sins. Allow silence. Find God's peace. Renew your mind as spoken to you. Thank Him for His blessings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Ninja-Star-from-Square-Paper | How to Make a Ninja Star from Square Paper | To make a ninja star from square paper, cut a square piece of paper in half to make 2 rectangles, and fold each rectangle in half vertically. Then, crease the rectangles horizontally, taking the bottom and top pieces to make cross-folds in a “Z” shape. Flip the paper over, and fold the squares of each paper to make triangles. Fold the triangles into the center, making two parallelograms, and unfold the outer flaps of the papers before placing them on top of each other in an cross shape. Tuck the triangle flaps into the pockets of the papers and enjoy. | Get two pieces of square paper. If you have computer or A4 paper, you can make it into a square easily. Lay your rectangular paper flat in a horizontal position. Take one corner of the paper and fold it over until it meets the opposite edge, forming a triangle. You should have a triangle shape and a rectangular portion left over. Remove the rectangular portion of the paper by tearing or cutting it. Origami paper also works well and is easier to fold. If you are using the same color paper to make your ninja star, you don't need two pieces of paper. You can simply cut two rectangles from one square piece of paper. Fold each piece of paper in half to form a rectangle. Press down on the fold to make a crease. Then unfold the paper. If you are using paper that has one colored side, start with the color side facing down. If you are using the same color paper, you may want to draw a different design on each piece of paper, or make some markings to help you differentiate. Cut or tear along the crease to make two rectangles. You should now have four rectangular pieces of paper. You will only need two rectangular pieces to make your star. This article shows two differently colored rectangles to make things easier, but you can use the same color rectangles if you wish. If you are using different colored paper and currently have four rectangles, put two of them aside. You can save them for making a second ninja star. Fold the rectangles in half on a vertical fold (hot dog style). This is called a book fold. If you're using computer paper and want to make a smaller ninja star, you can shorten your folded rectangles by cutting or tearing part of the paper off. Keep in mind that the more paper you have, the easier the ninja star will be to make. Make sure that both folded pieces of paper are the same length. Fold the rectangles in half on a horizontal crease (hamburger style). Then, unfold. This fold will create a crease to use as a guideline, making the next folds easier. You should now have two folded rectangles with a valley fold running horizontally in the center of each. Cross-fold your rectangles. Make sure to fold the two pieces of paper opposite one another. Take the bottom right corner of your (blue) paper, folding it up and to the left to meet the crease. Take the upper left corner, folding it down and to the right to meet the center crease. You should have a backward “Z” shape. Take the lower left corner of your other (orange) piece of paper, folding it up and to the right, meeting the center crease. Now grab the upper right corner, folding it down and to the left to meet the middle crease. Your paper should now look more like a “Z”. If done correctly, you will have two mirroring “Z” shaped pieces of paper Flip both pieces of paper over. The folds you just created will now be facing down. Fold the top squares of both pieces of paper inward to form a triangle. On each piece of paper, take the top, outermost corner and fold on a diagonal to make a triangle. Think of it like folding a paper airplane Fold the bottom squares to create a triangle. Take the bottom, outermost corner of each piece of paper, and fold upwards on a diagonal. Fold the left triangle of both figures inward. Fold the triangles along the center crease so that the fold lays over the parallelogram (the slanted rectangle) portion of your paper. Fold the right triangle of both figures in. You should now have two parallelograms with two triangles overlaid on top. You will now have two pieces of paper that look like diamonds. Flip the (orange) figure over. One piece of paper will now have the triangular flaps facing upwards while the other will have the flaps facing downwards. Open the flaps of both pieces of paper. Rotate the (blue) paper so that it resembles a “Z” shape with the flaps pointing up. Place the (orange) paper with the flaps pointing down on top. The two pieces of paper should be perpendicular to one another. Your two pieces of paper should be making a cross. Tuck your triangles into the opposite folds. Take the tip of each (blue) triangle portion that's pointing up and tuck it into the top pocket of the (orange) paper. You should see two pockets on the top piece of (orange) paper that you can slide the triangles of the (blue) paper into. Once you fit the tips of the triangles into the pockets, press down on the edges to create a crease to hold everything in place. Flip the ninja star over. Repeat the process fitting the remaining two (orange) triangles into the (blue) pockets. The order in which you fit the tips in doesn't matter, but you may have to shift your paper around slightly to get everything in place. If you're finding it difficult to slide the paper in, try pinching the sides of the pockets to open up space. Draw designs on your star to make it yours. If you used white paper, or even colored paper, you can add a bit of flair to further customize it. To throw your ninja star, hold it by one of the points vertically. With the back of your hand facing the direction you wish to throw, flick your wrist and release the star. | Get two pieces of square paper. Fold each piece of paper in half to form a rectangle. Cut or tear along the crease to make two rectangles. Fold the rectangles in half on a vertical fold (hot dog style). Fold the rectangles in half on a horizontal crease (hamburger style). Cross-fold your rectangles. Flip both pieces of paper over. Fold the top squares of both pieces of paper inward to form a triangle. Fold the bottom squares to create a triangle. Fold the left triangle of both figures inward. Fold the right triangle of both figures in. Flip the (orange) figure over. Open the flaps of both pieces of paper. Tuck your triangles into the opposite folds. Flip the ninja star over. Draw designs on your star to make it yours. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cancel-Your-Wall-Street-Journal-Subscription | How to Cancel Your Wall Street Journal Subscription | To quickly and easily cancel your Wall Street Journal subscription, call 1-800-JOURNAL if you live in the United States. If you live outside of the U.S. check the company's website for customer service phone numbers. When you call, provide your name, account number, email or mailing address, and payment information for the subscription. Be sure to ask if you qualify for a refund for the billing cycle before finalizing your cancellation! | Check the billing cycle for your print or online subscription. The Wall Street Journal offers online and print subscriptions that are paid every month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year. The billing cycle of your subscription will determine when you should cancel it and if you qualify for a refund. Monthly and quarterly subscriptions can be cancelled at any time. Semi-annual and annual subscriptions should be cancelled 1-2 months before the subscription ends so you can get a refund for any remaining months. Determine if you have a bundled online subscription. If you purchased an online subscription that was bundled with another device, like a smartphone or a tablet, you may not be able to cancel your subscription. Bundle subscriptions are considered non-refundable and non-cancellable by the WSJ. If you have a regular online subscription that is not bundled with another device, you are able to cancel your subscription. Check if you purchased your subscription through a third party. Sometimes the Wall Street Journal will offer a subscription through a third party service like Amazon or iBook. You may be subject to the end user agreement for the third party service if you purchased your subscription through one. Contact the third party service to determine their cancellation policy for subscriptions to confirm you are able to cancel it. You can also ask the Wall Street Journal customer service representative for more information on cancelling a subscription through a third party service when you contact them. Contact the Wall Street Journal at least 30 days before your next billing period. This will ensure you can qualify for a full or partial refund for your subscription, depending on the type you have. If you contact them when you are already in a billing period, you will likely not receive a refund for that period. A good rule of thumb is to call and cancel your subscription at least 1-2 months in advance so you do not have to worry about paying for a month you do not want. Call WSJ customer service at 1-800-JOURNAL (568-7625) if you live in the U.S. If you live outside of the U.S., you will need to use the applicable WSJ customer service contact number for your country. You cannot cancel your subscription by email or mail, only by phone. However, if you change your billing address to an address in California, an option to cancel your account online will become available. A list of contact numbers for WSJ customer service by country can be found on the WSJ contact page: https://customercenter.wsj.com/contact. Call the third party provider for your subscription. If you paid for your subscription through a third party provider like Amazon, contact their customer service line to cancel your subscription through them. Look for their customer service line online on their contact page. Provide your name and subscription account number. You will need to also provide your email address or mailing address and your payment method for the subscription. You can also provide a brief explanation for the cancellation if you'd like, though this is not required. If you do not know your subscription account number, the representative can usually look it up for you using your name. Find out if you qualify for a refund of your remaining subscription. If you have a monthly or quarterly subscription, you may not get a refund for any of your subscription. If you have a semi-annual or annual subscription, you may qualify for a full refund of any remaining months on your subscription. If you cancel your semi-annual or annual subscription less than 30 days before your next billing period, you may not be able to get a refund for that period. Check the status of your subscriber access to the Wall Street Journal. Monthly and quarterly subscriptions allow you to still have access to the WSJ subscriber content until your next billing date, even if you cancel your subscription. If you have a semi-annual or annual subscription, you will lose access to WSJ subscriber content as soon as you cancel. The exception is if you cancel your semi-annual or annual subscription less than 30 days before your next billing period. In this case, you will still have access to WSJ subscriber content until your next billing period. | Check the billing cycle for your print or online subscription. Determine if you have a bundled online subscription. Check if you purchased your subscription through a third party. Contact the Wall Street Journal at least 30 days before your next billing period. Call WSJ customer service at 1-800-JOURNAL (568-7625) if you live in the U.S. Call the third party provider for your subscription. Provide your name and subscription account number. Find out if you qualify for a refund of your remaining subscription. Check the status of your subscriber access to the Wall Street Journal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Eyes-Lighter | How to Make Your Eyes Lighter | To make your eyes lighter with makeup, start by applying concealer under your eyes, which will brighten your eyes. You can also use nude eyeliner to line the inner rim of your lower eyelid to make eyes appear brighter. To make your eyes lighter with eyeshadow, choose shades that go best with your natural eye color. Blue eyes look lighter with bronze or copper shadows, while brown eyes look lighter against shimmery earth tones or gold. For green eyes, try shades of purple or mauve to brighten your eye color. | Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. A prescription is required to purchase contact lenses in the United States, even if those contacts are cosmetic rather than corrective. During your appointment, tell your eye doctor about your needs and expectations. Choose a contact lens type and color. If your eye doctor approves your request for contact lenses, you will get to choose your lenses. Color contacts come in tinted and opaque varieties that can either enhance or completely change your eye color while you are wearing them. Enhancement tint contact lenses intensify your natural color with a translucent tint. Since they are translucent, they will not completely change your natural eye color. Color tint contact lenses come in a variety of shades and colors including specialty colors like amethyst, violet, and green. They are opaque so they will completely block your natural color with the lens color. Use your contact lenses as directed. Follow your eye doctor's instructions carefully when putting in and taking out your contact lenses. Always wash your hands before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Never sleep in your contact lenses. Don't wear your contact lenses while bathing or swimming. Take good care of your contact lenses. Depending on the type of contact lenses your doctor has prescribed, you may need to disinfect them daily. Improper care of contact lenses can cause eye infections, so it is important to clean your contact lenses as directed by your eye doctor. Tell your eye doctor if there is a problem with your contact lenses. If you experience any problems or simply have questions about your contact lenses, talk to your eye doctor. Use eye color enhancing eye shadow. Some makeup companies make special eye color enhancing palettes that can help take the guesswork out of choosing the right eye shadow to enhance your eye color. You can also choose complementary colors to brighten your eye color. For blue eyes, try terra cotta, bronze, copper, yellow, or peach. For green eyes, try shades of purple, mauve, or rose. For brown eyes, try bronze, gold, or shimmery earth tones. Use under eye concealer. Applying under eye concealer will cover up the dark circles under your eyes, which will help you to look more alert. Under eye concealer will also brighten up your eye color and enhance your eye makeup. Wear navy blue mascara. Instead of plain black, try wearing navy blue mascara to brighten and lighten your eyes. Blue mascara will brighten the overall look of your eyes by making your eyeballs look whiter. Use nude or white eyeliner. Apply a coat of nude or white eyeliner to the inner rim of your lower eyelid to instantly brighten your eyes. White eyeliner will provide a dramatic brightening effect, but nude eyeliner will brighten your eyes subtly, without creating too much contrast. Use navy or indigo eyeliner. Apply navy or indigo eyeliner to your upper and/or lower eyelids to brighten your eyes. Like black eyeliner, the dark color contrasts with your eyes, but the blue brings out the whites of your eyes and makes them appear lighter. Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important to keeping your eyes looking bright and healthy. Sip water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Get plenty of vitamin C. Vitamin C is good for the capillaries and blood vessels in your eyes, so getting enough vitamin C can help prevent red or yellow looking eyes. Take a daily multivitamin or eat foods that contain vitamin C, like citrus fruits. Avoid junk food. Fats and sugars are more difficult for your liver to process, which can lead to red or yellow looking eyes. Instead, try to eat more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid caffeine. Caffeine dehydrates your body, which may cause your eyes to look red or dull. Skip or at least limit your consumption of caffeinated beverages to keep your eyes looking bright. Wear sunglasses. Sun, wind, and dust can make your eyes look red. Protect your eyes from the elements to keep them looking bright and healthy. Sunglasses will also help protect the skin around your eyes from the sun, which will help reduce your chances of premature crows feet. Get plenty of sleep. The National sleep foundation recommends that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Adequate sleep not only helps you get through your day, it also helps your eyes to look brighter. | Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. Choose a contact lens type and color. Use your contact lenses as directed. Take good care of your contact lenses. Tell your eye doctor if there is a problem with your contact lenses. Use eye color enhancing eye shadow. Use under eye concealer. Wear navy blue mascara. Use nude or white eyeliner. Use navy or indigo eyeliner. Drink plenty of water. Get plenty of vitamin C. Avoid junk food. Avoid caffeine. Wear sunglasses. Get plenty of sleep. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Children-Go-to-Bed-Earlier | How to Make Your Children Go to Bed Earlier | If you're trying to make your children go to bed earlier, turn getting ready for bed into a game of hide-and-seek to tire them out. You can hide their toothbrush, toothpaste, and pj's around the house, and have them run around to find them. Alternately, play “Simon says” to add some fun to their bedtime routine by using commands like “Simon says brush your teeth.” You can also set up a reward system where you give them stars every time they go to bed when you want them to. When they get 5 stars, you can give them a treat, like candy or a small toy. | Begin to slow things down after dinner. Experts suggest that all stimulating activities should be avoided after eating. Children should also avoid eating big meals close to bed time, and they should not have any caffeinated drinks. Caffeine is a stimulant that makes it difficult to sleep, and going to bed on a full stomach can be uncomfortable because of acid build up. Eating and drinking right is the first step towards bedtime. Establish a set of activities before bed. This should include the normal bedtime preparations, such as taking a bath or washing hands, brushing teeth and getting into their pajamas. There are other activities you can try however, that will help close out the day. Thirty minutes is a good amount of time to spend on these activities. Try reading a story to your child. Listen to some quiet music. Have you children help their stuffed animals to bed. Try coloring for a little while. Play with a puzzle. Have your child lay out his or her clothes for the following day. Call his or her grandparents and say goodnight. Talk with one another. Get your children to bed. Warn your children that bed time is in five minutes, but you can give them the option to go immediately. Make sure their bed is ready for your children with their favorite blanket or toy and tuck your children in so they are comfortable. These steps will help your child know its bedtime. Try to maintain a comfortable temperature in the bedroom, somewhere around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Be kind. Your child may ask for several things at bed time, and you should not be worried about fulfilling their requests because the first few are probably legitimate. As you continue to develop your nighttime routine, try to work your child's demands into the nighttime procedure. If your children expresses fears at bed time, you should reassure them that there is nothing to worry about. If you child is scared of the dark, turn off the lights and sit with him or her until their fears are overcome. You can also use a nightlight. Stay firm. When you say goodnight and walk out of the bedroom, you need to mean it. If your child calls to you after you have left, wait a while to respond so that your child knows it is bedtime. If you child wakes up at night and comes to visit you, calmly walk him or her back to their bedroom and explain that it is still bedtime. Have a lights out time. Set a quiet mood in the house by turning the lights off early you can even have a candle light dinner. Follow this with a dimly lit bath time when your children prepare for bed. After bed time preparations, hand out flashlights to your children and have a story time in bed. All of this helps create a sleepy atmosphere in the house and can help your children fall asleep sooner. Play hide and seek. Try hiding all of your children's nighttime gear around the house; hide his or her pajamas on a coat rack, his or her toothbrush in the food closet, and his or her toothpaste in the refrigerator, for instance. Your child will have fun running around the house looking for all his or her nighttime gear, and it will help to get him or her ready for bed sooner. Have a racing game every night. Tell your children that the last one into bed each night has a number of tasks to do: turn off all of the lights in the house, lock all of the doors (make sure to have an adult double-check the locks), and close all of the blinds. Make sure your children do not fight or cheat. This activity will help your children want to get in bed sooner by tiring them out! Try a twist on "Simon says". Simon says is a game where a person instructs someone to do something by saying "Simon says..." before the command. If the person does not say "Simon says" before a command, it is not valid. Before bed, say "Simon says find your favorite pajamas" and "Simon says brush your teeth". Go through the whole nightly routine like this to add some fun to bed time. Games such as this will help reduce your child's unwillingness to go to bed. Implement a reward system. Each time your children go to bed at the time you specify, give them a star. When a child has achieved five stars give them a gift, something like a candy bar or small toy. This will add incentive for the children to go to bed when you tell them to. Realize the difficulties and understand that you are not alone. Getting your child to fall asleep earlier, or fall asleep at all, can be difficult. It is a struggle that all parents go through at one point or another, however. Medical professionals stress the importance of sleep for all age groups, so it is important that your children get to bed at a reasonable time. Remember why sleep is important for children. Experts note that the proper amount of sleep helps children fight off illness, think clearly, avoid mood swings, and even helps them grow. Some studies suggest that less sleep may result in obesity. So when you have to put your children to bed earlier at night, remember all the positive effects of sleeping. It is important that you know how much sleep you children should be getting as well. One to three month olds should sleep 10.5 - 18 hours per day. Three to eleven month olds should sleep 9 - 12 hours per day. One to three year olds should sleep 12 - 14 hours per day. Three to five year olds should sleep 11 - 13 hours per day. Five to twelve year olds should sleep 10 - 11 hours per day. Twelve to eighteen year olds should sleep at least 8.5 hours per day. Encourage sleep. Doctors suggest that sleep be prioritized, and not just for your children but for the whole family as well. Children today have very busy schedules loaded with activities. However, do not be afraid of missing out on one activity in favor of an extra 15 or 30 minutes of sleep. Sleep could have greater long term benefits. | Begin to slow things down after dinner. Establish a set of activities before bed. Get your children to bed. Be kind. Stay firm. Have a lights out time. Play hide and seek. Have a racing game every night. Try a twist on "Simon says". Implement a reward system. Realize the difficulties and understand that you are not alone. Remember why sleep is important for children. Encourage sleep. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Feel-Good-About-Yourself | How to Feel Good About Yourself | In order to feel good about yourself, it's important to avoid comparing yourself to others, and instead to embrace what makes you unique. Write down a list of all of the things you love about yourself, and read the list when you're feeling low. While you're working on building your self-esteem, you can project confidence by standing up straight, holding your head up, and making eye contact with people when you're talking to them. The more confident you act, the more likely you are to start feeling that way. | Embrace your individuality. Try to avoid comparing yourself to others and embrace your individuality. Comparing yourself to others will not make you feel good about yourself because you are different than any other person. There's no one out there just like you, who has grown up with your experiences and who has your talents. If you try to compare yourself to other people, it will not affect your self esteem well, because you can always find someone who is stronger, smarter, or prettier than you. Instead, focus on being the person that you want to become, not like your neighbor, the "cool" people in your school, your job, or your neighborhood. Once you define your own version of success, you'll be able to achieve it. You may feel like everyone around you has it better than you do. However, you probably forget all of your amazing strengths. You may not even realize all of the things you have going for you and that someone else wants to be more like you. Develop your confidence. Confidence is the key to feeling good about yourself and loving the person you are and will become. You can make an effort to feel confident in who you are and what you can achieve, although it might take time. You have to remind yourself that you're an amazing person and that you deserve to be confident in yourself. If you think you're worth it, then you are. To look more confident, perk up your body language. Stand taller, have better posture, and look straight ahead instead of at the ground. Try to sit still or stand with an open demeanor to give off a more positive, approachable vibe. Find something to really excel at or work on excelling in something you already love. If you are already great at something, focus on how amazing you are for being able to do those things. Try to focus on your abilities and how capable you are. You'll feel better about yourself if you're good at something that you love. When you're entering an unknown situation, focus on the best thing that can possibly happen instead of what can go wrong. Take pride in your strengths. Every person has something that they can feel good about. Take the time to sit down and make a list of all of the things you love about yourself. Force yourself to sit there until you fill a whole page. Dig deep to find things that really make you an amazing person. Think of qualities like your compassion, your sense of humor, your trustworthy character, or your work ethic. The longer and more sincere the list, the better. Some qualities to describe yourself might be loving, studious, hardworking, friendly, strong, clever, sharp, easygoing, and fun. You can also add things about your physical appearance that you like as well, as long as they are sincerely important to you. You want to cover every aspect of you in this list. You should also add to the list any time you think of something else you're proud of. Keep this list nearby and consult it often to continue feeling good. You can even fold it up and put it in your wallet. If you are having trouble making this list yourself, consult people who know you well. Ask your friends or coworkers to describe your strengths; some of them might surprise you! Expect to have bad days. Sometimes you just have to live with the bad feelings and understand that they pass. People think that, to feel good about themselves, they have to feel amazing 100% of the time. If you're having a bad day, especially if it's after a string of great days, then avoid putting yourself down about it and know that this too will pass. If you feel extremely sad, be sure to talk someone who cares about you and who will listen to your problems. If you have felt very sad for at least half a year, consult a medical professional. When you're in a bad mood, your body also knows it. Think about which part of your body gets out of whack when you're crabby or upset. If you recognize your body's signals, you may be able to figure out what's bothering you and make yourself feel better. Work on developing a positive attitude. This can be difficult. It may take time to be positive all the time , but you can make it more a part of your life. Developing a positive attitude is a decision you have to make yourself, and stick to every day. If you have a more positive attitude, then you'll feel better about yourself, as well as your future prospects and all that you can accomplish. You can work on recognizing when your thoughts are overly negative and turn them around to lead yourself to a healthier mindset. For every negative thought that crosses your mind, fight it with at least two or three positive thoughts. For example, if you think, "I look so tired today," you can say, "But my hair looks pretty great and I still have an amazing smile." Be compassionate toward yourself. Talk to yourself like you would the person/animal you most love when you're hurting inside. On a deeper level, if you think something like, "I am just so awkward in social situations," you should say, "But I usually know how to make people laugh and people seem really comfortable around me." Work at it every day. Even if your attitude goes unnoticed, practice your positive attitude. You never know how large a difference it can make, and practice will make it easier to do. Practice talking about yourself positively to your friends. Talk about something you've accomplished or something you're excited about. You'll find that your optimism is contagious, and that you'll feel better about yourself just by talking about it out loud. If your friends do not like talking about the good parts of your life, consider if these people truly make you happy and feel good about yourself. Decide on the significance of things before deciding to get upset. For example, many people get upset with unexpected, bad traffic. However, only sometimes Know that you have a lot to offer. Even if you feel like no one needs you or that you are not helpful, this is rarely the case. Talk to your loved ones to see how needed you really are and how much people appreciate you. Let your family members or friends know how you're feeling, and they'll come back at you with a list of all of the amazing qualities that you posses. Talk to your friends about your problems and they'll tell you underestimate yourself and that they need you in their lives. The more you remember that you're a worthy person who anyone is lucky to know, the sooner you'll realize that you have so much to offer. And if you feel valued, then you'll be on your way to feeling better about yourself. Even if you are currently in a difficult phase of life, you still have the potential to expand upon some interests and become really passionate or skilled at something. You might even offer to ability to share your passion with others. These are all valid reasons to feel good about yourself. Don't forget the compassionate self dialogue during these times. Make a list of all of the things you're thankful for. You may feel bad about yourself because you feel like you have absolutely nothing to be happy about. Feeling bad about yourself has to do with your perception of who you are and with how you feel about your surroundings. Start making a gratitude list and write down all of the things you're thankful for, from your health to your siblings to the lovely weather outside. This will help you see that you can feel good because there is so much joy, luck, and hope all around you. Treat this list like the list of qualities you love about yourself. Fill a whole page and read it over often, adding to it whenever you think of something else. If it is difficult for you to find things to be grateful for, turn this into a positivity exercise. Think of what you are mad about, and push yourself to find 2 good things about every bad situation. For example, you can counter “I'm mad that the dog barking woke me and the baby up at 5am today.” with “1. I spent some bonding time with my son this morning, calming him down; every moment I have with my son is special; and 2. I got to hear the birds chirp as the sun rose.” If you are still struggling, ask others what they are thankful for. You might have something in common. Focus less on your appearance. Everyone is beautiful in their own special way. It's fine to want to see what's changing and to daydream about who you're becoming. But your self-esteem should rely mostly upon your personal qualities and character; not your physical appearance. If you want to feel good about yourself, then your main priority should be who you are; and if it's related, then what you look like. But do make exercise a regular part of your life. You'll feel stronger physically and emotionally. Limit your prep time. If you spend all your time wishing you looked perfect, then you will focus on less positive, constructive areas of your life. Determine how much time you will spend doing your hair and makeup and looking in the mirror before you go out. Find a routine that fits into that amount of time. If you spend any more time than that on yourself, you are bound to find flaws where none exist. You have much more self worth aside from your appearance. You should take strength and confidence from your actions and achievements instead of your appearance. For example, you have an amazing day where you get commended for a project you have spent weeks working on. When you get home, you finally get a chance to look in the mirror and realize you had mascara smeared under your eye. Despite the fact that you had a smudge on your face, you still accomplished something great and you should be confident in your abilities. If people compliment you based on your looks, feel free to take the compliment. However, ignore negative remarks, and recognize that compliments your personality are more significant. Pay less attention to what others think. Care more about what you think of yourself instead of what others think of you. Focus on your own uplifting, positive thoughts about yourself instead of on others opinions about you. At the end of the day, you are the only person who has to live with himself or herself, so your opinion should matter the most. People who insult others usually do it to make themselves feel more powerful. This means that they are probably just as insecure as you are. They are the ones who lack confidence, so try to avoid the comments and avoid jabbing back with an insult. The best thing you can do is to live your life exactly how you want to live it without looking back. This may be easier said than done. Instead of being in denial about caring, ask yourself what is at the heart of wanting to please other people. Ask yourself if the people who hurt you are worth impressing. Soon enough, you'll see that they are only an obstacle to your happiness, not a means toward it. Know whom to trust, and when. For example, most people will say that they trust their own mother the most. However, few people would blindly trust their mother to, say, fly an airplane or rig the lottery. If you want to pay attention to what others think, pick your trusted advisors wisely. Understand where the insecurity comes from. Some securities get ingrained in us from an early age. Some children are harshly criticized or ignored and have a tendency to develop low self esteem. Other people develop insecurity when they fail for the first time at something, or are in a new environment. Know how your insecurities develop, and what makes them worse, to handle them better. Learn about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. There are ways to change your perspective on yourself so that you can begin to feel good about yourself. However, it is a long process. The brain can grow and change long after our bodies reach their permanent size, a phenomenon called brain plasticity. This allows you to learn or to change your thinking patterns at any age. By changing your thoughts, you can ultimately change your behavior. You can do CBT by yourself or with a therapist. Keep in mind that, if you find any of the steps difficult, you should see a therapist who is knowledgeable about CBT to help you. Identify your thought patterns. The first step in CBT is to identify your thought patterns. Many people who have negative thoughts about themselves believe they are not worth very much, and they will also believe that there is little they can do to change the situation. You need to begin to change the way you think about yourself by first acknowledging how you feel. Being self aware can be difficult at first. Well meaning friends wishing to help you may just tell you to “get over it” and recognize your strengths. There's more to it than merely making the decision to change. Start a journal. You should start a journal of all the thoughts you have a day, both positive and negative. Write down the situations that surrounded the event, what your feelings were, and how you handled the situation. This will help you examine your thought patterns over time so you can start changing the negative thinking. Be honest with yourself in the journal. You need to know all your different thoughts to get a full picture. The more honest you are, the more you can change your behavior. Be consistent. Write about everything that you think is important; or, everything that happened at work; or, everything that you worry will happen to your spouse when you're gone travelling. Accept your thoughts as valid. Once you journal for a while, you should look back over what you've written. This way, you can achieve more objectivity in relation to your thoughts so you can accept them and come to terms with yourself. Try to remember how you felt when you wrote them, and instead of feeling ashamed or bad about your negative thoughts, accept them. Everyone has them and if you first accept them, you can start to change them. By allowing yourself to feel your negative thoughts, you can own them and begin to make changes. Once you recognize the thought pattern that is causing you to have low self esteem, you can begin to change the way you think. Change your thoughts. Once you journal all of your thoughts and feelings for a few weeks and accept your feelings as being valid, you need to examine your thoughts and start changing the way you think. Look over your journal, looking for common thought patterns. Find a common thread through some of your thoughts or choose a particularly harsh thought. Take that negative thought and try turn it around to something positive. For example, you were feeling bad because you got behind on an assignment at work. Instead of focusing on your short comings, think about all the times you achieved something great at work or pulled off a hard project. Think to yourself, "I can turn this around because I have a history of doing great work. I just need to focus and I will do amazing, just like on my other work." You want to take things that you feel and make them into positive situations. Know it is okay to feel them, but acknowledge that there are more productive ways of seeing yourself that will help you feel better about yourself. Forgive yourself for past mistakes or events. There is no way to change the past, and you have to give yourself the opportunity to improve. Do you know the saying, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have”? Treat yourself according to who you want to be, not who you were. It will be easier to become that person. Learn coping skills. Once you look over your activities, you may see that you miss out on certain situations because of your low self esteem. If you notice a pattern of behavior, such as refusing to go into certain social situations because of anxiety and negativity, you should start trying to move past these behaviors. Once you change the thought processes around these events, you can push yourself to enter into them without the worry that there will be negative consequences. For example, you often say no to going out with coworkers because you think they will find you boring and you will just make a fool of yourself. Instead of thinking this way, think about the positive things about yourself and what might come out of it. You have other friends who like you and enjoy your company, so you are interesting. You may also make some new friends and become closer to those at work. If you think of the possibilities of a situation instead of the horrible things that might happen, you might be able to think about yourself in a positive light as well. Practice. This type of thinking can take time to change. Learning new ways to think about yourself takes practice, but don't be afraid to think positively about yourself. It may seem difficult at first, but if you keep acknowledging your feelings and recognizing your negative behavior, you can make small moves to change it. After a while, you will find yourself doing it more and more to the point where you have more positive thoughts in your day than negative. If you find yourself having a hard time with this process, you may need to see a therapist. CBT is aided by having a trained professional who knows the methods and might be able to see things about yourself that you may not. In CBT sessions, the therapist works in partnership with you as you work towards your goals. Do what you consider right. Sometimes people have low self-esteem because they do an action that they themselves consider wrong or unhealthy. Sticking to your moral and ethical codes in everyday life will help you build self-esteem and confidence. Tell your family and friends about your accomplishments. When you accomplish something you're really proud of, that's when you're at your most beautiful. Acknowledge your hard work, congratulate yourself, and ask others to join your celebration. This will make you routinely feel better about who you are, because you'll have other people cheering you on. Call a grandparent or e-mail a favorite aunt to share the news so you can celebrate with family and friends. Know that this is great for you and them. If you're just talking to your family or friends, it's sharing with those you love. And chances are that if you want to feel good about yourself, then you're have a lot to tell others about your accomplishments. Accept compliments genuinely. When your friend says,"I liked your presentation," try to avoid brushing her off with "I was so nervous, I forgot a whole slide!." Just say "Thanks," and let the words sink in. If you're self-deprecating or put yourself down any time people try to make you feel good, then they may avoid doing it in the future. Instead, the next time you hear something nice about yourself, look and feel legitimately happy to hear it instead of fighting it. Look the person in the eye and thank her like you really mean it. If the compliment makes you uncomfortable, you do not have to accept it. However, if you like the compliment, accept it. Celebrate taking care of yourself. For some people, putting in real time and care into their hygiene will make them feel that they are worth taking care of. Taking care of your body is just as important as taking care of your mind, and many extreme forms of hygiene are also relaxing. Examples include taking a long bath or pampering your skin with great-smelling soap or lotion. This is different from throwing on a lot of makeup or buying trendy outfits. This means seeing that your body should be given time and care. Wear comfortable clothes. You know which shirt makes you feel self-conscious and which pants make you squirm. If you have these clothes, it's time to donate those to charity. Wear your favorite color. If you feel great in it, your confidence will show. If someone teases you about the clothes you wear, shrug it off and say, "Oh well, at least I like them!" Remember that people aren't looking at you or talking about you nearly as much as you think they are. Avoid wearing clothes that make you feel uncomfortable just because you think they are stylish. Do what makes you feel good and everyone will see that you're much more comfortable in your skin that way. In some situations, it will actually be more comfortable for you if you dress according to the venue. For example, if you are going to a business meeting, you should dress according to your employer's code of conduct, even if the clothing makes you uncomfortable. Develop your own style. Experiment with clothing to see what makes you feel the best. Some days you might feel fancy and other days you might feel more comfortable. This is normal. Try to visit a clothing store with a friend and try on a few new outfits in colors and styles.You most likely will find something that actually looks good on you. Focusing on your appearance is not unhealthy when your appearance is a fulfilling expression of who you are. For example, wearing your favorite color expresses a preference. Always laugh at the ones that might be less than ideal. The clothes just may be more suited for others. Changing your style can help you discover a side of yourself you never knew you had. Also try a new hairdo. Those with long hair can braid it, twist it, or wear it in a bun. Experiment to find the best way you can express yourself through your appearance and remember, there are many right options. They're all you if you like it. Be friends with people who make you feel good about yourself. If you are out with friends and they start talking about things that make you uncomfortable, change the subject. If you always find yourself in company that obsesses over appearance, try to change the conversation to less superficial matters. If this happens often, then you may have to find some friends with stronger values. Ask yourself if your friends are mostly complimenting you and supporting you, or nit-picking everything you do. If they are negative about you, then you need to drop them as soon as you can. This may sound harsh, but this can lead you to feel better about yourself. For example, try to change the subject if your friends start talking about their weight or diet and you don't want to talk about it. Show them that there are more interesting things to talk about, such as how their soccer team is doing and how old their little golden retriever pup is this month. Learn something new. Read an article about something going on in the world. You will feel like you are knowledgeable about some current events, and will also help you get out of your routine and feel like you're branching out. Take a pottery class or watch a documentary. Do something that inspires you to learn and appreciate the world. Soon, you'll feel empowered because of your willingness to change and all of the knowledge you've gained. If you've learned something really interesting, share it with others. That will make you feel like you have even more to offer to the world. Exercise. Exercising will make you feel better both physically and mentally. Though losing weight or getting in shape may be a byproduct, exercise itself is the important part and will make you feel like you are paying more attention to your body and developing a healthy routine. Plus, the rush of endorphins that make you happier will help. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and learn to love whatever it is you'll do. You'll feel good about yourself just by making this simple change in your schedule. Get a workout buddy or two to make the process more fun and encouraging. You'll feel even better if you have a friend cheering you on when you want to quit. If you aren't satisfied with your current workout routine or haven't found something you like, keep switching it up and trying new sports. There is a workout regimen for everyone; the question is finding the one that's right for you. Cheap forms of exercise include running in your neighborhood or park; doing aerobics or weight-free exercises; burpees. Volunteer. Volunteering is a good way to feel good about yourself and a great way to give back to the community and to see that you have so much to offer to the world. Find a form of volunteering that fits your talents, whether it's teaching people to read or just talking to them. Make a habit of doing it at least a few times a month. Once you start volunteering, you'll see that there are plenty of people who think you are worthwhile, and that you shouldn't have spent so much time being down on yourself. You can get involved by teaching adults or children to read, cleaning up a local park, volunteer at a local library or bookstore, or volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Depending on your skill set, there might be specific forms of volunteering available to you. For example, lawyers often can take pro bono cases, or house architects can help build housing for free. Continue to keep a journal. Continuing to keep a journal after you've done CBT, or if you have yet to try CBT, because it can help you go down your path to feeling good about yourself. You should write in it at least once or twice a week and chart your progress, noting the things you do to make yourself feel better as well as those that make you feel worse. It can help start a path to happiness but there will always be some obstacles or days when you feel less than ideal. It's important to be honest and to always ask yourself what can make you feel better. Remember that you're on a journey and that it will take some time. Be patient and kind to yourself. Know it takes times to work. Take the time to read over your journal at least once a month. This will help you see how much you have grown. Cheer yourself up when you need it. If you are feeling sad, accept that it is normal and sometimes even good to feel sad. However, you also can control your emotions and decide not to feel sad if you don't want to. Experiment with what will make you happy, or ask friends for help. Most people have a go-to activity that makes them feel better. Examples include fishing, shopping, going on hikes, working on a house project, meditating, bowling, seeing friends, exercising, and writing. If it's daytime, open up the window and let in some fresh air and sunlight. If it's nighttime, put on some clean pajamas and curl up with a favorite book, movie, or CD. Take a warm bath or shower if you are feeling stressed. Imagine the water washing away your worries. Also try to create your own peace rituals. When you're angry or stressed out, take three long, slow, deep breaths. Turn on some of your favorite music. Find ways to calm your spirit, and return to those practices whenever you feel anxious. Know it's okay to be upset. The sooner you can address the problem, the sooner you'll feel better. Start a dream list. Find a notebook and write down places you'd like to visit, experiences you'd like to have, people you'd like to meet, and skills you'd like to learn. A dream list is a great start to creating a life filled with fun, adventure, and interesting experiences. Put a box next to each item on your list so you can check it off when it happens. Having an exciting plan for the future, and making it a priority to actually accomplish it, can help you feel good about yourself because you'll feel like you have a lot to look forward to. Make sure the adventures on your list are actually attainable, no matter how outlandish they are. Try to avoid discouraging yourself by writing down something you can never accomplish. Get inspired by a role model. Think about what it would take to live like your role model, whether it's your mom, Shakira, or your math teacher. Think about how generously she treats people, how she reacts to disappointing or insulting situations, and how graciously he lives every tiny moment of life and enjoys the purpose of living. Especially if you are feeling low, close your eyes and imagine how your role model would have handled the situation. Using an outside source of inspiration can help you envision what you would do in challenging situations, and will make you feel like you can overcome adversity. Maintain a strong support network. If you want to continue feeling good about yourself, then you may need help. You have to lean on your friends, siblings, parents, a significant other if you have one, and any other important people in your life. This can include your coworkers, neighbors, or classmates. You need to turn to people in times of crisis and have a listening ear help you out when you need help. You also just want to keep good, kindhearted people around so you can feel excited about what life has in store for you. Though achieving your goals is important, so is being social. Make it a habit to spend time with other people at least a few times a week. It's important to spend time with your loved ones, but there is always time to meet new people. Having a variety of friends and loved ones in your life will enhance your perspective and will make you feel even better about yourself. | Embrace your individuality. Develop your confidence. Take pride in your strengths. Expect to have bad days. Work on developing a positive attitude. Know that you have a lot to offer. Make a list of all of the things you're thankful for. Focus less on your appearance. Pay less attention to what others think. Understand where the insecurity comes from. Learn about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Identify your thought patterns. Start a journal. Accept your thoughts as valid. Change your thoughts. Learn coping skills. Practice. Do what you consider right. Tell your family and friends about your accomplishments. Accept compliments genuinely. Celebrate taking care of yourself. Wear comfortable clothes. Develop your own style. Be friends with people who make you feel good about yourself. Learn something new. Exercise. Volunteer. Continue to keep a journal. Cheer yourself up when you need it. Start a dream list. Get inspired by a role model. Maintain a strong support network. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Maintain-a-Healthy-Heart | How to Maintain a Healthy Heart | To maintain a healthy heart, aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week to get your blood pumping. The best kind of exercise for your heart is aerobic exercise, so try walking, biking, swimming, or playing a sport. Not only is exercise good for your heart, it can also help you lose weight, which will make it easier for your heart to function. In addition to exercising regularly, try to avoid foods that are bad for your heart, like red meat, fried foods, chips, and sodas. Instead, eat a healthy, balanced diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Additionally, if you're a smoker, talk to your doctor about quitting, since smoking can really damage your heart and increase your risk of a heart attack. You should also have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked by your doctor regularly so they can spot any problems before they get worse. | Stop all forms of tobacco use. Using tobacco increases your risk of heart damage. Both tobacco and nicotine contain many chemicals that cause harm to your blood vessels and heart, and this results in atherosclerosis, which is a plaque build-up of cholesterol, fat, and calcium in your vessels that can cause your arteries to narrow, decreasing blood flow. The carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke has also been linked to mortality and morbidity. It interferes with oxygen, so your heart is pressured into supplying additional oxygen to compensate. The tightening of the blood vessels, partnered by the stress on the heart can both result in a heart attack. The only way to stop this burden on your heart and strive for a healthier heart is to stop smoking. Approximately 1 in 5 deaths in the United States is caused by cigarette smoking. According to the National Institute of Health, smoking is the main preventable cause of mortality in the United States. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine. One way to make any muscle stronger is to exercise it. The same is true for your heart. Here is what the American Heart Association recommends: At least 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise to get your blood pumping and dramatically improve your heart's health. Ideally, you should do this 5 days a week for a total of 150 minutes of aerobic exercise. Alternatively, you can do 25 minutes of high-intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 3 days a week, totaling 75 minutes in all. You should also incorporate resistance training (weight/strength training) into your workout at least 2 days every week in addition to the cardio. Always work up to a healthy routine! Only begin with what you are comfortable doing, and then systematically increase the difficulty as you are able to tolerate it. Too strenuous a routine too quickly can actually strain your heart and defeat the purpose. If you have any health conditions, discuss with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine. Maintain a healthy weight. Increased weight causes your body to require more effort from your heart to maintain a baseline resting level. This continual strain on your heart can tax it and result in further issues in the future. Exercise and a healthy diet will help you lose the weight that is putting a strain on your heart. Dangerous cardiac issues that arise from being overweight include: Coronary heart disease - This condition arises from plaque build-up inside the arteries that serve your heart. Plaques can narrow your arteries as they grow and decrease the amount of blood flow, reducing the amount of oxygen that can be supplied to your body. In addition, your heart must work harder to push blood through the narrowed channels, which can cause angina (chest pain from oxygen deprivation) or even a heart attack. High blood pressure - If your heart has to pump harder to get the appropriate amount of oxygen and nutrients through your body, the vessels and your heart can become damaged over time. Your risk of high blood pressure is significantly greater when you are obese or overweight. Stroke - If a plaque that has developed in your arteries ruptures, the plaque can cause a blood clot to form. If the clot forms in close proximity to your brain, your brain can become deprived of blood and oxygen, resulting in a stroke. Make a habit of getting regular screenings of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Doing so will keep you informed of your heart's health and allow you to take action before anything serious develops. Blood pressure screenings - You should check your blood pressure every two years. If your blood pressure is above 120/80, then your doctor will likely recommend you have your pressure checked every year (or more depending on how high the reading is or if you have kidney problems, heart disease, etc.) Your workplace or pharmacy may also offer free, automated blood pressure machines. Use these as often as you want to supplement actual visits to your doctor. If your blood pressure is above 140/90 and your doctor is not aware, it is important that you contact your doctor as soon as possible. Cholesterol Screening - All men above the age of 34 should be screened every five years. Your doctor will draw blood samples and have them tested in the lab for cholesterol levels. He or she will go over the results and readings with you. If you have any risk factors that could make you more likely to have high cholesterol, it is recommended that you be screened as early as 20 years of age. Risk factors may include immediate family history, diabetes, or prior heart disease. Depending on a regular workup, your doctor may request that you are screened more often. Avoid too much stress. Stress can play a huge role in your heart health. Increased stress releases cortisol and adrenaline, which elevates blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Stress-related behaviors can also negatively affect your health, causing you to smoke more, drink more, overeat, and be physically inactive. All these behaviors will contribute negatively to your heart health. Exercise, diet, and abstinence from smoking and coffee can help to reduce stress. You should consider these practices in your life particularly when you are stressed. Manage your mental health. Certain mental health conditions can lead to detrimental behaviors for your heart health. These include depression and anxiety disorders, which include disorders such as bipolar disorder and OCD. These behaviors can present with symptoms of excessive eating, decreased eating, apathy, physical inactivity, stress, elevated blood pressure, and many other symptoms that negatively impact your heart. If you are diagnosed with any mental health condition or believe that you may be suffering from one, be sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can effectively treat your mental health condition, as well as determine the effect it may have on the rest of your physical health. Eat a healthy diet. Opt for a diet that avoids saturated and trans-fat foods, such as red meat, deep-fried fast foods and processed foods. You should also avoid foods that are high in salt and cholesterol. Fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as mackerel and salmon, can reduce risk of a heart problem. The American Heart Association recommends that your diet consist mainly of the following (see next section for specifics): Fruits and vegetables Whole grains Low-fat dairy products Poultry Nuts and fish Focus on adding heart-healthy “superfoods” to your diet. Superfoods are a category of foods made popular by the media to denote foods with supposed health benefits. This term is not commonly used by clinically trained health professionals in the field of nutrition. However, many of these foods are believed to have high nutrient density and many may confer health benefits beyond other traditional food choices. Some of these foods include: Avocados - Avocados are considered “superfoods” due to their high amounts of monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats, unlike saturated fats, are liquid at room temperature and have the ability to help reduce cholesterol levels. Avocados are also unique in that they contain phytosterols, which compete with cholesterol in the body for absorption. By competing with cholesterol, you absorb less cholesterol, lowering your blood cholesterol levels. Extra-virgin olive oil - Extra-virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, helping to lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). Olive oil has also been shown to aid in the prevention of blood clotting as well as maintaining even blood sugar. Nuts - Peanuts and tree nuts (pecans, pistachios, walnuts, etc.) are amazing sources of phytochemicals, vitamins, fiber, minerals, and unsaturated fats. These have all been shown in studies to benefit the heart by raising HDL (good cholesterol), lowering LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), and lowering your blood pressure. Quinoa - Quinoa is a staple plant food from South America. This food is high in protein and contains vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Dark chocolate - Dark chocolates are required to contain at least 70% cocoa. This type of chocolate contains high levels of flavanoids, which can lower your blood pressure. Although it can be potent for your heart health, it also is very high in calories and should not be eaten in high amounts. Salmon - Salmon is a very healthy protein source that also contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids/fish oil, which have been shown to aid significantly in cardiovascular health. Oatmeal - Oatmeal is a high-fiber whole grain that helps to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol. Steel-cut oats confer the highest benefit, as the digestion time is extended, and they have a low glycemic index. A low glycemic index will keep blood-sugar levels from spiking, which can help to prevent heart disease over time. Oranges - Oranges are also rich in soluble fibers that aid in the reduction of cholesterol absorption. They also contain potassium (which can help keep sodium balanced) and vitamin C. Beans - Almost all types of beans provide high amounts of protein, fiber, and minerals. Beans will convey benefits similar to steel-cut oats, helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure with a low glycemic index. Avoid foods that are bad for your heart. You should always avoid foods high in saturated fats, trans-fats, high-fructose corn syrup, sugar, and cholesterol. These include red meat, fast food, fried food, chips, sodas, excessive butter, etc. Most people know when they are eating unhealthy foods. Use your best judgment and common sense, and take note of nutrition labels, which show daily recommended values. Limit alcohol to a healthy amount. Per the American Heart Association, men are allowed two alcoholic beverages a day to protect the heart and women can drink one. More than that will have the opposite effect. Alcohol can damage the heart by contributing to high blood pressure, stroke, and obesity if not consumed in moderation. Additionally, alcohol can lead to increased levels of triglycerides. These are a specific class of fats that can cause conditions such as pancreatitis. Prolonged alcoholic drinking can lead to irreversible pancreatic damage (chronic pancreatitis). Add dietary supplements to your diet. While you should gain the bulk of your nutrition from foods, supplements can help to round out minor deficiencies in your diet. These particular supplements can be found in the superfoods discussed above and have been shown to confer some benefits to cardiac health: Vitamins and minerals - A daily vitamin is a good supplement that can provide you with heart healthy vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin K, vitamin E, and magnesium. Herbs - Garlic, echinacea, and ginseng are believed to confer benefits to heart health. Others - Many people do not enjoy eating fish, which can provide many heart health benefits. Alternatively, you can try omega-3 fatty acid pills along with coenzyme Q10. | Stop all forms of tobacco use. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Maintain a healthy weight. Make a habit of getting regular screenings of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Avoid too much stress. Manage your mental health. Eat a healthy diet. Focus on adding heart-healthy “superfoods” to your diet. Avoid foods that are bad for your heart. Limit alcohol to a healthy amount. Add dietary supplements to your diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Simplify-Radical-Expressions | How to Simplify Radical Expressions | To simplify a radical expression, simplify any perfect squares or cubes, fractional exponents, or negative exponents, and combine any like terms that result. If there are fractions in the expression, split them into the square root of the numerator and square root of the denominator. If you need to extract square factors, factorize the imperfect radical expression into its prime factors and remove any multiples that are a perfect square out of the radical sign. | If necessary, review the rules for manipulation of radicals and exponents (they're the same - roots are fractional powers) as most of them are needed for this process. Also, review the rules for manipulating and simplifying polynomial and rational type expressions as they too will be needed throughout to simplify. Simplify any radical expressions that are perfect squares. A perfect square is the product of any number that is multiplied by itself, such as 81, which is the product of 9 x 9. To simplify a perfect square under a radical, simply remove the radical sign and write the number that is the square root of the perfect square. For example, 121 is a perfect square because 11 x 11 is 121. Thus, you can simplify sqrt(121) to 11, removing the square root symbol. To make this process easier, you should memorize the first twelve perfect squares: 1 x 1 = 1, 2 x 2 = 4, 3 x 3 = 9, 4 x 4 = 16, 5 x 5 = 25, 6 x 6 = 36, 7 x 7 = 49, 8 x 8 = 64, 9 x 9 = 81, 10 x 10 = 100, 11 x 11 = 121, 12 x 12 = 144 Simplify any radical expressions that are perfect cubes. A perfect cube is the product of any number that is multiplied by itself twice, such as 27, which is the product of 3 x 3 x 3. To simplify a radical expression when a perfect cube is under the cube root sign, simply remove the radical sign and write the number that is the cube root of the perfect cube. For example, 343 is a perfect cube because it is the product of 7 x 7 x 7. Therefore, the cube root of the perfect cube 343 is simply 7. Find any fractional exponent and convert it to the radical equivalent, namely x^(a/b) = bth root of x^a
If you have a fraction for the index of a radical, get rid of that too. For instance the (2/3) root of 4 = sqrt(4)^3 = 2^3 = 8. Convert negative exponents to their equivalent fraction, namely x^-y = 1/x^y
This only applies to constant, rational exponents. If you have terms like 2^x, leave them alone, even if the problem context implies that x might be fractional or negative. and simplify any rational expressions that result. Combine any like terms Examine terms under each radical to see if any contain fractions. If so,... Replace it as a ratio of two radicals using the identity sqrt(a/b) = sqrt(a)/sqrt(b). Don't use this identity if the denominator is negative, or is a variable expression that might be negative. In that case, simplify the fraction first. Simplify any perfect squares that result. That is, convert sqrt(5/4) to sqrt(5)/sqrt(4), and then further simplify it to sqrt(5)/2. Make any other useful simplifications such as reducing compound fractions, combining like terms, etc. If you have one radical expression multiplied by another, combine them as a single radical using the property: sqrt(a)*sqrt(b) = sqrt(ab). For example, replace sqrt(2)*sqrt(6) by sqrt(12). The above identity, sqrt(a)*sqrt(b) = sqrt(ab) is valid for non negative radicands. Don't apply it if a and b are negative as then you would falsely assert that sqrt(-1)*sqrt(-1) = sqrt(1). The left-hand side -1 by definition (or undefined if you refuse to acknowledge complex numbers) while the right side is +1. If a and/or b is negative, first "fix" its sign by sqrt(-5) = i*sqrt(5). If the radicand is a variable expression whose sign is not known from context and could be either positive or negative, then just leave it alone for now. You could use the more general identity, sqrt(a)*sqrt(b) = sqrt(sgn(a))*sqrt(sgn(b))*sqrt(|ab|) which is valid for all real numbers a and b, but it's usually not worth the added complexity of introducing the sign function. This identity only applies if the radicals have the same index. You can multiply more general radicals like sqrt(5)*cbrt(7) by first expressing them with a common index. To do this, temporarily convert the roots to fractional exponents: sqrt(5)*cbrt(7) = 5^(1/2) * 7^(1/3) = 5^(3/6) * 7^(2/6) = 125^(1/6) * 49^(1/6). Then apply the product rule to equate this product to the sixth root of 6125. Factorize an imperfect radical expression into its prime factors. The factors are the numbers that multiply to create a number -- for example, 5 and 4 are two factors of the number 20. To break down an imperfect radical expression, write down all of the factors of that number (or as many as you can think of if it's a large number) until you find one that is a perfect square. For example, try listing all the factors of the number 45: 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, and 45. 9 is a factor of 45 that is also a perfect square (9=3^2). 9 x 5 = 45. Remove any multiples that are a perfect square out of the radical sign. 9 is a perfect square because it is the product of 3 x 3. Take the 9 out of the radical sign and place a 3 in front of it, leaving 5 under the radical sign. If you "throw" the three back in under the radical sign, it will be multiplied by itself to create 9 again, which will multiply with 5 to create 45 again. 3 root 5 is just a simplified way of saying root 45. That is, sqrt(45) = sqrt(9*5) = sqrt(9)*sqrt(5) = 3*sqrt(5). Find a perfect square in the variable. The square root of a to the second power would be |a|. You can further simplify this to just "a" only if the variable is known to be positive. The square root of a to the third power is broken down into the square root of a squared times a -- this is because you add exponents when you multiply variables, so that a squared times a is equal to a cubed. Therefore, the perfect square in the expression a cubed is a squared. Pull any variables that are perfect squares out of the radical sign. Now, take a squared and pull it out of the radical to make it a regular |a|. The simplified form of a cubed is just |a| root a. Combine any like terms and simplify any rational expressions that result. Canonical form requires the denominator to be a whole number (or a polynomial if it contains indeterminate) if at all possible. If the denominator consists of a single term under a radical, such as [stuff]/sqrt(5), then multiply numerator and denominator by that radical to get [stuff]*sqrt(5)/sqrt(5)*sqrt(5) = [stuff]*sqrt(5)/5. For cube or higher roots, multiply by the appropriate power of the radical to make the denominator rational. If the denominator was cbrt(5), then multiply numerator and denominator by cbrt(5)^2. If the denominator consists of a sum or difference of square roots such as sqrt(2) + sqrt(6), then multiply numerator and denominator by its conjugate, the same expression with the opposite operator. Thus [stuff]/(sqrt(2) + sqrt(6)) = [stuff](sqrt(2)-sqrt(6))/(sqrt(2) + sqrt(6))(sqrt(2)-sqrt(6)). Then use the difference of squares identity [(a+b)(a-b) = a^2-b^2] to rationalize the denominator, simplifying (sqrt(2) + sqrt(6))(sqrt(2)-sqrt(6)) = sqrt(2)^2 - sqrt(6)^2 = 2-6 = -4. This works for denominators like 5 + sqrt(3) too since every whole number is a square root of some other whole number. [1/(5 + sqrt(3)) = (5-sqrt(3))/(5 + sqrt(3))(5-sqrt(3)) = (5-sqrt(3))/(5^2-sqrt(3)^2) = (5-sqrt(3))/(25-3) = (5-sqrt(3))/22] This works for a sum of square roots like sqrt(5)-sqrt(6)+sqrt(7). If you group it as (sqrt(5)-sqrt(6))+sqrt(7) and multiply it by (sqrt(5)-sqrt(6))-sqrt(7), your answer won't be rational, but will be of the form a+b*sqrt(30) where a and b are rational. Then you can repeat the process with the conjugate of a+b*sqrt(30) and (a+b*sqrt(30))(a-b*sqrt(30)) is rational. In essence, if you can use this trick once to reduce the number of radical signs in the denominator, then you can use this trick repeatedly to eliminate all of them. This even works for denominators containing higher roots like the 4th root of 3 plus the 7th root of 9. Just multiply numerator and denominator by the denominator's conjugate. Unfortunately, it is not immediately clear what the conjugate of that denominator is nor how to go about finding it. A good book on algebraic number theory will cover this, but I will not. Now the denominator is rationalized, but the numerator is a mess. You now have whatever you started with up there times the denominator's conjugate. Go ahead and expand that product like you would for a product of polynomials. See if anything cancels or simplifies and combine like terms if possible. If the denominator is a negative integer, then multiply numerator and denominator by -1 to make it positive. | If necessary, review the rules for manipulation of radicals and exponents (they're the same - roots are fractional powers) as most of them are needed for this process. Simplify any radical expressions that are perfect squares. Simplify any radical expressions that are perfect cubes. Find any fractional exponent and convert it to the radical equivalent, namely x^(a/b) = bth root of x^a
Convert negative exponents to their equivalent fraction, namely x^-y = 1/x^y
and simplify any rational expressions that result. Examine terms under each radical to see if any contain fractions. Replace it as a ratio of two radicals using the identity sqrt(a/b) = sqrt(a)/sqrt(b). Simplify any perfect squares that result. Make any other useful simplifications such as reducing compound fractions, combining like terms, etc. If you have one radical expression multiplied by another, combine them as a single radical using the property: Factorize an imperfect radical expression into its prime factors. Remove any multiples that are a perfect square out of the radical sign. Find a perfect square in the variable. Pull any variables that are perfect squares out of the radical sign. Combine any like terms and simplify any rational expressions that result. Canonical form requires the denominator to be a whole number (or a polynomial if it contains indeterminate) if at all possible. Now the denominator is rationalized, but the numerator is a mess. If the denominator is a negative integer, then multiply numerator and denominator by -1 to make it positive. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Multiply-Radicals | How to Multiply Radicals | To multiply radicals, first verify that the radicals have the same index, which is the small number to the left of the top line in the radical symbol. Just keep in mind that if the radical is a square root, it doesn't have an index. If the radicals have the same index, or no index at all, multiply the numbers under the radical signs and put that number under it's own radical symbol. Once you've multiplied the radicals, simplify your answer by attempting to break it down into a perfect square or cube. | Make sure that the radicals have the same index. To multiply radicals using the basic method, they have to have the same index. The "index" is the very small number written just to the left of the uppermost line in the radical symbol. If there is no index number, the radical is understood to be a square root (index 2) and can be multiplied with other square roots. You can multiply radicals with different indexes, but that is a more advanced method and will be explained later. Here are two examples of multiplication using radicals with the same indexes: Ex. 1 : √(18) x √(2) = ? Ex. 2 : √(10) x √(5) = ? Ex. 3 : √(3) x √(9) = ? Multiply the numbers under the radical signs. Next, simply multiply the numbers under the radical or square root signs and keep them there. Here's how you do it: Ex. 1 : √(18) x √(2) = √(36) Ex. 2 : √(10) x √(5) = √(50) Ex. 3 : √(3) x √(9) = √(27) Simplify the radical expressions. If you've multiplied radicals, there's a good chance that they can be simplified to perfect squares or perfect cubes, or that they can be simplified by finding a perfect square as a factor of the final product. Here's how you do it: Ex. 1: √(36) = 6. 36 is a perfect square because it is the product of 6 x 6. The square root of 36 is simply 6. Ex. 2: √(50) = √(25 x 2) = √([5 x 5] x 2) = 5√(2). Though 50 is not a perfect square, 25 is a factor of 50 (because it divides evenly into the number) and is a perfect square. You can break 25 down into its factors, 5 x 5, and move one 5 out of the square root sign to simplify the expression. You can think of it like this: If you throw the 5 back under the radical, it is multiplied by itself and becomes 25 again. Ex. 3: √(27) = 3. 27 is a perfect cube because it's the product of 3 x 3 x 3. The cube root of 27 is therefore 3. Multiply the coefficients. The coefficients are the numbers outside of a radical. If there is no given coefficient, then the coefficient can be understood to be 1. Multiply the coefficients together. Here's how you do it: Ex. 1 : 3√(2) x √(10) = 3√( ? ) 3 x 1 = 3 Ex. 2 : 4√(3) x 3√(6) = 12√( ? ) 4 x 3 = 12 Multiply the numbers inside the radicals. After you've multiplied the coefficients, you can multiply the numbers inside the radicals. Here's how you do it: Ex. 1 : 3√(2) x √(10) = 3√(2 x 10) = 3√(20) Ex. 2 : 4√(3) x 3√(6) = 12√(3 x 6) = 12√(18) Simplify the product. Next, simplify the numbers under the radicals by looking for perfect squares or multiples of the numbers under the radicals that are perfect squares. Once you've simplified those terms, just multiply them by their corresponding coefficients. Here's how you do it: 3√(20) = 3√(4 x 5) = 3√([2 x 2] x 5) = (3 x 2)√(5) = 6√(5) 12√(18) = 12√(9 x 2) = 12√(3 x 3 x 2) = (12 x 3)√(2) = 36√(2) Find the LCM (lowest common multiple) of the indices. To find the LCM of the indexes, find the smallest number that is evenly divisible by both indices. Find the LCM of the indices for the following equation: √(5) x √(2) = ? The indices are 3 and 2. 6 is the LCM of these two numbers because it is the smallest number that is evenly divisible by both 3 and 2. 6/3 = 2 and 6/2 = 3. To multiply the radicals, both of the indices will have to be 6. Write each expression with the new LCM as the index. Here's what the expressions would look like in the equation with their new indexes: √(5) x √(2) = ? Find the number that you would need to multiply each original index by to find the LCM. For the expression √(5), you'd need to multiply the index of 3 by 2 to get 6. For the expression √(2), you'd need to multiply the index of 2 by 3 to get 6. Make this number the exponent of the number inside the radical. For the first equation, make the number 2 the exponent over the number 5. For the second equation, make the number 3 the exponent over the number 2. Here's what it would look like: --> √(5) = √(5) --> √(2) = √(2) Multiply the numbers inside the radicals by their exponents. Here's how you do it: √(5) = √(5 x 5) = √25 √(2) = √(2 x 2 x 2) = √8 Place these numbers under one radical. Place them under a radical and connect them with a multiplication sign. Here's what the result would look like: √(8 x 25) Multiply them. √(8 x 25) = √(200). This is the final answer. In some cases, you may be able to simplify these expressions -- for example, you could simplify this expression if you found a number that can be multiplied by itself six times that is a factor of 200. But in this case, the expression cannot be simplified any further. | Make sure that the radicals have the same index. Multiply the numbers under the radical signs. Simplify the radical expressions. Multiply the coefficients. Multiply the numbers inside the radicals. Simplify the product. Find the LCM (lowest common multiple) of the indices. Write each expression with the new LCM as the index. Find the number that you would need to multiply each original index by to find the LCM. Make this number the exponent of the number inside the radical. Multiply the numbers inside the radicals by their exponents. Place these numbers under one radical. Multiply them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Separated-Zipper | How to Fix a Separated Zipper | A separated zipper can be incredibly frustrating, but you can fix it by using a pair of pliers to squeeze the slider back to its original size. If you look at the slider and the opening is wider than the back, use your fingers or a pair of pliers to bend the metal back to the right size again. Make sure to avoid squeezing too much, or the slider will have problems going up and down the zipper. Once you've reshaped the slider opening, give the zipper a test to see if your problem has been fixed. If this doesn't work, use a pair of pliers to remove the stops at the end of the zipper and take the slider completely off. Then, manually close the zipper with your fingers and place the slider back at the top. | Inspect the slider on the zipper. Many times when the sides of a zipper separate and won't go back together as you pull the slider, it's because the slider itself is damaged. When you use a zipper often, the slider opening will begin to stretch open a bit. Inspect both ends of the zipper to determine if they have the same opening size. If one end looks wider than the other, then this may be why your zipper failed. As the opening increases in size, it puts less pressure on the tracts of the zipper, allowing them to stay separated. Inspect the rest of the zipper and fix any problems that are apparent. For instance, straighten out any bent zipper teeth that you see. If there are tears in the fabric of the zipper, mend them. In some cases, bent teeth on a zipper will cause a zipper to separate. If the zipper teeth are metal, you can use a pair of pliers to straighten them out. If the teeth are plastic, gently try to straighten them with your fingers, as pliers could easily break them off. Squeeze the opening on the slider to reduce its size. Squeeze the slider on the top and bottom with your fingers or a pair of pliers. This will make the opening inside the slider the correct size once again. On one end of the slider there is a middle piece that won't let you squeeze it. On the other end there is no middle piece. That is the side that gets opened and needs to be squeezed back together. Don't squeeze the slider too strongly though, as you don't want to make the gap smaller than it should be. You will know the gap is too small if it becomes difficult to pull up and down the zipper slider along the tracks. Check the zipper. Once you've reshaped the slider, move it up and down the zipper. If it is properly fixed, the slider should go back to opening and closing the zipper right away. If the zipper still doesn't work, either squeeze the slider more or try another solution. Assess whether the slider needs to be realigned. If you have tried to move the zipper up and down, force the zipper sides together, and reduce the opening on the slider, the next thing to try is starting from scratch. If you can see the stops at the top of the zipper and they are metal, taking off the slider and realigning the zipper is possible. The stops at the top of the zipper are small pieces of metal that are shaped a bit differently from the teeth on the zipper. They are not big pieces and they look similar to teeth but they are slightly larger and are positioned at the very end of each side of teeth. If the stops are plastic, you won't be able to take them off and put them back off without breaking them, so you can't use this method. Remove the top stops. Get a pair of small-tipped pliers and gently open up the stop. The stop it shaped like a "u," so you simply need to open up the side of the stop that is hooked onto the tape of the zipper. Once it is just slightly opened, you can wiggle it and unhook it from the tape. It's important to be gentle with the stop and don't cut it or bend it until it breaks. You need to keep it intact. Keep the top stops and put them somewhere safe, as you'll need to use them again. Pull the slider up and off the zipper. Once the tops stops are removed, you will be able to easily pull the slider off the end of the zipper. Taking it off will allow you fix the tracks and then get the slider back in line. Push the teeth of the zipper together. Start at the bottom of the zipper, the opposite end from where you took off the slider. Push the teeth of the zipper together, making sure that the teeth from the left and right sides alternate. Put the zipper on top of a hard surface. As you work your way up the zipper, press down on the teeth to pop them into place. It is important that the teeth are perfectly lined up. Make sure that once you get to the top of the zipper that you don't have extra teeth on one side. This would mean that the teeth are not lined up. Reinsert the slider onto the top of the zipper. Once you have realigned the teeth, stick the bottom of the slider back onto the top of the tracks. Insert one track into the bottom of the slider, which is the end without a piece of metal separating the two sides. Then insert the other track. You will know each side is inserted when several teeth have gone up into the slider and the track won't go any further. It's easiest to insert one side and then the other. Putting them both in at once doesn't typically work. Run the slider up and down to check your work. Pull the slider down a few inches to make sure that it is on track. Move it up and down a bit to make sure it opens and closes the zipper correctly. Be sure not to pull the slider all the way back up to the top, as it will slide off of the tracks again without the top stops in place. Reapply the top stops. Once the zipper is working once again, put the top stops back in place. Position them in the spots where they were originally installed. Squeeze the ends of the stops with your pliers until they grip the zipper tape once again. Wiggle each stop after you reinstall it to ensure that it is securely in place. | Inspect the slider on the zipper. Inspect the rest of the zipper and fix any problems that are apparent. Squeeze the opening on the slider to reduce its size. Check the zipper. Assess whether the slider needs to be realigned. Remove the top stops. Pull the slider up and off the zipper. Push the teeth of the zipper together. Reinsert the slider onto the top of the zipper. Run the slider up and down to check your work. Reapply the top stops. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Obtain-a-TWIC-Card | How to Obtain a TWIC Card | You can apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, or TWIC, card online, by phone, or at an enrollment center. To be eligible for a card, you need to be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or an immigrant with lawful status, and you must have a job or frequent business at a port. You can find the enrollment form on the TSA website, call the Universal Enroll helpline, or visit any enrollment center. If you're going in person, bring 2 forms of ID with you. The TWIC card costs $125.25 and it'll last for 5 years. It generally takes 8-12 weeks for your application to be approved and your card to arrive in the mail. | Start 8-12 weeks before you need the card. The TWIC application process can be lengthy, and it will take at least 4-6 weeks for the application to be processed. For these reasons, you should start as early as possible. TWIC cards are good for 5 years, so you can apply as early as you like. Determine if you are eligible. You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or an immigrant with lawful status in the U.S. You must have a job or frequent business at the port in order to get a TWIC card. Furthermore, you must not have any felony convictions your record. If you have a felony conviction, you may still be able to get a TWIC card, as long as you were not charged with treason, murder, or espionage. You may need to go through an additional appeals process, however. Fill out the form online, on the phone, or in person. You will need to give your full name, gender, date of birth, and email or phone number for this application. You will also be asked if you prefer to be contacted by email or phone. You can fill out the online form here: https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/workflows?servicecode=111111&service=pre-enroll To fill out the application over the phone, call (855) 347-8371 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. eastern time on any weekday. You can walk in and fill out the pre-enrollment application at any enrollment center. Ask the receptionist for an application. Make an appointment at an enrollment center. You may walk into an enrollment center without an appointment, but the wait times will be very long. It is best to make an appointment online or by phone. You can set up your appointment as soon as you submit your pre-enrollment application. Make an appointment online by going here: https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/workflows?servicecode=111111&service=appointment Call for an appointment at (855) 347-8371. The line is open on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. eastern time. Find your closest enrollment center here: https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/locator?serviceCode=111111. Just make sure that you select TWIC from the drop down menu beside the search bar. Gather your identification documents. At your appointment, you will need to show 1 or 2 identification documents. These documents will prove both your identity and citizenship or immigration status. If you have a passport, green card, Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, or a Global Entry card, you only need to bring 1 document. If you do not have any of those documents, you need to bring a photo ID (such as a driver's license or military ID card) as well as 1 document proving your citizenship (such as a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization). If you would like to receive the discounted fee, bring your commercial driver's license or FAST card. Take your documents to the enrollment center. Go early, as wait times can be long at enrollment centers. During your appointment, staff will take your fingerprints and a photo of your face. They will examine your documents to verify your identity. You will be asked to remove all head wear for the photograph, except for religious head wear or eyeglasses worn on a daily basis. Pay for the TWIC card. It costs $125.25 for a TWIC card. This card will last for 5 years. If you have a valid commercial driver's license with a hazardous materials endorsement (HME) or a FAST card, you only need to pay $105.25. This TWIC card will expire at the same time as your license. You can pay with any major credit card or debit card at enrollment centers. Choose how you want your TWIC card delivered. It can be mailed to you or sent to an enrollment center. It will take between 4-6 weeks for your enrollment to be processed and delivered. You can check the status of your application by going to https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/workflows?workflow=service-status&servicecode=111111. During this time, staff will perform a background check on you. They will also confirm your identity using national and international databases. If you are picking up your enrollment card, you will receive a phone call or email letting you know when it is ready. Bring a photo ID with you to the center. If the TSA found that you are disqualified from having a TWIC because of past convictions or charges, they will send you a letter with instructions on how to appeal the decision. Determine if you are eligible for an appeal. Applications are usually denied because of a failed background check. Even if you were charged or convicted in the past, you may still be able to get a TWIC card if you submit an appeal. You are eligible if: You were charged but not convicted of a crime. You have convictions for misdemeanors but not felonies. You were convicted of simple drug possession. You do not have any current warrants or indictments out against you. You have a felony conviction for assault, smuggling, kidnapping, or extortion from over 7 years ago and you have not been in jail for the last 5 years. If you were charged with a felony within the last 7 years, you must request a waiver with your appeal. Gather documents about your charge or conviction. These documents must come from a court, district attorney, or police. They must show that your charge was dismissed, that you were found not guilty, or that you were convicted of a misdemeanor and not a felony. If you were convicted of a felony over 7 years ago, visit your local court and ask for copies of documents showing your date of conviction. If you served time, you should also collect any documents from prison or jail showing that your date of release was over 5 years ago. Fill out the TSA TWIC Request Cover Sheet. This form is included in the letter you received from the TSA. On this form, write why you think the rejection was undeserved. Once you have filled it out, make a copy of this form as well as all of the documents that you are sending to the TSA. Request a waiver if you were convicted of a felony within the last 7 years. You may still be able to get a TWIC card. You just need to provide some additional documents with your package. Most waivers are approved as long as the necessary documents are provided. These include: A personal statement explaining your conviction, employment history at the port, and personal growth since the conviction. A document from prison or jail verifying your release date. A document from your parole officer stating that you have followed the rules of your probation. Letters of support. You should have 1 from your parole officer, 1 from your supervisor or employer, and at least 2 from friends or family. Any proof that you participated in drug rehabilitation programs, anger management training, counseling, or other training since your conviction. Certificates from these programs or letters from counselors are acceptable. Mail the form and documents to the TSA within 60 days. Look at the date on the letter. You have 60 days from this point to mail in your documents. When you mail these forms, ask the post office for a delivery confirmation receipt. This will give you proof that you sent the documents and that the package reached the TSA. Mail the form to Transportation Security Administration, TSA TWIC Processing Center, P.O. Box 8118, Fredericksburg, VA 22404-8118. The TSA will make a decision within 60 days of receiving the documents. You will receive a letter in the mail stating whether the appeal was accepted or denied. Protect your TWIC card. You will be given a hard plastic case with your TWIC. Keep your card in this case at all times to prevent damage. Avoid bending the card or putting it near a magnet. These practices will keep your card working for the full 5 years. Repeat the enrollment process when you are ready to renew. After 5 years, your TWIC card will expire. To get a new one, you will have to go through the exact same process as getting a brand new card. Fill out an application, visit an enrollment center, and wait for your new card to come. You will need to pay $125.25 again for a new card. Because it can take so long to get a new card, you should start the process up to 12 weeks before your old card expires. Fill out a form online to replace a lost or broken card. If you lost your card, call or fill out a form online to get a replacement. During this process, you will be asked to make another appointment at an enrollment center. It costs $60 USD to replace a lost card. To replace a card online, go to https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/workflows?servicecode=111111&service=card-replacement. To do it over the phone, call (855)-347-8371 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. | Start 8-12 weeks before you need the card. Determine if you are eligible. Fill out the form online, on the phone, or in person. Make an appointment at an enrollment center. Gather your identification documents. Take your documents to the enrollment center. Pay for the TWIC card. Choose how you want your TWIC card delivered. Determine if you are eligible for an appeal. Gather documents about your charge or conviction. Fill out the TSA TWIC Request Cover Sheet. Request a waiver if you were convicted of a felony within the last 7 years. Mail the form and documents to the TSA within 60 days. Protect your TWIC card. Repeat the enrollment process when you are ready to renew. Fill out a form online to replace a lost or broken card. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Home-Daycare-Center | How to Start a Home Daycare Center | To start a home daycare center, begin by deciding what kind of services you want to provide, such as care during the workday or nights and weekend care. Next, contact the U.S. Small Business Association for help in finding out your state's licensing requirements. Then, create a business plan that includes how much money you will need, how you will acquire the funds, and how much it will cost to run your business. Additionally, look into funding opportunities like government grants or affordable loans to see if you qualify for help. | Understand the need. There are many reasons why starting a daycare center is especially economically viable today. Are you a person who can help families adjust to these realities? The majority of families today do not fall into a male breadwinner-female homemaker model. Shift work is an increasingly prominent feature of the new economy, with more and more people working nights and weekends. In some two-parent households, one person works the day shift, and the other works the night shift People are waiting longer to retire, which means that grandparents are less available to take care of children. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. If you are thinking of starting a daycare center, you probably like working with children and are familiar with the tremendous amount of energy and commitment that this work requires, but that is not enough to run a successful business. There are a number of other qualities you will need: Professionalism and business acumen Willingness to take risks Ability to supervise staff Access to financial resources Organizational and record-keeping skills Think about your particular community. Once you have established a need for daycare in your community, think more specifically about the kind of services you want to provide. You've already decided to establish the center in your home rather than in a commercial space, but there are many other considerations to address. Look at demographic data. How many children are there under the age of five in your area? You can get this and other important pieces of information from the U.S. Census Bureau or local municipal centers and school systems. Also consider conducting a focus group of parents in your area. How many childcare centers already exist to serve these children? You can find this information through your municipal center's licensing office, local daycare referral agencies, or the phone book/Internet. Once you've established a comprehensive list, contact each center to find out how much they charge. Is there a need that these centers are not currently serving? Perhaps an age group or time frame is being neglected. If so, this could be your niche. You might want to consider the following options: Care during the traditional work day Before or afterschool care Evening, overnight, or weekend care Care for a specific age group Consider other features that could set you apart from other childcare centers in your community as well, such as a focus on education, upgraded facilities, community engagement, a state-specific certification or highly-qualified staff. Put aside start-up cash. How much money will you need, and how long will it take you to save it? Alternatively, if you take out a loan, how long will it take to repay it? You will need to calculate both costs and revenues to determine the financial viability of your plan. What supplies will you need to purchase? Keep in mind that this is not a one-time cost. You will need to replenish supplies regularly. These include toys, games, books, arts and crafts, playground equipment, and more. What alterations, if any, will you need to make to your house to make it safe for children? What are the licensing and insurance fees in your state? How much will it cost to provide meals and snacks for the children in your care? How many children can you care for in your home? Will you need to hire extra staff, and, if so, how much will you pay them? How much will you charge parents for your services? Will it be enough to balance out costs? Conversely, will it be so much that it drives parents away? Choose a name and legal structure. Your name should be simple, catchy, and memorable. Your legal structure will depend on the kind of center you hope to operate. Many home daycare centers are sole proprietorships. While this is the easiest and least expensive structure, it means that you will have to file both business and personal taxes together. Consider becoming incorporated if you employ other people. You will likely need to pay attorney's fees and higher taxes, but your own property will be protected. Becoming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is also an option, but the parts of your home, furniture, materials, etc. that you use for the daycare will not be protected. Choose a partnership if you and a trusted colleague have complementary skill sets and wish to divide the labor. While this will allow you to participate in business decisions and receive any profits equally, you are also both responsible for any losses. Look into funding opportunities. Federal, state, and local governments provide a number of grants and affordable loans for people looking to start childcare businesses. See if you qualify for one of these programs to mitigate your start-up and operational costs. Research the requirements for home daycare center licensing in your state or locality. The process will not be the same everywhere, but it will have many common elements. Most states will have an office specifically dedicated to licensing childcare centers, most likely located in a division or department of family and/or child services. The U.S. Small Business Association can help you find your state's licensing requirements. Get the necessary orientations. In some states, you cannot even fill out an application until you have taken an orientation. This will often be free and available online. The orientation serves the following purposes: Helping you decide if you want to start a daycare center Determining if you are qualified to start a daycare center Informing you of what is required before you can open your center Going over rules and safety requirements Providing information about adult-child ratios and staffing issues Introducing best practices in the care of children Fill out and submit your application. Your state's licensing requirements will tell you where to submit this, although in many cases it will be your county's licensing office. Along with basic identification and residential information, you may need to provide any or all of the following: Character references or recommendations Medical information, including testing for tuberculosis Information about any criminal convictions Forms allowing background checks for anyone living in your house (and any staff) who is older than fourteen A fee Receive training. There are a number of areas you will need to know about to run a daycare center successfully. Before you become licensed, you will need to demonstrate your understanding of several different things: First aid, CPR, and emergency preparedness Developmentally-appropriate discipline and activities Child health, nutrition, and development Making sure your home is safe for children Communicating with parents Purchase required insurance. Home-based daycare centers will need fire, theft, and liability insurance. You will also need to make sure that your homeowners' insurance covers the materials you purchase for your business. Get your home inspected. Before you can open your business, inspectors will need to make sure both that your home is safe and healthy for children and that you have considered their educational, recreational, and disciplinary needs. Keep detailed accounts. This is where your organizational acumen comes in. You'll need to keep track of every expenditure and form of income, both for your own solvency and for when it comes time to do taxes. Maintain affordable prices. In certain states, infant care is more expensive than college tuition. This situation forces parents to weigh very carefully whether or not they can afford to send their children to daycare, or if it makes more sense for one parent to stay home. Grants and loans can allow you to keep your prices down. You may also be eligible for tax credits. Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in child psychology, educational theory, and health and safety. Even with stringent licensing requirements, there is no guarantee that daycare centers provide high-quality care. Set yourself apart by establishing yourself as an expert in children's developmental, educational, and nutritional needs. Consider taking classes at a local community college, which will usually come with a modest charge. Communicate with parents. Parents will not know what makes your center special if you do not let them know. Consider a weekly or biweekly newsletter that highlights the activities their children have been engaging in. It is even better if you can provide pictures! Don't neglect marketing. Many childcare providers say that demand is so high that they often have a waiting list without doing any marketing. However, if you are just starting out, you want to establish your reputation as a professional business. Look into graphic design and writing professionals in your area. If you are working with someone who has children, you may even be able to trade childcare services for their services. As you are designing your marketing plan, think about the same questions you considered when deciding what kind of service to provide (and make sure that your materials describe these specific services to avoid any confusion). What audience are you trying to reach? How will your service be different from, and better than, the one they are currently using or others they might be considering? What characteristic(s) do you want to emphasize? Caring? Flexibility? Affordability? Choose the most important ones, and use them to craft a consistent and appealing image. | Understand the need. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Think about your particular community. Put aside start-up cash. Choose a name and legal structure. Look into funding opportunities. Research the requirements for home daycare center licensing in your state or locality. Get the necessary orientations. Fill out and submit your application. Receive training. Purchase required insurance. Get your home inspected. Keep detailed accounts. Maintain affordable prices. Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in child psychology, educational theory, and health and safety. Communicate with parents. Don't neglect marketing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-the-Best-Deodorant | How to Choose the Best Deodorant | To choose the best deodorant for combating sweat, opt for a combination antiperspirant and deodorant, which provides the best protection. You can save money on your deodorant by choosing products labeled for men, which are typically cheaper than women's products but work the same way. Alternatively, choose a natural deodorant if you don't want to interfere with your body's natural sweating process or want to avoid artificial ingredients. | Know the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorant reduces odor by eliminating the bacteria in sweat, while antiperspirant reduce sweat by stopping up sweat glands and keeping it from reaching your skin. Consider if deodorant is right for you. If sweat is not really an issue for you, and you are only looking to control odor, this is probably your best bet. Consider if antiperspirant is right for you. Some people sweat excessively, although this is only a medical condition in about 2% of the population. Still, athletes and others who sweat profusely may feel that deodorant alone doesn't do the job. Antiperspirant has its drawbacks, however. While researchers are not sure exactly how this happens, the aluminum in antiperspirant can lead to yellow stains on your clothes. You can often get these stains out with bleach, but if this is a big concern to you, stick with deodorant. It's also possible that antiperspirant actually causes your body to start producing excess sweat to circumvent the blocked glands —the opposite of what you want! For all of these reasons, unless you really need antiperspirant, you might want to keep it simple and stick to deodorant. Consider a combo. While the availability of combination antiperspirant/deodorant—the majority of mainstream choices falls into this category, actually—means you can get the benefits of both, you will also have to deal with the drawbacks of both. Understand where the research stands on health risks. Over the years, there have been many rumors about health risks associated with antiperspirant and deodorant, including that they cause breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Many of these concerns have been connected to the presence of aluminum in antiperspirant. Research has not determined any clear linkage, however. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute and the Food and Drug Administration have determined that there is not evidence to conclude that these products cause breast cancer. Scientists have also not found compelling evidence to associate antiperspirant or deodorant with Alzheimer's disease. However, research in these areas is ongoing, so some consumers may still wish to be cautious. Understand labels. Antiperspirant and deodorant aren't magic. The FDA regulates antiperspirant and deodorant, but it only requires that antiperspirant cut down on sweat by 20% to be considered “all day,” and 30% to be considered “extra strength.” Look past “men’s” and “women’s” varieties. There are some differences in men's and women's sweat glands—women have more individual glands, but each gland on men's bodies produces more sweat—but these differences do not affect how deodorant will work. Ingredients do not really change between men's and women's varieties, although they may look and smell different. Women will probably save money by switching to a men's product, since there tends to be a price mark-up for items marketed to women. Consider solids, roll-ons, and sprays. While Americans tend to prefer solids and roll-ons, sprays account for half of all deodorant sales worldwide. There are several factors to consider when deciding which is right for you. Many roll-ons go on clear, but they create a wet feeling that some may find uncomfortable. Solids feel drier, and they often contain soothing ingredients to counteract irritation. However, it is difficult to avoid getting solid deodorant on clothing. Sprays dry quickly and last longer than roll-ons and solids, but they are often more expensive than other products. Think about fragrances and other possible irritants. Especially if you shave your armpits, this area of skin can be very sensitive. Certain ingredients in deodorant can exacerbate this problem. Read ingredient lists very carefully if you tend toward dryness or sensitivity. Just like laundry detergent, perfume, and other products, deodorant often contains fragrances, which can irritate your skin and cause reactions similar to seasonal allergies. Many products also contain alcohol as a propellant (sprays) and/or antimicrobial agent. This may also be a deterrent to those with dry or sensitive skin. Be prepared to change it up. Your body can develop resistance to specific formulas, so experts recommend switching brands every six months. Scientists aren't exactly sure why this happens, but it may be due to excess sweat breaking through. You can also avoid resistance by applying antiperspirant at night, when you sweat less, anyway. See your doctor. If all else fails, your doctor can write you a prescription for a product stronger than those available over the counter. Explore natural brands. Many people prefer to use natural deodorant. For some it is about avoiding artificial ingredients that they can't pronounce; for others it is a desire not to interfere with the body's natural sweating process. Whatever your reason, there are many natural choices on the market. As with all products, people find natural deodorant to be of varying levels of efficacy. You'll have to experiment to find what works for you. However, many people find that roll-ons and sprays work better than sticks. You will not find natural antiperspirant. Make your own. Plant oils and extracts have been proven to have antimicrobial effects. These oils can be combined with other readily accessible ingredients. Try combining solids like beeswax, cocoa butter, or shea butter with oils including thyme, rosemary, or lavender. Baking soda is also a common ingredient in homemade deodorant. Experiment to see if you really need deodorant. While wanting to smell nice is not a new phenomenon, it was not easy to convince American consumers to buy deodorant. Keep in mind that companies' business depends on convincing you that you stink! There is actually a single gene that controls whether or not you have the chemical that bacteria like to feed on, causing smelly sweat. If you don't have this gene, you don't need deodorant. Short of coding your DNA, you can get an idea of whether you have this gene or not by looking at your earwax, which is controlled by the same gene. If it's dry and flaky, you likely do not produce stinky sweat. Of course, no one needs deodorant for health reasons. It's not something you need to spend money on just because everyone else does. | Know the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Consider if deodorant is right for you. Consider if antiperspirant is right for you. Consider a combo. Understand where the research stands on health risks. Understand labels. Look past “men’s” and “women’s” varieties. Consider solids, roll-ons, and sprays. Think about fragrances and other possible irritants. Be prepared to change it up. See your doctor. Explore natural brands. Make your own. Experiment to see if you really need deodorant. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Lung-Cancer-Symptoms | How to Identify Lung Cancer Symptoms | To identify lung cancer symptoms, watch for a persistent cough that lasts more than 2 weeks, shortness of breath, dull aches in your chest and arms, and weight loss. If you have more advanced lung cancer, you may also notice a hoarse voice, wheezing, weak muscles, and swelling in your chest, neck, arms, or face from a tumor that's causing pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to see your doctor as soon as possible so they can diagnose you and figure out the best treatment option. | See a doctor if you have a persistent cough. One of the most common symptoms of lung cancer is a cough that does not go away. See a doctor if your cough lasts more than 2 weeks, if it increases in intensity over time, or if you cough up blood (this is called hemoptysis) or a lot of phlegm. Ironically, smokers, who have the highest risk of lung cancer, tend to cough a lot and, consequently, do not seek treatment for this most common symptom. If you smoke, be aware of any changes in your cough, and meet with your doctor regularly. Consider getting checked for lung cancer every couple of months. You'll also want to note any changes in the character of the cough. You should be worried if, for example, a dry cough suddenly starts producing a lot of sputum. Likewise, you should be worried if the color of your sputum changes. In particular, keep an eye out for chocolatey brown, black, or greenish sputum. Watch for any problems with your breathing. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a common symptom of lung cancer, but it is often attributed to obesity, old age, heart disease, or weather changes. See a physician if you are having trouble breathing, especially if your shortness of breath occurs outside of any strenuous activity. In some cases, a lung cancer patient will feel back pain that worsens the deeper that they breathe in. Do not dismiss aches and pains. Dull and persistent aching in your chest, ribcage, shoulders, or arms could be an early symptom of lung cancer. This discomfort might progress to include tingling, numbness, and even paralysis. Investigate recurrent airway infections. If you have multiple episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia, talk to your doctor about the possibility of cancer. Tumors can obstruct your airways and make you prone to these kinds of infections. Look for a loss of appetite. Lung cancer, like other cancers, can cause a loss of appetite. If you notice your appetite has diminished, make an appointment with your doctor. Pay attention to your weight. Cancer cells use an inordinate amount of your body's energy and can affect your metabolism, leading to weight loss. This is sometimes exacerbated by the loss of appetite some patients experience. If you lose 10 pounds (4.5 kg) suddenly or without dieting, consult a doctor. Be aware of fatigue. All cancers can produce fatigue, but the symptom is so vague that it does not always prompt people to seek treatment. If you have risk factors for lung cancer, such as smoking or a history of exposure to irritants like coal or asbestos, or if your fatigue is pronounced, see your doctor immediately. Look for changes in your voice. When lung cancer advances, tumors can hurt the vocal cords and obstruct the air passages, sometimes leading to hoarseness and wheezing. Watch for any difficulty swallowing. When a tumor advances into the esophagus, it can cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Investigate muscle atrophy and weakness. Tumors can interrupt nerve supplies and make you feel weak. This may lead to tingling sensations, numbness, or even paralysis. Get treatment for any excess fluid in the lungs. Fluid accumulation in the lungs (pleural effusion) can be a consequence of lung cancer. Look for jaundice. If you notice that your skin or eyes are looking yellow, you may have jaundice. When lung cancer spreads, it can affect the digestive system and, specifically, the liver, producing this condition because of the chemical bilirubin that is supposed to make your stool brown. When cancer affects the liver, it won't work properly and red blood cells that are supposed to be filtered out build up too much, causing jaundice. Watch for swelling. Pressure from a tumor on the chest vein can lead to swelling in the neck, arms, and face. In addition to this swelling, this pressure can also cause drooping eyelids, with one pupil becoming smaller than the other. Be aware of any problems with your bones or joints. In advanced cases of lung cancer, cancer may spread to the bones, leading to pain and possible fractures. Unexplained pain or fractures definitely require a full medical workup. See your doctor if you notice neurological problems. When lung cancer spreads to the brain or compresses the superior vena cava (a large vein that supplies blood to the heart), it can cause a headache, blurred vision, paralysis, and seizures. These are serious medical problems that require a doctor's intervention immediately. Understand that lung cancer can produce hormonal symptoms. Lung tumors secrete hormones and can produce symptoms that seem unrelated to the lungs. These include: Palpitations and tremors Puffiness in the face A bloated appearance Enlargement of the breasts in males (gynecomastia) Factor in any other strange symptoms. Lung cancer can also produce a high fever and a change in the shape of your fingernails. If you notice these or any other unexplained symptoms, especially if you have other symptoms or carry a high risk, see a doctor. Monitor your tobacco use. People who have smoked for a long time or who smoke more than 2 packs of cigarettes per day have a much higher risk of developing lung cancer. Chewing tobacco and snuff also increase your risk. Be aware of second-hand smoke. Even if you do not smoke yourself, frequent contact with second-hand (like being exposed to chemicals and smoke) increases your risk considerably, especially if you live with a smoker. Understand the effects of medical radiation. If you have had radiation to treat past cancers, or any other disease, your risk of developing lung cancer goes up. In general, though, under these circumstances, the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. Note any exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. Gasoline fumes, diesel fumes, mustard gas, vinyl chloride, and coal products may increase your risk of developing lung cancer. This factor explains why people in certain jobs have higher incidences of the disease. Exposure to other chemicals, including arsenic, coal, silica, chromium, and asbestos, may also make you more susceptible to lung cancer. These chemicals are mostly impossible to sense, however, and so are difficult to avoid. Quarry miners that work with ore or coal have an increased risk of lung cancer. Know your family medical history. If you have a relative who has been diagnosed with lung cancer, you may also have a higher risk. Factor in your age and gender. Lung cancer rates increase with age, with people over 60 carrying the highest risk. Men develop lung cancer more frequently than women do. | See a doctor if you have a persistent cough. Watch for any problems with your breathing. Do not dismiss aches and pains. Investigate recurrent airway infections. Look for a loss of appetite. Pay attention to your weight. Be aware of fatigue. Look for changes in your voice. Watch for any difficulty swallowing. Investigate muscle atrophy and weakness. Get treatment for any excess fluid in the lungs. Look for jaundice. Watch for swelling. Be aware of any problems with your bones or joints. See your doctor if you notice neurological problems. Understand that lung cancer can produce hormonal symptoms. Factor in any other strange symptoms. Monitor your tobacco use. Be aware of second-hand smoke. Understand the effects of medical radiation. Note any exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. Know your family medical history. Factor in your age and gender. |
https://www.wikihow.com/DIY | How to DIY | To DIY, take a look around your home to see if there's anything that could use an update or some extra flair. For example, maybe you've been wanting a coffee table in your living room, or perhaps your walls could use a fresh coat of paint. Once you've decided on a project, do some research online to figure out what kind of tools and materials you'll need. Then, make a trip to the store and pick everything up so you don't have to go back out once you get started. | Recognize the purpose of something that you DIY. DIYs aren't only a way to spend your extra time, but also a chance to produce something helpful or useful. Consider what projects you have in your life that needs to be accomplished, and then assess if you might be able to do it on your own. You don't always need to pay for help and it can be a lot of fun. Look around for things to improve. For example, maybe you have lots of old canvas and you want to repair it. Start paying attention to the things you need done around your house and you'll find a ton of inspiration for DIY projects. Write down your ideas. Now you'll have a whole list of DIY projects to get going on. You'll also be able to accomplish your work more systematically. Adopt the DIY attitude. Being willing to do it yourself means you already have certain state of mind. However, you have to understand that your projects might not come out perfectly - especially if you are a beginner. You'll gain a serious sense of satisfaction by finishing the project on your own but don't expect it to look like the photos on Pinterest. As you get better your final outcome will look better too. Your first few projects are learning experiences, not failures. Choose a project that is within your wheelhouse. Recognize your skills and abilities but also your limitations. If you already have some carpentry skills then maybe it isn't so crazy to try to build your own coffee table. However, if you've never used a power tool before you might want to start with something more simple. Don't put yourself in danger. If you're going to be doing your DIY project with kids, make sure to take their skills and ages into account, too. Younger kids will need more supervision and shouldn't handle things that might be dangerous, such as sharp scissors or hot glue. Decide your timeframe. If you just want to spend an afternoon doing something productive then you probably shouldn't try to paint your entire house. Maybe you can repaint one wall in your living room, but the whole house is probably a little aggressive. Choose a project that fits with your timeframe so that you don't end up with a half finished project that never gets done. A lot of projects will have a designated time frame, but a lot of this depends on your skill level. Be prepared to be flexible. If you're planning to DIY a gift, make sure you give yourself enough time to fix any mistakes you might make. Projects rarely turn out perfect on the first try. Pick a project that you need to do anyway. There are always going to be a ton of projects that seem fun to do, but a great way to narrow down your options is to figure out what chores are absolutely necessary. Once you've figured that out, you can decide if you're capable of doing the task on your own. Changing your oil is a great example. Everyone needs to change his or her oil on their vehicle, but maybe you can learn how to do it yourself and skip the cost! DIY holiday or Christmas decorations are a fun thing to try because there's no pressure. A few mistakes just add to the "homemade" look! Find the right tools. This will obviously vary dramatically based on what kind of project you choose to do. Look for correct the tools. The most common tools for DIY projects are glue guns, power tools, hammer, wrench, scissors, Sharpies, cutters, pen and stationery. Make sure you consider how often you're going to use the tools. That way you can decide between buying a tool, renting it, or even borrowing it from a friend or neighbor. You don't need to buy an upholstery stapler if you're only going to re-cover one chair. You can rent big tools from hardware stores, whereas smaller purchases like glue guns and scissors are a cheaper investment. Gather the appropriate materials. It's always a good idea to have your materials available before you start the project. Once you start having to run out to the home improvement store every twenty minutes you'll really lose focus on your project. Make a list of the materials that you need and gather them all before you begin. Plan a specific crafting area. DIY can make a mess. It's a good idea to have a specific area designated for your project. Large tables or even outdoor patios are good spaces. If you're going to be using paint or glue, or creating sawdust, consider spreading newspaper or trash bags down to collect the waste. Look for instructions. Websites like Wikihow are filled to the brim with detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish basically anything. Instructions are considered a given when it comes to DIY projects. There's no shame in looking up how to do something if you're lost. It's just a matter of taking advantage of the resources that are available to you. Use the bar at the top of the Wikihow website to search for your particular project. Here are just a few ideas: Make a Pencil Holder with Popsicle Sticks Build a Bench Make a Bud Vase from a PVC Pipe Build a Birdhouse Make a Windmill | Recognize the purpose of something that you DIY. Look around for things to improve. Write down your ideas. Adopt the DIY attitude. Choose a project that is within your wheelhouse. Decide your timeframe. Pick a project that you need to do anyway. Find the right tools. Gather the appropriate materials. Plan a specific crafting area. Look for instructions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Control-Stress | How to Control Stress | If you want to control stress, try to identify what you can and can't change about your situation and focus on the things you can, since we often stress about things beyond our control. For example, if you find yourself getting angry about being stuck in traffic, you can remind yourself that you can't control the situation. When you find it difficult to manage your stress, try going for a jog or bike ride as soon as possible, as exercise is a great way of letting off steam. If you don't have the energy to exercise, you can also meditate or try some breathing exercises to calm yourself down. It might be tempting to isolate yourself when you get stressed, but try to socialize with friends or family, which can help to defuse your stress. | Understand a bit about stress. Stress is physical or emotional tension or discomfort brought on by any perceived threat to our well-being. While some stress can be good — planning your wedding, for example — other types of stress can be hazardous to your overall health. In this article, we'll examine ways to curb the negative kind of stress. Recognize the symptoms of stress. Stress can manifest in a number of different ways. Since stress can trigger a fight, flight or freeze response in your nervous system, be on the lookout for both physical and emotional signs (agitation, overwhelm, shutdown, anxiety, sleep disruption, shifts in mood, etc.) Here are some common ways stress affects people: Physical signs Tension Loss of appetite Weight gain or loss Sleep problems Headaches, back pains, and stomach problems Non-physical signs: Feeling numb towards one's feelings Feeling powerless Anger Sadness or crying Inability to focus Worry Realize some of the causes of short-term stress. Short-term stress is fleeting but powerful. Just because we know it's fleeting doesn't make it any less immediate. Short-term stress can be caused by: Arguments Feeling overwhelmed with too much work in too little time Accumulations of small problems, like running late or getting a parking ticket Identify the long-term sources of stress. Stress can be brought on by a life event, such as getting a promotion or having a child, or from internal sources, such as mental health problems or low self-esteem. Whenever you feel stressed, ask yourself what is causing it, and write down the source. Here are some of the common long-term causes of stress: Death of a loved one or someone close to you Experiencing a long-lasting illness or caring for someone with a long-lasting illness Financial difficulties Chronic problems at work or at home Negative thinking or a pessimistic outlook Do not use drugs or abuse alcohol in order to deal with stress. Dealing with stress is a difficult arrangement. Sadly, taking drugs or abusing alcohol in order to deal with stress doesn't do anything to fix the stress. In the long run, using drugs and alcohol as a crutch actually creates more problems than it solves. Know that stress can ultimately be prevented. It may seem like stress is a constant in your life, but there are ways to keep stress from encroaching on your happiness in the first place. This is more than just stress management, or what you'll find below; this is stress prevention. How do you do it? Plan ahead. If you have a bout of short-term stress before every midterm, for example, it's worth planning ahead. Start studying a couple days before you normally do, and study when your concentration is at its peak. Plan out your social engagements so that you have a break every so often. Planning ahead will sometimes prevent stress altogether. Create an order of operations. Assign priorities to certain tasks, and get the high-priority tasks done first and the low-priority tasks done later. Signing up for health insurance and signing up for the latest soccer tournament should not have equal priority. Prioritize accordingly. Prepare for potentially stressful events. If you know a stressful event is on the horizon, prepare for it mercilessly. That way, when it comes time to give a presentation, for example, you'll feel confident that you have what it takes to deliver it effectively. Take a break from the situation. You may feel as though you have to get work done right away, but a break can help in multiple ways. It will let you relax, helping you become more productive and calm when you return to work. Try taking a 5 minute break every hour at work. Walk around your desk, go to the bathroom, or read a short article online. Go for a walk outside to help Take longer breaks for longer tasks. For example, if you've been building a shed all morning, take an hour or 2 off at lunch. If you've been studying all day, take a few hours off before you begin again. Ask yourself: Is there really anything I can do about the situation? Take a step back. Look for some perspective. Sometimes, we get stressed about situations over which we have absolutely no control, like being stuck in a traffic jam. Letting the mind know that it's okay to relinquish control may be all you need in order to fight stress. So if you find out there's nothing you can do about your suddenly stressful situation, try not to worry about it. Learn not to sweat the small stuff. Related to but distinct from the issue above, this method is all about using perspective to reduce stress. Life is full of problems — some of them big, some of them small. People who successfully ward off stress are often good about letting the small stuff slide and focusing on the truly important things. Remind yourself of everything that's good in your life. Even in the disastrous event that you lose your job, there's still something to be salvaged. Remind yourself of everything you have, whether it's a loving husband or wife, grateful children, or attentive family; good health and safety; a roof above your head and a floor beneath your feet; or enough money to make sure you have the basics covered. Reminding yourself of all the things that you do have will make not stressing about the small stuff that much easier. Remind yourself of the times you have been happiest in your life; memories which put you at ease and calm you down. These memories can have a powerful relaxing effect. Fight stress with physical activity. Feeling stressed? Then get on a bike and pedal out that anxiety. Put on your running shoes and jog around the track. Change into your trunks and take a couple laps around the pool. Controlling stress is sometimes as easy as getting up and moving about. Moving around can help get rid of the stress that's being held in your body, so you'll feel more relaxed afterward. Try meditation and breathing exercises. When stress takes over, the sympathetic ANS pumps adrenaline and other hormones into the body to prepare it for action. Usually, the parasympathetic ANS eventually takes over and calms the body down. You can help the parasympathetic ANS take over by practicing meditation and breathing exercises. Combine meditation and breathing into one exercise by doing the following: Sit down comfortably and close your eyes. Begin taking slow, measured breaths. Take note of where in your body the breaths originate. After a while, let your body breathe entirely on its own while still focusing on the breath. Notice which parts of the body your breathing moves: From your hands and feet to the top of your head. If you begin to think about anything other than breathing, set your concentration back on those breaths and how they affect your body. Another great activity is a grounding exercise. This helps you become more mindful and aware of the present moment. Take a moment to sense every feeling you experience, such as sitting in your chair, hearing the air conditioner, or feeling the table under your fingers. Over time, mindfulness and meditation will help you be more equipped to handle stress and anxiety as it arises. Get social. After getting stressed out, it's tempting to try to isolate yourself from people. But evidence shows that being around trusted and amicable people can help ease stress. It doesn't necessarily have to be your friends or family, although they are great social motivators; it can be acquaintances or simply people around in, say, in a coffee shop. Being around the right sort of people can do wonders for managing your stress. Distract yourself. If your aim is improving concentration, distracting yourself probably isn't a very good idea. But that's not your aim, is it? Distraction can be an effective way of temporarily ignoring stress if you eventually use another method of controlling it (instead of just ignoring it). Distract yourself by helping someone else. Change a stranger's tire. Help someone out with a buck. Help a senior across the street. Simple acts of kindness can reverberate if you let them. Distract yourself with art. Beautiful images, videos, music, and games can all be used to keep you from fixating on a stressful event. Distract yourself with a hobby. Pick your favorite thing to do in the world and do it. Chances are it's healthy and fun, and you're probably pretty good at it. Focus on the positive. It may sounds Pollyanna-ish, but it truly helps some people. There's almost always a silver lining in stressful situations. On a sheet, divide the situation into possible positive and negative outcomes. Then do something symbolic to the negative outcomes, like ripping them apart or burning them up. Take the positive outcomes and let them inform your thinking instead of the negative outcomes. Be simple. Our modern lives can be pretty complicated and demanding. It's easy to feel like the world is guiding us rather than the other way around. In order to feel like you have more control over your own decisions, try simplifying aspects of your life. Take that vacation you've been putting off for five years. Set aside time to relax with a warm cup of tea. Take walks with your family. Try filling your life with simple things. It's those simple things that often have the most powerful effects. Try managing stress with music therapy. Music therapy is a breakthrough concept with a simple idea. Combine relaxation with music in order to fight stress, dementia, speech loss, rising blood pressure, and much more. Scientists have found that music therapy helps people calm their mind and body through its order, rhythm, and predictability. Find a nice spot to let loose, turn on some relaxing music, and help control your stress. Make a stress-journal. It may sound a little counterproductive to dwell on your stress in a journal, but it's actually healthy if you learn to deal with stress. Keep a journal with you at all times and write in it whenever you feel stressed. In your journal, jot down: What caused the stress (if you're unsure, take an educated guess). How you felt/feel, either physically or emotionally. How you responded to the stress immediately. What you did in order to make the stress go away. Start sharing your thoughts. Being in a stressful situation can make you feel like you're alone on an island. Luckily, you're not. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with other people, whether they are friends, family, co-workers, or acquaintances, can make you feel like a burden has been lifted from your shoulders. Sharing your thoughts may make you feel vulnerable, but vulnerability can be a good thing. It helps you open up, which can make you feel more honest and less closed up. Maintain a healthy diet. When your body is running low on fuel, or is only running on the wrong kind of fuel, it's hard to muster up energy to fight stress. During this time, stress can seem particularly frightening and be particularly exhausting. Therefore, it's important to get a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Here are the foods you should generally try to avoid in order to reduce the effects of stress: High-fat foods. Foods high in trans and saturated fats, like butter, certain cheeses, and fast foods, can sap our energy while increasing our risk of heart attack. Not a good way to fight stress. Simple carbohydrates. Carbs like white bread, white rice, and baked goods (cakes, muffins, etc.) are processed quickly by the body and stored as fat. Better to stick with complex carbohydrates instead — foods like whole wheat bread and pasta, as well as brown rice. Sugar. Sugars are simple carbs which enter and leave the body quickly, meaning they give us a quick jolt and then cause us to crash. This crashing can contribute to a sense of anxiety or stress. Caffeine. We supplement much of our diet with caffeine from coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. Like sugar, caffeine can cause us to crash if the body experiences a sudden drop-off. Having too much caffeine can also impair the body's natural sleep cycle. Carve out enough time in your day to sleep. Stress and inadequate sleep can form a vicious cycle. On the one hand, a survey said that 2/3 of subjects associated their sleep problems with stress. On the other hand, another study found that for each hour of sleep you lose during the night, your risk of stress increases 14%. In other words, stress causes sleeplessness, and lack of sleep causes stress. Reward yourself, but don't rely too much on incentives. It's okay to reward yourself when you manage to do something stressful. This gives us an incentive to work through difficult situations in order to do what we know is right. But don't rely on incentives in order to get you through stressful times. It can be unhealthy to always need an incentive. Sometimes you buckle down and do something because you want to do it or you know you should do it. Ask for help. Actively solicit the advice of others and entertain their ideas. You never know when another perspective will really hit home. Asking for help may mean putting aside your ego, but it's worth it. People are generally keen on lending a helping hand. (It makes them feel good about themselves.) Learn take advantage of that largesse. Reach out to a professional if these tips don't help you. In some cases, chronic stress takes hold and doesn't let go. It can lead to anxiety and depression, which spawn a host of other problems. These need to be dealt with promptly in order to make sure stress levels don't hit an unbearable level. If you feel like your stress is causing you to undergo significant lifestyle changes or is keeping you from doing things you would otherwise do, seek out the help of a professional. If you feel like your stress is causing you to self-medicate with drugs and/or alcohol, seek out the help of a professional. | Understand a bit about stress. Recognize the symptoms of stress. Realize some of the causes of short-term stress. Identify the long-term sources of stress. Do not use drugs or abuse alcohol in order to deal with stress. Know that stress can ultimately be prevented. Take a break from the situation. Ask yourself: Learn not to sweat the small stuff. Fight stress with physical activity. Try meditation and breathing exercises. Get social. Distract yourself. Focus on the positive. Be simple. Try managing stress with music therapy. Make a stress-journal. Start sharing your thoughts. Maintain a healthy diet. Carve out enough time in your day to sleep. Reward yourself, but don't rely too much on incentives. Ask for help. Reach out to a professional if these tips don't help you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-File-Downloadable-from-Your-Website | How to Make a File Downloadable from Your Website | To make a file downloadable from your website, start by creating a folder on your server for both your website's HTML page and the file you want to share. Once you make the folder, you can find it by using your Control Panel's file manager or the file browser in your FTP program. From here, you can begin uploading files immediately by simply dragging them into the folder in the FTP window or by clicking the "Upload" button in the virtual control panel manager. Once everything is uploaded, open your web page in the code editor and place your cursor where you want to add the download link. Finish by using HTML5 code to create a download link for the file, then save the changes you've made to your HTML page. | Create an HTML page if you don't have one yet. You'll be adding your download link to an HTML web page. If you don't have an existing site, you can create a basic HTML page to test out the download link. See Create a Simple Web Page with HTML for details. Open a folder on your server for both the page and the file. The easiest way to link a file is by placing the file in the same folder as the page's HTML file. Use the control panel file manager or the file browser in your FTP program to navigate to the folder containing the HTML file you'll be adding the link to. Your FTP client should already be configured to connect to your webserver since you've uploaded your site there before. If it isn't, see How to Use FTP for instructions on configuring your FTP client to connect to your server. If your web server has an online control panel, you can access your server files directly through the web management interface. You'll be able to access this when you sign into your site as an administrator. Once you're in the control panel, select the "File Manager" option. If you created your website using a website creation tool like WordPress, Weebly, or Wix, see the platform-specific instructions in the methods below. Upload the file you want to create a link to. You can upload pretty much any type of file, from PDF files to ZIP files. Note that some servers may limit the size of the file you are allowed to upload, and large files can eat through your allotted bandwidth pretty quickly. Browsers may block potentially malicious files from being downloaded by your visitors, such as EXE or DLL files. To upload files using your FTP program, drag the file into the folder in the FTP window that you want to upload it to. It will begin uploading immediately. Your upload speeds will typically be much slower than your download speeds, so it may take a while to completely upload the file. If you are using the virtual control panel file manager, click the "Upload" button at the top of the window. Browse your computer for the file you want to upload. Large files may take a while to upload to your server. Open the page you want to add your link to in your code editor. Once the file is uploaded, you'll need to add the link to it on your web page. Open the HTML file that you want to add the link to. You can double-click it in the control panel file manager to open it in the built-in page editor. If you're using an FTP, right-click the HTML file on your server and use "Open With" to open it in your code or text editor. Find the spot on the page that you want to add the link. Place your cursor in the spot in the code that you want to insert your download link. This could be in the body of a paragraph, at the bottom of a page, or anywhere else. Add the code for the link. Enter the following HTML5 code for your download link. This will start the download immediately for users after they click the link. As long as the file to be downloaded is in the same folder as the HTML file, you just need to use the name and extension. If the file is located in another folder, you'll need to include the folder structure. <!-- Uploaded file in same location as HTML file --> < a href = "examplefile.pdf" download > Link text </ a > <!-- Uploaded file in different location than HTML file --> < a href = "/path/to/file/examplefile2.jpg" download > Link text </ a > The <a> download attribute does not work in Safari, Internet Explorer, or Opera Mini. Users with these browsers will open the file in a new page and have to save it manually. Create a download button instead of a link. You can use an image instead of text to create the download link. This requires a button image already on your web server. < a href = "examplefile.pdf" download > < img src = "/images/downloadbutton.jpg" > </ a > Rename the downloaded file. If you define the <a> download attribute, you can change the name for the file when someone downloads it. This can make it easier for users to identify files that they download from you. < a href = "083116sal_rep.pdf" download = "August 31 2016 Sales Report" > Download the report </ a > Save the changes to your HTML file. Once you're satisfied with your code, save the changes to your HTML file and reupload it if necessary. You'll be able to see your new download button live on your website. Open your site in the WordPress site editor. If you use WordPress to manage and publish your website, you can use the built-in tools to add a download link to any of your pages. Log into your WordPress dashboard using the admin account. Place your cursor where you want the link to appear. You can put the link in the middle of an existing paragraph or create a new line for it. Click the "Add Media" button. You'll find this above the posting tools at the top of the page. Click the "Upload Files" tab and then drag the file into the window. You can upload a variety of different files, but WordPress may limit the size based on your account type. It may take a little while to upload files, as most connections are slower uploading than downloading. Add a description for the file. You can enter a description underneath the file in the Add Media window. This will be the text that displays as the download link. Click the "Insert into post/page" button. This will insert the download link at the location of your cursor. Note that this will link to an attachment page and not the actual file. This is a limitation of the WordPress software. Open your website in the Weebly editor. Log into the Weebly site and open your web page in the Weebly editor. Select the text or object that you want to turn into a link. You can highlight text in a text field or select an image on your page that you want to turn into the download link for your file. Click the "Link" button. When you have text selected, this looks like a chainlink, and can be found at the top of the text editor. When you have an image selected, click "Link" in the image control panel. Select "File" and then click "upload a file." This will open the file browser. Select the file you want to make available for download. Once you select the file, it will begin uploading. Basic users are limited to files 5 MB and smaller. Premium users have a 100 MB file size limit. Publish your site to see the new link. After uploading the file, the link will be ready to use. Click the Publish button to push your changes to the live site. Your visitors will now be able to click the link and download the file. Open your website in the Wix editor. If you use Wix to create and manage your site, log into the Wix website and load your webpage in the site editor. Select the text or image that you want to turn into a link. You can create links from text on your page or from images. Turn your selection into a link. The process varies a little for text and images: Text - Click the Link button in the Text Settings window. The button looks like a chainlink. This will open the link menu. Image - Select "A link open" from the "When image is clicked" menu in the Image Settings window. Click "Add a link" in the "What does the link do?" section. This will open the link menu. Select "Document" from the list of link options. This will allow you to upload various document files. Click the "Choose File" button. This will open the file uploader. Drag the file you want to upload into the window. You can only upload DOC, PDF, PPT, XLS, and ODT (and their subformats) files. This means you're essentially limited to uploading documents. File sizes are limited to 15 MB. Publish your site. Once you've uploaded the file, your link is ready to go. Click the "Publish" button in the upper-right corner to save your changes and push them to the live site. Open your site in the GoDaddy site editor. If you used the GoDaddy site builder, log into the GoDaddy website and open your website in the editor. Select the object or text that you want to turn into a link. You can turn any object on your site into a link, as well as any text from your text boxes. If you want to create a download button, click the "Button" option from the left menu to insert one. Create a link from your selected object or text. If you have an object selected, click the Settings button to open the menu. If you have text selected, click the "Link" button in the text formatting tools, which looks like a chainlink. Click the red arrow below "Link (URL)" and select "Upload." This will allow you to select the file you want to upload to your website. Click the "Browse" button and find the file you want to upload. Files are limited to 30 MB in size. You cannot upload HTML, PHP, EXE, DLL and several other potentially dangerous types of files. Click "Insert" once the file has uploaded. You'll see a checkmark next to the file in the window when it has finished uploading. Click "Save" to create the link. Clicking "Save" will apply the file to the object or text link you created. Click "Publish" to save the changes to your site. This will make your new link live, and your visitors will be able to download the linked file. | Create an HTML page if you don't have one yet. Open a folder on your server for both the page and the file. Upload the file you want to create a link to. Open the page you want to add your link to in your code editor. Find the spot on the page that you want to add the link. Add the code for the link. Create a download button instead of a link. Rename the downloaded file. Save the changes to your HTML file. Open your site in the WordPress site editor. Place your cursor where you want the link to appear. Click the "Add Media" button. Click the "Upload Files" tab and then drag the file into the window. Add a description for the file. Click the "Insert into post/page" button. Open your website in the Weebly editor. Select the text or object that you want to turn into a link. Click the "Link" button. Select "File" and then click "upload a file." Select the file you want to make available for download. Publish your site to see the new link. Open your website in the Wix editor. Select the text or image that you want to turn into a link. Turn your selection into a link. Select "Document" from the list of link options. Click the "Choose File" button. Drag the file you want to upload into the window. Publish your site. Open your site in the GoDaddy site editor. Select the object or text that you want to turn into a link. Create a link from your selected object or text. Click the red arrow below "Link (URL)" and select "Upload." Click the "Browse" button and find the file you want to upload. Click "Insert" once the file has uploaded. Click "Save" to create the link. Click "Publish" to save the changes to your site. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Your-Car%27s-Thermostat-Is-Stuck-Closed | How to Tell if Your Car's Thermostat Is Stuck Closed | If you're on the road and need to tell if your car's thermostat is stuck, start by looking at your temperature gauge and turn off your car if it's near the danger point. Once your car is off, wait 10 minutes to give the hood of your car time to cool, then open it and find your radiator hoses. Using your finger, carefully touch the top and bottom radiator hoses for a couple of seconds. If one is very hot and the other is cool, your car's thermostat is likely stuck in the closed position. Alternatively, let your car idle for a while and open the hood with the engine still running. With a heat-resistant glove on, squeeze the hose near the middle. If the hose is too firm to squeeze, the thermostat is stuck. | Take the cap off of your radiator. Open the hood of your vehicle and prop it up so it doesn't fall back down during your test. Locate the radiator, which looks like a narrow silver or black box, and is at the front of your vehicle directly behind the grill. Look for the circular metal cap on the left or right side of the radiator and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. If you've driven recently, wait until the engine cools completely before starting. Otherwise, the test may be inaccurate. Don't open the radiator cap immediately after running your vehicle since it could be extremely hot and cause burns. Start your engine and let it idle for 10-20 minutes. Leave your vehicle in park and turn it on so the engine starts. From a cold start, your vehicle's thermostat will stay closed and you won't notice any coolant flowing into your radiator. Leave the vehicle running for about 10-20 minutes so it can reach its optimal running temperature. If you notice coolant flowing into the radiator right when you start your vehicle, then the thermostat is stuck in the open position. Don't run your vehicle in an enclosed space since it will create harmful fumes. Look into your radiator to check if coolant is flowing through it. After 10-20 minutes pass, keep your head at least 1–2 feet (30–61 cm) away and look down into the radiator where you removed the cap to check on the coolant. As the engine heats up, the thermostat should open up and allow the coolant to flow from the radiator to the engine. If you see the coolant flowing through the radiator, then the thermostat opened and is working properly. If not, then it is most likely stuck closed. If you can't tell if the coolant in the radiator is flowing, shine a flashlight inside so you can see it better. Check if the engine temperature gauge enters the red danger zone. While your vehicle is still running, check the engine temperature gauge on your dashboard to see if it's rising. If the engine temperature is in the red section of the gauge and the coolant doesn't flow into the radiator, then the thermostat may be the cause of your problem. The temperature that your engine overheats will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, though most engines overheat above 220 °F (104 °C). Start your vehicle to let the engine idle. Move your vehicle outside so exhaust fumes can escape. Put your vehicle in park or activate the parking brake before turning on the engine. Let the engine run throughout the entire test so it can heat up the coolant inside. If you're worried about your vehicle possibly moving, put blocks in front of each tire to keep it in place. Check the temperature of the engine with an infrared thermometer. Take an initial temperature reading as soon as you start your vehicle. Locate the thick black hose that runs from the side of the radiator to the top or side of the main engine block. Point the infrared thermometer where the hose connects to the engine and pull the trigger to measure the temperature. Wait until the number on the thermometer settles before writing the temperature down. You can buy an infrared thermometer from your local hardware store or online. Take the temperature of the upper radiator hose. Point the thermometer at the black radiator hose connected to the engine so it's about 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) away from where you recorded the first measurement. Pull the trigger on the thermometer to take the temperature of the hose. Write down the measurement you found so you don't forget it later on. The temperature for the radiator hose should be lower than the temperature of the engine. If they are the same, then the thermostat is stuck in the open position. Measure the temperatures again after 10-15 minutes. Let your engine continue running for at least 10-15 minutes so the engine can heat up to its optimal running temperature. Record your measurements from the same places you took them earlier and write down the results so you can compare them. Watch the engine temperature gauge on your vehicle's dashboard to see if it enters the red danger zone, which means the engine is too hot and could overheat. If you notice your vehicle overheating, turn off the engine right away to avoid causing further damage. Check if the measurements are within 10° F (18° C) of each other. Look at the temperature of the engine and the upper hose after your vehicle has run for 10-15 minutes. If the temperatures are within 10° Fahrenheit (18° Celsius) of one another, then the thermostat is working properly. However, if the hose is still substantially cooler than the engine, then there isn't any coolant running through it and the thermostat stayed closed. If the hose is the same temperature as the engine but it's still overheating, then there may be another problem with your vehicle instead of the thermostat. Drain the coolant from the radiator. Crawl underneath the front of your vehicle so you're below the radiator. Look for the drain plug (the white or black plastic wingnut) near the bottom corner or side of the radiator tank. Place a bucket underneath the drain plug so the coolant doesn't spill when you drain the radiator. Unscrew the drain plug and let the coolant flow into the bucket until your radiator is empty. Screw the drain plug back onto the tank when you're finished. Vehicle coolant can be toxic, so keep it away from children or pets. Don't drain the coolant unless your vehicle and engine are completely cool or else it could be extremely hot and cause burns. If your radiator doesn't have a drain plug, use a screwdriver to loosen the clamp around the lower radiator hose before pulling it out of place. Then, drain the coolant from the lower hose into the bucket. Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the engine. The thick black hose runs from the side of your radiator and attaches to the top or side of your engine block with a tube clamp. Use a screwdriver to loosen the nut on the tube clamp and then pull the hose off of the engine. Set the end of the hose aside for now so you can access the thermostat housing on your engine. Place a shop cloth or rag in the end of the hose to prevent dirt or debris from getting inside it. Remove the thermostat after disconnecting the thermostat housing from the engine. The thermostat housing is the blocky metal piece connected to your engine block that the hose was attached to. Use a socket wrench to loosen the bolts holding the housing in place, and set them aside so you don't lose them. Pull the housing off of the engine to expose the thermostat, which looks like a small metal cylinder with a spring and 2 metal rings around it. Grab the end of the thermostat and pull it out. If it's difficult to grab the thermostat by hand, use a pair of needle-nose pliers or a screwdriver to pry it out. The bolts for your thermostat housing may be different lengths. Make note of where each bolt went inside the housing so you can reattach it correctly later. Submerge the thermostat in a pot of water so it doesn’t touch the bottom. Use a pot that's deep enough to completely submerge the thermostat in water. Fill the pot with water from your faucet and set it on a stove. Hold the top of the thermostat with a pair of tongs so it's underwater. Don't let the thermostat rest on the bottom of the pot since it could affect the temperature on the reading. You can also hang the thermostat on the side of the pot with a piece of string or metal clip. Heat the water until it reaches about 195–220 °F (91–104 °C). Turn your stove onto high heat and place a thermometer in the pot of water so you can record the temperature. Continue heating the water until it reaches 195–220 °F (91–104 °C), which is the temperature engines operate the best. Turn off the heat once your thermometer reads within the range. Take the thermostat out of the pot to see if it’s opened. Pull the thermostat out of the water with your tongs and set it on paper towels to dry it off. As the thermostat heats up, the spring should compress and the center ring will separate from the outer ring to make a gap in the middle. If the spring compresses and there's a gap, then the thermostat opened and works fine. If the thermostat doesn't have a gap between the circular metal pieces, then it's stuck closed and should be replaced. You can get replacement thermostats from an auto supply store or online. Make sure the thermostat matches the model vehicle you have. | Take the cap off of your radiator. Start your engine and let it idle for 10-20 minutes. Look into your radiator to check if coolant is flowing through it. Check if the engine temperature gauge enters the red danger zone. Start your vehicle to let the engine idle. Check the temperature of the engine with an infrared thermometer. Take the temperature of the upper radiator hose. Measure the temperatures again after 10-15 minutes. Check if the measurements are within 10° F (18° C) of each other. Drain the coolant from the radiator. Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the engine. Remove the thermostat after disconnecting the thermostat housing from the engine. Submerge the thermostat in a pot of water so it doesn’t touch the bottom. Heat the water until it reaches about 195–220 °F (91–104 °C). Take the thermostat out of the pot to see if it’s opened. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Quality-Sapphires | How to Choose Quality Sapphires | By examining the color, tone, and clarity of a sapphire, you can tell whether or not it's high-quality. When choosing a sapphire, look for one that's saturated with a single, even, color. You should also look for a medium to dark-colored sapphire since these are considered to be more valuable. Before you decide to buy, make sure to pick up the sapphire and examine it in the light. If it's high-quality it should be symmetrical on both sides, and it shouldn't have any wrinkles or imperfections. While blue is the most common sapphire color, there are also clear, pink-orange, and bright pink sapphires. Regardless of color, these sapphires should have an even tone with no imperfections. | Look for purity of color. A sapphire that has a splotchy and uneven color is not considered one of high quality. Look for sapphires that are saturated with a single vivid color all the way through. Avoid sapphires that have brown or gray spots within. Select medium or dark sapphires. Tone describes how light or dark a particular sapphire is. There's no quantifiable way to measure tone, but on a scale from light to dark, medium and dark sapphires are generally considered higher quality than those that are light. Pick a clear sapphire. Generally, the more wrinkles and imperfections (inclusions) a sapphire contains, the less prized it will be. To choose a quality sapphire, find one with few or no inclusions that allows you to see straight through it. Choose a blue, pink-orange, or bright pink sapphire. The most prized sapphires are blue and come from Sri Lanka. The second-most prized sapphire is a Padparadscha sapphire, which has a pink-orange color and also comes from Sri Lanka. The fancy pink sapphire is the third-most sought-after sapphire. It has a bright pink color and is generally found in Sri Lanka or Burma. Other colors like green, violet, and red are also available, but are less sought-after than the above-listed varieties. Get a good look at the sapphire. Turn the sapphire around in your hand as you hold it up to the light. This will help you see all the internal and external elements of the gem. Don't rush the process. Take all the time necessary to see all the nooks and crannies of the gem. Choose a sapphire with a symmetrical cut. If you're buying a heat-treated sapphire in a ring, necklace, or other jewelry, it should be cut in a symmetrical way. This means that the gem will be visually balanced, with one side resembling the other. Select an emerald or marquis cut to add the most to the sapphire’s value. The two cuts that add the most to the sapphire's value are the emerald and marquis cuts. If you're dealing with an uncut stone, aks the jeweler to cut it into one of these two cuts. The emerald cut is one that resembles a rectangle with the corners cut off. The marquis cut is one in which the sapphire resembles an American football, with an elongated appearance that tapers inward at both ends. Select a brilliant cut to maximize light return. A brilliant cut is one in which the gem appears as a pentagon when viewed from the side. The bottom of the gem tapers into a point. If you're dealing with an uncut stone, ask the jeweler or gemologist to cut it into a brilliant cut. Otherwise, choose a sapphire that has already been cut into a brilliant cut. Choose a step cut to enhance the sapphire’s color. A step cut is one in which rectangular facets are arranged on top of one another. If you have a an uncut sapphire, request that it be cut into a step cut. Otherwise, choose a quality sapphire that has already been cut into a step cut. Find a sapphire with an asterism. In most cases, inclusions are not desirable, and sapphires containing many inclusions might be considered of low quality. However, sapphires containing an asterism -- a naturally occurring arrangement of inclusions into a six-pointed star shape -- are rare and considered valuable. Obtain a sapphire from a shop that offers certification. Gemological societies (for instance, the Gemological Institute of America or the Gemological Association of Great Britain) offer certification to trusted gem dealers. The certification should verify the claims that the dealer or jeweler makes about the sapphire, including where it comes from and how much it weighs. Getting a certified sapphire is especially important if you're purchasing an expensive one. Buy a synthetic sapphire. Some sapphires are found not in mines, but made in laboratories. These synthetic sapphires are of much higher quality (and far more affordable) than natural ones, so choose synthetic sapphires whenever possible. Generally, synthetic sapphires have fewer inclusions, greater clarity, and more brilliance than natural gemstones. | Look for purity of color. Select medium or dark sapphires. Pick a clear sapphire. Choose a blue, pink-orange, or bright pink sapphire. Get a good look at the sapphire. Choose a sapphire with a symmetrical cut. Select an emerald or marquis cut to add the most to the sapphire’s value. Select a brilliant cut to maximize light return. Choose a step cut to enhance the sapphire’s color. Find a sapphire with an asterism. Obtain a sapphire from a shop that offers certification. Buy a synthetic sapphire. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Guinea-Pig-Happy-Without-a-Second-Guinea-Pig | How to Make Your Guinea Pig Happy Without a Second Guinea Pig | To make your guinea pig happy without a second guinea pig, give it extra attention by playing with it for at least 2 hours every day. You should also make sure it has plenty of fun things to do in its cage, like balls it can roll around, structures it can climb through, and things for it to chew on. Taking your guinea pig outside with you and letting it run around a fenced yard is also a great way to keep it stimulated and happy. | Provide plenty of entertainment. A guinea pig without a cage mate will need a lot of stimulation due to the large amount of time spent alone. Make sure to provide your guinea pig with plenty of toys so he won't grow bored in his cage. Ping pong balls provide a lot of entertainment as guinea pigs enjoy chewing and chasing. You can also find balls specifically made for guinea pigs at Petco or a local pet store. Be careful, however. If you notice your guinea pig chewing excessively, you might want to take the ball away. Wooden structures, sometimes called hidey houses, are great if your guinea pig likes to hide or run. They can be made at home from cardboard boxes or purchased from local pet stores. As guinea pigs love to chew, shredded paper, cardboard, old socks, pine cones, and twigs can be great. However, do not give a guinea pig materials like wool or cotton that tear thin. There's a risk that, when ingested, such materials will tangle inside a guinea pig's intestines. Consider gardening. If you have a garden, or a backyard, planting and maintaining foliage can be a great activity for you and your guinea pig. Guinea pigs enjoy being outside. If your garden is fenced in, you could take him out in the garden with you while you work. Keep a close eye on him, however, so he doesn't find a way through the gate. Never put your guinea pig on a harness and leash as it would be very easy to hurt the guinea pig with them or they could slip out. Instead consider an enclosed run big enough for you and your guinea pig. Guinea pigs enjoy the opportunity to be outside. Gardening is a great way to spend time with your guinea pig while engaging in necessary tasks. Just be sure that your guinea pig can't ingest any poisonous plants. Allow your guinea pig limited access to your house. Your guinea pig might feel bored or stressed if confined to his cage all day without a cage mate. You can have one guinea pig friendly room in your house for him to run and play. Guinea pig proof the room, making sure there are no open outlets or materials the guinea pig might chew on. Keep it closed off, as guinea pigs are notorious hiders and can be difficult to find in a big house. Pick a room you spend time in, so your guinea pig can interact with you while exploring the new space. Always have a guinea pig safe structure, like a cardboard box, present. If your guinea pig feels overwhelmed or threatened, he'll need a place to hide. Watch for weight loss or gain. If guinea pigs are alone in a cage, you need to be extra vigilant about their well-being. Health problems can result due to the stress of loneliness. Keep an eye on your guinea pig's weight, as this is generally one of the first warnings of poor health. Guinea pigs often help keep one another active via playing and wrestling. A lone guinea pig may become sedentary and put on weight. Make sure your guinea pig gets adequate exercise and does not put on too much weight. Conversely, guinea pigs can lose interest in food if feeling stressed and isolated. Make sure your guinea pig is eating enough food and that he does not lose weight rapidly. Make sure the temperature is safe. Guinea pigs often rely on cage mates for warmth as they huddle together in the cold. As guinea pigs are prone to upper respiratory problems, pay particularly close attention to maintaining a warm environment. Keep the cage off the floor and away from areas prone to drafts. The temperature should be stable and around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure your provide warm bedding for your guinea pig so he can crawl into a warm space if he gets cold. Guinea pig beds are available online or at many pet stores. Look for signs of stress and depression. Emotionally, guinea pigs may suffer as a result of living alone. Know the signs of stress and depression in guinea pigs. If you notice them occurring frequently, especially when coupled with physical ailments, you may want to consider getting another guinea pig. Sometimes, despite best efforts, guinea pigs do not adjust to solo living. Fidgeting, especially in the form of rapid head movement, is a sign of stress. This means your guinea pig is scared or feels uncomfortable. He might also bare his teeth when approached, a sign of aggression. Depressed guinea pigs tend to become listless. He will probably not display much energy or show interest in food or play. Understand your guinea pig needs time. Guinea pigs are pack animals, meaning they're social by nature. If your guinea pig doesn't have a cage mate, it's extra important you establish a bond with him. However, guinea pigs can be skittish and it takes time for them to feel comfortable around people. Take things slow. Talk to the guinea pig from outside his cage and let him come to you willingly. Never pull a guinea pig out of the cage against his will. This can make him feel threatened and increase his sense of isolation. Allow your guinea pig to sniff your hand. Simply place your hand inside his cage and allow him to come and inspect you. You should allow him to familiarize himself with your scent before attempting to handle him or pick him up. Use verbal cues to make your guinea pig feel safe. Your guinea pig should associate your voice, which he'll hear a lot from his cage, with comfort and security. Keep your guinea pig's cage in the area of your home where you're the most present. This way, he'll get used to seeing and hearing you. When you interact with him, use his name frequently so he learns to respond to it. Use positive feedback when you talk to your guinea pig. While speaking to him, offer him something to eat. Carrots, lettuce, grapes, and berries are good, healthy options for guinea pig treats. Sometimes, it's helpful to engage in one-sided conversations with your guinea pig. Tell him about your day, your plans, your social life, and anything else that's on your mind. Hearing your voice frequently will soothe your guinea pig. Guinea pigs are social animals and crave interaction of any kind. Dedicate a lot of time to your guinea pig. If your guinea pig does not have a cage mate, he will need extra attention from his human companion. Part of the reason people find it so difficult to have only one guinea pig is that they simply don't have the time. You should aim to spend 2 hours a day interacting with your guinea pig if he doesn't have a cage mate. You can plan time each day to dedicate to your guinea pig. Divide into hour or half hour play periods that work with your scheduling, totaling two hours a day. If you live with family, roommates, or a significant other, you can try asking them to spend time with the guinea pig if they're able. | Provide plenty of entertainment. Consider gardening. Allow your guinea pig limited access to your house. Watch for weight loss or gain. Make sure the temperature is safe. Look for signs of stress and depression. Understand your guinea pig needs time. Use verbal cues to make your guinea pig feel safe. Dedicate a lot of time to your guinea pig. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Signs-of-Hip-Dysplasia-in-Dogs | How to Recognize Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs | Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition in dogs where their hips are misaligned and can rub together. Fortunately, you can get help for your dog and prevent its condition from getting worse. You may begin to see signs of the condition when your dog is 5 to 10 months old. It will probably have difficult walking, getting up, or climbing on things. If it takes shorter steps when walking or it hops with its back legs like a bunny, this might be due to hip dysplasia. To avoid the pain in its hips, your dog will probably avoid physical activity as much as possible and get tired easily. You might also hear a clicking sound from its bones rubbing against each other as it moves. If you think your dog has hip dysplasia, take it to your vet so they can diagnose it and help you work out a treatment program. | Watch your dog as it moves around and see if it ‘bunny hops’. Dogs that have painful hips take shortened steps and tend to hold their rear legs farther forward under their bellies. This can lead to 'bunny hopping', which means your dog is holding its back legs together and hopping rather than running in long strides like normal. Watch your dog to see if it: Swivels its hips a lot when it walks Holds its back legs together so that when it walks its back legs hop in a bunny-like fashion Limps or has other abnormal movements Tips over easily Has a change in character, such as unusual grumpiness, which may be a sign of pain See if your dog has a hard time getting up or lying down. Pain caused by hip dysplasia can get worse the longer your dog remains in a resting position. This is particularly true in the morning after your dog has slept all night. Because of this, you might notice that your dog: Hesitates to lie down if it is standing up Has a harder time getting up if it is lying down Seems stiffer in the morning or when the weather is cold Monitor your dog’s activity and see if it decreases. A reduced amount of physical activity is 1 of the most common signs of pain caused by hip dysplasia. All dogs slow down as they get older, but a decrease in activity should not occur until your dog is an advanced age. If your dog is not ill or overweight, it should maintain roughly the same activity levels from when it turns 1 to well into its mature years. Look for: A lack of interest in going on runs or doing other physical activities with you Lying down rather than running around in the backyard Getting tired more easily when playing fetch Preferring to sit rather than stand and walk when on the leash Listen for an audible clicking sound when your dog moves. The term 'creaking bones' can be applied to a dog with hip dysplasia. You might notice a clicking sound when your dog moves. This is its bones clicking and loosening up. Listen for this noise when your dog: Gets up after lying down for a while Walks Runs Check to see if your dog is willing to climb up stairs. You might notice that your dog suddenly has a harder time, or is hesitant to climb, stairs that it has never had a hard time navigating in the past. This is because hip dysplasia makes it harder for your dog to climb up stairs or walk up slopes, as your dog's back legs are stiff and it can't control them as well as it used to. Check your dog for rashes caused by excessive grooming. Inactive dogs who can't move they want to can get bored. To pass the time, they tend to lick and groom themselves more often than normal. If you notice that your dog is spending more time grooming itself, check it for rashes or hair loss, as both of these things can be caused by excessive grooming. In particular check your dog's: Hips Flanks Legs Look for pressure calluses and sores on your dog’s body. Inactive dogs often develop bed sores or calluses in areas on their body that bear the most pressure and have the least padding. This problem gets worse if the dog is constantly lying on hard floors. Check your dog's: Elbows Points on the hip Shoulders Feel your dog’s back legs to see if it has lost muscle mass. As your dog stops using its back legs as much, it is likely that it will lose some of the muscle mass in its back legs. This condition is called atrophy. Feel along your dog's back legs for things like: : Being able to feel its bones more easily Less muscle definition and tone Sunken-in hips Watch your pup to see if it has a hard time moving around. If your puppy has hip dysplasia, you may begin to see signs of the condition as early as 5 to 10 months of age. In particular, you may notice that your puppy has a harder time moving around than other puppies. It may: Take shorter steps or have less of a stride Hold its back legs together and use its front legs more so that it can hop with its back legs, much like a bunny Look to see if your puppy has a hard time getting up after playing. While playing might be fine for your puppy, you should still keep an eye on it to see how it handles resting after play. A pup that has hip dysplasia will be more inclined to lie down for longer, and may act like it doesn't want to get up after it has rested. This is because its hips become stiff when resting after activity. See if your pup or young dog is hesitant to jump up on things. If your pup has hip dysplasia, it will most likely avoid jumping up on couches, your lap, etc. This is because its back legs are not as strong as its front legs, and it could hurt to exert enough force on its back legs to jump up onto things. Pat the couch next to you. If your puppy looks like it wants to jump up but doesn't, or tries to and then whines in pain, it may have hip dysplasia. Watch your young dog to see if it has a wobbling, unsteady gait. As mentioned above, puppies and young dogs who have hip dysplasia have a harder time moving around than other dogs. This might lead to your dog developing an unsteady walk that could be described as: Wobbling Weaving Tipping over a lot Look at how your puppy stands and see if it puts more weight on its front legs. Puppies and young dogs with hip dysplasia tend to stand with their rear legs slightly forward, so that their front legs can support more of their weight. This can lead to their forearms being much more developed than their hind legs. When your puppy is standing: Check to see if its hind legs are pressed slightly forward. Feel its forearms, which may be muscular, compared to its hind legs, which might feel bony. Take your dog to the vet for a checkup if you notice signs of hip dysplasia. If you notice signs of hip dysplasia, talk to your vet right away and have your dog examined. There are ways to prevent the hip dysplasia from getting worse, as well as supplements and medications that your dog to take to keep it from feeling pain caused by the dysplasia. Talk to your vet about giving your dog supplements before giving it medication. Some natural supplements can help your dog regain bone strength. These supplements include omega-3, antioxidants, and joint supplements. Your vet may prescribe a medication for your dog. Make sure to know when and how often your dog should get this treatment. Feed your dog healthy food that will help his bones stay strong, but do not overfeed your dog. Studies have proven that obese dogs are more likely to develop hip dysplasia. Ask your vet for a recommended feeding guide that you can follow. Most dog foods have a recommended feeding amount, and following it is sufficient. Your dog can become obese when: The recommended daily feed allowance is exceeded. When your dog consumes high energy snacks but doesn't get enough exercise. Make sure your dog does gentle exercises for short periods each day. Gentle exercises means that the exercise does not make the hip dysplasia worse. In particular, swimming is a gentle exercise that can keep your dog fit and pain-free. Break your dog's exercise up into short exercises each day. For example, going on two short 10-minutes walks, and then letting your dog swimming for 10 or 20 minutes, is better than taking your dog for a long 30 minute walk. Talk to your veterinarian about surgery as a last resort. There are several different surgical procedures available to correct your dog's hip dysplasia. However, the surgery recommended for your dog will depend on its age, weight, and size. Some examples of different surgeries are: Triple Pelvic Osteotomy, which is used on young puppies. Total Hip Replacement is recommended for dogs with degenerative arthritis or chronic hip dysplasia. | Watch your dog as it moves around and see if it ‘bunny hops’. See if your dog has a hard time getting up or lying down. Monitor your dog’s activity and see if it decreases. Listen for an audible clicking sound when your dog moves. Check to see if your dog is willing to climb up stairs. Check your dog for rashes caused by excessive grooming. Look for pressure calluses and sores on your dog’s body. Feel your dog’s back legs to see if it has lost muscle mass. Watch your pup to see if it has a hard time moving around. Look to see if your puppy has a hard time getting up after playing. See if your pup or young dog is hesitant to jump up on things. Watch your young dog to see if it has a wobbling, unsteady gait. Look at how your puppy stands and see if it puts more weight on its front legs. Take your dog to the vet for a checkup if you notice signs of hip dysplasia. Feed your dog healthy food that will help his bones stay strong, but do not overfeed your dog. Make sure your dog does gentle exercises for short periods each day. Talk to your veterinarian about surgery as a last resort. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Groom-a-Senior-Cat | How to Groom a Senior Cat | To groom a senior cat, start by setting up in a comfortable spot and petting your cat soothingly, since seniors can get anxious about grooming. Next, brush your kitty from head to tail, using a pin brush if it's a long-haired cat, or a rubber curry brush if it's a short-haired breed. If you come across any mats or tangles, try to loosen them with your fingers or a sprinkle of cornstarch before working through the knotted fur gently with the brush. Also, be extra careful around the hips, hind legs, and underside! Once you've brushed out its coat thoroughly, give your cat a treat to end the experience on a positive note. | Pick a comfortable spot for the grooming. Senior cats can be anxious or uncomfortable with being groomed. Make your senior cat feel calm by grooming them in a comfortable spot, such as on a soft mat on a high table. You can also place a soft mat on the floor and groom them there. If your senior cat has a favorite spot in your home, consider grooming it there. Stick to the same grooming spot every time you groom your cat. This will help your cat get used to the spot and get more comfortable with grooming over time. Wrap your cat in a towel. If your senior cat tends to fidget or move around when being groomed, use a towel to keep it calm. Wrap your cat in a towel by placing it in the center of the towel and wrapping each side around the cat like a cat burrito. This will keep your cat still and calm during grooming. The wrap should be snug, but not so tight that your cat is uncomfortable or distressed. You can then move the towel around as you groom your cat. Wrapping your cat in a towel can be a great option when you groom their teeth, ears, or nails as it will help it stay calm and still. Pet your cat a few times before grooming. Calm your cat down by giving them some attention and care before the grooming. Pet your cat from head to toe. Spend time stroking any spots that it likes to soothe it. Say calming words to your cat as you pet it, such as “Good kitty” or “That's a good kitty.” You can also offer your cat a few treats or a can of food if that helps calm and distract them. Use the correct brush and comb for your cat. If you have a long-haired cat, use a pin brush. If you have a short-haired cat, use a rubber curry brush. Do not use a brush that has sharp edges or sharp bristles. You do not want to scratch or irritate the delicate skin of your senior cat. You should also get a metal comb made for cats. It will have long and short tines to make it easier for you to brush your cat's undercoat. Brush your cat from head to tail. Start by brushing your cat with the brush from head to tail. Gently work through its coat. Use the comb once you have brushed your cat once through. Be extra careful when brushing and combing the cat's hips, hind legs, and underside. It should take you about 15 minutes to brush and comb your cat's coat. Run your hands through your cat's coat as you brush and comb it. This will help to move the oil in your cat's coat around. Brushing is a great time to check for any lumps or bumps, as well as any areas that seem like they might be causing your cat pain. If you notice any lumps or your cat reacting negatively to touching around their joints and limbs, let your vet know as soon as possible. Address any mats or tangles. Do not try to cut out mats or tangles, as you risk injuring your senior cat. Instead, hold onto the fur just below the mat and gently brush out the mat with the brush or comb. You can also use your fingers to carefully loosen and remove any mats or tangles. Do not pull or yank on the mats, as this can injure your cat. For mats that are hard to get out, try applying a small amount of cornstarch to the mat. Rub the cornstarch in with your fingers and brush it through the mat to remove it. The cornstarch can make it easier for the brush to run through the mat. If mats and tangles on your cat's coat are too hard for you to get out on your own, consider bringing your cat to a professional groomer. The groomer will need to use cat-safe hair clippers to remove the mats. Reward your cat with treats and praise. Once you have brushed your cat fully, give your cat a treat to end the brushing session. End every brushing session with a treat so your cat feels positive about getting brushed. Don't forget to also use verbal praise as a reward for your cat, such as “Good kitty” or “Great job.” Have daily brushing sessions. Long-haired senior cats do well with a good brushing once a day. If you have a short-haired senior cat, you can brush it once a week. Try to brush your cat in the same spot in your home and at the same time, paying extra attention to areas that are prone to matting. Make it part of your care routine for your cat. This way, your senior cat gets less mats and tangles and is not at risk of infection. If you notice your cat does not enjoy long brushing sessions, you can try breaking up the session into shorter chunks of time. For example, you may brush your cat five minutes at a time. Give your cat a treat between each mini session so it stays calm and positive. Fill the bathtub with warm water. Most cats do not like getting wet and you will need to work fast when bathing your cat. Start by filling your bathtub, or a large plastic bin, with warm water. Only fill the tub or bin with enough water to cover your cat to its belly. Have the water ready before you bring your cat in for the bath. Always brush your cat before you bathe it. Get out any knots or mats before the bath, as it will be much harder to get them out while the cat is wet. Lower your cat into the water. Use reassuring, calming words as you do this. Some cats may not like getting wet and will howl or hiss when you put them in the water. This is normal. Pet your cat and say things like “Good kitty” or “Let's be calm now” as you lower it into the water. If you are worried about water getting into your cat's ears, you can put cotton balls in their ears. If you are bathing your cat in a bathroom or a room with a door, close the door before you put them in the water. That way, it cannot run out of the room while you are trying to bathe it. Wet your cat’s fur. Dip a clean cloth in the water and gently wet your cat's fur on her body and chest. Do not pour water on your cat's head or wet her head right away. You can also use a cup to gently pour water onto your cat's body and chest. Work slowly and carefully, wetting your cat's fur. Lather your cat with cat shampoo. Once your cat is wet, use shampoo made for cats on its coat. Gently rub the shampoo into your cat's fur. Be careful when lathering around your cat's ears, eyes, and mouth. Work quickly to lather your cat, as it will likely not be a fan of this part of the bathing session. Rinse off your cat. You can use a detachable showerhead to do this or a cup. Pour water on your cat gently to rinse off all the shampoo. Rinse your cat several times to make sure there is no leftover shampoo on its coat, as this can irritate its skin. If you are using a detachable showerhead, make sure you hold it close to your cat's body so it does not make too much noise or spray water everywhere. Wrap your cat in a towel and pat it dry. As soon as you are done rinsing your cat, wrap it tightly in a towel. Pat its coat dry with the towel. Then, keep them in a warm location until they are completely dry. Do not use a hair dryer to dry your cat, as this could burn its sensitive skin. Bathe your cat monthly or as needed. Longhaired breeds should be bathed once a month to keep their coats clean and healthy. Shorthaired breeds should only be bathed if they are very dirty or if they have allergies. Senior cats who are very dirty or have an odor should be bathed as needed to ensure their coats are not prone to infection. Your vet can advise you on how often you should be bathing your senior cat, based on its medical history and its breed. Trim your cat’s nails once a month. Senior cats are more prone to ingrown toenails and dirty nails. Trim your senior cat's nails regularly so its nails stay healthy. Use special nail clippers made for cats. It may help to wrap your cat in a towel while you trim its nails. Expose only its nails and keep the rest of the cat wrapped up so it remains calm and still. If you can, have a second person with you. They can focus on keeping the cat calm and comfortable while you focus on trimming their nails. Brush your cat’s teeth. Senior cats are also more likely to develop dental issues. Brush your cat's teeth daily or as often as your cat will tolerate to ensure its teeth stay healthy. Use toothpaste made for cats and a small toothbrush. Wrap your cat in a towel if it tends to squirm around while you try to brush its teeth. Check your cat’s ears. Senior cats can develop ear infections and other issues, especially if they stop self-grooming. Make sure you check your cat's ears for any sign of infection or injury. If you notice your cat's ears are red, have an odor, are leaking fluid, or have obstructions in them, bring your cat to the vet. Do not stick any objects into your cat's ears when you examine them. Simply flip over your cat's ear and check inside the ear canal for any issues. | Pick a comfortable spot for the grooming. Wrap your cat in a towel. Pet your cat a few times before grooming. Use the correct brush and comb for your cat. Brush your cat from head to tail. Address any mats or tangles. Reward your cat with treats and praise. Have daily brushing sessions. Fill the bathtub with warm water. Lower your cat into the water. Wet your cat’s fur. Lather your cat with cat shampoo. Rinse off your cat. Wrap your cat in a towel and pat it dry. Bathe your cat monthly or as needed. Trim your cat’s nails once a month. Brush your cat’s teeth. Check your cat’s ears. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Solve-Literal-Equations | How to Solve Literal Equations | To solve literal equations, start by rearranging the equation based on the value you're solving for. For example, if you're solving for the height in the equation A equals 1/2bh, multiply 1/2bh by 2 in order to cancel out the fraction and end up with the bh. Next, multiply the other side by 2 to get 2A equals bh, since you need to do the same operation on both sides to keep the equation balanced. Then, isolate the variable h by rewriting the equation as h equals 2A divided by b. | Determine which variable you need to isolate. Isolating a variable means getting the variable on one side of an equation by itself. This information should be given to you, or you can figure it out based on what information you know you will be given. For example, you might be told to solve the area of a triangle formula for h {\displaystyle h}. Or, you might know that you have the area and base of the triangle, so you need to solve for the height. So, you need to rearrange the formula and isolate the h {\displaystyle h} variable. Use algebra to solve for the desired variable. Use inverse operations to cancel variables on one side of the equation and move them to the other side. Keep in mind the following inverse operations: Multiplication and division. Addition and subtraction. Squaring and taking a square root. Keep the equation balanced. Whatever you do to one side of the equation, you must also do to the other side. This ensures that your equation remains true, and in the process you are moving variables from one side to the other as needed. For example, to solve the area of a triangle formula ( A = 1 2 b h {\displaystyle A={\frac {1}{2}}bh} ) for h {\displaystyle h} : Cancel the fraction by multiplying each side by 2: A × 2 = 2 × 1 2 b h {\displaystyle A\times 2=2\times {\frac {1}{2}}bh} 2 A = b h {\displaystyle 2A=bh} Isolate h {\displaystyle h} by dividing each side by b {\displaystyle b} : 2 A b = b h b {\displaystyle {\frac {2A}{b}}={\frac {bh}{b}}} 2 A b = h {\displaystyle {\frac {2A}{b}}=h} Rearrange the formula, if desired: h = 2 A b {\displaystyle h={\frac {2A}{b}}} Remember the slope-intercept form for the equation of a line. The slope-intercept form is y = m x + b {\displaystyle y=mx+b} , where y {\displaystyle y} equals the y-coordinate of a point on the line, x {\displaystyle x} equals the x-coordinate of that same point, m {\displaystyle m} equals the slope of the line, and b {\displaystyle b} equals the y-intercept. Remember the standard form of a line. The standard form is A x + B y = C {\displaystyle Ax+By=C} , where x {\displaystyle x} and y {\displaystyle y} are the coordinates of a point on the line, A {\displaystyle A} is a positive integer, and B {\displaystyle B} and C {\displaystyle C} are integers. Use algebra to isolate the appropriate variable. Use inverse operations to move variables from one side of the equation to the other side. Remember to keep the equation balanced, which means that whatever you do to one side of the equation, you must also do to the other side. For example, you might have the equation of a line 3 x + 2 y = 4 {\displaystyle 3x+2y=4}. This is in standard form. If you need to find the y-intercept of the line, you need to rearrange the formula to slope-intercept form by isolating the y {\displaystyle y} variable: Subtract 3 x {\displaystyle 3x} from both sides of the equation: 3 x + 2 y − 3 x = 4 − 3 x {\displaystyle 3x+2y-3x=4-3x} 2 y = 4 − 3 x {\displaystyle 2y=4-3x}. Divide both sides by 2 {\displaystyle 2} : 2 y 2 = 4 − 3 x 2 {\displaystyle {\frac {2y}{2}}={\frac {4-3x}{2}}} y = 4 − 3 x 2 {\displaystyle y={\frac {4-3x}{2}}} Reorder the variables and constants, if necessary. If you are changing an equation to slope-intercept or standard form, rearrange the variables, coefficients, and constants so that they follow the correct formula. For example, to change y = 4 − 3 x 2 {\displaystyle y={\frac {4-3x}{2}}} to the correct slope-intercept formula, you need to switch the order of the number in the numerator, then simplify: y = − 3 x + 4 2 {\displaystyle y={\frac {-3x+4}{2}}} y = − 3 2 x + 2 {\displaystyle y={\frac {-3}{2}}x+2} Now, since the formula is in proper slope-intercept form, it is easy to identify the y-intercept as 2. Solve this equation for b{\displaystyle b}. R = 5 b d − 6 b a {\displaystyle R=5bd-6ba}. Factor out the b {\displaystyle b} : R = b ( 5 d − 6 a ) {\displaystyle R=b(5d-6a)}. Isolate the b {\displaystyle b} by dividing each side by the expression in parentheses: R 5 d − 6 a = b ( 5 d − 6 a ) 5 d − 6 a {\displaystyle {\frac {R}{5d-6a}}={\frac {b(5d-6a)}{5d-6a}}} R 5 d − 6 a = b {\displaystyle {\frac {R}{5d-6a}}=b} Solve the circumference of a circle formula for the radius. The formula is C = 2 π r {\displaystyle C=2\pi {r}} Understand what each variable stands for. In this formula, C {\displaystyle C} is the circumference, and r {\displaystyle r} is the radius. So you need to isolate the r {\displaystyle r} to solve for the radius. Isolate the r {\displaystyle r} by dividing both sides of the equation by 2 π {\displaystyle 2\pi } : C 2 π = 2 π r 2 π {\displaystyle {\frac {C}{2\pi }}={\frac {2\pi {r}}{2\pi }}} C 2 π = r {\displaystyle {\frac {C}{2\pi }}=r} If desired, reverse the order of the equation for standard form: r = C 2 π {\displaystyle r={\frac {C}{2\pi }}}. Rewrite this equation of a line in standard form. y = 1 2 x + 5 {\displaystyle y={\frac {1}{2}}x+5} Recall that standard form is A x + B y = C {\displaystyle Ax+By=C}. Cancel the fraction by multiplying each side of the equation by 2: 2 y = 2 ( 1 2 x + 5 ) {\displaystyle 2y=2({\frac {1}{2}}x+5)} 2 y = x + 10 {\displaystyle 2y=x+10} Subtract x {\displaystyle x} from both sides of the equation: 2 y − x = x + 10 − x {\displaystyle 2y-x=x+10-x} 2 y − x = 10 {\displaystyle 2y-x=10} Rearrange the y {\displaystyle y} and x {\displaystyle x} variables so that they are in the standard form: − x + 2 y = 10 {\displaystyle -x+2y=10}. Multiply both sides by − 1 {\displaystyle -1} , since A {\displaystyle A} should be a positive integer for standard form: − 1 ( − x + 2 y ) = − 1 ( 10 ) {\displaystyle -1(-x+2y)=-1(10)} x − 2 y = − 10 {\displaystyle x-2y=-10} | Determine which variable you need to isolate. Use algebra to solve for the desired variable. Keep the equation balanced. Remember the slope-intercept form for the equation of a line. Remember the standard form of a line. Use algebra to isolate the appropriate variable. Reorder the variables and constants, if necessary. Solve this equation for b{\displaystyle b}. Solve the circumference of a circle formula for the radius. Rewrite this equation of a line in standard form. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Weeping-Willow-Trees | How to Plant Weeping Willow Trees | To plant a weepy willow tree, you'll need to find a relatively sunny spot with good drainage and lots of room. Weeping willows do best in soil that can filter air and water, and in a spot that gets between 2 to 4 hours of sunlight per day. They also like plenty of water, so try to find a location near a pond or lake. The roots of your weeping willow can extend up to 30 feet, which is why you should make sure you don't plant too close to underground utilities or buildings. Once you've found a good spot, you'll need to dig a hole that's twice as wide as the tree's roots. Position the tree in the middle of the hole, then fill it half full with soil. Give it 2 gallons of water before filling in the rest of the soil. | Select an area with good drainage. While weeping willows can help wet spots in your yard, planting in standing water is not advised. Willows need dry soil from time to time, so planting in an area with good drainage and that has loose soil will allow air and water to get through. You can test your soil for good drainage before you plant. Dig a hole that is 1 ft (0.30 m) square. Fill the hole with water and then let it drain completely. Once it drains, refill it again, and use a ruler to measure the water's depth. Measure again after 15 minutes to see how much water has drained, and then multiple that amount by 4 to see how much water would drain in 1 hour. If the hole drains at a rate of 1 in (2.5 cm) to 6 in (15 cm) per hour, you have good draining soil. Make sure the area will get at least partial sun. Weeping willows need at least partial sun, which means at least 2 to 4 hours of sun per day. They can also grow in up to full sun, meaning 6 to 8 hours of sun per day. Plant away from sewers or power lines. Weeping willow roots can extend up to 30 ft (9.1 m) to 45 ft (14 m). The roots can get into some sewers and interrupt lines, so you should plant your willow at least 50 ft (15 m) away from any underground utilities, like sewers or underground power lines. You should also make sure the roots, which grow pretty close to the surface, won't extend under a patio or any sidewalk. Keep in mind that your neighbors might have underground utilities on their property. When you're choosing your place for planting, don't threaten their utilities, either. Choose an area next to fresh water if possible. Willows like lots of water. If you plant one near a body of fresh water, like a pond or lake, the tree can get a lot of its own water. Keep in mind that the roots of the willow can grow up to 45 ft (14 m) out from the base of the tree. You should plant the tree so that the roots will be able to extend fully before reaching the water. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. The hole only needs to be as deep as the root ball, but it needs to be wide to encourage root growth. Measure the width of your root ball and multiple it by 2. Dig a hole with that diameter. Set the tree in the middle of the hole. Make sure the root ball is in the middle of the hole. You should also make sure the tree is standing up straight. If you plant it titled to one side or the other, the roots might not take hold properly. Fill the hole halfway with soil. You can use a standard potting soil to fill in the hole around the root ball. Don't tamp down the soil, since this will interfere with the soil's drainage. Just pour the soil into the hole, halfway up the root ball. Don't add any fertilizer to the hole at this step. It will encourage the roots to grow in a circular direction around the root ball, and weeping willows grow best when their roots branch out. Pour 2 US gal (7.6 L) of water into the hole. Weeping willows really like water, although they'll grow fine in drier soil. Once you've filled the hole halfway with soil, pour 2 US gal (7.6 L) of water evenly over the soil. Fill the hole the rest of the way. Once you've watered the first layer of soil, fill the hole around the root ball to the top with soil. Once it's full, lightly tamp down the top of the soil to even it out. Water your willow weekly for the first year. Willows need water to grow, so you should water the planting area at least once a week. After the first year, you can water it less frequently. Just make sure the soil under the tree doesn't dry out. If you notice the soil turning brown or a lot of leaves falling from the tree during the spring and summer, increase your watering frequency. Add fertilizer in the spring if the tree looks pale. Most weeping willows don't need additional fertilizer. But if you notice the tree leaves look a little pale, you can add fertilizer in the spring. Sprinkle ⁄ 2 c (120 mL) of 10-10-10 fertilizer around the area under the canopy of the tree. Trim mature tree branches. It's best to trim a weeping willow when it's dormant, in late winter or early spring. The longest branches of a mature tree should be trimmed so they are 6 ft (1.8 m) to 8 ft (2.4 m) above the ground. Prune young trees to promote growth. In young weeping willows, frequent pruning is necessary to make the trunk strong. Check your willow for any branches that are beginning to grow in a deep V shape from the trunk. Prune those branches by cutting away the branch that it least horizontal to the trunk. You should also cut away any green growth coming from the trunk itself. Prune young trees about once a week. | Select an area with good drainage. Make sure the area will get at least partial sun. Plant away from sewers or power lines. Choose an area next to fresh water if possible. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Set the tree in the middle of the hole. Fill the hole halfway with soil. Pour 2 US gal (7.6 L) of water into the hole. Fill the hole the rest of the way. Water your willow weekly for the first year. Add fertilizer in the spring if the tree looks pale. Trim mature tree branches. Prune young trees to promote growth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Thick-Curly-Hair | How to Grow Thick Curly Hair | To grow thick, curly hair, get a layered haircut to give your hair a stacked effect. You can also trim your split ends on your own as you notice them to keep your curls healthy! In between haircuts, only shampoo 2-3 times a week, and deep condition your hair for 5 minutes once a week to replace lost moisture. Finally, you can use a volumizing mousse or gel to make your hair look even thicker! | Deep condition your hair. Moisturizing your hair is extremely important for curly hair. Curly hair has more difficulty getting moisture to the ends because of the shape of the strand. This can cause dryness and dandruff. Moisturizing your hair helps prevent this. Use deep conditioners to replace lost moisture in your hair. Make sure to leave it in for at least 5 minutes, but longer if you have time. Then rinse with cool water to help seal the cuticle. Deep conditioning your hair helps prevent breakage and split ends, which helps promote hair growth. Depending on your hair texture, you can deep condition your hair once a week, or once every other week. If you have time, go over your hair with a blow dryer on high heat for a few minutes while the conditioner is sitting on it. Heat will help your hair absorb the conditioner more effectively. Moisturize the ends. When trying to grow longer, thicker curls, it is especially important to moisturize the ends. As your curly hair grows, your hair's natural oils have difficulty coating the whole length of your hair strands. In addition to using deep conditioners, try applying olive or coconut oil into the ends of your hair A little bit of olive or coconut oil goes a long way. A dime-sized amount of either oil should be sufficient to moisturize your ends. Apply a natural mask to your hair. Treating your hair regularly with masks containing proteins and fatty acids can help make it thicker and stronger. These masks are easily made at home with ingredients in your fridge. Eggs and avocados are 2 great foods that can be used to make hair treatments. Beat 1-2 eggs in a bowl. Put the egg on wet hair for 30 minutes. You can also mix in an additional egg and a tablespoon of oil (coconut, olive, jojoba). The proteins in eggs help strengthen and thicken your hair. Do this 3-4 times a week. Rinse with the coldest water you can stand to keep the eggs from cooking in your hair. Mash an avocado and banana together until they are a uniform consistency. You can also mix 2 tablespoons of oil (coconut, olive, jojoba) in with half an avocado. Massage this into your scalp and leave for 30 minutes. Wash with plain water, then shampoo with mild shampoo. Do this 2-3 times a week. Massage jojoba oil into your scalp. Jojoba oil is believed to encourage hair growth. Massaging it into the scalp stimulates blood flow and helps hair grow. Jojoba can also help add volume to your hair, making it appear thicker. Jojoba oil is a sealing oil, so use it on wet hair after you condition your hair to seal in moisture. Jojoba oil helps keep your scalp moist, which helps the natural oils in your scalp. When your scalp's natural oils work, your hair grows. Jojoba oil also helps cleanse the scalp. Clogged follicles in the scalp can reduce hair growth. Grapeseed oil is another good, lightweight sealing oil. Use a moisturizing oil. Moisturizing oils are heavier than sealing oils, so they can be used alone to moisturize your hair. Try using coconut or olive oil. Apply it to your hair and scalp and leave on for 30 minutes for a deep conditioning treatment. Try applying castor oil onto your hair and sleeping in it. Castor oil is supposed to give body to thinning hair and help cure bald spots. Massage it into your scalp before bed 2-3 times a week for a few weeks. Apply essential oils to your scalp. Many essential oils are used to increase hair growth, strengthen hair, and help with hair loss. There are many ways you can use essential oils. You can apply approximately 20 drops to your scalp, working it down your hair. You can also mix it with other oils for multiple benefits or add a few drops to your shampoo. Rosemary, thyme, lavender, cedarwood and sage oils are often used for hair growth. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a vitamin-rich diet can help encourage hair growth. Foods rich in protein also help hair grow faster. Eat foods with fatty acids, such as salmon and other fish, avocados, and nuts. Foods rich in beta carotene and vitamin A, such as sweet potatoes and carrots, help hair grow. You can find protein and iron in foods such as lean meats and eggs. Leafy greens and beans contain multiple vitamins that promote hair health. Fruits contain vitamin C, which helps encourage scalp health. You need to include vitamins A, C, H, all the B vitamins, zinc, keratin, copper, and iron in your diet. Buy fruits, vegetables, and iron-rich foods for healthy hair. You can also try supplements if you can't get all the vitamins and nutrients you need from food. Use biotin. Biotin is found in the vitamin-B complex, and is thought to help you grow thicker, stronger hair. Try taking it as a supplement, because it doesn't easily absorb into your skin. Trim split ends. One way to promote healthy hair and hair growth is to keep the split ends trimmed. The split ends are the damaged part of the hair, so it's not helping you grow thick or healthy hair. Split ends tangle easily and make curls look limp. Some people say that you should trim your ends every 1-2 months, but this isn't a practice most hairdressers advise. Some people don't get split ends as quickly as others. Trim your hair only when it needs it. Otherwise, you are cutting healthy hair. If you can't bear to cut all your split ends off at once, try cutting a few split ends off at a time. If you have a lot, cut only 1/4 of an inch (0.6 cm) every month instead of cutting the whole 1/2-2 inches (1.3-5 cm) you might have. Continue doing this over a few months until all your split ends are gone. Cut layers into your hair. One way to help give your hair a thicker appearance is to get layers put into your hair. This style gives a stacked effect, which makes your hair look fuller and thicker. Go to a salon and tell them you want layers to help give body and thickness to your hair. Stay away from heating tools. If you want to grow thick hair, stop using heating tools. Heating tools break down the hair shaft and make the hair thinner. Heating tools also increase split ends. If you want to use heating tools, make sure to use heat protectants. Comb your hair when wet. When your hair is wet, use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb, rather than a brush, to remove the tangles. Brushing your hair while wet causes breakage, which slows the growth of your hair. Do not comb or brush your hair aggressively. This causes unneeded stress on your hair and scalp, and can cause hair breakage. When combing your hair, start by working out tangles at the ends of your hair, and slowly work up toward the roots. Shampoo your hair less. Curly hair needs to be shampooed less than straight hair because it easily gets stripped of its natural oils. Only wash your hair 2-3 times a week. Make sure to use gentle shampoos and moisturizing shampoos. Use a volumizer. One way to get thicker hair is to add body. Buy a volumizing mousse, gel, or souffle to help increase the width of your strands and make your hair appear thicker. Dry shampoo can also help increase body in your hair. Brush your scalp. Many suggest brushing the scalp to encourage hair growth. Brushing and massaging the scalp stimulates the sebaceous glands, which helps keep your hair's natural oils in balance. Doing this also helps blood flow to the scalp, keeping it active. Brush your hair once or twice a day for at least 5 minutes. Make sure you do this only with dry hair. Never brush wet hair, because it can cause damage. Bend down at the waist and brush your hair with your head down. This helps the blood flow to your scalp. Brush for 3-5 minutes, then straighten and repeat. When you take a shower, use your fingers to massage your scalp. Spend 1-2 minutes moving the scalp to stimulate it. Sleep on a satin pillowcase. Cotton can pull and damage your hair. When you're trying to grow out your hair, sleep on a satin pillowcase or with your hair in a satin cap. This helps reduce the damage to your curly locks as you grow it out. Avoid sulfates. When using hair products, check the ingredients. You want to always avoid ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium laureth sulfate. These chemicals can cause damage to your hair, such as frizz or dryness. Ovoid over drying. If you are going to blow dry your hair, then don't over dry it. When you over dry, you are pulling the hair and decreasing the natural volume. This makes your hair look flatter. Let the hair dry 80 percent naturally. Then dry with a blow dryer to lift roots and add volume. Try bangs. Adding bangs to your hair can help hair look thicker. It brings more hair into your face, making it look like you have more hair. This is especially good if your hair is thicker towards the front or roots and thinner towards the bottom. Cut a shorter layer underneath the top layer. One way to create the illusion of thicker hair is to have 1 layer underneath shorter than the top layer. This adds fullness. Make sure to keep the ends blunt. Get highlights. Giving your hair dimensions using multiple colors can help create the illusion of fullness. Highlighting your hair also pushes the shaft open, helping to make your hair fuller. Blow dry at an angle. If you are going to blow dry your hair, change the way you do it to create some volume. Flip your head to the side instead of over and down. Pull a section out at a 90-degree angle. This will give you volume and thickness all over your hair. Use a round brush. Round brushes can help give volume at the roots of your hair. When styling your hair, use one of those instead of a paddle brush. Change your part. Another way to add volume is to part your hair differently than usual. A middle part can fall flat, and if you've been parting your hair on the same side for years, it will be trained to the part and fall flat. Switch to the other side for some volume. | Deep condition your hair. Moisturize the ends. Apply a natural mask to your hair. Massage jojoba oil into your scalp. Use a moisturizing oil. Apply essential oils to your scalp. Eat a healthy diet. Use biotin. Trim split ends. Cut layers into your hair. Stay away from heating tools. Comb your hair when wet. Shampoo your hair less. Use a volumizer. Brush your scalp. Sleep on a satin pillowcase. Avoid sulfates. Ovoid over drying. Try bangs. Cut a shorter layer underneath the top layer. Get highlights. Blow dry at an angle. Use a round brush. Change your part. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Darken-Eyebrows | How to Darken Eyebrows | To darken your eyebrows, try filling them in with an eyebrow pencil and then blending them out with an eyebrow brush so they look natural. Or, you can use mascara to darken your eyebrows by applying it with the applicator brush. If you have an eyeliner pencil, you can use it to create short, thin strokes in your eyebrows so they look darker and fuller. You can even fill your eyebrows in with eyeshadow to make them look darker. | Choose the right color for your eyebrows. Pick a color as close to your natural hair color as possible. Don't pick a color that is darker than your eyebrows. Go a little lighter than your natural color if you can't find a matching shade. Keep in mind that brown looks good on any eyebrow color. Find what color that works best by applying swatches above your eyebrows. Figure out how darkly to apply your eyebrow pencil by applying different amounts of pressure as you draw your swatches. Tweeze your eyebrows first. Make sure that your eyebrows are properly groomed. Wash your eyebrows with soap and water to take sure that they're clean. Make sure to dry them with a towel so that you can apply the makeup properly. Look in the mirror while you wash, dry and tweeze. Hold your tweezer like a pencil. Holding the tweezers this way will give you the most control. Try to pull hairs from the root. Tweeze following the natural direction of your eyebrow hair. Don't tweeze too much, but make sure that you get rid of any stray hairs. Consider getting your eyebrows tweezed for the first time at a hair salon. Use this shape as a guide for tweezing your own eyebrows. Apply by using short and light strokes. Start by drawing from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye. Make sure to sharpen the pencil first. Reapply with a sharpened pencil every time you wear makeup. Make sure that you put on all of your other makeup first. Putting on makeup in this order prevents accidental smearing. Apply just enough pressure to make the color visible. Apply in short strokes about the same length as your eyebrow hairs. Fill in any spots afterward. Blend in the color. Use an eyebrow brush or a Q-tip. Lightly smudge the color in the direction of your eyebrow hairs. Comb the eyebrows to blend further. Look in the mirror to make sure that the color is even. Use the brush or Q-tip to remove excess color. Remove any stray marks. Clean up errors using a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover. Look in the mirror to make sure that there are no pencil marks outside the eyebrows. Fix a big mistake by gently washing off the color and reapplying. Consider using a clear eyebrow gel to stop the color from smudging. Make sure to let it dry before touching your eyebrows. Choose the right color of makeup for your eyebrows. Pick a color as close to your natural hair color as possible. Don't pick a color that is darker than your eyebrows. Go a little lighter than your natural color if you can't find a matching shade. Find what color that works best by applying swatches above your eyebrows. Figure out how darkly to apply your makeup by applying different amounts of pressure as you draw your swatches. Decide if you want to use mascara, eyeliner or eye shadow. Choose from one of the three steps below. Pick the makeup that you feel most comfortable with. Consider using whatever makeup you already have on hand. Be aware that eye shadow is the easiest to apply buy comes off the fastest. Use mascara or eyeliner for more control over the shape. Apply mascara to your eyebrows with a brush. Brush your eyebrows gently moving from your inner corner to the outer corner of your eye. Make sure that you put on all of your other makeup first. Reapply every time that you wear makeup. Dip the mascara brush once in the tube before applying. Make sure to apply it evenly. Apply eyeliner to your eyebrows. Start by drawing from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye. Make sure that you put on all of your other makeup first. Reapply every time that you wear makeup. Apply eyeliner using short and light strokes. Blend in the color using an eyebrow brush or a Q-tip. Apply eye shadow to your eyebrows. Be aware that this is the easiest method but that it comes off quickly. Make sure that you put on all of your other makeup first. Reapply every time that you wear makeup. Dip the eye shadow brush in a color that is slightly darker than your eyebrows. Stroke the brush along your eyebrows softly. Choose the right dye. Read the instructions on the eyebrow dye to make sure that it isn't too difficult to apply. Pick a color as color to your natural shade as possible. Try to keep your eyebrows the same color as the hair on your head. Consider using the same dolor dye for all of your hair. Don't pick a color that is darker than your eyebrows. Go a little lighter than your natural color if you can't find a matching shade. Be careful not to get dye in your eyes. Make sure to protect your eyes. Consider asking a friend to help. Ask then to make sure that the dye doesn't drip down into your eyes before it dries. Close your eyes as much as possible. Consider covering you eyes with glasses, goggles or sunglasses. Wash out your eye thoroughly with water if you get any dye in it.Don't reapply the dye if your eye is irritated. Make sure that your eyebrows are clean and dry. Don't apply while wearing makeup. Take off all of your makeup first. Wash your eyebrows with soap and water to take sure that they're clean. Make sure to dry them with a towel so that you can apply the dye properly. Make sure not to irritate the skin while washing and drying. Don't apply dye to irritated skin. Comb your eyebrows. Use an eyebrow brush or spoolie from a beauty supply store. Be aware that you can also brush your eyebrows with a mascara wand. Make sure that it has been cleaned and dried. Start combing your eyebrows on the side closest to your nose. Brush outwards towards your ears. Consider using a thin coat of petroleum jelly on your eyebrows. Doing this with protect your skin from dye stains. Dye the bottom half of your eyebrow closest to your eyes first. Look in the mirror as you carefully add the dye with an eyebrow brush or spoolie. Starting this way enables you to dye the thickest and densest part of your eyebrow first. Apply in even layers. Let the dye dry for at least two minutes before filling in any spots that you may have missed. Be aware that most dye takes at least 15 minutes to dry so don't smear it while you wait. Clean the edges of your eyebrow with a Q-tip. Make sure not to stain your skin. Use your Q-tip to clean around your eyebrows with warm water or a professional color remover. Dye the outer half of your eyebrow. Don't go over the inside again or you'll make the hair unevenly dark. Let the dye dry for at least two minutes before filling in any spots that you may have missed. Be aware that most dye takes at least 15 minutes to dry so don't smear it while you wait. Clean the edges of your eyebrow with a Q-tip. Make sure not to stain your skin. Use your Q-tip to clean around your eyebrows with warm water or a professional color remover. Wash away any excess dye. Use a dark washcloth and warm water. Don't dye your hair for any longer than is recommended on the package. Be aware that you can irritate your skin if the dye is left on too long. Clean off the remaining dye once your eyebrows are as dark as you want them to be. Look in the mirror to make sure that all the dye has been properly removed. | Choose the right color for your eyebrows. Tweeze your eyebrows first. Apply by using short and light strokes. Blend in the color. Remove any stray marks. Choose the right color of makeup for your eyebrows. Decide if you want to use mascara, eyeliner or eye shadow. Apply mascara to your eyebrows with a brush. Apply eyeliner to your eyebrows. Apply eye shadow to your eyebrows. Choose the right dye. Be careful not to get dye in your eyes. Make sure that your eyebrows are clean and dry. Comb your eyebrows. Dye the bottom half of your eyebrow closest to your eyes first. Dye the outer half of your eyebrow. Wash away any excess dye. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-a-Cat-Not-Throw-Up | How to Help a Cat Not Throw Up | To help a cat not throw up, get it dewormed to make sure tapeworms aren't causing the problem. You should also check to see if you've been giving it any medications that have vomiting as a side effect, and ask your veterinarian for an alternative if you think it's the problem. If the problem persists, put the cat on a hypoallergenic diet for 8 weeks, then slowly reintroduce foods 1 at a time to see if they cause a problem. | Check when your cat was last dewormed. An infestation of worms, such as tapeworms, can cause your cat to vomit. By deworming your cat, you will be able to either stop the vomiting from occurring, or at least rule out this as a cause. Deworm your cat more often — once a month at minimum — if they are allowed to hunt. If your cat is behind on their deworming, get them up to date. There are many dewormers available to purchase. Different products have different spectrums of effectiveness, thus deworming your cat is not a guarantee all the worms are gone. On occasions it is necessary for your vet to analyze a fecal specimen to identify any worms that have survived treatment. Use, selamectin (Revolution), for roundworms. Use, milbemycin (Interceptor), to remove many types of worms. Be aware of potential allergens. Many cats have allergies, particularly to proteins. Your cat may have an intolerance to a component of their diet. Identify and remove any allergens from the cat's diet. Ask your vet about hypoallergenic diets. Use a hypoallergenic diet for at least eight weeks, to ensure the allergen has passed. Slowly introduce new foods, one at a time, and check for any that trigger vomiting. Some cats will vomit almost immediately after eating the allergen, but others may take hours to vomit. Generally, when the allergen reaches the stomach, irritation occurs, which results in vomiting. Check if your cat has started any new medications. Cats are very sensitive to medications and many medications have the side-effect of causing vomiting. Take note of any medications you may have given your cat and see if they might be responsible for the vomiting. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you more about complications from medication. If a medication is the cause of the vomiting, ask your veterinarian for alternative. Cats are extremely sensitive to medications, home remedies should not be administered. Brush your cat daily. Hairballs are common in cats and are a result of your cat's normal grooming habits. When cats groom themselves, they ingest hair, which can irritate the stomach, inducing vomiting. By brushing your cat, you minimize the amount of hair it might ingest, preventing your cat from vomiting a hairball. Brush your cat daily. Brush both long and short haired cats. Use a comb to remove knots. Use a rubber brush to remove loose hairs. Feed your cat hairball-prevention dry food. There are several kinds of cat food on the market designed to minimize hairballs. Try to choose a dry food formula which has high fiber content. Fiber helps hair to pass through the digestive system. Use a gentle cat lubricant paste. If your cat frequently has hairballs, you might consider keeping a cat lubricant paste on hand. These lubricants are designed to help cats pass hairballs. A number of different products exist, such as Lax-a-paste or Katalax. Many are made of inert liquid paraffin and are often given a flavor so your cat will lick it. Apply about one inch to the cat's paw, twice a day for two to three days, so that it licks it off. The paste coats the hairball and either helps it pass out in the feces. Slow your cat down when it eats. Some cats eat quickly and in doing so swallow a lot of air with its food. This can cause its stomach to become irritated and it will vomit shortly after eating. Stop this behavior with a few simple actions: Divide its food in a muffin tray to make smaller portions and slow down its eating. There are already many devices for purchase that are designed to dispense food slowly. Watch for weight loss. A healthy cat that vomits should not lose weight. If your cat is vomiting at least two or three times a week and losing weight, take them to the vet. You should also take your cat to the vet if you notice the following symptoms of intestinal dysfunction: Soft feces Feces with blood Feces with Mucus Diarrhea Watch for a change in behavior. Look for any behaviors in your cat that are not normally present. These behaviors could include many things, but if they seem to be out of character for your cat, take them to the veterinarian. Check the following list for some examples of things to look for: Lack of energy, tired, or lethargic. Quiet, withdrawn, or listless. Extremely vocal or hyperactive. Watch for a change in eating or drinking habits. Keep an eye on how often your cat is eating and drinking. Also watch for the amount they are consuming, both in food and drink. If your cat presents any abnormalities in their appetite or thirst, take them to your vet. If your cat is drinking or eating much less, and losing weight, visit your vet. If you cat is drinking much more than usual, visit your vet. Go to your veterinarian if in doubt. It's not always easy to identify what the problem might be. Your veterinarian will be able to pinpoint the cause of your cat vomiting and help to discover if it is symptomatic of something more serious such as: Pancreatitis Kidney disease Liver disease Inflammatory bowel disease Worms Infections | Check when your cat was last dewormed. Be aware of potential allergens. Check if your cat has started any new medications. Brush your cat daily. Feed your cat hairball-prevention dry food. Use a gentle cat lubricant paste. Slow your cat down when it eats. Watch for weight loss. Watch for a change in behavior. Watch for a change in eating or drinking habits. Go to your veterinarian if in doubt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-Your-Parents-You-Want-to-Act | How to Tell Your Parents You Want to Act | Before you tell your parents you want to act, first decide the kind of actor that you might want to be. Then, use that to do your research into things like the cost of college, and potential backup jobs where you can use some of the skills you have from acting. When you're ready, lay that plan out for your parents, and tell them why you think acting would be a good fit for you. While you want them to see how excited you are, you also need to be ready to listen and ask for help in making the decision! | Ask yourself why you want to be an actor. Brainstorm your answers. In other words, write down everything that comes to mind. This could just be a phase of different interests, and that is entirely okay. Analyze the list for good reasons, like "I'm good at it" or "My friends tell me I should try". Be specific. Things like "It makes me happy" are great but try to ask yourself why it makes you happy. Write it down. Edit your list on a new sheet of paper. Some reasons that are important to you, like "I have a deep psychological need for approval and appearing on a stage can meet" may be a great reason (and is), but probably not the best bet for talking to your folks. It's easy to want to be the next Tom Cruise, the movies are full of young actors trying to do just that. Few if any of them will make it. There are a lot of different ways to make your living as an actor other than movie stars. For example: Stage acting. A modest living but a lot of fun. Character acting. Commercials. Acting coach or teacher. Acting as path to writing or producing. Showing your folks that you do not have the all-too-common teenage bug about wanting to be a movie star and have instead considered your career realistically and carefully will go a long way towards their taking your choice seriously. If you are not already involved in acting you should be. Let your parents know how seriously you take your choice by studying the subject. The main way you will convince your parents is to show them that you are passionate and realistic about your ambition. Some ideas include: Learn how to act by taking acting lessons. Join the thespians. Try out for a school play. Read plays and talk about them. Go to plays, not movies. Audition. If you already have a part in a semi-professional or professional production when you tell your parents that's great, but if they hear that you have simply auditioned and gone through the rejection process they will feel better about your understanding of this career. Parents like to see that young adults are approaching their life choices in a mature manner and nothing will do that better than doing your homework. Think about what other careers you may be able to do with acting skills if you don't make it as the kind of actor you wish to be. For example sales, publicity and marketing positions often require the same kinds of skills. Showing your parents you have sensibly considered an "escape route" if things don't work out should impress them with your mature sensible nature. Research what you will need to do to achieve your goal. For example: Research and price acting schools. Each school will have its own style and, more importantly, its own placement rates in various acting careers. Find and choose the one that is right for you. Honestly evaluate your talent and find areas you are lacking. Perhaps you need to be a better dancer dancer, or singer or tell better jokes. If these skills are a part of your plan, figure out how you will learn the skills. Choose a time when they are in a good, receptive mood and not tired or distracted by other things. Parents are usually busy all the time, although it may not seem that way. Usually, the weekends are when they are the happiest. Consider raising the subject in a public place. Eventually you will have to have an intense private conversation, but first raising the issues in a public setting, like a cafe, can give you an idea of their initial reaction and what you may be up against. Show them your passion and excitement about your choice. Calmly tell them of your plans, your reasons why this is the best choice for you and your goals. Carefully listen to what they have to say. Do not argue with them at this stage, just listen. They are your folks, they probably have some smart things to say. Try to compromise or find common ground. For example, you might suggest that you would like to follow the acting path but also take a different part time job "just in case". Ask for their help in making the decision. Perhaps you need some financial help paying for acting classes? Help them discover if this is the right thing for you on their own time. Remember, you have been thinking about this for a while, but it is all new to them. | Ask yourself why you want to be an actor. Analyze the list for good reasons, like "I'm good at it" or "My friends tell me I should try". Be specific. Edit your list on a new sheet of paper. It's easy to want to be the next Tom Cruise, the movies are full of young actors trying to do just that. Showing your folks that you do not have the all-too-common teenage bug about wanting to be a movie star and have instead considered your career realistically and carefully will go a long way towards their taking your choice seriously. If you are not already involved in acting you should be. Parents like to see that young adults are approaching their life choices in a mature manner and nothing will do that better than doing your homework. Think about what other careers you may be able to do with acting skills if you don't make it as the kind of actor you wish to be. Research what you will need to do to achieve your goal. Choose a time when they are in a good, receptive mood and not tired or distracted by other things. Consider raising the subject in a public place. Show them your passion and excitement about your choice. Calmly tell them of your plans, your reasons why this is the best choice for you and your goals. Carefully listen to what they have to say. Do not argue with them at this stage, just listen. Try to compromise or find common ground. Ask for their help in making the decision. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Spin-a-Drumstick | How to Spin a Drumstick | Spinning a drumstick is a cool trick you can incorporate into your performance to impress your audience. There are many different ways to spin your drumsticks, but one of the easiest and coolest ways is to spin it like a baton. Start by holding the stick between your pointer and middle fingers. Then, paddle your fingers alternately, which will make the stick move back and forth like a pendulum. As you alternate your fingers, roll your wrist slightly and make a figure eight movement with your fingers. If the stick starts to slide down your fingers, adjust your grip to center it. | Place the stick between your pointer and middle finger. The basic drumstick spin is essential for any drummer to know. Position the middle of the drumstick low, in between your pointer and middle finger. The stick should be resting in the webbing of your two fingers. You can use your right or left hand to practice this trick, and it will look even better when you can do it simultaneously with both hands. Alternate the position of your fingers. With the stick in between your two fingers, alternate the positioning of your fingers. Your fingers should look like the legs of a swimmer, moving alternatively up and down. This up and down movement of your fingers will make the drumstick move back and forth in a pendulum-like motion. Practice this finger movement to get accustomed to the back and forth motion of the drumstick. The middle of the stick should remain in between your pointer and middle finger. Incorporate a figure eight movement. As you alternate your fingers and the drumstick is moving back and forth like a pendulum, slightly roll your wrist to get some fluidity to the movement of the stick. As the stick spins, begin making a circular, figure eight motion with your fingers. As you continue to spin the stick, it will naturally slide down to the end of the stick due to gravity. Because of this, you will have to eventually readjust the positioning of the stick. Hold the stick in matched grip position. Matched grip position is the starting position in which you hold your drumsticks. Grip the stick by hooking your pointer finger around the stick, and grasping the stick with the pad of your thumb. You should be holding the stick approximately 4 inches from the bottom of the stick. Then wrap your other three fingers around the drumstick. The drumstick should be gently (but securely) resting in the palm of your hand. Position your hand vertically. Normally when drumming, your hands (and sticks) are in a horizontal position. For the spin, turn your hand so you're holding the drumstick vertically. Pinch the stick and release your other fingers. Remain holding the drumstick with your pointer finger and thumb. Put your middle, ring, and pinky fingers behind the stick while still keeping the drumstick vertical. Spin the drumstick backward. With your three fingers behind the drumstick, push the bottom the drumstick forward (so the top of the stick comes toward you). Your middle finger is going to be doing the majority of the pushing. As the drumstick begins to spin, release your thumb from the stick and allow the stick to spin over your pointer finger. As the stick finishes spinning around your pointer finger, release your middle finger from the stick, and the drumstick will then finish spinning around your pointer finger. Catch the drumstick. The stick will make one full rotation until it is back in its starting position. As the stick comes back to its starting position, catch it using all of you fingers and thumb. Once back in the starting position, you can continue to spin the stick. Position the drumstick between your pointer and middle finger. Place the middle of the drumstick in between your index and middle finger. Spin the drumstick by moving your pointer finger away from you and moving your middle finger toward you. This will make the drumstick in between your fingers spin over toward your other two fingers (ring and pinky finger). As you do this first spin between your index and middle finger, relax your ring and pinky finger so they can be pulled away and lower than your two spinning fingers. This will prevent the stick from hitting those fingers as you execute the first spin. Hook your ring finger. As the drumstick spins and travels around your middle finger, hook your ring finger onto the back of the stick, and allow your pointer finger to relax and straighten out. This will transfer the drumstick from your pointer and middle finger to your middle and ring finger. Just like you moved your pointer finger away from you and moved your middle finger toward you to get the drumstick to spin, you are going to do the same movement with your middle and ring finger. Move your middle finger away from you and move your ring finger toward you. This will cause the stick in between your two fingers to continue spinning. Hook your pinky finger. As the drumstick spins around your ring finger, hook your pinky finger behind the stick, and allow your middle finger to relax and lay flat. Allowing your middle finger to relax positions the drumstick between your ring and pinky finger. From this position, you can again, move your ring finger back, away from you, and move your pinky finger toward you, causing the drumstick to continue spinning. Transfer the stick from your pinky to your pointer finger. As the drumstick spins around your pinky finger, it will come back around to the front (palm side) of your hand. When it is on the palm side, tuck your pointer finger down. When the stick is horizontal and perpendicular to your fingers, lift your pointer finger back up so it is in front of the stick. At this position, your pinky finger and pointer finger should be in front of the drumstick, while your middle and ring fingers should be behind the drumstick. As you move your pointer finger to be in front of the drumstick, slowly release your pinky and ring finger so the only two fingers touching the drumstick are your pointer finger (which is in front of the stick) and your middle finger (which is behind the stick). This will put you back in the starting position and you can continue spinning the drumstick. Hold the stick with an open hand. Hold open your hand, palm facing up, and position the middle of the stick horizontally in the middle of your hand. Spinning the drumstick from its middle will allow the stick to be balanced as you spin it. Once you have the positioning down, close your hand loosely to grip the drumstick. Spin the drumstick. Bring your wrist back, as if you are going to throw the drumstick away from you. As you “throw” the stick, open your hand all the way, really wide, so your fingers are almost pointing downward. This will allow the jointed part of your hand (where your fingers connect to the palm of your hand) to be the highest point on your hand. The highest point is where you want the stick to spin, so it doesn't hit any of your fingers as it rotates. Spin the drumstick with enough force so that it can make at least one full rotation spinning. If you don't spin the drumstick with enough force, it will stop spinning on your hand. Catch the drumstick. When the drumstick starts to slow down on the palm of your hand, clench your hand to catch the stick. It will be easier to catch the stick if one of the ends are in between (or near) the space between your thumb and pointer finger. | Place the stick between your pointer and middle finger. Alternate the position of your fingers. Incorporate a figure eight movement. Hold the stick in matched grip position. Position your hand vertically. Pinch the stick and release your other fingers. Spin the drumstick backward. Catch the drumstick. Position the drumstick between your pointer and middle finger. Hook your ring finger. Hook your pinky finger. Transfer the stick from your pinky to your pointer finger. Hold the stick with an open hand. Spin the drumstick. Catch the drumstick. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Someone-to-Stop-Sexting-You | How to Get Someone to Stop Sexting You | Receiving unwanted sexts can be annoying or even upsetting, but you can take steps to stop them. If a stranger is sexting you, block their number so their messages won't be delivered. In the case of a friend or a co-worker, explain that sexting doesn't feel right and that you'd like them to stop. If they don't stop, block them and talk to someone you trust about the situation. Blocking the person on social media is also a good idea. If they continue to try to get in touch with you, contact your local law enforcement. | Do not send or receive messages. If you send or receive sexts, you can be charged with child pornography. This applies to sexts that happen on the phone or over the internet. Visit the Mobile Media Guard website to find the sexting laws and regulations in your state. If you receive any sexts, do not share them with any of your friends. Doing this can get you in even more trouble. Do not be terrified and let this stop you from notifying an adult. You will not automatically go to jail or get in trouble for receiving sexts, but you should be aware that this is very serious. Think before you send a message. Once you send a message or a photo, it is no longer in your control. You cannot control if the other person shares it with other people, posts it online, or saves the message forever. Your text messages, social media activity, and online activity are not private. Before you send the message, ask yourself, "Would I be fine with everyone seeing this?" If you do not want your parents, friends, family, future employer, or college admissions officer to see the message, you probably do not want to send it. Do not give into pressure to send messages to a person, even if you care about the person. Ignore their requests or just block them. Immediately delete any inappropriate pictures you receive. If you receive a nude or semi-nude picture of another person, delete the message. If there happens to be a police investigation, the police can contact your cell phone provider and pull the records. The records will show that you deleted the message as soon as you received it. Deleting the picture immediately can keep you and any person you show the picture to out of legal trouble. If you show your teacher or parent the picture, both of you could be charged with child pornography. You can always tell an adult that you received a picture and that you deleted it. Contact an adult you trust. If someone is sexting you or pressuring you to send pictures or messages, contact a parent, police officer, or another trusted adult. Even if the person is another adult or teacher, you need to report it. Get an adult involved as soon as possible. If you talk to an authority figure (e.g. teacher, counselor, policeman, etc.) the law may require that your situation is reported to the authorities. You can get some anonymous advice by contacting Lifeline Crisis Chat (an online service) or calling the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. You can only use the Kids Help Phone if you are 20 years old or younger. Block the person on your Android phone. If you have the Android device, there are many different ways you can block the person. You can use the Android messaging app, use a third-party app, or contact your phone carrier. To use the Android messaging app, tap and hold the text message from the person you want to block. Your phone will then ask you if you want to "delete the message" or "add to spam." Choose "add to spam" to stop receiving messages. You can also download a blocking app from the Google Play Store to help you manage your texts. If none of those options work for you, you can call or go to your phone carrier's website to add numbers to your block list. Block the person on your iPhone. Your iPhone has a built-in block feature. Go to your contacts menu and choose the person that you want to block and click "Edit." The very last option should say "Block this Caller." Simply choose that option to stop the person from texting, calling, or facetiming you. If you need to block a number that is not saved in your contacts, you can block the person by going to the text message directly. Choose "details" in the top right corner of your phone. Press the "details" button and then tap the "i" icon. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and press "Block this Caller." These methods will work for an iPhone, iPad, or iPhone touch. Block text messages on other phones. Contact or go to your phone carrier's website to block phone numbers. If you call your carrier, let them know that you want to add some numbers to the blacklist. On the carrier's website, go to your "my account or my preferences" page to find the options for blocking numbers. You may able to block a number on your phone without going through your phone carrier, but this varies by device. Block the person on social media. Most social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram will allow you to block another user. This is very helpful because a person may still try to contact you on social media even if you have blocked their phone number. Keep in mind that the person will be able to find out that you have blocked them. You can usually find the blocking information in the privacy settings or the help section. Blocking the person is helpful for both you and the other person. You do not have to see any of the messages, and you will not be tempted to respond to any of them. It is up to you if you want to let the person know that you are blocking them. Determine the person's intent. People sext for many different reasons. Some sexting is consensual while other times it can be used to harass, blackmail, or victimize someone. The nature of sexting can also change. For example, you may have agreed to sext with your partner, but your partner is now threatening to post some of your photos or text messages because the two of you got into a fight or ended the relationship. Before you take any kind of action, consider the source. The way you handle a person using sexting to blackmail you will be different than telling your partner or friend that their text messages simply make you uncomfortable. Consider why the sexting upsets you. It might be the source of the messages, such as from a friend or acquaintance rather than from a lover, and/or it just feels too intimate for your preference. Or, it might be the content being just too lurid for your liking. Your feelings are valid. You may enjoy or dislike receiving the messages, or you may be unsure about them. Do you not like receiving the messages at all? Tell the person to stop. Are the messages too vulgar and you would like something more discreet? Let the person know you prefer sweeter or more coded language. How the messages make you feel will also determine how you handle the situation. Ask the text sender to stop sending you inappropriate messages or photos. The first step to getting someone to stop sexting you is to simply request they stop contacting you this way. It is quite possible that they really do not know that it is offending or upsetting you and most reasonable people will apologize and cease immediately. Obviously, determining how to deliver the request could be a little tricky, especially if you're trying to ask someone you like, such as a friend or boyfriend/girlfriend, to stop the sexting. Talk to someone who you can trust to help you handle the situation. This may be a friend, family member, teacher, or school counselor. You could also write down what you plan to say or stand in front of the mirror and practice. Decide how to talk to a romantic partner. Maybe your sweetheart thinks that sexting might heat things up at home, but you're a little grossed out. Maybe your new date is using sexting as a means to seduce and perhaps even impress you. They don't know you well enough yet to realize that it's actually upsetting you (and perhaps you're too polite or confused to say otherwise). Tell the person, "Hey, I'm not really into sexting," or "Sexting makes me really uncomfortable. I would rather you not send me messages like that." For a love interest, it can help to explain that you believe that intimacy should only be a face-to-face thing and that sexting feels sneaky, unreal and smutty to you. You could also add that texting is no replacement for talking and that you just don't appreciate sexting as a substitute for direct talk. Seek help if you are at work. A co-worker or supervisor may start sexting you. Perhaps a friendly gesture in the lunchroom or a comment you made during the last staff meeting gave one of your co-workers or a casual acquaintance the wrong idea and now they've taken the liberty of sexting you. There are multiple ways to handle this. You can tell the person to stop because maybe they just have the wrong idea. You can also go the human resources department at your job and report this because this is considered sexual harassment. Handle a sext from a stranger. Have you received an inappropriate message or photo from an unknown number? Did a stranger send you something online? In this case, just block the unknown number or the sender. It is best not to engage or respond to a stranger. Do not ask who it is or how the person got your contact information. Engaging with an unknown person on any level may encourage them to continue. Sometimes a person you dislike has your number. Just block them because they are probably sexting you to get on your nerves and bother you. Determine how to talk to a friend. Your friend might sext you as a joke or think it's not a big deal. Simply respond to your friend the next time it happens. Keep it light the first time you ask them to stop. You could return the text or Facebook message by saying something like “Gross, no thank you!” or “My mom (spouse, kids, etc.) reads my messages, so you probably shouldn't send me stuff like this.” If that doesn't work, tell them in person or over the phone that sexting makes you uncomfortable and to stop doing it. If all else fails, you may have to block your friend until the message is clear. Do not encourage the other person's sexting. Have you done anything to encourage sexting? Perhaps you sent a photo of yourself in a scantily clad pose, or perhaps you said something sexy that seemed to open the doors to more sexting. If any of these things have occurred from your end, you'll need to explain that you didn't mean for it to become a regular occurrence or to become more serious than you originally intended. In the future, always think twice before sending sexy photos of yourself or sending provocative words. Even if you have sexted with the person in the past, you always have the right to change your mind and stop sexting. Do not feel guilty if you no longer want to participate. Don't play along if you don't want to communicate with the person in this manner. Being forthright about your preferences at the outset of the start of sexting is best. Talk to a parent or trusted adult. If you are unable to handle the situation on your own and do not know where to start, a parent or a trusted adult is always a good resource. Your parent is not required to report any photos or messages to law enforcement and can help you decide what to do next. Talking to your parents can be difficult and embarrassing, but remember that they love you and want the best for you. Be honest and do not hide any of the details. Get law enforcement involved. If the behavior does not stop or the other person pursues you other ways (such as stalking, threatening or harassing), contact your local law enforcement. Some people who have been asked to stop sexting will stop. However, if the other person continues to pursue you, you may need to get the authorities involved. Always tell the truth when you talk to law enforcement. They need to know about any messages you responded to or any explicit photos that you may have sent. Talk to a victim advocate. If you feel like you are being victimized by the person sexting you, work with an advocate to help you navigate the process. An advocate can help you gather evidence, put together a safety plan, and get civil protection. There are many different ways to find a victim advocate in your area: Call or visit the website of the National Organization for Victim Assistance. The phone number is 1-800-879-6682. | Do not send or receive messages. Think before you send a message. Immediately delete any inappropriate pictures you receive. Contact an adult you trust. Block the person on your Android phone. Block the person on your iPhone. Block text messages on other phones. Block the person on social media. Determine the person's intent. Consider why the sexting upsets you. Ask the text sender to stop sending you inappropriate messages or photos. Decide how to talk to a romantic partner. Seek help if you are at work. Handle a sext from a stranger. Determine how to talk to a friend. Do not encourage the other person's sexting. Talk to a parent or trusted adult. Get law enforcement involved. Talk to a victim advocate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Shag-Dance | How to Shag Dance | To get started shag dancing, the man and the woman should face each other at an arm's length as the man holds the woman's right hand in his left hand. Then, the man and woman perform the steps of the dance in a mirror image of eachother. Starting with his left foot, the man does a rock-step forward, then backward, before squaring his feet and taking a final step forward with his right foot. Finally, start again from the first step! | Learn to count "one-and-two, three-and-four, five-six. " Repeat until you know the eight-beat rhythm well. Here's what you need to know: There are eight shag dance steps, each of which corresponds to a beat. The "one-and-two" and "three-and-four" steps should take about as much time to complete as the "five-six." Get some good shag dance music going, while you're at it. Here are some favorites: "The Flame" by Fine Young Cannibals "Do You Believe" by Cher "Never Make a Move Too Soon" by B.B. King "Your Heart's in Good Hands" by Al Green "Mojo Boogie" by Henry Gray Learn to step in time to the eight-beat rhythm. Know that the idea of counting is to give your feet a beat to move to. Your feet will move with every count, which includes any number you say as well as the word "and." Before you try incorporating the shag dance moves, just step in place. Alternate between your left and right foot. Repeat until you're comfortable counting the rhythm and alternating feet. In the shag dance, you'll never step with the same foot twice in a row. This is a fluid, not a jerky dance move. Think of your forward and backward movement as the movement of a swinging pendulum. Avoid having any bounce in your steps and smoothly transition from one step to the other. Know that men and women should do the same step with the opposite foot. This is an important thing to know before you begin to shag dance. Think of it as the partners creating a mirror image of each other's steps. If you're at a loss for what to do and have a knowledgeable partner who is facing you, just mirror his or her footsteps. Women should always do the same step as the men but with the opposite foot. Women, therefore, should lead with the right foot. As you start to move your feet, remember that your lower body should do most of the work for this particular dance. Keep your upper body upright and tall and avoid swaying. Both men and women should wear leather-bottomed shoes, with the women wearing flats, to prevent them from shuffling across the floor. Understand the starting position. The man and woman should stand facing each other. Men and women should keep their feet lose and relaxed, standing so that they are facing each other, with their feet opposite each other with about an arm's length of space in between them. The man should hold the woman's right hand with his left hand. He should hold her hand fairly firmly, without gripping her too tightly, to lead the woman. The forearm of the hands that are holding each other should be level with the floor, and should not sway from side to side or move up or down, either. The pair should keep the non-holding arm in a relaxed, but slightly forward hanging position. The man should step forward with his left foot. The step should be no longer than the length of his foot. As he does this, the woman should step forward with her right foot. This step occurs on the "one" beat. The man should step forward with his right foot. As he does this, the woman should step forward with her left foot. Think of it as stepping up to a line, having your feet meet in the same place, so that they are evenly positioned on the ground. This step occurs on the "and" beat. From your original starting position, it is as if you simply stepped up one "space." The man should step his left foot back one step. This foot should now be in its original starting position. As the man steps back his left foot, the woman should step back her right foot to its starting position. This step occurs on the "two" beat. The man should step his right foot back one foot length behind his left foot. Think of it as moving the right foot the length of two feet, so that it is positioned one "foot" behind the left foot. The woman should step her left foot back one foot length behind her right foot. The step occurs on the "three" beat. The man should shift his weight onto his left foot. He can also take a small step in place, but he should make sure not to move his foot forwards or backwards. The woman should shift her weight onto her right foot, making sure not to move forward or backwards, either. This steps occurs on the second "and" beat. The man should shift his weight onto his right foot. The man should do the same thing he did with his left foot, taking care not to move forward or backwards as he shifts the weight. As he does this, the woman should shift her weight on her left foot. This steps occurs on the "four" beat. The man should step back his left foot to meet the right. His left foot and right should now be parallel, as if he had stepped up to meet a line, stepping one full "space" back from his original starting position. As he does this, the woman should step her right foot back to meet her left foot. This step occurs on the "five" beat. The man should step forward with his right foot. The foot will now be one foot's length in front of the left foot. As he does this, the woman should step forward with her left foot. This steps occurs on the "six" beat. The man should step his left foot forward, repeating the first step. As he does this, the woman should step her right foot forward, repeating her first step. This occurs during the new "one" beat. Repeat all the steps. Keep counting and moving your feet in the same way to the beat. As you get more experienced, you can get a bit more creative with your body movements by moving in a circle as you face your partner, having the man spin the female partner, taking more exaggerated steps, or by putting some more arm movements into the mix. The female partner can also spin on her own to add some flair to the dance. Though the traditional hand position is for the pair to hold opposite hands with the other hands free, the man can place his hand on the small of the woman's back during the dance, or just during part of the dance, too. One partner can even dance behind the other, still holding hands while facing that partner's back. | Learn to count "one-and-two, three-and-four, five-six. Learn to step in time to the eight-beat rhythm. Know that men and women should do the same step with the opposite foot. Understand the starting position. The man should step forward with his left foot. The man should step forward with his right foot. The man should step his left foot back one step. The man should step his right foot back one foot length behind his left foot. The man should shift his weight onto his left foot. The man should shift his weight onto his right foot. The man should step back his left foot to meet the right. The man should step forward with his right foot. The man should step his left foot forward, repeating the first step. Repeat all the steps. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-an-Avocado-Is-Ripe | How to Tell if an Avocado Is Ripe | The easiest way to tell if an avocado is ripe is to try and pluck the stem out. If the stem comes off easily, the avocado is ripe. However, if the stem can't be pulled out without a knife, then the avocado still needs to ripen. Check for an overripe avocado by putting it in your palm and squeezing -- if the avocado feels mushy, it's overripe! | Know the variety. No two avocado varieties are the same. There will be differences in size, color, and shape depending on the variety. The appearance of a ripe avocado will vary based on the avocado selected. Check with the grocer or seller if the avocado variety is not clearly marked. The firmness of a ripe avocado remains essentially the same regardless of the specific variety. The differences between varieties, and the differences between specific fruits within the same variety, cause appearance to be a less-than-foolproof method of determining ripeness. Still, these signs are helpful to know since they are often indicate how ripe an avocado is. Consider when the avocado was harvested. Different varieties are harvested during different parts of the season. If picking out avocados in September and are given the option between a variety harvested in early fall and one harvested in late fall, the variety harvested in early fall is more likely to be ripe. Bacon avocados are available from late fall into the spring and are considered to be a mid-winter variety. Fuerte avocados are also harvested from late fall through spring. Gwen avocados are harvested during fall and winter. Hass and Lamb Hass avocados are harvested year-round. Pinkerton avocados are available from early winter through spring. Reed avocados are available throughout summer and early fall. Zutano avocados mature between the beginning of September through early winter. Note the size and shape. Before an avocado can be ripe, it must be mature. Within each variety, a mature avocado will usually fall within a certain size range and shape. Bacon avocados are medium in size, oval in shape, ranging from 6 to 12 oz (170 to 340 g). Fuerte avocados are medium to large when mature, ranging anywhere from 5 to 14 oz (142 to 397 g). They are oblong in appearance and slightly pear shaped. Gwen avocados can be medium to large, plump, stout ovals, running from 6 to 15 oz (170 to 425 g). Hass avocados can be medium to large, ranging from 5 to 12 oz (142 to 340 g). They are also oval. Lamb Hass avocados are large, ranging in size from 11.75 to 18.75 oz (333 to 532 g). They are pear-shaped and symmetrical. Pinkerton avocados are long and pear-shaped. They weigh between 8 and 18 oz (227 and 510 g). Reed avocados are medium to small, ranging from 8 to 18 oz (227 to 510 g). They are the roundest variety available. Zutano avocados are medium to large, usually weighing between 6 and 14 oz (170 and 397 g). They are skinny and pear shaped. Examine the color. The color of the outer peel will be dark with most varieties, but each variety has subtle differences. Bacon avocados and Fuerte avocados have smooth, thin green skin. Gwen avocados have a dull, pliable, and pebbly green skin when ripe. Hass and Lamb Hass avocados have the most distinctive color. A ripe Hass avocado is deep green to purple when ripe. A black avocado will be overripe, just as a vibrant green avocado is under ripe. Like Hass avocados, Pinkerton avocados deepen in color as it ripens. A ripe Pinkerton avocado will be a deep green. Reed avocados keep their vibrant green coloring even when ripe. The skin is usually thick with mild pebbling. Zutano avocados have thin, yellow-green skin when ripe. Avoid dark blemishes. Dark blemishes can be a sign of bruises or overripe spots. In general, check for even coloring and texture. Any avocado that is uneven in either regard either has gone bad or has been damaged. Either way, the quality of the fruit will have gone down. Hold the avocado in the palm of the hand. Do not grab the avocado with fingertips. Instead, hold the fruit directly in the palm of the hand. Pressing on the fruit with fingertips or thumb, may cause bruising. An unripe avocado is too hard to bruise, but a ripe avocado is not. By holding it with the palm, you spread out the pressure, thereby minimizing and reducing the risk of bruising. Gently squeeze the fruit. Use the palm and the base of the fingers to apply gentle even pressure to the avocado. When pressing the avocado, it should yield to a minimal amount of pressure if it is ripe. The skin should “give” slightly but should not remain indented. If the avocado feels mushy, it is overripe. If the avocado feels firm, it is under ripe. Squeeze in several places. Turn the fruit a quarter of a rotation and squeeze again, once more using the palm of the hand and the base of the fingers to apply gentle pressure. It is possible the first place pressed could be bruised, giving the impression that the avocado is ripe or overripe. To verify this, squeeze the avocado in different locations and compare the firmness of the fruit. A ripe avocado without bruises will have an even softness. Give the avocado a gentle shake. Place the avocado near your ear and lightly shake it a few times and listen for any rattling going on inside. If the flesh feels soft and you are worried that it might be overripe instead of merely being ripe, shaking the avocado is a way to check without cutting it open. The inner pit pulls away from the the flesh once the fruit becomes overripe. As a result, the fruit will rattle when shaken. If you hear a rattling noise when shaking an avocado, odds are, the fruit has become overripe. Pull the stem out. With index and thumb, pinch the stem and quickly pluck it out. There is no difficulty in plucking out the stem of a ripe avocado. If the avocado is unripe, you will not be able to remove the stem. Do not use a knife or other tool to cut the stem off. If you cannot pluck off the stem with your fingers, then the avocado is not ripe and not ready to eat. Check the color beneath the stem. If the stem does twist off, look for the typical green flesh of the avocado. If the avocado is a light yellow or brown, the flesh is under ripe. If the avocado beneath the stem is a dark brown, the avocado may already be overripe. Consider the options. Cutting into an avocado thinking that it was ripe only to discover otherwise, you might be able to save it, especially if the avocado is almost ripe. Refrigeration slows the ripening process, so it is difficult to get an avocado to ripen in the refrigerator. That said, refrigeration is necessary to prevent spoilage after the fruit has been cut open. Brush both sides of the avocado with lemon juice. Use a pastry brush to apply 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of lemon or lime juice to the exposed cut avocado flesh. When the avocado is cut open, you break apart the cellular walls of the flesh and trigger oxidation. The best way to slow oxidation is to apply an acidic agent to the flesh. Place the halves back together. Fit the halves back together as accurately as possible. To slow oxidation, minimize the amount of exposed flesh. By putting the halves together, the flesh of both sides is covered as much as possible. Tightly wrap the avocado in plastic wrap. Wrap several layers of plastic wrap around the avocado to create an airtight seal. The airtight seal limits the amount of oxygen the flesh will be exposed to and slows down the oxidation process. An airtight container, airtight resealable plastic bag, or vacuum sealed plastic bag can also be used. Refrigerate until ripe. Since the avocado has been cut open, store it correctly in the refrigerator to prevent the fruit from going bad as it finishes ripening. The avocado should ripen within a few days. If it begins to turn soft or brown, however, you might need to throw it away. | Know the variety. Consider when the avocado was harvested. Note the size and shape. Examine the color. Avoid dark blemishes. Hold the avocado in the palm of the hand. Gently squeeze the fruit. Squeeze in several places. Give the avocado a gentle shake. Pull the stem out. Check the color beneath the stem. Consider the options. Brush both sides of the avocado with lemon juice. Place the halves back together. Tightly wrap the avocado in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ripe. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Forecast-Demand | How to Forecast Demand | To forecast demand, start by focusing on one or a small number of products, then review how promotions or sales affected past demand. Next, look at what your competitors are doing to see if they're offering discounts or other offers. To gather more data, look at sales over the past few months and compare them against annualized figures to take account of holiday sales. Finally, work out your lead time, which is the length of time between your purchase of the product and its appearance in your store. | Target specific products. Instead of focusing on a complete product line, identify the particular products you want to track. Doing this makes it easier to organize past data and forecast demand. For example, if you have an existing line of winter garments, focus specifically on gloves first instead of the entire line. Focus on your products that earn you the most income. For example, many entrepreneurs adhere to the 80/20 rule, which states that 20% of products or services offered by a business generally make up 80% of its revenue. Identify these products and track the demand for them. You may have to forecast demand for every product in your inventory, but it will be easier and more accurate if you do a few similar products at a time such as gloves, boots and winter hats. Consider creating a Sales and Operations Planning group that includes representatives from each department and task them with preparing a demand forecast. Review your marketing plans. Any marketing campaigns or sales promotions may increase the demand of your product. Look at the past data and see what was successful. See if there were special discounts or holiday sales that increased demand for your product. You want to take all of this into consideration when forecasting demand, particularly if you plan to repeat similar sales strategies. Review key indicators. Find out what's behind the fluctuation in your customers' demand. Key indicators include demographics and environmental factors. Demographics include age, gender, location, and any other set of identifying characteristics. Identifying the demand of key demographic groups helps to narrow the data pool for the forecast. Environmental factors affect demand as well. For example, a severe winter might cause a decrease in sales. Look at your marketplace. Analyze what competitors, customers, bankers, and other people in your marketplace are saying and doing. See if your competitors are running major sales or promotions. Look at the previous months. Look at both recent months and annual sales variances such as holiday time. This will help you determine annual and seasonal fluctuations. When looking at the past months, analyze the driving patterns behind the demand. Look at any price adjustments or any marketing campaigns that led to a rise in new customers. Business always increases for a reason, and a smart businessman or businesswoman will find out why. For example, you may have run a "buy one, get one free sale" in August for back to school shopping. If you choose to replicate these factors, consider that in your forecast. Determine your lead time. Lead time is the time between the initiation of an order and the delivery of a product. Knowing this will help you forecast demand. This will help you determine how fast you can make your product and meet demand. If you are purchasing your products from another company, the lead time is the time between placing your order and when it arrives on your doorstep. You can also determine lead time by examining the raw materials and components. Knowing your required production time will help you make a more accurate forecast demand. Focusing on a particular item helps to predict how much material you will need and the production time to make your product. When you have your production quantities estimated, look at the component demand of each item. For example, if you are manufacturing pencils, you will need to know how much wood, rubber, and lead to order based on your forecast. Figure out which approach to use. There are four general approaches to forecasting demand. They include judgmental, experimental, relational/causal, and time series. Choose the best approach based on the history of your product. The experimental approach, for instance, is used mostly for new products that have no history data in the marketplace. These approaches are how you will gather most of your data. You can combine the approaches to create a more accurate demand forecast. Consider judgmental approaches. This method draws upon the collective market insights observed by your sales team and managers to determine demand. These people can provide somewhat or, in some cases, very accurate demand forecasts based on their own personal knowledge and experience. However, the data you gather from them might be unreliable, as it relies on your experts' own personal views. For this reason, data derived from judgmental approaches are best used to make short term demand forecasts. There are several different ways of going about this, depending mainly on who you use for your panel. However, you don't need to use them all for a proper judgmental approach. You may choose or any combination of them to achieve your goals, depending on which groups you think would provide the most accurate judgment. Determine if you need to use an experimental approach. This approach works best for new products, and it is not useful for existing products that have a historical demand record. This approach takes the results from a small number of customers and extrapolates the findings to a large number of customers. For example, if you contact 500 people at random in a particular city and 25% say they will buy your product within 6 months, you can assume this percentage applies to 5,000 people. If a small group of targeted customers loves a new technology and responds well to the test marketing, you can extrapolate that number to also forecast national demand. The problem with this approach is that it often collects more information about the customer's preference towards your product rather than demand data. Consider using a relational/casual approach. This approach attempts to find out why people buy your product. The idea being that if you can understand why people buy your product, then you can create a demand forecast based on that reason. For example, if you sell snow boots, then you know the demand for your product is weather related. If the weather forecast predicts a heavy winter, you know that there will be a higher demand for your snow boots. These approaches include life cycle and simulation models. Calculate demand using time series approaches. Time series approaches attempt to mathematically calculate demand using past figures and trends as a guide. Specifically, you can use moving averages, weighted moving averages, and/or exponential smoothing to attempt to accurately predict your demand. These approaches will give you harder numbers than other approaches, but must be combined with other, subjective approximations to account for the effects of future changes in the market or business plan. Form a jury of executive opinions. Gather a small group of high-level managers in your company and have them estimate demand. Each member of this group can provide valuable insight based on their experience with the market. They can also help in selecting quality material vendors and marketing campaigns. This approach is inexpensive and not as time consuming as other judgmental approaches. The downside is that these projections are based on the opinions of the experts who may be biased and pushing their own agendas. Create a sales force composite. Ask each salesperson to project their sales. The sales team is closest to the marketplace and is knowledgeable about the desires of the customer. Combine these projections at each level of sales by city, state, and region. The upside to this approach is its low cost and the ease of collecting data. The downside to this approach is that it's based on consumer opinions, which can easily change. Also, the salesperson may inflate the numbers to help ensure his or her job security. Hire individual market experts. Market experts watch for industry trends and consult with your sales force to predict demand. These could include trade magazine writers, economists, bankers, and professional consultants. An individual can only gather a limited amount information, however, so it is recommended that you assemble a team of market experts to gather as much data as possible. These individuals can provide you with insight about the markets that is at a higher level than your own sales team may be able to provide. However, being outsiders to your company, they have less of a grasp on the demand for your individual products. You should use these people to forecast market demand and then estimate how well your company may fare within that market using internal judgments. Use the Delphi Method. First, create a panel of experts. This can include a group of managers, selected employees, or industry experts. Ask them individually for their estimate of demand. Have them answer questionnaires in two or more rounds. After each round, present the findings of the previous round anonymously. Encourage the experts to revise their answers with the previous findings in mind. The goal is that the group will eventually start to agree on the forecast. Use a pre-defined stopping place such as a certain number of rounds, consensus, or stability in results. Survey your customers. You can collect information from them in several ways: telephone or e-mail surveys, statistical reviews of customer order history, and market trends. Ask them about their purchasing plans and projected buying behavior. Use a large pool to help generalize results. Ask them how likely they are to buy your products and tally the results. Customers are in the best position to know the demand for a product. The danger from surveys is that they often overestimate actual demand. While a customer may show interest in your product, actually buying it is a different thing altogether. Keep in mind that conducting surveys can be expensive, difficult, and time consuming. Surveys rarely form the base of a successful demand forecast. Use test marketing. Use this during the early stages of your product development. Find a small, isolated, area that has your targeted demographic. Roll out every stage of your marketing plan including advertising, promotion, and distribution plans. Measure product awareness, penetration, market share and total sales. Fine tune your market strategy based on the information you receive so that you will run into fewer problems when you launch your product nationally. Host consumer panels. Gather a small group of potential customers in a room and let them use your product and discuss it. The customers are usually paid a small amount for participating. Panels are similar to surveys in that they are more useful to analyze the product rather than forming the basis for a demand forecast. Use scanner panel data. Find a large set of household customers to agree to participate in an ongoing study of their buying habits at grocery stores, for example. Have these customers agree to submit information such as the size of their households, their ages, their household income, and any other information you find relevant to your product. Whenever they buy groceries, their purchases are recorded and analyzed. This data can be collected when they use their store grocery card. This creates a rich database to create statistical models and see relationships in data. As with other types of experimental approaches, it can be difficult to apply these results to demand forecasts. Examine previous years' sales for monthly or seasonal trends. Look over sales figures for past years to determine which times in the year account for the higher percentage of your sales. Are they constant? Do you experience higher sales in winter or summer? Measure the increase or decrease in sales during these times. Was the change higher or lower in certain years? Then, think about why this might be the case. Use what you've learned and apply it to the current year's forecast. For example, if you sell snow boots, you might have experienced a particularly large boost in sales in a cold winter. If this year is forecasted to be a similarly cold winter, you should increase your demand forecast accordingly. Look for customer reactions. This refers to situations where a change in your product or its market resulted in higher or lower sales. Create charts of your historical sales for the product and mark important dates, for example a price increase or the introduction of a competing product. This can also be broader, like a reaction to the shifting economy or changes in consumer spending. Read relevant trade journals and newspaper articles to gather this information. Having all of this data at hand can give you a better idea of what might affect your future demand. Create a life cycle model. A life cycle refers to the "life" of your products, between when it was first introduced and the present day. Look at the sales of your product at various stages. Examine the nature of customers who buy the your product during these stages. For example, you will have early adopters (those who love the latest technology), mainstream buyers (people who wait for product reviews and referrals), laggards (they only buy when the product has been out for a long time), and other types of consumers. This will help you determine your product's life cycle trends and the demand patterns for your product. The industries that use this model the most include high technology, fashion, and products facing short life cycles. What makes this approach unique is that the cause of the demand is directly linked to the product's life cycle. Use a simulation model. Create a model that simulates the flow of components into manufacturing plants based on your material requirement planning schedules and the distribution flow of your finished goods. For example, calculate the lead time to receive each component including shipping time no matter where it is sourced in the world. This will give you insight on how fast you can make your product to meet the demand. These models are known to be difficult and cumbersome to create and maintain. Use the moving averages method. This is a mathematical technique used if there are little to no trends present in your data. This method will provide an overall impression of data over time. Find out the actual demand for the previous three months. Once your have the total, divide that by four (accounting for the next month). The formula will be F4 = (D1 + D2 +D3) ÷ 4. In this equation 'F' represents the forecast and 'D' correlates with the month.This equation works well for steady demand. For example, forecast = 4,000 (Jan.) + 6,000 (Feb.) + 8,000 (March) /4 = 4,500. Determine the weighted moving average (WMA). If you have fluctuating demand, use this formula,which takes variation into consideration. The formula is WMA 4 = (W * D1) + (W * D2) +(W * D3). The 'D' stands for demand and the number correlates with the month. 'W' is the weighted constant, which is normally a number between 1 and 10 and is based on past history. For example, WMA = (4 * 100) + (4 * 250) + (4 * 300) = 2,600. Use a greater weighted constant number for more recent data and a lesser number for older data. This is because more recent data has a stronger influence over the forecast. Determine exponential smoothing. This technique is an averaging method that considers recent changes in demand by applying a smoothing constant to the most recent data. This is a useful technique if the recent fluctuations are the result of an actual change such as a seasonal pattern (holiday time) instead of random changes. Find the prior periods' forecast. This will be represented as (Ft) in the formula. Then, find the actual demand for product during that time period. This will be represented as (At-1) in the formula. Determine the weight being assigned to it. This will be represented as (W) in the formula.This ranges between 1 and 10. Assign the lower number for older data. Put your data into the formula Ft = Ft-1 + W * (At-1 – Ft-1) or for example, Ft = 500 + 4(W) * (590 - 500) = 504 * 90 = 45,360. Compile your results. Once you have collected your data, create a chart or graph that shows the demand forecast. Do this by crossing your product demand quantity with the upcoming months. For example, if you create a line graph, put the months on the horizontal axis and product demand quantity on the vertical axis. If you forecasted that you will need 600 units in October and 800 in November, then place those points on the graph. Draw a line between the points. You can also plot past data on the graph to compare your research data with historical data. Analyze your results. You now have your results tabulated or displayed in an easy to read form, but what do they mean? Look for trends, like growing or declining demand, and cyclicality, like busy seasons or months. Compare your data to that of previous years and see how it stacks up as far as volume and pattern. Look for evidence in the data that your marketing plans are working or have worked in the past. Additionally, go back and determine how exact you believe your forecast to be. Have you been optimistic with your forecast? How large of a margin of error do you expect? Display and discuss your forecast. Show your forecast to the appropriate people in your company and discuss it with them. Gather input from sales and marketing, finance, production, and all other managers and then revise your forecast. When everyone agrees on the forecast, they can plan a better business strategy. Monitor and modify your forecast. As you gather new data, modify the forecast to reflect this. You want to use all information as it comes to you. If you do not constantly monitor and update your forecast, you can make costly mistakes and it will affect your financial sustainability. | Target specific products. Review your marketing plans. Review key indicators. Look at your marketplace. Look at the previous months. Determine your lead time. Figure out which approach to use. Consider judgmental approaches. Determine if you need to use an experimental approach. Consider using a relational/casual approach. Calculate demand using time series approaches. Form a jury of executive opinions. Create a sales force composite. Hire individual market experts. Use the Delphi Method. Survey your customers. Use test marketing. Host consumer panels. Use scanner panel data. Examine previous years' sales for monthly or seasonal trends. Look for customer reactions. Create a life cycle model. Use a simulation model. Use the moving averages method. Determine the weighted moving average (WMA). Determine exponential smoothing. Compile your results. Analyze your results. Display and discuss your forecast. Monitor and modify your forecast. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Toilet-Tank-Sweating | How to Stop Toilet Tank Sweating | To stop toilet tank sweating, always turn on a vent fan when you shower if your bathroom has one. If it doesn't, wipe down the shower walls with a towel after you shower to get rid of surface moisture so it doesn't condense on your toilet tank. You can also run an air conditioner or dehumidifier in the room to help reduce moisture in the air. For a long-term solution, get a toilet tank insulation kit from your local hardware store to insulate the inside of your toilet tank so it doesn't sweat. | Use the vent fan whenever you shower. If your bathroom has an exhaust fan, always turn it on before you start the shower. Then, leave it on for at least 10-15 minutes after finishing the shower. Venting out as much of the warm, humid air as possible will reduce the likelihood of tank sweat. Taking shorter, cooler showers will also help--and they're invigorating! Turn the fan on when you take a bath or run a lot of hot water in the sink as well. If your bathroom doesn't have a vent fan, crack open the door as a less ideal option. Opening a window won't help much unless the humidity is low outside. Wipe down the shower walls to remove surface moisture. After finishing a shower, use a towel to quickly wipe away most of the water on the shower walls. You can also wipe the tub surface or shower floor. Then, take the wet towel somewhere outside the bathroom to dry out. If you don't do this, the water on the shower walls will evaporate into the surrounding warm air and condense on the cool toilet tank. Keep bathroom windows closed on warm, humid days. Your first instinct on a hot day may be to open up the windows. However, if it is warmer outside than inside, and especially if it's both warmer and more humid outside, keep the bathroom windows closed. Otherwise, you're just increasing the temperature differential between the tank water and the air outside the tank, and providing moisture to condense on the surface. Run an air conditioner or dehumidifier. An air conditioner will bring the temperature of the air around the toilet closer to the temperature of the tank water. Likewise, either an air conditioner or a dehumidifier will reduce the moisture content in the air, which in turn reduces condensation. Central air conditioning or a whole-house dehumidifier should do the trick. In some cases, though, you may need to place a window A/C or a portable dehumidifier in the bathroom. Buy a toilet tank insulation kit, or make your own. You can find these kits at hardware stores and plumbing supply retailers. A kit should include sheets of insulating foam, adhesive, an adhesive application tool, and instructions. Alternatively, you can create your own tank insulation kit by buying a standard size yoga mat and a tube of high-quality waterproof adhesive. Unless you find a good deal on the yoga mat, however, the price difference may not be that great. Empty most of the water from the toilet tank. Turn off the water supply by turning the oval valve at the end of the supply line clockwise. Remove the lid of the toilet tank and set it aside. Flush the toilet to drain nearly all the water from the toilet tank. For now, leave the small amount of water that remains in the tank. It will help you clean out the tank. Clean off any buildup on the walls of the tank. Use your preferred spray-based cleaner and a handled scrub brush. Scrub away as much of the rust-colored buildup on the tank's interior sides and bottom as you can. Dip your brush into the water in the bottom of the tank occasionally to rinse it off. Cleaning off the walls will make the adhesive for the insulation hold better. Rinse and drain the tank. Once you've cleaned off most of the buildup, rinse down the interior walls with clean water, then flush again to empty away most of this water. Use a turkey baster to suck up the remaining water in the tank, or use a sponge to sop it up. Your goal is to remove all standing water from the tank. Remove all surface moisture from the tank's porcelain interior. Your fastest option is to wave a hair dryer on high power back and forth throughout the tank for 10-15 minutes. Or, you can try one of the following: Position a space heater so that it is blowing hot, dry air into the tank. Check it at least every half-hour and leave it running until the porcelain is dry to the touch. Clip a work light with a 100 watt incandescent bulb to the top edge of the tank. Position it so the bulb is inside the tank. The heat of the bulb will dry the tank in roughly 12 hours. Cut the sheets of insulation to fit the tank's bottom and sides. A toilet tank insulation kit comes with sheets of flexible styrofoam that you can cut to fit. Estimate the size and shape of the bottom and sides of your tank interior, and cut the pieces as needed. Follow the same process if you're using a yoga mat instead of an insulation kit. Always estimate on the larger side first, then cut the pieces smaller as needed. There should be extra sheets if you make a mistake. You'll have to cut around some obstructions within the tank, like the flush valve and the flapper. Glue the insulation to the bottom and sides of the tank. If you're using a kit, apply the included adhesive to the back of each sheet of cut insulation with the included wooden stick (basically, a popsicle stick). Try to spread a fairly even layer over the entire surface. Then, press each sheet in place against the tank interior. If you're using a cut-up yoga mat as your insulation, choose a high-quality, waterproof glue or sealant as your adhesive. Apply it according to the product instructions. Wait 8-12 hours before refilling the tank. This gives the adhesive time to fully set. After waiting, just turn the water supply valve counterclockwise to fill the tank back up. Then put the lid back on and you're all set! Insulating the interior should make a noticeable reduction in the amount of condensation on the outside of the tank. Wrap the outside of the toilet tank in fabric. Purchase a premade tank cover, or use a piece of fabric to wrap around the toilet tank. Terry cloth—that is, towel material—is a commonly chosen fabric for this application. The fabric will absorb any condensation that accumulates on the outside of the tank. You'll need to wash and dry this cover every week or so to prevent mildew buildup. So, consider buying at least two covers. Add a tray under the toilet to catch dripping water. This method won't actually stop the tank sweat, but it will prevent it from damaging the floor under your toilet. You can buy one-size-fits-most trays for around $10 USD, or look for an under-toilet tray that is made for your particular type of toilet. This tray will need to be emptied regularly—perhaps multiple times a day when it's particularly hot and humid. Water damage to the flooring and supporting floor structure beneath a toilet can result in very costly repairs. Do not ignore water that is dripping on the floor around your toilet. Replace your current tank with an insulated one. Many modern toilets have insulated tanks, which should prevent sweating. If you have an older toilet or uninsulated tank, you may be able to find a compatible insulated tank for your toilet. Write down the brand and model of your current toilet, if you have that information, and head to a plumbing supply store. Replacing the tank alone can be more convenient, but often you'll find that replacing the entire toilet is a more feasible option. Buy a low-flow, insulated replacement toilet. Low-flow toilets have smaller tanks, which means they have less cool water to cool down the tank walls, which results in less condensation. Also, most modern low-flow toilets have insulated tanks, which also cut back on condensation. Especially if you have an older toilet, a newer model will significantly reduce your water consumption per flush. Installing a toilet can be a manageable DIY project for 1-2 people, or you may prefer to hire a plumber. Install a tempering valve to warm the water entering the tank. This valve connects to the cold water line going into the toilet as well as the hot water line. Mixing in some hot water increases the temperature of the water going into the tank, thereby reducing toilet tank condensation. The intake of hot water can also be shut off when tempering is not needed—during winter, for example. Unless your water lines are easily accessible—such as via the basement beneath the bathroom—and you have decent plumbing skills, installing a tempering valve is best left to a professional plumber. Invest in a tempering tank. This works in a similar fashion to the tempering valve. In this case, though, the cold water line feeds into a separate holding tank, which warms the water before sending it to the toilet. This job requires open access to the water lines and enough space for the tank, among other complications. You'll almost certainly have to hire a pro to do the installation. | Use the vent fan whenever you shower. Wipe down the shower walls to remove surface moisture. Keep bathroom windows closed on warm, humid days. Run an air conditioner or dehumidifier. Buy a toilet tank insulation kit, or make your own. Empty most of the water from the toilet tank. Clean off any buildup on the walls of the tank. Rinse and drain the tank. Remove all surface moisture from the tank's porcelain interior. Cut the sheets of insulation to fit the tank's bottom and sides. Glue the insulation to the bottom and sides of the tank. Wait 8-12 hours before refilling the tank. Wrap the outside of the toilet tank in fabric. Add a tray under the toilet to catch dripping water. Replace your current tank with an insulated one. Buy a low-flow, insulated replacement toilet. Install a tempering valve to warm the water entering the tank. Invest in a tempering tank. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-and-Treat-Popeye-in-Betta-Fish | How to Prevent and Treat Popeye in Betta Fish | To prevent popeye, change your betta's water every 1 to 2 weeks. Make sure you replace 10 to 25% of the water in full aquariums and 50% of the water in small tanks. To keep the water clear, clean unfiltered tanks every week and filtered tanks every 2 weeks. Try to maintain a tank temperature between 76 and 82 °F. Remember to check your container's pH level using a pH test strip: if it's above 7, filter your tank water through peat moss, if it's below 6.5, add baking soda or shells. | Change the water regularly. The most common cause of popeye is dirty water, and the best form of prevention is frequently replacing the dirty tank water with fresh water. Always have clean water in the betta's fish tank or bowl to ensure that it won't get popeye. If your betta is kept in a bowl or tank that holds two gallons of water or less, do a 50% water change every week. If your betta is kept in a larger aquarium, change 10-25% of the total water every 2–4 weeks. Clean your fish tank every 1–2 weeks. Clean the tank every week if you don't have a filter and every two weeks if you do. Gently remove your betta fish with a net and place it into a separate clean bowl of water. Dump out all of the water in the fish tank, remove all rocks and decorations, and rinse them with clean water. Using a paper towel, scrub the inside walls of the tank. Put the rocks and decorations back in the tank and fill the tank most of the way with bottled drinking water or pretreated tap water before putting your betta fish back in. Keep the tank water warm. The natural habitat for betta fish is warm, stagnant water. Make sure the water is kept between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (24.4-27.7 degrees Celsius) in order to provide a healthy environment for your fish. Keep the tank water slightly acidic. Use paper pH test strips to test how basic or acidic your betta's water is. The pH should be kept at 6.5 or 7. If the pH is too high, filter water through peat moss before putting it in the tank. If the pH is too low, add baking soda or shells to the tank. Purchase a dH kit to determine water hardness. Bettas prefer soft water, so keep the dH at 25 or lower. Go to a pet store to get specialized products that can extract the magnesium and calcium from your water if it is too hard. Carefully introduce new fish to the fish tank. Different fish require different environments, so make sure that you don't add any fish to your tank that have conflicting environmental needs. Popeye often occurs when the tank water is not kept at the proper levels, and adding a new fish that thrives in a different kind of ecosystem might throw off those levels. Isolate the betta fish. You should remove any hazardous decorations or aggressive fish from your betta's environment. Your fish's vision is most likely impaired, which means that the likelihood of running into sharp objects inside the aquarium or getting even more injured by other fish is higher. Avoid this easily by putting your fish in its own separate tank temporarily. Put epsom salts in the fish tank. Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, does a good job of removing the fluid that's built up behind your betta fish's eye. Every three days, add one tablespoon for every 5 gallons (18.9 L) of water that your fish is in. Add an antibiotic to the betta fish’s water. There are several different antibiotics that when added to the betta fish's water, will make the popeye subside. Typically, you can purchase these antibiotics at pet stores. Put ampicillin in the fish tank and switch out the water every third day. Administer the medicine until a week after your fish's popeye has gone away. If you catch the popeye early enough, you can use erythromycin, minocycline, trimethoprim, or sulfadimidine, which are all antibiotics typically used to treat fin rot. Return your betta fish to its original tank after the swelling subsides. It can take anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months for the swelling to go down, and even longer for cornea damage to improve. Reintroduce your betta to its original environment a couple of weeks after its eyes look their normal size. In more severe cases, one of the betta's eyes might decay and fall off during the healing process. If this happens, keep your betta isolated permanently. | Change the water regularly. Clean your fish tank every 1–2 weeks. Keep the tank water warm. Keep the tank water slightly acidic. Purchase a dH kit to determine water hardness. Carefully introduce new fish to the fish tank. Isolate the betta fish. Put epsom salts in the fish tank. Add an antibiotic to the betta fish’s water. Return your betta fish to its original tank after the swelling subsides. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-the-First-10-Days-of-an-Atkins-Diet | How to Survive the First 10 Days of an Atkins Diet | To survive the first 10 days of your Atkins diet, make sure to eat every 2 to 3 hours because this will help you overcome hunger. You can choose to do this by eating either 3 meals and 2 snacks during the day or eating 5 to 6 small meals a day, just be sure you eat something every 3 hours. If you're working or going out, pack your snacks and meals to take with you in suitable containers so you won't miss out on your food. Since the Atkins diet recommends getting plenty of fluids each day, aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day, which will also help you get relief from side effects of the diet like nausea and constipation. | Drink coffee and tea. One typical side effects of following a very low-carb diet like the Atkins diet is putting your body into ketosis. This is where your body uses ketones for energy instead of it's usual glucose (a carbohydrate). Headaches are one of the most common side effects of the Atkins diet. An easy and all natural way to help fight headaches is to sip on a caffeinated beverage. Studies have shown that caffeine is a promising headache reliever. Many times, headaches are from enlarged blood vessels in the brain pushing on your skull. Caffeine serves as a vasoconstrictor and makes those enlarged blood vessels become smaller and more narrow and thus relieving your pain. Caffeine works quickly and you may notice some relief within 30 minutes. In addition, the effects may last up to three to five hours. Both tea and coffee are sources of caffeine with coffee being higher in caffeine. Most 8 oz cups of coffee have around 80 – 200 mg of caffeine. Try drinking one to two cups for headache relief. Although you can find caffeine in drinks like sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks, these are generally not on the approved beverage list for the Atkin's diet. Try over-the-counter medications. In addition to headache, ketosis and low-carb diets may also make you feel a little nauseous or change your bowel habits up. Try taking some OTC medications to help relieve any of these side effects. If drinking a hot cup of joe doesn't help with your headaches, try taking an OTC headache medications. These are generally safe for most healthy people and will provide you with some relief. In addition, look for a headache medication that contains caffeine as this helps the medication work more quickly and effectively. If you experience any constipation or diarrhea you may want to consider taking some OTC medications for these side effects as well. Take a gentle laxative or stool softener at the first sign of constipation. If you let constipation go for too long, it can get worse and require more aggressive treatment like an enema. Nausea is another side effect that can make the first few days or weeks of the Atkins's diet difficult. Drink fluids often to help prevent nausea. Try hot ginger tea, club soda or ginger ale but avoid dairy products as these can make nausea worse. You can also take an OTC anti-nausea medication for additional help. Stock up on mints and sugar-free gum. Another temporary side effect of the Atkin's first diet phase is bad breath. Again, this is typically due to ketosis, but can be remedied very easily. Brushing your teeth on a regular basis is always a good way to prevent bad breath. Consider purchasing a small travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste to keep with you in your purse, car or office. Brush more often and make sure to brush the back of your tongue thoroughly. There are some mouthwashes that are also formulated with antibacterials to help get rid of bad breath as well. In addition to a more rigorous dental hygiene program, consider sucking on sugar-free mints or chewing sugar-free gum. Make sure to check the sugar and carb content to ensure they'll fit into your diet. Do minimal physical activity. Being a little tired, fatigued or having some mental fogginess on the first few days or week of the Atkin's diet is common as well. Limit your physical activity until these side effects have passed. Due to the fact that Atkins is a diet that is restrictive, especially on carbs, it is essential that you do not overdo it physically. It's typically recommended to do about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical cardio plus one to two days of strength training each week. This might be too much right at the beginning of your diet. Instead of doing moderate-intensity cardio, try doing the same amount of low intensity cardio. Activities like walking or a leisurely bike ride might be more easy (and fun) to do while you're doing a very strict diet. Exercise may also help you keep a positive mindset on this difficult part of the diet. Go to bed earlier. It's not surprising to feel a little tired or even a little moody the first few days of the Atkin's diet. Get enough sleep to help blunt these effects. You typically need about seven to nine hours of sleep each night. If you don't currently get this amount, you might really notice that fatigue or mental fogginess common to low-carb diets. Try going to bed earlier each day your on the first phase of the Atkin's diet. Stay in bed later if you can as well. Build a support group. With any diet it is helpful to have a support group to encourage and motivate you to stay on track. Many studies have shown that regardless of the diet type, dieters that had friends or family members supporting them did much better with their diet and lost more weight compared to those without a support group. Tell friends or family members about the Atkin's diet and your goal to lose weight. Ask if they would support you and even ask if they'd be interested in joining you. In addition, the Atkin's diet has many options of support on it's own website. Check it out for more support resources. Build a support group. With any diet there will be challenges. Having a support group can provide you with the motivation and encouragement to stick to your new diet plan. Ask friends, family members or coworkers to be your support group. Tell them about your new diet and long-term weight goals. They may even want to join you. A support group can also help you with the mental difficulties of following a diet. It can be challenging day after day to stick to a more strict plan like the Atkin's diet. Studies show that those people who have a support group can follow a diet longer, stick to the plan and lose more weight than those who do not. Start a journal. Journaling about your new diet and long-term goals can be a great coping mechanism for the difficulties that sometimes come along with following a diet. Sometimes the act alone of journal ling is enough to keep you sane and accountable to yourself. Use a pen and notebook, journaling app or online site to start your journal. You don't have to journal everyday, but it might help you get all you thoughts out on paper. You can also use your journal to keep track of your weight progress or food journal throughout your Atkin's diet. Review allowed foods and approved recipes. Whenever you're starting a new diet, it's important to have a full understanding of exactly what you're allowed to have and what you're not. This will make your transition to the diet much easier. The Atkins diet is a very specific type of low-carb diet. It's divided into four phases with a specific list of approved foods and serving sizes in each phase. In phase one, you're allowed to have: full-fat cheese, fats and oils, fish and seafood, poultry, eggs, meat, herbs and non-starchy and green vegetables (known as foundation vegetables). Stock up on these foods in your home so that you have all the approved foods at your fingertips to prepare meals and snacks. Eat every two to three hours. Eating every few hours is a good way to prevent hunger, but is also a recommendation made specifically by the first phase of the Atkins diet. This diet recommends eating three meals daily plus two snacks or going for five to six small meals a day. Do not go more than three hours without eating. Waiting a long time in-between meals or skipping snacks can make you more hungry and more likely to eat an unapproved food since you're so starving. Pack meals and snacks in advance to keep with you at all times. This can help prevent a situation where it's time to eat, you're hungry but have nothing that fits into the phase one approved foods list. Eat the right amount of carbohydrates. During each phase of the Atkins diet you'll notice they provide you with a very specific amount of carbohydrates to eat each day. It's important to follow this guideline strictly. The first phase of the diet limits you to a total of 20 g of carbs daily. It recommends not going above the 20 g of carbs daily, but also ensuring you eat at least 18 g of carbs daily. Eating less than 18 g of carbs daily doesn't increase or speed up your weight loss and also most likely means you're not eating enough of your foundation vegetables. Spread your 20 g of carbs throughout the day. This can help keep you feeling a little more even keel throughout the day. If you spend all 20 g of carbs at breakfast, you may notice more of those low-carb diet side effects in the afternoon. Drink adequate fluid. The Atkin's diet along with most other diets recommend consuming adequate amounts of fluid each day. Water is essential for your general health even when you're on a diet. In addition, drinking adequate fluids as mentioned before can help combat nausea and constipation associated with a very low-carb diet. The Atkins diet recommends drinking eight 8-oz glasses of fluid each day. However, more general recommendations suggest drinking up to 13 glasses of water daily. This will depend on your age, gender and activity level. You shouldn't feel thirsty throughout the day and your urine should be very pale yellow by the end of the day if you're adequately hydrated. Consider taking supplements. The Atkins diet suggest staying in phase one for at least two weeks or until you're about 10 – 15 pounds from your goal weight. If you have a more significant amount of weight to lose, you might consider taking some dietary supplements. The first phase of the Atkins diet is very limited and cuts out several food groups (like fruits, starchy vegetables and grains). If you plan on staying on this phase for an extended period of time, it might be a good idea to take some dietary supplements to help prevent any nutrient deficiencies. A great "backup" vitamin is a general multivitamin. Take one a day to help cover a variety of your nutrients each day. You may also want to consider taking 500 – 1000 mg of calcium daily since many dairy foods are restricted. | Drink coffee and tea. Try over-the-counter medications. Stock up on mints and sugar-free gum. Do minimal physical activity. Go to bed earlier. Build a support group. Build a support group. Start a journal. Review allowed foods and approved recipes. Eat every two to three hours. Eat the right amount of carbohydrates. Drink adequate fluid. Consider taking supplements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Grill | How to Clean a Grill | To clean a grill, start by preheating it on the highest setting for 10 minutes to burn off any big pieces of food. If you're cleaning a charcoal grill, light a fire and let it burn for 10 minutes instead. Either way, put out the flames after 10 minutes and use a grill brush to scrub the grill grate until it's clean. Avoid using cleaning solutions since they can leave behind a residue that gets into your food. However, if you really can't get all of the debris off with a dry grill brush, try adding a little dish soap to the tips of the bristles. Just make sure you take the grate out and rinse it multiple times when you're finished to get rid of any soapy residue. | Turn the grill on the highest heat setting for 10-15 minutes. Remove any pans or foil from the grill surface and close the hood. Turn your burners on and leave your grill alone to burn off any larger pieces of food residue and make the initial cleaning easier. You can choose to wear rubber gloves while cleaning your grill if you want to keep your hands completely clean, but they aren't necessary. Shut off the gas source and scrub the grate. Turn the heat off and shut off your propane or natural gas by closing the valve. Use a grill brush or plastic scraper to remove initial layers of residue by scrubbing vertically along the cooking grid in aggressive up-and-down strokes. Let the grill cool. Don't touch the grill directly until you've let it cool for 20-30 minutes after you've cleaned it. The cooking grid, or grate, is the metal surface where you place your food when you're grilling. Scrape the roof of your lid with a plastic scraper. With the lid of your grill raised, use your plastic scraper to scrub the residue off of the roof of your grill. Scrub away from you so that you don't hurt yourself if the scraper slips. Let all of the debris, grime, and dirt fall to the bottom of the lifted lid. Use the hose on a vacuum to remove the debris and residue. After you've scraped the roof of your grill, there will be a lot of dirt and grime piled up at the bottom of your lifted lid. Turn a vacuum on to the highest suction setting and use the vacuum's hose to remove larger pieces from the bottom of your lid. Wipe the roof of the lid with a damp cloth. Vacuuming the residue from the bottom of your lid will keep it from falling into the body of the grill when you close your lid. Remove the grill base to dump out old ash and residue. Take your grates out and set them aside. Depending on the brand and style of your grill, the base can either be removed by reaching in the grill and lifting it out, or by sliding a tray out of the side of the grill. You may need to disassemble your burners by unscrewing each gas line where it attaches to the body before you can get your base out. Once removed, dump the ash and residue into a non-combustible trash receptacle. Set the grill base aside. Make sure that you aren't dumping any hot materials into the garbage. Wait for your grill to cool before doing this if it's still hot. Scrub the interior body of your grill with a scraper and nylon brush. Scrape large, flat sections of your grill's interior with your scraper. Depending on your grill, your burners may still be attached. If they are, scrub over them in the same direction as the gas slits with a nylon scrub brush. After you've scraped flat surfaces, scrub each exposed area with your nylon brush in aggressive back-and-forth strokes. If you scrub your burners perpendicular to the slits, you could accidentally knock debris into the holes. If your grill has burner covers, leave them on. They're there to protect your burners and keep sensitive parts from getting damaged. They also keep grease and dirt off of the burners, so you won't need to scrub them anyway. Empty your grease pan or bottom tray and wipe it. At the very bottom of your grill's body, there will be a removable pan or tray that is designed to catch debris, residue, or grease. Once you've scraped the body of the grill, remove the grease pan or bottom tray and empty it in a noncombustible trash bin. Wipe the tray or pan down with a warm, damp cloth and let it air dry before returning it. Use steel wool and warm water to scrub down the heat deflector. Some grills have a heat deflector at the bottom of the exhaust or burner system that deflects heat away from the grill. It's usually a flat piece of thin metal with a ridge in the middle, and they usually have thin slits across them to let excess heat out. Lift this piece out if you have one and soak it in warm water before aggressively scrubbing it with steel wool. This part doesn't really need to look like new when you're done, since it doesn't influence the flavor of food. Vacuum the inside and wipe down all exterior surfaces with a damp cloth. Use a vacuum with a hose to pull out any remaining debris or residue that you've scraped off from the inside of the grill. Once the interior surfaces of your grill have been cleaned, you can wipe down the outside of the grill with a damp microfiber cloth. Rinse your cloth in warm water and then wring it out before wiping down the exterior of your grill in soft circular motions. Cover each portion of the grill to lift up any grime and remove any food stains. Put your grill cover over the grill after you're done to protect it from the elements. Light a fire in your charcoal grill and let it burn. Let your fire run for 10-15 minutes. This will burn off any residue or grime that hasn't been heated yet. Let your fire burn out and wait for your grill to cool before removing the lid. Depending on how much charcoal you're using, it could take a few hours for your grill to cool. Wipe the lid down with a sponge and dish soap. Use a well-soaped sponge and warm water to scrub the roof of your lid. Scrub hard in a circular motion and cover each part of the lid twice. Rinse your lid in warm water and dry it with a clean cloth. Most charcoal grill lids are coated in an enamel that make it easy to clean. If your grill's lid is difficult to clean, it may be a sign that you need a new grill. Scrub the grill grates aggressively with a grill brush. Scrape vertically, going parallel to the cooking grid. You may need to scrape 4-5 times along each section of the grid to fully remove and food residue or charcoal dust. Flip your grill grates over and scrape the bottom of the grates as well. Rinse them under cold water when you're done. If you have a lot of residue that you're struggling to remove, you can add dish soap to the tips of your grill brush. You'll have to rinse the grates multiple times afterwards though to ensure that you don't get any soap residue on your food in the future. Empty your coals and wash the inside bowl. Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Dump out the charcoal ashes into a nonflammable trash receptacle. Use a steel wool pad to scrape the inside of your charcoal grill's bowl. Scrape aggressively in back-and-forth strokes until all of the gunk and grease is removed. Rinse it with a wet sponge and pat them dry with paper towels or a clean rag. Cover your grill when you're done. Unplug the grill and wait for it to cool. It's best to clean an electric grill after you've recently used it. Before you do start the cleaning process, unplug the grill and let it cool for 1-1.5 hours. Remove the electronic thermostat and set it aside while you're waiting for it to cool. Hand wipe the thermostat with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. You don't want to get any electric components of the thermostat wet, so use a dry cloth or towel. Remove the grill’s heating surface and dishwash it if you can. Some electronic grills have a removable heating plate. If you can remove your heating plate, take it out and dishwash it with normal detergent. If you don't have a dishwasher, you can scrub it with a sponge and dish soap before rinsing it. Let the heating surface air dry. Wipe the heating surface with dish soap if it can’t be removed. If you can't take the heating surface of the grill off, take a sponge and add a drop of dish soap. Run the sponge through warm water and wring it out. Scrub the heating surface with your sponge by scrubbing in gentle, circular motions. Run your sponge through warm water again and wring it out repeatedly until the soap is removed. Scrub your heating surface a second time. You may need to rinse the sponge multiple times to get the soap out, and the surface may need to be scrubbed more than once to remove grime or dirt. Clean the body of the grill with a sponge or microfiber cloth. Run a sponge or cloth under warm water and wring it out. Run your sponge and cloth along the exterior surfaces of the grill. Clean in circular motions so that you don't leave water stains. Dry the body of the grill with paper towels or a dry cloth. Use a chemical cleaner if you want to remove discoloration. Put on rubber gloves and preheat your grill to 225 °F (107 °C). Combine 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of commercial chemical grill cleaner in a bowl. Pour the solution over the heating surface and scrub with a wire brush that has a long handle. Scrub quickly and aggressively until the discoloration is removed. Rinse the heating surface with dish soap and warm water before letting it air dry. Wipe the surface of your grill with cooking oil. Let your grill cool for 30-45 minutes. After using a chemical cleaner to remove discoloration, wipe the surface of your grill with a dollop of cooking oil and a paper towel. This will ensure that your grill doesn't discolor in the future. | Turn the grill on the highest heat setting for 10-15 minutes. Shut off the gas source and scrub the grate. Scrape the roof of your lid with a plastic scraper. Use the hose on a vacuum to remove the debris and residue. Remove the grill base to dump out old ash and residue. Scrub the interior body of your grill with a scraper and nylon brush. Empty your grease pan or bottom tray and wipe it. Use steel wool and warm water to scrub down the heat deflector. Vacuum the inside and wipe down all exterior surfaces with a damp cloth. Light a fire in your charcoal grill and let it burn. Wipe the lid down with a sponge and dish soap. Scrub the grill grates aggressively with a grill brush. Empty your coals and wash the inside bowl. Unplug the grill and wait for it to cool. Remove the grill’s heating surface and dishwash it if you can. Wipe the heating surface with dish soap if it can’t be removed. Clean the body of the grill with a sponge or microfiber cloth. Use a chemical cleaner if you want to remove discoloration. Wipe the surface of your grill with cooking oil. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Candles-Last-Longer | How to Make Your Candles Last Longer | If you have a favorite candle and you want to extend its life a little, there are a few simple methods you can try. When you're not using the candle, put it in the fridge or freezer to harden the wax so it doesn't melt as quickly when you light it. You can also mix salt into the melted wax after burning the candle for a little while. Next time you light the candle, the salt-infused wax won't melt as quickly. A longer wick will burn faster than a short one, so trim the wick before you light the candle and make sure it's centered to ensure an even burn. | Place your candle in the fridge or freezer to harden the wax. When the wax is harder, it will take more time and effort for it to melt. Place your candles in the fridge for a day or two, or set them in the freezer for 1-8 hours, depending on their thickness. For thin candles, they will likely only need an hour or less in the freezer, while thicker pillar candles will need 6-8 hours. If you have more than one candle, test just one in the freezer before adding the others—some candles have been known to crack when frozen. Mix table salt into the wax to slow down the melting rate. Light your candle and let it burn until there's a puddle of melted wax around the wick before blowing the candle out. Sprinkle in a small palm-size measurement of salt, using a spoon or toothpick to mix it around so the salt isn't just on the top. You'll need to work quickly once you blow out the candle so the wax doesn't harden before you're able to sprinkle in the salt. Trim the candle wick to help ensure a longer burn time. Long candle wicks tend to speed up the burn process, so it's best to have a shorter wick. Use a pair of scissors or nail clippers to snip off the top section of the wick, leaving the wick roughly 0.25 in (0.64 cm) tall. Always wait until the wax and wick have cooled before trimming it. Recenter the wick if it moves out of place. If you notice the wick of the candle is lopsided or has shifted spots, blow out the candle and wait for it to cool. Carefully use your fingers or a pair of tongs to move it back in its original position. If your candle is burning with the wick uncentered, it will burn unevenly. Avoid placing the candle in a drafty area so it burns evenly. If you put your candle in front of a vent, fan, open window, or other source of air flow, it may not only extinguish it, but cause the candle to burn unevenly. Try to find a spot for your candle where it can burn without being inhibited by any type of wind. If you're not sure whether the area is drafty, look at the flame of the candle—if it's flickering or moving to one side, it's being affected by the air. Melt the top layer of wax when the candle is first lit to prevent tunneling. Tunneling is when a candle burns the wax right around the wick, but the outer edges of the candle never melt, creating a tunnel-like appearance. The first time you light a candle, let the entire top layer of wax melt completely, creating an even pool across the surface, before extinguishing it. This may take roughly 2 hours for a thick candle, and much less time for a thinner candle. Burn a candle for no more than 4 hours at a time. Burning a candle for more than 4 hours at once can cause a buildup of super hot wax, which is harmful to the candle's scent. After 4 hours, let your candle take a break before lighting it again. Allow the candle to cool completely before lighting it again. Once the candle is extinguished, let the wax cool and harden before starting to burn it again. This is to make it safer for you to trim the wick and clean off any wax, if necessary. Most candles will take roughly 2 hours to cool. Blow out the candle gently to avoid spraying melted wax. You can do this by blowing on the flame with a small puff of air, or by using a snuffer to extinguish the flame. This will help make sure the wax isn't blown all over the place and there isn't any debris in the melted wax. Let the candle cool before putting it away. This is especially important if your candle has a lid—you want to wait until the smoke has disappeared before placing a top back on the candle. Wait a few minutes, letting the wax start to harden, before storing your candle in a safe spot. Store your candle in a cool, dark place. This is so that your candles won't melt or warp due to higher temperatures. Pick out a dry, cool place for your candles, such as on a shelf in a closet or in a drawer, placing them carefully in their storage spot so they don't become damaged. Avoid letting your candle sit out in the sunlight for extended periods of time. Wipe away any burn spots from the candle holder, if necessary. If your glass candle holder has black burn marks on it from the candle's flame, find a cotton pad or paper towel and dampen it with soapy water. Rub the burn marks gently with the wet cotton pad, scrubbing until the marks are gone. Dry the glass thoroughly before lighting the candle again. Burn marks usually only happen when your candle has burned for too long, so try to blow out the candle within 4 hours of it being lit. | Place your candle in the fridge or freezer to harden the wax. Mix table salt into the wax to slow down the melting rate. Trim the candle wick to help ensure a longer burn time. Recenter the wick if it moves out of place. Avoid placing the candle in a drafty area so it burns evenly. Melt the top layer of wax when the candle is first lit to prevent tunneling. Burn a candle for no more than 4 hours at a time. Allow the candle to cool completely before lighting it again. Blow out the candle gently to avoid spraying melted wax. Let the candle cool before putting it away. Store your candle in a cool, dark place. Wipe away any burn spots from the candle holder, if necessary. |
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