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https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-for-a-Trial-Separation | How to Ask for a Trial Separation | To ask for a trial separation, tell your spouse how you feel and work out a plan for your time apart. It's best to tell your spouse ahead of time that you want to talk about your marriage, so they have a little time to prepare. When you sit down to talk, tell them how you feel. For example, you could say, “I don't think we've been in the same place lately, and I feel us growing apart. I'd like to discuss the possibility of a trial separation.” If your partner agrees to the idea, discuss what you both want from the trial separation, like time to think, to make your time apart as productive as possible. Then, work together to set ground rules for your trial separation, like no dating or sex, and how often you'll contact each other. You should also set a time scale for your trial, like 3 months, so you can reassess the situation. | Prepare your spouse. You don't want to blindside the person out of nowhere. Alerting your spouse that you want to have a discussion can help him or her mentally prepare for what's ahead, even if they're not aware of exactly what you're going to say. You could say, "I'd like to discuss where our relationship is headed. Can we sit down and talk about it soon?" That helps clue your partner into the fact that something's up. Also, pick a good time to sit down in person. This conversation isn't one you want to have over email or the phone. This conversation needs to happen in person, when your spouse has the time and emotional space to deal with it. You don't want to be distracted by other things. It might be a good idea to have someone babysit for you if you have kids. While you don't want to put it off, timing is everything. For instance, if your spouse's parent died last week, you may want to wait a little while. Express your hopes and fears. You may want to circle around the topic, but it's best to just get it over with, though you can be gentle about it. In addition, you need to take responsibility for why you want this separation. That is, you need to tell your partner why you feel the need to separate. Lead with what you want the discussion to be about. You could say, "I don't think we've been in the same place lately, and I feel us growing apart. I'd like to discuss the possibility of a trial separation." Don't be afraid to talk about what you're feeling. "I am afraid that if we go on like this we will fight and argue our way to divorce, and I hope that spending some time apart will help us see what our options are without ruining each other in the process." Establish what you want from the separation. Now that you've broached the topic, you need to let your spouse know what you expect to happen from the separation. Though it can hurt, being in the same page is important because it helps to guide your expectations through the separation. For instance, if you think the separation is a stepping stone to a divorce, you could say, "Right now, I'm really just trying to figure out what I want. However, if things don't change between us, I could see this leading to a more permanent separation." On the other hand, if you want the separation as a time to think with the hopes of reconciliation, you might say, "I know asking for a separation is hurtful to you. However, I don't think things have been right between us for a while, and I think we need some time apart to figure out how to move forward in our relationship. I really do want to work it out, though, and hopefully get back together after our time apart." Give your spouse a chance to react. This conversation may come as a hard blow, even if your spouse realizes you've been having problems as a couple. Let your spouse have a chance to react, as his or her first reaction is probably going to be emotional. Give your spouse a chance to talk through it before you start trying to evaluate whether it's a good option for your both. Once your spouse has gotten over the initial shock, start asking questions to determine what your spouse is feeling and thinking, such as, "So what do you think? Do you think it's a good idea?" It may be that your spouse is on the same page, thinking time apart would do you good, but your partner may not want that all. Discuss goals. That is, you both have things you'll need from each other to make your marriage work. If you've done you're homework, you already have some ideas of what you need from your partner, but your partner will also have some for you. Remember, these goals need to be concrete and specific. For instance, "Be less distant" is not concrete enough. "Check in with me at least 2 times a day" is more specific. Be open to hearing what your partner needs, as well. Each of you should have 3 to 4 goals for the other person. Agree that both of you will work on the goals without resorting to looking over the other person's shoulder. That is, you can't blame not achieving your goals on the other person not achieving theirs. Decide on ground rules. Once you've had the conversation about the separation, you need to have another about the rules of the separation. You need to decide whether you're going to live apart, how the bills are going to get paid, and who's going to do what with the kids. You should also discuss whether dating is allowed and how far you can go on a date. For instance, if you expect to get back together, you may decide to rule out dating or sex. These rules will need to be very specific. For instance, if you're talking about who gets to spend what time with the kids, you need to lay out what days and nights of the week the kids will spend with each party. Remember that the ground rules you set for a separation may affect what happens if you get a divorce, such as custody arrangements. For instance, if your kids are mostly living with one parent or the other, that parent may be granted primary custody. Talk to a lawyer to make sure that your ground rules are fair to both of you and your kids. You may need some help laying out these ground rules. If you expect to get back together, you're going to both need to compromise on the rules. Also, put your rules in writing. Doing so can make sure everyone is on the same page. Don't let it drag on. Together, set a time limit for your separation. It could be 3 months, half a year, or a full year. After you've set a limit on how long your separation will be, you can decide to let it go for longer. However, you don't want to keep dragging it out. If you keep asking for more time over and over, it may be that it's just time to end the marriage. If neither of you are willing to fight for the relationship anymore, it may not be worth it. Consider a therapist. If you're having enough trouble to want a separation, a third party mediator, such as a therapist can help. A therapist will help you to discuss your problems without getting so heated and hopefully work on finding common ground. A therapist will expect both of you to be emotionally present, working hard to put your relationship first. Ask around for recommendations for a couple's therapist from friends you trust. More than likely, some of your friends have had problems, too, and may have seen someone who's good for you and your spouse, too. A therapist can be objective about your relationship, whereas it's harder for the two of you to be objective about something that you are both so emotionally invested in. Therefore, suggest to your partner that you consider going to a therapist. Another option for a mediator is a pastor. You could say, "Given all I've said about a separation, I think it's important that we talk to a mediator. I was thinking we could talk to a couple's therapist once a week to see if they can help us sort out some of our problems. I really want to make this work, but I do think we could use some outside help." Get a lawyer. A lawyer is also important when you're separating. Once again, it's good to ask your friends who've been through a divorce if they have any recommendations for lawyers. A lawyer will go over the legal ramifications of your separation so you know what to expect if you do get a divorce. In addition, your lawyer can act as a mediator for you if you need one. You can also look up reviews of lawyers online to find one that most people have been happy with. Meet with the lawyer before deciding to engage him or her as your personal lawyer. Ask the lawyer if they're willing to act as a mediator if you need it and how often they've worked with people on a trial separation. Plus, you want to make sure you connect with your lawyer and trust him or her as a person. As noted in the step about laying out ground rules, it's important to remember that what you do in your separation can affect your divorce. What you decide about who takes care of the kids now, for instance, can be used to decide who gets custody of your kids. Continue to talk. If you have a trial separation without spending any time talking, you won't be able to work through your problems. If you really want to get back together, you're going to need to spend time talking through your problems, preferably with a third party. For instance, you could try talking on the phone twice a week. Consider addressing specific issues each time you talk. Talking on the phone cuts out some of the emotional charge in the situation. If you're really emotional, you may want to start with emails and the move up to phone calls. If you've engaged a therapist or you're visiting with a pastor, that can be one way you can continue to connect with each other. Keep it to yourself. Of course, telling your close friends and family that you've separated is appropriate. However, now isn't the time to post a huge announcement on social media. You are trying to decide if things will work out, and having the whole world (or at least all your friends, including the person you never liked from high school) weigh in isn't going to help. What happens going forward should be between you and your spouse, and possibly a good therapist. Sort out your feelings. You're obviously feeling like something is wrong with the relationship. However, you need to be able to put your finger on why, not just put it in general terms. That needs you need to spend some time thinking about what you think has gone wrong with the relationship. Some areas you can think about are whether you still have fun together and laugh and whether you still have similar goals. Sex is also an area that can cause problems. Another area you can look at is the way you communicate. Has communication broken down in your marriage? Can you identify where it started breaking it down? Also, consider the ways you care for each other. Happy couples enjoy doing things for each other. If you find you are doing all the work in the relationship, both the emotional work and the physical work of living together, that could a large part of the problem--your spouse isn't holding up her or his end of the marriage. Be able to lay it out in concrete terms. That is, you have figured out why you're unhappy. To be fair to your spouse, you need to be able to lay out in exact terms what's not working for you. The best way to do that, once you figure out what's wrong, is to give concrete goals and ask for the same in return. For instance, maybe you're unhappy because you don't feel like your spouse pays attention to you anymore. A concrete goal would be to spend alone time together at least twice a week. Come up with 3 to 4 concrete goals that you can discuss with your spouse. Decide what you want from the separation. That is, are you almost certain you will get a divorce after the separation? That's something you need to be up front about. However, if you really want a separation to help you decide if you still want to be in the relationship, it's okay to bring that to the table, too. Have a time frame in mind. In many cases, couples who have a trial separation set a certain time frame. When that time frame is up, the couple either decides to get back together or to divorce. One therapist recommends 3 months as a good time frame, but you should have a time frame in mind when you talk to your spouse, along with a good justification for that amount of time. For instance, you might feel like half a year is better to figure out your feelings. Alternatively, you may want to separate for 3 months to give your spouse a chance to go through rehab. If they don't, you may choose to divorce at the end of that period. Of course, you can reevaluate after the time period. If you're both still unsure, you can agree to another length of time. | Prepare your spouse. Express your hopes and fears. Establish what you want from the separation. Give your spouse a chance to react. Discuss goals. Decide on ground rules. Don't let it drag on. Consider a therapist. Get a lawyer. Continue to talk. Keep it to yourself. Sort out your feelings. Be able to lay it out in concrete terms. Decide what you want from the separation. Have a time frame in mind. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Oats-with-Milk | How to Make Oats with Milk | Making oats with milk is an easy way to make a quick breakfast. Start by mixing together 1 cup of milk and ½ cup of rolled oats in a microwavable bowl. Then, microwave it for 3 minutes, and stir the oats before eating. If you'd rather make overnight oats, place ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of old fashioned oats in a container. Mix them together, then put the container in the fridge overnight. In the morning, your oats will be ready to eat! | Boil 1 cup (250 mL) of milk on the stovetop. Measure 1 cup (250 mL) of your favourite type of milk into a small saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stovetop at a high heat and wait for it to boil. If you are lactose intolerant, almond, coconut, soy, and oat milk will work for this recipe. If you want creamy tasting oats, use full-fat milk. Multiply the ingredients by the number of people you are serving. For example, if you are serving 5 people, add 5 portions of each ingredient. Mix ½ cup (45 grams) of rolled oats into the milk. Measure the oats and carefully pour them into the hot milk. Use a wooden spoon to the mix the oats and milk until they are thoroughly combined. Rolled oats are sometimes labelled as old-fashioned oats. Add a pinch of salt, if desired. Cook the oats for 5 minutes over medium heat. Turn the heat down to medium to stop the oats from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. Stir the oats approximately every minute to ensure that they cook evenly. Cook quick oats for 1 minute and steel-cut oats for 20 minutes. Use a spoon to taste the oats and check that they are cooked to your desired consistency. If they're still a little firm, leave them to cook for 1 more minute. Leave the oats to cool for 3 minutes. Remove the saucepan of oats from the heat and place it on a wooden chopping board or heat-proof pad. This allows the oats to continue to soften and makes them a more palatable temperature to eat. If the oats still feel too hot to eat after 3 minutes, leave them to cool for another 2 minutes. Mix 1 cup (250 mL) of milk and ½ cup (45 grams) of rolled oats into a bowl. Measure the rolled oats and milk into a microwave-safe bowl that can hold at least 2 cups (500 mL) of liquid. Stir the rolled oats and milk with a spoon until they are thoroughly combined. Use your favourite type of milk. Full-fat milk will give the oats the creamiest taste, whereas low-fat milk will give a lighter taste. Nut milk and soy milk also work with this recipe. Multiply the ingredients by the number of people you are serving. For example, if you are serving 5 people, add 5 portions of each ingredient. Add a pinch of salt, if desired. Microwave the oats on high for 3 minutes. Place the bowl of oats into the microwave. Set the microwave to cook the oats for 3 minutes on the hottest setting. If your microwave doesn't have a turning wheel, turn the bowl around after 1.5 minutes. Microwave steel-cut oats and quick-oats for 1 ½ minutes. Stir the cooked oats. Remove the cooked oats from the microwave and use a spoon to stir the mixture until the liquid is evenly distributed through the oats. Use an oven mitt when touching the hot bowl to avoid burns. Leave the oats to cool until they are your desired temperature. Measure the oats and milk into a container with a lid. Add 1/2 cup (125 mL) of milk and 1/2 cup old fashioned oats into a container. Mason jars and plastic bowls work well for this method. Use full-fat milk for a creamy taste or use low-fat milk for a lighter texture. Multiply the ingredients by the number of people you are serving. For example, if you are serving 5 people, add 5 portions of each ingredient. Mix the oats and milk with a spoon. Stir the ingredients until the oats are completely dispersed through the milk. Make sure to stir the oats that are at the bottom of the container. If you're having trouble mixing the oats, put the lid on tightly and shake the container. Place the container in the fridge overnight. Put the lid on the container of oats and transfer it to the fridge. Leave the oats in the fridge overnight or for 8 hours. Enjoy the oats cold in the morning. Serve the oats with your favourite toppings. Top your oats with your favourite fruit if you want a fresh taste. Chop your favourite seasonal fruit into slices and place it on top of the oats. Alternatively, use tinned fruit to add a fresh flavour to your breakfast. Blackberry and apple is a delicious flavour combination. Chopped bananas add natural sweetness to the oats. Freshly-sliced plums and apples are a sweet and refreshing choice. Drizzle honey or syrup on top of the oats for added sweetness. Choose a runny honey or a syrup, such as maple syrup or golden syrup. Pour a small amount of the sweetener evenly over the oats to add a delicious, sweet flavour. Maple syrup works well with sliced plums and pears. Honey tastes delicious with apples and berries. Pour milk, yoghurt, or cream over the oats for a rich, creamy texture. Adding extra liquid also helps to cool the oats down. If you want an extra creamy flavour, opt for cream. If you prefer a lighter flavour, use milk instead. Experiment with different flavoured yoghurts, such as Greek, fruit, or honey-flavoured yoghurt. Greek yoghurt, honey, and berries are a delicious combination on top of oats. | Boil 1 cup (250 mL) of milk on the stovetop. Mix ½ cup (45 grams) of rolled oats into the milk. Cook the oats for 5 minutes over medium heat. Leave the oats to cool for 3 minutes. Mix 1 cup (250 mL) of milk and ½ cup (45 grams) of rolled oats into a bowl. Microwave the oats on high for 3 minutes. Stir the cooked oats. Measure the oats and milk into a container with a lid. Mix the oats and milk with a spoon. Place the container in the fridge overnight. Top your oats with your favourite fruit if you want a fresh taste. Drizzle honey or syrup on top of the oats for added sweetness. Pour milk, yoghurt, or cream over the oats for a rich, creamy texture. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-White-Carpet | How to Clean White Carpet | To clean white carpet, remove water-based stains, like beverage stains, by rubbing white vinegar and water into them with a sponge. When you're finished, blot the area dry with paper towels. For stains that are tough to get out, like coffee, wine, or bloodstains, use ammonia instead of vinegar. If you're trying to remove a urine stain, start by applying equal parts water and white vinegar to the stain. Then, mix non-bleach detergent with water, and rub it into the stain with a sponge before rinsing the area with water. | Blot spilled liquids immediately. Use a white terrycloth towel to apply gentle pressure to soak up the stain. Don't rub or scrub as this will make the stain worse, causing dirt particles to get ground in to the carpet. Clean water-soluble stains with white vinegar. These include soda, alcoholic beverages, berries, excrement, milk, mud, dairy products, wet or latex paint, gravy, and jelly. Mix ⁄ 4 teaspoon (1.2 ml) of white vinegar or non-bleach detergent with 1 US quart (0.95 L)of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray onto the dried stain. Rub the area with a sponge and blot it dry with paper towels. Alternatively, you can use 1 cup (240 ml) of water with a few drops of clear dish soap to blot the stain. Rinse off any soap residue after the stain comes out. Use an ammonia solution to remove special water-soluble stains. Special water-soluble stains include those from blood, chocolate, coffee, wine, tea, vomit and mustard. Mix1 tablespoon (15 ml) of ammonia with 1 cup (240 mL) of water. Use a mild detergent instead of ammonia for a wool or wool-blend carpet. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray onto the dried stain. Rub the area with a sponge and blot it dry with paper towels. Pay attention to clear-colored stains such as white wine. The sugars actually caramelize over time causing discolored patches. Treat blood with cold water immediately. Then use hydrogen peroxide to lift it from white carpets. Remove fat, wax or oil with an iron. Lay a paper towel over the spill and iron it on a warm setting. The heat should cause the spill to lift off the carpet and stick to the paper towel. If your carpet has been pre-treated, you may be able to use mild dish soap and water. Otherwise, you'll have to deep clean it. Remove glue with rubbing alcohol. Rub a cotton ball moistened with rubbing alcohol on the glue. Gently wipe off the glue residue and continue rubbing until it is gone. Remove wax or gum by freezing. Apply an ice cube or ice pack to the gum or wax for around 20 minutes. If a large area is affected, hit the frozen area with a blunt object until it shatters. Vacuum up the pieces and blot the area with a towel. For smaller pieces of gum, use a spoon to lift the frozen gum and cut the carpet underneath. Go as close to the frozen gum as possible and only cut a small amount. If you still have any wax residue, use an iron to remove the remaining residue. Remove a urine stain with white vinegar and detergent. Mix water and white vinegar together in even proportions. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, or moisten a rag with it. Spray or blot the area. Mix 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of non-bleach detergent with 32 ounces (960 mL) of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray onto the dried stain. Clean the mixture off the area with a sponge, then rinse with water and blot dry with paper towels. Consider investing in a handheld spot extractor. These machines are available from around $50 to $200 and use suction to remove dirt and stains. Use with a neutral detergent specifically designed for wool. Vacuum as often as possible. This is especially important in high traffic areas where the carpet gets a lot of wear. Vacuuming gets rid of any surface dirt on the carpet before it has a chance to get pressed in. Try for once or twice a week at a minimum, but daily is even better, especially if you have children or pets. Use a high-quality vacuum, experts recommend a top-loading machine with HEPA filters to catch the maximum amount of dirt. Remember to the change or clean the filters often. Make sure the filter is completely dry before using the vacuum again. Set the vacuum height level so that it gives slight resistance when you push it over the carpet. This will ensure it is operating optimally. Change the vacuum bag or canister often. When it is above half full the vacuum is less effective. Remove shoes before walking on the carpet. Take your shoes off when you come in the door and have your guests do the same. This is key to maintaining your white carpet and keeping it clean. Leave socks on though, as bare feet give off natural oils that are then deposited on the carpet, causing it to attract dirt. Place a shoe rack by the door to remind you to remove your shoes when you come in. Have slippers, which are strictly for indoor use and don't walk outside in them. You could even have a few spare pairs to offer guests, who may be uncomfortable removing their shoes. If you don't want to ask guests to remove their shoes, place a mat in the entryway to catch dirt. Dry pets’ paws when they come inside. Keep a towel by the door to wipe dirt off your pet's paws as soon as they get in. This prevents them from trampling dirt into the carpet. While many pets will not like this, some may eventually learn that they shouldn't come into the house before you have cleaned off their paws. Clean using the hot-water extraction method. While you can do a lot to prevent your white carpet from getting dirty, it is recommended that you get your carpet more thoroughly cleaned by professionals every 12 to 18 months. This method, also known as steam cleaning, involves pre-spraying the carpet with soap, then applying a fine spray of hot water to rinse the soap. Finally, the wastewater should be extracted so that no soapy film remains on the carpet. It is also beneficial for health reasons as the hot temperatures kill any mold, bacteria, and pollutants stuck in the soft surface of the carpet. As many as one hundred times more pollutants are found indoors than outdoors. Select a reputable professional. There are lots of businesses offering to clean carpets, but make sure to select one with insurance (in case something happens to your carpet during cleaning) and a valid certification. Ensure that the company has the necessary qualifications from the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). You can find further information on their website. Get multiple quotes from different companies and beware of "discount" carpet cleaners. Rent a steam cleaner and do it yourself. Professionals will likely do a more thorough job but they can be expensive. You can rent a steam cleaner from a hardware store and give it a go yourself. Vacuum before you begin to get the top layer of dirt off as steam-cleaners are designed to wash the carpet and get at the ground-in dirt. Remove furniture and pick up all items lying around the floor. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific device you are using. Most carpet steam cleaners lay the water down when you push the machine forward and extract it when you pull back. If this is the case, be sure to slowly pull the machine over the carpet to extract as much water as possible. Excess water left behind may soak the carpet padding and cause mold or mildew issues. Use in the summer months when you can keep windows open for ventilation and to speed up drying. | Blot spilled liquids immediately. Clean water-soluble stains with white vinegar. Use an ammonia solution to remove special water-soluble stains. Remove fat, wax or oil with an iron. Remove glue with rubbing alcohol. Remove wax or gum by freezing. Remove a urine stain with white vinegar and detergent. Consider investing in a handheld spot extractor. Vacuum as often as possible. Remove shoes before walking on the carpet. Dry pets’ paws when they come inside. Clean using the hot-water extraction method. Select a reputable professional. Rent a steam cleaner and do it yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Cabbage | How to Freeze Cabbage | To freeze cabbage in whole leaves, start by selecting a clean cabbage and remove the coarse outer leaves. Then, use a knife to score the head of the cabbage, and pull the remaining leaves away from the base. Next, bring a pot of water to a boil, and place the leaves in the water for 1-1.5 minutes. After a minute or so, remove the leaves from the water and put them in an ice bath immediately. As the leaves cool, place them in a colander to dry, then transfer them to sealable plastic bags. Place the bags in the freezer and use as needed. | Select a suitable cabbage. It should be fresh, clean and without any molding or damage. Remove the coarse outer leaves. Discard or compost these. Pull the remaining leaves away from the cabbage base. Use a knife to score a cut line at the base, then pull the leaves away intact. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Blanch the leaves in this for 1 1/2 minutes. Do this in batches rather than trying to blanch the whole cabbage at once. Remove and dunk into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking immediately. Drain the leaves. Gently shake off excess water first. Place on absorbent paper or a wire rack to drain. Pack into resealable bags or a container. Leave room for expansion, about 1.5cm/ 1/2 an inch. Remove as much air as possible if using a resealable bag. Alternatively, the leaves can be arranged on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then frozen, then bagged or added to a container. Seal the container or bag. Label and date the package. Place in the freezer. Use. The frozen leaves can be added straight in soup, stews and for other cooked dishes. They can also be used for cabbage roll dishes––thaw the leaves in the refrigerator first. Select a suitable cabbage. It should be fresh, clean and without any molding or damage. Remove the coarse outer leaves. Discard or compost these. Cut the cabbage. Either cut the cabbage into chunky wedges or shred it into medium shreds. Blanch as for method one. Most likely you will be able to blanch a little more at a time, as there will be more space when the cabbage is cut down. If you have wedges, these should be blanched for three minutes. Drain the blanched cabbage. Place in a colander or similar and allow the excess water to drip off. You can also spread the cabbage on absorbent paper towel to air dry once the excess water has dripped off. Package and seal as above. You can also use re-boilable bags in place of resealable bags, if preferred. Use the cabbage. This cabbage can be broken off in chunks or lumps as needed and added to soups, stews, stir-fries, etc. as needed. Add frozen to the cooking dish or thaw before adding. If thawing shredded cabbage for use in coleslaw or stir-fry, thaw in the refrigerator first. Note: Not everyone agrees that thawed frozen cabbage works well for coleslaw, as it can turn quite mushy. Be aware that this could happen; if it does, use it in a cooked dish instead. Use fully fermented sauerkraut only. Fill pint (600ml) or quart (950ml) size freezer bags or a freezer-proof container with the sauerkraut. Leave a space at the top of about 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm) to allow for expansion when frozen. If using bags, push gently to expel as much air as possible before sealing. Seal the bags. Label and date. Place in the freezer. The sauerkraut will keep for 8 to 12 months frozen. Use. Thaw the amount wanted in the refrigerator, then use as usual. | Select a suitable cabbage. Remove the coarse outer leaves. Pull the remaining leaves away from the cabbage base. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Remove and dunk into a bowl of ice water. Drain the leaves. Pack into resealable bags or a container. Seal the container or bag. Use. Select a suitable cabbage. Remove the coarse outer leaves. Cut the cabbage. Blanch as for method one. Drain the blanched cabbage. Package and seal as above. Use the cabbage. Use fully fermented sauerkraut only. Fill pint (600ml) or quart (950ml) size freezer bags or a freezer-proof container with the sauerkraut. Leave a space at the top of about 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm) to allow for expansion when frozen. Seal the bags. Place in the freezer. Use. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-the-Net-Asset-Value | How to Calculate the Net Asset Value | To calculate your net asset value, choose a valuation date as the numbers can vary daily. Then, calculate the total value of the fund's securities at the end of the valuation date minus any outstanding fund liabilities. Finally, divide by the number of outstanding shares in the fund to arrive at the net asset value, or the value of one share's portion. If you own multiple shares, multiply the net asset value by the number of shares owned to learn the market value of your investment. | Choose the valuation date. The net asset value (NAV) of a mutual fund, hedge fund, or ETF changes every day the stock market is open, as the value of the fund's investments fluctuate. For your net asset value calculation to be valuable, you must use fund data for the calculation on a date that is relevant to your needs. Choose a specific date and ensure all the values you use to calculate your fund net asset value come from this date. Calculate the total value of the fund’s securities at the end of the valuation date. The fund's securities are its ownership of stocks, bonds, and other securities. As these securities' values are posted daily, you can learn the value of your fund's investment in each kind of security at the end of the valuation date. This total should include value of any cash on hand on the valuation date, as well as any short term or long term assets held by the fund. Subtract outstanding fund liabilities. In addition to investments, the fund likely has several outstanding liabilities. These are amounts the fund has borrowed to make additional investments, in the hopes that the fund can earn interest on its investments at a higher rate than it pays on its outstanding loans. Subtract the amount of these debts from the total value of the securities you calculated. The fund's prospectus will list each of its assets and liabilities. Download the prospectus online or call for it by phone. Most newspapers will have daily stock listings showing the closing price of any publicly traded stock. Divide by the number of outstanding shares in the fund. The result of this calculation is the net asset value, or the value of one share's portion of the assets owned by the fund. If you own multiple shares in the fund, you can multiply the NAV by the number of shares you own to learn the market value of your investment. The NAV generally determines the buy or sell price of a mutual fund share, so you should expect to be able to sell back your shares for relatively close to the NAV. For mutual funds, NAV per share is calculated every day. It is based on the closing prices of the securities in the fund. Buy and sell orders for mutual funds are processed based on the NAV for the date. Since the NAV is calculated at the close of business, investors must wait until the next business day to make the trade at that price. Calculate your fund's total return. The total return on a fund is the sum of the value of any dividends the fund paid out, the value of any capital gains the fund paid out, and any increase in NAV over the life of the purchaser's holding, divided by the purchase price of the fund. The total return is expressed as a percentage, to illustrate what percent of the purchase price holders have received in cash distributions and fund appreciation during the fund life. Mutual funds are required by law to distribute capital gains (positive cash flow from the purchase and sale of stock with mutual funds) to fund shareholders. This is different than a share of stock, where the holder receives capital gains as an increase to share price, not a direct pay out. For this reason, the NAV of a fund isn't enough on its own to evaluate long-term performance of a fund. Evaluate your fund's total return rate. You should analyze your total return rate to determine whether or not you are earning enough income off of your fund investment. Most funds are fairly diverse, and mutual funds should over-perform the stock market. While the stock market does fluctuate constantly, you should evaluate your fund's performance against the market's to ensure you are getting a reasonable return. From 1926 to the present, the annualized return for the S&P 500 has been about 10 percent. The annualized return from Sept 2005 to Sept 2015 for S&P 500 has been about 7%. Note that returns can vary depending upon holding period, and that returns of individual stocks can vary significantly. You should compare your total return rate to the return rate on the stock market for the period you are assessing, while considering your overall acceptable return rate. Evaluate your fund's net asset value. The net asset value is a good indicator of whether or not your investment in the fund is retaining its value. If you purchased a share of a mutual fund for $50, receive investment income on the fund of $5 each year, and maintain a net asset value of $50 each year, you will essentially be earning 10% interest on your investment, which is a much higher rate than a savings account. By following the NAV of your fund shares, you can monitor whether or not your base investment is retaining its value, in addition to bringing in income. Most investment strategists caution against using the NAV to value your investment in the same way you might value an investment in stock using the daily stock price. Because mutual funds pay out all of their income and capital gains to shareholders, (besides the management fees charged to operate the fund), successful mutual funds don't have to increase their NAV over time. They instead need to maintain NAV while providing interest payments to shareholders. Adjust your fund investments. After assessing the NAV and total return performance of your fund investment, you may consider whether or not to adjust your investments. While mutual funds are considered some of the most secure and diverse investments in stocks, some funds focus on specific market areas, like tech or healthcare. If you feel your specific fund isn't providing the returns you are seeking, and you think you can get those returns elsewhere, adjust your investments accordingly. Determine the economic value of a company. This is known as the asset-based approach for valuing a company. This calculation looks at the total assets of a company minus its liabilities. This approach is often used when a business is no longer operating and is preparing for liquidation. Choose your valuation date and use the balance sheet as of that date. If necessary, restate assets and liabilities to fair market value. This means restating the value of the company's assets and liabilities for what they could be bought or sold in the current market. This might apply to assets such as inventory, capital equipment and property and liabilities such as litigation or warranty accruals. Include any unrecorded assets and liabilities that are not reflected on the balance sheet but may still impact the company's value. For instance, any pending litigation that might result in the company needing to make a payment within the next operating cycle. Include the estimated amount the company may lose. Subtract liabilities from assets, and divide by the total number of common shares to get the NAV per share or the company. For example, suppose a company had $120 million in assets and $100 million in liabilities and 10 million common shares. Assets minus liabilities equal $20 million. Net asset value per share equals $20 million /10 million = $2 per share. Evaluate the performance of real estate investment trusts (REITs). REITs are corporations that own income-producing real estate properties or mortgages and allow investors to purchase shares of stock. For all of the properties in the trust, you can calculate the book value, or the value of the property less accumulated depreciation. However, calculating the net asset value better reflects the market value of shares in the REIT. Begin with an appraisal of the REIT's properties. One method is to divide the operating income of the properties (revenues minus operating expenses) by the capitalization rate (which is the expected rate of return on a property based on its income). For example, if the total operating income of an REIT is $200 million and the average capitalization rate is 7 percent, the value of the properties would be $286 million ($200 million / 7 percent = $286 million). Once you have the value of the properties, deduct the liabilities, such as the mortgage debt still owed to get the NAV. For example, suppose the total mortgage debt and other liabilities in the above example equals $187 million. The NAV equals $286 million - $187 million = $99 million. Divide the NAV by the number of common shares. Suppose there are 30 million shares. The NAV per share would be $99 million / 30 million = $3.30 per share. The quoted prices per share for the REIT should theoretically be close to the NAV per share. Assess the performance of variable universal life insurance policies. Variable universal life insurance policies are similar to mutual funds. They are life insurance policies that gain cash value through investments in several separate accounts. The securities can change value with fluctuations in the market. Since they are sold as units of ownership to policyholders, you can evaluate the value of the policy by calculating the NAV per unit. The process to calculate the investment value of a variable insurance policy is similar to the process used for mutual funds. | Choose the valuation date. Calculate the total value of the fund’s securities at the end of the valuation date. Subtract outstanding fund liabilities. Divide by the number of outstanding shares in the fund. Calculate your fund's total return. Evaluate your fund's total return rate. Evaluate your fund's net asset value. Adjust your fund investments. Determine the economic value of a company. Evaluate the performance of real estate investment trusts (REITs). Assess the performance of variable universal life insurance policies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Incident-Report | How to Write an Incident Report | If you need to write an incident report, start writing down the basic facts you need to remember as soon as possible, so you don't start to forget details. Include the time, date, and location of the incident, as well as your name and work ID number and the names of anyone else who was present. Start by describing the general nature of the incident, then write out a detailed, first-person account of what happened. Include as many details as you can. | Obtain the proper forms from your institution. Each institution has a different protocol in place for dealing with an incident and filing a report. Follow any instructions that accompany the forms. Each organization uses a different format, so pay attention to the guidelines. In some cases you're responsible for filling out a form issued by your institution. In other cases you'll be asked to type or write up the report on your own. Provide the basic facts. Your form may have blanks for you to fill out with information about the incident. If not, start the report with a sentence clearly stating the following basic information: The time, date and location of the incident (be specific; write the exact street address, etc.). Your name and ID number. Names of other members of your organization who were present Include a line about the general nature of the incident. Describe what brought to you at the scene of the incident. If you received a call, describe the call and note what time you received it. Write an objective, factual sentence describing what occurred. For example, you could write that you were called to a certain address after a person was reported for being drunk and disorderly. Note that you should not write what you think might have happened. Stick to the facts, and be objective. Start the report as soon as possible. Write it the same day as the incident if possible. If you wait a day or two your memory will start to get a little fuzzy. You should write down the basic facts you need to remember as soon as the incident occurs. Do your report write-up within the first 24 hours afterward. Write a first person narrative telling what happened. Write a chronological narrative of exactly what happened when you reported to the scene. Use the full names of each person included in the report. Identify all persons the first time they are cited in your report by listing: first, middle, and last names; date of birth, race, gender, and reference a government issued identification number. In subsequent sentences, you can then refer to them using just their first and last names: "Doe, John" or "John Doe". Start a new paragraph to describe each person's actions separately. Answer the who, what, when, where, and why of what happened. For example, when the police officer mentioned above arrives at the residence where he got the call, he could say: "Upon arrival the officer observed a male white, now known as Doe, John Edwin; date of birth: 03/15/1998; California Driver's License 00789142536, screaming and yelling at a female white,know known as, Doe, Jane, in the front lawn of the above location (the address given earlier). The officer separated both parties involved and conducted field interviews. The officer was told by Mr. John Doe that he had came home from work and discovered that dinner was not made for him. He then stated that he became upset at his wife Mrs. Jane Doe for not having the dinner ready for him." If possible, make sure to include direct quotes from witnesses and other people involved in the incident. For example, in the above scenario, the officer could write “Jane said to me 'Johnny was mad because I didn't have dinner ready right on time.'” Include an accurate description of your own role in the course of what occurred. If you had to use physical force to detain someone, don't gloss over it. Report how you handled the situation and its aftermath. Be thorough. Write as much as you can remember - the more details, the better. Don't leave room for people reading the report to interpret something the wrong way. Don't worry about your report being too long or wordy. The important thing is to report a complete picture of what occurred. For example, instead of saying “when I arrived, his face was red,” you could say, “when I arrived, he was yelling, out of breath, and his face was red with anger.” The second example is better than the first because there are multiple reasons for someone's face to be red, not just that they are angry. Or, instead of saying “after I arrived at the scene, he charged towards me,” you should say “when I arrived at the scene I demanded that both parties stop fighting. After taking a breath and looking at me, he began to run quickly towards me and held his hand up like he was about to strike me.” Be accurate. Do not write something in the report that you aren't sure actually happened. Report hearsay as hearsay, not as fact. For example, if a witness told you he saw someone leap over a fence and run away, clearly indicate that your report of the incident was based upon a witness account; it is not yet a proven fact. Additionally, if you are reporting what the witness told you, you should write down anything that you remember about the witness's demeanor. If their statement's cause controversy later, your report can prove useful. For example, it would be helpful to know that a witness appeared excited while telling you what happened, or if they seemed very calm and evenhanded. Be clear. Don't use flowery, confusing language to describe what occurred. Your writing should be clear and concise. Use short, to-the-point, fact-oriented sentences that don't leave room for interpretation. Keep your writing clear and concise. Additionally, do not use legal or technical words: For example, say “personal vehicle” instead of “P.O.V.” (personally owned vehicle), and “scene of the crime” instead of the typical numbered code that police typically use to notify others of their arrival. Use short, to-the-point sentences that emphasize facts and that don't leave room for interpretation. Instead of writing "I think the suspect wanted to get back at his wife, because he seemed to have ill intentions when he walked up to her and grabbed her," write "The suspect [insert name] walked over to his wife [name] and forcefully grabbed her by the wrist." Be honest. Even if you're not proud of how you handled the situation, it's imperative that you write an honest account. If you write something untrue it may end up surfacing later, putting your job in jeopardy and causing problems for the people involved in the incident. Preserve your integrity and that of the institution you represent by telling the truth. Double check the basic facts. Check to make sure the basic information (spellings of names, the dates, times, and addresses, the license plate numbers, etc.) match those you listed in your report. Do not try to make sure that statements in your report match those of your colleagues. Individually filed reports guarantee that more than one account of an incident survives. Incident reports can appear later in a court of law. If you alter the facts of your report to match those of another, you can be penalized. Edit and proofread your report. Read through it to make sure it's coherent and easy to understand. Make sure you didn't leave out any information that should have been included. Look for obvious gaps in the narrative that you might need to fill in. Check it one more time for spelling and grammar errors. Remove any words that could be seen as subjective or judgmental, like words describing feelings and emotions. Submit your incident report. Find out the name of the person or department to whom your report must be sent. When possible, submit an incident report in person and make yourself available to answer further questions or provide clarification. In situations where an incident report must be mailed or e-mailed, follow up with a phone call within a 10 day period to ensure that your report was received. | Obtain the proper forms from your institution. Provide the basic facts. Include a line about the general nature of the incident. Start the report as soon as possible. Write a first person narrative telling what happened. Be thorough. Be accurate. Be clear. Be honest. Double check the basic facts. Edit and proofread your report. Submit your incident report. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Copper-Jewelry | How to Clean Copper Jewelry | To clean copper jewelry, mix equal parts salt and baking soda with a little lemon juice to create a paste. Next, apply the paste to the jewelry and use a soft cloth to rub it into the surface. If you need to get into the nooks and crannies of intricate pieces, use an old toothbrush. Then, rinse the jewelry with a clean cloth dampened with water and dab it dry with a fresh, dry cloth. | Create a baking soda paste. A baking soda paste works for most copper jewelry and can be made with materials you likely have around the house. Mix equal parts salt and baking soda with a little lemon juice until you have a paste. Mix a salt and vinegar solution. Table salt and vinegar is also an easy cleaner to make with supplies you have at home. Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and salt to get a cleaning solution for your copper jewelry. Sprinkle table salt on a lemon. If you have a lemon, this can be rubbed on copper jewelry to clean it. Simply sprinkle table salt on the lemon and then rub down your jewelry with it. If you find you need a deeper clean, add some cornstarch and baking soda to the lemon as well. This will provide a deeper clean. Use ketchup on its own. Ketchup tends to work well for on jewelry with a lot of detailing, such as vintage copper jewelry. Ketchup can be squirted directly on your jewelry and then be rubbed in with your fingers or a cloth. Try water and mild soap. A mild soap, such as dish soap, can also be used on copper jewelry. Just make sure you use a small amount. A few drops of a mild soap is all it takes to clean copper jewelry. Use a commercial copper cleaner for the most effective option. You can find commercial copper cleaners at most hardware stores. Just make sure you wear rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when you use a commercial cleaner. Boil your jewelry in your solution for a deep clean. If you need a deep clean, use a cleaning solution that can you immerse your jewelry in. Vinegar and salt tends to work best. Simply fill a pot big enough to contain your jewelry with vinegar and salt, or your chosen solution. Bring the solution to a boil. Let the jewelry boil for a few minutes before removing it. Make sure to use tongs when removing the jewelry and let it sit a few minutes to cool before rinsing it. Jewelry should be cool to the touch before your rinse it. Rub your cleaner onto the jewelry. If you don't need a deep clean, you can simply rub your jewelry down with your chosen cleaner. Use a polishing cloth or something similar to rub your jewelry until it shines and any dirt and debris is removed. To get into nooks and crannies, use a toothbrush to scrub your copper jewelry. When using ketchup, copper jewelry may come out shinier if you let the ketchup rest on the jewelry for a few minutes. Rinse and dry the jewelry. You can rinse copper jewelry with a clean cloth dampened with clean water. Then, dab the jewelry dry with a dry cloth. Copper may rust if it's left wet too long, so make sure to dry it thoroughly before setting it aside. Polish the jewelry. After cleaning your copper jewelry, give it a good polish by squirting some lemon juice onto a rag. Then, buff the jewelry with the rag until it shines. When you're done, rinse off the jewelry with water. Lemon is usually okay to use, even if you already used lemon for cleaning. If you prefer, however, you can purchase a polish made specifically for copper jewelry. Clean your jewelry regularly. Copper jewelry should be cleaned regularly to avoid discoloration and tarnish. Each time the jewelry becomes noticeably dingy or dirty, give it a cleaning. Keep in mind, times between cleanings vary depending on the type and age of your jewelry and how often you wear it. Keep an eye on your copper jewelry and clean it as needed. Store your jewelry in a dry place. Copper jewelry should be stored in a dry place as excess moisture can cause rust and discoloration. You should also store the jewelry in an airtight container or Ziploc bag to keep out extra moisture. Avoid swimming with copper jewelry. Swimming can damage copper jewelry, resulting in the need for more frequent washing and polishing. Take your copper jewelry off before swimming in a pool or body of water to keep it clean. | Create a baking soda paste. Mix a salt and vinegar solution. Sprinkle table salt on a lemon. Use ketchup on its own. Try water and mild soap. Use a commercial copper cleaner for the most effective option. Boil your jewelry in your solution for a deep clean. Rub your cleaner onto the jewelry. Rinse and dry the jewelry. Polish the jewelry. Clean your jewelry regularly. Store your jewelry in a dry place. Avoid swimming with copper jewelry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-HGH | How to Increase HGH | Maintaining healthy HGH levels can help you to gain muscle, reduce fat, and strengthen your bone density. You can increase your HGH levels by eating a healthy, balanced diet and working out at least 3 times a week. Try to avoid foods with simple sugars, like cookies, cakes, and soda, and eat plenty of wholegrains, vegetables, and lean protein instead. A lack of sleep can reduce your HGH levels, so aim to get 8 hours of shuteye a night. It's also important to de-stress every day, since too much stress can lower your HGH levels. Set aside time to have a relaxing bath, read a book, or meditate. Low HGH levels can sometimes be caused by underlying conditions, but if a test shows you have low HGH, your doctor will talk to you about your treatment options. | Relax. Read a good book, take a long bath, or go on a walk. Meditate and practice breathing techniques. Watch a funny movie or go to a comedy club. Surround yourself with funny people and laugh often. Chronic or continual stress reduces the presence of HGH in the body. The very process of laughing has a positive effect on the body and increases HGH. People watching a funny movie can even anticipate a rise of up to 87% in their HGH. One way of gauging stress could be to take your blood pressure on a daily basis. If you invest in a blood pressure cuff, then you can take a baseline reading and go from there. If you reach a consistent blood pressure of 120/80, then you are likely succeeding in relaxing and your HGH may boost as a result. Get enough sleep. Your level of HGH is directly connected to your ability to get to REM, or deep sleep. Try to get at least 8 hours of undisturbed sleep per night. Create a relaxing routine in the evening, such as reading a book. Avoid playing with electronics which can expose you to blue light and lessen the quality of sleep. You can also reduce your caffeine intake, which might help you to fall asleep faster and deeper. As you sleep, your body releases intervals of GH (growth hormone). If you miss hours of sleep, then you miss GH bursts. Lower your body fat percentages. Gaining muscle and losing fat can positively impact your HGH levels. Body fat inhibits the production of HGH and belly fat is especially problematic. Try to lose weight by eating a healthy, balanced diet and working out at least three times a week. Resistance exercises can be particularly helpful at trimming your mid-section. The presence of extra abdominal fat can lower your HGH by almost half the average amount. To gauge your percentage of body fat, you can visit a personal trainer or invest in a body fat caliper. Talk with your doctor about how to accurately measure using the caliper. Do interval training. Create a work-out plan where you go through 30-second bursts of intense activity followed by brief rest periods. You can include both challenging cardio and weight routines as part of your interval workout. Breaking a sweat can be a sign of a particularly effective interval routine. Interval workouts elevate HGH because the pituitary gland boosts production to assist with muscle recovery. Monitor your progress. Make an appointment with your doctor to take your HGH readings at the start of this process and at monthly or bi-monthly intervals thereafter. This will help you to know whether or not you are making appropriate progress. You can also pay close attention to your body to see if you have extra energy or if you are putting on muscle easier as these are indicators of HGH increases. Meet with a doctor. Make an appointment with your general practitioner or an endocrinologist. They will likely run a series of blood tests to determine if you are GH deficient. Sometimes low GH levels can be connected with other conditions as well, such as Turner Syndrome. Your doctor can also discuss possible safe treatment and care options with you. Your doctor may take multiple blood samples to test for insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. Keep in mind that it is normal for your GH levels to lower as you age. Get injections. GH injections are available by prescription if you are diagnosed by a doctor. They are given via a pen-like device and are relatively pain-free. The injections are usually given around bedtime and are usually successful at boosting the production of GH overnight. Injections may be combined with oral supplements as part of a larger GH therapy program. Be aware that GH injections provided outside of a doctor's prescription are illegal and highly dangerous. Take hormonal supplements. You can also take supplements as part of a broader hormonal therapy program. You will want to discuss this with your doctor and they can either write you a prescription or direct you toward certain brands. Some amino acid supplements, such as arginine, come in an oral form. You may need to take a higher dose in order to see results, so make sure to consult with a doctor for safety. For example, a sample dosage of arginine could be between five to nine grams after each work-out session. Before you start supplements, your doctor should do a complete blood count. As you take the supplements, visit your doctor to monitor your liver enzymes, just in case there is a problem. Beware of scams. There is no one pill that is an immediate HGH cure-all. The same goes for any creams advertised as an instant GH boost. Creams are considered only minimally effective at boosting GH. When in doubt, talk with your doctor about any treatments and verify that they are medically sound before proceeding. Keep your insulin levels low. High insulin levels prevent your body from releasing GH. Eat foods that rank low on the glycemic index, such as complex carbohydrates. Avoid foods that are composed of simple sugars, such as most cookies or cakes. Make a point to especially avoid any sugar-laden snacks immediately before and after a work-out. Lean proteins, such as chicken or lean cuts of beef, help to balance out the absorption of glucose into the blood, keeping your insulin levels down. Fiber-rich foods, like broccoli or beans, are good options, too. Also, be sure to avoid consuming any sugary snacks before you go to sleep. Get your vitamin D. You can get your vitamin D by eating certain foods, such as salmon, by spending time in the sun or through a vitamin pill. Talk with your doctor about which method, or combination, might work the best for you. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a lowered amount of numerous hormones, including GH. Some foods that are rich in vitamin D include tuna and egg yolks. Many dairy products are also fortified with vitamin D, such as milk and yogurt. Eat amino acids. Look for foods that contain ample amounts of protein, such as dairy products and meats. Chicken, steak, cheese, and yogurt are all good amino options. When your amino acid levels are high, your body boosts the production of GH. Eat protein post-workout. Timing of your meals and snacks is particularly important. Get a GH boost by consuming a protein-rich snack within 30 minutes before or after a workout. You can drink a yogurt shake or even eat a boiled egg. This protein will give your body the fuel to maximum muscle breakdown and regeneration, prompting GH increases. Monitor your late-night meals. Try not to eat at least one hour prior to going to bed, as this will allow your body to fully process your food. Or, if you simply cannot give up late-night snacking, try to give your body additional fuel in the form of complex carbohydrates or proteins. Go for combination snacks, such as an egg and wheat bagel sandwich. Try intermittent fasting. This is a diet plan where you take large breaks between meals. For example, you may fast during the entire day and eat only at dinner time, or you may decide to only have one meal in the morning and one meal in the evening. This diet change can help to burn off fat and keep insulin levels under control. However, this can be a controversial method, so make sure to get your doctor's OK before proceeding. | Relax. Get enough sleep. Lower your body fat percentages. Do interval training. Monitor your progress. Meet with a doctor. Get injections. Take hormonal supplements. Beware of scams. Keep your insulin levels low. Get your vitamin D. Eat amino acids. Eat protein post-workout. Monitor your late-night meals. Try intermittent fasting. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deem-a-House-Unlivable | How to Deem a House Unlivable | An unlivable house can be unhealthy and even dangerous, but if you recognize the hazards, you should be able to work with your landlord to make it safer. Every lease comes with a set of minimum living standards based on the local housing laws. Check this to see if there's anything in your house that's not up to code. In general, hazards like holes in the floor or walls, exposed wires, loose stairs, asbestos, and broken locks can all be proof of an unlivable home. Your home might also be unlivable if there is a vermin infestation or you don't have running water or heat. Take pictures and keep detailed records of the problem in case you need to use it as evidence. Then, give your landlord a written notice so they have a chance to fix the problem. If they don't respond within a reasonable amount of time, call your city's safety inspector. They'll be able to look at your house and fine your landlord if need be. | Read your jurisdiction’s housing laws. Under common law, every lease comes with an implied warranty of habitability. This means that your home must meet minimum living standards based on the housing code and other laws. Check your state or territorial law. States will set out general requirements, such as requiring landlords to make repairs and to keep the home habitable. You can find your state laws in a local law library or online. Read your county and city laws. County and city laws are usually much more detailed than the state law. You can find this law online or by contacting your local housing, health, or building department. You do not necessarily have to have a formal lease for this to apply. Legally, even if you don't have a paper lease, your landlord still can't run a slum. A formal lease does serve as a contractual basis for terms and expectations, though. Realize that violations must be serious. Not every violation of your local housing code will render your home unlivable. Generally, violations must be serious. For example, some housing codes require that certain kinds of screws be used. A single, minor violation like this will not render your home unlivable. Your home also doesn't need to be aesthetically pleasing. A home isn't unlivable because you don't like the wall color, the layout, or its size. Look for obvious hazards. Your home might be unlivable because there are hazards that make the home unsafe. Go around and find any of the following: Holes in the floor, walls, or ceiling. Holes can let in vermin and also allow heat to escape. You might also break an ankle if there's a hole in the floor that isn't repaired. Exposed wires or faulty electrical system. A faulty system could cause a fire in your home. Make sure the electricity system works as expected. Rickety staircases. If the steps or railings are loose, then they are obvious hazards. Asbestos or lead paint. These should be rare in modern homes. However, if your home is quite old, then they might be present. You might need to hiring an inspector to find out if either is present. Broken security fixtures such as locks, doors, windows, etc. Find vermin or other pest infestations. Rundown buildings often have mice, rats, cockroaches, spiders, and other pests. Vermin can live in the walls and come out at night. Also look around the outside of your building. If it's full of garbage, then you shouldn't be surprised if there are vermin around. An infestation could render your home unlivable. Check your plumbing. Inadequate sanitation is a reason your home might be unlivable. Make sure all toilets flush and that water can go down every sink. Your bathtub or shower must also work. If it doesn't, then your home could be unlivable. You must have enough hot and cold running water to bathe and satisfy other needs. Make sure you have enough heat. Local housing codes should be quite detailed about how much heat your landlord must provide and when. For example, in Chicago, a landlord must provide sufficient heat between September 15 and June 1 so that an apartment can be at least 68 degrees during the day and 66 degrees overnight. Find signs of mold. Not every jurisdiction agrees that mold makes a home unlivable. However, if your jurisdiction does, then you should carefully document it. Mold can come in a variety of shapes and colors. It can be black, green, white, or gray. It may also be spongy or shiny. Search water-soaked areas of the home. For example, mold might grow in ceiling tiles or wall paneling if you have a leaky roof. It can also grow on newspaper and cardboard boxes in a wet basement. Also document how the mold affects your health. Mold can cause fatigue, rashes, asthma, and nausea. Keep copies of your medical records. Keep track of the type of mold, as well. There are laws outside of the housing code that protect individuals who may have been harmed by black mold. Photograph the uninhabitable conditions. You want documentary proof of any problems that make your home unlivable. Walk around and take photographs or video of all problems. If your camera has a date stamp, make sure the date is accurate. Keep detailed records. Some conditions can't be photographed. For example, your home might not have any hot water for five days straight. However, you can write down the dates in which you didn't have hot water. Also ask a friend to write an affidavit for the condition. For example, invite someone over and turn on your water. They can write out an affidavit, which will hold greater impact in housing court than a written witness statement. A witness is great in case you need to go to court. Meet your own obligations as a tenant. You have a duty not to make a problem in your home worse. For these reasons, you should always keep your home as clean and sanitary as possible. Pick up after yourself and use trash cans with lids. Dispose of trash promptly. Remember that you or a guest can't have caused the hazard. For example, you can't have ripped out a stove, which caused a hole in your wall. If this happens, you're responsible for repairing the problem. Provide written notice to your landlord. You can't just up and leave your home if you think it is uninhabitable. Instead, you must give your landlord notice of the conditions so that they have a chance to fix the problems. You should use a business format so that the letter looks professional. Identify the problem and state how long it has existed. Be as detailed as possible. Make a specific request that the landlord fix the problem and give a deadline. Maintain a professional tone. You might be angry, but try not to let it show. You can hand deliver the letter, but it's probably better to send it certified mail, return receipt requested. Hold onto the receipt. Give a reasonable deadline. The law requires that your landlord be given a reasonable chance to make repairs before you break your lease. What's reasonable will depend on the seriousness of the violation. Consider the following: If you lack heat or hot water, the landlord should respond within 24 hours. However, if you have a mice infestation, your landlord should have time to hire an exterminator, which means you might need to wait several days for the exterminator to show up. Document the conditions if they remain unfixed. Your landlord might blow you off, in which case you must document that they haven't made the repairs. Take new pictures or video, and ask a friend to witness anything that can't be documented visually. Sometimes, your landlord will try to fix a problem but fail. For example, they might hire an exterminator to get rid of a mice problem, only for the mice to return. You aren't required to stay in the home if their fix fails. In some cases, your landlord may even be responsible for alternative accommodations if the home is deemed uninhabitable. Call your safety inspector. Every city or county should have inspectors to look into different types of damage. Find a phone number for the correct inspector online or in the phone book. Ask an inspector to come out and look at your home. Try to be home when they show up so that you can point out all of the problems. Get a copy of the inspection report. This will come in handy if you end up in court. If the inspector finds problems, they should send the report to your landlord and possibly fine them. This is a good way to prod your landlord to make necessary repairs. Consult with an attorney. When your unlivable home hasn't been fixed, you should consider what to do next. Every jurisdiction has its own laws, so you should probably meet with a landlord-tenant attorney to discuss your options. You want to make sure to follow the law to a “T.” Obtain a referral to an attorney by contacting your nearest bar association. If money is tight, you can check whether any local legal aid organizations provide help to tenants. Find their phone number online. Check if you can withhold rent. In some jurisdictions, you can refuse to pay rent if your landlord doesn't fix the uninhabitable conditions. However, not every jurisdiction allows this, so you should carefully research the relevant law. You might need to pay your rent into the court, which will keep it until you resolve the dispute with your landlord. Make sure you are current on your rent if you choose to take this route. Decide whether to repair and deduct. In some jurisdictions, you can pay to fix problems yourself and then deduct the cost of repairs from your rent. For example, if you hired your own plumber to fix the pipes, then you can deduct the $800 from your next month's rent. You shouldn't pursue this course if the repairs cost too much. For example, you shouldn't pay $15,000 to have the roof fixed. Move out. You might decide to leave because the conditions are so intolerable. Read your jurisdiction's law to see what kind of written notice you must give your landlord. You can move permanently or temporarily. If you move temporarily, you may be able to have your landlord pay for your temporary lodgings. By moving out, you run the risk that your landlord will sue you. However, you should consult with an attorney to check whether this is likely. If you move out, remember to put the home back in its original condition (apart from the defect that has caused you to leave). Remember to photograph the empty house as proof. Sue your landlord. Whether you move out or not, you might be able to sue your landlord for violating the implied warranty of habitability. In your lawsuit, you will argue that the house wasn't worth what you paid for it in rent, and you ask the judge to reimburse you for the difference. Typically, you can file your lawsuit in your local small claims court depending on how much you are owed. Check your local jurisdiction regarding their local upper limit for small claims court. If what you are owed is more than the limit, you may need to file in the superior court. Small claims court is set up for people to represent themselves without a lawyer. They should have fill-in-the-blank forms, which makes filing your lawsuit easier. They also have limits that vary by jurisdiction. File your forms with the court clerk. You'll have to send your landlord a copy of your complaint. Research what are acceptable methods of service. Generally, it is best to have the papers delivered in person. You may also be able to be paid for any damages incurred by the uninhabitable conditions, including health care costs and time lost at work. Go to court. You should have already fully documented the problems with your home. You will need this evidence when you attend your court hearing. Ask any witnesses to write an affidavit or attend also so that they can testify. At the hearing, each side will be able to present evidence. When it is your turn, ask the judge if they want to see your evidence of the uninhabitable conditions. When it's your landlord's turn to speak, you must stand quietly and not interrupt. The judge should deliver the verdict soon after all evidence has been submitted. | Read your jurisdiction’s housing laws. Realize that violations must be serious. Look for obvious hazards. Find vermin or other pest infestations. Check your plumbing. Make sure you have enough heat. Find signs of mold. Photograph the uninhabitable conditions. Keep detailed records. Meet your own obligations as a tenant. Provide written notice to your landlord. Give a reasonable deadline. Document the conditions if they remain unfixed. Call your safety inspector. Consult with an attorney. Check if you can withhold rent. Decide whether to repair and deduct. Move out. Sue your landlord. Go to court. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Research | How to Research | If you need to research a certain topic, write down several keywords that relate to your chosen topic. Visit the library and use their database to search for reliable sources, including scholarly articles, reference books, and historical information relating to your topic or keywords. Your school may also have a special search engine for research that you can use, so ask your teacher. Once you've collected a few sources, read through them carefully, taking thorough notes that you can reference later. Be sure to write down all the information you'll need to cite your source if you use it in your final paper! | Understand your assignment. It is important, with any assignment, to understand fully what is expected of you before you start. Be sure that you know the details of your instructor's expectations for the research process and the resulting product. If you have a printout with assignment details on it, keep it with you while you work and reread it occasionally to be sure that you are staying on track. A few questions to ask or keep in mind about your research follow: How many sources are expected or required? Is the final project a paper or a multimodal (creative) project? How long should your final product be? Are there minimums for the types of sources (ie: print versus web-based)? How long do you have to work on your research? What resources are available for you to conduct your research (for example, customized databases, reserved library books, etc)? Choose a topic. Consider yourself lucky if you are assigned a topic; you can skip this step! In some ways, determining what topic to research can be the most difficult part of your project. It's often best to select something that you already have some interest in and at least a cursory knowledge about, but not something that you are so passionate about that you may find it difficult to be objective. Many instructors will provide you with a list to choose a topic from: if you have such a list, circle 3-5 topics that jump out at you. If you have time, look them up online and see if you feel genuinely curious about one of the topics. Rank your top 5, as you may not be able to use your first choices if others in your class have already “claimed” them. If your topic selection is wide-open, brainstorm a list of potential topics within the parameters of the assignment. If you are not given parameters, you may have to come up with them on your own; you can assume, for example, that if you're in a biology class, your research topic will have to do with biology. If you are assigned parameters, such as “research an endangered species,” you should be able to find a list and select a specific animal, such as the cheetah. Determine the purpose of your research project. The outcome of your final research project will partially determine the depth and breadth of your research. It is important to know ahead of time whether the purpose of the project is to convey information, make a persuasive argument, or present differing viewpoints about an issue. If the research project is simply a factual report about an endangered species, you will want to present as much information as you can about the animal, its habitat, and influences on its livelihood. If your research project is an essay about a controversial topic, you're likely to need to take a position and persuade your audience towards your position. For example, an essay about the effectiveness of juvenile imprisonment would likely require you to take a position on the issue. Limit the focus of your topic. It is important that you limit your project to an appropriate scope before you begin. If your instructor has provided a list of topics, she has likely already considered appropriate scope. However, if you are selecting a topic, you will need to find a balance between broad and specific that is appropriate to the length of your final project. For example, the topic “imprisonment in the US” is extremely broad, as it covers a range of issues and life stages as well as a large geographical area. Instead, limiting the scope of your research to “juvenile imprisonment,” “post-prison reintegration into society,” or “prison conditions at Rikers Island in NY” will lead to a more focused project. Develop a research question. It may be helpful to have a central question that guides your research. You could even write the question on an index card and keep it with you while you research. Revisiting your research question while you are working will help keep your research focused and may cut down on wasted time. For example, your research question for the cheetah as an endangered species could be either “why is the cheetah endangered?” or “how can we save the cheetah?” For example, your research question for an essay about juvenile imprisonment could be “is juvenile imprisonment effective?” or “what is a more effective solution to juvenile delinquency than imprisonment?” Set a research schedule. Research projects often take more time than you expect them to, and they are quite difficult to do at the last minute. To make a research schedule, begin with your final project due date and work backwards, setting dates for yourself for your rough draft, your prewriting, your research organization, conducting your research, and selecting and limiting your topic. Be sure to plan adequate time outside of your home, working at your school or public library. Talk to your teacher or a librarian. If you are having trouble choosing a topic, limiting your topic, or developing a research question, try talking to your instructor or a school or public librarian. These individuals are trained to assist students do research, and they can help guide you to find a topic that you will enjoy researching that will produce a successful paper or project. It is best to talk to your teacher early in the research process, soon after the project is assigned. If you were given 2 months to work on a research project and you wait until the week before it is due to approach her, she may not be as enthusiastic about helping you select a topic. Select your research key words. This may seem like an obvious step, but you will need to choose the words that you use to research. To do this, brainstorm a list of words that are related to your topic. You may find that you need to revise your search terms as you progress. If you are searching for sources about the endangered species cheetah, your search terms may be “cheetah,” “endangered,” “habitat,” “climate change,” “grasslands,” “fur trade,” and “conservation.” If you are searching for sources about juvenile imprisonment, your search terms may be “juvenile,” “youth,” “imprisonment,” “prisons,” “juvenile delinquency,” “effectiveness of imprisonment,” and “detention.” Use Boolean operators. Boolean operators are words that function as limiting commands. They give you the ability to combine keywords and limit your search. The most common Boolean terms are AND, OR, and NOT. Another common Boolean limiter is to place quotation marks around exact phrases. For example “juvenile detention” (with quotation marks) would give you sources that use the terms together as a phrase, while juvenile detention (without quotation marks) would yield results for both “juvenile” and “detention” separately. For example, you may want to search prisons AND juvenile to ensure sources talk about both terms. For example, you may want to search cheetah NOT girls to exclude the Disney movie Cheetah Girls from your search about cheetahs. Find the research resources available to you. Many instructors and librarians will compile research resources for a particular research project. There may be a customized database on your library's webpage that automatically limits your search to pre-approved sources, or your librarian may have set aside a cart of printed books that will be reserved in the library for the duration of the research project. These types of customized resources will save you time and make your research process easier. If customized research aids are not available, you should still consult the library's databases. Often, the sources in the databases are legitimate academic sources that are appropriate for an academic assignment. Avoid common search engines. As tempting as it can be to open up your favorite search engine and look up your research keywords, this shouldn't be your first stop for research. If you use a common search engine, you will have to evaluate the legitimacy of each source you find, and you will have to sort through many, many pages of often irrelevant search materials. Common search engines use some limiters, but often the Boolean operators do not work effectively. Ask for help from a research assistant. If you feel overwhelmed by starting your research project, talk to a librarian who specializes in research assistance. Remember that you are not bothering them; it's their job to help students research! Ask for a few specific starting points (don't let them overwhelm you further with a long list of research sources) and let your research “snowball” on its own. You're likely to find that once you get started, it will become easier to find and evaluate sources, find the research you need, and move forward with your research project. Take thorough notes. Now that you have started to research, you need to collect the information. As you read sources, collect notes from the source. You can either take direct quotes from the source (word-for-word; indicate that the information is a direct quote by putting quotation marks around it) or you can paraphrase the information (put it in your own words). Either way, you will need to keep track of and cite the source. You can take notes by hand by putting them in a research notebook or put individual facts on index cards. Be sure to indicate the source when you write the notes; you might want to number your sources and place the number from the source next to the piece of information/research. You can also take notes on the computer by copying and pasting source material into a word processing document. Be sure to keep track of what source information came from; you may want to provide a link to a source and a citation, then place research from that source below the citation. Do not plagiarize any material. Plagiarizing information, or taking someone else's writing or information without giving them credit for it, will likely result in (at best) failing the assignment or (at worst) facing disciplinary action and/or failing the course. Always cite any material that does not come out of your own head. This means that much of your work will be cited from other places. Some information that is considered common knowledge, like facts that are found in many different sources such as dates of birth scientific names, do not need to be cited. However, when in doubt, cite it out! Differentiate between primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are sources that come directly from a person. Original writing, interviews, and the first time scientific studies are published all count as primary sources. Secondary sources are sources that write about or analyze the primary sources. Your instructor may specify that you need to include primary as well as secondary sources. Some projects, however, may not require primary source data. Evaluate the quality of sources. Not all sources are equal in the world of education. The easiest way to find high-quality sources is to search through your library database. If you cannot do that and you need to evaluate the source yourself, ask yourself the following questions: Who published the source? What seems to be the goal of the publication? Is the source objective or academic? If an organization produced the source, is it a nonpartisan and fair organization? If an individual wrote the source, do they have any credentials listed? Some sources to avoid include: blogs (which are almost entirely opinion-based), sites that are trying to sell you something, sites with excessive (and obnoxious) advertisements, and sites from biased or questionable organizations. Sources that tend to be better include: government sources, peer-reviewed academic journals, big-name newspaper articles (but not opinion sections or letters to the editor), national nonprofit organizations, university-affiliated sources, and scientific organizations. Select sources that you understand. Some sources, particularly those printed in academic journals, can be difficult for someone outside the field to understand. This can lead to frustration and confusion on your part, as well as a misuse of information; if you don't fully understand what is being said, you may use the information improperly. Consider using the “five finger test:” go to one page of the source. For each word that you don't recognize or understand, put a finger up. If you get to all five fingers up before the end of the page, stop and find a new source. Use a variety of sources. You should use some print sources if possible. Most libraries have high-quality books and reference materials to aid research. Use a few print sources as well as academic database sources. Try not to rely too heavily on one author or organization for your researched information. Keep a reference page. Also known as a “works cited” page, a reference page is essentially a list of the sources you used for research. Do not wait until you have finished the research project to compile the reference page; have a working reference page as you do your research, and finalize it before you turn it in. Be sure that you format your reference page in the appropriate style. If your assignment does not specify, ask your teacher or librarian which style would be appropriate for the subject area. Divide your research items. It's important to keep track of which research comes from which source, but you may also want to be able to physically move around your research. If you can “tag” each piece of research with its source (ie: by providing a source number or writing the last name of the author of the source next to each piece of research), you will have the flexibility to cut and paste the pieces of research so that you can group the research items into what will become sections of your project. Some ways you can cut and paste your Write your information on index cards, with one fact or quotation on each card. Type information and quotations on separate lines in a word processing program so that you can move the items around. Print out your typed research and physically cut each piece of research into strips that you can move around. Group your research items. Once you have the flexibility of being able to move the research items physically or within a word processing program, group items together into what will become sections of your paper or project. For example, if you are writing about juvenile imprisonment, you may group your information into “causes,” “short-term effects,” “long-term effects,” “alternatives,” and “education.” For example, a research project on cheetahs may be grouped into “habitat change,” “species information,” “conservation efforts,” and “future predictions.” Write an outline. One of the best ways of preparing to convert your disparate research into a more cohesive final project (particularly a paper) is to write an outline. With an outline, you will create several main topics (usually indicated by roman numerals), followed by sub-topics (indicated by uppercase letters), and then sub-sub topics (indicated by numbers). An outline can help you organize your research, reveal places that are unbalanced and need more or less research, and prepare you to begin writing. An example for an outline may be: I. Predictors of juvenile imprisonment. A. Race and Ethnicity Factors 1. “Direct quotation” (source 1) 2. Facts and figures (source 4) 3. Additional data (source 2) B. Family Situation 1. Data on parental imprisonment (source 2) 2. Data on economic status/poverty (sources 3 and 4) Note: the numbered sections in the example above would be your actual research items from your index cards or other research method. Begin to write. Now that you have conducted and organized your research, you should be ready to compile it in the form of an essay or project. Be sure you include source citations in the proper format as you write, and don't be afraid to go back and conduct more research if you feel like you have a weak section or missing information. | Understand your assignment. Choose a topic. Determine the purpose of your research project. Limit the focus of your topic. Develop a research question. Set a research schedule. Talk to your teacher or a librarian. Select your research key words. Use Boolean operators. Find the research resources available to you. Avoid common search engines. Ask for help from a research assistant. Take thorough notes. Do not plagiarize any material. Differentiate between primary and secondary sources. Evaluate the quality of sources. Select sources that you understand. Use a variety of sources. Keep a reference page. Divide your research items. Group your research items. Write an outline. Begin to write. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Superman-Costume | How to Make a Superman Costume | To make a Superman costume, start by getting a long-sleeve blue shirt and a pair of blue leggings or tights. Then, print a Superman emblem off the internet, cut it out, and trace it onto a red piece of felt. Next, cut out the felt emblem and attach it to a piece of yellow vinyl with some rubber cement. Once it's secure, cut the red and yellow emblem out and attach it to the chest of your blue shirt using foam double-sided tape. Finally, make a red cape out of fabric, get some red briefs, and spray paint a pair of boots red. | Find a long-sleeved shirt in blue. You'll to find a spandex (or equally stretchy, thin fabric), long-sleeved shirt. Most athletic clothing stores will carry this. Try to find one that's as plain as possible, with few logos and print. The acceptable places for there to be a logo or writing on the shirt are the middle of the chest and the back of the collar, as these will be covered by the emblem and the cape. Get blue leggings. Purchase some blue leggings either online or at a clothing store. Try to find leggings in a blue that's as close to the color of the shirt you found as possible. Note that for men shopping online, you'll have to get a size or two smaller than usual when shopping for women's leggings. You can also get blue tights instead, either at an online dance-wear store, or a dance store near you. Search for “superman” on Google images. The results will contain several photos of the superman emblem. Find one that's red and yellow. Do not worry if it has black outlines, as you are going to be cutting it out anyway. Print out the superman emblem. Blow up the emblem so that it covers your chest area. Any copy center will show you how to blow the image up larger. Go to a local copy center like Kinkos or Fed-Ex. Make a copy of the image that is large enough to fit on the chest of the shirt.. Before making the larger copy, you'll want to measure the width of the chest of the shirt. Take 2-4" off that measurement. That's roughly how wide you'll want the final "S" emblem to be. The exact size is up to you. Make a stencil out of the printed out emblem. Use a utility knife to cut out the yellow from the printed out emblem. This will leave just the red "S", which you'll use as a stencil. Use the red "S" stencil on a piece of felt. Glue the stencil to a piece of red felt with a craft spray adhesive. Use a pen to trace the outside of the emblem on the felt. Cut the emblem shape out of felt. Trace the internal parts of the emblem with a pen and cut those out with a utility knife. You can also use sheets of craft foam to cut out the emblem so it has a more 3-dimensional look. These craft foam sheets can be found at your local craft store or online: https://www.darice.com/store/browse/catalog/wholesale-foamies. Attach the red "S" to the yellow vinyl. Use rubber cement to attach the red "S" to a piece of yellow vinyl. Then cut the yellow vinyl around the red emblem so that you're left with a superman emblem in red and yellow. Attach the emblem to the shirt. Put on the shirt so that you can get the placement right. Stand in front of a mirror and attach the emblem to the center of your chest using foam double-sided tape. Have a friend help you if you need it. Purchase three yards of shiny red synthetic fabric. Get about 3 yards of 60" width fabric. You can use felt if you can't find lycra. It's best to choose a type of fabric that doesn't fray and makes a clean line without hemming. Try to find a color as close the color of the red in your emblem as possible. Measure a rectangle of red lycra that reaches the top of your calves. Get someone to help you use measuring tape to measure from your collar to the top of your calves. Cut your red fabric to this length with fabric scissors. Tuck the top of the rectangle around your neck. Tuck one to two inches of the red fabric into the back collar of the shirt. Pin it in place. You'll need a friend to help you do this while you wear the shirt you're using for the costume. Hand sew or machine sew the cape into the back collar of the blue shirt/leotard. Take off the shirt or leotard you are using for your costume, ensuring the red fabric is pinned in place on the back of the shirt or leotard. Then, use needle and thread to secure the cape to the back collar of the shirt or leotard. If you have a sewing machine, you can sew the cape on by running the fabric through the machine. To create a finished look, hem the sides and bottom of the cape with a one-fourth inch (0.6cm) hem using your sewing machine or using needle and thread. Find a pair of men’s red briefs. Look for high waisted men's briefs in red at your local men's clothing store or online. The briefs will help to add a finishing touch to your superman suit. If you cannot find a pair of men's red briefs, you can try to dye men's cotton white briefs red using red dye. You should aim to get the right superman red color, using superman colors on the internet to find the right shade. Make your own red briefs. If you cannot find a pair of men's red briefs or if you are looking to really DIY this costume, you can make your own red briefs. Start by finding a pair of men's white briefs, preferably high waisted. Trace the briefs on a red stretchy fabric. You'll need a red fabric like spandex, lycra or polyester. Lay your red fabric on your worktable. Lay the briefs on the fabric so that the top hem of the briefs lines up with edge of the fabric. Trace around the briefs with a piece of tailor's chalk. Add about two inches to the width of the briefs in your tracing, to account for the width of your body. Outline the reflection of the brief shape. First, cut out the brief shape, all the way to the crotch, without cutting out the whole thing. Flip the fabric over on itself where the crotch meets the fabric, as if you are making a reflection. Draw another chalk outline on the other side that connects at the crotch. Prepare the briefs for sewing. Cut out your briefs. Fold them in half at the crotch. Pin the sides together, leaving the leg holes and top of the briefs open. Sew the sides of the briefs together. Either hand sew or machine sew the sides of the briefs together with red thread. Try the briefs on over your tights or leggings. Sew the elastic into the waistband. To make the briefs wearable, first measure a length of elastic that's the same measurement of your waist minus an inch. Sew the elastic into the inside of the top of the red briefs. Cut eight vertical slits in the briefs. Cut two slits that are about two inches (5cm) tall and one inch (2.5cm) apart just below the right hip bone and two slits just below the left hip bone. Repeat at the back and at the sides. These will be your belt loops. Cut a piece of yellow felt that is slightly larger than your waist circumference. It should be just less than two inches (5cm) thick. Thread the belt through the belt loops. In the back of the briefs, attach the belt to the briefs by sewing them in place. You want to do this in back, as the cape will cover it. Shop thrift stores around the area. Try to find cowboy boots, riding boots or rubber boots. The aim is to purchase boots that rise past mid calf, to mimic superman's signature red boots. Look for boots that have very little in the way of patterns and embellishments. You're looking for the most basic calf high boots you can find. Use bright red spray paint. Pick a spray paint that is made for use on leather or vinyl and look for a glossy finish if you'd like your boots to be shiny. For full coverage, also purchase a primer. You will not need to sand down the boots as long as you use leather or vinyl specific spray paint. Spray the boots. Spray the outside of the boots with primer. Wait until it dries. Follow up with a few coats of red spray paint. Wait a day between coats. You may need two coats of red spray paint to cover the boots well. Apply acrylic red paint on the boots. If you do not want to use spray paint, you can use red acrylic paint on the boots instead. You will first need to prep the boots by sanding them with fine grit sandpaper to remove any shiny areas on the surface of the leather or vinyl. Then, wipe the sanded leather or vinyl down with rubbing alcohol to remove any surface finishings or protective coatings. Make sure you paint the boots in an open space with painters cloth on any items you do not want to be painted red. Mix the paint with one part paint and one part water in a bowl. Use a paintbrush to apply one coat of paint to the boats. Do two to three coats total, allowing the paint to only partially dry between coats. To prevent the leather from cracking, flex the leather with your hands between each coat of paint. Do not let the paint dry fully between coats, as this will cause the paint to crack. | Find a long-sleeved shirt in blue. Get blue leggings. Search for “superman” on Google images. Blow up the emblem so that it covers your chest area. Make a stencil out of the printed out emblem. Use the red "S" stencil on a piece of felt. Attach the red "S" to the yellow vinyl. Attach the emblem to the shirt. Purchase three yards of shiny red synthetic fabric. Measure a rectangle of red lycra that reaches the top of your calves. Tuck the top of the rectangle around your neck. Hand sew or machine sew the cape into the back collar of the blue shirt/leotard. Find a pair of men’s red briefs. Make your own red briefs. Trace the briefs on a red stretchy fabric. Outline the reflection of the brief shape. Prepare the briefs for sewing. Sew the sides of the briefs together. Sew the elastic into the waistband. Cut eight vertical slits in the briefs. Cut a piece of yellow felt that is slightly larger than your waist circumference. Thread the belt through the belt loops. Shop thrift stores around the area. Use bright red spray paint. Apply acrylic red paint on the boots. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Chin-Up | How to Do a Chin Up | If you've never performed a chin up before, try standing on a chair with your knees bent so your chin is just above the bar. Grip the bar and move your feet off the chair, then hang from the bar for 30 seconds or as long as you can. To finish, lower yourself slowly to the ground so you're training the muscles you'll use for a real chin up. After you've done this exercise for several weeks, put your hands on the bar with your palms facing your body. Then, use your upper body to lift your chin above the bar before lowering yourself to the ground in a controlled way. | Locate a chin-up bar. Every gym has a chin-up bar, which is a horizontal bar positioned above shoulder height. If you aren't a member of a gym, you can buy a chin-up bar and install it in your house. Place it in a tall doorway and make sure it's positioned above your shoulders. Put your hands on the bar with your palms facing your body. Whereas a pull-up would begin with your palms facing away, a chin-up begins with your palms facing your body. This is called an underhand grip. Grip the bar comfortably but firmly, with your hands spaced shoulder-width apart. Raise your body until your chin is above the bar. Use your upper arm strength to lift your body toward the bar, stopping when your chin is above the bar. Your elbows will be fully bent. Bend your knees or cross your feet to distribute your weight more evenly. Lower yourself back down. Using a slow, controlled motion, lower yourself until your arms are straight. This is the complete range of motion for a chin-up. Do isometric chin-ups. Stand on a chair and grip the bar as though you were going to do a chin-up. Bend your knees as much as you need to so that your chin is just above the bar. Move your feet off of the chair and hang in this position for 30 seconds or as long as you can. After 30 seconds, lower yourself back down until your arms are straight. Repeat this five times. It's important that when you lower yourself down it's slow and controlled. You use the same muscles on the way down that you use on the way up. This exercise will help to train your muscles to perform a chin-up without the help of a chair. Start from slightly below the bar. This time, stand on the chair and position yourself so that your head is slightly below the bar. Your arms should be at a 90-degree angle. Starting from this position, pull yourself up so that your chin is past the bar. Repeat five times starting from the same position. Lower yourself halfway down in a slow and controlled manner. After a while you'll notice that you'll be able to start from lower and lower down. Repeat these exercises for several weeks. Each time, try to start the exercises from a lower position. Eventually start from a full hang, with your arms completely straight. See how far you can pull yourself up five times in a row. Increase your number of reps. When you can do a full chin-up, pull yourself up five times in a row, or as many times as possible. You can also do a combination of full chin-ups and half chin-ups. As your muscles gain strength, increase your reps. You should be able to increase your reps every other week or so. Don't overdo it. You don't want to tear a muscle or overexert yourself. Rest between sessions to give your muscles time to repair and get stronger. | Locate a chin-up bar. Put your hands on the bar with your palms facing your body. Raise your body until your chin is above the bar. Lower yourself back down. Do isometric chin-ups. Start from slightly below the bar. Repeat these exercises for several weeks. Increase your number of reps. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Hot-Stone-Massage | How to Do Hot Stone Massage | If you want to do a hot stone massage at home, heat basalt stones in a crock pot to a maximum of 130°F. Then, let the stones cool for 30-60 minutes before using them. Once the stones have cooled slightly, place a flannel sheet over the participant's body, coat the stones in oil, and place the stones onto the sheet and leave them for 3 to 4 minutes. You can also hold a stone and use it to massage sore areas. | Find or purchase stones. Stones used in this treatment are typically made of basalt, due to their ability to retain heat. The stones should also be very smooth, so they do not irritate the skin in any way. If you can't find basalt stones, however, smooth river rocks are fine.You can order a hot stone massage kit online from Amazon or eBay. Do not want buy your stones from a rock quarry unless you are able to choose each stone individually. You should have anywhere between 20-30 stones, though some professional massages may have upwards of 45-60. There should be at least two large ovals around 8” long to 6” wide, seven stones you can fit in the palm of your hand, and 8 small stones between the size of an egg or a quarter. Set up your area. If you do not have a massage table, a bed or the floor will be fine. Once you've chosen where the massage should take place, you should lay out a clean sheet or a thick towel for the person you are massaging to lay down on. This will not only help them be more comfortable but also help absorb any excess oil from the massage. To really create a relaxing environment, try lighting some aromatherapy candles. Soothing scents like lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and vanilla will help immerse your participant in the massage experience. You can also try playing some quiet classical music, or rain sounds to add to the mood. Heat up your stones. Ideally, you should prepare your stones 30-60 minutes before you begin your massage. The water should be no more than 130 °F (54 °C). The stones will cool down as you use them. Anything below 110 °F (43 °C) is considered a warm stone massage, although it is important to know that a 104 °F (40 °C) stone can still burn someone if it is left laying on bare skin for a few minutes. To heat the stones, use a Crock-Pot that can hold at least 6 quarts of water or a large tabletop skillet that has sides close to 3 inches (7.6 cm). Note that Crock-Pots and similar kitchen equipment heat on a cycled basis, which means that the temperature can vary and must be monitored closely. It is better i f you can find something with an actual temperature setting, instead of low-medium-high Use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature in your Crock-pot. (Never use a glass thermometer as breakage can occur.) You should also keep the Crock-pot setting to warm or low, as you don't want the water to boil. You should also rub some massage oil on each stone before it's used. Never place a hot stone directly on the participant's skin without moving it. The pictures you see in spa advertisements are not accurate, they are just meant to look appealing. To prevent burns, you must place a flannel sheet or towel down and then put the stones on top of that. Keep in mind it can take 3-4 minutes for the heat of the stones to penetrate to the skin. Please note that you should never have a participant lay down on top of hot stones as serious burns can occur. Place four small sized stones on the participant's face. Once the participant has settled, take four of the smaller stones, without oil, and place them on the acupressure areas on their face. There should be one stone on their forehead, one under their lips, and one on each of their cheeks. You should avoid putting oil on these stones as it may clog their pores or irritate their skin. A great alternative is to chill the stones for the face instead of heating them as this will help reduce any puffiness. Put medium to large stones along the breastbone, the collarbones, and in the participant's hands. Depending on the height and width of the participant, the size of the stones you use may vary. However, you should try to place one stone or more on either side of their collarbone, two large ones along the breastbone, and two palm-sized stones in their hands. They do not need to clasp these, but should instead remain fully relaxed and gently cupping the stones. Use two palm-sized stones to massage the rest of the body. Uncover the part of the body you are going to massage, remembering to remove any placed stones first. Rub some oil onto the skin and the stones. Follow the cords of muscles to work out any knots, changing stones as needed as they cool. When finished, re-cover the area you massaged, replace any stones and move on to the next area. Remove all stones once you have completed the entire massage. Turn the participant over. After you've finished massaging the front, have the participant turn over to lie on their stomach.To make the participant more comfortable, try placing a rolled up towel under their ankles. You should also make sure that you are changing your stones so they stay warm. Cover the participant and place stones on the shoulder blades, the backs of the kneecaps, and between the toes. Pick larger stones for the shoulder blades and the backs of the kneecaps. For the toes, place a small stone between each. You should then wrap each foot in a towel to help hold in the warmth and keep the stones in place. After you've placed these, uncover the area you intend to massage and rub some oil into the the skin. take two palm-sized, oiled stones and use them to massage the participant. As before, re-cover the area massaged, replace any stones and move on to the next area. Use the stones to massage rather than your hands. Do this by moving the stones gently over tense, sore areas. The pressure applied by the stones may be quite strong, but since the participant's muscles have been sufficiently relaxed by the heating process, the procedure should virtually be painless. Combine the warm stones with other massage techniques. You can try a Swedish massage or deep tissue massage. This will help you reap the greatest benefit from the experience. While the stones heat and soothe stiff muscles, other massage techniques can be applied with little or no discomfort - either with the stones still on the skin or after the stones are removed. Alternate the hot stones with cold marble stones. Most clients find that after a period of time, their bodies become so relaxed from the hot stone massage techniques, they don't even notice the temperature change to the cooler stones. This process is often recommended for soothing injuries that result in painful swelling or inflammation.[ | Find or purchase stones. Set up your area. Heat up your stones. Never place a hot stone directly on the participant's skin without moving it. Please note that you should never have a participant lay down on top of hot stones as serious burns can occur. Place four small sized stones on the participant's face. Put medium to large stones along the breastbone, the collarbones, and in the participant's hands. Use two palm-sized stones to massage the rest of the body. Turn the participant over. Cover the participant and place stones on the shoulder blades, the backs of the kneecaps, and between the toes. Use the stones to massage rather than your hands. Combine the warm stones with other massage techniques. Alternate the hot stones with cold marble stones. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Flush-DNS | How to Flush DNS | To flush your Windows computer's DNS, start by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your screen. Then, type “command prompt” into the search box, and select the Command Prompt app, which should be the top icon in the Start window. Next, enter "ipconfig /flushdns," and press Enter. Finish by restarting your web browser. | Open Start . Do so by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, or by pressing ⊞ Win. Type command prompt into Start. This will search your computer for the Command Prompt app. Click Command Prompt. It should be the first icon at the top of the Start window. Doing so opens the Command Prompt app. Type in ipconfig /flushdns then press ↵ Enter. Doing so will immediately clear your PC's DNS cache. Restart your web browser. You should now be able to connect to any DNS error-locked pages. Open Spotlight . It's in the top-right corner of the screen. You can also press ⌘ Command + Space to open Spotlight. Type terminal into Spotlight. Doing so will search your Mac for the Terminal application. Click Terminal . It should be the first option at the top of the Spotlight results. Type the following code into Terminal: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder;say DNS cache has been flushed Then press ⏎ Return. This will run the DNS flush command. Enter your Mac's password if prompted. It's the password you enter when logging into your Mac. Doing so will complete the DNS flush process. Terminal won't show your keystrokes as you type, but it will record them. Restart your web browser. You should now be able to connect to any DNS error-locked pages. | Open Start . Type command prompt into Start. Click Command Prompt. Type in ipconfig /flushdns then press ↵ Enter. Restart your web browser. Open Spotlight . Type terminal into Spotlight. Click Terminal . Type the following code into Terminal: Enter your Mac's password if prompted. Restart your web browser. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Your-Cat-to-Give-a-Handshake | How to Teach Your Cat to Give a Handshake | To teach your cat to give a handshake, first you'll need to get a clicker and train your cat to associate the clicking noise with getting a treat. Then, once you've clicker trained your cat, try taking one of its paws in your hand and pressing the clicker. After you make the clicking noise, say something like "Shake," and give your cat a treat. Repeat this process several times a day for several days until your cat places its paw in your hand on its own when you say the command. | Obtain a clicker. A clicker is a small plastic box that contains a strip of stiff metal. When pressed, the metal makes a distinctive "click-clack" noise. Clickers can be obtained in most pet stores. The theory behind clicker training is that the cat will learn to link a sound (click-clack) with a reward (tasty treat). The nice thing about a clicker is that it is a distinct sound which is only associated with a reward. Thus, the cat is much more likely to respond. Although you can train a cat using just words, it can be more difficult. Because you use words in everyday speech not directed at your cat, the cat probably won't pay a lot of attention to them. Furthermore, if you use a command word such as "shake," the cat will likely hear the word in other contexts and not know when it is expected to respond. Find a treat your cat enjoys. Cats can be picky eaters, and a treat that one cat enjoys may be of little interest to another. Training will go faster and more easily if you determine in advance what kinds of treats your cat enjoys most. You may want to try buying a small amount of several different cat treats to try them out and see what your cat likes best. Pick a training time. The ideal time for a clicker session is when the cat is relaxed but not asleep, and sitting near you. You can start any time when the cat is paying attention. If your cat has just woken up, it may be groggy. If this is the case, give the cat five minutes or so before you begin training. Train with the clicker. Once the cat looks alert, press the clicker and give it a treat. Repeat this several times over a period of about five minutes. Cats only have a short attention span, so don't try to continue your clicker session beyond about five minutes. Repeat the session. Later in the day, or the next day, do another clicker session. Continue repeating these sessions regularly until your cat associates the sound of the clicker with a treat. Each cat learns at a different pace, but most will figure out the link between the clicker and the treat after two or three five-minute sessions. Be consistent, repeating the clicker session once or twice a day, every day, until the cat makes the association. You will be able to recognize when your cat has discovered the connection, because it will gaze at you expectantly and perhaps lick its lips after your press the clicker. Choose a time and place to train your cat. Once your cat has linked the clicker and a treat, pick a time when it is attentive but relaxed. Just before you would normally feed your cat is a particularly good time, because the promise of treats to a hungry cat will sharpen its responses. Work in a peaceful place with few distractions so that the cat concentrates solely on you. Click and reward. Press your clicker and give the cat a treat to remind it of the connection between the clicker and the food. Take your cat's paw. Gently lift one of your cat's front paws. It's a good idea to lift the same paw every time. The cat will learn the trick more easily if you are consistent. Click, command, and treat. While holding the paw in your hand, press your clicker with the other hand, and then give your chosen command-word for the trick, such as "shake." Then give the cat a treat. Release the paw and pet the cat. Release the cat's paw and give it a couple of nice pets. This further reinforces that you are pleased with the cat's behavior, and makes the training experience more pleasurable for the cat. Repeat the process. Repeat this cycle as many times as the cat is willing during a period of about five minutes. If the cat spontaneously lifts the correct paw at any time during the training, immediately click, say the command and reward. This sends a strong message that the behavior you require is to lift the paw. You want your cat to enjoy these sessions. If the cat seems uncooperative or disinterested, don't force this issue. Let it wander off and try again another other time. Wait, then repeat. Later in the day, or the next day, repeat the entire process. Lift the cat's paw if it fails to do so on its own, and also immediately click and offer a treat when the cat does it spontaneously. It may take several sessions before your cat starts to raise its paw without you taking it first, and several more before it will do it on command. Command before the click. When the cat starts to frequently lift its paw on its own, try giving the command "shake" without the click. When it places the paw in your hand, then click and reward. The click promises a reward, and the command tells the cat the required action to get it. Your goal is to get the cat to respond to "shake" without the click because it associates the command with a treat. Reduce the treats over time. Eventually, it will become unnecessary to give a reward each time the trick is performed. However, do reward the cat at least every three to four times so it doesn't get disheartened. Always conclude each session with a treat. Ending the session with a treat gives the cat consistent, positive reinforcement of the desired behavior. | Obtain a clicker. Find a treat your cat enjoys. Pick a training time. Train with the clicker. Repeat the session. Choose a time and place to train your cat. Click and reward. Take your cat's paw. Click, command, and treat. Release the paw and pet the cat. Repeat the process. Wait, then repeat. Command before the click. Reduce the treats over time. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Latex-Mold | How to Make a Latex Mold | To make a latex mold, start by applying a layer of latex to your chosen object and letting it dry for 30 minutes. Repeat this process to add 4-5 layers for small objects and 10 or more layers for larger items. If your object is very large, cover some gauze with latex and apply the gauze to your mold to strengthen it. When you've added all of the layers, allow the mold to dry overnight to cure it. Finally, peel the mold off your object and place it in a supporting material like sand. | Choose an item from which to make your mold. You can cast a latex mold over almost anything. Some people mold rocks, plants, and masks. The one caveat here is that you cannot apply the latex over someone's skin. The latex will seal the skin from the air and cause damage to the skin. Clean and dry the item you wish to duplicate. Dirt, dust, and other contaminants can interfere with your mold. Clean the item with an appropriate cleaner such as soap and water (this may vary from item to item). Before creating the mold, make sure that you dry the object or allow it time to air dry. Set the item on a surface to act as a flange. Choose a flat, wide work surface. This will allow you to apply your mold beyond the edge of the object you wish to capture and form an outer flange. This flange will be useful when you are filling your mold in the future. Brush on a thin layer of liquid latex. Go a couple centimeters past the items edge to create a flange. This first layer will be the mold surface so ensure that there are no air bubbles. Allow this layer to dry for about 30 minutes. Brush on more layers of latex. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next. More layers of latex will yield a stronger mold. For very small items, four or five layers may be sufficient. Larger items may need ten or more layers. Do not allow the latex to dry overnight between layers. This will cure the mold and cause subsequent layers not to bond properly. Add reinforcing material. If you are molding a larger item, you may need some extra materials to produce a sturdy mold. Loosely woven fabric such as gauze works well. Wet it with latex and apply to areas that are likely to stretch out of shape when the mold is filled with casting medium. Avoid reinforcing areas that will need to stretch to facilitate the item's release from the mold. The mold is likely to stretch and deform near the bottom of the mold (which is likely the top of the object). This is because it has to support most of the weight of your casting material. Allow the mold to dry overnight or longer once complete. This process is called curing. Only cure the mold once you have added all of the layers necessary. When cured, the latex will be unable to bond with subsequent layers. It will also be more resilient to environmental things (water, air, etc.). Peel off the mold. The latex should be very durable and can be peeled right back inside-out. Then just pop it back to it's original shape. If you have an intricate object, you may have to pull and stretch some parts of the mold to release it. Be careful not to tear the mold or break your original object when separating the two. Build a support stand for the mold. For most items, it is best to support the mold just under the flange so that it is suspended. Larger items may require extra support such as a wooden box to keep it in the proper shape when filled. You can also use a medium like sand to reinforce the mold all over. By placing your mold in sand, the weight of the casting material is supported evenly by the sand. This holds the mold in place and prevents stretching and deforming. Be careful not to get sand into your resin or plaster. Cast your item using any casting medium. Plaster of Paris is probably the easiest. It can be painted later. That said, polyester resin or similar polymers will reproduce very fine details in your item. Choose your casting medium to fit your needs. | Choose an item from which to make your mold. Clean and dry the item you wish to duplicate. Set the item on a surface to act as a flange. Brush on a thin layer of liquid latex. Brush on more layers of latex. Add reinforcing material. Allow the mold to dry overnight or longer once complete. Peel off the mold. Build a support stand for the mold. Cast your item using any casting medium. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Age-Your-Face-with-Makeup | How to Age Your Face with Makeup | With the magic of makeup, you can make your face look older by painting on wrinkles and creases. First, apply your foundation like normal and use highlighter to make your forehead, cheekbones, chin, and jaw look sharper. Then, apply a little brown eyeshadow or liner to the creases around your mouth and under your eyes to make your skin look looser. You can also add a few lines at the edges of your eyes to simulate crow's feet. Use more eyeshadow to line the sides of your nose and add fine lines around your lips. Don't forget to blend your wrinkle lines when you're finished to make them look a little more subtle and realistic. Apply a little highlighter to your lips and apply a layer of matte pink lipstick or liner on top to make them seem more aged. | Gather your materials. Before you get started, you will need to gather some special items. You will need: Foundation Dark brown eyeshadow Medium brown eyeshadow Light brown eyeshadow Makeup brushes and sponges Matte pink or nude color lipstick or lip liner Highlighter Apply a layer of foundation. Start with a clean, dry face and then apply a layer of foundation to your entire face. This will help to create an even canvas for the old age makeup look. Use some liquid foundation and then set it with a layer of translucent powder. Use a makeup sponge to apply the liquid makeup to your entire face. Then, use the sponge to blend the makeup. Follow up the foundation layer with a dusting of translucent powder. Highlight the most prominent areas of your face. Next, identify the most prominent areas of your face and then apply some highlighter to sharpen those areas. Use a highlighter that is a couple of shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Apply the highlighter using a makeup sponge. For example, you can highlight your forehead, cheekbones, chin, jaw, and the outer corners of your lower lip. Try looking at yourself in the mirror with a bright light shining at your face. This can help you to identify the most prominent areas of your face. Since you want to sharpen these areas, apply highlighter to these prominent areas. Apply brown eyeshadow or liner around your mouth. To begin creating the appearance of wrinkles on your face, start tracing over the natural lines and folds of your face with a dark brown eyeshadow or eyeliner. The idea is to identify the areas of your face that are the most recessed and then darken them so they look even more recessed. Looking at the mirror will also help you to identify these areas. Draw lines extending down from your nostrils. The folds that extend down from your nostrils to the area just below and outside of your chin will become deeper as you age. To create this effect, go over these lines with a dark brown eyeshadow or liner. Create lines extending down from the corners of your lips. The area below the outer corners of your lower lip will also deepen as you age. Draw lines extending down to your chin from the outer corners of your lips. Deepen the fold between your chin and lower lip. The fold between your lower lip and chin will also deepen as you age. Line this area with the dark brown eye shadow or liner. Make sure that you blend the lines you have created to make them seem more subtle and natural. Line the areas around your eyes. Creating older looking eyes requires adding lines to mimic the effects of aging. You can do this by lining the areas around your eyes with a bit of dark brown eye shadow. Start by creating pockets under your eyes. Draw lines that trace over the lower part of your eye sockets and above your cheek bones. This will help to create the appearance of sagging eyes. Draw lines extending from the inner part of your upper eye socket as well and out past the edge of your eyelids. Add lines between your eyebrows. You can also add a few lines between your eyebrows to create the appearance of wrinkles in the ridge of your nose. Blend these lines gently by smudging them with the brush or with your fingers. Create crow’s feet. After you finish creating some basic wrinkles on your face, you can begin to intensify the wrinkles around your eyes and nose. Begin by creating some crow's feet. You can do this by adding a few lines extending out from the outer edges of your eyes. Use the eyeshadow or eyeliner to create these lines. Extend the lines out and away from the eyes. Squinting your eyes may help you to identify the natural folds in your skin next to your eyes. Then, you can just fill in these lines with the eyeshadow or liner. Blend the lines gently. Add medium brown eyeshadow to the inner eyelid. Next, you will need to deepen the color of your eyelids to give the appearance of sunken eyes, which is common with old age. Use some brown eyeshadow to fill in the inner part of the eyelid with some medium brown eyeshadow. Try to make the inner eyelid look darker than the outer eyelid. This will help to give the appearance of sunken eyes and harsher features. You can also highlight the outer edge of the upper eyelid to help intensify the sunken eye look and to give the appearance of sagging. Just make sure that you do not apply thy highlighter over the dark lines you have already created. Intensify the features of your nose. As you age, your nose will begin to look sharper and harsher. To intensify the features of your nose using makeup, line or shade in the sides of your nose. This will help to make the nose look somewhat pointy and narrow. Darken the sides of your nose to make it seem sharper and longer. Draw a line extending down from the ridge of your nose near your inner eye to the nostril. Then, smudge and blend this line to make it seem more natural You can also add a few lines extending between your inner eye and the ridge of your nose. This will help to create the appearance of wrinkles on your nose. For even more definition, try drawing lines extending from your nostrils to your upper lip, just alongside the natural ridges between your nose and upper lip. Create fine lines around your lips. To create the appearance of fine lines on your lips, purse your lips and use a dark brown eyeliner or eyeshadow to fill in a few lines above your lips. Don't make them very big. Just draw lines that are about a centimeter (1/4 inch) long. After you relax your lips, you should have some lines above your lips that look like wrinkles. You can also blend the lines to make them seem more natural. Use your fingers to gently smudge them. Apply a layer of matte pink lipstick or liner. Next, you will need to apply a layer of matte pink or nude lip color. This will create a canvas for creating a wrinkled look on your lips. Apply a layer of the lipstick or liner of your choice. Don't go outside the lines of your lips. It is okay if your lips look a bit thin. Create wrinkles on your lips using highlighter. To complete your lip look, you will need to apply some highlighter to your lips while you are pursing them. Purse your lips and then apply some highlighter just to the prominent areas of your lips. Dab the highlighter onto these areas using a brush or makeup sponge. After you relax your lips, they should appear to have a wrinkled appearance. | Gather your materials. Apply a layer of foundation. Highlight the most prominent areas of your face. Apply brown eyeshadow or liner around your mouth. Line the areas around your eyes. Create crow’s feet. Add medium brown eyeshadow to the inner eyelid. Intensify the features of your nose. Create fine lines around your lips. Apply a layer of matte pink lipstick or liner. Create wrinkles on your lips using highlighter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Your-Dog-to-Dance | How to Teach Your Dog to Dance | To teach your dog to dance, use treats to lure and guide your dog into performing easy dance movements like spins, leg weaves, and hops. Next, shower the dog with verbal praise and give it the treat when it performs the movement correctly. Then, add the verbal command and continue practicing the movement until your dog nails it. Finally, wean your dog off the treats so it can perform the dance moves when you give only the verbal commands! | Teach your dog to spin. You can teach your dog to spin in both a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. However, make sure you use different verbal commands for each direction so your dog doesn't get confused. For example, use the command SPIN to turn clockwise and the command TWIRL to turn counter-clockwise. As with all tricks, make sure to have some sort of food motivation for your dog while he's in training. The best option is to have some of his kibble available as a treat when he performs the moves correctly. To teach your dog to spin, use the following steps: Place a treat in your hand and use your hand and the treat to lure your dog to move in a full circle (or spin). If your dog performs the spin correctly, reward him with the treat. It is also helpful to use verbal praise (like the word YES or GOOD) to indicate to your dog that he's done something properly and a treat is coming. This verbal praise bridges the time between your dog performing the trick correctly and your dog receiving his treat. When training your dog to move in a clockwise circle, try to use your right hand to hold the treat. And when training your dog to move in a counter-clockwise circle, try to use your left hand to hold the treat. Once your dog has learned the basics of the spin, try getting him to spin multiple times before providing the treat. You can also remove the treat from your hand and simply use the motion of your hand to command your dog to move in a circle. Finally, start to add the verbal command to the trick. If spinning clockwise, start saying the word SPIN (as an example) when your dog is spinning. And use the command TWIRL when your dog is spinning in a counter-clockwise direction. Try the stationary leg weave trick with your dog. The stationary leg weave is a neat trick that isn't difficult to teach but looks more complicated to people watching. Basically, you need to stand still, with your legs slightly apart and have your dog weave in and out of your legs. It's referred to as the “stationary” leg weave because you just need to stand in one place. There's no need for you to move around for this trick, although you may need to bend your legs every so often to help you dog walk through your legs. Use the following steps to teach your dog the stationary leg weave: Start with your dog in front of you while standing with your legs slightly apart (enough for your dog to fit through). Make sure you have your dog's attention. Hold your dog's treat in your right hand and your dog's collar in your left hand. Place your right hand behind you, near your right leg and near the opening of your legs. You want your dog to be able to see or smell the treat in your right hand. Using your left hand on your dog's collar, guide him through your legs towards your right hand with the treat. Use your right hand to lure him through your legs and around the outside of your right leg. When he performs this movement properly, say YES and give your dog his treat. Repeat the same basic movements on your left side. During practice, provide the treat at different spots in the weave movement. This helps to prevent your dog from assuming he only has to go to a certain place to receive the treat. Once your dog has the handle of weaving through your legs on both sides, use your hands and the treat to lure him in a full figure eight around BOTH of your legs before you reward him. Eventually you can get your dog to do this trick without using your hands. Instead, you can cue your dog using the movement of your legs. To do this, practice the trick while bending your right leg and leaning slightly to the right while he weaves around your right leg. Perform the same movements on your left side. Once your dog gets the hand of it, he'll move through your legs when he sees you bend your leg and lean to the side. Advance to the forward leg weave trick. To start learning this trick, make sure you've already taught your dog the stationary leg weave. While performing the stationary leg weave, move your leg forward as if you were going to take a step (but don't actually take a step). This will get your dog use to your new movement for the leg weave. Once your dog is able to do the stationary leg weave properly, following these steps to teach your dog the forward leg weave: Start with your dog standing to your left side, facing forward. If you need to hold his collar to get him into this position, it's okay. Take a step forward with your right leg and lure your dog through your legs, towards your right side, with a treat and your hand. Once you dog has moved through your legs and is on your right side, say YES and give your dog his treat. The word YES works as verbal praise to let your dog know a treat is coming and he's done something right. Take a step forward with your left leg and lure your dog through your legs, towards your left side. Say YES and reward him when he's completely the movement properly. Continue practicing this trick, leg-by-leg, as you walk forward until your dog is comfortable with the trick. Once your dog is able to move around your legs individually, have him one around both legs properly before rewarding him. Slowly progress through the process by taking away the treat and using only your hands for direction. Then stop using even your hands and just use the movement of your legs to cue your dog to perform the trick. Have your dog circle around you. Training your dog circle around you is very similar to training your dog to spin. The only obvious difference is that you are the centre of the circle for this trick, whereas with spinning the centre of the circle is empty. You can train your dog to circle around your clockwise and counter-clockwise. If you use verbal commands for this trick, make sure to use different words for clockwise and counter-clockwise. For example, you could use RIGHT for clockwise and LEFT for counter-clockwise. This trick can also be performed with you standing, kneeling, or sitting, but you may want to start with only one position until your dog has the hang of the trick. Use the following steps to train your dog to circle around you: Start with your dog standing on your left side and with his attention focused on you. Hold your dog's treat in your right hand and use your hand (and the treat) to lure him to walk around your legs in a clockwise circle. Because a circle can technically start and end anywhere, reward your dog at different locations around your legs so he doesn't always assume one specific spot is the 'end' of the trick. While your dog is still learning, it's also important to keep your hand as close to your legs as possible. This will help your dog associate the treat with your legs. Continuing practicing the circle movement while saying the verbal command. Also, practice with your dog going in the opposite (counter-clockwise) direction. Eventually your dog should be able to perform the trick without being lured by a treat, but by simply listening to your verbal command. Get your dog to hop up. Teaching your dog to hop up, or to stand on his back paws only, is not as hard as it seems, but does require a step-by-step approach so as not to confuse your dog. Throughout the trick, the important thing is to lure your dog upwards, onto his back paws, with a treat. Eventually, you'll be able to remove the treat and replace it with a simple verbal command like UP. Use the following steps to help get your dog to hop up: Start with your dog sitting beside you, facing you, and make sure his full attention is on you. Use one of your hands to hold a treat just above his head. Use your hand and the treat to lure him upwards. The step-by-step approach is to first allow your dog to stand up with his front paws leaning against your leg. Once he's in that position, you can give him verbal praise (YES) and give him the treat. Once he's perfected standing with his front paws on your leg, switch and have him put his front paws on your forearm. Then, once he's perfected both leaning against your leg and forearm, lure him to stand up without any support. This may be harder for some dogs than others. Some dogs may even be able to skip leaning against you and go directly to this step, but don't be upset if it takes a while for your dog to get to this point. As you work your way through this trick, start adding the verbal command — UP — when holding your hand above your dog. Eventually you'll be able to stop using your hand (and a treat) and just use the verbal command. Make your dog your dance partner. Most dance tricks you do with your dog are done with you and your dog beside each other. You may be moving together, in time to the music, but you're not actually dancing hand-to-paw. There is a trick you can teach your dog that will put him a position to make it look like you two are really dancing with each other. Note, this trick will only work with a dog who is around the same height as you when standing on his hind legs. Start by kneeling down at your dog's level with one arm raised either to your side, or to the front of you. Use your opposite hand to hold a treat above your outstretched arm. The purpose of the treat is to get your dog's attention. Hold the treat high enough that he can't reach it while sitting down. Either on his own, or with some coaxing, get your dog to raise up on his hind feet and put his front paws on your outstretched arm. Once your dog has his front paws on your arm, provide him with the reward. You'll want to repeat this trick several times in the kneeling position. You may also want to add a verbal command to the trick so you dog will still perform when you no longer have a treat. Once your dog has the hang of this trick while your kneeling, practice the trick while you're standing up. Find music that suits your dog. Dogs have different temperaments and different energy levels. When you're just starting out with dancing, pick a song or selection of music, that is compatible with your dog's energy level and enthusiasm. Start by picking music that lasts only 1 to 2 minutes. For example, if you have a very high-energy dog, you may need to pick music that has a fast beat. Whereas, if you have a low-energy dog, you may need to pick music that has a slower beat. Design a routine to go with the music. Once you've selected the appropriate music, figure out what specific tricks and moves you want to perform with the music. If this is your first time creating a dance routine with your dog, keep it simple. Once you've selected the move, and the order you want to perform the moves, break the whole routine down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Each chunk, or section, of the routine should include only a small number of tricks. If it's a difficult trick, you may want to break that into a chunk of its own. Start your routine with a pause. If you're planning a routine for competition, or you want to add a little drama to a routine for other purposes, start your routine with a pause and not movements. The purpose of the pause is to provide the audience with a split-second picture of you and your dog together. Make sure your routine includes movements in all directions. For routines in competitions, you'll have a limited amount of space to perform, but you will need to use as much of it as possible. When travelling across the dance floor, you should move in all possible directions — forwards, backwards, sideways, diagonally, in circles, and angles. Create sections of your routine where your dog moves on his own. Parts of your routine should include movements where you stand still and your dog moves on his own. These parts offer a great opportunity to showcase your dog and his abilities. If you're planning a routine for competitive purposes, check the rules to make sure such movements are allowed. Some organizations require the human to continue moving throughout the routine. The opposite of this step should be avoided, where a part of your routine requires the dog to stay still and the human to be the only one moving. Your dog should always be the centre of attention. End your routine centre stage. Every routine should end with you and your dog at 'centre stage' or the centre of the dance floor. If you're preparing a routine for competition, you should also make sure you end your routine facing the judges. If your routine is simply for an audience, then you should end your routine facing the main portion of that audience. Once the music has ended, step forward and bow to the judges or the audience. Pause for a moment and then move Practice each part of the routine with your dog. Once you have your routine broken down into small pieces, practice each individual section with your dogs. In order not to overwhelm your dog, practice each section in the order they're to be performed. Once your dog has mastered one section, move onto the next section, until you've practiced the whole routine. Even though you may move on from one section to another, you'll want to keep practicing all the previous sections with your dog periodically. At this stage of development, you'll probably want to practice without the music. Try to practice a part of the routine at least once a day. | Teach your dog to spin. Try the stationary leg weave trick with your dog. Advance to the forward leg weave trick. Have your dog circle around you. Get your dog to hop up. Make your dog your dance partner. Find music that suits your dog. Design a routine to go with the music. Start your routine with a pause. Make sure your routine includes movements in all directions. Create sections of your routine where your dog moves on his own. End your routine centre stage. Practice each part of the routine with your dog. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Gems | How to Cut Gems | To cut hard gems, use a faceting machine to grind them into the shape you want. If the gems are softer, like pearl or amber, you can use sandpaper and water to shape the gem. When picking a shape for your gemstone, choose one that's similar to the current shape of the stone so you don't waste a lot of it. | Decide what type of gemstone to cut. Because gemstones can vary in cost, learn to cut and facet less expensive gems. For example, work with fluorite before moving on to more expensive gems such as emeralds or garnets. For less expensive gems, start with quartz, fluorite, crystal, beryl, and tourmaline. If you're ready to work with semi-precious and precious gems, try sapphires, zircon, garnets, amethysts, and opals. Buy a rough or uncut gemstone. Decide what type of gem you'd like to cut and look for them at local gem and mineral fairs. You can buy rough or uncut stones directly from dealers which will give you the opportunity to handle the stones in person. You can also buy from dealers online, but you'll need to find a reputable dealer to be sure of what you're getting. A reputable online dealer should offer a 30-day return policy, offer a variety of payment options, and offer gem certification from an independent lab. Choose a basic shape for the gemstone. Look at the shape that the rough or uncut gemstone is already in. You might see that the gem already has a slight oval shape, so cutting it to an oval shape would be easier than making it into a square or rectangle cut. Remember that the cut gem will be smaller than the rough gem, so choose a shape that won't waste too much of the gem. Other basic cuts include round, square, oval, and triangle. Research cuts for your gem. Once you have an idea of the shape you want for your gem, read books about various cuts. You can also take online tutorials from gem cutters or take classes at local community centers about choosing cuts. Common cuts include: Square shapes such as asscher, antique (cushion), princess, emerald, octagon, or baguette. Round shapes such as briolette, cabochon, or radiant. Oval or triangular shapes such as marquise, trillion (trilliant), or heart. Use a faceting machine to preform the gem. Most uncut gems are oddly shaped so you may need to grind it down. Roughly grinding the outsides of the gem will make it closer to the size and shape you want. Hold the gem between your fingertips and carefully polish it on a 1200 grit lap. If you have a lot of rough to remove, use a 260 grit lap. Since faceting machines are expensive and not usually available for rent, see if you can take a few faceting classes to become familiar with using them. If you want to buy one, find one directly from a manufacturer or look online. Secure the rough gem to a dop stick using warm wax. Heat a dime-sized amount of dop wax on the end of your dop stick. Hold it near a flame so the wax softens and becomes pliable. Stick the base of the gem that will be mounted into the wax. The faced surface of the gem should be exposed. Let the wax cool before you grind it so the gem stays on the dop stick. Once you've gained experience, consider using superglue or cyanoacrylate adhesives instead of wax. These are less likely to break off or damage heat-sensitive gems such as opals. Grind the outlines of the stone to shape the girdle. Use a 1200 lap disc on your faceting machine to cut the circumference (girdle) of the gem. Set the angle to 90 degrees so you can make symmetrical cuts. Don't lock the index wheel on the machine so you can move it freely and have more control over cutting. The outline you cut will depend on which shape you've chosen. For example, you'll make a rectangular girdle for an emerald cut. Consult the machine's instruction manual for specific instructions about each style of cut. Wipe grit from the gem and put a pre-polishing lap on the machine. Wipe the gem clean with a microfiber cloth. This will remove the coarser grit that's transferred to the gem. Take the coarser lap disc off of the machine and put a pre-polishing lap on the machine. Cut the facets according to the shape you want. Find faceting diagrams for the shape you're cutting the gem. A diagram will tell you how many facets to make and at what angles to make them. Polish the facets against the lap until the surfaces of the gem are smooth. To get the cut you want, you may have to reheat the dop wax, remove the rough, and reposition it in the hot wax. Heating the stone along with the wax will not harm it. Charge the polishing lap with an oxide polish. Put a polishing lap on your machine. Take the small spatula that came with your oxide polish and dip it into the polish so a peanut-sized amount is on the end of the spatula. Run the machine and spread the polish over the lap in a smooth even layer. Polish the top of the cut gem against the polishing lap. This will buff your new gemstone until it sparkles and will help remove any grit or imperfections leftover by the faceting process. To remove the finished stone from the dop stick, warm the wax near an open flame so it softens. Then pull the stone away from the wax. Select a softer gem for cutting without a machine. While you can cut harder gems, they'll take more time and effort to cut. Instead, choose gems that are lower on the Mohs hardness scale. For example, these softer stones will cut easily: Fluorite Malachite Coral Pearl Amber Lay the 180 grit sandpaper and cutting board on a cloth. To make a stable work surface, lay a cloth down. Set a cutting board on the cloth so the board doesn't slide around. Place a sheet of 180 grit sandpaper on the cutting board so the rough side faces up. Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons (45 to 60 ml) of water on the sandpaper. Pour the water directly on the center of the sandpaper. The water will prevent the gem from becoming scratched as you smooth it. Rub the gem against the wet 180 grit sandpaper. To create 1 smooth facet on the gem, hold it between your thumb and index finger. Firmly rub the gem back and forth across the area of sandpaper that has the water to smooth the surface. Turn the gem and rub it again to make another facet. Keep rubbing the gem to make several facets and roughly shape the gem. Rinse the gem and pour water over 400 grit sandpaper. Once you've finished using the coarsest sandpaper, run a little water over the gem to rinse it of the grit. Remove the 180 grit sandpaper from the cutting board and lay down a piece of 400 grit sandpaper. Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons (45 to 60 ml) of water in the center of the sandpaper. Rub each facet of the gem over the 400 grit sandpaper. Rub 1 facet of the gem back and forth to further smooth it. Repeat this for each facet of the gem. Consider rubbing the gem in circles occasionally to prevent grooves from forming. Rinse and rub the gem's facets over the 600 grit sandpaper. Pour a little water over the gem to remove the 400 grit. Remove the sandpaper and set down a sheet of 600 grit sandpaper. Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons (45 to 60 ml) of water onto the center of the sandpaper and rub each of the gem's facets across it. Remember to rinse the gem once you've finished with the 600 grit sandpaper. Finish rubbing the gem over 1200 grit sandpaper. Replace the 600 grit sandpaper with a sheet of 1200 grit sandpaper. Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons (45 to 60 ml) of water onto the center of the 1200 grit sandpaper. Rub each facet of the gem back and forth across the sandpaper a few times. By now, the gem should be completely smooth on every side. Wrap the cutting board with cloth and rinse the stone. Remove the 1200 grit sandpaper from the cutting board. Lay another cloth over the cutting board and tuck the ends under the bottom of the cutting board. Rinse the stone with water to remove any grit and dry it with a cloth. Put metal polish on the cloth and rub each facet of the stone against it. Squirt a dime-sized amount of liquid metal polish on the cloth that's over the cutting board. Take the dry gem and rub it vigorously through the polish on the cloth. Turn the gem and rub it again so that each facet becomes polished. If you're having a hard time seeing if the gem is polished enough, rinse it occasionally and dry it before rubbing it over the metal polish again. Rinse and dry the finished gem. Run clean water over the gem to remove excess metal polish. Rub the gem dry with a clean cloth and examine it to see if it's as smooth as you like. Each facet of the gem should be smooth and shiny if you've polished it enough. If it still looks rough in spots, you can rub it over wet sandpaper again. Try the 1200 grit to smooth a small spot. | Decide what type of gemstone to cut. Buy a rough or uncut gemstone. Choose a basic shape for the gemstone. Research cuts for your gem. Use a faceting machine to preform the gem. Secure the rough gem to a dop stick using warm wax. Grind the outlines of the stone to shape the girdle. Wipe grit from the gem and put a pre-polishing lap on the machine. Cut the facets according to the shape you want. Charge the polishing lap with an oxide polish. Polish the top of the cut gem against the polishing lap. Select a softer gem for cutting without a machine. Lay the 180 grit sandpaper and cutting board on a cloth. Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons (45 to 60 ml) of water on the sandpaper. Rub the gem against the wet 180 grit sandpaper. Rinse the gem and pour water over 400 grit sandpaper. Rub each facet of the gem over the 400 grit sandpaper. Rinse and rub the gem's facets over the 600 grit sandpaper. Finish rubbing the gem over 1200 grit sandpaper. Wrap the cutting board with cloth and rinse the stone. Put metal polish on the cloth and rub each facet of the stone against it. Rinse and dry the finished gem. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-a-Cheating-Girlfriend | How to Catch a Cheating Girlfriend | If you think your girlfriend is cheating, you can know for sure by looking for warning signs and changing your daily routine. When you're with your girlfriend, watch how she uses her phone. Does she seem preoccupied with texting someone else? Is she commenting on a specific person's pictures a lot? While these don't mean she is cheating, it might be a sign that she's interested in someone else. Since most people cheat because of something lacking in their relationship, think about your role as a partner and if you've acted in a way that might make her want someone else. If you want to try and catch her in the act, change up your routine by coming home at odd times. Whether or not you find any evidence, consider talking to your girlfriend about your worries and work on building trust in your relationship. | Watch for signs she may be losing interest in you. People cheat for a variety of reasons, but it usually happens when someone is unhappy in their relationship. If you suspect your girlfriend might be seeing someone else, watch for the warning signs that your relationship may be flagging a bit. Watch to see if your girlfriend: Calls less frequently Seems distracted when you're together Dresses differently Cancels your plans regularly Lies to you about where she's going Watch her phone and texting habits. When you are out together, does your girlfriend spend most of her time with her head buried in her phone instead of making eye contact with you? Does she seem overly preoccupied with talking to someone in particular? Lots of texting could be a sign of a roving eye, or just that she's texting her mom. Try to remember who she talks to is her business. If you have to, say something like, "I was hoping we could spend some time together now, not with our phones, unless there's some emergency. That ok? Is everything ok?" Don't try to crack past her phone password and start digging around in her personal stuff. If you feel the need to spy on your partner, your relationship is already in bad shape, and you should end it. Watch her social networking habits. Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and other social networking and texting apps make cheating a whole lot more complicated. If you suspect your girlfriend might be cheating online, you could even open up some fake dating site accounts of your own to check and see. You've noticed she's posting a lot of comments on a male coworker's pictures? Don't freak out. She can post whatever she wants, on whoever's board she wants to post on. That doesn't mean she's cheating, but it does mean she might be losing some interest or engagement in your relationship. Never, under any circumstances, should you try to log into your girlfriend's email, Facebook page, or other password-secured information. Breaching trust because you're suspicious means you're in a bad relationship. Watch for cancelled plans or strange plans. If your girlfriend starts behaving in a way that's counter to the way she usually acts, that might be cause for alarm. It's hard to say exactly what this might consist of, but keeping an eye out for anything that seems out of the ordinary for her to be doing. If you have plans together, and your girlfriend cancels or changes them abruptly, that might be a sign of something going on. If your girlfriend starts hanging out especially late with people she doesn't usually hang out with, you might want to talk about it. Try to talk to her girlfriends. If your girlfriend is having second-thoughts about your relationship, or has even taken up with someone else, she'll likely want to talk about this with somebody. If you play your cards right, they'll likely feel sorry for the position she's put you in, and they might come clean. Don't come in with accusations, come in with upset questions. Tell her friends that you've noticed that she's seemed really distant lately, and you're not sure why. Ask them if they know anything that could help you fix the relationship. If they say no, that doesn't mean they're "in on it." It might just mean that your girlfriend is not cheating. Try to relax. Look for warning signs in your relationship and your attitude towards it. Are you being the best partner you can be? Are you contributing to the health of the relationship in a positive way? Are you doing everything you can to make the relationship work? Are you a respectful, kind, and giving partner? It's possible that your partner is not cheating, but is feeling less enthusiastic about the relationship in general because the relationship itself is going downhill, not because there's someone else pulling her away. Note whether she is paranoid about you cheating. Sometimes a person who is cheating, or wants to cheat, will project their own inclinations onto their partner. Glance at her phone, on the sly. Lots of cheating evidence can be found on someone's cellphone or mobile, but checking out someone else's property needs to be done carefully and tactfully to avoid crossing the line. If you have to look, do it "accidentally." When her phone's out, glance at it when a message comes in to see who it's from out of the corner of your eye. If there is a long string of texts from someone suspicious, you might have a good reason to talk. You'll break someone's trust entirely if you pick up their cellphone and start scrolling through the message history. And if you find nothing, you'll be the jerk. Change your routine. If you're concerned your girlfriend might be messing around at your place when you're not around, you can change up your routine regularly, to come home at odd times when you'd usually be out. Have a good reason for popping in. Bring carry-out at lunch time, if you usually grab lunch near your job or school. Or show up early when you're coming home, just for a surprise. If you don't live together, don't just show up at someone's door when you're not supposed to be there. That might come off more creepy than anything else. It's important to know that catching your girlfriend in the act can be pretty traumatic. It's usually better to talk about it before you resort to Jerry Springer tactics. If you don't find anything, stop looking. If your relationship is suffering and you're concerned about it, focus on evaluating it and either making it better or ending it, not on going on some kind of cheating crusade. Be bigger than that. Better yet, don't pry in the first place. If you have some issues with your partner, bring it to them first. Don't obsess. If you're thinking about placing pinhole cameras in places you think she is cheating on you or are contemplating closed-circuit television, you need to end this relationship now and find a healthier one. Evaluate your relationship, regardless of what you find. If your girlfriend is cheating, think about why, and whether or not you want to end the relationship because of it. If your girlfriend is not cheating, think about what might have changed in your relationship that you became suspicious. If you were just suffering a bout of paranoia that turned out to be false, talk it out with your girlfriend and come clean. Apologize. Talk about your relationship in an open, honest, and trusting way. Work on building back the trust you might have lost. If your girlfriend was cheating, ask her what she wants to do, and try to decide whether or not an infidelity means the end of your relationship for you. If it's over for her, it's over regardless. If she wants to work it out, you've got to decide whether or not it's worth it. Remain calm. If your girlfriend cheats on you, guess what? It's not the end of the world. In fact, you should maybe take it as a good thing. If your girlfriend felt the need to cheat, that means your relationship was unfulfilling in some way, possibly broken beyond repair. Now, it can be over, and you can both stop wasting your time in a relationship that doesn't work. Stay calm, take a big breath, and try to keep a cool head. Leave the scene, if necessary. If you catch your girlfriend cheating, just walk away. If you find some kind of evidence, walk away. Call a friend, or a family member, and talk it out. The last thing you ever want to do is lash out violently or irrationally. Be the bigger person in this relationship. Stay calm, and decide what you want to do. Ask her if she's happy, don't ask her if she's cheating. Breaking up is hard. Your girlfriend's feelings for you might have kept her from telling you to your face, to avoid the pain of the break-up. So, really, whether or not your girlfriend is cheating, it's a bad sign that you've come to this point anyway. It's still important to Try to be objective and honest with each other. Ask your girlfriend big questions. What do you want from this relationship? What are you not getting from this relationship? What might I be able to change to make it work better? Try to be as specific as possible. You don't need the answer to a question like, "Why did you cheat on me?" or "What did you do with him?" Focus on things that matter for going forward, not looking back. Ask her what she wants. Try to keep things focused on her feelings and not on the way that you feel. Being cheated on hurts, and you may want to express your feelings and hash it out with your partner, but take a step back and focus your energy where it will matter. If she's already given up on the relationship, there's little point in bearing your soul to someone who doesn't care. Walk out on her. The relationship is over, if one party has given up on it. If she wants to work it out, then you can talk about how you feel and decide whether or not you want to. Try to think about whether you'll be able to forgive an infidelity, or the trust barrier is broken beyond repair. If your suspicions were wrong, but you're having serious relationship problems, it's still important to have this talk. Listen what she has to say. Even if you think you know how you feel, you might be surprised. Give your girlfriend an opportunity to talk, and really try to hear her side of the story. That doesn't mean you have to accept an apology, but it's still important to give her the chance to talk. You can always end the relationship. Don't assume that you know why your girlfriend may or may not have cheated. Don't accuse or attempt to lecture your girlfriend in any way. Hear her out. If necessary, you can try some kind of conversational game. Set a timer on it and promise that you'll each get to express yourself, judgment free, for 15 minutes, without the other person interrupting. Stick to it. Share your feelings when the time is right. If you're going to work on your relationship, you need to confront the way you were hurt by an infidelity, if one occurred. When you do that will be up to you. It's usually best to hear her side of things first, then decide whether or not you want to share your feelings, or just call it quits. Talk to a trusted friend about how you're feeling first. Getting some perspective on what happened can be hard by yourself. Talk about what happened, sparing any graphic details, and get some extra input. Many people find it difficult, if not impossible, to get past an episode of cheating. If you feel like you can't stand the thought of being with someone who has cheated on you, then don't. Break up. | Watch for signs she may be losing interest in you. Watch her phone and texting habits. Watch her social networking habits. Watch for cancelled plans or strange plans. Try to talk to her girlfriends. Look for warning signs in your relationship and your attitude towards it. Note whether she is paranoid about you cheating. Glance at her phone, on the sly. Change your routine. If you don't find anything, stop looking. Evaluate your relationship, regardless of what you find. Remain calm. Ask her if she's happy, don't ask her if she's cheating. Ask her what she wants. Listen what she has to say. Share your feelings when the time is right. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Choose-a-Dog-Breed-Bred-for-Loyalty | How to Choose a Dog Breed Bred for Loyalty | To choose a dog breed for loyalty, consider adopting a bullmastiff, Doberman pinscher, giant schnauzer, rottweiler or chihuahua, since these breeds are generally considered the most loyal. You might also consider getting an Akita or German Shepherd, since these dogs are usually easy to train, which can help you build a strong bond with them. Another way to form a loyal bond is by adopting an affectionate breed like a terrier or a Shar-Pei dog. | Know that any dog can be loyal, or disloyal. Although different dog breeds have certain characteristics and traits, each individual dog has its own personality and the potential to be loyal or disloyal. In large part, a dog's loyalty to its owner is determined by how the owner treats the dog. If you care for your dog and show it love and affection, it will likely form a strong bond with you regardless of the breed. Some dogs that are considered loyal include the bullmastiff, the Doberman pinscher, the giant schnauzer, the Akita, the German shepherd, the Rottweiler, and the Chihuahua. However, there is not consensus on what breeds are particularly loyal. It is also important to remember that a dog from a loyal breed can develop behavioral problems and become disloyal. A breed's characteristic is not a guarantee of certain behaviors. Look for easily trained breeds. Some dog breeds have a reputation for being particularly easy to train. Dogs in these breeds tend to be very smart and accommodating to human commands. Dogs that are less stubborn and more receptive to training will bond with their owners more easily, which is essential for developing loyalty. Dog breeds that are more receptive to training include Akita, German shepherd, and golden retriever. Find an affectionate dog. Some breeds are known for being overly affectionate dogs. These animals form close bonds with their owners and are considered loyal. However, some of these breeds, such as the pit bull, also have a reputation for being aggressive towards humans and other animals. More affectionate dogs include various breeds of terriers, the Shar-Pei, and the Akita. Be cautious about difficult breeds. Some dogs are simply hard to train and require a lot of attention, which can make them difficult to bond with. Some breeds are stubborn and difficult to train, which can make forming a good bond difficult. Others require a lot of physical activity that, if not met, can result in behavioral problems. Dogs like the husky or the beagle can be hard to train. German shepherds, the Akita, and Doberman pinschers need a lot of physical activity. Think twice about aggressive breeds. Certain types of dog have been bred exclusively for their abilities to hunt game, protect their owners, and fight other dogs and animals. Dogs in these breeds are more inclined to exhibit aggressive behavior towards other animals and people. Unfortunately, many notably aggressive breeds are also known for their loyalty. Dogs with a history of violence include Rottweiler's, mastiffs, pit bulls, and Doberman pinscher. It is important to remember that, with the proper training, a dog from an aggressive breed can be a safe and loving member of any household. Talk to a professional. Talking to someone who is an expert on dogs may help you get a better idea of what breeds to look for. Talk to your veterinarian, a dog breeder, a trainer, or a behaviorist about which breeds are the most loyal. These professionals should be able to point you in the right direction. You might ask a veterinarian questions like “Which dog breed do you think is the most loyal?” or “What dog breeds should I avoid?” If you already have a veterinarian, you should talk with them about which breeds will get along well with your other animals. Ask the breeder questions like “In your experience, what breeds are the most loyal?” or “Are your dogs particularly loyal?” Feed your dog. Feeding is an important way to develop a dog's loyalty. You can develop your role as a caretaker or caring parent by being the one who provides the food for your dog at specific times during the day. This is better than leaving your dog's food in a bowl all day because your dog will come to rely on you and to see you as a provider. You should also encourage other members of your family to feed the dog. The more people that feed your dog, the more people your dog will bond with. your dog. Groom Make sure that you properly groom and exercise your dog. Combing and brushing your dog's hair will build your dog's bond with you and your family members. In addition, giving your dog baths will also help you develop a close connection with the animal. Exercise your dog. Most dogs need a certain amount of exercise to stay healthy. However, some breeds need more exercise than others need and, without enough physical activity, can begin to develop behavioral problems. Make sure that you play with your dog regularly and get them the amount of exercise that they need. Talk with your veterinarian to make sure that your dog is getting enough active time each day. The needs for different breeds vary greatly, so be sure to get your veterinarian's opinion. Establish yourself as the head of the household. It is important to establish yourself as an authority figure, similar to the way that parents do when they guide and discipline their children. By being consistent with your rules and discipline, your dog will come to see you as the head of the household. Be patient with your dog and be sure to reward their good behavior as well. Never yell at our physically abuse your dog. This will make your dog fearful of you, but not loyal. When your dog does something good, such as responding to a command, you can reward them with praise, petting, play time, or a treat. Provide training. Another great way to bond with your dog is through good training. Teaching your dog new tricks and training them will help you develop a close connection to your dog and help them to become more loyal towards you. Try teaching your dog toheel or respond to other commands. Show your dog affection. Treating your dog with kindness and affection is one of the best ways to build your dog's loyalty towards you. While you are training your dog, do not yell at or hit your dog. Instead, keep calm and use an even voice. When your dog does what you want, give them plenty of praise, a treat, and some nice pats. This will help your dog develop a positive association with you. | Know that any dog can be loyal, or disloyal. Look for easily trained breeds. Find an affectionate dog. Be cautious about difficult breeds. Think twice about aggressive breeds. Talk to a professional. Feed your dog. your dog. Exercise your dog. Establish yourself as the head of the household. Provide training. Show your dog affection. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Join-the-SAS | How to Join the SAS | If you're a healthy young man and you're interested in joining the SAS, you'll need to either serve in the British Armed Forces or apply to serve as an SAS reservist for 18 months. Once you've completed your service requirements, you can file an Army General Administrative Instruction (AGAI) to apply for the SAS. Then, you'll pass a medical exam and fitness test to determine if you're physically fit enough to serve in the SAS. | Become a member of Her Majesty's Armed Forces. Outside of the SAS Reserves, the SAS doesn't recruit civilians. To be eligible to join the SAS, you must be an official member of one of the uniformed services of the British Armed Forces — either the Naval Service (comprised of the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Commandos), the British Army, or the Royal Air Force. Note that each service has its own enrollment and training requirements, which can be demanding in and of themselves. For instance, the British Army's basic training regimen is 26 weeks long and includes rigorous physical training and tactical exercises. Note also that, like other services of the British Armed Forces, the SAS accepts members from countries of the British Commonwealth (like Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, etc.). Alternatively, serve as an SAS reservist for 18 months. Another way to become eligible to join the SAS is to join one of the SAS reserve regiments (the 21st and 23rd regiments) and serve in the reserves for 18 months. Because, unlike the SAS proper, the SAS reserves do recruit from the civilian population, this represents a relatively direct path to SAS status for an applicant starting from civilian status. Be a healthy male between 18 and 32 years of age. The selection process for the SAS is one of the most difficult military training programs in the world. Its purpose is to test candidates to the utmost limit of their physical and mental abilities. Though rare, it is not unheard of for candidates to die during the selection process. Because of the extreme demands of SAS training, only healthy young men in great physical and mental condition are considered. Though women have been integrated into the British Armed Forces since the 1990s, they are excluded from most combat-oriented units. Because of this, at present, women are not allowed in the SAS. There are, however, signs that this may change in the near future. Have 3 months of experience and 39 months of service remaining. The SAS demands a serious commitment from its applicants. If you successfully complete the selection process, the expectation is that you will remain with the SAS in a devoted role for, at the very least, a little over three years. Because of this, candidates who apply to the SAS must have at least 39 months of service remaining to be considered. In addition, candidates must have a minimum of 3 months experience with their own regiment. When ready, file an AGAI. If you believe you have what it takes to join the SAS and you have a burning, passionate desire to do so, finalize your decision by filing an Army General Administrative Instruction (AGAI). The AGAI states that you are prepared for and have full knowledge of the demanding challenges that lie ahead. Once you've made your decision, you'll want to wait for the next selection process to begin. The SAS selection process takes place twice per year — once in the winter and once in the summer. This is true regardless of the conditions: no matter how hot or cold it gets, the selection process moves forward. Pass the initial screening tests. As the very first part of the selection process, recruits are taken to the SAS headquarters at Stirling Lines, Hereford to receive a basic medical test as well as the Battle Fitness Test (BFT). The medical test ensures that the recruit meets basic standards for being healthy and disease-free, while the BFT tests the recruit's physical fitness. About 10% of applicants fail one of these tests. The BFT consists of a squadded 2.5 km (1.5 mile) run in 15 minutes followed by the same distance run individually in under 10.5 minutes. Those who fail at this point aren't physically prepared to become members of the SAS. Complete the Special Forces Briefing Course. Over the first weekend of SAS training, recruits receive detailed instruction on what it will be like to experience the SAS selection process and, afterwards, to be employed as a member of the SAS. During this short phase, the physical and mental demands placed on recruits are not as strenuous as they will eventually be, though recruits do still participate in several hill runs. In addition, recruits undergo a variety of general suitability tests, including the following: Compass and map test Swimming test First aid test Combat fitness test Pass the Fitness and Navigation phase. After the briefing phase of training, the actual selection process begins. The first phase, which lasts for four weeks, focuses on the candidate's endurance and ability to navigate in the wilderness. Activities during this phase include timed hikes and runs and navigating between rendezvous points on a map. The intensity of these activities grows over the span of the training phase as candidates are made to carry increasingly heavy packs and meet increasingly strict time goals. Candidates are often not informed of the time limit of a given exercise before being assigned it. Major events during this phase include: The "Fan Dance", a 24 km (15 mile) hike in the Brecon Beacons (a mountain range in Wales) that takes place at the end of the first week of the phase and serves as a major "weed-out" event. The "Long Drag", the culminating test of this phase of the selection process. Candidates must complete a 64 km (40 mile) hike in the Brecon Beacons in less than 20 hours. During the hike, candidates must carry a 25 kg (55 lb) pack, a rifle, food, and water. Candidates are forbidden from using established trails and must navigate solely by map and compass. Pass the Initial Continuation Training phase. After passing the physically demanding initial phase of SAS training, remaining recruits enter the next phase, which focuses on combat skills. Over four weeks, recruits receive training in weapons handling (including foreign weapons, demolition, patrol tactics, and other essential battlefield skills. During this phase, every recruit that is not already parachute qualified is trained in this skill. In addition, recruits are trained to the British Army Regimental Standard for signalling. Pass the Jungle Training phase. Following Initial Continuation Training, recruits are shipped to a location in Borneo or Brunei where they undergo 6 weeks of strenuous training in the hot, humid environment of the jungle. Candidates are divided into four-man patrols, each supervised by a member of the Directing Staff. During this phase, soldiers learn how to live, navigate, and fight in the jungle. Activities include hikes/marches, boat handling, combat drills, camp building, and more. Personal care and first aid plays a big role during this phase. Because ordinary cuts, insect bites, and blisters resulting from training can easily become infected in the jungle, it's important for every recruit to know how to care for his wounds. Pass the Escape and Evasion phase. As the final stage of the selection phase, recruits participate in a variety of exercises designed to build their ability to survive in realistic "off the grid" combat scenarios. Recruits learn how to move stealthily, live off the land, and avoid capture by hostile forces. Activities include evasion exercises, survival scenarios, and lessons in interrogation techniques. The culminating test of this phase is an exercise in which recruits have to complete set objectives while evading capture by a Hunter Regiment of opposing soldiers. Regardless of whether or not recruits are captured during the exercise, they must take part in Tactical Questioning exercises (see below). Withstand Tactical Questioning tests. One unique aspect of the final phase of the SAS selection process is the Tactical Questioning portion. Recruits are placed in a variety of physically and mentally uncomfortable positions for 24 hours. During this time, Directing Staff subject them to numerous interrogations, during which candidates must not reveal any significant information. Recruits may only volunteer their name, rank, serial number, or date of birth. All other questions must be answered with "I'm sorry, I cannot answer that question." If any soldier cracks, he fails the entire selection process and must return to his unit. While Directing Staff aren't allowed to torture or seriously injure recruits, their treatment is quite severe. Recruits may be, for instance, blindfolded, deprived of food and water, forced to stay in painful "stress positions", subjected to continuous loud noises, and forced into small cages. Punishments may be psychological, as well, and may include verbal abuse, insult, humiliation, trickery, and more. Enter Continuation Training. If you successfully make it through the SAS's selection process, you can count yourself among the proud few. Only roughly 10% of candidates make it this far. At this point, recruits are given the SAS's characteristic beige beret with upturned rapier insignia and enter SAS Continuation Training, which is focused on teaching new SAS operatives the unique special operations skills they will need to achieve victory in the world's tensest combat zones. Note that, at the end of the selection process, recruits relinquish any rank they may previously have held and become troopers. In the SAS, all recruits have to work their way up from the bottom. However, if a recruit leaves the SAS, he is immediately restored to his previous rank with credit for time served. The exception to this rule is with officers, who retain their rank upon joining the SAS. Start exercising every day. The most immediately apparent aspect of SAS training is that it is likely more physically demanding than any other experience you've had thus far. Candidates are expected to run or hike for hours (during the "Long Drag", for up to twenty) through tough terrain on a regular basis. Candidates are also expected to carry heavy loads, scale difficult peaks, and perform many other physically challenging tasks. For the best chance of making it through the SAS selection process, try to devote serious time and energy to getting yourself into tip-top shape before beginning. Cardio training is an absolute must. Many of the toughest challenges during the selection process, like the "Fan Dance" and the "Long Drag", are endurance-based. This means that a strong focus on cardio training, especially running and hiking, is one of your best bets for having a strong advantage during training. In addition, spending lots of time performing these activities will get you used to the feeling of spending all day outdoors. See How to Add Cardio to Your Workout. While cardio training is very important, you won't want to neglect strength training. SAS candidates are expected to have the strength to carry heavy packs on long treks in the wilderness and to be lethal in combat, among many other responsibilities. A thorough regimen of strength training exercises balancing lower body, core, and upper muscle groups can help you achieve the level of strength you'll need. See How to Lift Weights. Mentally prepare yourself for the rigors of training. Some recruits who are natural-born athletes still drop out of the selection process due to the mental stresses involved. SAS selection and training requires your total concentration even during times of great physical exertion. For instance, recruits are expected to be able to navigate their way through vast stretches of wilderness with nothing more than a map and a compass even when completely exhausted. Without mentally preparing yourself for what may very well be the most stressful events of your life, you may find that your efforts are wasted. Precise instructions for how to mentally prepare can vary from person to person. Some may respond well to concentration-improving exercises , while others may favor meditation. Regardless, everyone can benefit from having very realistic expectations of the selection process. It's not a gung-ho, Hollywood-style macho exhibition — it's an intensely demanding experience for which very few are truly prepared. Find an inner drive to excel. The SAS is not for candidates who struggle to find inner motivation. The grueling selection process weeds out all but the select few candidates who have an intense, burning passion to become some of the greatest soldiers in the world. For instance, in a practice that is uncharacteristic of most military training programs, SAS Directing Staff do not shout encouragement or insults at candidates as they complete their long marches. It's entirely up to the candidate to find the inner strength to succeed. If you have any doubts at all about joining the SAS, you may want to reconsider. Though some candidates are allowed a second chance at the selection process after failing, this is not necessarily guaranteed. After two fails, candidates are barred for life from attempting again. As you prepare for training, keep in mind the official SAS motto: " Who Dares Wins ". By attempting to join the SAS, you are making a significant risk (or "dare") — that the time and effort you put into preparation and training won't be in vain. With the right inner drive, this risk becomes slightly smaller — if you want the prize, you'll push yourself to the absolute limits of your ability to get it. | Become a member of Her Majesty's Armed Forces. Alternatively, serve as an SAS reservist for 18 months. Be a healthy male between 18 and 32 years of age. Have 3 months of experience and 39 months of service remaining. When ready, file an AGAI. Pass the initial screening tests. Complete the Special Forces Briefing Course. Pass the Fitness and Navigation phase. Pass the Initial Continuation Training phase. Pass the Jungle Training phase. Pass the Escape and Evasion phase. Withstand Tactical Questioning tests. Enter Continuation Training. Start exercising every day. Mentally prepare yourself for the rigors of training. Find an inner drive to excel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-Someone-with-an-Intellectual-Disability | How to Talk to Someone with an Intellectual Disability | If you're talking to someone with an intellectual disability, you'll want to take things slowly and try to find common ground with them. Speak slowly and calmly so they can follow what you're saying more easily. Avoid using big words if they don't seem to understand them, since this might confuse them. Try to find conversation topics that interest them. For example, ask what they did today, what their favorite TV show is, or if they have any pets. When they're talking, be patient if they can't find the right words. If they seem distressed at any point, ask them what's wrong or if you can help. | Don't assume that someone has an intellectual disability based on the ease of their speech. Some people who have difficulty speaking, such as people with cerebral palsy and some autistic people, are on average just as smart as anyone else. A disability accent, slow speech, or halting speech doesn't always mean an intellectual disability. People who can't speak can be of any intelligence level. Body language does not relate to intelligence either. Looking away while listening, and fidgeting constantly, are typical autistic traits. Don't assume that this means they aren't paying close attention, or that they can't understand. Accept their quirks. Disabled people may do things that society considers unusual: making sounds, flopping to the ground when frustrated, flapping their hands, running in circles, echoing phrases, pacing constantly, and more. This behavior serves a purpose—calming themselves down, communicating their needs, expressing feelings, or simply having fun. Recognize that it's okay to be different, and that there's no need to worry about behavior that doesn't hurt anyone. Don't try to stop them from doing harmless-but-odd things. These things may be crucial for them to stay calm and relate to the world. If they are causing harm (like hurting someone or invading personal space), nicely ask them to do something different, like "I don't want people playing with my hair. Could you play with your own hair instead?" Recognize that ability varies from day to day. Someone who needs little help today might need more help tomorrow. Stress, sensory overload, lack of sleep, how hard they pushed themselves earlier, and other factors can determine how easy it is for someone to communicate and perform other tasks. If they are having a harder time today than they did yesterday, remember that they aren't doing this on purpose, and work on being patient. Ask questions if you don't understand their wording. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities may not word things in the same way as people without disabilities. Their wording might not make sense to you. Instead, ask them questions to clarify what they're trying to say. For example, if your friend asks "Where's the thing?" then ask questions about what type of thing they mean (a little thing? what color? a cell phone?). Sometimes, they might be searching for a word. For example, if they're asking about food, and there are many types of food, then start narrowing it down. Maybe they're saying "food" when they want to ask about strawberries. If you don't know, ask. It's absolutely okay to ask "How can I accommodate you?" or "Are there any parts of your disability that I should be aware of?" Most people would rather have you ask them than assume who they are or what they need. As long as you're well-meaning and respectful, it'll be fine. If you want to know how to handle a specific situation, ask them. For example, "I notice that sometimes when we meet new people, they have a hard time understanding you, and you can be left out. How do you want me to handle this?" Don't give up on them. When speaking to a person who has a disability accent, some people ask "what did you say?" once and then let their eyes glaze over and pretend to listen. The person can usually tell when you aren't paying attention. Keep trying to connect. Make it clear that what they have to say is important to you. A useful phrase is "I'm having trouble understanding you, but I care about what you're saying." If verbal communication is too hard, try texting, typing on a tablet, writing, using sign language (if you know it), or another form of alternative communication. Work with them to figure out what is best. Find conversation topics that interest them. Ask about their day, their favorite book or TV show, their interests, their pets, or their family and friends. This will help you get to know them, and you might make a new friend! Speak calmly, clearly, and with a moderate volume. Enunciate well, and focus on clarity. Speaking louder doesn't make you more understandable. Consider this an opportunity to work on your clarity of speech. Model your vocabulary usage after theirs. If they say the word "gigantic," then they probably also know what "enormous" and "huge" mean. If they speak using basic words, then it's probably best to use the smallest words you know. If they use words like "fortuitously" and "systematic bias," then their disability probably isn't intellectual. Keep your sentences short and clear, if needed. If the person seems to struggle understanding speech, keep your sentences short and clear. Use simple subject-verb-object statements when you can. This is good practice in general too. Non-disabled people don't enjoy wading through extremely long sentences either. Let them see your mouth if they can't understand you well. If the person is hard of hearing or struggles to process speech, they may want to watch you as you pronounce your words. This helps them figure out what you are saying in many cases. Avoid turning away as you speak, covering your mouth, or speaking with your mouth full. It can also be helpful to talk in quieter places, with fewer distractions, especially if the person seems bothered by environmental noises. Avoid running words together if it confuses them. For example, the question "Do-ya wanna eat-a pizza?" may be difficult for them to understand. One of the biggest challenges for listeners is knowing where one word ends and the next one begins. If they seem to be struggling, slow down the pace a little, giving a slight pause between each word. Use your normal pitch and tone. There's no need to use baby talk, or mimic their disability accent. (No, it won't help them understand you better, but it may make them think you're mocking them.) Talk to them with the same tone that you'd use for a non-disabled person their age. Baby talk may be appropriate for a disabled 3-year-old, but not a disabled 13-year-old or 33-year-old. Let the pace slow down as needed. If their speech is halting or labored, it may take them more time to get through a sentence. Give them utter patience, and don't rush them to finish what they're saying. This takes the pressure off and makes them feel more at ease. Use open body language. Show them that you're interested in what they're saying by looking at them, and making eye contact if they're comfortable with it. Remember that they may have different listening body language than you do. If you aren't sure whether they're paying attention, watch to see if they react to what you say (e.g. giggling when you compliment them, asking questions) or just ask them. Take time to listen closely to them. Sometimes, people with disabilities get sidelined and ignored, even with friends or family. This can be very isolating. Make time to include and listen to them, so they know someone cares about what they have to say. Ask questions about what they think, and take time to listen to what they say, even if you have to ask them to repeat themselves. Validate their feelings to help them feel cared about and understood. Speak clearly and calmly to them if they're doing something that bothers you. Due to social uncertainty, past mistreatment, or anxiety issues, some disabled people may feel scared and confused if you are angry or hostile towards them. If you're getting very upset, take some deep breaths and try saying "I need some alone time" so you can handle your emotions privately. If the disabled person does something that upsets you, communicate it calmly and clearly. Try using "I" language in the template "When you ______, I feel _____" or "Please stop ____." Take some quiet time. If you need to speak to them to address the issue, wait until you are able to handle it with a level head. They won't be able to listen well if they are scared or confused by your strong emotions. Be patient. They are facing barriers beyond your comprehension, and that can make conversation difficult. It's harder for them than it is for you. Never yell at a disabled person, or blame them for their disability. If you find yourself feeling too frustrated, disengage. Go for a walk, do something else, or say "I need some alone time for a little while." Accommodate their needs. If you notice that they seem distressed, ask them "Is something wrong?" and "Is there anything I can do to help?" For example, a disabled person might feel distracted by all the movement in a crowded restaurant, and prefer to eat at an outdoor table where there are less people. People can talk much better when their needs are being met. Remember that disabled people are still people. They have goals, interests, friends, (maybe) romantic relationships, boundaries, and preferences. They're regular people. Even if they look or act a little different, they're similar to you and other people in many ways. Look for what you have in common with them. Ask about their interests and favorite activities, and look for similarities to what you like. You may share more favorite things than you think! | Don't assume that someone has an intellectual disability based on the ease of their speech. Accept their quirks. Recognize that ability varies from day to day. Ask questions if you don't understand their wording. If you don't know, ask. Don't give up on them. Find conversation topics that interest them. Speak calmly, clearly, and with a moderate volume. Model your vocabulary usage after theirs. Keep your sentences short and clear, if needed. Let them see your mouth if they can't understand you well. Avoid running words together if it confuses them. Use your normal pitch and tone. Let the pace slow down as needed. Use open body language. Take time to listen closely to them. Speak clearly and calmly to them if they're doing something that bothers you. Be patient. Accommodate their needs. Remember that disabled people are still people. Look for what you have in common with them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-a-Wooden-Post-from-Rotting-in-the-Ground | How to Protect a Wooden Post from Rotting in the Ground | If you want to protect a wooden post from rotting in the ground, opt for wood that has been pressure-treated and has a 4A or 4B rating on the tag, as these woods are especially resistant to rot. To treat your post, soak the bottom foot for 15 to 20 minutes in a large bucket of wood preservative containing copper napthenate. After your post has soaked thoroughly, use a brush to apply a thick layer of preservative on the bottom 2 feet. Make sure to let the post dry overnight before setting it into the ground. | Choose yellow pine for an easy-to-treat option. While pine is not a particularly hard wood, it is very receptive to being treated and absorbs industrial treating chemicals well. Southern yellow pine is especially receptive to the chemicals. Other woods that aren't as practical as southern pine only absorb the treating chemicals on their surface, leaving the interior of the wood untreated. You should be able to find southern pine—or whatever other wood you choose to use—at a local hardware store or lumberyard. Select white cedar or black locust if you’re concerned about fungi. In swampy, marshy environments, fungi are one of the primary causes of post rot. Both black locust and eastern white cedar are naturally resistant to all types of fungus. This makes them an ideal choice for posts that will be in damp ground. Cedar is also an ideal wood for fencing around your house as it is beautiful and has a long lifespan. Because cedar is high in demand, it's also more expensive than, say, yellow pine. If you live in a fairly arid environment, fungi may not be much of a concern for your posts. Opt for cypress or redwood for naturally moisture-resistant options. Since these types of wood are naturally resistant to soaking up moisture, they're a good choice of lumber for your posts. Cypress in particular is noted for its color consistency, density, hardness, and relative lack of knots. These factors make it a superior wood to use for posts. However, although these woods are naturally adverse to soaking up water, they still need to be treated! Always buy treated redwood or cypress—or treat your own—to ensure that the posts stay rot-free for years. Avoid using tough-to-treat woods like Douglas fir. Lodge-pole pine is another wood to avoid selecting for your posts. Both of these woods have a structure that that makes them permeable to rot-causing moisture and bacteria. Additionally, pieces of Douglas fir and lodge-pole pine often contain sapwood, which is more prone to rotting than other types of wood. Douglas fir and lodge-pole pine are what's known as “refractory” species of tree. They're typically treated only by professionals, since treating them requires additional steps that can't be performed at home. For example, the lumber must be steamed to make it more receptive to the chemical wood preservatives that are then applied. Choose only woods that are marked as having been pressure-treated. When you're perusing the wood supply at a lumberyard, take a look at the end tag (a piece of paper stapled to the base of the post). It should say that the wood has been treated to the standards of either the International Code Commission (ICC), the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA), or the Canadian Standards Association. Woods that haven't been pressure-treated will have a looser structure, making them more permeable to water, bacteria, insects, and other rot-causing agents. Use UC 4A or UC 4B treated lumber for the best below-ground option. The 4A or 4B rating should be clearly marked on the lumber's end tag. If the lumber has been treated by the AWPA, check for posts that have a UC 4A or UC 4B label. This indicates that the posts are intended for below-ground use. These posts are especially resistant to rot. If you need to cut one or more of these treated pieces of lumber to the size you'd like for your posts, make sure to re-treat the cut portion with a copper-naphthenate preservative. Associations other than the AWPA don't give their treated wood this type of rating. Soak the bottom 1 ft (0.30 m) of untreated posts in a wood preservative. If you've purchased untreated wood—or if you cut your lumber to shorten it—you need to treat your post before burying it. Purchase a wood preservative that contains copper naphthenate at a lumberyard or hardware store. Pour about ⁄ 2 litre (0.53 qt) of it into a large bucket. Set the end of your post that you'll bury in the ground into the bucket and let it soak for 15–20 minutes. Giving your posts a thorough soaking in a wood preservative will go a long way in preventing them from rotting. Paint a thick layer of the preservative on your post. Keep the post in the bucket where it's been soaking. Use a 3 in (7.6 cm) brush to apply a thick layer of wood preservative across the bottom 2 feet (0.61 m) of the post. Work in long vertical strokes. Let the post dry overnight before setting it in the earth. If you were to skip applying the wood preservative, you posts would likely begin to rot within 6 months, regardless of whether or not you set them in concrete. Dig a holethat’s a quarter deep as your post is tall. For example, if you'll be setting a post that's 3 feet (0.91 m) deep, dig your hole to a depth of ⁄ 4 foot (0.23 m). This will keep the post securely in the ground and prevent it from tipping over. While it's entirely possible to dig a post hole with a shovel, a post-hole digger is a much better option. This tool digs a hole that's only about 4 inches (10 cm) across, so you're left with a post-sized hole that won't need to be filled in much afterwards. Regardless of whether you're using the post for a fence or a mailbox, remember that water causes rot. The best way to keep your post from rotting itself out of the ground is to sink it in cement. Fill the bottom of the hole with 6 in (15 cm) of gravel. Use a shovel to pick up 3–4 generous scoops of gravel and deposit the material in the hole. Then use the shovel tip to pack the gravel down so there's no extra space between the rocks. Placing a thick layer of loose gravel at the bottom of the post hole will allow groundwater to trickle through the rocks and down away from the base of the post. This will prevent the post from rotting by keeping it constantly dry. You can purchase gravel at a local hardware store or landscaping-supply business. Mix a small batch of cementin a wheelbarrow or cement mixer. Use a cement mixture that contains small pea-gravel for a stronger hold. Open the bag and use your shovel to toss 3–4 large scoops of cement mix into a wheelbarrow. Then add water 1 cup (240 mL) at a time. Stir the cement mixture with your shovel every time you add water. The cement will have reached its ideal consistency when it's roughly as thick as coarse mud. If you're mixing in a cement mixer, you won't need to stir with the shovel. Just flip the “on” switch and stand back while the machine spins for 5–8 minutes. Place the post into the holeso it rests on top of the gravel. Make sure that the treated side of the post is facing downward. Position the post in the exact center of the hole, so it will be surrounded by an even layer of cement on all sides. If you have a friend or family member nearby, ask them to help you with this step. The second person can hold the post upright while you move on to the next step. Fill the hole with cement until it’s even with the ground level. Use your shovel to scoop the wet cement into the hole. Periodically tamp the cement down by poking at it with the tip of the shovel. This will remove any unwanted air bubbles from the cement. Continue to fill the hole with cement until it's level with the surrounding ground. Then, take a trowel and smooth off the top of the cement. If there's any open ground between the cement and the top of the hole, your post will be vulnerable to soaking up moisture at that spot. | Choose yellow pine for an easy-to-treat option. Select white cedar or black locust if you’re concerned about fungi. Opt for cypress or redwood for naturally moisture-resistant options. Avoid using tough-to-treat woods like Douglas fir. Choose only woods that are marked as having been pressure-treated. Use UC 4A or UC 4B treated lumber for the best below-ground option. Soak the bottom 1 ft (0.30 m) of untreated posts in a wood preservative. Paint a thick layer of the preservative on your post. Dig a holethat’s a quarter deep as your post is tall. Fill the bottom of the hole with 6 in (15 cm) of gravel. Mix a small batch of cementin a wheelbarrow or cement mixer. Place the post into the holeso it rests on top of the gravel. Fill the hole with cement until it’s even with the ground level. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-the-Signs-of-Parkinson%27s-Disease | How to Recognize the Signs of Parkinson's Disease | To recognize the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, take note of twitching or tremors in your limbs, eyes, or muscles. You should also look for stiff muscles, especially if you've not been exercising. Additionally, watch for signs that you're losing your ability to smell. Then, notice changes in your handwriting, known as micrographia, which suggests muscle stiffness and a loss of motor skills. If you observe two or more of these symptoms over an extended period of time, contact your doctor to get tested for Parkinson's. | Notice any shaking or twitching. When you think of Parkinson's disease, the first thing to come to mind may be tremors. These can occur anywhere on the body: a shaking finger or leg, a twitching eye, a trembling lip or chin, etc. Note that some shaking and twitching can be perfectly normal — for example, after strenuous exercise or after an injury. Some medications can also cause tremors, so ask your doctor about the medications you are currently taking. Look for the onset of muscle rigidity. After tremors, rigidity is the most well-known symptom of Parkinson's disease. Take note if your muscles feel stiff, even if you haven't over-exerted them recently. You might also see a decrease in flexibility or an increase in muscle pain or cramps. Muscle rigidity in the face sometimes causes people with Parkinson's to develop a “mask”-like, blank expression. The Parkinson's mask is characterized by staring with little blinking, little or no smiling, and the general suggestion that the person is angry, even if he or she feels just fine. You may also notice the development of slouched posture due to rigidity. This might mean the person hunches forward, or they may bend over to one side more than the other. Track bowel movements. When you think of the loss of muscle control that comes with Parkinson's disease, you may think of the decreased ability to walk, talk, eat, and so on. However, the disease also affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls the movements and function of the internal organs — the muscles we never think about using. If the autonomic nervous system is affected, the intestinal tract may not work properly, causing constipation. Failure to have a bowel movement every day does not necessarily indicate constipation. For some people, it may be normal to go 3-4 days between movements. Constipation is marked by a significant decrease in movement frequency. They are also drier than usual, and difficult to pass. You may find that you're straining when you use the bathroom. Make allowances for other causes of constipation. These might include dehydration, fiber deficiency, excessive alcohol, caffeine or dairy, and stress, among other potential causes. Be aware of the signs of micrographia. Parkinson's affects motor skills and causes muscle stiffness, so people who have it often find that it becomes more and more difficult to write. Micrographia is a change in handwriting commonly associated with the disease. Take note if: Your handwriting becomes small and more cramped than usual You can no longer write in a smooth, fluid motion Your hands feel tight when writing Note that micrographia is usually marked by a sudden rather than gradual change. Make note of vocal changes. 90% of people with Parkinson's will experience a decrease in speech ability. The most common early symptom of this is a softening or quieter voice, though speech can also become breathy or hoarse. Some people may find that their speech gets slower, while others — about 10% — speed up their rate of talking, resulting in stumbling, stuttering speech. It might be hard to notice these changes in yourself, so ask the people around you if they notice any change in your speech. Be vigilant for signs of hyposmia. Over 90% of people with Parkinson's disease suffer from hyposmia, or a loss of the ability to smell. Research suggests that the decrease in ability to smell is a predictor for the dementia that accompanies Parkinson's disease, and can precede motor and coordination problems by several years. If you suspect your ability to smell might be decreasing, test yourself with bananas, dill pickles, or licorice before contacting a medical professional. Remember that there are other, completely harmless reasons for the sudden loss of smell. Let a cold, the flu, or a stuffy nose run their course before worrying about hyposmia. Take note of changes to normal sleep patterns. Trouble sleeping is an early indicator of Parkinson's, and is usually noticeable before any trouble with motor function. Sleep problems can take many forms, including: Insomnia (the inability to fall asleep at night) Feeling sleepy during the day (reported by 76% of Parkinson's sufferers) or having “sleep attacks” (sudden, involuntary onset of sleep) Nightmares or the “acting out” of dreams while you're asleep Sleep apnea (when you stop breathing for a few seconds at a time while asleep) Do not disregard dizziness or fainting spells. While these symptoms can have a range of causes, in Parkinson's sufferers, they are due to orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that affects 15-50% of patients. Orthostatic hypotension causes your blood pressure to drop suddenly and dramatically when you get up after standing or lying down for a period of time. This causes wooziness, trouble finding your balance, and even loss of consciousness. Keep in mind that none of these symptoms alone indicates Parkinson's. Each of the symptoms described in this section could either be due to normal stress on the body, or a different underlying medical condition. However, if more than one of these symptoms is observed together for an extended period of time, you should contact a medical professional to be tested for Parkinson's disease. Understand the genetic causes and risks of Parkinson's disease. Only 1-2% of Parkinson's sufferers have genes that directly cause the development of the disease. Most people have “associated” genes, meaning that they are at a higher risk of developing Parkinson's, but will not necessarily have it even if they have the genetic predisposition for it. If associated genes are combined with other inherited genes or environmental factors, they can trigger the onset of Parkinson's. About 15-25% of people with the disease have relatives who suffered from it as well. Age also increases your risk of developing Parkinson's. Whereas 1-2% of the general population suffers from the disease, 2-4% of the population over 60 years in age suffers from it. Be aware of your genetic risk factors and be able to provide them to your doctor. Approach your general practitioner with your concerns. Parkinson's disease can be difficult to diagnose, especially in its early stages. However, early detection is very important for maintaining a good quality of life for as long as possible. If you observe more than one of the symptoms listed in the previous section and have a family history of Parkinson's, ask your internist or family physician to go over your symptoms with you. Complete the doctor's evaluation exercises. There is no standard diagnostic test for Parkinson's disease, though scientists are working to find a biological marker — like blood tests or an imaging scan — that can confirm a diagnosis. But because we don't have that test yet, the doctor will instead draw on his or her knowledge of how the disease manifests and combine it with observations of your ability to complete some simple tasks. The test will likely test for the symptoms that were listed in the previous section: Animation of the facial muscles The presence of tremors when your limbs are resting Limb or neck stiffness Ability to stand up suddenly without dizziness Flexibility and muscle strength Ability to regain balance quickly Follow up with a neurological specialist. Even if your family physician doesn't see any cause for concern, ask for a referral to a neurologist if you are still worried. A specialist will be more familiar with the signs of Parkinson's, and may disagree with your general practitioner's opinion. Be prepared for additional tests (blood tests, scans) that may be carried out to rule out other causes for the symptoms you've observed. Ask about taking carbidopa-levodopa. Carbidopa-levodopa is a medication that treats the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. If you begin taking the medication and notice an improvement in your symptoms, the doctor can use that information to confirm a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Make sure to take the medication as directed. If you space out the doses too much or don't take a high enough dose, the doctor won't be able to accurately gauge how much and why your symptoms improved or didn't improve. Get a second opinion. Because there is not yet a test for a biological marker of Parkinson's disease, it can be very difficult to get an accurate diagnosis — especially in the early stages. Getting second opinions will help ensure that you're getting the best possible treatment for whatever is causing your symptoms. If the doctors say you don't have Parkinson's, but the symptoms don't go away, get retested periodically. This is a progressive disease, and with time, the symptoms may progress to a stage that will allow a doctor to confirm a solid diagnosis. | Notice any shaking or twitching. Look for the onset of muscle rigidity. Track bowel movements. Be aware of the signs of micrographia. Make note of vocal changes. Be vigilant for signs of hyposmia. Take note of changes to normal sleep patterns. Do not disregard dizziness or fainting spells. Keep in mind that none of these symptoms alone indicates Parkinson's. Understand the genetic causes and risks of Parkinson's disease. Approach your general practitioner with your concerns. Complete the doctor's evaluation exercises. Follow up with a neurological specialist. Ask about taking carbidopa-levodopa. Get a second opinion. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Your-Teen-Is-Using-Drugs | How to Tell if Your Teen Is Using Drugs | To tell if your teen is using drugs, look for common signs of drug use like smelly clothes, an unkempt appearance, bloodshot eyes, and nosebleeds. You can observe if their personality or energy level has changed, too. For example, see if they have become more aggressive, moodier, or more lethargic, as this may be a side effect of drugs. Since drug use can lead to bad grades and poor attendance, you should check in with your teen's school to discuss how they're doing. While keeping an eye out for signs of drug use, you can also consider asking your teen directly whether they've tried drugs. It may be hard to get them to open up, but being open yourself could help them do the same. | Ask your teen directly. This is the first step that you should take if you suspect that your teenager is using drugs. The more open you are with your teenager about drugs, the more likely they are to trust you and come to you if they have a problem. Be sure to inform them of the dangers of drug use and remind them of how important they are to you. Say something like, “I read an article about a teenager that had experimented with drugs while they were at a party. Have you ever tried any drugs?” Don't dismiss your suspicion if your teenager says that they are not using drugs. They understand that admitting to drug use could get them into trouble. It may take time for them to come clean to you about their drug use. Bring up drugs in a conversation. It is important to have regular discussions about drugs with your teenager. You don't have to directly ask them if they are using drugs to have a good conversation about it. Be sure to mention how dangerous and life-threatening drugs can be. This conversation may help you get a better sense of whether or not your teen is using drugs. Consider making the conversation about someone else. Ask your teen if they know of anyone who is using drugs. This conversation should feel relaxed and spontaneous. Try bringing up the topic while you are driving in the car alone with your teenager. This is an ideal place to talk to your teenager as they will not be busy doing other things. It is best to start talking with your children about the dangers of drug and alcohol use early rather than putting off the conversation until there is a problem. Talk to your kids about the dangers of drug and alcohol use well before they reach their teens. Many children begin using substances before they reach their teens. Provide your kids with age appropriate videos, pamphlets, and other materials that can help them understand. Check with your child's teacher, school counselor, or other professionals who might be able to help you. You could even ask a D.A.R.E. officer to help you find ways to talk with your kids or to direct you to some resources. Also, let your kids know that you are willing to listen and answer their questions regarding drugs and alcohol use. Listen to your teen. Whether they admit to drug use or not, make sure that you are actively listening to your teenager. If they admit to drug use, listen carefully so that you can take the right steps to help them. If they do not admit to drug use, listen to any clues that they may give that might give you a better understanding of whether or not they are using drugs. Remain calm if your teenager admits to drug use. Avoid responding with anger, judgment, or blame. Instead, try to focus on listening to what your teen has to say. Be a good role model. Children often pick up on their parents' habits as they get older. If you use alcohol or drugs yourself, then they may follow your lead. Strive to be a good role model for your teen by not using drugs or alcohol. Seek help for yourself if you think you might have a problem with drugs and/or alcohol. Smell their clothes and breath. When they come home be sure to take note of their smell. You don't need to have a breathalyzer to detect the use of drugs or alcohol. You can often smell alcohol, marijuana, or cigarettes long after they have been used. Just because their clothing smells like cigarettes or marijuana doesn't mean that they were smoking them. They could have been hanging out with friends that were smoking. If you smell drugs on your teen, you should consider asking them about it. Say something like, “Have you been drinking?” Methamphetamines are commonly used among teens, and this drug may leave a cat urine smell. Excessive cologne or perfume could be an attempt to mask the smell of smoke or alcohol. Take note of any physical changes on their face. Nosebleeds, scabs around the mouth and nose, and bloodshot eyes can be a sign of drug use. This is especially true if you see more than one or all of these facial changes. It can be a sign that they are currently high or that they are snorting drugs up their nose. If you notice continuous facial changes, ask your teen if they need help by saying, “I've noticed that you have had a lot of nosebleeds lately. Is everything okay? Do you need to see a doctor?” Notice changes in their appearance. They may not care as much about their physical appearance. Showering less, not brushing their hair, wearing dirty clothes, or just generally looking unkempt may be a sign of drug use or of a mental health problem. This is especially alarming if your teenager hasn't done this in the past. Monitor their eating habits. Some drugs cause you to have a loss of appetite. Over time this could lead to considerable weight loss. On the other hand, other drugs cause you to have an increase in appetite. Over time this could lead to considerable weight gain. Monitor your teen's eating while they are home and ask them about their meals while they are not home. Eat family meals together, and ask your teenager what they had for lunch at school. Keep in mind that changes in your teen's eating habits may also indicate a mental health problem, such as an eating disorder. Do not immediately assume that drugs are to blame for the change. Keep an eye out for more serious side effects. Extreme drug use can cause neurological disorders, which can lead to shaking, tremors, and even seizures. This is often a sign of using cocaine, amphetamines, or other stimulants. Any impairment is your teenager's coordination could also be a sign of current drug use or long term side effects. Seizures can occur in drug users even without a prior history of seizures. If this happens in your presence, seek medical help immediately. Be aware that there are many different types of drugs and the side effects of each type of drug can be very different. For example, if your teen is using cocaine , then they will exhibit different side effects than someone who smokes marijuana or uses methamphetamines. Watch for signs of psychosis as well. Psychosis can be a serious side effect of drug use. If your tee is suffering from psychosis, they may experience delusions, hallucinations, confusion or disturbing thoughts, or a lack of self-awareness. Seek emergency medical attention for your child in severe situations. If your teen is showing any signs of physical or emotional distress as a result of drug use, especially neurological signs like seizures, shaking, tremors, or memory impairment, then you need to call 911 or get your child to an emergency room immediately. Medical professionals can evaluate and treat you child, and if your child is on drugs, then they can help you to get help for your child. Notice any missing or stolen items. You may begin to see a pattern of missing items from your home. You might also notice money being taken from your wallet or purse without your consent. If your teen is desperate for money to purchase more drugs, they might start to steal from you or sell their valuables for cash. If you notice money or valuables that are missing from your home, ask your teen if they know where the item went. Take inventory of your medicine cabinet. You may start to notice that some of your prescription or over the counter medication is missing. Over the counter medications such as cough syrup can be abused. Prescription medication such as opioids or stimulants can also be abused and are very addictive. If someone in your home has been prescribed a commonly abused prescription medication, consider hiding that medication or keeping count of the pills in the container. Some commonly abused prescription medications include opioids, sedatives, and stimulants. Lock up your medications if you suspect that your child may be abusing them. Check in with the teen’s school. If your teen is doing drugs, their grades are likely to suffer. They may be skipping school, not turning in homework assignments, or simply not focusing during class. Schedule a time to talk with your child's teachers, school counselor, or coaches to discuss your child's academic progress. Many schools now report grades to parents through a web-based system. Monitor your teen's grades and attendance closely. Notice your teen’s desire for privacy. All teens want respect for their space and privacy. However, if this need for privacy becomes extreme, it may also be a sign of drug use. It should be considered alarming if your teen considers their room “off limits” and refuses to allow you access to their room or personal belongings. Your teen's bedroom is not the only place that may contain clues of drug use. There may also be information on their phone, computer, or in their car. Take note if your teen makes sudden “privacy” demands. Observe any changes in interest. Your teenager may start to listen to more drug related music. They may wear t-shirts or hang posters on their wall that are related to drugs. If you aren't familiar with these images or artists, do your research. Their new fascination could be a sign of drug use. Observe changes in personality. Your teen may become more aggressive, angry, moody, or even relaxed if they are using drugs. This may be a side effect from the drugs or an after effect from withdrawal if they are addicted and not able to feed their addiction. These personality changes will be over a period of time, not just one day. Take note of their friends. Your teen may start to hang out with a new group of friends if they are doing drugs. These friends may also be doing drugs or they may be supplying the drugs to your teen. You might notice that they are not hanging out with their normal group of friends as often or even at all. It is particularly alarming if your teen shows no interest in introducing their new friends to you. Talk to any of your teen's current or previous friends to see if they give you any hints that your teenager may be using drugs. Watch for your teen to lie to you. All kids lie to their parents, but if your teen is on drugs they will be excessively deceitful in order to prevent you from finding out about their drug use. Go with your gut feeling. Your natural parental instincts will likely alert you to any lying going on. When you do question whether or not your teen is telling the truth, follow through with uncovering the truth. It is easy to bury your head in the sand because you don't want to know the truth. The teen may lie about who they have been with, where they have been, or what they have been doing. Check for changes in energy level. Some drugs could cause your teenager to become very hyper-active and more productive. Other drugs may cause them to be more sleepy, lethargic, and unmotivated. If your child's sleeping habits have drastically changed, this could be a sign of drug use. | Ask your teen directly. Bring up drugs in a conversation. Listen to your teen. Be a good role model. Smell their clothes and breath. Take note of any physical changes on their face. Notice changes in their appearance. Monitor their eating habits. Keep an eye out for more serious side effects. Seek emergency medical attention for your child in severe situations. Notice any missing or stolen items. Take inventory of your medicine cabinet. Check in with the teen’s school. Notice your teen’s desire for privacy. Observe any changes in interest. Observe changes in personality. Take note of their friends. Watch for your teen to lie to you. Check for changes in energy level. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Register-a-Utility-Trailer | How to Register a Utility Trailer | To register a utility truck, make sure you have a bill of sale to prove that you were given ownership of the vehicle from the seller. In addition to a bill of sale, have the previous owner sign over the title to you, as you'll need to show it to the DMV when you register your truck. If you bought your truck new, it won't have a title, so fill out your state's title application, which can be found online. Once you can prove ownership of your truck, find your state's registration application online and fill it out entirely. Then, if your state requires it, schedule a safety inspection at a local inspection center or DMV. With all of the necessary paperwork completed, take your documents, a form of identification, and about $100 in cash to the DMV to complete your registration. | Get a bill of sale to prove that you have ownership of the trailer. The bill of sale is a form that specifies who you bought the trailer from, how old it is, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the price you paid for it. If you bought your trailer new, save the receipt so you have proof that the trailer is yours. If you bought the trailer used, have the seller print out a bill of sale form so you can both fill it out. You can find online forms to make your own bill of sale as long as you have the seller for your the trailer sign it. Some locations require a notary official to sign the bill of sale. Check your local regulations to see if you need the bill of sale notarized. If you're registering a homemade trailer , then you may need to include receipts for the parts you used to build it. Fill out a title application if you bought your trailer new. In addition to the bill of sale, you'll need to apply for a title to prove ownership of your trailer. When you initially buy the trailer from a manufacturer or dealership, it won't have a title, so you need to fill out an application. Locate the title application for your state online and fill out the forms completely. Follow all of the directions on the application so it's filled out correctly. The dealership may also give you an application for your title when you buy your trailer. Title registrations rules may be different where you live. Check your state's regulations to see if you need to have a title for your trailer. Have the seller sign over the title if you bought the trailer used. Transferring a trailer title is similar to transferring a car title. If you didn't get the title when you originally bought the trailer, talk to the seller and ask them to sign over the title to you. Collect the title from them so you have proof of ownership and can register the trailer properly. If you already have the trailer but you don't have a title, either contact the seller to have them sign it over to you or reach out to your local DMV to see what next steps you can take. Get a VIN verification if your trailer was registered out of the state. Many times if you're registering a trailer that you brought from out of state, you need to get the VIN checked to proof you're the owner. Look up VIN verification test centers in your state and take the trailer in to have it checked. Once it's verified, the station will give you a form that you must take to the DMV within 30 days to register your trailer. Not all locations require you to verify the VIN on your trailer. If your VIN is not verified at the center, then you need to go to the DMV to get the trailer inspected. Complete the registration application for your state. Locate the registration form for your trailer online and fill it out entirely. Be sure to include information about any lien holders on the registration form if there are any. Confirm that all the information is correct and accurate before printing out the application. If you can't access the registration application online, then go to your local DMV office to find a paper copy of the form. Get a safety inspection if your state requires one. Some places require safety inspections to confirm the trailer is road-safe. Take your trailer to an inspection center or a DMV office with an inspection lane to have it looked over. When the inspection is concluded, they will give you a sticker if you pass. If you don't pass the safety inspection, the inspector will give you a list of what needs to change before you can register it. In order to get an inspection, you must have documents that show proof of ownership, such as the title or bill of sale. Bring your forms and proof of identification with you to the DMV. When you go to the DMV to register your trailer, make sure you have all of the required forms with you. Keep them in a folder so they stay organized and so you don't misplace them. Be sure you have some form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, so the DMV can confirm your identity. Check online to see the forms you need in your area since they may have different requirements. Pay the registration and title fees. After the DMV officials go through your forms, they will ask for payment for registration and titling fees. Make the full payment with cash, check, or a debit card to finalize your registration. Most times, trailers cost around $50-100 USD to register. Most DMV offices don't accept credit cards. The cost of registration may be more expensive if your trailer is heavier than 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg). Check your state’s regulations to see if you need insurance after registering. After your trailer is registered, look online for the regulations in your area to see if you need to get additional insurance for it. If insurance is required, reach out to your insurance provider to see what policies are available and work best for your trailer. Make sure you meet any minimum insurance requirements if your state has them. You may be able to add the trailer onto your existing auto insurance if you plan on using your vehicle to tow the trailer. Renew your registration before it expires. Trailer registration usually lasts 1-2 years depending on where you live. When your registration is about to expire, fill out a renewal form and take it to your DMV office. Always keep your trailer registered or else it will be illegal to tow on public roads. Check the DMV website to see if you can renew your registration online. | Get a bill of sale to prove that you have ownership of the trailer. Fill out a title application if you bought your trailer new. Have the seller sign over the title if you bought the trailer used. Get a VIN verification if your trailer was registered out of the state. Complete the registration application for your state. Get a safety inspection if your state requires one. Bring your forms and proof of identification with you to the DMV. Pay the registration and title fees. Check your state’s regulations to see if you need insurance after registering. Renew your registration before it expires. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Detect-Skin-Cancer-in-Dogs | How to Detect Skin Cancer in Dogs | To detect skin cancer in dogs, routinely run your hands over your dog's body, feeling for bumps or lumps. If you do find some raised areas, measure the lump, note the color, and monitor the area to see if it goes away. Most lumps are just fatty tumors that won't harm your dog, but you'll want to contact your veterinarian if the lump grows in size, becomes red, or drains fluid. Once skin cancer has been confirmed, your vet will typically recommend immediate surgical removal for the best chances of a full recovery. | Screen your dog routinely for signs of skin cancer. As with all illnesses, detecting the symptoms early gives the best chance for a successful outcome. Make weekly full body examinations a routine. Run your hands over every inch of your dog to feel for any lumps or bumps. Your dog will probably love this attention and may think it's a massage. Different types of skin cancer look different. With one common type, Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a bleeding sore appears that will not heal with creams or antibiotics. These sores are generally red and may look like an ulcer. Monitor any lumps for changes in size or color. If you find a lump or bump on your dog's skin carefully check over the rest of the dog's body for further lumps. Use a centimeter graded ruler to measure the widest part of the lump and write the measurement down along with color and any other signs associated with the lump. Check the lump daily to see if it goes away. Contact your veterinarian. If the lump you have been monitoring doesn't go away within a few days or grows in size, see your veterinarian. In addition, if you notice any of these symptoms call your veterinarian right away: Rapid increase in size Swelling of surrounding skin Redness of lump or skin around it Ulceration Drainage of fluid Lump is itchy when touched or dog itches it Be aware that there are growths that are not malignant skin cancer. Most lumps you find on dogs are just fatty tumors, not cancer. Remember that there are things that look like skin cancer but in fact aren't or aren't malignant. This is why it is so important to stay calm and get a professional opinion before suspecting the worst. In fact, some of the most common types of skin cancer in dogs, such as Squamous cell carcinoma, do require surgical removal but do not usually require chemotherapy or radiation afterword. Get a medical diagnosis. While the three main skin cancers of dogs all have their own characteristics, none of them can be definitively diagnosed from merely looking at them. A proper diagnosis is based upon close examination of the cells in a lump. In order to do this, a veterinarian will insert a thin needle into the suspicious lump, draw back on the needle to fill the needle with cells, and then examine those cells under a microscope. Sometimes a larger piece of the tumor (biopsy) or the entire tumor will need to be examined in order to find a correct diagnosis. Get the skin cancer treated. Surgical removal is the most recommended, and in many cases curative, treatment. It is best to have the surgery done quickly after diagnosis in order to have the best possible outcome. Follow directions for follow-up care. More aggressive tumors may need to be followed up with radiation or chemotherapy treatment. These follow up treatments are needed in order to cure the cancer or, in some cases, to slow the cancer's growth and to give the dog a measure of relief from the on-going cancer progression. Each case is different and only your veterinarian can help you to decide the best course of action. Learn about mast cell tumors. Mast cell tumors are the most common skin tumors in dogs. Almost one quarter of all skin tumors are this type. On the skin, mast cell tumors generally appear as raised solid raspberry like bumps but their appearance can vary. They are generally single lesions but in some cases there can be multiple lumps. Some of them can have ulcerated (raw appearing) skin. Many times mast cell tumors itch and the surrounding skin is reddened. Mast cells are blood cells that are part of the immune system and are produced in response to allergens and inflammation. Why some mast cells develop into tumors is not understood but they are more likely in dogs from 8-10 years of age and in certain breeds (pugs, boxers, Boston terriers, and Rhodesian ridgebacks). Understand malignant melanomas. Melanomas are tumors that arise from the pigmented cells in the skin. In dogs they are most common on the skin, toenails, and mouth. While the skin melanomas are usually benign (do not spread) the ones on the toes and mouth are usually aggressive, hard to treat, and frequently spread to other parts of the body. Melanomas occur more frequently on the head and front legs of older dogs. Schnauzers and Doberman Pinchers have a high rate of this type of tumor. They are typically raised dark colored lumps. The ones in the mouth can interfere with eating, cause the dog to drool or bleed from the mouth and cause bad breath. Toenail melanomas can cause the toe to swell, the toenail to fall off, and make the dog limp. Occasionally melanomas are NOT dark colored and will be the same color as the skin surrounding them. Learn about squamous cell carcinoma. This type of skin cancer is less common in dogs than mast cell and melanoma tumors. In humans, it's related to sun exposure but that isn't really true in dogs, as their fur coats offer sun protection. Dogs with little hair or light colored dogs can get sun-induced skin cancer, but this isn't very common. As like the other types of skin cancer it is more common in middle-aged to older dogs. Squamous cell carcinomas can look like raised lumps with ulcerated skin. | Screen your dog routinely for signs of skin cancer. Monitor any lumps for changes in size or color. Contact your veterinarian. Be aware that there are growths that are not malignant skin cancer. Get a medical diagnosis. Get the skin cancer treated. Follow directions for follow-up care. Learn about mast cell tumors. Understand malignant melanomas. Learn about squamous cell carcinoma. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Slim-in-a-Swimsuit | How to Look Slim in a Swimsuit | To look slim in a swimsuit, find one in a dark color, like black or deep blue, which will give you the appearance of a slim figure. Alternatively, look for a swimsuit with a pattern, like lines, small polka dots, or flowers, which will give you a streamlined look. When you're not in the water, consider wearing a swimsuit cover-up over your torso or around your waist for a slimmer, more casual look. You can also look slimmer by maintaining good posture. For example, hold your head up high and keep your shoulders back while you walk. Or, if you're sitting down, pull your knees towards your chest, to give the illusion of a slimmer stomach and thighs. | Choose a bikini if you are an hourglass shape. An hourglass figure is characterized by defined waist with a nearly equal bust and hip measurement. A bikini draws attention to your curves, while further emphasizing your trim middle section. If you have a larger bust, consider going with a top with a bit more coverage. Avoid wearing a mismatched bikini pair, as it could throw off your body's proportions. If you go with a two-piece, make it the same color and pattern. With an hourglass figure, you have multiple options when choosing bikini bottoms. You can go with the traditional bikini cut or with a Brazilian style, which cuts a bit higher on the bottom. To choose a flattering one-piece for an hourglass shape, look for a top with thin straps and sweetheart neckline. Choose a bandeau swimsuit if you are a triangle shape. A triangle figure is characterized by a larger hip and thigh measurement with a smaller bust. A bandeau top is a great option, as it can show off a toned upper body. If you are concerned about carrying too much weight in your lower half, a darker pair of boy shorts can minimize attention to that area. With a triangle shape, you can go with either traditional bikini bottoms or a pair of boy shorts. To choose a one-piece, look for a strapless top that tapers down to a bottom with more coverage. Choose a halter-suit if you are an inverted triangle shape. If you have broad shoulders and a larger bust with small hips, then you have an inverted triangle figure. Look for a top that provides plenty of support in the style of a halter or strong underwire. This will support your bust and make it look more streamlined and thin. With an inverted triangle shape, you can go with traditional bikini or Brazilian bottoms, if you choose. The smaller cut can show off your toned lower body. These principles can be applied to both one-piece and two-piece suits. The goal is to look for support for the top and less coverage on the bottom. Choose a suit with an asymmetrical neckline if you are an “apple” shape. People with “apple” shaped figures sport broad shoulders with thicker waist areas. A swimsuit that is held up by a single, angling shoulder strap makes the waist look slimmer by drawing the eye upwards. Look for a traditional or boy shorts bottom. This advice holds true for one-piece and two-piece suits. If you carry considerable weight in a particular area, such as your waist, then try to find a suit that provides comfortable coverage. Choose a suit with embellishments if you are a rectangular shape. People with rectangular figures usually have nearly equal bust and hip measurements with less defined waists. To create the appearance of a slim and trim waist, look for suits with ruffles, ribbons, or other attention-grabbing items on the top and/or bottom. You can choose both one-piece and two-piece suits with these types of embellishments. However, if you go with a one-piece, choose one that includes a belt for your waist or cut-outs in the middle area. In this case, you can really choose any style of bottoms from bikini to boy shorts. Choose a good color. Dark colors tend to be the most figure flattering. If you go with a black or deep blue suit, it will create a solid silhouette. "Color blocking” suits that feature darker panels, or cut-outs, can also create a curvier or slimmer figure. Go with flattering lines. Thin horizontal lines can create the illusion of an hourglass figure. Thin vertical lines are even better if you would like to appear taller and slimmer. While thick vertical lines are figure flattering, it's best to avoid wide horizontal lines, as they can make your torso look wider, too. Avoid wide vertical lines, as they will make your suit look like an athletic jersey. You can also mix-and-match swimsuit separates. Pairing a solid bottom with a striped top with enhance the look of your bust. Look for smaller prints. Large geometric prints or big floral patterns are not as figure flattering. However, small prints or patterns will help to create a streamlined figure. Polka dots, for example, are a very flattering minimalist print. Look for ruching and texture. Ruching or fabric gathers on a suit can create the appearance of a slimmer waist, if the ruching appears on the middle torso of the suit. A swimsuit with all-over textured fabric layers can also draw attention away from your torso. Choose a suit with shapewear. These suits contain an extra inner liner that streamlines your silhouette. A suit with shapewear is also a good option if you want to be active in a suit, while also looking slim. You can expect to pay a bit more for suits that feature extra support features, such as shapewear. You can also purchase a suit with a strong underwire if you have a larger bust. You can even apply waterproof medical tape across their cleavage (hidden under the suit) to create additional lift. Get the right size or inseam. Your suit should fit snugly without any loose areas or gaps between your skin and the fabric. Look at yourself in a mirror from a variety of angles to make sure that your skin isn't spilling over anywhere either. If you are 5'6” (167cm) or shorter, choose shorts with a 6 inches (15 cm) or less inseam to create the illusion of more height. If you are taller than 5'6” (167cm), go with an inseam that measures over 6 inches (15 cm). Go with slim-fit trunks. A trunk with a slim-cut will hang close to your body without being tight or constricting. They will give you a slimmer, more tailored appearance. In contrast, loose-fitting trunks can billow out and add pounds to your frame. Choose a suit with support mesh. This is an extra layer of contoured mesh under swim shorts that can create a smooth silhouette. Both loose-fitting and slim-fit trunks are sold with a mesh underlayer. Make sure to try on your shorts before buying them, as you may not like the feel of mesh against your skin. Buy trunks with ties. Swim shorts with a flat front secured by a zipper and ties are flattering to almost every man's figure. They make the front of your body look toned and solid. You also don't have to worry about any buttons opening or Velcro coming undone with tie shorts. Look for a line on the outer thigh. This is the masculine version of swimsuit color-blocking. You can do a lighter color pair of shorts with a dark, thick line on the outer thigh areas. Or, you can do a darker pair with a lighter line. The line helps to elongate your silhouette and makes you look slimmer. Wear a rash guard shirt. If you aren't comfortable stepping out shirtless or if you'd like more protection from the sun, try wearing a rash guard top. This is a type of shirt that is made out of thin material that quickly dries when wet. To flatter your figure, select a shirt that is neither too tight nor too loose. The material should just skim the edges of your skin when worn. Rash guard shirts come in a wide variety of colors and cuts to mix and match with your trunks. Wear a wrap. Get a light, dark colored swimsuit cover-up and tie it around your waist in a loose knot. Or, put on a sheer cover-up that resembles a beach dress, but is designed to get wet. These looks give the appearance of casual style. They are also far more slimming than a beach towel wrapped around your waist. Get a contour spray tan. You can go to a professional and get a spray tan. Or, you can do it yourself with a self-tanning kit. Just make sure that you go just a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. If you get too extreme, you might end up with wrinkly or orange looking skin. If you are applying a self-tanner, make sure to read the package instructions carefully. You'll likely need to hold the bottle at an angle to get the best coverage. A custom contour tan works by creating the illusion of shadows and highlights across your body. If you choose to go to a salon and get a professional spray tan, ask the technician for a skin patch test to make sure the color is what you will be happy with and won't turn your skin orange. Stand up straight. When you are walking in a swimsuit, keep your shoulders back and your head held high. If you are sitting down, pull your knees toward your chest. This creates the illusion of a slimmer stomach and trimmer thighs. Try a dramatic hat. Choose a hat that is an appropriate match for your swimwear. For a bohemian print, you might go with a straw hat. A hat will draw the eye upwards. It will also keep the sun out of your eyes. Even better, put your hair up into a bun or ponytail under your hat. This elongates your neck and makes you look slimmer overall. Get in shape. Try to work out at least 5 times a week, mixing in both cardio and weight training sessions. This will help to tone your body and make you look slimmer in your suit. It even helps to do a quick 30 minute work-out right before putting on your suit, as your muscles will stay activated for around 5 hours. Hula hooping is a very effective exercise for anyone looking to trim down their middle section prior to wearing a swimsuit. Try to do an hour-long session, 3 times a week. Eat healthy. Eat small meals that keep your metabolism running high. Pack your meals with lots of fresh produce, whole grains, and healthy fats. To trim down even further, avoid bloat-causing foods for 10 days prior to putting on a swimsuit. Beans, broccoli, spinach, and starchy foods can all cause unflattering bloating. Reducing your salt intake can help as well. | Choose a bikini if you are an hourglass shape. Choose a bandeau swimsuit if you are a triangle shape. Choose a halter-suit if you are an inverted triangle shape. Choose a suit with an asymmetrical neckline if you are an “apple” shape. Choose a suit with embellishments if you are a rectangular shape. Choose a good color. Go with flattering lines. Look for smaller prints. Look for ruching and texture. Choose a suit with shapewear. Get the right size or inseam. Go with slim-fit trunks. Choose a suit with support mesh. Buy trunks with ties. Look for a line on the outer thigh. Wear a rash guard shirt. Wear a wrap. Get a contour spray tan. Stand up straight. Try a dramatic hat. Get in shape. Eat healthy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Plastic-Bag-Parachute | How to Make a Plastic Bag Parachute | To make a parachute, start by cutting a piece of string into 4 pieces of equal length. Then, cut a plastic bag into a square. Next, make a hole in each corner of the bag with a nail, and tie a piece of string to each corner. To finish, tie the other ends of the 4 pieces of string in a not in the middle, and put a clothes peg on the end. | Begin with a square sheet. In the vast majority of cases, the most accessible plastic bag will be a shopping bag. These are extremely common place, and large enough to pick up air. First cut the bag so that it can lay flat on a surface. Next, using scissors or a precision knife, cut the largest square you can from the material. The larger your parachute, the slower it will fall. Triple fold the square and cut it into a circle. First fold the square diagonally so that it becomes a triangle. Next, fold the triangle in half using one of the long ends as the divider. This should result in a much thinner triangle. Repeat the same fold to your thin triangle. Once you have your third fold, cut the wide end off with scissors. This will cut all the degrees of the circumference at once. Once you have accomplished this, unfold the plastic to reveal your circle. Alternatively, you can cut the corners off the square to make an octagon shape. Any additional amount of angles is good; what's important is that it starts to resemble a circle. Make six marks around the circle. Use a compass protractor and mark dots 60 degrees apart from each other. You should make marks with permanent marker to ensure the highest visibility. These marks will ultimately become the holes for your parachute strings. Six marks is optimal because it allows for the parachute to hold its shape and isn't overly complicated. Tape the marks. Taping over your marks will make the holes sturdier. Take a small square for each hole from a roll of paper tape and run it over the top and bottom of the hole. Because the tape holds its form better than the bag will, it will give you an easier time when it comes to stringing up the parachute. Punch holes through marks with a nail. Take a nail and push through your assigned marks. Because the plastic is fairly fragile, you won't need much force to do this. Hold up the bag and push it gently through. If the nail you're using is large, don't push it through all the way. The parachute holes should be just big enough for the strings to fit through. Make six equal pieces of string. String will allow you to tie a weight to the plastic bag, transforming it into a parachute. Cut out six equal pieces of string. The string should be thin enough to fit through the holes you created in the plastic bag. A foot of string should suffice, provided the parachute is the size of a regular shopping bag. It's a good idea to place the strings up against one another to ensure they're the same length. When you prop them up all in a row, you can cut off parts of any string that protrude from the rest. Tie the strings through each of their holes. Run each piece of string through their respective holes and tie them each in a small knot on the parachute's roof. When you are done, each of the taped holes you made should be filled with their own string. Try to keep your knots consistent. Different knots may result in different lengths for the strings. Attach a screw and nut. Take each of your strings and wrap them around a screw where the body meets the base. In order to secure these strings, fix a nut on the screw and turn it around until the strings are caught in the middle. This screw will give your parachute some much-needed weight to work with. Decorate your parachute. Although some people are fine to leave their parachutes bare, others may enjoy decorating theirs with patterns and colour. Because you'll be throwing your parachute up in the sky, adorn the parachute with eye-grabbing colours. Detailed designs won't be picked up by the human eye from a distance, so it's best to keep your decorations simple. Coloured marker is perfect for decorating your parachute. Throw it high in the air. The best way to see a parachute in action is to drop it from an altitude. Alternatively, you can throw the screw high in the air. The parachute will catch air and slow the descent. Dropping it down from a higher altitude will give the parachute more time in the air. Make a small hole in the parachute's center to make it fall straighter. Punching a small hole in the center of your parachute will guide the air through the center. This has the effect of straightening your parachute's descent. If you don't have a hole, it will be much more likely to float off course. Straightening the parachute is ultimately optional, but it is valid to keep in mind if you're dissatisfied with the way your parachute is gliding. The marks should be placed a centimetre into the plastic bag from the outer perimeter. Wrap the string around the screw when storing your parachute. The strings on your parachute will knot easily if you don't store it in the right way. Take the strings and wrap them around the screw weight. When the strings are secured, you can fold in the plastic bag. Take care to treat the parachute gently; any rips or tears could ruin the parachute completely. If you do end up ripping par of the parachute, you may be able to save it by taping the rip shut. The parachute won't likely work as well as it used to, but it should be able to pick up air all the same. Cut a 60 centimeter (23.6 in) string and cut into 15 centimeter (5.9 in) strips (4). Cut the plastic bag into a square. Each side should measure 20 centimeter (7.9 in). Cut 4 holes on each tip of string. Tie a piece of string on each corner of the square plastic bag. Tie the string's bottom ends as one and knot. Open the peg/clothes pin and put it on the end. It's now ready for flight. | Begin with a square sheet. Triple fold the square and cut it into a circle. Make six marks around the circle. Tape the marks. Punch holes through marks with a nail. Make six equal pieces of string. Tie the strings through each of their holes. Attach a screw and nut. Decorate your parachute. Throw it high in the air. Make a small hole in the parachute's center to make it fall straighter. Wrap the string around the screw when storing your parachute. Cut a 60 centimeter (23.6 in) string and cut into 15 centimeter (5.9 in) strips (4). Cut the plastic bag into a square. Tie a piece of string on each corner of the square plastic bag. Tie the string's bottom ends as one and knot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Beef-Casserole | How to Make a Beef Casserole | To make a beef casserole in a slow cooker, start by cutting some chuck roast into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Then, chop an onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes into large chunks, and mix the vegetables and meat together with tomato juice, tapioca, and sugar. Next, put everything into a slow cooker, put the lid on it, and set it to low. Finally, cook the casserole for 8-10 hours before digging in. | Cut the chuck roast into 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm) pieces. Get out a 2 lb (0.91 kg) of chuck roast and trim off any visible fat. Then cut the roast into chunks. If you can't find chuck roast, you can use bottom round roast, rump roast, top chuck, or pot roast. Chop the onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes into large chunks. Peel 1 onion, 6 carrots, and 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of potatoes. Then roughly chop the onion. Cut the carrots, potatoes, and 2 stalks of celery into 2 in (5.1 cm) chunks. Substitute any of your favorite root vegetables, such as turnips, parsnips, or rutabagas, for the carrots or potatoes. Mix the meat and vegetables with the juice, tapioca, and sugar. Put the beef pieces into a 6-quart (5.6 liter) slow cooker and add all of the chopped vegetables. Stir in 2 cups (470 ml) of tomato juice, 2 tablespoons (15 g) of quick cooking (minute) tapioca, 1 tablespoon (12 g) of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. The tapioca will help to thicken the casserole as it cooks. Cook the stew on LOW for 8 to 10 hours. Put the lid on the slow cooker and turn it on to LOW. Cook the beef stew until the meat is completely tender when you insert a fork or knife into it. Serve the hot stew with crusty bread and a garden salad. Refrigerate leftover stew in an airtight container for up to 3 or 4 days. Brown the ground beef for 5 to 8 minutes and drain the grease. Put 1 pound (0.45 kg) of ground beef into a large skillet and turn the burner to medium. Break up the meat as it cooks and browns completely. Then pour off excess grease from the skillet and discard it. The meat shouldn't be pink in places once it's cooked long enough. Stir in the tomatoes, paste, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Open a 14.5-ounce (411 g) can of diced Italian tomatoes and a 10-ounce (283 g) can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Pour these into the skillet without draining them. Stir in a 6-ounce (190 g) can of tomato paste along with: 1 teaspoon (5.5 g) of salt 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of dried Italian seasoning 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground pepper Simmer the beef mixture for 5 minutes. Turn the burner to high so the liquid in the skillet comes to a boil. Then turn the burner down to medium so the liquid bubbles gently. Simmer the beef mixture with the lid off so most of the liquid evaporates. Turn off the burner after 5 minutes. Simmering the mixture will intensify the flavors and reduce the moisture so the casserole isn't soggy. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease a baking dish. Spray the inside of a 9 in × 13 in (23 cm × 33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or brush a little vegetable oil on the inside. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan. Boil the egg noodles and drain them. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Stir in 3 cups (225 g) of medium egg noodles and boil them for as long as the package directs. Then set a colander in the sink and drain the cooked noodles into it. If you can't find medium egg noodles, larger or smaller egg noodles will work. Ensure that you follow the package's cooking instructions. Mix the noodles, onions, sour cream, and cream cheese. Chop 5 green onions and place them in a large mixing bowl. Stir in 1 cup (230 g) of sour cream and 6 tablespoons (85 g) of softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth. Then stir in the drained egg noodles until they're incorporated. Put the noodles, meat mixture, and cheeses into the baking dish. Spread the creamy noodles into the greased baking dish and then spoon the meat mixture evenly over them. Then sprinkle 1 cup (113 g) of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, 1 cup (113 g) of shredded Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup (113 g) of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. If you don't want to bake the casserole right away, cover it and freeze it for up to 1 month. When you're ready to bake it, thaw it in the refrigerator the night before and then let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then follow the baking instructions. Bake the cheesy beef casserole for 40 minutes. Cover the casserole with a lid or aluminum foil and put it in the preheated oven. Bake the beef casserole for 35 minutes. Then remove the lid or foil and bake it for 5 more minutes. The cheese on the top of the casserole should become golden and bubbly. Rest the casserole for 10 minutes before serving. Remove the casserole from the oven and set it aside to cool for 10 minutes. This will help the mixture firm up so it's easier to scoop out. Serve the hot casserole with your favorite roasted vegetables or salad. Refrigerate the leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 or 4 days. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease a baking dish. Get out a 9 in × 13 in (23 cm × 33 cm) baking dish and brush the inside with vegetable oil or spray it with cooking spray. Greasing the pan will prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan. Cook the ground beef until it browns and drain the grease. Heat 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of ground beef into a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the meat for 5 to 8 minutes and break it up as it browns. Once the meat has browned completely, drain the excess grease. If you don't have a Dutch oven, use a large skillet to brown the beef. Chop the eggplant, zucchini, onion, pepper, and garlic. Peel 1 onion and 3 cloves of garlic. Mince the garlic and chop the onion into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces. Then cut 1 eggplant, 2 zucchini, and 1 yellow bell pepper into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces. If you prefer, substitute a green, red, or orange bell pepper for the yellow bell pepper. Add the vegetables to the pot and cook them for 5 minutes. Stir all of the chopped vegetables into the ground beef. Keep the burner at medium and cook the mixture until the vegetables soften a little. Cook the vegetables until they're tender since they'll finish cooking in the oven. Stir in the tomatoes, rice, half of the cheese, broth and seasonings. Open a 28-ounce (794 g) can of stewed tomatoes and drain it. Add the tomatoes to the pot along with 1 cup (200 g) of cooked rice, 1/2 cup (113 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese, ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of beef broth, and: 1 1/2 teaspoons (3 g) of Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground pepper Put the mixture in the dish and sprinkle 1/2 cup (56 g) of cheese on top. Transfer the beef casserole mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it so it's level. Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup (56 g) of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake the casserole for 30 minutes and serve. Put the dish in the preheated oven and bake the casserole until it's bubbly and the cheese is golden. Then remove the casserole and serve it while it's hot. To store the leftovers, cover the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 3 or 4 days. | Cut the chuck roast into 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm) pieces. Chop the onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes into large chunks. Mix the meat and vegetables with the juice, tapioca, and sugar. Cook the stew on LOW for 8 to 10 hours. Brown the ground beef for 5 to 8 minutes and drain the grease. Stir in the tomatoes, paste, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Simmer the beef mixture for 5 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease a baking dish. Boil the egg noodles and drain them. Mix the noodles, onions, sour cream, and cream cheese. Put the noodles, meat mixture, and cheeses into the baking dish. Bake the cheesy beef casserole for 40 minutes. Rest the casserole for 10 minutes before serving. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease a baking dish. Cook the ground beef until it browns and drain the grease. Chop the eggplant, zucchini, onion, pepper, and garlic. Add the vegetables to the pot and cook them for 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, rice, half of the cheese, broth and seasonings. Put the mixture in the dish and sprinkle 1/2 cup (56 g) of cheese on top. Bake the casserole for 30 minutes and serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Join-the-Order-of-Eastern-Star | How to Join the Order of Eastern Star | Before you can join the Order of Eastern Star, which is a Freemason organization, you must be 18 years or older, must be a Master Mason, and must believe in a supreme being. If you meet those qualifications, contact your local chapter and get the exact entry requirements. Then, submit a petition that includes your contact information, Masonic status, and application fee. The chapter will vote on your petition and let you know if you admitted. | Be 18 years or older. The Order of the Eastern Star is an order that's closely associated with the Freemasons. Thus, many of the membership requirements for the OES are identical to those for joining a Masonic chapter. For instance, as with Freemasonry, OES members must be adults — that is, 18 years or older — to join. Note that some Masonic chapters can have minimum ages of entry of up to 25 — these local rules don't affect the minimum age of entry to the OES, which is always 18. Believe in a supreme being. While Masonic organizations are not religions or cults in themselves, they do have spiritual components. For this reason, the OES, like other Masonic organizations, requires its members to believe in a supreme being. This belief does not necessarily have to be well-defined; however, people who explicitly have no religious or spiritual beliefs are not permitted. Note that, like all Masonic organizations, the OES is open to peoples of all faiths. All that's necessary is belief in a supreme being — the form and name(s) of that being are left up to the individual member. If male, be a Master Mason. Men who join the OES must already be fully-recognized Master Masons (not Apprentice or Fellowcraft). The process of becoming a Mason requires learning and demonstrating Masonic values, memorizing Masonic catechisms, and much more. For a detailed guide on joining the Freemasons, see our guide on the subject. Note that, to become a Mason, you must: Be a man Be over 18-25 years old, depending on your chapter, (21 is a common minimum age) Have a good reputation Believe in a supreme being (see above) Be able to support yourself and your family (if you have one) Live a moral, ethical life Have a profound desire to better yourself, your community, and the world If female, be a Mason's relative. Generally, women are not allowed to be Freemasons. However, they are still allowed to join the OES if they have a qualifying relationship to a man who is an affiliated Master Mason. These relationships include most, if not all, family bonds (either by blood or by marriage). A woman with any of the following relationships to a Master Mason may join the OES: Wives, daughters (including legally adopted daughters), mothers, widows, sisters, half sisters, granddaughters, stepmothers, stepdaughters, stepsisters, daughters-in-law, grandmothers, great granddaughters, nieces, great nieces, mothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, and first and second cousins. Note also that female applicants to the OES are held to the same moral and ethical standards as male ones. Alternatively, be an active member (or majority member who left in good standing) of IORG or JDI. Women who don't have one of the relationships to a Freemason listed above but are, or were, active members of the International Order of the Rainbow of Girls (IORG) or Job's Daughters International (JDI) may still join the OES. Both of these organizations are Freemason-affiliated youth organizations that allow girls as young as 10 (for JDI) and 11 (for IORG) to join. Note also that membership in the Organization of Triangles or the Constellation of Junior Stars, two organizations unique to New York State, can also qualify women to join. Talk to a current member. If you meet the qualifications described above, you may apply to join the OES. The easiest way to do this may be to talk to a friend or relative who is already a member. This person will most likely be familiar with your local chapter's entry requirements and can give you the advice necessary to make an informed decision about applying for membership. Additionally, this person can serve as an important character reference. Because members of Masonic organizations (including OES) are required to have good reputations, the word of someone who's already a member can go quite far towards improving your chances of entry. Contact a local chapter. You don't necessarily have to know an OES member to apply. To start the process yourself, simply contact a chapter near you. The precise entry instructions and requirements for each chapter may vary, so contacting the nearest chapter directly is a good way to ensure that you have exactly the information you need to join. If you're unsure which OES chapter is nearest to you, consult the official listing of Grand Chapters on the Order of the Eastern Star website. This contains links to all of the large regional OES chapters around the world, which includes several chapters outside of the US and Canada. Each of the regional chapter pages in the official OES Grand Chapter listing should contain information on subordinate local chapters near you. If you can't find this, try getting started by contacting your regional Grand Chapter directly. Petition for membership. Like the Freemasons themselves, the Order of the Eastern Star requires applicants to complete and submit an official petition to be considered for membership. Usually, the petition is a short official form (obtained directly from the chapter) that demonstrates your eligibility and desire to become a member. Each chapter's precise petition procedure may vary, but, in general, an applicant should expect to provide at least all of the following: Basic personal information (name, contact info, etc.) An acknowledgement of belief in a supreme being An acknowledgement that you live in the jurisdiction of the chapter Information about your Masonic status (or your relationship to a Mason) Sometimes, official documentation of your Masonic status (or that of your relation) A small application fee (usually returned if you are rejected) Receive a majority of the chapter's vote. Petitions are received and carefully read by the OES chapter as they are submitted. If you are deemed eligible, the members of the chapter will vote on your petition. This vote determines whether you will be admitted to your chapter or not. If you are determined to be someone who is of good reputation and high moral, ethical, and mental quality, you will likely be admitted. Note that, while individual chapters may vary, most allow you to apply more than once if you are initially rejected. Begin attending your chapter's meetings. Once you've been admitted to the Order of the Eastern Star, you will be notified (and your application fee will be retained by the chapter). Meetings of Masonic organizations are kept closed to outsiders, so it's not possible to say exactly what you'll talk about or do at your first meeting (other than that it will be perfectly safe, dignified, and completely in line with high Masonic morals). However, it's worth noting the following official information about membership in the OES: Members may commit as much of their time as they wish Your financial wealth does not determine your membership There is no mandatory work for OES members Members are not required to compromise their faith or their patriotism as part of their membership | Be 18 years or older. Believe in a supreme being. If male, be a Master Mason. If female, be a Mason's relative. Alternatively, be an active member (or majority member who left in good standing) of IORG or JDI. Talk to a current member. Contact a local chapter. Petition for membership. Receive a majority of the chapter's vote. Begin attending your chapter's meetings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Husband-and-Father | How to Be a Good Husband and Father | Being a good husband and father is all about having a strong bond with your family. Overall, be there for your family when they need you. Be an active part of birthdays, anniversaries, sporting events, and recitals as much as possible. It's also important that you regularly spend quality time with your family. For example, you could play board games, watch movies, practice sports, or do art together. Show interest in your spouse and kid's lives as much as possible. Ask them about how their day was, what's happening at work, or what their friends are up to. Another key part of being a good husband and father is communicating effectively. Encourage open and honest communication by regularly talking and listening to your family. Try to avoid harsh judgments or criticisms when you communicate with them and instead ask open-ended questions so you can better understand their perspective. | Be there when it matters. Some moments may really stand out in your family, such as when your spouse gets passed up for a big promotion or the moment your young child learns to bike without training wheels. As a spouse and a parent, you won't be able to be there for every single moment in their lives, but try to be there when it matters most. Avoid missing out on important sporting events, recitals, anniversaries or birthdays whenever possible. If you know it's important to your spouse or kids, try your best to make it. If you can't, let them know how upset you are to miss it and be sure you're there next time. Show interest in your spouse and kids. It's common for many families to fall into a ho-hum pattern of only discussing things like the kids' grades, bills, household repairs, and who's picking up whom from sports practice. Strike a new chord when communicating with your spouse and kids by adding some new topics to the conversation. If you never ask your spouse about their day job, ask “So, how's that big project coming along at work?” If you never inquire about your children's friends, you might say “How's Rebecca adjusting to the new school?” Changing up the way you talk helps show your family that you're interested in them and what's important to them. Be a role model and practice what you preach. Don't expect your children to follow your advice if your own behavior goes against it. Hold yourself accountable for meeting the same standards that you set for your kids. For instance, don't lie in front of your kids--even little fibs--if you are emphasizing the importance of honesty. If helping out is a big deal in your family, be the first to pitch in with chores or household responsibilities. Date your spouse. When's the last time you took your spouse out on a date? When were you last romantic and spontaneous? If it's been a while, commit to dating your spouse more often. Compare schedules and agree on dates and times when the two of you will go out together sans kids. Dating your spouse also refers to behaviors you did when you were dating. For example, maybe you made them breakfast in bed or regularly purchased a bouquet of flowers to surprise them. Pick those romantic habits back up and watch how your marriage transforms. Encourage open and honest communication. The best husbands and fathers regularly talk to and listen to their spouse and children. When your family feels like you actively make time to hear them out, they will be more forthcoming with communication. Good communication starts early on, so try to implement positive practices as soon as possible. Power off your phone or mute the TV and turn to face your loved one when they are talking. Let your loved ones know that you are interested in talking to them by making yourself available and paying attention when they're around. Ask open-ended questions to show your interest, like “So what do you like most about this TV show?” Be an active listener. Many husbands can probably admit to tuning out their spouse and kids every now and then. So, you could probably benefit from freshening up your listening skills. Practice devoting your full attention to your loved ones when they're talking—this one tip could benefit your entire family. Turn to face the person who's talking and make regular eye contact. Nod or encourage them to share. Before you rush to the next subject or end the discussion, sum up what was said to show you were actually listening. Say something like “It seems like work has you stressed out. Am I right?” Avoid judging or criticizing. A common barrier for effective communication is jumping in with judgments or criticisms. When you do this, your spouse and kids put up walls and are hesitant to talk to you. Instead of judging or criticizing, ask more questions that help you better understand their perspectives. For instance, don't ask “Why would you do that?,” ask “What happened?” Or, say something like, "Hmm...Tell me more about that." Use meal times for conversation. Meals are a special way for families to come together. Eating meals together promotes bonding and fosters communication. Dedicate this time for catching up on one another's days or discussing important issues. Take turns going around the table having everyone share the "peaks and pits" (highs and lows) of their day. Take advantage of everyone's presence to share family values or broach difficult subjects with your children, such as bullying. Be a team player. Your behavior should reflect the notion that you and your spouse are on the same team. This covers basically everything from splitting household and parenting duties to backing up your spouse when they discipline the children. If you aren't currently being a team player, you might ask your spouse, “What can I do to be a team player?” Being a team player helps you to support your spouse, but it will also reduce conflict between you and minimize the kids' chances of undermining either of you. Carve out regular quality time for your family. Good husbands and dads have a strong bond with their family, so be intentional about spending time with your spouse and kids as a group and one-on-one. Schedule in bonding time throughout the week. You might start a new tradition of playing games or watching movies every Saturday night for group bonding time. For individual time, try sharing a hobby with your kids, such as tossing around a ball with one child or listening to another child practice the violin. Rise early to share a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunrise with your spouse before the kids wake. Embrace other family ties. As a husband and a father, you can help your family build strong values by emphasizing the importance of family ties. Whenever possible, try to get your own family and in-laws over for a meal or involve them in your kids' upbringing. Plan a regular family outing or gathering, such as Sunday brunch. Ask your family and in-laws for parenting advice and invite them to parties and sporting events for your children. Cherish old traditions and build new ones. Good family values also include observing religious holidays, cultural rituals, and family traditions. This might include celebrating Hanukkah, attending church services, praying, or exchanging gifts on Christmas. Show respect to existing family beliefs and traditions and create new ones that are distinct to your family unit. If you and your spouse have the same views, share those beliefs with your children. If your views differ , find a happy medium so that your children have an understanding of both your backgrounds and beliefs. You can also try blending or alternating celebrations from both traditions. Unplug regularly to focus on your face-to-face relationships. If you're the type to immediately turn on the TV or laptop after a long day at work, try powering off the electronics for a while. Focusing on sports, TV shows, social media, or even bringing work home could create distance between you and your family. Give them the gift of being physically and mentally present. If you typically use electronics throughout the evening, create an earlier cut-off time to devote more attention to your spouse and children. Spend the extra time catching up with your spouse, reading to your kids, or playing board games together. If you have to do some homework, then let your family know exactly how much time you will need and when you will be available again. Get enough sleep. When you're raising small kids, sleep often gets kicked to the curb. Unfortunately, depriving yourself of sleep can make you grumpy or irritable during family time. Improve your mood and have lots of energy to play with your kids by getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Sleep better by shutting off electronic devices at least an hour before bed. Do soothing activities like light-reading, taking a warm bath, or making love to your spouse. Eat a nutrient-rich diet. Parents often stress the importance of eating healthy to their kids, but you may not be following that advice yourself. Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals to fuel your body so that you can be productive at work and still have energy left over for your family. Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, including whole foods like fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Reduce the amount of junk food and processed foods you consume. Exercise regularly. Physical activity is one of the best ways to support physical health, live longer, and manage everyday stress. Plus, if you exercise with your spouse and kids, you'll be modeling healthy habits for your whole family. Plan a fun night of bowling with your spouse and kids. Or, go for a family bike-ride or hike on weekends. If your favorite form of exercise is a solo one, such as running, then make sure to also plan some activities that will involve your whole family. Manage your stress effectively. Because children often pick up their parent's habits, strive to develop healthy ways of handling stress. Instead of turning to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or compulsive shopping, stick to healthy habits like exercise, relaxation techniques, and self-care. When stress hits, try meditation , deep breathing , or yoga to quell the tension. Build a self-care routine that allows you to regularly engage in fun, nourishing activities like gardening, getting a haircut, or listening to your favorite music. Build a strong support system. You might be so consumed with your marital, parenting, and work responsibility, that you don't prioritize other social relationships. Take measures to keep an active social life, so that you have healthy outlets for stress. Join a club or organization relating to your career or a hobby. Participate in a church or civic group in your area. Or, start a Meetup group for dads to gather in your local community. Your social network is a valuable resource for getting advice and encouragement for being a better husband and father. It can be helpful to talk with other men about your role as a husband and father. | Be there when it matters. Show interest in your spouse and kids. Be a role model and practice what you preach. Date your spouse. Encourage open and honest communication. Be an active listener. Avoid judging or criticizing. Use meal times for conversation. Be a team player. Carve out regular quality time for your family. Embrace other family ties. Cherish old traditions and build new ones. Unplug regularly to focus on your face-to-face relationships. Get enough sleep. Eat a nutrient-rich diet. Exercise regularly. Manage your stress effectively. Build a strong support system. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-Trust-with-an-Abused-Dog | How to Build Trust with an Abused Dog | To gain the trust of an abused dog, make sure it sees you coming before you try to pet it. Then, pet it gently under its chin with your palm facing up. You should also take it for walks twice a day to help the dog get used to you. Additionally, use positive reinforcement to strengthen good behavior, such as giving it a treat, rather than punishing it for bad behavior. | Make sure your dog has identification on it. Give your dog a collar with a name tag and your number on it. Make sure it fits comfortably on your dog's neck. An abused dog may get spooked or escape from you, and you want to make sure that if it does get away from you it can be identified. Feed the dog. Give it its favorite food at regular times during the day. It is recommended that a dog be fed twice a day. You should also give your dog open access to water at all times. Feeding, walks, play, and grooming should all happen at predictable times each day because having a routine will build a sense of security for your dog. Give the dog a space of its own. This is usually a crate or a bed that the dog feels comfortable on. There are a wide variety of dog pillows and baskets in pet shops that you can buy for it. The dog's space should serve as a place where it can take a break. If your dog is feeling overwhelmed or fearful, make sure to allow the dog to return to its safe space and leave it alone. You can also give the dog some toys to play with on its own. Most dogs won't like every toy you give them, but instead will choose a favorite and ignore others completely. Give the dog a name and teach it to respond to it. Always call your dog by its name and try not to change it. Changing names will just confuse the dog. Having a name that your dog will respond to will keep help you to bond with the dog. Use a happy and upbeat tone of voice when you call the dog by name. This will help to build good will between you and the dog. Buy treats you can use to train the dog. Try lots of different treats until you find its favorite. Give it snacks when it's good, follows a command, or does a trick. Pet the dog delicately. Many dog who have been abused are hand shy, meaning that they are fearful when approached by hands. Pet your dog with your palm up under his or her head, not over the head or on the dog's rear end. It isn't an offensive motion if you use the palm up. You want to make sure that the dog sees you coming before you pet it. While you might get closer to a fearful dog by sneaking up on it, you will not build trust that way and you might get bitten due to fear. Exercise and play with the dog. You need to build up trust with an abused dog, so once again you need to be delicate with your play at first. After about a month, your dog should start to trust you. Play football, catch, races, and anything else your dog enjoys doing. The more walks you give it, the more trust you get. Give the dog plenty of attention but don't smother it. You need to walk the line between giving the dog attention and giving the dog freedom. Keep a bit of time everyday to play with your dog. However, your attention can be stressful to a dog that is distrustful of you. Give it a break from your attention if it becomes too much for the dog. Socialize the dog cautiously. Your dog needs to build trust with other people and dogs, in addition to you. This can be difficult to achieve if the dog has been severely abused. Begin slowly, by letting the dog see other dogs or people at a distance. Then very gradually let your dog get closer. You will probably want to get a volunteer to be the stranger you introduce your dog to, as you don't want to scare a stranger with a possibly aggressive dog. Once you and your dogs are nearly soul mates you might want to take getting another dog into consideration. If you cannot handle it, simply take the dog out for more walks so it can meet other dogs. Dogs that have not been properly socialized, but have not been abused, can appear as if they have been abused. Socialize any dog that has socialization issues, as it can even help dogs that have not been abused. Use rewards instead of punishment. You want to reinforce positive behavior instead of punishment because most dogs understand the connection between actions and rewards more clearly than what they are being punished for. Never hit a dog. If you don't like something the dog is doing a simple and calm "no" or Uh-uh will usually suffice. Use counter conditioning. Counter conditioning will be helpful if your dog has specific fears. It works by conditioning the dog to get closer and closer to things it fears by luring it close with something it loves. For example, if your dog is afraid of bicycles, you place your dogs favorite toy or a treat close to a bicycle. After the dog takes the bait, you gradually (over days or weeks) move the treat or toy closer to the feared item. Train your dog in basic commands. This may go slowly if you have just adopted an abused dog. Just remember that if you build enough trust between you and the dog, it will eventually want to follow your command. Begin with "sit" and "come" commands. These will set the foundation for further training, such as "heel," "lay," and a wide variety of others. Be patient. An abused dog has gone through a lot of trauma and deserves some time and patience from you. It's fine to have some behavior expectations but don't be unrealistic. The dog doesn't have any reason to trust you, as they may have had strictly bad relationships with humans. Give your pup some time and show it everyday that your are trustworthy. | Make sure your dog has identification on it. Feed the dog. Give the dog a space of its own. Give the dog a name and teach it to respond to it. Buy treats you can use to train the dog. Pet the dog delicately. Exercise and play with the dog. Give the dog plenty of attention but don't smother it. Socialize the dog cautiously. Use rewards instead of punishment. Use counter conditioning. Train your dog in basic commands. Be patient. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You-Have-Laryngitis | How to Know if You Have Laryngitis | If you're worried that you have laryngitis, monitor yourself for any hoarseness or weakness in your voice because laryngitis will swell your vocal cords and affect their vibration. In addition to changes to your voice, look out for a dry cough and a sore rawness in your throat. Some cases of laryngitis are caused by an infection, so you should take your temperature to see if you have a low or moderate-grade fever. Check your throat for lumps as well, since acid reflux from chronic laryngitis can cause lumps or nodules in or near your vocal cords. You might have some difficulty breathing, but if you make a high-pitched sound while breathing in, then you should call your doctor immediately for emergency medical attention. Even if you aren't wheezing, see a doctor if you think you have laryngitis for a proper diagnosis. | Pay attention to the quality of your voice. Having a voice that is hoarse (scratchy) or weak is the first sign that you have laryngitis. Your voice becomes rough, hoarse or gravelly-sounding, or sometimes too soft or quiet. In acute laryngitis there is a swelling of vocal cords that impairs the normal vibration. Ask yourself: Do you notice any scratching or vocal fry when you speak? Does your voice sound more gravelly than usual? Does your voice give out or soften when you don't want it to? Has your voice changed pitch? Is it higher or lower than usual? Is it hard to raise your voice above a whisper? Be aware that a change in your voice may also occur after a stroke, when the vocal cords are paralyzed. You may find that you're unable to speak at all. However, there will be other symptoms such as deviation of angle of mouth, weakness of limbs, drooling, and difficulty in swallowing, etc. Take note of a dry cough. Irritation of the vocal cords will provoke the desire to cough. However, a cough caused by laryngitis will be dry instead of wet. This is because a laryngitis cough is restricted to the upper airway but not the lower airway where sputum is produced. If your cough is wet and produces sputum, you most likely do not have a case of laryngitis. You might have a cold or other virus. However, these viruses have the potential to turn into laryngitis after a while. Notice a throat that is dry, sore, or full-feeling. Laryngitis can also cause painful or uncomfortable symptoms in the throat. You may feel a fullness or rawness in your throat because of the swelling of the walls of the nasopharynx (the junction between your airway and the food passage) or throat. Ask yourself: Does my throat hurt when I swallow or eat? Do I feel the urge to clear my throat constantly? Does my throat feel tickly or scratchy? Does my throat feel dry or raw? Take your temperature. Some cases of laryngitis are caused by an infection. In this case, you might also experience a low or moderate-grade fever. Take your temperature to see if you are running a fever. If so, then you might be experiencing a viral laryngitis. Your fever will likely resolve itself in a few days, though your throat symptoms will likely last longer than that If the fever persists or gets worse you should seek medical attention promptly because it may be a sign of pneumonia. You should also contact a doctor immediately if your temperature hits 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Consider whether you have recently experienced cold or flu symptoms. Laryngitis symptoms often last for several days or weeks after you have recovered from a cold, flu, or other virus. If you have current throat symptoms and also had viral symptoms within the last two weeks, that is a signal that you have laryngitis. Such symptoms include: A runny nose Headache Fever Fatigue Body aches and pains Notice any breathing difficulty. Breathing difficulty can occur during laryngitis, especially in young children. If you or your child is short of breath, cannot breathe normally while lying down, or makes a high-pitched sound while breathing in (stridor), this is a sign of laryngitis. This is also an emergency situation that will require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor immediately. Feel your throat for lumps. Chronic laryngitis can sometimes be accompanied by the development of lumps, polyps, or nodules in or near your vocal cords. If you feel as if there is a lump blocking your throat, that is a sign that you have laryngitis and should see a doctor right away. In many cases, this feeling of having a lump in your throat is due to chronic laryngitis caused by acid reflux disease. The sensation may provoke a desire to clear the throat. If you do have this urge, try to resist it: clearing your throat aggravates the condition. Consider how well you are swallowing. The more severe cases of laryngitis can cause a difficulty in swallowing. Other, more serious medical conditions associated with laryngitis might also lead to difficulty swallowing. For example, if there is a large tumor or lump inside the larynx, it may compress the food tube (esophagus) and lead to difficulty in swallowing. This is a symptom that requires immediate medical attention. In laryngitis due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, there will be chronic irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid. Consequently, there may be ulcers in the esophagus that lead to swallowing difficulty. Mark how long you are feeling hoarse on a calendar. Many people experience hoarseness every now and again. However, if the laryngitis is a chronic condition, it will last for more than two weeks. Take note of how long you are feeling hoarse on a calendar. Share with your doctor how long your symptoms persist. This will allow your doctor to determine whether your laryngitis is acute or chronic. Voice hoarseness is characterized by a low, raspy voice which tires easily. There are other causes of chronic hoarseness besides laryngitis. A tumor in the chest or neck may compress the nerves leading to hoarseness. Other symptoms of a tumor include long term cough, bloody sputum, weight loss, appetite loss, swelling of the face and arms, etc. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms alongside your laryngitis. Know what acute laryngitis is. This is the most common type of laryngitis. It is sudden in onset and reaches its peak severity within one to two days. The condition usually starts to subside after a few days, and you will feel much better at the end of the week. Most people experience acute laryngitis at some point in their lives. Recognize that a viral infection is the most common cause. Usually laryngitis is preceded by a respiratory infection such as the common cold, flu, or sinusitis. Acute laryngitis can continue for many days after the other symptoms of the infection subside. You may infect other people by spreading droplets with coughing or sneezing. Practice proper hygiene to avoid infecting others. Be aware that bacterial infections may cause acute laryngitis. While rarer than viral causes, certain bacterial infections may also cause laryngitis. These include bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis, or diphtheria. In this case, you might require antibiotics in order to shake your laryngitis. Consider whether you have recently overused your voice. Another cause of acute laryngitis is the sudden overuse of your vocal cords. Shouting, singing, or speaking at length may cause fatigue and swelling of the vocal cords. Those who use their voices often for work or in their hobbies might be at risk of developing chronic laryngitis from voice overuse. However, sometimes voice overuse can lead to temporary laryngitis as well. Some common causes of acute laryngitis from voice overuse include: Yelling to be heard at a bar Cheering at a sporting event Singing loudly without proper training Talking or singing loudly in a location filled with smoke or other irritants Know what chronic laryngitis is. If the inflammation persists more than two-three weeks, then it is called chronic laryngitis. Usually the voice change develops gradually over a period of few weeks. The condition often gets worse with prolonged use of the voice box. In some cases, chronic laryngitis is an indicator of more serious medical conditions. Recognize that airborne irritants can lead to chronic laryngitis. Long term inhalation of irritant substances like chemical fumes, smoke, and allergens are all reported causes of chronic laryngitis. Smokers, firefighters, and those who work with chemicals are at particular risk for chronic laryngitis. You should also avoid exposure to allergens. When your body experiences an allergic reaction, all the tissues will suffer inflammation, including the larynx. If you know you are allergic to a substance, try to avoid having that substance in your home to ensure that you do not experience chronic laryngitis. Be aware that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause laryngitis. The most common cause of chronic laryngitis is GERD or acid reflux disease. GERD patients experience a backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus and mouth. As a GERD patient breathes, the liquid content may be aspirated inadvertently, which irritates the larynx. Chronic irritation causes swelling of the vocal cords that may change your voice. GERD is a condition that is treatable with dietary changes and medication. Consult your doctor if you have chronic laryngitis caused by acid reflux disease. Watch your alcohol consumption. Consuming alcohol relaxes the muscles in your larynx, making your voice hoarse. Prolonged alcohol intake can irritate the mucous membrane of the larynx, causing laryngitis. Alcohol overconsumption might also exacerbate acid reflux disease and is a risk factor for certain throat cancers. These conditions might also lead to chronic laryngitis. Recognize that voice overuse can lead to chronic laryngitis. Those who are singers, teachers, bartenders, or public speakers are at particular risk of developing chronic laryngitis. Overusing your voice can cause fatigue and thickening of vocal cords. Misusing your voice might also lead to the development of a polyp (or an unusual growth of tissue) on a mucous membrane. When polyps develop on the vocal cords, they can irritate the voice box, causing laryngitis. If you are in a profession that is at a high risk of chronic laryngitis, consider taking special speech therapy or voice lessons to train yourself to speak in a way that is easy on your vocal cords. It is also wise for you to rest your voice on days when it is not absolutely necessary for you to talk, yell, or sing. Make an appointment with a physician. If your laryngitis symptoms persist, or if you experience any particularly worrying symptoms such as having difficulty breathing or swallowing, you should call your doctor right away. Depending on the severity of your condition, you might see your regular physician or you might be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Provide a full medical history. The first step in a diagnosis will be to take your full medical history. Your doctor will likely ask about the demands of your profession, allergies, medications, other symptoms you experience, and about any recent infections you have had. This is the first step in determining whether or not you have laryngitis and whether your case is acute or chronic. Your doctor will likely ask about symptoms of common medical ailments that lead to chronic laryngitis, such as acid reflux, alcohol use, and chronic allergies. Say "aaaaaah. " Your doctor will have to examine your throat and vocal cords visually, with the aid of a mirror. By opening your mouth and saying "aaaaaah," your doctor will have a better view of these organs. Your doctor will be on the lookout for abnormal bumps, lesions, polyps, swelling, and colors that can help lead her to a diagnosis. If your doctor suspects a bacterial cause for your laryngitis, you might also have to provide a throat culture. Your doctor will lightly swab the back of your throat and send it to the lab for testing. This leads to an unpleasant, but very brief, sensation in the throat. Submit to more invasive tests. Most likely your laryngitis is acute and will not require any further testing. However, if your doctor is concerned about the possibility of chronic laryngitis, cancer, or other serious conditions, you might have to undergo more serious tests to determine the severity of your condition. These include: A laryngoscopy. In this procedure, your doctor will use a light and mirror to examine how your vocal cords move. Your doctor may also insert a small, thin cable with a camera into your nose or mouth to get a better visual of your vocal cords while you speak. A biopsy. If your doctor suspects that you have precancerous or cancerous cells, she might perform a biopsy of your vocal cords. She will remove a sample of cells from the suspicious area and examine them under a microscope to determine whether they are healthy or unhealthy cells. A chest X-ray. This is most commonly done for children who have severe laryngitis symptoms. A chest X-ray can help determine whether there is any concerning swelling or blockages. Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations. Depending on the cause and severity of your laryngitis, your doctor may have different recommendations for how to treat your condition. In many cases, your doctor will recommend the following: Rest your voice. Avoid loud talking or singing until your laryngitis has resolved. Do not whisper. Whispering is harsher on your vocal cords than regular talking. Speak softly, but resist the urge to whisper. Do not clear your throat. Even when your throat feels dry, full, or scratchy, resist the urge to clear it. That just puts more pressure on your vocal cords. Stay hydrated. Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal tea. This will also help lubricate and soothe your sore throat. Use a humidifier or vaporizer. Inject moisture into the air in order to ease your symptoms and help your vocal cords to repair themselves. Using a humidifier or vaporizer overnight while you sleep is an excellent step to take. You can also take frequent hot showers in order to breathe in the steam. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is acidic and puts unneeded pressure on vocal cords. Stay away from alcoholic beverages while you are experiencing laryngitis. Reducing your alcohol intake can also help prevent future bouts of laryngitis. Avoid decongestants. Decongestants can help when you have a wet cough caused by a cold. However, they exacerbate the dry cough characteristic of laryngitis. Never take a decongestant if you suspect you have laryngitis. Quit smoking. Smoking is one of the leading causes of chronic laryngitis, and it can lead to much more serious conditions such as throat cancer. Quit smoking as soon as you can in order to prevent vocal cord damage. Soothe your throat. Herbal teas, honey, salt water gargles, and throat lozenges are all excellent ways to soothe a throat that is sore due to laryngitis. Seek acid reflux treatment. If your laryngitis is caused by acid reflux, your doctor will likely provide dietary recommendations and medications to ease your symptoms. For example, you should eat smaller meals, avoid eating before bedtime, and avoid acidic foods and beverages such as alcohol, chocolate, tomatoes or coffee. Take voice lessons. If you need your voice for your profession, you may be able to take lessons in order to learn how to use your voice properly. Many singers, for example, require lessons in order to learn how to project their voices without putting undue strain on their vocal cords. Take prescription medication. If your laryngitis is caused by bacteria, you might require antibiotics. If your vocal cords are severely swollen in a way that impacts your ability to eat or breathe, you might require steroids to reduce the inflammation. | Pay attention to the quality of your voice. Take note of a dry cough. Notice a throat that is dry, sore, or full-feeling. Take your temperature. Consider whether you have recently experienced cold or flu symptoms. Notice any breathing difficulty. Feel your throat for lumps. Consider how well you are swallowing. Mark how long you are feeling hoarse on a calendar. Know what acute laryngitis is. Recognize that a viral infection is the most common cause. Be aware that bacterial infections may cause acute laryngitis. Consider whether you have recently overused your voice. Know what chronic laryngitis is. Recognize that airborne irritants can lead to chronic laryngitis. Be aware that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause laryngitis. Watch your alcohol consumption. Recognize that voice overuse can lead to chronic laryngitis. Make an appointment with a physician. Provide a full medical history. Say "aaaaaah. Submit to more invasive tests. Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Letter-for-Proof-of-Income | How to Write a Letter for Proof of Income | If you need to write a letter to provide proof of income, make sure to include details about your basic income, like how much you make and how you earn it. For example, you can say “I'm a self-employed freelance photographer. I have been in this line of work for 12 years, and self-employed for the past 6 years.” In addition to your main income, tell the recipient about any extra money you make and summarize your total income. To further prove your income, enclose copies of paychecks and tax returns and mention their inclusion at the end of the letter. Before signing your name, proofread your letter for mistakes and make it sound professional by using formal salutations, like “Sincerely.” | Begin by listing your contact information at the top of the page. This should include the name, address, telephone number and email address of the entity responsible for preparing the verification of income, in this case you. If you are self-employed, you should include your business name and information. This information should be positioned at the top left of the page. Separate it from the next section by inserting one blank line below it. Explain the purpose of the letter in a few words. You should do this in memo format under the contact information. For example: "RE: income letter." This brief blurb about the subject of your letter will help your reader quickly understand that they need to continue reading, as the subject is important. Begin the actual letter with a polite greeting followed by the proper name of the recipient. For example, you may say, "Dear Mr. Williams," or "To Ms. Mayer." If you are not sure who the letter should be officially addressed to, use the standard, "To Whom It May Concern." It's important to keep your greetings businesslike and official. This letter is not a casual one, so don't begin it with a casual tone. Introduce yourself and explain why you are submitting the income verification letter. For example, you may say, "My name is John Homebuyer. The purpose of this letter is to accompany my mortgage application, in order to substantiate my worthiness for loan approval." This quick summary is important to provide. This may be one of many such letters that your reader reads in a day. You need to tell them the point of your letter quickly and succinctly, so as not to waste their time. Provide details about your basic income. You should outline how much money you make, how you make your money, how long you have been making that much money, and how long you anticipate being able to maintain the same (or greater) income. For example, you may start this portion of the income letter by saying, "I am self-employed as a freelance photographer. I have been in this line of work for the past 12 years, and self-employed for the past 6 years. Do not embellish your income or give incorrect information in this section. The person you are writing to will probably independently verify that the information you are giving it true, so don't get caught lying. This could jeopardize the services you are requesting. Mention any additional income you have, in addition to your basic employment. This could include a variety of items such as annuities, pensions, government benefits, or gifts. Make clear how much and how often you receive this income. For instance, you can simply state "Additionally, I receive a monthly pension from ABC Technology of $500. This pension is a guaranteed income for the rest of my life." The person you are writing to may verify this income as well. Be sure that the information you are giving them is correct. Otherwise, it might cause a problem for the service you are requesting, such as a loan. Finish this section by summarizing your total income and suggesting how it will be sustained or increase in the future. The suggestions for how it will change should be based in fact, for instance trends over time in changes to your income. Do not simply state your hopes for future income. Here is an example of what this could look like: "My current employment income is approximately $45,000 annually, and my pension payment is $600 per month. As my business income has increased by an average of 5 percent each year, I can expect to be able to maintain this growth in the foreseeable future. As well, my pension payments are scheduled to continue for the next 15 years." Include a note at the end signaling that there is additional paperwork included with your letter. You can transition into this easily by simply requesting that the reader examine the enclosed documentation, which must support the claims you make in your letter. Including this note will help insure that the person receiving your letter will know that you have included supplementary documentation. Thank the reader for their time and consideration. Then close your letter with a formal closing salutation followed by your full name. "Sincerely" is a common formal closing salutation used in letters such as this. If you are planning on printing out the letter, you may want to leave two blank lines between your formal closing salutation and your name. This will give you room so that you can sign it by hand, right above your typed name. Type "Enclosure" under your name. This will indicate the supporting documentation you included with the letter. Include a disclaimer such as, "all of the information above is true to the best of my knowledge. " This is optional but shows that you are taking the seriousness of this letter and your request for funding earnestly. Sign the letter by hand, if you are sending a printed copy. If you are sending this letter electronically you will not be able to sign it by hand. Remember, you left two blank lines between your closing salutation and your typed name if you planned on printing your letter. Then, once printed, this is where you insert your signature. Have your income letter notarized by an official notary public. This will help ensure it is recognized as an official document by the institution you are submitting it to. You can find your closest notary public by searching online. There is even an official database of notary publics across the US. However, it is usually a good bet that there is one available at your local banking or governmental institution. Notary publics will probably charge you a small fee for their services. This is, after all, their business. Enclose copies of check stubs as income documentation. As there are many different forms of income, there are also different types of documentation you may need to include. Check stubs are a good way to prove the steadiness of your current income. In the modern era, with electronic payrolls, you may not actually get check stubs. Direct deposit records should work well as income documentation if you do not have actual check stubs. Enclose copies of tax returns as income documentation. Tax returns are a good way to document your income over time. Tax records may be helpful if you have changed jobs recently, as they can show that you have consistently made an income, despite changes in employment. If you are self-employed, you may need to submit a variety of documents as your verification of income, including bank statements, tax forms and a financial statement from your accountant. Provide documentation for other types of income. This may include social security income, pensions, or retirements. The Social Security Administration will provide you with an appropriate proof of income letter, if applicable. You can also include documentation of employment insurance benefits as proof of income. | Begin by listing your contact information at the top of the page. Explain the purpose of the letter in a few words. Begin the actual letter with a polite greeting followed by the proper name of the recipient. Introduce yourself and explain why you are submitting the income verification letter. Provide details about your basic income. Mention any additional income you have, in addition to your basic employment. Finish this section by summarizing your total income and suggesting how it will be sustained or increase in the future. Include a note at the end signaling that there is additional paperwork included with your letter. Thank the reader for their time and consideration. Type "Enclosure" under your name. Include a disclaimer such as, "all of the information above is true to the best of my knowledge. Sign the letter by hand, if you are sending a printed copy. Have your income letter notarized by an official notary public. Enclose copies of check stubs as income documentation. Enclose copies of tax returns as income documentation. Provide documentation for other types of income. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Direct-a-Wedding | How to Direct a Wedding | To direct a wedding, start by meeting with the couple a few weeks beforehand to create the guest list and go over seating arrangements. After that, put together a master schedule and use it during the rehearsal, making any necessary adjustments based on how things go during practice. About a week before the wedding, coordinate with the caterers and other service providers to be sure they have everything they need. Then, show up early on the day of the wedding, try to keep things on schedule, and stay late to tie up any loose ends. | Define your role with the couple. Some wedding directors plan the entire wedding, from start to finish, while others come in on the day of the wedding and run the show. Let the couple take on whatever responsibilities they'd like to be a part of, and take responsibility for the rest of the planning yourself. It's important to offer your guidance and to freely share your opinions, but remember that the decisions are ultimately up to the couple. If you think it's a terrible idea to try to combine a hog roast with a winter wedding, you may explain what you think will be challenging about it, but accept the couple's decision. Schedule regular consultations with the couple. If you're going to be planning a wedding from start to finish with a couple, it's important to learn as much as you can about the couple getting married. You'll need to spend a bit of time with the couple to make sure that your decisions and plans for the service and the reception will please the couple. At the very least, you'll meet privately three times with the couple, and stay in touch throughout the process. You should meet once to get to know the couple, another to update them and present them with options, and a few weeks before the reception to go over the schedule and plans. Meet informally at first, going out for coffee or dinner to learn as much about the couple as possible. Find out how they met, what ambitions they have for their marriage, and other personal details. This can help you make decisions. Bring suggestions. A good wedding planner should be knowledgeable about good reception halls, churches, caterers, and other services associated with getting a wedding together. If the couple asks if you have a good vegan caterer in mind, you should be able to come up with a list of five options very quickly. This is part of your job. This should be the bulk of your job: doing the research. It's very important to get your name out there as a wedding planner and make contacts in the catering and the wedding business. As you try out different places, take lots of pictures and secure samples if possible, so the couple will be able to make an informed decision. Leave your card at each business. Write up a tentative plan together. Once you've got some idea of what might work for the couple's wedding, present them with a variety of options before you move forward. For food, decoration, possible venues, music, and other options, you want to provide the couple with a list of about 3-5 options to choose from. In some cases, couples will have lots of opinions, while other couples will be happier to let you do the load of the work and make the decisions for them. Not everyone will be the same. Come up with a few "complete packages." Maybe a particular caterer, a particular color scheme and flower arrangement, and a particular band you think might go well together for this couple. Go ahead and group the different options into packages the couple can choose from, to make it easier. Schedule and organize other events the couple requests. Your job will be defined in part by the couple whose wedding you're directing. If you need to schedule and organize a pre-rehearsal cocktail party, or a post-dinner reception somewhere, you need to find out and schedule these things for the couple, or decide together what additional events, other than the ceremony, will be scheduled. All of the following are common wedding events: Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Pre or post-rehearsal cocktails Photography session Pre-wedding brunch Tour of wedding facility Stay in touch. Couples can start to get antsy as the day approaches, and you might be inundated with phone calls, or you might never hear from the couple until a few days for the wedding. Every couple will be different. Either way, it's a good idea to stay in touch with the couple and let them know how things are progressing. Eventually, you'll get to the point of no return, at which you won't be able to make changes anymore. At this point, make sure the couple knows that it's too late to have a change of heart about the type of food that will be prepared, or whatever the case may be. Scout appropriate locations. Wedding ceremonies generally take place either outdoors, in pastoral settings, or indoors in a church of the bride and groom's choosing. Couples may have very specific locations in mind, or may only have a very general idea of a type of location, making your input critical. Indoor weddings need to be matched to the religion and specific denomination of the couple. You wouldn't want to book a protestant couple to be wed at a Catholic church, or the service would be somewhat surprising. In some cases, couples may want to be wed at other types of indoor venues, like a historical-register home, a local dining hall, or other aesthetically beautiful historical property. Outdoor weddings can take place at a variety of locations, including beaches, on private wooded properties, apple orchards, wineries, or even in State or National Parks. Talk to the couple about their ideal outdoor setting and come up with a variety of local options. Ideally, the property will also offer an indoor venue for the reception. Secure an officiant. Couples may have an idea of who they would like to perform the wedding, or they may not. Depending on where the wedding will be booked, you might have easy access to an officiant for the wedding in the minister at the specific church, or you may need to find one. Generally, the officiant will be chosen by the couple. If they have no leads, you might inquire about their religious background and call local churches, a magistrate or justice of the peace (which being civil is more legally binding than a religious ceremony) one to request a consultation with the couple, to select potential officiants. If the couple would like a certain relative or friend to officiate, you may need to guide them through the process of becoming an officiant if they're not already qualified to do so. Suggest music options. Most wedding services involve some kind of music, and song selection and variety of performance can be an important way of adding pageantry and whimsy to the proceedings. It can be hard to know where to start for first-time couples, so it's important to have a good list of suggestions in terms of song and performance selection. String quartets and solo instrumentalists are probably the most common live-performance options for weddings, and many performers advertise their wedding performance services commercially. Recorded music is also a good and cheap option. Generally, a service will consist of prelude music, which is played during the procession, and then music played during the bride's arrival, which is generally "Bridal Chorus" by Wagner (commonly known as "Here comes the bride"). Other common wedding music includes instrumental versions of the following songs: Arlen & Harburg's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" Handel's "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" Pachelbel's "Canon in D" Suggest florists and arrangements. Most weddings will have seasonal flowers that are professionally arranged by a local florist. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the florists in the area, as well as scout their wedding packages and pricing options to provide to the couple for selection. Discuss color schemes for the bridal party's attire with the couple, to help them decide on complementary color schemes for the floral arrangements. Suggest photographers. Wedding photographers aren't difficult to find, but it's a good idea to research all the available options and be able to provide a pricing guide for the couple to choose between. The quality of the photographers, the reliability of the photographer, and the professionalism are all important. Spend some time with representatives of each studio on the phone to get a sense of who does the best business, and recommend that photographer to the couple. Visit the wedding location prior to the wedding. It's important for the director to be familiar with the set-up of the location or locations that will be involved the day of the wedding. You need to make sure the caterers know where to be and when to be there, when the building opens up for business, and how much seating to prepare for. Coordinate the rehearsal. The rehearsal is when the bridal party does a quick run-through of the ceremony, mostly focusing on the processional. This can be a nerve-calmer for the couple, but it's most important for you in nailing the timing of everything and making sure that the wedding will get off without a hitch. It's your job to organize everyone with the officiant, coordinating the music and other scheduling concerns of the ceremony, if necessary. Practice the timing of sending party members down the aisle and ensure that each member knows exactly where to stand. Provide everyone with your cell phone number the day of the wedding to answer any last-minute problems that come up. Be available. Scout and suggest appropriate locations. Wedding receptions often take place in adjacent properties to the ceremony, sometimes within the same building, or they may take place at a residence, or other type of larger venue, depending on the size of the wedding that you're directing. Generally speaking, receptions will be held indoors, in large-sized banquet halls, and will feature catering and dancing, so you'll need to find ideal locations for holding such an event. Research local: Banquet halls Union halls Churches with large fellowship halls Historical properties on the registry Wineries Suggest specific caterers and meal options. Most receptions will consist of a meal, some informal comments, desert, and dancing. Once the dancing starts, your job is mostly done, so the meal is the last big thing you've really got to make sure gets off without a hitch. Talk to the couple about their ideal wedding meal and discuss the possible options for presenting it. Research local caterers and provide meal plans and pricing options for the couple. try to provide a variety of upscale and more affordable selections. Simple chicken dishes might be fine for some couples, while others will want more elaborate fare. Many receptions are organized buffett style, allowing guests to serve themselves, while others prefer a more formal dining option, with waiters. This will mean more coordination for you, but a more formal experience for the reception. You'll also likely need to research local bakeries and wedding cake makers for the cake, if necessary. It's a good idea to go over sizing, flavor, and design options for the wedding cake. Secure tent or awning and seating if necessary. If the reception is to be outdoors, it's usually common to use circus-style tents from a local vendor, which can be set up about 24-hours ahead of time on the property where the reception will take place. It will be your job to find covering and seating sufficient enough for the entire party and guest list. Suggest music options. Generally, receptions are presided over by live bands or DJs who specialize in playing music for after-dinner partying. Not every couple will have a strong opinion about the entertainment, so it's a good idea to research local wedding DJs with a tasteful repertoire of tunes who are experienced at entertaining an all-ages crowd of wedding guests. Make the necessary arrangements. Once you've got the couple's go-ahead, start scheduling everything. Call the caterer, the florist, and the other wedding hires and make sure everything's in order for the event. It's usually a good idea to keep the notes for each wedding that you plan in a separate three-ring binder so you can keep everything straight. You don't want the florist from one wedding showing up to the chapel of another. Meet with the bride and groom a few weeks before the wedding. Find out how many bridal party members are attending, and how many members of the groom's party will be attending. Create a master guest list, or ask for one to be provided. Discuss seating arrangements with the bride and groom, and consider your options for additional seating, if required. If you're not planing the wedding itself, but will be directing the day-of-wedding operations, you need to learn as much as possible about what's already been planned, as well as the bride and groom's desires for their special day. Create a master schedule for the wedding day. Discuss the timeline with the bride and groom once it is complete and adjust the timeline during rehearsal, if necessary. When does everyone need to line up? When will the wedding start? Approximately how long will it take? These are questions you will need to be in charge of the day of the wedding. Set times for the bridal party to arrive at the wedding and coordinate the schedule for photo sessions with the photographer. To keep things as stress free as possible, you usually don't want to be mixing caterers, florists, photographers, and guests all at the same time. Try to space out the time you'll need to organize each thing separately. Distribute schedules to members of the wedding party. It's your job to make sure everyone knows where they'll need to be and when they'll need to be there, not just the bride or the groom's. You should be the face of the operation, the person who everyone will come to with questions, so be proactive at the rehearsal and the day of the wedding. Be the first to get there and the last to leave. It's your job to oversee everything on the day of the wedding, from the arrival of the caterers and the band, to the setting out of chairs, to the floral arrangements, to the wedding processional. Delegate tasks as needed. You can't do everything yourself and it's likely that you'll need some help getting everyone on the same page. One often-forgotten but critical aspect of wedding direction is coordinating parking. If the wedding takes place in two different locations, you'll need to make sure there's enough parking at both, and that everyone knows where and where not to park their car. Coordinate catering. It will be your job to contact and schedule the caterers and other service workers for the wedding about a week before the wedding, and to help them out with anything they need the day of. Be available to handle practical concerns as they arise with the catering crew. Keep things moving. Different weddings will have a variety of different events happening during the reception, and it can be difficult to fit it all in. You want to be gentle, but firm, in getting the bridal party to move forward with the scheduled plans, to make sure everyone can get out of the rented space on time. Try to schedule things with a 30 minute swing window, because you don't want to have to rule over the party with an iron fist. It's supposed to be a party, and people will want to chat and celebrate with the couple. If something can't fit into the schedule, leave it up to the couple whether or not they want to abandon it. | Define your role with the couple. Schedule regular consultations with the couple. Bring suggestions. Write up a tentative plan together. Schedule and organize other events the couple requests. Stay in touch. Scout appropriate locations. Secure an officiant. Suggest music options. Suggest florists and arrangements. Suggest photographers. Visit the wedding location prior to the wedding. Coordinate the rehearsal. Scout and suggest appropriate locations. Suggest specific caterers and meal options. Secure tent or awning and seating if necessary. Suggest music options. Make the necessary arrangements. Meet with the bride and groom a few weeks before the wedding. Create a master schedule for the wedding day. Distribute schedules to members of the wedding party. Be the first to get there and the last to leave. Coordinate catering. Keep things moving. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Map | How to Make a Map | If you want to make a map, first determine the scale of the map. This will determine how much land you cover and the amount of detail included in the map. Start by drawing a rough outline of the landmasses and their general size, then go back over the outlines and add in detail along the coasts and borders. Add your waterways, then draw in details like mountain ranges and forests to your landmasses. If you like, you can add in borders, then label your map with the names of countries or cities and land features. | Determine the scope of your map. Before you start drawing, you need to decide just how large of a map you're going to create. Do you plan on showing an entire planet (perhaps even Earth) stretched out, a hemisphere, a single continent, a country, or just a state or city? This goes for both true-to-life maps and fantasy maps that you create from your imagination. Decide on the ratio of land to water for your map. With very few exceptions, you will need to create a map (unless it's an extreme close up) that includes both water and land. However, you'll need to decide exactly how much of each you're showing. For larger scale maps, you should be showing oceans, rivers, and lakes. Smaller scale maps may only show portions of an ocean, rivers, or a few lakes and ponds. If your map has only a few landmasses in an archipelago-type setting, you'll likely have a page that is mostly water with a few islands. Consider what you’ll include on your map. What style of map are you creating - geographical/physical, political, a road map, or something else? The type of map you make may change the way you outline or draw it, so determine this prior to starting your project. You can certainly create a map that is a combination of all three, but you'll have to reduce the amount of detail you include in order to avoid overwhelming the viewer. You can create maps based on other characteristics as well, such as trade routes, major population points, or different languages. Determine how detailed your map will be. This goes hand in hand with determining what you'll include/the scale of your map, but is important to note. Do you plan on only marking off the largest or most important places on your map? Or, are you interested in showing even the smallest aspects of the are you're portraying? The detail you intend to include may have a big impact on how big you physically draw the map (on a very large piece of paper/file, or a small file size or piece of paper). Think about weather patterns. Although this applies mainly to those creating their own fantasy maps, thinking about weather patterns is important to designating certain physical aspects on your map. Where will there be lots of rain or desert areas? Will these areas match up with the locations of seas/oceans, mountain ranges, and the location on the planet (as they do in real life)? You might consider the climate/environment and weather patterns of certain areas before sketching them out, to make a more detailed and realistic map. Choose how you’re going to create your map. Do you plan on hand-drawing your map, using a computer program to draw it, or creating your map using an online interactive map creator? Each of these will require different preparations, particularly if you intend on hand-drawing it. There are dozens of online map-making programs as well, if you're not interested in doing so much work or aren't certain of your artistic capabilities. Outline your landmasses. If you've already decided how detailed your map is going to be, you should have a good idea of how many landmasses you're drawing and their general size. Start with just a rough outline using straight lines to sketch out the landmasses. When you've gotten the outline just the way you want it, go over it again to create a more detailed outline (typically a bit wavy) depicting coasts and borders. When outlining your landmasses, consider where tectonic plates (imaginary or real) would lie underneath. This will help you to form more a more realistic map, assuming you're drawing it from your imagination. Add details like peninsulas, islands, archipelagos, deltas, or inlets to your main land masses. Add your waterways. It is typically assumed that the area around your land masses are oceans or other large bodies of water. However, now you should add in other smaller bodies of water or waterways that you may want to include. These typically are rivers, lakes, seas, canals, and bays. Depending on how detailed you get, ponds, streams, creeks, and coves may also be included on your map. If a body of water is small but important (such as a cove or a canal) you may choose to mark it on the map and note that it is out of scale. Add details to your land masses. You may or may not add a lot of detail to your land masses depending on the style of map that you're going for, but normally at least a little detail is added. Consider putting mountain ranges, valleys, deserts, forests, and plateaus on your land. Keeping weather patterns and climate in mind, you can add jungles, rainforests, swamps, tundra, grasslands, and coral reefs throughout your map. Place countries or cities. Again, this will be different depending on the style of map you're making, but it is generally helpful to add outlines for countries/territories and add a few major cities. Designate continental divisions, state lines, and territories with simple lines; these may follow natural boundaries like rivers or mountain ranges, or may be entirely of your own choice. You can show cities with a symbol of choice, typically a small dot of star. Add color to your map. Maps are greatly enhanced with the addition of color. Color can show different styles of land mass (as in a physical map), show different countries (like a political map) or simply be decorative. If you choose not to add color, at least add shading in black and white/gray. You may add detailed layers of color to show specific items like cities or forests using a broad color palette, or you may use only 2-3 colors for basic differentiations. Label your map. You aren't technically required to add labels to a map, but it will be confusing indeed if you lack labels altogether. Start by labeling the largest and most important areas; you might show that these are the largest and most important by using a larger font/print than you do for the rest of your labels. If you want to create more detail, simply label more areas on your map. Use different styles of font to symbolize different types of labels, including italicized or bold font (or handwriting). Create a key. The key is a small box that identifies the symbols or colors that you used throughout your map. These will help the viewer to understand what a type of line or mark means, as well as why you chose to use a particular color. Be sure to include every symbol you used in your key, so that you don't confuse the viewers. The key is sometimes also called a legend. Add a scale. The scale designates how many miles/kilometers are represented in a square inch/centimeter on the map. You can create a scale by drawing a small ruler on the bottom that shows how much distance is portrayed in a small section of area. You may also add an inset map of a zoomed in or zoomed out portion to show the scale more accurately. If you'd rather, you can add a ratio for your scale instead of drawing anything (such as 1”: 100 miles). Show the orientation. You can show the orientation of your map by adding a compass rose on some portion of the blank space. This will show the way the directions work, such as North/South and East/West. This is particularly helpful if the orientation of your map is non-traditional, such as having North located near the bottom. Add latitude and longitude lines. Latitude and longitude lines may not need to be used on a fantasy map, but are almost always required on a true-to-life map. These lines divide the map vertically and horizontally, so that specific locations can be found by looking at coordinates within these lines. Be sure that these lines are perfectly straight and evenly spaced. Give a time/date. The area shown on maps, both physical and political, often change over time (even in a fantasy map). Therefore, you will need to make note of the time or date that the map is depicting somewhere on the page. You may also want to include the date that the map was originally drawn, although it is more important to make note of the date range the map depicts. Add any further explanatory notes. You may be interested in writing a few explanatory notes on your map somewhere. These are not required, but are particularly helpful if your map is not a traditional set-up or if it is a fantasy map you have created. These traditionally go along the very bottom border of the map, so that the reader knows they are not meant to match up with a specific location on the map. | Determine the scope of your map. Decide on the ratio of land to water for your map. Consider what you’ll include on your map. Determine how detailed your map will be. Think about weather patterns. Choose how you’re going to create your map. Outline your landmasses. Add your waterways. Add details to your land masses. Place countries or cities. Add color to your map. Label your map. Create a key. Add a scale. Show the orientation. Add latitude and longitude lines. Give a time/date. Add any further explanatory notes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Cinnamon-to-Help-With-Diabetes | How to Use Cinnamon to Help With Diabetes | Cinnamon is a healthy spice that can help with diabetes by controlling your blood glucose levels. Use cinnamon as a replacement for sugar in sweet and savory dishes, sauces, and cereal. You can also mix a little cinnamon into your tea, coffee, smoothy, or milkshake. If you like home baking, use cinnamon powder in cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats. Alternatively, take 500 milligram cinnamon supplements twice a day. Including cinnamon in your diet can help to control your blood sugar in combination with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication. | Use cinnamon to replace sugar. Because cinnamon is so flavorful, it can often replace small amounts of sugar in stove-top recipes, sauces, meat, and vegetable dishes. Replacing a sweetener with this spice can help reduce the amount of sugar you consume and improve your blood glucose levels. Cinnamon is considered safe when used in the amounts normally found as foods-- this works out to roughly ½ to 1 teaspoon or about 1000 mg per day. Try using a pinch or two of cinnamon in your coffee in place of sugar or sweetener. Add cinnamon to your breakfast. For instance, stir cinnamon and a small amount of agave nectar into oatmeal in the morning, adding berries and nuts to make it an even more nutritious breakfast. Or top off buttered whole grain toast with a dash of cinnamon and a sprinkle of a crystallized sweetener like Stevia or Splenda. Cinnamon also goes well with peanut butter or sugar-free jam on toast. Use cinnamon in meat sauces. Cinnamon pairs well with poultry, pork, and beef spice rubs as well as Asian-themed dishes, marinades, and salad dressings. Mixing to taste, replace some of the sugar or brown sugar with cinnamon for homemade barbecue sauces, pulled pork marinade, berry compotes, and even marinara sauces. Replace sugar in vegetable dishes. Use cinnamon in place of brown sugar or regular sugar in candied vegetable dishes, such as candied yams, baby carrots, or sweet stir fry. Cinnamon lends a complex, sweet flavor without the spike in glucose. Use cinnamon in baking. Baking is perhaps the easiest way to incorporate more cinnamon into your diet. If you enjoy homemade breads, muffins, breakfast bars, cookies, or pies, cinnamon can be easily added to virtually any recipe you love. Stir cinnamon into baked good recipes. Extra cinnamon mixes best with dry flour, and you should mix thoroughly to prevent clumping. If a recipe already calls for some cinnamon, try doubling the amount or reducing the amount of a spice like nutmeg to replace it with cinnamon. Use cinnamon to dust baked goods. If cinnamon has already been incorporated into a baked good recipe, try using a baker's brush or sifter to lightly dust the top of the muffin, cake, or bread with cinnamon while it is still warm from the oven. Add cinnamon to sweet and savory canning recipes. Canning fruits and vegetables offers an easy way to sneak cinnamon into snacks and sides that otherwise would be free of cinnamon. When used appropriately, cinnamon can make an excellent addition to sweet and savory canning recipes. Use cinnamon heavily in recipes like apple or pumpkin butter, canned apples, and applesauce. Add a 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to each large Mason jar of other fruits, like canned peaches or strawberries. If you are canning or pickling savory foods, consider adding cinnamon with cucumbers, green beans, onions, beets, and even bell peppers. Use cinnamon in drinks. Try adding a little cinnamon to your coffee grounds in the morning to get a cinnamon-flavored cup of caffeine, or mix it into smoothies, diet shakes, and dairy-based blended drinks to get an extra dose of cinnamon in your day. Consider taking a cinnamon supplement. If you don't want to add cinnamon to your meals, you can still add it to your diet by taking a supplement. Many health supplement and natural food stores sell cinnamon supplements at affordable prices. Talk to your health professional about adding a cinnamon supplement. While a low-dose cinnamon supplement is unlikely to harm you, your medical advisor may be aware of potential interaction effects with your medications that would make it risky to take cinnamon regularly. It can interact with your diabetes medications, as both the cinnamon and the hypoglycemics work to lower your blood sugar and it is important to be certain that your blood glucose levels drop too low. Keep track of how much cinnamon you are taking and keep track of your blood sugar levels using a home glucose monitor-- you will soon be able to determine how much cinnamon you need to help control your blood sugar. Consider a supplement of 500mg of cinnamon per day. 500 mg of cinnamon taken twice a day has been shown to improve A1c levels (and the levels of blood fats). A1c is used to determine average glucose levels for the previous 3 months, thus lowered A1c levels reflect improved diabetic control. Learn about diabetes. Diabetes is a group of chronic hormonal disorders that results in too much sugar (glucose) in the blood. There are a number of forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, usually appearing when a person is quite young. Type 2 diabetes is an acquired disorder that used to be considered an adult condition that is unfortunately appearing more and more often in children. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. A third form of diabetes is called gestational diabetes and occurs in the second half of pregnancy and is relatively common, occurring in less than 10% of pregnant women. Some physicians include pre-diabetes as an early form of diabetes. Individuals with prediabetes have higher than normal levels of blood glucose, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetics. Individuals with pre-diabetes (also known as insulin resistance) have a very high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Investigate how insulin affects blood sugar. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is the main chemical messenger that “tells” the cells that it is time to take up glucose. Insulin is involved in messaging the liver to take up glucose and transform it into the storage form of glucose known as glycogen. Insulin is also involved in a wide range of other functions like protein and fat metabolism. All diabetics can also be said to have insulin resistance. The reason they have high blood glucose is that the cells in their body do not take up glucose. The reason for this is that the cells in their body do not respond normally to insulin. If the cells become insulin resistant, they “ignore” or can't respond to the signal from insulin. This can increase the levels of glucose in the blood. When this happens the pancreas responds by producing even more insulin in an attempt to “force” the glucose into the cells. The problem is that since the insulin has no effect on the insulin-resistant cells, the blood glucose levels can keep rising. The body's response is to convert the high levels of glucose in the blood into fat, and that can set up a scenario of chronic inflammation and other disorders like full blown Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and heart disease. Understand how Type 2 diabetes functions and its traditional treatment. The most common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include: increased thirst along with more frequent urination, increased appetite, weight gain or unexpected weight loss, blurry or changed vision, fatigue, and increased number of infections. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed by your symptoms and a number of specific blood tests that measure how well your body handles sugars. Most cases of diabetes can be controlled with a combination of medications (hypoglycemics -- medicines that lower blood sugars), diet, and exercise. Insulin may be ordered for some patients, especially those with Type 1 diabetes. Find out why cinnamon can help control Type 2 diabetes. Current research indicates that one of the components of cinnamon, methyl hydroxychalcone polymer or MHCP, can improve how cells respond to insulin. MHCP seems to mimic some of insulin's activity. It also appears to work side by side with insulin, by improving the effectiveness of insulin. MHCP also has antioxidant effects, though it is not clear that these have anything to do with the ability of cinnamon to control blood glucose. | Use cinnamon to replace sugar. Add cinnamon to your breakfast. Use cinnamon in meat sauces. Replace sugar in vegetable dishes. Use cinnamon in baking. Add cinnamon to sweet and savory canning recipes. Use cinnamon in drinks. Consider taking a cinnamon supplement. Talk to your health professional about adding a cinnamon supplement. Consider a supplement of 500mg of cinnamon per day. Learn about diabetes. Investigate how insulin affects blood sugar. Understand how Type 2 diabetes functions and its traditional treatment. Find out why cinnamon can help control Type 2 diabetes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Hula-Hoop | How to Make a Hula Hoop | To make a hula hoop that's sized for an average adult, cut a piece of 3/4-inch, 100 psi irrigation tubing so it's 126 inches long. Insert one end of the tubing into boiling water for 30 seconds to soften it, then place a 3/4-inch barbed coupling pipe fitting into the end of the tube. If you'd like, add small beans, corn kernels, or rice into the tubing to weight the hula hoop. When you're finished, dip the other end of the tubing into the boiling water and fit it over the coupling to seal the hoop. | Figure out your measurements. To determine the exact length of irrigation tubing you need to construct your hula hoop, stand up straight and measure the distance from your feet to your chest (or anywhere between your belly button and your chest). This measurement is the diameter of your ideal beginner hoop if you have a normal BMI. If you are overweight or obese you can calculate your ideal hoop size by multiplying your waist in inches by (1.2). (39"x1.2=45" hoop). You then need to calculate its circumference to know how much tubing you need. (circumference = pi (π=3.14) times the diameter: c=πd). The average diameter of an adult hula hoop is 40”, so the circumference is 40 x 3.14 = 126”. The average diameter of a child's hula hoop is 28” making the circumference about 28 x 3.14 = 88”. Make a trip to the hardware store. You'll need three things, all of which can be found in the plumbing section: ¾" (19mm) 160 psi for a weighted hoop, 100 psi for a medium weight hoop (or any other pressure rating) irrigation tubing A PVC pipe cutter One ¾" (19mm) barbed coupling plastic pipe fitting If you don't want to buy a PVC pipe cutter, you can use regular scissors. However, scissors require more effort to cut the PVC pipe. Alternatively, use a hacksaw instead of a pipe cutter. If you have one already and you are handy with it, a hacksaw is another option – you just may need to debar any sharp ridges using sandpaper or a utility knife. In which case, you'll need sandpaper or a power sander. If you use a power sander, you'll need goggles to protect your eyes. As you can see, a pipe cutter is the easier way to go. Cut the irrigation tubing. Use the pipe cutter, hacksaw, or scissors to cut the tubing to your desired length. It will take a bit of effort to cut through, so take your time and be careful. Soften one end of the tubing. Boil a large pot of water and insert one end of the tubing into the water for 30 seconds. The end of the tubing should be soft and pliable prior to fastening to the other end of the tubing. If that's not handy, you can use a blow dryer; however, this may take longer and involves the dryer being held up the entire time. Usually, just having a pot of boiling water available is easiest. After heating, work quickly while the tubing is still warm and pliable. Place the coupling into the softened end of the tubing. Push down hard on the connector to ensure a solid joint. The two should fit snugly, with the connector going nowhere. Be careful not to push the connector too far down into the tubing. The other end of the tubing will need to fasten to it. It should stick out about halfway. If you’d like, place “weights" or sound makers into the hula hoop. If this is for a child or for exercise purposes, having something inside the tubing can make hula hooping even more enjoyable (or more of a workout). Here are some ideas: Small beans (about 20-30) Corn kernels Water (a cup or so) Sand Rice Dip the other end of the tubing into the boiling water. If you have objects inside the tubing, manage it carefully so it doesn't come spilling out the other end. This part should only take a few minutes. When ready, couple the newly softened end onto the end with the PVC connector. Just like you did in the steps above, seal the tubing into a hoop shape by connecting the last two exposed ends. Again, work quickly. The tubing is more pliable the warmer it is. As it cools, it will contract and form a strong seal, keeping the hoop together. Decorate the hula hoop. Add some personal flare, such as glittered tape, paint or any other enhancements you'd like. It can be drawn on with permanent or special craft markers, too. You can easily make candy-cane like, traditional hula hoop stripes with colored electrical tape. It's smoother than duct tape and blends into the texture of the tubing better. Get your materials together. You need everything in the above section plus a few other things. The entire list includes: 3/4 inch (19.05 mm) 160psi irrigation tubing A PVC pipe cutter Four 3/4 inches (19.05 mm) PVC tube connectors Bungee cord Uncoated coat hanger wire A power sander (optional, though preferred) Several pairs of pliers A couple of friends (it will be much easier) A pair of goggles Measure how much tubing you need and cut it into four equal pieces. Stand up straight and measure the distance from your feet to your chest (or anywhere between your belly button and your chest). This measurement is the diameter of your ideal hoop. You then need to calculate its circumference to know how much tubing you need. (Circumference = Pi (3.14) times Diameter (C=pD)) The average adult hula hoop is 40” in diameter, or 125.6” long. Each piece would then be about 31” long. Constructing a hula hoop for a child? Then you'll likely need around 26” in diameter, or 87.9”. Each piece would then be about 22” long. Make unique markings on each end. This will help you know how the pieces fit back together. It's sort of like a puzzle, where each one is similar but fits best into a certain other piece. In total you'll need 8 markings, one for each exposed end. This can be done with the edge of a knife, scissors, or even with a pen. Don't want to make a permanent mark? Use tape. Put on your goggles and start sanding the ribs off of one end of each of the connectors. If you're using a power sander, there's going to be dust and grime floating up around you everywhere, so be sure to wear goggles or a mask. If you don't have a power sander, you can do it manually – it just requires a lot of patience and more time. Take a break from sanding and see how the connector fits into the tube. There should definitely be resistance, but when you're finished it should snugly fit inside the tubing. Keep sanding until each connector reaches this point. Heat one end of each quarter of tubing. This can be done with a blow dryer, hot water on the stove, or an open flame (but an open flame is harder to control and can result in melting). When they become soft and pliable, place the non-sanded ends of the connectors each into a section of tubing, leaving the sanded ends visible and sticking out. The connectors should be inside the tubing up until about their halfway point. Any further and they won't be able to do their job of connecting. Using your markings, fit the hoop together. You'll be sort of disassembling it in a second to make it collapsible, but for now you need it in its circular form. The warmed tubing should go over the unsanded ends of the connectors, fitting snugly. Insert the bungee cord to make it collapsible. Here's how: Get an 8” long piece of uncoated metal coat hanger. Use it to open the hoop at one of the four exposed points. Snake the bungee cord through the entire hula hoop until it comes out on the other side. Pull it taut. Very, very taut. This is where having friends is helpful. You can either pull both ends, or clamp one down to the tubing. Either way, make sure it's stretched to its maximum as this will hold the hoop together when spinning. Overlap the ends of the cord and wrap the wire around and around it, digging the wire into it. Using pliers, squeeze the wire against the cord. When secure, cut the ends of the cord off. Assemble and collapse your hoop. It will take a little effort to pull apart, and that's good. That means it will keep spinning and stay together. Assemble and disassemble the hoop, making sure it works properly. If it doesn't, odds are your bungee cord isn't tight enough. If it's too loose, it will collapse on its own when spinning and likely pinch you. Tighten the bungee cord more, reapply the wire, and try again. When it works, take your hula hoop on the go with you – it's easy to pack and perfect for traveling. | Figure out your measurements. Make a trip to the hardware store. Alternatively, use a hacksaw instead of a pipe cutter. Cut the irrigation tubing. Soften one end of the tubing. Place the coupling into the softened end of the tubing. If you’d like, place “weights" or sound makers into the hula hoop. Dip the other end of the tubing into the boiling water. When ready, couple the newly softened end onto the end with the PVC connector. Decorate the hula hoop. Get your materials together. Measure how much tubing you need and cut it into four equal pieces. Make unique markings on each end. Put on your goggles and start sanding the ribs off of one end of each of the connectors. Heat one end of each quarter of tubing. Using your markings, fit the hoop together. Insert the bungee cord to make it collapsible. Assemble and collapse your hoop. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Spinach-Dip | How to Make Spinach Dip | To make a creamy spinach dip, start by using an electric mixer to blend yogurt and cream cheese together. Next, fold 1 drained can of spinach into the mixture. Then, add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to the creamed spinach and puree in a blender until it's smooth. If you want your dip extra rich, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, dry leek soup mix, water chestnuts, and chopped spinach together. Once fully incorporated, chill the mix in the refrigerator for 6 hours. | Use an electric mixer on low speed to blend the yogurt and cream cheese together. Blend 1/2 cup of plain yogurt and 1 package of softened cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth. Fold the spinach into the creamy mixture. Use a fork to fold 1 drained can of spinach into the mixture until the spinach mixes well with the other ingredients. Mix in the salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add 1/2 tsp. of lemon juice, 1 tsp. of salt, and 1 tsp. of black pepper into the mixture. Puree the mixture in a blender. This will make the mixture extra smooth. If you don't want it to be extra smooth and would prefer it to be a bit chunky, then you can skip this step. Serve. Serve this tasty creamy spinach dip with carrots, celery, bread, or chips. Mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dry leek soup mix, water chestnuts, and chopped spinach together in a medium-sized bowl. Mix together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1 container of sour cream, 1 package of dry leek soup mix, 1 can of drained and chopped water chestnuts, and 1/2 (10 oz.) package of thawed and drained frozen chopped spinach. Stir the ingredients together. Stir the ingredients together until they're incorporated. Chill in the refrigerator. Chill these ingredients together for 6 hours, or even overnight. This will thicken the mixture and combine the ingredients a bit more. Serve. Serve this rich spinach dip with a sliced loaf of round sourdough bread. You can dip the bread into the dip, or just spread the dip onto the bread. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (176ºC). Melt 3 tbsp. of butter together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. This should take about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic, baby spinach, and white wine. Stir in 2 peeled and chopped garlic cloves, 1 rinsed bunch of baby spinach, and 1/2 cup of white wine. Cook the ingredients together for 2-3 minutes. Continue stirring and cooking the ingredients until the spinach is wilted. Mix in salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Throw in a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, and just a few drops of hot sauce to the mixture and taste it to see if it needs anything else. Remove the mixture from the heat. Move it to a medium-sized bowl. Mix in the green onion, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, and half and half. Add 1/2 cup of chopped green onion, 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup of half-and-half to the mixture. Mix the ingredients together until they're incorporated. Bake the spinach dip ingredients for 20 minutes. Continue to cook them until they're bubbly or lightly browned. Serve. Serve this tasty dip with crackers, bread, or shrimp. Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Wait at least 2 minutes for the butter to be completely melted. Stir in the spinach and artichoke hearts. Stir in 1 package of partially thawed frozen chopped spinach, and 1 can of drained and chopped artichoke hearts. Cook these ingredients together until they're tender, for at least 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to mix the spinach and artichoke hearts with the butter. Add the cream cheese and sour cream to the mixture. Add 2 packages of softened cream cheese and 2 containers of sour cream to the spinach mixture. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add garlic salt to the mixture to taste. Cook the ingredients together for 10-15 minutes. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture has thickened. Serve. Eat this tasty artichoke and spinach dip with carrots, celery, pita chips, broccoli, or a variety of your favorite snacks. If you love this dip, you can also make vegan artichoke and spinach dip. | Use an electric mixer on low speed to blend the yogurt and cream cheese together. Fold the spinach into the creamy mixture. Mix in the salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Puree the mixture in a blender. Serve. Mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dry leek soup mix, water chestnuts, and chopped spinach together in a medium-sized bowl. Stir the ingredients together. Chill in the refrigerator. Serve. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (176ºC). Melt 3 tbsp. Stir in the garlic, baby spinach, and white wine. Cook the ingredients together for 2-3 minutes. Mix in salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Remove the mixture from the heat. Mix in the green onion, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, and half and half. Bake the spinach dip ingredients for 20 minutes. Serve. Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the spinach and artichoke hearts. Add the cream cheese and sour cream to the mixture. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook the ingredients together for 10-15 minutes. Serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Lice-and-Mites-in-Canaries | How to Treat Lice and Mites in Canaries | To treat lice and mites in your canary, take it to your vet right away for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your vet will likely recommend an insecticide and a broad spectrum antiparasitic to treat the underlying infection. Once your canary begins treatment, keep an eye out for signs of recovery, like fewer lice or lice eggs, or less red dots from blood mites. Additionally, sterilize your canary's cage and supplies by washing everything in hot, soapy water and rinsing it with a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. | Take your canary to a veterinarian. If you suspect that your canary has a mite or lice infection, you should take it to be seen by a veterinarian. A veterinarian will be able to assess the situation, give you a definitive diagnosis, and lay out a plan for treatment. Lice and mite infections can be very uncomfortable for a canary, so you should have it seen by a veterinarian at the vet's next available appointment. Apply a bird-safe insecticide to your canary. Once your veterinarian has established what type of infection your canary has, they will suggest an insecticide to give to the bird. In some cases, such as a lice infection, the bird will be given a broad spectrum antiparasitic, such as carbaryl dust, pyrethrin spray, or ivermectin. Follow your veterinarian's advice about how to give your bird this medication, including how much and how often to apply them. For instance, you may need to give a measured amount of a 1% solution of ivermectin to your bird at 10 days, 20 days, and 30 days after the vet visit. Watch your canary for signs of continued infection. Once you have begun treatment, you should keep an eye on your bird for signs of recovery. Depending on whether your bird has a mite or lice infection, these signs will differ. If your bird has a blood mite infection, put a clean white paper towel in the bottom of your bird's cage every morning. As it recovers, you should see fewer and fewer red dots covering the bottom of the cage. If your bird has lice, you will need to inspect the bird's body on a regular basis to ensure that the lice have been eliminated. Look under the bird's wings and all around its body for lice or lice eggs. Move your canary to a clean cage. Once you have started treating the bird itself, you will also need to clean its cage. Move your canary to a different cage, so that you can clean its permanent cage from top to bottom. Typically, you should take your bird to the vet in a smaller cage, and you can keep it in that smaller cage temporarily while you clean the bigger cage. Sterilize the bird's infected cage and all supplies. Take the bird's cage apart and clean each individual piece. This includes not only the parts of the cage but all supplies inside. Cleaning your bird's food dishes, water dish, perches, and toys will help to eliminate the infection. Scrub everything with hot soapy water. Then everything should be rinsed with a mixture of one part bleach to ten parts water. Once you are finished cleaning your canary cage and supplies, allow them to dry before putting the cage back together. If you have a hard time cleaning certain items, such as toys with lots of nooks and crannies, consider throwing them out. Replacing them is a better idea than risking reinfection because they can't be cleaned properly. Place insecticide in the cage. If you are having a persistent problem with mites or lice, you may want to apply an insecticide to the bottom of your bird's cage or to your bird's water. Over-the-counter insecticides, such as Sevin Dust, can keep parasites from surviving at the bottom of your canary cage when it is applied to the cage floor. You can place other products in your bird's water, such as Avian Insect Liquidation, which keep parasites at bay when the bird ingests them. Products such as Sevin Dust are typically available at your local garden center. Avian Insect Liquidation can be supplied by your veterinarian. Keep your bird's cage clean. Cleaning your bird's cage regularly is central to keeping your birds parasite free. It removes their waste, excess food, and any other germs and bacteria that accumulates on the bird's supplies. Take the time to do light cleaning every day, such as changing the paper at the bottom of your bird's cage. However, be sure to do a thorough cleaning of the cage, top to bottom, every week. You should regularly sterilize your bird's cage, perches, toys, food dishes, water dish, and nesting areas. Give your bird the ability to bathe. In addition to cleaning your bird's cage, you should allow it to clean itself. Place a shallow dish of warm water at the bottom of your bird's cage every day. You can also provide a dish of Diatomaceous earth for your bird to bathe in to help eliminate lice and mites. If your canary doesn't jump on the chance to clean off in a shallow dish of water, consider misting it with warm water. Some birds just prefer this method of bathing. Eliminate areas in the cage where parasites can live. There are some parasites, such as blood mites, that can live in the cracks of cages and feed on your birds at night. In order to eliminate these parasites, you will need to fill any gaps or cracks that they can live in. Fill in little cracks and gaps with spackle and then paint the area with bird-safe paint. Get your bird regular veterinary care. Some parasites are difficult for owners to spot, so your veterinarian may be key in identifying an infection early on. If you get your bird regular veterinary care, the vet will be able to spot the infection before it compromises your bird's health completely. If you bring your canary in for an annual exam your veterinarian will do an overall health assessment in order to spot the signs of infection. | Take your canary to a veterinarian. Apply a bird-safe insecticide to your canary. Watch your canary for signs of continued infection. Move your canary to a clean cage. Sterilize the bird's infected cage and all supplies. Place insecticide in the cage. Keep your bird's cage clean. Give your bird the ability to bathe. Eliminate areas in the cage where parasites can live. Get your bird regular veterinary care. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Spiders-when-You-Have-Arachnophobia | How to Kill Spiders when You Have Arachnophobia | If you need to kill a spider but you have arachnophobia, vacuum the spider up and throw the bag into your outdoor garbage can. This way, you don't have to get close to the spider. Another easy way to get rid of a spider is by spraying it with bug spray. Even if the spray doesn't kill the spider, it will definitely slow down enough that you can squish it with your shoe or a fly swatter. If you use bug spray, make sure to clean up the area with soap and water after you throw the spider away or else the residue can cause dogs and children to get sick. Alternatively, you can ask someone to kill the spider for you if your arachnophobia is really bad. It might feel embarrassing, but a lot of people are afraid of spiders, so they'll probably understand. | Vacuum the spider up. One option for getting rid of the spider is to vacuum it up. If you have a bagless vacuum cleaner, take the spider in the vacuum's tube, and dump it in an outside trash can. If you have a vacuum cleaner with a bag, throw the bag in an outdoor trash can. It is important that you empty the vacuum cleaner. Don't just put it back in the closet. If the spider survived being vacuumed up, it may simply crawl out the way it came in. Use bug spray. Another easy way to kill a spider from a distance is to spray the spider with bug spray. Many brands have created aerosol foams that can spray several feet. In most cases, spraying the spider with a bug spray will kill it, but even if it doesn't for some reason, it will definitely slow the spider down a lot. Then you can easily squish it with something without having to worry that it is going to run at you. Be careful with bug sprays, though. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the spray. Clean the area where you have sprayed thoroughly, especially if you have pets or young children that could come in contact with the residue left behind. Always store the spray in a safe place that cannot be reached by children or pets. Make sure to clean up the dead spider and throw it in the trash. This is especially important if you have pets that could come along and eat the dead spider. The bug spray could make your pet very sick, or it could even kill them. Smash the spider. Perhaps one of the most common ways to kill a spider is to smash it. You can use whatever you have handy. A shoe, a phone book, a newspaper, or anything that you can bring down quickly and easily on top of the spider. A broom with a long handle can also work to smash the spider from a reasonable distance. Be careful, with this method of killing a spider you risk missing the spider or simply injuring it. If you smash it, make sure you smash it a few times until you are certain it is dead. Clean up the dead spider with a big wad of tissues. Freeze the spider. This may seem strange, but it turns out that this may be the most humane way to kill a spider. Catch the spider with a jar or other object that you can put a lid on. Place the spider in your freezer overnight. Since spiders experience cooling normally in the winter, it will not be unusual. The next day, you can fill the jar with alcohol, which will make sure the spider doesn't come back to life after it thaws out. Flush the spider down the toilet. You can catch the spider easily by placing the jar over the top of the spider. Slide something thin between the floor (or wall) and the top of the jar (a postcard works well). Flip the jar so that it is right side up, and take the lid in one hand. Pull the card off the top of the jar and quickly screw the lid on. Ask someone to do it for you. If you have arachnophobia, the most obvious way to get rid of the spider is to have someone else take care of it for you. If you see a spider, ask someone who lives with you if they can get rid of the spider for you. Go into another room while they are getting rid of the spider if it is making you feel like you are going to panic. You can even ask a neighbor to help you. This may be embarrassing, but if trying to deal with the spider on your own is unbearable, it's a viable option. Consider leaving it alone. Although you may be afraid of them, spiders play an important role in ecosystems. They eat bugs that might otherwise infest your house. In general, they want you to leave them alone as much as you want them to leave you alone. If the spider isn't bothering you, and you can function with it around, let it be. The spider will probably be looking for a way out of your house. This is because spiders actually don't do well in houses. Spiders need lots of bugs to eat, and they prefer a moist environment. Consider leaving a window or door open, and the spider may find its own way out. Leave the window/door open. Most spiders don't do well in homes because they don't have enough to eat and there is not enough moisture. If you have a door or window in the room that the spider is in, try leaving the door or window open for a while to see if the spider will find its own way out. If you can't stand to look at the spider, just leave the door/window open and leave the room for a few hours. By the time you come back, the spider will probably have found its way out. Catch the spider. This is probably the most common method of getting a spider out of your home without killing it. All you have to do is place something over the top of the spider. Slide a piece of thin cardboard between the lid and the floor (or wall) and then take the spider outside and let it go. A big drinking glass works well. Make sure that the cardboard is not too flimsy. You want the cardboard to be strong enough that you can keep it pressed directly against the lip of the glass. Chase the spider outside. If the spider is already near an open window or door, you might be able to direct the spider out. If you are too afraid to get near it, try using something with a long handle (a broom works well) to gently nudge the spider in the direction of the door. Do this subtly. If you are too aggressive you will probably scare the spider. This might make the spider run frantically (and if you're unlucky, in the wrong direction — toward you!) to get away from the broom. Understand what kind of arachnophobia you have. If you have arachnophobia, you likely fall into one of two categories: a monitor or a blunter. A monitor will search the environment (car, clothes, house, etc.) for a spider. When they find a spider, they will carefully monitor the movements of the spider to make sure it is not coming near them. A blunter, on the other hand, will do whatever they can to avoid seeing a spider. If they do see a spider, they will try to pretend that it is not there. If you are a blunter, it will probably be more difficult for you to deal with the spider because you don't even want to acknowledge that it is there. In some cases, a blunter may also be referred to as, “an avoider.” Think about why you are afraid of spiders. What is it about spiders that leads to anxiety? Did you have a traumatic experience at some point in your life? Have you heard stories, or is it simply the way they look? Identifying what it is that scares you about a spider may help you to deal with that fear. If you have a very strong phobia, you probably know that no amount of rationalization will help you overcome your fear. If you truly don't know where or why your fear originated, that is okay too. While it can provide some understanding, it isn't necessary in order to treat a phobia. Remind yourself that spiders are almost always harmless. There are very few spiders in the world that are actually aggressive, and most will only bite if they feel threatened. Although it may hurt a bit, even venomous spiders typically cannot inject enough venom to do any significant damage to a healthy human being. A spider will do its best to stay out of your sight if it can. Many spiders aren't even able to penetrate human skin. If you do get bit by a venomous spider clean the wound with mild soap and running water. Apply a cool compress to the affected area. If you feel any discomfort, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication. In the United States, the two venomous spiders to watch out for are the black widow spider and the brown recluse. A black widow spider can be identified by the red hourglass marking on its underside. The brown recluse spider is brown and has a violin-shaped marking on its back. If you believe that you've been bitten by one, or are experiencing severe pain, stomach cramps, or an ulcer at the site of the bite, you should seek medical care. Learn about spiders. You may be able to overcome your fear of spiders by simply learning about spiders. Some of your fear may be related to things that you've heard that aren't necessarily true. Taking time to learn about the fascinating lives of spiders may make you realize that they are not out to get you and, in fact, play an important role in ecosystems. For example, spiders play a very important role in controlling insect populations. Without spiders, we would likely face a shortage of food. Spider venom may also be useful in treating medical conditions. Scientists are also learning about spider silk and how we might be able to use it for our own purposes. This is because spider silk is exceptionally strong. Seek professional help. If you feel that your arachnophobia is causing real problems in your life, you might want to consider seeking help from a mental health professional. With the right therapy, you may be able to overcome your phobia completely. Therapists commonly use a process known as systematic desensitization to help people overcome their phobias by exposing them gradually to the thing that they are afraid of. It is also becoming more common to use virtual reality to help people overcome their phobias. | Vacuum the spider up. Use bug spray. Smash the spider. Freeze the spider. Ask someone to do it for you. Consider leaving it alone. Leave the window/door open. Catch the spider. Chase the spider outside. Understand what kind of arachnophobia you have. Think about why you are afraid of spiders. Remind yourself that spiders are almost always harmless. Learn about spiders. Seek professional help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Honey-Water | How to Make Honey Water | To make honey water, start by boiling 1 cup of water on the stove or in your microwave. Then, pour the water into a mug and let it cool a bit, so it's warm but not hot. Next, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey, and stir until it's dissolved. Finally, taste the honey water, add a little more honey if you want it sweeter, and enjoy! | Boil some water. You use a kettle or the microwave to do this. Try to use distilled or tap water, if you can, as ordinary tap water contains too many minerals and chemicals. If you are using the microwave, heat it for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the water into a mug and let it cool a little. Ideally, the water should be warm. It can be hot, but it should not boiling. Adding honey to boiling-hot water will destroy the good enzymes in honey that make it so healthy. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 grams) of honey into the mug. If you don't have a very big sweet tooth, use only 1 tablespoon (15 grams). Stir the honey until it dissolves. Use the same spoon that you measured the honey with. This way, you won't waste any honey. Taste the honey water, and add more honey, if needed. The honey will make the water very sweet, but you might like your water even sweeter. Keep in mind that the honey is only supposed to lightly flavor the water. You don't want to drink something that is practically pure honey. Drink the honey water while it is still warm. This will allow you to get the most benefits out of the honey. One of the most notable benefits of honey is soothing a sore throat. Add some lemon to sooth sore throats and other cold symptoms. Fill a mug with one-half to one cup (120 to 240 milliliters) of warm water. Stir in 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of honey. Taste the water. Add more warm water if needed. Many people find that honey water with lemon helps them feel better when they have a cold. Try some cinnamon. Add one teaspoon (five grams) of cinnamon to a mug. Cover it with one cup (240 milliliters) of hot water and stir. Wait 15 minutes, then stir in one tablespoon (15 grams) of honey, and enjoy. Add some ginger and lemon. Cut a one inch (2.54 centimeters) segment of ginger into thin slices. Place these slices into a cup, and add 1 cup (240 milliliters) of hot water. Let the ginger steep for five minutes. Fill another mug with one tablespoon (15 milliliters) of lemon juice, and one teaspoon (five grams) of honey. Pour the ginger water through a strainer over the honey and lemon. Discard the ginger slices, and stir the honey lemon mixture with a spoon. If the water is not sweet enough for you, add a little more honey. For an added kick, add one ounce (30 milliliters) of whiskey. Some people find that this drink helps soothe cold and flu symptoms. Freeze the honey water in an ice cube tray, and use it as ice cubes in your iced drinks. These ice cubes will sweeten your drink as they melt, without diluting the flavor too much. They are perfect for lemonades and iced teas. If you will be using these ice cubes in lemonade, consider adding a squeeze of lemon into the honey water before you freeze it. Make iced honey water. Prepare some regular honey water first. Next, fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the warm honey water over the ice. Stir the iced honey water, and enjoy it before the ice melts. Pouring a warm drink into a new glass, over ice, helps it cool faster as opposed to just dumping a lot of ice cubes into the warm drink. | Boil some water. Pour the water into a mug and let it cool a little. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 grams) of honey into the mug. Stir the honey until it dissolves. Taste the honey water, and add more honey, if needed. Drink the honey water while it is still warm. Add some lemon to sooth sore throats and other cold symptoms. Try some cinnamon. Add some ginger and lemon. Freeze the honey water in an ice cube tray, and use it as ice cubes in your iced drinks. Make iced honey water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Water-Instantly | How to Freeze Water Instantly | To freeze water instantly, first, create a salt and ice water mixture by packing a bucket or cooler half full of ice and adding just enough water to allow the ice cubes to move. Next, toss in 2 cups of rock salt for every 10 pounds of ice and mix with a large spoon. Once you have your mixture, let it sit for about 30 minutes, or until it gets to about 27 degrees Fahrenheit. If it doesn't drop below that temperature, mix in another cup of rock salt. As your mixture continues to cool, pour purified or distilled water in plastic water bottles and place the bottles in your bucket without them touching each other. Avoid using tap water, since the impurities will ruin the supercooling process. Keep monitoring the temperature until it reaches about 17 degrees Fahrenheit. When it does, grab a bottle and tap it against a hard surface, as this will cause ice crystals to form at the top of the bottle and creep down to the bottom. | Pack your bucket or cooler about half full of ice. Your bucket or cooler should be large enough to hold both bottles of water without them touching each other. It should also be tall enough for the salt and ice water mixture to cover the water in your bottles. Check if your bucket is large enough by putting both water bottles in it while it's still empty. You'll be adding the water bottles after you create the salt and ice water mixture. Pour in enough water to allow the ice cubes to move. Slowly add tap water from a sink or faucet. You should add enough so that the ice cubes can move more easily, but they should not float to the surface of the water. You should have more ice than water in your bucket or cooler. Add 2 cups (600 g) of rock salt for every 10 lb (4.5 kg) of ice. Mix the rock salt into the ice water slowly using a large spoon or ladle. Mixing should be easy enough with the amount of water that you added to your ice. Allow the temperature to reach 27 °F (−3 °C). Use your thermometer to check the temperature after about 30 minutes. It should be below the freezing point of water. If it hasn't dropped below that temperature, add 1 cup (300 g) of salt and mix. Place the water bottles carefully in the ice water. Once your mixture is ready, add the water bottles. Make sure they don't touch each other, which could make them freeze early. You can use all kinds of water: purified, distilled, spring, or deionized. Don't use glass bottles, which can burst. Don't use tap water. Ice crystals can form around impurities in tap water, which will ruin the supercooling process. Allow the temperature to drop to 17 °F (−8 °C). Monitor your mixture with a thermometer over the next half hour to an hour until it reaches this temperature. Make sure the water in the bottles has not frozen. If the water has frozen, let the bottle thaw before trying again from the beginning. Tap a water bottle firmly against a hard surface. You can hit the ground, kitchen counter, or table. Ice crystals will form at the top of the bottle and creep down to the bottom. Open the cap of your second water bottle, and it will freeze the same way without being tapped. The motion of unscrewing the cap on the second bottle is enough to set off the ice crystals. If the water doesn't freeze, tap it more firmly. If that does not work, return it to the ice water mixture and let it cool for another 30 minutes before trying again. | Pack your bucket or cooler about half full of ice. Pour in enough water to allow the ice cubes to move. Add 2 cups (600 g) of rock salt for every 10 lb (4.5 kg) of ice. Allow the temperature to reach 27 °F (−3 °C). Place the water bottles carefully in the ice water. Allow the temperature to drop to 17 °F (−8 °C). Tap a water bottle firmly against a hard surface. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Put-Fake-Blood-on-a-Shirt | How to Put Fake Blood on a Shirt | Fake blood on your shirt can really take your costume to the next level, and applying it is a breeze with a few simple supplies you probably have lying around the house. If you don't already have fake blood, mix corn syrup, chocolate milk, and red food coloring to make your own. Then, hang the shirt you want to cover on a clothes hanger or lay it on a flat surface over some newspaper. This can get a little messy, so you might want to work outside. One option is to pour or toss the fake blood onto your shirt using a cup, which will give you big drips and splatters. Or, you can smear the blood onto your shirt with your fingers for a creepier look and use a cotton swab to add finer details. You can also fill a spray bottle with fake blood and mist your shirt or flick the blood onto your shirt using a paint brush. | Buy a fake blood or create some yourself. You can make your own fake blood by mixing corn syrup, chocolate milk, and red food coloring. If you don't feel like making your own, you can simply purchase fake blood online or from a costume store. Washable fake blood is easier to work with since you can wash it off of your skin and clothes. However, permanent fake blood tends to more accurately resemble real blood. It's really up to you to determine which kind you want to use. Pick lighter shirts that will contrast well with the blood. A black or red shirt isn't going to showcase your fake blood very well. Choose a white shirt for maximum effect. Alternatively, you can use a yellow, light blue, or patterned shirt that is mostly white. If you're using purchased fake blood, read the label to see if it will wash out. If it won't, use a shirt that you don't mind throwing out. Put a drop cloth under your shirt or work outside. If it's nice outside and it isn't particularly windy, take your shirt out to your yard and find a secluded area to work. If you want to apply your blood indoors, put a thick drop cloth down under your shirt before you get to work. Alternatively, you can layer trash bags under the shirt to avoid splashing it all over the place. If the fake blood can be washed out, you can apply it in a bathtub or shower and simply rinse the excess blood off after you're done. This process can get messy and you may end up staining a floor or table if you don't put something underneath your shirt. Use a combination of fake blood colors for a more dynamic look. If you're putting a basic Halloween costume together, feel free to stick with a single shade of fake blood. If you're going for a more impressive look, use 2-3 shades of different fake bloods to create realistic or scary combinations. If you're working with homemade fake blood, you can simply alter the color as you work. Mix in chocolate syrup to make the blood darker or add more water to thin it out. If you want to work in layers, start with the lightest shade and work your way to the darker colors. Spot test your blood on a dirty shirt to see how it will look. If you aren't sure what your fake blood is going to look like and it's washable, spot test the blood on a dirty white shirt or sock. If the fake blood stains, dab a little on a paper towel to get a rough idea of how it will turn out. This will make it easier to determine what your shirt will look like when you're done. Spot test washable blood on a dirty item of clothing so that you don't add to your laundry pile. You can spot test on a clean shirt if you'd like, though. Hang your shirt on a hanger or clothing line to apply paint vertically. If you want to pour blood on to the shirt to make drips, you need to hang the shirt vertically. If you're working indoors, put the shirt on a hanger and hold it over your drop cloth or hang it from a hook or curtain rod. If you're working outdoors, use clothespins to hang the shirt from a clothes line. Pour the blood from a cup to make drips or add a lot of blood at once. Grab a small cup with a spout and fill it with some of your fake blood. Hold the spout of the cup over the top of your shirt and slowly pour it over the clothing. You can pour directly on the neckline and shoulders to start your drips from the top of your shirt, or start lower to add it to the chest or back. This is a great choice if you're using a fake knife or tearing your shirt a little to simulate a wound. The drips will make it look like the blood is leaking out of the injury. Tilt the cup over extremely slowly to ensure that you don't waste any of your blood. You can use a watering can instead of a cup for a more textured pattern. Toss a small amount out of a cup at an angle for splatters. Grab a small cup and fill it with a small amount of blood. Stand at the angle you want the blood to splatter and lob the paint at the shirt. You can lob it underhand for a smoother splatter, or toss it quickly to make it splash everywhere. This is great for a zombie outfit or if you want to look like you were in a crash or fight. If you don't care about blood soaking through your shirt, you can do this with the shirt laid flat. Drip blood from 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m) above to add smaller droplets. For a more controlled look, lay your shirt out flat. Add a small amount of blood to a cup with a spout. Hold the cup above your shirt and tilt it until the fake blood is barely under the lip of the cup. Then, tilt the cup slightly forward, let a small drop of blood fall, and tilt the cup back up. Move the cup as needed to apply smaller droplets of blood. This is great for adding details or layering other colors of blood on top of lighter colors. You can use a dropper bottle or turkey baster for more control, but these items can be difficult to clean out and you may not have them laying around your home. This is easier to do with thin fake bloods. Lay your shirt out flat on your drop cloth or work surface. Before you apply blood directly to your shirt, lay it out flat on your work surface. Pull the corners of the shirt away from the center and smooth any wrinkles out with your palm. If the shirt is still wet from other layers of blood, do this carefully and avoid touching the wet areas. Blot your shirt with a sponge or soft cloth to add texture. To apply blood by hand, grab a soft washcloth or dry sponge. Pour a little fake blood in a bowl. Then, dip the cloth or sponge in a bowl. Apply the sponge or cloth directly to your shirt. Either dab the sponge or cloth to add texture, or drag it across the shirt to smear the blood. Use your fingers to smear the blood by hand for a creepier look. Put some rubber gloves on to protect your hands if you're using a permanent fake blood. Fill a small bowl with your fake blood. Dip your fingertips into the blood and spread them over your shirt. Drag your fingers to add smear marks like someone was trying to grab on to your shirt. Alternatively, you can dip your entire palm into the blood and press it into the shirt for a more ominous touch. This is perfect if you want to add a little character to your shirt. A few smeared finger marks or bloody handprint is sure to send shivers down a few spines! Dip a cotton swab in the fake blood and use it to add small details. For really small marks and controlled writing, grab a cotton swab. Dip the head of the cotton swab in your fake blood and hold it like a pencil. Then, use the head of the cotton swab to make small marks or lines. Reload the head of the cotton swab as needed once the cotton dries out. This is the best way to feather out harsh lines, write small messages, or apply minor corrections to other blood you have added. You can use a paint brush instead of a cotton swab for larger marks. Use a spray bottle to mist your shirt with fake blood. Get an empty spray bottle and fill it up with fake blood. Hang your shirt from a hanger or clothes line. Turn your nozzle to the widest setting and hold it 8–24 inches (20–61 cm) from the shirt depending on how dark you want the blood to appear. Pull the trigger to spray the shirt. Work your way around the shirt to apply the blood. You can also use a thinner nozzle setting for more concentrated bursts of blood. This is a great way to cover your shirt a light layer of blood before adding heavier layers. Really thick blood may not come out of a spray bottle. If you're worried about spilling when you pour the blood into the bottle, use a funnel. Load a paint brush with fake blood and flick it to add small sprays. For smaller splatters and details, grab a 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) flat brush. Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Fill a small bowl with a little blood and dip the tip of your paintbrush in the blood. Then, hold the brush 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) away from the shirt. Tap the tip of the brush where the bristles begin to add drops. For larger splatters, pull the bristles back and then let them snap forward to add controlled splatters. You can do this with your shirt hanging vertically or laying flat. If you flick the bristles, put on a smock or old shirt on. The bristles can cause paint to snap back sometimes when you flick them. Use a toothbrush to add exceptionally small splatters. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and lay your shirt flat. Grab a clean toothbrush and dip it in your small bowl of fake blood. Hold the brush 1–4 inches (2.5–10.2 cm) above the shirt. Turn the brush so that the bristles are pointing down. Then, use your finger to rub the bristles and send blood spraying out of the toothbrush's bristles. This is perfect for feathering out large splatters and giving them a more realistic look. | Buy a fake blood or create some yourself. Pick lighter shirts that will contrast well with the blood. Put a drop cloth under your shirt or work outside. Use a combination of fake blood colors for a more dynamic look. Spot test your blood on a dirty shirt to see how it will look. Hang your shirt on a hanger or clothing line to apply paint vertically. Pour the blood from a cup to make drips or add a lot of blood at once. Toss a small amount out of a cup at an angle for splatters. Drip blood from 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m) above to add smaller droplets. Lay your shirt out flat on your drop cloth or work surface. Blot your shirt with a sponge or soft cloth to add texture. Use your fingers to smear the blood by hand for a creepier look. Dip a cotton swab in the fake blood and use it to add small details. Use a spray bottle to mist your shirt with fake blood. Load a paint brush with fake blood and flick it to add small sprays. Use a toothbrush to add exceptionally small splatters. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Thai-Iced-Coffee | How to Make Thai Iced Coffee | If you want to make quick Thai iced coffee, mix water, instant coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and cardamom in a large pitcher. Stir the mixture with a long spoon to make sure it's completely combined. Once the coffee granules have dissolved, fill 4 tall glasses with ice, then pour the coffee mixture over the ice and add half and half to each one, then serve and enjoy! | Place the coffee powder in a filter over a saucepan. Traditional Thai coffee actually uses a blend of ground coffee beans, corn, and soybeans. Place 2 tablespoons (26 g) of Thai coffee powder in a stainless steel muslin coffee filter that's fitted over a small saucepan. You can find Thai coffee at Asian grocery stores or online retailers. Spill boiling water over the coffee in the filter and drain it into a second pan. With the coffee in the filter, pour 2 cups (473 ml) of boiling water through the filter. Lift the filter from the pan and move it to a second saucepan, allowing the liquid to drain fully. Move the filter quickly to the second pot to avoid spilling any of the coffee. Pour the liquid back through the filter and into the original saucepan. Once all of the liquid has passed through the filter, move the filter back to the original saucepan. Pour the coffee from the second pan through the filter, so it winds up in the original pan. Repeat the process with the second saucepan. When you've filtered the coffee back into original saucepan, move the filter back to the second pan. Pour the coffee from the first pan through the filter again, collecting it in the second pan. Add sugar to a glass. To mix the iced coffee, you'll need a tall glass. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons (25 to 38 g) of granulated sugar in the bottom of the glass, depending on how sweet you like your coffee. You can use a sugar substitute in place of the sugar if you prefer. Mix some coffee and creamer into the glass. With the sugar in the glass, pour some of the coffee that you filtered in, along with half and half to taste. Stir the mixture together well. You can substitute any creamer than you like for the half and half. Even with the added sugar, some people prefer sweetened condensed milk. Transfer the coffee to a large mug with crushed ice. Once the coffee is mixed with the sugar and creamer, fill a large, wide mug with crushed ice. Pour the coffee mixture over it, add a straw, and serve immediately. You should have enough coffee to make 2 to 3 Thai iced coffees. Grind the coffee beans and cardamom pods together. Add ¾ cup (51 g) of French roast or another dark roast coffee beans and 5 green cardamom pods to a coffee grinder. Pulse the mixture until it's finely ground, which should take approximately 15 seconds. You can find green cardamom pods at Asian grocery stores, spice markets, and many general grocery stores. Online retailers also sell it. If you don't have a coffee grinder, you can use your blender to grind the coffee mixture. Place the coffee mixture in a drip coffee maker and brew it. Once the coffee beans and cardamom are ground together, add the mixture to the filter of a drip coffee maker. Next, fill the top of the coffee machine with water and brew the coffee according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour the coffee into a pitcher and allow to cool. When the coffee is brewed, transfer it to a large heatproof pitcher. Let it sit out until it reaches room temperature, which should take about 30 to 60 minutes. Chill the coffee for at least 2 hours. Once the coffee reaches room temperature, place the pitcher in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Add some coffee and condensed milk to a glass. To make a serving of the coffee, pour approximately ⅓ cup (79 ml) into a glass. Add a tablespoon (19 g) of sweetened condensed milk to the coffee, and mix the two to combine. Top the coffee with ice and serve. When the coffee and sweetened condensed milk are mixed, add some crushed ice to the glass. Stir the mixture again, and serve immediately. You'll have enough coffee to make 12 servings of Thai iced coffee. Mix the water, instant coffee, condensed milk, and cardamom. Add 2 cups (473 ml) of cold water, 2 to 3 tablespoons (12 to 18 g) of instant coffee granules that have been dissolved in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of boiling water, ⅓ cup (102 g) of sweetened condensed milk, and ⅛ teaspoon (¼ g) of ground cardamom to a large pitcher. Stir well to ensure that the ingredients are fully combined. You can adjust the amount of instant coffee you use based on how strong you like your brew. Add ice to four glasses. When the coffee mixture is combined, set out four tall glasses. Fill each with as much ice as you'd like. Pour the coffee mixture over the ice and add half and half. Divide the coffee mixture between the four glasses. Next, top each glass with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of half and half and serve immediately. The recipe makes enough for 4 Thai iced coffees. | Place the coffee powder in a filter over a saucepan. Spill boiling water over the coffee in the filter and drain it into a second pan. Pour the liquid back through the filter and into the original saucepan. Repeat the process with the second saucepan. Add sugar to a glass. Mix some coffee and creamer into the glass. Transfer the coffee to a large mug with crushed ice. Grind the coffee beans and cardamom pods together. Place the coffee mixture in a drip coffee maker and brew it. Pour the coffee into a pitcher and allow to cool. Chill the coffee for at least 2 hours. Add some coffee and condensed milk to a glass. Top the coffee with ice and serve. Mix the water, instant coffee, condensed milk, and cardamom. Add ice to four glasses. Pour the coffee mixture over the ice and add half and half. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-High-Alkaline-Phosphatase | How to Treat High Alkaline Phosphatase | To treat high alkaline phosphatase, or ALP, check to see if any medications that you're taking have a side effect of raising ALP levels. If you aren't taking medications that can raise your ALP levels, try to eliminate foods high in zinc from your diet, such as beef and spinach, since zinc can increase ALP levels. In addition to eating more zinc, try eating foods that are high in copper, like asparagus, lentils, and dried apricots, which work to lower the levels of ALP. You should also incorporate exercise that fits your physical ability into your routine to improve your overall health. Also, try to get at least 20 minutes of sunlight a day to increase your vitamin D, which lowers ALP. If you experience bone pain or weakness, talk to your doctor. | Control the disease or condition which is causing your high ALP. ALP is typically the symptom of a different health condition. So, to reduce your ALP, you'll need to control the underlying condition. High ALP can be caused by conditions as varied as a vitamin D deficiency and bone disorders. For example, if your doctor figures out that your high ALP rates are being caused by liver disease, they'll prescribe you a medication to deal with the liver disease. The high ALP will normalize on its own after the liver disease has been dealt with. Figure out if medications are causing high levels of ALP. Certain prescription medications have a side effect of raising ALP levels. Your doctor will likely ask you to stop taking one or more of these medications for a pre-determined amount of time (e.g., a week), and then to come back to the office for another blood test. If your ALP levels have not decreased, you may need to take a week off from a different medication, to see if that has an effect on your ALP. Medications that can lead to high ALP levels include: Birth control pills and hormonal drugs. Antidepressants and anti-inflammatory medicines. Various steroids and narcotics. Stop or switch out medications as necessary. In some cases, you may not be able to safely stop taking a prescription medication altogether. If you and your doctor have determined that a specific medication is giving you high ALP, work with your doctor to find an effective replacement medication. Many prescription medications will require you to slowly reduce your dosage over time. Stopping cold-turkey may result in unpleasant side effects. For example, if your current antidepressant is raising your ALP levels, ask your doctor if they can write you a prescription for a different antidepressant. On the other hand, your doctor will probably recommend that you stop using steroids and narcotics altogether. If you're taking these products for pain management, ask your doctor to recommend a safe alternative that will not impact your ALP levels. Whether you're stopping medications temporarily or permanently, be sure to only do so under a doctor's supervision. Eliminate foods high in zinc from your diet. Zinc is a structural element of the ALP enzyme. Consequently, cutting out zinc-high foods from your diet will automatically decrease the amount of ALP in your body. Read the “Ingredients” list on a food product if you're not sure how much zinc it contains. Foods that contain large amounts of zinc include: Lamb and mutton. Beef and pumpkin seeds. Oysters and spinach. Adult women should avoid consuming more than 8 milligrams (0.0080 g) of zinc daily, and Adult men should avoid consuming more than 11 milligrams (0.011 g). Eat foods that are high in copper. Copper is important in regulating the body's enzyme levels, and has been shown to help decrease high levels of ALP. Foods that are rich in copper include: Sunflower seeds and almonds. Lentils and asparagus. Dried apricots and dark chocolate. Adults over 19 years of age should avoid consuming more than 10 milligrams (0.010 g) of copper daily. Incorporate foods that will help control enzyme levels. Certain types of food will encourage a healthy ALP level in your body. Speak to your doctor if you have any dietary concerns or restrictions, or would like more information about which foods can help moderate ALP levels in your body. Eat foods that will help regulate your body's enzyme levels and that contain low levels of ALP. These include: Dairy products like milk, eggs, yogurt, and cheese. Fish like herring, tuna, and mackerel. Alfalfa and mushrooms. Increase your exposure to the sun. Since vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common causes of high ALP, your doctor will likely ask you to find a way to raise your vitamin D levels. When your skin comes into contact with sunlight, your body produces vitamin D. Try to spend at least 20 minutes in the sun on a daily basis to help lower your ALP. This could mean taking bi-weekly trips to the swimming pool, or sunning yourself on the beach or your lawn. Or, wear short sleeves and take a 30-minute walk when the sun is shining. It's always a good idea to wear sunscreen when spending time in direct sunlight. The sunscreen will not interfere with the amount of vitamin D that your body produces. If you live in an area where it's inconvenient to receive direct sun exposure (or if it's winter), your doctor may suggest that you take vitamin D capsules. Incorporate an exercise routine into your weekly agenda. Living a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise or work-outs, will help prevent or diminish the type of health conditions that will give rise to high ALP. You can start exercising by taking a 30-minute walk or jog each day. Also consider joining a local gym, or finding a nearby spin or yoga class to take. Conditions that lead to high ALP and can be improved through exercise include a fatty liver and conditions related to liver inflammation and bile blockage. Tailor your exercise program to fit your physical abilities. For many people with high ALP, the condition is caused by a serious illness like diabetes, heart or bone disease, or hypertension. People with these conditions may not be physically able to perform regular gym workouts or other strenuous tasks. While it's still important to have an exercise regimen, tailor this to your physical abilities. For suggestions about viable types of exercise, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can also advise you as to whether or not your body is healthy enough for a specific type of exercise. In some cases, your doctor may refer you to work with a physical therapist. Tell your doctor about any bone pain or weakness. Many of the underlying causes of high ALP are related to problems with your bones. Symptoms of these conditions include continual pain in your bones, or multiple bone fractures. Bone conditions which can lead to high ALP include: Osteomalacia: a medical condition which causes the bones to weaken. Renal osteodystrophy: a condition in which bones lack sufficient mineralization. Malignant bone tumors. Schedule an appointment for blood work to measure your liver enzymes. In the blood test, your doctor will use a syringe to draw a small amount of blood from your arm. The blood will then be sent to a laboratory for enzyme-level testing. This will allow your doctor to detect high ALP. Ask your doctor if there are any ways you can prepare beforehand for the liver-function test. Your doctor will likely ask you to avoid certain foods or medications. The results for your bloodwork should take several days, maybe up to a week. Physical symptoms that indicate you may need to receive a liver screening include severe abdominal pain, dark urine or bloody stool, frequent nausea or vomiting, and yellow-looking skin and eyes. Ask your doctor about undergoing a cancer screening. If your high ALP isn't related to a medical issue with your bones or a liver disease, it may be caused by a form of cancer. Your doctor may be able to detect cancer through blood work. In most cases, however, you'll need to undergo a biopsy in order to determine if you have a form of cancer. Types of cancer that can cause high ALP include: Breast or colon cancer. Lung or pancreatic cancer. Lymphoma (cancer of the blood cells) or Leukemia (cancer of bone marrow). | Control the disease or condition which is causing your high ALP. Figure out if medications are causing high levels of ALP. Stop or switch out medications as necessary. Eliminate foods high in zinc from your diet. Eat foods that are high in copper. Incorporate foods that will help control enzyme levels. Increase your exposure to the sun. Incorporate an exercise routine into your weekly agenda. Tailor your exercise program to fit your physical abilities. Tell your doctor about any bone pain or weakness. Schedule an appointment for blood work to measure your liver enzymes. Ask your doctor about undergoing a cancer screening. |
https://www.wikihow.fitness/Do-a-Bench-Dip | How to Do a Bench Dip | To do a bench dip, start by sitting on the edge of a bench, gripping the bench with your hands facing out, and lifting your butt off the bench. Then, slowly lower your body by bending your elbows until your arms are parallel to the ground. Push back up. Repeat the exercise for 10-15 reps at first and try to do 2 or 3 sets. Alternatively, to make the exercise more challenging, elevate your feet. | Find a bench to use for your bench dips. A regular exercise bench is preferred, but you can also use a wide chair or your couch if you don't have access to an exercise bench. Make sure that whatever you're using for a bench is at least as wide is your shoulders and is absolutely stable. All gyms have exercise benches, and they can also be purchased online or at most fitness stores or big box stores. You will be placing all your weight on one side of the bench, so make sure that whatever you use, it will not tip over. Grip the edge of your bench with your hands. Place your hands onto the edge of your bench, one hand on each side of your hips. Your palms should be down, fingertips pointing forward and towards the floor, and thumbs next to your hips. Lift your butt off of the bench. Use your arms to push your butt up and off the bench. Firmly grip the edge of the bench as you straighten your arms and extend your legs forward so that your knees are no longer bent. Walk your feet out slightly so that your butt is in front of the bench. This will be your starting position. Try a more difficult version of a bench dip. To increase difficulty, do this exercise with your feet propped up on another exercise bench or chair instead of the floor. This will add more weight for your triceps to lift, resulting in a more intense workout. Make sure that the other bench or chair that you prop your feet on is sturdy, otherwise it could flip over. Slowly lower your body by bending your elbows. Inhale as you lower your body towards the floor, and stop once your upper arms are parallel to the floor. You should have a right angle between your upper arms and the forearms, and your butt should be a few inches off the ground. Keep the elbows pointing backwards, instead of out to the side, throughout the movement. Your forearms should always be perpendicular to the floor. If you are a beginner, start by reducing how far you lower yourself. This will allow your shoulders' connective tissues (tendons and ligaments) to build up strength as well, so they can, in time and with practice, eventually support the full range of motion down to a 90 degree bend. Push yourself back up to starting position. Straighten your arms to slowly lift your torso back up and into starting position. Your legs should remain still. Once you've reached starting position, you will have completed one repetition of a bench dip. Make sure you keep your shoulders back and squared. The shoulders will want to roll forward, but this puts them at risk for injury. Engage the rhomboids before you start by pulling your shoulder blades together in the back. This will help keep the shoulder in a safe position. Repeat the exercise. You should try to do 10 to 15 repetitions of this exercise per set. Start off by doing two sets of bench dips in each of your workouts. Once you feel you can complete that with ease, move on to three sets of 10 to 15 reps, and then on to four sets. This should be challenging, but not impossible. If it is too easy, then you should increase your number of repetitions or sets. Do bench dips two to three days per week. In order to start seeing results in your triceps, aim to add bench dips to your workouts two to three days per week. Stick with this workout regimen for a minimum of six to eight weeks. For faster results, increase the number of sets and/or times per week you do this exercise. Bench dips are a great addition to any workout, so don't stop doing them after six to eight weeks. If you don't want your triceps to bulk up, start doing your bench dips less often after the six to eight week period. Give yourself a break. Weight lifting actually damages your muscles' fibers, which is what creates that sore feeling after workouts. This is why it's important for you to rest your muscles for 48 hours before returning to them. Those rest days are when your muscles rebuild — and when they get stronger. To do this, rotate your workouts. For example, do arm and chest exercises on Monday, leg and glute exercises on Tuesday, core and back exercises on Wednesday, back to arms and chest on Thursday, and back to legs and glutes on Friday. Track your progress. Sometimes working out can be discouraging if you feel like you're not seeing results. Since you look in the mirror every day, you won't see your progress like other people will. Consider documenting your progress with photos. Take a "before" photo at the beginning of your bench dip journey. Make sure the photo is taken from an angle that shows the body part (in this case, the back of your arms) that you're working on. Take photos every week from the same angle. Look through your collection of photos when you are feeling discouraged, and you'll be able to see the progress that you're making. | Find a bench to use for your bench dips. Grip the edge of your bench with your hands. Lift your butt off of the bench. Try a more difficult version of a bench dip. Slowly lower your body by bending your elbows. Push yourself back up to starting position. Repeat the exercise. Do bench dips two to three days per week. Give yourself a break. Track your progress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-Marathi | How to Learn Marathi | To learn Marathi, start by listening to music, and watching movies and TV shows in Marathi to begin immersing yourself in the language. Next, use free online language databases like FluentU and Livemocha to start learning key phrases. Then, consider going to italki.com to find an online tutor or signing up for a class at a college. If you're unable to find a class to attend, purchase a Marathi language textbook online or at a bookstore that you can study at your own pace. | Memorize the primary personal pronouns. Personal pronouns are extremely important in Marathi—in fact, they make up about 20% of ordinary daily exchanges. As such, they make a good starting point for learning the language. The most common pronouns in Marathi are: mi (I) tu (you) to (he) ti (she) te [m.]/ ya [f.] (they) aamhi / aapan (we) It's important to note that the language makes a distinction between the male and female forms of a pronoun. There is also a third, neutral gender case for most nouns called the neuter that typically ends in "e". In the neuter, a noun like the masculine " ghoda " (horse) becomes " ghode ," with no specified sex. Learn the indirect object form of each pronoun. The indirect object of a sentence receives the direct object or its effects. In the sentence "The cashier handed me the receipt," for instance, the direct object is "me." When used in their indirect object form, the primary pronouns become: mala (me) tula (you) tyala (him) tila (her) aamhala (us) te / tyana (them). Understand proper sentence structure. In Marathi, the subject of a sentence comes first, followed by the object and finally the verb. To say “I speak Marathi,” for example, you would say “ mi marathi bolto.” Arranging the sentence this way establishes a direct relationship between two things that are tied together by an action. Some other examples of the subject-object-verb structure include “ tine tyala patra lihile ” (“She wrote him a letter”) and “ to ingarji baolato ” (“He speaks English”). Familiarize yourself with common nouns. These words point to objects, places, directions, ideas, and anything else that can be either the subject or object of a sentence. There are countless nouns to learn, and they'll become more complex as your understanding of the language continues to improve. For now, concentrate on picking up elementary words, such as: “man” ( purush ) “woman” ( stri ) “cat” ( maanjr ) “house” ( ghr ) “shoes” ( but ) “breakfast” ( nyaahaari ) Get a few key phrases down. When learning any new language, it can help to begin with the kind of practical statements and questions that you might use on a daily basis. “ Tu kasa ashes ,” for example, means “How are you?” You might also want to be able to say “ mazha nav Carol ahe ” (“My name is Carol”), or “ mi America hon alo ” (“I am from America”). Other useful phrases include: " namaskar " ("Hello") " yeto " [m.]/" yete " [f.] ("Goodbye") " thumhala bhetun anandha jhala " ("Pleased to meet you") " abhari ahe " ("Thank you") " maf kara " ("Sorry") " mala samajatha nahi " ("I don't understand") “ punha sanga ” (“Please say that again”) “ sandas kuthe ahe ?” (“Where is the restroom?”) Study the Marathi alphabet. Marathi uses the Devanagari alphabet to render its consonant and vowel sounds into writing. There are 33 primary consonants and 9 vowel sounds, resulting in 297 possible pairings that can be combined to make longer words. The complete alphabet is as follows (the letters in brackets show the IAST transliteration into English): अ ("a") आ ("ā") इ ("i") ई "ī") उ ("u") ऊ ("ū") ऋ ("ṛ") ॠ ("ṝ") ऌ ("ḷ") ॡ ("ḹ") ए ("e") ऐ ("ai") ओ ("o") औ ("au") अं ("aṃ") अः ("aḥ") ॲ / ऍ ("ê") ऑ ("ô") क ("ka") ख ("kha") ग ("ga") घ ("gha") ङ ("ṅa") ह ("ha") च ("ca") छ ("cha") ज ("ja") झ ("jha") ञ ("ña") य ("ya") श ("śa") ट ("ṭa") ठ ("ṭha") ड ("ḍa") ढ ("ḍha") ण ("ṇa") र ("ra") ष ("ṣa") त ("ta") थ ("tha") द ("da") ध ("dha") न ("na") ल ("la") स ("sa") प ("pa") फ ("pha") ब ("ba") भ ("bha") म ("ma") व ("va") The Devanagari alphabet is written left to right in horizontal lines, much like many European languages. This should make it a little more intuitive for people who are used to Western ways of reading and writing. Each distinct vowel sound denotes the way a word should be spoken. For instance, “ aṃ ” indicates a nasal inflection, while “ ah ” calls for a slight breathy sound at the end of the syllable. Sign up for a Marathi class in your area. If you live somewhere with a large Indian population, you may be able to find someone that teaches Marathi. The list of foreign language courses offered at your local university or community college is a good place to start. Formal instruction is arguably the best way to learn, as it allows you to stick to an organized curriculum and interact directly with other speakers. Use the power of the internet to discover Marathi classes nearby by searching for “Marathi language” and the name of your city. Keep an eye out for newspaper ads, flyers, and social media groups advertising personal tutoring, as well. Find an online tutor. Sites like italki and VerbalPlanet help connect students with private instructors over the internet. Classes are typically carried out via Skype, which gives you an opportunity to apply what you know in direct exchanges with your tutor. A live chat format can also be beneficial, as it introduces essential reading and writing elements. You can find classes set up for a single learner or a group, depending on the website or service you're using. Massive Open Online Courses (or MOOCs) are another possible option. The open access and unlimited class size afforded by these web-based platforms makes it possible for anyone interested to sit in on a lesson at their own convenience. Buy a Marathi language textbook. Teaching yourself from a book is your next best option if you're unable to find a class to attend. The foreign language section of most bookstores is full of textbooks on dialects from around the world, and there's a chance that Marathi may be among them. With a textbook, you can study at your own pace and acquire the fundamentals of the language in digestible units. One benefit of language textbooks is that the content is typically laid out in a logical order, which makes them easy to follow without the aid of an instructor. Make an effort to study at least 1 or 2 chapters or lessons per week, or whenever your schedule allows. Look up words and phrases on the internet. The internet has helped make many extensive language databases available for little or no cost, including free resources such as FluentU and Livemocha. Compare several sites until you find one that offers Marathi. The lesson plans on these sites are put together by fluent speakers and tailored to make them accessible for learners of all levels. Sites like these are especially handy when you need to refer to the meaning of a particular word or find out how to say something quickly. Watch movies and TV shows in Marathi. The Marathi people have their own thriving film industry, and these productions can serve as useful educational tools in their own right. To make sure you're able to absorb what you're seeing, start with programs aimed at young viewers and work your way up from there. Play close attention to the dialogue and see how many words and phrases you can pick out from memory. If possible, turn on the subtitles in your native language. Seeing the dialogue written out will help you create associations between what you hear and the meaning displayed on screen. Movies often depict normal people in normal situations, which means you'll be getting a valuable glimpse of how the language is used in everyday life. Listen to Marathi music. Throw on a pair of headphones and jam out to some Bela Shende or Raja Hasan during your workout or on your walk home from school. Because of its uncomplicated lyrical structure and repetitive nature, popular music can help reinforce language skills without ever feeling like work. Another plus to using music as a study aid is that you can pause and rewind a song whenever you come to a section you don't understand. Maharashtra has produced many famous playback singers for Indian movies, so much of the music that comes out of the region contains vocals sung in Marathi. You can find recordings from many famous Marathi artists on websites like YouTube. Read short writings in Marathi. Pick up a newspaper or magazine printed in Marathi and try to decipher as much as you can. This is great practice for going over the many symbols of the Marathi alphabet. As your comprehension improves, you can move onto more difficult material like novels and technical essays. Focus on headlines, blurbs, and other short passages on your first few attempts to keep from being overwhelmed. Children's books and nursery rhymes are perfect for brushing up on basic Marathi grammar. Talk with a friend who speaks Marathi. Ask someone who's fluent in the language if they would be willing to help you practice by carrying on a short conversation. They'll be able to adapt to your individual skill level, help you with your pronunciation, and gently correct your mistakes. When learning to speak an unfamiliar language, there's no substitute for firsthand experience. Many Indian people speak more than one dialect. It's possible that your friend might have a good grasp of conversational Marathi, even if they're not from Maharashtra. If you don't personally know anyone who speaks Marathi, try making a new friend online who you can chat with via Skype or FaceTime. | Memorize the primary personal pronouns. Learn the indirect object form of each pronoun. Understand proper sentence structure. Familiarize yourself with common nouns. Get a few key phrases down. Study the Marathi alphabet. Sign up for a Marathi class in your area. Find an online tutor. Buy a Marathi language textbook. Look up words and phrases on the internet. Watch movies and TV shows in Marathi. Listen to Marathi music. Read short writings in Marathi. Talk with a friend who speaks Marathi. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Donkey | How to Care for a Donkey | Donkeys make wonderful pets, but to care for them you'll need to know how to feed and shelter them properly. A donkey's main food source should be low in sugar and high in fiber, like barley straw. They do best eating a little at a time throughout the day, so avoid feeing your donkey large meals in the morning and evening. Since donkeys gain weight easily, don't give too many treats, but you can give them a handful of apples, carrots, or bananas. You'll also want to have plenty of space for your donkey to roam and graze, which they do for the majority of the day. They'll also need a sheltered area for cold or rainy weather, such as a shed, lean-to, or barn with hard wooden floors. | Pick a donkey of the right size, sex and temperament. When you're picking out a donkey, it's important to take these factors into consideration. Male and female donkeys have different temperaments, and there are miniature, standard and giant-sized donkeys which are as big as standard horses. Figure out which type is the right fit for your needs before you decide which one to bring home. If you plan to keep your donkey as a pet, choose a gelding (a castrated male) or a jenny (a female). If you plan to breed your donkey, you'll need a jack (an intact male) and one or more jennies. Don't get a jack if you just want a pet and don't keep a jack with other male donkeys, since they'll fight. If you plan to ride your donkey, make sure it's big enough to handle your weight. A donkey can safely carry 20% of its body weight. Also, just like mule, horse or camel, make sure they are not sick or injured, because this could make it worse If you plan to use your donkey as a guard animal against predators, such as wolves or dogs, choose a standard or giant donkey, not a miniature. It's important that the donkey be larger than the predator. Make sure the donkey has basic training. If this is your first time handling a donkey, you'll want to choose one who already knows how to stand and walk on a lead without bolting. You may also want to make sure the donkey can handle being petted all over its body and will allow you to lift its feet without trouble. Donkeys can be a little tricky to train, so unless you're experienced with them, it's a good idea to choose one that is fairly well behaved or find a friend to help you. Keep more than one donkey if you can. Donkeys are extremely social creatures and they get sad when they're left all alone in the pasture. Your donkey will be a lot happier with a companion. Two jennies, two geldings or a jenny and a gelding make good companions for each other. Donkeys will bond deeply with their companions for life, and they won't want to go anywhere without each other. Donkeys can bond with horses but if you ever plan to take the horse somewhere without the donkey, it's not advisable to allow them to create a deep bond. The donkey will become upset when you remove the horse from the pasture. It's better to keep them in separate enclosures. Donkey have very specific dietary needs, and if kept with other species are likely to become overweight and unwell. Donkeys and dogs don't make good companion animals unless they're raised together from the time they are babies. If using the donkey as a herd guardian, get only one so that it bonds to the herd rather than the other donkey. Be gentle with your donkey. Donkeys should not be harshly punished. Practice gentleness and patience when you're trying to lead them or teach them something new. They aren't stubborn, but they need time to process situations before deciding what to do, and they dislike being hurried or forced to act. Pet your donkey, speak in soothing tones, and don't raise your voice or be forceful. Let your donkey exercise every day. In order to stay fit and healthy, they need daily exercise. They'll exercise themselves if they have a large enough pasture to roam around. You can also take your donkey for a walk using a long rope lead. Remember that it's not a good idea to ride your donkey unless it's large enough to support your weight. Let your donkey get extra exercise in winter. If you have to shut your donkey up during winter, you will need to let it out every few days for exercise. If you can allow the donkey to wander around the barn in between outdoor outings, this would be ideal. Don't force a donkey that hates snow to go out into the elements; provide this animal with an alternative indoor exercise area. Keep a coat on the donkey if you'd like during winter outings to prevent chills; donkeys can get pneumonia or bronchitis if subjected to rain or very cold weather. Donkeys' main food sources should be low sugar and high fibre. Barley straw (the stalk of the plant after the grain has been harvested) is a great option for this and means they can happily munch for hours on end without gaining weight. Donkeys need to eat little and often (like other equines) and don't do well if fed large amounts of food in one go i.e. a morning and evening 'bucket feed'. You should avoid feeding your donkey any cereals or grains such as oats, barley, wheat and corn (maize). These products are too high in starch and sugar and have been implicated in the development of diseases such as laminitis in donkeys, as well as a leading cause of obesity. Donkeys are happier with plenty of space to roam around and graze, which they do for the majority of the day. Its hard to say specifically how much grass a pair of donkeys needs as grazing can vary so much. Grass should be considered an additional to straw, rather than making up the majority of their diets. A great alternative to lush pasture is having a dirt paddock, or a non-grazing area, such as a concrete yard, or a sand school. Donkeys always need to have something to nibble on so make sure you keep an adequate supply of straw available at all times. During the winter, when the grass is dead, or at other times of year when there's not enough grass, you can supplement your donkey's diet with meadow hay. This needs to be good quality in terms of being clean, well produced and mould-free, late-cut hay may be better as it is higher in fibre and lower in sugar. Avoid alfalfa unless you have a pregnant or nursing mare, or other special need animals. Make sure it's not old or spoiled, or your donkey could become sick. If you can afford chaff with additives that target hooves, coats, and so on, you may want to investigate the options available. Chaff tends to be suitable for older donkeys with teeth troubles, convalescing donkeys and nursing donkeys. Be careful not to overfeed your donkey. Donkeys become ill with life-threatening diseases when they eat too much protein and other nutrient-rich food. Donkeys evolved in the arid and semi-arid areas of the Middle East and North Africa, and as a result can get all the nutrients they need from high fibre, scrubby pasture. When grass is too rich or abundant (think dairy or horse pasture), you might have to limit the area available to them to prevent them from eating too much and gaining too much weight. Rigging up a safe, movable electric fence will allow you to portion off the field and restrict the amount they can eat. Move the fence regularly to give them a little bit of fresh grazing. Give appropriate treats. As stated above, donkeys put on weight easily, so be careful with the treats. Give no more than a handful of any treat at a time. Apples, carrots and bananas (skins on) are ideal. Scraps from your kitchen are not a good idea as donkeys will have trouble digesting anything from the brassica family (broccoli, cauliflower etc.), potatoes, onions and many more. Fresh or dried mint leaves make a great treat. Donkeys need a simple, healthy diet and this doesn't include things like toast, biscuits or cakes. Steer clear of highly processed, sugary human and equine snacks for donkeys. Donkeys are vegetarian and should never be fed anything derived from meat or fish. Check with your vet about dietary supplements; these may be recommended depending on the soil type of your particular region. Here are a few supplements your vet may recommend: An equine specific salt/mineral licking-block may be helpful, but check with your vet first. Chose one that doesn't contain molasses, otherwise they will just be licking the block for the sweet sugar taste. High fibre cubes—may be fed to donkeys needing to gain a little weight, try to find one targeted specifically for donkeys (you may be out of luck here depending where you live), or a second best would be one for good-doers and ponies. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/65774-13.jpg\/v4-460px-65774-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/65774-13.jpg\/aid65774-v4-728px-65774-13.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>"} Freeze-dried grass—may be a useful supplement for some ill, underweight donkeys to get them back on form, make sure it is pesticide-free, and never feed a donkey grass clippings as the type of grass may be harmful to the donkey. Be cautious feeding freeze dried grass in any quantity as the high sugar levels could be dangerous to a healthy animal and trigger the painful hoof disease called laminitis. Protein pellets/cubes—these pre-made pellets contain essential nutrients; they're useful for nursing mothers with foals or for donkeys living through very cold winters that might need a boost. Otherwise, this feed is too rich for everyday purposes. Never substitute with pellets meant for a different animal (e.g. poultry pellets); some pellets contain meat and this is poisonous to donkeys. Carrots—what ungulate (hoofed animal) doesn't love a carrot? Provide clean, fresh water. Set up a water trough or bucket and keep it full of fresh, unfrozen water at all times. Make sure it doesn't leak onto the floor of the donkey's shelter, since they need a completely dry floor for their hooves. Don't forget to check in winter to see whether it has frozen over; if it has, you'll need to clear the ice away, or equip the tank with a heater. Older donkeys will really appreciate a drink of warm water in the winter. Set up a dry shelter with hard floors. Donkeys originated in a desert climate. They prefer warmer weather but are very hardy, provided they are given adequate accommodation. Donkeys do not like wind or rain and will seek shelter from both. Unlike horses, rain seeps into a donkey's coat and makes life unbearable. The shelter doesn't need to be elaborate, as long as it is adequate and provides the protection a donkey seeks. A shed, lean-to or barn with hard wooden floors is ideal. Make sure the floors are hard and dry. Donkeys have porous hooves that can become diseased when they stand in wet areas for too long. In a temperate climate, provide a shelter which consists of a minimum of three walls, with adequate backspace to get out of the rain and wind. This might be a shed, a stable or even a small barn. Put straw on the ground for comfort and warmth, especially in the cooler months of the year. In a climate with severe winter (temperatures below freezing and featuring ice, snow and freezing gales), you must provide a donkey with barn accommodation. The barn should be snug; plug up any gaps that let draughts through to prevent the donkey from catching chills. A winter barn should also have adequate space for exercise, in case the donkey does not like being taken outside at all while snow rests on the ground. If you chose to put a rug on your donkey for the winter (seriously cold weather, or an elderly/thin donkey) then make sure you take the rug off, check for rubs and replace every day. Keep the feeding area clean. To avoid possible contamination or worm problems, always keep a donkey's feed area clean. Remove mud, wash food buckets daily and keep hay in a string basket attached to a wall (a hay-net), off the floor. Keep the shelter clean by mucking it out at least every other day to remove the donkey's waste and hay. Spray down the floor and walls and allow them to completely dry out before the donkey uses the shelter again. Surround the area with a sturdy fence. To keep your donkey in and to protect your donkey from predators such as dogs and wolves, or from misguided attempts to push through the fence, build solid, secure fencing around the area you have set aside for your donkey. Donkeys are quite clever, and they'll find a way to escape if you don't install a good fence around the pasture and shelter area. It should be at least as high as the donkey's shoulders. Brush the donkey regularly. The best way to clean donkeys is to brush them every day. They don't like to get wet, so it's not necessary to spray them down or give them baths. A daily brushing, as well as cleaning the muck from their hooves, will suffice. Keep the hooves dry and trimmed. Donkeys' hooves grow, just like people's nails, and they need to be trimmed from time to time so they don't get too long and crack. Have a professional farrier trim the donkey's hooves to the appropriate angle, which is 60 to 65 degrees. The donkey's hooves should be trimmed every 8 weeks or so. Check the teeth for sharp edges. Donkeys' teeth also grow continuously, and they get worn down when the donkey chews food. Your donkey should be seen by an equine dentist every year regardless of how the teeth appear to you. Your donkeys teeth go back as far as the length of your forearm, so there is no way to know what is going on at the back of the mouth without specialist tools. The dentist will need to check right to the back of the mouth to make sure your donkey has functioning teeth that aren't causing difficulty eating and constant pain. A donkey with poor teeth may be happier on a diet of chaff or mash/wet feed – this will obviate the need for the donkey to chew too much on grass or hay. Consult with your vet as to the best options. Keep vaccinations up–to-date. Donkeys are hardy and almost disease-free. They do need to be vaccinated yearly against tetanus, flu and distemper. Other vaccinations to consider, depending on where you reside, include rabies, encephalitis, and West Nile Virus. Donkeys, like horses can get intestinal worms. Both horses and donkeys are beginning to suffer due to overzealous use of wormers in the past, as now the worms aren't responding as they used to and the drugs are becoming more and more inefficient. There is no easy answer to this, but the way forward is definitely not continuing on with the same pattern of untargeted worming that has caused the situation to arise. Donkeys and horses should be have their feces tested four times a year to see what (if any) worms they have and then appropriate treatment can be given. Ask your vet to give you guidance on this, and also ask for a follow up check to make sure the treatment worked. Keeping the pasture and barn as free from waste as possible will help to break the life cycle of the worm as they need to live for a certain amount of time outside the donkey before being ingested. Minimizing the number of larva that are eaten is a practical way to help combat the number of intestinal worms in your donkey. 'Poo picking' the grazing at least 3 times a week has been found to significantly reduce the number of worms on the pasture. | Pick a donkey of the right size, sex and temperament. Make sure the donkey has basic training. Keep more than one donkey if you can. Be gentle with your donkey. Let your donkey exercise every day. Donkeys' main food sources should be low sugar and high fibre. Donkeys need to eat little and often (like other equines) and don't do well if fed large amounts of food in one go i.e. Donkeys are happier with plenty of space to roam around and graze, which they do for the majority of the day. A great alternative to lush pasture is having a dirt paddock, or a non-grazing area, such as a concrete yard, or a sand school. Give appropriate treats. Donkeys are vegetarian and should never be fed anything derived from meat or fish. Check with your vet about dietary supplements; these may be recommended depending on the soil type of your particular region. Provide clean, fresh water. Set up a dry shelter with hard floors. If you chose to put a rug on your donkey for the winter (seriously cold weather, or an elderly/thin donkey) then make sure you take the rug off, check for rubs and replace every day. Keep the feeding area clean. Surround the area with a sturdy fence. Brush the donkey regularly. Keep the hooves dry and trimmed. Check the teeth for sharp edges. Keep vaccinations up–to-date. Donkeys, like horses can get intestinal worms. Keeping the pasture and barn as free from waste as possible will help to break the life cycle of the worm as they need to live for a certain amount of time outside the donkey before being ingested. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Cotton | How to Dye Cotton | Before you dye cotton, wash the cotton and soak it in water until it is completely saturated. In a bowl, premix the dye with water and salt so you have better control of the color. Then, fill a bucket with enough hot water to cover the fabric. Pour the dye into the bucket and submerge the cotton in the water. Let the fabric soak for at least 10 minutes, or let it soak longer for a deeper color. When the cotton is the color you want, remove it from the water and rinse it with cool water. | Purchase a commercial dye from a big box store. All-purpose clothing dyes are available at most big box stores. Rit, one of the most popular brands, is widely available in a large selection of colors. Dylon is another common brand. Craft stores carry a bigger selection of colors than big box stores generally do. These dyes come in powder or liquid form, and either one will work just fine. Wash the fabric. You need to start with clean fabric, so wash it if you're using something you already have. It's a good idea to wash new fabric as well, just in case it has anything on it that could keep the dye from sticking. Don't dry the fabric, as you'll need it wet to dye it. Don't use fabric softener. Soak the fabric if it's not saturated with water. The fabric needs to be completely wet so that the dye doesn't create a splotchy effect on the fabric. You can take the fabric out before the spin cycle or soak it in a tub before dyeing it to saturate it. Smooth out the fabric. If you put crumpled fabric in dye, you'll end up with a marbling effect. Unless you want a marbled look, use your hand to smooth out your fabric as much as you can before dyeing it. Mix the dye with water and salt. Before mixing the dye into the bucket or sink, it helps to premix it in less water. Pour the packet or dye into 2 cups (0.47 l) of water in a small container. If you want the dye to be more intense, you can add 1 cup (0.24 l) of salt to some dyes. Read your dye's instructions to see if yours can take salt. Add hot water to the bucket. You'll need to pick a container big enough for the cotton to soak in. Pour in enough hot water to cover the fabric you'll be dyeing. You don't want it boiling, but it should be very hot. Close to boiling should be enough. Also, read the back of your dye package to make sure you get the concentration correct. For instance, Rit dye is often one packet to 3 gallons (11 l) of water. However, you can use more or less water depending on how concentrated you want the color. Add the dye to the bucket. Pour in the dye you've already mixed with water. Stir in the dye to incorporate it into the water in the bucket. Use a stick to stir so you don't get dye on your hands. Submerge the fabric in the dye bath. Once the dye is thoroughly mixed in, place the fabric in the water. Use the stir stick to submerge the fabric. You can also use your hands, as long as you have latex, rubber, or nitrile gloves on. Let the fabric soak. The fabric needs to soak in the dye mixture for at least 10 minutes. However, you can leave it in there longer, depending on how dark you want your fabric. Take out the fabric when it's your preferred color. Keep checking on the fabric to see if the color is right. When it is, pull out of the bucket using the stick or your gloved hands. Rinse out the dye in cool water. In a sink, rinse the fabric under cool, running water. When the water runs clear, the fabric is done and ready to be washed. Wash and dry your fabric as you normally do. Once the dye is rinsed out, you can just run your fabric through the washer and dryer. You can even use regular detergent. Start the washing machine on a long wash cycle. Set the washing machine to a washing cycle of 30 minutes or longer with hot water. If your machine doesn't have this option, you'll just need to reset it a few times before it moves on to the rinse cycle, which will require you to babysit the machine a bit. Unless you're dyeing something very large, use the lowest load size on your machine. Pour the dye into the dispenser. Add the dye as you would detergent. You want the water to be running a bit so the dye won't clump and create blotches on your fabric, particularly if you're using powdered dye. Fill the bottle with water and pour it in after the dye. Repeat if you're using two bottles. You add water to the bottle to make sure you're getting all the dye and to ensure the chute is rinsed out completely. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of detergent. While you don't want to add a full scoop of detergent, a little detergent is beneficial. It helps move the dye around evenly in the water. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of salt dissolved in water after 10 minutes. Stir 1 cup (240 ml) salt into 4 cups (950 ml) of hot water. Pour the mixture into the dispenser about 10 minutes into the cycle. Check the fabric. Keep checking on the fabric until it's the color you want. When it is, you can let it finish running through it's wash cycle. Generally, you want the fabric to stay in the dye at least 30 minutes before the rinse cycle kicks in but not longer than an hour. Wash and dry as normal. Once the fabric has gone through a long washing cycle, add detergent and wash it again. Pop it in the dryer when you're done, or let it air dry. Clean out the washing machine. Turn the washing machine on its highest load setting on hot. Wipe down around the lid and top, and pour water through the dispenser to clean it out. Pour in 1 to 2 cups (240 to 470 ml) of bleach, plus a standard amount of detergent. Throw in a couple of old towels or a load of old rags and run it through a washing cycle. Make a natural dye for an economical dye. You can use items from nature to make a dye. For instance, you can use berries, flowers, bark, leaves, and nuts. Keep in mind that the color of the flower or berry may not be what you end up with as an end result. For instance, you can get light pink from avocado skin and seeds. Cherries or strawberries will also dye something pink. Blackberries or blueberries will give a bluish purple. Crab apple bark will make a reddish brown, while pokeweed berries will make a red-purple. Artichokes, grass, and foxglove flowers will all give you a shade of green. The possibilities are endless, so try looking up a recipe online to find the color you want and to help you identify appropriate plants. Cut the plant material into small pieces. Use 1 part plant material to 2 parts water. Boil it together for an hour, and then strain out the plant pieces. To set the dyes, dip the fabric in a mordant before the dye. For berry dyes, you can use 8 cups (1,900 ml) of water and 0.5 cups (120 ml) of salt. For plant dyes, try 1 part vinegar to 4 parts cold water. Simmer the fabric in the mordant for an hour. Rinse it out, and place it in the dye bath and simmer for an hour. Try using acorns to dye fabric a dark purple-black. Start by making an iron solution. Place rusty items (such as nails, bolts, and screws) in 1 cup (240 ml) of white vinegar. Let it sit in a jar in the sun for 2 weeks until the vinegar is orange, and then strain out the metal. Place 5 pounds (2.3 kg) of acorns in a pot of water large enough for the acorns to move freely. Let the acorns simmer for 2 hours. Strain out the acorns. Keep the acorn mixture warm. Dip your fabric in, leaving it for 30 to 45 minutes. Squeeze out the dye, and dip it into the iron mixture (in a bowl) for 10 minutes. Go back and forth, leaving it in each mixture for 5 minutes until you reach a color you like. Squeeze it out between each dip. At the end, squeeze the fabric again. Let the fabric dry for an hour, and then wash it out in cool water with soap. Use flavored drink packets for a more temporary dye. To make the dye, mix 4 drink packets into 0.5 cups (120 ml) of white vinegar and 1 gallon (3.8 l) of water. Boil the mixture with presoaked fabric for about 25 minutes, until the water runs clear. Let the mixture come to room temperature, then place the fabric in a bowl of clean room temperature water. Squeeze to release as much dye as you can. You may need to change out the water. When you add new water and it stays clear, squeeze out the fabric, and let it dry. Unsweetened flavored drink packets, such as Kool-Aid or Flavor Aid, will color cotton. However, the color will fade over time. Dye with tea or coffee. Boil enough water to cover the fabric. Add in enough cheap tea bags or instant coffee to change the color of the water. You can try 40 tea bags or 0.5 cups (120 ml) of instant coffee for a medium pot of water. Tea will often create a stronger dye due to the tannins in it. Steep the clothes in the solution for an hour or longer. The longer you soak the fabric, the darker it will be. When the fabric is as dark as you'd like, squeeze out the dye, and run it under cold water. Soak it in a bit of white vinegar for 10 minutes to help set the color. Rinse out the vinegar and then let the fabric dry. You can also iron it to get out the wrinkles. Tea or coffee can be used to give fabrics a vintage look. You can also use them to hide stains on white towels that have seen better days. | Purchase a commercial dye from a big box store. Wash the fabric. Soak the fabric if it's not saturated with water. Smooth out the fabric. Mix the dye with water and salt. Add hot water to the bucket. Add the dye to the bucket. Submerge the fabric in the dye bath. Let the fabric soak. Take out the fabric when it's your preferred color. Rinse out the dye in cool water. Wash and dry your fabric as you normally do. Start the washing machine on a long wash cycle. Pour the dye into the dispenser. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of detergent. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of salt dissolved in water after 10 minutes. Check the fabric. Wash and dry as normal. Clean out the washing machine. Make a natural dye for an economical dye. Try using acorns to dye fabric a dark purple-black. Use flavored drink packets for a more temporary dye. Dye with tea or coffee. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plan-a-Sweet-16-Party | How to Plan a Sweet 16 Party | To plan your sweet sixteen party, decide on a budget by determining how many people you want to invite and where you want to throw the party, such as at home or at a hotel or restaurant. Choose a theme that matches your personality, such as summer pool party, 1980s, or Harry Potter. If you plan on hiring a caterer or a DJ for the party, make sure you book them at least 2 months in advance. Similarly, give your guests enough notice by sending out invitations several weeks in advance. | Determine the size of the party you want. The amount of guests you plan to have will determine the type of party you'll have. A large party will most likely be held at a big venue and be much more costly, and a small party can be held at your home as a much more personal event. Do you want to invite your entire grade level to the party? Would you rather do something special with a few of your best friends? Maybe you want to have a mid size party with close friends and family members. Pick what activities you want to do. The activities you do at your party can indicate what type of party you want to plan. If you want to have lots of dancing at your party, you will want to have a party where there is a dance floor and music playing. You might want to go on an adventure for your party by bringing several friends to do something fun like skydiving, and then celebrate by going out for dinner. You could have a pool party where everyone enjoys swimming and hanging out by the pool. Renting out a roller rink and having a skating party is another fun option. Consider the cost of the party. You need to keep in mind the cost of different types of parties to choose one that will fit your personal budget. Parties at a rented venue with contracted services are going to be some of the most expensive options, and having a party at home with homemade food and activities will be the least expensive. Some activities can be quite pricey even if you're only inviting a few friends. Make sure you do a lot of research into the cost per person of different activities. Many venues will allow you to bring in your own food and do your own entertainment. Spending money on a venue and then doing your own food, decorations, and entertainment can be a budget friendly option. Consider what season it is. The season you have your party in can help you come up with a theme for your sweet 16. Many fun themes come from the time of year it is, and it is easier to buy seasonal decorations if you go with a seasonal theme. If you have a summer party, you can have a luau, summer pool party, or sunshine themed party. A party in the fall could have the theme of football, bonfire, camping, or just a fall colors. Winter parties can be themed winter wonderland, snow kingdom or holiday themed. If you have a spring party, you could go with a flower power theme, rainy day, farm animals, or pastel colors. Pick a theme based on a certain time period. Time period parties are very popular because guests can dress up for the party, and they can be transported back in time for a night of fun. If you choose to have a time period party, it's best to have everything match the time period you choose. All of your decorations, music, food and drink, and invitations should reflect the theme. Have a Great Gatsby themed party from the roarin' twenties. A hippie themed party from the sixties is always a fun choice. You can have a sock hop party theme from the fifties. An eighties themed party is also very popular. Just decorate in neon colors, play eighties music, and tell guests to tease their hair big! Theme your party on a book , TV Show or movie. Book and movie themed parties are a great choice for a sweet sixteen party. Pick a popular book or movie as your party theme or choose one of your favorites. Decorate with movie posters or recreate scenes with your decorations. You can even ask guests to come dressed as a character. Do a vampire themed party in honor of the Twilight series. Have a wizard themed party if you enjoy Harry Potter. You can go with a Hunger Games theme and have guests play a fun version of the Hunger Games. Contact local hotels about their ballrooms. Most hotels have a ballroom that can be rented for parties. This is one of the more expensive options for a venue, but it also is one of the biggest. Most hotel ballrooms can accommodate a very large party, so it's a great option if you plan on having a lot of guests. Rent out a restaurant or an entertainment center. Some restaurants and entertainment centers will let you rent out their facility so that your guests have exclusive use of the facility during your party. This can be a fun option if you want built in entertainment. For example, you can rent out a family entertainment center to have your guests play mini golf, ride go-karts, and play amusement games. Many facilities also have rooms you can rent out for a smaller fee. This is a great option if you want your party at a restaurant or entertainment center, but don't want to pay to have the place exclusively for your party. Check into community centers. Many communities have room rentals at community centers, libraries, or parks. Most of the time you can rent these rooms for much less money than you can at other places, and you typically get the room for a much longer period of time. If you're a member of, or know someone who's a member of, a country club, check to see if you can rent the clubhouse out for your party. Many neighborhoods have a clubhouse at their pool that is available for rental to the neighbors. Check around to see if you know someone who lives in a neighborhood with a clubhouse who will let you rent it for your party. Find a DJ. Most parties for teenagers include some sort of music to dance and listen to. For a big party, you'll want to have a DJ to keep the music going throughout the entire party. Ask around for recommendations for a good local DJ, or search online for reviews. If you want to save some money, you can do your own music by making a long playlist, or several playlists of fun songs. You can rent a sound system from a party rental company, or just play your music on your own player. Hire a photographer. You will definitely want someone taking pictures of your epic party for you to cherish in the years to come. Most likely, you will be too busy enjoying your party to think about taking pictures. Many photographers are available for hire, and they typically charge per hour. To save money you could ask a friend or family member if they could be in charge of taking pictures for the party. To be nice, you could get them a small thank you gift for giving their time to help you. Another fun way to get pictures of your party is to ask all of the guests to take pictures and then upload them to social media using the same hashtag. For example, you can have a sign saying, “Have fun and take lots of pics! Then share them using #Beccas16.” Contract a caterer to provide party food. Having a caterer prepare and set up the food can be an easy way to make sure your guests are well fed at your party. You can contract with a catering company to prepare, set up, and serve your food during the party, or you can just have a restaurant cater by preparing large party trays that you pick up and set out yourself. Many grocery stores also make party trays of food. Don't forget about the cake. Many catering companies don't do cakes, so you might have to get one specially made from a bakery. Allow time for guests to arrive. At the beginning of your party timeline, you should have 10 to 15 minutes allotted for guests to arrive. This way anyone who is running late doesn't miss any of the activities. Plan time for activities. Make sure you plan in enough time for each activity you want to do at your party. If you want people to have time to dance, plan in dancing/socializing time. If you are going to play a game, make sure you allow enough time to give the instructions, play the game, and relax a bit after the game. If you've hired a DJ, you can have him announce when it's time for an activity like a game. Give time for guests to eat. An important part of the timeline is to plan out a time for guests to eat. You might have a buffet set up for guests to snack on throughout the party, but you will still want a special time for guests to stop and sing happy birthday to you while you blow out your candles. This gives guests time to enjoy the birthday cake. Plan time to wrap the party up. You will want another 10 to 15 minutes to wrap up the party and give guests time to gather their belongings before leaving. This is the time that the music will start to get softer, triggering that the party is wrapping up. Don't forget to thank your party guests as they leave. It's a great idea to have a small parting present to give each guest as a thank you for attending your party. Buy paper invitations. You can buy paper invitations from card and party stores for an easy way to get invitations. They typically will have invitations matching many themes, but you can also get plain invitations there as well. You should buy more invitations than the amount of guests you plan to invite so you have extras in case you mess up writing the information on one. Invite guests online. Another way to invite guests to a party is through social media, email, or an online invitation company. Many social media sites let you create an event and then invite friends to it right on their site. You can also use an online invitation company to send an email invitation to your guests. Most of these companies allow you to see if the person has read the invitation, and gives the person an easy way to R.S.V.P. Inviting guests online is a bit more informal, but is an acceptable option in today's tech driven world. Make your own invitations. One way to make sure your invitations are unique is to make them yourself. You can buy cardstock or heavy weight paper from a craft store to design your own invitations on. This is one way to easily get your invitation to match the theme of the party. Be creative and use your imagination to create an invitation that fit's your party. Search online to find ideas for homemade invitations. Make sure you buy envelopes that are big enough to fit your invitations. | Determine the size of the party you want. Pick what activities you want to do. Consider the cost of the party. Consider what season it is. Pick a theme based on a certain time period. Theme your party on a book , TV Show or movie. Contact local hotels about their ballrooms. Rent out a restaurant or an entertainment center. Check into community centers. Find a DJ. Hire a photographer. Contract a caterer to provide party food. Allow time for guests to arrive. Plan time for activities. Give time for guests to eat. Plan time to wrap the party up. Buy paper invitations. Invite guests online. Make your own invitations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Taco-Sauce | How to Make Taco Sauce | To make stovetop taco sauce, start by cooking tomato paste and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Next, add minced onion flakes, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, white vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes to the tomato base. Then, reduce the heat and simmer the sauce for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Finally, take the sauce off the heat, let it cool slightly, and enjoy your taco sauce warm or cold. | Whisk together the tomato sauce and seasonings. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Mix until smooth and evenly combined. Use plain tomato sauce, not tomato sauce previously seasoned with other herbs and spices. Using a flavored tomato sauce can throw off the final taste of the taco sauce. Start with the minimum amount of honey and cayenne pepper during this step—1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) of honey and 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper. You can make the sauce sweeter or spicier later on, if desired. Thin out the sauce with water. Whisk in the water, roughly 2 Tbsp (30 ml) at time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You'll likely need at least 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water to bring the sauce to an appropriately thin consistency, but don't feel obligated to add the full 1/2 cup (125 ml) of you prefer slightly thicker taco sauce. Adjust the seasonings. Taste the sauce using a clean spoon. Add more cayenne pepper or honey, as needed, to adjust the flavor so that it matches your personal sense of taste. If you accidentally add too much of either one, you can usually balance out the flavor by adding more of the other. For instance, if you accidentally make the sauce too spicy, adding more honey can balance out the heat and make it easier to tolerate. Chill for several hours. Cover the bowl of taco sauce with plastic wrap and place it in your refrigerator for approximately 2 to 3 hours. This step isn't strictly necessary; you can technically serve the sauce immediately after whisking it together. Giving it time to rest, however, allows the flavors to mix together and may create a more balanced taste. Serve cool or at room temperature. Depending on your own preference, you can serve the sauce straight from the refrigerator or let it drop back down to room temperature before enjoying it. If you decide to serve the sauce at room temperature, simply remove the portion you intend to use and let it sit out on the counter for roughly 20 minutes before use. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the taco sauce in an airtight, freezer-safe container for several months. Cook the tomato paste and water. Place the two ingredients in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Whisk them together until they form a smooth, even mixture. Using hot water and whisking the tomato base over constant heat should help break down the tomato paste more thoroughly, making it easier to blend it into a smooth base. When ready, the tomato base should have the consistency of a relatively thin tomato sauce. Add the seasonings. Add the minced onion flakes, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, white vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes to the tomato base. Whisk to combine. Start with the minimum amount of sugar—1/4 tsp (1.25 ml)—to avoid making the sauce too sweet. Similarly, start with the minimum amount of red pepper flakes—1/4 tsp (1.25 ml)—to avoid making the sauce too spicy. Adjust the flavor. Taste the taco sauce using a clean spoon. If necessary, add more sugar or red pepper flakes to the sauce to achieve the flavor profile you prefer. To create a mild taco sauce, stick with the minimum amount of red pepper and increase the amount of sugar up to 1 tsp (5 ml). To create a hot taco sauce, stick with the minimum amount of sugar and increase the amount of red pepper flakes up to 1 tsp (5 ml). For medium heat, experiment with the amount of sugar and red pepper flakes a little at a time, using a clean spoon to test the flavor after each addition. If you add too much of either seasoning, you might be able to help balance out the excess by adding more of the other. Simmer until thickened. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the taco sauce uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Periodically stir the taco sauce to prevent it from burning. Note that longer simmer times will create thicker sauce. In addition to thickening the sauce, this step also causes the flavors to blend together, creating a more complex flavor profile as a result. Serve warm or cold. Remove the taco sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly. You can serve it while it's still warm or cool it completely prior to enjoying it. Allow the sauce to drop to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill. Store leftover taco sauce in an airtight container kept in the refrigerator. It should remain good for up to 5 days. To store the sauce for several months, pour it into a freezer-safe airtight container and stick it in the freezer. Thaw before use. | Whisk together the tomato sauce and seasonings. Thin out the sauce with water. Adjust the seasonings. Chill for several hours. Serve cool or at room temperature. Cook the tomato paste and water. Add the seasonings. Adjust the flavor. Simmer until thickened. Serve warm or cold. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Check-Cats-for-Fleas | How to Check Cats for Fleas | To check a cat for fleas, drape a white sheet over your lap and set your cat on it. Then, comb your cat with a flea comb while visually checking for fleas, which are small and brown. Some of them may jump off onto the cloth while others will get stuck in the comb or remain on the cat. Even if you don't see fleas, check your cat and the cloth for flea eggs and feces, which look like salt and pepper. | Pay attention to your cat's grooming. If your cat is sensitive to fleas, she may have an allergic reaction. Even cats that are not allergic to flea saliva experience irritation and itching from individual bites. This triggers excessive grooming behavior. Your cat may clean herself so often and thoroughly that she removes the fleas. It may be harder to spot the fleas since they hop on to the cat to feed and hop off again, so they only temporarily appear. This explains why your cat can have fleas even if you can't find them. Signs of flea infestation will be different depending on your cat's health, the number of fleas on the cat and other individual factors. Look for flea symptoms. Flea bites are very irritating. Watch your cat for the following flea symptoms: small bumps or crusts, usually on the neck and along the back skin irritation, especially on the back of the neck and base of the tail increased scratching, especially around the face increased grooming hairballs from excessive grooming hair loss passing tapeworms in the stool (fleas carry tapeworm eggs which cats ingest and pass) Pay attention to your cat's behavior. Your cat may suddenly avoid rooms she used to enjoy, especially if they're carpeted and are harboring fleas. Your cat might also appear restless or edgy. She may even start growling or shaking her head a lot. Your cat may be trying to get rid of the fleas. Some cats may be more sensitive to flea bites and will appear more bothered by the flea bites. They may develop strange behaviors because they are uncomfortable. Watch for signs of anemia. If the flea infestation is really bad in your cat, not only will she have a lot of fleas in her coat, but she may suffer from blood loss and develop anemia. If so, look for lethargy or extreme tiredness, pale gums, and muscle loss. You should also check the flea dirt against a wet white towel to be sure of fleas. Regardless of whether your cat has fleas, you should take her to the vet if she's anemic. Kittens and elderly cats are more likely to get anemia from flea infestation. Secure your cat. Set your cat on a white sheet or pillowcase. The white fabric will let you see any fleas or flea dirt you might dislodge. If you want to hold the cat in your lap while combing, drape your lap with the cloth first. Fleas are dark brown wingless insects about 3 to 4 millimeters in length. You may notice them jump away as you work. Check in between the cat's legs on their bellies. Part the fur here as it is a common place for fleas to inhabit. Comb your cat's fur. Comb the cat from head to tail with a flea comb and examine the fur and exposed skin as you work. Pay particular attention to the back of the neck, the base of the tail and the insides of the legs. These are favorite hiding spots of fleas. Flea combs are designed to trap fleas on the teeth of the comb. The teeth are so close together that the flea cannot escape and is brought to the surface. Examine the flea comb. Even if you don't find jumping fleas, you may find flea excrement or flea eggs, which look like salt and pepper. If you find any suspicious material, place it on a damp paper towel. Flea excrement contains blood, so it turns dark red when it gets wet. If you notice this flea excrement, or flea dirt, there are fleas somewhere on your cat. Check for flea feces or flea dirt. Shake the dirt from the comb and her fur onto the white sheet so you can see the black specks. To distinguish normal dirt from flea feces, sprinkle a little water over the specks. If it's flea dirt, the black specks will turn red-brown or orange with a halo effect. This is easiest if you placed your cat on a white towel or sheet when you combed her. Look for patches of hair loss. There are several reasons that fleas might contribute to your cat's hair loss. Your cat may be irritated by the constant biting and scratches her fur a lot, leading to patches of hair loss. Or, your cat might be allergic to flea saliva which irritates the skin and causes extra scratching. Your cat may be allergic to something other than fleas. If you don't find fleas, but your cat is still constantly scratching, take her to the vet. Find a flea treatment. Even if you don't find fleas, you should consider using a product that both protects your cat from fleas and treats current infestations. Modern flea preventatives are safe and extremely effective. Some can be purchased over the counter and others are only available from veterinarians. Choose a product specifically for feline use since some dog products contain ingredients that can be harmful to cats. Check with your veterinarian for help choosing a product that meets your cat's needs. Treat your cat with monthly flea medication. Follow the packaged instructions or your vet's directions when giving the medication. Treatment will protect your cat from future flea problems and will tell you whether it was a flea problem that caused your cat's symptoms. If the problem goes away after treatment, fleas probably contributed to the issue even if you never saw them. Monthly preventative treatments are available orally, as injections, and as topical medications. Choose a flea collar that is approved by your vet. There are a variety of flea collars on the market. Some work well, while others don't work at all, and some may be toxic to your cat. Therefore, it's important to talk with your vet before using a flea collar. Consider putting a flea collar in your vacuum bag or canister to kill any fleas that you vacuum up. Prevent fleas from infesting your home. Vacuum all the carpets, rugs, and upholstery every day. Be sure to throw away the vacuum bag in an outside dumpster so the fleas can't get back out. You should also wash your pet's bedding in hot water to kill any fleas. If you have a flea infestation that you can't seem to get rid of, you may need to use a household fogger. This releases toxins that kill the fleas and their eggs, but it may be harmful to pets and children. Carefully learn about foggers before using them. | Pay attention to your cat's grooming. Look for flea symptoms. Pay attention to your cat's behavior. Watch for signs of anemia. Secure your cat. Comb your cat's fur. Examine the flea comb. Check for flea feces or flea dirt. Look for patches of hair loss. Find a flea treatment. Treat your cat with monthly flea medication. Choose a flea collar that is approved by your vet. Prevent fleas from infesting your home. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Divide-a-Phlox-Plant | How to Divide a Phlox Plant | Phlox plants grow to be between 2-4 feet tall, and they can usually be divided every 3-5 years. A good time to divide your phlox is during the early spring, late summer, or early fall when the plant is as wide as it is tall. You'll need to remove the entire phlox plant from the ground, making sure to include its root ball. Then, wash the soil from its roots with a hose and break the plant apart into pieces. Each new division should have 1 or 2 healthy plant crowns and plenty of root base for it to be successful. Plant the new divisions in a sunny, dry location, and give each plant at least 3-5 feet of room to grow. | Determine when to divide phlox. Divide phlox while it still looks healthy. The most common mistake home gardeners make when growing phlox is waiting until the plant shows signs of failing or over-crowding before they divide it. As a rule of thumb, allow the diameter of the plant cluster to grow to the same width as the plant's height before dividing it. Divide the phlox sooner if the plant becomes over-crowded, or if the center of the plant fails to bloom and produces less foliage. Divide phlox in early spring, late summer or early fall. Phlox division is most successful when done in the early spring before new growth begins, or in the late summer or early fall when flowering is done. Remove the entire cluster of phlox from the ground. If you want to leave a piece of the plant in its original location, you can plant 1 of the divisions back into the original spot later. Dig a trench around the outside of the entire plant cluster, severing the plant's roots with the blade of your garden shovel as you go. Chop the roots under the plant by circling back around the trench again with your shovel. Push the shovel blade into the ground, angling it to reach under the plant's root base. Push down on the handle to lift the roots. Continue around the phlox until the cluster lifts from the ground. Wash the soil from the roots with a garden hose. This gives you a better look at the roots and plant crowns. The crowns are visible at the top of the root base. Make multiple small divisions from the cluster. Make sure each new division has at least 1 or 2 healthy plant crowns and an ample root base to sustain the plant. There are several ways to divide the cluster: Break pieces off from the outside of the cluster using your fingers to separate the roots and your hands to snap the plant crowns apart. Keep breaking divisions off until the entire plant has been divided. Use a serrated kitchen knife to cut sections off the cluster you are unable to divide the plant by hand. Cut the cluster into 2 to 4 smaller clusters by chopping it with the garden shovel. Keep the new plant divisions cool and moist. Put the bare-rooted phlox into boxes, buckets or pots and move them into the shade if you are transplanting on a hot, sunny day. Cover the plants with newspaper to help them retain moisture. Mist the roots and the newspaper lightly with water if the plants are still waiting to be planted after a couple of hours. Select sunny, dry, well ventilated locations in which to transplant the phlox divisions. Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches (30 cm). Enrich the soil with organic compost if necessary. Phlox prefer rich soil with good drainage. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root base of the plant. Put the roots into the hole. Make sure the crowns of the plants are at ground level, and fill the rest of the hole with soil. Space the divisions so that each plant receives good air circulation. This prevents moisture from accumulating on the leaves. Phlox grown in areas without enough sun or ventilation or with too much moisture are prone to powdery mildew disease. Space new plant clusters at least 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 m) apart. You can space the divisions at least 10 inches (25 cm) apart if you are growing smaller clumps or single phlox in a row or border. Water your newly transplanted phlox at ground level. Avoid getting the flowers and foliage wet. | Determine when to divide phlox. Remove the entire cluster of phlox from the ground. Wash the soil from the roots with a garden hose. Make multiple small divisions from the cluster. Cut the cluster into 2 to 4 smaller clusters by chopping it with the garden shovel. Keep the new plant divisions cool and moist. Select sunny, dry, well ventilated locations in which to transplant the phlox divisions. Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches (30 cm). Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root base of the plant. Put the roots into the hole. Space the divisions so that each plant receives good air circulation. Water your newly transplanted phlox at ground level. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-Bra-Straps | How to Adjust Bra Straps | To adjust your bra straps, all you need to do is use the slide adjuster. The adjuster will be a metal or plastic clip on the bra strap. To tighten your bra, pull the clip down towards the back band. Alternatively, move the slider in the opposite direction if you need to loosen your bra. Remember that your breasts may not be exactly the same size, so you'll probably need to set the straps differently on each side. You'll know the straps are fitted properly if they lie flat against your chest and hold the cups flat against your breasts. | Locate the slide adjuster on your straps. It is a little metal or plastic clip that you can slide up and down the length of your strap. Some slide adjusters can run the full length of the strap, while others can only run about halfway. On a new bra, you will probably find the strap adjustor all the way at the back of the bra strap, near the bra band (the part that hooks across your back). Some bras, like most sports bras, are made from a single piece of fabric, and therefore do not have adjustable straps. If your straps are too loose or too tight on a bra like this, then there is an issue with the overall fit and you need a new bra. It is usually easier to adjust the strap if you are not wearing the bra. The adjustor will normally lie against your back, which makes it hard to reach unless you remove your bra. Tighten a loose bra strap by holding the slide adjuster with the fingers of one hand and pulling front of the strap toward the cup with your other hand. As the strap slides through the adjuster, the adjuster will move closer to the bra band. The closer the adjuster is to the band, the shorter and tighter the strap becomes. If you are trying on a new bra and you have to adjust the straps to the tightest position, it's not the bra for you. Your straps will stretch over time, so you need to have some room to tighten them later. Try a bra with a smaller band size. Loosen a tight bra strap by holding the slide adjuster in one hand and pulling the back part of the strap away from the adjuster. The slide adjuster should move closer to the bra cup. The closer the adjuster is to the cup, the shorter and tighter the bra strap will become. Adjust the other strap. Remember that you probably won't want it the exact same length as the first strap, though. Your breasts are not identical in size or shape, so one strap may be a little tighter or looser than the other. This is completely normal and nothing to be self-conscious about. Try on your bra and adjust as necessary. If your straps are fitted properly, they will lie flat and smooth against your chest and they will hold the cups against your breasts. Always re-adjust your bra after you wash it, as the process may cause the slide adjusters to move. If the straps are as tight or as loose as they can be and you are still having issues (the strap is falling off your shoulder, the straps are cutting into your skin), read the following sections to learn possible causes and how you can solve them. Look at the slope of your shoulders. Some women are born with narrow or sloping shoulders and some develop them later in life. This can make it difficult to keep your bra strap from falling off your shoulder, even if your bra is the correct size. If this is the case, you may need to try a different style bra. Look for bras with straps that are closer to the middle of the back, such a leotard backs, racerback, or straps that criss-cross over your back. Avoid bras with "camisole backs," which come straight down and attach to the bra band at a right angle. Try a halter bra, which loops around your neck and attaches just at the front of your bra. Make sure the front of your bra straps attach to the cup right above the apex of your breast, or your nipple. A bra with convertible straps will allow you to try different styles (racerback, criss-cross, halter) so you can adjust for a comfortable fit or for different outfits. You can buy a clip that attaches to the straps of your bra, pulling them together into a racerback style and keeps them in place on your shoulders. Test the elasticity of your straps. Over time, your bra straps will lose elasticity and become looser and looser, causing you to tighten them. If they lose too much of their elasticity, you may not be able to make them tight enough to stay on your shoulders. Slide your finger under your strap and pull up. If it easily stretches to your ear, it's too loose and needs to be replaced. If you take good care of your bra (don't wear the same one every single day, hand wash and air-dry them, and put them on properly ), they should last about 6-9 months, if not longer. Make sure your bra isn't too big. The band should be snug against your back and parallel to the ground. Your breasts should fill the cups without pinching (giving you the appearance of having four boobs), and the cups should lay flat against your breasts. If your bra doesn't fit the above criteria, try a smaller band or cup size. You can measure yourself at home or be professionally fitted for a bra that fits properly. Get your bra straps shortened. Petite women may find their straps are always too long, no matter how much they tighten them. A tailor or lingerie shop may do this for you, or you can do it at home by removing an inch or two from the strap and re-sewing it. Check that the bra band is the right size. Your bra straps should be doing minimal work to hold up your breasts--a properly fit bra band should provide almost total support. If the band is too loose, you may be tightening your straps to pick up the slack, causing them to gouge into your shoulders. Your bra band should be snug, but no so tight that you can't slide a finger between the fabric and your skin at the front of your bra. The band should be parallel to the floor and sit no higher than the bottom of your shoulder blades. If you measure your bust and find your bra band is the right size but still too loose, then it's simply too old and needs to be replaced. Make sure your cup size is correct. If your cup size is too large, you may be tightening your straps too much to keep the cups from looking pointy or to pull the them flat against your chest. If your cup size is too small, the straps may not be long enough to accommodate your breasts and be pulled tight, gouging your shoulders. A bra in the correct size will have cups that lie smooth and flat against your chest, without pinching or causing your breasts to overflow from the sides or top. If the center panel of the bra (the part between the cups) doesn't lie flat against your breastbone, your cups may be too small, forcing you to tighten your straps to a painful degree. Wear a bra with wider straps. Many full-support bras come with wider straps, which distribute weight better than thin straps and provide more comfort. Even with a properly fitted bra, thin straps can sometimes still be painful for women with larger breasts. Try to avoid them when possible. Buy a cushion to wear under your straps. If your bra fits properly but the straps are still causing you discomfort, invest in cushioning designed specifically for bra straps. They fit under or around your straps and should mold against your skin so they are not obvious under your clothes. Some bra straps, especially wider straps, come with build-in cushioning for added comfort. | Locate the slide adjuster on your straps. Tighten a loose bra strap by holding the slide adjuster with the fingers of one hand and pulling front of the strap toward the cup with your other hand. Loosen a tight bra strap by holding the slide adjuster in one hand and pulling the back part of the strap away from the adjuster. Adjust the other strap. Try on your bra and adjust as necessary. Look at the slope of your shoulders. Test the elasticity of your straps. Make sure your bra isn't too big. Get your bra straps shortened. Check that the bra band is the right size. Make sure your cup size is correct. Wear a bra with wider straps. Buy a cushion to wear under your straps. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drive-a-Bus | How to Drive a Bus | The most important thing to remember when you're driving a bus is that buses are extremely heavy, which means you will have to leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. You should also plan to brake much earlier than you would if you were driving a car, especially around turns. Make sure you're always aware of your surroundings, and keep a mental note of what's in your blind spots so you know about any traffic before changing lanes. | Identify the company you want to drive with. Most companies train employees to drive. For instance, many cities offer a training course to teach their bus drivers how to drive. Decide what kind of company you want to go with, and see if they have a training program. Your main options are a city bus driver, a long-distance bus driver, or a school bus driver. Decide based on what appeals to you most. For instance, you may not want to be a long-distance driver if you have a family to come home to. On the other hand, you may not want to be a school bus driver if you don't like kids much. Meet the qualifications. Most companies have basic qualifications you need to meet. For instance, you often need to be 21 to drive a bus. You'll also need to pass a background check and physical to drive. The physical is important because you'll be required to do some heavy lifting, such as pulling out ramps and lifting or tying down wheelchairs. You'll also need to have a clean driving record and have been driving for at least 3 years. Complete the training. When you're working with a company, they will provide the training. You'll likely complete about six weeks of training. However, if you prefer, you can pay for private training with a company that specializes in the license you need to drive a bus. Get the appropriate license. In most states, you must get a CDL license to drive a bus. Many states also require you to get a special endorsement on top of that if you're driving a school bus. You may also need the passenger endorsement, no matter what type of bus you're driving. You'll need to study your state's laws and pass a written exam to get this license. You'll also need to pass a driving test. Contact your local department of motor vehicles to find out what material you need to study and what tests you'll need to take. If you're getting your license through a company, they should assist you with this information. For these licenses, you may also need to meet certain criteria, such as passing a background check and physical exam, just as if you were training with a company. If you don't have a license, you can be fined or even put in jail for multiple offenses. If you need a class C license for a small passenger bus, check out How to Get a Class C License. Adjust your seat, steering wheel, and mirrors. Just like in a car, you need to adjust your seat when you get in. This step is especially important when driving buses, as other people may be driving the same bus when you're not on shift. Also, adjust the steering wheel so you can comfortably control it. Adjusting the mirrors is also essential. Make sure that you can see the rear wheels in the outside ones, as well as the road behind it. On the inside mirror, you should be able to see the inside of the bus and the road behind the bus. The cross-view mirrors should help you see the front of the bus, what you can't see from your seat without mirrors. Start the engine. Put the parking brake on if it is not already set. Stomp on the clutch pedal if your bus is a standard rather than an automatic. Change gears to neutral before turning the ignition key. Push the starter. In most buses, you'll now need to push the starter button. However, with some engines, you'll need to wait about five minutes before you push the starter. For instance, if your engine is diesel and has an inlet heater or glow plugs, that means these parts need to warm up before the engine is started. There should be an indicator light that turns off when you can push the starter. Position your hands correctly. Like cars, you should position your hands in a particular way for the best grip on the steering wheel. On the bus, the recommendation is at 9 and 3, meaning that if you imagine the steering wheel as a clock, your hands will be where the 9 and the 3 are. Another way of looking at is your hands should be in the center on either side of the wheel. Identify the gears on your bus if it is a standard. If your bus is automatic, you don't need to worry about this method, but if it's a standard, you do. Start by establishing how many gear positions your bus has, usually four or five for driving forward, plus neutral and reverse. You should be able to find a diagram on your bus. If you can't, find someone more experienced to tell you about the gears on the bus. Once someone shows you, you may want to make your own chart just in case you forget. Shift into motion. Start by pressing your left foot down on the clutch, which is the pedal to the left of the brake. Next, place your right foot on the brake, and shift into second gear, which will be your starting gear. Next, undo the parking brake. Slowly lift your foot off the clutch until it reaches the friction point then stop. You'll know you've hit the friction point because the bus will start to move forward. Move your foot to the accelerator. As you start to accelerate, release the clutch with your left foot, pushing further down on the accelerator with your right foot. Shift to other gears. As you drive and need to go faster, you'll need to shift up. The process is similar to how you shifted to put the bus in motion. Once again, if you are driving an automatic, you can skip this step. Push the clutch in with your left foot. As you do, take your right foot off the accelerator. Shift up into the next gear. Next, take your foot off the clutch, and press down on the accelerator. You'll need to do this step a bit faster than when you started the bus moving. Use the same method to shift down. Pick the most comfortable turning method. Just like in a car, you can use one of two methods when turning the wheel. You either move hand over hand to turn the wheel or push with one hand and pull with the other without crossing over. Hand over hand can be a bit smoother, but if you're more comfortable with the push-pull method, it can be just as effective. Brake before curves. If you try to slow down in the middle of a curve, it can be disastrous in a bus. You can cause the bus to skid, for instance. You may even lose control of the bus. Therefore, when approaching a curve, consider whether you will need to slow down, and do so before you hit the curve. Hug the opposite edge of the lane. That is, you need to give yourself as much space as you can to make the curve. Because of that, you need to move to the edge of the lane, giving you more space. For example, if the curve is going to the left, you'll be moving toward the right side of the lane. If the curve is going to the right, you'll be moving towards the left side of the lane. Accelerate out of curves. This move is just like a car. That is, as you reach the middle of the curve, it's time to start accelerating again. Move back up to speed as you end the curve. Make a right turn. While left turns are generally pretty easy, right turns can be more difficult, given the length of the bus. Approach an intersection as you would in a car, getting in the correct lane and slowing down. Do not swing out into the lane to your left, as you could swing into a car. Hug that side of the lane only. If you must take extra space to make a turn, do so in the lanes that you're turning into. That is, as you turn right, you can swing out a little into the far lane next to your new lane if you need to, then return to the proper lane. Just be sure to watch for other vehicles and pedestrians. Check for blind spots when changing lanes. As you enter traffic, it's important to not rely solely on your mirrors if you can. Of course, your blind spots are in slightly different places on a bus. Once you put on your turn signal, wait a few seconds before merging, to give other drivers a chance to honk if you don't see them. When you're merging left, your blind spot is near the back of the bus on the left side. Make sure you move your whole head and body to see around people to check out the back and sides and to see all you can in mirrors. Before merging, make sure you have 1 1/2 bus lengths between you and the next vehicle. Stop at train tracks in most states in school buses. Most states have a law about school buses and train tracks. In other words, you must stop, open the door, and look to see if anything is coming on the tracks. Usually, you must take this precaution even if you have no passengers on the bus. You'll need to turn on your hazard lights before breaking, as cars might not expect you to stop. Stop close enough to get a clear view, but try not to stop within 15 feet or so. Stay stopped if you see a train coming. Don't try to race the train. If you don't see a train, proceed across the tracks. Back up with assistance. Avoid backing up whenever possible, as it's always safest to go forward on a vehicle like a bus. However, when you must go backward, it's best to get someone to help you, if someone is around. Have them stand where you can see them, and then they can help guide you into place. Before backing up, honk your horn. Also, turn on your hazards and the audible signal that indicates you're backing up. Only back up in a straight line. Reverse the bus, and move back slowly until the person tells you to stop. If no one is around, use your mirrors to guide you. Stop the bus. Remember that a bus is very heavy. It can weigh as much as 9 tons with no one even on it. With a full bus, it can weigh as much as 15 tons. That means that it's going to take you much longer to stop in a bus than it would in a car. Downshift to 4th gear when you've slowed below 30. Press the clutch in as you are stopping. Slowly ease down on the break until you come to a complete stop. Park the bus. Find a suitable place to park. If you're pulling into a gas station, for instance, you should choose one built for trucks and buses, as some parking lots are not made for vehicles that large. Once you've found a place, put the bus in neutral. Unless your bus is turned uphill, turn your wheels to the right. If your bus is facing uphill, your wheels should be facing left. Engage the parking brake, and turn the key to shut off the ignition. Always take the key out of the ignition. | Identify the company you want to drive with. Meet the qualifications. Complete the training. Get the appropriate license. Adjust your seat, steering wheel, and mirrors. Start the engine. Push the starter. Position your hands correctly. Identify the gears on your bus if it is a standard. Shift into motion. Shift to other gears. Pick the most comfortable turning method. Brake before curves. Hug the opposite edge of the lane. Accelerate out of curves. Make a right turn. Check for blind spots when changing lanes. Stop at train tracks in most states in school buses. Back up with assistance. Stop the bus. Park the bus. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Genetically-Modified-Foods | How to Avoid Genetically Modified Foods | To avoid eating genetically modified foods, buy food labeled 100 percent organic when you're shopping. You can identify organic fruit by checking for a 5-digit number on its label beginning with 9. When selecting meat, buy products that are 100 percent grass fed or 100 percent certified organic. Alternatively, look out for products that are labeled non-GMO or GMO free. If you want to take more control over what you eat, consider growing your own food from seed so you know what goes into it. | Buy food labeled 100% organic. The U.S. and Canadian governments do not allow manufacturers to label something 100% organic if that food has been genetically modified or been fed genetically modified feed. You may find that organic food is more expensive and different in appearance from conventional products. Trusted Organic Certification institutions include the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Quality Assurance International (QAI), Oregon Tilth , and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). Look for their mark of approval on the label of the product. Also, just because something says "organic," it does not mean that it doesn't contain GMOs. In fact, it can still contain up to 30% GMOs, so be sure the label says 100% organic. Eggs labeled "free-range," "natural," or "cage-free" are not necessarily GMO free; look for eggs that are 100% organic. Recognize fruit and vegetable label numbers. Price lookup (PLU) codes can be found on the stickers that are on your produce. These codes can be used to identify foods have been genetically engineered or modified. If it is a 4-digit number, the food is conventionally produced. This food may or may not be genetically modified. If it is a 5-digit number beginning with an 8, it is GM. However, do not trust that GE foods will have a PLU identifying it as such, because PLU labeling is optional. If it is a 5-digit number beginning with a 9, it is organic and is not genetically modified Buy 100% grass-fed meat. Most cattle in the U.S. are grass-fed but spend the last portion of their lives in feedlots in which they may be given GM corn, the purpose of which is to increase intramuscular fat and marbling. If you're looking to stay away from GMOs, make sure the cattle were 100% grass-fed or pasture-fed (sometimes referred to as grass-finished or pasture-finished). Some meats like pork and chicken cannot be 100% grassfed. In those instances, look for meat that is labeled 100% certified organic. You should also buy wild caught fish instead of farm raised fish. Farm raised fish are fed with genetically modified grains. Seek products that are specifically labeled as non-GMO or GMO-free. It was once rare to find products labeled as such, but thanks to organizations such as the Non-GMO Project, they are becoming more common. You can also research websites that list companies and foods that do not use genetically modified foods, but be aware that some information is often incomplete, and conflicting interests may not be declared. Shop locally. Although more than half of all GM foods are produced in the U.S., most of it comes from large industrial farms. By shopping at farmers' markets , signing up for a subscription from a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, or patronizing a local co-op, you may be able to avoid GM products and possibly save money at the same time. Shopping locally may also give you the opportunity to speak to the farmer and find out how he or she feels about GMOs and whether or not they use them in their own operation. Buying local food does not guarantee that you will be avoiding GMOs. Many local farmers use genetically modified seeds. Buy whole foods. Favor foods that you can cook and prepare yourself, rather than foods that are processed or prepared (e.g., anything that comes in a box or a bag, including fast food). What you lose in convenience, you may recover in money saved and satisfaction gained, as well as increased peace of mind. Try cooking a meal from scratch once or twice a week; you may enjoy it and decide to do it more often. Grow your own food. If you grow your own food, you buy seeds that have not been genetically modified. This way, you know exactly what was grown and what went into growing it. Many websites sell non-GMO seeds.You can visit Seed Savers or Seeds Now to find non-GMO seeds. Become familiar with high-risk crops. These are the products that are most likely to be genetically modified. Crops that are genetically modified include soy, corn, canola, sugar beets, cotton, Hawaiian papaya, zucchini and yellow summer squash, and alfalfa. Soy is not limited to actual soybeans. See How to Live With a Soy Allergy for more information on avoiding soy products. Make sure that your soy milk, edamame, and tofu have a 100% certified organic label. Corn includes corn flour, meal, oil, starch, gluten, and syrup. Canola oil is also known as Rapeseed oil. This ingredient can be found in a lot of processed foods. If you usually use Canola oil for cooking, try using olive oil instead. Sugar beets are found in any sugar that is not 100% cane sugar. Make sure you read the label. Cottonseed oil is a common ingredient in vegetable oil. shortening, and margarine. Many dairy products contain GMOs. Some farmers inject their cows with a genetically modified hormones rBGH/rBST and/or are fed genetically modified grains. You should look for dairy products that say rBGH or rBST free. Hawaiian papayas are genetically modified. You should buy papayas grown in other regions like the Caribbean. We usually do not directly ingest alfalfa. Alfalfa is grown to feed dairy cows and other animals. Both organic alfalfa and genetically engineered alfalfa are grown. You can avoid genetically engineered alfalfa by eating grass fed meat and dairy products that are 100% certified organic. Be aware of ingredients derived from GMO crops. Not only are the actual crops genetically modified, but an ingredient that is derived from the crop is genetically modified as well. If you are buying processed foods, you should read the food label and avoid any of these ingredients: amino acids (synthetic form, not naturally occurring in protein), aspartame, ascorbic acid (synthetic vitamin c), sodium ascorbate, citric acid, sodium citrate, ethanol, natural and artificial flavorings, high fructose corn syrup , hydrolyzed vegetable protein, lactic acid, maltodextrins, molasses, monosodium glutamate, sucrose, textured vegetable protein, xantham gum, vitamins, and yeast products. About 75% of processed foods at the grocery store contain these ingredients. This includes foods like soda, cookies, bread, and chips. You can avoid these derivatives by cooking your food from scratch and carefully buying your food. Use a shopping guide. There is no way for you to know every food that contains GMOs. If you are unsure, you should consult a GMO food guide. The Center for Food Safety has created an iPhone and Android app that can help you avoid GMOs when you are shopping. You can also download or use their online guide. Be careful when you eat at a restaurant. If you eat out, you should ask the manager or your waitress if they use organic ingredients or if they use GMO ingredients. If they do not use organic foods, you should avoid tofu, edamame, corn tortillas, corn chips, and any other products that contain corn or soy. Most of the items containing sugar will contain GMO derivatives. You should also ask what type of oil is used for cooking. If they say vegetable oil, margarine, cottonseed oil, or corn oil, ask if they can cook your food with olive oil instead. | Buy food labeled 100% organic. Recognize fruit and vegetable label numbers. Buy 100% grass-fed meat. Seek products that are specifically labeled as non-GMO or GMO-free. Shop locally. Buy whole foods. Grow your own food. Become familiar with high-risk crops. Be aware of ingredients derived from GMO crops. Use a shopping guide. Be careful when you eat at a restaurant. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Live-on-a-Deserted-Island | How to Live on a Deserted Island | To live on a deserted island, first try to find a source of fresh water, and then see if there are any natural formations around to use as a shelter. If not, you can build one for yourself using whatever materials you have at hand. Next, work on starting a fire to cook food, purify water, and ward off any lurking predators at night! Finally, remember that most people are only stranded for a matter of days, so don't give up hope! | Stay calm. The most important thing for you to do at first is to remain calm and try to think clearly. If you start to panic, you can lose control and end up forfeiting your chances of survival. You won't do that well if you've driven yourself crazy. William Golding's novel 'Pincher Martin' is a great example that illustrates how you can't do anything unless you 'take control', because the main character in the story lets panic get the better of him. Try making a "buddy" out of an object or animal near you, and talk to them to calm down. You should make 'safety, water, shelter and food' your main priorities, in that order. Look around you and decide on some safety precautions. Start by asking yourself if the area around you is safe. Look around again and check if there are there any wild animals lurking in close proximity? Does it appear like there could be a flooding risk? The first important step is establishing whether the place where you are is physically safe. Look for clean and fresh water supply. Almost all people who are lost out at sea are found in a matter of hours or days. Science tells us that the human body can survive up to 2 weeks without food, but just 3-4 days without water. So if there is no natural source of fresh water, start looking for a way to collect rainwater. Any source of water is great! As long as you have found a source of water, you can try to purify or desalinate it later. If fresh water is available, try boil it for 2-3 minutes. This will purify it. If you have a desalination device, that's even better! If not, don't fret, there are actually several methods by which you can desalinate water. One such method is distillation. To distillate water, construct a solar still, or one that works over a fire. A solar still can be built by filling a large, flat container with salt water or even urine which can be re-used, if the need arises. Place a smaller container in the center with a rock inside it to hold it in place. Cover it with a thin sheet of plastic or whatever similar material you have and place a rock in the center above the cup. If placed in direct sunlight, the water will evaporate and it will condense on the plastic sheet, which will then run down the sheet and drip into the smaller container. For a method that works over a fire, create steam and condense the steam by using a large piece of metal or glass placed inside the steam. This will allow the condensed water to run into another container. Create a shelter. You will need a shelter as protection from the elements and from natural predators as well. The best options are usually a natural shelter such as a cave, or one that you build. The next step to follow after having found a natural shelter, is to build a more enduring shelter. A shelter acts as a home base, a warm and shady place for you to sleep in, a place for storing your resources, and a hiding place from beasts of prey as well. Ensure that the shelter above the ground so that bugs don't crawl all over you. Find sources of food. The ocean is filled with life. Try building a low V-shaped wall made of stones at low tide, with the pointed part of the V pointing out towards the sea. At high tide, fish will swim into it, and get trapped as the tide flows out. There are a lot of edible roots and berries that you can actually consider eating, but do remember to watch out! Some of these roots and berries are poisonous and eating them would probably be fatal. Only eat them if you are sure they are safe to eat. The most reliable source of food on a deserted island are bugs. Yes, bugs! They can be found everywhere and they are an excellent source of protein, too. If you decide to fish with the bugs instead of eating them, a hook can be fashioned by carving out a stick into a hook shape and putting a barb on it. Tie string to it and you're in business. Take the time to evaluate your resources. Have you found a source of fresh water? Do you have a long range radio, satellite phone, or any other means of communication? Try to find other people who might be inhabiting the island. Remember that people can be your greatest resource. Start a fire. This may seem a bit trivial, but on a deserted island, fire has a number of uses. At the very least, it boosts morale. Fire can also be used to distill water, to cook, and to provide light for you and for your rescuers who can find you if they spot the fire! If you can't start a fire, don't worry, just move on to the next step and keep on trying. Ward off dangerous animals. If you know somehow that there are dangerous animals in the vicinity, use a fire at night time to help keep them at bay. If you have a fire extinguisher, you could use that to ward them off in an emergency. Traps and warning signals (such as snapping twigs) can be used to prevent animals from entering your shelter zone or alert you to their presence. Act on all of the approved ideas together as a group, if you have one. Everyone must work together and ensure that all needs are met, and ensure that all your resources are put to good use. Bury dead companions. If anyone in the group dies, bury them and hold a funeral, or in extreme cases, cannibalize them. This brings some closure, and gives the due respect required while removing a potential source of disease as well. Arrange rocks or other large objects in a clear path to signal for help. In William Golding's novel 'Pincher Martin', the stranded man actually built a figure out of rocks, which could be seen by passing ships. Recognized mountain distress signals are based on groups of three (six in the UK). A distress signal consists of three fires or piles of rocks placed in a triangle, or three blasts of a whistle, or three flashes of a light, each lit in succession, followed by a one minute pause and repeated until a response is received. Three blasts or flashes is the appropriate response. If you are in clear view of boats, attempt to make a large red X somehow. Try to make contact with the passing boats. Build big and unnatural looking shapes, with bright colors and something shiny. Use a radio, if available, to contact possible rescuers. Use signal mirrors, fires, flashlights, and whatever else available on hand to draw attention to yourself. This can be done while you wait. Never give up. A desperate act can be lethal. Willpower is what you need to survive without food for weeks. Believe it or not, without the will to live, you won't. Try to envision the great life that you will enjoy one day; if you give up now, that will be the end. | Stay calm. Look around you and decide on some safety precautions. Look for clean and fresh water supply. Create a shelter. Find sources of food. Take the time to evaluate your resources. Start a fire. Ward off dangerous animals. Act on all of the approved ideas together as a group, if you have one. Bury dead companions. Arrange rocks or other large objects in a clear path to signal for help. Try to make contact with the passing boats. Never give up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-Happy-Again | How to Become Happy Again | It can be tough when you're feeling low or in a rut, but with a few small changes to your routine, you can start to feel happier again! Set a few goals for yourself each day, even if it's something small like taking a walk or practicing guitar for half an hour. This will help you stay busy and keep track of your accomplishments. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, which will release endorphins and help you feel better. Consider talking to a therapist, or at least a close friend, about how you feel. Often, sharing your thoughts and feelings can help to make sense of them. Try to be patient with yourself. Negative emotions can be difficult, but they won't last forever. If you're feeling particularly hopeless or you're having suicidal thoughts, call a hotline so you can talk to someone and get help. In the U.S. you can call 1-800-784-2433. | Name what you're feeling and check for signs of depression. This is an important step in getting better. Oftentimes, depression makes you feel as though this is how you are supposed to feel, and identifying your depression helps you to treat it. Write down how you feel, and do it regularly. This will help to mentally separate you from your depression, and allow you to analyze and track your emotions, as well as provide valuable information to any doctor you see for treatment. Talk to your doctor about treatment options. Even if you suspect you're feeling this way for some other reason, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor should be able to direct you to valuable resources to help return yourself to a healthy state of mind. Bring in your description of how you're feeling. Describe the severity and the consistency of the feelings. Be totally honest with your doctor. Reach out to someone any time you can control it. Depression is dangerous. It can make you feel isolated, worthless, and empty. No matter how severe you feel that your depression is, tell someone you trust. If you're feeling suicidal, call a hotline at any time and talk to someone or call emergency services , such as by dialing 911 in the US: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) You can text 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889) LGBT Youth Suicide Hotline: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR Write out a to-do list each day. Depression can make it feel like you have no sense of purpose. It can make it difficult to get out of bed each day, much less do anything productive when you're out. The world can be overwhelming. To help yourself stay motivated and focused, it's important to establish clear and simple goals. Write out a list of things, even simple things, that you can do today to make yourself productive. Don't be afraid to list out extremely small things, like "Brush your teeth" or "Pick up the kids" or "Eat something" or "Don't smoke." Focus on the little stuff you need to do. Write out your accomplishments each day at the end of the day, if that works better for you. Listing out everything that you did will help you focus on your successes. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Your moods are impacted by lots of different factors, but if your body isn't getting what it needs, then your brain isn't either. Exercise is shown to have a direct effect on your mood and overall happiness, releasing endorphins that help to counteract the effect of stress on the body and make you feel happy. You don't have to be sporty, or a jock. Find something that you enjoy doing. Start jogging, or hiking. Play squash. Do something that you might enjoy. Make sure to get 8 hours of sleep every day, and at the same time every day. Rest is essential in keeping your energy levels even throughout the day, which affects mood. Change your diet. What you eat affects your mood directly. Eating more complex carbohydrates and decreasing the amount of refined sugars and processed foods can help you feel better. Focus on getting as many leafy greens, whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fruits into your diet, and cutting out anything pre-prepared. Increase intake of omega 3 fatty acids (flaxseed, fish, walnuts, tofu): Omega 3 helps brain function and regulates mood Drink eight cups of water every day to stay hydrated. Lots of problems like headaches and tiredness can be attributed to minor dehydration, which can affect your mood as well. Get some sun. Studies show some connection between the levels of Vitamin D and overall happiness. This is important for everyone, but especially in those with depression. Seasonal depression often occurs in the wintertime, when the days are shorter and we don't get a lot of sun. But a good dose of natural light will do wonders for your mood. If you live in a place with not a lot of sunlight, invest in a good light box. If these are too expensive for you, install bulbs in your lamps that have natural light as opposed to fluorescent light. Let it take some time. Break-ups can be really tough. Even if your relationship didn't last that long, it can be hard to see the end of the tunnel. If you can feel like you're suddenly alone in the world, Try to remember that you've been single before, and you'll figure out a way to get through this in time. Do the moping thing. Eat the ice cream. Watch the sappy Netflix movies. Let yourself be sad and go through the motions. Don't let it go too far. Don't mope around for more than a couple days for every month you were together with this person. There's such a thing as over-reacting when it comes to break-ups. Stop communicating with your ex. If you want to start recovering, then you need to stop pouring salt in the wound. If you broke up with someone, stop talking to them. If they broke up with you, definitely stop talking to them. Avoid all contact, at least for a couple weeks. Unfriend or stop following this person on social networking. In fact, sometimes it's best to take a social media break if you're going through a break-up. Everyone's "I'm so happy on vacation" stuff will seem super-irritating. Don't make it worse by bingeing on Facebook. The "let's be friends after" thing? It almost never works. But even if you think you're an exception, it's still important to let yourself be separate for a while. Give yourself a few weeks at least before you try to be friends again. Celebrate your new freedom. Breaking up doesn't have to be a somber affair. Even though, yes, now you might be alone, you're also free. If you want to wake up on Saturday morning, play loud music at the crack of dawn, and eat Cheetos in your bathrobe, who's going to complain? Nobody! Remember that thing that your ex hated? Yeah. Do that thing. Make a big change in your appearance that your ex would have hated. It'll feel good. Also, you are your own person and you should do the things you like to do not what they liked. Go out for a night with your friends and kick up your heels a bit. Live a little. Just don't go too crazy. Break-ups aren't a good excuse for getting nuts with tobacco, drugs, or alcohol. Make the changes you want to make. Sometimes, break-ups can give you a great opportunity to better yourself. Find something that you always wanted to do, but couldn't because of your relationship. If your relationship was holding you back in any way, go for it now that you're single. Get in shape. Start exercising and working on getting fit. It'll help you feel better and more confident. Consider moving into a new place if you shared a place with your partner. There can be lingering ghosts there that'll be hard to ignore. Maybe it's time for an even bigger change. Why are you at your job? Why do you live where you live? What do you want to do? What would make you happy? Maybe it's time to move to Colorado and do that wilderness training. Talk about it with someone close to you. There's no solution to the break-up problem, usually, but letting it out can be really helpful. Find a close friend or loved one to open up to and talk about how you're feeling. Even if you're a normally private person, it can be very helpful to open up to someone and start the process of feeling better. Spend time with your friends. You need to be with people right now. Go out with your friends, or have people over when you just want to hang out and have a quiet night at home. Just be together and talk to people about other things. Watch sports, talk about work. Just be. Sometimes, you may just want to be alone. That's okay. If you really don't feel like being around a bunch of happy people right now, then stay home. But Try to recognize when you're being self-defeating, and when you're being honest with yourself. Get busy. The more stuff you've got going on, the easier it is to avoid thinking about your ex. Sounds good right? Find something that will keep you busy so you can't slip back into depressive feelings. Throw yourself into work responsibilities. See if you can work extra hours or take on additional responsibilities. Making more money and climbing the ladder at work as a grieving process? Now that's productive. Find a new hobby. Sometimes, a break-up can be the perfect time to write that novel , or pick up bass guitar , or learn to scuba dive. Start dating again, when the time is right. While it will seem awkward and strange at first, you'll meet someone eventually. Even if it doesn't work out, have some fun while you can and play the field. There are a lot of people to meet out there. Try not to compare your new partner to your old one. That can be very difficult at first. If you're not ready to meet and enjoy the company of someone for who they are, then you shouldn't be dating yet. To test the waters and see if you're ready, try dating online. It can seem intense at first, but it's also a good way of dipping a toe in the water and seeing if it feels comfortable. If it is, try meeting someone. Don't worry about doing it the "right" way. There is no one way to process grief. Lots of people struggle, thinking they should be feeling some particular way that they're not feeling. This can cause a lot of guilt, making things worse. If you're not sure how to act, try not to worry about it as much. Do what feels natural. Death is an inevitable part of life. Dealing with loss is never fun, but it doesn't have to be the somber affair that many make it out to be. Find time to laugh in the face of death, if it's possible. Find the humor in a bleak situation. Grief has 5 stages , but keep in mind that this process can look very different for everyone. Surround yourself with people who care about you. Having a people around you can help bring your overall mood up, even if you're not doing anything in particular. Talk about what you're going through, or talk about other things that are on your mind. Share memories of the person you've lost. Talk about the good times and share stories. Look at old pictures. Reminisce. Sometimes it's better to avoid talking about the person or pet who died too much. It can be a good way to feel better for a while, but it can also just make it more depressing. Also take the time to talk sports, or movies, or anything else that comes up. Find your own way to grieve. You may need time to yourself. It's great to stay social, to reminisce, and to go through the process. But it'll be different for everyone. Try to find a personal and particular way to grieve for the person you lost. Think of the relationship you had with this person. What did you share? How can you commemorate that relationship? What could you do that would make you feel better? Get invested in something you love. Let grief make you busy, and let your business make you happier. Spend your time focusing on an obsession or an interest. Get busy being productive, and let your grief turn into productivity. If you love sports, practice your sport several times a week. Sweat out your grief. If you love fashion and beauty, start a blog and write about clothing or products. Explore new ways of enjoying your passion. If you enjoy playing instruments, learn a new song, or pick up a new technique that you've been meaning to practice. If you love learning and school, educate yourself further by devoting your time to your studies or watch the news. Head to the library. Get out of the house regularly. Just being around people can be instructive while you're grieving. Go to public places as much as you can. Instead of making coffee at home, grab a cup at a local spot. Instead of reading the paper at home, read it at the library. Go to a movie instead of staying in and watching TV. It gives you perspective to notice that everyone is able to just go about their day, even though someone you love has died. Life goes on and the world keeps spinning, even without that person. | Name what you're feeling and check for signs of depression. Talk to your doctor about treatment options. Reach out to someone any time you can control it. Write out a to-do list each day. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Change your diet. Get some sun. Let it take some time. Stop communicating with your ex. Celebrate your new freedom. Make the changes you want to make. Talk about it with someone close to you. Spend time with your friends. Get busy. Start dating again, when the time is right. Don't worry about doing it the "right" way. Surround yourself with people who care about you. Find your own way to grieve. Get invested in something you love. Get out of the house regularly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Car-Carpet-Stains | How to Clean Car Carpet Stains | If you need to get rid of a stain on your car's carpet, dilute the substance with water so it doesn't dry on your carpet. Try to clean the stain with a mixture of soap, water, and vinegar. If this fails, apply glass cleaner to the area, let it soak in for 5 minutes, and wipe it dry with a towel. Alternatively, cover the area with hairspray if you're dealing with an ink spillage, or use club soda on vomit stains to combat acidity. | Clean out your car. Before you start cleaning the carpet, remove everything from the car's floor. Give yourself plenty of elbow-room to work. Also give yourself a clearer view of any stains, dirt, debris, or other materials that might be obstructed by personal items. Vacuum around the stained area. Use your vacuum's smallest carpet attachment, if it includes one. Otherwise, use its standard-size carpet attachment for areas where it will fit. Then detach that and simply use the vacuum's hose to suck up loose dirt and litter so you don't end up scrubbing that into the stain. Scrub with a cleaning solution. Clean your car on a warm, sunny day so your carpet dries faster. Add a few drops of mild dish detergent to a bucket, plus 1 cup (240 ml) of distilled white vinegar. Then fill it with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of clean hot water. Wet a hard-bristled brush in the solution and give the carpet a vigorous scrubbing so the solution reaches all of the carpet's fibers. Err on the side of using too little soap than too much, since soapy residue will give dirt a handhold to hang onto if any is left behind. Try a couple applications of the solution if the stain doesn't come out right away. Dry the carpet. Ideally, use towels if you have any to spare for household projects. Otherwise, use thick cloth rags (as opposed to paper towels or anything else that's just as flimsy). Pat the carpet dry, changing towels as needed, until you've blotted out as much moisture as you can. Vacuum again. Even though your carpet should be clean by now, give it another once-over with your vacuum. Suck up any moisture that your towels couldn't reach or absorb. Make the carpet finders stand up at attention for a fresh appearance. Air the car out. Open all windows and/or doors. Allow as much air as possible to circulate through the car. Clear out any lingering smell from your cleaning solution and give the carpet the chance to air-dry further at the same time. Dilute recent spills and stains as soon as possible. Whenever you spill something that might be difficult to clean up, make clean-up easier by taking immediate action. Pour enough water to soak the area as soon as you can. Dilute the offending substance before it has a chance to set in and dry. Be sure to use cold water, since hot water may actually cause some substances to set in quicker. Try glass cleaner on persistent stains. If your soap/water/vinegar mixture wasn't strong enough to remove any stains, pour glass cleaner over them instead of using a soapier mixture. Let it soak into the carpet for about five minutes. Then use a towel or thick cloth to pat dry and blot out the moisture. Unlike dish detergent, glass cleaner doesn't create a soapy film. This makes it more ideal for heavy stains because you can use as much as needed without creating any sticky buildup for future dirt to cling to. Spray ink stains with hairspray. If a pen or marker has leaked, exploded, or otherwise stained your carpet, apply a light coat of hairspray. Let it sit and check periodically. Once you see that the ink has begun to fade, dampen a paper towel or cloth with cold water and wipe the area down until the ink has been removed. Dilute vomit with club soda or a baking soda paste. Vomit's acidity can ruin your carpet pretty quickly, so whenever someone gets sick in your car, neutralize the acidity by watering it down with club soda instead of plain water. If plain water is all you have, use it to make a baking soda paste and apply that to the affected area. But if you don't have baking soda either, plain water is still better than nothing. Treat bloodstains with a laundry starch paste. Depending on the size of the stain, pour enough dry laundry starch to cover the area into a container. Then add enough cold water to make a thick paste and stir to combine. Apply this to the stain and wait for it to dry. Once it dries, vacuum it up or brush it away. Use cornmeal on grease stains. Pour enough cornmeal to thoroughly cover the stained area. Leave it overnight to absorb the grease from the carpet. Then vacuum it up in the morning. If that doesn't work: You can also try wiping the area down with a cotton cloth dampened with paint thinner and then sprinkling salt over it instead of cornmeal. However, paint thinner may cause your carpet's color to run if it isn't colorfast, so be sure to test it out on a tiny, out-of-view spot first. Absorb general odors with borax. Dust your carpet liberally with borax. Then give it an hour or so to absorb the smell. After that, simply vacuum up the borax. Baking soda and kitty litter are both effective substitutes for borax. Try mixing even parts of baking soda and borax to sprinkle onto your carpets. Track down persistent sources. If your car still smells funky after the borax treatment, go hunting. Check under the seats and floor mats, inside pockets and compartments, in between cushions--anywhere and everywhere that might hide something. If you find the source of the smell: Throw the source away immediately and vacuum the area as best you can in case any remnants are left behind. Then target this area with the borax treatment while airing the car out. Have your car inspected if you can’t locate the source. If your hunt for the offending smell's source turns up dry, this could mean that the smell is coming from the car itself. If you're familiar with your car's components and how they work, pop the hood and check it out yourself. Otherwise, bring it to a repair shop so a professional can track down the problem. Possible sources could be (but are not limited to) overheated engines, old oil, and a/c issues. | Clean out your car. Vacuum around the stained area. Scrub with a cleaning solution. Dry the carpet. Vacuum again. Air the car out. Dilute recent spills and stains as soon as possible. Try glass cleaner on persistent stains. Spray ink stains with hairspray. Dilute vomit with club soda or a baking soda paste. Treat bloodstains with a laundry starch paste. Use cornmeal on grease stains. Absorb general odors with borax. Track down persistent sources. Have your car inspected if you can’t locate the source. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Out-of-Going-to-an-Event | How to Get Out of Going to an Event | If you've committed to attending an event but you really don't want to go, you might be able to get out of it with the right excuse. You could say that your car battery died or that you're dealing with a family emergency. Just be prepared to explain what happened in detail and answer questions the next time you see the person who invited you to the event. You can also fake being sick. For example, you could say you have the flu, a cold, or bronchitis. Make sure you stay at home to avoid suspicion. Your cover will be blown if someone sees you out shopping or having a good time. | Choose a legitimate excuse. A legitimate excuse is one that could plausibly occur. A raccoon breaking into and flooding your apartment, for instance, is not a legitimate excuse. Excuses can include previous events, a sick relative, no access to transportation, or a family emergency, if your excuse is needed on short notice. Choose an excuse you can easily remember. There is nothing quite as humiliating (and heartbreaking for the host) as forgetting your own made-up problem. A legitimate excuse might include one such as, “I had to take my child to the emergency room” or “My car battery died unexpectedly.” Practice your story. If you turn down an invitation to a significant event, you may have to field a lot of questions and needling. Practice your story, maybe even taking a moment to write down details of your given story to refer back to later. Be well informed of your fake needs, but do not sound forced or rehearsed. Take a moment to think about answers to any questions that are posed. Someone might ask how your emergency went. You can say something vague but helpful such as, “We were worried, but (insert name) is doing well now.” In the case of car trouble, you could say, “I was so bummed! I was able to get my car running a few hours later.” Involve someone else. If possible, involve someone else who can corroborate your story. You could say, for instance, that you'd already promised a friend you'd take him to a sports game, and have him back you up. This is particularly important if you are turning down an invitation extended by a close friend or family member. These relationships can be fragile, and may deteriorate if your reason for not attending is not important or pressing enough. You can say that you have to take your child to a game, you have to take a friend to a lesson, or you promised a family member you'd attend their play. The possibilities are endless. Give plenty of warning. If possible, give the host or the person inviting you plenty of warning that you will not be in attendance. This is both a courtesy and lends an air of legitimacy to your inability to attend. If possible, avoid waiting until the last minute and extending an excuse hours before the event is due to start. An ahead-of-time warning could include an excuse such as, “I have to pick a family member up from the airport that day.” If an advance heads up is not possible, give them at least a few hours of warning. Do not call a few minutes before you were supposed to arrive and ask for a rain check. Follow through with your excuse. If you've given an excuse, follow through by providing additional details, if requested, discussing what occurred during the event, etc. Following through with your excuse will keep suspicions off of you and will make the person inviting you feel as though you weren't simply blowing them off. If you are concerned about divulging too much and revealing your hand, feel free to say something simple, such as, “I was so sorry I couldn't attend, but my family enjoyed their stay.” Claim a safe but real illness. You should never claim a serious or debilitating illness you do not actually have, as these claims are easily debunked. This is especially true if the function in question is a work function, as your supervisor could request that a doctor's note be delivered. Real but safe illnesses include the flu, a cold, bronchitis, or (for women) even a case of severe menstrual cramps. Stay home. On the date of the event you're hoping to avoid, do not--under any circumstances--leave the house. Sick people do not go out shopping, run errands, or drive around, unless a visit to the pharmacy is in order. Stay home to avoid suspicion. If you cannot stay home, prepare yourself for the possibility of running into someone. Have an excuse for being out and about at the ready. Schedule some self-care. During the time of the event, give yourself some at-home pampering. This way, if someone asks how your evening went, you can honestly say something such as, “I took it easy, took a bath, and stayed in bed for most of the night,” or something similar. If you claimed to have a cold or the flu, you can give yourself a facial to reveal fresh, pink skin to create the illusion of being tired or out of sorts. Use vague language after the event has passed. Don't go into specifics about your illness. You can simply say you were under the weather. Most people do not want to hear the details of others' sickness, anyway, so do not feel you have to volunteer detailed information. If someone does ask exactly what was wrong with you, you can grimace and say, “You don't want to know,” or something in a similar vein. Follow up with the host. If necessary, contact the host and once again express your regret at having fallen ill, and ask how the event went. Doing so lends more credibility to your illness, as it creates the illusion that you are genuinely disappointed at having missed the party. Be quick on your feet. Quickly identify something you can schedule during the party or event in question, and ruefully claim you've already scheduled something else. If you are not known for being quick on your feet, pause for a moment and say you're thinking about whether or not you are free, or rifle through your phone or calendar while you try to come up with something. You can say something such as “I have a doctor's appointment that day, I'm so sorry!” Schedule something at the same time. This is key to successfully pulling off this ruse. Actually scheduling something at the same time will make keeping up the pretense of your story extremely easy. If you claim a social or work appointment, you can even take a photo or recording of your presence at said appointment to upload to Instagram or Facebook. Go to your appointment, date, etc. Actually go once you've scheduled an appointment! This is a great way to complete a task you've pushed aside or avoided, as you have no way to back out of it. If someone later asks how your appointment went, you won't have to fumble for an explanation: you'll be able to honestly describe how your day or evening went. Choose an appointment that is not readily rescheduled. A hair appointment, for instance, can likely be pushed to another time, but a doctor's appointment is harder to reschedule. Express interest in hearing about the event. Once the event has passed, if you see the host or person who invited you, ask about the event, how it went, who was there, etc. Be gracious in hearing about what transpired. Express your regrets at having had plans. After you discuss the party, once again express your regret that you had something else scheduled, and finish your conversation with something such as, “I'm sorry I wasn't able to come--it sounds like a great party.” Be sincere. If you cannot think of something nice to say, you can just apologize and leave it at that. State your concerns about going. Upon being invited, honestly and clearly state why you don't think attending would be a good idea. Your reasons can span quite a few possibilities, including running into a recent ex, not having enough knowledge of the event in question, or even that you are too tired and need a night to yourself. Some people will be offended by you honestly expressing a desire to stay home. If this is something you can handle--great. If not, you may need to use one of the aforementioned techniques. Explain why you don’t think going is a good idea. Once you've expressed your concerns, reiterate why your presence is not needed. Once you've expressed your concerns, the host might try to convince you to change your mind, or have counter-arguments as to why you should come. Explain why your presence is a bad idea, citing example scenarios. You could say, “My ex is going to be there, and I'm not ready to see her yet.” You could also say, “I am exhausted, and that is my only day off.” Answer any questions the host might have. When you turn people down, they are often flabbergasted and want reasons for your reaction. While you do not have to answer any questions they pose, do try to be gracious in your responses and provide any answers you feel comfortable giving. When you answer questions, do so with respect. If you are not comfortable with the types of parties the host throws, try to phrase your reason carefully, such as, “I'm not much of a drinker, so I always feel awkward and out of place.” Be kind, but firm in your decision. At the close of the conversation, the person inviting you may offer a last-ditch attempt to get you to come. Many people end up caving in at this stage out of guilt and accept the invite, but be (kindly) firm in your “no.” It might hurt your host's feelings, but they will likely appreciate your honesty. Do not give in, then change your mind and cancel later. If you do not want to go, say so directly. If you give in, stick to your commitment. | Choose a legitimate excuse. Practice your story. Involve someone else. Give plenty of warning. Follow through with your excuse. Claim a safe but real illness. Stay home. Schedule some self-care. Use vague language after the event has passed. Follow up with the host. Be quick on your feet. Schedule something at the same time. Go to your appointment, date, etc. Express interest in hearing about the event. Express your regrets at having had plans. State your concerns about going. Explain why you don’t think going is a good idea. Answer any questions the host might have. Be kind, but firm in your decision. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Starbucks-Mocha-Frappuccino | How to Make a Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino | To make a classic Starbucks mocha frappuccino, start by brewing and chilling 2 shots of espresso or strong coffee. Next, pour the chilled coffee into a blender, add 1 cup of ice cubes, and pulse the mixture until the ice is crushed. Then, add ⅓ cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup and blend for 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and icy. Finally, pour the drink into a glass and top it with extra chocolate syrup and whipped cream. | Blend the espresso or coffee with ice. Chill 2 shots of espresso or 1/3 cup (80 ml) of strong coffee until it's cold. Pour this into a blender and add 1 cup (217 g) of ice cubes. Put the lid on the blender and pulse the mixture until the ice is crushed. If you're short on time, you can even mix together instant coffee with very cold water. You'll need 1/3 cup (80 ml) of liquid. Add the rest of the frappuccino ingredients. Take the lid off and pour in ⅓ cup (80 ml) of milk, 1 tablespoon (8.3 g) of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of chocolate syrup. You can use any type of milk, but keep in mind that higher-fat milks will make the frappuccino creamier. You also use chocolate milk for a really sweet drink. Blend and serve the classic mocha frappuccino. Put the lid back on the blender and blend the frappuccino for 30 seconds. The mixture should become smooth and icy. Pour it into your serving glass and top the frappuccino with extra chocolate syrup and whipped cream. You can also garnish the drink with extra chocolate flakes, chips, or cocoa powder. Measure the ingredients into a blender. Pour 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) of very strong, chilled coffee into a blender. Add 1 cup (240 ml) of whole milk, 1/3 cup (80 ml) of sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup (60 ml) of chocolate syrup. The whole milk and sweetened condensed milk will make the frappuccino very rich and creamy. Add ice and blend the mixture. Pour in enough ice to fill your blender to the top. Put the lid on the blender and blend the mixture until it's completely smooth. This should take 30 seconds to a minute, depending on how powerful your blender is. For even creamier drinks, you can also pour in and blend 1/4 cup (60 ml) of half-and-half. Garnish and serve the extra-creamy mocha frappuccinos. Pour the frappuccinos into your serving glasses. Since this makes an entire blender full, you should be able to get about six servings. Garnish them with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. Measure the ingredients into a blender. Peel one banana and place it in a blender along with 1/2 cup (120 ml) of almond or soy milk. Add 1 scoop of mocha-flavored protein powder and 3 tablespoons of hemp hearts. Dump 2 cups (434 g) of ice cubes into the blender. You can use any vegan milk you'd like. For an extra chocolate flavor, consider using chocolate hemp milk. Blend the frappuccino. Put the lid on the blender and blend the frappuccino for about 20 to 30 seconds or until it's completely smooth. The frappuccino should foam up. Pour the frappuccino into your serving glass. Make the coconut cream topping. If you want to make a dairy-free topping, rinse your blender out and place 1/4 cup (60 ml) of thick, coconut cream into it. Put the lid on the blender and blend the cream until it's lightened and smooth. If the cream is too thick to get out of the blender, you may need to blend in 1 teaspoon of almond milk to loosen it. The cream will whip the best if it's very cold and thick. Serve the vegan mocha frappuccino. Immediately spoon the coconut cream topping onto the frappuccino. You can dust the top of the smoothie with a little cocoa powder or mocha-flavored protein powder. Stick a straw in the frappuccino and enjoy. | Blend the espresso or coffee with ice. Add the rest of the frappuccino ingredients. Blend and serve the classic mocha frappuccino. Measure the ingredients into a blender. Add ice and blend the mixture. Garnish and serve the extra-creamy mocha frappuccinos. Measure the ingredients into a blender. Blend the frappuccino. Make the coconut cream topping. Serve the vegan mocha frappuccino. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Chlamydia-Symptoms-(for-Women) | How to Recognize Chlamydia Symptoms (for Women) | It's natural to be stressed if you think you might have chlamydia, and although it's usually symptomless, there are a few symptoms to watch out for so you can get diagnosed and treated early. If you experience any unusual discharge, gradually worsening back or abdominal pain, fever or nausea, you may have chlamydia or another sexually transmitted infection. Other symptoms include pain during urination or intercourse, any bleeding after sex, or a sore throat after oral sex. Because chlamydia is often symptomless, you should get tested if you've had unprotected sex recently just to make sure. Don't worry if you think you may have chlamydia, since it is curable. Just visit your doctor or a local sexual health clinic, like Planned Parenthood to get tested. If the test is positive, you'll usually just need to take some tablets to get rid of it. | Note vaginal discharge. If you experience unusual vaginal discharge, this may be a sign of chlamydia infection or another STI. Signs that vaginal discharge is abnormal may include a different or unpleasant smell, a darker color, or a texture you've never experienced before. If you suspect that your vaginal discharge is abnormal, consult your doctor, gynaecologist, or other health professional for testing and treatment. Bloody discharge between periods can also be a sign of chlamydia. Pay attention to pain. Pain during urination and/or pain during intercourse could be a sign of a chlamydia infection. If you experience pain or extreme discomfort during sex, refrain from intercourse until you can be examined by a health professional. Chlamydia infections can cause pain during vaginal intercourse for some women. Burning pain during urination usually indicates some sort of infection, from a yeast infection to an STI. Seek medical treatment at once. Check for bleeding after sexual intercourse. Some women experience minor bleeding after vaginal intercourse, and this symptom is sometimes associated with female chlamydia. Tell your doctor about rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge. Bleeding, pain, and/or discharge from the rectum are symptoms of chlamydia. If you have vaginal chlamydia, the infection could have spread to the anus. If you engage in anal sex, the infection could be based in the rectum. Watch for mild and slowly progressing lower back, abdominal, and pelvic aches. Women may also experience higher back pain similar to kidney tenderness. These aches may indicate that a chlamydia infection has spread from the cervix to the fallopian tubes. As the chlamydia progresses, your lower abdomen may be tender to gentle pressure. Seek help for a sore throat. If you have a sore throat and have recently engaged in oral sex, you could have contracted chlamydia from your partner in this way, even if he was without symptoms. Penis-to-mouth transmission of chlamydia is one of the possible means of transmission of this infection. Monitor nausea and fevers. Women with chlamydia will often develop a fever and become nauseated, particularly if the infection has already spread to the fallopian tubes. Anything higher than 37.3C or 99F is considered a fever. Know your risks for chlamydia. If you have oral, vaginal, or anal sex and have multiple partners and/or unprotected sex, you are at risk of contracting chlamydia. Chlamydia is transmitted when the bacteria ''Chlamydia trachomatis'' comes in contact with your mucous membranes. Anyone who is sexually active should get annual STI tests, including testing for chlamydia. You should also get tested after every new sexual partner. You are at higher risk for chlamydia if you have unprotected sex, as your partner might have chlamydia or another STI. These infections can be prevented by using latex condoms and dental dams. You are at higher risk if you have been diagnosed with other STIs. Younger people are at a higher risk of contracting chlamydia. Since men who have sex with men are at a higher risk of getting chlamydia, be sure to talk to your male partner and make sure your partner is not having sex with anyone other than you. Mouth-to-vagina and mouth-to-anus transmission is not known to occur. Mouth-to-penis and penis-to-mouth transmission is definitely possible, though transmission through oral sex is less likely than via vaginal or anal sex. Get tested before symptoms occur. Chlamydia does not cause symptoms in 75% of infected women. Chlamydia could be damaging your body even if you haven't experienced any symptoms. Untreated infections cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can eventually lead to scarring and infertility. When symptoms do occur, they usually arise 1-3 weeks after infection. Get tested immediately if your partner discloses that he has chlamydia. Have one of two types of tests. A swab from an infected genital area can be taken and analyzed. For women, this means a swab of your cervix, vagina, or rectum and, for your male partner, a swab is inserted into the tip of the urethra or rectum. A urine sample may also be taken. Ask your doctor or visit a local health clinic, Planned Parenthood, or other agency that offers STI testing. In many cases testing is free. Get treated immediately. If you do get diagnosed with chlamydia, treatment via oral antibiotics, particularly azithromycin and doxycycline, will be offered to you. If you take the full course of antibiotics as directed, the infection should be gone in a week or two. For more advanced chlamydia, you may need IV antibiotics. If you have chlamydia, your partner should also be tested and on treatment so you can avoid re-infecting each other. All sex should be put on hold until treatment is finished. Many people with chlamydia also have gonorrhea, so your doctor may put you on treatment for this infection as well. The cost of treating gonorrhea is cheaper than running the lab tests for it, so you might be put on this treatment without being tested. | Note vaginal discharge. Pay attention to pain. Check for bleeding after sexual intercourse. Tell your doctor about rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge. Watch for mild and slowly progressing lower back, abdominal, and pelvic aches. Seek help for a sore throat. Monitor nausea and fevers. Know your risks for chlamydia. Get tested before symptoms occur. Have one of two types of tests. Get treated immediately. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Deal-with-Hypocalcemia-in-Pregnant-Dogs | How to Deal with Hypocalcemia in Pregnant Dogs | If you've noticed symptoms of hypocalcemia in your pregnant dog, like restlessness, excess salivation, or muscle tremors, take it to the vet as soon as possible so they can diagnose it and provide treatment. At the vet's office, you should be prepared for the vet to take blood tests to measure your dog's calcium levels. However, because the condition can be life-threatening, your vet may bypass the tests and give your dog a calcium injection right away. Once the vet has treated the calcium deficiency, make sure to ask if they recommend a calcium supplement to prevent the condition from returning. | Watch for signs of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can occur at any stage in a dog's pregnancy, but is most common in the weeks immediately following birth, and the time while the dog is lactating, or nursing its puppies. While rare, it may occur in the last stages of pregnancy. Signs of hypocalcemia include: Restlessness Excessive whining and salivation Sensitivity to stimuli Panting Pacing Stiff gait Muscle twitching or tremors Muscle stiffness Convulsions Educate yourself about hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is a deficiency of blood calcium. This condition is also referred to as “milk fever.” It is caused when the mother's body cannot release enough calcium from its stores to replace the calcium being lost when the puppies nurse. When this happens, the mother cannot keep healthy levels of calcium in her blood, and the dog can suffer from convulsive muscle contractions and other problems. Monitor dogs giving birth to first litters closely. Dogs that are pregnant with, or have given birth to, their first litter are more likely to develop hypocalcemia. If your dog is expecting its first litter of puppies, you should be especially vigilant about monitoring your dogs for the signs of hypocalcemia. Keep a close eye on smaller breeds. Certain breeds of dogs, particularly toy breeds, are more likely to develop hypocalcemia than larger breeds. Breeds that are at a particularly high risk include Mexican hairless dogs, Pomeranians, shih-tzus, miniature poodles, Chihuahuas, and miniature pinschers. Monitor your dog's diet. Diet and weight can increase the risk of hypocalcemia. There are certain risk factors aside from breed and giving birth to a first litter that can increase a dog's risk of hypocalcemia. These factors include a disproportionate ratio of phosphorus to calcium in a dog's diet while pregnant, as well as overall poor nutrition during your dog's pregnancy. Your dog is also at a higher risk if its body weight is low in proportion to the size of its litter. For a pregnant dog, the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus is between 1:1 and 1:2:1. Do not give a pregnant dog calcium supplements in the hopes of preventing hypocalcemia. Calcium supplements can prevent the body from releasing calcium from the bones, which will increase the risk of hypocalcemia. Seek treatment immediately. If your dog exhibits any signs of hypocalcemia, you need to take it to the vet immediately. Do not delay seeking treatment. Hypocalcemia is a potentially fatal disease and should be taken very seriously. Ask your vet to perform blood tests. When you take your dog to the veterinarian, make sure you ask that blood tests be performed immediately to measure calcium levels. These tests will either confirm or deny that your dog is suffering from hypocalcemia. It is important that these tests are done as soon as possible so that treatment can be administered. Educate yourself about how vets treat hypocalcemia. Many veterinarians will begin treating your dog for hypocalcemia prior to receiving the results of blood tests because the condition is life threatening. Your vet will likely give your dog calcium slowly and intravenously. It will cause your dog's muscles to relax quickly, and in most cases your dog will be in a normal state within 15 minutes. Ask your vet if a calcium supplement will be prescribed. Once your dog is treated for hypocalcemia, your vet will likely instruct you to give the dog a calcium supplement. This will help you manage your dog's condition. Never give a pregnant dog a calcium supplement unless your veterinarian prescribes it. | Watch for signs of hypocalcemia. Educate yourself about hypocalcemia. Monitor dogs giving birth to first litters closely. Keep a close eye on smaller breeds. Monitor your dog's diet. Seek treatment immediately. Ask your vet to perform blood tests. Educate yourself about how vets treat hypocalcemia. Ask your vet if a calcium supplement will be prescribed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Halo-Braid | How to Do a Halo Braid | To do a halo braid, you'll need to make a dutch braid first. Start by taking a small section of hair from the right side of your part, divide it into 3 strands, and begin plaiting your braid. Continue braiding your hair around your forehead, towards your ear, and down the nape of your neck, adding more hair to the braid as you move around your head. Eventually, work your braid up the left side of your head until you reach your forehead again. When you can't braid any more hair, use a hair tie to secure the end of the braid. Once your braid is secured, wrap the end of it around your head to form a halo. You can then tuck the end of the braid in at the nape of your neck. | Comb your hair and part it down the middle. Make sure that your hair is free of all tangles and knots. It can be dry or slightly damp. Take a small section of hair from the right side of the parting. Gather a small section of hair from along your forehead, starting from the parting. This first section of hair needs to be thick enough to divide into 3 strands, so approximately 2 cm (0.79 in) thick will work well. Run your fingers through this section of your hair to make sure that it is tangle-free. Choose the side of your head that is the most comfortable for you to start with. A general rule is that if you are right-handed it will be easiest to begin on the left side and vice versa if you are left-handed. However, try out starting the braid on each side first to see which feels more natural. Begin plaiting your hair into a Dutch braid. Divide the section of hair into 3 equal parts. Cross the right strand of hair under the middle strand so that it becomes the new middle strand. Then cross the left strand under the middle strand to make the next, new middle strand. Although it can seem complicated, a Dutch braid is actually very simple once you get enough practice with it. It is exactly the same as a French braid, except each section of hair is crossed under rather than over. Add a small extra section of hair to each strand as you cross it under. After beginning the Dutch braid, pick up an extra section of hair from the same side as the strand and then gather it into the strand. Then cross the right strand under the middle as normal. Do the same action to the left strand of hair to create a Dutch French braid that wraps around your hairline. Make sure that you are working around your head and gathering hair from around your hairline, rather than working over your head and moving towards the top. The size of the extra sections of hair that you pick up depends on the thickness of your hair. Try adding a 1 cm (0.39 in) thick section each time as a starting point. Continue Dutch braiding your hair around your hairline. Braid around your forehead, towards your ear, and then down to the nape of your neck. Aim towards the back of your head as you work. Continue gathering more hair into each section before you cross it below the middle strand. Make sure that your hair feels taut as you are braiding. This is because you can always loosen it once you're done, but you cannot make it tighter. Bring your arm behind your head once the braid gets too awkward to hold. As you work around the nape of your neck, the braid will become difficult to hold and to continue braiding. If you started braiding on your right side, bring your right arm to the back of your head and if you started braiding on your left side, bring your left arm over your head and to the back. You can still hold the braid to keep it in place using 1 hand while you bring the other arm over your head. Changing the position of your hands is the most difficult part about doing a halo braid. Continue braiding until the braid gets too difficult to hold again. Continue the process of gathering extra hair into the strand and crossing it under the middle. Eventually, around the left side on the nape of your neck, if you started braiding on the right, the braid will get too awkward to continue. Bring your arm across your chest and braid up the left side of your head. Bring your right arm from the back of your head to the front of your body again. Position your arm so that it's crossed over your chest as you continue the braid. Work your way up towards your ear and forehead using the same Dutch braiding process. Knowing which strand is which can get complicated when you change the position of your hands. However, saying aloud whether the right or left strand needs to be gathered or crossed next after you change position can help. Work as slowly as you like and don't feel that you need to rush. A halo braid is a complicated hairstyle which does take a lot of practice. Keep in mind that you are now braiding upwards rather than down. Braid your hair normally once you reach the start of the braid. As you approach your forehead again you will notice that you won't be able to gather extra hair when you reach the beginning of the braid. Finish the braid by braiding normally. Cross each strand over the middle until you run out of hair. The end of your Dutch braid won't be braided onto your head and will hang loosely to the side of your face. Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie. Once you cannot braid your hair any further, use a hair tie to hold the end together. Wrap it tightly so that you braid stays secure. Use a clear elastic hair tie if you have one, as this will be less noticeable if you braid loosens slightly once you have secured it. Wrap the end of the Dutch braid around your head to form a halo. Rest the end of the braid flat around your head, just above the section that has been braided into your hair. Make sure that the braid is resting firmly, but that it isn't wrapped so tight that it feels uncomfortable. The braid will be wrapped in the same pattern of around your forehead, past your ear, and around towards the nape of your neck. Tuck the end of the braid in at the nape of your neck. Gently push the part of the braid that is secured with a hair tie into the hair that is braided on the back of your head. Carefully place the end behind the strands of the braid so that the braid covers the hair tie. Be careful not to use too much pressure as this could damage the braid. Depending on the length of your hair, the end may not reach the nape of your neck or it may be longer and continue around the left side of your head. Tuck it in wherever it rests flat and feels comfortable. Use a bobby pin to secure the end of the braid to your hair. The hair tie will be hidden by the braid. Place the bobby pin so that it holds the end of the braid against your head. If 1 bobby pin doesn't feel secure enough, use a few more until you feel confident that the end of the braid won't come away from your head. Your braid will now look seamless, as it's difficult to tell where it starts and ends. Hold down any untidy parts of the hairstyle using bobby pins. Some areas of the braid may not be pulled as tightly as others, or there may be noticeable loose hairs. Use bobby pins to pin these areas down so that they don't stand out. Place the bobby pins horizontally as this helps them to be more hidden. Pull out the whole braid very slightly to make it look more relaxed. Very gently pull each strand of the braid outwards slightly to make it wider and less taut. This will also make the hairstyle more comfortable for you as it won't be pulled as tightly. Making the braid wider will not only hide any bobby pins, but it will also hide the spacing between the Dutch braid and the braid that has been wrapped around your head. Spray your halo braid with hairspray to keep it secure for longer. Once you are happy with your halo braid, give it a light misting of hairspray to help it stay in place. You can also use the hairspray to hold down any stray hairs. The hairspray will also help to make your hair look smooth and to settle any frizz. | Comb your hair and part it down the middle. Take a small section of hair from the right side of the parting. Begin plaiting your hair into a Dutch braid. Add a small extra section of hair to each strand as you cross it under. Continue Dutch braiding your hair around your hairline. Bring your arm behind your head once the braid gets too awkward to hold. Continue braiding until the braid gets too difficult to hold again. Bring your arm across your chest and braid up the left side of your head. Braid your hair normally once you reach the start of the braid. Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie. Wrap the end of the Dutch braid around your head to form a halo. Tuck the end of the braid in at the nape of your neck. Use a bobby pin to secure the end of the braid to your hair. Hold down any untidy parts of the hairstyle using bobby pins. Pull out the whole braid very slightly to make it look more relaxed. Spray your halo braid with hairspray to keep it secure for longer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Tires | How to Measure Tires | The easiest way to find your tire's measurements is to check the sidewall of the tire, which you can do without taking the tire off. To find the diameter of your tire, look for a capitalized “R” followed by a number, such as R15. Then, check the width of your tire by looking for a capitalized “P” followed by a number, such as P175. If your tire doesn't have this information printed on the sidewall, it's best to remove the tire from your car and measure it with a tape measure. To find the diameter, lay the tire on its side and measure across the side of the tire. Then, get the width by measuring around the outside of the tire. | Check the tire's sidewall to read its wheel diameter. The wheel diameter is often, though not always, printed on the tire's sidewall. You will be able to spot the diameter number by looking for the number followed after a capitalized "R." The tire diameter may be printed in inches or meters, depending on your country. If the wheel diameter is 15 inches (38 cm), for example, the diameter will read as "R15" on the number string. Lay the tire down on its side to measure wheel diameter manually. If you cannot find a wheel diameter number on your tire's sidewall, measure it yourself. Take the wheel out of your car, then lay it on a flat, smooth surface. A table or an area of ground with no incline works well for measuring tire diameter. Measure the tire from top to bottom for a precise measurement. Take the measurement over, not to the side of, the hub. Depending on your needs, you may also measure the hubcap in a similar way: start at the bottom of the hubcap and finish measuring at its tip. Use a stiff tape measurer to calculate the wheel diameter. Looser tape measures may not provide as accurate of a diameter calculation because they can bend or tilt. Check your hubcap diameter after you measure wheel diameter. Hubcap diameter is measured similar. Instead of from the top to bottom of the tire, however, measure from tip to end of the hubcap. Make sure to take your measurement over, not around, the hubcap here as well. Check for the tire width along its sidewall. Often, the tire width will be printed along with other measurements. In most countries, the tire width is printed in millimeters or meters. The tire width number is usually printed directly following a capitalized "P." If your tire width is 1.75 metres (69 in), for example, the width number will usually be written as "P175." Measure your tire width from one end of the tire to the other. If you can't find a tire width number on the sidewall, calculate it on your own.The tire width is measured from endpoint to endpoint. If your tire is not connected to your car, stand it vertically while you measure. Take your measuring tape, and record the measurement you get from one end of the tire to the other. Prop your tire against a straight object if it does not stand up on its own. Check for the aspect ratio along the sidewall as well. The tire aspect ratio is the ratio of the tire height divided by the tire width. On a tire sidewall, the aspect ratio will generally be written after a backslash ("/"). Aspect ratios are written in percentages. If your aspect ratio is 65%, for example, the number will likely be written as "/65." Divide your width by your diameter to calculate aspect ratio. Calculate aspect ratio manually if the number is not contained on the sidewall. When you've divided and come to a number, convert that number from a decimal to a percentage. This is your aspect ratio number. If your width is 4 inches (10.2 cm) and your diameter is 24 inches (61 cm), for example, then your aspect ratio is 60%. Make sure you calculated the diameter and width in the same measurement system (e.g. inches or meters) before you calculate the aspect ratio. Use this online aspect ratio calculator as an alternative: https://www.calculator.net/ratio-calculator.html Position a penny into a groove on your tire tread. Tire tread measurements are taken more approximately than other tire measurements. Take your penny and stick it into a groove in your tire. Position it so that Lincoln's head is sticking into the tread. If you purchased your tires at different times, check all four tires separately. Check whether the tire grooves cover Lincoln's hairline. The tire grooves should not cover the entire head but should cover the entirety of Lincoln's hair. If it is, your tire does not need to be replaced. New or used tires with this measurement are safe to purchase. Replace your tires if Lincoln's hairline is left uncovered. If you can see his entire head sticking out, or if you can see part or all of his hairline, your tread is too thin. Purchase new tires as soon as you notice that they are worn to prevent blowouts or other emergencies. Do not purchase used tires that show Lincoln's hairline or his entire head. Their tread is too thin. Measure your tire tread with a quarter as an alternative. Stick your quarter into the tire groove in the same way as you inserted the penny, with George Washington's head first. If your tread covers the tip of Washington's head, it is safe to drive on. If there is a gap between the tire tread and Washington's head, replace your tires as soon as you can. If you prefer not to keep pennies on hand but want to perform a coin test, quarters may be ideal. Quarters, however, offer a less precise measurement than pennies because it may be hard to tell if the tire tread is touching Washington's head. Look for your tire's indicator bars if you do not have access to US currency. Tires often have indicator bars that can help you check how worn your tire tread is. These small bars built into your tire begin revealing themselves as your tire becomes too worn. Replace your tires if you can see the indicator bars partially or fully. If you are located in the United States, check your indicator bars and perform the penny or quarter test as an added precaution. | Check the tire's sidewall to read its wheel diameter. Lay the tire down on its side to measure wheel diameter manually. Measure the tire from top to bottom for a precise measurement. Check your hubcap diameter after you measure wheel diameter. Check for the tire width along its sidewall. Measure your tire width from one end of the tire to the other. Check for the aspect ratio along the sidewall as well. Divide your width by your diameter to calculate aspect ratio. Position a penny into a groove on your tire tread. Check whether the tire grooves cover Lincoln's hairline. Replace your tires if Lincoln's hairline is left uncovered. Measure your tire tread with a quarter as an alternative. Look for your tire's indicator bars if you do not have access to US currency. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Picnic-Table | How to Build a Picnic Table | To build a picnic table, start by purchasing durable lumber and cutting the wood down to size with a circular saw. Next, assemble the table frame and use screws to secure the pieces together. Then, assemble the benches and secure those pieces together with screws. Finally, sand the table and matching benches with 220-grit sandpaper and seal the surface with a polyurethane sealer or wood stain to protect the wood from the elements. | Purchase durable lumber for the project. Treated southern yellow pine is a strong but relatively inexpensive choice for the table. You can also try woods like red cedar, Douglas fir, or redwood. Premium lumber, or even a synthetic material made from recycled plastics, leads to a higher quality table. To make an average-sized table, buy: 15 boards that are 2 × 6 × 72 in (5.1 × 15.2 × 182.9 cm). 7 boards that are 2 × 4 × 30 in (5.1 × 10.2 × 76.2 cm) Wear safety goggles and a dust mask while working with the wood. Building the table involves a lot of cutting, drilling, and sawdust. Taking the proper safety precautions will protect your health in the long run. Also, wear earmuffs to protect your hearing while operating saws. Avoid wearing long clothing, jewelry, or gloves that can get caught by a saw blade. Measure and cut the 2 in × 6 in (5.1 cm × 15.2 cm) with a circular saw. The longer boards form the tabletop, seats, and table legs. Use a speed square and a pencil to measure out the cuts. A speed square is like a combination of a ruler and protractor. Hold it against the board to trace straight lines and angles. You can also use a miter saw to trim the boards to size. Cut 5 of the boards to be 6 ft (1.8 m) long. These will form the tabletop. For the legs, cut 4 more boards to be about 3 ft (910 mm) long. Cut both ends of each board at a 25-degree angle, angled oppositely away from the board. Cut 2 more boards for the bench supports. Make them 5 ft (1.5 m). Make the benches by cutting 4 more boards about 6 ft (1.8 m) long. Saw the 2 in × 12 in (5.1 cm × 30.5 cm) boards to the proper length. Cut with a circular saw again or a miter saw if you know how to use one. The shorter boards form a lot of the bracing that gives the table stability. Measure and trim these down as needed. Make 3 battens 2.5 ft (76 cm) long. The battens are braces for the tabletop. Cut both ends at a 45-degree angle, angled oppositely away from the board's center. Cut 2 boards about 2.33 ft (0.71 m) to form the table braces. Make a pair of cleats by cutting the final 2 boards 11.33 in (28.8 cm) long. Cleats are supports for the benches. Lay the 5 tabletop boards with their best side facedown. The side you place facedown will form the top of the table. You can lay the boards on a flat surface such as a patch of concrete or on sawhorses if you have them available. Position the boards so their ends align. Leave about ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) between each board. To space the boards properly, stick ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) wood spacers or nails between them, then push them together. If you put the boards on sawhorses, clamp them in place so they can't move while you're working. Glue the battens to the table boards. Measure about 16 in (41 cm) in from either of the table's short ends. Place the cut battens there, then place a third batten directly in the middle of the table. Position the battens so they run across the width of the tabletop. Then, spread a waterproof polyurethane adhesive underneath each batten to hold it in place. The battens will be about 7 in (18 cm) from the table's edges. You may need to use a caulking gun to spread the adhesive. Load the gun and trim the tip off the adhesive canister. Press the trigger to release a bead of adhesive. Move slowly across the width, or short side, of the table to lay a smooth string of the adhesive. Pre-drill holes in the battens before screwing them in place. Use a ⁄ 32 in (0.40 cm) drill bit on the ends of each batten. Create a single hole in the center of each end. Drill diagonally down at about a 45-degree angle towards the tabletop boards. Then, place a 4 in (10 cm) deck screw in each hole to secure the battens in place. To prevent the wood from cracking, always pre-drill holes before adding fasteners. Use galvanized screws on the table. They are much stronger than nails while also being resistant to water. Connect the legs to the outer battens and clamp them together. Position the legs up against the inside edges of the battens, 2 per side. Make sure the legs are flush with the tabletop. They will point diagonally out from the battens, forming an A-shape. The table's stance needs to be wide to give it plenty of stability. Put some polyurethane adhesive under the legs to secure them to the tabletop. Screw the legs to the battens with 3 in (7.6 cm) carriage bolts. Countersink the carriage bolts by first drilling a pair of 1 in (2.5 cm) holes about ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) deep. Then, pre-drill a ⁄ 8 in (0.95 cm) wide hole through the center of the first hole. Finish by screwing in the bolts. Position the holes along the edges where each leg and batten meet. Make the first hole near the bottom edge of the batten, closer to the center of the tabletop. Make the second hole along the top edge and near the batten's outer edge. Leave about ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) of space between the screws and the edges of the wood. For extra strength, screw a washer and nut onto the end of each bolt. Measure about 13 in (33 cm) up the legs to position the bench support. Measure from the bottom of the legs and use a pencil to mark them. Then, raise the 2 bench supports up and clamp them firmly in place. The bench supports will run across the legs, preventing them from moving. Make sure the bench supports extend beyond the legs. The bench supports also hold up the benches, which can't happen without that extra length of wood. Countersink the bench supports with 3 in (7.6 cm) carriage bolts. Attach the bench supports the same way you did the legs. Create 2 holes by drilling through the legs and into the supports. Position 1 hole along the bottom edge of the support and the leg's centermost edge. Make the second hole opposite of the first. Remember to drill a 1 in (2.5 cm) hole first, then drill a second, smaller hole directly in its center. Countersinking enables you to connect thin pieces of wood without breaking them. Place a washer and nut on the end of each bolt to strengthen it. Screw the braces to the bench supports and middle batten. Make sure braces fit firmly in place before you attach them. Position them so they are flush with the batten and the top edge of the supports. When you're sure they're steady, use a ⁄ 32 in (0.40 cm) drill bit to pre-drill pilot holes. Finish the supports with several 3 in (7.6 cm) deck screws. Make the outer holes by drilling through the supports and into the braces. Make the inner holes by drilling through the braces and into the tabletop. To make your bench sturdy, install 2 screws on each end of the braces. You may need to measure and cut the braces again to make them fit. Use a speed square, pencil, and circular or miter saw for this. Invert the table so it is standing on its legs. You are almost done constructing the table. Now is a good time to check its stability. Push against each component to see how sturdy the table feels. When you're satisfied, you are ready to create the seats. If any component wiggles, it may not be sturdy. Make sure the boards are flush and screwed tightly together. Align the bench boards together on a flat surface. Lay them on the ground or on a sawhorse. Make sure you put the better sides facedown, since they will form the top part of each seat. Keep the edges of the boards flush with one another and separate them using ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) wood spacers or nails. Connect 2 boards per bench. Keep the benches separate. Attach the cleats to each bench. Spread a line of polyurethane adhesive along the bench's width. Then, press the cleat onto it directly in the center. Drill a pair of ⁄ 32 in (0.40 cm) wide pilot holes through each cleat and into the bench boards. Screw them in place with 2 ⁄ 2 in (6.4 cm) deck screws. Place the holes about ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) away from the edges of each cleat. For additional stability, create 4 more cleats. Place them as close to the ends of the benches as possible. Screw the bench boards to the support boards. Lay the benches over the supports so the cleats face the ground. Locate the points where each board meets the supports. Along the center of each board, drill down into the support. Place more 3 in (7.6 cm) deck screws to secure the benches in place. You will need to create 2 holes for each board for a total of 4 holes per bench. Cut the corners off the tabletop at a 45 degree angle. Use a saber saw or router to round off the table's edges. Remove about 2 in (5.1 cm) off of each corner. Work carefully to ensure the table looks even on all sides. While doing this is optional, it is recommended to prevent injuries from anyone bumping into sharp corners. Sand the table with 220-grit sandpaper. Rub the sandpaper lightly along the table's grain. This will eliminate any splinters or rough edges. Feel the table with your hand afterwards. Make sure it feels smooth to the touch. Avoid pressing too hard. If the sandpaper leaves scratches on the table, use less pressure. Seal the wood to waterproof it if you desire. Try using a silicone or polyurethane sealer or wood stain. Spread the sealer or stain over the wood evenly with a rag, then let it dry for about 2 hours or the length of time specified by the manufacturer. Recoat the wood once or twice to protect your picnic table from the elements. Wood stain products turn the wood a darker color. Apply the stain in a light initial layer, then add more in subsequent layers until the table reaches the shade you desire. | Purchase durable lumber for the project. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask while working with the wood. Measure and cut the 2 in × 6 in (5.1 cm × 15.2 cm) with a circular saw. Saw the 2 in × 12 in (5.1 cm × 30.5 cm) boards to the proper length. Lay the 5 tabletop boards with their best side facedown. Glue the battens to the table boards. Pre-drill holes in the battens before screwing them in place. Connect the legs to the outer battens and clamp them together. Screw the legs to the battens with 3 in (7.6 cm) carriage bolts. Measure about 13 in (33 cm) up the legs to position the bench support. Countersink the bench supports with 3 in (7.6 cm) carriage bolts. Screw the braces to the bench supports and middle batten. Invert the table so it is standing on its legs. Align the bench boards together on a flat surface. Attach the cleats to each bench. Screw the bench boards to the support boards. Cut the corners off the tabletop at a 45 degree angle. Sand the table with 220-grit sandpaper. Seal the wood to waterproof it if you desire. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-a-Mother-Dog-Rest | How to Help a Mother Dog Rest | To help a mother dog rest, give her food with a higher fat quantity to make sure she's getting enough calories to feed her puppies. You should also only let 1 or 2 people handle the puppies, since the mother will be stressed out if lots of people are coming by and picking up a puppy. Once the puppies are about 2 weeks old, give the mother a separate bed close to the whelping box so she can rest. After the puppies start eating solid food, let the mother take a break from them by taking her for a short walk around the neighborhood. If the mother still appears tired, try distracting the puppies by playing games with them so she can have a breather. | Give her energy through food. After giving birth and feeding puppies, the mother is going to be noticeably tired and she will need good food to keep her energy up. A food meant for nursing mothers is best, though a high quality food may suffice. Either way, now is not the time to limit food. Let the mother eat what she needs to keep feeding her babies. The mother may not show interest in food for about a day after giving birth. A nursing dog needs a different diet than her pre-puppy food. Choose a food with a higher fat content to make sure she is getting sufficient calories to meet the needs of milk production, and look for a food that is high in calcium and protein to help provide the puppies with more complete nutrition. Give her access to fresh water at all times. You should also make sure that the mother has plenty of fresh water in addition to food. Producing milk takes a lot of her body's liquid, so to keep up, she needs to drink more than she normally does. Not getting enough water can make her more tired. Take the dog outside in the first day or two. Often, the mother will not want to leave her puppies in the first day or so of having them, even to go outside. For that reason, you may need to pick up your dog and take her outside to use the bathroom. However, if she becomes aggressive, it's better to wait until she's more comfortable Pay attention to signs of infection and other problems. After birth, you should watch your dog to make sure she doesn't develop one of several common problems. For instance, she could get an infection in her uterus or in her teats. Another common problem is low calcium. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet. Some drainage from your dog's uterus is expected. However, it shouldn't be pale or gray. It also should flow freely and not smell bad. If it is smelly, thick, and pale/gray, she may have an infection. Normal discharge should be red, greenish, brownish, or black. With her teats, look for signs of infection, which include pain, swelling, irritation, and redness. The milk should stay white (and flow freely); if the milk turns green, red, or yellow, that's a sign of infection. You should also check for mastitis, which is an inflammation of the mammary glands. Look for swelling, red or hot areas, discoloration in milk, and changes in attitude such as lethargy or depression. If you suspect mastitis, contact your vet immediately. Low calcium shows up in various ways. Generally, your dog will show less interest in her puppies, and she may be disoriented or nervous. She may pant, whine, have stomach problems, or develop a fever. Finally, she'll start to walk differently, and she may get muscle tremors. One clear indication of low calcium is laying on her side with her legs extended straight out. If you suspect your dog has low calcium, contact your vet immediately. Hand feed the puppies if necessary. Mothers who've just given birth may run into complications, such as infection or low calcium. Often, that means she's not able to feed the puppies herself. In that case, you will need to hand feed the puppies while the mother recovers, and you may need to hand feed the puppies for good. Get the supplies. You'll need bottles made specifically for puppies to feed from. You'll also need a commercial formula designed for puppies. While you can make homemade formulas, these formulas are not balanced as well as the commercial ones. Prepare the formula and bottles. You can mix up enough formula for a day, but make sure to keep the extra in the refrigerator. Follow the directions on the package for mixing, then heat the mixture to 98 to 100 °F (36.7 to 37.8 °C) by placing it in a pan of water. Also, make sure to thoroughly clean the bottle and nipple each time you feed the puppies. Feed the puppies. When feeding, the puppy should be on its stomach. In the first three days, feed the puppy every two hours. After that, you can move to every three hours, with four-hour periods at night. The second week, you can change to four-hour stretches during the day and six-hour periods at night. When the third week comes around, you can start moving to solid food, puppy mush, though you still need to be bottle feeding regularly. Massage the puppies with a warm towel. After feeding, use a towel or rag wetted with warm water to gently wipe each puppy in the area around its rear and genitals. This simulates the action of the mother licking the puppy, which encourages them to excrete waste. Limit access to the mother and puppies in the first month. Your first instinct might be to show off the new puppies to the world. There's nothing wrong with that. However, you should do it only through pictures. If you let everyone traipse by where the puppies are, giving each person a chance to hold a puppy, you'll put more stress on the mother, who's sole job right now is to protect and care for the puppies. Instead, stick to letting one or two people care for her. You should also keep her away from other pets in your home. Relocate if needed. Sometimes, a mother may not want to stay with her puppies. Usually, that means she is particularly attached to you and the family and wants to be closer. You can move her to where she can be closer to your family, so she doesn't feel the need to leave the puppies. Give the mother a separate area at about 2 weeks. Once the pups are old enough, at a about 2 to 3 weeks, you can provide a separate area for the mother. It should be very close to the whelping box with easy access. However, having a separate bed will give her a break. Let her take breaks after the first month. In the first month, the mother is going to want to be as close to her puppies as she can be most of the time. However, once the puppies start eating on their own, she may be more willing to take breaks. When that happens, allow her some time on her own. For instance, you could take her for a short walk around the neighborhood. However, follow her lead. if she really doesn't want to leave her puppies, don't make her. Help entertain the puppies. Once again, you should really wait until about a month has passed before attempting this step. However, once the mother seems more comfortable with having people around, you can help her catch a break by playing with the puppies yourself. Keeping them entertained a bit can help her rest. | Give her energy through food. Give her access to fresh water at all times. Take the dog outside in the first day or two. Pay attention to signs of infection and other problems. Hand feed the puppies if necessary. Get the supplies. Prepare the formula and bottles. Feed the puppies. Massage the puppies with a warm towel. Limit access to the mother and puppies in the first month. Relocate if needed. Give the mother a separate area at about 2 weeks. Let her take breaks after the first month. Help entertain the puppies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-a-Banana-Spider | How to Identify a Banana Spider | To spot a golden orb-weaver banana spider, which are found in areas like North America and Asia, look for spiders with red, yellow, or white bellies, and a leg span of up to 6 inches. To identify a Cupiennius spider, often seen in Mexico, keep an eye out for small spiders between ¼ inch to 1 ½ inches that have bright red hairs on their legs and mouths. For venomous Brazilian wandering spiders, look for brown, hairy spiders about 5 inches in size, which will sometimes sit with 2 front legs lifted in the air. | Note their color. These spiders usually have red, yellow, or white abdomens contrasted against black or dark brown. Their legs are often striped, have feathery tufts, and the tips of their legs point inward. Know their size. The body of a female golden orb-weaver can be between one-and-a-half and three inches, while males are typically smaller than one inch. Their bodies are longer than they are wide, and they can have a leg span of up to six inches. Recognize notable characteristics. Golden orb-weavers usually have irregular spots on their abdomens. Recognize their webs. The webs of these spiders can be easily identified because of the yellow or golden color of the silk, which is why they are called golden orb-weavers. The webs can be larger than a yard across, and are generally found at eye level or above, and usually in forested areas or mangroves. Learn where golden orb-weavers live. Spiders of the Nephila genus are commonly called golden orb-weavers, giant wood spiders, and banana spiders. While these spiders are mildly venomous, they aren't a big threat to humans, as their venom isn't overly potent. The species that make up this genus can be found in most places throughout the world, including: Australia Asia Africa and Madagascar South America North America (in the southern United States) Learn where Cupiennius spiders live. Cupiennius spiders are called banana spiders because they are sometimes found in banana shipments in North America and Europe. However, they are only native to Mexico, the northwestern parts of South America, and a few Caribbean islands. While these spiders are not dangerous to humans, they are often mistaken for the venomous Phoneutria, or Brazilian wandering, spiders. Know their size. The smallest spider species in this genus are about a quarter-inch, while females of the larger species can be as large and one-and-a-half inches. While often mistaken for Brazilian wandering spiders, Cupiennius spiders are generally smaller. Note their color and identifying characteristics. Cupiennius spiders may have bright red hairs on their legs or mouths, and may have black spots on a white background on the underside of their legs near the body. Learn where Brazilian wandering spiders live. Spiders of the Phoneutria genus are commonly known as Brazilian wandering spiders, armed spiders, or banana spiders. They are native to tropical areas in South America, but there has also been one species found living in Central America. Like Cupiennius spiders, Brazilian wandering spiders are often referred to as banana spiders because they sometimes travel the globe in banana shipments. Brazilian wandering spiders are a danger to humans, and are known as one of the most venomous spiders on Earth. However, there is anti-venom to treat their bites. Know their size. Spiders in the Phoneutria genus can have bodies as large as two inches, and leg spans of up to five inches. Note their color. These spiders tend to be brown and hairy. They are often confused with Cupiennius spiders because they too can have red hairs on their mouths, but they also might have a black spot on their bellies. Recognize notable characteristics. Brazilian wandering spiders will often sit with their two front legs lifted in the air and sway from side to side. Learn where Hawaiian garden spiders live. Argiope appensa are commonly known as Hawaiian garden spiders. They are native to Taiwan and Guam, and are now found regularly in Hawaii and New Guinea. They are not venomous, and don't pose any real threat to humans. Recognize their webs. Hawaiian garden spiders have distinctive webs, thanks to the unique zigzag pattern they incorporate into their webs with thick bands of silk. Know their size. These spiders can be quite large, with body lengths reaching over two inches. Note their color and identifying characteristics. Hawaiian garden spiders are often called banana spiders because of their yellow color. They can also be identified by their unique star-shaped abdomens. | Note their color. Know their size. Recognize notable characteristics. Recognize their webs. Learn where golden orb-weavers live. Learn where Cupiennius spiders live. Know their size. Note their color and identifying characteristics. Learn where Brazilian wandering spiders live. Know their size. Note their color. Recognize notable characteristics. Learn where Hawaiian garden spiders live. Recognize their webs. Know their size. Note their color and identifying characteristics. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-People-Who-Put-You-Down | How to Deal With People Who Put You Down | It can be hard when someone puts you down all the time, but if you come up with a strategy to protect yourself, it'll be easier to deal with. When someone puts you down, avoid retaliating, even if it's difficult. This will only give the other person the satisfaction of getting a reaction out of you. Instead, take a deep breath and count to 5 to remain calm. Try to remember that their hurtful words are a reflection of their negativity, not you as a person. If the person doesn't stop putting you down, talk to someone you trust about the situation. They'll be able to support you and, if necessary, talk to the other person. | Avoid reacting immediately. When someone puts you down, deal with it by not immediately reacting to him. Giving a quick comeback or getting angry will reinforce his behavior. It gives him what he wants — a response from you.. Also, it's not good for you to act out of anger or other negative emotions. You could do or say something you will regret, or you could damage yourself with stress. Take a deep breath or two. This will help you to remain calm. Slowly count to five while you make sure you are calm. Don't retaliate. You may want to respond with a put-down of your own, but doing this can make you seem as petty as her. It can also increase the tension, and really won't solve the problem. Just like reacting immediately, retaliating gives her what she wants. Even though you might want to, don't reply to rude comments and posts online with mean posts of your own. Avoid gossiping about her later. It may feel good in the moment, but does nothing to solve the problem. Ignore it. Sometimes silence can be the best weapon. Ignoring someone that is putting you down denies them the pleasure of a response from you. It keeps you from wasting time and energy on someone that isn't worth it. Plus, her bad behavior will really stand out against your good behavior. Just act as though she didn't say anything. Continue doing what you were doing without giving her a glance. Unless the person is incredibly thick-headed, she will usually leave you alone after being ignored. Tell the person to stop. This is a clear way to let the person know that you want him to quit putting you down. If ignoring the person didn't work or if the situation is especially annoying or hurtful, telling him to stop can help resolve the problem. Make sure you are calm. Look him in the eyes and use a controlled, confident, clear voice. For example, if a peer insults you, take a few deep breaths and then calmly say, “Stop putting me down.” With a co-worker, you might try saying, “I don't like or appreciate how you are talking to me and about me. I want you to stop putting me down.” If it's a friend that may not actually be trying to be mean, you might say, “I know you didn't mean to, but what you said hurt my feelings. Please don't put me down like that.” Understand why the person does it. People that put others down may do it for several reasons. It is not always on purpose and may not always be meant to hurt you. Understanding what the person's motive is can help you determine how to deal with her. Some people do it because they are insecure or jealous. They are trying to feel better about themselves by putting you down. Some do it because they are trying to impress someone or get attention. For example, the coworker that criticizes your work in front of the supervisor. Others don't realize they are doing it or just don't communicate well. For example, the grandmother that says, “That's a nice shirt. It covers your stomach well.” Sometimes people aren't really trying to be mean or hurt your feelings. They may just consider it harmless teasing. For example, a friend that calls you "short stuff". Draw a line. Some comments are just annoying and you can ignore them. Other comments are truly mean and hurtful and should be addressed. Deciding where that line is for you will help you determine how to address the situation. For example, when your brother puts you down it may be annoying. But you know he probably doesn't mean it and isn't actually trying to hurt your feelings. You may not even want to address it with him unless it gets way out of hand. But, a co-worker that always makes rude remarks to you that are upsetting will probably need to be addressed. If the insults are discriminatory or happen a lot, the person is crossing the line and should be reported. Talk to co-workers and peers. People that don't know you well, but put you down are probably doing it for a bad reason (or they could just be annoying). Don't cause a scene, but do let them know that it's not okay. If possible, have the conversation in private. This cuts down her need to "put on a show" for other people and maintains the respect of both of you. You might say, “During the discussion you made some harsh comments about my idea. I appreciate constructive feedback, but not insults. Please don't do that again.” If she starts putting you down while you are trying to talk to her about it, then end the conversation. If the behavior continues or gets worse, you may need to report it. Be assertive with friends and siblings. Although it may start as harmless teasing, sometimes it can go too far and you need to tell the person to cut it out. Don't laugh as you tell her to stop or throw in an insult of your own. She won't take you seriously and the put-downs will continue. Be assertive, using a calm, clear voice when you tell her to stop. For example, “Hahaha. Cut it out, Dumbo ears” is not a good way to tell your sister to stop putting you down. Look her in the eyes and in a calm, serious voice try saying, “Ok. That's enough. I know you think it's funny, but it really bothers me, so I'm asking you to stop.” If she doesn't immediately stop, tell her, “I was serious when I asked you to stop,” and then leave. She will most likely come after you and apologize. Sometimes those closest to us don't know when we are serious. Be respectful with superiors. Sometimes parents, teachers, or supervisors put us down, often without knowing it. Let these people know that their put-downs bother you and that you want them to stop. This makes the person aware of what he is doing and how you feel about it. It is also an important step in dealing with the situation long-term. Check with your Human Resources Department at work and see what they suggest on how to handle put-downs from superiors. Talk to him one-on-one, if you are comfortable doing so. It will make the conversation less awkward for both of you. Try saying, “When you call my work silly, it really bothers me.” Or, “I know I don't always get everything done, but please don't call me lazy. It hurts my feelings.” Tell another adult you trust or the HR department if you aren't comfortable talking to him one-on-one or if you feel he is putting you down on purpose. Don't take it to heart.The person's words are a reflection of her, not of you. If she were a happy person, she would not spend so much time putting down other people around her. Also, she most likely does this to other people and not just you. If you let her put-downs get to you, then she wins. Don't allow what she is saying to lower your self-esteem or make you feel bad about yourself. Remind yourself of all your great qualities by making a list of your positive characteristics. Write down what she said about you. For each put-down, write three things that prove the put-down isn't true. Make a list of all the nice things other people say about you. Use stress management strategies. It can be stressful to have someone put you down, especially if it is on a regular basis. Learn and use some stress reduction techniques to help you deal with the person that is putting you down and the stress it is causing you. Practice deep breathing and meditation to help you remain calm when the person is around you. Practice mindfulness because it can help you with stress and may even help you tune the person out when he is bothering you. Try doing something physical like jogging or going for a swim to release tension. Ask for support. You should tell someone and ask for help if the person is putting you down on all the time or is really mean. Tell someone if the person doing it is an authority figure like a teacher, parent, or supervisor. Using your support systems helps in many ways. They can stand up for you when it's happening or even report what is going on. Tell someone you trust about what is happening. Give her as many details as possible so that she can understand the situation. Ask her for help dealing with the person that is putting you down. This might be as simple as asking a friend to be there with you when you tell the person to stop. It may mean reporting the person to the proper authorities. Hang out with positive people. Spending time with people with a good attitude is a great way to handle the stress of someone putting you down. It also helps you take care of yourself in general. Hanging with positive people can reduce your stress. It can take your mind off of the person who put you down and how it made you feel. Try to socialize and talk with people that uplift you on a regular basis. Don't just talk about the person putting you down — do something fun! | Avoid reacting immediately. Don't retaliate. Ignore it. Tell the person to stop. Understand why the person does it. Draw a line. Talk to co-workers and peers. Be assertive with friends and siblings. Be respectful with superiors. Don't take it to heart.The person's words are a reflection of her, not of you. Use stress management strategies. Ask for support. Hang out with positive people. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Your-Fish-(Tanks) | How to Take Care of Your Fish (Tanks) | To take care of your fish tanks, remove green algae spots from the tank walls with an algae brush every other week, working from the bottom up. Next, vacuum the gravel with an aquarium siphon to remove debris and loosened algae particles. Then, remove up to 25% of the tank water and replace it with an equal amount of clean, dechlorinated water every 2 weeks. It's also important to unplug and rinse the tank filter out thoroughly at least once per month to keep it running smoothly. | Start with tropical fish if your aquarium is heated. Most aquarium fish sold in stores are tropical fish. There are many types to choose from, including neon tetras, guppies, and bettas. These fish need a consistent aquarium heater in order to survive. Many warm water fish serve as a beautiful but low-maintenance addition to an aquarium. Maintaining the water temperature is very important for this type of fish. Check the heater often and consider getting an aquarium thermometer. Select coldwater fish if your aquarium isn’t heated. Goldfish and minnows are a few popular fish for aquariums without heaters. Many subtropical fish survive well in cool aquariums. In addition, some tropical fish are hardy enough to live without a heater. Loaches, minnows, danios, and even crayfish and shrimp live in cooler waters. Coldwater fish tend to be hardier than tropical fish, but they often need more room. A well-kept goldfish will grow much bigger than you expect! Coldwater fish often require a water temperature a little below what tropical fish need. A goldfish, for instance, requires water between 65 and 72 °F (18 and 22 °C). Raise saltwater fish for hardier pets that require more maintenance. Saltwater fish are a little trickier to maintain than freshwater fish. Saltwater fish tend to be more expensive and require you to keep a close watch on the aquarium's salinity level. If you are willing to watch the salinity, saltwater fish are almost as easy to care for as any tropical breed. Some examples of saltwater fish include firefish, yellow shrimp goby, Klein's butterfly fish, and coral beauty angelfish. Metal components in saltwater will rust over time. Get a tank and equipment designed for use with saltwater to reduce rusting. Pick fish that go well together in a tank. You may feel tempted to fill your tank with whatever colorful species you can find. Before choosing a fish, read up about what fish go well together. Stick to a limited number of fish from a few species, avoiding any that are territorial or predatory. Try to get fish that originated from the same part of the world, since they are more likely to live together peacefully in nature. If you're unsure about which fish to get, ask employees at the pet store for advice. For example, betta fish are known as fighting fish. They are territorial around other bettas. In addition, they will attack other species that nibble at their fins. They coexist with neon tetras and corydoras. Goldfish sometimes eat fish smaller than them. They live well with rosy barbs, loaches, and danios, but may still attack them at times. Pick an appropriately-sized tank for the fish you wish to keep. Larger tanks are much easier to maintain and work well for any fish you plan on including in your aquarium. When something goes wrong with the tank, such as a problem with the pH, the change is much slower in a larger tank than in a smaller tank. In addition, larger tanks provide spaces for individual fish or schools. If you're unsure what size you need, select a fish breed you like and research its needs. Bigger fish needs bigger tanks. For example, a small fish like a tetra or guppy needs a minimum of 5 gallons (19 L) of water. A school of these fish need a minimum of 15 gallons (57 L). Get a 20 gallons (76 L) tank to hold goldfish. Choose a tank that holds an extra 10 gallons (38 L) for every additional goldfish you plan on keeping. Use a tank that holds 10 gallons (38 L) of water to keep a clownfish. Increase the tank size to 60 gallons (230 L) to hold a school of them. Set the tank away from sources of heat and cold. Temperature fluxes have dangerous effects on both tank water and glass. Some parts of your home to avoid include open windows letting in direct sunlight, drafty basements, furnaces, and fireplaces. Find a spot where the temperature and sunlight stay level throughout the day. Remember that fish tanks are controlled environments. Any little change may have drastic effects. Sunlight, for example, warms water and facilitates algae growth. Level out the tank so it doesn’t crack when you add water. Set the tank on a stable surface, then use a bubble level to test it. Place the bubble on the top edges of the tank. The bubble in the center of the level will move to the side if the tank is uneven. Water will also flow towards the uneven side, putting extra pressure on the glass. Getting the tank perfectly level is difficult. Put the tank on a level stand on flat ground to get it as level as possible. Put wooden shims underneath the tank to make small elevation adjustments Install an aquarium heater and filter system in the tank. You will need these submersible systems in order to regulate the waters for your fish. First, choose systems rated as compatible with the size of tank you have. Assemble the components, such as by pushing the filter inside its tube housing. Most heaters and filters are easy to install, since all you have to do is drape them over the walls of the tank and plug them into a wall outlet. If you aren't going to get a filter, change 25% of the tank water every day. If you would like a little extra help with cleaning the tank, you may want to invest in some shrimp, snails, or cory catfish (check compatibility with your tank). Heaters and filters are available in different models. Some manufacturers, for example, require you to place the filter underneath gravel. Heaters have adjustable settings. You twist the knob on the heater to determine how hot it makes the water. The setting you choose depends on what your fish need. Tropical aquariums usually need to be between 75 and 80 °F (24 and 27 °C), for instance. Add a substrate to the tank and plant decorations in it. Spread enough aquarium gravel or sand to hide the bottom of the tank. Rinse all the decorations in warm tap water before pushing them into the gravel. Press them down into the gravel until they stick in place. If your fish likes to burrow, get tiny pieces of stone and gravel. Make sure it's lightweight so it won't crush the fish. Avoid using sand for fish that like to burrow since it would get stuck in their fins and gills. Include plastic decorations like a castle or a pirate ship for variety and shelter in the tank. When choosing aquarium plants, consider the tank's environment. Plants like water wisteria, Amazon sword, hornwort, and java fern do well in tropical freshwater tanks but aren't appropriate for saltwater tanks. Fill the tank with lukewarm tap water and dechlorinate it. Since you don't have any fish in the tank yet, add the tap water directly to it. Fill it all the way up, then add some water conditioner into the water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to add the appropriate amount for the size of tank you own. When the water is ready, scoop some up and pour it into the tank's filter to get it ready. Water conditioner is available at pet supply stores. Don't use dechlorinators like those made for pools. Get a product designed for fish water. The water needs to be lukewarm so it doesn't damage the tank. Don't let cracked glass ruin your fish's new home! Mix marine salt into the water if the tank is for saltwater fish. Purchase salt made for use in fish tanks, then follow the manufacturer's instructions to treat the water with the right amount. Depending on the product, you may need about 5.5 cups of salt (1501.5 g) of salt for every 16 cups (3,800 mL) of water. Stir the water thoroughly with an aquarium net or another tool. You will need to repeat this process whenever you add fresh water to the tank. Run the tank’s systems for at least 24 hours before adding fish. Doing a “fishless cycle” with the tank's heat lights and filter gives beneficial bacteria a chance to grow. Fish, uneaten food, and rotting plants give off nitrogen. Some bacteria converts nitrogen to nitrates while a second type of bacteria converts the nitrites to harmless nitrates. These bacteria need some time to get established in the tank. If you add the fish too soon, you will see a significant spike in nitrogen and nitrates when you test the water. This could be harmful to your fish! For saltwater fish, give the tank at least 3 weeks for it to cycle. If you have time, set the tank up in advance and let it cycle for a few extra weeks to ensure your new pets are safe. Feed fish a little bit of food twice a day. The amount of food you need to add depends on the size of your fish and how many of them you have. Start out with small amounts of food so you don't overfeed them. Fish generally need about 3 to 5 fish food pellets or a similar amount of fish flakes. Feed the fish at the same time every day. Overfeeding is a serious problem that harms fish. Fish generally eat themselves sick. Any food they miss ends up rotting in the tank, leading to problems like algae growth. Read about the dietary needs of the species you keep. Each species is different. Scrub algae off the tank walls every other week. Get an algae brush, sponge, or scraper from a pet supply store. Scrubbers have a rough pad for brushing off algae and a sharper edge for scraping off stubborn remnants. Work from the bottom up, letting the algae fall to the tank floor, then vacuum it up with an aquarium siphon. Algae consumes oxygen that your fish and aquarium plants need to survive, so remove green spots as soon as you see them forming. Some places also sell algae magnets. To use the magnet, you hold it against the outside surface of the aquarium, then vacuum up the algae like usual. Another way to deal with algae is by keeping a snail or algae-eating fish in the tank. Test the water pH and makeup at least once a month. Purchase a water testing kit designed for aquariums. Testing strips are the easiest to use since all you have to do is dunk the testing strip into the aquarium water. Other tests require you to take water samples, then mix it with a drop of the included dye. Follow the testing instructions to ensure the environment is right for your fish friends. Freshwater fish prefer a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5. Saltwater fish need a pH level over 8.0. Each species of fish has different needs, so do some research online to find the perfect level. Ideally, the water will have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and 5 to 10 parts per million of nitrate. If you have saltwater fish, make sure your kit tests for water salinity. The ideal level is 35 parts per thousand. Vacuum the gravel with a siphon at least twice a month. Fish tank siphons are long tubes with a vacuum at the end. Set the free end of the tube in a large bucket you use only for aquarium maintenance. Then, press the vacuum lightly against the gravel. Use it to collect debris in the gravel, such as uneaten fish food and algae. Return any siphoned gravel to the fish tank. If it looks dirty, rinse it off in some of the siphoned tank water. Wash your hands before handling the gravel so you don't introduce bacteria to the tank. from 15-25% of the tank water every1-2 weeks. Replace Use your gravel vacuum to drain some of the water into a big bucket. It is suggested not to remove the fish from the tank because it can give your fish stress. Then, prepare to replace the lost water with an equal amount of clean water. The old water can be disposed of or re-purposed, such as to water any plants in your home. The best time to do a water change is when you're vacuuming the gravel. The vacuum will suck up some water, so combine the tasks. Aim on removing 10% to 15% of the water if you vacuum the tank weekly. Do not use soap or any chemicals if you are cleaning the tank with the fish still inside. Refill the tank with warm, dechlorinated water. Put the water in a bucket first before adding it to the tank. Check it with a thermometer to make sure it's at a similar temperature to the water in the tank. Then, treat it with some bottled water conditioner from a pet supply store. Read the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended amount to mix into the water. Treat the water with supplies you only use for the aquarium. For example, use an aquarium net for a safe and easy way to mix conditioner into the water. This is because any item you use elsewhere may introduce soap or bacteria into the tank water. If you keep saltwater fish, also mix marine salt into the replacement water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Rinse the filter every month and replace it when it gets dirty. Unplug the filter to turn it off, then open it up to access its internal components. You will see a cylinder or a rectangular pad inside the chamber depending on what filter you own. Slide the parts out and set them in a bowl filled with water from the tank. Swirl the filter around in the water to clean it. This is also a good time to check the filter chamber. If it looks dirty or has algae in it, scrub it with an algae brush and water from the tank. If the filter pad still looks dirty after rinsing it, replace it. Another way to tell is by how slowly water cycles through the tank. A slowed water flow is often a sign of a clogged filter, which is fixable with a new filter pad and some scrubbing. | Start with tropical fish if your aquarium is heated. Select coldwater fish if your aquarium isn’t heated. Raise saltwater fish for hardier pets that require more maintenance. Pick fish that go well together in a tank. Pick an appropriately-sized tank for the fish you wish to keep. Set the tank away from sources of heat and cold. Level out the tank so it doesn’t crack when you add water. Install an aquarium heater and filter system in the tank. Add a substrate to the tank and plant decorations in it. Fill the tank with lukewarm tap water and dechlorinate it. Mix marine salt into the water if the tank is for saltwater fish. Run the tank’s systems for at least 24 hours before adding fish. Feed fish a little bit of food twice a day. Scrub algae off the tank walls every other week. Test the water pH and makeup at least once a month. Vacuum the gravel with a siphon at least twice a month. from 15-25% of the tank water every1-2 weeks. Refill the tank with warm, dechlorinated water. Rinse the filter every month and replace it when it gets dirty. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Treat-Fractures-in-Cats | How to Treat Fractures in Cats | If you fear that your cat has suffered a fracture, watch for a few tell-tale signs, like difficulty walking, chewing, or lifting its tail. You'll want to call your veterinarian if your cat appears to have a fracture since this is the best way to help it heal properly. Depending on the severity of the fracture, your vet might apply a splint or cast and recommend cage rest. For more severe cases, your vet may have to perform surgical placement of screws or pins. Once home, try to limit your cat's activity level until it is cleared by the vet. This is the best way to ensure that your cat will make a full recovery. | Watch your cat walk. Fractures can affect your cat's ability to walk. For example, if she has fractured a leg bone, she may hold the injured leg up in the air and hop around on the other legs. Or, if she can put weight on the injured leg, she may walk with a limp. If your cat has fractures in multiple legs, she would likely be unable to walk at all. A pelvic fracture would make it very difficult for your cat to walk. If your cat has a spinal cord fracture, she may be unable to walk due to paralysis. With an injured tail, your cat may drag her tail when she walks or lack coordination in her back legs. If your cat has a jaw fracture, she may not be able to chew or keep food in her mouth. Not being able to eat could be just as serious as not being able to walk. Examine the injured area carefully. Fractures are painful. As sweet as your cat may be under normal circumstances, the pain from her fracture may cause her to lash out at you. In addition, she may be frightened. To get close enough to your cat to examine the fracture, approach her calmly. Examine the area for swelling and bleeding. Your cat may be very vocal due to the pain. Don't be surprised if she howls, moans, or cries, especially if you try to touch her. Several classifications exist for fractures, including hairline (bone is not completely broken), closed (bone doesn't penetrate the skin), and compound (bone penetrates the skin). Don't worry if you can't determine what kind of fracture your cat has—your vet will do that. Perform first aid. When your cat has a fracture, she will need immediate treatment by your vet. If you cannot get her to your vet right away, you can perform a few first aid measures at home to stabilize her. If the fractured area is bleeding, or if the fractured bone is sticking out from the skin, place a clean towel or sterile gauze over the area. Sterile gauze is available at your local drug store. If there is bleeding, you do not have to stop it completely. Do not try to move the fractured bone. Doing so could make your cat's injury worse. If you are unsure what you can do for your cat, call your vet first. Do not give your cat any pain medications unless your vet has advised you to do so. Take your cat to your vet. Keeping your cat as still as possible, wrap her in a thick towel and transport her to your vet. Your vet will perform a physical exam and examine the fracture. X-rays will help your vet determine the fracture's type and severity. Provide your vet with a detailed description of your cat's injury, including how and when it happened and any first aid you performed. The fracture may not be your cat's only injury—she may have internal injuries (e.g., internal bleeding, organ damage) and/or other external injuries (e.g., cuts, bruises). Your vet would use the physical exam and imaging tests (x-ray, ultrasound) to identify other injures. Depending on the extent of your cat's injuries, your vet may assess these other injuries before examining the fractured area. Treat life-threatening injuries first. If your cat's life is in danger from her injuries, your vet will perform aggressive and immediate treatment to stabilize her before tending to the fracture. Emergency treatments include intravenous fluids, ventilation, and pain relief. Once your cat is more stable, your vet will devise a treatment plan for the fracture. Discuss treatment options for the fracture. Various surgical and non-surgical treatments are available to treat cat fractures. Non-surgical options like splints, casts, or cage rest may work for some fractures; other fractures may need surgical placement of implants (e.g., screws, pins). The type of treatment your cat needs will depend on several factors, including her age, overall health, and the nature of the fracture (which bones are broken, the type of fracture). Be proactive in asking questions about treatment options and deciding on the best treatment plan for your cat. Being actively involved in the decision-making process may help improve your cat's treatment outcome. Allow your vet to repair your cat’s fracture. When you and your vet have decided on a treatment plan, allow your vet to do what is necessary to treat the fracture. In many cases of fracture, surgery is the best treatment option. If the fracture is complex, your vet may refer you to a veterinary surgeon. If your cat needs to be hospitalized for fracture repair, ask your vet about visiting your cat. Spending time with her and talking to her can help reduce her anxiety and stress about being hospitalized. Some fractures are so severe that they are beyond repair. If your cat's fracture is this severe, your vet may suggest amputation, especially if the tail is fractured. Restrict your cat’s activity. Fractures heal best when the affected bone is kept still and undisturbed. Following veterinary treatment, you will need to keep your cat relatively still at home—no running or jumping. If she usually roams freely throughout your home, consider restricting her to a smaller area when you cannot supervise her. If possible, put your cat in a room that does not have any furniture or counters on which she could jump. If this is not possible, consider using a tall plastic gate to confine her within a larger room. If she has a jaw fracture, you may need to feed her by hand and give her soft foods so she does not have to use her jaw too much. There is no set amount of time for restricting your cat's activity. Your vet can advise you on when your cat can get back to her normal activity level. Give your cat medication. Even if she tries to hide it, your cat will likely be in a lot of pain. Your vet will prescribe a pain medication for your cat. If the fractured bone penetrated the skin, then the injured area may have gotten infected. In that case, your vet would also prescribe an antibiotic. Follow all prescription instructions carefully. If you are unsure how to give your cat the medications, ask your vet to demonstrate how to do so. Replace your cat’s bandages. If your vet has bandaged the fractured area, you may need to replace the bandages when they become wet or dirty. Urine is a common reason for bandages to become wet. Your vet can show you the proper way to remove the old bandages, clean the affected area (if necessary), and put on new bandages. When bandaging, it is important not to wrap the bandages too tightly—this would cut off circulation to the affected area and delay healing. It would also be very uncomfortable for your cat. Bandaging material is available at your local drug store. Your vet can recommend which materials to purchase. If you are uncomfortable with changing your cat's bandages, have your vet do this for you. Take your cat to your vet for a follow-up appointment. Following fracture treatment, a follow-up appointment will be necessary for your vet to assess your cat's improvement. For example, your vet may want to take x-rays to see how well the bone has healed. Bones usually take between 4 and 6 weeks to heal completely, so your follow-up appointment will probably be about a month after initial treatment. If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge from the affected area, take your cat to your vet before the follow-up visit. The affected area may be infected and need additional treatment. | Watch your cat walk. Examine the injured area carefully. Perform first aid. Take your cat to your vet. Treat life-threatening injuries first. Discuss treatment options for the fracture. Allow your vet to repair your cat’s fracture. Restrict your cat’s activity. Give your cat medication. Replace your cat’s bandages. Take your cat to your vet for a follow-up appointment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Bed-Bug-Stains | How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Stains | If your mattress or sheets are stained from bed bugs, you can get rid of the stains with some simple household ingredients. Start by blotting any stains with a damp, cold cloth. To clean your bed sheets, spray the stains with stain remover and leave it to sit for 30 minutes. Then, put them in the washing machine on a cold setting. It's important to avoid heat, since this can set the stains and make them harder to clean. When the cycle's finished, air dry your sheets or put them in your dryer on the lowest heat setting. To clean your mattress stains, blot them with a cold, damp rag and hand soap. For stubborn stains, mix equal parts peroxide and ammonia in a spray bottle and blot them with the mixture. | Locate the nesting area(s). If you don't get rid of the bed bugs, the stains will continue to plague you. Look for bugs and eggs in and around your bed, in the drawers of nightstands and dressers, behind and under furniture, and in curtains. A flashlight can help you spot bugs and their eggs more clearly. Bugs will be light brown and small. Eggs are often laid together in groups. Bed bugs love to hide in cracks, corners, and recessed areas. Carpets, clothing, and other fabric items can become infested with bed bugs. Kill bed bugs with heat and cold. Fabric items must be a laundered at 122 °F (50 °C) to kill bed bugs, and it'll likely take several washings before the bugs are completely removed. Fabric kept at or below 32 °F (0 °C) for 2 weeks will also kill the bugs. Small and large items can be encased in special bed bug killing covers. These can be bought at most convenience and grocery stores. Severe infestations may require chemical treatments or the services of bed bug removal experts. Blot the spots with cold water immediately upon discover. Blood stains, bed bug stains, and fecal matter stains all have one thing in common: they're all organic. Cold water loosens the organic matter so it doesn't set in the fabric. Warm water, on the other hand, will set bed bug stains. Monitor hot spots to prevent reinfestations. A missed egg or bed bug could result in the return of this pest. Beg bugs tend to congregate in certain areas, so keep an eye on the places the infestation was the worst so you can take action if your problem is on the rebound. Pre-treat stains with an enzyme based fabric stain remover. Spray the stain remover directly onto the spots. Check the label of your stain remover to confirm the amount of time you should allow the cleaner to sit. Most products recommend waiting no more than 30 minutes before washing the fabric. These kinds of stain removers can be bought at most general retailers and grocery stores. Wash the fabric as you would normally on the “Cold” setting. Add your normal amount of detergent and bleach to the washing machine, then insert the fabric and run a complete cycle. The cold setting will keep the proteins in the organic stains loose, increasing the chances of them coming out. Spot treat remaining stains with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. Before you apply hydrogen peroxide, bear in mind that it can sometimes lighten the color of fabric. If stains remain after the washing, apply equal parts peroxide and ammonia directly to the stains and blot them with a clean rag until gone. To prevent unnecessary stress on the fabric, only blot at stains for about 10 to 15 minutes. Any longer may damage the fabric. Air dry the fabric, then repeat the cleaning process as necessary. Keep the fabric out of the sun and away from heat. Once dry, if necessary, clean the fabric same as before: blot stains with cold water, pre-treat them with an enzyme cleaner, wash the fabric on “Cold,” spot treat, then stains will likely be gone. Stains that are especially bad or have set may be impossible to entirely remove. You might be able to lift stains further with another round of cleaning, but this may be rough on the fabric. Dry your laundry on low heat, alternatively. Set your dryer to the lowest heat setting if air drying the fabric isn't an option. Once dry, it's ready to be put away. Treat bed bug stains in this fashion as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming permanent. Use a dry washcloth to scrub the spots on your mattress dry. If the stains are fresh and damp, a dry washcloth (or, better yet, a microfiber cloth) will pull up moisture from the stain. Along with the moisture will come blood and bed bug fecal matter, making the stains easier to clean. Spot clean light stains with cold water and hand soap. You may be able to lift light stains by blotting them with a clean rag dampened with cold water and a dab of hand soap. As the stains lift, switch to a clean portion of rag so it doesn't spread. Treat stubborn stains with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. Mix equal amounts of peroxide and ammonia in a spray bottle and thoroughly mist stains, then blot them with a clean terrycloth rag. Limit peroxide/ammonia treatments to 10 to 15 minutes to prevent damage to the mattress. Sprinkle a fine layer of dry borax on stains that remain following your spray treatment. Rub the borax into the stains lightly with a clean terrycloth rag. Reapply the cleaning process as necessary. Allow the mattress to air dry completely in a shaded area with good airflow. If stains remain when the mattress is dry, spot clean it again with cold water and hand soap, then treat it with peroxide and ammonia until the stains are gone. Cleaning the stains again in this fashion more than twice could take a toll on the fabric and cause it to fade color or deform. Good airflow will help prevent your mattress from picking up a musty odor and will shorten the amount of time it takes to dry. If you're in a hurry to dry your mattress, point a fan at it or use a blow dryer set to “Cool.” Always avoid heat when treating bed bug stains. | Locate the nesting area(s). Kill bed bugs with heat and cold. Blot the spots with cold water immediately upon discover. Monitor hot spots to prevent reinfestations. Pre-treat stains with an enzyme based fabric stain remover. Wash the fabric as you would normally on the “Cold” setting. Spot treat remaining stains with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. Air dry the fabric, then repeat the cleaning process as necessary. Dry your laundry on low heat, alternatively. Use a dry washcloth to scrub the spots on your mattress dry. Spot clean light stains with cold water and hand soap. Treat stubborn stains with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. Reapply the cleaning process as necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Beavertails | How to Make Beavertails | To make beavertails, start by mixing yeast, warm water, and sugar in a bowl. Then, let the mixture stand for a few minutes to activate the yeast before whisking in vanilla, eggs, milk, oil, salt, flour, and more sugar. Next, once a dough forms, knead it for a few minutes and then let it rise for an hour. Once the dough has risen, break it up into golf-ball-sized pieces and stretch them into flat ovals so they look like beavertails. Finally, fry the beavertails in vegetable oil on both sides until they're brown and crispy. | Combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Combine the yeast, warm water, and one pinch of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients with a paddle or spoon until they are fully incorporated. The better the ingredients are mixed, the better texture and flavor your beavertails will have. Let the mixture stand. Letting the bowl stand for a few minutes will allow the yeast to swell and dissolve, which is essential to activating the yeast. Do not mix or disturb the bowl while you are waiting as any disruption could affect the yeast's activation. Mix in the final ingredients. Combine the vanilla, eggs, remaining sugar, milk, oil, salt, and most of the flour with your water, yeast, and sugar mix. Stir all of the ingredients until fully incorporated and the dough becomes soft and slack. Knead the dough. Knead the dough for 5-9 minutes, adding flour as needed. You may want to use a dough hook rather than your hands, but either method works. Kneading the dough with a dough hook will generally be more consistent than mixing with your hands. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Then, seal the bowl in a plastic bag. If your bowl cannot fit in a plastic bag, cover it with a tea towel or clingfilm. Grease the bowl with a small amount of oil, enough to prevent the dough from sticking to the bowl while it rises. You can place the bowl in your refrigerator if you plan on waiting before you make the beaver tails. Let the yeast rise. Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, which will take approximately an hour. Letting the dough rise will give the beavertails a lighter texture and density. Gently deflate the dough. You can deflate the dough by making a fist and gently pressing it into the risen dough, which should leave an impression and release the gas generated from the yeast. Remember to be gentle, deflating the dough will allow the dough to be workable, but you don't want to flatten the dough and compromise all of the work your yeast has done. Separate the dough. Carefully pull off a small, golf ball sized piece of dough. Roll the piece of dough into an oval shape on a lightly floured surface and cover it with a tea towel. Repeat this step and continue until all of the dough has been rolled into oval shapes. Heat the vegetable oil. Heat about 4 inches of vegetable oil in a fryer. The temperature should be385 °F (196 °C) before you place any dough into the oil. If you don't have a fryer try using a wok instead. If you use a wok make sure to measure the temperature of the oil with a thermometer as you heat it. If you do not have a wok, you can use a dutch oven or other deep pot that can hold a large amount of oil. Stretch the dough. Pull gradually on the two ends of a piece of dough until they reach a tall oval shape and look like a beaver's tail. Pulling on the dough slowly will help the pieces retain their shape without risking them being torn or ripped. Place the beavertails in the fryer. Gradually and slowly add the beavertails to the fryer. You should carefully place one or two pieces at a time. Do not dump them all in at the same time, you will likely ruin their cook and run the risk of seriously burning yourself! Continue with carefully adding one beavertail after another until they are all in the fryer. Place one beavertail in the oil to make sure the oil is at temperature before adding the rest in one at a time. Flip the beavertails over. Use a slotted spoon or pair of tongs to flip the beavertails over and keep frying the pieces until the undersides are a deep, brownish color. This should only take a couple of minutes so be sure to keep an eye on them. Remove the beavertails from the oil. Using a pair of metal tongs, take out the fried pieces and let them drain on a paper towel. Be careful not to let the pieces touch you as they could burn your skin. Let them drain and cool for 3-5 minutes. Put your sugar and cinnamon topping in a large bowl. Carefully pour in the sugar, adding cinnamon if desired. Mix the sugar and cinnamon until they are both fully incorporated. Add the beavertails to the bowl. Place the beavertails, a few at a time, into the bowl. Carefully and gently shake the bowl so that the sugar and/or cinnamon gets shifted around, making sure the pieces are generously covered. However, you don't need to do this for very long. Transfer the beavertails to a clean plate. With clean hands, pick up the beavertails, shake off the excess sugar and cinnamon, and transfer them onto a clean plate. You can get rid of excess sugar and cinnamon by gently tapping them against the side of the bowl. | Combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Let the mixture stand. Mix in the final ingredients. Knead the dough. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Let the yeast rise. Gently deflate the dough. Separate the dough. Heat the vegetable oil. Stretch the dough. Place the beavertails in the fryer. Flip the beavertails over. Remove the beavertails from the oil. Put your sugar and cinnamon topping in a large bowl. Add the beavertails to the bowl. Transfer the beavertails to a clean plate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Rose | How to Make a Rose | To make a paper rose, start by cutting a sheet of paper into 4 squares and folding each square twice to make them into smaller squares. Then, fold each square so you're left with 4 triangles. Next, trim each triangle into a teardrop shape, then snip the center tip and unfold the shape, which will look like a flower. From each flower shape, cut out increasingly larger segments, then glue the gaps shut on each flower except for the one with 3 segments. Finally, wrap the 3 segment shape around a skewer and slide the other sets of petals around it. | Cut four 4 in (10 cm) squares out of paper. Start with a larger, square sheet of paper. Fold it into fourths, then unfold it. Use the crease marks as a guide to cut the paper apart into 4 smaller squares. Make each square about 4 in (10 cm). If you want a larger rose, you can just use 4 sheets of origami paper instead. Red, pink, and white are popular rose colors, but you can make yours any color you want. Fold the squares into fourths, then in half to make diamonds. Take your first square and fold it in half horizontally. Fold it in half again going vertically. Finally, fold the square in half diagonally to make a diamond or triangle-like shape. Do this for all 4 squares. If you are using origami paper with a white side and a colored side, it does not matter which side is facing out. Run your fingernail across each fold as you complete it to make the creases nice and sharp. These will be your cutting guides! Trim the diamonds to make teardrop shapes, then unfold them. Rotate your first diamond so that the non-folded edge is on top and the folded edge is on the bottom. Cut the non-folded edge off at a curve so that the diamond looks like an ice cream cone or an upside-down teardrop. When you're done, unfold the paper. Do this for all 4 diamonds. Your folded diamonds will have a set of folded edges and a set of cut/non-folded edges. Snip the bottom point off of each diamond. This will make it easier to add the stem! Cut increasingly larger segments from each flower shape. When you unfold your teardrop shapes, they will turn into flowers with creases in them. Between each set of creases is a wedge-shaped segment. Use the creases as cutting guides to remove the following segments from each flower: Flower 1: 1 segment Flower 2: 2 segments Flower 3: 3 segments Flower 4: 4 segments Discard segments 1, 2, and 4, and keep the rest. After you cut the segments out, you'll end up with 8 pieces, but you don't need that many to make your rose. Instead, discard the 1- and 2-segment pieces, and one of the 4-segment pieces. Keep the 3-segment piece. By the end, you should have a: 7-segment flower 6-segment flower 5-segment flower 4-segment flower 3-segment flower Glue the gaps shut on each flower, except for the 3-segment one. Take your 7-segment flower. Coat the first segment above the wedge-shaped gap with glue. Overlap it with the last segment below the wedge-shaped gap to create a cone shape. Repeat this step for the 6-segment, 5-segment, and 4-segment flowers. Leave the 3-segment flower as-is. Liquid glue and glue sticks will work great for this. If you're using liquid glue, however, be sure to only apply a thin layer. Give the flowers time to dry. If you need to, secure the overlapping segments with paper clips or clothespins. Curl the tips of the petals with a pencil to make them more realistic. Take your first petal cup and hold a pencil under one of the petals. Wrap the tip of the petal around the pencil, then slide the pencil out. Finish all of the petals on the first cup, then move onto the next. You only need to do this for the cone pieces; leave the 3-segment piece alone. Don't worry if the petals don't curl by the same amount. A little imperfection is common in nature! Wrap and glue the 3-segment flower around the tip of a skewer. Coat 1 of the diagonal edges on your 3-segment piece with glue. Wrap it around the end of a skewer to secure it, then finish wrapping the segment. Glue down the other edge, then hold it until it dries. If you don't want a stemmed rose, just wrap the 3-segment flower into a tube, from one end to the other, then secure it with glue. Slide the other petals onto the skewer in increasing order. Take your 4-segment flower and slide it onto the skewer. Push it up so that it's right under the 3-segment flower. Follow up with the 5-segment, 6-segment, and 7-segment flowers. Be sure to off-set the petals so that they end up between each other rather than on top. This will give your rose a fuller, more realistic look. If you didn't add a skewer, just stack and hot glue the petals together in the center. Cut the bottom off of the 3-segment petal, and glue it in the center. If the skewer is not sharp enough to poke through the petals, use an awl or thick needle to poke the holes instead. Make sure that they're centered! Glue a green, star-shaped piece of paper to the bottom of the rose. Cut a multi-pointed star shape from a 2 in (5.1 cm) green piece of paper. Poke a hole in the middle, then add it to the skewer. Slide it up the skewer until it touches the bottom of the rose. Secure the star-shape with some glue if desired. If you omitted the skewer stem on your rose, you can just glue your rose to whatever flat surface you want. Wrap green floral tape around the skewer to make it look like a stem. Begin wrapping the tape at the base of the rose. Wrap it 2 to 3 times first, so that the rose doesn't slide down, then begin to wrap it in a downward spiral towards the other end of the skewer. Overlap the tape by a little with each wrap so that you can't see the skewer. Wrap the tape tightly. This will help it stick to itself as well as the skewer. Cut 36 4.5 cm (1.8 in) wide semicircles out of felt. Start with 18, 4.5 cm (1.8 in) wide full circles first, then fold and cut each circle in half to create 36 semicircles. Use a compass, a large coin, or a small jar to trace the circles. They don't have to be exactly 4.5 cm (1.8 in), but they should all be the same size. You can try this with chiffon or satin, but you need to singe the cut edges with a flame so that they don't fray. Red, pink, or white are great colors for roses, but you can make yours using any color you want. Sew a running stitch halfway across the bottom of the first semicircle. Cut a piece of thread that's about 81 cm (32 in) long. Pull it through a needle, then knot the end. Weave the needle up and down through the felt along the bottom edge. Start at 1 end of the semicircle and finish halfway across the bottom edge. Sew as close as possible to the bottom edge. Don't double the thread; you need the full length in order to gather the finished strip. To make the thread easier to work with, move the needle so that it is a little over halfway across the thread. This makes the working thread shorter. Add your second semicircle under it, overlapping it halfway. The end of the second semicircle should be halfway across the bottom edge of the first semicircle, right where you finished sewing. Make sure that both bottom edges are aligned. If you used fabric with a front and back side, make sure that the front side for both pieces is facing up. Sew halfway across the second semicircle, then add the next one. Push the needle through both semicircles, then continue to sew across the bottom edge of the second semicircle. When you are halfway across the second semicircle, stop sewing and add the next semicircle. When you are sewing the semicircles, make sure that you sew through both layers of felt. By the time you reach the middle of the second semicircle, you should be done with the first semicircle. When adding the third semicircle, make sure that you add it under the second one. Continue to add and sew semicircles until you’ve used them all up. As you sew, pull your needle along the working thread so that the tail becomes shorter and shorter. At one point, you will have to gather the circles along the thread a little to keep the needle from falling off. Always add the new semicircle under the first one. Gather the semicircles along the thread slightly, then knot the thread. Gently pull the thread through the semicircles so that the strand curls into a slight coil, like a C. This will help give your rose a cone shape when you go to roll it into a tube. Be careful not to break the thread when gathering in. Make sure that the gathers are distributed evenly across the bottom edge of the strip. The more you gather the thread, the more open your rose will be. Don't gather it so much that the strip coils into a full O-shape. Apply hot glue to the bottom edge as you roll the strip into a tube. Apply a 2.5 cm (0.98 in) line of hot glue to the bottom edge of your very first semicircle. Roll the semicircle into a tight tube, then apply more hot glue to the next semicircle and roll it some more. Continue to apply glue and roll the strip into a tube until you reach the end. If you don't have hot glue, you can try using fabric glue instead. This completes the rose. When you're done, you can gently peel the petals away from each other to give it a more open shape. Cut a 38 in (97 cm) piece of 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm) wide ribbon. You can use any type of ribbon you want for this, but satin or grosgrain would look lovely. Make sure that the ribbon does not have any wire in it. You can use thinner ribbon or even strips of paper. If your ribbon or paper is thinner, you won't need the full 38 in (97 cm). If the ribbon has wire in it, pull it out the ends like you would pull out a straw. Measure 5 in (13 cm) from the end, then fold the ribbon at a right angle. Orient the ribbon horizontally so that the long edge is facing you. Measure 5 in (13 cm) from the end of the ribbon, then fold the rest of the ribbon up to make a right angle. If the ribbon has a distinct front and back side, make sure that the back is facing you. Fold the ribbon at a right angle 3 more times to make a square. Fold the ribbon at a right angle away from the shorter end (left or right), then fold it downward. Fold the ribbon to the opposite side (left or right) to finish the square. This completes your first layer. Continue to fold the ribbon into squares until it’s at least 5 layers thick. Each square makes a single layer. When you have about 3 in (7.6 cm) of ribbon left, stop. This will be the bottom of your rose. As you fold the ribbon, try to leave a tiny hole in the center of each square. This will make it easier to assemble the rose. If you have more than 3 in (7.6 cm) of ribbon left over, cut the rest off at an angle. Flip the rose over and pull the 5 in (13 cm) tail through the middle. You may have to twist the tail into a small tube in order to get through the hole. Alternatively, fold a thin wire in half, then use it like a needle to thread the tail through the hole. Be careful not to pull too much of the ribbon through the hole. You just need to pull the first 5 in (13 cm). If you used a wire to pull the ribbon through the hole, be sure to remove it at the end. The 5 in (13 cm) tail should now be on the same side as the other 3 in (7.6 cm) tail. Twist the 5 in (13 cm) tail until the center gathers into a rose. You need to twist the tail in the same direction that the ribbon is twisted in. Look at the front of the rose as you twist. If it starts to tighten, you're going in the right direction. If it starts to loosen or unravel, go in the opposite direction. How much you twist the ribbon by depends on how tight you want your rose to be. The more you twist, the tighter it'll be! Tie the 2 tails together with a piece of 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) wide ribbon. Cut a piece of ⁄ 8 in (0.32 cm) wide ribbon that's about 8 in (20 cm). Hold the 2 tails together, then wrap and tie the thinner ribbon around them in a secure, double-knot. Make the knot right at the base of the rose. The color of the thin ribbon does not matter. If you plan on adding the rose to a stem, however, consider using the same color as the rose—or green. If you'd rather leave the rose flat as an applique, cut the tails off just below the tied ribbon, then seal the cut end with hot glue or fabric glue. Secure the tails to a pipe cleaner with floral tape. Hold the pipe cleaner and rose tails together so that they resemble a thick stem. Wrap green floral tape around the base of the rose a few times, then continue to wrap it around the pipe cleaners until you reach the bottom. If you can't find a pipe cleaner, use a thick, floral wire stem instead. About 16-gauge should do. Pull the tape tightly as you wrap it. This will help it stick to itself. Be sure to overlap the tape slightly with each wrap. For a more realistic rose, add some fake rose leaves to the stem as you wrap the tape. You can find them in the wedding department of a craft store. | Cut four 4 in (10 cm) squares out of paper. Fold the squares into fourths, then in half to make diamonds. Trim the diamonds to make teardrop shapes, then unfold them. Cut increasingly larger segments from each flower shape. Discard segments 1, 2, and 4, and keep the rest. Glue the gaps shut on each flower, except for the 3-segment one. Curl the tips of the petals with a pencil to make them more realistic. Wrap and glue the 3-segment flower around the tip of a skewer. Slide the other petals onto the skewer in increasing order. Glue a green, star-shaped piece of paper to the bottom of the rose. Wrap green floral tape around the skewer to make it look like a stem. Cut 36 4.5 cm (1.8 in) wide semicircles out of felt. Sew a running stitch halfway across the bottom of the first semicircle. Add your second semicircle under it, overlapping it halfway. Sew halfway across the second semicircle, then add the next one. Continue to add and sew semicircles until you’ve used them all up. Gather the semicircles along the thread slightly, then knot the thread. Apply hot glue to the bottom edge as you roll the strip into a tube. Cut a 38 in (97 cm) piece of 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm) wide ribbon. Measure 5 in (13 cm) from the end, then fold the ribbon at a right angle. Fold the ribbon at a right angle 3 more times to make a square. Continue to fold the ribbon into squares until it’s at least 5 layers thick. Flip the rose over and pull the 5 in (13 cm) tail through the middle. Twist the 5 in (13 cm) tail until the center gathers into a rose. Tie the 2 tails together with a piece of 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) wide ribbon. Secure the tails to a pipe cleaner with floral tape. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-an-Abusive-Sibling | How to Deal With an Abusive Sibling | Dealing with an abusive sibling is a serious matter that can impact your relationship with your family, friends, peers, and coworkers. While sibling abuse is often explained away as sibling rivalry, if your sibling is always the aggressor and you are always their victim, then you're in an abusive situation. If you're experiencing sibling abuse, tell your parents or guardians what's going on and that you need help dealing with the situation. You can also turn to other family members or close friends if your immediate family dismisses your concerns. Ask them to help you speak with your parents or guardians or if you may stay with them when things get hard at home. Another way to deal with an abusive sibling is to learn what triggers their behavior and to disengage. For example, if your sibling becomes overly aggressive while playing competitive games, tell them you don't want to play because you don't like their behavior. | Understand what constitutes abuse. Abuse comes in many forms, but it's important to understand the concepts underlying most types of abuse. Sibling rivalry is common, but if one sibling is always the aggressor and the other always the victim, it is an abusive situation. Sibling abuse may be physical, emotional, or sexual, and is most often perpetrated by one sibling against the other. Abuse is often an act of power and control. If a sibling tries to make you feel powerless, neglected, or devalued, it is likely an abusive situation. When in doubt, try to seek help through professional opinion and evaluation of the situation. Know the signs of emotional abuse. Emotional abuse can stand alone, or it may underpin physical or sexual abuse. Emotional abuse from a sibling is their attempt to control you through manipulation of your thoughts and emotions, making you feel constant fear, shame, or humiliation. Emotional abuse often makes you feel as though you are walking on eggshells, like anything you do could send your sibling into a rampage or spiral of criticism. Emotional abuse often leaves victims feeling unheard or unseen, unlovable, and like they don't matter. Emotional abuse may take many forms, but it can include your sibling constantly criticizing your looks, work, or academic performance. It may also include your sibling trying to convince you that you are not respected or wanted by the rest of your family. Look for signs of physical abuse. Physical abuse is using excessive force or doing anything with the intent of causing physical harm to someone else. Physical abuse is generally a controlling act carried out with physical force against another. Common forms of physical abuse may include hitting, kicking, biting, throwing objects at another, or any other form of physical exertion from an antagonist meant to overpower a victim. Some signs of physical abuse may include bruising, broken bones, burns, bite marks, cuts, abrasions, scarring, and others. Learn the signs of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is any unwanted touching, exposure, or forced intimate actions between siblings. It is often the least disclosed and treated form of sibling abuse. Sibling sexual abuse does not have to include forced sexual acts to be abuse. It may also come in the forms of unwanted exposure or unwanted touching. If you believe there is a problem with sibling sexual abuse in your home, it is advisable to contact law enforcement or a social worker as soon as possible. Talk with your parents or guardians. Approach your parents or guardians and tell them what is going on, especially if both you and your sibling still live at home. Let them know that what they see is more than just sibling rivalry, and that you want help dealing with your sibling's aggression. Explain to your parents or guardians that what they perceive as rivalry is actually a progression of situations where your sibling makes you the victim of their aggression. Try saying, "You may see the roughhousing between the two of us as just a part of being siblings, but I am always made the victim of my sibling's violence, and it has had a serious impact on me." Let your parents or guardians know that you are looking for solutions to stop the cycle of abuse, and that you need their help and emotional support. Tell them, "I want our family to have a happy, healthy, relationship and I need your help to end these unhealthy practices by my sibling." Sometimes parents or guardians may minimize the abuse as not being that big a problem. In that case, try to find another adult you do trust and confide in them. Enlist help from others. If you are not getting the support you need from your parents or the change you need from your sibling, bring in other family members or close friends of the family. Let them know how your sibling is abusing you, and that you are seeking help. Ask them, “Is it alright for me to stay with you sometimes when my sibling becomes too aggressive to handle?” If you want help speaking with professionals such as a therapist or law enforcement, let this person know and ask them, “Would you mind helping me file reports or make appointments?” Have this person appeal to your parents or sibling as a third party. Allow them to explain the abuses they have seen, and discuss why they are problematic. Let them be your advocate. Alert the authorities. Law enforcement takes physical and sexual abuse seriously in most cases. If your sibling's abuse is too much for you to handle within your family, or if they have put you in serious danger due to their actions, call your local police department immediately. For immediate help, alert the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child. If you are a minor, you may also want to alert Child Protective Services, especially if you feel endangered in your own home. Do understand that those found guilty of assault or abuse could face extended jail time. Do not let this deter you from reporting a true abuser, but do not lightly make claims due to small disagreements. Seek counseling. Counseling with a trained therapist or clinical social worker may help minimize the longer term impact of sibling abuse. Talk with a counselor openly and honestly about your experiences, and use their advice to help start your recovery. Keep in mind that the counselor may be required to report the abuse to protect you. This should not deter you from speaking with someone though. If you are still in a home with your sibling and parents or guardians, ask for the family to attend family counseling. Use this as an opportunity for professional mediation and as a chance to address issues as a group. If you are dealing with the aftermath of sibling abuse, therapy may provide a long-term way to begin the healing process. Find a therapist that specializes in abuse, and let them know about your situation during your first appointment. Find affordable therapy options by getting a referral from your general practitioner. Alternatively, try looking at local clinics staffed by college PhD and MSW candidates, as these often offer sliding scale payment and sometimes they offer free counseling as well. Address underlying issues. Work with your sibling to figure out what is underpinning their aggression toward you. Perhaps they have frustrations about school, work, their romantic relationships, or other aspects of their life. Offer to talk with them in order to help them understand what causes their anger. Let your sibling know, "I can help you look into options such as therapy or support groups if that is what you want." Listen to and be understanding of what your sibling is saying, but do not allow them to continue acting out their personal traumas on you. Walk away. If you know certain situations trigger your sibling's abusive tendencies, walk away before matters escalate. If, for example, they become verbally abusive during competitive activities, decline to compete and remove yourself from the situation. View this as a short term fix while you seek longer term solutions. Your sibling's abuse shouldn't keep you from things you enjoy or drive you away from the rest of your family. Don't treat distancing yourself as a long term solution. Let others know that you are not leaving because of their presence or behavior, but because you are trying to avoid a potentially harmful situation. Offer to schedule time with others when your sibling won't be involved. Confront your sibling. Let your sibling know that you recognize their behavior as abuse. Talk to them about the ways in which their aggression has impacted you, and let them know you are actively seeking ways to make it stop. If possible, try to have an open and honest conversation with your sibling. Try to resolve any tension by telling them, “Your actions toward me have been abusive and have hurt me in a number of ways.” If honest conversation does not seem like it will have any impact on your sibling's actions, set boundaries with them such as letting them know you will not acknowledge their calls, texts, or attempts to have a conversation with you. Remind them that you are looking into ways to cope with the abuse, which may include getting other family members or authority figures involved. Cut your ties. If you have the ability, cut off your ties with your sibling. Stop all forms of communication, and let your sibling know that if the abuse cannot stop, they have no role in your life moving forward. Tell your sibling, “Your actions are not healthy and I can no longer deal with them.” If necessary, block your sibling on your normal channels of communication such as on the phone and through social media. | Understand what constitutes abuse. Know the signs of emotional abuse. Look for signs of physical abuse. Learn the signs of sexual abuse. Talk with your parents or guardians. Enlist help from others. Alert the authorities. Seek counseling. Address underlying issues. Walk away. Confront your sibling. Cut your ties. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Stained-Glass | How to Make Stained Glass | To make stained glass, draw or print out your design on graph paper, cut the design into separate pieces, and label them by color and grain direction. Next, place the design under your glass and trace the outline with a permanent marker. Use a scoring tool to trace over the marker, then break the glass into individual pieces along the scored lines. Cover the edges with copper foil before soldering the glass pieces back together! | Pick an easy beginning project. If you're just starting out making stained glass you don't want to reach too far too quickly. Start with a smaller, simpler pattern that doesn't require too many parts. Beginners might consider a simple panel to affix to a window, for example. You want a project that doesn't have too many sharp edges, that doesn't have so many parts to keep track of. A simple panel for your window can be a great start! Pick a pattern. You want to find a pattern that you like and that your skill level will allow you to do. Consider things like how many glass pieces the pattern will need and how much cutting and soldering you're going to have to do. If you're just starting out, again, it's best to pick a simpler pattern. There are lots of free patterns out there: you can get them on the internet, in books from the library, and so on. The beauty of a pattern that's already available is that you don't have to figure out how it's going to work; that work has already been done for you. Create your own pattern. You could create your pattern based on something that you saw around you, or a pattern that you saw somewhere (like in a cathedral's stained glass window) that you're trying to replicate on your own. Look for inspiration in books and in nature. Beginners should choose a pattern that is broad and simple, such as a flower (although, be mindful of the curves and the sharp edges). Pick a type of glass. Sheet glass is what you'll be using for this project. It falls into two basic categories: Cathedral and Opalescent. You will also need to consider things like price, texture, color, and degree of transparency. Stained glass comes in large sheets. The smallest sheet is approximately 1 foot (0.3 m) by 1 foot (30.48 cm by 30.48 cm) with the largest being four times that size. Buy enough glass for the size of your project, but keep in mind that about a quarter of what you buy will not be utilized after trimming. Cathedral glass tends to be a clear or transparent color. It's composed of clear glass with colorants added. This glass requires less pressure to cut through Opalescent glass incorporates white, or opal glass, into the color mix. An opalescent blue is blue glass that is not entirely transparent, for example. Opalescent glass tends to require more pressure to cut through, because the opal of the glass creates a higher density than Cathedral glass. You can combine these two types together in your project if you want an interesting mix of clear and opaque. Keep in mind that they need slightly differently handling (as evidenced by the pressure needed to cut through them). There is also streaky glass which tends to be Cathedral glass with streaks of opal mixed in. Purchase your glass. The best place to get stained glass for your project is at a stained glass supply shop. You can find both equipment for making stained glass as well as the stained glass itself. You can also get stained glass at some of the larger hobby and craft stores, but you'll get a better selection at a shop specific to stained glass. Most of the glass you buy comes in sheets about one square foot (30 cm) and one eighth of an inch thick. The sheet can be anywhere from $6 to $20 depending on the color and the detail in the glass, the strength and brightness of the colors. It can also depend on where the glass comes from. Glass that comes from Europe is simply going to cost more. This is often called Antique glass even if it was made in modern times. Gather your equipment. You'll need to gather some specific equipment for making your stained glass project. You can find these items at most hobby or craft stores, but especially at stained glass supply shops. Glass cutter: there are lots of different glass cutters available. The hand cutter has the best flexibility and accuracy in template cutting. The Pencil style cutter is great for beginners, as well as those doing trace cutting, because it has consistent pressure and control. The Pistol grip is great for cutting thick glass and is also a good choice for beginners whose hand strength isn't enough. Pliers: ordinary house pliers shouldn't be used for this. You'll need Grozer pliers for breaking glass and nipping off edges as well as Running pliers for snapping long cuts in the glass. Copper foil comes in a variety of widths depending on the width of your glass. This is used to hold the glass pieces together through the adhesive on the one side. If you're using Cathedral glass (clear glass) the backing will be visible so make sure you're using the right color for your piece. Soldering iron and solder: Solder is a mixture of tin and lead. The higher the tin content, the lower the melting point, which means it will flow more quickly and with a more silvery finish. As for the soldering iron you'll need one that is designed for stained glass projects with a minimum of 75 watts. The irons come with different sized tips, depending on your project. Grinder: if you don't have access to a grinder you can use a Carborundum stone to grind down the edges of your glass after cutting. If you can get a grinder the Electric Glass Grinder is great for dealing with sharp edges quickly. Make your template. Draw, copy or print out your pattern on a piece of graph paper that's the actual size. Cut the pattern into its separate pieces and label them by color and grain direction. Place the pattern under the glass and trace the outline with a thin permanent marker. Leave a centimeter or less of room for the thickness of the copper foil between the pieces. Use either a specialty black pen or a permanent marker to mark the glass. If you have access to a lightbox this can be incredibly helpful for tracing the pattern onto the glass. Score your glass. Hold the glass cutter between your thumb and your forefinger with the tip pressed between your forefinger and your middle finger. Press the cutter into the glass gently, using a cork-backed, steel ruler to cut straight. Begin at a point away from your body and begin scraping inward. Make sure that you're applying the right amount of pressure. You should hear a nice, clear "zzzzip" as you score. If you apply too little pressure, the break will not follow the score line. Too much pressure and you'll cause unnecessary wear and tear on your cutter as well as your wrist and elbow. Move your pattern around, rotating the glass as necessary to keep proper form. Make sure that the score line goes from edge to edge. Cut your glass. There are a few slightly different methods to cutting your glass, depending on the size and the curve of the glass. The goal, of course, is to cut the glass along the scored lines so that it breaks apart easily and leaves you with the shapes that you need. For straight pieces, as soon as you see a line forming, place pliers in the crack and squeeze to separate the piece. You can also hold the glass on either side of the break and snap it apart with your hands. For curved sections, use the glass cutter to break through the scoring. Don't worry if the piece breaks off slightly jagged; you can remove edges later if you need to. As long as you keep your curves gentle. If you're dealing with deep curves, deal with it in a series of shallow curves so that it won't break on its own. Grind the edges. Once you've cut all the different pieces, it's time to grind down the sharp edges and make sure that everything is smooth. Regular sandpaper will also remove sharp edges. Wear gloves to avoid accidentally cutting your hand if you slip. If you use a grinder with glass, you should wear a mask and googles to keep pieces of glass from being breathed or settling in your eyes.You will want to grind away gently and patiently so that you don't chip any of the pieces. Put the pieces along the pattern again so that you can grind down the glass into corrective lines. This will make sure that everything fits well together when you put the glass pieces together. It's also a good idea to build a frame around the pieces when you've finished grinding them and fitting them together. This way the pieces won't slip when you're foiling the glass. Foil the glass. Cover the edges of the glass with 7/32 inch copper foil. Make sure the foil is centered, otherwise it can look a little funky at the end.. This can be done by hand or with a table foiler. Once you've decided on the thickness of your copper foil, you need to peel off the protective backing of the foil. Make sure that you center your glass correctly on the tape and press it securely along all the cut edges. Press the foil down hard with tongue depressor, or other firm instrument. This will ensure the foil adheres to the glass. You will want to make sure that the tape is very securely adhered as well as even. If a section gets bunched up, tear it off and start again. Add flux to the copper foil. While flux helps the solder flow between the copper taped pieces, it isn't one hundred percent necessary. However, it can make things easier for you in the long run. Brush each copper-foiled surface with the flux before you solder each time. The gel form is the easiest and most forgiving to use, although you can also try out the liquid form. Solder the glass in place. Soldering the glass takes a bit of time and patience. There are several different things you need to do to make sure you're soldering properly. You have to tack together your pieces, then you have to tin the seams, and finally you add the bead. To tack all the pieces together apply small dots of flux to desired areas, and melt a small blob of solder on top. Once you've got all the pieces tacked together you can tin the seams. To tin the seams you first add flux to all of the seams, then apply a thin, flat amount of solder to all of the seams. Make sure that you completely coat all of the copper foil. Apply a new layer of flux to the tinned seams, then melt a larger amount of solder onto the seams. Run your soldering iron back and forth over to create a melted seam of solder. Once a section is completely melted you'll lift the iron up from your piece to create a smooth bead. Frame your creation. Framing isn't absolutely necessary but it can create a nice finish to your piece. You could use a zinc frame or a lead channel, which requires more soldering, exactly the same as the steps outlined above. Deal with gaps between your pieces. Especially when you're a beginner you can screw up with cutting the glass or grinding it down. This will leave you with gaps between your pieces. Compensate for these inaccuracies by filling the gaps between your glass pieces with copper solder. Solder as you would normally. Avoid problems with scoring your glass. There are lots of things that can go wrong with scoring your glass and most of these have to do with how you're standing, how much pressure you're using, and what sort of a cutter you're using. Make sure that you're standing for long scores. This will give you better reach by utilizing your shoulder and upper body in the scoring motion. For small scores, make sure that you stay seated so you can concentrate on following the marker score line. Use the right glass cutter. You do not want to use a five dollar cheap glass cutter as it doesn't cut clear, thin glass very well and it certainly won't cut much harder art glass. Get one that it has a carbide head, because the oil lubrication is very useful. Make sure that you apply even pressure throughout your scoring. Remember you should hear a zipping sound as you score. Also good to remember: Opalescent glass requires more pressure, Cathedral glass requires less pressure. Deal with problems while soldering. Like scoring, soldering your glass can yield some problems if you're not doing it correctly. Make sure that the heat is correct, that the tip of the soldering iron is the right size for the project, and that the flux you're using is good for higher temperatures. Using the wrong kind of flux can lead to charring, called 'black tip syndrome.' When this happens it means that the tip of the soldering iron turns black and re-tinning becomes impossible. Use the right size soldering iron tip. Make sure that you know what the width of the glass you're working with is and have the tip and the copper spaced accordingly. | Pick an easy beginning project. Pick a pattern. Pick a type of glass. Purchase your glass. Gather your equipment. Make your template. Score your glass. Cut your glass. Grind the edges. Foil the glass. Add flux to the copper foil. Solder the glass in place. Frame your creation. Deal with gaps between your pieces. Avoid problems with scoring your glass. Deal with problems while soldering. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Slide-Tackle-in-Soccer | How to Slide Tackle in Soccer | If you want to perform an effective slide tackle, approach your opponent by running alongside them. As you approach, bend the leg nearest the opponent, then extend your other leg to slide and connect with the ball. To perform the tackle safely, always keep your eyes on the ball, never tackle from behind, and make sure your cleats are facing down. After the tackle, pop up quickly and find the ball so you can take possession or return to defense. | Run alongside your opponent. The most common time to slide tackle is when you are chasing the ball beside your opponent. You can tackle from the front, or coming toward them as well, but never tackle from behind. Slide tackling from behind is illegal and will earn you a red card. If you aren't keeping pace with them and they start to get ahead of you, don't slide tackle as you'll be more likely to get carded for tackling behind. Your opponent should be at most about 1 step ahead of you, as you'll make up that ground with the slide. Slide tackling is only recommended as a last resort if your opponent is getting too close to scoring. If you can get the ball away by other means, you should do that instead of a slide tackle. Keep your eyes on the ball. This is standard advice for most sports. What makes it useful when performing a slide tackle is that if your opponent happens to guess at your intentions, they may try to pull the ball away from you. If you keep your eyes fixed on the ball, you have a better chance of stealing it away during your tackle. You'll want to perform the slide when the ball is either out away from your opponent, or at least being kicked with the leg closest to you. This will give you the best chance of stealing it. Determine what you want to do with the ball. A slide tackle is useful for knocking the ball away from your opponent, especially out of bounds if you want to slow the play down. You can also use it as a steal to gain possession of the ball. What you want to do with the ball will slightly affect the technique you use for the tackle. If you simply want to kick the ball away from your opponent, you don't need to worry as much about your exact foot placement. If you want to hook the ball toward you and keep possession of it, then you need to have good control of how your foot connects with the ball. Take account of where you are in the field. A slide tackle is often good to knock the ball out of bounds, so the middle of the field may not be the best spot. It is also a good idea to have help nearby to assist after you knock the ball clear. You need to know if you are close to the out of bounds or the middle of the field and if you have teammates nearby or if you are alone. Watch the ball but have the rest of the area in your side view so you know what you're dealing with. If you intend to steal the ball away but you are too close to the out of bounds line you may lose the ball unintentionally, so be extra careful in this case. Bend the leg that is nearest to the other player. Each leg has a purpose during the slide tackle, and the leg closest to the other player is there to help you get up quickly after the tackle. As you begin your slide, bend the near leg and tuck it under your butt. Your foot should go slightly out to the side of your body so that you don't land directly on it. Immediately after the tackle, your bent leg will help you pop back up onto your feet. Slide with the leg that’s further from your opponent extended. If it works to position yourself in this way, you should use your dominant leg to connect with the ball because you'll have more control. You should do this at the same time that you bend your other leg. An effective slide tackle needs to be one fluid motion that includes bending one leg, extending the other, sliding onto the ground and connecting with the ball. Land on the hip of the extended leg. You don't want to slide so that your butt is parallel to the ground, rather you want to be angled onto the hip of the extended leg. This positioning gives you better control over your foot. Keep your cleats down. One of the main dangers of the slide tackle is hitting your opponent with the cleats of your shoe. Never make a slide with your cleats up. This will earn you a penalty, and could possibly injure the other player. Pointing the toes of the foot that will make contact with the ball is one of the best ways to avoid having your cleats up. It's also the best form for hooking the ball, so there are 2 benefits. Make contact with the ball. The only way for a slide tackle to be legal is if your foot hits the ball before it hits the player. Make contact either at the center of the ball or slightly on the top half. If you hit the ball too low it is likely to roll over your foot and cause you to lose control of it. Best case scenario is that you make contact with your laces as this gives you more control. Never make contact with the bottom of your foot. This is the point when timing is most important because you can easily miss the ball and make contact with the other player, which is not what you want to do. To knock the ball away, simply make good contact with your laces and your opponent should lose control. You can try to knock it out of bounds, or you can try to knock the ball toward one of your teammates Swing your extended leg outward. If you are knocking the ball away, you don't necessarily need to do this. To hook the ball, once your laces connect, pull your foot back toward yourself to pop the ball away from your opponent. Make a slight swinging motion and pop your foot at the same time. This is the trickiest part of the slide tackle as you may end up knocking it away even if you wanted to keep it. If you successfully pull the ball away, it's important to get up and start dribbling it immediately before your opponent has time to react and steal it back. Get up quickly. Part of the riskiness of a slide tackle is that it leaves you off your feet and out of the play for at least a few seconds. It is important to get up as quickly as possible and either start dribbling the ball, if you kept it, or get back in position to help your teammates. Use your bent leg to push back up onto your feet quickly. It's also helpful to use the arm on the same side of your body that kicked the ball to push yourself up. Dribble up the field after stealing the ball. If the goal of your slide tackle is to steal the ball from your opponent, then it is important to keep possession as soon as you steal it. After you hop up, start dribbling away from the person you stole the ball from. Quickly scan the field to find your opponents. Try to get a pass off to a teammate if you aren't in good field position. Locate the ball and chase it down if necessary. If your slide tackle knocked the ball away from your opponent, it may have gone out of bounds, to another player, or it may be sitting in the open. If it went out of bounds or another player recovered it, there isn't much you can do. If the ball is in the open, get to it as fast as possible. A slide tackle that launches the ball across the field may not be the most helpful tactic, but if it does happen, you still have time to recover. If you locate the ball, make a quick decision about what you need to do to get back into the action. | Run alongside your opponent. Keep your eyes on the ball. Determine what you want to do with the ball. Take account of where you are in the field. Bend the leg that is nearest to the other player. Slide with the leg that’s further from your opponent extended. Land on the hip of the extended leg. Keep your cleats down. Make contact with the ball. Swing your extended leg outward. Get up quickly. Dribble up the field after stealing the ball. Locate the ball and chase it down if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Potato-Bake | How to Make Potato Bake | To make a potato bake, start by melting some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, stir in some flour and cook the mixture for 2 minutes, or until it starts to bubble. Next, add some milk and bring the mixture to a boil before stirring in some shredded cheese. Once you're finished with the sauce, spread a layer of peeled, sliced potatoes out in a baking dish and pour some of the sauce over them. Finally, add a couple more layers of potatoes and sauce and then bake the dish for 1 hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. | Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease the inside of a 2.5-quart (2.5 liters) baking dish. You can use butter, oil, or a non-stick cooking spray to do this. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cut the butter into small cubes first, then put it into a small saucepan. Place the saucepan onto the stove, and turn the heat up to medium. Wait for the butter to melt, stirring it occasionally. Stir in the flour, then cook it for about 2 minutes, or until it starts to bubble. Stir the butter and flour constantly as it's cooking to prevent scorching. Take the saucepan off the stove, then slowly stir in the milk. Stir the sauce as you pour the milk so that it blends in. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it starts to boil. Once you have the milk stirred in, place the saucepan back onto the stove, and set the heat back to medium. Cook the sauce until it comes to a boil. Stir it often. Stir in 1½ cups (150 grams) of cheese. Take the saucepan off the stove, and stir in part of the cheese. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan from time to time to ensure that everything mixes in evenly. Save the remaining ½ cup (50 grams) of cheese for later. Spread a third of your potatoes across the bottom of the dish. If you have not already done so, wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them as thinly as your can. Spread a third of them across the bottom of your dish, overlapping the edges slightly. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper, then pour a third of the cheese sauce over them. Repeat the potato, salt, pepper, and sauce layers two more times. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Spread it as evenly as you can over the top of your potatoes. When the cheese bakes, it will form a melted, crusty layer on top. Bake the potatoes, uncovered, for 1 hour. They are ready when they turn tender and golden. If the top of your potatoes start to burn, cover the dish with a sheet of aluminum foil; this will allow the potatoes to continue baking without getting burnt. Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before serving them. They are a great size dish for just about any meat dish. They are also easily transported, making them perfect for picnics, potlucks, and parties. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), and lightly grease the inside of a 2-quart (2 liter) baking dish. You can grease the dish using a little butter, oil, or cooking spray. Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes, then place them into the dish. Slice the potatoes as thinly as you can; this will allow them to bake faster. Spread them evenly across the bottom of the dish, then set the dish aside. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Cut the butter into cubes, then toss it into a small skillet. Place the skillet onto the stove, and set the heat to medium. Stir the butter occasionally to help it melt faster. Add the onion, salt, thyme, and pepper. If you have not already done so, peel and dice the onion, then add it into the skillet. Add the salt, thyme, and pepper, but hold off on the cheese and parsley. Stir the onion until it is evenly coated with butter. You do not have to brown, soften, or sauté the onion. Pour the butter mixture over the potatoes. Try to cover the potatoes as evenly as you can. Don't add the cheese or parsley yet; you will be adding them towards the very end to best preserve their flavor. Bake the potatoes, covered, for 45 minutes. You are ready for the next step once they turn tender. Don't worry if they aren't completely done; you still have some baking left to do. Sprinkle the cheese and parsley over the potatoes. Again, try to sprinkle them as evenly as possible. You can mix them together first, or you can sprinkle them over the potatoes in separate layers. If you choose to layer them separately, add the parsley first, then the cheese. Bake the potatoes, uncovered, for another 15 minutes or so. They are ready when the cheese is melted. Let the potatoes cool for a little bit before serving them. They make a great side dish to meats, such as ham and pot roast. | Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease the inside of a 2.5-quart (2.5 liters) baking dish. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, then cook it for about 2 minutes, or until it starts to bubble. Take the saucepan off the stove, then slowly stir in the milk. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it starts to boil. Stir in 1½ cups (150 grams) of cheese. Spread a third of your potatoes across the bottom of the dish. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper, then pour a third of the cheese sauce over them. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Bake the potatoes, uncovered, for 1 hour. Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before serving them. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), and lightly grease the inside of a 2-quart (2 liter) baking dish. Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes, then place them into the dish. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, thyme, and pepper. Pour the butter mixture over the potatoes. Bake the potatoes, covered, for 45 minutes. Sprinkle the cheese and parsley over the potatoes. Bake the potatoes, uncovered, for another 15 minutes or so. Let the potatoes cool for a little bit before serving them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Hair-Straight-with-a-Curling-Iron | How to Make Hair Straight with a Curling Iron | If you only have a curling iron, you can still straighten your hair with the same technique as a straightening iron. First, clip back the top section of your hair to keep it out of your face. Then, start with the bottom section. Clamp the curling iron onto the top of 1 small section of hair, and slowly pull down. Keep the curling iron firmly clamped to straighten your hair evenly. Once you've finished the bottom section of your hair, unclip the top section and work your way through it. When you're finished, apply some hairspray to set your hair and keep it straight for longer. | Search for a curling iron that has plates or a clamp. Any iron that has a rod or cone shape and looks like a wand won't effectively straighten your hair. Instead, opt for a traditional barrel-shaped iron that has plates, or a clamp, so that your hair can be pressed in between. This way, you'll be able to use the curling iron as you would use a straightener. Look for a curling iron with a larger barrel. It is much easier to straighten your hair with a curling iron that has a larger barrel, at least 1 to 2 inches in diameter. A larger barrel will allow you to run the curling iron through sections of your hair more easily and much more quickly than a curling iron with a smaller barrel. If you only have access to a curling iron with a smaller barrel,.75 to 1 inch in diameter, you can still use it to straighten your hair. But it may take more time due to the smaller barrel size. Go for a ceramic curling iron. Look for a curling iron that is made of ceramic and/or tourmaline. Ceramic irons are ideal because they help to disperse heat through your hair more evenly. Tourmaline irons are also good for controlling frizz and for locking moisture in your hair when you style it with heat. Many professional grade curling irons are made with ceramic or tourmaline. You may be able to get a more affordable curling iron that is only partly ceramic or tourmaline if you are on a budget. Make sure the curling iron has a variety of heat settings. You should also check that the curling iron comes with several heat settings so you can control how much heat you are applying to your hair. This will ensure you do not burn or damage your hair when you use the curling iron. If you have fine hair or hair that is color treated, you should use a low heat setting of below 200 degrees. If you have curly, thick hair, you can use a higher heat setting of 200-300 degrees. Never go above 400 degrees as this can damage your hair, no matter what hair type you have. Make sure you pay attention to how your hair responds to the heat of the curling iron. If you notice a burning smell coming from your hair, the temperature may be too high. However, a burning smell can also indicate that your hair is dirty, wet, or even has too much product on it. Wash and condition your hair. You should prep your hair for the curling iron by washing and conditioning it in the shower. You should use a shampoo that will give your hair moisture and does not leave residue in your hair. You should also use a small amount of conditioner on the ends of your hair so you do not put too much conditioner in your hair. Too much conditioner can make it more difficult for your hair to stay straight or hold any styles. Apply heat protectant. Apply a heat protectant gel or spray while your hair is still wet. Run the heat protectant from the root to the ends of your hair, scrunching your hair with your fingers. This will protect your hair from heat damage and prevent frizz. You may also want to apply a hair mousse to your wet hair, especially if your hair is lacking in volume and body. Run the mousse from the roots to the ends. Dry your hair well with a blow dryer. You should avoid trying to straighten wet hair, as it can damage your hair and create split ends. Your hair can also become frizzy and rough looking due to heat being applied to wet hair. Make sure you dry your hair well with a blow dryer so you are straightening hair that is prepared and ready for the curling iron. You should blow dry your hair by flipping your hair over and running the blow dryer down to the ends of your hair. Move the blow dryer around your hair, dispersing the heat throughout, until your hair is completely dry. If you have especially thick hair, you may need to part your hair into a few different sections and dry each section one at a time. Plug in the curling iron. Turn the curling iron to the right heat setting for your hair. It may take a few minutes for the curling iron to warm up. You should also position yourself in front of a mirror so you can see what your hands are doing and how your hair looks as you straighten it. You may also place a hair clip on a table in front of you so it is easy to access. Clip back or tie up the top layers of your hair. You should straighten your hair in stages, starting with the bottom layers first. This will ensure you do not miss any strands of hair and that your hair appears uniform when you are done straightening it. Clip back the top layers of your hair so you can access the bottom layers. Even if you have short hair, you should still clip back the top layers so you can access the bottom layers. This will allow you access each layer of your hair more easily. Pull the curling iron through a section of hair. Hold a section of hair at the nape of your neck that's no wider than 1 inch (2.5 cm). Then, open the clamp of the curling iron and place the upper part of the hair between the barrel and the clamp. Keep a firm grip. Slowly pull the curling iron downward, through your hair. Hold the clamp shut with your hand as you do this. Pull the curling iron all the way to the ends of your hair. Then, release the clamp. You should have a straightened section of hair. Repeat these steps for the bottom layer of your hair. Make sure you keep a firm grip on the clamp as you run the curling iron down to the ends of your hair. Straighten the top layers of your hair. Once you have finished straightening the bottom layer, you should take the top layer of your hair out of the clip. Then, repeat the same steps on the top layer of hair using the curling iron. You may need to straighten the shorter hairs around your face in smaller sections to ensure you catch all of the shorter hairs. Use the curling iron to straighten out the sections around your face for a full straight look. Try to avoid going over the same section of hair multiple times, as this can damage your hair. Pull the curling iron through and down your hair slowly and firmly to ensure you straighten the hair the first time through. Also, place a comb beneath the curling iron as you straighten the hair. Apply hairspray to hold the style in place. Once you have straightened your hair completely, you should set your look in place with hairspray. Use a hairspray that will give your hair shine and prevent frizzing. You may also run your hands through your hair lightly to give your hair volume and body. However, try not to touch your hair too often once you have straightened it, as this can make it appear messy and undo your perfect straight hair look. | Search for a curling iron that has plates or a clamp. Look for a curling iron with a larger barrel. Go for a ceramic curling iron. Make sure the curling iron has a variety of heat settings. Wash and condition your hair. Apply heat protectant. Dry your hair well with a blow dryer. Plug in the curling iron. Clip back or tie up the top layers of your hair. Pull the curling iron through a section of hair. Straighten the top layers of your hair. Apply hairspray to hold the style in place. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stretch-Spandex-Material | How to Stretch Spandex Material | If you need to stretch a garment made of spandex, wash it in the hot cycle on your washing machine or soak it in hot water. Put the garment on while it's still wet and leave it on until it has dried completely. While you're wearing the garment, move as much as you can so the garment will stretch. To get the most stretch, try a variety of different movements, such as squats, jumping jacks, and jogging in place. After you have stretched the garment, wash it in cold water and avoid putting it into the dryer to keep it from shrinking back to its original size. | Soak your garment in 120–140 °F (49–60 °C) degree water for 30 minutes. If you want to stretch a garment made of spandex, washing it in hot water can help relax the fibers. Most hot water heaters are set to a maximum temperature of 120–140 °F (49–60 °C), so you can either wash the garment in your washing machine on the hottest setting, or you can fill up your sink with the hottest tap water and soak the garment there. Put the garment on while it’s still wet. This may seem uncomfortable at first, but you should be able to work the garment on a little at a time, even if it's a little clingy or tight. The heat and moisture should help the spandex form to your body as you wear it. This method is best if you only need the material to stretch a little. If you can't wear the garment, try stretching it with weights. Stay active for about an hour or until the garment dries. You'll need to let the garment air-dry on your body to allow the fabric to stretch around you. Moving around as much as possible will force the material to stretch even more. Try to come up with a variety of different movements so the fabric will stretch in different directions. For example, you could bend at the waist, jog in place, and try exercises like squats or jumping jacks. The length of time it will take your garment to dry will vary depending on the thickness of the fabric. A very thin spandex shirt may take only 20-30 minutes to dry, while a thicker pair of yoga pants might take more than an hour. Soak your material in 120–140 °F (49–60 °C) degree water. You can either run your fabric through the hot cycle on your washing machine or you can heat water in a pot on your stovetop and then soak the material. Either method will help relax the spandex fibers and help it stretch more easily. Most water heaters are set to heat water within this range, so you should be able to use hot water from your tap. Place the material on a flat surface while it’s still hot. An ironing board is a good surface for this project, but you could also use your kitchen counter, the floor, or a table with a surface that won't be damaged by water. If you're not sure if it's okay to place a wet object on a table, try placing a drop of water on an inconspicuous area of the table. If the wet spot turns white, you shouldn't use that surface for stretching your spandex or it will leave water stains. Secure one side of the garment with a 3–5 lb (1.4–2.3 kg) weight. You can use almost anything to weight down your material; just make sure it's heavy enough to hold the fabric when you stretch it. Items that weight about 3–5 lb (1.4–2.3 kg) should be sufficiently heavy enough to secure the garment just by placing it on one end of the fabric. Try using free weights, a stack of textbooks, or even the leg of your bed to secure your fabric. Be sure that your weight is made of a material that can get wet without being damaged or transferring color to your garment. For instance, you may want to avoid anything made from painted wood. Stretch your fabric out and secure the other end with another weight. Pull the free end of the material as tight as you can without tearing the fabric, then secure that end with another heavy weight. The constant tension should help permanently stretch out the elastic in the spandex. Since spandex is made to return to its original shape, try to stretch it beyond what you think you'll need. Allow the fabric to dry for at least an hour while it’s stretched out. If you remove the material while it's still wet, the fibers will shorten as they dry. This will cause the material to return to its original shape, so make sure it dries completely while it's being stretched. It will probably take about an hour for your garment to dry completely, although thicker material may take longer. For the best results, allow it to sit for at least an extra hour after the material has completely dried. Repeat the process if your garment needs more stretch. Fill a basin with water of about 85–90 °F (29–32 °C). You can use a basin, sink, or bathtub. The water should be a little warmer than room temperature. You'll need at least 1 quart (0.95 L) of water. Add baby shampoo or mild conditioner to the water. You'll need to add roughly 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of baby shampoo for every 1 quart (0.95 L) of water. The water should take on a slick, soapy consistency once the shampoo is stirred into the water. Baby shampoo helps relax the fibers in your material, making them easier to stretch. Soak the fabric in the soapy water for about 30 minutes. Make sure the material is fully immersed in the water and give it at least half an hour to ensure the soap has time to penetrate the spandex material. Squeeze the fabric tightly to wring out excess moisture. Use a twisting and squeezing motion until the fabric stops dripping. Don't rinse the garment, because the soap will keep relaxing the elastic fibers as you stretch the fabric. If you still need to remove more moisture, roll the material between 2 towels and leave it for about 10 minutes. Stretch out the fabric and hold it in place with 3–5 lb (1.4–2.3 kg) weights. The baby shampoo should allow you to easily stretch the spandex past its normal limits. Once you have it stretched as much as you can, place heavy objects like books, paperweights, or free weights on the edges of the fabric to hold it in place. Make sure your heavy objects won't be damaged by the moisture from the fabric. You should also avoid using anything painted or varnished, like wood, since this can transfer stains onto your material. Allow the fabric to sit for an hour or until it is completely dry. If you take off the weights before the spandex material has dried, the fibers will begin to shorten and the fabric will return to its original shape. It will probably take about an hour for the fabric to dry completely. Avoid exposing your garment to heat. Heat can cause the fibers of your spandex garment to retract back to their original size. High temperatures can also break down the elastane fibers in spandex, causing the garment to break down. Wash your garment in 75–80 °F (24–27 °C) water whenever it gets dirty. After you have stretched it, use the cool setting whenever you wash your garment in the washing machine. If you would rather hand-wash your garment , fill your sink with room temperature water, then stir in about 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of a mild detergent. Use your hands to swirl the garment in the soapy water for 2-3 minutes or until it seems clean. Empty the sink, then rinse your garment in cool water. Air-dry your garment for 2-3 hours after you wash it. It's best to allow your garment to air dry after every wash to help protect the spandex fibers. To air dry it, lay it on a flat surface, hang it from a clothes hanger, or pin it to a clothes line with clothespins. | Soak your garment in 120–140 °F (49–60 °C) degree water for 30 minutes. Put the garment on while it’s still wet. Stay active for about an hour or until the garment dries. Soak your material in 120–140 °F (49–60 °C) degree water. Place the material on a flat surface while it’s still hot. Secure one side of the garment with a 3–5 lb (1.4–2.3 kg) weight. Stretch your fabric out and secure the other end with another weight. Allow the fabric to dry for at least an hour while it’s stretched out. Fill a basin with water of about 85–90 °F (29–32 °C). Add baby shampoo or mild conditioner to the water. Soak the fabric in the soapy water for about 30 minutes. Squeeze the fabric tightly to wring out excess moisture. Stretch out the fabric and hold it in place with 3–5 lb (1.4–2.3 kg) weights. Allow the fabric to sit for an hour or until it is completely dry. Avoid exposing your garment to heat. Wash your garment in 75–80 °F (24–27 °C) water whenever it gets dirty. Air-dry your garment for 2-3 hours after you wash it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Tickets-for-Wimbledon | How to Get Tickets for Wimbledon | To get tickets for Wimbledon, sign up for the Wimbledon newsletter online so you'll know exactly when they go on sale on ticketing sites. If the event is coming up soon, you can also check Ticketmaster 2 days before the day you want to attend to see if any tickets are available. Remember these usually sell out within minutes, so make sure everything is loaded ahead of time to increase your chances of scoring some! Alternatively, if you live outside of the UK, you can enter the online Wimbledon ticket ballot between December 1 and December 15 for a chance to be selected to buy a maximum of 2 tickets. If you live in the UK, you can send in your ticket ballot application form by mail before December 31. | Request an application between September 1st and December 15th. Send a self-addressed and stamped envelope to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC). Make sure the envelope is 110 by 220 millimetres (4.3 in × 8.7 in) in size in order to receive the application. The address for the AELTC is PO BOX 98, London, SW19 5AE. Only request an application by mail if you live in the United Kingdom. Make sure to use your permanent address where you're registered to vote rather than student or vacation home addresses. Fill out the application form completely. Write in all capital letters using black ink or else your application will be invalid. Only fill out the form yourself and not on behalf of anyone you know. Make sure to fill out all of the forms on your application or else they cannot accept your application. Only send in 1 application per household or else they will be invalid. One application allows you 2 tickets. Don't fill out more than 1 application for yourself or else your application won't be considered. Send the application form before December 31st. Put your application in an envelope addressed to the AELTC, PO Box 67611, London, SW19 9DT. Make sure the application is in the mail before December 31st. Any applications postmarked after December 31st won't be processed. Wait for an offer letter in February or March. The ballot uses a computerized system to randomly pick who receives tickets. If your application was selected by the system, check your mail in February or March for the official offer. The offer letter will tell you which days and courts you can attend. If you haven't received an offer letter, your application was not selected for tickets. Pay for your tickets if you were chosen. Log into the secure site listed in the offer letter you received. Provide the information for your credit or debit card to pay for the tickets you were offered. Make sure to make your payment before the due date listed or your tickets will be forfeited to another person. Receive your tickets in the mail in May or June. Tickets start mailing out during the second week of May through the first weeks of June. Keep the tickets in a safe place until the date of the event. You must use the ticket yourself if you received one. You cannot resell or gift the tickets. When you go to Wimbledon, you will need to show a valid ID. Fill out the ballot application online between December 1st through the 15th. If you live outside of the UK, you can enter a ticket ballot online instead of by mail. The ballot opens at 9:00 AM GMT on December 1st and closes at 11:59 PM GMT on December 15th. Make sure to fill out each form completely and double check your information before you submit the application. You can find the ballot form here: http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/tickets/ballot_overseas.html. Only submit 1 application for a maximum of 2 tickets. If you attempt to submit more applications, they will not be considered in the ballot. The ballot offers 2 tickets for 1 day on the Centre Court or Courts 1-3. Confirm the application through your email. Once you submit your application, check your email for a confirmation. Click the link in the confirmation email within 24 hours or else your application will expire. If your application expires, you can reapply through the site again. Look for a notification from the ballot through the month of March. Check your email starting the last week of January through the month of March to see if your application was chosen. If you get the offer email, you can pay online with a credit or debit card to secure your tickets. Make sure to pay for your tickets before the payment due date or else they will be forfeited. If you don't receive an email, then your application was not selected. Sign up for the Wimbledon newsletter to know when tickets are available. The Wimbledon newsletter lets you know in advance when they're going to go on sale through ticketing sites. Provide your email address for the newsletter so you can stay informed. You can register for the newsletter here: http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/contact/register.html. Buy from the Wimbledon Debenture Holders for official resale tickets. The Wimbledon Debenture tickets are issued annually to anyone who has a debenture from the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC). Debenture holders are allowed to sell any tickets they don't plan on using and list them online for anyone to purchase. Select the date and court tickets you want to purchase and add them to your cart. Use a credit or debit card to complete the purchase. Purchase tickets from the Wimbledon Debenture Holders here: https://www.wimbledondebentureholders.com/buy-wimbledon-tickets. You can only buy 1 or 2 tickets at a time. Check on Ticketmaster 2 days before the day you want to attend. Hundreds of tickets are available each day of the tournament, except for the final 4 days. Log into Ticketmaster 48 hours before the day you want to go and purchase the tickets. Tickets usually sell out within minutes of going online, so make sure to have everything loaded ahead of time. Purchase a hospitality package for VIP or private accommodations. Hospitality packages offer suites on the Wimbledon grounds as well as tickets to the games of your choice. Depending on the package, you can also get private dining and access to different locations on the grounds that normal tickets wouldn't provide. Keith Prowse is the only official hospitality company for Wimbledon. Only purchase packages through the site or the authorized resellers. Camp out at the queue a few days in advance if you want tickets. Each day, some reserved tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. If you want a reserved seat, join the queue outside of the grounds within 2 days of the event to ensure your spot. Thousands of ground passes are available each day that allow you to sit in unreserved seating or stand in designated areas. Look for the rules of camping out in the queue here: http://www.wimbledon.com/pdf/QueueGuide2018.pdf. Hold onto your queue card for the duration of your stay. When you first arrive, official stewards will hand you a queue card with a time stamp for when you got there. Tickets are given based on what time is printed on your queue card, so make sure to carry it at all times. Even though the cards have your time stamped on them, you need to stay in line in order to secure tickets or a ground pass. Buy tickets with cash or obtain a grounds pass when you reach the front. At the start of each day, stewards will pass out wristbands to the people at the front of the line equal to the number of available tickets. When you reach the front of the line, pay for your tickets or for the grounds pass in cash only. You can turn down tickets if you only want a ground pass for the day. | Request an application between September 1st and December 15th. Fill out the application form completely. Send the application form before December 31st. Wait for an offer letter in February or March. Pay for your tickets if you were chosen. Receive your tickets in the mail in May or June. Fill out the ballot application online between December 1st through the 15th. Confirm the application through your email. Look for a notification from the ballot through the month of March. Sign up for the Wimbledon newsletter to know when tickets are available. Buy from the Wimbledon Debenture Holders for official resale tickets. Check on Ticketmaster 2 days before the day you want to attend. Purchase a hospitality package for VIP or private accommodations. Camp out at the queue a few days in advance if you want tickets. Hold onto your queue card for the duration of your stay. Buy tickets with cash or obtain a grounds pass when you reach the front. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-Bengali | How to Learn Bengali | If you want to learn Bengali, start by taking advantage of free online resources to learn some of the basics of the language. For example, the Foreign Service Institute created a short course for embassy employees to learn the language, and you can access these materials via the Live Lingua Project. In addition to studying these courses, get used to how Bengali sounds by listening to recordings of Bengali literature, and search YouTube for videos created by Bengali speakers. | Start with a Foreign Service Institute (FSI) short course. The FSI was created by the US State Department to teach embassy employees how to speak the local language. Many of these materials are available online through the Live Lingua Project, including a short course on Bengali. The Bengali short course materials are available for download at https://www.livelingua.com/course/fsi/Bengali_Short_Course. While this short course won't get you anywhere near fluency, it can serve as a good introduction and allow you to carry on basic conversations in Bengali. Live Lingua also has the US Peace Corps Bengali course, available for free at https://www.livelingua.com/project/peace-corps/Bengali/. Check out the free materials offered by the Defense Language Institute. The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center of the US Department of Defense has cultural orientation programs and survival language packs that can teach you basic Bengali language skills. Go to http://fieldsupport.dliflc.edu/productList.aspx?v=co to get started. Scroll down until you see the entry for Bengali. There are links to the different resources that are available. Despite the fact that these are categorized on the page as "products," everything can be accessed or downloaded for free. While most of the materials are intended for military personnel deployed overseas, there are basic guides that would be helpful for any student of the language. For example, the Bengali Cultural Orientation program, located at http://fieldsupport.dliflc.edu/products/bengali/bn_co/default.html , will give you a better understanding of the country of Bangladesh as well as Bengali culture and traditions. This knowledge will give you a deeper appreciation and understanding of the language. Listen to Bengali poetry and prose. Listening to Bengali literature read aloud by native speakers can help you immerse yourself in the language. It will also give you a greater feel for the natural sound and rhythm of the language. You can listen to Bengali authors reading their own work for free at http://www.loc.gov/acq/ovop/delhi/salrp/bengali.html. This site is part of the South Asian Literary Recordings Project, run by the US Library of Congress New Delhi Office. Find more audio recordings available for free online by doing an online search for "Bangla audio," "Bangla radio," "Bangla podcasts," or similar. Use social networks to connect with Bengali speakers. If you have an account on social networks, such as Facebook or Reddit, you can search for Bengali language forums and pages you can follow to interact with Bengali speakers and students. For example, Reddit has a Bengali language forum available at https://www.reddit.com/r/bengalilanguage/. There are a number of videos posted that can help you learn basic grammar and vocabulary. Advanced students and native speakers also participate in this forum to help beginners who want to learn the language. Start with transliterations before learning script. Especially if your focus is conversation rather than reading and writing, you'll learn a lot more quickly if you use transliterated text rather than trying to learn Bengali script and speak at the same time. With transliteration, you'll be able to learn new words and communicate in the language more quickly. Then, as you transition to Bengali script, you can start writing words immediately. Memorize the pronunciation of Bengali letters. Since Bengali has a syllabic alphabet, once you know the sounds the letters make you can easily sound out words you don't know. You may not know the definition, but you'll know how to pronounce it. Download audio of vowels and consonants at http://ict.readbangladesh.org/en/bangla-phoneme/. These audio files are provided online for free by the US Agency for International Development in conjunction with the nonprofit organization Save the Children. There is also a transliteration schema available on the Virtual Bangladesh website with comparisons of the sounds to English words. Go to http://www.virtualbangladesh.com/bengali-tutorial/bengali-tutorial-transliteration-schema/ to view or print it. Familiarize yourself with Bengali script. Bengali is traditionally written in a cursive script. The alphabet has 12 vowels and 52 consonants. Bengali is a syllabic language, so every letter has a full sound associated with it. While there are separate vowels, each consonant has its own inherent vowel. Vowels can be written either as separate letters, or by using various marks around the consonant to indicate how it should sound. Because the Bengali alphabet is closely related to the Devanagari alphabet, you may find it easier to learn if you are already familiar with the Devanagari script, which is used in Hindi, Sanskrit, and many other Indo-Aryan languages. Watch videos to learn Bengali script. The YouTube Channel "Talking Bees" has numerous videos you can watch for free that will teach you how to write and pronounce the Bengali alphabet. There is also a podcast available. Go to https://www.youtube.com/user/talkingbees to view the videos or subscribe to the channel. Download Bengali script for your computer. If you want to start typing in Bengali script, you'll likely need to download a font. The website http://scriptsource.org/cms/scripts/page.php?item_id=script_detail&key=Beng has a list of sources where you can download Bengali script fonts for free. You may also be able to find a font you can use at http://www.nongnu.org/freebangfont/. These Bengali fonts are open-source and provided for free as part of volunteer-run service. Recognize similarities between Bengali and English grammar. As in English (but unlike some European languages, such as French or Spanish), the verb doesn't change form depending on the gender of the subject. Bengali nouns are not assigned a gender, as they would be in some languages such as Spanish or French, so you don't have to worry about using the correct articles or changing adjectives for agreement. Use subject-object-verb word order in Bengali sentences. Linguistically, Bengali is referred to as a head-final language. This means that the verb comes after any objects of the verb. This differs significantly from English and other European languages, which use the subject-verb-object word order. Possessors, numerals, and adjectives come before nouns. However, articles (words similar to a , and , and the in English) come after the noun they relate to. This word order can be difficult for native English speakers. If you speak other head-final languages, such as Japanese, it might be easier. German also has some head-final verb phrases. Distinguish Bengali postpositions from English prepositions. English and other European languages make use of prepositions and prepositional phrases. In contrast, these connecting words appear after the object in Bengali. For this reason, they are referred to as postpostitions. Bengali also has fewer of these words than exist in English and other European languages. For example, there is only one word in Bengali that is used to mean under, underneath, beneath, below, and down. Despite having fewer words, there are some situations in which a preposition would not be used in English at all, but a postposition is required under the Bengali grammar rules. Read about news and current events in Bengali. Once you've learned the alphabet, you can start trying to read Bengali newspapers online. You may find it easier to read about events you already have some knowledge about. Bengali newspapers also give you a better understanding of the Bengali culture. The BBC has a news site in Bengali with text and videos, which may be a good place to start. Go to https://www.bbc.com/bengali. | Start with a Foreign Service Institute (FSI) short course. Check out the free materials offered by the Defense Language Institute. Listen to Bengali poetry and prose. Use social networks to connect with Bengali speakers. Start with transliterations before learning script. Memorize the pronunciation of Bengali letters. Familiarize yourself with Bengali script. Watch videos to learn Bengali script. Download Bengali script for your computer. Recognize similarities between Bengali and English grammar. Use subject-object-verb word order in Bengali sentences. Distinguish Bengali postpositions from English prepositions. Read about news and current events in Bengali. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Download-Facebook-Videos-For-Free | How to Download Facebook Videos For Free | To download Facebook videos on your desktop for free, start by logging into your account and going to the video that you want to download. If you see a lock or a two-person silhouette instead of a globe, the video is private and can't be downloaded. However, if you see a globe icon somewhere below the name of the person or the page which posted the video, it means it's public and you can download it with no problems. Right-click the video to prompt a drop-down menu, then click “Show video URL” to access a pop-up box with the Facebook video's link in it. Copy this link, open the SaveFrom website, and paste the video's link into the site's text box. Finally, click “Download” to save the video to your computer. | Open Facebook. Go to https://www.facebook.com/. This will open your News Feed page if you're logged in. If you aren't logged in, enter your email address and password in the top-right corner of the page and click Log in. Go to the video that you want to download. Either scroll through your News Feed until you find the video, or enter the name of the person who posted the video into the search bar at the top of the page and go to their account to look for the video. Make sure the video is public. If you see a globe icon somewhere below the name of the person or the page which posted the video, you can download it without any problems. If you see a lock or a two-person silhouette instead of a globe, you cannot download the video. Right-click the video. Once you arrive at the video, press your mouse's right button on it to prompt a drop-down menu. You may have to right-click the video a few times before the drop-down menu will appear. On a Mac, you can also hold Ctrl and click the video. If your mouse doesn't have a right-click button, click the right side of the mouse, or use two fingers to click the mouse. If your computer uses a trackpad instead of a mouse, use two fingers to tap the trackpad or press the bottom-right side of the trackpad. Click Show video URL. It's at the bottom of the drop-down menu. Clicking it prompts a small pop-up box with the Facebook video's link in it. Copy the Facebook link. Click the link in the pop-up box to select it, then press Ctrl + C (Windows) or ⌘ Command + C (Mac). Doing so will copy the link. You can also right-click the link and then click Copy in the resulting drop-down menu. Open the SaveFrom website. Go to https://en.savefrom.net/ in your browser. SaveFrom is a website that allows you to download videos from Facebook by inputting links. Paste in the Facebook video's link. Click the "Just insert a link" text box at the top of the page, then press Ctrl + V (Windows) or ⌘ Command + V (Mac). After a moment, the video's preview icon will appear below the text field. You can also right-click the text field and click Paste in the drop-down menu. Click Download. This green button is below the video's preview window. Doing so will immediately prompt the video to download into your computer's default "Downloads" folder, though you may have to confirm the download or select a save location depending on your browser's settings. SaveFrom will automatically assign the highest possible quality to your video, but if you want to lower the video's quality, click ∨ to the right of the "MP4 HD" text and then select a different option (e.g., MP4 SD ). Download the Documents app. Open the App Store {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/5\/55\/Iphoneappstoreicon.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Iphoneappstoreicon.png\/30px-Iphoneappstoreicon.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iOS icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Tap Search Tap the search bar. Type in documents Tap Search Tap GET to the right of the "Documents by Readdle" heading. Enter your Touch ID or Apple ID when prompted. Open Facebook. Press your iPhone's Home button to return to the Home Screen, then tap the Facebook app icon, which resembles a white "f" on a dark-blue background. This will open your News Feed if you're logged into your Facebook account. If you aren't logged in, enter your email address and password before proceeding. Go to the video that you want to save. Scroll through your News Feed until you find the video that you want to save, or go to the profile of the person who shared or posted the video to find it there. Make sure the video is public. If you see a globe icon below and to the right of the name of the person or page who posted the video, the video is public and you can proceed. If you see a two-person silhouette or a lock icon instead of a globe, you cannot download the video. Open the video. Tap the video to begin playing it. This is important, as proceeding to the next step before playing the video may result in a broken link. Tap Share. You'll find this option directly below the video. A menu will appear. Tap Copy Link. It's in the menu. Doing so will copy the video's address to your iPhone's clipboard. You may have to scroll down to find this option. If you open the video from your Facebook "Saved" menu, you may not have the Copy Link option. Open Documents. Press your iPhone's Home button again, then tap the Documents app icon. It resembles a multicolored "D" on a white background. You may have to swipe through a tutorial before proceeding. Open the browser. Tap the Safari icon in the lower-right corner of the screen. You may have to swipe this icon from right to left in order to open the browser page. Tap the address bar. This is the text field at the top of the screen. Open the SaveFrom site. Type savefrom.net into the address bar, then tap the blue Go button in your iPhone's keyboard. Paste in the video's address. Tap the text field near the top of the page, tap it again once your iPhone's keyboard appears, and tap Paste in the pop-up menu. If a pop-up ad appears while you're doing this, just tap the X in the top-left corner of the page. Tap Download. This green button is in the middle of the page, just below the video's preview. The highest available quality will be selected by default. You can change this by tapping MP4 HD and then tapping your preferred quality if need be. Tap Done. It's a light-blue button in the upper-right corner of the screen. Tap the "Downloads" icon. This downward-facing arrow is in the bottom-right side of the screen. You'll be able to watch your video's download progress here. Watch your video. Once it finishes downloading, tap the video's name on the Downloads tab to play it in Documents. You can tap Done in the upper-left side of the screen to return to the Documents page. Move the video onto your iPhone. Make sure you're on the Documents page (not the browser page), tap the Downloads folder, tap ⋯ below your video and tap Share , then do the following: Tap Save to Files Select a folder. Tap Add Open your iPhone's {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/6\/62\/Iphonefilesapp01.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Iphonefilesapp01.png\/30px-Iphonefilesapp01.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iOS icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Files app. Find and open the folder you saved the video to. Tap the "Share" {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/4\/49\/Iphoneshare.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Iphoneshare.png\/23px-Iphoneshare.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":600,"bigWidth":"23","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iPhone icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} icon. Tap Save Video Download the ES File Explorer app. ES File Explorer is a popular file manager that allows you to see your Android's internal folders, which will allow you to move the downloaded Facebook video to your Photos app. To download ES File Explorer, do the following: Open the Google Play Store {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/1\/1e\/Androidgoogleplay.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Androidgoogleplay.png\/26px-Androidgoogleplay.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":531,"bigWidth":"26","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an Android icon\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Tap the search bar. Type in es file explorer Tap the ES File Explorer result below the search bar. Tap INSTALL Tap ACCEPT when prompted. Open Facebook. Minimize the Google Play Store, then tap the Facebook app icon, which resembles a white "f" on a dark-blue background. This will open your News Feed if you're logged into your Facebook account. If you aren't logged in, enter your email address and password before proceeding. Go to the video that you want to save. Scroll through your News Feed until you find the video that you want to save, or go to the profile of the person who shared or posted the video to find it there. Make sure the video is public. If you see a globe icon below and to the right of the name of the person or page who posted the video, the video is public and you can proceed. If you see a two-person silhouette or a lock icon instead of a globe, you cannot download the video. Open the video. Tap the video to begin playing it. This is important, as proceeding to the next step before playing the video may result in a broken link. Tap Share. You'll find this option directly below the video. A menu will appear. Tap Copy Link. It's in the menu. Doing so will copy the video's address to your Android's clipboard. You may have to scroll down to find this option. Open Google Chrome . Tap the Chrome app icon, which resembles a red, yellow, green, and blue sphere. You can use most browsers that are available on Android to perform this process, but Chrome is the default browser for most Androids. Go to the SaveFrom site. Tap the address bar at the top of the screen, type savefrom.net into the address bar, and then tap the Enter or Go button in your Android's keyboard. Paste in the video's address. Tap the text field near the top of the page, tap it again once your Android's keyboard appears, and tap Paste in the pop-up menu. If an ad opens when you do this, just close out of it. Tap Download. This green button is in the middle of the page, just below the video's preview. The video will automatically download onto your Android's hard drive or SD card. The highest available quality will be selected by default, but you can change it by tapping MP4 HD and then tapping your preferred quality if you like. Open ES File Explorer. Exit Chrome, then tap the ES File Manager app icon in the App Drawer. If this is your first time installing ES File Explorer, first swipe or tap through the introduction screens before you continue. Select a storage option. Tap either the Internal option or the SD Card option depending on where downloaded files on your Android typically go. Tap Downloads. This folder should be near the middle of the page, though you may need to scroll down to see it. All of your Android's downloaded files, including your Facebook Messenger video, will be here. On some Androids, this folder is entitled Download instead. Move the video to your Android's Photos app. This is optional, but will ensure that you can open the video directly from within the Photos or Gallery app rather than needing to use ES File Manager to do so: Tap and hold the video to select it. Tap ⋮ in the bottom- or top-right corner of the screen. Tap Move to Tap DCIM in the location selection window. Tap Camera in the DCIM folder. Tap OK. | Open Facebook. Go to the video that you want to download. Make sure the video is public. Right-click the video. Click Show video URL. Copy the Facebook link. Open the SaveFrom website. Paste in the Facebook video's link. Click Download. Download the Documents app. Open Facebook. Go to the video that you want to save. Make sure the video is public. Open the video. Tap Share. Tap Copy Link. Open Documents. Open the browser. Tap the address bar. Open the SaveFrom site. Paste in the video's address. Tap Download. Tap Done. Tap the "Downloads" icon. Watch your video. Move the video onto your iPhone. Download the ES File Explorer app. Open Facebook. Go to the video that you want to save. Make sure the video is public. Open the video. Tap Share. Tap Copy Link. Open Google Chrome . Go to the SaveFrom site. Paste in the video's address. Tap Download. Open ES File Explorer. Select a storage option. Tap Downloads. Move the video to your Android's Photos app. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Windshield-Wipers-Stuck-in-Upright-Position | How to Fix Windshield Wipers Stuck in Upright Position | Windshield wipers stuck in the upright position won't work properly, but luckily there's a straightforward way for you to fix them. First, check that there's no ice or debris making them stick. If there's no sign of debris, you'll need to open the hood and pull off the foam strip at the bottom of the windshield. Then, disconnect the fluid tube, remove the wipers, and pry open the plastic cover with a screwdriver. Look for a metal tab on the driver's side of the wiper transmission. You'll need to place a flat screwdriver against the tab and hit it with a hammer until it's almost touching the transmission. Finally, replace your wipers and plastic cover, and run the wipers to test them. | Clear any ice or debris from the windshield. Scrape off any ice and snow with an ice scraper. Pull out any sticks, leaves, or other debris stuck between the top of the hood and the bottom of the windshield. Sometimes the buildup of ice, snow, and other debris is what causes windshield wipers to slow down or become misaligned over time. Clearing away everything in their path will allow you to realign them. Open the hood of the vehicle. Open your driver's side door and look beneath the steering wheel for a latch that has an image of the hood on it. Pull the latch to release the hood, then walk around to the front of the hood and feel underneath the crack for another latch. Squeeze the latch, lift up the hood as far as it will go, and put the rod that holds it up in place. Depending on the model of vehicle, you might have to put the rod in place by either lifting it up from by the engine or lowering it down from the underside of the hood and sticking it in a hole that holds the tip in place. Some more modern vehicle hoods might stay in place without the use of a rod. Check your vehicle's manual before you proceed to see if there are any instructions for your specific model of vehicle regarding stuck windshield wipers. The general process for fixing stuck windshield wipers on many vehicles is the same, but it's always a good idea to see if you can find additional info. Pull off the foam strip from the plastic cover that sits below the windshield. Grab the driver's-side-end of the foam strip that rests at the bottom edge of the plastic cover underneath the windshield. Peel it carefully back along the entire length of the plastic cover. This will allow you to access the windshield cleaning fluid's line to disconnect it as well as remove the plastic cover that protects the wiper transmission. Remember that this process may vary depending on the make and model of vehicle. There may be certain steps that don't apply or parts that are located in different areas. Pull the windshield washing fluid’s line out of the clips that hold it in place. The fluid line is a thin black tube located right under where you just removed the foam strip from. Leave the line sitting loosely on top of the plastic cover. Remove the windshield wiper arms. Pry up the caps that cover the bolts which hold the wipers in place using a flathead screwdriver. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts, remove them and set them aside somewhere safe, then slide the wiper arms off the bolts that they sit on below the windshield. You have to remove the wipers to pull off the plastic cover that protects the wiper motor assembly and transmission. In some models of vehicles, you might only have to remove the driver's side wiper. Pry off the caps protruding along the length of the plastic cover. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the rubber or plastic caps up anywhere that you see them to expose the bolts that hold the plastic cover in place. Put these in a safe place so you can put them back on later. There are usually about 3-4 of these caps. Make sure you remove them along the entire length to expose all the bolts that hold the plastic cover in place. Take off the plastic cover. Lift off the plastic cover after you have removed all the bolts that hold it in place. Set it aside so you can access the windshield wiper's motor assembly. If you encounter any resistance when trying to pull the cover off, double-check that you removed all the bolts. If you have done so, it won't be hard to lift out of place. Locate the windshield wiper transmission on the driver’s side. Look on the driver's side and identify the mechanical parts that the driver's side windshield wiper was attached to. It usually looks like an oval-shaped plate attached underneath the arm that moves the windshield wiper. Some vehicle models might have another set of plastic trays that cover the transmission. If you don't see the mechanical parts yet, try to pull off any other plastic covers that you see to find them. They might be held in place by another plastic clip of some sort that you need to pry up. Look for a metal tab that is bent away or down from the transmission. There is a little metal tab on the right-hand side below the moving parts of the transmission. It is supposed to touch the transmission so that the transmission locks on it when you turn off the wipers to keep the wipers in the down position. Over time, this tab can get bent down or away, which is the main reason wipers get stuck in the upright position. When the transmission catches on this tab properly, it reverses direction and returns the wipers to the down position. Use a flathead screwdriver and hammer to hit the tab back into place. Hold a flathead screwdriver in your non-dominant hand and place the tip against the tab. Wield a hammer with your dominant hand and hit the top of the handle of the screwdriver to knock the tab back until it is almost touching the transmission. The number of times you need to hit the tab depends on how bent it is. Keep tapping it carefully back into place until it looks like the transmission will catch on it. Turn the wipers on and off to check if the transmission catches on the tab. Turn the key in the vehicle's ignition to the accessories setting and turn the windshield wipers on to make the transmission move. Let the transmission run through a cycle, then turn off the wipers and look at the transmission to verify that it is now caught on the metal tab. If the transmission is still not catching, keep using your hammer and screwdriver to tap the tab a bit closer to the transmission and test it again until it catches on the tab when the wipers are off. Note that you are doing this before you reattach the wipers. You are just testing out the mechanical parts of the transmission to verify that you have made sufficient adjustments before putting it all back together. Replace the plastic cover over the wiper transmission. Slide the plastic cover back into position and bolt it back into place. Put the caps that cover the bolts back on. The caps protect the bolts from the elements so they don't rust, so it's important to put them back on. Reattach the wiper arms. Place the wipers back onto the bolts that attach them to the transmission so that the wiper blades are horizontal on the windshield. Screw the nuts back onto the bolts to secure the wipers back into place, then push the bolt covers back on top of the nut and bolt. Clip the washer fluid line back into place and replace the foam covering strip. Snap the window washer fluid's tube back into the clips on the plastic cover that hold it in place. Press the foam strip back into place at the bottom edge of the plastic cover to cover the fluid line. If the windshield wiper blades are old and worn out, this is a good time to replace them with new ones before you start using them again. Run the wipers to test them. Turn the windshield wipers on and run them through a cycle. Turn them off to confirm that they rest in the down position when off. If the wipers are resting in a partially-upright position, you might not have connected them at the right angle. To fix this, remove them again when they are in the resting position and reattach them so they are fully in the down position when the wipers are turned off. If the wipers are still not resting in the down position when they are turned off, there might be an electrical issue or another problem. If this is the case, take your car to have a mechanic check it out and find a solution. | Clear any ice or debris from the windshield. Open the hood of the vehicle. Pull off the foam strip from the plastic cover that sits below the windshield. Pull the windshield washing fluid’s line out of the clips that hold it in place. Remove the windshield wiper arms. Pry off the caps protruding along the length of the plastic cover. Take off the plastic cover. Locate the windshield wiper transmission on the driver’s side. Look for a metal tab that is bent away or down from the transmission. Use a flathead screwdriver and hammer to hit the tab back into place. Turn the wipers on and off to check if the transmission catches on the tab. Replace the plastic cover over the wiper transmission. Reattach the wiper arms. Clip the washer fluid line back into place and replace the foam covering strip. Run the wipers to test them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sharpen-a-Pocket-Knife | How to Sharpen a Pocket Knife | All you need to sharpen a pocket knife is a sharpening stone and some lubricant. Apply a lubricant such as mineral oil to the stone to prevent the stone's pores from clogging up with grit. Glide the knife down and off the stone at the bevel angle approximately 12 times to sharpen it. Repeat the process on the other side of the blade. You can also use a honing rod to sharpen a knife. Hold the honing rod by the handle and position the tip on a countertop or table. Swipe the edge of the knife down the honing rod at the bevel angle until it is sharp. | Choose the style of sharpening stone you wish to use to sharpen your pocket knife. No matter which type of stone you select, keeping to one that is at least 2x6 inches will make your sharpening job easier. There are several commercial options available, including diamond stones, ceramic stones, and whetstones. Whetstone: These stones are generally considered the easiest to use and are made from fine to coarse grit stone. You must soak your whetstone in cold, clean water for ten minutes before you sharpen your blade on it. Keep in mind that when a whetstone is used a lot, it often develops valleys or grooves where the knife is rubbed. Ceramic Stones: These stones must also be soaked in water before use, but for only three to five minutes. They are harder than whetstones which means that they will sharpen your blade faster. Ceramic stones generally last longer than whetstones but are a bit more challenging to use. Diamond stones: These stones come in several different levels of coarseness including hard, fine, and superfine. In many cases, diamond stones are actually metal plates with small diamonds attached to their surfaces. Some of the substrates have holes to capture the swarf , or sharpening debris. These stones are the hardest sharpening stones and will sharpen your blade the quickest. Keep in mind, that diamond stones are also by far the most expensive sharpening stone, but last the longest. Lubricate your sharpening stone. If you are using a whetstone or ceramic stone, you should soak the stone in the water for the correct amount of time. Knife sharpening experts also recommend using a lubricant such as mineral oil. You can buy this oil at your local hardware store. The purpose of lubricant is to prevent the stone's pores from clogging up with the swarf , filings and grit. It also reduces the heat caused by the friction that is created when the knife is rubbed on the stone. Too much heat can warp your blade. Sharpening or machine oil can be used with a whetstone or ceramic stone, and thinned dish washing soap is handy for use with a diamond stone. Identify the bevel angle of the blade. The two most important parts of sharpening a blade are knowing to what angle to sharpen the blade, and to keep that angle as steady as possible during sharpening process. The blade of every knife is honed at a particular angle to suit the purpose of the knife. This is also called the rough grind angle. Most pocket knives have a bevel edge of 25 to 30 degrees. If you are wary of sharpening your knife without knowing the exact angle, you can go into your local knife shop for help, or call the manufacturer of the knife. You may also be able to find the specific bevel angle for your knife online. Position the knife at the proper angle against the stone. Maintain the knife's position with the blade facing away from you at the determined bevel angle against the whetstone when sharpening. Keep your hand steady and maintain the angle throughout the entire sharpening stroke. You may end up putting a rounded edge on the blade instead of a sharp edge. Holding your knife in the same position for a long period of time can be challenging. If this is your first time sharpening a knife, or you feel like your hands may not stay steady for long enough, you should consider buying a sharpening guide. Sharpening guides attach to the knife and hold it at a steady angle. Keep in mind that guides do not do very well with a curved blade. Glide the knife along the stone. Sweep the knife down and off the end of the whetstone. Repeat as many times as necessary to produce a sharp edge, usually about 12 times. As you perfect your sharpening skills, this will become a more circular motion of the blade over the stone. Blades that are curved or longer than your whetstone will need to be swept down and across the stone to evenly sharpen the entire blade. Sharpen the other side of the blade. Flip the knife over and draw the blade across and off the whetstone, guaranteeing the desired angle. Do this between 6-8 times or until a sharp edge is achieved. Flip the stone over so that the finer side is facing up. Run your blade, at its proper bevel angle, along the finer side of the stone. Doing this will remove any bumps or 'burrs' that may have formed along the edge of the blade during the sharpening process. Instead of using the finer side of the stone, you can also run each side of the blade down a honing rod at an angle more open than the one you held the blade at to sharpen it. This removes the burrs and fine tunes the blade's sharpness. Honing is also a quick way to refresh an edge in between sharpenings. Test your pocket knife for sharpness. Hold up a piece of paper, and try to slice down through the paper with your knife. A sharp blade will easily slide through the paper. You can also test for any rounded part of the blade or imperfections by holding your knife up to a light (you could also use the sun) and looking for a bright light reflection. Reflections exist only when there is a rounded edge somewhere along your knife, or a section of a knife that is no longer sharp. Know that rods are better for 'honing' the edges of knives. Rods are also known as sharpening steel. While rods will, in a sense, sharpen your knives, what they are really doing with a rod is honing the blade--with the same result as sharpening your knife on a stone. There are several kinds of rods. The most common is the steel honing rod, which is also known as sharpening steel. It is a very effective and reliable way to sharpen your knife. Rods can also be made out of ceramic and diamond. Both of these materials are reliable because they are two of the hardest materials in existence. Diamond rods are known to create smoother blades, but both will sharpen knives very quickly. Hold the rod by the handle, so that the rod's tip is on the counter. To be safe, place the tip on an old tea towel on top of your chopping block or cutting board. (So that you don't leave gashes in your counter tops, and dull your knife at the same time!) The rod should be held straight up and down so that it is perfectly vertical. Find your bevel angle. You must again determine the angle at which you should hold the blade against the rod. Pocket knives should generally be held at a 25 to 30 degree angle. Go to your local knife shop or hardware store and ask them to determine the angle of your knife if you don't feel confident that you have the right angle. Swipe the knife's edge along the rod. You should swipe slowly and use a light touch--do not push the knife against the rod with a lot of pressure. Move the knife from heel to tip as you swipe it down along the rod, maintaining the same angle throughout the stroke. Switch sides so that you hone both sides of the knife. If your knife is relatively sharp, you should only have to swipe the knife along the rod a couple of times on each side. If your knife is very dull, you will have to swipe the knife several more times. | Choose the style of sharpening stone you wish to use to sharpen your pocket knife. Lubricate your sharpening stone. Identify the bevel angle of the blade. Position the knife at the proper angle against the stone. Glide the knife along the stone. Sharpen the other side of the blade. Flip the stone over so that the finer side is facing up. Test your pocket knife for sharpness. Know that rods are better for 'honing' the edges of knives. Hold the rod by the handle, so that the rod's tip is on the counter. Find your bevel angle. Swipe the knife's edge along the rod. Switch sides so that you hone both sides of the knife. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Introduce-Two-Birds-to-Each-Other | How to Introduce Two Birds to Each Other | Before you introduce 2 birds to each other, keep them quarantined in separate cages for at least 30 days in case one of them is sick. Then, gradually introduce them by placing their cages in the same room for 10 minutes at a time. Once they seem comfortable around each other, let them interact out of their cages in a neutral area. Make sure you monitor the birds at all times and separate them if there's any biting, screaming, or squawking. | Quarantine a new bird for at least 30 days. If you've gotten a new bird, you cannot place it in the same cage as your other birds immediately. The bird must first enter quarantine to ensure it isn't sick. Keep the new bird alone in a cage with food, water, toys, and other essentials. Put the cage in a separate room away from your other birds. If you notice any signs or symptoms of illness in the new bird, bring it to an avian vet immediately. You can work on taming this new bird during the quarantine period. To keep the all of your birds healthy during this time, always take care of the old bird before the new bird to prevent contamination. House both birds in separate cages. For a gradual introduction, you should keep the birds in different cages for at least 30 days. After the quarantine period, you can try placing the cages near each other, but if either bird seems stressed, place them at a greater distance. Look for signs of stress. If either bird experiences stress, you should try to minimize it. Signs of stress include picking at feathers or skin, squawking or vocalizing loudly, and pecking or flapping its wings aggressively. If you see any behavioral or physical abnormalities, take the bird to the vet. Make brief introductions in a neutral room. In other words, if your bird lives in its cage in the living room, bring it into the basement or another room to meet its new friend for the first time. Keep these initial introductions down to ten minutes or so. Place the cages in the same room for about ten minutes or so, then remove them to their separate rooms. Let the birds play in a common area when they’re comfortable. Let both birds out of their cages in the common, neutral room and let them interact. You could provide a playstand for the birds to hop and fly around on. Always greet your original bird first. When entering the room with the new and original bird, you should take both out of their cages for a short time so they can look around the neutral room and observe the other bird. However, to ensure your original bird doesn't feel that it's being supplanted, take it out first. If you want to give your birds treats, give one to the original bird first, then give one to the new bird. Remain present when introducing the birds. Do not put two new birds together and leave the room, even if they are in separate cages. This could cause undue stress for both birds. Stay aware of potential problems. Keep an eye out for conflict between the birds. Biting, screaming, squawking, or other negative behaviors should be dealt with by placing both birds back in their cages for a time-out. If your bird scratches or claws at its own feathers or skin, it might be appropriate to separate it from the other bird. Do not expect the birds to act the same. All birds have unique personalities and temperaments. Certain actions or sounds might trigger one bird but not the other. For example, one bird might tire quickly of playing with another, and need to be put back in its own cage. Stay conscious of differences in personality between the two different birds when deciding how to treat them. Don’t force a relationship. Some birds get along great together. Others take time but will eventually warm to one another. Other birds will never get along well together. Recognize when birds do not get along and respect their wishes by not placing them together. Ensure your birds are of different genders. Within a given species, larger birds are generally male and smaller birds are female. If your birds are of the same size, or if you are unsure of your bird's gender, consult a veterinarian. Stay in the room with both birds when first introducing them to each other. The first time you introduce the birds, you should plan on staying present with both for at least one day. This applies whether you choose to put both birds together in one cage from the start or to introduce them to each other slowly. Keep two bird nets and a pair of gloves on hand to prepare for the possibility that you'll need to separate them. Gradually introduce the birds to each other. Place the birds in two separate cages. Hang the cages next to one another. After a period of time, they will become comfortable with one another. How long it takes them to become used to one another depends on the birds. Since all birds are different, with unique personalities, likes, and dislikes, the rate at which they become comfortable with one another will vary. Look for signs that either bird is stressed. If your bird is stressed due to close proximity to another bird, it might pick its feathers or skin, lose weight or lose its appetite, drink and urinate excessively, peck people who handle it, squawk noisily, or pace back and forth on its perch. Look for these and other behavioral abnormalities particular to your bird in order to determine if it is stressed. Introduce the mates to each other when their stress levels have subsided. If the birds show signs of stress, place the cages further apart from each other, rather than directly next to one another. Put the birds together in a new cage. If you do not want to introduce the birds to each other gradually, you can simply place them together in one cage as soon as the new bird has ended its quarantine period. Place both birds in a flight cage which both are unfamiliar with. The confusion of being thrust into a new environment with another bird will eliminate the sense of territoriality which might accompany a bird being introduced to a cage which another bird already identified as its home. Stop treating the birds as pets. If you treating the birds as pets and show affection to one or both of them, they might become jealous of each other. To ensure a harmonious mating, act in a disinterested way toward your birds. Feed and water them regularly as before, but let their interactions replace the stimulation you would normally provide. Do not hand the birds treats directly. If you want to give one or both of them treats, leave the treat on the floor or on a perch of the cage. Do interact with them in any way, including by talking to them or taking them out to teach them tricks. If other people in your household are also attached to the birds, they should stop seeing them as well. Analyze your bird’s personality. If you know your bird does not play well with other birds, do not introduce your bird to others. One or the other of the birds could get hurt. You could get hurt too if your bird is introduced to another while sitting on your arm or shoulder. Tell your bird it will soon get a new friend. Say to your bird in an enthusiastic tone, “Soon you will get a new friend,” or “Are you excited to meet another bird?” You can tell your bird of the impending introduction a few days or a few hours before the introduction. While birds might not understand English (or any other language), they will recognize when something big is about to happen. Keeping your bird informed of situations that concern them is as important as it would be with any other member of your family. Permit your bird to see your preparations. Introducing two birds to each other often means introducing new equipment into the mix. If you are moving a new cage into the house, for instance, let your bird see it. You can draw your bird's attention to the cage by commenting, “This is where the new bird's cage will be,” or something along those lines. You should let your bird see the new cage a few weeks before the new bird arrives. Place a substitute in the new bird’s cage. To help your bird understand that it will soon have a new friend, you should add a stand-in for the new bird to the new cage before the bird arrives. For instance, you could place a stuffed animal on the perch in the cage, or lay a sock similar in color to the bird you'll soon be introducing to your existing bird over the perch. Minimize disruptions to your bird’s schedule and lifestyle wherever possible. For instance, do not introduce a new bird to your bird during the time that your bird would normally be taking a bath or having a meal. If you need to move your bird's cage in order to make room for the new bird, do so well in advance of the new bird's arrival. Respect your original bird’s boundaries. For instance, do not give your old bird's cage to the new bird without repainting it or altering its appearance significantly. If you do not, the bird that used to live in it will be jealous and could cause conflict. Similarly, do not place a new bird's cage right next to your original bird's cage if it makes your original bird uncomfortable. Don’t overwhelm your bird with many new experiences. For instance, if you decide to purchase a new cage for your original bird at the same time that you purchase a new bird (and cage), keep the new bird out of view until your original bird has acclimated to the new cage. Depending on the bird, it may take a few days to a full week. Identify birds which might need to be quarantined. If introducing a new bird to your bird who has not received shots or been examined for potential illnesses, your bird could get sick. Birds that have come from closed aviaries do not need to be quarantined. Similarly, birds which have been check by a vet before leaving a reputable bird or pet shop do not need to be quarantined. For all other birds, take them to a vet and follow your vet's quarantine instructions in order to ensure the new bird does not introduce any illnesses to your original bird. Take your new bird to the vet. Find a vet who is familiar with avian illnesses and can provide directions on how long to quarantine your new bird. Use the Association of Avian Veterinarians database ( http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803 ) to find a bird vet near you. Keep your new bird in quarantine. Quarantine requires keeping a new bird whose health status you do not know away from a bird that you know to be healthy. Quarantine periods last from 30 to 90 days, depending on the bird. Before introducing two birds to each other, ensure both have seen a vet recently. If one has not, quarantine it in a separate cage and room. | Quarantine a new bird for at least 30 days. House both birds in separate cages. Look for signs of stress. Make brief introductions in a neutral room. Let the birds play in a common area when they’re comfortable. Always greet your original bird first. Remain present when introducing the birds. Stay aware of potential problems. Do not expect the birds to act the same. Don’t force a relationship. Ensure your birds are of different genders. Stay in the room with both birds when first introducing them to each other. Gradually introduce the birds to each other. Look for signs that either bird is stressed. Put the birds together in a new cage. Stop treating the birds as pets. Analyze your bird’s personality. Tell your bird it will soon get a new friend. Permit your bird to see your preparations. Place a substitute in the new bird’s cage. Minimize disruptions to your bird’s schedule and lifestyle wherever possible. Respect your original bird’s boundaries. Don’t overwhelm your bird with many new experiences. Identify birds which might need to be quarantined. Take your new bird to the vet. Keep your new bird in quarantine. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Act-and-Look-Smart | How to Act and Look Smart | If you want to look and act smart, look at the people you respect and decide what makes them seem smart. Ask yourself whether it's their look or maybe their confidence when they talk. Whatever it is, you can do that too while still keeping your own style and personality. If they hold their head up high and always say smart things in class, spend some extra time doing homework so you will have ideas to contribute too. When you talk to people, ask questions, but don't feel obligated to fake your way through topics you don't know about because it will be obvious if you are bluffing. | Wear clean, fitted outfits to make a good first impression. Wearing baggy, ripped, or stained clothes can accidentally make you look sloppy and unprofessional. Although it doesn't have anything to do with your inner intelligence, humans make a lot of snap-judgements about each other, so it's best to give them a good first impression. Find shirts, pants or dresses that fit you well, and aren't too tight or too loose. Go for a button-down shirt every once in a while, instead of just a T-shirt. Avoid wearing sweatpants and athletic gear out and about. Of course, you can wear T-shirts and sweatpants when you're working out or lounging on the couch. But when you go out in public, put on some jeans, a skirt, or slacks, to give yourself an extra boost of confidence. Not only will you look more professional, but you'll feel better: more prepared, alert, and ready to do your best. If you're planning to work out later in the day, bring your workout clothes in your bag to change into later, so that you can still look professional throughout the day. Wear glasses to look smarter. The notion that people who wear glasses are smart is totally unfounded, but it's such a popular trope in movies, books, and TV, that lots of people will automatically think you look smarter if you wear glasses. If you need corrective lenses, go for glasses instead of contact lenses, and it may boost your image. If you want to wear glasses, but don't actually need them to see, you can get “fashion glasses” that are just clear glass lenses. Invest in a good-looking pair of shoes to finish off your outfit. They don't have to be expensive, or high-heeled, but having clean, unscuffed footwear can go a long way toward giving you a smart look. Try going for something a little bit nicer than sneakers to step up your look. Try Chelsea boots or suede sneakers. Avoid wearing running shoes when you're not working out. Maintain personal hygiene to smell fresh and look clean. Shower and shave regularly and always wear deoderant. Brush your teeth and floss. You don't have to do an elaborate hairstyle or wear makeup to look smart, but you do have to take care of your body, and smell nice and clean. If you don't have time to wash your hair on a particular day, wear it in a braid so that it doesn't look oily. Practice upright posture. Try to stand with your shoulders back and your spine straight. If you have to spend a lot of time sitting, you can still improve your posture by sitting with your back arched slightly, and your computer monitor in line with your eyes. Practicing good posture makes you look smarter, because you look confident and professional. Maintaining good posture can also avoid a lot of back pain. Maintain eye contact when you’re speaking and listening. Making eye contact in conversation makes you look confident, at ease with yourself, and engaged in whatever you're discussing. If you don't feel comfortable making eye contact, practice looking between somebody's eyes or at their eyebrows, and go from there. Don't feel the need to stare into somebody's eyes during the whole conversation. This can feel too intense. Instead, try maintaining eye contact for about 5 seconds and then look away at something else before coming back to looking in their eyes. Try to maintain eye contact about 50% of the time when you're speaking, and about 70% of the time when you're listening. Listen more than you speak to absorb information. You might be tempted to join a conversation and say a bunch of made-up stuff to make yourself look smart, but actually that makes you come off as phony. If you don't know anything about a subject, don't make it obvious by making stuff up. Instead, listen. You'll actually learn! Then you can politely steer the conversation toward a topic that you know something about. Don't change the topic to boast about yourself. Instead, switch it to a topic that you're comfortable discussing. Like, “oh, that reminds me of a conversation I had with my grandfather. He had such an interesting life. He used to…” Ask insightful questions. When there's a conversation about something that you don't know much about, you can still look intelligent. Nobody knows everything, but smart people know how to ask insightful questions that take the conversation out of small-talk and into something more meaningful. For instance, if someone is describing an experience they had, you can ask, “How do you feel like that experience changed the way you interact with people today?” or if they are describing a book they read, you can ask, “What most stood out to you about the book?” Read books on the commute and before bed. This might seem like a simple one, but it will actually make you stand out in a crowd. Many people think that they don't have time to read , but you don't actually need a huge chunk of time to read a book. Bring along a book in your backpack or purse, and take it out whenever you would normally start swiping through your phone: in line, on the bus, on the train, waiting for a friend to show up. Choose a genre that you actually enjoy reading, and it won't feel like a chore. Not only will you look smart by reading a book in public, but you will actually get smarter by exposing yourself to new worlds, words and ideas. Try to read before you go to sleep instead of watching television. It will calm your brain for bed better than watching bright lights and moving pictures. Just don't read anything too sad or scary right before bed! Keep up to date on the news so you can have interesting conversations. Don't feel like you have to read a newspaper front-to-back every day to be on top of things. A quick glance at the headlines on your phone in the morning might be enough to start an intelligent-sounding conversation. You can say, “Did you hear about…” and then let the other person do most of the talking. You also don't have to keep on all the news that's happening everywhere. Choose a topic that you're interested in, and check in about it. Many news outlets offer podcast summaries of their news, so you don't have to read if you don't have time. For example, you can listen to The New York Times podcast, “The Daily.” Take notes and do your homework to look smart in class. To succeed in school, you have to be prepared. People aren't really naturally much smarter than others; it's mostly about preparation. Do the reading and take notes while the teacher is talking. If you don't understand something, and don't want to ask in front of the whole class, draw a star on your notes in the margin to remind yourself to ask the teacher after class. Don't talk about test grades with other students. This only makes you come across as stuck-up and grade-obsessed, not more intelligent. If people ask for your grade on a test, just say, “I prefer not to talk about grades, but I was happy with how I did,” or, “I didn't do so well this time, I'm going to study more.” Spend time talking with people who are older than you to gain wisdom. It's tempting to spend all your time with friends your own age, but make a little time to talk with your grandparents, or other elders and mentors in your life who have wisdom to share. Ask about their life experiences and listen to their stories. You'll gain a lot of wisdom, and people might even begin to see you as “wise beyond your years.” | Wear clean, fitted outfits to make a good first impression. Avoid wearing sweatpants and athletic gear out and about. Wear glasses to look smarter. Invest in a good-looking pair of shoes to finish off your outfit. Maintain personal hygiene to smell fresh and look clean. Practice upright posture. Maintain eye contact when you’re speaking and listening. Listen more than you speak to absorb information. Ask insightful questions. Read books on the commute and before bed. Keep up to date on the news so you can have interesting conversations. Take notes and do your homework to look smart in class. Spend time talking with people who are older than you to gain wisdom. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Waterproof-Wood | How to Waterproof Wood | To waterproof wood, start by sanding it with fine grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections and prep the surface. Then, use a rag to apply an even coat of linseed oil, walnut oil, or tung oil to the wood and let it cure for 24 hours. Repeat the process 2 more times so there are 3 coats of oil on the wood. When you're finished, let the wood cure for several days before using it. | Decide which oil to use. The three common oils used for waterproofing wood are linseed, walnut, and tung. Tung oil is typically found as a mix in most commercial products. Raw tung oil is often more expensive than other oils, so it is usually used on smaller wood projects. Walnut oil is the same product you'll find next to olive oil in the grocery store. Due to nut allergies, walnut oil cannot be used commercially. Linseed oil can be purchased at most DIY repair shops, but many of these products are sold as raw or boiled. Boiled linseed oil contains metal drying agents that are poisonous. You can still use this product on outdoor patio equipment, but you should not use it for anything involving food. Linseed oil can also be bought without metal drying agents. Seek out raw linseed oil if you want a safe coat on certain woods like your kitchen counter top. Purchase the oil. Scope out your project and decide which wooden surfaces you want to treat with oil. For larger projects like a patio deck, consider using an exterior stain and deck sealant. Oil is good for smaller based wooden objects like a cutting board, table, counter top, or baseball bat. Make a list of surfaces you want to treat. This will help you know how much oil to purchase. A good thing about treating with oil is that the oil stays good for several years. Purchase the oil that best suits your treating needs. Purchase a large container of oil. It is better to have too much than too little. Create a mixture. You can create a stronger treatment and sealant by mixing the oil with turpentine and apple cider vinegar. Mix one part oil (tung, linseed, or walnut), one part turpentine oil, and ½ part apple cider vinegar. This mixture will preserve your oil supply and will create a more durable finish. Mix the ingredients in a metal container, like an empty coffee container. Mix the liquids until everything is blended. It isn't necessary to create a mixture, but many wood enthusiasts advise this type of concoction. Prepare the wood before applying the oils. Any surface imperfections will be more noticeable after the oil is applied. The oil or oil mixture will highlight all the colors in the wood. Use thick sandpaper or a metal file for any imperfections that are visible from the surface. Scrape with the sandpaper or file until the wood looks even. Finish by sanding the whole surface with fine grit (220) sandpaper. This will prep the surface to absorb the oil. Sweep the area or rub away any scraps with a dry cloth before applying the oil. The wood must be dry before treating with oil. Prepare yourself. Fold a lint-free rag and keep other scrap rags nearby. Folding the rag removes rough edges and stops potential snags when spreading the oil. Put on thick rubber gloves when handling turpentine and other products with mineral spirits. Apply the first coat. Pour a small amount of oil on the rag's surface. Don't apply the oil directly to the wood. Rub the oil with the grain by moving from the interior to the exterior. Be careful not to touch the oil while it's absorbing. Concentrate on getting an even coat. Apply more oil instead of rubbing too hard to release the oil from the rag. Don't leave any standing puddles of oil. Let the coat dry. Wait about 30 minutes for the oil to settle into the wood. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth to remove excess oil. Leave the wood to cure for 24 hours, or until it is dry. Waterproofing with oil takes longer than waterproofing with sealants. Rub the surface with “0000” (very fine) steel wool. Apply two more coats of oil. Apply another layer of oil onto the wood. Repeat the same drying times and sanding with steel wool. Let it cure for several days to several weeks before using the wood. You will know if it is finished being cured if you can slide your fingers across the surface smoothly. Prepare the surface. You'll need to remove any remaining trace of past finish before using a sealant. Use sandpaper before you apply any sealants. This removes finish products that may keep the sealant from absorbing. The sealant method is best for any previously finished wood, since oil-based stain may not sink into the wood. Use a rougher sandpaper for any areas that need more attention. Then finish sanding the surface with a finer sandpaper to ensure an even surface. Purchase a water-based wood sealer. You can find these products at a home improvement stores. Water Seal and Stain Sealer are common names for wood sealants. You can also purchase a tinted sealant and sand the surface of the wood before you apply it. Sealants are often labeled by the type of product to which they should be applied to. For example, you may find deck sealant, fence sealant, outdoor sealant, floor sealant or furniture sealant. Buy a marine wood sealant if your wood needs to stand up to humidity, UV rays and water. Check the product to get specific application rules and dry times. Some products can be used with a paint sprayer. Purchase a paint sprayer or paint brushes for application. Apply an even coat. Prepare your paintbrush or sprayer and focus on creating an even coat of the surface. Make sure the temperature and humidity of the air is in the right range of the product, or the product can evaporate too quickly. Consider working in an area with a controlled humidity like a garage. Make sure the wood's surface is cleaned before applying the sealant. Allow the product to dry. Consult the product's package directions for proper drying times. The drying times will be much shorter than oil's drying times. Many sealants take between 4-10 hours. Clean the first coat. Use sandpaper with fine-grit to improve adhesion of the second coat, but only if it is recommended by the product instructions. Do this once the product has completely finished drying. You can also use “0000” (very fine) steel wool to clean off the sealant. Apply a second and third coat. Softwoods may need two to three coats, while some hardwoods will only need one. Softwoods are cheaper woods that haven't been treated in the past. Popular softwoods are cedar, pine, redwood spruce, balsa, and yew. Hardwood is denser wood that is used for higher quality furniture and decks. Popular hardwood is beech, hickory, mahogany, maple, oak, and walnut. Give the wood time to cure. Let the wood cure for several days before using it or placing furniture over it. When water is applied to the wood's surface, it darkens the wood instead of beading up and flowing off the surface. Apply the sealant every few years for healthy wood care. Choose an oil-based semi-transparent stain. If you are planning on treating exterior wood, get an exterior grade stain. The lighter the stain, the more oil content the stain has. Light stains are good for interior projects or woods that won't be exposed outdoors as much. These products can be found in any hardware or repair stores. Prepare the wood. Any surface imperfections will be more noticeable after the stain is applied. The stain will highlight all the colors in the wood. Use thick sandpaper or a metal file for any imperfections that are visible from the surface. Scrape the surface with the sandpaper or file until the wood looks even. Finish by sanding the whole surface with fine grit (220) sandpaper. This will allow the stain to be applied evenly. Sweep the area or rub away any scraps with a dry cloth before applying the oil. The wood must be dry before stained. Apply an initial coat. Apply the stain with a paintbrush in an even fashion. Cover the entire surface and then allow it to dry. Dry the wood for four hours to one day before you apply the next coat. Remove any of the excesses. Sand the dried surface with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe with a tack cloth to ready the surface for a second coat. It is important that the surface of the wood is dry and clean before an additional coat can be applied. Apply the second coat of stain. This coat will take slightly longer to dry. Make sure you give it plenty of time to dry so that all the waterproofing oil is absorbed. Check on the stain five hours after applying the second coat. You will know a coat of stain is cured when the wood is no longer sticky to the touch. Apply a third and final coat. Follow the same procedures when applying the final coats of stain. Be patient and be sure to apply even coats throughout the process. Allow three days to a week for the wood to cure before using it. | Decide which oil to use. Purchase the oil. Create a mixture. Prepare the wood before applying the oils. Prepare yourself. Apply the first coat. Let the coat dry. Apply two more coats of oil. Prepare the surface. Purchase a water-based wood sealer. Apply an even coat. Allow the product to dry. Clean the first coat. Apply a second and third coat. Give the wood time to cure. Choose an oil-based semi-transparent stain. Prepare the wood. Apply an initial coat. Remove any of the excesses. Apply the second coat of stain. Apply a third and final coat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Patina-Metal | How to Patina Metal | Patinas take a long time to form naturally on the surfaces of metals, but you can use household items to create the effect on your chosen piece much more quickly. Before you start patinating, wash your piece of metal thoroughly, since fingerprints or other marks can damage your patina. Then, make a solution out of equal parts salt and white vinegar that's sufficient to completely submerge your metal. You'll need to soak the metal in the solution for half an hour. If you want a more intense patina, add some hydrogen peroxide and additional salt to the solution. The amount of hydrogen peroxide you add should be one quarter the amount of vinegar, meaning that if you had 4 cups of vinegar, you would add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide. To make your patina longer lasting, coat your metal in a clear acrylic or some wax when it's dry. | Collect your patinating necessities. You can find most of these items and ingredients in your home. You'll need a suitable container to soak your metal in a patinating solution, like a plastic container or cheap bowl. After patinating, you can clean this container and reuse it as you see fit, but it must at least be deep enough to completely submerge the metal you'll be patinating. Including these things, you'll also need: Clean rag (or paper towels; for drying) Container Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution; optional) Metal (to patinate) Plastic/rubber gloves (optional; recommended) Salt (any kind OK) White vinegar Prepare to patinate the metal. For the best results, always clean your metal and container before patinating. Even fingerprints or invisible residue can influence the outcome of your patination, so clean and dry your metal and container carefully and thoroughly. In most cases, a few drops of dish soap and a scrub brush will be enough to clean light to moderately dirty pieces of metal and containers. Soak especially dirty metal pieces in degreaser. This will remove build up in difficult to reach nooks and crannies. If you're trying to patinate steel, cleaning it with Trisodium Phosphate can be very effective. Then rinse off the metal and allow it to air dry. Wearing clean gloves while cleaning and handling the metal can protect your skin from harsh cleaning agents while preventing fingerprints from being re-transferred. Soak the metal in vinegar. Add vinegar to your clean, dry container so there is enough to completely submerge the metal. Then add an equal amount of salt to the vinegar, stir it thoroughly, and insert the metal so it can sit in the solution and create a vinegar-salt patina. Allow metal to soak in vinegar-salt patinating solutions for no less than half an hour. This solution can produce many colors of patina depending on soak time, metal composition, temperature, and other factors. For more intense oxidation, first soak the metal in only vinegar. Following that, add hydrogen peroxide and salt to the vinegar as subsequently described. Intensify oxidation with peroxide, if desired. The addition of hydrogen peroxide and salt to your vinegar will cause many iron alloys, like steel, to rust. This can add color, character, and realism to your patina. For every four parts white vinegar in your container, add one part hydrogen peroxide and one half part salt to the solution. For example, if you have four cups of vinegar in your container, you would need to add one cup hydrogen peroxide, and one half cup of salt. If you don't know the amount of white vinegar in your container, remove your metal for a moment and pour the vinegar into a measuring cup, then return it to its container. Allow your metal to dry and consider a sealant. For a truly natural look, you may want to leave your patinated metal without a coat of sealant. However, this kind of patina can be susceptible to flaking or fading. After your metal is fully dry, you can protect its patina with: A clear coat of acrylic finish. This will create a smooth, hard barrier between your patina and the forces that cause it to flake and fade. Waxes. For example, you might find regular beeswax or renaissance wax helpful for preserving the surface of the patina and its color. Determine the composition of your metal. Some metals are made up of a single component, like gold and copper, but others are combinations, called alloys, like brass and steel. Each one has unique properties, which means some chemicals will work and others won't. Calculate the density of your metal to help determine if it is one of the following common metals/alloys: Aluminum , or one of its alloys, which are often silvery-white. It is a light, common metal that shares a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (.098 lbs/in³) with most of its alloys. Copper , or one of its alloys, which are usually reddish in color. Deoxidized copper has a density of 8.9 g/cm³ (.322 lbs/in³), copper nickel 8.8 g/cm³ (.318 lbs/in³), navy brass 8.6 g/cm³ (.311 lbs/in³), and silicon bronze of 8.7 g/cm³ (.314 lbs/in³). Iron , or one of its alloys, which are relatively lustrous and gray in hue. Cast iron has a density of 7.5 g/cm³ (.271 lbs/in³), wrought iron shares the same density as steel at 7.8 g/cm³ (.282 lbs/in³), and stainless steel of 7.9 g/cm³ (.285 lbs/in³). Silver , or one of its alloys, are bright and shiny. Silver has a density of 10.5 g/cm³ (.379 lbs/in³) and nickel silver 8.4 g/cm³ (.303 lbs/in³). Identify the best chemical treatment for your patina. Now that you know the kind of metal you're working with, you'll need to research what kind of chemical treatment will work best for patinating that kind of metal. Some common treatments include: Jax Chemical Company's pre-mixed metal coloring solutions. Many of these are formulated to work well on copper, brass, and bronze. Baldwin's Patina, which is suited for copper and steel clays as well as brass, bronze, and copper metals. Liver on Sulfur (LOS), which works for many metals and alloys, with the exception of brass, gold, aluminum, and stainless steel. Prepare the metal for patination. Contaminants on the surface of your metal could negatively impact the end result of your patination. For most light to moderately dirty metals, briskly scrub it with dish soap and water, then air dry. For dirtier pieces of metal or a deeper, more thorough cleaning, soak the metal in degreaser overnight, rinse it clean with water, then allow it to dry. Handling the metal with clean gloves can prevent you from accidentally transferring oil from your hands to the metal and influencing the patination. Follow safe handling procedures. Many of the chemicals used to create a patina give off dangerous fumes that can cause harm or death if they build up, so work in an area with good airflow. Read and follow the directions that came with your chemicals carefully to ensure the safest and best results. Generally, your bare hands should never come into contact with chemicals. Wear plastic or rubber gloves at all times when handling chemicals, or metal with chemicals on it. Keep chemicals from your eyes and mouth with protective eye-wear and a mask. Many of these are poisonous, and can lead to irritation, illness, or worse. Prepare and apply chemicals carefully. Depending on the chemical treatment you've chosen for your metal, you may have to apply it directly to the metal's surface, prepare it in a container then dunk your metal, and so on. Follow your treatment's label instructions for best results. Many chemical treatments will change color depending on number of applications and/or soak time. Generally, LOS will yield yellow/gold on the first dunking, pink/red on the second, turquoise/purple on the third, and gray on the fourth. Some chemical treatments may need to reach a certain temperature to work best. LOS, for example, should generally be prepared in very hot water. Handle treated metal safely and responsibly. There may be harmful chemicals still on your metal after you've applied the treatment. Frequently, this can be made safe by covering the metal completely with baking soda and then rinsing it clean. Gentler or more environmentally safe chemicals may only need a quick rinse with clean water before your metal is safe to handle barehanded. Harsh and specially formulated chemicals may require specific neutralizing agents to render the solution harmless. Neutralize the chemical treatment, if necessary. Some chemicals will continue to be dangerous after preparation. These chemicals should indicate this on their label and provide instructions for neutralization and disposal. Your chemical may have come with a separate neutralizing agent, but in many cases, baking soda can be added to neutralize chemical solutions. LOS breaks down with exposure to light and air. Leaving your container of LOS open in a sunny, well ventilated area for a day will neutralize it. Any chemicals left out to neutralize over time should be kept safe from children and animals in a well ventilated area. Seal your patina for protection, if desired. You can preserve the color and consistency of your patina while adding polish with a sealant, like a clear coat of acrylic, beeswax, or renaissance wax. However, for the most realistic look and continued patination, unsealed might be your best option. Purchase your project supplies. To imitate the patina effect, you'll need a special kind of paint that has tiny metal particles in it. This is called oxidizing paint or surfacer. This will react with a special patina solution to create that patinated look. For this project, you'll need: Containers (x2; for paint and sealant; optional) Degreaser (optional) Foam brush (x2) Gloves Metal (to patinate) Oxidizing paint & patina solution (often sold together) Paint stirrer Plastic/rubber gloves Sealant (spray-on recommended) Dish soap & water Ready your work area. Fumes from the paint and oxidizing solution you'll be using can build up in areas with poor airflow and cause injury or death. Choose a well ventilated work area and a flat, stable work surface for this project. Paint can sometimes spatter and spread where you'd rather it not. Lay down a tarp or some newspaper to catch unwanted paint droplets in your work area. Depending on the container your oxidizing paint and patina solution came in, you may be able to work straight from the container or you may want to pour these into separate containers. If you decide to use a separate container for your oxidizing paint, be sure to mix the paint with a stirrer thoroughly so it is consistent throughout before transferring the paint. Prepare the metal. Dirt, oil, and other contaminants on the surface of your metal can negatively impact the outcome of the patina. A little bit of dish soap, warm water, and a good scrub will be enough to clean most metal. Allow it to air dry, then you're ready to apply the oxidizing paint. The most thorough cleaning will yield the best results. An overnight soak in a suitable degreaser will remove contaminants entrenched deeply in crevices. Wearing gloves will prevent you from accidentally leaving behind fingerprints, which can cause the patina to deform. Mix and apply your oxidizing paint. The small metal particles in the paint can sometimes clump up and create inconsistencies in your patina. Take a paint stirrer and thoroughly mix the paint so it is smooth and consistent throughout. Then, use a clean foam brush to apply the paint to your metal. Each brand of paint will be different, so you'll have to follow your paint's directions for the best results. Generally, apply two thin coats of paint with one hour of drying time between coats. Depending on your surface, you may need a few coats before it is completely and evenly covered with oxidizing paint. Add the patina solution. After the second coat, wait until the paint is tacky to the touch. Be sure to wear your gloves while checking tackiness. Then, take your clean foam brush and: Use liberal applications of the patina solution to create an intense effect. Be consistent, inconsistency will lead to patchy patination. Use incremental applications of the patina solution to gradually intensify the effect. This way, you're less likely to overshoot your ideal patina. Wait patiently for the color change. Many factors can influence the time it takes to oxidize and create a patina effect. Generally, color should change in 10 to 15 minutes. Wait until it is dry, then adjust the patina as you see fit. At this point, you will be able to see how the paint interacts with the patina solution. Once the paint and solution are dry, you can reapply more paint and solution to modify the patina to suit your preferences. Much like paint can flake off or fade over time, so can your imitation patina. A thin layer of clear sealant will help prevent this from happening. | Collect your patinating necessities. Prepare to patinate the metal. Soak the metal in vinegar. Intensify oxidation with peroxide, if desired. Allow your metal to dry and consider a sealant. Determine the composition of your metal. Identify the best chemical treatment for your patina. Prepare the metal for patination. Follow safe handling procedures. Prepare and apply chemicals carefully. Handle treated metal safely and responsibly. Neutralize the chemical treatment, if necessary. Seal your patina for protection, if desired. Purchase your project supplies. Ready your work area. Prepare the metal. Mix and apply your oxidizing paint. Add the patina solution. Wait until it is dry, then adjust the patina as you see fit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Lightheadedness | How to Get Rid of Lightheadedness | To get rid of lightheadedness, start by taking a break from what you're doing and resting for a few minutes to help your circulation and brain adjust. Then, breathe slowly and deeply to make sure you're getting enough oxygen and to help steady your heart rate. Additionally, make sure that you stay hydrated and are eating regular, healthy meals to maintain normal blood sugar. If you have lightheadedness because of low blood sugar, try carrying a snack with you, like a granola bar or an apple, to combat any symptoms that may flare up during the day. | Be aware of risk factors. There are certain factors that can make you more prone to lightheadedness. Knowing these can help you and your doctor identify the cause of your lightheadedness and the best way to rid yourself of it. If you are over the age of 65 years, you are more likely to have a medical condition or take medications that causes lightheadedness. Medications including drugs to lower blood pressure or pain, prevent seizures, sedatives and tranquilizers can cause lightheadedness. If you've experienced past episodes of lightheadedness, you're more likely to get them in the future. See your doctor. Lightheadedness is often easily treated through self-care, but if you experience unexplained, recurring, or severe lightheadedness, see your doctor. This will help rule out more serious conditions and find the best way to get rid of your lightheadedness. If you have unexplained, quick onset, and severe lightheadedness accompanied by the symptoms such as head injury, severe headache, a very stiff neck, blurred vision, sudden hearing loss, trouble speaking, leg or arm weakness, and chest pain or rapid slow heart rate, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room to rule out a serious condition. Your doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms of lightheadedness you have as well as about any medical conditions you have and medications you take. Keep a log of the times you feel lightheaded to share with your doctor. Your doctor may order tests or an MRI to pinpoint the cause of your lightheadedness. If your doctor doesn't find a cause and your lightheadedness continues, your doctor will discuss possible medications you can take or self-care measures you can use to make your symptoms manageable. Use medical treatment for lightheadedness. Depending on the results of your doctor's visit and possible tests, your doctor will prescribe treatment to manage your lightheadedness. Your doctor may prescribe medications or suggest managing your lightheadedness with self-care. If your lightheadedness is cause by an inner ear conditions, your doctor may prescribe balance retraining exercises, which is also called vestibular rehabilitation. You may also get a prescription for meclizine (Antivert), diazepam (Valium), or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) to help immediately alleviate nausea and lightheadedness. If you have Meniere's disease, which causes the sensation of spinning, your doctor may prescribe a diuretic and dietary changes, such as a low-sodium diet, to minimize how much fluid your body is retaining. If you have lightheadedness because of vestibular migraine, your doctor may help you figure out what triggers your attacks, such as diet, stress, sleep and exercise. Your doctor may also prescribe to help prevent attacks or relieve nausea. If you suffer from an anxiety disorders, your doctor may prescribe medications and psychotherapy that may relieve your anxiety and dizziness. If you have anemia, or low iron levels, your doctor may suggest self-care through dietary changes. If you have hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, your doctor may suggest self-care through eating regular, healthy meals and carrying a snack. Heart conditions such as abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, may decrease your blood volume causing orthostatic hypotension, or low pressure when you stand up from lying or sitting down. Your doctor may suggest the self-care treatment sitting down and allowing your circulation to stabilize when this happens. Some medications, including anti-seizure drugs, sedatives, and tranquilizers can also cause lightheadedness and your doctor may re-evaluation your use of these treatments if they're causing your lightheadedness. Take a break from whatever activity you’re doing. No matter the cause of your lightheadedness, stop what you're doing and rest for a couple of minutes. This will help your circulation and brain adjust. Continuing to move or moving suddenly can make your lightheadedness worse, and may cause you to lose your balance. If you are not laying down and are able, consider putting your head on or between your knees. This will also help stabilize your blood flow and stop your lightheadedness. Take deep, steady breaths. Making sure that you are getting enough oxygen can help relieve lightheadedness. Taking deep, steady breaths will help to get your body vital oxygen, but also calm you down. Try breathing to a count to help you focus on stabilizing your oxygen levels and pulse. For example, you can inhale for a count of four and exhale for a count of four. Choose a count that suits you best. Breathing slowly and deeply will help decrease an elevated heart rate, which also can make you feel lightheaded. Make sure you’re eating healthy, regular meals. Both low blood sugar and low iron levels can cause you to feel lightheaded. Making sure that you are eating healthy and regular meals can help you avoid feeling lightheaded. Natural, whole foods including lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and legumes will help you maintain normal blood sugar throughout the day, making you less likely to have a spell of lightheadedness. If you often suffer from lightheadedness because of low blood sugar, consider carrying a snack like a granola bar or an apple with you to combat any symptoms that might flare up. If you have low iron levels, incorporate more iron-rich foods into your diet to maintain safe levels of iron and help decrease the likelihood of lightheadedness. Examples of iron-rich foods are red and organ meats such as beef and liver, spinach, and dried beans. In some cases, not having enough sodium in your diet can cause lightheadedness. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a glass of water and this may help regulate your circulation and relieve your lightheadedness. Avoid dehydration and overheating. Consuming enough liquids every day can keep you from feeling lightheaded. In hot weather, staying hydrated will also help you from overheating. You should drink at least 10 glasses of liquid a day to prevent dehydration. Drink 2 US quarts (2,000 ml) or 2 liters of cool liquids every 2 to 4 hours to relieve dehydration and overheating. Water is the best way to stay hydrated, but you can also drink other liquids such as tea, fruit juice, sports beverages, or non-caffeinated soda. Hyperthermia, or overheating, and dehydration can make you feel lightheaded. Resting in a cool place and drinking water or a sports drink (Gatorade, Powerade, others) will usually help ease the dizzy feeling. Remove as many clothes as possible to keep yourself cool and from losing any more fluids. Avoid substances that can make lightheadedness worse. Certain stimulants including caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs affect your circulation and increase your pulse. Avoiding these substances will help you prevent lightheadedness or keep it from getting worse. Arrange for help during bad episodes of lightheadedness. If you are experiencing frequent episodes of lightheadedness, especially unexplained lightheadedness, avoid driving a car or operating other heavy machinery. In addition, you may need rest to help relieve your symptoms of lightheadedness. Arranging for friends, family, or colleagues to help you with transportation and other activities while you're experiencing lightheadedness can ensure that you don't seriously injure yourself or someone else. Keeping your home well lit and free of hazards that might cause you to trip or fall will also help you avoid serious injury. | Be aware of risk factors. See your doctor. Use medical treatment for lightheadedness. Take a break from whatever activity you’re doing. Take deep, steady breaths. Make sure you’re eating healthy, regular meals. Avoid dehydration and overheating. Avoid substances that can make lightheadedness worse. Arrange for help during bad episodes of lightheadedness. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-a-Shirt | How to Dye a Shirt | To dye a shirt, start by combining a gallon of water with 1/2 cup of salt and fabric dye in a large plastic bowl. Next, put on gloves to keep the dye off your hands before pushing the shirt under the water until it's fully submerged. Leave the shirt in the dye bath for 30 minutes before wringing it out under hot water to wash out the excess dye. When the water runs clear, rinse it under cold water, wash the shirt in the machine by itself, and run it through the dryer to set the dye. | Lay down a tarp in your work area. You can also use newspaper or an old bed sheet. If you're going to keep your supplies on a stand or table, make sure you cover that too so dye doesn't get on them. Fill a large plastic container with 1 gallon (3.8 l) of water. Make sure the container you use is big enough to hold your shirt. There should be enough water in the container that you'll be able to fully submerge your shirt. Pour a fabric dye in a color of your choice into the plastic container. Read the instructions on the back of your fabric dye to find out how much dye you should use. If the container says it can dye 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of fabric, and your shirt is 1 pound (0.45 kg), you would use half the container of dye. You can find a fabric dye in a color of your choice online or at your local fabric store. Keep in mind the color may turn out differently than it looks on the bottle depending on the fabric your shirt's made out of and how long you keep it in the dye bath for. Add table salt to the dye bath. The salt will make it easier for the fabric in your shirt to absorb the dye. Add ½ cup (118.3 mL) of salt per 1 pound (0.45 kg) of fabric you're dyeing. Stir the salt into the dye bath using a spoon. For example, if your shirt weighs 2 pounds (0.91 kg), you would add 1 cup (236.6 mL) of salt. Make sure your shirt is made with a dyeable fabric. Shirts made out of cotton, wool, linen, silk, nylon, rayon, ramie, or a blend that's at least 60 percent dyeable fabric can be dyed using fabric dye. Avoid dying shirts made out of polyester, spandex, acetate, or acrylic. If the care label on your shirt says it's dry clean only or that it can only be washed in cold water, do not attempt to dye it using a dye bath. Not sure what kind of fabric your shirt is made out of? Check the care label attached to the inside of your shirt. Soak your shirt in hot water. Fill up your sink, bathtub, or a plastic container with hot water and submerge your shirt in it. Once your shirt is fully soaked, remove it from the hot water and wring it out. Getting your shirt wet with hot water before you dye it will help it absorb more of the dye. Tie rubber bands around your shirt if you want a tie-dye design. Grab part of your shirt and bunch it up in your hand. Tightly wrap a rubber band around the base of the bunch to hold in it place. Repeat on other sections of your shirt. The spots you bunch up won't get dyed in the dye bath, creating the tie-dye effect. If you want to plan out your tie-dye design beforehand, draw it on your shirt using chalk. The chalk will come out in the dye bath. If you don't have rubber bands, you can use rope to tie up your shirt instead. Submerge your shirt in the dye bath. Put on a pair of gloves so you can push your shirt down into the dye bath. Once your shirt is submerged, continue to push it down with your hands to get out any air bubbles trapped in the fabric. Air bubbles can prevent spots on your shirt from dyeing properly. Leave your shirt in the dye bath for 30 minutes. Let your shirt soak in the dye bath for the full 30 minutes so it has time to absorb the color. If you take your shirt out early, it may not dye properly. Remove your shirt from the dye bath. Put your gloves back on before you take it out so you don't get dye on your hands. If you want the color to be darker or richer, put your shirt back in the bath for 15-30 more minutes. Wring out your shirt over the bucket and rinse it under warm water. Once the water running off your shirt is clear, start rinsing your shirt under cold water. As you're rinsing your shirt, wring it out in your hands repeatedly so all the excess dye gets rinsed off. Machine wash and dry your newly dyed shirt. Use warm water to machine wash it. Wash your shirt by itself the first time you wash it so the dye doesn't transfer to your other laundry. After your shirt is washed, dry it in the dryer on a regular setting. If you're worried about your shirt shrinking in the dryer, hang dry it on a clothesline or drying rack. Hand wash your shirt the next time it needs a wash to preserve the dye. Washing your shirt by hand will help prevent the dye color from fading over time. Gently hand wash your shirt using detergent and cold water. Hang your shirt up to dry on a clothesline or drying rack when you're finished. You don't have to hand wash your shirt every time if you don't want to. Just keep in mind the color may fade over time if you machine wash it. | Lay down a tarp in your work area. Fill a large plastic container with 1 gallon (3.8 l) of water. Pour a fabric dye in a color of your choice into the plastic container. Add table salt to the dye bath. Make sure your shirt is made with a dyeable fabric. Soak your shirt in hot water. Tie rubber bands around your shirt if you want a tie-dye design. Submerge your shirt in the dye bath. Leave your shirt in the dye bath for 30 minutes. Remove your shirt from the dye bath. Wring out your shirt over the bucket and rinse it under warm water. Machine wash and dry your newly dyed shirt. Hand wash your shirt the next time it needs a wash to preserve the dye. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Kitchen-Sink-Drain | How to Remove a Kitchen Sink Drain | To remove a kitchen sink drain, all you'll need is a wrench, a screwdriver, and a pair of needle-nosed pliers. The first thing to do is loosen the coupling nut connecting the strainer to the drain pipe, which you can usually do by hand. If the nut is very tight, hold the strainer in place from above with the pliers while you loosen it. If you see screws holding your strainer in place, remove them with the screwdriver before loosening the locknut by hand. For a locknut with no screws, you'll need to use a wrench to loosen it by turning it counterclockwise. Then, you should be able to wiggle the strainer loose and push it out of the sink. Finish by cleaning any gunk or putty from around the hole where the drain was fitted. | Loosen the coupling nut that connects the strainer to the drain pipe. Sink strainers are always made of metal, but most modern homes have white PVC drain pipes. You'll find either a PVC or metal coupling nut connecting these two components beneath your sink. Loosen this nut to separate them. You should be able to loosen a PVC nut by hand, turning it counterclockwise. Wrap a towel around the nut to help you get a better grip on it. A metal nut may also require the use of a pipe wrench or large adjustable wrench. If you wish, you may also be able to disconnect the drain pipe at the top of the trap (the U-shaped bend) in order to give yourself more room to work with. Stabilize a spinning strainer in order to remove a stubborn nut. If the strainer is spinning counterclockwise along with the nut as you loosen it, you'll need to hold it still from above. Insert a pair of needle-nose pliers or a sink drain wrench down into the sink and pinch the strainer grate (not the removable strainer basket) to immobilize the entire strainer. You may be able to hold the pliers with one hand and loosen the nut with the other, or you may need to recruit a helper. This would be a good helper job for an older kid or teen. If you have trouble squeezing the pliers, you can also insert the handles of the pliers into the openings of the strainer grate, then stick a screwdriver between the handles and hold it steady to immobilize the sink strainer. Determine the type of sink strainer you have. Locknut sink strainers have a large locking nut that feeds onto threads on the outside of the strainer itself. This in turn presses a washer and gasket against the underside of the sink. Most modern sinks have locknut sink strainers. There are also locknut strainers with screw attachments, in which 3 or 4 screws are used to help hold the locknut tight against the underside of the sink. Bell washer sink strainers have an outer bell-shaped “shell” that fits over the entire strainer. This bell housing is pressed against the underside of the sink by a nut located at the bottom of the strainer (just above the nut that connects to the drain pipe below). Remove the screws in the locknut if your strainer has them. If you see threads around the widest section of the strainer (where it connects to the sink), you have some version of locknut strainer. If you also see 3 or 4 screwheads against the locknut, you need to remove these screws before loosening and removing the locknut and strainer. A simple screwdriver (typically Phillips head) will do. Once you remove the screws, you should be able to loosen this type of locknut by hand. Turn it counterclockwise until it comes off the threads and slides down off the strainer. If the entire strainer is spinning when you try to loosen the locknut, use pliers to pinch (or pliers handles and a screwdriver to hold) the strainer still from topside. Use this method with any type of spinning sink strainer, locknut or otherwise. If the screws are hard to turn, then spray some WD40 onto them and wait 5 minutes. This should help to loosen them. Use a wide-mouthed wrench to loosen a traditional locknut strainer. If you locknut isn't held tight by screws, you'll need a wrench to loosen it so that you can remove the strainer. Use a large pipe wrench or — even better — a specialized strainer locknut wrench, which you can buy at any hardware store. Turn the locknut counterclockwise with the wrench until it spins freely, then turn it by hand until it unthreads and falls off the sink strainer. If the locknut is completely rusted in place and simply will not come off, you can use the cutting wheel attachment on a rotary multi-tool to slice through the locknut, then (if needed) a chisel and mallet to split it apart. But you may also want to consider calling a plumber at this point. Loosen and remove the nut at the bottom of a bell washer strainer. Take the same wrench you used to loosen the nut that held the strainer to the drain pipe, and loosen the same-sized nut that pushes up against the bell-shaped housing. Work the nut off the threads and out of the way, and then pull the bell housing down and off of the strainer. If the bell housing refuses to pull free easily, wedge a flat head screwdriver into the gasket sandwiched between the bell and the underside of the sink. Pry the bell housing free and pop it off. Wiggle the sink strainer loose and push it up and out of the sink. A moderate jiggle and twist should break the seal between the upper lip of the strainer and the rim of the topside of the sink. Then, push upward from the bottom of the strainer with one hand and pull it up and out of the sink with the other hand. If the strainer won't break free, tap it from the underside with a mallet until it pops loose. If you have to bash too hard, though, you may damage the sink itself, so consider calling a plumber if necessary. Scrape away any dried putty or other gunk from the rim of the sink (both above and below) if you intend to install a new strainer. Use a plastic putty knife so you don't scratch the stainless steel finish. Roll out a ring of plumber’s putty and place it around the sink opening. Grab a small handful of plumber's putty out of its container. Work it around in your hands for a few minutes to warm it and make it more pliable. Once it's about the consistency of children's clay (like Play-Doh), roll it into a “snake” about the thickness of a pencil, then press the ends together to make a ring. Place this ring over the rim of the opening on the topside of your sink and then use your thumbs to push it down all the way around the rim. You can buy plumber's putty anywhere that sells plumbing supplies. Make sure you have cleaned away any old putty from the sink surface with a plastic putty knife. Press the new sink strainer firmly down into the putty ring. Whether you're installing a bell washer or locknut strainer, this part of the job is the same. press down firmly, so that plumber's putty squeezes out all around the rim. Use your fingers, a plastic putty knife, and a damp rag to clear away the excess putty. Place any included washers and gaskets between the underside of the sink and the locknut or bell housing. A metal-to-metal connection between the sink bottom and the locknut or bell housing won't be watertight. The new sink strainer will come with at least one rubber gasket, and possibly other gaskets or washers made of rubber, cardboard (to protect the rubber), or other materials. Place them as directed in the product instructions before tightening the locknut or bell housing. If you're reinstalling an old sink strainer, take the old gasket(s) to the hardware store and buy identical (but new) replacements. Secure the sink strainer into place from below. For a traditional locknut strainer, use a large pipe wrench or strainer locknut wrench to tighten the locknut (by turning it clockwise). Securely press the strainer against the underside of the sink, but don't feel like you have to tighten it so much that the parts seem ready to fuse together. For a locknut strainer with screws, you only need to hand-tighten the locknut into place. The provided screws are what will press the locknut tight and hold the connection together. For a bell washer strainer, place the bell housing over the strainer, then feed the provided nut onto the threads at the bottom of the strainer. Use a wrench to tighten this firmly (but again, not excessively). Connect the drain pipe to the sink strainer. If you have a PVC nut for making the connection, you'll only need to hand-tighten it (clockwise). If the nut is metal, use a wrench to firmly secure it in place. Test for leaks. Plug the sink and fill it with water. Wait a few moments, then run a tissue around the connection between the underside of the sink and the sink strainer's locknut or bell housing (depending on the type you've installed). If the tissue gets damp at all, your putty seal is the likely culprit and you'll have to re-do the installation. If this spot passes the “tissue test,” let the water out of the sink and run a dry tissue around the nut that connects the strainer to the drain pipe. If it stays dry, you're good to go! | Loosen the coupling nut that connects the strainer to the drain pipe. Stabilize a spinning strainer in order to remove a stubborn nut. Determine the type of sink strainer you have. Remove the screws in the locknut if your strainer has them. Use a wide-mouthed wrench to loosen a traditional locknut strainer. Loosen and remove the nut at the bottom of a bell washer strainer. Wiggle the sink strainer loose and push it up and out of the sink. Roll out a ring of plumber’s putty and place it around the sink opening. Press the new sink strainer firmly down into the putty ring. Place any included washers and gaskets between the underside of the sink and the locknut or bell housing. Secure the sink strainer into place from below. Connect the drain pipe to the sink strainer. Test for leaks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Amend-the-Constitution | How to Amend the Constitution | One way to amend the constitution is by proposing a new amendment in congress and then ratifying the amendment in ¾ of the states. In Congress, the amendment must have at least ⅔ majority support from both the House of Representatives and the Senate to be proposed, and then it must be debated and passed by a joint resolution. From there, the amendment moves to the state legislators to be considered and introduced as a resolution. Once 38 out of the 50 states ratify the amendment, it becomes part of the Constitution. | Understand the process. The United States Constitution can only be amended through narrowly defined actions of the U.S. Congress. Learn more about this process, for a start. While you can take action to pressure Congress into acting, Congress itself must take the official steps. Article 5 of the Constitution governs how amendments are made. They can be proposed either by Congress or by a constitutional convention. The latter method, however, has never been used. All current amendments to the U.S. Constitution have been proposed by the U.S. Congress and not by constitutional convention. When Congress proposes an amendment, they do so in the form of a joint resolution agreed upon by a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. From there, the amendment goes to the National Archives and Records Administration, which packages and ship it to the states for approval. Three-fourths of state legislatures or conventions must approve the motion for the amendment to pass. For an amendment to be proposed via a constitutional convention, two-thirds of the state legislatures must call for it. That convention proposes the amendment which is then sent to the states to be approved, and approval must be granted by three-fourths of the legislatures or conventions among the states. Narrow your focus as much as possible. You'll need to avoid generalities and come up with a very specific course of action for a constitutional amendment. Over the years, people have proposed amendments to all types of political, social, and economic problems. The ones that have stuck have addressed The Equal Rights Amendment, for example, which is just three states short of being in the Constitution, seeks to establish a legal basis for equality of the sexes. It proposes that “quality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex”; that “Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article”; and that “this amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification. One failed amendment from 1916 tried to make it harder to go to war. The proposal was this: all wars will be put to a general vote. All people voting in favor of war are automatically enlisted in the armed forces. Another failed amendment from 1893 tried to abolish the United States Army and Navy, the thought being that war was no longer needed at all. Craft an amendment. When taking action to amend the Constitution, it helps to have a written version of your proposed amendment. This version may not be the exact one used, if the amendment makes it through at all, but potential supporters will have an easier time accepting and backing something with clear, specific terms. This can be daunting for a single person and you will probably need some help You will need the formal written version to be easy to understand yet distinct and without loopholes. If at all possible, consult with someone who has some professional law knowledge to craft something appropriate. Talk to a lawyer who knows about legislation. Laws are a bit like computer programming. You might have good ideas for an amendment, but only someone who knows the proper “code” – the legal language – can write it in a way that will work properly. Look for movements supporting similar amendments. If you see the need for a specific amendment, there is a good chance that you are not alone. Before starting your own campaign, look to see if other people or groups have already gotten the ball rolling with a campaign of their own. Supporting an existing movement will help the cause more effectively than starting a second movement. Search the internet. You should be able to find evidence of other movements fairly easily, as most will have some kind of Web presence in a formal website or social media sites. Pay special attention to movements already backed by congressional representatives. If a suggested amendment already has official backing, this means that it has gotten attention and may be gaining traction. It is farther in the process and more likely to succeed than one that is still at the grassroots level. Sign any petitions. One way that people typically use to make congressmen aware of their voices is the petition. By signing existing petitions you show support for a particular proposed amendment and can demonstrate to Congress just how much support the principle has among U.S. citizens. There are any number of websites online that make it very easy to organize a petition drive. Some like Petition2Congress send letters directly to the legislature. Another, We the People, generates a response directly from the President if the number of signatures crosses a certain threshold. While not directly involved in amendments, the White House could bring attention to the issue. Read the wording on the petition carefully before you sign it. You should always know exactly what it is that you are supporting, and you should be able to agree with it completely before you put your name down. Always be honest when signing a petition. Do not make up extra names or identities. If the petition goes through a verification process, the names will need to be verified and fake names could serve to invalidate it. Volunteer your time and effort. If there are existing campaigns or movements in support of a particular amendment, get involved. Volunteer your time with an organization or a petition drive to help spread the word. Publicity is key. Spread the word in your own community by talking to your neighbors, friends, relatives, and acquaintances. Participate in a door-to-door petition campaign. If the movement has a website, check the site for specific suggestions on how you can get involved in the process. Call or write your representatives. A direct call to your local federal representatives or senators can make it clear to them where you stand on the issue. If enough people place calls to the same representatives, or deluge them with letters, those representatives are more likely to lend their support to the cause. Your locality will have an attached House representative. Each state also has two senators. If you do not know who representatives or senators, it is fairly easy to find out. Try looking them up on a website like Govtrak.us. Create an internet footprint. One of the most important things you can do to raise awareness of your pet issue is to start a website. You'll only reach a limited number of people if you stay local. By creating a website and corresponding social media accounts, you can connect with people across the nation. Try to set up a memorable domain name. Choose something uncomplicated that addresses the issue or the fact that you are trying to get an amendment for it. The more sensible and less complicated it is, the easier it will be for people to recall the URL. You should also consider setting up Twitter and Facebook accounts to correspond with – and link to – your website. Social media is a good tool to use if you want people to interact with you and spread the word. Consider posting videos or ads for the suggested amendment online, as well, like on Youtube. People often prefer easy media like video, and may take the time to learn more about it if first presented with a short video instead of a long block of text. Start an online petition. Another key part of taking action to amend the Constitution is to create a petition for those who share your beliefs. The petition should clearly state the potential amendment being supported. It can even include the formal language of your amendment. Once you reach a designated number of signers, send it to Congressmen across the United States. There are multiple websites you can use to start an online version of your petition for free, like Petition Site, iPetitions, GoPetition.com, Change.org, or Petition Online. Start a physical petition campaign. If you find the idea extremely important, you can also go door to door to inform people in your neighborhood about it. If you have volunteers, case whole neighborhoods, or the entire city for signatures. As you go door to door, bring along a copy of your petition and informational pamphlets about the suggested amendment and its importance. Respect others' opinions. You should never try to coerce someone into signing something she feels uncomfortable with. Speak sincerely and passionately, but do not pressure people. Be sure to know the rules for petitioning in your area. In certain places, the petition can be invalidated if your signature gatherers are under 18, if you do not gather the date along with the signature, or if you do not self-identify. Organize your cause. You can spread the word about your cause alone, but you'll farther if you create an organization of volunteers who are willing to take on the burden of spreading the word in their own area. Provide interested parties with help and support. For example, you might send them informational pamphlets and fliers to print and use, or make the documents easily accessible from your website. Remember, people usually take the path of least resistance. They often do nothing because doing something, and making a difference, takes effort. You'll get more of a volunteer response if you ease some of the challenges. Find public forums to discuss the idea. Whether formal or informal, a public forum will allow you the chance to express your beliefs and to describe the proposed amendment to an audience. Seek opportunities to talk publicly. Informal forums include public fairs and opinion columns in the newspaper. If petitioning at a public fair, make sure that you do so within the guidelines and restrictions set up by those running the fair. A more formal setting would be at a town hall-style meeting. Make sure that the meeting you attend is open to issues like this and not geared or centered around a specific topic. If you are confident in yourself as a speak, explore the possibility of giving a talk at a local college campus, community centers, or at professional organizations. Contact your local news channels or radio stations and ask for time on-air to talk. If you have money, you could also fund a commercial. Attract official support. Try to find a representative who can officially support the proposed amendment, even if she is not connected to your district. You will need to have backing if any idea has any shot at becoming an amendment. As said before, calling or writing your congressional representative is one way to make your voice heard. Encourage other people who share the cause to do the same. A larger number of people will be taken more seriously than a small handful. Alternatively, contact state legislatures. The Constitution can also be amended through the use of a constitutional convention set up by state representatives. While this has never been done, it is something to consider if your federal representatives refuse to take action. Make sure to notify all state legislatures. Two-thirds of legislatures nationwide must propose a constitutional convention in order to propose amendments, so you must gain wide support. | Understand the process. Narrow your focus as much as possible. Craft an amendment. Look for movements supporting similar amendments. Sign any petitions. Volunteer your time and effort. Call or write your representatives. Create an internet footprint. Start an online petition. Start a physical petition campaign. Organize your cause. Find public forums to discuss the idea. Attract official support. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-White-Leather-Jacket | How to Clean a White Leather Jacket | To do a basic cleaning of a white leather jacket, mix baby or pet shampoo with some water, dampen a microfiber cloth, and gently rub the leather in small, circular motions. When you're done, allow the jacket to air dry. For heavily soiled items, mix 1 part baking soda to 3 parts water, rub the mixture in gently, and wipe the jacket down with plain water to finish. | Use baby shampoo or a pH neutral soap. It's important to use a gentle cleanser on a white leather jacket, because you don't want to damage the finish. Find baby shampoo, pet shampoo or any other gentle cleanser that's pH balanced to wipe the surface down with. Test your cleanser of choice. Before you wipe white leather down all over with what you think is a gentle cleanser, test it first. Dampen a washcloth or sponge with water and cleanser, and rub it on the inside of one of the cuffs. After the area dries, check to make sure the soap did not discolor the leather. If the soapy water doesn't absorb, but beads up quickly, the leather is protected well and you can proceed to clean it. If the water absorbs into the leather readily, be careful. You may want to spot clean your white leather instead. Rub a damp microfiber cloth over the surface. You'd be amazed how well a little soap and water can clean up your white leather jacket. Fill a small bowl with water, squirt a teaspoon of gentle cleanser, and dip a microfiber or soft wash cloth in it. Wring out the cloth so that it's just damp. Rub the cloth all over the leather surface in small, gentle, circular motions. Make sure you don't drench the leather. Use just enough water to clean off dirt marks. Make sure you use a densely woven washcloth, like microfiber. Paper towels will not hold up to the friction of rubbing. Dry and hang the jacket up. Wipe as much water off the leather as you can with a dry, clean cloth. Then, let it air dry by hanging it on a clothes hanger in a well ventilated area for several hours. Use a Magic Eraser on scuff marks. Dampen a Magic Eraser and lightly rub any stubborn scuff marks on the white leather. Preserve the finish by not rubbing too hard. Sprinkle talcum powder on grease stains. If your white leather jacket has collected grease or oil stains, sprinkle talcum powder on them and leave it overnight. The powder will absorb the oil. Remove ink stains with alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol will take care of ink stains on white leather. The key is to use a white washcloth or cotton, because alcohol will cause colored fabric to bleed. Dip a corner of a white rag into alcohol and gently rub any ink stains using small circular motions. Remove water-based stains with cream of tartar and lemon. Any stains from things like ketchup, coffee or juice can be treated with a mixture of cream of tartar and lemon juice. Use equal parts of both, rub it on the stain, and leave it on for 10 minutes. Wipe the mixture off with a water dampened washcloth. Clean mildewed leather with white vinegar. If your white leather jacket needs to be deodorized or has mildew damage, mix a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water. Make sure you do a spot test, before you wipe the leather down with a dampened washcloth. Clean heavily soiled leather with baking soda and water. Mix together one part baking soda to three parts water to clean extra dirty white leather. Dip a washcloth into the mixture and gently rub it on the leather. Wipe all the baking soda solution off with a clean, water dampened cloth. Use denatured alcohol. To restore brilliance to your white leather jacket, wipe it down with denatured alcohol, otherwise called methylated spirits. You can typically find this high proof, undrinkable alcohol in hardware stores. There's no need to wait for your jacket to air dry, because the alcohol quickly evaporates. Condition your leather to protect it. Make sure you condition your white leather jacket after you thoroughly clean it, because you'll want it to stay soft. The conditioner will also help repel any future stains. Find a conditioner made just for leather and spot test it first. Don't use olive oil or linseed oil on white leather. | Use baby shampoo or a pH neutral soap. Test your cleanser of choice. Rub a damp microfiber cloth over the surface. Dry and hang the jacket up. Use a Magic Eraser on scuff marks. Sprinkle talcum powder on grease stains. Remove ink stains with alcohol. Remove water-based stains with cream of tartar and lemon. Clean mildewed leather with white vinegar. Clean heavily soiled leather with baking soda and water. Use denatured alcohol. Condition your leather to protect it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Banded-Dutch-on-a-Poodle | How to Do a Banded Dutch on a Poodle | To do a banded dutch trim on your poodle, first use a number 10 clipper to shave your dog's face and throat. You can then create one of the trim's signature bands by shaving a band around its neck about a half inch to an inch above its shoulder blades. Once you've finished shaving this neck line, make sure your poodle is securely standing still and shave a vertical line down its back from its shoulder blades to the base of its tail. Afterwards, create the waist band by shaving a horizontal line from its last rib to its underside on both the right and left sides. To finish off the trim, shave a 2 to 3-inch wide band all the way around your dog's tail. | Hold your poodle’s head with one hand. With one hand, hold your poodle's head with your fingers on the top of its head and your thumb under its chin. Then, place a number 10 clipper, with the blade flat, and clip from the outside corner of the eye to the ear. Also, shave the coat in front of the ear. When shaving your poodle, make sure to let the blade rest in between shavings. This will allow the blade to cool down. If you can, use "silent" or quiet clippers for your dog's face. The noise of regular clippers so near to your dog's ears can be startling or uncomfortable. Clip the cheeks. Continue to clip your dog's cheeks and the bridge of the nose up to its eyes. Form a slight inverted “V” between your dog's eyes, and continue to shave down the sides of the face to the throat. When clipping the throat, a good standard is to clip down the approximate length of the muzzle. For example, if your dog's muzzle is five inches, then clip five inches down the throat. Once both sides of the face and neck are shaved, a “U” shaped pattern will appear on the throat. Finish shaving the neck. Clean up the neck with the clippers. Shave all hair off of the throat. When shaving the throat, you may shave against the direction of the coat. However, if your dog's' skin does not tolerate this, then do not clip against the direction of the hair growth. Clip the neck band. Starting at the back of your poodle's neck, begin to clip the neck band with a number 10 clipper. Start at a half-inch to an inch above the shoulder blades, and shave a band around your poodle's neck. The band should be where your poodle's collar usually rests. Go over the line once more with your clipper to set the line. Try to avoid clipping too low so you have room to clean up your lines. Secure your poodle. Before you begin clipping the back lines, secure your poodle at the front by placing your hand on your dog's neck. If your dog has trouble standing still, use a slide collar to secure your dog. Attach the slide collar to a table or a cupboard to secure your poodle. Your dog should be standing throughout the entire process. Shave a line down your poodle’s back. Standing at the rear of your dog, use a clipper with a number 10 blade to shave a vertical line down your dog's back. The vertical line should start between your poodle's shoulder blades, i.e., at the base of the neck band, and continue down to the base of its tail. To set the straight line, go over the line again with your clippers. Make sure your poodle is standing completely straight throughout the process. A number 10 blade is appropriate for standard poodles. If you have a smaller poodle, use a narrower toe blade instead. Shave a horizontal line. Starting at your dog's last rib, shave a horizontal line down your dog's right side. The line should end at your poodle's underside. Go over the line once more with your clippers. Placement of this line will depend on the size of your dog. On very long dogs, this line will be a bit more forward in comparison to dogs with shorter backs. Create an angled line. Once you have completed the horizontal line behind your dog's last rib, create an angled line. Create the angled line by clipping the corners of the pattern, i.e., where the vertical and horizontal lines meet. Repeat steps three and four on the left side of your dog. Once both sides are shaved, the lines should resemble a cross when viewing your dog from above. Trim the body. Use a snap on "E" comb to trim your poodle's body. Trim just enough so that the lines a more visible. Then, create a “bevel” on your poodle's patterned lines. Create a "bevel" by combing the longer coat over the clipped lines. Scissor the edges of the coat. Clip the paws. Hold your poodle's paw by placing your hand around the cuff. Use a number 40 blade to clip the coat around your dog's paws. Clip the hair around your dog's toes, as well as the hair on top of the foot. When shaving the paws, use light pressure to avoid digging the blade into the skin. Shave the tail. Similar to the cut between the eyes, clip an inverted “V” at the croup. The croup is the muscular area on your dog's rump, i.e., before the onset of the tail. Then, clip a two to three inch band at the base of the tail. Make sure the band goes all the way around the tail. Shape the coat. Use curved and straight shears to shape the rest of the coat. Use curved shears for curved lines and straight sheers for straight lines. Follow the natural lines of the dog's body when shearing the coat. Use the shears to shape the hair on your poodle's hips and legs (insides and outsides), rump, sides and undersides, front, and end of the tail. | Hold your poodle’s head with one hand. Clip the cheeks. Finish shaving the neck. Clip the neck band. Secure your poodle. Shave a line down your poodle’s back. Shave a horizontal line. Create an angled line. Trim the body. Clip the paws. Shave the tail. Shape the coat. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Treat-Diarrhea-in-Guinea-Pigs | How to Treat Diarrhea in Guinea Pigs | To treat diarrhea in guinea pigs, withhold greens until the diarrhea passes and be sure to increase its water intake, since your pet will need to replace lost fluids. If the diarrhea is watery and constant, it's best to take the guinea pig to the vet right away. Ask your vet to perform a fecal float and bacteria culture so you can pinpoint the cause of the diarrhea. Then, administer any medications that your vet prescribes to complete the treatment. | Take your guinea pig to the vet if the diarrhea is watery. If your guinea pig's diarrhea is constant and watery, it can mean your pig has a pretty serious health issue, so you need to take it to the vet right away. Make sure you note when diarrhea started and any other unusual behavior in your guinea pig. Get your guinea pig a fecal float. This is a procedure by which your vet checks your pig's feces for a parasite. Because a parasite can cause diarrhea, it's a pretty common test for vets to perform. Ask for a bacteria culture. This procedure takes a little longer than any other procedure, but it gives you very accurate results. With a bacteria culture, your vet will be able to give you very specific instructions for the type of medication you should give your pig. They'll also tell you how to care for your pig until it gets better. Fill an antibiotics prescription for your pig. Depending on what your vet finds, they might prescribe an antibiotic for your guinea pig. Follow the dosage and administration instructions carefully, since some antibiotics can make your pig's diarrhea worse. Withhold greens if the diarrhea is semi-formed. If your guinea pig's feces is semi-formed – not fully liquid, but still softer than usual – and in normal amounts, don't panic. Usually withholding greens from your guinea pig will do the trick. Replace the greens you would normally give your guinea pig with lots of hay. The best type of hay for guinea pigs is grass hay. Timothy hay is the best grass hay variety. Increase their water intake. Guinea pigs need a considerable amount of water to survive, so they should always have access to a water bottle with clean, clear water. If your guinea pig has diarrhea, refill the bottle more often than usual to ensure your pig gets enough water. Avoid treating your guinea pig on your own. It can be tempting to treat your guinea pig on your own with antibiotics you might have from a previous bout of diarrhea, but you shouldn't. Certain antibiotics can make diarrhea worse – even life-threatening – so see a vet if your pig's diarrhea doesn't clear up within a few days. Consider changes in your guinea pig's diet. If you've recently introduced a new food into your piggy's diet, they might get diarrhea as a result. Take the new food out of their diet and see if their symptoms clear up. When you're introducing a new food, start with a very small serving - just a bite - once a day. If they seem to be digesting it fine - no diarrhea or upset tummies - then you can slowly increase the amount you give your pig every few days. Talk to your vet about probiotics. Guinea pigs require healthy gut bacteria to properly digest their food. Your vet can recommend an appropriate supplement if your pet needs one. Look for loose stools. If your guinea pig's feces are very loose or watery, they have diarrhea. This type of diarrhea can be life-threatening, and you should contact your vet immediately if you notice it. If your piggy's diarrhea is semi-formed, keep an eye on your pig. If it doesn't clear up in a few days, make an appointment with your vet. Remember that large, soft, sticky fecal pellets are normal and not a sign of diarrhea. These are called cecotropes, which are a normal part of the guinea pig's digestive process. Watch their food intake. If your guinea pig seems to be eating a lot more leafy greens than usual, keep an eye on their feces. Overeating greens can cause diarrhea, and it's best to notice it right away so you can get your pig to the vet on time. Pay attention to smells. If your guinea pig's feces smells very foul, that's a bad sign. If your pig's feces is loose and smells, you should take it to the vet immediately. Look at the color of your pig’s feces. If the feces is very, very dark or black, take your pig to the vet. A very dark feces is a sign that your pig probably has a bacterial infection of some kind, and these usually lead to diarrhea. | Take your guinea pig to the vet if the diarrhea is watery. Get your guinea pig a fecal float. Ask for a bacteria culture. Fill an antibiotics prescription for your pig. Withhold greens if the diarrhea is semi-formed. Increase their water intake. Avoid treating your guinea pig on your own. Consider changes in your guinea pig's diet. Look for loose stools. Watch their food intake. Pay attention to smells. Look at the color of your pig’s feces. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Words-With-a-Calculator | How to Write Words With a Calculator | If you want to write words with a calculator, start by memorizing what numbers look like which letters when the calculator is held upside down. For example, 3's look like E's and 7's look like L's. Once you know what word you want to type, enter the numbers backward and then hold the calculator upside down to see the word. For example, type 379009 in your calculator to spell out GOOGLE. Or, try typing 5317 to spell out LIES. | Switch your calculator to hexadecimal mode. Not all calculators have a hexadecimal mode, but if yours does, you will have more letters to spell words with. You will be able to tell if your calculator has a hexadecimal mode if you see the letters A-F on the keyboard. Calculators that have hexadecimal mode include Casios and Texas Instruments. Use a combination of letters and numbers to spell words. In hexadecimal mode, you will have the letters A, B, C, D, E, and F. You can also use the numbers 1 for I, 0 for O, and 5 for S. For example, you can spell the word "see" using 5EE. Some other words you can spell include BASS, DIE, BOSS, DOE, and SEA. Create even more combinations by turning your calculator upside down. When you turn your calculator upside down in hexadecimal mode, you can turn b into q and d into p. Along with q and p, you can make the letters O, D, I, Z, E, h, A, S, g/q, L, B, and G from numbers. The possibilities are endless! b=q d=p 0=O/D 1=I 2=Z 3=E 4=h/A 5=S 6=g/q 7=L 8=B 9=G/b You can also use the number 2 instead of the word "to" or "too." Use specific numbers to represent different letters. Each number looks like a different letter when you turn it upside down. You can use those letters to write lots of words. Here is a list of letters you can use: 0=O/D 1=I 2=Z 3=E 4=h/A 5=S 6=g/q 7=L/t 8=B 9=G/b Write a word on a piece of paper. To see if you will be able to spell the word, check your list to see if all of the letters match up with a number. If a letter you want to use isn't on the list, you won't be able to spell the word. "HELLO" is a classic word to spell on a calculator. Notice that all of the letters are on the list. Some other words that you can spell on a calculator are IGLOOS, GIGGLE, SHOES, and EGG. Look at the list of letters and see what words you can spell with them. Write down the number that matches up with each letter. Write the number that matches it on the list underneath each letter. These are the numbers you will use to spell your word. Each letter should have one number. To spell "HELLO," the matching numbers are 43770. Type the numbers you wrote down backward into your calculator. Start with the last letter of the word. When you turn your calculator upside down, the order of the letters will be backward—that is, in the right order to spell your word! For example, to spell "HELLO," you will reverse the numbers so that they read 0.7734. If the word ends with an "o," start with 0 then add a decimal (.) so that when you press "enter" or "=" the 0 will still be there. Press enter and turn your calculator upside down. Some calculators have an "enter" button and some calculators only have an = button. Press whichever one your calculator has. Flip your calculator around so that the top of your calculator is closest to you. Your word will appear! Try spelling some examples. To take the guess work out of whether or not you can spell a certain word, look for a list of words that have already been figured out. Here are a few examples : 376006 spells GOOGLE 707 spells LOL 0.08 spells BOO 53177187714 spells HILLBILLIES 500761 spells IGLOOS 38 spells BE, 338 spells BEE 55378 spells BLESS 0.208 spells BOZO 663 spells EGG 336 spells GEE 376616 spells GIGGLE 378806 spells GOBBLE 637 spells LEG 607 spells LOG 53507 spells LOSES 3080 spells OBOE 53045 spells SHOES 8075 spells SLOB 8008 spells BOOB | Switch your calculator to hexadecimal mode. Use a combination of letters and numbers to spell words. Create even more combinations by turning your calculator upside down. Use specific numbers to represent different letters. Write a word on a piece of paper. Write down the number that matches up with each letter. Type the numbers you wrote down backward into your calculator. Press enter and turn your calculator upside down. Try spelling some examples. |
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