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https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Go-Kart | How to Build a Go Kart | To build a go-kart, start by welding a chassis from metal rods, using gussets at the corners to reinforce the frame. Install your rear axle and wheel assembly, then build a seat out of plywood and bolt it to the frame. Next, weld your engine mount onto the rear frame. Assemble your steering linkage from 1/2-inch steel rods, then install small racing wheels, disc brakes, and a brake pedal. For the throttle, use either a hand throttle or a foot pedal. | Draw up detailed plans for the go-kart you want to make. Go karts can be many different sizes, shapes, and designs. These homemade vehicles are amenable to any design elements you want to throw into it. The basic essentials are a chassis, a simple engine, and a steering/braking system. Get creative in your planning for the project and produce detailed diagrams to make sure you get enough materials to complete the job. Look at other go-karts for inspiration and learn from kart-makers who've been there before. Alternatively, you can find schematics and plans online for many different types of models, if you'd rather let someone else do the planning. Use a template and modify it as you see fit. For specific chassis sizing, go to the CIK FIA website: http://www.cikfia.com/fileadmin/content/REGULATIONS/Technical/Technical%20Drawings/2017/Drawing_1.pdf Size the go-kart appropriately. The size of the go-kart should depend on the age and size of the driver. Make sure you plan the go-kart accurately and using specific measurements, in order to fit the correct materials into the kart. There are three sizes of karts, measured from the center of the King Pin to the middle of the rear axle: Baby kart: Ages 5-8, Frame size: 700 to 900 mm Cadet kart: Ages 8-12, Frame size: 900 mm to 1010 mm Full size kart: Ages 12 and up, Frame size 1040 mm Gather your materials. If you're short on cash, visit a scrap yard and see if you can pick up any low-cost parts. Or, you may be able to salvage parts from an old riding lawnmower or a junk go kart found at a yard sale. Ask lawn mower repair services for spare parts or junked out riding lawnmowers and used 4 cycle engines in the 10 to 15 horsepower range, with horizontal shaft and a drive clutch assembly. Here's what you'll need: For the chassis: 30 feet (9.2 m) of 1-inch (2.5 cm) square tubing 6 feet (1.8 m) of 0.75-inch (2 cm) round steel barstock 6 feet (1.8 m) of 0.5-inch (1.5 cm) bar stock 3/16-inch (0.5 cm) thick steel plate in a width and length slightly larger than your engine Plywood or metal (for seat and floorboards) Seat For engine: Engine (try an old lawnmower engine) Chain that fits the sprocket Bolts, washers Gas tank For the drive train: Wheels Steering wheel Gear and handbrake Drive shaft Bearings Steering shaft Brake pedal Throttle/go pedal Obtain a welder. If you've got no experience welding , you will have to hire a welder for this project. The most essential part of the go-kart is a solid chassis that'll hold you onto it while driving and house the engine. If you're going to weld it together out of pieces of barstock, the welds should all be made with the proper heat, weld depth/penetration and uniform weld-beads. Otherwise, the welds may be weak, brittle, bubbly, cracked and/or only surface deep, making your go-kart a death trap. If you don't have experience welding, don't start by putting together a go-kart. Start with other smaller projects if you want to learn. Consider buying a go-kart kit. If you're not interested in welding and designing your own go-kart, purchase a no-weld kit that you can put together with simple tools, featuring detailed instructions and schematics to make the job a snap. Available widely for about $550, you can have the satisfaction of putting together a go-kart yourself without the hassle of designing it and buying all the materials separately. Cut the metal tubing. Cut your lengths of tubing to the appropriate lengths, given your design or schematics. For most designs, the front end will feature a camber angle, narrower than the rear, which will allow the wheels room to turn, allowing the chassis to twist slightly. To do this, mount a King Pin at the front corners where the wheels will be, to allow for easy twist. For an easy eye-guide, consider marking up the floor of the garage or the area you're working with sidewalk chalk of the appropriate measurement, to keep you from having to remeasure repeatedly. You could even draw out the whole design on the ground and start laying it on top. Make a jig for your kart (optional). A jig is a flat piece of metal with slots for clamps to hold down the tubes. This will help you weld the tubes in the right place! Weld the frame together according to your design. Use concrete blocks to keep the frame elevated while you work, making sure all your connection points are solid and the chassis is secure. It needs to be strong enough to hold your weight and the weight of the engine, so it's not the time for a shoddy weld job. For more strength, use gussets at all corners. Assemble the front stub axles. Build your axle with a straight piece of 0.75-inch (2 cm) steel rod, and two bushings attached to your frame. Use washers and cotter pins drilled through the axle to keep the assembly in position. Install the front stubs that'll allow you to turn easily before messing with the steering column and attach your King Pin, to the steering arm. You'll need to have at least 110 degrees of angle on the front wheels, so plan accordingly. Install your rear axle and wheel assembly. You'll likely need to assemble an axle carrier with a bearing bracket for the rear axle, meaning that the axle itself can be welded to the frame while also spinning freely and snugly. Weld a steel plate onto the chassis, securing the pressure plate outside with high-tensile bolts and lock nuts, to squeeze the bearing. Rather than making your own, you can also purchase these assemblies, sometimes called "Pillar Bearing Units." Build your seat out of plywood and bolt it to the frame. Drill holes in the plywood and install T nuts within the holes to provide support when bolting the seat to the frame. Cover the plywood with 2" high density foam, then cover the foam with marine vinyl. Secure the vinyl to the seat by stapling it to the underside or back portion of the plywood. Alternatively, you can try to salvage an old go-kart seat or an appropriately-sized car seat from the junk yard to save money. Leave enough room for the steering, engine, and other controls. Install the engine mount. Weld a flat piece of 3/16-inch (0.5 cm) thick steel plate to the rear frame to mount your engine. Place the engine on the plate, and mark the holes for the mounting bolts so that the engine pulley lines up with the drive pulley on your axle. Attach the drive pulley on the axle prior to mounting the axle in the bushings. You can either use a set screw to hold it in position, or weld it directly to the axle, but it should be aligned with the pulley on your engine. Assemble your steering linkage. Use the 0.5-inch (1.5 cm) steel rod for linkages, and the 0.75-inch (2 cm) for your axles. To make the 90-degree bends in the 0.75-inch (2 cm) rod, you may have to use a torch to heat the steel. Provide adjustable links for aligning steering, because it is very important to have the proper caster and camber: front-wheel vertical and steering tilt. Install the wheels and brakes. Get some small racing wheels to give your kart the optimum acceleration and control. Fix them onto the axles with hubs and start working on the brakes, so the go-kart will be safe. For the brakes, fix a disc onto the rear axle and a caliper assembly onto the chassis for the most professional system possible. Often, you can acquire these assemblies in relatively good shape from junked motorbikes. They're the appropriate size and will be easy to work with. Install a brake pedal to operate with your foot, regardless of what kind of acceleration you have. Don't leave too much to do with your hands other than steering. Attach the throttle cable to the hand throttle. Depending upon your experience and the kind of engine you're working with, you may be able to put together a foot pedal, or you may just need to make it easy and throttle-up like you would a lawnmower. Double check your brakes and suspension system before test-driving. Even if you're going at relatively slow speeds, it's important to make sure you're not going to slip an axle on your first go-around. Double check your welds, your brakes, and the engine's mounting. Then take 'er for a spin! | Draw up detailed plans for the go-kart you want to make. Size the go-kart appropriately. Gather your materials. Obtain a welder. Consider buying a go-kart kit. Cut the metal tubing. Make a jig for your kart (optional). Weld the frame together according to your design. Assemble the front stub axles. Install your rear axle and wheel assembly. Build your seat out of plywood and bolt it to the frame. Install the engine mount. Assemble your steering linkage. Install the wheels and brakes. Attach the throttle cable to the hand throttle. Double check your brakes and suspension system before test-driving. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Luggage | How to Measure Luggage | To measure luggage, start by standing the bag upright, retracting any handles, and measuring from the bottom of the wheels to the top of the suitcase to determine the length. Next, calculate the depth by measuring from the back to the front of the suitcase, taking into account any zipper compartments that might bulge out. Finally, measure from 1 outer edge to another to find the width. Once you have these 3 numbers, add them together to get the linear measurement. Also, weigh your bag when it's fully packed to make sure it fits airline guidelines. | Check your airline’s bag requirements. Each airline has slightly different requirements for checked and carry-on baggage. You should be able to find that information on your airline's website, usually under "Frequently Asked Questions." Keep in mind that the airline's website will have the most up-to-date information. Make sure bag extensions are within the size requirements. Some bags have a little zipper around the edge that doesn't open into a new section, but instead extends your bag. If you think you'll need to use this extension, make sure you measure your bag with it unzipped and extended. Double-check the measurements retailers list on their websites. A lot of luggage retailers will advertise that their bags are “carry-on compliant.” They'll also list measurements that seem to fit with most airlines' carry-on size requirements. But always measure the bag on your own before you pack it and take it to the airport. Different airlines have different requirements, and retailers don't always have accurate measurements. Measure your bag once it's been packed. Your bag might fit within the airline's requirements when it's empty, but adding your stuff to it can change the dimensions. Pack everything you need to take and then re-measure it. Compare carry-on and checked bag measurements. Most airlines allow you to bring a larger bag if you're checking it. Make sure you know if you're carrying on a bag or checking it, and that you have your airline's measurement requirements for the type of bag that you've chosen. Most airlines have strict weight requirements for checked luggage. Make sure you weigh your bag, after it's fully packed, to make sure it's within those requirements. Measure the total linear inches of your bag. Because bags can be so many different shapes and sizes, some airlines just give a linear inch or centimeter measurement your bag needs to be under. Measure the length, height, and depth of your bag, including handles and wheels. Add those three measurements together. The total is your linear measurement, in either centimeters or inches. Measure from the wheels to the top of the handle for height. Some retailers list height as the “upright” measurement. To get the height of your bag, measure from bottom of the wheels (if your bag has wheels) to the top of your handle. If you're using a duffle bag, stand it on its end and measure from one end to the other. Measure from the back of your suitcase to the front for depth. The depth refers to how deep your suitcase is. So for depth you need to measure from the back of your suitcase (where your clothes rest when you're packing) to the front (which usually has extra zip and slip pockets). Measure from one edge to another for width. To take your luggage's width measurement, you'll need to situate it so you're facing your luggage straight on. Then measure across the front of your bag. Make sure you include any side handles in your measurements. Weigh your bag with a scale. Each airline has a weight limit for carry-on and checked luggage. Take into consideration that your bag will weigh something, even when empty. If you have a scale at home, weigh your bag after it's fully packed. It can help you avoid nasty fees or having to throw stuff out at the airport. | Check your airline’s bag requirements. Make sure bag extensions are within the size requirements. Double-check the measurements retailers list on their websites. Measure your bag once it's been packed. Compare carry-on and checked bag measurements. Measure the total linear inches of your bag. Measure from the wheels to the top of the handle for height. Measure from the back of your suitcase to the front for depth. Measure from one edge to another for width. Weigh your bag with a scale. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-up-a-Cichlid-Tank | How to Set up a Cichlid Tank | To set up a cichlid tank, start by placing it in an area that doesn't get too much sunlight to avoid algae growth. Then, install a filter and heater next to each other in the back of the tank, so that the filter can help distribute the warm water. Next, fill the bottom of the tank with 2 inches of pebbles and arrange some larger rocks around the tank to give the cichlids hiding places. Finally, fill the tank with water, and run the heater and filter for several weeks, until the pH is between 7.8 and 8.5 to ensure that the water is safe for your fish. | Plan ahead. It is not a good idea to add fish into your tank the instant you finish filling it up with water. In order to be safe for fish, a tank needs time to build up the good bacteria and establish a natural cycle. Plan on setting up your tank about a month before adding your fish. Get a large enough tank. Most cichlids grow to be 5 to 6 inches (cc centimeters) long, but some can grow up to 12 inches (cc centimeters) long. Plan on getting a tank that is at least 29 gallons (109.78 liters), although a 50 gallon (189.27 liters) tank would be better. Also, because cichlids like to hide amongst rocks, a long, low, horizontal tank would be better than a tall, thin, vertical tank. If you are starting out with a 29 gallon (109.78 liter) tank, you will need to upgrade to a larger tank after about 1 year as the fish grow larger. Clean everything using hot water. Rinse your tank, gravel, and rocks under hot water. Do not use any soap or detergents. It would be a good idea to clean even store-bought and packaged items, as they usually contain dust and traces of chemicals that may be harmful to your fish. To clean your substrate, place it in a strainer, and rinse it with hot water until the water runs clear. Place the tank in a place that does not get too much sunlight. Live plants don't fare well in cichlid tanks, so sunlight is not necessary. Also, too much sunlight will encourage algae growth. Add the water filter and heater. Place the filter and heater in the back so that they will be hidden by rocks when you add them in. Also, try to place the heater near the water filter. The water current will help distribute the warmth throughout the tank. Don't skimp on the filter. Cichlids can create a lot of waste. A good quality canister-style filter would be ideal, even for smaller tanks. Try to get a metal heater instead of a glass one. Cichlids like to move rocks about, which can easily break a glass heater. Fill the bottom 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to xx centimeters) with a clean substrate. Try to choose pebbles for the substrate. It will look the most natural. Avoid using fine gravel, as it can easily by swallowed by larger cichlids. The gravel layer does not have to be even. Consider making it thicker in some parts, and thinner in other. Consider adding some crushed coral to maintain pH levels. Because crushed coral is very sharp, it might be better to place the crushed coral into bags, and keep the bags in the filter. Don't worry about plants. Most plants don't handle the high pH levels and hard water necessary for cichlids. Usually, aquarium hobbyists will use plants to control nitrates. Because of the water requirements for a cichlid tank, this is not possible. Instead, hobbyists will control nitrate levels by changing the water regularly. Cichlids may also uproot or eat the plants. Choose some clean rocks with caves, pockets, or holes, and arrange them in your tank. This will give your fish some hiding places. To create the most natural look, try to use an odd number of rocks. Don't spend too much time and effort arranging your rocks. Cichlids like to excavate and move things around. Consider including some white limestone rocks to help maintain the proper pH levels. You can even use pieces of coral or small clay pots. Avoid driftwood, as it can change the water pH and hardness. To create more depth, consider placing the larger rocks towards the back, and the smaller rocks towards the front. Fill the tank with water. To keep the water from disrupting the substrate too much, consider placing a plate on the substrate first. Use a rubber tube to siphon the water into the tank. Fill the tank until the water level is about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) away from the top. This will ensure that your fish get enough oxygen. If you use a plate, be sure to take it out when you are done filling the tank. Do not add your fish yet. Make sure to add a tap water conditioner. Place the cover on the tank and plug everything in. Don't worry if the water flow churns up the sediments and makes everything cloudy. Things will settle down. Covers are good ideas for any fish tank. Not only do they help keep the water clean from dust, but they also prevent fish from jumping out. Because cichlid tanks don't have live plants, bright lights are not necessary. A soft light, however, can help bring out the colors of your fish. Wait until the tank cycle has established before adding your fish. This can take anywhere from several weeks to a month. Perform a water test every week. When the nitrate and pH levels are appropriate for your fish, you can go to the fish store and buy your fish. The specific pH, temperature, and water hardness levels will vary depending on the species and breed of cichlid, but listed below are the most common ones: The pH should be between 7.8 and 8.5. Some dwarf cichlids prefer a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. The water hardness should be between 10 and 15dH. If the area you live in has very soft water, you can add some aragonite. The temperature should be between 72°F and 82°F (22°C-28°C). Stick with only one species of cichlid. Cichlids tend to be aggressive even towards other species of cichlids. It might be a good idea to just choose one species and stick with it. The two main species are African and South American. There are many different breeds within each species, and it is generally safe to mix those. Buy cichlids together when they are about the same size. This will help ensure that they all grow up to be a similar size. It is not a good idea to mix small and large cichlids together. Some of the larger ones may try to bully the smaller ones. Plan on having 2 female cichlids for every male. This will prevent aggression and fighting among the males. It may also help prevent aggression towards female cichlids as well. Choose tank mates with care. Many fish do not do well in a cichlid tank, partly due to the high pH, acidity, and water hardness required for cichlids to flourish. Another reason many fish do not do well in a cichlid tank is because of how large and aggressive cichlids can get. Many hobbyists have witnessed cichlids bullying and even eating smaller fish. Consider adding a bottom feeder. A snail, such as an apple snail, would be great for keeping the walls of your tank clean. A bottom feeder, such as a plecostomus, would be great for keeping the substrate clean. The plecostomus is an appropriate tank mate for a cichlid because it has thick skin and sharp spines. | Plan ahead. Get a large enough tank. Clean everything using hot water. Place the tank in a place that does not get too much sunlight. Add the water filter and heater. Fill the bottom 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to xx centimeters) with a clean substrate. Don't worry about plants. Choose some clean rocks with caves, pockets, or holes, and arrange them in your tank. Fill the tank with water. Place the cover on the tank and plug everything in. Wait until the tank cycle has established before adding your fish. Stick with only one species of cichlid. Buy cichlids together when they are about the same size. Plan on having 2 female cichlids for every male. Choose tank mates with care. Consider adding a bottom feeder. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Velvet | How to Clean Velvet | If you're trying to clean velvet, start by checking any labels on the item. You'll need to take it to a dry cleaner if the label has an “S” or if it's made of pure velvet. But you can use your washing machine if it's crushed velvet or a polyester blend. Put your velvet in a mesh bag if you have one or wash it alone so it comes out less creased. Be sure to run your washer with cold water using a delicate care detergent! Lay your velvet flat to dry once it's been washed. Be prepared to wait up to 12 hours for it to dry. | Brush the item with a clothing brush or lint-free cloth before treating. Brushing the velvet will remove dirt and lint, and loosen any mats in the fabric. This prepares the fabric for treatment and can remove caked-on dirt before spot cleaning. When brushing accessories, make sure you're getting into corners and areas where there might be hardware to remove dirt and lint. Vacuum velvet furniture with the brush attachment. The suction will remove any dirt and lint, and the brush attachment will loosen up mats in the fabric to prepare it for cleaning. Be gentle and don't push too hard on the fabric as you can crush the pile. To prevent further stains and dirt from damaging the fabric, you can vacuum your velvet once per week. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda and ½ a cup of lemon juice to treat spots on furniture. You may need to add extra lemon juice to create more foam. You won't be using any of the liquid portion of this mixture, so don't worry about having excess liquid. If you're cleaning the entire piece of furniture, you'll probably need to add more baking soda and lemon juice as you work. Mix 1 tbsp delicate detergent and 2 cups of water to treat clothing and accessories. Make sure there are a lot of bubbles while you're mixing. If you need to, you can add more water and detergent to create the foam. Skim the foam of the mixture with a lint-free cloth. Gently pick up some of the foam that was created by the mixture. You don't need a large amount, just enough to cover the top of the cloth. Dab the foam onto to the spot using a lint-free cloth. You can remove excess foam with a dry area of the cloth. Let the area dry and brush it with the cloth or a clothing brush. For furniture, you should apply the foam by wiping in long strokes with the nap of the fabric. You should test this method in a small, inconspicuous area first, such as the inner lining or hem hem of a piece of clothing if it has velvet on it, or a non-visible portion of the furniture or accessory. Allow the item 3-5 hours to dry. Although the mixture might appear to dry quickly, give it some time to completely dry from the fabric and allow the pile of the velvet to return to its original form. Avoid using the item or piece of furniture during this time. If the stain is still present, apply another coat and allow it to dry again, repeating until the stain is gone. Apply a protective coating to furniture or accessories to avoid new stains. You can find protective coating for velvet furniture at department stores, furniture stores, or online. Make sure you're misting the item by spraying at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from the fabric, rather than saturating it with the spray. After the spray dries, wipe the furniture with a clothing brush or lint-free cloth to remove any mats or creases. Protective coatings made specifically for delicate fabrics, such as Scotchguard and Nano Protector, are great solutions for accessories that tend to get dirty quickly. You can also use furniture protector spray to ensure waterproofing for velvet shoes. Applying a protective coating might void your item's warranty, so make sure you check the care information before spraying the item with the solution. Check the label closely. The label will tell you most of the information that you need to know for cleaning your velvet item. It will also tell you what the velvet is made out of. There are a few types of velvet, such as pure, polyester blend, and crushed velvet. If the tag has an “S” on it, you should treat it with dry cleaning solvents, not water, or get it professionally cleaned. Take pure velvet clothing to a dry cleaner. If you have an article of pure velvet clothing, the best way to get it cleaned is at the dry cleaner. They'll be able to treat the clothing and are experts at the best methods for removing dirt and stains from delicate clothing. Wash crushed or polyester velvet in cold water with delicate detergent. If your item is a polyester blend or crushed velvet, it's safe to wash in the washing machine. Make sure it's on the cold water setting and use a delicate care detergent. Place your velvet in a mesh delicates bag or wash alone to prevent creasing. Other articles of clothing can press against your velvet items in the washer and cause creases or mats in the fabric. A mesh delicates bag can protect the clothing, or you can wash the piece of clothing by itself. This method works best for articles of clothing as well as velvet pillow cases, and scarves. Lay flat to dry. Velvet should never be put in a dryer. Find a clean, flat surface in a dry area to lay your piece of clothing on. It can take up to 12 hours for a piece of clothing to dry depending on the weight of the material, so be patient. Check on it after a few hours and flip the article over if you think it's not drying evenly. Store your velvet items by hanging them in the closet or placing them in a dust cover. Keeping your velvet clothing upright and stored in your closet will help prevent creases and wrinkles. Make sure your other clothing isn't pressing against the velvet and crushing the fabric. If your velvet accessory comes with a dust cover, like a purse or a pair of shoes might, use it while you're storing the item. This will prevent dirt and lint from getting into the fabric. Use a steamer to remove wrinkles or creases. If your piece of clothing or other velvet item has a wrinkle or crease in the pile, you can use a steamer on its low setting to remove the crease. Hold the steamer about 10 centimetres (3.9 in) away from the fabric and move the steamer in the direction of the nap. For accessories like shoes or purses that tend to be lined or structured, steaming won't work as well. If you have a crease, try brushing it out or placing a form or tissue inside of the accessory to help it maintain its shape. Hang the item on a strong hanger in the bathroom while you shower. For some wrinkles, the steam from a hot shower can release the creases and return the item to good as new. Be careful not to get the item wet as water can leave spots on velvet! Use an iron on the steam setting if you don’t have a steamer. You can use an iron on the steam setting to remove wrinkles and creases. Like the steamer, you'll hold the iron about 10 centimetres (3.9 in) away from the fabric and move the iron in the direction of the nap. Be careful not to touch the velvet with the iron. Remove deep creases with a spare piece of velvet and an iron or steamer. Place the spare velvet on the ironing board, pile side up. Then, place your velvet item pile side down on top of the spare velvet. Hover the steamer or iron on steamer setting over the top of the velvet for 15 seconds, repeating until the crease is removed. | Brush the item with a clothing brush or lint-free cloth before treating. Vacuum velvet furniture with the brush attachment. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda and ½ a cup of lemon juice to treat spots on furniture. Mix 1 tbsp delicate detergent and 2 cups of water to treat clothing and accessories. Skim the foam of the mixture with a lint-free cloth. Dab the foam onto to the spot using a lint-free cloth. Allow the item 3-5 hours to dry. Apply a protective coating to furniture or accessories to avoid new stains. Check the label closely. Take pure velvet clothing to a dry cleaner. Wash crushed or polyester velvet in cold water with delicate detergent. Place your velvet in a mesh delicates bag or wash alone to prevent creasing. Lay flat to dry. Store your velvet items by hanging them in the closet or placing them in a dust cover. Use a steamer to remove wrinkles or creases. Hang the item on a strong hanger in the bathroom while you shower. Use an iron on the steam setting if you don’t have a steamer. Remove deep creases with a spare piece of velvet and an iron or steamer. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Treat-Heartworms-in-Dogs | How to Treat Heartworms in Dogs | One of the most effective ways to treat heartworms in dogs is with vet-administered injection treatment. Your vet will inject the dog with Immiticide three times over the course of several weeks to kill the heartworms. Antiobiotics may also be prescribed, since heartworms release a large amount of bacteria into the dog's bloodstream when they die. Once your dog has been successfully treated, ask your vet about preventative heartworm medications. | Get injection treatment. The official treatment for heartworms is a medical injection of Immiticide (Melarsomine). This treatment starts off with one injection given to your dog at the vet. Four to six weeks later, this is followed by two more injections that are given 24 hours apart. This treatment kills the adult worms, which will disintegrate over time and be absorbed by your dog's body. There is a risk of the worms causing a physical obstruction in your dog's blood vessels. Your dog may also have an anaphylactic allergic reaction from the alien proteins in their blood stream. Because of this, it is crucial that your dog is cage rested for the duration of the treatment. Sometimes steroids may be necessary to help suppress your dog's allergic reaction, but this makes your dog more vulnerable to a secondary bacterial infection. Give your dog antibiotics. When your dog has heartworms, your vet may prescribe them antibiotics. The larvae and worms can release bacteria when they die which can cause bacteremia, or a massive release of bacteria into your dog's bloodstream. In order to prevent this, your vet may give your dog a four-week course of antibiotics prior to treatment so your dog doesn't get blood poisoning. Try alternative methods. There is another medication that is starting to be tested to treat heartworms, though it hasn't been officially licensed to do so yet. During this treatment, your dog receives low doses of the medication ivermectin over the course of several months. Ask your doctor about this option for your dog to see if it's viable. Give treatment for dogs with advanced heart failure. There are certain cases where your dog may already be in advanced heart failure when they are diagnosed. If this is the case, the prognosis for your dogs may be bleak because they may not survive killing the worms within their blood vessels and heart. First, your vet will appraise your dog's likelihood of surviving treatment and discuss if treatment or putting your dog down is the kinder option. If your dog decides that your dog can survive treatment, they must be stabilized before any medication can be given to kill the heartworms. Your vet may use drugs such as diuretics, which will shift your dog's heart fluid and make it easier for their heart to pump blood. The vet may also prescribe ACE inhibitors and beta blockers to regulate your dog's heart function. Test your dog after treatment. Once your dog has been successfully given treatment, they should be checked for heartworms. About six months after your dog completes treatment, have your vet run tests to see if there are any heartworm antigens in your dog's blood. This will prove that the treatment killed all your dog's heartworms. Prevent heartworm reoccurrence. Once your dog has been treated for heartworms, you should put them on heartworm preventative medicine in order to help them not get heartworms again. These preventative methods include medications from the Ivermectin family that you can get from your vet as well as store bought products such as Heartgard, Heartgard Plus, Sentinel, Interceptor, Revolution, and ProHeart 6. Although the heartworm prevention is very effective in keeping heartworms from coming back, your dog should be tested for heartworms once a year. There have been cases where heartworms were contracted even if the dog was on preventative medication. Look for respiratory problems. Heartworms are discussed using three classes of severity. Class I heartworms may not present any symptoms. However, one common sign of heartworms at this level is a soft, persistent cough. At class II, the dog may cough more insistently Your dog may experience shortness of breath or rapid shallow breathing. Watch for a lack of energy. Your dog may show signs of fatigue and lethargy. Class II and III dogs may have a severe intolerance to exercise. This means your dog may lay around the house more, not jump around or be as lively, and refuse to exercise when the dog used to enjoy exercising. In class III, the dog may faint or pass out during exercise. Look for weight loss. Heartworms can lead to your dog having a poor or decreased appetite. This means that your dog may refuse to eat or want to eat less food than is normal. Because of this, your dog may experience weight loss. Watch to see if your dog has changed their eating habits. A decreased appetite and weight loss is a symptom of many different problems. Diagnose heartworms. If you notice any signs of heartworms, take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you can. Your vet will examine your dog, observing their breathing for signs of distress. Your vet may listen to your dog's breathing with a stethoscope to listen for crackles or harshness within the lungs as well as abnormal heart sounds. Your vet will need to rule out other causes of lung or heart disease, such as pneumonia or structural heart disease. If after the examination, heartworms remain a possibility, a blood test will be administered to see if the body has produced antigens against heartworms. This shows that your dog is mounting an immune response against the worms. This test may produce both false negatives and false positives in 20% of cases, so your vet will need to run other tests. This most common second test is the Knott's test, which is where a sample of your dog's blood is examined under the microscope to check for the physical presence of the heartworm larvae. If a false negative is suspected, your vet may double check to see if a negative test is accurate with a retest a month or two later to confirm the result. Your vet may also run blood tests to look for organ function, take x-rays, and a heart ultrasound scan to assess your dog's health. Be aware of how your dog contracts heartworms. Heartworms are a condition spread through mosquito bites. A mosquito carrying a heartworm in its larval stage will bite your dog, which is left behind on the skin and introduced into your dog's bloodstream through the bite. Once the larvae enters your dog's blood stream, it generally takes six to seven months for the heartworm to develop into the adult worm form. Consider what heartworms do to your dog. The fully grown adult heartworms live in your dog's heart chambers, which is how it derived its name. These adult worms interfere with your dog's heart's ability to pump blood. This causes problems with your dog's normal heart function, which effects the rest of your dog's health. Heartworms can spread and also infect your dog's lungs and arteries if they are left untreated to reproduce. Once fully grown, heartworms can live in your dog for five to seven years. Avoid places where mosquitoes are common. One of the best ways to help prevent your dog from contracting heartworms is to prevent mosquito bites. The most problematic areas for mosquitoes are those with plenty of standing water, such as lakes and waterways. Mosquitoes like to breed in these areas, which means they are an intermediate host for heartworm. Whereas heartworm was once limited to south and southwest regions of the United States, now it is widespread all over the world. | Get injection treatment. Give your dog antibiotics. Try alternative methods. Give treatment for dogs with advanced heart failure. Test your dog after treatment. Prevent heartworm reoccurrence. Look for respiratory problems. Watch for a lack of energy. Look for weight loss. Diagnose heartworms. Be aware of how your dog contracts heartworms. Consider what heartworms do to your dog. Avoid places where mosquitoes are common. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stain-over-Paint | How to Stain over Paint | To stain over paint, you can use gel stain, which is able to stick to painted surfaces. Use a gel stain that's darker than the paint color or else it might not show up very well. Before you apply the gel stain, you'll need to lightly sand the surface to get rid of any bumps. Then, you can apply several coats of gel stain until you get your desired color. Just make sure you let the gel dry for an hour between coats. | Clean the object with a mild solvent. Use dish soap or a mild cleaner to remove any dirt or grime from the object. Dip a washcloth in the solvent and wipe the object's entire surface, then dry it with another washcloth. The stain will adhere better to the object if it is free of dirt or grime. Sand the object with wet, fine-grit sandpaper. Spray the object and the sanding block with water, then press the sanding block against the object. Rub the object lightly with the sandpaper in circular motions to remove bumps or minor imperfections. Try using fine-grit sandpaper, around 120-grit. This will create a slightly rough surface that the stain can adhere to. Avoid applying firm pressure as you sand, as too much pressure may remove the paint. Wipe off residual sandpaper dust and dry off the object. Dip a washcloth in water and wipe off any dust or grit left behind by the sandpaper. Use a dry cloth to absorb any excess water and, if the object is still damp, let it air dry before staining it. After drying the object, you can apply the stain over the paint. Put on a pair of gloves and a respirator. Most stains have a strong color and smell that can irritate your skin or respiratory system. To protect your skin and lungs, put on a sturdy pair of gloves and a respirator before you apply the stain. Because most stains can dye fabric, wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty in as well. Lay out a drop cloth in an open, well-ventilated area. Choose a place to stain your object with plenty of air circulation, preferably outside. Spread out a drop cloth to catch stain drops and avoid staining anything beside your object. If you can't stain the object outside, lay the cloth out near an open door or open windows if possible. Use a gel stain for full coverage over the paint. Pick a gel stain in a color darker than the initial paint color. Avoid applying light stains over dark paint, as the stain will be less likely to show up on the surface. Not every stain absorbs well over paint, so gel stain is your best option for a rich, even color. Add the gel stain using a foam brush. Dip a foam brush in the gel stain and paint a small section of the object's surface. Inspect the stain coating while you brush the first stroke to make sure you like the color before coating the entire object. Avoid using polyurethane or wax-based stains over painted objects, as they're less likely to absorb over the paint. Coat the entire surface in the stain coating. Once you've finished the first brush stroke, continue painting the object from one end to the other, overlapping your strokes for even coverage. Apply the gel stain in thin, even strokes to prevent streaks or a bumpy surface after the object dries. Start in an inconspicuous area of the object so that if you don't like the stain's color, you can easily remove it and apply a new one. Inspect the gel stain coat and remove any excess. After applying the first coat, the stain coverage should be thin and even. Check the gel stain for any thick areas and use staining pads to wipe off any residual gel stain. For a brighter color that preserves the paint's natural hue, apply thinner coats of the gel stain. Apply 2-3 additional coats of gel stain. Let the first coat dry for an hour, then apply an additional coat using the same technique. Depending on the desired color, apply 2-3 coats over the first layer, waiting an hour for the coat to dry in-between applications. The more coats that you apply, the stronger and richer the stain will be. Let the gel stain cure for 24-48 hours. After you've applied several coats, place it on a flat surface. Leave the object to dry for at least 1-2 days before touching or moving it. Curing times may vary between different stains. Check the stain's directions for specific instructions. Add a clear finish over the dried gel stain. Dip a foam brush in a clear paint finish and spread it over your object's surface in small sections. Once you've coated the entire object, let it dry for another 30-60 minutes to seal the finish before touching it. Clear finishes protect your gel stain from flaking off or fading over time. For a smooth, brighter sheen, choose a semi-gloss paint finish. | Clean the object with a mild solvent. Sand the object with wet, fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe off residual sandpaper dust and dry off the object. Put on a pair of gloves and a respirator. Lay out a drop cloth in an open, well-ventilated area. Use a gel stain for full coverage over the paint. Add the gel stain using a foam brush. Coat the entire surface in the stain coating. Inspect the gel stain coat and remove any excess. Apply 2-3 additional coats of gel stain. Let the gel stain cure for 24-48 hours. Add a clear finish over the dried gel stain. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Like-a-Tomboy | How to Dress Like a Tomboy | To dress like a tomboy, shop for comfortable, casual, neutral-colored clothes. Head to the boy's section of your favorite stores and look for some graphic or distressed tees. Or, simply grab some loose, comfortable t-shirts in darker colors, like navy, grey, or brown. Additionally, opt for comfortable pants or jeans instead of skirts, and have a few plaid button-ups to pair with them. For cooler weather, have some sweatshirts and hoodies ready too. To complete your tomboy look, buy some sneakers or slip-ons. | Take advantage of the boys section. If you want to dress like a tomboy, you'll at least need to check out the source. Head to the boys section of your favorite stores and peruse the racks. Look for graphic tees and distressed shirts. More likely than not, the clothes will be a bit baggy on you but that's not a bad thing. Pick out things you like and try them on. If they are absolutely humongous, you can always try altering them. Other great stores that have unisex options include Reebok, Hot Topic, and Tillys. Look for clothes that can be worn by both girls and guys. Pick out some t-shirts. Loose, comfortable t-shirts are one of the most basic aspects of tomboy style. Cotton shirts in boyish colors (forest green, navy, grey, black, brown, maroon, etc.) are always great to have on hand--and go with pretty much every outfit. You should also buy some stylized tees. Shirts with band names, skater themes, and skulls (among other styles) are all considered tomboyish clothes. You can also look for shirts with sarcastic or funny images or phrases on them. Opt for pants rather than skirts. While you don't have to ditch skirts entirely, tomboys are pretty much defined by not wearing skirts or dresses. Instead, wear cool, comfortable pants that have a boyish look. Stores like Gap sell 'Boyfriend' pants that are cut like boys' pants but are fitted for a girl's body. Skinny skater pants, distressed or boot-cut jeans, and athletic pants are all good options for a girl wanting to dress like a tomboy. Black, opaque leggings are also great tomboy apparel. If you do have to wear a skirt for whatever reason, pair it with some leggings, some Converse, and a t-shirt with your favorite band's logo. These additions will play down the girliness of the skirt. Keep shorts in mind when it's hot. Instead of tiny Daisy Duke shorts, try rocking some loose distressed jean shorts or longer shorts that go to just above your knees. Shorts that are made of a stretchier or more athletic material (like board shorts) are great for running around. Play up the plaid. Plaid is a unisex fabric that is a great addition to most outfits. It is an awesome material because it can be worn as a shirt or as a light-weight jacket. Throw on a pair of jeans, a plain cotton shirt, your favorite plaid long-sleeve button-up and you're good to go. Rock a hoodie. Hoodies are a great tomboy staple. Zip-up hoodies and regular sweatshirts are perfect for tomboys in a colder climate. Get a plain hoodie in a dark color (black goes with everything) and you will soon realize you wouldn't be able to live without it. When you heat up, tie your hoodie around your waist for a nonchalant, boyish look. You should also try on a cardigan or two. Schoolboy cardigans are also a great cold-weather item. Pair a cardigan with low-slung or boyfriend jeans for a cute tomboy look. Wear sporty clothes. If jeans aren't your things, wear sports pants and t-shirts for the easiest outfit to run around in. Better yet, wear sports clothes that represent your favorite teams. Tomboys can keep up with guys on the sports field. Why not dress the part too? Get a sweatshirt with the logo of your favorite sports team for cold days. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. While this section of the article has listed different ways you can dress like a tomboy, being a tomboy ultimately means having the confidence to wear what you want and feel comfortable in without feeling like a slob or unkempt. If you consider yourself a tomboy but feel like wearing a dress, do it. The most important thing is that you remember to be yourself. Buy some athletic shoes. Part of being a tomboy is being able to run around with ease. That means high heels are out. Instead, pick up some comfortable, cool sneakers. A good rule of thumb when buying shoes is to keep in mind that if you can't run in them, they're probably not the best tomboy shoes. Brands that make cool sneakers include DC, Vans, Nike, Adidas, Converse, Etnies, Airwalk and Supras, among other brands. Trade in your flats for some cool slip-ons. In particular, printed slip-ons are great. Brands like Vans and Toms, among many others, have great slip-ons that have cool designs, are comfortable, and can still be worn to run around in. Look for slip-ons with checkers, skulls, funky animal designs, band logos, tribal art, etc. Try out some high-top sneakers. One of the most classic tomboy looks is a pair of converse sneakers. They come in a variety of colors and heights from low-cut to high-top. To add some extra spunk to your shoes, replace the normal white laces with some funky shoelaces. You can buy these at your local novelty stores. Wear hats. Baseball caps are generally the best way to go to top off your tomboy look. Not only can they show off your favorite team, they are also super functional-they keep sun, rain, dirt, and hair out of your eyes. Unless, of course, you rock a backwards baseball cap. You can also rock other types of hats like fedoras or beanies. Avoid gaudy jewelry. In fact, it's generally just best to avoid jewelry, particularly if you play sports. If you have your ears pierced, wear studs or tiny hoops rather than dangly earrings (which are generally associated with a girlier look.) For necklaces, choose a simple object like a shell or a coin threaded on a leather string. These can be tucked under shirts when running around and are pretty unisex in nature. If you like wearing bracelets, avoid sparkly ones. Instead, go for leather bands or plastic bands that can be bought at novelty stores like Hot Topic. Wear your hair up. Ponytails and half-ponies are the way to go when running around. French braids are also a great way to keep your hair out of your face when playing a sport. Wearing your hair up will allow you to sprint off at a moment's notice without having to worry about getting hair in your eyes. Cut your hair short. Of course, this is only if you want to (and if your parents will let you.) Having short hair is good for playing sports--wear a headband to keep any bangs or fly-away strands out of your eyes. | Take advantage of the boys section. Pick out some t-shirts. Opt for pants rather than skirts. Keep shorts in mind when it's hot. Play up the plaid. Rock a hoodie. Wear sporty clothes. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. Buy some athletic shoes. Trade in your flats for some cool slip-ons. Try out some high-top sneakers. Wear hats. Avoid gaudy jewelry. Wear your hair up. Cut your hair short. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Personal-Statement | How to Start a Personal Statement | Before you start a personal statement, make sure to read the prompt if there is one, so you're following the right guidelines. To start your statement, try describing a specific “scene” from your life in detail. For example, if you're applying for medical school, you could describe the particular moment in your childhood that you decided you wanted to be a doctor. Once you tell a personal story, include some relevant information that conveys why you'd be a good fit for their program, such as how you've taken high school prep courses, or how you've completed an internship in your desired field of study. | Read the prompt. Many colleges and universities will provide specific prompts for your personal statement. These may take the form of essay prompts, specific questions, or general guidelines. Making sure that you address the prompt is the most important thing to keep in mind while writing a personal statement. Specific essay prompts are common for undergraduate personal statements. Business, law, medical, and graduate school applications may ask specific questions that you must answer. Sometimes, particularly with graduate programs, you will be asked to write a personal statement and a statement of purpose as separate elements of your application. In this case, the personal statement should focus on your personal background and why you are pursuing your program. The statement of purpose should focus on your academic preparation, plans for your program, and your career goals. Note the length. Most programs will give length restrictions for personal statements. They may range from 250 words to 2 or more pages, but the most important thing is never to send a longer document than requested. Many admissions committees may simply stop reading if an essay or statement rambles on. If you are submitting your personal statement online, you may be restricted to a certain number of characters. You will be unable to submit the application if you exceed this requirement. Get creative. Brainstorm. Make a mind map. Try a freewrite. Explore every possible direction your statement might take. Asking yourself questions will help you explore the topic. For example, in starting a personal statement for a law school, ask yourself: What am I passionate about? What are my personal strengths? What work experience do I bring to this program? What about my life experiences might be relevant and interesting to the program reviewers? If you can't visit the school, follow their social media feed to get a better idea of the kind of student they seem to focus on. When you're brainstorming, consider the way your own experience and education might interact with the school's focus. Set the scene. Strong personal statements often pick a particular moment and use it to set the "scene" for the rest of the statement. Giving a vivid idea of what you felt, thought, and experienced in that moment can help introduce you to your readers. For example, you might begin a personal statement for medical school by talking about a particular moment in which you realized you wanted to be a doctor. If you are interested in a particular subject, you might start with an anecdote about how you became interested in it, or a particularly exhilarating moment when you got to explore something about your subject. Tell a personal story. The strongest personal statements provide insight into your own life. Basing your statement in your own experience allows the readers to learn more about whether or not you'd be a good fit for their program. Use your opening as a springboard for the rest of your statement. Think about how your experiences brought you to this application process. What stands out in your memories that the application's readers might want to know? The best essays share someone's own personal growth, difficulty, strength, or confidence, all of which people experience in very different ways. Try for an element of surprise. Readers of applications read hundreds of personal statements every year, and many of these use the same openings. Try for something unexpected or surprising to catch your reader's attention. For example, you could start by describing yourself already working in your desired career. What would you be doing, and why? You may even try an opening that says you have not always wanted to be a doctor/lawyer/professor/etc. This will allow you to show your development over time and could be a more interesting opening for readers. Use concrete language. Starting your personal statement by saying something like "I have been interested in archaeology since I participated in an internship program" is vague and general. Instead, try to use concrete, detailed language to give your readers a vivid picture of your thoughts and feelings: "Kneeling in the dirt hunched over a delicate fossil, I realized that even though I was sunburned and aching from the long hours of meticulous labor, this was where I was meant to be." Keep your writing formal, not stiff. Your writing should sound friendly and natural. Keep your wording concise, and avoid using overly complex wording when you can. Avoid unexplained jargon and "SAT" words -- these don't make you look more intelligent, they make it look as though you don't know your audience. If you love the topic you'll be studying, allow this to come through in your writing. Incorporating quotes can help you articulate your theme. You can use quotes to accentuate your point, add humor, or provide insight. However, avoid relying too much on others' words -- the committee wants to know who you are. Avoid overused openings. You may not know what openings are most commonly found on personal statements, but you can easily do an internet search for "personal statements" to get an idea. Reviewers read so many applications that they get bored of reading the same statements over and over again. Common cliches to avoid include things such as "From a young age, I have always been interested in...", "I have always been a...", defining dictionary terms, opening with a quotation, and using sweeping generalizations such as "Humans have always..." Avoid things that are overly general and could apply to anyone, such as "I want to become a physician because I want to help people." This says nothing particular about you. Avoid rehashing your resume or CV. Most applications will also ask for a resume or CV that displays your accomplishments. While you should talk about significant experiences in your development, don't use your personal statement to rehash everything on your resume. Instead, try to pick one or two moments that really stick out to you as influencing your decision to apply to this program. Avoid emphasizing personal beliefs. You do not know the beliefs and values of the admissions committee reading your personal statement. While you may have strong beliefs about particular things, such as religion or politics, it is best to keep the tone of your personal statement neutral to avoid offending anyone who does not share them. This does not mean you can't mention things like religion if they are important to you. For example, you could say something like "I have honed my leadership skills by serving as a youth counselor for my church." However, you would probably want to avoid things such as "I know that God's plan is for me to cure cancer," since not everyone may believe in this. Of course, there are always exceptions. For example, if you are writing a personal statement to apply to a seminary program, it would be appropriate to talk about your religious beliefs in detail. Read your statement aloud. Many times, simply reading your own words aloud helps you correct mistakes you might have overlooked. You'll be able to notice where you've used words that are grammatically incorrect or overly formal language. Reading out loud will also help you hear sentences that are unclear, confusing or awkward. If you're using this statement for multiple programs, reread to make sure that your statement is effective for each program. You will probably need to tweak the statement somewhat for each program. Ask yourself, "So what? " The best personal statements have emotional power, as well as practical life application. Read your statement to yourself, and imagine asking the question, "So what?" at the conclusion. If you don't feel you have a clear answer to this question, keep working until you do. The question may lead you into a deeper understanding of the reason you chose the way of writing your personal statement as you did. Most schools want to know not only about your personal experiences, but how those experiences have changed you as a person. This information won't be found in the beginning of your personal statement. Once you've completed your personal statement, reread the start. Make sure that start of your statement has a kernel of the way your statement will end. Ask someone else to read your statement. The best reader will be someone who knows you well, but who is also able to consider what the school might want to hear. Allow the reader to offer their honest feedback. Her criticism will help you learn, even if you disagree with it. Be specific when asking for feedback. If all you want is someone to check your spelling and grammar, let your reader know this. Ask your reader to tell you what your central message was in your personal statement. If your reader isn't sure, your statement isn't clear enough. | Read the prompt. Note the length. Get creative. Set the scene. Tell a personal story. Try for an element of surprise. Use concrete language. Keep your writing formal, not stiff. Avoid overused openings. Avoid rehashing your resume or CV. Avoid emphasizing personal beliefs. Read your statement aloud. Ask yourself, "So what? Ask someone else to read your statement. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Coffee-Stains-Out-of-a-White-Shirt | How to Get Coffee Stains Out of a White Shirt | Coffee spills can leave stubborn stains on white shirts, but the good news is that you can get the stain out if you act fast. Use a paper towel to blot up as much of the coffee as you can, then soak the shirt in cold water for at least 3 minutes. When you're done, wring it out. Pour a coin-sized amount of laundry detergent onto the spot where you spilled the coffee, rub it in, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse the shirt with cool water, then toss it in your laundry machine and wash it on a cool setting so the stain doesn't set. If you still see any traces of coffee on the shirt, repeat the process before you toss it in the dryer. | Check the label to see what your shirt is made out of. Take off the white shirt place it on a flat area, like a table or ironing board. Depending on the fabric, the coffee might not have fully absorbed into the shirt. Materials like cotton and linen absorb more water than fabrics like polyester and acrylic. A stained cotton shirt might require more blotting than a polyester one. Take your shirt to a dry cleaner if you'd prefer to have it cleaned professionally. If you can't find a good surface to lay your shirt on, consider placing an old towel on a section of floor or carpet. This will secure the shirt without staining the floor below. Soak up the excess coffee with a paper towel. Apply pressure to the stained area with a folded paper towel. Use quick motions to blot up any extra coffee. Place your other hand on the side of the shirt to keep it secure while you blot. If one portion of the towel absorbs too much coffee, rotate the paper towel so that a clean section blots up the coffee. Use a new paper towel as needed. Soak the shirt in cold water and wring it out. Hold the blotted shirt under cold, running water for several minutes before twisting out any excess. Hold the shirt under the running water until the stained area is completely soaked. Keep the stain submerged for at least 3 minutes, and rub the stain with your fingers to coax it away with water. Repeat this process as needed until the coffee stain has diminished. Add a coin-sized amount of detergent to the spot. Take your usual laundry detergent and pour a small, coin-sized amount on top of the stain. You don't need to get a special detergent for this—any kind will do, as long as it's in liquid form. If you don't want to pour out too much detergent at once, use the cap to pour a smaller amount. Rub the detergent in with your fingers and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Put on rubber gloves and rub the cleaning product into the coffee stain before leaving the shirt alone for at least 3 minutes. Use short, gentle movements, so you don't disturb the fabric of the shirt. While the fabric is damp, rub in the detergent. Massage the coffee stain after 5 minutes. Use the tips of your fingers to rub any lingering detergent into the fabric. This final effort helps to remove any visible portions of the stain before you put it in the washing machine. Don't be discouraged if you don't see any visible changes after rubbing in the detergent. Wash your hands thoroughly after making direct contact with any cleaning agents. Rinse out any remaining detergent. Hold the shirt over a sink and turn on the faucet. Use cold, running water to rinse the detergent out of the stained area. Take both hands and wring the water out until there are no more suds rinsing out of the shirt. Clean your shirt using the washing machine. Take the damp shirt and place it into your washing machine. Pour a small amount of regular detergent into the machine before beginning the cycle. Ideally, the water should be somewhere between 30 °C (86 °F) and 40 °C (104 °F) so the stain doesn't set. You can wash this shirt in a separate load or with other whites. Switch to a stain removal detergent if you want to use a stronger cleaning formula. Make sure that the stain is gone before drying. Remove the shirt from the washing machine and check to see if the stain is gone. Do not dry or iron the shirt until you're positive that you've removed the stain. Heat makes stains permanent in clothing. If there's still a coffee stain visible after you've treated and washed the shirt, consider using some other home remedies, like bleach, vinegar, or stain remover. Remove your shirt and check to see what it’s made out of. Take off your shirt and lay it on a flat surface so that you can examine it more carefully. Coffee tends to completely soak through natural fibers like linen and cotton, but it may have only stained the surface of less absorbent materials like polyester. More absorbent clothing fibers like cotton and linen may have to soak in a cleaning solution longer than polyester or acrylic materials. Acrylic fibers are also more water-resistant. Pour warm water into a large container. Use a faucet to pour 1 US quart (0.95 L) of warm water into a bucket or other large container. The water should be lukewarm, and not hot to the touch. Make sure that the shirt can fit in the bucket or container without any water overflowing. Water is considered lukewarm between 90 °F (32 °C) and 95 °F (35 °C). Mix white vinegar and dish soap into the water. Measure out 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of white vinegar and 0.5 teaspoons (2.5 mL) of dish detergent and stir them into the warm water. Mix the solution for 1-2 minutes until you are sure that the detergent has dissolved completely. Use a ruler or a long, wooden spoon to stir the mixture together. You can use distilled white vinegar instead of the regular kind. Distilled vinegar is purified and a little less acidic than regular white vinegar, so it won't be as potent in the mixture. Soak the shirt in the mixture for 15 minutes. Use both hands to delicately place the stained shirt into the vinegar and dish soap solution. Let the shirt soak for at least 15 minutes, so the mixture can set into the stain. Don't worry if it doesn't soak for that exact amount of time. Rinse out the shirt to check the stain. Remove the shirt from the bucket and wring it out over the sink. Turn on the faucet so that cold water runs over the shirt. Take a close look at the fabric to see if the stain has washed out completely. Apply a stain removal agent if vinegar doesn’t work. Check the instructions on your stain removal agent and apply the designated amount of product to the stain. Let the product sit for several minutes, depending on what the instructions say. Purchase stain removal agents at any store that sells laundry detergent. Wash with bleach if the stain persists. Add your shirt to a larger load of wash that you plan to bleach. Double check all clothing labels to make sure that each item can be washed with bleach. Pour in the specified amount into your load of wash and run a hot water cycle. Don't use bleach if your shirt is made of silk, leather, wool, or Lycra. Instead, try using a stain removal agent again. Clean your washing machine after running a cycle with bleach. Air-dry the shirt in an open area. Take the rinsed shirt and hang it in an open area. Hang your shirt outside or indoors. Make sure that the shirt gets plenty of open air so it can dry completely. Buy an indoor drying rack at a home supply store to make sure that your shirt gets an even amount of air while drying. Don't put the stained shirt in the dryer until the stain is removed. Large amounts of heat will permanently set the stain. | Check the label to see what your shirt is made out of. Soak up the excess coffee with a paper towel. Soak the shirt in cold water and wring it out. Add a coin-sized amount of detergent to the spot. Rub the detergent in with your fingers and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Massage the coffee stain after 5 minutes. Rinse out any remaining detergent. Clean your shirt using the washing machine. Make sure that the stain is gone before drying. Remove your shirt and check to see what it’s made out of. Pour warm water into a large container. Mix white vinegar and dish soap into the water. Soak the shirt in the mixture for 15 minutes. Rinse out the shirt to check the stain. Apply a stain removal agent if vinegar doesn’t work. Wash with bleach if the stain persists. Air-dry the shirt in an open area. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Add-Fonts-to-Illustrator | How to Add Fonts to Illustrator | Windows: Extract the Zip file containing the font. Double-click the font file, then click Install. Mac: Copy the font in Finder, then paste it into "/system/Library." | Close Illustrator if it's open. You won't be able to find your newly installed fonts in Illustrator if you install them while Illustrator is running. Download fonts to install if necessary. If you haven't yet downloaded the fonts that you want to install, find and download them before continuing. Fonts for Illustrator must be complete, meaning that they must include bold, italic, and underlined templates in addition to a full alphabet of upper- and lower-case letters. You can download fonts in.OTF,.TFF,.PFP, and.TTF formats. Open Start . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Open File Explorer . Click the folder icon in the lower-left side of the Start window. Go to your font's ZIP folder. Click the folder in which the font's ZIP folder is located (e.g., Downloads ) in the left-hand column of the File Explorer. You may have to open additional folders in the main window to find the ZIP folder itself. Click the font's ZIP folder. This will select the folder. Click the Extract tab. This tab is at the top of the File Manager window. Doing so will prompt a toolbar to appear below the Extract tab. Click Extract all. It's on the right side of the toolbar. Click Extract when prompted. The folder will begin extracting itself into a regular folder. Wait for the font file to extract. Once it does, the font's extracted folder should open, meaning that you can now interact with the font file. Double-click the font file. Doing so will open a window previewing the font. Click Install. It's at the top of the preview window. This will install your selected font for any application that uses fonts on your computer, including Illustrator. If there are separate font files for bold, italic, and so on, you'll need to double-click and install each of them in order for the font to work in Illustrator. Make sure that all of your applications are closed. Any text or image editor has to be closed in order for you to add a font to your Mac. Common applications to close include the following: Adobe Illustrator Pages Microsoft Office applications Download fonts to install if necessary. If you haven't yet downloaded the fonts that you want to install, find and download them before continuing. Fonts for Illustrator must be complete, meaning that they must include bold, italic, and underlined templates in addition to a full alphabet of upper- and lower-case letters. Supported font types for Mac include.DFONT,.OTF,.TTF,.TTC, PostScript, and Multiple Master. Open Finder. It's the blue, face-like app in your Mac's Dock. Go to the font that you want to install. Click the folder in which the font file is located on the left side of the Finder, then open the font file's folder. If the font file isn't in a folder, just go to the font file's location. Select the font file. Click the font file that you want to install. If there are multiple files (e.g., "Italic", "Bold", etc.), select each of them by holding ⌘ Command and clicking each font file. Click Edit. This menu item is in the upper-left side of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear. Click Copy. It's in the Edit drop-down menu. This will copy your font file. Click Go. It's a menu item in your Mac's menu bar. Clicking it opens another drop-down menu. Click Go to Folder. This option is near the bottom of the Go drop-down menu. Type in /System/Library and press ⏎ Return. Doing so takes you to the Mac's Library folder. Double-click Fonts. This folder contains fonts for all of your Mac programs, including Illustrator. Click Edit. It's in the menu bar. Click Paste Item. Doing so will place your font file(s) in the Fonts folder. If you copied multiple files earlier, you'll click Paste Items instead. Restart your Mac. Click the Apple menu {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png\/29px-Macapple1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":476,"bigWidth":"29","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Mac 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>"} , click Restart... , and click Restart when prompted. Once your Mac finishes restarting, you should be able to open Illustrator and use your new font. | Close Illustrator if it's open. Download fonts to install if necessary. Open Start . Open File Explorer . Go to your font's ZIP folder. Click the font's ZIP folder. Click the Extract tab. Click Extract all. Click Extract when prompted. Wait for the font file to extract. Double-click the font file. Click Install. Make sure that all of your applications are closed. Download fonts to install if necessary. Open Finder. Go to the font that you want to install. Select the font file. Click Edit. Click Copy. Click Go. Click Go to Folder. Type in /System/Library and press ⏎ Return. Double-click Fonts. Click Edit. Click Paste Item. Restart your Mac. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Your-Dog-from-Eating-Grass | How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Grass | To stop your dog from eating grass, try switching it to a premium, high-fiber dog food, since it might be eating grass because of a nutritional deficiency. You can also increase your dog's fiber by giving it steamed vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, spinach, or squash. If your dog simply likes munching grass, give it a rosemary, peppermint, or burdock herb plant to chew on, which is healthier and better for your lawn. While some dogs eat grass due to dietary needs, others chew grass out of boredom, so try giving your dog something else to focus on, like an all natural chew stick or a nylon chew toy. Additionally, spend more time walking, running, or playing fetch with your dog to keep it engaged and healthy. | Switch your dog’s food. Some dogs may nibble on grass because of a nutritional deficiency. Give your dog a different type of premium food for a week. This may help alleviate its desire to eat grass. Get a premium dog food that is high in fiber. This can ensure your dog is getting all of the necessary vitamins and minerals. The additional fiber may help relieve your dog's desire for grass by aiding digestion and keeping it regular. Look for the following types of fiber on dog food labels: rice hulls, corns, corn by-products, soybean hulls, beet pulp, bran, peanut-hulls, pectin. Change to your dog's new food gradually over five days. On the first day, mix 20% of the new food with the old. Increase the amount by 20% each day, until you reach 100% on the fifth day. Follow with one week on the new food. Treat your dog to steamed veggies. Another way to increase your dog's fiber intake is giving it steamed vegetables. You can do this as a snack or part of regular meals. Steamed veggies can also be a nice alternative to commercial dog snacks. Consider steaming the following for your dog: Broccoli Carrots Peppers Green beans Spinach Celery Zucchini Squash Sweet potatoes Give your dog its own plant. If your dog really likes eating grass without any ill health, consider giving it a plant. This can help your dog fulfill its natural instinct to munch on greenery and keep it away from grass. The following plants or greens are safe for your dog to eat: Burdock herb Milk thistle Peppermint Astragalus herb Garlic grass Rosemary Allow your dog occasional chomps of grass. Before humans domesticated them, dogs used to hunt their own food and would get dietary needs—including greens—from their prey. Let your dog have a nibble of grass occasionally if the animal seems to enjoy it and it's not causing any health issues. Recognize that you can train a dog to stop eating grass. However, it may be difficult and cause your dog stress because it is following a natural instinct. Give the dog a bone—or chew stick. Many dogs eat grass because they are bored and need some form of entertainment. Making sure your dog has plenty of bones and/or chew sticks can provide it entertainment that engages the mouth. This may stop your dog from chewing on grass as an alternative. They also help improve a dog's dental health and can relieve teething pain. Choose a bone or chew toy for your dog made from either natural materials or nylon. You can get natural chewing toys by giving your dog beef bones, rawhide bones, and non-rawhide chews made from vegetables and chicken. Select nylon chew toys are bone-hard and a great choice if your dog is a power chewer. You may also want to get a dental bone that cleans your dog's teeth and keeps its mouth occupied. Schedule daily playtime. Humans originally bred dogs to work. It's a natural instinct for a dog to want to “work” through play and other stimulating activities. Making sure your dog isn't a couch potato by scheduling play time every day can also stop it from eating grass. Try and schedule 30-60 minutes of play for the same time every day so your dog knows to anticipate it. The following types of play can stimulate and engage your dog and may prevent nibbling on grass: Running Walking Fetching Catching a Frisbee or ball Visiting a local dog park Hunting for dinner Provide toys during “alone” time. You may need to go to work or school during the day. This may require leaving your dog at home, which can cause boredom and lack of activity. Making sure your dog has plenty of toys at home can help it beat the boredom and may prevent it from eating grass when you are outside. Your dog may enjoy: Hard rubber toys for chewing and carrying around Rope toys Tennis balls “Busy box” toys with hiding places for snacks Soft, stuffed toys Dirty laundry that smells like you Deter your dog with a home scent. Some scents, such as coffee or spices, repel a dog from approaching and eating grass. Spray or spread readily available scents you have in your home to keep the dog from eating grass. Sprinkle black or cayenne pepper or chili powder around the edges of your lawn. You can also mix these in a bottle with water and spray it around the yard. Make sure to use only a moderate amount of each as sniffing these scents can cause your dog's nose to become inflamed. Spray a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and vinegar around the yard. These scents will deter your dog from crossing on to the lawn. Avoid spraying directly on the grass, as the vinegar may harm your lawn. Avoid spreading coffee grounds on the grass. Some people recommend this method, but caffeine is actually toxic to dogs, so this is a potentially dangerous deterrent. Plant borders on the grass. Certain plants have a scent that repels dogs. Creating borders around your grass with these plants can keep your dog away from the lawn. The following plants may deter your dog from eating grass: Coleus canina Marigold or calendula Lemongrass Citrus trees Hollies Evergreen huckleberry Succulents such as aloe Reprimand your dog. Despite your best efforts, your canine companion may still chew on grass. Some owners physically punish their dogs to stop undesirable behaviors. This does little to deter the behavior and can make your dog fear you. Using a firm, “No!,” can teach your dog to stop eating grass. If your dog is on a leash, you can gently pull on it while saying, “No!” Stay consistent with your reprimanding. Dogs eventually learn that “No!” means you don't like the behavior. Train your dog to not eat grass. Although sometimes difficult, you can train your dog to not eat grass. The safest and kindest way to do this is using a spray bottle. Whenever you go outside with your dog, carry a spray bottle filled with cool and clean water. If your dog puts its mouth near the grass, reprimand it with a firm "No!" followed by a spray in the face with the water. Avoid filling the spray bottle with hot water or other liquids. These could get sting your dog's eyes or hurt it. Visit your vet. If your dog continues to eat grass despite your best attempts, schedule an appointment with your vet. The vet can examine your dog for underlying physical and mental conditions. The doctor may also suggest an animal behavioral specialist or dog trainer who can help stop your dog from eating grass. | Switch your dog’s food. Treat your dog to steamed veggies. Give your dog its own plant. Allow your dog occasional chomps of grass. Give the dog a bone—or chew stick. Schedule daily playtime. Provide toys during “alone” time. Deter your dog with a home scent. Plant borders on the grass. Reprimand your dog. Train your dog to not eat grass. Visit your vet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Snowboard | How to Buy a Snowboard | To buy a snowboard, choose a twin or twin directional board with a soft, flexible base if you're a beginner, since they're easier to control. Alternatively, choose a tapered board if you're an intermediate or expert snowboarder. If you're an advanced rider, try a stiff board for high-speed snowboarding, freeriding, and power riding. You should also pick a style of board, such as freestyle if you want to learn tricks, or freeride if you like long, deep-carving runs at high speeds. | Determine your experience level. There are three basic skill levels of snowboarding: beginner, intermediate and expert. A pro might also be considered a fourth level in terms of experience. Many snowboards are made for specific experience levels and the description will usually tell you which level the board is made for. Beginner snowboarders are those who have never snowboarded previously or are still moving slowly down a run. An intermediate snowboarder is one who is more solid on their feet, can ride toe and heel edges, might be starting to ride switch and might be beginning to ride a little in the park or advance their riding in other ways. An expert snowboarder will have strong confidence while boarding, can adapt to elements and conditions and can ride the steepest terrain while maintaining control. A pro is someone who has been snowboarding so much that they are more comfortable on a snowboard than they are walking on their two feet. Factor in your progress when purchasing a snowboard so that you do not progress past that experience level too quickly. Decide on your riding style. Types of snowboarding styles include freestyle, freeride, all mountain, powder riding and backcountry. The style of riding has a major effect on the type of snowboard that should be purchased. Freestyle riding includes tricks in the terrain park or on the mountain such as jumps, riding rails and boxes and the halfpipe. Freestyle boards will be a bit shorter with a soft flex. Freeride means snowboarding around the runs with long, deep carving, higher speeds and natural terrain. Freeriders will typically choose a positive camber board for more edge control and a board with a directional shape. All mountain riding is freestyle and freeride combined. Boards for all mountain riding should have a twin directional shape, a 5 flex and length according to which style of riding you do more often. Powder riding is for those snowboarders who hike in the backcountry to find big mountain lines. This type of riding is done only by experts or with the supervision of an expert. Boards for powder riding will be stiffer and longer with different cambers specifically designed to get better float on top of the snow and for more control. Split boards are designed for backcountry use because they break down into two separate halves for touring and uphill travel but can be reconnected for normal downhill riding. They require special bindings. Determine the correct shape for your snowboard based on your style of riding. There are four types of shapes of snowboarding boards: twin, directional, twin directional and tapered. The shape descriptions are based on the length and width of the nose and tail. Twin boards are symmetrical on each end of the board, meaning that the nose and tail are the same length and width. They are designed for beginners and freestyle riders because they can be ridden in both directions, or regular and switch. These will also be good for kids. Directional boards are for one-way use with a longer and wider nose than tail, giving more suspension and performance in that direction. This type of board would be more useful for a freerider. Twin directional boards are a mix in terms of shape between twin boards and directional boards. They are designed for all mountain freestyle riders because they provide stability at higher speeds and for carving but also allow for switch riding and freestyle terrain use. Tapered boards are more extreme versions of a directional board. The nose will be much wider than the tail in order to give the board more float in powder. This type of board is designed for powder riding. Determine the appropriate flex for your snowboard based on your style of riding. Flex is what determines the softness or stiffness of a board. The correct flex for your board depends on your ability and riding style. Flex is measured on a scale of 0-10 scale with 0 being very soft and 10 being extremely stiff. Some boards will also have variable flex throughout the board for particular uses. Beginners (including kids) and freestyle riders will use a board with a softer flex because they are easier to press and will not catch edges as quickly. They will be more responsive to your body movements, making it easier to switch edges and control your board. All mountain riders will use a board with a mid-range flex for all types of snowboarding. A stiff board is useful for high-speed snowboarding, freeriding, powder riding and in the halfpipe. They are used for greater stability, preserving energy on powder, higher speeds and big air maneuvers. Freestyle boards will sometimes have more flex in the center of the board with more stiffness at the nose and tail. Freeride boards will sometimes have a stiffer tail to help the rider through uneven terrain and give the board a little pop. The same is true for halfpipe boards. Pick out your boots. Boots are the most important aspect of your snowboard in terms of comfort. They are also designed for performance and can enhance your riding if you choose the correct ones. Boots vary according to their flex and are chosen according to your riding ability and style. Soft flex boots are the most flexible boots and are perfect for beginners and kids because they are easy and comfortable. Medium flex boots provide more power in turns and quicker reaction times so they are better for more experienced riders. Stiff flex boots are used in the halfpipe and by freeriders for carving fast and hard. They provide excellent turn initiation and extra power and protection for use in the halfpipe. Determine your height and weight to find the appropriate length board. Boards are measured in length from tip to tail and this length has a big effect on performance. In general the height should be between your shoulder and nose when standing. There are a few characteristics that determine the exact length your board should be within this range. If you are a heavier person, you should choose a board that is a bit longer. If you are lighter then you should get a shorter board. If you are a freestyle rider, a beginner or a kid then you should choose a shorter board because they are easier to control, spin and turn. A shorter board would come up about to your Adam's apple. If you are a free-rider or powder rider then you should choose a long board that comes about to between your chin or nose. Some might even choose longer boards. A longer board will give more stability at high speeds and more surface area on top of the powder. Shorter boards are better for kids because they are easier to control. However, kids are also always growing so it may help to choose a board that is a bit on the longer size for their height so that they can grow into it instead of growing out of it too quickly. For kids, choose a board that is closer to the chest for those who are beginners, are cautious, are lightweight and/or like to make short quick turns without riding fast. Kids who are riding fast and aggressively, weigh more for their height or are growing quickly should choose a board closer in length to their nose. Do not choose a board longer than this or it can hamper their learning and the amount of fun they have. Measure your shoe size to determine the width of the board. Once you have your boots you can determine the width of board you would need. Ideally your shoes should extend over the edges of the board by ½-1 inch (1-2.5 cm). This way you can control the board easily when changing edges but will not have your toes and heels dragging in the snow as you carve. Most people with a US men's size 10 (Euro size 43) will be fine with a regular width board. Those wearing US men's size 10-11.5 (Euro size 43-45) will probably need a mid-wide board. Those wearing US men's size 12 (Euro size 45) or larger will probably need a wide board. If your feet are US men's size 14-15 (47-48) then you will need an extra-wide board. Budget for your snowboard. A snowboard plus boots and bindings will cost from $450-$1000 and up depending on the style, materials and design. The cost of your board will depend on your budget and ability level so it is a good idea to figure your budget out before heading to the store. Entry level boards will cost in the range of $150-$250, with boots costing around $140 and bindings costing around $150. Mid-range boards will cost between $250 and $450, with boots costing around $200 and bindings costing around $200. Top end boards will cost $450 and up, with boots costing $300 and up and bindings costing $250 and up. Kids boards can be purchased used to save on costs but the board should be good quality without nicks or damage. Look at the core and construction of the boards. Most snowboards are made out of wood, although some high-end boards are made of synthetic materials such aluminum, honeycomb or fiber base. The wood core will then be surrounded by fiberglass and topped by a sheet containing the graphics. Cores can be constructed in different ways with higher quality boards using several layers of wood to strengthen them. The core can also be made with wood grain running in different directions in different areas of the core to increase strength and promote edge grip. All cores are vertically laminated and most are laminated from tip to tail. However, some less expensive boards will use plastic spacers at the tip and tail instead of having wood go all the way through the core. The fiberglass surrounding the core determines the stiffness of the board. Beginner and freestyle rider board will have a single layer of fiberglass weaved in a single direction for more softness and flex. Stiffer boards will have fiberglass laid in multiple angles to increase stiffness and durability. Higher quality fiberglass will also be lighter weight than lesser quality fiberglass. A snowboard should be as lightweight and strong as possible. The top sheet contains the graphics and can be made out of wood, fabric or a material made out of beans. They can protect the fiberglass and core from damage but should not be integral in your choice of a board. Examine the base of the snowboards. Snowboard bases are either extruded, meaning the polyethylene pellets have been melted down before being forced together under pressure, or sintered, meaning the polyethylene pellets are forced together under extremely high pressure without being melted first. The graphics can be applied to bases using screen-printing, sublimation or the die-cut method. Beginner, intermediate and freestyle boards will usually use extruded bases because they are cheaper and easier to repair in case of damage. Extruded bases can be waxed using rub-on wax or a hot wax every 8 times out on the mountain. Sintered bases have pores in between the pellets, meaning they can absorb more wax and are therefore much faster. They will need to have hot wax applied every 3-5 times out on the mountain. Sintered bases especially need to be waxed often to maintain their performance. Screen-printed graphics have been applied directly onto the base in layers from the bottom up to the core. This is usually used on extruded bases. Sublimation is when the graphic is printed onto paper and then uses heat and pressure to transfer the ink from the paper to the base. A second layer is then applied in the same way and then the base is attached to the board with epoxy. Die-cut is when the colors are cut out and inlaid next to each other. Because there is no ink added this makes for a lighter weight board and crisper graphics. Most boards will have a number assigned to the base indicating the number of pores per square inch. These can run from 500-8,000 with more pores meaning a faster board that needs to be waxed more often. Pick the amount of side-cut you want in your new snowboard. This is the amount of curve in the board between the nose and the waist and differs by brand to brand. Side cut is measured in meters by the radius of the circle that would be created if it were continued all the way around. Freestyle riders and beginners may want to choose a board with a lower side cut measure (deeper curve), which affords greater ability to turn quickly. A larger side cut measurement smaller (more shallow) is best for longer, slower turns and provides more surface area on the ground, making it better for freeriders and powder riders. There are many new side cut technologies that offer bumps or areas in the side cut that offer additional contact points to grip better in the snow. These are good for icy hard-packed terrain. Look at the side wall construction. Side walls are the edges of the board between the base and the top. They hold the board together and protect the edges of the core from damage. They can be made with a cap construction or sandwich construction. A cap construction is where the top sheet wraps over the edges of the board and will hold better in icy and hard-packed conditions. They are more durable but more difficult to repair. A sandwich construction is more common and easier to produce, making it cheaper and easier to repair. This is when a sidewall is inserted at the sides to protect the core. The side wall is sandwiched between the top layer and base of the board. Decide on the arch of the board. A camber board is one that has an arch at the center with the nose and tail being the main contact points of the board with the ground. The other type, a rocker board, is the reverse of the camber. Traditional camber has been around since the beginning of snowboards and provide more pop for freestyle riders, more responsive edge changes for all mountain riders and a smoother ride through uneven terrain because it can flex more. They hold their shape and flex for locker than rocker boards. Rocker boards are liked by freestyle riders because they won't catch edges on rails, by backcountry riders because they float over powder and by beginners because they make it easier to roll from edge to edge. Some boards will simply be flat, which is in between a camber and rocker board, providing better turning ability than a fully camber board and more precise edging capability than a fully rocker board. Different brands have different versions of camber and rocker boards so read the descriptions to see what that particular style was designed for. Some brands are now experimenting with mixing the rocker and camber arches together on boards. For example, a board might have rocker in the center and camber at the nose and tail or camber in the center and rocker in the nose and tail. These are designed for different purposes and have a wide range of opinions. There are no rules in terms of camber or rocker. Choose the version that works best for you. Choose your binding mounting. Some boards will have a particular layout of binding attachments for mounting the bindings to the board. In general most boards and bindings will be interchangeable but there are some that will not work together. There are four different types of mounting patterns: 2x4 disc pattern, 4x4 disc pattern, 3D pattern (Burton) and the channel system (Burton). The 2x4 disc pattern has two rows of holes 4 cm apart. In each row the holes are separated by 2 cm. this allows for many different options when mounting bindings. The 4x4 disc pattern has two rows of holes 4 cm apart and within each row the holes are separated by 4 cm. The 3D pattern has holes shaped in a kind of a diamond pattern which are compatible with most bindings but offer more limited options in terms of stance. This pattern is common for Burton boards. The channel system is a rail that allows the rider's feet to have an extremely close connection to the board for a better feel on the board. These are common on Burton boards and it is best to use EST bindings by Burton. These bindings have many stance options. You can purchase a special plate to use non-Burton bindings on a board that uses the channel system. Choose your bindings. Choose your bindings according to both your boots and your board. They should be able to mount to your board and fit your boots inside. They come in three sizes (small, medium and large) and two different styles (strap-in and rear entry). They also differ according to flex, the straps, the highback and baseplate. Choose your size by trying on the bindings with your boots. You can also check the manufacturer's binding chart for the different sizes that will fit with small, medium or large bindings. Strap-in bindings are the most common and have two straps, while rear-entry bindings have a highback that drops down to allow you to slide your boot in. Strap-ins offer the ability to make many adjustments for support and cushioning while rear-entry bindings make it very quick to bind your boots and go. Rear-entry bindings are usually preferred by more comfort-oriented riders. The flex of a binding can vary between 0-10. Freestyle riders will choose a more flexible binding with a flex of 1-2 for greater room for error, easier landings and the ability to tweak grabs. All mountain riders will choose a medium flex of 3-5 for all types of riding while freeriders will choose stiffer bindings with a flex of 6-8 for better response and energy transfer to the snowboard. Strap-in will generally have a toe strap and a larger ankle strap over the ankle. The toe strap can either be a traditional toe strap over the toes or a toe cap strap that goes over and in front of the toes for gaining more response from the board. A one piece strap will be one strap over the foot that is most common on rear entry bindings. The highback is the plate from the heel cup to the lower calf and controls the heelside edge of your board. Softer and shorter high backs give more flexibility and ease to freestyle riders and beginners while stiff and taller highbacks give greater control and speed. Your highback can also be adjusted at an angle according to your preferences. The baseplate is your connection between the binding and the board and are made of different materials. Higher-end bindings will have stronger and more flexible baseplate materials to optimize board flex, power transmission and durability. Some baseplates are also tilted at a slight angle (called canting) to angle your stance and knee position slightly forward for a more natural feel. Kids may get frustrated by bindings that are difficult for them to secure. Step-in bindings or rear-entry bindings are often easier for kids to use but strap-in bindings may be ok as well. Have your kid test out securing the bindings while wearing boots and a snow jacket to make sure they can use them properly. | Determine your experience level. Decide on your riding style. Determine the correct shape for your snowboard based on your style of riding. Determine the appropriate flex for your snowboard based on your style of riding. Pick out your boots. Determine your height and weight to find the appropriate length board. Measure your shoe size to determine the width of the board. Budget for your snowboard. Look at the core and construction of the boards. Examine the base of the snowboards. Pick the amount of side-cut you want in your new snowboard. Look at the side wall construction. Decide on the arch of the board. Choose your binding mounting. Choose your bindings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Focus-on-One-Thing | How to Focus on One Thing | To focus on one thing at a time, try finding a quiet place to work without distractions like TV or side-conversations. If you can't work somewhere quiet, consider using sound reduction headphones, or look online for white noise generators to help cancel out distracting sounds. Additionally, turn off your cell phone or leave it in another room to avoid being distracted by phone alerts. Then, set a specific amount of time for working on 1 thing, and schedule periodic breaks in order to keep yourself motivated. | Write down everything you need to do. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and unfocused, making a list is the easiest and quickest way to simplify and help you plan an attack. To learn what you need to focus on now and how to put everything else in the background, make a list of the things that are pressing on your mind. Short-term tasks should be things that are urgent. What needs to be done today, or by the end of the week? You decide the time frame, but try to keep it as urgent as possible. Long term goals are also important, but only if you translate them into a list of specific short-term things that you can do. If "Become a doctor" is on your list of long-term goals, and is stressing you out, it's not something that you're going to be able to make happen before lunch. But you can start researching med schools. Order the list. How you choose to assign importance to the tasks and prioritize them will depend on you and on your list, but there are several ways of going about it and making your job easier. Don't spend too much time tweaking the list, go with your gut instinct and get things in order so you can get started. One way is the A, B, C method, which breaks down tasks by: A: Must-do, very important tasks that must be done today. Example: Finish the report today by the 4:30 deadline. B: A task that may not be immediate, but will become an "A" priority eventually. Example: Get all tax documents together in order to file by next month. C: Tasks of least importance, although needs to be done. Example: Shred duplicate file. Organize according to importance. Identify the most important tasks on your list and put them at the top, ranking them according to how critical the task is to you. So, if you've got to write a term paper today, put away your laundry, and return a RedBox DVD, the tasks should probably be in that order. Organize according to difficulty. For some people, putting the most difficult tasks up front and getting them out of the way is the best way to approach a to-do list, while others prefer to start small and progressively get bigger. It might be easier to focus more on reading a chapter for your history class if you get your math homework out of the way first. Estimate how much time you’ll need to accomplish each task. Next to each item, it can be helpful to draw up a brief estimate of how much time it'll take you to actually complete it. Again, don't spend a lot of time calculating, or stressing over this detail. You don't even need an actual number, just break each item into a category called "Quick" or "Slow" so you'll know when to assign each task. If you know you won't be able to complete all your history research in the ten minutes you have to get something started, you can put it in the back of your mind and do something else instead with your time. Start the laundry, or write up a thank-you note to someone you've been meaning to get in touch with. That's using your time wisely. Pick the first thing you need to do. After giving some consideration to time and the importance of the tasks, you'll have to put something at the top of the list. Decide what it is that demands your attention right now at this instant and put it there. It might be the most important thing on the list, or the most timely, but whatever it is, it's something that you're going to do and work on until it's finished, or finished-enough for your purposes. Put the list away. Be confident and secure in knowing that you've made a to-do list and you can put it away and ignore it for a while. Once you know what task you're going to complete right now, having the list looming over you will just be distracting and will keep you scattered. Put the list away, in a drawer, or somewhere else you won't be able to see it. Nothing else matters right now but the thing on the top of your list. Desktop stickies are great little reminder tools for a lot of people on their laptops, but consider hiding them when you've really got to focus on something. Don't be stressing about the party you've got to get organized for later if you're writing a term paper. Put the list out of your mind by putting it out of sight. Make a "To-Don't" List. Make a list of things that will not happen right now. Although counter-inuitive, removing tasks from your mental list helps you free yourself to do the things that you really need to do. For example: You will have to work late. Therefore, you cannot make dinner tonight. Your cross country meet conflicts with the yearbook meeting. You can't do both. Find a quiet place to work. Working somewhere you won't be distracted by TV, side-conversations, and other chatter is absolutely essential to learning how to focus. Sometimes, it's tempting to think that sitting in the living room with your roommates or your family is a better and less stressful way to work, but it'll end up taking twice as long and the work will be half as good. If you've got to do something that demands your attention, head to a quiet corner in your room, or head out to the library. If you can't work somewhere quiet, consider investing in sound reduction headphones that'll help to cut out the chatter and center you into what you're doing, whatever it is. If you don't want fancy headphones, check out white noise generators on line, letting ambient music or background static overwhelm the distracting conversations happening around you. Turn off your phone and put it away. It's not just calls and texts anymore, now you've got to worry about social networking updates, emails coming through, and Words with Friends challenges popping up on your phone every five seconds. There's nothing more distracting than a cellphone. Turn it off and put it away when you need to focus. Putting your phone on silent still makes it easy to check. It's better to physically put it somewhere it will be difficult to access. If you're working in your room, charge your phone in another room. If your phone proves very distracting, consider eliminating certain time-suck apps from your phone. You don't actually need Facebook and Twitter on there. Set a specific amount of time to work on one thing. When you're about to get started, look at the clock. How much time do you have to work? How much time will you need to complete the project? How much time can you afford to give it today? Decide how long you're going to work on the task at hand and get cracking. Schedule periodic breaks. It's common to work 50 minutes on, and then take 10 minutes off to get up, walk around, get a drink, and do something else for a while. It'll be less tempting to look at a funny YouTube video right now if you know you'll be able to in another 20 minutes, anyway and not feel guilty about it. Make it impossible to waste time online. Most people work on computers, which is a shaky proposition for a lot of people. Your term paper is right next door to Facebook, wikipedia, and Buzzfeed, meaning that no matter how deep you are into some good work, writing, research, or whatever demands your digital attention, a good YouTube downward spiral is never more than a click away. Learn to recognize your time-wasting habits and head them off at the pass. The easiest way to make it difficult to screw around online is to turn the Internet off. Shut of your WiFi connection so you won't be able to log on and mess around. StayFocused, Anti-Social, LeechBlock, and Cold Turkey are all blockers that you can install if you must use the Internet to complete your work. These will block specific websites, or your whole connection for certain periods of time that you can customize. If you struggle with this, it can be a good idea. Optimize your social media and e-mail filters. Sometimes, you have the best intentions and still social media sucks you in. We say to ourselves, "I've got five minutes, I'm just going to look at Facebook quickly," and an hour later you're elbow-deep in your roommate's high school frenemy's vacation pictures from six years ago. How does this happen? Mute or unsubscribe from all your friends on social media who don't enrich your experience. If you end up getting distracted because of your childhood friend's anti-government screeds on Facebook, don't waste time reading them. Block them, or better yet, unfriend all your imaginary social networking friends. Focus on more important things. Set up your email so it won't alert you every time something new comes in, and organize work emails and personal emails into separate folders or separate accounts to help keep everything straight. You won't have to worry about getting sucked into a catch-up email from grandma while you're working if you don't see it until later. Emails shouldn't demand your immediate attention. Pinpoint your emotional distractions. Not all distractions are YouTube-related. Sometimes, you're focused entirely on reading that novel for English class and all of a sudden your ex pops into your head. Game over. If you find yourself distracted by feelings of anxiety, or common emotional ruts, learn to recognize your habits and better head them off at the pass. If you find yourself distracted by a wandering mind, don't try to tell yourself to stop, give yourself a break. Saying, "Don't think about pink elephants" will always put a pachyderm in your mind. Let yourself think about it for a minute, let yourself be distracted, and get it out of your system. Then put it away. Perform some kind of meditation every day. Taking a few minutes out of your day to sit quietly and contemplatively can lower stress levels, help to center yourself, and quiet loud thoughts that can serve to distract you later while you're supposed to be working. If you struggle with a wandering mind, practice meditation a few times to get the hang of it, then develop a practice that works for you. Meditation doesn't need to involve corny chanting and incense. It's the opposite of complicated. Make a cup of coffee or tea and drink it on your porch and watch the sunrise every morning. Go for a quiet walk in the park and sit on a bench. Just sit. Don't use this time to think about everything you need to do. Use this time to just sit. Work in the same place every day. For some people, developing a routine helps to channel productivity. If you always go to the same coffee shop, or always sit at the same place on the couch to do your work, you'll be more productive, more able to focus, and will be less distracted by the new environment you're experiencing every time you have to do something. Pick a place and make it your place. Alternatively, if staying cooped up in the same old office keeps you feeling restless, go elsewhere. Find a different coffee shop every day and let the white noise of the side conversations and the new pastries invigorate you. Variety helps some people focus more. Wait until you feel friction happen, then go for a walk. David Carr, a New York Times columnist, likes to keep writing and pushing through until he feels himself starting to slow down, until the work starts to bog down his focus. At this point, continuing to work would become unproductive. Instead of banging your head against the wall, put your project away for a minute. Go outside. Walk the dog. Take an aimless trip around the neighborhood for 10 minutes. Grab a coffee and think on the problem you're encountering, but without the ability to fiddle with it. When your break's over, head back refreshed. Give your breaks a physical component. No one can or should sit at a computer for 10 hours straight. When you've gotten the chance to take a break, it's important to use that break to do something physical. Move around. Get up and go for a walk, even if you've got nowhere to go. It might seem corny, but keeping some light hand weights in your office to use periodically while you're reading can help you remember what you're reading more. Studies show that light exercise aids memory retention. Have a snack. Low blood sugar keeps the mind from firing on all cylinders, meaning that a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit during the afternoon dip in energy will help you get back on track and focus. Celebrate each accomplishment. When you get something done from your list, celebrate that thing for a minute. Even if all you give yourself is a pat on the back and the chance to cross it off the list definitively, take a minute before you do something else to relax. You earned it. Use small celebrations for every day things. When you finish your project for the work day, cross it off the list and pour a glass of wine. Or tear up the list entirely and burn the scraps. You're done! Let yourself go big for big accomplishments. Head out to a nice restaurant when you finally get all your applications in for graduate schools, or treat yourself to something at the end of a long-term difficult project. | Write down everything you need to do. Order the list. Estimate how much time you’ll need to accomplish each task. Pick the first thing you need to do. Put the list away. Make a "To-Don't" List. Find a quiet place to work. Turn off your phone and put it away. Set a specific amount of time to work on one thing. Make it impossible to waste time online. Optimize your social media and e-mail filters. Pinpoint your emotional distractions. Perform some kind of meditation every day. Work in the same place every day. Wait until you feel friction happen, then go for a walk. Give your breaks a physical component. Celebrate each accomplishment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hang-Christmas-Lights-Around-Windows | How to Hang Christmas Lights Around Windows | To hang Christmas lights around windows, measure your windows so you know how many strands and hooks you'll need. When you're ready to hang the lights, place hooks every 2 to 3 inches, and continue all the way around the windowsill to keep lights in place. Then, drape the lights evenly on the hooks. In order to secure the lights to the hooks, use transparent tape or plastic cable ties. | Go for miniature sized lights to avoid overwhelming your windows. Miniature lights will provide enough light to illuminate your windows without being too bright or too big. Miniature lights are often narrow and long in shape to provide a nice twinkle when they are turned on. Try LED lights for a bright, blueish color. LED lights will have a blueish tint, especially if you go for white lights. They are also usually more durable and last longer than incandescent lights. LED lights may also be a better option if you only have 1 power source, as they are energy-efficient. Go for incandescent lights for a warm, orange glow. Incandescent lights have bulbs that are slightly orange. These lights give off a warm twinkle when placed in windows, so they may be ideal if you prefer warmer looking lights. Keep in mind incandescent lights may not last as long as LED lights. You may need to replace incandescent lights more often, or each season, to keep them looking warm and bright. Get battery operated lights if you do not have a plug nearby. Battery operated lights are a great option for lights around windows and doors, as they do not require a power source. They often come in small strands made for wrapping around standard sized windows and have a small battery pack attached to them that you can hide behind a curtain or window sill. Look for battery operated lights at your local hardware store or online. Pick white lights for a classic look. Go for white lights around your windows if you want a simple, clean look for your home. You may also opt for white lights if you are putting up colored lights in other spots on your home or in your yard. Opt for colored lights for a bold look. For an eye-catching look, go for multi-colored lights or lights in traditional Christmas colors like green and red. Try a strands of red, white, and blue lights for your windows for a fun holiday look. You may also use colored lights in the same color to give your windows a uniform look, such as all blue or all red lights. Measure the windows so you know how many strands and hooks you need. Use a measuring tape to measure the length around your windows to determine how long the christmas lights need to be. You may need to buy several strands or rolls of lights to line your windows, especially if you are putting lights around multiple windows. You should also factor in how many hooks you will need per window. Usually about 6-8 hooks per a window is a good estimate. Light hooks are important as they are specially made to keep the lights in place when you hang them. They are usually made of plastic and are white or transparent so they are less noticeable. You may want to tack on a few extra inches onto your measurements for the lights so you have more than enough. This can ensure you have the extra length needed to plug the lights into a power source. Buy the lights and hooks online or in stores. Christmas lights can range in price from $10-$20 USD for 50 to 100 lights per strand. Check online at holiday light retailers or in big box stores for Christmas lights that fit your budget and needs. Light hooks are often sold in bulk in large boxes of 50-100 at hardware stores or online. Go for hooks made to hold Christmas lights in place, as they will have slots large enough to fit the lights and ensure they stay secure. Put the lights up outside if you have access to an external power source. Make sure you have an external power source you can use to plug in the outdoor lights. Outdoor lights may also be ideal if you have lights that are durable and can withstand weather changes. You may also just prefer the look of outdoor lights on your home. If you are using battery operated lights for the windows, you do not need to worry about having access to an external power source. Hang lights on the inside of your windows for a low-maintenance option. Another option is to place Christmas lights on the inside of your windows so you do not have to worry about the bulbs being exposed to cold weather or the climate. Putting lights up indoors also means you can keep the bulbs clean and bright for the entire holiday season. Indoor lights may also be a good option if you do not have an external power source or want to use battery operated lights. Put the same light type together for a uniform look. Do not mix LED and incandescent lights together, as the difference in the bulb color will create too much of a contrast. Instead, put the same type together so the lights look uniform and emit the same kind of light. Mix and match different colored lights to form a pattern. Create a holiday pattern by putting up red and green lights on your windows, alternating between each color in each window. Or use white and blue lights in each window for a fun pattern. Multi-colored lights are also a good option if you'd prefer to keep the windows uniform but also festive. Factor in the other holiday decorations on your home. If you plan to put up Christmas lights in other areas in your home or on the outside of your home, think about how the window lights fit into the overall design. Make sure your window lights complement the other lights you are going to put up or other Christmas decorations you are using. For example, you may opt for window lights that are red if you plan to put up green lights on the railings and eaves of your home. Or you may go for multi-colored window lights if you are going to use white lights on the trees and bushes in your front yard. Test the lights before you put them up. Put the lights on the ground in your yard or your home and plug them into a power source. Make sure every bulb works on the strand and that there are no dull or broken bulbs. If you notice a dull or broken bulb, you can buy a replacement bulb or use a strand with no broken bulbs instead. You can also return the strand with the dull or broken bulb and ask for a replacement strand, especially if you purchased the lights recently. Connect strands of lights together so they fit around the windows. Using your measurements for your windows, attach the strands to each other via a plug at the end of each strand. Make sure the lights are all facing the same direction when you attach them together so they look uniform. Put the light hooks 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) apart around the windows. The hooks will have an adhesive on one side that you can attach to the outside or inside of your windows so the hooks stay in place. This will save you the trouble of using screws or nails to put up the lights, which can damage your windows. Use at least 6-8 hooks per window, 1 in each corner and 1-2 on each side of the window so the lights can hang properly. Hang the lights on the hooks, spacing them evenly apart. Begin at the highest point on the window and work your way down. Slide the bulbs into the notch on the hooks. Make sure the lights are all facing the same direction and they sit flush against the window. Use a ladder to hang lights on high windows. Make sure the ladder is stable and safe to use. Secure the lights to the hooks with transparent tape or plastic cable ties. Use small pieces of transparent tape around the bottom of the bulbs to secure them to the hooks. You can also look plastic cable ties around the bulb and the hook to keep the lights in place. Look for transparent tape and cable ties at your local hardware store or online. Plug the lights into a power source, if needed. If you are not using battery operated lights, you will need to plug them into a power source. If the plug on the light is not long enough to reach a power source, run an extension cord from the lights to a nearby power source. Use electrical tape to cover the extension cord and secure it against your home so it is not in the way. Then, plug in the lights and enjoy the festive look of your windows. | Go for miniature sized lights to avoid overwhelming your windows. Try LED lights for a bright, blueish color. Go for incandescent lights for a warm, orange glow. Get battery operated lights if you do not have a plug nearby. Pick white lights for a classic look. Opt for colored lights for a bold look. Measure the windows so you know how many strands and hooks you need. Buy the lights and hooks online or in stores. Put the lights up outside if you have access to an external power source. Hang lights on the inside of your windows for a low-maintenance option. Put the same light type together for a uniform look. Mix and match different colored lights to form a pattern. Factor in the other holiday decorations on your home. Test the lights before you put them up. Connect strands of lights together so they fit around the windows. Put the light hooks 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) apart around the windows. Hang the lights on the hooks, spacing them evenly apart. Secure the lights to the hooks with transparent tape or plastic cable ties. Plug the lights into a power source, if needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You-Have-Hydrocele | How to Know if You Have Hydrocele | A hydrocele is a build up of fluid that can occur in one or both of your testicles. You'll know you have a hydrocele if you have swelling inside your testicles. It may also feel heavy and a little uncomfortable while you walk. Hydroceles are usually a result of inflammation, infection, or injury to one or both of your testicles. In some cases, you may experience pain while urinating. If you think you have a hydrocele, visit a doctor as soon as possible so they can rule out underlying conditions. | Look for swelling. Stand in front of the mirror and look at your scrotum. If you have a hydrocele, at least one side of your scrotum will be larger than it normally is. If you are trying to determine if an infant is suffering from a hydrocele, the procedure will be similar. Look for swelling in the testicles. The swelling may be on either or both sides of the testicles. Feel for a hydrocele. Often, a hydrocele will feel like a fluid-filled sac inside the scrotum. Gently grasp your swollen testicle and see if you can feel this balloon-like sac in your scrotum. Typically, a hydrocele will not feel painful. If, when touching your scrotum, you experience pain, contact your doctor as it could indicate something more serious. If an infant has a swollen testicle, you can identify a hydrocele by gently feeling the scrotum. Inside the scrotum, you will feel the testicle, and if there is a hydrocele, you will feel a second lump that feels like a soft, fluid-filled sac. In infants, this sac could be as small as a peanut. Your doctor will do a physical examination and order an ultrasound to diagnose a hydrocele. Your doctor may also perform the flashlight test. If the mass trans-illuminates under exposure to a flashlight, then it is a hydrocele. If it doesn't then it may be something more serious like a mass or hernia. Pay attention to any difficulty walking that you experience. The more your scrotum swells, the more likely it is that you will have a hard time walking. Men with this issue have described the feeling as a dragging sensation, like something heavy was tied to their testicles. This is because gravity pulls your scrotum down, but because there is fluid in it that wasn't there for most of your life, it will feel heavier than normal. You might also experience this dragging sensation when you stand up after you have been lying or sitting down for a while. Monitor any increase in swelling as time goes on. If you do not begin treatment for the hydrocele, your scrotum will continue to swell. If this happens, you might find it hard to put on your regular pants, instead opting to wear baggier pants so that no pressure is put on your swollen scrotum. If you believe you might have a hydrocele, it is best to have a doctor determine the cause of the problem. Sometimes, a hydrocele is an indication of a hernia, which needs to be treated by a doctor. Be aware of any pain you feel while urinating. Normally, you won't feel any pain while urinating if you have a hydrocele. However, if your hydrocele is caused by an infection in the epididymis and testis (which is referred to as epididymal orchitis) you will most likely feel pain when you go to the bathroom. You should talk to a doctor right away if you begin experiencing this pain. Understand what causes hydroceles in adult men. Men can have hydroceles for many reasons, the three most common of which are inflammation, infection (such as a sexually transmitted infection), or injury to one or both of their testicles. It can also be caused by injury or infection in the epididymis (a coil-like tube at the back of the testicles which is responsible for the maturation, storage and transport of sperm). Sometimes, a hydrocele can also be formed if your tunica vaginalis (the membrane-like covering that covers your testes) collects too much fluid without being able to get rid of it. To differentiate hydrocele from other testicular pathology, such as testicular cancer or hernia, shine a flashlight on the scrotum and see if the scrotum transilluminates (allows light to pass through the mass). To do this, dim the lights and shine a bright flashlight at the scrotum. If the scrotum transilluminates, then the mass is a hydrocele. Be aware that hernias can cause hydroceles. A hernia can cause a hydrocele. However, this form of hydrocele generally presents itself as swelling higher up in the scrotum. To put it in perspective, this sort of swelling is about 2 to 4 centimeter (0.8 to 1.6 in) from the base of the scrotum. A hernia occurs when an organ protrudes through the tissue that normally contains it. In the case of a hydrocele, it is not uncommon for a piece of the intestine to protrude through the abdominal wall into the scrotum and is known as an inguinal hernia. Know that filariasis can cause a type of hydrocele. Filariasis is a tropical disease that is caused by filarial worms get into a person's lymph vessels. These worms are also the cause of elephantiasis. Instead of abdomen fluid, these worms cause a hydrocele to form that is actually filled with cholesterol and can be referred to as a chylocele. If you live in the United States and have never visited Asia, Africa, a Western Pacific Island or any part of the Caribbean or South American, then you do not need to worry about this. However, if you live in any of these places or have spent time in these areas prior to your hydrocele development, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Visit a doctor. If you have a hydrocele, it is generally best to visit a doctor because a hydrocele could indicate more serious problems. Before your appointment, write down any recent injuries around the genital area that have occurred, any symptoms you have had (e.g. pain or difficulty walking), any medications you are taking, any inflammatory conditions of the scrotum, and when the hydrocele appeared. Understand the normal development of a newborn’s testicles. In order to understand what is happening to your newborn, it's generally important to understand the normal process so you can figure out what went wrong. Testicles develop in a fetus's abdomen, very close to the kidneys, which later descend into the scrotum through a tunnel known as the inguinal canal. When the testicles descend, they are preceded by a sac that's formed from the lining of the abdomen (this is called the processus vaginalis). The processus vaginalis normally closes above the testicles, which prevents fluid from entering. If it doesn't close properly, a hydrocele can form. Hydroceles result from a reaction to testicular torsion, epididymitis, orchitis, or trauma. These conditions are ruled out by physical examination and ultrasound. Be aware that your child might have a communicating hydrocele. A communicating hydrocele means that the sac around the testicles (the process vaginalis) remains open, rather than closing up like it's supposed to. When it remains open, it allows fluid to get into the scrotum, creating the hydrocele. While the sac remains open, fluid can flow back and forth from the abdomen to the scrotum which means that the size of the scrotum will get larger and smaller throughout the day. Know that your child could also have a non-communicating hydrocele. A non-communicating hydrocele forms when the testicles descend as they should with the sac (the processus vaginalis) closing up around them. However, the fluid that goes into the sac with the testicles doesn't get absorbed by your child's body, so it gets trapped in the scrotum and forms a hydrocele. This type of hydrocele usually disappears within the first year of a child's life. However, in an older child, it could indicate a more serious problem, and should be seen by a doctor. If your child was born with a non-communicating hydrocele that doesn't disappear within one year, ask your child's doctor to check the hydrocele again. Talk to the infant’s doctor or pediatrician. Although it is usually nothing to worry about, if an infant has a hydrocele that your doctor has not already addressed, you should talk to them about the hydrocele, especially if the baby is over one year old. This is because it could indicate a more serious problem. Take note of when you first noticed the hydrocele, whether or not the child is experiencing any pain, and anything else that could be related to the hydrocele. A majority of the hydroceles resolve in newborns by one year of age. Surgical intervention is warranted in those that do not resolve after one year, those that are communicating hydroceles, and those that are idiopathic hydroceles that are symptomatic. | Look for swelling. Feel for a hydrocele. Pay attention to any difficulty walking that you experience. Monitor any increase in swelling as time goes on. Be aware of any pain you feel while urinating. Understand what causes hydroceles in adult men. Be aware that hernias can cause hydroceles. Know that filariasis can cause a type of hydrocele. Visit a doctor. Understand the normal development of a newborn’s testicles. Be aware that your child might have a communicating hydrocele. Know that your child could also have a non-communicating hydrocele. Talk to the infant’s doctor or pediatrician. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-High-Tops | How to Wear High Tops | To wear high tops, make sure your pants and shoes contrast a little. For example, you can pair black skinny jeans or tights with colorful high tops, or vise versa. If you have clunkier shoes, try dressing them up with a dress if you're a girl, or a well-fitted trench coat if you're a guy. With this look, you'll want to wear socks and choose your high tops carefully. You can also wear high tops with shorts, which is especially fitting in the summer. | Think carefully about what style to get. Which type of sneaker do you want to wear: thin or thick? A thin high top is something like a pair of Converse sneakers, shoes made of a light fabric that, when tied to the top, rests snugly against the leg. An example of a thick version would be a Nike Air Force 1 or Reebok Freestyle that is wide at the ankle and has more bulk. The issue with thin high sneakers is that if tightly laced all the way up to the top, the shoes can make your ankles look awkward and small. With chunkier sneakers, be aware that they might make your feet appear larger than they are. Think about what brand you like. What have you purchased in the past? What brand not only looks great but fits your feet? Converse? Nike? Reebok? Or do you want to go upscale and wear Raf Simons, Michael Kors, or Isabel Marant sneakers? The most important thing to remember when buying high tops is to ensure that they're a good fit. This does sound trivial but it's easy to get the size and fit wrong, especially with online purchasing. Think carefully about what color you want. Consider what would suit your personal style and also what you have in your wardrobe that complement them nicely. Like many things, high tops are at their best in simplicity. Black is the best and safest bet for both men and women, like a pair of Reebok Classic Black Hightops. Remember that black basically goes with everything. The next best choice is white or another block color, like red, navy, etc. Small injections of color can be fun; you want what you wear to reflect your personality. But keep such injections of color small or limited to one color. If you're thinking of going for a bright block color, the success of the look depends entirely on your surrounding outfit. If you are looking at the pair of sneakers that look like Skittles, pause for a minute. You might like the color, but you should also think about whether or not that color suits you, fits with your wardrobe, and is something you can and will wear for months. Novelty colors are fun and can look great, but they can also get tiresome. Wear skinny jeans with high tops. This is a great look and very contemporary - and it works for both men and women, since skinny jeans are popular for both! Be smart in pairing your skinny jeans or other skinny pants or tights with sneakers. For example, if you're wearing black jeans, wear colored high tops. If you're wearing colorful jeans, maybe go for a more subtle shoe choice. As a general rule, don't wear converse the same color as your jeans (unless they're both black because black is a classic and basic shade). This look really highlights the shoes and accents the lower half of your outfit. Wear pants with wider legs if pairing with thin high tops. Dress your Converse or similar thin sneaker with pants that are wide at the bottom or allow for a peek of skin to pop out between the pants and shoes – this will keep your body proportions feeling right. This outfit is a great option for most women! For men, however, pairing baggy pants with high tops is a strict no-no. Wearing baggy paints with high tops creates a bulky look and makes men look clumsy and unkempt instead of cool and stylish. Instead, men should pair their high tops with a pair of casual straight or skinny jeans, a cool T-shirt and an open cardigan (preferably the same color as the high tops). Roll the bottoms of jeans to create a bit of volume to offset the sneakers. This is a nice spring-and-summer look that works for both men and women, given the recent fashion trend of cropped pants. Make sure not have any visible socks peeking out. Cropping or rolling your pants helps to focus attention on the shoe while purposefully showing a little ankle. This look really only works with clean, smart sneakers of a single color. Dress up your sneakers. For women, consider wearing dresses or skirts with high sneakers. This is a great style for women that will highlight your legs and make them look long and lean. It's particularly ideal to wear clunkier shoes with skirts or dresses. Because the shoe has weight, it can stand on its own and usually looks best without baggy pants or tights competing with it. You may want to avoid dresses or skirts with thin high tops; sometimes this look can be a little dated. Think skater girls, such as Avril Lavigne, circa 2003. Wear socks with your high tops Men can also dress up their high tops though not perhaps with a skirt in most cases. Instead, a well-fitted trench coat can look very chic and urban-modern with the right high tops. Take care, however, to not end up looking like you're wearing a costume from the film "The Breakfast Club"! Pair shorts with high tops for a summer look. This is especially a good option for men, who may not feel comfortable wearing shorts with sandals in the summertime. For women, pairing shorts with their high top sneakers is super modern and also, again, highlights their figures and great legs! Tie the laces. This is a key component of wearing high tops as a fashion statement. You want to look cool, not like a slob who can't be bothered to tie his or her laces. | Think carefully about what style to get. Think about what brand you like. Think carefully about what color you want. Wear skinny jeans with high tops. Wear pants with wider legs if pairing with thin high tops. Roll the bottoms of jeans to create a bit of volume to offset the sneakers. Dress up your sneakers. Pair shorts with high tops for a summer look. Tie the laces. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-If-Your-Dog-Is-Dreaming | How to Know If Your Dog Is Dreaming | To know if your dog is dreaming, look closely at its eyes to see if they're moving, which is a sign that your dog is having a dream. Also, watch your dog to see if its body moves at all since dogs tend to twitch and move their legs when they're dreaming about something. You can also listen for faint barking, whining, or crying, which could mean that your dog is dreaming. | Learn the different sleep stages. Just like people, dogs have different stages of sleep: short wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM). REM is considered to be the “sleep of body,” when the body is relaxed but the mind is very active. Dogs dream during REM. SWS is known as the “sleep of the mind,” when brain activities have decreased, but muscle tone is still present. It would be somewhat difficult to wake up your dog during the REM sleep stage, but he would probably wake up more easily during SWS. Observe your dog’s eye movements. Dogs tend to start dreaming about 20 minutes after they fall asleep. Rapid eye movement is one of the most obvious signs that your dog is dreaming. If you look closely enough, you may be able to see your dog's eyes moving under his eyelids. This movement is due to your dog actually seeing his dream images as if they were happening in real life. Your dog's eyes may be fully or partially closed when he is dreaming. Watch your dog’s body movements. Quite naturally, dogs dream about typical dog activities (e.g., running,digging a hole and fighting with an imaginary burglar). His body movements when he is dreaming will likely reflect what is happening in his dream. For example, if he is running and/or chasing after something in his dream, you'll probably see all of his legs moving in a running motion. Your dog's movements will likely be gentle and intermittent when he is dreaming, even if he is 'running.' Your dog may also have occasional muscle twitches during his dream. These twitches will look jerky and will not last long. He will quickly fall back into a more relaxed state. Even though your dog may move occasionally while he is dreaming, his overall body posture will suggest that he is relaxed and at peace. Listen to your dog’s vocalizations. Your dog may begin to make various noises when he is dreaming. For example, he may bark, whine, or cry, depending on what he is dreaming about. Usually, these vocalizations will be brief and infrequent, and will not wake him from his dream. Your dog may also breathe differently during a dream. For example, he may start to breathe rapidly or have brief periods when he holds his breath. Your dog's breath may also become shallow. Do not wake up your dog when he is dreaming. As much you appreciate having uninterrupted sleep, your dog would also appreciate if you did not wake him up. Similar to human dreams, your dog's dreams function to process and reorganize what he did during the day. By allowing your dog to sleep and dream uninterrupted, his brain will be better able to process information. A helpful saying to remember when your dog is dreaming is “Let sleeping dogs lie.” You may need to wake him up if he looks like he's having a bad dream or nightmare (e.g., distressed-sounded vocalizations). If this is the case, gently call his name (without touching him) to wake him up. When he is awake, talk to him in a reassuring voice to help him calm down. Do not touch your dog when he is dreaming. Depending on what your dog is dreaming about, he may be in a relatively active state when he is sleeping. If you try to wake him by touching him, he may react defensively and try to scratch or bite you. Learn what a seizure looks like. At first glance, your dog's movements and vocalizations during a dream may look troubling, and you may wonder if he is having a seizure. Recognizing what a seizure looks like will help you determine if your dog is having a seizure or is just having a very active dream. For example, if your dog is having a seizure, his body will become stiff and he may begin to tremble heavily or have violent muscle activity. During a seizure, your dog may start to pant excessively and might vomit, urinate, or defecate. If your dog is having a seizure, his eyes may be wide open but have a blank stare. He might also begin to have loud, involuntary vocalizations (moaning, howling, screaming). These vocalizations might be very unsettling to you, but are not signs of pain and distress. Unlike a dream, your dog will likely lose consciousness if he is having a seizure. Because of this, he would not respond to you if you called his name. If your dog has had a seizure, he would be very disoriented and confused after regaining consciousness. This is different from a dream, which your dog would wake up from and not feel disoriented. If your dog is having a seizure, stay calm and stay away from his head and mouth. Clear away any item, such as furniture, on which he could injure himself. Even though he may be unconscious, talk to him in a soothing voice until the seizure ends. When the seizure ends, cool him down with a fan and call your veterinarian. Seizures require immediate medical attention. | Learn the different sleep stages. Observe your dog’s eye movements. Watch your dog’s body movements. Listen to your dog’s vocalizations. Do not wake up your dog when he is dreaming. Do not touch your dog when he is dreaming. Learn what a seizure looks like. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Heal-Skin-Fast | How to Heal Skin Fast | The key to helping your skin heal fast is keeping it clean and sterile. When you first get a cut or scrape, rinse it with warm water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a Band-Aid or bandage to protect the wound from bacteria. If you have a rash or irritated skin, apply a damp, cold towel to your skin to soothe it. Wash your compress every 10 minutes to keep it cool. You can also apply a layer of aloe vera, petroleum jelly, or calendula to your skin once or twice a day to help it heal. Try to avoid scratching or picking at your rash, since this can make it worse. | Wash the area with warm water. Place the cut or scrape under warm running water to remove surface dirt and debris. Make sure the water is not too hot, as it can damage your skin further. Allow the water to rinse off the cut or scrape. As you rinse off the cut or scrape, notice if it is very deep or large. If you can see tissue or fat inside the cut or it is 3 inches (7.6 cm) or larger in diameter, go to your doctor right away. You may need stitches for the cut to properly heal. Apply an antibiotic ointment. Look for an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment at your local drugstore or pharmacy. Use clean fingers to apply the ointment one to three times a day or as directed on the label. The ointment will help to keep the area moist and prevent bacteria from getting into broken skin, allowing it to heal. You may use antibiotic ointments like Bactine or Polysporin. Cover the scrape or cut with a bandage. Keep the cut or scrape moist and protected with a bandage. Use a small Band-Aid for a smaller wound or cut. Put non-fluffy gauze on a larger wound or cut, securing the ends with medical tape. Change the dressing once a day and keep the cut or scrape covered. To ensure the cut or scrape heals quickly, make sure you put on a fresh bandage every 24 hours. Remove the old bandage and apply antibiotic ointment to the cut. Then, put on a new bandage. Keep the cut or scrape covered so it can stay moist and heal quickly. Make sure you keep the cut or scrape covered when you go outside and expose your skin to the sun. The sun can discolor the cut or scrape, leading to a slower healing time. You should take off the bandage only when you are in the shower, as the moisture will help the cut to heal. Go to the doctor if the cut or scrape does not heal after 1 to 3 weeks. Most minor cuts and surface scrapes will heal within 1 to 3 weeks with no scarring. If the cut or scrape does not show signs of improvement, or a scab does not form, go to your doctor. They can assess the cut or scrape and determine if it has become infected. Use a cool compress to soothe your skin. If the rash is swollen or irritated, soothe it by applying a clean towel soaked in cold water. Lay the compress over the irritated area and leave it on for 5-10 minutes at a time. Do not rub the compress on your skin, as this can irritate the rash further. Change the compress every 5-10 minutes so the area stays cool. Apply hydrocortisone ointment. Hydrocortisone helps to reduce redness and swelling on your skin. Look for hydrocortisone cream at your local drugstore or pharmacy. Apply the cream once or twice a day to your skin with a clean finger. Stop using the hydrocortisone ointment once your skin heals, as using it on healthy skin can cause redness. Apply aloe vera or calendula to irritated skin. Get aloe vera in the form of a gel or ointment. You can also use the fresh juice from an aloe vera plant on your skin. Put one to two layers of aloe vera on your skin once or twice a day to help it heal. Calendula usually comes in the form of an ointment. Apply it with clean fingers to the area one to two times a day. Look for calendula ointment at your local health food store or online. Make a tea tree oil compress to soothe dry skin. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal irritated skin. Dilute the tea tree oil before you apply it, as it can be very strong. Combine two to four drops of tea tree oil with 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) water. Dip a cotton pad or a clean cloth in the mixture and dab it on the scrape or cut. Do this once a day until your skin heals. Look for tea tree oil at your local health food store or online. You can also have a warm bath with two to four drops of tea tree oil in the water, exposing your skin to the oil. Use petroleum jelly on a rash. Thick gels like petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) are good for soothing skin that is dry and irritated due to a rash. Use clean fingers to apply one to two layers of petroleum jelly on the area. Do this 1-3 times a day to keep the area moist and to reduce any itching or swelling. Avoid using soaps and lotions with harsh ingredients and fragrance. Chemicals and artificial fragrances can irritate your skin further. Stay away from soaps, lotions, and sprays that contain these ingredients, so your skin can heal. Read the ingredients label on any soaps or lotions you use to make sure they do not contain harsh chemicals or additives. Do not scratch or pick at the rash. Resist the temptation to scratch the rash, as this will only make it worse. Cover it with thick clothing or a bandage to protect it and avoid scratching it. If the rash starts to flake, do not pick off dry or peeling skin. This will just prolong the healing process. Let the skin come off on its down. See your dermatologist if the rash is painful, swollen, or hot to the touch. These may be signs that the rash is infected or you have developed a serious skin issue. You should also go to the doctor if you develop a fever, chest pain, or have trouble breathing. Your dermatologist will examine your skin to determine the cause. They may also take a sample of your skin to test it so they can figure out what is causing your skin issue. Discuss your treatment options. Your dermatologist may prescribe a topical antibiotic ointment if your skin issue is due to a rash or an allergic reaction. They may also suggest you avoid foods or substances that may be causing your skin allergy. Apply mineral oil and petroleum jelly to heal dry skin or eczema. Mineral oil helps to keep your skin moist and soft. Petroleum jelly is also a good option, as it forms a thick barrier on your skin to keep it from becoming more dry. Use clean fingers to apply the mineral oil or petroleum jelly to any affected areas 1-3 times a day. Use Manuka honey on dry skin or eczema. Manuka honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is more potent than other types of honey and can help to heal dry skin and eczema. Apply the honey to your skin with clean fingers and let it dry. Do this several times a day to help the area heal fast. Look for honey that has a high “unique Manuka factor” (UMF) of at least 10 or higher. You can buy Manuka honey at your local health food store or online. Apply a calming oil serum on dry skin. Oil serums contain healing ingredients to help soothe your skin and reduce swelling or irritation. Buy calming oil serum at your local drugstore or online. Put 1 to 2 dabs of oil serum on your skin 1 to 2 times a day, preferably in the morning and at night. Make sure the oil serum does not contain any fragrance, harsh chemicals or artificial ingredients, as they can irritate your skin. Take short showers or baths to keep your skin hydrated. Keep the bathroom door closed when you shower or bath, to keep the room moist. Have 5 to 10 minute showers or bath with warm, rather than hot water. Taking long hot showers or baths can dry out your skin and irritate it further. Do not expose any open wounds or cuts on your skin to hot water in the shower or bath, as this can damage the skin further. Use warm water instead. Use a gentle cleanser. Make sure the cleanser does not contain any fragrances, preservatives, dyes, or chemicals. Look for a cleanser made for dry skin and eczema. The cleanser should be gentle and healing on your skin. You can find a list of cleansers for eczema on the National Eczema Association website: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-products/cleansers/. Apply a moisturizer as soon as you finish showering or bathing. Pat yourself dry with a towel and put on a soothing moisturizer immediately afterward. This will trap the moisture in your skin and prevent it from drying out. Use a moisturizer that contains natural ingredients like shea butter, oats, and essential oils like olive oil or jojoba oil. Moisturizers that contain mineral oil, lactic acid, and lanolin can also be healing for your skin. Apply an oil serum or a healing ointment to your skin over the moisturizer to keep it hydrated and to help it to heal. Resist the urge to scratch or itch the eczema. Rubbing, itching, and touching your skin will only make it worse. Try to avoid scratching any affected areas, as this can spread eczema to other parts of your body. Wear thick clothing and keep the area covered so you are not tempted to scratch. Try applying mineral oil or petroleum jelly when you have the urge to scratch, so you can soothe the area without damaging it. Wear clothing made of breathable materials. Go for clothing made of cotton and linen. Wear clothing that has wicking properties so your skin does not become irritated throughout the day. Avoid clothing made of wool, nylon, and other non-breathable fabrics. Go to your dermatologist if your skin does not improve within 2 to 3 weeks. If your skin does not improve with home care, go to your dermatologist for guidance. They can prescribe medicated cream to treat eczema and very dry skin. They may also suggest lifestyle and diet changes to address the issue. | Wash the area with warm water. Apply an antibiotic ointment. Cover the scrape or cut with a bandage. Change the dressing once a day and keep the cut or scrape covered. Go to the doctor if the cut or scrape does not heal after 1 to 3 weeks. Use a cool compress to soothe your skin. Apply hydrocortisone ointment. Apply aloe vera or calendula to irritated skin. Make a tea tree oil compress to soothe dry skin. Use petroleum jelly on a rash. Avoid using soaps and lotions with harsh ingredients and fragrance. Do not scratch or pick at the rash. See your dermatologist if the rash is painful, swollen, or hot to the touch. Discuss your treatment options. Apply mineral oil and petroleum jelly to heal dry skin or eczema. Use Manuka honey on dry skin or eczema. Apply a calming oil serum on dry skin. Take short showers or baths to keep your skin hydrated. Use a gentle cleanser. Apply a moisturizer as soon as you finish showering or bathing. Resist the urge to scratch or itch the eczema. Wear clothing made of breathable materials. Go to your dermatologist if your skin does not improve within 2 to 3 weeks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Cat-Condo | How to Build a Cat Condo | To make a simple cat condo, start with a cardboard box large enough for your cat to fit inside. If the box has flaps, cut them off with a box cutter or fold them inward and secure them with glue. Turn the box on its side so the open side is facing you, then use fabric glue to stick a piece of fabric over the “doorway,” creating a curtain to give your cat some privacy. To make the condo more comfortable, put a towel or fleece blanket inside. | Find a cardboard box large enough to fit your cat. If there is a large cardboard box that your cat already likes to sleep in, consider using that. Lay the box down on its side. If the box has a top part that folds down, cut it off using a box cutter. You can also fold the flaps inward and secure them with glue. Consider painting the box or covering it with fabric. You can paint the box using spray paint or acrylic paint. You can also cover it with glue and fabric. Apply acrylic paint using a wide paint brush or a foam brush. To reduce brushstrokes, apply the paint in thin layers. Let each layer dry before applying another one. If you are spray painting the box, go outside or work in a well-ventilated area. Be sure to cover your work surface with lots of newspaper. To cover your box with fabric: Cut five pieces of fabric. Each one needs to be large enough to cover each side of the box. Cover the box with glue, and press the fabric down onto it. Work on one side at a time. Place a towel or a fleece blanket inside the box. You can cut it down to fit inside the box, or just fold it. This will make the box more comfortable for your cat. Consider draping a curtain over the front opening of the box. Cats love dark, private places. Cut a piece of fabric that is the same with as your box, and about ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) taller. Draw a ½ inch wide line of fabric glue along the top edge, closest to the opening. Press the edge of the curtain down into the glue. Consider gluing a ½ to 1 inch wide ribbon all the way around the edge of the box opening. This will not only hide the top edge of the curtain, but also give the box some contrast. Place the cat condo in a place your cat will notice. To encourage your cat to use the box, scatter some cat treats or catnip inside the box. Find two cube shaped boxes large enough for your cat to fit inside. Both boxes need to be the same size. A great place to pick up boxes is at an art store, an office supply store, or a post office. You can also ask your local shops for any shipping boxes. Most stores toss them out once they unpack their products. Use a pencil to draw a doorway in the first box. It must be large enough for your cat to craw through. Use your cat's whiskers as a guideline for the width. Cats will not go through anything they can't get their whiskers through. The doorway can be any shape you want, but make sure that it is as close to the bottom edge as possible. Here are some ideas to get you started: Set circle and paw print shaped doors about 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) up from the bottom edge. Use a plate to trace the circle or paw pad. Use a small cup to trace the "fingers" of the paw. Set arched, square, and triangular doors right against the bottom edge. Cut the doorway out using a box cutter. If your box came flat or unfolded, slide a self-heating cutting mat inside box before you start cutting. Be sure to erase any remaining pencil marks after you cut the doorway out. Secure the top and bottom of the first box, if necessary. If your box came flat or unfolded, put it together first. Glue the bottom flaps shut using tacky glue, wood glue, or white glue. Consider adding a window to the second box. Make it smaller than the doorway, and set it fight in the middle of the box side. You can make it any shape you want, but it might look better if it matches the doorway. Use a pencil to draw the shape, and a box cutter to cut it out. Carefully erase any pencil marks that are left over after you cut the window out. If your second box came flat/unfolded, slip a self-healing cutting mat inside before cutting it. Secure the bottom of the second box with glue. Do not secure the top part just yet. Once again, if your second box came flat or unfolded, put it together first. Glue the flaps shut like you did with the first box. You are leaving the second box open so that you can add a crawl hole into the floor later. Glue the second box on top of the first box and let the glue dry. Use a wide paintbrush or a foam brush to apply the glue to the top of the first box, and the bottom of the second box. Press both boxes together. The window and doorway can be facing the same direction, or they can be facing in different directions. Use a marker to trace a crawl hole in the floor of the second box. Place a plate down in the corner of the box, about 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) away from both edges. Draw around the plate using a marker, and lift the plate away. Cut hole out using a box cutter. You may need to cut around the hole a few times in order to get through all of the cardboard layers. The hole needs to be large enough for your cat to crawl through. If the hole is too small, make it larger. Secure top of the second box and let the glue dry. Glue the top flaps shut using tacky glue, wood glue, or white glue. Consider painting the cat condo. You can paint both boxes the same color, or contrasting colors. If you want, you can even paint the inside rim of the windows and doorways a contrasting color. This will help them stand out more. You can use spray paint or acrylic paint. If you are using spray paint, be sure to cover your work space with newspaper. Paint outside or in a well-ventilated area. If you are using acrylic paint, apply the paint using a wide paintbrush or a foam brush. To get a smooth finish, apply several thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat. Consider adding a fleece blanket or a towel inside the cat condo. You can cut the blanket or towel down to fit inside your box, or you can fold it. You put it inside either floor of your cat condo, or even both floors. Do not glue the blanket or towel down; you want to be able to take it out so that you can wash it from time to time. If you are putting a blanket or towel on the second floor, make sure that you are not covering up the crawl hole. Set the cat condo down in a place where your cat will notice it. To entice your cat to use it, scatter some cat treats or catnip in both boxes. Find two coffee tables. One needs to be cube-shaped while the other needs to be rectangular. Both need to be about the same width. It is fine if the rectangular table is a few inches/centimeters wider, however. The rectangular coffee table will make the bottom of the condo, and the cube-shaped one will make the top. The cube-shaped coffee table should not have a shelf between the legs. It is fine if the rectangular one has a shelf, however. Consider painting the coffee tables. If the color does not appeal to you, you can always paint the tables. The quickest way to do this would be with spray paint, but you can use acrylic paint and a wide paint brush as well. You can paint both tables the same color. You can also paint them using contrasting colors instead. You will be gluing rope to some of the table legs in a later step. You might want to leave those legs unpainted. If you will be gluing some carpet down to the top of the square table (or the shelf on the rectangular table), leave that part unpainted. Place the square table on top of the rectangular table and secure it with wood glue or metal brackets. Position the square table at one of the narrow ends of the rectangular table. The other half of the rectangular table should be bare. This will create a shelf for the cat to sit on. If you left some of the legs unpainted, those legs should be facing the longer/bare part of the rectangular table. If you are using wood glue: paint the bottom of the square table's legs with a thick layer of wood glue. Place the table down on top of the rectangular table and let the glue dry. If you are using metal brackets: Take four L-shaped metal brackets, and screw them to the inside of each of the square table's legs. Set the table down on top of the rectangular table. Screw the brackets to the top of the rectangular table. Wrap sisal rope around two legs of the square table. Make sure that the legs you are wrapping are facing the shelf/bare part of the rectangular table. Scuff the entire leg up with rough sandpaper, then paint the first few inches/centimeters of the leg with wood glue. Wrap the rope around the leg until you cover the glue. Paint the leg with a few more inches/centimeters of glue, and wrap more rope around it. Keep painting glue and wrapping rope until you cover the entire leg. Repeat this step for the other leg. Consider wrapping some of the legs on the rectangular table as well. You can wrap whatever legs you want. They don't have to be right next to each other, like with the square table. These rope-wrapped legs will act as scratching posts for your cat, and save your furniture. Consider covering top of the square table with carpet. This will make it more comfortable for your cat. Measure the top of your square table and buy some carpet according to those measurements. Scuff the top with rough sandpaper, and paint the entire surface with wood glue. Paint the back of the carpet with wood glue, then press the carpet down onto the table top. If your rectangular table has a shelf, consider cover that with carpet as well. You can use any color of carpet you like. It can match the table color, or contrast it. For example, if your table is white, consider blue or teal for the carpet. Set the cat condo down where your cat will see it. Give your cat some time to get used to the condo. You can also encourage your cat to use it by leaving some cat treats or catnip on it. Get four cube-shaped boxes, each one 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) smaller than the last one. The largest box needs to have a top and bottom, but the smaller boxes only need a top. They don't need a bottom as they will be stacked on top of each other. The smallest box needs to be large enough for your cat to curl up inside. For a standard-sized cat, start with18 inches (45.72 centimeters) as your largest box. The other three boxes are as follows: 16 inches (40.64 centimeters), 14 inches (35.56 centimeters), and 12 inches (30.48 centimeters). If you have a large cat, such as a Maine Coon, you will need bigger boxes. The boxes can be made out of wood or cardboard. Wooden boxes, however, will be more durable. You can buy the boxes, or build them yourself using cheap wood or particle board. Use nails or wood glue to put the boxes together. Cut doorways and windows into the sides of the boxes using a saw. Each box needs to have at least one doorway. Use the width of your cat's whiskers as a guideline for cutting the doors. Cats will not crawl through anything that is narrower than their whiskers. You can make the windows and doors any shape you want, but circles and paw prints are the most popular. If you are adding windows, make them smaller than the doorways. Cut a crawl hole into the top corner of the three largest boxes. Use a small plate to trace the hole, and a saw to cut it out. Make sure that the hole fits inside the smaller box on top of it. Also, make sure that the craw holes are not in the same spot; you want them to be staggered. Keep in mind that you will be stacking these boxes. You don't want the holes to be peeking out from under the upper box. Paint outside and inside of the boxes. You can paint them using acrylic paint or spray paint. If you are using spray paint, wood outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. If you are using acrylic paint, apply the paint using a paintbrush or a foam brush. Apply the acrylic paint using many, thin layers rather than one thick layer. This will prevent any brush strokes. You can paint the boxes all the same color, or contrasting colors. You can paint the inside of the boxes the same color as the outside. You can also paint the inside a different color. Consider painting the inside rims of the doors and windows using a contrasting color. This will help them stand out more. Stack the boxes and secure them with wood glue. Place the largest box down on the floor. Cover the bottom edges of the second largest box with wood glue. Place the box down on top of the largest box, making sure that one of the corners and two of the sides are aligned. You will end up with a thick ledge around the smaller box. Repeat this process of the other boxes. Make sure that all of the boxes are aligned on the same corner. Make sure that the doorways are facing the ledges. Consider glue carpet down onto the boxes. This can make your cat condo cozier and more comfy for your cat. You can glue carpet down to just the inside floor of each box, or just the ledges. You can also glue carpet down to both the inside floor and the ledges. #* Consider gluing carpet down to the top of the smallest box. Your cat will likely perch on top of this box at some point. You might as well make it a comfortable perch. Place the cat condo in a place your cat will frequent. To encourage your cat to use the condo, scatter some catnip or cat treats inside it. | Find a cardboard box large enough to fit your cat. Lay the box down on its side. Consider painting the box or covering it with fabric. Place a towel or a fleece blanket inside the box. Consider draping a curtain over the front opening of the box. Place the cat condo in a place your cat will notice. Find two cube shaped boxes large enough for your cat to fit inside. Use a pencil to draw a doorway in the first box. Cut the doorway out using a box cutter. Secure the top and bottom of the first box, if necessary. Consider adding a window to the second box. Secure the bottom of the second box with glue. Glue the second box on top of the first box and let the glue dry. Use a marker to trace a crawl hole in the floor of the second box. Cut hole out using a box cutter. Secure top of the second box and let the glue dry. Consider painting the cat condo. Consider adding a fleece blanket or a towel inside the cat condo. Set the cat condo down in a place where your cat will notice it. Find two coffee tables. Consider painting the coffee tables. Place the square table on top of the rectangular table and secure it with wood glue or metal brackets. Wrap sisal rope around two legs of the square table. Consider covering top of the square table with carpet. Set the cat condo down where your cat will see it. Get four cube-shaped boxes, each one 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) smaller than the last one. Cut doorways and windows into the sides of the boxes using a saw. Cut a crawl hole into the top corner of the three largest boxes. Paint outside and inside of the boxes. Stack the boxes and secure them with wood glue. Consider glue carpet down onto the boxes. Place the cat condo in a place your cat will frequent. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Meat-Pies | How to Make Meat Pies | To make a meat pie, start by rolling out 2 flat circles of dough for the crust. Then, lay 1 of the dough circles down in a pie dish so the edges come up and over the sides of the dish. Next, fill the dish with your cooked meat and diced vegetables. Once your pie is filled, take the second dough circle and lay it over the top of the pie. Pinch the edges of the 2 dough circles together and then cut a few slits in the top of the pie with a knife. Finally, bake your pie at 350 °F for 45 minutes. | Make the pie crust. Mix flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir 1 1/4 cups flour and 1/4 tsp salt together in a large mixing bowl. Cut the butter or shortening into the flour. There are many different methods of cutting the butter into the flour, but all are equally effective with the right amount of elbow grease. Keep the butter at a cool temperature and begin by cutting large chunks. Keep cutting your chunks down until the butter is mixed in thoroughly. Aim to get small and uniform pea-sized chunks. Use a food processor. The easiest way to cut the butter is to use a food processor, pulsing the flour mixture for a minute or two, until the butter is chopped up to the appropriate size. Use a pastry cutter for butter or shortening. A pastry cutter is a great way of chopping up the butter in a good uniform mixture, quickly and without much effort. Roll the pastry cutter through the flour mixture, clearing out the butter from behind the tines after you make each pass around the bowl, if necessary. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes. Use a fork or two knives. If you don't have a pastry cutter or a food processor, don't worry. You can cut up the butter with the flat side of a table fork, or use two knives to slice the butter in opposite directions, or even just use the end of a metal spatula. Just use your fingers with shortening. Shortening won't be greatly affected by the heat from your hands or from the room temperature, making it easy to crumble using your fingers. Mix cold water into the flour mixture. Pouring cold water one tablespoon at a time into your flour will help you integrate the water gently, allowing the dough to form loosely. The mixture should just barely come together and form a loose ball, and shouldn't be damp or wet looking. Be very gentle. The key to a flaky crust is to make sure you don't overwork the dough. If you overwork the dough, the crust will become tough and difficult to handle. Your mixture will form soft lumps. These lumps should be moist enough that they will hold together if you gently press them between your fingers. Use your hands to form the dough into a ball. Very gently, pull the flour into a ball and then split the ball into two equal portions. The recipe should make two portions, one will be the bottom of your pie, and the other will be the top cover. It's usually a good idea to chill the dough in the refrigerator until you're ready to roll it out and bake with it. If you've already got the oven pre-heated and you're anxious to get started, putting it in the freezer can be a good way to get the temperature down quickly. If you want to save the dough for a longer period of time, freeze it in a self-sealing freezer bag. When you're ready to use it, let it defrost in the fridge overnight and roll it out normally. Roll the crust. On a lightly floured surface, flatten the dough with your hands and roll from the center to the edges with a rolling pin dusted with flour. Aim to form a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Cook your meat. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 cups ground beef and 1/2 cup chopped onions. Season with thyme, cloves, chopped garlic (if desired) and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring to crumble the meat and mix in the spices, until the meat is evenly browned. If you'd like a more flavourful pie, you can also use a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg as seasoning. Discard the grease or fat. Once your meat is cooked through, use a wooden spoon or spatula to push your meat to one side of the pan and tilt the pan away, letting the grease pool on the other side. Spoon it grease out, or carefully tilt your pan over a grease safe container to dispose of it. Place your cooled grease into a sealed non-recyclable container and discard it into your regular trash can. Do not dump grease into the kitchen sink or toilet bowl or even use hot water to wash it down the drain. This allows grease to get into the sewage system or harden in your pipes. Be careful whenever handling hot grease. Add the vegetables and beef broth. Chop 1 potato into small pieces and add it to the skillet with 1 1/4 cup beef broth to start. Pour in 1 1/2 cup carrots and peas. The beef broth will keep your filling moist once the grease has been drained out. You can peel your potato if desired. If you want something different, try using a sweet potato instead. You can also add more or less beef broth as needed, but don't let your filling get too soupy. Thicken your pie filling (optional). You may need to thicken your filling if it gets too runny. This can be done in a number of ways. Here are some things to consider: Mix two tsp. of flour with 1/4 cup cold water or 1 tbsp. cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water before stirring it into your mixture Thicken with flour. For each cup of filling, use about 2 tbsp. of flour. Add the flour in increments of 1 tbsp. Add the flour slowly and stir in each addition. This will help prevent lumps from forming in your filling. Cook and stir for 1 additional minute until your sauce is thickened and bubbly. Thicken with cornstarch. For each cup of sauce, use 1 tbsp. of cornstarch. Add the cornstarch in increments of 1 tbsp. and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add 2 minutes to your cooking time for cornstarch. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Assemble a whole pie. Roll your pie crust around the rolling pin. Start from one edge and carefully wrap your crust around the pin. Transfer your crust to your pie dish by carefully unrolling it from your pin and laying it down into the dish. Avoid stretching the pastry. Trim the crust. Trim to about 1/2 inch beyond the edge of the pie plate and fold the extra pastry under to create a thicker crust on the rim. Fill your pie. To assemble your pie, slowly pour the filling into the pastry-lined pie dish. Level it off and don't overfill your dish. Cover your pie. Roll out an additional circle of dough or pastry and carefully place it over your pie. Pinch the edges of the bottom layer and top layer of dough together and create the knuckle-like pie edge ridges. Trim off any excess using a sharp knife. Make a few slits in the top. Use a sharp knife to cut some vents into the top crust to allow the steam to escape when cooking. Brush the top of your crust with egg or melted butter. This will help keep the crust moist and prevent cracking. Bake your whole pie. Place your pie onto an oven rack in the center of your oven and cook for about 45 minutes or until the top of the pie is golden brown. When your pie comes out of the oven, it will be hot! Make sure to let it cool on the countertop before serving. Cut your dough. Roll out your dough and cut it into 6 even pieces, about 5 ounces each. Roll the pieces into 6 individual balls Dust your workstation with flour to prevent dough from sticking. Roll out your dough. Roll your pieces into about 8-inch flat circles. If your dough is very warm, it may be difficult to handle, cool it in the refrigerator for about 5-10 minutes if necessary. Fill your individual pies. Evenly divide your filling into about 3/4 cup per individual pie and scoop it onto half of each dough circle. Carefully fold the dough over to cover the filling and use your fingers or a fork to press the edges together. Slice slits into the tops of each pocket. Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits into the top of your pies. This allows steam to escape when baking and helps to prevent the pie from cracking or bursting in the oven. Brush the top of your pockets with egg or melted butter to keep the top moist. Bake your pies. Bake your pies on a lightly oiled or non-stick baking sheet in the oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the crust is golden brown and flakey. Enjoy with a side of ketchup. Try different types of meat. Use ground pork, chicken, turkey, or any meat you prefer. You can also mix meats for a more creative pie. Try cooking bacon and mixing it into your ground meat. Buy your favorite Italian sausage and cut it out of the casting to mix into your pie filling. You can try lamb, veal, or even tuna flakes. Make sure your meat is fully cooked before adding it to your filling. Make mincemeat sweet pie. If you are looking for a sweet and savory pie, try adding some additional ingredients to your filling recipe. Add: 8 ounces of raisins. 4 ounces of dried figs (chopped). 2 ounces dried cherries (chopped) 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped. 1 lemon zested and juiced. 1 orange zested and juiced. 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground clove 6 ounces dark brown sugar Make a spicy meat pie. Bring some heat to your meat pie with the addition of a few ingredients and seasonings. Try mincing 1 jalapeño chili and 2 garlic cloves for your filling. Add 4 tsp of curry powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric and 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper. Use these seasonings when cooking your ground beef to create a delicious spicy meat pie. Get creative. Use your favorite ingredients and flavors to influence your own version of a meat pie. For a Mexican influenced meat pie, add refried beans and cheddar cheese to your filling. If you are looking for a vegetarian meat pie, substitute 1/2 cup (90 g) brown lentils for ground meat. You can also try adding artichoke hearts. Get as creative as you'd like! Finished. | Make the pie crust. Cut the butter or shortening into the flour. Mix cold water into the flour mixture. Use your hands to form the dough into a ball. Roll the crust. Cook your meat. Discard the grease or fat. Add the vegetables and beef broth. Thicken your pie filling (optional). Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Assemble a whole pie. Trim the crust. Fill your pie. Cover your pie. Make a few slits in the top. Bake your whole pie. Cut your dough. Roll out your dough. Fill your individual pies. Slice slits into the tops of each pocket. Bake your pies. Try different types of meat. Make mincemeat sweet pie. Make a spicy meat pie. Get creative. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-a-Headband-with-Short-Hair | How to Wear a Headband with Short Hair | To wear a headband with short hair, first give your hair some volume by curling or teasing it. You can also brush and blow dry your hair to create volume without as much texture. Once you're done styling your hair, pin back the sections that are near your face using bobby pins, which will keep it from getting in the way when you're wearing your headband. Then, put on your headband so it's about 1 inch above your hairline. For a softer look, try pulling out some of your bangs and letting them hang around your face. | Go with a headband that matches your hair color for a casual look. Choose a headband that is either the same color as your hair or would look good next to your hair color. This way, your headband becomes a versatile accessory that you can wear with any outfit. If you're a brunette, try wearing a headband made of small tan or brown crystals for a touch of subtle sparkle. If you aren't sure what colors will look best, stick with neutrals. Neon green or lavender aren't as easy to match as black or white. Wear a simple, thin headband for everyday versatility. Try out a thin, subtle headband that lies flat against your head if you plan on wearing it to most of the places you go. Pick a headband that's made of metal, fabric, plastic, or a combination. Thin headbands are classic, and can be worn to work, out to dinner, or even to the gym. Try to keep embellishments and patterns simple. Go for a thinly braided solid-colored headband or a headband that has a thin stripe of pearls or rhinestones across the top. Pick a unique, bold headband to wear on a night out. If you're looking for an accessory to wear on special occasions, headbands that are made of unique materials or have unique structures look great with short hair. Try a thinner headband that has a larger embellishment on it, such as a feather or flower. Wear a thicker headband made of leather if you're going for an edgy look. Wear a headband that’s 1 inch (2.5 cm) or less in width. Both thick and thin headbands can look great with short hair, but try not to go too much wider than 1 inch (2.5 cm). The wider your headband, the more your hair and head will be covered up, which may not be as flattering if your hair is only a few inches long. Create volume by curling and teasing your short hair. Create body with a curling wand. Separate your hair into small, workable sections and then wrap one section around the wand. Hold it for a couple of seconds and then let the strand go and move onto the next one. After curling all of the sections, separate your curls and tease them by combing your hair towards the root. This will give you even more volume. If you want wavy hair, only wrap the top half of the strand around the wand. Blow your hair smooth with a hairdryer. Put a nozzle attachment on the end of your hairdryer and brush your hair with a boar bristle brush as you blow it dry. This will make your hair lay flat and feel smooth. Pin back sections of hair that are near your face. Take a small section of hair near your hairline, twist it, and pin it back by locking 2 bobby pins in an “x” shape. Continue doing this for most of the hair along your hairline. This way, you can wear the headband solely for decoration and not rely on it to hold your hair back. Choose bobby pins that match your hair color so they don't stick out. Put the headband about 1 inch (2.5 cm) behind your hairline. You don't want your headband too far forward or too far back or it will look out of place. Put it about 1 inch (2.5 cm) back to create a look that is both attractive and stylish. Add softness by letting some hair hang around your face. While you can pull all of the hair on your hairline back with your headband, it may look better if you leave some pieces out. Pull all of the hair in front of the headband out and let it frame your face. If you have bangs, pull everything back except for your bangs. Try it a few different ways to figure out what looks the best to you. Wear the headband across your forehead for a boho look. If you have a headband that's a completely connected circle, you can place it around the front and back of your head. This placement isn't always great for securing your hair in place, but it can add a bohemian flair to nearly any outfit. Create a faux-bang with your headband. Use a comb to make a deep side part and then pull your hair across your forehead. Secure the hair behind one side of your headband with bobby pins to create the illusion of cute sidebangs. | Go with a headband that matches your hair color for a casual look. Wear a simple, thin headband for everyday versatility. Pick a unique, bold headband to wear on a night out. Wear a headband that’s 1 inch (2.5 cm) or less in width. Create volume by curling and teasing your short hair. Blow your hair smooth with a hairdryer. Pin back sections of hair that are near your face. Put the headband about 1 inch (2.5 cm) behind your hairline. Add softness by letting some hair hang around your face. Wear the headband across your forehead for a boho look. Create a faux-bang with your headband. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Landscaping-Business | How to Start a Landscaping Business | Before you start your own landscaping business, check your state's laws for regulations you'll need to follow, like any licenses you need to obtain and any products that might be prohibited in your area. You'll also need to obtain funding to help you get the equipment you'll need. To do this, you can either save up your own money, find people who want to invest in your business, or get a loan. Once you're ready to get started, find customers through your friends and family, social media contacts, and word of mouth. | Establish your business. You will need a good business plan to manage your finances and set yourself up legally. Your biggest concern initially will be getting financing to start the business, and setting up how you will pay taxes. For both of these, consulting an accountant is a good idea. You may want to incorporate your business as an LLC. A limited liability company will help limit your personal liability should someone want to sue your company. This can be especially useful if you intend to be a small outfit. You will also need to gain financing. This cash will be necessary for purchasing early equipment and survive as a business while you get new customers. Take your cost estimates and try to get a loan from a bank or other investor. If you're just getting started in the industry, consider working for someone else for a while to learn the basics of the business. They can help you learn tricks and techniques that will allow you to get the job done faster, making it easier to handle a higher volume of customers once you're on your own. Figure out your pricing. In order to hire you, most customers will want to get an estimate of how much the job will cost. You will need to be able to figure out your skill and speed and provide an accurate estimation for your work. Your costs will include materials, labor, equipment, and overhead. Get proper licensing. Every state is different, but there are a variety of business and professional licenses you may need to obtain. Some of the more common regulations that touch on landscaping work include: Fertilizers and pesticides. Because many contain toxic chemicals can contaminate water resources, local jurisdictions regulate the use of fertilizers and pesticides. If you plan on applying any of these, you may need an additional license. Irrigation. Particularly in the American Southwest, where water is scarce, you may need to develop techniques that bring water to your client's land. States (understandably) regulate this kind of water transfer, so you will need to be familiar with local laws. Waste removal. Landscape work can produce a tremendous amount of waste in the form of extra dirt, grass clippings, branches, and other forms of refuse. You will need to know how the local jurisdiction expects businesses to deal with their waste. Contractor license. Landscapers work as contractors, and so require licensing in many states. Check yours to see what kind of licensing you will need for contracting work Get licensed. Landscapers are licensed by the American Society of Landscape Architects, and many states require this licensing to practice the business. To get licensed, you will need to pass the Landscape Architect Registration Exam (L.A.R.E.), which will test your knowledge and skills for maintaining health, safety, and welfare standards. The ASLA provides additional detailed information on the exam, as well as ways to prepare for it. The test is administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) , and you can schedule your exam through them. The application fee is $150. You will need to maintain this license with continued education, which the ASLA's Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES) can provide. The renewal fee is $150 or $195, depending on your current status. Get tax information. Your business will need to pay taxes, so you will need a tax identification number for federal and state offices. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You can apply through the IRS website , or you can fax or mail a completed SS-4 form. Filing online will get you an EIN immediately, while the mailed or faxed form should return a number in about four business days. Filing for an EIN is free. When you incorporate as a business, and register in your state, you should receive a state-level tax identification number. Each state has different obligations and requirements, so make sure you know your state's relevant laws. Find your first customers. There are a variety of people interested in hiring outside people to work on their yards. Their needs vary by location, age, and professional lives. You may not be able to get all these details, but understanding your potential market can help you determine what services you will want to offer. Lawn maintenance is a relatively straightforward business with a low cost of entry. Your job is mainly to cut people's grass and make the property look nice, and it's a great way to grow your customer base when you're just starting out. Potential customers include homeowners who are frequently out of town for professional or seasonal reasons, retirees who can't (or don't want to) care for their lawns, or property owners with green spaces they don't have the personnel to keep up. Landscaping seeks to modify the current physical landscape of a piece of property, and it requires a little more knowledge and training than lawn maintenance. Homeowners who lack the skill or tools to design their own, new homeowners who want to update their property, those looking to sell their homes, and property owners who do not employ landscapers may be interested in someone to do advanced work on their property. Much of your work will be seasonal, particularly in the spring and summer. If you want your business to earn money throughout the year, be prepared to do off-season work. This can include raking and collecting leaves during the fall, or shoveling snow in the winter. Hire workers. Depending on the type of work you intend to do, you may find it necessary to hire additional help. Landscape work attracts all kinds of people, so you will need to be multifaceted in your recruitment approach. Even something as simple as "Help Wanted" fliers and signs on your equipment and posted at local lawn care stores can bring in potential employees. Be sure to include contact information (especially a phone number) so interested workers can get in touch with you. When you hire workers, you will need to properly account for their employment and tax status. Make sure they are eligible to work in the United States, and that you have their social security number.Make sure your workers fill out both the I-9 Form (for employment eligibility) and W-4 Form (for taxation). Keep all your employees' tax forms filed for easy reference. Even if your work is seasonal in nature, you will still need to account for your employee's tax withholding. Find a niche. You will need to differentiate yourself from other landscapers out there. Find some particular aspects of landscaping or garden work you do well, and market yourself as a specialist. This should not be the only thing you do, but it can help target customers by making you stand out. Purchase equipment. Chances are you do not own all of the equipment you will need to be an effective landscaper. You should make sure the equipment is quality, but you do not need to purchase all new equipment. Yard sales and auctions may have quality pieces at better prices than buying brand new. You also don't need to purchase every possible piece of equipment out there. Your individual needs will vary based on the variety of services you intend to offer, but there are some important basics. Lawn mower. Cutting grass will be an important part of your work, so you will want a quality lawnmower. A riding mower can be more efficient, especially if you are planning to cut a number of large yards, though will definitely be more expensive. If you are cutting grass on a steep hill, or with a more intricate garden, you may want to have a push mower as well, which is safer for you and the area you are working in. Edger. A gas-powered edger will help trim the edges of a lawn, particularly around walkways and driveways. Gardening tools. If you plan to do any gardening work, a shovel, rake, and weed puller will be necessary. Safety gear. Since you will be working with machinery, gloves and safety goggles are important for the personal safety of you and your employees. With some machinery, you may also consider hearing protection. Transportation. You will need something to carry your equipment and crew. The type of transportation you require will depend on the rest of your equipment, but you will need at least something like a truck, large van, or trailer. Make sure you have insurance for your equipment, to guard against issues like theft or mechanical breakdown. You should also have some basic knowledge of how your equipment works, how to maintain it, and how to repair simple problems. Other items you'll use on a daily basis include; a watering can, extension leads (if you have electric power tools), foam knee pads for planting in comfort, twine for tying up plants and a push broom. Mow and maintain lawns. No matter how built up a property is, there is will probably be some grass that needs cutting. Use your lawn mower to keep the lawn trim and neat, and an edger to keep grass away from sidewalks and other installations. Design natural landscapes for your customers. The essence of landscaping, what makes it different from lawn care, is the transformation of a piece of property using additional natural materials like trees, flowers, rocks, and sod. More advanced designs may include artificial items like lights. This is a collaborative process, as your customer must approve of the design you come up with. Things to keep in mind include making sure your customer knows what they want the space for and properly accounting for weather and sunlight patterns. Part of this process involves making a good estimate of the time it will take to make these changes and how much they will cost. Be honest with yourself and your customer about what it will take so that you both can get a fair estimate of costs. Neither of you will want any surprises when the time comes to pay. Install new materials. Your job as a landscaper involves taking your design and installing it on to your client's property. Create a plan for installing different materials, and follow through for as long as it takes. Make sure you have the proper equipment for whatever work you plan on doing. Maintain your creations. This means scheduling a regular return to your client's location to perform basic tasks like weeding and applying pesticides. If you live in an area with pronounced seasons, you'll need a plan for keeping the landscape maintained in different weather conditions. Prepare to deal with weather. Since you will be outdoors regularly, weather is a constant concern. When designing your work schedule, leave some space in the work week for delays from the weather. While it rains, you can take the opportunity to keep up with your business' paperwork. Advertise. In the early stages of your business, you will need to rely on small scale activities like fliers, or going door to door. Advertising using social media can also be a good, cheap way to get some early advertising through friends and other acquaintances. Utilize social media to find new customers. You can establish Facebook page showcasing your work, and use business networking sites like LinkedIn and Google Plus. Look for sites where people search for services, like Angie's List and Yelp, and encourage your customers to post reviews there. Join business organizations. These can be local groups like the Chamber of Commerce , or larger trade organizations. Local business groups can keep you connected to local businesses that may need your landscaping expertise, or can provide additional services to your company. Regional and national trade organizations allow you to keep up to date with changes in the business, and can provide additional opportunities for education. Add a new niche. Look for other kinds of design or installation you can do to expand your customer base. Continuing education courses that you take through maintaining your contractor license can be a good opportunity to learn new skills that your customers will want to take advantage of. One good niche to move into is "interior-scaping". There are opportunities available for businesses that can manage the greenery of indoor spaces, such as malls or office buildings. You will want to know the type of plants best suited to the environment and will be visually appealing with the building's design. There can be quite a bit of overlap in this kind of work with that of a more general interior decorator. Get a degree in landscape architecture. To get bigger, you may consider branching out into more advanced projects through landscape architecture. If you don't have a bachelor's degree, you can get one in Landscape Architecture (BLA or BSLA). There are further programs for a Masters in Landscape Architecture (MLA), which will differ depending on your undergraduate degree. The American Society of Landscape Architecture has a listing of accredited schools , both in-person and online, where you can earn these degrees. There is an additional MA/MS in Landscape Architecture, but that degree is better suited for someone who wants to do research in the field, not be a professional. Develop processes to maintain quality. The toughest part about growing as a landscaping business is that you will not be able to do all of the design and landscaping work. Instead, you will need to rely on your employees to keep up the quality that attracted customers in the first place. Make sure your business has design and work processes in place for everyone to follow, and perhaps a designated management team to help carry them out. Find ways to keep the best employees. Landscaping and lawn care are high turnover businesses. You need to find ways to keep your best employees, as they provide additional skills that allow you to attract more customers, and may not be easily replaceable. Finding ways for them to stay with the company, while still having room to grow, will help maintain standards and quality. | Establish your business. Figure out your pricing. Get proper licensing. Get licensed. Get tax information. Find your first customers. Hire workers. Find a niche. Purchase equipment. Mow and maintain lawns. Design natural landscapes for your customers. Install new materials. Maintain your creations. Prepare to deal with weather. Advertise. Join business organizations. Add a new niche. Get a degree in landscape architecture. Develop processes to maintain quality. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sell-on-Gumtree | How to Sell on Gumtree | If you want to sell an item on Gumtree, you'll need to create an ad. Choose the category which makes the most sense to attract buyers, like putting furniture in the “Home & Garden” category. Type in your postal code so potential buyers near you will see your item, then describe the item in detail, including the measurements or dimensions, the condition of the item, and the materials it is made from. If you can, upload a picture of the item as well. Set your price and come up with a title, then post your ad! | Go to the Gumtree website. Use your browser to search for “Gumtree.” The homepage for Gumtree should be the first result in the search list. You can also access Gumtree on your iPhone or Android phone by downloading the Gumtree app in the Apps store. You can then click the app open once it downloads. Create a username and password. To make an account on Gumtree, you will need to create a username for the site. Choose a username that does not give out too much personal information yourself. Use a nickname or a variation on your name. You may need to add numbers to the end of the username if it has already been taken by another user on Gumtree. For example, you may have a username like “ThrifyOne555.” Use a password that you can remember easily. Try to have a combination of letters and numbers so the password is strong and hard to guess. Add a profile picture. You can use a picture of yourself or a photo of something appealing, such as your dog or cat. Having a profile picture can make your ad stand out to potential buyers and attract them to your items. Go for a photo that looks professional but still has personality. Have a picture in your profile is optional and completely up to you. You can have a Gumtree account without one. Select the category for the item. Put the item in the category that makes the most sense to attract buyers. For example, if you are selling furniture, choose the “Home & Garden” category. If you are selling electronic equipment, choose the “Computers & Software” category. Try to include sub-categories like “Furniture” in “Home & Garden” or “Electronics” in “Computers & Software.” This will make it easier for buyers to search for your item. You can also use the “Tell us what you are posting” option on Gumtree. You can then type in the item and the site will categorize it for you. Note your selling location. Type in your postal code to mark your selling location so buyers can search for your item that way. Gumtree will then show your item to buyers in your local area. Your postal code will not appear in the ad. Gumtree will use your postal code to classify your ad based on location. Describe the item in detail. Include the type of item you are selling, the material it is made of, and the condition of the item. Note the measurements or dimensions of the item and include a reason why you are selling it. For example, you may have a description like, “Beautiful walnut dining chair with blue upholstered seat. In good condition with no marks or scratches. It is 34” (84 cm) long x 20” (50 cm) wide. Changed decor so no space for it.” Be honest in your description and do not oversell the item. Be upfront if there is damage or an issue with the item so the buyer knows what they are getting. Use good pictures of the item. Take photos of the item on a good camera. Make sure the photos are clear and focused, not blurry. Choose an area with good light, such as a brightly lit room or outside in your driveway. Having good pictures will encourage buyers to contact you about your item. Include pictures of the item from several angles. Take a wide shot of the item as well as a close-up shot. If the item has a unique design on the bottom or side, take a photo of this detail and include it in your ad. Put at least one to two good photos of the item on the ad. The more good photos you have of the item on your ad, the better your chances of selling it. Include the price. Note if you are firm on the price by writing “FIRM” next to the price or by writing, “No negotiating.” You can also note if you are willing to negotiate the price by putting down “OBO,” which stands for “Or Best Offer.” Title the ad. Use a short, descriptive title to attract buyers. Make it clear what type of item you are selling in the title. You can also include a note like “Great Deal” or “Rare” or “Antique” if they apply to the item. For example, you may use a title like, “Dining Room Chair, Antique” or “Record Player in Good Condition.” Post the ad. Once you are done with your ad, post it on Gumtree. It is free to post ads on Gumtree. You can then respond directly to buyers who contact you by logging onto your Gumtree account. If you are using the Gumtree App on your phone, you can chat with potential buyers through the App. Respond to offers promptly. Stay on top of any offers you get for the item. Try to reply as soon as possible so you do not risk losing the buyer. Use the "My Messages" tab on the Gumtree App to respond to buyers right away. Using the "My Messages" tab will also make it easy for you to keep track of all of your potential buyers and have a history of your conversations with them. Answer any questions by potential buyers. Provide clear, brief answers to any questions the buyer might have about the item. Be friendly and helpful so the buyer is encouraged to buy your item. You may get questions about the material of the item and the condition of the item. The buyer may also ask you if they can buy multiple items from you for a certain price if you have listed multiple items on Gumtree. Take the best offer if you get more than one. You may end up fielding offers from multiple buyers. Pick the offer that you feel is the best value for you. Often, this is the highest offer from a buyer. If you accept one buyer's offer over another, send a brief message to the other buyers to let them know the item has sold. Arrange payment for the item with the buyer. You should always be paid in cash for the item in person. Arrange a pick up place that is convenient for you, such as your office or a nearby parking lot. If you offer delivery, set up a drop off spot with the buyer. Always get the cash for the item first in person before handing over the item. If you are worried about meeting the buyer in person on your own due to safety, bring a friend with you. Meet the buyer in a public place. In rare cases, you may offer to mail the item to the buyer. If so, discuss adding extra money to the sale amount with the buyer for postage and packaging. | Go to the Gumtree website. Create a username and password. Add a profile picture. Select the category for the item. Note your selling location. Describe the item in detail. Use good pictures of the item. Include the price. Title the ad. Post the ad. Respond to offers promptly. Answer any questions by potential buyers. Take the best offer if you get more than one. Arrange payment for the item with the buyer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-a-Fireplace | How to Paint a Fireplace | To paint a brick fireplace, you'll need indoor, latex, heat-resistant stone paint, as well as some stain-blocking primer so your fireplace doesn't develop soot stains. To get started, clean the brick with a wire scrub brush, and tape off or cover any areas you don't want the paint to get on. Then, apply 1-2 coats of the primer, and let it dry completely. Finally, apply 2-3 coats of paint using a roller and a small paintbrush. | Choose a heat-resistant stone paint in a color that matches your decor. The area around your fireplace can blend in or stand out, depending on the look you're creating in your living room. No matter what color you choose, go for an indoor, latex, heat-resistant stone paint to make sure that your new color will last. Try a crisp white coat for a modern look. If you have white walls, offset the colors with a rustic wooden mantelpiece or give your room a youthful feel with a bright mint or cream mantel. Go for a black fireplace to create a striking contrast in a white room. For a less extreme contrast, dark gray can look sleek in a light-colored room. Your paint should be able to withstand about 200 °F (93 °C) heat. Clean the brick with a wire scrub brush. Scrub your brick with a wire scrub brush to remove dirt or dust. Pull on gloves and safety goggles, then apply a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaning agent and wash your brick well with a heavy-duty cleaner. Rinse the bricks with a wet sponge and let it dry. Starting with clean bricks will ensure that your paint adheres and dries properly. Cover surrounding areas with plastic and painter’s tape. Lay old cloths or plastic sheets on the ground and hang a plastic sheet over the front opening of the fireplace. Tape around the edges of your fireplace to prevent any stray brush strokes from touching your walls or mantel. Paint the brick with a stain-blocking primer. Open up a can of stain-blocking, oil-based primer and apply it on the entire surface you're planning to paint, following the instructions on the can. Priming will protect your paint from soot stains when you use your fireplace. For the best protection, look for a primer that's also a sealer and stain-blocker. Pour the primer in a paint tray and use a ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) roller to get an even coat, along with a small paint brush to get into corners and edges. Apply 2 coats if you can still see some of the brick color showing through. Cover the primer with 2-3 coats of brick paint. Mix your paint with a stir stick to distribute any pigment that has sunk to the bottom. Pour the paint into a pain tray and dip in a ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) roller designed to use on textured surfaces, which will help you get full coverage on the rough brick surface. Use a small paintbrush to touch up grout areas between bricks that the roller can't get. Give the paint a few hours to dry between coats, following the instructions on your can. Choose an enamel paint to match your room. Enamel paint will help you keep the natural feel of your tile, while still allowing you to upgrade the overall feel of your fireplace area. Look for a paint that's stain- and heat-resistant as well. White is a popular color for a tile fireplace, as it makes the area look fresh and clean. To add an interesting contrast to your room, though, you could go for a black or gray color. Clean and gently sand your fireplace. Make a paste out of 2-3 spoonfuls of trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaning agent and a few drips of water, then use a sponge to scrub it over stains and dirt. Rinse the sponge and use clean water to rinse the tiles. After the tile dries, lightly sand it to remove the tile's gloss and help your paint adhere. Look for fine sandpaper that's 180-220 grit, like silicon carbide or aluminum oxide. Wipe down your tile with a damp cloth to get rid of any dust after sandpapering. Wear gloves and safety goggles when you're using TSP. Set down plastic tarps to protect surrounding areas. Lay plastic sheets or old towels on the floor around your fireplace, and hang a piece of plastic down in front of the fireplace opening. Secure your sheets and protect the edges with painter's tape. Paint the tile with a coat of oil-based primer. Look for a primer that's also a sealer and stain-blocker to help your paint job withstand soot. Use a flat brush to apply one coat of primer to start. Check if you have full coverage and add another coat if needed, after the first coat has dried completely. Check the can to see how long the primer will take to dry. Use flat brushes to paint your tile fireplace with enamel paint. Mix up the paint with a stir stick, then dip in a large, flat artist's brush and start to paint! Make sure to get the paint into the cracks of the grout and aim for an even first coat. Let the tile dry and continue applying new coats until you you have a thick, opaque color. If your tile was originally a dark color, you may need 3-4 coats of paint. Let it dry, then remove coverings and painter’s tape. Give your tile a day or so to dry completely after your last coat of paint. When it's done, pull away the coverings and and painter's tape and enjoy your freshly-painted fireplace! Buy an all-in-one primer to “whitewash” your walls. If you want to update a dark stone fireplace with a new color but keep the textured, unique look of the stone, you can “whitewash” it with primer. This will turn the stone different shades of white, creating an interesting, modern look similar to granite or limestone. Look for an all-in-one primer that's also a sealant and stain-protector. Stone fireplaces tend to be dark and heavy-looking, so a white finish can brighten up and expand your whole room. Painting your stone in a solid color will make it look chunky and cheap, so it's best to redo it in a light color like white or cream. Clean your stones with a TSP mix before painting. To get rid of any dirt or soot on your stones, mix ⁄ 2 –1 cup (120–240 mL) of a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaning agent with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of hot water. Saturate a scrub brush and rub it on the stones to clean them. Wipe it clean with a wet sponge afterwards and let it dry. Wear gloves and safety goggles when you're using TSP. Cover your floor and fireplace opening with plastic sheets. Lay plastic sheets or old towels on the floor around your fireplace to protect from spills, and hang a sheet down over the fireplace opening. Use painters tape around the edges of your stone so you don't paint over the edges of the stone on accident. Mix a bit of water and primer in your paint tray. Fill your paint tray with about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm) of water. Mix your primer with a stir stick and dip a medium-sized paintbrush inside. Pull it out and mix the primer with the water, then repeat. Diluting the primer like this will allow the natural texture of the stone to show through. All-in-one primers stain easily and are hard to wash off of skin, so wear rubber gloves to keep your hands clean. Paint a few stones from different areas of the fireplace. Choose one stone to start with and paint on your primer, making sure to get into the crevices for an even coat. Then, choose a stone from a different area of the fireplace and do the same thing. You can do 5-7 stones with this mix of primer and water. To create a nice contrast, avoid painting the grout between the stones. This will help the stones stand out against the wall. Create a more solid mix of primer in your paint tray. Once your paint tray is empty, pour in another 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm) of water. Mix in 3-4 brushfuls of paint this time to create a more solid dilution. Apply it to random stones around your fireplace like before Continue creating slightly different dilutions for each round of painting, until all of your stones are whitewashed. Mixing up the amount of dilution will give you a natural-looking diversity in hues. Your fireplace will keep its earthy stone quality while getting a clean, whitewashed upgrade. Brush over with a last layer of paint for natural highlights. Once you're done painting, mix at least 4 brushfuls of paint into 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water in your paint tray. Brush this mixture lightly and quickly over the top of each stone. This last, quick application creates highlights that look like calcium or mineral veins coming through the stone. Clean out your firebox before painting. Remove the grate on your fireplace and use a fireplace shovel and broom to remove ash. If there's any ash on the walls, scrape it off. Then, vacuum the box and use damp rags to wipe it down. Although repainting the interior, or firebox, of your fireplace won't make as big of an impact on your room as painting the outside, it can still give your fireplace an overall cleaner look. Use high-heat black paint for a long-lasting paint job. You'll need high heat paint that can withstand temperatures up to 1,200 °F (649 °C) in your fireplace, and black is a great color to choose because soot and ash will blend right into it. You can buy high-heat paint at home improvement stores or online. Look for one with a flat finish as well. Lay plastic around your fireplace to protect from spills. You don't want your black paint to drip on your floor or the outside of your fireplace, so use plastic tarps or old towels as a covering. Stick painter's tape around the outer edges of the firebox to prevent your paintbrush from accidentally straying. Paint the interior walls of your fireplace first. Mix up your can of pain with a stir stick and dip in a medium-sized paintbrush. Start by painting the walls of your fireplace so that if paint drips down, you can simply blend it in when you paint the bottom. Work the paint into the grout, cracks, and crevices between bricks to get full, even coverage. You can use a cheap, nylon bristle brush and simply throw it away when you're done, since it will get stained black by the paint. If parts of your fireplace are already black from fires, you can decrease your workload by skipping over those parts with your paint. Paint 2 coats, waiting 1-2 hours in between to let them set. Giving the interior of your fireplace 2 coats of paint will ensure full coverage and a rich, dark color that will offset your fires nicely. Check the instructions on the can to see how long the paint will take to dry between each application. Paint the bottom of the fireplace and let it dry before use. Once the walls are done, you can move onto the floor of the fireplace. Give it 2 coats of paint, making sure to cover up any drips from the walls. Let it dry completely. Wait to make a fire until another 24 hours or so after the paint dries, to make sure it's completely done. | Choose a heat-resistant stone paint in a color that matches your decor. Clean the brick with a wire scrub brush. Cover surrounding areas with plastic and painter’s tape. Paint the brick with a stain-blocking primer. Cover the primer with 2-3 coats of brick paint. Choose an enamel paint to match your room. Clean and gently sand your fireplace. Set down plastic tarps to protect surrounding areas. Paint the tile with a coat of oil-based primer. Use flat brushes to paint your tile fireplace with enamel paint. Let it dry, then remove coverings and painter’s tape. Buy an all-in-one primer to “whitewash” your walls. Clean your stones with a TSP mix before painting. Cover your floor and fireplace opening with plastic sheets. Mix a bit of water and primer in your paint tray. Paint a few stones from different areas of the fireplace. Create a more solid mix of primer in your paint tray. Brush over with a last layer of paint for natural highlights. Clean out your firebox before painting. Use high-heat black paint for a long-lasting paint job. Lay plastic around your fireplace to protect from spills. Paint the interior walls of your fireplace first. Paint 2 coats, waiting 1-2 hours in between to let them set. Paint the bottom of the fireplace and let it dry before use. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eavesdrop | How to Eavesdrop | To eavesdrop, start by hovering around closed doors so that if you're caught you can pretend you were just walking by. Additionally, try listening through a keyhole, which may provide better sound, or put the rim of a thin glass to a wall and position your ear on the other side. For a more technical approach, put a digital recorder in an inconspicuous place, and see what you can capture. If you want to eavesdrop in a public space, then simply pretend to read or look at your phone while really honing your ears on those around you. | Hover around closed doors. Maybe you want to know how mad your parents really are about your D in Chemistry, or what your son is saying to his friend on the phone, or what your roommate really thinks about you. Sneak quietly to the door and listen. If someone walks by and sees you, don't act suspicious. Instead of running off in a hurry, seem like you have a reason to be there, such as picking up something you just happened to drop outside of the door. If one of the people you are eavesdropping on comes out of the door, you could pretend you were about to knock and say something like, “Oh, I was just coming to find you. I needed to ask you a question.” Then come up quickly with a question to ask! Listen through the keyhole. You may be able to hear more if you crouch down and put your ear to the door. It would be a good idea to drop something very obvious on the floor (such as a pile of papers) so that if anyone comes by they will just think you are kneeling on the floor to pick up what you have dropped. Use a thin glass. If you are trying to hear through a wall, you can use a thin drinking glass to amplify the sound. Place the rim of the glass to the wall and position your ear on the other end. It's best to use this method in a place where you won't be seen, such as your bedroom. You will have a harder time pretending not to be eavesdropping if someone sees you listening through a drinking glass! Sit quietly in the next room. You can position yourself in a good location to eavesdrop after a conversation you want to hear has already begun. Just be quiet about it, and be sure to pretend to have a good reason to be there. For instance, maybe your competition at work has a meeting with the boss, and the boss's office is next to the supply closet. Pretend you desperately need some paperclips. In fact, you seem to be out of everything at the moment so you need to spend a while stocking up—long enough, at least, to eavesdrop just a tiny bit. If you're at home, your parents might be having a discussion in the kitchen that you want to overhear. Go into the living room (or whichever room is near the kitchen) and sit quietly, but have an excuse ready if they ask you what you are doing. Maybe you left something in the living room and you need to look under all the couch cushions… repeatedly. Crack the window. You can catch a conversation going on outside your room by opening your window. Don't be too obvious, though. Instead of opening the window all the way, just slowly open it an inch or two. Sit down with your ear near the window so that the people you are eavesdropping on don't see you. You could also listen to a conversation happening inside your house from the outside via an open window, but you'll have to do some pre-planning. In this instance, you should crack the window prior to the conversation you want to overhear and position yourself outside. Crouch down by the window on the outside of the house so no one inside sees you. Eliminate other sounds. Wherever you are trying to eavesdrop, it's important to cancel out any noise other than the conversation you are trying to overhear. In addition to turning off the T.V. and stereo or MP3 player, be sure to turn off overhead fans and any devices, such as a computer or printer, that make less obvious noises. Even small sounds can interfere with your attempt to overhear! Plant a recording device. You can use a small digital recorder if you have one, or a recording app on your phone. Be sure to place it in an inconspicuous place that is still in a close proximity to the people you want to record. Be aware, however, that recording conversations in order to eavesdrop is illegal in some places and punishable by law. Purchase a spy tool. If eavesdropping is your favorite hobby, you might consider purchasing a tool that will allow you to overhear conversations easily. A small device such as the Next Room Eavesdropping Device allows you to amplify conversations through walls and listen through headphones. Pick up the other line. Very few people have a home telephone now, but if you do live in a house that hasn't yet gone “cell-phone-only,” you can pick up another line and listen to the conversation. Make sure you don't breathe too hard or giggle, though! Employ social media. Eavesdropping doesn't always have to be done in person. You can of course check out conversations on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to find out who is talking to whom and what they are saying. Feign absorption. Maybe you are at home, school, or work and plan to eavesdrop on a family member, schoolmate, or coworker. Maybe you're even in the same room (or the next cubicle). Your main goal should be to look extremely absorbed in whatever you are doing so that the person you want to eavesdrop on won't be suspicious. They might even forget you are even there! If you are at work, look intently at your computer screen while frantically typing. You might be typing gibberish, but the person in the next cubicle will just think you are concentrating on your work (and not his or her conversation). At home or school, put on your headphones and grab a book or magazine. Look completely disinterested in what is going on in the room; be surprised that other people are even there. The look on your face, if approached or “interrupted” from your magazine and music, should say: “Wow, I didn't even realize you were in here having this private conversation !” Bring a prop. If you have a prop, people will be less likely to think you are paying attention to them. Grab a book, your phone, or your MP3 player. You should look like you are doing something other than listening in on people's conversations, so pretend to read, scroll through your phone, or listen to music. Be sure your prop is one that helps you blend in, not stand out! Find a good position. In shared, public spaces, the busier the place, the better. Sit down on a bench or in the middle of park where people are hanging out or walking by. Alternately, walk around and listen closely for a good conversation. If you hear a snippet of a conversation that interests you, sit down close (but not too close) to the people you want to eavesdrop on. Pretend to be interested in your book, phone, or music. Get out and about. If you enjoy eavesdropping as a leisure activity, taking public transport, eating out alone, browsing a store, and hanging out at a coffee shop will put you in a good position to overhear some interesting conversations. Instead of driving yourself to work or around town for your weekend errands, take the bus or the subway. You may have better luck on weekends or evenings when people are headed out on the town, since people who commute to work are usually solo travelers and aren't generally engaged in conversations. When eating out alone, try to sit near a large party—the more boisterous, the better. If the hostess sits you at a table away from other groups, ask politely if you could have a different table—perhaps a high top near the restaurant's bar, if a lot of people are hanging out there. While shopping, don't just make a bee-line for the items on your list. Instead, wander the aisles of the supermarket, convenience store, or neighborhood market. Pick up items and look at them; walk slowly and listen for conversations on the aisles close to you. Grab something to drink on the weekend at a coffee shop and stick around for a while. You could do this during the week, too, but weekends are better because people are out and about with friends (rather than scrambling to get work done on their lunch break during the week). | Hover around closed doors. Listen through the keyhole. Use a thin glass. Sit quietly in the next room. Crack the window. Eliminate other sounds. Plant a recording device. Purchase a spy tool. Pick up the other line. Employ social media. Feign absorption. Bring a prop. Find a good position. Get out and about. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Mouth-Blisters | How to Get Rid of Mouth Blisters | To get rid of mouth blisters, first, try to determine if it's a cold sore, which is caused by the herpes virus and will look like a red patch or blister on your lips. If it is a cold sore, it'll most likely drain or burst in a few days. For now, you can reduce the swelling and relieve pain by icing it for 5 to 10 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times a day. However, if you notice that the blister is pale or yellow with a red outer ring, it may be a canker sore. To get rid of a canker sore, gargle with salt water to dry out the blister, or try using a paste of baking soda and water to reduce inflammation. | Look at the color and location of the blister to determine if it's a cold sore. Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes virus and are very contagious. They develop most often on the lips, starting as a red patch and becoming a fluid-filled blister that may be light-colored at the center. They often feel painful, though your pain will fade over the 4-5 days after the onset of the cold sore. After a few days, a cold sore will drain or burst, leaving a red patch on the skin. Cold sores can have 1 or several fluid-filled bumps that are red around the base and ooze pus when they break. As the blisters burst and dry, they'll likely look crusty. Along with a cold sore, you may experience a fever, body aches, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes. Apply ice to relieve pain and swelling 4-8 times a day. Wrap the ice in a clean rag or towel to protect your skin. Hold the ice on the cold sore for 5-10 minutes at a time. Repeat every few hours as needed. Wash the rag or towel immediately after you use it or use a disposable towel. The herpes virus that causes cold sores is very contagious. Use an over-the-counter antiviral cream for fast relief. There are a variety of topical treatments that will help your cold sore blisters to heal faster. These medications are available at all pharmacies. Follow the directions on the packaging, which usually instructs you to apply the cream 4 to 5 times a day for 4 to 5 days. For example, you can use OTC Abreva to speed up the healing of your cold sore. After cleaning the affected area, simply dab the ointment onto the cold sore every 3-4 hours (up to 5 times per day) for up to 10 days. Similarly, Blistex and Herpecin can reduce your pain and prevent drying. If you experience a lot of discomfort, take acetaminophen to help with the pain. Apply a lip protectant before you go outside. It's important to start applying them as soon as possible once you see a blister or feel one coming on. Cover a visible blister with a cold-sore patch to hide it. If the cold sore is in an area of your mouth that is visible, such as your lip, it's a good idea to cover it with a hydrocolloid patch. These patches protect the blister, hide it from view, and help prevent you from spreading the infection. These patches are available over-the-counter at any pharmacy. Consult with your doctor if you get cold sores frequently. If you have cold sores often, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about them. They can make treatment suggestions, including prescribing you medications. For instance, prescription-strength Acyclovir cream can be used to shorten how long your cold sores last. It's important to use your medication as soon as you feel tingling that might indicate an outbreak. See your doctor prior to your next outbreak to get a prescription for the medication you need. Your doctor might prescribe an oral antiviral medicine, such as Acyclovir or Valacyclovir. The brand names of Acyclovir include Zovirax and Sitavig. Avoid kissing or sharing food, utensils or care products during an outbreak. The herpes virus is very contagious, so don't expose anyone else to your cold sores. Don't kiss anyone or have intimate contact with them. Similarly, don't share cups, utensils, food, towels, or razors, which can expose others to the virus. If you're worried about an item being contaminated, don't share it. Look at the color and pattern of the blister to determine if it is a canker sore. Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers or aphthous stomatitis, are not contagious and look different from cold sores. They are usually about 5-8 mm across, painful, and also pale or yellow with a red outer ring. These sores are usually inside your mouth. You may notice 1 blister or several in a cluster. If your blister looks like this, it is probably a canker sore. In most cases, canker sores don't have any other accompanying symptoms. They often heal in about 10 days. While cold sores usually develop on the lips, canker sores develop on the inside of the mouth. Blisters caused by burns can look similar, but with burns, you can typically identify an incident that caused the blister. Gargle with salt water to dry out the blister. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with ½ cup of warm water. Take a sip of the mixture, keeping it in your mouth. Swirl it over the area with the canker sore for about a minute and then spit it out. This will help dry out the blister but it can be painful. If it causes you unbearable pain, try a different treatment. Repeat this process every couple of hours until the blister is gone. As an alternative, eating a popsicle or sipping on cool liquids might help your sore feel better. Try applying a paste of baking soda to reduce inflammation. Put a teaspoon of baking soda in a small bowl and add a few drops of water to create a paste. Use your finger to apply a thin layer of the paste onto the canker sore and let it sit there for a minute. After that, rinse your mouth out with cool water. You can repeat this process daily to help get rid of your canker sore. Use over-the-counter medications to soothe it. There are a variety of over-the-counter medications that will protect the blister and will reduce the pain you feel. These medications include benzocaine and hydrogen peroxide rinses. Whichever medication you buy at your pharmacy, follow the directions on the packaging and quit using it if it increases your pain and discomfort. Be cautious when eating or brushing your teeth. In order to help get rid of your canker sore, it's important to treat it gently. Don't eat anything too spicy, salty, rough, or acidic. Also keep your toothbrush away from your blister while you brush, as you don't want to irritate it. Acidic, salty, and spicy foods to avoid include, but are not limited to, tomatoes, citrus fruits, chili peppers, potato chips, and fruit juices. Try not to eat rough and crunchy foods, like crusty bread and hard crackers, as they can scratch the blister and cause pain. Eat soft, anti-inflammatory foods. When dealing with a canker sore you still need to eat, but it's important to choose the right things. Foods that are both soft and anti-inflammatory, such as honey and yogurt, will not irritate the blister and may even aid in healing. Get treated by a doctor if you cannot get rid of your blisters. For more severe cases, such as if your canker sore becomes very large or it won't heal after a couple of weeks, you should talk to your doctor about it. They are likely to give you an examination and suggest prescription treatments if the canker sore is severe. Medications that may be prescribed include fluocinonide gel (Lidex), anti-inflammatory amlexanox paste (Aphthasol), or chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex) mouthwash. Look at the color and location of the blister inside your mouth. Burn blisters in the mouth occur when you eat something too hot. If you have general mouth pain after eating hot food, look inside your mouth to determine if a blister has formed. The blister will likely be light-colored in the center and red around the edges. The inside of your mouth is especially susceptible to minor burns that cause blisters because it has tender layers of tissue. Apply something cold to the burn to soothe the area. Ice or cold water will cool down the area quickly, helping the skin to recover from the burn. Some cold foods made of dairy, such as milk or ice cream, can coat the area and keep the area cooler longer than cold water. Continue to apply cold to the area until the pain is reduced. If the pain returns, feel free to apply something cold to the area again. Relieve pain with over-the-counter pain relievers. A burn blister in the mouth can be painful, especially when eating. To minimize this pain, use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as an NSAID like ibuprofen. Follow the directions on the medicine bottle, making sure not to take more than is recommended in a 24 hour period. Do not pop the blister. A blister is a protective shield that the body creates to help heal itself. Popping it not only eliminates the blister's helpful barrier, but it also allows bacteria and germs into the injured area. If the blister is interfering with chewing, talking, or other daily activities, your doctor may recommend popping it. Avoid eating things that can irritate the area. Avoid hot foods, acidic foods, rough or hard foods, and spicy foods while the blister is healing. Also abstain from drinking alcohol, which can irritate the area. Instead, eat foods that are cooling, soft, and bland, such as creamy foods like yogurt and cottage cheese. Being cautious with the blister in your mouth will help it heal quicker and will minimize the chance of the area becoming infected. Avoid smoking while the blister is healing. Smoking can cause the blister to get irritated. The irritants in smoke can also slow down the healing time, so it's best to avoid smoking. If possible, use this time to quit smoking. Seek medical care if the pain is severe and the blister doesn't go away. If you burn the inside of your mouth severely, it could require some medical care, such as taking antibiotics to avoid infection. Minor burn blisters should go away in a couple of days at most, so see a doctor if yours doesn't heal or feel better after that amount of time. Your doctor may prescribe you an antiseptic mouth wash, which will keep the area clean and will help eliminate any infection. Most minor burns inside the mouth do not require medical care. However, contact your doctor if you are concerned. | Look at the color and location of the blister to determine if it's a cold sore. Apply ice to relieve pain and swelling 4-8 times a day. Use an over-the-counter antiviral cream for fast relief. Cover a visible blister with a cold-sore patch to hide it. Consult with your doctor if you get cold sores frequently. Avoid kissing or sharing food, utensils or care products during an outbreak. Look at the color and pattern of the blister to determine if it is a canker sore. Gargle with salt water to dry out the blister. Try applying a paste of baking soda to reduce inflammation. Use over-the-counter medications to soothe it. Be cautious when eating or brushing your teeth. Get treated by a doctor if you cannot get rid of your blisters. Look at the color and location of the blister inside your mouth. Apply something cold to the burn to soothe the area. Relieve pain with over-the-counter pain relievers. Do not pop the blister. Avoid eating things that can irritate the area. Avoid smoking while the blister is healing. Seek medical care if the pain is severe and the blister doesn't go away. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Kale | How to Freeze Kale | To freeze kale, start by washing the kale under cool, running water, and trim the stems off of the leaves. Then, bring a pot of water to a boil, and place the leaves in the water to cook for 2.5 minutes. Immediately remove the leaves from the pot and place them in a bowl of ice water for 2.5 minutes before removing them to dry. Next, place the kale in a resealable bag, and press out as much air as possible before sealing it. Label the bags and place them in the freezer to use as needed. | Gather your supplies. To freeze kale, you first need to clean it, trim it, blanch it, and shock it to help preserve the flavor while it's frozen. To do this, you'll need as much kale as you plan to freeze, along with a few simple kitchen tools, including: Knife Large pot Large bowl Colander or strainer Four clean kitchen towels Tongs Slotted spoon Wash and trim the kale. Rinse the kale leaves under running water to remove dirt, bugs, and other debris. Place the leaves on a clean towel to remove excess water. Cut the very ends off the stems, and then cut the stems into one-inch (2.5-cm) pieces. Set the stems aside. You can either leave the leaves whole, cut them into strips, or cut them in half for storage. Kale stems are nutritious, but they can make the kale tough. You can remove them before freezing if you wish. To remove the stem, cut off the bottom stem where there is no leaf, and then peel the leaves away from the center vein running up the middle of the kale. Cleaning your kale before you freeze it will make it more convenient when you need it. Prepare your water. Blanching is a two-part process that involves boiling the kale for a few minutes and then plunging it immediately into an ice bath. To prepare your water for the process: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Fill a large bowl with equal parts ice and cold water. Have a colander or strainer nearby so you can drain the water from the leaves. Boil the stems. When the water is boiling, add the pieces of kale stem and boil them for three minutes. Because the stems are thicker and tougher, they require a longer cooking time than the leaves. Cooking the stems separate from the leaves ensures that you don't undercook the stems or overcook the leaves. If you discarded the stems or used them for something else, go straight to blanching the leaves. Blanch the leaves. Using tongs, place the kale leaves into the boiling water. Fill the pot as much as possible without overcrowding the leaves. Boil the greens for 2.5 minutes. Work in batches if you have more than a potful of kale. Make sure you allow the water to return to a boil before adding more leaves. Blanching vegetables in this way kills enzymes and bacteria that can destroy the color, flavor, and nutrients of the vegetables. Killing these enzymes, therefore, allows you to store the kale longer. Shock the leaves. Use the slotted spoon to remove the kale from the boiling water. Plunge the kale immediately into the ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Leave the kale in the ice bath for 2.5 minutes, the same as your cooking time. If you're working in batches, add more ice after every batch of kale you chill. Shocking the leaves in an ice bath will preserve the vibrant green color, and prevent the leaves from overcooking. Drain and dry the leaves. Remove the leaves from the ice bath using the slotted spoon. Transfer the kale to the colander, and allow the excess water to drain off. Shake the colander regularly to help remove the water. Lay two clean kitchen towels on a flat work space. When most of the water has dripped off the kale, spread the leaves out on the towels. Use the other two towels to dry the kale as much as possible. Set the kale aside to finish air drying. The dryer the kale is when you freeze it, the fewer ice crystals will form, and the longer the kale will withstand freezer burn. Drying the kale is important if you plan to freeze whole leaves, but not important if you're going to make kale puree to freeze. Portion out the kale. You can do this according to personal preference or the types of recipes you plan on making. For instance, if you plan to use the kale for smoothies and only need a cup of kale for each one, portion the kale into one-cup (67 g) bunches. At this point, you can also chop the kale into smaller pieces if you know that's how you'll be using the leaves when you thaw them. Bag the kale. Pack your portioned kale bunches tightly into sealable heavy-duty freezer bags. Press out as much air as possible, and then seal the bags most of the way. To remove the rest of the air, insert a straw into the opening and suck out the air. Then, remove the straw and quickly seal the bag the rest of the way. Air and moisture are two major contributors to freezer burn. Freezing dry kale and removing all the air from the bag will protect the kale from freezer burn. You can also use a kitchen vacuum sealer if you have one, and this will do a great job of removing the air. Label the bags. With a marker, write on each bag the quantity of kale contained within and the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of how old the kale is, tell you when you need to use it by, and remind you what portion size is within each bag. Labeling is important, because although you know right now how much kale is in each bag, you may forget in 10 months when you go to use it! Transfer the bags to the freezer. Place the bagged and labeled kale into the freezer for storage. With the blanching, shocking, and proper storage, your kale should keep for up to 12 months. To use the kale, remove the needed portions from the freezer and use them immediately in recipes, or allow them to thaw for an hour before chopping. Blend the kale. Cut your kale into quarters and transfer a few handfuls to the blender. Measure out 1 cup (237 ml) of water and drizzle some over the kale. Turn on the blender and pulse a few times to break up the kale. Add a few more handfuls of kale and another drizzle of water. Repeat until you've pureed all the kale, using up to a cup of water if necessary. You can blend the kale raw or after you've blanched and scorched it, but make sure it's clean. Frozen kale puree is great for adding to soups, smoothies, and other dishes where you don't want to notice the kale. This method isn't suitable for salads, kale chips, and other such dishes, because you won't have access to whole kale leaves. Pour into molds. To make the kale puree easier to use, distribute it evenly among ice cube trays, muffin pans, or mini muffin pans. Transfer the pans to the freezer and let the kale puree freeze, about three hours. To freeze the kale puree in specific portion sizes, use a measuring cup to pour the kale into the mold. Remove the puree from the cubes. When the puree is frozen through, remove it from the ice cube trays or muffin tins and transfer it to a sealable plastic freezer bag. This will free up your ice cube trays, and make the puree easier to store. To prevent freezer burn, press out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. Place the bag into the freezer to preserve the kale for up to a few months. | Gather your supplies. Wash and trim the kale. Prepare your water. Boil the stems. Blanch the leaves. Shock the leaves. Drain and dry the leaves. Portion out the kale. Bag the kale. Label the bags. Transfer the bags to the freezer. Blend the kale. Pour into molds. Remove the puree from the cubes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Charismatic | How to Be Charismatic | To be charismatic, try to be positive and optimistic when you're around people since people are drawn to positivity. Also, make people feel special about themselves by really listening to what they have to say and offering them genuine compliments, which will make them want to be around you more. When you're talking with people, try to stand up straight, smile, and make eye contact to show that you're confident and engaged in the conversation. | Make eye contact with people. Eye contact both draws people in and shows them you're interested in them. Look people in the eye as soon as you enter a room, and maintain eye contact while you're speaking with them. Lean toward people when you're having a conversation. This shows people you're interested in what they have to say. It puts your full attention on them and shows you're engaged with the present moment. Consciously remind yourself to lean forward, whether your standing or sitting. Don't lean back in your chair. This makes you seem disengaged. Keep your arms uncrossed to keep your body language open. Crossing your arms closes you off to people, but keeping your arms at your sides shows people you're open. You can also use open gestures. Smile a lot when you interact with others. Smiling draws people to you. It lights up your face and makes you appear more positive. Practice smiling so you can do it naturally in conversations. Don't smile when you're talking about a dark or sad topic, such as illness or death. People will view this as inappropriate. Use a lot of gestures to get people's attention and make your point. This makes you appear more animated, which draws people to you. Speak with your hands to expand on what you're saying. Watch yourself in the mirror or film yourself to help you practice your gesturing. Maintain good posture. Stand tall with your shoulders back. Tip your chin up, keeping your gaze forward. Additionally, avoid slumping your shoulders when you walk or stand. Use a mirror to check your posture. You can also film yourself walking around a room to check how well you're maintaining good posture. Claim your personal space. You deserve to take up space, just like anyone else. Shrinking yourself will make you less visible to people, which makes it harder to be charismatic. Spread out and take up the space you need. It helps to take up hobbies that encourage you to own your space. For example, engaging in the martial arts can help you claim your personal space. Focus on what you love about yourself. It's easier for people to like you if they see you like yourself. It can be hard to celebrate who you are, but knowing your strengths, talents, and what makes you special can help. By bringing your positive traits forward, you can push aside your self-doubt. Make a list of your positive qualities, talents, and accomplishments. You might also ask those you love to tell you what they love about you. Play up the features you love about yourself. For example, you might create a nice cat-eye to draw attention to your lovely eyes or dress to show off your toned legs. Adopt a positive mindset. Positivity draws people to you and makes them want to be around you. Show positivity by sharing an optimistic outlook, looking for the best in a situation, and giving encouragement. Present challenges or obstacles as opportunities rather than stumbling blocks. Here are some tips to be more positive: Counter negative thoughts with positive self-talk. When you catch something negative like, “I might fail,” counter it with a positive statement. You might tell yourself, “This is an opportunity to learn and grow.” Surround yourself with positive people to help maintain your good outlook. Improve your mood with laughter. Watch a funny movie, tell jokes, or share a funny story. Laughing every day will help you feel more positive. Keep a gratitude list to remember what you're grateful for. Work on the parts of your life you don't love. When you start to feel down on yourself, remind yourself of the progress you're making! Dress to impress. Your clothes tell others how you feel about yourself and what they should think about you. Clothing can also determine how you feel in the moment. Choose clothes that make you feel your best and convey the message about yourself you want others to see. Wear clothes that fit you well, and choose colors or patterns you think look nice. Don't choose an outfit just because you think others will think it's trendy. If you don't actually like it, you'll just feel uncomfortable, which will show. Think about an accomplishment for a temporary confidence boost. When you think about your achievements, your brain releases a chemical called oxytocin that makes you feel good about yourself. If you're not feeling confident, an oxytocin boost can help you feel more confident for a short period of time. Before you go into a social situation, think about your past achievements. Take an improv class to improve your confidence. Improv helps you get comfortable performing in front of others, plus it makes you think on your feet. Taking a class or joining a local improv group can help you break out of your shell in a supportive environment. Plus, it's really fun! You can find improv classes by searching online. You might also find an improv group using a site like meetup.com or Facebook groups. Stay off your electronic devices when interacting with others. Using your devices while people are talking to you makes them feel less important. Put your cell phone on silent and keep it in your pocket or bag. Additionally, avoid playing with your smartwatch or other devices. Put all of your attention on the people around you. Listen to others talk about themselves. Focus on what the other person is saying, not what you will say in response. Nod along as they talk, and offer affirmative statements like, “Uh huh,” “That's interesting,” or “Wow” to show you're listening. Ask people open-ended questions to keep the conversation going. Listen to their response with genuine interest. Paraphrase what they say to you to show them that you're listening. Give people genuine compliments. Telling people what you like or appreciate about them will make them feel good. Be specific about what you're complimenting to make your compliment more meaningful. For example, say, “You were very well spoken in your presentation today,” rather than “Good presentation.” Complimenting someone's appearance can make people feel good about themselves and may make them like you better. However, it's not correct for every situation, especially in the workplace. Complimenting people's work, accomplishments, and talents can be encouraging and motivating to others. Remember people's names. When you meet people, repeat their name back to them to help you remember it. Then, use their name whenever you speak to them. Showing them you remember will make them feel special and demonstrate that you have an interest in knowing who they are. Be empathetic toward others. Think about where other people might be coming from. Try to see things from their perspective. Put yourself in their shoes so you can understand how they might feel. Show people you care about how they feel by verbally acknowledging their feelings and listening to what they're going through. Ask people how they feel, then truly listen. Don't judge people for reacting differently to a situation than you would. Everyone has different experiences that mold them into who they are. Tell people about times you've felt the same way they do. Share your own struggles and how you overcame them. Use stories about your life to inspire others. This makes you seem accomplished and impressive, but also shows that you've worked hard to get where you are. Be careful not to complain about your problems or explain all of the issues in your life. Limit your sharing to stories about how you triumphed over adversity. Practice making small talk. It's normal to have a hard time with small talk, but charismatic people know how to talk to anyone. Develop a few talking points that you can draw on for small talk. Use a mirror or video camera to watch yourself delivering these talking points so you can improve your delivery. Use humor to relate to others. You can tell funny jokes, relate a funny story, or pick on yourself. This helps people feel comfortable around you and enjoy being with you. Don't go overboard when using humor. Instead, pepper humor throughout your conversation or speech. For example, you might open a presentation with a joke or tell a funny story at a party. Be a storyteller. Telling stories draws people in and makes you appear more engaging. When you do talk about yourself, do so through stories. Share your personal history. Use an excited tone, animated gestures, and engaging facial expressions to entertain others. Taking an acting class can help you improve your storytelling abilities. Actors and charismatic people use the same techniques to captivate their audience and evoke emotion. You can learn how to use voice inflection, tone, gesture, and facial expressions to enhance your stories. Stand behind your ideas rather than wavering. People are turned off by uncertainty, so you need to take a stance. Believe in your choices and what you have to say. Tell others that you have the answer, even if you don't feel fully confident. You can always re-evaluate and take another path if you realize you were wrong. Even if you are uncertain, people will view you as more charismatic if you act sure about your choices. Make the best decisions using the information you have at the moment. If you later decide you were wrong, you can always do something else. For example, you'd say, “I believe in this plan” rather than “This plan could work.” The first statement shows you are confident in the idea. However, the second statement suggests you aren't completely sure if the plan will work. Show passion for what you're talking about. People are drawn to people who appear passionate. Don't talk mindlessly; only share ideas you truly believe in. Be excited about what you say and do, and invite others to share your excitement. Build your life around your passions. This will help you appear more engaging to others. If something doesn't excite you, put it on the backburner. | Make eye contact with people. Lean toward people when you're having a conversation. Keep your arms uncrossed to keep your body language open. Smile a lot when you interact with others. Use a lot of gestures to get people's attention and make your point. Maintain good posture. Claim your personal space. Focus on what you love about yourself. Adopt a positive mindset. Dress to impress. Think about an accomplishment for a temporary confidence boost. Take an improv class to improve your confidence. Stay off your electronic devices when interacting with others. Listen to others talk about themselves. Give people genuine compliments. Remember people's names. Be empathetic toward others. Share your own struggles and how you overcame them. Practice making small talk. Use humor to relate to others. Be a storyteller. Stand behind your ideas rather than wavering. Show passion for what you're talking about. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Count-Calories | How to Count Calories | To count calories effectively, first use an online BMR calculator to determine how many calories you need each day to maintain your current weight. Once you know how many calories you need each day, look at food labels to check the calorie content of your meals. It's also important to choose healthy foods, like lean proteins and vegetables, to make sure your calories are coming from nutritious sources. When you get the hang of counting your calories, keep track of your daily intake by writing down the number of calories in every meal and snack you eat. | Seek approval from a health care professional before starting a weight-loss or exercise plan. It is not worth jeopardizing your health with a crash diet. For most people, a healthy amount of weight to lose is 1 to 2 pounds per week. Use free online BMR calculators to take the mystery out of weight loss. BMR stands for basal metabolic rate, is the amount of calories consumed while you're at rest, not doing anything. The Mayo Clinic and many other health-related websites have calorie calculators that determine how many calories you should eat per day to maintain your current weight. Enter variables such as weight, height, age, gender and frequency of exercise, and the calculator determines the right number of daily calories for you. If you don't want to use online BMR converters, do the math yourself. Here's how you calculate your BMR. It's different for men and women: For women: 655 + (4.3 x Weight in pounds) + (4.2 x Height in inches) - (4.7 x Age in years) For men: 66 + (6.3 x Weight in pounds) + (12.9 x Height in inches) - (5.8 x Age in years) You'll come up with a number. What does this number mean? This is a number of calories that you'd burn if you stayed in bed all day and did absolutely nothing. Factor in your level of daily exercise to your BMR. Do this to see how many calories you can consume during a day to maintain your weight. Take your BMR, multiply it by the appropriate number below, and add that to your BMR to see how many calories you can eat during the day to stay the same weight. This is called your suggested daily calorie intake. For no activity, multiply your BMR by 20% (this means BMR x.20, not 20!) For little or light activity, multiply your BMR by 30% For moderate activity, multiply your BMR by 40% For strong activity, multiply your BMR by 50% For intense activity, multiply your BMR by 60% Understand how weight loss and weight gain work. Any calories you consume above your suggested daily calorie intake will cause you to gain weight, while consuming fewer calories than your suggested daily calorie intake will cause you to lose weight. A pound is measured by 3,500 calories. So if you consume 3,500 more calories than you burn during a day, you'll gain a pound; if you burn 3,500 more calories than you consume during a day, you'll lose a pound. For example, say that your BMR is 1,790. Let's also say that you're moderately active, meaning you exercise three times a week. 1,790 x.40 = 716. Add 716 to 1,790 to get 2,506. That's what you need to stay under in order to lose weight. Any calories consumed above 2,506 means you're gaining weight. Cut 500 calories a day to lose 1 pound per week. One pound equals 3,500 calories, so cutting 500 calories a day will add up to a pound a week. Having a target goal for daily calories makes it easier to decide what to eat. If your suggested daily calorie intake is about 2,500, then shoot for 2,000. This will help you along with your goal of losing one pound every week. Plan meals that have the right number of calories. Life is busy; it's easy to eat whatever is in the house or to head for the nearest drive-through and order something that sounds good. Instead, resisting the urge to eat junk food, plan what you will eat each day. To keep yourself on track, buy the necessary groceries to get you through a few days or a week. In the beginning, this exercise will be harder because you won't be very good at estimating which foods have which calories. After a few weeks of being strict with yourself, you should be a pro at estimating how caloric certain foods are. Choose healthy foods. Healthy foods may not taste the greatest, but they usually have far fewer calories in them, meaning that you can eat more of it. On the flip side, unhealthy foods usually have more calories; a large cola at McDonald's weighs in at over 300 calories, about the same as a McDonald's cheeseburger. That's a lot of calories for a drink. When looking for foods, generally choose: Lean, white protein (chicken breast, fish, tofu) instead of dark, fatty meat Colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables instead of dried fruits and vegetables Whole wheat grains (brown rice, whole grain bread) instead of processed grains (white rice, white bread) Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats instead of saturated and trans fats Omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed, cod liver oil, and salmon Nuts, seeds, and grains instead of sweets and candies Drink plenty of water, especially before a meal. Water is essential for the health of your body's organs. It also takes up space in your stomach, suppressing your appetite. Best of all, water contains absolutely no calories. That's like stealing calories each time you drink. (Your body spends calories digesting food and water.) If you're serious about losing weight, drink water and stay away from any sweetened drinks like "energy" drinks, sodas, or fruit juices. Unsweetened green tea is acceptable to drink. Check the calorie content of every food item before you buy it. Whether it's bread, snacks or packaged frozen foods, check the product's number of calories per serving and choose the one with the lowest reading. If you're younger, go with your parents when they go grocery shopping. It'll be a bonding experience, and you'll get to pick out healthy, nutritional foods for yourself, with dietary information that you can understand. Pay attention to serving sizes. If a nutritional label says the entire package has about 4 servings, then divide the entire contents of the package into 4 even groups. One group is equal to one serving. Look up calories on nutritional websites. Not all foods have packaging that shows the number of calories, but there are many websites that tell you the calories of nearly any food. Just make sure that after you check the calories for a 4-oz. piece of fish, for example, you eat only that much. Get out the measuring spoons and cups to keep serving sizes exact. This way, you will know you really are putting exactly a tablespoon of creamer in the coffee or ¼ cup of cheese in scrambled eggs. Write down everything you eat and drink, and record the number of calories per item. You can use a computer spreadsheet program to make this easier. Record what you eat (even on a scrap of paper), and plug the information into your spreadsheet at the end of the day. Then, total up the calories. Not only does writing it down help you to stay motivated and on track, it is also helpful to look back and see the calories of certain foods you eat regularly. One plus of having a food journal is that it will help you remember healthy dishes that you really liked. Put it down in your journal and you're less likely to forget that grilled asparagus with quinoa is actually pretty darn good. Expect it to get easier. In the beginning, when you don't know the number of calories of any food item, counting calories requires quite a bit of time and research, which can be frustrating. But once you automatically know an apple is 70 calories or a favorite granola bar is 90 calories, it becomes much easier. Get a tally counter. You can find them for less than $1 apiece on most auction sites. Increase the count every time you eat something (it's most practical to make one click per 10 calories consumed). Alternatively, many smartphones have apps available that will look up caloric values for you, as well as calculate how many calories you should consume per day if you want to lose weight. Be patient. Don't expect your weight loss program to happen overnight. Too often, people with really good intentions get discouraged right before they start to see real results. Had they just kept with it for a little bit longer, they would have started reaping the rewards. So stick with your program, believe in it, and be patient. You owe it to yourself. | Seek approval from a health care professional before starting a weight-loss or exercise plan. Use free online BMR calculators to take the mystery out of weight loss. If you don't want to use online BMR converters, do the math yourself. Factor in your level of daily exercise to your BMR. Understand how weight loss and weight gain work. Cut 500 calories a day to lose 1 pound per week. Plan meals that have the right number of calories. Choose healthy foods. Drink plenty of water, especially before a meal. Check the calorie content of every food item before you buy it. Look up calories on nutritional websites. Get out the measuring spoons and cups to keep serving sizes exact. Write down everything you eat and drink, and record the number of calories per item. Expect it to get easier. Get a tally counter. Be patient. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Stomach-Cramps | How to Cure Stomach Cramps | To cure stomach cramps caused by heartburn and indigestion, decrease your alcohol and caffeine intake, stop eating spicy foods, and eat small, frequent meals rather than a few large meals each day. If you're dealing with gas pain, try taking an over-the-counter product like Beano or charcoal tablets. You can also take 200-400 milligrams of ibuprofen up to 3 times per day to relieve pain caused by menstrual cramps. | Look for signs of heartburn and/or indigestion. Although heartburn and indigestion are different, indigestion can lead to heartburn. Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is mild discomfort in the upper part of your abdomen that is usually accompanied by a feeling of fullness. Heartburn, on the other hand, is a painful, burning feeling just below or behind the breastbone. This is caused by a “reflux” of stomach acid and food into the esophagus (the muscular tube that leads to your stomach). Additional signs that you have heartburn or indigestion include fullness and discomfort after eating and/or a burning sensation below the breastbone generally after eating. See if you have any sensitivity after eating certain foods, such as gluten, eggs, or peanuts. Try eliminating the foods from your diet for 4 weeks to see if your symptoms improve. Check for signs of small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Small intestine bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO , can cause cramps, bloating, gassiness, and abdominal discomfort. Talk to your primary healthcare provider if you have any of the symptoms to see if there's a prescription antibiotic or antifungal you can get. Make lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes can help prevent and resolve heartburn and indigestion. Take antacids for short-term relief. Over-the-counter antacids or acid blockers can help relieve heartburn and indigestion. Many different forms are available on the market. Some antacids can have side effects such as constipation or diarrhea. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor to choose the best one for you. Avoid taking antacids over a long-term period of time since it could make SIBO, malabsorption, or IBS feel worse. Try herbal/natural remedies. If you prefer herbal remedies, alternative medication may help relieve heartburn or indigestion. Identify if you have gas. Often, gas can cause stomach pain and a bloated feeling. Signs that you are experiencing gas include frequent belching or burping and flatulence. Gas can also cause abdominal cramps, as well as a tightness or knotted feeling in your abdomen. Make lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes can help resolve and prevent gas. Some lifestyle changes that you can make include: Drinking more water and less carbonated or fizzy drinks Avoiding vegetables that cause more gas, such as legumes, broccoli, and cabbage Avoiding high-fat or high-sugar foods Eating slower to avoid swallowing air Look for food intolerances. Cut out certain foods to see if intolerance of those foods is the cause. For example, milk and dairy products may cause cramps and stomach pain in people who are lactose intolerant. Take an over-the-counter remedy. OTC products with simethicone help make it easier to belch away gas. Digestive enzymes may be useful if you are lactose intolerant. A digestive aid, such as Beano, can help digest beans and vegetables. Charcoal tablets can also help relieve bloating and gas. Consider if constipation is another symptom. Constipation can also cause stomach pain. Signs of constipation include having bowel movements less than three times a week, trouble passing stool, or hard and dry stool. Make lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes can help resolve and prevent constipation. Some lifestyle changes that you can make include: Adding more fiber to your diet. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are high in fiber. Drinking a lot of water (at least 8 – 13 glasses daily) Exercising regularly Take an effective medication. There are many OTC laxatives and fiber supplements; however, many laxatives may have side effects. Choosing the appropriate one may help relieve constipation. It is important to note that laxatives are not for long-term use. Try an herbal remedy. Alternative medications may help relieve constipation. Flaxseed is the most common herbal remedy. It has soluble fiber that can help with constipation. Look for a correlation between cramping and your period. Menstrual cramps in the lower abdomen are experienced by women usually just before and/or during their periods. Sometimes they can be serious and indicate endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Make lifestyle changes to relieve your symptoms. Lifestyle changes that can help relieve menstrual cramps include exercise, stress management, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. In addition, studies have shown that vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-1 (thiamine), vitamin B-6, and magnesium supplements may reduce menstrual cramps. Try over-the-counter treatments. Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, at regular doses starting the day before you get your period may help if your cramps are predictable. Try a 200-400 mg dose of ibuprofen up to 3 times per day. You can continue taking the medicine as directed by your doctor for 2 to 3 days or until your symptoms go away. If your cramps are severe, your doctor can also prescribe birth control, which can reduce the severity of your cramps. Try applying a warm heating pad on your lower abdomen for 15-20 minute increments. Try herbal alternatives. Some studies have found that acupuncture (inserting thin needles through your skin at strategic points) helps relieve menstrual cramps. In addition, some herbs such as fennel or chamomile may help with the cramps as well. Look for other flu-like symptoms. Gastroenteritis, or the “stomach bug,” can cause severe stomach pain. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a fever generally accompany this. Stay hydrated. Dehydration is the most common issue with gastroenteritis, so drink a lot of liquids such as water and diluted sports drinks (undiluted, sports drinks contain too much sugar. Try cutting them by adding more water.). Take them in frequent sips. Get medical help if you cannot keep down liquids. Let your stomach settle. In addition to stomach cramps, vomiting and nausea are associated with gastroenteritis. Let your stomach settle then slowly begin to eat easy-to-digest and bland foods. Avoid spicy and fatty food, dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol for a few days. Get plenty of rest. Getting rest is important to be able to recover quickly. Rest helps promote your immune system, which will help you reduce downtime while you have symptoms. Wash your hands often. Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu or stomach bug, is highly contagious and can cause diarrhea and stomach pain. If a friend, family member, or coworker has the stomach flu, make sure to wash your hands often to prevent the spread of it. Use breathing techniques. Breathing is relaxing and can divert your attention from the pain of mild cramps. You can do this while doing something else that will divert your attention, such as watching a television show. Focus on your breathing. Use a fast and shallow breathing rate, following a one-two (breathe in fast, breathe out fast) rhythm. Avoid certain beverages. Alcohol or any caffeinated or carbonated drink can add to abdominal pain. Sip water or clear fluids. Try to exercise the cramps away. Take a walk around your house, or in the garden. This can be helpful when you find that sitting or lying down is uncomfortable. Moving around can help relieve intestinal and stomach discomfort. You may find it best to avoid abdominal exercises while experiencing cramps due to the discomfort, especially because cramps may result from exercise itself if you push yourself too hard. Know your limits. Try yoga. Some evidence suggests yoga may help with stomach issues such as irritable bowel syndrome. If you're familiar with yoga, consider some poses that open up the abdominal region. Depending on where the cramps are, consider fish pose or reclining hero. Downward facing dog can also be helpful. If your cramps are muscular in nature, exercise your abdominal muscles at another time and merely stretch them in the cobra pose. Any position where you are facing up, looking forward or facing the ceiling will result in a minuscule amount of abdominal tension. Use a heating pad. Place a heating pad, heated wheat bag, or hot water bottle on your stomach to give temporary relief, especially for menstrual cramps. While some advice suggests not to apply the heating pad to your abdomen in case this brings on nausea, other advice considers this to be appropriate. Decide on which approach best suits your needs through your knowledge of your own preferences and responses to the application of heat. Pass gas. Allow yourself to pass gas. If you are at work or somewhere this might be embarrassing or inappropriate, just excuse yourself and go to the restroom. You do not want to allow yourself to become bloated or let the cramps become more serious and painful by holding in your gas. Take a soak in a warm bath. The heat from a warm bath can help soothe and relax your stomach cramps and is really effective at relieving the pain caused by menstrual cramps. Don't make it too hot, just comfortable. Know when to get immediate assistance. Knowing when to contact a doctor or get help is essential. Stomach pain is a symptom of many different issues and some can be serious, such as peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, appendicitis, autoimmune disease, gall bladder issues, cancer, and more. Generally for stomach pain, get help immediately if: You have abdominal pain that is sudden and sharp, or you have pain in your chest, neck, or shoulder You're vomiting blood or have blood in your stool Your abdomen is hard and tender to touch You can't move your bowels and are also vomiting You can't hold down liquids Determine if your heartburn/indigestion requires medical assistance. Though these conditions are typically minor and can easily be treated with over-the-counter medicines, you should see your doctor if: Your symptoms last longer than a few days or do not improve with medication You lose weight you were not trying to lose You have sudden or severe pain. Get immediate care if you feel a crushing or squeezing pain. You have trouble swallowing Your skin or eyes look pale or yellow You vomit blood or have bloody, dark stool Your stool looks like coffee grounds Determine if your gastroenteritis requires medical assistance. The other symptoms also associated with “stomach flu” can lead to a situation where you should see a doctor. These include: You have been vomiting for more than two days Diarrhea persists more than several days or is bloody You have a persistent high fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher You have lightheadedness, fainting, or confusion when standing Avoid certain medications before seeing your doctor. If or when you do decide to see a doctor, do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other anti-inflammatory medications or narcotic pain medications unless your doctor has seen you and has prescribed these. They can worsen some stomach pains. If you know that the source of your cramps is menstrual, however, anti-inflammatories can be taken. Acetaminophen is acceptable if your doctor has verified that your pain is not related to your liver. | Look for signs of heartburn and/or indigestion. Check for signs of small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Make lifestyle changes. Take antacids for short-term relief. Try herbal/natural remedies. Identify if you have gas. Make lifestyle changes. Look for food intolerances. Take an over-the-counter remedy. Consider if constipation is another symptom. Make lifestyle changes. Take an effective medication. Try an herbal remedy. Look for a correlation between cramping and your period. Make lifestyle changes to relieve your symptoms. Try over-the-counter treatments. Try herbal alternatives. Look for other flu-like symptoms. Stay hydrated. Let your stomach settle. Get plenty of rest. Wash your hands often. Use breathing techniques. Avoid certain beverages. Try to exercise the cramps away. Try yoga. Use a heating pad. Pass gas. Take a soak in a warm bath. Know when to get immediate assistance. Determine if your heartburn/indigestion requires medical assistance. Determine if your gastroenteritis requires medical assistance. Avoid certain medications before seeing your doctor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Squeaky-Shoes | How to Fix Squeaky Shoes | If your shoes are squeaky and you want to fix them, walk back and forth, rocking your feet forwards and back, then side to side. When you find the motion that causes the squeak, look for the parts of the shoe that bend during that motion. Sprinkle those parts of the shoe with baby powder, cornstarch, or baking powder. If that doesn't work, try oiling the squeak with a little silicone spray or leather conditioner. | Locate the problem. Walk back and forth with your shoes, then rock your feet forward and back, then left to right. When you find the motion that causes the squeak, look for the parts of the shoe that bend during that motion. Try having a friend crouch near the floor and listen carefully while you walk. Sprinkle with powder. Once you know what part of the shoe is squeaking, sprinkle that area with baby powder, corn starch, or baking powder. This will absorb noisy moisture, and reduce noise from two shoe parts rubbing together. Here are a few common problem areas and how to fix them: If the inside of the shoe squeaks, lift the insoles and sprinkle powder along the inner seam. If your insoles are non-removable, rub the powder into the edge of your shoe base. Powder the tongue of the shoe under the laces if the tongue squeaks. If the base of the shoe squeaks, there are probably air cushions. Massage the powder into the base at the seam or air bubble. Swab with WD40 or silicone spray. These are more effective at removing squeaks than leather conditioner, but require careful application to avoid damage. Spray one of these lubricants onto a cotton swab or cotton ball. Rub it into the outside seam of the shoe, working along the squeaky area or its entire outline. Don't use oil-based materials on suede or the fuzzy nap could be destroyed. Rub with leather conditioner. If you are using leather shoes, keep them lubricated by rubbing in a leather conditioner and buffing with a dry cloth. Be sure to purchase suede conditioner for suede shoes, not general purpose leather conditioner. Know the return policy before trying these methods. If you are trying to fix a new shoe, the squeak may be a manufacturing defect that makes you eligible for a refund or replacement. Using glue or other heavy-duty materials may void your warranty. Try saddle soap. Saddle soap is controversial among owners of fine leather shoes. Some claim it causes the leather to dry out, while others find it harmless. If you're willing to take this risk, apply saddle soap in small quantities to the problem area, and buff with a dry cloth. This may be particularly effective on a squeaky tongue. Never use saddle soap on suede. Glue on loose heels. This should only be done if none of the "easy fixes" above work, since excess glue can easily damage or stain shoes. If the shoe heel is loose, use a small dab super glue or rubber cement to reattach it firmly, pressing together for several seconds until the adhesive begins to take hold. This will not work on urethane shoes. Take expensive high heels to a shoe repair shop instead to avoid the risk of damage. Fill damaged soles with silicone caulk. Purchase a tube of silicone caulking material with a squeeze top, or a specialized silicone product for shoe repair. Stick the nozzle of the tube into an open space between the shoe and the sole, and slowly squirt it in until the void is filled. Clamp the shoe together with rubber bands, weights, or hardware clamps and let dry overnight. Take the shoes to a repair shop. Take the shoes to a cobbler or repair shop and ask for advice, or hire someone to fix it for you. About half of squeaky shoes squeak due to a loose shank inside the shoe, or another problem that should be left to a professional. Check the cause of squeaking in your wet shoes. Many shoes are only squeaky when wet. Sometimes, this is just the sound made by rubber soles on linoleum, hard wood, or other slick floor materials. Other shoes swell up or develop structural issues when wet that cause squeaking, and these can be treated using the other methods on this page. Either way, the drying methods in this section will teach you to dry your shoes quickly and effectively, without causing damage to the shoe. Remove the insoles. If you shoes have removable insoles, take them out and dry them separately to speed up the process. Stuff the shoes with newspaper. Bunch up the dry paper and fit it into the shoe. Press the first piece all the way into the toe for maximum absorbency. Use a cedar shoe tree if possible. A "shoe tree" is a branched object inserted into the shoe instead of newspaper, meant to maintain the shoe's shape while it dries. A shoe tree made of cedar is especially effective, since the wood will wick moisture out of the shoe. Leave on its side at room temperature. Rest the shoe on its side or prop it against a wall so the sole of the shoe is exposed to the air while drying. Dry in a warm room, but not next to any heat sources. | Locate the problem. Sprinkle with powder. Swab with WD40 or silicone spray. Rub with leather conditioner. Know the return policy before trying these methods. Try saddle soap. Glue on loose heels. Fill damaged soles with silicone caulk. Take the shoes to a repair shop. Check the cause of squeaking in your wet shoes. Remove the insoles. Stuff the shoes with newspaper. Use a cedar shoe tree if possible. Leave on its side at room temperature. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Motivational-Speaker | How to Become a Motivational Speaker | To become a motivational speaker, start by choosing the topic that you want to speak about and then work on developing a relevant message about that topic. You will need to be a strong public speaker, so try to take a public speaking class at your local college. If you can't take a class, you can watch recordings of yourself speaking to improve your skills. When you're ready, reach out to organizations and offer to speak at conventions, conferences, schools, and meetings. | Read, watch, and listen to other motivational speakers. Familiarize yourself with the works of other motivational speakers and see if there are any that resonate more with you than others. Consider the content of their speeches and the way they deliver it as you expose yourself to different motivational speakers. Try watching TED Talks or Youtube videos of motivational speeches. Read books, articles, and blogs written by motivational speakers. Check out motivational podcasts. Write down all of your ideas for material. Try to describe the message that you want to deliver through your speaking engagements. What topic do you want to focus on? Career? Relationships? Spirituality? What is your focus within this area? Entrepreneurship? Writing? Marriage? Parenting? Christianity? Buddhism? Write down as many ideas as you can think of and keep adding to your notes over time. Select a niche in the topic you have chosen. This will depend largely on your own experiences and qualifications, so reflect on what you bring to the table on this topic. How is what you have to say different from what other people are saying? What experiences and knowledge do you bring to the conversation that is special? For example, perhaps you started your own interior design business and you hope to inspire others to do the same. Or, maybe you successfully published a book in a short amount of time and you want to pass on what you have learned to others. Take a public speaking course to develop your skills. Check with your local community college or see if there are any public speaking groups in your area that you can join. This will give you a chance to develop and practice your public speaking skills. You may even be able to test out some of your speeches on these audiences and ask for feedback. You can also look for other opportunities to speak in front of an audience, such as offering to give a speech at a friend or family member's wedding, attending open mic nights at a local comedy club or bar, or hosting your own weekly live stream or podcast. Ensure that your speech has an engaging beginning, middle, and end. A well-organized speech will be easier for your audience to follow. Think about your speech as a story and decide what should come first, second, third, etc. Aim to open with something attention-grabbing, such as a shocking fact or an interesting anecdote. For example, if you plan to give a speech on how you overcame an obstacle in your life, then start by sharing about what the obstacle was and perhaps providing a bit of context about the situation. Then, talk about how the obstacle affected you, what changed in your life, etc. Conclude by explaining in detail how you overcame the obstacle. Read and revise your speech multiple times before giving it. Once you have a well-developed speech, take some time to read through it carefully and revise what you have written. Expand on any details that seem unclear, rewrite any confusing sections, and don't be afraid to cut out material that doesn't work. Plan ahead so you have lots of time to revise your speech before you give it for the first time. Aim to revise at least 3 times before your first speaking engagement. Create a website with information about yourself and your message. Having a website that includes information about your message, who you are, and how you can be reached is essential to getting work and promoting yourself. Take some time to set up a professional quality website or hire someone to create one for you. Then, share the web address with everyone you know to start promoting yourself. Write a blog, make videos, or publish a book. Getting your ideas out into the world will help you to build a reputation and market yourself as a public speaker. Try writing a book or making a video about your experiences or around the problem that you hope to solve with 1 of your speeches. Start a personal blog for your public speaking career and post on it a few times per week. For example, if you want to give motivational speeches on starting a business, then you could write a how-to book or a series of blog posts on the subject. If you want to motivate people to improve their relationships, you could create a video series with relationship tips or answer common questions about relationships in your videos. Tell people that you are looking for public speaking engagements. Word-of-mouth is an excellent way to promote yourself as a public speaker. Tell your friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances that you are embarking on this career. Hand out your card or contact information to everyone you meet. Networking events are a great way to gain contacts and start getting work via word-of-mouth. Check to see if there are any upcoming events in your area that you could attend and meet people. Reach out to local organizations and offer to speak for them. If there are relevant organizations in your area that hire public speakers, then contact them and offer your services. Consider what organizations might sync up with the type of public speaking you offer and focus on those organizations. For example, if you overcame drug addiction and want to inspire others to do the same, you might contact local rehabilitation centers or hospitals. If you struggled in school due to a learning disability, but then found a way to overcome it and become successful, then you might contact local high schools to offer your services. Apply to speak at conferences, conventions, and other events. There are many events that actively seek people to speak. Look into any relevant conferences, conventions, or other events in your region and apply to be a speaker. These can be competitive, and you might not get paid in the beginning, but doing these types of events can help to spread your name by word-of-mouth and get you more work as a public speaker. Wear a nice suit or dress when you speak. Looking professional is a great way to make a good first impression on your audience and improve your credibility before you even open your mouth! Put on a nice suit or dress to give your speech, style your hair, do your makeup (if you wear it), groom your facial hair (if you have any), and choose a nice pair of shoes that match your outfit. Stay in 1 place while you are speaking and avoid pacing or fidgeting. It is okay to move once in a while during your speech, but make sure that you move with purpose and stop speaking whenever you change locations. When you get to the new location, plant your feet firmly beneath your shoulders and stand tall while you are speaking. Avoid swaying back and forth while you are speaking. This gives the impression of uncertainty and can be distracting to your audience. Engage with your audience to keep them interested. Think about how you might tell your story to a friend and talk to the audience in a similar way. If there is anything in your speech that might be unfamiliar or confusing, take a moment to put it into terms your audience can understand. Make sure to compliment the audience on their competence, accomplishments, or anything else you know about them. Make eye contact with 1 person at a time during your speech. Look for a friendly face in the audience and lock eyes with them for a few seconds. Then, scan the audience again and lock eyes with someone else. Continue to do this throughout your speech to connect with your audience. Avoid looking up, down, or off in the distance. This will give the impression that you are nervous and detract from your credibility. Gesture with your hands for emphasis occasionally. While waving your hands constantly while you are speaking can be distracting, the occasional hand gesture can add emphasis to your speech. Try raising 1 or both hands to emphasize a point once every few minutes. Keep your hands relaxed and at your sides the rest of the time. Don't put your hands in your pockets, clasp them together, or cross your arms. These are defensive postures that will make you seem nervous. Avoid fidgeting with objects, such as a microphone, water bottle, or your cell phone during the speech. This will be distracting for your audience. If you need to hold a microphone, hold it in 1 hand. Don't pass it back and forth. Project your voice to the last row if you don’t have a microphone. If you end up giving a speech to a group of people without the benefit of a microphone, you will need to speak up to compensate. It might seem like you are yelling at first, but this is better than speaking so quietly that some audience members won't be able to hear you. Take deep breaths and use your diaphragm to help you project your voice from your belly, rather than from your chest or throat. Watch videos of your speeches to improve your performance. Have a friend or family member record you while you are giving your speech. Then, watch it later and look for areas that you might improve. Ask for feedback from friends, family, or a public speaking coach as well. For example, if you notice that you tend to say “um” or clear your throat a lot during a speech, then you could work on correcting this behavior. | Read, watch, and listen to other motivational speakers. Write down all of your ideas for material. Select a niche in the topic you have chosen. Take a public speaking course to develop your skills. Ensure that your speech has an engaging beginning, middle, and end. Read and revise your speech multiple times before giving it. Create a website with information about yourself and your message. Write a blog, make videos, or publish a book. Tell people that you are looking for public speaking engagements. Reach out to local organizations and offer to speak for them. Apply to speak at conferences, conventions, and other events. Wear a nice suit or dress when you speak. Stay in 1 place while you are speaking and avoid pacing or fidgeting. Engage with your audience to keep them interested. Make eye contact with 1 person at a time during your speech. Gesture with your hands for emphasis occasionally. Project your voice to the last row if you don’t have a microphone. Watch videos of your speeches to improve your performance. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Beaded-Lizard | How to Make a Beaded Lizard | To make a beaded lizard, you'll need string, beads, and a keychain clasp. Once you have your supplies, attach the keychain clasp to the string and slide on beads to make the neck and head, including 2 different colored beads for eyes. Next, add different colored beads for the legs and feet to create a contrast. Then, complete the body by adding shorter rows of beads for the tail. When you're finished, tie a double knot to hold your lizard in place. | Cut a roughly three-foot length of 1/8th-inch ribbon or string. The longer the string, the longer the lizard. Three feet is a good start. Fold the string in half so that the two ends meet. This will lead to a loop at the other end of the string. Take the loop and run it through the bottom of a keychain clasp. Really, any sort of clasp will work. All you need to do is create a slipknot around the clasp. You should have your loop on one side of the clasp, and the long excess string on the other. Pull the ends through the loop to create a slipknot. Reach into the loop and pull the strings through, pulling until tight. This creates a simple slip knot that will hold the lizard in place as you work. Tape the clasp down to the table so that the strings drape towards you. Make sure the strings are not tangled up, and that you can clearly tell which string is the left string and which one is the right. Add two beads to the leftmost string. These beads will be your body, so choose the color you want for the bulk of the lizard. Don't feed the beads all the way down; just let them dangle a bit towards the end. In this video, the body will be yellow. Thread the right string through the beads the opposite way. If the leftmost string enters through the left, thread this one through from the right. You'll have both string going through the center of the two beads in opposite directions. Pull both ends of the strings until the beads slide up to the keychain clasp. Lightly pull on the opposite ends to force the beads up to the top. Feed three more beads -- two eyes and a body color -- onto the leftmost string. You want to sandwich the body bead with the two eye colors. Here, the eyes are green and the body is yellow, so you'd put them on as green, yellow, green. Slide the right side through the beads and pull both ends until the beads slide to the top. Repeat the same procedure as you did with the first two body beads. Slide the three beads on the left string, thread the right through them, then pull both strings to move the beads to the top. Repeat the whole procedure with two more beads to make the "neck. " Take two body colors, thread them on the left, slide the right through, and pull tight. This is your neck. Take three more body beads and pull them through. Again, it is the same procedure. For a little flair, you can use a different color for the center bead here, allowing you to put a "stripe" on your lizard's back. These three beads are the beginning of the "back." You'll need to start the limbs after this. Set aside two beads for the body and three other beads for the feet. Here, the body beads are still yellow and the feet will be black. Thread the two body beads on the left string and slide them down close to the body. Push them almost all the way to the body. These are your legs. Slide the black beads on, just above the legs. Keep them close, but separated. Thread the end of the left string through the two beads for the leg. You just want to thread through your two yellow beads, not the three for the feet. Pull the string tight to pull everything together, adjusting slightly as necessary. Use your fingers to make sure nothing bunches up. This is your first leg! Note how it only requires the left string to make -- you should never touch the right one when making the left leg. Repeat the process with the other string to make the right leg. Once done, it is time to move back to the body. Build three more body rows identically to the first. Put three beads on the left string, remembering to alternate them if you're doing a two-colored body. Then slide the right string in the opposite direction as the left and pull the two ends to slide the beads up to the body. You need three more rows before starting the feet again. Make two more legs the same way you made the first two. After the three lengths of the body, add two more legs. The process is identical. Add two more body beads, to make the base of the tail (identical to the neck). You should have the process down pat by now. Two beads on the left string, feed through the right string and pull tight. Slide the first tail bead on the left string, thread the right string through the opposite side, and pull. The tail is simply the same process as the body, but its only one bead per layer. You can choose any color you want. Alternating looks great too, and you can use as many beads as you want for the length of tail you like. Tie a double knot at the end of the tail to keep the beads in place. You can tie any knot you want, but a simple square knot will do just fine. You can use the knot used to tie your shoes as well, but make sure you double knot it. | Cut a roughly three-foot length of 1/8th-inch ribbon or string. Fold the string in half so that the two ends meet. Take the loop and run it through the bottom of a keychain clasp. Pull the ends through the loop to create a slipknot. Tape the clasp down to the table so that the strings drape towards you. Add two beads to the leftmost string. Thread the right string through the beads the opposite way. Pull both ends of the strings until the beads slide up to the keychain clasp. Feed three more beads -- two eyes and a body color -- onto the leftmost string. Slide the right side through the beads and pull both ends until the beads slide to the top. Repeat the whole procedure with two more beads to make the "neck. Take three more body beads and pull them through. Set aside two beads for the body and three other beads for the feet. Thread the two body beads on the left string and slide them down close to the body. Slide the black beads on, just above the legs. Thread the end of the left string through the two beads for the leg. Pull the string tight to pull everything together, adjusting slightly as necessary. Repeat the process with the other string to make the right leg. Build three more body rows identically to the first. Make two more legs the same way you made the first two. Add two more body beads, to make the base of the tail (identical to the neck). Slide the first tail bead on the left string, thread the right string through the opposite side, and pull. Tie a double knot at the end of the tail to keep the beads in place. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Journal-Response-to-a-Book | How to Write a Journal Response to a Book | To write a journal response to a book, start by writing a summary of the book to explain the author's main points, and provide 1 to 2 quotes from the text to support your analysis. Then, give your commentary on the book, explaining why you agree or disagree with what the author says. As part of your response, give reasons for your thoughts and opinions, and try to answer questions like “Are there connections between the book and my life?” so you can dive more deeply into your personal experience of reading the book. | Summarize the reading. The first half of any journal response should involve a concise summary and analysis of the book and any main points the author seems to make. The summary section of your journal should be thorough enough that you could read through your journal response and be able to write a short paper on the book. Address what the main thesis is for the reading. What is the reading about, and why did the author write the text? Acknowledge any conclusions or commentary/arguments the author arrives at. If the book is about something, like the social and political happenings of the author's time, what does the author ultimately think and how do you know this? Incorporate one or two important quotes that are representative of the rest of the text. Respond to the reading with your own commentary. The second half of a journal response should be your commentary on the text. This part of the journal is your subjective opinion of the book and any arguments or conclusions you believe are present in the text. While the summary focuses on the "what" of the reading, your commentary should focus on the "why." Don't be afraid to make connections between the book and your own life; if there is a theme or character that speaks to you, write about why. Address and evaluate the author's arguments and conclusions, which should have been detailed in the summary part of your journal. Think of the commentary as either supporting or rejecting (what you consider) the author's main points. Justify your opinions in the commentary. Agreeing or disagreeing is only the first step; for a thorough response, you'll need to analyze your own opinions and arrive at a reason why you had that reaction. Develop your ideas over time. The goal of a reading response journal is to give yourself a semi-private space to reflect on the text and develop your thoughts and opinions. You don't need to have it all figured out right from the start, but your journal should help you figure it out along the way. Allow yourself to explore a topic covered in the summary. Think about why you believe the author addressed certain subjects, as well as what you think about those subjects and the author's depiction. Analyze your opinions. Don't just write that you liked or disliked something, or that you agreed or disagreed with it - dig deeper and figure out why. Ask yourself: How far can I run with a given idea, and how can I make sense of it? Think of your journal as a place to make sense of both the academic and personal experience of reading a given book. As your journal progresses over the course of the semester or school year, your responses should become longer and more complex. You should be able to chart the development of your thoughts within each individual response and across the journal as a whole. Organize your response journal. At the very least, your journal entries should be dated. You may also want to use headings and titles so that you can easily identify a given response to a particular text. Remember, the point of a response journal is to be able to track your own progress with that book and to better understand your experience of reading it. Consider using clear and descriptive headings in your journal. It will help you more easily find your thoughts and insights as you read through your journal at a later date. It's okay if the actual journal entries wander a bit while exploring the subject - in fact, this can be very helpful. The goal is to organize your journal as a whole so that you can make sense of your entries and track your progress. Read the text critically. Critical analysis of a text may require more than one reading. Try to absorb the general ideas during the first reading, then come back to the particular ideas and concepts while you re-read (if you have time to do a second reading). At the very least, reading critically should require you to think about what you're reading and engage with the text every step of the way. Try to get a general understanding of what the text is about before you read it. You can do this by reading a summary, skimming the chapter(s), or browsing a reader's companion to a given text. Contextualize the text in terms of its historical, biographical, and cultural significance. Ask questions about the text. Don't just passively read the book; analyze what's being said and have an "argument" in your notes when you disagree with the author. Be aware of your personal response to the text. What shaped your beliefs on that subject, and how might your beliefs be similar to or different from the author's (or a reader of his or her time)? Identify the main thesis of the text and try to trace how it develops over the course of the book. Annotate the text. Writing notes in the margins of a text is called annotating the text. When you annotate, you jot down your initial thoughts and impressions, your reactions, and any questions that you're left with as you read through the text. Annotations don't have to be eloquent. They can be half-formed thoughts and impressions, or even exclamations. Some critical readers annotate a text to clarify things that were vague in the text. Other readers annotate to assess and evaluate the author's arguments. Try to make your annotations as diverse as possible so that your notes approach the subject matter from multiple angles. Re-read your annotations several times. Once you've finished the reading and annotated the text, you should take some time to read your notes. Your annotations are essentially a note to yourself. Read through your notes and try to process the thoughts you laid out on the page before you attempt to write a response to the text. Try to read through your annotations within a day of writing them, and then several times over the following weeks. Evaluate your notes, both in the text and in your journal. After critically reading the text, annotating its pages, and freewriting or making a story map/web, you'll have a lot of information about the reading to work with. Some notes will be more useful than others, and evaluating those notes can help you decide what information is vital to the summary and commentary of your journal response. Highlight or draw a star next to the 10 or so notes, comments, or passages that you identify as being somewhat significant. Underline or put a second star next to the five notes/comments/passages that you think are most significant. They can be significant to the plot, to your understanding of the plot, or to the argument you hope to support in your response. Consider making a story map or web. Story mapping and webbing can help you recognize patterns in the book, clarify the relationships between characters, and chart the overall plot of the story. Some critical readers may not need this step or find it helpful, while others may find that story maps/webs can be a valuable tool when it comes time to write a response. Story webs are typically organized by a central topic or question in the middle, surrounded by boxes or bubbles that link to that topic and support, deny, or comment on that topic or question. Story maps can be more like a flow chart. They track the major plot points and break down the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the book in a visual format. Freewrite about the text. Freewriting can be helpful if you're not sure how to begin a journal entry or if you haven't figured out what you thought about the reading. It is unstructured and informal, which makes it a great opportunity to ramble on the page. Freewriting allows you to explore your thoughts until you figure out where to begin your commentary on the text. Try not to copy your freewriting word for word into your journal. Instead, pull out a few key thoughts and phrases, then try to expand on them to develop your ideas for the journal entry. Consider prewriting your response to the text. If you're still not sure where to begin your journal response, prewriting may help. Prewriting involves listing your responses or reactions to various elements of the book. For example, you might write out "I see in chapter two that _______," or "I felt that _________." Think of prewriting as a step between freewriting and composing the actual journal response. Freewriting can be helpful to work out your summary of the reading, where prewriting may be useful for working out your commentary on the text. Try not to restrict or limit yourself while prewriting. Let yourself explore the thoughts and opinions you had as you read the text and trace those thoughts to their logical conclusions. | Summarize the reading. Respond to the reading with your own commentary. Develop your ideas over time. Organize your response journal. Read the text critically. Annotate the text. Re-read your annotations several times. Evaluate your notes, both in the text and in your journal. Consider making a story map or web. Freewrite about the text. Consider prewriting your response to the text. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Snake-a-Toilet | How to Snake a Toilet | To snake a toilet, start by placing the curved hook end of the snake into the toilet and feeding it into the mouth of the drain to break up and grab any debris. Next, turn the crank handle clockwise, which will extend the snake further into the pipes. If the snake slows down or comes to a stop, jostle the shaft to help loosen up whatever it has hit against. Then, continue turning the handle until the snake clears the pipe. Once you break up the clog, rotate the handle counterclockwise to retract the snake. | Place the end of the snake into the toilet. Unfurl the snake and lower the bulbous metal end into the toilet bowl. Begin the feeding the snake into the mouth of the drain. At the end of the snake is a curved hook, which will help break up and grab debris that has accumulated in the pipes. Make sure the plastic coating on the end of the snake is intact so it doesn't scratch the porcelain. If it is not, wrap it in duct tape. If everything is properly inserted, you should not be able to see the cable Turn the crank handle clockwise. Once the snake is in position, start steadily rotating the handle on the opposite end. This will extend the snake and force its length slowly through the pipes. Plumbing snakes are constructed with flexible metal coils, so it will be able to bend and follow the contours of the pipes as it is unwound. If it doesn't turn, pull the snake back a little ways and quarter turn the handle counterclockwise and try again. Unclogging a toilet with a snake is as simple as turning the crank a few times. Feel around for the clog in the pipes. If you notice the snake slowing down or coming to a stop, it may have encountered resistance. Jostle the shaft slightly to help the snake loosen up whatever is stuck deep in the pipes. Continue turning the handle in a clockwise direction until the snake clears the pipe. Don't be rough with the shaft of the snake or try to draw out the clog by force. Just keep winding and unwinding and let it wear down the clog on its own. Break up or pull out as much of the clog as you can. After you locate and work over the clog, rotate the handle in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) to retract the snake and examine what it has collected. Always pull out the clog rather than trying force it deeper into the pipe. Repeat this process until the pipe is completely unobstructed. Pushing the clog further in may end up making the problem worse, as eventually it can get so deep that you can no longer reach it. Always make sure to sanitize your snake after each use. This can be accomplished by rinsing the snake off outside with a garden hose. You can also leave the end of the snake in the toilet for a few flushes after you've added toilet bowl cleaner. Cover the floor around the toilet. Lay down a couple of towels or a sheet of plastic to protect the floor. It's possible that water may splash out of the toilet bowl as the snake works on the clog. This water will often become dingy as whatever is causing the clog disintegrates and leeches back through the pipes. Covering the floor can keep you from having to deal with a second mess later on. If you're using a towel, wash it immediately after you're finished and wipe down the floor beneath with a disinfecting solution. Wear gloves. Things are likely to get messy, so pull on a pair of rubber gloves to provide a barrier between your bare skin and whatever muck you may find on the other end of the snake. Toilets are full of germs, and if you don't take proper care to protect your hands and keep them clean, the result may be illness and infection. Throw the gloves away when you're finished and wash your hands for a full minute with antibacterial soap and hot water. Debris that is snagged on the end of the snake will have to be removed by hand. Don't forget to roll up your shirtsleeves as you work to get them out of the way. Have a trash bag or other receptacle ready. You've managed to pull out the clog that's been blocking the pipe, but now what do you do with it? Rather than trying to flush it again and risk creating a new problem, have a trash bag or bucket on hand that you can put the icky clog material into. That way, you can simply drop the bag in the garbage or give the bucket a good rinse and carry on with your day. A plastic grocery bag makes a perfect means of disposal. After you drop the offending clog inside, tie off the bag and chuck it in the trash. Flush the pipes with toilet cleaner. Once the job is finished, plunge the toilet a few times to get rid of any remnants of the clog. Then, pour some concentrated toilet bowl cleaner into the toilet and give it a couple flushes. The chemicals in toilet cleaning solutions are potent enough to dissolve and whisk away whatever residual debris remains in the pipes. As an added bonus, your latrine will be sparkly clean, sanitized and ready for use afterwards. Only use cleaners that are intended for toilets. Regular drain cleaners can eat through galvanized plumbing pipes and wreak havoc on septic systems. A homemade declogging solution made from vinegar and baking soda can also work wonders on clearing out your pipes after they've been snaked. Simply pour about a cup of baking soda into the bowl, add two cups of vinegar (gradually, so that the mixture doesn't bubble over into the floor), wait ten minutes and flush. Only put water-soluble items in the toilet. Before putting anything in the toilet, make sure that it's meant to be there. The list of things it's okay to flush down the commode is pretty short: in most cases, human waste and toilet paper only. Never try to get rid of paper towels, Kleenex tissues, makeup pads, tampons, condoms, cardboard, hair or any other materials that aren't easily dissolved by flushing them. You'll just be setting yourself up for inconvenience (and possibly expensive plumbing repairs) later on. Toys are a leading culprit of clogs in households with small children. If you have kids, keep the door to your bathroom shut and make sure they know that it's not a good place to play. Keep a small garbage can with a lid next to the toilet so you or guests can throw away non-flushables. If you're not sure whether or not a certain item is safe to flush down the toilet, chances are it isn't. Reduce the amount of toilet paper you use. Most clogs are caused by a buildup of excess toilet paper that gets stuck in the pipes before it has time to completely break down. Be aware of the amount of toilet paper you flush on a regular basis, and see that you only use as much as you need. If you have multiple bathrooms in your home, try using a different one from time to time so that one toilet's plumbing isn't constantly getting overworked. Consider flushing twice if you think a single flush won't manage. Be conservative. There's no need to use half a roll of paper every time you wipe. If you often find yourself troubled with clogs, consider switching to single ply toilet paper. It may not be as comfortable or absorbing, but it breaks down much faster after it's flushed. If there's a lot of toilet paper, hold half of the toilet paper back with a plunger when you flush. Flush again once it is finished. Identify the problem early. The best way to prevent a clog is to take note when you suspect one might be building up. If the water level in your toilet seems low, or it has trouble flushing or refills slowly, there may be an obstruction throttling the water flow somewhere. Use a plunger to dislodge clogs before they get bad enough that you have to break out the snake. Look for bubbles in the water in the toilet bowl and keep an ear out for rattling in the pipes. These could also be signs of blockage. Snaking should be reserved for stubborn clogs. Plunging, cleaning and not putting anything in the toilet that doesn't belong there should be your first defenses. If you're careful, you'll rarely find yourself in a situation that requires the use of an auger. Keep the toilet and pipes clean. Make sure that you're cleaning your potty at least once or twice a month. Use chemicals specifically formulated for use in toilets and pay attention to any signs that suggest a clog might be forming. As has already been mentioned, chemical cleaners can help melt down stubborn clots of toilet paper and other gunk that's become lodged in the pipes. Besides that, it will keep the place where you do your business fresh and pleasant. Cleaning your toilet's water jets ensures that it's flushing at full power, which will help knock out potential messes caught in the plumbing. | Place the end of the snake into the toilet. Turn the crank handle clockwise. Feel around for the clog in the pipes. Break up or pull out as much of the clog as you can. Cover the floor around the toilet. Wear gloves. Have a trash bag or other receptacle ready. Flush the pipes with toilet cleaner. Only put water-soluble items in the toilet. Reduce the amount of toilet paper you use. Identify the problem early. Keep the toilet and pipes clean. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Strengthen-Your-Knees | How to Strengthen Your Knees | To strengthen your knees, try thigh squeezes and lunges to work out your quadriceps, or use low-impact exercise machines like stationary bikes or ellipticals to work out your quads with minimal or no impact. Other leg exercises like squats and bridges can also help you strengthen your legs and knees. Adding anti-inflammatory foods like fish, flax seeds, olive oil, and avocados to your diet, along with increasing your daily calcium intake, may improve knee health. | Get to know basic knee anatomy. The knee is the largest joint in the body and is made up of the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), the upper end of the shin bone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). These bones are connected by ligaments and cartilage, including the meniscus, which cushions the area where the femur and tibia meet. Degrees are used to measure the range of motion in your knees certain activities require. You need 65° range of motion to walk, 70° to pick up something from the floor, 85° to climb stairs, and 95° to sit and stand comfortably. Be aware of common knee injuries. As one of the most heavily used joints in the body, the knee is subject to a range of injuries. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to avoid circumstances that lead to or exacerbate injuries. The iliotibial band, or IT band, is the area of thicker tissue that runs from the outside of the pelvis to the outside of the knee. The IT band helps to stabilize the knee during physical activity. It can become inflamed and painful when it is overused, leading to iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). Runners, hikers, and other active people often experience this injury. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is commonly torn during activities like running, jumping, and landing from a jump. Other ligaments may be torn as well. The meniscus, which acts as a shock absorber to protect the knee joint from impact, can be easily torn during activities like twisting, pivoting, or decelerating. Understand how other parts of the leg affect the knees. The knees are supported by the other muscles in the legs, especially quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Keeping these muscles strong is crucial to having strong knees and preventing injury. Muscles like the quadriceps, hamstrings, hips, and glutes act as stabilizers for your knee. To help improve your stability, you should exercise and stretch these muscles. Stretch your IT band. Spending some time stretching and warming up your IT band before diving into a strenuous activity is a good way to keep your knees strong. Stand with your left foot crossed over your right and stretch your arms above your head. Lean your upper body as far as you can to the left without bending your knees. Repeat with your right foot crossed over your left, leaning your upper body to the right. Sit on the floor with your legs stretched in front of you. Cross one over the other and pull your knee as close as you can toward your chest, holding it in place for a few seconds. Repeat with your other leg. Take a brisk walk before launching into a more complicated exercise to give your IT band a chance to loosen up. Do rehabilitative exercises after surgery. If you have had knee surgery or a knee replacement, you may need to do certain exercises and stretches to increase your range of motion. Follow your doctor's instructions on when to start stretching after surgery. Some general moves you can try include: Seated knee flexion: Sit on a firm chair, and slide one foot back under the chair as far as you can. Your thighs should remain firm on the chair. Hold for five seconds before sliding back forward. Repeat with the other leg. Seated knee kick: sit on a firm chair with your legs bent. Raise one leg slowly until it is completely straight. Hold for five seconds before lowering the leg. Repeat on the other side. Straight leg raise: Lie down with one leg bent and the other straight against the ground. Raise the straight leg up slowly before lowering it back down. Repeat on each side ten times. Work out your quadriceps. The quadriceps are the muscles in the front of your thighs. Strong quadriceps will help improve strength and mobility in your legs. Try exercises that target these muscles. Thigh squeezes may help those who have had long-term knee problems or knee surgery. Lie down with your legs straight. Squeeze the muscles at the front of your thigh, and hold it for five seconds before releasing. Make sure to do this with both legs. Do lunges to work on your quadriceps. Stand upright with your hands on your hips. Take a big step forward with your left foot, and lower your body toward the floor until your left leg is bent at a right angle. Your back knee will lower until it is nearly touching the floor. Repeat this exercise several times, then switch to the other side. Low-impact exercise machines such as a stationary bike or elliptical machine can help you work out your quads with minimal or no impact. These are safer activities for someone who has arthritis or a previous knee surgery than running is. Strengthen your hamstrings. The hamstring is located at the back of the thigh. Doing hamstring stretches once a day and exercises twice or more a week can help relieve knee pain and improve mobility. Touch your toes. Stand straight, and bend forward while keeping your spine straight and your abs contracted. Straighten back up. If you are having trouble reaching your toes or ankles, place a chair in front of you. Bend forward to try to touch the seat of the chair. Heel lifts might also help. Start by either standing feet parallel and facing forward. Lift your heel back to try to touch your buttocks. Try donkey kicks. Stand behind a chair, and place your hands on the chair back. Raise one foot behind you, with the knee bent. Lower the foot back down to the ground. Repeat with both legs. To do a bridge, lie down with your knees bent. Squeeze your glutes as you slowly lift your hips a few inches off of the ground. Hold for a second before slowly lowering yourself back down. This exercise will not only work your hamstrings but also your hips and glutes. Exercise your hips and glutes. The hip flexors and glutes are both involved in the movement and mobility of the leg. Keeping them strong can prevent putting too much strain on the knee. As a bonus, many exercises that work the hips and glutes also help the hamstrings. Try a clamshell. Lie on your side with your knees bent. Lift the knee of your top leg, but keep your feet touching. Hold for a second before lowering. Repeat ten or twelve times before switching to the other leg. Squats with a short range of motion are good even for people with knee problems. Stand upright and simply squat to the ground, bending your knees and keeping your back upright. For a less strenuous version of this exercise, practice standing in front of a chair, sitting, and standing again. Try recreational activities that build full-body muscle tone. If your leg muscles aren't strong, your knees won't be either. Yoga is a low-impact activity that tones your leg muscles. Swimming is another great way to build leg and knee strength and flexibility because it is a no-impact activity. Walking and biking keep your legs and knees in shape for more strenuous activities. Be careful with jumping. Jumping exercises, such as jump rope, can help build the muscles in your leg, but if you do them improperly, it can injure your knees. If you do decide to jump, learn to do it properly. Landing on straight knees puts too much pressure on your joint, and can eventually lead to injury. For stronger knees, practice landing in a half-squat position with your knees bent and your shins vertical. If you cannot land with your shins vertical, then you may have alignment issues. Avoid jumping in this case. Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet. Joints become weakened and painful when they are inflamed, so adding foods that are known to be anti-inflammatory to your diet may help keep your knees strong. Fish, flax seeds, olive oil, avocados, and whole fruits and vegetables are said to have anti-inflammatory properties. Make sure you get enough vitamin E. Vitamin E is believed to hinder enzymes that break down the cartilage in the joints. Spinach, broccoli, peanuts, mango, and kiwi are excellent sources of vitamin E. Eat more calcium. Bone health is also important for knee strength, so take measures to prevent osteoporosis. Cow milk, yogurt, soy, cheese, and goat milk are good sources are calcium. Leafy greens are also beneficial. Stop doing activities that hurt. If you experience a lot of knee pain doing certain activities, chances are you aren't strengthening your knees by continuing. Try lower impact exercises for a while to give your knees a rest. After a few months of focusing on leg muscle strength and flexibility, you may find you're able to do your favorite activities without pain. | Get to know basic knee anatomy. Be aware of common knee injuries. Understand how other parts of the leg affect the knees. Stretch your IT band. Do rehabilitative exercises after surgery. Work out your quadriceps. Strengthen your hamstrings. Exercise your hips and glutes. Try recreational activities that build full-body muscle tone. Be careful with jumping. Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet. Make sure you get enough vitamin E. Eat more calcium. Stop doing activities that hurt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Out-Your-Natural-Hair-Color | How to Grow Out Your Natural Hair Color | If you want to grow out your natural hair color, start by allowing your hair to grow for 2-4 months before getting a short haircut at a salon. Then, find a hair dye close to your natural color and apply it. If your natural color is substantially lighter, try putting highlights in your hair to disguise the roots. Alternatively, consider using bright colors like purple if your growing out your natural color under bleached hair. Finally, get your hair trimmed every 4-6 weeks to keep it healthy as it grows. | Grow your roots at least 1-2 inches. The first step in growing out your natural hair color, is simply that: grow your hair. Wait anywhere from 2-4 months to allow your hair to grow an inch or two. (If you can stand it, let it grow even longer). You need a base of natural hair at the roots to start with. Have your hair cut. Visit a salon and get a haircut. Short hair is the best way to speed up the waiting process when growing out your natural hair color, and there are many trendy styles to choose from. Use magazines and internet searches to find a haircut that's suitable for you. Consider getting a pixie cut or a short bob. If you prefer longer hair, you can always go for regular monthly trims and slowly work your way as your roots grow out. Continue to trim your hair every 4-6 weeks. Return to your salon for routine trims. Doing this will slowly remove any remaining chemically-treated hair, while also keeping your hair nice and healthy by removing split ends. Grow your hair long again. Once all the chemically-treated hair has been removed, begin growing your hair long again, if you desire. You never know, maybe you will really grow to love the pixie cut. Grow your roots at least 1 inch. If you are going to try to match your hair color with a suitable dye, you need a sample of what your natural hair color looks like. Grow your roots out at least 1 inch before attempting to find a matching shade. Match your natural color. Using your roots as a guide, select a color of hair dye that is as close as possible to your natural color. If you can afford it, visit a professional colorist; they can match your color more precisely than home products. If you are on a tight budget, visit your local beauty supply store and ask a worker to help you select the right shade. Then head back home and dye your hair. If applying the color yourself, first read all packaging for specific directions. Mix the developer with the color. If you are using a box dye, these will be measured out for you. If you have purchased separate developer and color, read the instructions and follow them. Part your hair into 4-8 sections and apply the product to your roots. Spread the product through the rest of your hair, making sure to saturate all of it. Set a timer and wait. Rinse your hair. Use highlights or lowlights. If your dyed color is quite a bit different from your natural color, it may not be possible (or advisable) to dye your hair back to your natural color right away. Instead, you can use highlights (if your natural color is lighter) or lowlights (if your natural color is darker). You can add additional highlights or lowlights every 3-4 weeks until you have sufficiently disguised your roots. Then simply allow your hair to continue growing out. Both highlights and lowlights are best done by a professional colorist. Explain to your colorist that you want to move toward your natural color and they can help you. Use funky colors. If your hair has been bleached and you want to grow it out, a fun option is to use bright funky colors to cover your roots as they grow. When you first apply bright colors (such as purple, hot pink, or teal), they will cover your roots and your hair. As the colors fade with each shampoo, your roots will become more prominent. But when you are going for a fun funky look like this, you can get away with showing some dark roots. Try Manic Panic brand hair dye. Apply a mix of 2-3 different colors for a more dynamic look that will better disguise your roots. With Manic Panic (and most semi-permanent dyes) you do not use developer. Simply apply to paste directly to dry hair and wait 20-30 minutes. Then rinse. Invest in the right products for your hair type. A good quality shampoo and conditioner should be the two staple products in any hair care routine. Finding a good quality shampoo and conditioner that works well with your hair will help your hair stay healthy and allow you to effectively grow out your natural hair color. If your hair is dyed, look for a product labeled "Color safe" or "Color extending." These products are formulated to be more gentle on color-treated hair, so that the dye lasts longer before fading. Baby shampoo is very inexpensive and excellent for all hair types including permed. Since it is gentle enough to use on a baby's hair, it will also be gentle enough to use on yours. You may skip the conditioner if your hair is oily. Conditioner also makes an instant hair detangler when mixed with water in a spray bottle Go easy on the shampoo. The shampoo in your shower can contribute to dry, damaged hair. Contrary to popular belief, it is not good or even necessary to wash your hair everyday, especially if your hair is chemically treated. Too much washing dries out the scalp, and keeps your hair from growing properly. Wash your hair only every other day (or every third day) to grow out your natural hair color. Try to go without washing for at least four days. If your hair feels a little greasy before then, try using a dry shampoo. If you don't have one then mix some cornstarch with baking soda, sprinkle it on your roots and top part of your hair, and then brush it thoroughly. Get plenty of exercise. Exercising has many benefits for the human body such as maintaining body weight and improving overall health. But did you know that it can also help make hair grow faster? Exercising causes the heart to pump faster, circulating blood flow throughout the whole body including the scalp, resulting in faster hair growth. After a few weeks or months of sticking with an exercise routine, you should start to notice a change in hair growth. Put your sneakers on and go for a jog or a long walk in the park. Learn a new dance, try yoga, or jump on your trampoline. You can also pick up strength training. Avoid heat-styling. Do not fight against the natural texture of your hair. Doing so with heat-stylers will cause damage and possibly breakage. With that being said, avoid heat-stylers at all costs such as flat irons, blow dryers, and curling irons. Doing this will help you to effectively grow out your natural color. Get your hair trimmed regularly. Hair specialists recommend having your hair trimmed every 4-6 weeks. If you are trying to grow your hair out, you can push this to 6-8 weeks, but don't skip trims altogether! Getting your hair trimmed prevents breakage and keeps your hair healthy, which will actually help your hair to grow longer. Getting your hair trimmed at least every 8 weeks is an important step in growing out your natural color. | Grow your roots at least 1-2 inches. Have your hair cut. Continue to trim your hair every 4-6 weeks. Grow your hair long again. Grow your roots at least 1 inch. Match your natural color. Use highlights or lowlights. Use funky colors. Invest in the right products for your hair type. Go easy on the shampoo. Get plenty of exercise. Avoid heat-styling. Get your hair trimmed regularly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fluffy-Slime | How to Make Fluffy Slime | To make soft, fluffy slime, first make a borax solution by mixing 1 cup (240 milliliters) of hot water and 1 teaspoon of borax powder. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of glue and 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of shaving cream, adding 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of foaming soap for extra fluff. Mix in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 pumps of lotion. Pour in a few drops of food coloring, then mix in small spoonfuls of the borax mixture until your slime is at the perfect consistency. Knead it together and enjoy! | Pour ⅔ cup (158 mL) of school glue into a bowl. Start making your fluffy slime by adding glue into the bowl. This serves as the base of the fluffy slime, and helps to make the finished product stretchy and fun to play with. Stir ½ tsp (5 g) of baking soda and ¼ cup (60 mL) of water with the glue. Begin creating the actual slime by adding in small amounts of baking soda and water. Use your fingers to knead the ingredients together. As you continue creating the slime, your fingers will be your most useful stirring tool. Mix 2 to 3 cups (470 to 710 mL) of shaving cream into the bowl. Make the slime fluffy by spraying some shaving cream into the mixture. Continue using your fingers to mix all of the ingredients together until it begins congealing into a slimier form. Squeeze in a few drops of food coloring until you achieve your desired color. Add a splash of color to your fluffy slime by squirting around 3 drops of coloring into your mixture. Pour an additional drop or 2 into the slime if you want the color to be more vibrant. If you want to make the slime's color less bold, consider adding fewer drops into the mixture. Start by gradually adding 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of contact solution into the mixture. Activate the slime by pouring a little saline solution into the mixture. Keep kneading the mixture with your fingers until your slime becomes a fluffy texture! Make sure that your saline solution contains sodium borate or boric acid, or else the slime won't set. Pour in another 0.5 tablespoons (7.4 mL) of saline solution if you don't want the slime to be as sticky. Put all of the fluffy slime in an airtight plastic box. It won't be fluffy after a few days, but it will be slimy for about a week. Mix 1 tsp (9 g) of Borax powder into 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water. Combine the water and Borax powder into a smaller bowl. Stir the ingredients it until the Borax powder has thoroughly dissolved. Set this bowl aside, as you'll need it later on. Pour ½ cup (120 mL) of school glue into a separate bowl. Add some glue into a different bowl. Make sure that this bowl is large enough to hold the entire slime mixture, as this is where the fluffy slime will be formed. Consider buying the glue in a large bottle if you don't want to be squeezing it out of smaller bottles. Add ½ cup (120 mL) of shaving cream into the same bowl as the glue. Measure out some shaving cream or spray it directly into the large bowl. Make sure that use shaving cream for this part. Shaving gel won't allow the fluffy slime to form correctly. Mix the slime until all of the lumps are gone. Start kneading the ingredients together so the slime can start congealing together. The substance should have a thick and fluffy texture, similar to marshmallow cream. Mix in slightly more than 1 tablespoon (7.5 g) of cornstarch. The cornstarch helps to thicken the slime and allows it to retain its shape. Be careful not to spill any as you continue stirring the mixture together. The cornstarch isn't necessary for the recipe, but leaving it out will result in a thinner slime that won't hold its shape as much. Add in food coloring. Choose a color for your slime and add in a few droplets of some liquid food coloring. Too much food coloring can sometimes stain your hands or other surfaces, so add it in 1 drop at a time. Mix it well until there are no more white streaks. Add 3 teaspoons (15 mL) of the liquid Borax mixture to your slime. Stir thoroughly, then continue adding the Borax mixture 1 to 3 teaspoons (4.9 to 14.8 mL) at a time until the slime is at the consistency you'd like it to be. Continue mixing the slime with your fingers as you go. You will likely not use all of your Borax mixture! It is important not to add too much of it or your slime will harden and break. The original recipe only uses 6-9 teaspoons (44 mL) of the Borax solution. Dispose of any leftover Borax down the drain. Knead the slime. Once the slime has formed into a ball and is easy to remove from the bowl, place it on a flat surface and begin kneading it with your hands to thoroughly mix it. Fold and squish the slime to really stretch it out. If the slime is still too sticky, add about 1 tsp (9 g) of the Borax mixture and carefully knead it in. Keep fluffy slime in an airtight plastic pin. It won't feel fluffy after a couple of days, but the slime will last up to a week. Stir 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of shampoo and ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch together in a large bowl. Pour some liquid shampoo and powdered cornstarch into a bowl. Use a spoon or your fingers to combine the ingredients together. Don't be afraid to get your hands a little slimy—you'll be using them a lot later on as you knead the slime together. Use a basic shampoo for this task. Squirt 3 drops of food coloring into the mixture. Add some liquid food coloring into the shampoo mixture. Decide on a color for your fluffy slime. You can choose a specific shade, if you want—for brighter colors, add a couple of extra drops of food coloring. For a lighter shade, add less. For instance, mix light pink and light blue slimes together to create a cotton candy theme. Use an array of bright colors to create rainbow slime. Pour and stir 6 US tbsp (89 mL) of water into the mixture. Take 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of cool tap water and add it to the bowl. Knead the slime mixture with your hands to combine the water with the initial ingredients. After this, add the other 5 tablespoons (74 mL) of water to the bowl. Continue combining this mixture with your fingers. Fold and squish the slime for at least 5 minutes. Lift the slime from the bowl and start kneading it on a flat surface. Keep folding, pulling, and squishing the slime until it's congealed completely and become fluffy. Do this for at least 5 minutes before anyone plays with the slime. Place the fluffy slime in an airtight plastic container. It'll stop feeling fluffy after a day or 2, but the slime itself lasts up to a week. | Pour ⅔ cup (158 mL) of school glue into a bowl. Stir ½ tsp (5 g) of baking soda and ¼ cup (60 mL) of water with the glue. Mix 2 to 3 cups (470 to 710 mL) of shaving cream into the bowl. Squeeze in a few drops of food coloring until you achieve your desired color. Start by gradually adding 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of contact solution into the mixture. Mix 1 tsp (9 g) of Borax powder into 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water. Pour ½ cup (120 mL) of school glue into a separate bowl. Add ½ cup (120 mL) of shaving cream into the same bowl as the glue. Mix the slime until all of the lumps are gone. Mix in slightly more than 1 tablespoon (7.5 g) of cornstarch. Add in food coloring. Add 3 teaspoons (15 mL) of the liquid Borax mixture to your slime. Knead the slime. Stir 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of shampoo and ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch together in a large bowl. Squirt 3 drops of food coloring into the mixture. Pour and stir 6 US tbsp (89 mL) of water into the mixture. Fold and squish the slime for at least 5 minutes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-a-Guy-You-Like-Him | How to Tell a Guy You Like Him | If you're nervous about telling a guy that you like him, try asking him on a date so he gets the hint. For example, you could say something like, "Hey, I really want to see that new movie that's out. Do you want to go this weekend?". However, if you'd rather tell him directly, you could bring it up when the two of you are alone having a conversation. Try something like "Hey, just so you know, I think you're really amazing." Alternatively, if you're nervous about asking him out or telling him in person, you can write him a note or send him a text that says something like, "I like you" or "I think you're really cute." | Find out whether he likes you or not. If he does, go forth with confidence because you have everything to lose unless you try! If he doesn't, don't despair, you have a chance to change his mind, or not. Obviously, if he's seeing someone else, you want to move on, at least for the time being. But if he doesn't yet have feelings for you, there's still plenty of room to be friendly and flirt. Here are some ways to learn about a guy before you approach him: Ask around about him. If you're shy, ask a good friend to help find out if he likes you, or is dropping hints. If you know for a fact that he likes you, you can afford to be a little more bold. Look for hints he may drop. If a guy likes you, he tends to go out of his way to be with you. (This is not always true, but often a good indicator.) He'll make excuses to sit next to you, be at social events you're at, and may even start to hang out with your friends. Keep an eye out! If you catch him staring at you, look at him in the eyes and try to hold contact for a few seconds. If he keeps contact, you know he likes you back. If he turns away, it could mean he likes you and is shy. Beware, however, as there is more than one reason for people to stare at each other. You may have spinach in your teeth! Try to start simple conversations with him. In order to tell a guy you like him, you'll need to first have a talking relationship. This just means being on friendly terms, knowing a little about each other, and beginning to develop a more intimate familiarity. This is also a good chance to learn more about a guy - this new information may influence whether you want to tell him you like him or not. Here's some ways to start friendly conversations: You may want to start a conversation about something that will flatter him. A great conversation starter is something that makes him feel good about himself. Try: "That was a great football game you played in last Friday. I was in the stands watching with my friend. How long have you been playing?" "You're always at the top of the class in English exams. Can you read every teacher's mind, or just Ms./Mr. [English teacher's name]?" "I like your hair. Did you get a haircut recently?" Talk about things you have in common. A great conversation starter is talking about things you can potentially do together (this doesn't necessarily have to be something you share the same interests in - the boy might eventually enjoy it if he is doing it with you). That way you both feel more comfortable. Here are just a few conversation-starting examples: "Hey, do you know what the math homework is? I left my planner in class and I don't have it memorized." "Does your older brother go to Gunn? My sister thinks they share a class together." "I noticed you have a Schwinn bike. How do you like it? I was thinking about asking my parents for one this Christmas." It may seem obvious, but it bears mentioning: Don't tell him you like him if you're not at least on good speaking terms. If you surprise someone you don't know well by openly revealing your attraction, you could scare him off. At the very least, it will affect the course of any future friendship or courtship. Try flirting with him! Stereotypically, guys are bad at realizing that someone is flirting with them. This may have some basis in fact - the internet is full of guides for men that attempt to answer the question, "Are they flirting with me?" That doesn't mean that you should flirt more; it just means that you should be aware that he might not flirt back with you, even if he likes you. When he's talking to you, twirl your hair as you listen if it's long. This action is natural enough for most people not to make anything of it, but if he says something about it, then he's definitely paying attention. This is an easy flirting method to use. Ask him to do you a favor. This one is sweet, but it can backfire for a number of reasons: he might not want to do you a favor in front of his friends, or yours, because he's embarrassed. Stick to simple favors: Ask him to hold your backpack in between classes. You can tell him it's really heavy and you want someone strong to help you out. Ask him to do homework with you, even if you don't need much help. This is the perfect excuse to get close to him, and also a good indicator of how patient he is. Above all, try not to be needy - don't try to make him help you move or anything! Smile, show him your eyes, and be available. Show him all the things that make you really attractive. Smile your wonderful smile, show him your mesmerizing eyes, and be around when he's around. He'll start to notice you very soon! Break the touch barrier. Begin to show him that you're interested by touching him in safe but suggestive places. Try these on for size: Hang or rest on his shoulder. Pretend to be bored and rest your head on his shoulder. Or simply rest your hands on his shoulder. Give him a good look in his eyes if he looks back at you. If he teases you, gently "hit" them on the shoulder. Mostly, one might do this when guys are playfully teasing them. You can pretend to be upset or take it with a laugh. Find excuses to touch him. If he's got really big hands, just take his hands and say something like "Wow, you're hands are huge; look at how big they are compared to mine!" Fit your hand into his. Know that there are several options as to how to tell him if you know you're ready. If you're feeling brave, simply tell him. You want to catch him away from his friends, and with ample time. Look confident (better yet, be confident.) Start up a regular conversation, and wait until a pause to tell him. Simply ask him out on a date if you're worried about what he'll say. This is a good method to try because you're not openly expressing your attraction - just the possibility of future attraction. All you're really asking is whether he wants to go somewhere with you. If he's been responding well to your flirting and conversation, there's no reason why he shouldn't want to! Try something like: "Hey, I was going to see that movie on Saturday until my friend bailed on me. Do you wanna go with me?" "I've been dying to go to that haunted house on Main street and I haven't found anyone brave enough. Are you game?" "My parents and I go to the state fair every year — don't ask, it's a long story — and they were wondering if I wanted to bring along someone from school. Do you want to go?" Use notes to tell him if you'd rather be less direct. Either place the notes yourself or have one of your trusted friends to help you out. Write a cute note saying, "I like you" and stick it in his locker. Write "I like you" on a piece of paper, making sure to write who it's for but not who it's from. Ask a few of your friends to pass the note around and "randomly" get it to him. If he reads the note and looks around expectantly, you can either hint that you wrote it or leave him guessing. Have confidence in yourself whatever his answer. If he says yes, be confident that he likes you for who you are and that you're genuinely likable. Don't question his reaction - you might shoot yourself in the foot by saying "really?" if he says he likes you too. You have every reason to be confident. If he doesn't like you back, just casually dismiss him by saying something like, "Oh, OK. Don't worry about it." Then, move on! Remember that a "no" response doesn't mean he thinks you're horrible. His motivations may be complicated. Have confidence that his tastes don't define you, and that there are plenty of other guys out there who would be lucky to have you. Remember that! Send him a text saying "OMG, (insert his name here) is soooooo cute! !!!!" if you're feeling especially brave, then send one saying "Soooo sorry that was meant for (insert your friend's name here.)" If he likes you, he'll now have almost no reason not to ask you out. Decide how you feel about your crush. Romantic feelings can be confusing! Give yourself at least a few days to consider your feelings and follow some of the advice in this article. If you act too soon, you may find your feelings about your crush change over time. Ask yourself questions like these: "Do I have a true romantic crush on this boy, or just an infatuation?" "What things do I like about this guy?" "What outcome do I want?" If you can't answer these questions, try to get to know him better before proceeding. Only you will know whether you truly like someone. However, if you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can try taking an online quiz and interpreting the results as you please. Don't "build up" the experience in your head. No matter how cute your crush is, he's still a human being! He's probably as nervous as you are about discussing who he likes. Similarly, even if it's not apparent yet, he probably has plenty of flaws. Don't get too emotionally invested in a relationship that hasn't even started! If you're having a hard time thinking of your crush as anything other than a perfect Adonis, try to mentally note things about him, however small, that make him look silly or stupid! Does he have a tiny bald spot? Does he pronounce "epitome" as "ep-it-tome?" Recognizing that everyone has flaws will make even the cutest guys much more approachable. Pay attention to his behavior. Does he seem to pay special attention to you? Does he smile a lot around you? Or, on the other hand, does he tease you and try to playfully ignore you? These are all signs that a guy might like you. If you can identify possible attraction cues, you'll have a much easier time telling him you like him because you'll already have an idea of how he feels! A guy's body language can reveal his inner emotions. Does he position his chest and shoulders toward you, even if his attention is momentarily occupied by something else? Does he seem to make eye contact with you a lot? He may be pondering how to tell a girl he likes her! Realize that a negative response is not a big deal. Despite your best preparations, he might not return your interest. Acknowledge this as a possibility and try not to worry about it - if he says no, it's not because he hates you. He just doesn't currently want to date you. This can be for any number of reasons. Don't let him see that his negative response bothers you ( even if it does). He may be reeling from a messy breakup. He may be too emotionally immature to pursue a relationship. He may simply enjoy being single. Let go of the notion that the man needs to make the first move. In the past, it was scandalous for women to ask men out. Today, much of the stigma has disappeared. However, many women still are hesitant to ask men out. A 2011 study of mostly college-age people found that 93% of women preferred being asked out by men. Be proactive! You will get more dates if you are confident enough to approach men yourself. Plan a date! Keep your momentum up - don't let a budding attraction wither because you're both too afraid to plan a date. You don't have to go on a date the very day you find out you like each other, but try to plan one within a week or two. By dating, you'll get to know each other even better and you'll learn whether you're a good romantic match. A good time to schedule a date is the weekend following whenever you admit that you like each other. For your first date - try to plan so that at least part of the date allows you to talk to each other. For instance, if you want to see a movie, plan to have dinner as well. A good first date is casual, low-pressure, and uniquely "you." A date doesn't have to be extravagant. A great first date can be as simple as doing homework and having a picnic at the park. Here are a few more low-cost ideas if you're having a hard time thinking of dates: A local carnival, seasonal fair, or amusement park. Rollerskating or ice skating. If one of you isn't a great skater, even better - you'll have to hold each other to keep from falling! Hiking. If you can make it to the top of a local hill or bluff, you'll be treated to a gorgeous (and romantic) view. Don't psych yourself out! The period between expressing your attraction and going on your date can be nerve-wracking, but try not to worry. A first date is a chance to get to know someone If you're really nervous, talk to your friends. They may be able to tell you hilarious first date nightmare stories. At the very least, they'll be able to remind you that first dates aren't supposed to be tremendously stressful. Keep in touch, but not too much. Feel free to send your crush a few flirty texts before your first date, but don't overdo it. It can be tempting to shower him with compliments, especially if you're really into each other. Resist the urge - too much too soon can be awfully intimidating, especially if the guy is less romantically experienced than you. Some sources even recommend creating a sense of mystery before the first date by maintaining total "radio silence." Be yourself on your date! Once you know someone likes you back, it's pretty hard not to change your behavior a little bit. Still, remember that he likes you for who you are - there's no need to adopt an unnatural sex-queen persona for your first date! Act like you usually do around him - make the same inside jokes, tease him the same way. If you're a good fit, that's usually all you'll need to do. | Find out whether he likes you or not. Try to start simple conversations with him. Talk about things you have in common. Try flirting with him! Break the touch barrier. Know that there are several options as to how to tell him if you know you're ready. Simply ask him out on a date if you're worried about what he'll say. Use notes to tell him if you'd rather be less direct. Have confidence in yourself whatever his answer. Send him a text saying "OMG, (insert his name here) is soooooo cute! Decide how you feel about your crush. Don't "build up" the experience in your head. Pay attention to his behavior. Realize that a negative response is not a big deal. Let go of the notion that the man needs to make the first move. Plan a date! Don't psych yourself out! Keep in touch, but not too much. Be yourself on your date! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Moles-Quickly | How to Remove Moles Quickly | While the quickest ways to remove a mole are through medical procedures, you can help lighten the mole using a scrub made from pineapple juice and sea salt. To make the scrub, mix together ½ cup of fresh pineapple and ¼ cup of sea salt and apply it directly to the mole to remove the top layers of your skin. For another home remedy, try rubbing a little apple cider vinegar on it every day with a cotton swab. If you have more sensitive skin, use iodine, instead. Be careful when using any acidic juices to get rid of your mole and only let them sit on your mole for 10 to 15 minutes or you might irritate your skin. | Consult your doctor or dermatologist. You should have your mole examined by a doctor or dermatologist before you get it removed. They will be able to tell you whether your mole is malignant. They will also discuss what mole removal method is best for you. The vast majority of moles are benign. However, symptoms including itchiness, bleeding and changes in size or color may indicate that the mole is malignant. If a mole is malignant, it should be removed as soon as possible. If your mole is not dangerous, it may not be necessary to have it removed. However, many people prefer to have their moles removed for aesthetic reasons. Your doctor will use the ABCDE guide to assess your mole. This stands for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving. Weigh up your options. There are several methods of removing moles and you should carefully consider which method is best for you. You will need to think about: Effectiveness. Consider how effective each treatment is supposed to be. Will your chosen procedure remove the mole completely? Is there a risk that it could grow back? Cost. Different procedures will vary in terms of price, so think about what you can afford. Risk. What are the risks associated with each procedure? Can the mole become infected? Is there a risk of scarring or nerve damage? Will you need to be put under anesthetic? Consider removal using shaving. This type of removal works best for surface level moles. The mole is shaved off with a scalpel. First, the surgeon will cut the mole away, so it no longer forms a bump on the skin. With this type of removal, stitches are unnecessary. The wound will be cauterized or covered in a cream or solution to stop the bleeding. Then a topical antibiotic will be applied. The wound will be bandaged up and you'll be free to leave the office in a matter of minutes. Consider removal using an excision followed by stitches. This type of removal works best for moles that are darker in color or flat moles that penetrate deep within the skin. First, the mole and surrounding skin will be sterilized and numbed. Then, the surgeon uses a scalpel to cut out the mole. How deep of an incision needs to be made will depend on the size of the mole and whether or not it's malign. A wider area is usually cut away when the mole is malign, to ensure it is removed completely. The wound is then stitched closed. Some types of stitches require a follow-up appointment to be removed, while others will dissolve on their own. Consider removal using cryosurgery, or freezing. This is an alternate mole removal method which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the mole. It is only offered by certain clinics. Also, keep in mind that cryotherapy freezes the tissue, so there would not be any tissue available to send a lab for testing and you would not be able to find out if the mole is cancerous. The liquid nitrogen can be applied to the mole directly using a cotton swab, or may be applied in the form of a spray. The liquid nitrogen may need to be applied several times to completely get rid of the mole. It will cause a blister to form on the skin, but once this heals, the skin should return to normal. Consider removal using electrocoagulation, or burning. Electrocoagulation burns the mole by shocking it with an electric current. This destroys the mole's tissue after several sessions. There is no need for stitches with this method, as the heat from the electricity cauterizes the wound. With this procedure, there would also be no tissue to send to a lab for cancer testing. Two other specialized mole removal methods offered by some clinics are radiosurgery, which uses radio frequency waves rather than electricity, and laser treatments. Both of these work on the same idea of burning the mole tissue away. Ask your doctor about electrosurgery. Electrosurgery may be a good option to discuss with your doctor. Using electrosurgery for mole removal can reduce any bleeding that may occur, and this in turn will reduce the risk of complications, promote rapid wound healing, and result in minimal scarring. Apply aloe vera. Aloe vera may be useful as a remedy for skin conditions, such as psoriasis, cold sores, burns, and frostbite. Applying aloe vera to your mole daily may help to get rid of it. To use aloe vera for mole removal, apply a generous amount of aloe vera to your mole, and then cover the mole with a clean cotton bandage. Leave the bandage on for three hours, and then remove it and wash away the aloe. Do this every day for three weeks and you may see results. Test out apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar - a miracle ingredient used in countless home remedies - is one of the most common treatments for mole removal. The acids contained in the vinegar, such as malic and tartaric acid, actually work to dissolve the mole, completely removing it from the skin. Simply swab a little onto clean skin everyday using a q-tip. Know that garlic might be effective. Garlic is another multi-purpose remedy, which many claim as an effective treatment for mole removal. Simply crush some fresh garlic into a paste and carefully apply directly to the mole, making sure to avoid the surrounding skin (garlic can burn). Cover with a bandage and leave for a few hours or overnight. This method has been said to work in as little as five days. Use iodine. Iodine is a good option for people with more sensitive skin, as it won't burn like garlic or apple cider vinegar. Apply the iodine directly to the mole using a q-tip, up to three times a day. Continue to do this every day, until you see a noticeable improvement in the mole's appearance. Try sour apple juice. Juice a couple of sour cooking apples and apply a little juice directly to the mole. Like the apple cider vinegar, the acids in the juice will work to dissolve the mole, though it may be at least three weeks before you start to notice any improvements in the mole's appearance. Prep with pineapple and sea salt. Pineapple juice can be applied directly to the mole, but you should also try blending half a cup of fresh pineapple and a quarter cup of coarse sea salt to make a fantastic facial scrub. This may help to remove the top layers of skin from the mole. Test out castor oil and baking soda. Combine one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of castor oil make a paste. Apply a little directly to your mole and leave for several hours or overnight, before washing off. Try using honey. Honey is well-known as a delicious edible treat, but did you know it also boasts impressive anti-bacterial and healing properties? Dab a little honey directly onto the mole for a safe, natural treatment. Add in a drop of soothing, softening flaxseed oil too, if you like. Use home remedies responsibly. There are numerous home remedies designed to get rid of moles using natural ingredients. Though there is little science to back up some of the treatments, many people will attest to their effectiveness. Just be careful when using acidic natural juices, which have the potential to burn the skin. To use home remedies safely but effectively, apply the natural juices at least once and a maximum of three times a day. If you have very sensitive skin, only let the juices sit on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes, to prevent it from becoming irritated. Try applying a little petroleum jelly to the skin around the mole. This will prevent it from becoming unnecessarily irritated by the mole treatments. The length of time it takes for a mole to lighten or disappear will differ from one person to another. Be aware that home remedies are not likely to work as quickly or be as effective as surgical removal or stronger medical creams, but are a good option if you are looking for either a cost-free solution or a natural remedy. Try using mole removal cream. Mole removal creams are an affordable and fairly effective method of removing moles at home. Most creams work by lightening the mole until it is no longer visible, which can happen in a matter of weeks. Stronger, over-the-counter creams focus on peeling the skin away layer by layer until the mole is removed. Keep in mind that mole removal creams can actually leave worse scars than surgical removal. Try out whitening cream. A general-use whitening cream can also be effective at reducing the appearance of moles, but it will no actually remove the mole. A whitening cream will lighten the color of your mole, making it less obvious. | Consult your doctor or dermatologist. Weigh up your options. Consider removal using shaving. Consider removal using an excision followed by stitches. Consider removal using cryosurgery, or freezing. Consider removal using electrocoagulation, or burning. Ask your doctor about electrosurgery. Apply aloe vera. Test out apple cider vinegar. Know that garlic might be effective. Use iodine. Try sour apple juice. Prep with pineapple and sea salt. Test out castor oil and baking soda. Try using honey. Use home remedies responsibly. Try using mole removal cream. Try out whitening cream. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Give-Your-Dog-Enough-of-Your-Time | How to Give Your Dog Enough of Your Time | If you want to make sure you're spending enough time with your dog, try to include it in as many of your daily activities as possible. For example, you could throw a ball around while you're tidying up the house, or you could take your dog with you when you run errands. You can also try to find more time in your day to hang out with your dog, like coming home on your lunch breaks or waking up an hour earlier every morning. Dogs are social creatures, so make sure you set aside time every day to play with your dog and show it affection. Even just cuddling on the couch or going for a walk together will mean the world to your furry best friend! | Set a routine. You will have more success spending time with your dog if you plan your activities into your day and week. Schedule times that you will feed, walk, and play with your dog. This schedule will also benefit your dog by giving them structure in their day. Dogs should generally be fed twice a day, walked one once or twice, and taken out often to eliminate. They are also social creatures and will want to spend time with you while you are home. Plan ahead. Dogs can cut into your social life. While you can still go out, you will have to plan ahead to make sure that your dog's needs are met. For example, if you know you are going to be working late one day, ask someone if they would be willing to walk your dog for you. If you are leaving on a weekend trip, find a friend to dog sit. Be flexible. While you should have a regular schedule, you do not have to plan your entire day around your dog. Your dog may not mind if you come home late one day or if you miss your weekly dog park visit for an appointment, as long as you do not do it too often. Include the dog in your daily activities. An easy way to increase the time you spend with your dog is to let them join you on your daily tasks. Whether you are at home or out doing errands, you can fit the dog into your lifestyle. You can: Take the dog on car trips. Talk to the dog while doing chores. Visit the pet store together. Take the dog with you to the beach or park. Ask your friends if you can bring your dog when you visit. Give your dog their due. Spending time with your dog should not feel like a chore. Appreciate your dog, and remember that they are a member of your family. Express gratitude to your dog for their love and loyalty, and reward them with your attention. Occasional treats when your dog has behaved well is a great way to surprise your dog. Some people like to give holiday or birthday gifts to their dog. You can even find specialty dog treats at certain pet bakeries and stores. You might consider bringing your dog on holiday with you. While you will have to find transportation and lodgings that allow dogs, the quality time and memories you make together will be invaluable. Walk the dog. On average, a dog needs about an hour of exercise per day. Taking walks not only ensures that your dog gets this exercise, but it is an important bonding activity for the two of you. Try to walk your dog twice a day—once in the morning and once in the early evening. If you work, you should try to walk them before you leave for work and once when you get home from work. If you walk your dog at the same time every day, soon your dog will start to expect walks at those times. This will help you set an important routine that improves their health and your relationship. Play with your dog. Games provide both physical and mental stimulation for your dog. Set aside some time every day to play with your dog. You can play tug of war, hide and seek, fetch, or pounce and shake. You can look for toys that you can use to play with your dog. These include ropes, rubber rings, balls, and squeaky toys. Play is extremely important for puppies. If you have a puppy, you should play with them frequently throughout the day. Pet your dog. Touch is extremely important in building a bond between you and your dog. As you spend time with your dog, pet, scratch, and massage them. You can: Brush your dog while watching TV. Rub their belly during play. Greet them in the morning by scratching behind their ears. Pet them as you come home. Sign up for agility classes. Agility classes offer fun obedience training by teaching your dog how to do various obstacle courses. By going to agility courses, not only will you be providing exciting stimulation to your dog, but you will also have found a great weekly activity that you and your dog can do together. Exercise with your dog. If you lead an active lifestyle, you can work out and spend time with your dog at the same time. High energy dogs, such as border collies, Labrador retrievers, huskies, and pointers, may love to run alongside you or follow you on a walk. You might consider letting your dog come with you while you: Ride a bike Swim Hike Run Train your dog through daily obedience sessions. Spend 5-10 minutes a day training your dog. You might teach them how to sit, stay, or come. Reward your dog with treats when they do well. This will improve your dog's confidence while helping them become a better behaved dog. Give your dog your full attention. When you and your dog are spending time together, you should make sure that you are not distracted by your phone, computer, TV, or book. Focus entirely on your dog so that you both bond with one another. Not only will this make the activity more enjoyable for you, but your dog will appreciate it so much more. Ask if you can bring your dog to work. Some workplaces are dog-friendly, which means that you can bring your dog with you during the day. You can ask your boss or human resources if this is an option for you. If they initially say no, you might convince them to let you bring your dog. You can point out the benefits of bringing a dog to work, such as lower stress and higher morale. Some shops have even found that having a dog at work increases their business. Be respectful of people who have allergies or fears of dogs. If you have a coworker who does not want dogs at work, you should find another solution. Come home during your lunch hour. If you have enough time, you might consider spending your lunch break at home with your dog. This will give you an opportunity to feed your dog and play with them for a little while before you have to return to work. Wake up early. If you can spare a little sleep, you might try waking up a half-hour or hour earlier than usual, and spend that time with your dog. You can take them on a walk, play with them, or groom them. This will help your dog get in some social activity before you leave for the day. If you already wake up very early, you may want to consider a different way to increase your time with your dog. Arrange for someone to visit during the day. If you cannot manage to come home, you might want to consider asking someone if they can walk and play with your dog during the day. If you have a friend or family member willing to do this, you could ask them. You can also hire a dog sitter or professional dog walker. You do not need someone to spend all day with your dog. It may be enough to have someone visit for half an hour in the late morning or early afternoon. Doggy daycares are another option to help socialize your dog during the day. Your pup can play with other dogs and people. This can be a more expensive option, however. Leave toys for the dog at home. When you can't be with your dog, it is important that you provide ways for your dog to entertain themselves. The best way to do this is to leave the dog with a variety of interesting toys that they can play with. This will ensure that the dog does not become destructive or bored while you are gone, and it can reduce their dependency on your company while you are home. Food puzzles are a great way for your dog to keep busy. Stick a treat or peanut butter inside of one. Your dog may spend a long time trying to get it out. Chew toys can keep your dog busy for long periods of time. If you want to give your dog a bone, make sure you buy specially marked natural bones meant for chewing. Cooked bones can splinter and injure your dog. If your dog grows tired of a toy, put it away for a while and give the dog a new toy. When the dog tires of the new toy, you can give them the old one back again. | Set a routine. Plan ahead. Be flexible. Include the dog in your daily activities. Give your dog their due. Walk the dog. Play with your dog. Pet your dog. Sign up for agility classes. Exercise with your dog. Train your dog through daily obedience sessions. Give your dog your full attention. Ask if you can bring your dog to work. Come home during your lunch hour. Wake up early. Arrange for someone to visit during the day. Leave toys for the dog at home. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Zipper-from-Unzipping-Itself | How to Stop a Zipper from Unzipping Itself | To stop a zipper from unzipping itself, start by finding a key ring about the size of a penny, which you'll use to secure your zipper. Next, slide the key ring through the hole in your zipper slider. Once you've attached the key ring, loop it over the top button of your pants to hold it in place. After you've hooked the key ring over the button, you can button up your pants like normal without worrying that your zip will come down. Alternatively, slide a rubber band through the hole in your zipper slider, and loop the top part of the band through the section on the zipper to form a knot. Then, take the long section and loop it over the top button of your pants. | Look for a key ring the size of a penny. To fix your loose zipper, you can use a small metal key ring, about the size of a penny. Look for a key ring that is thin and durable. You can also use a small rubber band if you are looking for a flexible option. A rubber band can be good if your zipper tends to unzip itself and get stuck mid way on the zipper. The band can stretch enough to allow you to attach the zipper slider to the top button of your pants. Secure the key ring to the loop on your zipper slider. Slide the key ring through the hole in the zipper slider, usually located on the end of the slider. Make sure the key ring is secure on the zipper slider once it is attached. If you are using a rubber band, you can put the rubber band through the hole in the zipper slider and then loop the top part of the band through the section on the zipper slider to form a knot. You should have a knot with a long section of the band loose at the top of the zipper slider. Loop the key ring to the top button on your pants. Once the key ring is attached to the zipper slider, loop it over the top button of your pants. If you are using a rubber band, grip the long section of the rubber band and loop it over the top button on your pants. If you are trying to fix another garment with a zipper besides a pair of pants, loop the key ring or rubber band over the top button on the garment, such as the top button on a dress or a skirt. Keep in mind this method looks better on dresses or skirts that have hidden zippers, as the key ring or rubber band will show if the zipper is exposed. Zip up your pants and button them. Keeping the key chain or rubber band in place over the top button, zip up the garment. Then, button up the garment with the top button. Make sure the top flap by the button covers the top of the zipper as well as the key chain or rubber band. Your zipper should stay in place with the help of the key chain or rubber band. Remember to be careful when going to the bathroom, as you will need to remove the top button and then the key ring to take off your clothing. Gather your supplies. If your zipper keeps unzipping itself, the zipper slider may be broken and need to be replaced. You can do this at home with a few supplies, including: End nippers. These can be found at your local hardware store and can be used to cut nails, wires, and zipper stops. Tweezers. Small pliers. A replacement zipper slider, which you can buy at your local craft or fabric store. Be sure to get a replacement coil zipper slider if you have a coil zipper and a plastic tooth zipper slider if you have a plastic tooth zipper. Coil zippers are made of tight coil and plastic tooth zippers are made of plastic. A replacement zipper stop. Zipper stops can be made of metal (for coil zipper sliders) or plastic (for plastic tooth zippers). Unzip the garment and locate the zipper stop. The zipper stop will be the small piece that is used to connect the zipper slider to the zipper teeth. Peel back any fabric that is covering the zipper stop and place your thumb and forefinger on the top of the zipper stop, on the side with the slider. Use end nippers to remove the zipper stop. Make sure you cut the plastic or metal stop only. Do not damage the webbing behind the stop as this could then damage the zipper. Once you cut and remove the zipper stop, use a pair of tweezers to get rid of any remaining pieces of the zipper stop. Make sure all of the zipper stop has been completely removed from the zipper teeth. Slide the damaged zipper slider off the zipper. Once the zipper stop is removed, you can slide the damaged zipper slider off the zipper. Then, replace it with the replacement zipper slider. You may need to tug the replacement over the old zipper stop gently. Make sure the zipper slider is facing right side up when you slide it on the zipper. The zipper slider should move easily up and down the zipper once it is attached. Put on the new zipper stop. Use tweezers to hold the new zipper stop. Then, insert the teeth on one end of the zipper stop into the webbing on the zipper, right where the old zipper stop used to be. Take the pliers and bend the top of the zipper stop around the edge of the webbing. The single tooth on the stop should go through the back part of the webbing. Use the pliers to crimp the stop into place. Try out your new zipper, making sure it runs smoothly and does not unzip on it's own. Close all zippers before putting your clothes in the wash. To keep your zippers in good shape, you should make sure all the zippers on your clothes are closed before you throw them in the wash. Do up zippers on your pants, your shirts, your skirts, your dresses and your shorts. To make sure the zippers stay closed, you can use safety pins. Loop the safety pin through the zipper slider and attach it to the top of the garment so the zipper stays closed in the washing machine and the dryer. Dry clothing with zippers on low heat. High heat can be damaging to zippers, especially zippers made of plastic. Dry clothing with zippers on low heat and minimize the amount of time the clothing is in the dryer. The tumbling of the dryer can cause damage to certain zippers. You should also take clothing with zippers out of the dyer right after the drying cycle is done so you can lay them flat. Straightening out the clothing and the zipper on a flat surface will prevent the zipper from drying with crooked teeth. This could prevent zipper jams and other issues down the road. Expect some puckering around the zipper. Don't worry too much if there is puckering around zipper after it has been through the wash. Most clothing will shrink a little in the wash and this could cause puckering around the zipper. The puckering is usually not too obvious, depending on the material of the clothing and the material in the zipper. Clothing made with 100 percent cotton is especially prone to shrinkage, which can cause noticeable puckering around the cotton-polyester zipper tabs. You may want to hang dry clothing made of cotton and other materials that are prone to shrinkage, rather than run them through the dryer. | Look for a key ring the size of a penny. Secure the key ring to the loop on your zipper slider. Loop the key ring to the top button on your pants. Zip up your pants and button them. Gather your supplies. Unzip the garment and locate the zipper stop. Use end nippers to remove the zipper stop. Slide the damaged zipper slider off the zipper. Put on the new zipper stop. Close all zippers before putting your clothes in the wash. Dry clothing with zippers on low heat. Expect some puckering around the zipper. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Adapt-a-Mousetrap-Car-for-Distance | How to Adapt a Mousetrap Car for Distance | To adapt your mousetrap car for distance, use large, light wheels for less friction and greater inertia. For example, old CDs make great wheels to increase distance. If your car is a rear-wheel drive car, set the wheels on a narrow rear axle so the wheels turn more and travel further. You can also increase the distance your car will travel by making the frame lighter. Balsa wood is a great lightweight but sturdy material for your car. You can also use glue instead of nails or screws wherever possible on the frame to decrease weight. Try to use the most powerful mousetrap that you can and spray a little WD-40 on the axles to decrease friction and increase distance. | Use large rear wheels. Large wheels have greater rotational inertia than small wheels. In practice, this means that once they start rolling, they're harder to stop rolling. This makes large wheels perfect for distance-based contests — theoretically, they'll accelerate less quickly than smaller wheels, but they'll roll much longer and they'll travel a greater distance overall. So, for maximum distance, make the wheels on the drive axle (the one the mousetrap is tied to, which is usually the rear one) very large. The front wheel is a little less important — it can be large or small. For a classic drag racer look, you'll want big wheels in the back and smaller ones in front. Use thin, light wheels. Thinner wheels have less friction and may go farther if the distance is what you want or need with your mousetrap racer. It's also important to take the weight of the wheels themselves into account — any unneeded weight will ultimately slow your car down or lead to added friction. In addition, it's worth noting that wide wheels can even have a small negative effect on the car's drag due to air resistance. For these reasons, you'll want to use the thinnest, lightest wheels available for your car. Old CDs or DVDs work fairly well for this purpose — they're large, thin, and extremely light. In this case, a plumbing washer may be used to reduce the hole size in the middle of the CD (to fit the axle better). If you have access to old vinyl, these also work extremely well, though they may be too heavy for the smallest mousetraps. Use a narrow rear axle. Assuming your car is a rear-wheel-drive car, each time your rear axle turns, the rear wheels turn. If your rear axle is extremely skinny, your mousetrap car will be able to turn it more times for the same length of string than it would if it were wider. This translates to turning your rear wheels more times, meaning greater distance! For this reason, it's a wise idea to make your axle out of the skinniest material available that can still support the weight of the frame and wheels. Narrow wooden dowel rods are a great, easily-accessible choice here. If you have access to thin metal rods, these are even better — when lubricated, they usually have less friction. Create traction by giving the edges of the friction of the wheels. If the wheels slip against the ground when the trap is sprung, energy is wasted — the mousetrap works to make the wheels turn, but you don't get any extra distance. If this happens with your car, adding a friction-inducing material to the rear wheels may reduce their slippage. To keep your weight requirements down, use only as much as is necessary to give the tips of the wheels some grip and no extra. Some suitable materials are: Electrical tape Rubber bands Popped balloon rubber Additionally, placing a piece of sandpaper under the rear wheels at the start line can reduce slippage as the car begins to move (when it is most likely). Build the lightest frame possible. Above all, your car should be light. The smaller the mass of your car, the better — every gram or milligram you can shave off of your car's frame is a little further your mousetrap will be able to push your car. Try not to have any extra frame material beyond what's necessary to keep your mousetrap and wheel axles in place. If you see wasted space on your frame, try removing it, or, if this is impossible, make holes in it with a drill to bring its weight down. You'll also want to use the lightest material possible for your frame. Here are just a few suitable ones: Balsa wood Hard plastic sheets Thin, light metal sheets (aluminum/tin roofing material, etc.) Building toys (K'NEX, Legos, etc.) Make the frame long and narrow. Ideally, you want your car to be shaped aerodynamically — that is so that it presents the smallest possible surface area in the direction it will travel. Like an arrow, a longboat, an airplane, or a spear, a vehicle that's designed with maximum efficiency in mind will almost always have a long, skinny shape to minimize drag from air resistance. For the purposes of your mousetrap car, this will mean making your frame both narrow (though it will be difficult to get your frame any narrower than the mousetrap itself) and vertically skinny. Remember, to minimize drag, you're trying to give your car the narrowest, smallest profile possible. Try getting down on the ground and looking at your car from the front to spot pieces of the frame that make your car's profile unnecessarily large. Use glue instead of nails wherever possible. Wherever you can, try to use glue in your car's design, rather than nails, pins, or other heavier solutions. For instance, you should only need to use just a few small spots of glue to fix your mousetrap to the frame. Generally, the glue will hold just as well as nails, which can add unnecessary weight. Use super glue not school glue it won't hold as good. Another advantage of glue is that it shouldn't usually affect your car's air resistance. On the other hand, if either end of a nail sticks out of your frame, it can have a minor effect. Keep your frame's structural integrity in mind. The only limiting factor when it comes to how light and skinny you can make your mousetrap car's frame is its fragility — if it's too light, it may become so fragile that the action of springing the mousetrap breaks the car apart. The delicate balance between achieving the maximum distance and making your car unstable can be quite tricky to get right, but don't be afraid to experiment. The mousetrap itself is unlikely to ever break, so as long as you have extra frame material, you'll have the freedom to make mistakes. If you're using an extra-fragile material like balsa wood and you're having a hard time getting your frame to hold together, consider adding a small strip of a sturdier material like metal or plastic on the underside of the frame. Doing this increases the structural strength of the car while minimizing the change to its air resistance and weight. Give your trap a long "arm" to increase its leverage. Most mousetrap cars work as follows: the mousetrap is "set", a string tied to the arm of the mousetrap is carefully wrapped around one of the wheel axles, and, when the trap is sprung, the swinging arm of the trap transfers its energy to the axle to turn the wheels. Since the arm of the trap is fairly short, if the car isn't carefully constructed, it can pull on the string too rapidly, causing the wheels to slip and energy to be lost. For a slower, steadier pull, try attaching a long pole to the arm to act as a lever, then tying the end of the string to this, better than to the arm itself It's important to use the right material for your lever. The lever shouldn't bend at all under the stress of the string — this represents wasted energy. Many guides recommend sturdy balsa constructions or balsa reinforced with metal to give a sturdy yet light lever. Position the trap as far forward as possible. Assuming that your trap will be turning the rear wheels, you'll want your car's mousetrap to be far forward on the frame as it can be without touching the front wheels. The longer distance between the trap and the wheels, the better — more distance means you'll be able to loop more string around the axle for just a little extra slow and steady pulling power. Ensure minimal friction on your moving parts. For maximum distance, you'll want to be using as close to 100% of your mousetrap's power as possible. This means reducing the friction on surfaces of your car where points slide against each other. Use a mild lubricant, like WD-40, auto grease, or a similar product to keep the points of contact between a car's moving parts well-oiled so that the car "runs" as smoothly as possible. Many mousetrap car building guides identify the axle as the primary source of friction on a mousetrap car. To minimize axle friction, rub or spray a little lubricant on each axle where it meets the frame, then, if possible, work it into the contact point by sliding the wheels back and forth. If you're allowed to, use the most powerful mousetrap possible. Most of the time, for mousetrap car assignments, all students will be required to use the same size of mousetrap so that everyone's car designs have the same amount of power. However, if you don't have this restriction, feel free to use the most powerful mousetrap you can find! Bigger traps like rat traps provide much more power than basic mousetraps, but they also require sturdier constructions or they may break the car apart when they're sprung, so you may need to reinforce your frame and/or axles to accommodate. Keep in mind that rat traps and other large rodent traps can easily break fingers, so handle armed traps with extreme caution, even when you're confident that the trap is rigged up to your axle and shouldn't be able to close freely. | Use large rear wheels. Use thin, light wheels. Use a narrow rear axle. Create traction by giving the edges of the friction of the wheels. Build the lightest frame possible. Make the frame long and narrow. Use glue instead of nails wherever possible. Keep your frame's structural integrity in mind. Give your trap a long "arm" to increase its leverage. Position the trap as far forward as possible. Ensure minimal friction on your moving parts. If you're allowed to, use the most powerful mousetrap possible. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Voicemail | How to Check Voicemail | To check your voicemail, select the Voicemail icon on your phone's touch screen to access your digital messages. Alternatively, call your own phone number and enter your pin number when it prompts you, which will give you access to your voicemail. You can also dial an asterisk or pound sign before hitting send to hear your messages. | Access your digital voice mailbox through your smartphone's touch screen. On an iOS phone, tap on the Phone application and then look for a square in the bottom right hand corner of the screen that reads Voicemail. Tap this button and your voice messages will appear on the screen. Click on any of the messages and press Play to hear the message. On an Android phone, a voicemail icon will appear at the top left of your screen in the Status area if you have an unread voicemail. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to view your notifications and then press New Voicemail. Your phone will dial the voice mailbox. Call your cell phone by typing your own number into the phone and then enter your pin or pass code when prompted. If you don't have it memorized, you may have to look it up. Many phones have your cell phone number saved in the contacts automatically as 'Me'. On an iOS smartphone you can look up your phone number by going to the Settings app and then clicking Phone. For Android, press Settings, About Phone, and then Status. Your phone number will be listed here. Voicemail can sometimes be locked for privacy reasons but the code should be something that you created. Once you have verified your identity, you should be allowed to access to your voicemail. Contact your specific cell phone provider if you are unable to remember your code. They might be able to reset it for your over the phone and help you with any other problems. Conducting an internet search for your particular provider should bring up a customer service number to call. Push the asterisk (*) or pound (#) key and then press the call button to call your voicemail. In some cases, you might not need to press the call button but you usually will have to listen to an automated greeting before you can hear your voicemail. Check to make sure that the asterisk or the pound keys are the correct buttons to press. Which key to press and when to push can depend on your cell phone provider. For most cell phone companies, it's often one of these buttons. Try both, and if neither of them work than visit the website of your phone company or call customer service. Call your Comcast, XFINITY, or cable phone voicemail by dialing *99. Keep in mind that this only works if you are calling from your home phone. You will then enter your password and have access to your voicemail. Some modern phones allow you to just click the voicemail button on your machine and then enter your password. If calling from a phone not associated with your voicemail, dial your home phone number first and then hit the pound (#) key when the automated greeting starts. Enter your password at the prompt and you should be allowed access to your voicemail. Check your AT&T home phone voicemail by dial *98 from your home phone. Enter your password followed by the pound (#) key and then you are all set. If you are checking voicemail away from home you can enter the AT&T Service Access number (1-888-288-8893). You will enter your ten digit home phone number followed by your password, and then from there all you have to do is follow the prompts over the phone and you are good to go. Either press 9 at the start of your greeting, or press pound (#) when you finish entering your access and home numbers. Enter your pass code. This should allow you access to your voicemail. Check your Vonage Home Phone Voicemail by dialing * 1 2 3 followed by your pin number. Once you reach your mailbox, press 1 to listen to new messages. If you are calling from a phone that is not associated with the voicemail, first dial the 11 digit Vonage phone number for the voice mailbox you want to check and then follow the same steps. Visit XFINITY Connect online if you are an XFINITY customer and sign in with your User ID and password. Choose the email tab, click on Voice & Text, then click on Voice. From here you will have access to all your voice messages right from your computer. Navigate to the Verizon Call Assistant webpage if you are a Verizon customer. You will want to enter your username and password. Don't be surprised if the website prompts you to authorize Verizon to access your phone records. Once you have authorized Verizon you can choose Calls and Messages from the left hand tab before clicking Voice Mails to access your messages. Download the AT&T Voicemail Viewer app to your smartphone if you are an AT&T Customer. This allows you to forward your voice messages to your email. Go to the Cox Mobile Phone Tools web page if you are a Cox Mobile customer. Enter your username and ID and then press the messages tab. All your voice messages will be right there. | Access your digital voice mailbox through your smartphone's touch screen. Call your cell phone by typing your own number into the phone and then enter your pin or pass code when prompted. Push the asterisk (*) or pound (#) key and then press the call button to call your voicemail. Call your Comcast, XFINITY, or cable phone voicemail by dialing *99. Check your AT&T home phone voicemail by dial *98 from your home phone. Check your Vonage Home Phone Voicemail by dialing * 1 2 3 followed by your pin number. Visit XFINITY Connect online if you are an XFINITY customer and sign in with your User ID and password. Navigate to the Verizon Call Assistant webpage if you are a Verizon customer. Download the AT&T Voicemail Viewer app to your smartphone if you are an AT&T Customer. Go to the Cox Mobile Phone Tools web page if you are a Cox Mobile customer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Mosaic | How to Make a Paper Mosaic | To make a paper mosaic, start by cutting different colors of construction paper or card into small shapes of your choice to create tiles. Then, draw your chosen shape on a piece of paper and begin gluing your tiles to the outline of the object. When your outline is finished, start laying your tiles from the outside and work towards the center of your shape. Finally, fill in the background with a contrasting color to make your shape stand out, and cover your shape with an acrylic sealer to make it last longer. | Get some sheets of paper in different colors. Construction paper is the most popular, but you can also use scrapbook paper, paint chips, magazine pages, or even cereal boxes! What colors you need depends on your design. You don't have to use all of the colors of the rainbow. You could just use different shades of the same color, such as: light blue, medium blue, and dark blue. Cut the paper into small pieces to make your tiles. The pieces should be small, about the size of your thumbnail. You can make squares, rectangles, triangles, or even thin strips. The pieces don't have to be the same size. In fact, try to cut some smaller ones too. This way, you can fit them into tight corners. Sort your shapes by color and put them into small piles or cups. This will make it easier to find the color you need. Start gluing the pieces of paper to the outline of a shape. Lightly draw a simple shape on a sheet of paper, which will be the outline for your mosaic. When you start gluing the pieces on it, leave a small gap between each one. You can apply the glue directly to the sheet of paper, or you can apply it to the back of your tile instead. If you are using irregular shapes, including triangles, make sure that the straightest edge is on the outside of the outline—otherwise, your shape will look jagged. If you are using white school glue, apply it with a paintbrush. This will keep things less messy. If you are applying the glue directly to the paper, work only in small sections at a time, or the glue will dry too fast. Glue the rest of your tiles to the inside of your shape. If your shape has designs on the inside, like spots on a butterfly wing, outline those designs first with more tiles before filling them in. Don't be afraid to cut some pieces down to help them fit! For a more professional touch, continue aligning the pieces along the outline, going smaller and smaller with each row until you reach the center. Consider filling in the background, if desired, using a contrasting color. This will make your work stand out. If you used different colors for your shape (this includes different shades of the same color), consider using just one color for the background. This will make your shape the focus. You can also leave the background blank. Set the mosaic out to dry. If you'd like to make your mosaic last longer, coat it with an acrylic sealer or a brush-on decoupage glue, such as Mod Podge. Let it dry before moving on. Finished. Draw a large oval or rectangle on a sheet of black paper. The shape needs to be just a little bit larger than your head. Don't cut anything out yet. Use poster paper, construction paper, or cardstock for this. Draw some shapes for the eyes, nose, and mouth. You will be cutting the eyes out, so figure out where your eyes will be when you put the mask on, and place them accordingly. Keep the nose and moth simple; you will be filling them in with tiles. A triangle for the nose and a rectangle or sausage shape for the mouth would be perfect! Cut some colored paper into small tiles. You can use construction paper, scrapbook paper, or paint chips for this. The shapes can be squares, rectangles, triangles, or even a combination of all three. They can be different sizes, but try to make them no larger than your thumbnail. You will need at least two different colors for this: one color for the mask and a contrasting color for the nose and mouth. For a different look, paint your own paper, let it dry, then cut it out. Sort your shapes by color. This will make it easier to find the color you need. Start gluing your paper tiles to the edge of your mask. Leave a small gap between each tile, and make sure that it doesn't go past the edges of the paper shape. You can use a glue stick or white school glue. If you are using white school glue, apply it using a paint brush. This will make things less messy. Glue some more tiles to the inside edges of the nose and mouth. This way, your nose and mouth won't be too big. Remember to leave a slight gap between each tile. For a cleaner finish, align any straight edges with the outline, and keep pointy edges on the inside of the shape. Use your contrasting color(s) for this. It will help them stand out better. Outline the outside of the eyes with more tiles, if desired. Don't fill the eyes in. You will be cutting them out later. You can use the same color you will use for the inside of the mask, or you can use a contrasting color. Start filling in your mask with tiles. You can glue them down randomly, or you can follow the curves of the outlines as you work your way towards the center. Remember to leave slight gaps between each tile. Use your contrasting color for the nose and mouth. Let your mask dry. If you'd like to make your mask last longer, you can seal it with a clear, acrylic sealer or a brush-on decoupage glue, such as Mod Podge. Remember to let the mask dry after sealing it. Cut the mask and the eyes out. If you are a child, ask an adult to help you cut the eyes out. You can cut the mask itself out using a pair of scissors, but you will need a shape craft knife (such as an Xacto knife) to cut the eyes out. Punch some holes to either side of the mask, and thread some ribbon or elastic through them. The holes should be at about ear level, or just where the eyes are on your mask. This will make the mask more comfortable to wear. | Get some sheets of paper in different colors. Cut the paper into small pieces to make your tiles. Start gluing the pieces of paper to the outline of a shape. Glue the rest of your tiles to the inside of your shape. Consider filling in the background, if desired, using a contrasting color. Set the mosaic out to dry. Finished. Draw a large oval or rectangle on a sheet of black paper. Draw some shapes for the eyes, nose, and mouth. Cut some colored paper into small tiles. Start gluing your paper tiles to the edge of your mask. Glue some more tiles to the inside edges of the nose and mouth. Outline the outside of the eyes with more tiles, if desired. Start filling in your mask with tiles. Let your mask dry. Cut the mask and the eyes out. Punch some holes to either side of the mask, and thread some ribbon or elastic through them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hold-a-Pigeon | How to Hold a Pigeon | To hold a pigeon, start by slowly sliding your hand under the bird with your palm facing up. As you move your hand underneath, leave a small gap between your fingers for the bird's legs to slide into. Once the pigeon is in your hand, move your thumb down gently over its wings to keep it safe and prevent it from flying away. Finally, move your hand close to your body to help support the pigeon and hold it safely. | Hold out your dominant hand. When you are picking up a pigeon, you will be using your dominant hand to do so. You will need to hold your hand flat, keep your palm up, and have a slight gap between your index and middle fingers. This will allow you to safely and securely pick up your pigeon. Slide your hand under the pigeon. Once you have your hand positioned correctly, you will need to slide it underneath the pigeon. Move your hand towards the pigeon slowly as you go to pick it up. Moving too quickly may scare it and cause it to fly away from your hand. You will move your hand towards your pigeon's side. The pigeon should be facing the outer edge of your hand. The pigeon's tail feather should be facing your thumb. Let the pigeon's legs slide between your fingers. Begin by moving your hand underneath your pigeon. As you do, keep a small gap between your pointer and middle fingers to allow space for your pigeon's legs. This will both support and secure the pigeon in your hand. The pigeon's legs should gently rest between your fingers. Don't hold the legs or the pigeon too tightly. Ideally, your pigeon will be in its cage when you try to pick it up. Wrap your thumb around the pigeon's wings. After the pigeon is in your hand and its legs are between your fingers, you can grasp the bird with your thumb. Bring your thumb down, covering the wings. Keeping its wings secure will help keep your pigeon safe and prevent it from flying away. Don't hold the wings down tightly. The wings should rest flatly on the pigeon's back. Bring the bird close to you. After you've gotten a good hold on your pigeon, you can move it towards your body. Bringing it closer to your body will help it feel secure and will allow you to support and hold it safely. You can cup the bird with your other hand to provide even more security. Move the pigeon slowly to avoid scaring it. Bond with your pigeon. The more familiar your pigeon is with your presence, the more likely it will be comfortable with you holding it. Make sure you take the time to build a strong bond between you and your pigeon before trying to hold it. Spend as much time around your pigeon as you can. Try to gently speak with your pigeon throughout the day. Always act calmly when near your pigeon. Remove distractions. A calm pigeon will be more likely to allow you to hold it. Before you attempt to pick your pigeon up and hold it, you will want to make sure it is calm. Keeping a relaxed environment will help keep your pigeon calm and make it feel more comfortable with you picking it up. Don't try to pick your pigeon up in a noisy environment. Make sure there aren't other pets trying to investigate the pigeon. Try not to have other people around when you are interacting with your pigeon. Don't force interactions. Pushing any interaction with a bird will only make it stressed and break any sense of trust or bond it has with you. Never force your pigeon to let you hold it, allowing it to decide when it feels comfortable with your actions. If your pigeon becomes uneasy, stop for a while and let it relax. A nervous pigeon may flap its wings quickly and try to escape. Birds that are scared will often hold their feathers tight against their body. Very frightened birds will hiss at you and try to bite, spreading their wings out while doing so. Capture the pigeon. The first step in helping a lost or injured pigeon is to capture it safely. The method you use will depend on what condition the bird might be in. Take a look at the following methods that you can use to capture a pigeon: Get a container ready to hold the bird once you capture it. If possible, put the bird in your container without using your hands to avoid further injury. Throwing a blanket over a bird can help contain them while you capture it. Leaving food in the container or enclosed room can help lure a bird in. If you must, an injured and non-flying bird can usually be captured with just your hands. Find a safe place for them to rest. If you find a pigeon that needs your help you will need to provide a safe spot for them to rest. Giving them a comfortable space can help them relax and keep stress to a minimum. Keep the enclosure clean and dry. A bird cage is ideal to use. You can use something simple such as a cardboard box. However, you may want to use a mesh covering for the top of it to allow light and air into the box. Offer them food and water. If the pigeon is lost or injured, it will likely also be hungry and thirsty. While you decide what to do next with the pigeon, make sure you have given them access to fresh food and water. Pigeons can eat grains, greens, and seeds. A pigeon can also enjoy most fruits. Do not offer your pigeon avocado, as they are thought to be toxic to pigeons. Make sure you offer clean water. You can put the water in a simple bowl for them to drink from. Identify a possible owner. Many pigeons are owned by other people and will have a noticeable band around one of its legs. This band will have a number or code on it that will help identify the owner of the pigeon. If the pigeon is unable to fly back to their owner, you can use this number to help return the bird yourself. Look for some of the following markings on the band to learn more about the owner: A.U. stands for the American Racing Pigeon Union IF indicates the International Federation C.U. stands for the Canadian Racing Pigeon Union Other markings may indicate individual owners or private clubs. Take the pigeon to professional help. Once you've captured the pigeon and cared for its basic needs, you will want to deliver it to someone who can care for it further. Finding either a wildlife rehabilitation center or aviary veterinarian will allow the bird to get the care it needs. These centers can also help the pigeon be reunited with its owner. | Hold out your dominant hand. Slide your hand under the pigeon. Let the pigeon's legs slide between your fingers. Wrap your thumb around the pigeon's wings. Bring the bird close to you. Bond with your pigeon. Remove distractions. Don't force interactions. Capture the pigeon. Find a safe place for them to rest. Offer them food and water. Identify a possible owner. Take the pigeon to professional help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Smell-Good-All-the-Time | How to Smell Good All the Time | If you want to smell good all the time, you should shower with soap every day and brush your teeth twice a day. Once you're clean, if you want to up your game, try dabbing a small amount of perfume or cologne on your wrists, neck, and behind your ears. You can also use scented lotion on your hands and neck to help you smell great. Additionally, don't forget to wash your clothing between wears so they always smell fresh. | Hop in the shower. If you want to smell your best, it starts with getting clean. How often you should bathe depends on your personal body chemistry, your daily activities and the weather. Many people bathe once a day, but if you play a sport or live in a hot region you might want to jump in the tub more than once. If your skin is really dry, every other day might be enough. But no matter what, make sure you bathe often enough that your body odor doesn't become noticeable to other people. In the shower, wash your skin with soap and warm water to make sure you rinse away the dirt, sweat and bacteria that causes body odor. When in doubt, go ahead and rinse off! Trying to mask body odor with deodorant or perfume doesn't really work. If you don't want to wash your hair every day (many say it leads to dry and damaged hair), use dry shampoo to freshen your hair on days you don't wash. It's composed of powders that absorb the oil that makes your hair look greasy. Use deodorant. Two percent of people have a gene that prevents their armpits from producing body odor. They're the lucky ones, right? The rest of us rely on deodorant to keep body odor at bay throughout the day. Put some on after you shower, and reapply as necessary throughout the day. Consider choosing a deodorant/antiperspirant combination if you tend to get a little sweaty. Deodorants come in solid sticks, gel sticks, or sprays. You also buy natural rock deodorant, or even make your own using baking soda and coconut oil. Experiment with the deodorant that feels the most comfortable and keeps you smelling the best. If you plan to wear perfume or cologne, it's not necessary to use a highly-scented deodorant. You don't want to wear too many different scents at once. Try body powder. Sprinkling on a little body powder after your bath or shower is a great way to stay fresh. Just dry off completely, then put some under your arms, on your feet, and anywhere else you'd like. The powder helps to keep your skin dry and cool during the day, so it comes in handy on hot, humid days. You can buy body powder formulated for adults or just pick up some baby powder - it works just as well. You might want to get an unscented version, though, since baby powder has a distinctive smell. Don't want to buy body powder? Make it! All you need is cornstarch. If you want to scent your body powder, soak a cotton ball in your favorite perfume or essential oil. Put the cotton ball in a jar and cover it with cornstarch. Apply the body powder using a fluffy makeup applicator. Wear clothes that smell good. Wearing the same clothes several days in a row can affect the way you smell, so make sure you keep up on your laundry! Choose to use a scented detergent or an unscented one - it doesn't matter, as long as your clothes are clean. You might want to carry a few backup items to change into if you're going to be out all day. Some people like to keep a fresh pair of underwear, tights, socks or an undershirt on hand for emergencies. If you work in a place with a strong smell or you're around smoke a lot, you might have to take extra care to keep your clothes smelling great. Laundering them more frequently and using a strong-smelling detergent and fabric softener should do the trick. Get your winter coat and other unwashable items dry cleaned every few months to keep them from getting smelly. Speaking of clothes, check out your bags, backpacks, hats and other accessories, too. Wash these items every once in a while, especially if you use them every day. Have great-smelling feet. If you're worried about how your feet smell, take extra care to scrub your feet in the shower, dry them completely, and sprinkle them with body or foot powder before you put on your socks and shoes. Carry an extra pair of socks to change into later in the day. Make sure your shoes are in good shape, too - old shoes can be a source of bad smells. Have a separate pair of shoes you use when you work out, rather than wearing your running shoes to school or work. Carry a small bottle of foot powder with you so you can use it when you need to during the day. When possible, wear socks with your shoes. Going without socks tends to make your feet sweat more, leading to bad odors. Freshen your breath. Practicing good dental hygiene is the main way to keep your breath smelling fresh. Be sure to brush and floss every day, and see the dentist regularly to take care of issues like plaque buildup so you don't end up with chronic bad breath. In addition to basic hygiene, you can keep your breath smelling good all day long by doing the following: Drink lots of water. This is especially important during and just after meals. It rinses away the food particles and cleanses your mouth. Use mouthwash - but not the kind with alcohol. Alcohol in mouthwash can dry out your mouth, leading to conditions that cause bad breath. Choose a breath-freshening wash that doesn't have alcohol and rinse your mouth out whenever you're in need of a quick fix. Avoid garlic, onions and super spicy foods on days when you're really concerned about having fresh breath. It's hard to mask the smell of strong-scented foods with mouthwash, and the odor can persist even after brushing or using mouthwash. Carry breath mints you can pop last minute when you want your breath to smell sweet. Choose the perfect scent. Look for a scent that adds to your style and complements your overall presentation. A great scent is one you don't mind smelling all day. It shouldn't be too strong, since some people are sensitive to overpowering smells. Experiment with different scents until you find a few you like. You can wear the same scent every day or rotate between a few. Different scents are great for different occasions. A citrusy, floral, sweet scent might be great for daytime wear, while you might choose something musky and a bit stronger to wear at night. If you're looking for a more masculine scent, go for a cologne with notes of fir, cedar and sandalwood. Scents change depending on who is wearing them. They interact with your unique body chemistry and change a little throughout the day. It's something to keep in mind when you're picking out a scent - one that works for your friend might not smell the same way on you. You can also use a scent in the form of lotion or body oil, if you prefer. Solid perfume is another popular choice. Dab a little on your pulse points. Don't bathe yourself in your chosen scent. Use it strategically, so people nearby get small whiffs, but don't feel overwhelmed. A little goes a long way, especially if you're using real perfume. Put some on your wrists, neck, and behind your ears - that's probably all you need. If you're using a spray bottle, don't spray it directly on your body at a close range. Hold the bottle several inches from your body and spray lightly, then move your wrist or other body part into the mist. Even if you're using scented lotion, you probably don't want to slather it all over your body. Just use it in a few places, like your hands and neck. Use an unscented lotion to moisturize the rest of your skin. Scent your hair. If your shampoo doesn't have much of a smell, you might want to add a bit of scent to your hair. This is a nice, subtle way to keep you smelling great all day long. Rub a little perfume or essential oil between your palms, then smooth it gently through your hair. Alternatively, you could add a few drops of your favorite scent to your unscented shampoo or conditioner. Stick to one signature scent. It's not a good idea to wear 3 - 4 warring scents that leave a smelly trail in your wake when you walk down the hall. Instead of asking you the name of your perfume, people will pinch their noses when they see you coming! Just wear one main scent at a time. That means that if you have a strongly-scented lotion, you shouldn't also wear perfume, and vice versa. Be sure you aren't accidentally wearing too many scents. Your deodorant, hairspray, and lip balm might all be scented. Try to choose unscented products and stick to one or two main scents. Try creating an original scent. If you don't want to splurge on a bottle of perfume or cologne, you can make your own scent! Purchase a few different essential oils, like rose, lavender, lemongrass or vetiver, and use a few drops instead of perfume. You can even make your own perfume blend by mixing several different essential oils together until you come up with something you like. To find essential oils, check out health food stores. They're usually in the body care section. You can dilute your essential oil mix with water or vodka so that it doesn't smell as strong. Put it in a spray bottle and use it on your body and hair. Freshen up a few times a day. You're probably good to go in the morning, after you've showered and put on clean clothes, but it's a good idea to take some time to freshen up throughout the day. Whether you're at school or work, there are things you can do to keep yourself smelling great even though you've been on your feet or at a desk all day long. Brush your teeth or use mouthwash. It instantly makes you feel and smell fresher. Reapply perfume if necessary. Don't put on too much - just a light mid-day spritz. Change clothes if you need to. If you've been physically exerting yourself, you might want to change your underclothes or socks halfway through the day. Use sanitary wipes to quickly cleanse yourself. Get the unscented kind, since scented wipes have a strong smell. Do a quick swipe in areas that need freshening, then reapply deodorant. Stay away from foods with strong odors. On days when you're extremely concerned about smelling good, try not to eat a lot of onions, garlic or spicy food. These foods have components that linger in the system for awhile, and they can change the way your breath and body smells. Cruciferous vegetables, nuts and legumes also affect your smell. Eating a lot of broccoli, nuts or beans could cause you to get gassy. Instead, eat fruit and other water-heavy foods. They'll cleanse your system and help you smell good. Keep your surroundings clean. Is your bedroom clean and fresh, or does it smell a little stale? How about your car and other places where you spend a lot of time? Keeping the spaces around you clean will help you smell fresh, too. Start by making sure your bedroom is clean. Put all your dirty clothes in a closed hamper, and hang up or fold your clean clothes for storage instead of letting them stay in a pile. Here are a few other ways to keep your spaces extra fresh: Scent your sheets and pillows with herbal spray. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water and spray your linens when you make your bed. Shampoo your carpet regularly. Carpets tend to hold in odors, and can affect the way all of your belongings smell. Between shampoos, clean your carpet by covering it with baking soda, then vacuuming it up. Clean out your car. Wash the seats and air it out regularly. Scent your drawers and closets. If you want to keep your clothes smelling great, try storing them in drawers and closets that are scented with sachets. You can make your own sachets by filling small cloth bags with dried lavender or other herbs you like. Simply place the sachets in the corners of your drawers or hang them in your closets. They'll lightly scent your clothes and keep them from smelling stale. | Hop in the shower. Use deodorant. Try body powder. Wear clothes that smell good. Have great-smelling feet. Freshen your breath. Choose the perfect scent. Dab a little on your pulse points. Scent your hair. Stick to one signature scent. Try creating an original scent. Freshen up a few times a day. Stay away from foods with strong odors. Keep your surroundings clean. Scent your drawers and closets. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Add-Windshield-Washer-Fluid-to-Your-Vehicle | How to Add Windshield Washer Fluid to Your Vehicle | In most vehicles, refilling the washer fluid is a straight forward process. Buy new fluid at your local auto parts store. Then, pop the hood and find the windshield washer fluid reservoir. It will be marked with a symbol that looks like windshield wipers moving, though you can also use your owner's manual to help you find the right spot. Most reservoirs are made of translucent plastic with lines that indicate how full or empty it is. Look to make sure the fluid is actually running low. If it is, pop the cap off and pour the new washer fluid in until it reaches the full line. You can then screw the cap back into place, start your car, and test your fluid sprayer. | Locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The windshield washer fluid reservoir may be located in a number of places depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle. It is usually mounted along the side of the engine bay, and can often be found near the windshield along the firewall. The windshield washer fluid reservoir will be marked with a symbol that looks like windshield with wipers moving. If you are unable to locate the reservoir, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for guidance. Identify the low and full lines on the reservoir. Once you locate the reservoir, identify the low and high fill lines along the side. Most windshield washer fluid reservoirs are made of translucent plastic with lines along the side that indicate how full with fluid the reservoir is. Verify that the reservoir is indeed low on fluid before adding more. If the windshield washer fluid reservoir is full but will not spray, it could be due to clogged lines. If the low washer fluid light came on in your car but the reservoir is full, it may be due to a faulty sensor. Open the cap and set it aside. Twist the cap counter-clockwise to unscrew it and lift it off of the reservoir. Set the cap aside someplace safe. Be sure you don't put it down in dirt or debris so nothing accidentally falls into the fluid when you return the cap. Dirt and debris is the reservoir can result in clogging the windshield washer lines. Make sure the cap is not damaged. If it cannot be closed back onto the reservoir properly, the cap will need to be replaced. Add windshield washer fluid until it reaches the full line. Use a funnel or the spout on the windshield washer fluid bottle to pour fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the “full” line on the side. Wipe up any spilled washer fluid with paper towels or a rag. You should be able to see through the side of the reservoir to know when it is full. Avoid over filling the reservoir. Because fluid can expand when heated, it's important that you do not overfill the reservoir. When the fluid warms due to the high engine temperatures under the hood, the pressure could cause the reservoir to crack and leak if there is too much fluid in it. Use a turkey baster to suck extra fluid back out of the reservoir in the event you over fill it. Screw the cap back into place. With the reservoir filled with washer fluid, pick the cap up from where you stored it. Use a rag or paper towels to wipe the cap down to ensure there is no dirt or debris stuck to it. Turn the cap clockwise to re-secure it on the reservoir. If the cap is damaged, you can purchase replacement ones at your local auto parts store. Start the vehicle and test the fluid sprayer. Get back into the vehicle and insert the key into the ignition. Start the engine and engage the washer fluid in the manner you normally would to make sure it is working properly. Most windshield washer fluid jets are activated by pressing or pulling the windshield wiper controls. If you are unsure how to activate your windshield wiper fluid jets, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual. Choose a type of windshield washer fluid. In order to be effective, it's important that you not use just water in your windshield washer fluid. Regular windshield washer fluid is designed to prevent streaking and not to freeze if the temperature gets too cold. However, if you live in an area that frequently experiences extremely low temperatures, an anti-freezing washer fluid may be your best bet. Anti-freezing washer fluid can help defrost your windshield when a light layer of ice forms on it on cold mornings. Other windshield washer fluids can contain chemicals that makes water bead off of the glass, allowing for increased visibility when driving in the rain. Mix concentrated fluid with water. If you choose to purchase a concentrated windshield washer fluid, you will need to mix it with water before adding it to the vehicle. Like anti-freeze, concentrated windshield washer fluid can usually be mixed with water at a 50/50 ratio. A 50/50 ratio of water to fluid means half water, half fluid. Follow the directions provided on the specific brand of concentrated washer fluid you purchase. Park on level ground. In order to get an accurate understanding of how much washer fluid is still in your vehicle, as well as how much you have added, it's important that the reservoir sits level. In order to do so, park the vehicle on an even, flat surface. Parking at an angle such as on a hill will make it difficult to read how much fluid is in the reservoir. Open the hood. To open the hood of your vehicle, locate the release near the door frame on the driver's side. The release is usually labeled with a small symbol that represents the front of vehicle with the hood open. Pull the release toward you to disengage the hood latch. Once out of the car, you will need to release the safety latch as well. Release the safety latch by pressing on the lever beneath the hood or through the grill at the front of the vehicle. If you are unsure where to locate the release, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for guidance. | Locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Identify the low and full lines on the reservoir. Open the cap and set it aside. Add windshield washer fluid until it reaches the full line. Avoid over filling the reservoir. Screw the cap back into place. Start the vehicle and test the fluid sprayer. Choose a type of windshield washer fluid. Mix concentrated fluid with water. Park on level ground. Open the hood. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Homestead-Your-Home | How to Homestead Your Home | Homesteading your home can protect you from having to sell your house in case of bankruptcy. In some states, your primary residence is automatically considered your homestead, but it's not in other states, so check the laws where you live to be sure. To file a homestead declaration, you'll need to draw up a document that includes your name, the address of your homestead, the APN for your property, and the name of all the residents who live there. Then, you'll need to file your document at the county recorder's office to make it official. If you want to take advantage of a homestead exemption, consider talking to an attorney first. They'll be able to walk you through the complex legal process and help you make a sound decision. | Evaluate your state’s homesteading laws. Federal law allows you to exempt certain assets from bankruptcy proceedings so that creditors cannot claim these exempted assets. However, your right to use this law depends on the laws of your state. If a state has implemented its own homesteading exemption, you will probably be required to follow the state's law, and you may not be eligible to claim the federal homesteading exemption. In other states, you may choose between claiming the state or federal exemption. As of the most recent adjustment in 2013, the federal homestead exemption is $22,975. Determine whether your property can be declared as a homestead. Each person may only declare one homestead. You must be the owner of the property you want to declare as your homestead and it must be your principal residence. You also must have owned the property for at least 1,215 days prior to the bankruptcy filing. In certain states, such as California, homestead exemptions apply only to "real property." This means you won't be able to declare your houseboat or motor-home a homestead under these states' homesteading laws, even if it is your principal residence. However, some states, such as Wyoming, do allow the exemption to be applied to trailers. Consider properties other than your own home. Some states will allow you to claim a homestead exemption for a property in which you do not reside if you can prove that you are the "head of the household." A "head of household” is a person who provides the majority of financial support those living in the home. Providing support for a close family relative, such as a disabled sibling or an aging parent, may allow you to declare a homestead exemption for that relative's home instead of your own. However, you can only declare one property as a homestead; you cannot have two homesteads at once. Purchase or download a homestead declaration form. Only five states require you to file a homestead declaration form. States generally do not offer a standard form, so you may create your own, purchase one online, or have an attorney create one for you. Generally you must file the form in your county recorder's office for it to be official. Montana does not offer a standard declaration form, but it does provide sample documents. Nevada requires a homestead declaration form to be filed, but provides a generous exemption of $550,000 (relative to other states). In Texas, you only need to file a homestead declaration to protect a property larger than a certain size, which varies based on location and family status. In Vermont, resident homeowners are required to refile a homestead declaration each year. Virginia is one of the most restrictive states when it comes to homestead exemptions. You must file a declaration, and the exemption is limited to a maximum of $10,000. Draw up the document or complete the form. In most cases, you will need to include your name, address of the homestead, and the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) for your property. You may also need to describe the property, your interest in it (how the title is held), and who is living there. The APN is the number that county assessors use to identify and catalog your property. You should be able to find the APN on the deed of your home. You can also get it from the local office that records deeds or the tax assessor's office. You can find the full legal description of your property on your deed. This includes the street address as well as the dimensions and exact boundaries of the property. Have the form notarized. Your county may or may not require this step. A notary will substantiate your declaration by confirming that you are who you say you are. File the homestead application at your county recorder's office. You may have to pay a nominal fee to file the form. You don't need to have a lawyer present, but you may find it useful to hire an attorney to guide you through the process. You should receive a stamped copy of the document indicating that it has been recorded. Evaluate your circumstances. A homestead declaration or exemption will protect you in some situations, but not others. For example, it will not protect your equity in your home against foreclosure. However, you may be protected from other kinds of liens or other financial claims even if you have not declared bankruptcy. Homesteading may also not protect you from paying for legal judgments concerning child or spousal support. In Oregon, for example, a court may choose to decline a homestead exemption in order to fulfill child support payments. A legal homestead will only protect the amount of equity that you own. For example, if you purchased a house for $90,000 and you owe $40,000, the homestead claim will only cover the $50,000 equity. This is the amount that you have paid on your mortgage. The exemption limit varies widely from state to state. In California, for instance, a single person who is not disabled qualifies for an exemption of up to $75,000; if the person is 65 or older, or physically or mentally disabled, the limit is increased to $175,000. Consult an attorney. Declaring a homestead exemption is not complicated, but the legal circumstances that could trigger its use, such as bankruptcy and divorce, are very complex. As a result, consider consulting an attorney under these circumstances. At the very least, you should understand the important legal terms related to the homesteading process, including encumbrances, judgment liens, home equity, and exemptions. An encumbrance is a monetary claim that someone else has filed against your property: it keeps you from transferring property, and it may restrict your use of the space. In real estate, you might encounter encumbrances like an outstanding mortgage or unpaid property taxes. A judgment lien on real property is created when someone sues you and wins a money settlement against you. The lien is recorded with the county recorder's office nearest your home. A judgment lien helps the judgment creditor–the person who won the suit–collect his money from you. If you sell your house, that lien will get paid from any available equity. Home equity is the actual value of your house after you account for all liens and encumbrances. To calculate it, subtract the total of liens and encumbrances from the market value of the house. For example, if your home has a market value of $400,000, but you owe $300,000 on the house, the home equity equals $100,000. The equity in a house can change. As home values increase, equity increases. As home values decrease, equity decreases. If home values stay constant, equity still increases if you are paying down the mortgage. Avoid unintentionally voiding your homestead declaration. Your homestead exemption and its advantages last until you effectively abandon the homestead. It is common to abandon an old homestead when you declare another home your new homestead. Renting your home to someone else can also destroy your property's homestead status. For example, in Florida, renting a home for more than 30 days in 2 consecutive years constitutes “abandonment” of the homestead. | Evaluate your state’s homesteading laws. Determine whether your property can be declared as a homestead. Consider properties other than your own home. Purchase or download a homestead declaration form. Draw up the document or complete the form. File the homestead application at your county recorder's office. Evaluate your circumstances. Consult an attorney. Avoid unintentionally voiding your homestead declaration. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Canter-With-Your-Horse | How to Canter With Your Horse | To canter with your horse, start by trotting in a wide circle at a comfortable pace, and giving your horse a few commands to make sure it's paying attention. After that, go back to a trot, then say “can-ter” in a sharp voice. As soon as you give the command, slide forward the hip pointing to the inside of the circle you're trotting in, while squeezing with your inner leg. At the same time, slide your hip and leg on the other side backwards. Repeat this process until your horse responds appropriately, then praise it enthusiastically to reinforce the command. | Teach your horse to trot and walk before starting. As some horse experts might tell you, "you can't teach the canter from the canter." Horses need good foundational knowledge of the trot and walk (plus the muscle strength that comes from learning these commands) to learn the canter properly. Without this, your horse may have difficulty maintaining safe canter form, which can be bad for you and (especially) the horse. This is extra true with young, inexperienced (or "green") horses. Since the canter is what's called a "three-beat gait," it puts the horse's entire body weight on the outside hind leg when it steps off. Young horses typically don't develop the strength necessary to do this safely without good foundational training. Start trotting in a wide circle. The canter should be taught in a flat, open space that's at least about 60 feet (about 20 meters) wide. Begin by trotting at a steady, comfortable pace (in whichever direction is easiest for you to control.) Horses need lots of space to balance properly as they're learning the canter, so don't skimp and use a space that's too small. In some cases, a lack of space can even lead some horses to become panicky or agitated. Note that, at this point, the horse should be tacked up with bridle, saddle, side reins, and boots. Perform a few basic transitions to get the horse's attention. Before you teach the canter the first time, you want your horse attentive and responsive to you. To do this, give the horse a few commands that it already knows. For instance, try transitioning between a walk and a trot and back again a few times until the horse is sharp to your commands and is responding instantly. Ask the horse to canter. Now, you're ready to perform the canter command. Get the horse moving in a wide circle at a trot once again. When you're ready, say "can-TER" in a sharp (but not angry) voice. The goal here is to associate your verbal command with the act that you're about to ease your horse into doing — eventually, your voice alone should be enough to get a good canter from your horse. When you make this command, you'll execute a few commands with your body (described in the next step) simultaneously. For more detail on these body cues, see the section below. Encourage the canter with your lower body. As soon as you give the "can-TER" command, slide your inside hip (the side pointing to the inside of the circle you're trotting in) forward and your outside hip backward. As you do this, squeeze with your inside leg and slide the outside leg back. Ideally, the horse should interpret your actions as a command to go faster. See the section below for greater detail and for information on proper form and posture once you begin to canter. Note, however, that if the horse doesn't seem to notice your command, you can use a lunge whip or another riding aid (gently) to get its attention. However, this works best if the horse is already comfortable using these aids — if not, they may confuse it. Repeat your command if the horse starts to trot faster. If, after giving the canter command, the horse stays in a two-beat trot and doesn't transition into a three-beat canter, give the command (and the body motions) once again. The horse should go faster still. If necessary, repeat the command again. After a certain point, it will need to transition from the trot to the canter to go any faster. Once your horse transitions into the canter, be sure to reward it by praising enthusiastically with your voice. If you desire, pat the horse on the neck. Over time, these rewards should associate following your commands with positive feelings in the horse's mind. Ease back into a trot when the horse fatigues. Believe it or not, a basic canter can be quite fatiguing to a young horse that hasn't built up its riding muscles yet. Be attentive to your horse's movement as it canters underneath you. As soon as you feel the canter begin to become unbalanced or off-rhythm, transition back into a trot and immediately give a half-halt command to get the horse's movements back under control. See the section below for more detailed information on performing a half halt. Note that, at first, a horse may be able to do less than a single full circle of cantering at once. This is OK — with frequent practice, the horse will become stronger and more confident. Using an experienced rider as an observer can help immensely here. Repeat the cantering commands. Get your horse trotting in a circle again and repeat the steps above to start another canter. Repeat this several more times, staying conscious of your horse's fatigue as you do so. You may notice that your horse becomes more responsive to your commands within a single training session. If not, be patient — this will come with time. Keep training sessions short at first so that the horse doesn't become overly tired or lose interest. A training session of about 20 minutes is fine for the first month or so of training. Vary your practice over the next several months. When you're riding your horse "for real", you won't be limited to simply cantering in a circle. To give your horse the sort of versatility that it will need for cantering in practical situations, try changing up your training routine once it's comfortable with the one described above. A few good ideas are: Canter and trot in figure-eights to get your horse used to turning to both sides. Trot tight circles at the corners of your training area, making your horse canter from one to the next in sequence. Canter and trot in a long, winding course of your own design. After a month of training, try executing a half-halt during a canter. Start with open, erect riding posture. While professionals may make it seem effortless, a good canter results as much from the rider's efforts as it does from the horse's. As you canter, your body should be positioned to open the front (leading) shoulder of the horse and to cue the horse behind the girth, all while adding forward movement. Assume the following posture while you trot to prepare to transition into a canter. Keep your back straight. Keep your chest up. "Open" your chest by drawing your shoulders back gently. Use the core muscles of your hips and abs for balance. Ideally, you should be able to canter without pulling on the reins, pommel, or saddle horn to steady yourself. Open your horse’s shoulder with the reins. As you work into the canter, maintain good rein contact contact, but open the inside rein of your horse while holding a firm grip on the outside rein. This will give your horse important support on the diagonal beats. Note, however, that the goal here isn't to support the horse too heavily, as it needs to develop its own sense of balance while cantering. Use body cues to ask for a canter. As described in the section above, cuing a horse to canter involves several simultaneous motions of the rider's body. Follow the steps below to start cantering: Turn your torso and shoulders (keeping your hips straight ahead) so that your shoulder on the outside is positioned slightly further back than your shoulder on the inside. Move your outside leg back. As you do this, give pressure with your inside leg and slide your inside hip forward slightly. Use the inside rein to pick up the correct lead. This also opens up your horse's leading shoulder, helping them to understand your intentions while keeping their movement "collected." Using your rear leg, squeeze your horse's barrel and ask for increased speed. Note that some horses are also trained to shift into a canter when you cue them with a "kissy" noise (different than clucking for increased speed), so you may need to do this at the same time. Make sure you are cuing your horse behind the girth — that is, with your feet a few inches back from where they would ordinarily hang. In addition, try not to move your hands forward. These mistakes can get you a fast trot or a side-pass. Sit the canter. One of the best things about the canter is that it's actually fairly easy to ride. Unlike a trot, a canter is very smooth for the rider, giving a "More floaty" feel rather than the "bumpier" one of the trot. However, it is possible to ride the canter incorrectly, so use the steps below to ensure you're sitting correctly: Hold the reins without pulling on them. Just like when you cued the canter, you should have increased contact on the outside rein and light contact on the inside rein. If you feel out of control and are pulling on the reins for balance, then you're going too fast and you should slow your horse down. Stay balanced in an erect, upright posture. Don't lean forward or to the inside. Although it may feel like the other way around, the horse actually gets much of its ability to balance based on what you're doing on its back. If you're out of balance and tipped forward and in (as many inexperienced riders have a tendency to do), your horse will have a hard time not doing the same. Avoid gripping with your legs. As with trotting, it can seem instinctual to “hold on” to the horse using your legs. However, this will give the horse mixed signals, as it's usually a cue to speed up. Similar to tugging on the reins, if you feel like you can't stay in the saddle without gripping with your legs, slow down until you can remain seated comfortably. Be ready to cue a half-halt. A half-halt is essentially a partial stop, just as its name suggests. The half halt can be performed at any speed and is done similar to the way you would cue a regular halt. This technique gets your horse's rear feet on the ground, which gives it the necessary strength and balance to either start a collected canter or get their movements under control. You don't have to cue a half-halt in order to canter, but doing so will give your horse better grounds for moving into the faster gait. Use the steps below to cue a half-halt: At a canter, maintain a soft supporting leg as you sit up and brace your back in preparation for a halt. Let your elbows come back and put a little pressure on the reins as if you're asking to transition into a trot. As soon as you feel your horse respond, add more leg, soften your fingers on the rein, and resume cantering. This may feel like you're asking your horse to "canter in place" for a brief moment. Avoid rocking your shoulders. Old-time Western movies have popularized images of cowboys cantering away on their horses with their entire body moving in sync with the horse. While it is a good thing for your hips to move, your torso and shoulders should not sway or rock in time with the horse. This can put both you and your horse off balance, making the canter difficult to sit. Keep your heels down. This is often a problem at any faster gait for beginning riders. Your foot should be situated in the stirrup so that you are putting your weight on the ball of your foot with your toes tipped up slightly and your heel tipped down. This keeps you in balance and helps prevent you from leaning forward or gripping with your legs. If you have a hard time doing this, your stirrups may be too short. English stirrup irons should be at about ankle bone-height, while Western-style stirrups should be long enough to leave a slight bend in your knee. Keep your hand motions subdued. It can be difficult to keep your hands stationary while the horse is trotting or cantering beneath you. However, if your hands move too much, they can yank at the reins, which can be very confusing for the horse. Try to move your hands only as much as feels natural from the horse's movement — this should get easier with experience. If you need help keeping your hands still, try gently gripping your horse's mane with your pinkies. The tug of the mane will help keep your hands centered and in-sync with the horse's natural movement. Avoid swinging your legs. As your hips naturally shift with each of the horse's strides, it can be easy to let the motion carry into your legs as well. This, however, is a bad idea, as excessive leg motions can confuse the horse. Try to keep your leg in the proper "behind the girth" riding position for maximum control and sharp responses from your horse. If you need help, try keeping your heels down in the stirrup (as suggested above.) This tends to naturally push your legs back into the proper position. Don’t go into the fetal position. The so-called "fetal" position is a riding mistake that involves leaning forward (sometimes to grab a handhold on the mane, horn, pommel, or reins), gripping with your legs, tipping your toes down and bring your heels up. This a usually a nervous response done in hopes of maintaining balance and preventing the rider from falling off, but, unfortunately, it does just the opposite: it throws your horse out of balance and speeds the horse up. Good self-control while riding is important to avoid this. When you get anxious, slow your horse down a bit, loosen your legs and lean back. Even if you feel like you're leaning back too far, odds are that you'll probably be perfectly vertical (which is good cantering posture.) Resist the urge to "hunker down" and grip tightly — remember, this will give you the opposite of what you want. Don’t slouch. It's not a good habit in general to slouch your shoulders and curve your back while riding, and it is a particularly poor idea when you're cantering. Make sure your shoulders are always upright and positioned over your hips. This gives you better balance and keeps you from accidentally urging your horse to go faster (see above.) If you need help maintaining your posture, try using a long crop slid behind your back and in the crook of each elbow while you ride. This will prevent you from slouching forward and will help your arms stay in the correct riding position as well. Keep your core strong. Core strength is essential for cantering, as riding a horse (especially at higher speeds) is a workout that uses the core muscles heavily. Even if you do everything else correctly (shoulders back, heels down, upright position, etc.), if you go soft in the middle this can cause you to lose your center of gravity. Keeping yourself centered with a firm core will help your horse maintain a collected canter and make things easier and more comfortable for you in the long run as you teach your horse new skills. If you feel like your core muscles aren't up to par, you may want to practice doing the plank exercise in your free time. Get in pushup position, but balance on your elbows with your forearms laying along the floor. Hold this position for as long as you can, take a one-minute rest, and repeat three times. If you do this every day, you should notice a significant difference in your balance while riding. | Teach your horse to trot and walk before starting. Start trotting in a wide circle. Perform a few basic transitions to get the horse's attention. Ask the horse to canter. Encourage the canter with your lower body. Repeat your command if the horse starts to trot faster. Ease back into a trot when the horse fatigues. Repeat the cantering commands. Vary your practice over the next several months. Start with open, erect riding posture. Open your horse’s shoulder with the reins. Use body cues to ask for a canter. Sit the canter. Be ready to cue a half-halt. Avoid rocking your shoulders. Keep your heels down. Keep your hand motions subdued. Avoid swinging your legs. Don’t go into the fetal position. Don’t slouch. Keep your core strong. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Save-Birds | How to Save Birds | If you want to save birds, try creating a safe space in your yard or garden. Keep any pet cats inside or in a screen-in area, and place your bird feeders at least 10-12 feet away from shrubs or trees that could provide cover for a predator. Also, since birds are frequently injured and killed by flying into windows, cover your windows with light-colored blinds, drapes, or decals. | Cover your windows with drapes, blinds, or decals. When a bird looks at a window, it sees the reflection of the ground or the sky, so it thinks it's found somewhere safe to fly. Unfortunately, this leads to as many as 1 billion bird deaths each year in the U.S. alone. To help prevent this from happening in your home, cover your windows with light-colored blinds or curtains , or place window decals or screens over the glass to make the windows less reflective. Keep your drapes or blinds closed when you aren't home, since they won't protect the birds if they're open. You can also use suncatchers or stained glass to help keep birds from flying into your windows. Keep cats indoors or on a catio. Cats are natural hunters, and that instinct will lead them to chase and kill birds even if they're already well-fed. If you have a cat, keep it indoors as much as possible, or provide it with a screened-in area on your porch or patio, often called a catio, where it can enjoy the outdoors without posing a threat to local wildlife. If you do need to let your cat outside, consider fitting it with a breakaway collar with a bell. The bell will let birds know when the cat is approaching, which may give enough warning to get away. Keeping your cat indoors can also extend its lifespan, since it has less of a risk of being injured, captured, or trapped. Indoor-only cats also have less risk of being exposed to dangerous illnesses. You can find tutorials online for building your own catio! Place bird feeders at least 10–12 ft (3.0–3.7 m) away from shrubs. Shrubs and small trees are excellent hiding places for predators like cats and hawks that might prey on smaller birds. Avoid putting your bird feeder too close to these or other hiding places. That way, it will be harder for the predators to ambush birds while they're eating. You should also ensure that the bird feeders are away from any windows. If a bird becomes startled while it's eating, it might fly into the window and get hurt. Clean your bird bath and bird feeders regularly. Birds can sometimes carry bacteria or parasites, which can then be spread to other birds if you don't clean your bird bath or your bird feeder. Change the water in your bird bath every day, and change the seed in your feeder every 3 or 4 days when the weather is dry, or every day if it's wet or snowy outside. Moisture can also cause mold to grow in your bird feeder, posing an additional risk to the birds. Avoid the use of pesticides in your yard. Birds have very delicate systems, and chemical pesticides can harm or even kill them. Avoid using foggers, which disperse chemicals through the air. Instead, opt for non-toxic pest control methods , like diatomaceous earth or a plant spray made from hot peppers and garlic, for instance. If you're having trouble with a specific pest, do a search online for organic or non-toxic methods to remove that specific insect or animal. Add native plants to your yard or garden. Native plants are the plants which naturally grow in the area where you live. They tend to thrive without much assistance, and they'll provide a natural habitat for your birds to live in. In addition, they may provide local birds with an additional food source, either from the berries and seeds the plants produce, or by attracting native insects that the birds can eat. Search online to learn more about which plants are native to your area. Don’t try to rescue baby birds you see on the ground. In most cases, if you see a baby bird on the ground, it's probably a fledgling, or a bird that's trying to learn to fly. Typically, the bird's parents will be close enough to watch the bird, even if you can't see it right away. If you're not sure whether the baby bird is being tended to, watch it for several hours to see if its parents bring it food. If you see a baby bird on the ground and it doesn't have any feathers, gently scoop it up from underneath and place it into its nest or a nearby sturdy branch. If the bird is obviously injured or orphaned, call a wildlife conservation organization. In many places, it's illegal to try to rescue and raise a wild bird on your own. Switch to cloth grocery bags and reusable bottles. Plastic trash often kills birds in the wild, either because they eat it or they become tangled in it. By using less plastic, you can help reduce the dangers to birds in the wild. Simple changes you can make include using reusable cloth grocery bags instead of plastic, and switching to a reusable water bottle instead of drinking bottled water. When you do use plastic items, be sure to recycle them. Over time, this will decrease the amount of new plastic that needs to be produced. Drive the speed limit. Millions of birds are killed by cars every year. Unfortunately, there's no way to completely eliminate the danger posed by vehicles, but there are things you can do to help reduce the risk. When you're driving the speed limit, you may be able to safely slow down or stop, giving the bird time to escape. If you speed, you might not have the reaction time needed to avoid hitting a bird that's standing in the roadway or flying low to the ground. Donate to an organization that works to conserve bird populations. If you're passionate about saving birds, choose a nonprofit conservation organization whose mission you feel passionate about, then donate to that charity. Private donations help these organizations continue to operate, so you'll be doing your part to support their mission. Some of the more well-known nonprofits working to protect birds include the National Audubon Society, the American Bird Conservancy, and Partners in Flight. You may be able to find regional organizations dedicated to protecting birds specific to your area. Local conservation efforts might include protecting nesting areas threatened by urban growth or tracking endangered bird species. Volunteer with a program to have a more hands-on impact. Often, conservation programs will have opportunities for people to donate their time to helping protect birds. These might include spending time at a wildlife rehabilitation center or assisting with rescues after a disaster, like helping to clean birds after an oil spill. You can be alerted to volunteer opportunities by following different non-profit organizations on social media or signing up for their emails. Become a citizen scientist by tracking bird data yourself. If volunteering at a non-profit isn't a good option, or if you're looking for more ways to contribute on your own time, consider becoming a citizen scientist. Many conservation organizations rely on data like bird identification and population counts, and a lot of this information can be tracked simply by watching, classifying, and counting the birds that come to your feeder. You can then upload that information to the appropriate organization. If you can't be physically present to watch the birds, consider setting up a motion-activated game cam instead. For more information about becoming a citizen scientist, check out an organization like the Cornell Lab or Ornithology's Project FeederWatch. You can learn more about Project FeederWatch at https://feederwatch.org/learn/. Buy shade-grown coffee and chocolate. Some coffee and chocolate farms in Central and South America have started growing their plants in a forest-like environment, rather than clearing out the ground to grow them in full sun. This provides a safe environment for birds that would have been displaced by deforestation. You can help support their efforts by purchasing shade-grown coffee and chocolate whenever you see it. The “shade-grown” designation will typically be clearly stated on the packaging. By maintaining a healthy ecosystem, including a natural habitat for birds, these farms are helping to increase the sustainability of their harvests. | Cover your windows with drapes, blinds, or decals. Keep cats indoors or on a catio. Place bird feeders at least 10–12 ft (3.0–3.7 m) away from shrubs. Clean your bird bath and bird feeders regularly. Avoid the use of pesticides in your yard. Add native plants to your yard or garden. Don’t try to rescue baby birds you see on the ground. Switch to cloth grocery bags and reusable bottles. Drive the speed limit. Donate to an organization that works to conserve bird populations. Volunteer with a program to have a more hands-on impact. Become a citizen scientist by tracking bird data yourself. Buy shade-grown coffee and chocolate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Transfer-Music-from-iPhone-to-Computer | How to Transfer Music from iPhone to Computer | To transfer your music from your iPhone to a computer, first attach your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. Open iTunes, then select the File menu. When the menu appears, go to Devices and click on “Transfer purchases from” to begin transferring. After the transfer is complete, go to Recently added and Click Download to save the music onto your computer. | Make sure that you've purchased the music that you want to transfer. In order to move the music from your iPhone onto your computer's hard drive, you'll need to have the music in question fully downloaded into your iTunes library on your phone. Attach your iPhone to your computer. Plug one end of your iPhone's charging cable into the iPhone, then plug the other end (the USB end) into your computer. If you're using an iPhone 7 (or older) charger with a Mac, you may need to buy a USB-C charger cable in order to plug it into your computer. Open iTunes. Its app icon resembles a multicolored musical note on a white background. The iTunes window should pop up after a few seconds. If prompted to update iTunes, click the Download button and wait for iTunes to update. You'll need to restart your computer before proceeding. Click File. It's in the upper-left side of the iTunes window (Windows) or the top menu bar of the screen (Mac). Select Devices. This option is near the bottom of the File drop-down menu. Click Transfer Purchases from [Name]. Instead of "[Name]", you'll see your iPhone's name here. Clicking this option prompts the music to begin transferring onto your computer. Wait for the purchased music to finish transferring. Depending on the amount of music that you need to transfer, this may take a few seconds to a few minutes. Click Recently Added. It's a tab on the left side of the iTunes window. Doing so opens a list of recently added music. Find the purchased music that you want to save. You may have to scroll up or down to find the music that you want to download onto your computer. Click Download . It should be to the right of your selected song (or album). This will prompt the music to download from iTunes onto your computer, ensuring that you have a backup of the music on your computer at all times. If you don't see the Download icon, the music is already on your computer. You can go to the music's location on your computer by selecting a song, clicking File , and clicking either Show in Windows Explorer (Windows) or Show in Finder (Mac). Open iTunes. Its app icon resembles a multicolored musical note on a white background. If you accidentally deleted iTunes music from your iPhone or iTunes, you can re-download it as long as you're signed into the account with which you purchased the music. Make sure that you're signed into the right account. Click Account at the top of the iTunes window (Windows) or the top of the screen, then look at the signed-in account. It should match the one that you use on your iPhone. If the signed-in account isn't correct, click Sign Out... , then click Sign In and enter your Apple ID email address and password. If no account is signed in, click Sign In and enter your Apple ID email address and password. Click Account again. The drop-down menu will appear. Click Purchased. It's near the bottom of the drop-down menu. Doing so will take you to the iTunes Store tab. Click the Music tab. This option is in the upper-right side of the iTunes window. Click the Not in My Library tab. You'll find this near the top of the iTunes page. Clicking it shows you a list of all of your purchased songs that are no longer in your iTunes library. Click Download . It's in the top-right corner of the song or album that you want to re-download. Doing so will download the song or album back onto your computer. You can find the music on your computer by selecting a song, clicking File , and clicking either Show in Windows Explorer (Windows) or Show in Finder (Mac). | Make sure that you've purchased the music that you want to transfer. Attach your iPhone to your computer. Open iTunes. Click File. Select Devices. Click Transfer Purchases from [Name]. Wait for the purchased music to finish transferring. Click Recently Added. Find the purchased music that you want to save. Click Download . Open iTunes. Make sure that you're signed into the right account. Click Account again. Click Purchased. Click the Music tab. Click the Not in My Library tab. Click Download . |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Composite-Deck | How to Clean a Composite Deck | To clean a composite deck, sweep it with a broom or leaf blower at least once a week to get rid of dirt and debris. If your deck is still dirty, hose it down, scrub with a brush and soap, then, rinse with a hose. For a faster cleaning option, try using a pressure washer. Just let the machine scrub the deck while it sprays out water and soap. Then, use its water function to wash away the soap and fan function to dry the deck. | Sweep away debris at least once per week. Keep your deck clear of dirt and debris with frequent sweeping. Depending on how much traffic your deck gets and what the current season is, you may want to sweep once a day, or every few days. At minimum, sweep it once per week. If you have a very large deck, a leaf blower may be ideal. If you have one, a shop vacuum works well for getting dirt and debris from between the decking boards using the crevice tool and the brush attachments. Remove stubborn dirt with mild soap and a soft bristled brush. Hose your deck off thoroughly with a water hose fitted with a good variable fan spray nozzle to loosen and remove surface debris. Mix warm water and mild dish soap in a bucket. Use a soft bristled brush and the cleaning solution to scrub your deck clean. Make sure to get down in the crevices and corners thoroughly. Use your water hose to rinse away the soap. This will also get rid of any mold or mildew growing on your deck. Make sure you do this, at minimum, twice per year. Use a pressure washer. This isn't more effective than scrubbing by hand, but it's much faster. If you have a large deck, you may prefer this approach. Use a pressure washer with no greater than 3100 psi and make sure it has a fan attachment and soap dispenser. Spray down your deck with the mild soap. Use a soft bristled brush to scrub the boards. Use the fan attachment to spray each individual deck board and rinse away the soap and debris. Pressure washers can damage the boards of your deck if they're not used carefully. Never point or spray the full pressure at yourself, another person, or pets. Small pieces of flying debris can also cause harm or damage. Stay at least 8 inches (20.32 cm) away from the deck surface at all times and spray in the direction of the wood grain to avoid possible damage. Make sure you rinse away the soap thoroughly; otherwise, it may leave a film on the deck surface. Use dish soap and hot water on oil based stains. Mild dish soap, like Dawn, is a great degreaser. Address the oily stain as soon as you notice it; the longer it sits on the surface of your deck, the more difficult it will be to remove. Use a soft bristled brush and soapy water to scrub at the stain. Rinse the soap away thoroughly with hot water. If the oil based stain has set and mild dish soap isn't removing it, try an oil stain remover product like OSR or Pour-N-Restore. You can buy these products at home improvement stores. Use a deck brighter than contains oxalic acid on tannin stains. Water spots, also known as tannin stains, are normal occurrences on wood. Over time, you will likely start to notice some on your deck. Sweep the deck free of all dirt and debris. Make sure the surface is completely dry and then apply a deck brightener product that contains oxalic acid on the surface of your deck. Check your particular product for any additional directions. Deck brightener products can be purchased at home improvement stores. Use oxalic acid on rust stains and other stubborn spots. Deck brightener products will also work on these tougher stains. Sweep the deck and apply the product directly to the stain. Saturate the area and allow it to sit on the stain for about 15 minutes. Rinse the spot thoroughly with a water hose. Keep your deck surface dry and debris-free. The combination of moisture and dirt/pollen will cause mold to start growing on your deck. To prevent this, keep the surface of your deck as clean and dry as possible. Make sure your deck has effective drainage around its perimeter and between the deck planks. Watch for drainage issues. Your deck should have, at minimum, 6 inches (15.24 cm) between the wooden planks and the ground beneath for ventilation. This allows the water to drain off the deck and into the soil without the wooden planks being forced to sit in the soggy ground. There should never be standing water underneath your deck. If you notice standing water underneath, you may need to use a different grade of soil around your deck to improve drainage. Keep the gaps between deck boards free of debris. Pollen, leaves, dirt and other debris often get lodged in between the wooden planks. It's easy to overlook this debris since it can't be seen by glancing over the surface. Make sure you inspect the gaps and keep the spaces between the deck boards clean and free of debris. | Sweep away debris at least once per week. Remove stubborn dirt with mild soap and a soft bristled brush. Use a pressure washer. Use dish soap and hot water on oil based stains. Use a deck brighter than contains oxalic acid on tannin stains. Use oxalic acid on rust stains and other stubborn spots. Keep your deck surface dry and debris-free. Watch for drainage issues. Keep the gaps between deck boards free of debris. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-Pelvic-Ultrasound | How to Prepare for a Pelvic Ultrasound | Getting a pelvic ultrasound is a simple and painless procedure, but there are a few things you need to remember. Wear loose clothes that can be easily removed to your appointment. Avoid wearing jewelry, since you'll need to remove it for the scan. If you're going for a transabdominal ultrasound, you'll need to go to the toilet, then drink 5 cups of water 1 hour before your appointment. This will inflate your bladder and push your intestines aside so they're easier to see on your ultrasound. If you're going for a transvaginal ultrasound, use the restroom when you get to the hospital so your bladder doesn't block the view of your organs. | Eat your normal meals on the day of your procedure. A full stomach usually won't affect a pelvic ultrasound, so it's okay to eat regular meals. You don't need to change your diet or avoid any particular foods. Go ahead and eat whatever you want. It's okay to drink caffeinated products prior to an ultrasound, so you can have coffee, soda, and other caffeinated drinks. It won't cause dehydration or make it harder for you to fill your bladder. A pelvic ultrasound is different from an abdominal ultrasound, which does require fasting. Take all of your medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Don't stop taking your medicine because it typically won't affect your ultrasound results. Your doctor will tell you if you need to temporarily stop your medication. This includes your fluid pills or diuretics. If you want to take over-the-counter medication, check with your doctor first. Wear loose clothing that’s easy to remove. The technician will need to access your pelvic area to complete the ultrasound. This means you'll need to completely or partially remove your clothing. Pick pieces that are easy to remove or pull aside. For instance, you might wear a loose dress or a baggy shirt with stretch pants. Change into a hospital gown before your ultrasound, if required. Your doctor or technician may ask you to change into a hospital gown to make it easier to do your ultrasound. If this happens, remove your clothing and put on the hospital gown. Take off any jewelry that you’re wearing. Your technician will likely tell you to remove all of your jewelry to make sure it doesn't interfere with the ultrasound. It's best to leave your jewelry at home. If you do wear any, remove it and put it in a safe place, like your purse or wallet. You will definitely need to remove a belly ring if you have one. Check with your doctor for specific recommendations. It's likely that your doctor will just recommend filling or emptying your bladder before the exam. However, they may give you more specific instructions depending on your unique needs. Talk to your doctor at least 24 hours before your ultrasound to find out if they have special instructions. For instance, your doctor may ask you not to eat right before your exam. However, this isn't usually necessary. Drink 4 to 6 cups (0.95 to 1.42 L) of fluids 1 hour before your ultrasound. Your bladder needs to be full in order for the doctor to see your organs. Use the restroom before you start drinking fluids so you start with an empty bladder. Then, drink at least 4 cups (0.95 L) of any fluids about an hour before the exam. You may need to drink more if your bladder fills slowly. If you don't need to urinate very often, you may have a slow filling bladder, which means you should drink more. It's best to relieve your bladder before you fill it up so that you don't have a restroom emergency before you get your ultrasound. When your bladder is full, it pushes your intestines aside so it's easier to view your abdomen. Make sure that your bladder doesn’t feel painfully full. You will likely feel some discomfort from your full bladder, and you should feel the urge to relieve yourself. However, you shouldn't be in pain. If you are, go ahead and relieve your bladder. Then, try to fill it up again but drink less this time. It's okay to start refilling your bladder shortly before your ultrasound. If for some reason your bladder isn't full when it's time for your ultrasound, your doctor or the technician will give you some water. Lie on the exam table and try to get comfortable. You will need to stay still during your ultrasound, so adjust your body to find a comfortable position. Use the pillow that the office provides to cushion your head and neck. This will help you avoid discomfort during your ultrasound. If you move around during the ultrasound, the results may not be clear. Let the technician put gel on your abdomen and slide a wand over it. You might feel a cold sensation as the technician applies the gel over your lower abdomen. Relax as the tech slides the transducer wand over your abdomen, which won't hurt at all. You may feel a little discomfort from needing to urinate. You might hear a whoosh sound during the ultrasound, depending on what type of machine the tech is using. Watch the ultrasound screen to see visuals of your pelvic area. Your tech may let you see the images as they do your ultrasound, especially if you're pregnant. If you want to watch, look at the screen that's attached to the ultrasound screen. The images will be in black and white and may be hard to decipher. The tech or your doctor will explain the images for you if you don't understand them. Let the tech clean the gel off of your abdomen after the ultrasound. After your ultrasound is finished, the tech will use a towel to wipe the gel off your lower abdomen. This will prevent it from getting on your clothing. If you feel like there's still gel on your abdomen, ask for an extra towel so you can wipe your belly again when you go to get dressed. Expect your ultrasound to take about 30 minutes. Empty your bladder after your ultrasound is finished. Hold your bladder until the technician finishes your ultrasound. When they say it's okay, go the restroom to relieve yourself. Your doctor may do a transvaginal ultrasound after you empty your bladder to get a better view of your uterus and ovaries. If this is the case, you'll return to the exam room after you empty your bladder. Otherwise, it's okay to get dressed. Get dressed and continue your day as normal. Change back into your clothes once the ultrasound is finished. You don't need to do anything special after this procedure, so it's okay to resume your normal activities. Your doctor will discuss your results with you either at this appointment or at a follow up appointment. Talk to your doctor to find out if you need to come back. Empty your bladder right before your ultrasound. Visit the restroom at the start of your doctor's appointment or while you're changing into the exam gown. Your bladder needs to be completely empty during a transvaginal ultrasound so that your bladder doesn't block the view of your organs. If you feel like you need to use the restroom at any point during the exam, tell your doctor or the ultrasound technician. If you're having both a pelvic ultrasound and a transvaginal ultrasound, your doctor may tell you to arrive with a full bladder and wait until after your pelvic ultrasound to empty it. Lie on the exam table and put your feet in the stirrups. For a transvaginal ultrasound, your feet and legs are supported by stirrups that are attached to your exam table. This will keep you as comfortable as possible while your legs are spread for the ultrasound. Climb up on the table and get into a comfortable position. Then, lie back and put your feet into the stirrups. If you're having trouble getting your feet positioned correctly, ask a nurse or the technician for help. Relax your pelvic muscles as the technician inserts the transducer. Take slow, deep breaths to help you relax your body, which will minimize your discomfort. The ultrasound tech will cover the transvaginal transducer in a plastic or latex sheath and will lubricate it. Then, they'll slide the tip of the transducer into your vagina. Try to stay relaxed as they maneuver the transducer into place. The technician may turn the transducer to get a better view of your pelvic area. You may experience some discomfort during the exam, but it shouldn't be painful. Watch the ultrasound monitor if you want to see the images. You may be able to view the ultrasound images on a monitor that's attached to the ultrasound machine. The images will be in black and white, and they may look very blurry. The tech or your doctor will explain the images to you. Your tech may turn the screen away from you. If they do, you'll still be able to look at the images later. Try not to worry because they may do this so they can get a better look as they maneuver the transducer. Keep your pelvic muscles relaxed while the tech removes the transducer. When the tech is finished with your ultrasound, they'll gently remove the transducer. You shouldn't feel any pain, but it can cause some discomfort. Take deep breaths to relax your body, which can help minimize your discomfort. Your ultrasound should take about 15 to 30 minutes. Change back into your clothes and continue your day normally. Get dressed after your procedure is over. Then, resume your normal daily activities. You don't need any special care after a transvaginal ultrasound. Your doctor will talk to you about your results either at the end of your appointment or at a follow up. Ask your doctor when your results will be available. | Eat your normal meals on the day of your procedure. Take all of your medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Wear loose clothing that’s easy to remove. Change into a hospital gown before your ultrasound, if required. Take off any jewelry that you’re wearing. Check with your doctor for specific recommendations. Drink 4 to 6 cups (0.95 to 1.42 L) of fluids 1 hour before your ultrasound. Make sure that your bladder doesn’t feel painfully full. Lie on the exam table and try to get comfortable. Let the technician put gel on your abdomen and slide a wand over it. Watch the ultrasound screen to see visuals of your pelvic area. Let the tech clean the gel off of your abdomen after the ultrasound. Empty your bladder after your ultrasound is finished. Get dressed and continue your day as normal. Empty your bladder right before your ultrasound. Lie on the exam table and put your feet in the stirrups. Relax your pelvic muscles as the technician inserts the transducer. Watch the ultrasound monitor if you want to see the images. Keep your pelvic muscles relaxed while the tech removes the transducer. Change back into your clothes and continue your day normally. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Water-Bamboo | How to Water Bamboo | If your bamboo is planted in soil, fill a clean spray bottle with distilled water or rainwater, then spray a light mist of water over your bamboo every 2 days. Every 3-4 days, stick your finger into the soil, and mist the soil if it feels dry. Bamboo plants don't like to be soggy, so other than misting it, you should only add water to the planter once every 7-10 days. If you're growing your bamboo in water, make sure the roots are always underwater. | Mist the soil every two days. Fill a clean spray bottle with distilled water or rainwater. Then spray a light mist of water over your bamboo every two days. Misting your bamboo regularly can keep it from getting soggy or drying out. Distilled water and rainwater are the best choices to water and mist your bamboo. Bamboo is sensitive to the salts and chemicals in tap water. Feel the soil for moisture. Every 3-4 days, stick your finger into the bamboo soil until it touches your first knuckle. Wiggle your finger around to see if the soil feels dry or moist. Mist or water your bamboo's soil if it feels dry. Add water to the bamboo planter weekly. Every 7-10 days, pour a small amount of water into your bamboo potter. Let the water drain into the soil for a minute and then check the moisture again with your finger. Add more water until your plant feels sufficiently moist. Bamboo is sensitive to water levels and doesn't like to be soggy. Pour out any excess water from the planter if you add too much. Ensure your plant drainage is working properly. Remove any blockages that keep the water from draining easily through the planter. See if there are holes in mulch, stones, or other coverage you've put on top of bamboo plants in the ground. For outdoor bamboo, add extra drainage material to any holes or sparsely-covered parts. Add stones, pebbles, etc. to keep stems upright and ensure drainage. Tailor water amounts to location and season. Water your bamboo 3-5 times per week in the summer or if you live in a hot climate. In the winter or in cold climates, reduce how often you water your plants to every 7-10 days. Ensure that the soil is moist in any season or climate by feeling it with your finger. Retain moisture with mulch. Spread a 2- to 3-in (5- to 7-cm) layer of mulch over the bamboo soil. Having a layer of mulch can help your bamboo retain moisture throughout the year and promote proper drainage. Ensure the bamboo roots are under water. Check your bamboo plant every day. Inspect the roots, which may be covered in pebbles, gravel, or even marbles. Make sure that the roots and the bottom part of the stem are submerged in water. Add water to keep the level constant. If you notice the roots aren't covered, pour water into the bamboo planter until it covers them. Water the entire plant every 7-10 days to ensure the roots stay submerged. Add water more often in summer or if you live in a hot climate. You can use tap, distilled, or rain water in your bamboo planter. If you use tap water, let it sit overnight to allow chlorine, which can harm your bamboo, to evaporate. Change out the entire water supply every two weeks. Pour out the bamboo planter water and any drainage pebbles, gravel, or marbles every couple of weeks. Clean the planter and drainage props with clean, filtered, or bottled mineral water. Add them and your bamboo back to the planter and refill it with freshly collected rainwater, filtered water, or distilled water. | Mist the soil every two days. Feel the soil for moisture. Add water to the bamboo planter weekly. Ensure your plant drainage is working properly. Tailor water amounts to location and season. Retain moisture with mulch. Ensure the bamboo roots are under water. Add water to keep the level constant. Change out the entire water supply every two weeks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Shotgun-Shells-and-Chokes | How to Choose Shotgun Shells and Chokes | Choosing the right shells and chokes for your shotgun will give you the right power and accuracy for whatever you're shooting at. When choosing shotgun shells, look for ones the same gauge as your shotgun and use the smallest ammunition that will get the job done. For hunting and target shooting, use regular birdshot. Use a number 8 size for small birds and vermin, number 6 for slightly larger animals like turkeys and pheasants, and number 4 buckshot or larger for bigger mammals. If you want shells with more gunpowder and more shots per shell, go for magnum or super-magnum shells. You'll also want to choose the right choke for your shotgun. For close range shooting, use a cylinder bore, which throws open but uniform patterns. For target and sport shooting, use a street choke instead. | Distinguish between the two basic styles of shotgun shell. From a shotgun, you can either fire "shot" or "slugs." Shot shells are plastic cartridges filled with tiny metal pellets and should always be fired from non-rifled shotgun barrels. Slugs are essentially a single, fairly large metal bullet loaded in a plastic cartridge. The kind of shot used in shot shells also varies and it is important to understand the way shot is sized. Birdshot contains smaller pellets for use on smaller animals or targets, while buckshot rounds are filled with larger pellets for use on larger animals or targets. Slugs are available in rifled varieties, for use in smooth-bore barrels, and "sabot" varieties, for use in rifled barrels. Buy shells that match the gauge size of your shotgun. Shotguns come in many different gauges, and the ammunition will correspond to that gauge. You must use 12 gauge ammunition for a 12 gauge shotgun, 20 gauge for a 20 gauge, etc. A 20 gauge shell will fit in a 12 gauge gun, slide about halfway down the barrel and stick if you try to fire it. This can be very dangerous, so it's critical to make sure you buy the appropriate size of shell, regardless of style. Determine the length of the shells you're considering. Longer shells contain more powder and more shot per shell, or a larger slug. The standard shotgun chamber size is 2 3/4 inches for all gauge shotguns. Some shotguns have a 3 inch chamber. Shotguns are known to favor different loads and different shot, so experimenting with various combinations in search of a good match can be useful. 12 gauge shot shells are the most common shotgun shells sold, and are typically available in three different shell lengths: Regular shells are 2 3/4" long - safely fired in a shotgun with a 2 3/4" or 3" chamber Magnum shells are 3" - safely fired in a shotgun with a 3" chamber Super-magnum shells are 3 1/2" Make sure that the chamber of your shotgun is as long or longer than the shells you choose. Do not use 3" or 3 1/2" shells in a 2 3/4" chamber or 3 1/2" shells in a 3" chamber. Learn the shot number. The shot number will be printed on boxes of ammunition and refers to the size of the individual pellets in the shell. Larger shot numbers mean smaller pellets. The diameter of birdshot is equal to.17" minus the shot number. So, #4 shot is.13" in diameter. While it isn't necessarily important to know the exact size of the pellets, it's important to understand whether you're getting larger or smaller shot if you're planning on hunting. Buckshot is somewhat more complicated. Available in increments of zeroes, buckshot is usually referred to as "ought." 000 is called "triple-ought," and this buckshot is.36" in diameter, while double-ought is.33". To complicate matters, buckshot is also available in #4 sizing, which is.24" in diameter. Learn the slug sizing. Slug power is determined in the same way as buckshot, with standard, magnum, and super-magnum loadings. With magnum and super-magnum are often loaded with heavier slugs. The "rifled" slug, used in smooth-bore shotguns, has rifling or ribs on the slug. These ribs are designed to prevent damage to the gun if fired through a barrel with a choke. A sabot is a covering for an object which is smaller than the bore of which it travels through. Sabot slugs "wear" a plastic jacket that is discarded after they leave the barrel and are generally more accurate than "rifled" slugs, though they require a rifled barrel to be fired accurately. Use birdshot for target shooting. It would be unnecessary and foolish to practice your sport shooting at clay pigeons with expensive steel super-magnum-sized buckshot or slugs when regular birdshot is more than sufficient. As a general rule of thumb, always use the smallest ammunition that gets the job done, whether for hunting or sport shooting. Determine the size of your target. Larger shot penetrates more effectively, so it is generally used on larger animals. Smaller shot is sufficient for smaller game. Small game like birds and ground varmint can be taken with shot as small at #8. Alternatively, some hunters like to use larger shot because it can kill at slightly longer range and reduces the number of pellets you have to remove from your food. Larger animals such as pheasants, turkeys, or rabbits should be taken with slightly larger shot such as #6 or #4. The largest animals are suited for buckshot. Deer and coyotes should be shot with pellets no smaller than #4 buckshot. Slugs are generally only used for home defense, tactical uses, and large game hunting. If you're hunting deer-sized game, coyote, possibly bear, etc., you're going to want to use slugs. Test different sizes to determine what's best for your purposes. Shoot one of your shot shells at a piece of paper big enough to record the impact of all, or nearly all, of the pellets at the range you expect to use the load. At 40 yards (36.6 m), expect to get a pattern with a diameter of roughly 20-40", depending on the size of the shotgun shell used. Examine the pattern. How big is the main cluster of holes? Will it be hard to hit a moving target with the pattern? How dense is the pattern in this main cluster? Will enough pellets hit the target to kill/break it? Is the pattern uniform? Are there large holes in the pattern where targets could escape? For slugs, shoot between three and five shot groups at paper at a reasonable range; say 50 yards (45.7 m) for rifled slugs, 100 yards (91.4 m) for sabot slugs. Both types of slugs are fairly low velocity, and thus have rainbow-shaped trajectories that are not helpful to long-range shooting. Pick a slug which produces acceptable patterns and satisfies your desire for target damage. Learn the basic types of choke. Most chokes anymore are interchangeable because the inside of the end of modern barrels is threaded, so chokes can be screwed in and out at will. Generally, the following chokes are the most common: Cylinder bore, which has no restriction, throws open but very uniform patterns. This is useful for close-range shooting. Skeet choke is appropriate for sport and target shooting. Full choke has a lot of restriction and throws very tight patterns when fed quality shot. However, when fed soft lead, a full choke tends to shoot uneven patterns. Determine the shot pattern appropriate to your purposes. The pattern of the shot refers to how much the load spreads out during flight. The pattern changes depending upon the existence of a choke in the barrel. The tighter the choke, the more the lead will be affected. The more lead in a shotgun load, the more serious this effect is. Largely, this will depend upon your practice and your shooting style. If you're a very accurate shooter with hunting ambitions, a narrower choke might be appropriate to narrow the shot and ensure a clean kill. If you're a novice, a choke is probably unnecessary. Determine your optimum choke-shot combination. Practice with different shot sizes, lengths, and combinations of different chokes with your shotgun. With a properly- sighted shotgun , track your shot patterns and accuracy to determine the best combination for your purposes. If your patterns are the wrong size or don't have the density required to kill game, use a tighter or looser choke accordingly. If your patterns are uneven, you are probably trying to push too much soft lead through too small a hole. Sometimes less lead and a looser choke will actually allow you to be effective at longer range. | Distinguish between the two basic styles of shotgun shell. Buy shells that match the gauge size of your shotgun. Determine the length of the shells you're considering. Learn the shot number. Learn the slug sizing. Use birdshot for target shooting. Determine the size of your target. Test different sizes to determine what's best for your purposes. Learn the basic types of choke. Determine the shot pattern appropriate to your purposes. Determine your optimum choke-shot combination. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Private-School | How to Start a Private School | To start a private school, start with fundamental decisions like whether the school will be non-profit and what grade levels it will cater to. Next, write a detailed business plan and create a budget that includes how you plan to receive funding for the school. Then, hire critical staff members about 18 months before opening the school, bring on administrators about 9 months before opening, and spend 4-5 months training faculty. Finally, start promoting the school and enrolling students! | Decide if the school will be for-profit or nonprofit. Make this decision before deciding on any other academic aspects of your school. Nonprofit schools will be managed by a board of directors. For-profit schools, on the other hand, will be overseen by a proprietor (potentially yourself) or by a business partnership or LLC. One structure is not better than the other. It's simply up to you to decide how you want to manage and finance your school. If you opt to run a non-profit private school, follow up by applying for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status with the IRS. Assemble a private school committee if your school is non-profit. This committee will work together to make crucial decisions about the school's future, select a campus location, and hire faculty. The members will eventually become the core members of your board of directors. Committee members should be experts in different areas, including education, legal, accounting, business and construction. If you aren't sure who to ask to become a committee member, reach out to other private schools in your area. Talk to their administration members, and find out who those schools used as committee members. Decide if you’d like to manage a day school or a boarding school. Day schools function like typical public schools and send students home at the end of a 6- or 7-hour day. Boarding schools house students overnight. Boarding-school students typically stay at the school for an entire semester. Boarding schools take more financial input and more work, but the students tend to become deeply involved in their communities and to form close professional bonds with their teachers. As another option, consider a Montessori school. Montessori schools are almost always private and offer children a discovery-based model of academic experimentation and learning. Determine the grade levels for your private school. If you're inexperienced or want to start small, open a private grade school that offers grades K-5. A small school will be easier to run, require a smaller campus, and have lower enrollment. Or, if you'd like to start a larger school, opt to offer grades K-12. Many private schools start with fewer and lower grade levels and add upper grades over time. For instance, you could begin by offering K-5. Then, after 3 or 4 years, you can add grades 6-8. Find a building to house your private school. Plan to rent or lease a building in your community large enough—and in good enough repair—to house students. Look around within residential or semi-residential areas within the community where you'd like to have your school. If no vacant school buildings currently exist, talk to city developer or commercial real-estate agents who may know of a viable school building. Unless you have a huge operating budget, do not plan to construct a new building for your school. Write a business plan for your private school. Create a 5-year business plan, including operational plans (such as financial and marketing) and educational plans (such as educational focus, curriculum, implementation and assessment). The plan should also detail planned accomplishments such as expanding the campus or offering new grades. Whether your school is nonprofit or for-profit, a business plan will help by setting the school on a successful path. A sound business plan will also inspire confidence—and generosity—in your potential financial donors. Determine the budget for the school. When setting up a budget, plan for a variety of expenses, including: leasing a facility, legal licenses and permits from the state educational board; hiring faculty members, staff, and a business consultant; and marketing and promoting the school. Reach out to other private schools in the community and ask to review their budget. This will give you an idea of a private school's annual costs. Your committee accountant or financial specialist should help with the budget. If you don't have a financial specialist on your committee, seek expert financial advice. Starting a private school from scratch is an expensive undertaking. On average, starting a private school in the U.S. costs $1,000,000. The same undertaking in the U.K. costs, on average, £930,000. Secure funding for your private school. If you are operating as a non-profit, solicit contributions by asking for donations from foundations, applying for grants and establishing donations from private donors. If you're operating for-profit, student tuition will provide the majority of the income. Set a tuition rate that will cover the school's expenses without being prohibitively steep. When soliciting funds from financial partners, show potential investors your business plan. This will clarify to them that you know what you're doing and that your private school is worth serious investment. Incorporate your for-profit private school as a business. Most private schools incorporate and apply for tax-exempt status. You'll need to officially create the for-profit private school as a business and register the school with your state at least 1 year before opening its doors to students. File the appropriate paperwork with your Secretary of the State and the IRS. If you have an attorney on your founding committee, ask them to handle this step. Their professional expertise will be invaluable. Interview and hire critical staff 18 months prior to the start of school. The first 2 staff members you should hire are the principal and a business manager. The administrator will be able to help you handle the educational and staffing aspects of the school plan, while the business manager will work with you on duties such as enrollment and purchasing. The principal and business administrator can work alongside your committee members to handle financial, legal, and academic obligations prior to the start of school. Hire administrative staff and open the business office. About 9 months before the start of school, begin holding interviews for the staff members who will work in the business office. Once the business office is open, the school can begin the admissions process for students. If you're starting a small private grade school, you probably only need to hire 1-2 administrative staff. To find qualified applicants, post job descriptions on online job-finding sites like Monster, LinkedIn, and Indeed. Interview and hire at least 4 faculty members. Depending on the size of your school, you may wish to hire many more than 4 faculty members. However, for a small grade school, have a minimum of 4 faculty members for the first year. The 4 faculty members should specialize in core subjects including math, science, and language arts. Once faculty members have been hired, ask them what supplies they'll need in order to successfully teach their core subject. Work with them to order curriculum materials, furniture, and educational supplies. Train your faculty 4–5 months before the start of school. While your faculty should all be qualified to teach in their fields, they may not be familiar with the specific policies and academic outcomes that you want for your private school. So, provide faculty training sessions to familiarize the teachers and staff with the school, policies, procedures, expectations, curriculum, and your vision for the school. This will be especially valuable if you're teaching in a private school where the majority of the curriculum has already been developed and is handed down to the instructors. Notify your state’s educational division that you’re starting a school. Do this at least 2-3 months before you plan to open the doors and offer classes. In some states, private schools are overseen by a division of the Department of Education. Other states have individual accrediting agencies for private schools. Follow your state's procedures for registering an official private school with the state's educational division. The state will send a representative to the campus to inspect the facilities and make sure they're up to code and safe. The state will also request a school calendar and list of the names of enrolled students. Apply for educational accreditation from recognized agencies. Accreditation shows that your private school program meets an established standard, determined by a rigorous approval process. Receiving accreditation from a regional agency will distinguish your private school as a quality program. Check your state's legislation to find out if you're legally required to accredit your private school. If you're starting a school within the U.S., there are 6 regional educational accrediting agencies that you should apply to based on your location. These accreditation agencies include: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (CACSCOC) The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) Promote your private school to prospective parents and students. Marketing your school is an important part of drumming up interest within the community and boosting your enrollment numbers. Advertise for students through community, church and service groups. You can also advertise through local newspapers and magazines and submit your school to online and private school directories. To help drum up interest online, ask one of your committee members to design a website that will provide admissions and enrollment information. Once you have some interested community members, you could offer a tour of the private school so that parents and potential students can become familiar with the building and layout. Open your private school and begin holding classes. Plan your opening for when other schools in the area are starting. This is usually in the early fall, around the second week of August in North America. Make the day special and fun for the enrolled students and their parents. For example, set up balloons and streamers, and alert the local press. Have your committee/board members on hand as well. Also try inviting local government officials, like the city mayor or the district's state representative. | Decide if the school will be for-profit or nonprofit. Assemble a private school committee if your school is non-profit. Decide if you’d like to manage a day school or a boarding school. Determine the grade levels for your private school. Find a building to house your private school. Write a business plan for your private school. Determine the budget for the school. Secure funding for your private school. Incorporate your for-profit private school as a business. Interview and hire critical staff 18 months prior to the start of school. Hire administrative staff and open the business office. Interview and hire at least 4 faculty members. Train your faculty 4–5 months before the start of school. Notify your state’s educational division that you’re starting a school. Apply for educational accreditation from recognized agencies. Promote your private school to prospective parents and students. Open your private school and begin holding classes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Date-Your-Professor | How to Date Your Professor | Dating your professor can be complicated, but if you feel it's the right move, there are a few simple things you can do to get closer to them. The next time you have class, try some subtle cues to signal you're interested. For example, sit closer to the front of the class so they notice you more, and make direct eye contact during lectures. You should also try to wear clean, form-fitting clothes that make you look professional. If you see your professor around campus, try striking up a conversation! This will give you the opportunity to introduce yourself and learn more about them. You can also visit office hours and department events to show your interest in the subject. If you feel a connection, ask them out! Just make sure to wait until the semester's over so there's no confusion about your romantic intentions. | Go to class regularly. Unless it is a really big lecture class, your professor will probably notice when you are missing. It will be hard to impress her or catch her eye if you don't show up. Sit up front. You'll want to catch your professor's eye and make sure he knows who you are. Sitting in front will put you close to him, and probably make it easier for him to recognize you. Being physically close like this can be subtle given the setting, but it can help in the longer term. This can be especially important in a large lecture class, where the professor almost certainly won't make an effort to learn the names of all 300 students. Make eye contact. Locking eyes is a powerful way to signal a connection. Chances are you won't get the chance for several seconds of staring into each other's eyes, so be ready to look back at him when he scans the room. A few seconds of eye contact every couple of minutes can go a long way, even subconsciously. Just be careful about staring at the professor so much that you stop taking notes. You might miss something important, and he'll probably notice you not paying attention to your work. Make sure you are smiling when you make eye contact. Putting a friendly look on your face will make you look confident and more attractive. This is all the more important when you are making eye contact with him for those brief moments. Dress nicely for class. Avoid revealing clothing, as that is inappropriate for the classroom. Instead, wear clean, form-fitting clothing that accentuates the positive parts of your physique. You will impress your professor by looking professional, or at least not ruin his or her opinion of you by dressing inappropriately. For women, look for softer colors that signal romance, like pink or coral. For style, accentuate your curves, especially those parts of your body that you want your professor to look at. For men, your clothes should be clean and wrinkle-free. Nice shoes, instead of a ragged pair of old sneakers, can help as well. In terms of color, red is always good for drawing attention, and projecting an image of strength and confidence. Participate in class. Professors love it when students ask and answer questions. It lets them know they are reaching students, and that the class is engaged in what is going on. Make sure your questions and comments are serious responses to the topic at hand. The important thing is that your professor sees you as paying attention and willing to learn. Avoid joke answers, as professors usually find that to be an annoying distraction. Lean forward when you talk in class. You won't be able to use a lot of body language tricks, since you'll be stuck at a desk, so something subtle will have to do. Leaning forward when you talk reinforces that you want to get closer to her, even if that effect will probably only be subconscious. Help your professor. Running a class can be difficult, especially when it is probably one of several your professor has, and he will appreciate any help he can get. Volunteer to present something, or jump into discussions during silence. This will help give your professor a positive opinion of you. If your professor ends up in an argument with another student, jump in on his side. This can work in an in-class debate, or if another student is trying to argue about the requirements for an assignment. Keep your input brief, as it is more important that your professor notices you jumped in to help rather than what you actually said. This is also the kind of thing you can do after class, telling your professor that you appreciated the position he took. Keep an eye on your professor too. If he seems harried or in need of a helping hand, don't be afraid to ask. He may not need your help, but will appreciate your offering. Do well in the class. Your professor is more likely to notice a student who is doing well and making an effort to be successful in class. You don't necessarily need to get an “A” grade. Professors notice and like students who follow directions and show improvement over the course of the semester. Making sure you follow all directions given for an assignment is a great way to stay on your professor's good side. Ignoring or missing required steps is an annoyance, while doing things as requested can help you stand out from all the students who don't. Plus, you can always ask about your professor's reasoning for those requirements, another great excuse to talk to her. Tell the professor he is doing a good job. Professors work hard on their classes, and like the satisfaction of knowing that it went well. Plus, this little bit of conversation becomes another way for him to remember who you are. This doesn't have to be a long conversation. Tell your professor “That was a really good explanation of…” and mention a topic you covered in the class. Close by saying something like “I really understand that now,” which tells your professor he did a good job. Be sure to smile and make eye contact when you tell him this. This gives you a friendly demeanor, and subtly suggests you are trying to make a connection. Pay attention for clues about her personal life. It is hard for class to focus on the subject material the whole time, and your professor will surely slip in comments about her life and interests. Learning this information is not necessarily for your use in class, but so you have some topics in mind to talk about later. You want to find potential signs of common interest. Like any other relationship, your compatibility will be tied to having some things in common. If the only thing you have in common with your professor is an interest in the class material, you'll probably find her pretty uninteresting in a relationship. Be sure to watch for signs of a relationship. Look for a wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, and listen if she mentions some kind of significant other. Talk to him outside of class. If you see your professor around campus, and he isn't talking directly to someone else, go ahead and say hello. The first few times don't need to be long conversations, just something to help him remember you. As the semester goes along, he will almost certainly become more comfortable talking to you. Your conversation can be pretty wide-ranging, depending on how well you know your professor. In this kind of informal setting, you don't have to talk about the class. Things happening around campus, in the news, or really anything can be a good way to start conversation. Find other similarities. Your conversations will need to move beyond academic topics if you want an actual relationship. Use these chats as a chance to learn more about him. Listen if he starts to share his interests with you, like food or music. Go ahead and respond with your interests to see if there is further compatibility. Another way to set this up is to invite your professor to lunch. Many schools have programs that encourage students to have meals with professors as a way to interact outside the classroom. You might even get the school to pay for your lunch that day. This is not a date, so you may want to get a few other students from the class together as well. Show an interest in the subject. Professors have usually dedicated their lives to studying in their field. He will probably find it very attractive that you have a similar interest. Similar interests are a good way to suggest compatibility. Visit office hours. Sure, office hours are there for you to get extra help in the class, but they are also a good time to see your professor without the rest of the class around. While professors are supposed to hold regular office hours, very few students use them. Not only will you be highly unlikely to see another student there, but your professor will be excited that someone came. When you go to the office, be sure to have something to talk about related to the class. It doesn't need to be a serious question or concern about your grade, just that you want to talk about something that came up in lecture. If you come in only asking personal questions and don't mention the class, he will probably see right through what you are doing and not let it go any further. Sit as close to him as possible. Try to move as close as you can, like getting your chair closer to his in the office. You shouldn't invade his personal space, but move closer as a way to let him know you want a closer connection. Ask about her experiences. Professors spend much of their time researching and writing alone, but have probably had some very interesting experiences that they would love to share with others. Ask about interesting places your professor has visited or people she has met. She will enjoy the attention, and probably have some good stories as well. Go to department events. Look for speakers, symposia, or other events put on by your professor's department. These will be more relaxed settings where you can talk to him about something interesting, like the speaker you just heard, and not have to worry about the class. Remember that these events are public, so other students and members of the department will see you. You'll want to keep your flirting to a minimum. Look for other on-campus events as well, especially things your professor indicated he might be interested in. If you go, you may find him there, or you can always earn points as a good listener by suggesting things he can do. Congratulate your professor on accomplishments. Professors work hard on projects outside of just your class, and love the recognition that can come from it. The websites for both your school and your professor's department will announce when faculty members accomplish something. Keep an eye on those pages to see if your professor's name pops up. Know your professor's status. Before jumping in and asking him out, make sure you know that he would be open to some kind of relationship. There are a few different variables to watch for, some of which you can pick up while in class or talking around campus. Check his relationship status. If your professor is single, then you should feel comfortable at least trying. If he is married, you may still be able to get a physical relationship out of it, but it will probably be very secretive. Of course, you have to decide if that kind of person is someone you want to be involved with. Learn his preferred gender. College campuses are among the most welcoming environments for a variety of gender preferences. You don't want to embarrass yourself by asking out your professor only to discover he prefers a gender other than yours, so look for clues to who he likes. Know your university's rules for sexual harassment. This covers both you and your professor. Either of you could get in trouble for acting on an attraction, especially if the feeling is not mutual. If your professor does not respond to your pursuit, drop it. It's definitely not worth getting in trouble with the university for harassing him. Wait until the semester is over. Most schools have policies against professors dating students, and they are strictest when it comes to students they are actually teaching. To avoid unnecessary headaches for both of you, don't act on your feelings until the semester is over. Your best bet is really to wait until you have graduated. That gets rid of any chance you will ever have a class together in the future. Even if your relationship is over by that point, a bad ending can have lasting repercussions on your grade or classroom demeanor. It will also be much easier for your professor to see you as mature if you are not still in school. Remember that when you are in the class, your relationship is definitely unequal. Your professor holds a significant amount of power as the person who teaches and grades the class. It is never good to be intimate with someone who has that kind of influence over your future. If your professor is younger and untenured, a relationship with a student is a good way for him to lose his job. Understandably, he will be unlikely to take a risk like that. Even tenured professors can lose their job over dating students. Ask directly for a date. If you want a relationship with your professor, you will probably need to be direct about it. Given the potential complications, as well as the concern over sexual harassment complaints, he will probably be very hesitant to ask you himself. Being direct also means both of you know what is happening. This is not the time for grey areas. If you are both clear about your romantic intentions, he will be more likely to reciprocate appropriately. Don't get played. Be warned that some professors will encourage relationships with their students (especially male professors and females students) to bolster their own egos. If you think your professor is using you in this manner, get out before anything happens. Be aware of how he acts around you. If he is willing to initiate flirting quickly or suggests things that past students have done, and otherwise blatantly ignoring school rules, he is probably signaling that you are not the first, and probably won't be the last. There can be other signs in the classroom. Watch to see if your professor flirts regularly with other students along with you, brags about his attractiveness, or seems to be hung up on how the students see him. These can all be signs he sees relationships with students as a way to boost his own ego. Professors who date their students will quickly develop a reputation in their department, even if the department doesn't do anything about it. If you have a concern, older students and TAs will probably have more information. | Go to class regularly. Sit up front. Make eye contact. Dress nicely for class. Participate in class. Help your professor. Do well in the class. Tell the professor he is doing a good job. Pay attention for clues about her personal life. Talk to him outside of class. Show an interest in the subject. Visit office hours. Ask about her experiences. Go to department events. Congratulate your professor on accomplishments. Know your professor's status. Know your university's rules for sexual harassment. Wait until the semester is over. Ask directly for a date. Don't get played. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Darken-Copper | How to Darken Copper | For an easy way to darken copper, start by putting 2 or more eggs in boiling water and letting them sit for at least 10 minutes in order to hard boil them. Next, mash the eggs to pieces and place them in an airtight container. Then, place the copper objects on a small dish inside the container, next to the eggs. Once the copper and eggs are inside, seal the container and allow the gases produced by the eggs to darken the copper, which could take 20 minutes to several hours. | Use this method for easy, relatively minor adjustments. The yolks of hard boiled eggs can produce sulfur and related chemicals that react with the copper to change the color to a darker brown or black. While this method will take longer and may not produce as dramatic results as using liver of sulfur, you do not need any equipment other than hard boiled eggs and a sealed container. Hard boil two or more eggs. Use two or three eggs for copper jewelry, or more if you have larger or multiple items. Place the eggs in a pot of boiling water and let them sit for at least ten minutes. The over-boiled sulfurous smell and greenish ring around the yolk are good indicators that the eggs will darken your copper. Mash the eggs to pieces. Use a spoon or other utensil to break the eggs into pieces. If the container you will be using is a bag, it may be tidier to place the eggs inside it first. Place the copper and eggs inside a container. Try not to have the eggs touch the copper if you want to avoid colored spots on your copper. Instead, place the copper objects on a small dish or on the other side of the container. Seal the container. Fasten the lid or seal the plastic bag. The container must be airtight in order for the gases produced by the egg to become concentrated enough to affect the copper. Check back regularly. Depending on the freshness of the eggs and the quantity of eggs used, you could start to see results within twenty minutes or several hours. Check back every half hour to an hour, or if you want your copper to become much darker, leave it overnight. Polish off excess tarnish if necessary. Use a clean cloth to wipe off excess color if the copper became too dark, or if you want to create a more variable, less even effect. Follow these instructions for significant changes. Liver of sulfur, composed of potassium sulfide and related chemicals, reacts with copper to create different colors. While this material is more expensive and potentially more dangerous than the substances used in other methods, this method has the best chance to create a much darker patina. Clean the copper. Wash the copper clean with warm, soapy water. Relatively clean copper items, with no oily sheen or stuck-on dirt, may instead by wiped with a clean cloth or treated with a clear household cleaner. Acquire liver of sulfur in liquid, gel, or dry form. Liver of sulfur can be purchased in several forms. Liquid liver of sulfur is pre-diluted, but may have a shelf life of only a few weeks. The gel form and dry form must be mixed with water before use, but if stored properly, they can last much longer. Note that the dry form, also sold as "lump" or "nugget' liver of sulfur, may release dust that can cause harm when inhaled. Work with gloves in a ventilated area. Put on latex or rubber gloves before handling the liver of sulfur, as it can irritate skin. Work outside or in an area with good air flow, especially if you are working with dry liver of sulfur. Liver of sulfur has a strong, unpleasant smell, which the ventilation will also reduce. If you have safety goggles, wear them. If liver of sulfur gets on your skin remove clothing to expose the affected area and rinse in running water for fifteen minutes. If this substance gets on your eyes, rinse in running water for fifteen minutes, occasionally moving your lower and upper eyelids apart to expose more of your eye to the water. Seek medical attention. If you swallow liver of sulfur, induce vomiting immediately and seek medical attention. Dilute the liver of sulfur. Dry liver of sulfur should be gently tapped until you break off a pea-sized nugget; the darker material from the interior of the lump will be more effective. Mix this pea sized nugget with approximately 1 cup (240 mL) of water. Gel or liquid solution should be diluted according to the instructions, as different brands may contain different concentrations of liver of sulfur or already be pre-diluted to the correct strength. Cold water and more dilute solutions should work fine when treating copper, and allow more control over the exact color. Using warm water or hot water may darken your copper faster, but never mix liver of sulfur with boiling water, as this produces harmful gas. Prepare a baking soda bath in advance. Baking soda will neutralize the liver of sulfur, preventing it from darkening your copper more than you desire. Prepare a mixture of baking soda and water in advance so you can stop the color change as soon as you desire. In a separate container than the liver of sulfur, stir together approximately one part baking soda with sixteen parts water. Use a container large enough to soak your copper object in. Use tongs to dip the copper into the liver of sulfur solution for a second or two. Using gloves and tongs, or tweezers for small items, hold the copper under the surface of the liver of sulfur and water solution for a short time. If your copper object is too large to dip into the solution, use a brush to apply the solution, or transfer the solution to a wider, shallower container. Repeat until the desired color is reached. Remove the copper from the solution and examine it for color changes, taking care not to hold it near or above unprotected eyes. Depending on the concentration of the solution, and the temperature of your copper, you may see any color from pink to black. Dipping it into the solution additional times should produce darker colors, ending in a black or grey patina. If the color changes are minor, try heating the copper in a pan of hot, but not boiling, water. Higher temperature should produce a more dramatic color change. If the color is not dark enough, try mixing in 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) pure ammonia into the solution. Adding additional ammonia may result in a reddish color, rather than black. Clean the copper with baking soda to stop the color change. Once you've reached the desired color, let your copper item soak in the baking soda bath for a few minutes. Remove and wash in warm, soapy water. If the color change has progressed too far, or if you would like to create a more uneven, antique look, gently scrub the patina with steel wool or a paste made from baking soda and a few drops of water. Baking soda may also be added to the liver of sulfur solution after you're done. This will neutralize the liver of sulfur and allow you to safely dispose of it down the sink. Treat your copper with a wax or lacquer to preserve the color. Any wax or lacquer intended for metals can be applied over the new patina according to the product's instructions. This will prevent or slow down further color change as long as the wax or lacquer is kept clean and not rubbed off. Mix your own solutions to achieve specific colors. The natural green copper patina can be mimicked with an ammonia solution, while the slightly darker color of an American penny can be created with baking soda and water. Because the application of these solutions are so similar, they are both described in this section. Clean your copper. Wipe the item clean with a dry cloth. Grimy copper items should be washed in warm, soapy water instead, then dried thoroughly. Follow safety procedures if working with ammonia. If you are trying to create a green patina, you'll need to use ammonia. Work outside or in an area with a powerful ventilation system or fan. Ammonia fumes can be toxic, so ammonia should never be handled in an enclosed space. Rubber gloves and safety glasses are recommended. If creating a brown patina with baking soda and water, no safety precautions are required. Use ammonia for a green patina solution. Stir together 2 cups (or 500 mL) white vinegar, 0.5 cups (or 125 mL) non-iodized salt, and 1.5 cups (or 375 mL) clear ammonia. Ammonia can be found at some grocery stores and drug stores, but take care not to purchase the weaker "detergent" variety. The more salt you add, the greener the patina will be. Mix a brown patina solution instead. This solution will turn your copper a darker brown, roughly the color of an American penny. Simply shake baking soda in a bottle of hot water one spoonful at a time, until additional baking soda does not dissolve. Spray the copper with the solution. Use a spray bottle to apply the patina onto the surface of the copper. Spray more heavily if you want a more even result rather than streaks or patterns. Keep in a humid area for one to eight hours. This patina may take a few hours to develop, but keeping it in moist air will speed this process up. If the copper is kept in a dry environment, use a plastic bag or plastic sheeting to cover the copper without touching its surface. This will help retain moisture. Reapply the solution if the patina fades. Depending on the environment the copper is kept in, and how often it is handled, the patina may wear off or fade before it sets permanently. If this occurs, reapply as before, either to the entire surface or to the area wear the patina has rubbed off. The green patina tends to be more powdery and easier to rub off than the brown one. | Use this method for easy, relatively minor adjustments. Hard boil two or more eggs. Mash the eggs to pieces. Place the copper and eggs inside a container. Seal the container. Check back regularly. Polish off excess tarnish if necessary. Follow these instructions for significant changes. Clean the copper. Acquire liver of sulfur in liquid, gel, or dry form. Work with gloves in a ventilated area. Dilute the liver of sulfur. Prepare a baking soda bath in advance. Use tongs to dip the copper into the liver of sulfur solution for a second or two. Repeat until the desired color is reached. Clean the copper with baking soda to stop the color change. Treat your copper with a wax or lacquer to preserve the color. Mix your own solutions to achieve specific colors. Clean your copper. Follow safety procedures if working with ammonia. Use ammonia for a green patina solution. Mix a brown patina solution instead. Spray the copper with the solution. Keep in a humid area for one to eight hours. Reapply the solution if the patina fades. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Popcorn-Balls | How to Make Popcorn Balls | To make popcorn balls with marshmallows, pour 3/4 cup of light corn syrup into a saucepan at medium heat and stir in ¼ cup of butter, 2 teaspoons of water, 2 ⅝ cups of confectioners' sugar, and 1 cup of marshmallows. Stir the mix so it doesn't burn. Once the mixture comes to a boil, pour it on top of popcorn in a large bowl and stir so it does not stick to the bottom. Then, grease your hands with butter and form the mix into balls. Place the balls on wax paper and let them set for 30 minutes before serving. | Bring the light corn syrup, butter, water, confectioners' sugar, and marshmallows to a boil over medium heat. Pour the light corn syrup into a saucepan, then stir in the butter, water, confectioners' sugar, and marshmallows. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to boil., stirring often to prevent scorching or burning. Put the popcorn into a large bowl, then stir the mixture into it with a rubber spatula. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl often to ensure that you get the popcorn at the bottom. You can buy plain, pre-popped popcorn from the store, or you can make your own using the microwave or stove. Grease your hands with vegetable shortening or butter, then shape the popcorn mixture into balls using your hands. Try to make each ball about 3½ inches (8.89-centimeters) wide. Place the popcorn balls onto a baking sheet covered with wax paper as you finish them; you can also use greased cupcake or muffin pans instead. Keep some extra butter or shortening on hand. If the popcorn starts to stick to your hands, simply coat your hands with more butter or shortening. Wait for the popcorn balls to set before serving them. This will take about 30 minutes. After this, you can serve the popcorn balls. Bring the butter, sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over medium heat. Place a medium-sized saucepan on the stove, then add the butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Turn the heat to medium, and wait for the mixture to come to a boil, stirring it occasionally . Clip a cooking thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Don't let the bottom of the thermometer touch the bottom of the saucepan. Stir in the condensed milk, and let the mixture simmer until it reaches 238°F (114°C). Add the condensed milked, then reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer until it reaches 238°F (114°C). Stir the mixture often to prevent scorching. Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract. This will help sweeten the caramel as well as give it a more complex flavor. Put the popcorn into a large bowl, then carefully stir the mixture into it with a rubber spatula. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl often so that all of the popcorn gets evenly coated with caramel. You can use pre-popped popcorn from the store, or you can make your own using a stove or microwave. Coat your hands with butter, then sculpt the popcorn into 3½-inch (8.89-centimeter) balls. Place the popcorn balls onto a baking sheet covered with wax paper as you finish each one. You can also use a greased cupcake or muffin pan instead. Wait for the popcorn to set. This will take about 30 minutes. After this, you can serve the popcorn balls however you please. Bring the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter to a boil over medium heat. Put the brown sugar into a large saucepan, then stir in the corn syrup and butter. Put the saucepan on the stove, then turn the heat up to medium. Wait for the mixture to come to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Take the saucepan off the stove, then stir in the peanut butter. As soon as the mixture comes to a boil, take the saucepan off the burner and add the peanut butter. Stir well with a rubber spatula until everything is evenly combined. Make sure that you use the plain kind of peanut butter. Place the popcorn into a large bowl, then pour the mixture over it. Stir the two together with a rubber spatula until everything is evenly coated. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl often! You can use pre-popped popcorn from the store, or make your own ahead of time using a microwave or stove. Coat your hands with butter or vegetable shortening, then form the popcorn into balls. Try to get the balls about 3½ inches (8.89 centimeters) wide. As you finish the balls, place them onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. You can also use a greased cupcake or muffin pan instead. Wait for the popcorn to set. This will take about 30 minutes. After that, you can serve the popcorn balls. Finished. | Bring the light corn syrup, butter, water, confectioners' sugar, and marshmallows to a boil over medium heat. Put the popcorn into a large bowl, then stir the mixture into it with a rubber spatula. Grease your hands with vegetable shortening or butter, then shape the popcorn mixture into balls using your hands. Wait for the popcorn balls to set before serving them. Bring the butter, sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the condensed milk, and let the mixture simmer until it reaches 238°F (114°C). Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract. Put the popcorn into a large bowl, then carefully stir the mixture into it with a rubber spatula. Coat your hands with butter, then sculpt the popcorn into 3½-inch (8.89-centimeter) balls. Wait for the popcorn to set. Bring the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter to a boil over medium heat. Take the saucepan off the stove, then stir in the peanut butter. Place the popcorn into a large bowl, then pour the mixture over it. Coat your hands with butter or vegetable shortening, then form the popcorn into balls. Wait for the popcorn to set. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Sweet-Potatoes | How to Grow Sweet Potatoes | If you want to grow your own sweet potatoes, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. The best time to plant sweet potatoes is about a month after the last frost of the season. Till the soil about 12 inches deep, then plant your sweet potato slips 12-24 inches apart and just deep enough to cover the root ball. Mulch the area around the plants and water them thoroughly, but gradually decrease how much water they get. Harvest the sweet potatoes about 120 days after you planted them. | Choose a sweet potato. Slips are small sprouts that are grown from pre-existing sweet potato plants. You can choose to order these online or from a garden center, but you can also grow them at home easily. Find a mature, healthy sweet potato plant from the store or a friend's garden. The most common and popular sweet potato varieties (available at most stores) are Beauregard, 'bunch' Porto Ricos, and centennials. Make sure you have the right climate. Sweet potatoes are a tropical plant. This means that they grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9, 10, and 11. This area includes most of the southern and south-western United States. If starting your own slips, start sprouting them in March or April. Slips should be planted in the ground in May or June. Prepare your potato. When you've gotten your hands on 1-2 healthy sweet potatoes, stick them in the sink and wash them well. Then, cut your potato in half. If the potato is particularly large, consider cutting it into thirds or fourths. Fill a jar with water. The way your slip-growing works, is that you'll place your potato half in/half out of a container of water. Use a jar or a glass cup with an opening large enough to fit your potato, and fill the whole thing with water. Place your potato in the water. Stick 4-5 toothpicks out of the sides of your potato equidistant apart and near the middle, like spokes on a wheel. Place the potato into the jar/glass of water with the cut side down, with the toothpicks holding half of the potato out by balancing it on the rim of the glass. Do this for every slice of potato that you have, with each section in a different jar. Add some light and heat. Move the jar with the potato onto a windowsill that gets a lot of sunlight. Let your slips grow. Wait for 2-4 weeks for the small leafy slips to begin sprouting out of the top of the potato. Harvest the slips. When the top of your potato is covered in slips, carefully twist each one off individually. They won't have roots yet and will resemble small leaves with a short stem. Put your slips in water. Fill a shallow bowl with a bit of water, around 1” or less depending on the number of slips you have. Set the slips in the bowl so that the stem is submerged in the water. Leave them like this for several days, until roots have formed from the bottom. Add fresh water once a day or so to keep the slips healthy. If any of the slips are not forming roots or begin to wilt, throw them out. Get your slips out for planting. After 2-3 days, your slips should have developed roots at the bottom. At this point, dump out the water in the bowl and bring your slips out for planting. These are best placed directly into your garden rather than in individual planters to keep the roots intact. Choose a garden plot. Sweet potatoes grow primarily underground, but their vines grow above the ground. Each vine can grow to be over ten feet long. Make sure your garden plot has plenty of room for the vines. Sweet potatoes prefer a warm environment, so try to choose an area that gets a lot of sunlight (especially if you live in the north) and is well drained. Till the earth. Being tubers, sweet potatoes will grow deep in the earth. Make sure they'll have an easy time of it by tilling the soil about 12 inches (30.5 cm) deep. Get the soil as loose and light as possible, incorporating gardening soil if necessary. Prepare the soil. As will all fruit and vegetable planting, having nutrient rich soil is necessary for a bountiful harvest. Add a layer of good planting soil or compost. Remove any large rocks that might be present. Check the pH of your soil. If the pH is not neutral, adjust the pH with peat moss or wood ash to compensate for acidity or alkalinity until it is neutral. This is called amending the soil. You can buy pH testing kits for your garden at a garden center or store. Know when to plant. Because of their heat-loving tendencies, sweet potatoes need to have warm soil in order to flourish. Wait till at least a month after the most recent frost, in the beginning of spring, to plant your slips. Choose a mulch. Help your sweet potatoes to grow by adding mulch over the top to trap heat. If you are in a particularly cold area, get some black plastic mulch or a similar heat-trapper to place over the potato plants after planting. Dig your holes. Sweet potato slips need a bit more space than some other garden vegetables, so dig your holes 12–24 inches (30.5–61.0 cm) apart each. They need be only as deep as the root ball on the bottom of the slips and about ½ an inch up the base of the plant. Plant your potatoes. Place each small slip in your pre-dug holes and cover the stems with soil about ½ of an inch up the base. The leafy part of the potato plant will begin to sprawl in vines outwards while the roots will produce the tubers between 6–12 inches (15.2–30.5 cm) deep in the soil. Add your mulch. Protect your sweet potatoes from cold weather by adding your chosen mulch to the top. This will also help to block out weeds and prevent too much vine growth, which steal energy from tuber growth. Water the plants. At first planting the sweet potatoes will require a lot of water. Over time, you should reduce the amount that you water them until they receive moisture only about once a week. Begin watering daily, knocking off days from your watering schedule as each week progresses. Wait for the tubers to develop. Sweet potatoes have a relatively long fruiting period, becoming ripe and ready to harvest in the early fall (hence their association with Thanksgiving). Continue watering on a weekly basis, and weeding the beds if necessary to keep the plants healthy. Harvest the sweet potatoes. After about 120 days after planting, the sweet potatoes should have reached full maturity. When possible, wait until the last possible time (the last warm weather before a frost) to harvest the sweet potatoes, as this will result in larger and more tasteful tubers. Cure the sweet potatoes. One of the most important steps, sweet potatoes must be cured after harvest. This will help them to develop their flavor (they won't have much immediately after being dug up) and to grow a tougher skin - literally. Place the sweet potatoes in an area with a temperature of 85–95 °F (29–35 °C) with 80-90% humidity for 5-10 days. After this, they should be ready to eat! Consider using a small space heater and a humidifier in a large closet or small room to cure the potatoes. Store your sweet potatoes. One of the best things about these lovely tubers is that they will remain fresh and good to eat for many months if stored properly. Keep the potatoes in temperatures hovering around 70 degrees (that means no refrigeration!) in an open, dry area. Never store your sweet potatoes in a plastic bag or tightly sealed container. | Choose a sweet potato. Make sure you have the right climate. Prepare your potato. Fill a jar with water. Place your potato in the water. Add some light and heat. Let your slips grow. Harvest the slips. Put your slips in water. Get your slips out for planting. Choose a garden plot. Till the earth. Prepare the soil. Know when to plant. Choose a mulch. Dig your holes. Plant your potatoes. Add your mulch. Water the plants. Wait for the tubers to develop. Harvest the sweet potatoes. Cure the sweet potatoes. Store your sweet potatoes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Coyote-Attack | How to Survive a Coyote Attack | To survive a coyote attack, try to make yourself appear as big and loud as possible to scare the coyote away. Never run away from a coyote since you won't be able to outrun it and it will make the coyote chase you. Instead, back away slowly and carefully while maintaining eye contact with the coyote. If it attacks you or becomes aggressive, try to throw rocks, sticks, or clumps of dirt at it to scare it off. Also, if the coyote lunges at you, protect your throat and arteries since these areas are the most vulnerable if bitten. | Make your environment inhospitable for coyotes. Most coyotes are no longer afraid of humans and there are reports of increased coyote sightings in urban and suburban areas. In other words, a coyote who does not immediately run away when encountering humans has probably become habituated to the presence of people. You can help prevent coyotes from wandering into your neighborhood by attending to the environment in several ways. Keep trees and shrubbery neatly trimmed to eliminate hiding places for coyotes. Install coyote-proof fences or other motion-triggered deterrents like light or sprinkler systems. Do not leave food outside of your home or campsite. Humans increase the likelihood of conflicts with coyotes by feeding the animals directly and by giving them access to garbage, pet food and other food remnants. Clean up fallen fruit and birdseed from your yard and do not keep any pet food outdoors. Secure your garbage and compost bins with rope, chain, bungee cords or weights to keep coyotes from getting in. To prevent tipping, secure the side handles to stakes driven into the ground or keep the bins in a secured shed or garage. Prepare for encounters with coyotes if you frequent their natural habitat. When hiking, bring a large stick or umbrella with you in case of attack. It is also useful to have noisemakers, like air horns and whistles, readily on hand in order to scare off any approaching coyotes. Other options include vessels filled with chemical solutions, such as pepper spray or a vinegar-filled water gun. Do not approach or frighten a coyote if you see one in the wilderness. Coyotes commonly "shadow" humans passing through their territory to ensure that you don't bother their dens. As long as the animal does not approach, you should just continue with whatever you were doing. Escalate your response only if a coyote comes closer. Remember, most coyotes prefer to stay away from large predators, including humans. Avoid turning a harmless sighting into a dangerous encounter by evaluating the situation carefully before undertaking any action. Engage in "hazing. " To haze is to scare the animal away from you. Make yourself look as big, imposing, and aggressive as possible. Wave your arms above your head and shout in a low but loud and authoritative tone in order to frighten the coyote into retreating. Use tools that appeal to multiple sense, including different lights, sounds and motions. Stand your ground. Make eye contact and haze until the coyote(s) retreats. Be consistent and assertive in your behaviors and mannerisms and make sure to allow room for the animal(s) to escape. Keep the coyote's attention on you as the source of danger and discomfort. Do not haze from buildings or cars because the animal won't be able to see you as clearly. Throw objects such as sticks and rocks to make the coyote feel unwelcome and induce it to leave you alone. Spray a hose or water gun and make loud noises by banging pots together if you are approached by a coyote in a residential or urban area. Protect more vulnerable members of your group. Immediately recall and leash your dog or other pets. Shield any children with your body or place them in the center of the group and form a ring around them. Educate children about what to if they encounter a coyote on their own at home or in the wild. Instruct them to keep eye contact with the animal and to throw rocks and sticks if cornered and without an adult nearby to assist. Demonstrate and rehearse different situations with the children. Do not turn your back on the coyote(s) at any point. This indicates submission, weakness and fear; instead, face the coyote to maintain a dominant posture. Back away slowly and carefully from the coyote. Do this if your initial efforts to look and sound aggressive do not force the animal to retreat. While moving away, maintain your dominant and powerful stance and keep facing the coyote. Never run away from a coyote. This increases like likelihood of being attacked. You cannot outrun a coyote. It may go against your gut instinct to not run away, but this is an important preventive measure against a coyote attack. Throw sticks or clumps of dirt if the coyote becomes aggressive. Coyotes show their aggression by growling or snarling. If you see these behaviors, try throwing sticks or dirt, either at the ground near the coyote or at the coyote itself. Avoid aiming to strike the coyote's head, as this may intensify the animal's aggression. Continue to be loud and bold. Try again to back away from the animal. De-escalation is the best strategy as an attack looks increasingly possible. Protect your throat and arteries if the animal attacks you. These areas of the body are vulnerable to serious injury and blood loss through biting. Avoid harming the animal. Do not use poisons against coyotes as these are inhumane and may also be illegal. Further, they may result in the secondary poisoning of other pets or animals. In addition, do not try to enclose or capture the animal. It is most important that you get yourself (and your group if this is the case) to safety. Further, it is illegal to keep wild animals and domesticate them. Consult a doctor or other medical professional if attacked. You should especially see a medical professional if you have been bitten so the wound can be assessed and cleaned. In most attacks to date, the coyote was either being fed by people or had bitten an individual while he or she tried to rescue a pet from the coyote. In rare cases, individuals were bitten by cornered coyotes; even more rare are attacks by rabid coyotes. Report any aggressive coyote behavior to the appropriate authorities. If this behavior occurred on your property, consult your local municipality. For encounters in a preserved forest or national park, report to the relevant forestry or parks district. Keep track of when and where you encounter coyotes. If you encounter them in urban or suburban spaces, share this information with neighbors and your local animal control branch. Coyotes are creatures of habit. Be sure to change your routine if you see a coyote at the same time and place while walking your pet. Follow up with the health, animal control, or other authorities. Coyotes involved in biting attacks will be targeted and removed from the population. They are then often tested for rabies and are killed if found infected. However, it is important to note that an attack by an individual coyote does not warrant the general killing of coyotes. Recall that coyote attacks on humans are exceptionally rare. | Make your environment inhospitable for coyotes. Do not leave food outside of your home or campsite. Prepare for encounters with coyotes if you frequent their natural habitat. Do not approach or frighten a coyote if you see one in the wilderness. Engage in "hazing. Protect more vulnerable members of your group. Do not turn your back on the coyote(s) at any point. Back away slowly and carefully from the coyote. Never run away from a coyote. Throw sticks or clumps of dirt if the coyote becomes aggressive. Continue to be loud and bold. Protect your throat and arteries if the animal attacks you. Avoid harming the animal. Consult a doctor or other medical professional if attacked. Report any aggressive coyote behavior to the appropriate authorities. Keep track of when and where you encounter coyotes. Follow up with the health, animal control, or other authorities. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-to-Stonehenge | How to Get to Stonehenge | To get to Stonehenge, ride the train to Salisbury station and then take a bus or cab to the Stonehenge Visitor Center. You can also catch a bus from Heathrow Airport or Victoria Coach Station to Amesbury and then walk or take a cab from there. If you'd prefer to drive yourself to Stonehenge, rent a car and drive to Airman's Corner, where there's a free parking lot available for people with tickets to Stonehenge. | Check the train schedule. Find the departure and arrival times for a trip to the Salisbury station, which is the station closest to Stonehenge. If you begin in London like most travelers, you will depart from the Waterloo train station. Trains run approximately every hour. Buy your ticket. Ticket prices will depend on the season and how early you purchase your ticket. Buying in advance usually costs less than waiting until the day of. Child discounts are available, and elderly discounts may be available depending on your ticket preferences. Ride the train to Salisbury Station. The train ride should take less than 1.5 hours. Once you get to Salisbury, you'll be 9.5 miles (15 kilometers) from Stonehenge. Take the local bus. You will need to use a bus or hire a cab to travel the remaining distance to the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. There is a local bus called the Stonehenge Tour Bus that runs every half-hour during the season and every hour during off-season. The bus runs from 10 AM until Stonehenge closes, and riders can hop on and off at their convenience. Your bus trip will take about half an hour. On-season spans the months of April through September, and off-season runs from October through March. During on-season, Stonehenge closes at 7:00 PM (19:00), and during off-season it closes at 5:00 PM (17:00). The last entry is two hours before they close. Start at Heathrow Airport or Victoria Coach Station. Both of these locations are at the center of London, which is where the public bus to Stonehenge originates. If you are starting from a different bus station or airport around London, you will need to first travel to one of these two sites. If you are not in London, check the bus schedule to look for a route to Amesbury, which is the destination for Stonehenge. If you are unable to travel to Amesbury, then you will need to connect through London. Purchase tickets. Bus tickets are available on the bus, at the station, or from a ticket agent for the National Express. Taking the bus is the most economical option. Take the bus to Amesbury. The closest bus stop to Stonehenge is in Amesbury, which is just 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Stonehenge. The ride from London takes about 2 hours, so plan accordingly so that you'll have time to enjoy the site and get to your night-time accommodations. Walk or take a cab to Stonehenge. You will need to travel the remaining two miles either on foot or by cab, depending on your preference. Walking to the site is a common method of reaching it. Rent a car if you don’t have one. If you are a visitor or rely on public transportation for your mobility needs, then you will need to gain access to a car. Renting a car is a reliable option if you can't borrow one. If you fly into England, it's easiest to rent your car from the airport. If you are traveling from out of the country, you can use your driver's license from your home country to rent the car, though you usually have to pay an extra insurance. Check for road closures. Visit the Wiltshire Council website at http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ before driving to Stonehenge to check for road closures. This is especially important during the warmer weather. Budget your time. Your trip should take about 2 hours from London by car, but it can take longer during the summer months when the roads are busy. Check directions for your location. Depending on where you begin your journey, you will need to get directions from your starting point to Stonehenge. Because you are driving yourself, you can take your vehicle all the way to the site. Park your car. Free parking is available if you have purchased a ticket to Stonehenge. The parking lot is located near Airman's Corner, which is the intersection of A360 and B3086 above the A303. Take the shuttle. A free shuttle bus will drive you from the parking lot to Stonehenge. The ride takes about 10 minutes and stops midway at Fargo Plantation. Decide if you want to go to multiple destinations. While there are Stonehenge only tours, many people choose to combine stops and see more of the countryside, including sites like Bath and Windsor Castle. Choose a one or two day tour. Expect to spend at least a day of travel on your tour. You can also opt for a two day tour with an overnight stop. Select a tour company. Touring companies offer tours of the English countryside, which is where Stonehenge is located. While many of the tours include it as a destination, make sure that your tour includes Stonehenge. Purchase a ticket. You will need to acquire a ticket from the tour company you choose. Depending on the company, ticket purchasing options may vary; however, many touring companies offer online purchase options since international travelers are common. Take your tour. Enjoy your visit to Stonehenge! Remember to keep up with the schedule for your tour group. | Check the train schedule. Buy your ticket. Ride the train to Salisbury Station. Take the local bus. Start at Heathrow Airport or Victoria Coach Station. Purchase tickets. Take the bus to Amesbury. Walk or take a cab to Stonehenge. Rent a car if you don’t have one. Check for road closures. Budget your time. Check directions for your location. Park your car. Take the shuttle. Decide if you want to go to multiple destinations. Choose a one or two day tour. Select a tour company. Purchase a ticket. Take your tour. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Register-Your-Litter-with-the-Kennel-Club-(UK) | How to Register Your Litter with the Kennel Club (UK) | To register your litter with the Kennel Club in the UK, first complete the registration form online at mykc.org.uk. Then you'll need to pay the registration fee, which is 16 pounds per puppy. Once you've submitted the form and paid the fee, expect to wait about 2 weeks for your certificates to arrive in the mail. As you name your puppies, make sure you're following the Kennel Club rules. For example, you should give your puppies names that are more than 1 word but less than 24 letters. Additionally, you must attach the kennel name as the first word in each puppy's name. | Complete the online registration form. To register your litter online, you need to have an account with the Kennel Club, which is free. You should already have this account, where they will have your dog information on file. Then the website will take you through the process of registering your litter step by step. By doing this online, the website will automatically tell you if a dog name is taken.It also will tell you if you have made any errors on your application. You will have to provide basic information about the mother and father dog and the litter. Fill out Form 1. If you do not want to complete the online form, you can fill out Form 1 available on the Kennel Club website. This form outlines the registration requirements for your litter. You will provide basic information, like the name and owner information for both parents, and basic information about the litter. After you print and complete the application, send the form and the money to The Kennel Club address provided on the form. Pay the registration fee. To register your litter, you must pay a registration fee for each puppy. The cost for each puppy is 16 pounds. If you are an Assured Breeder for the Kennel Club, that fee is only 14 pounds. Wait for the registration. After registering your litter, it will take around two weeks for them to be processed. After that time, you will receive your registration certificates for your litter. It is important to register your litter early so you can sell them when you are ready. If there are problems with the registration or questions about the litter, it may take longer than two weeks. Register the litter at four weeks old. Though there is no limit on when you can register your litter, it is generally advised to do so at four weeks of age. This ensures that registration documents are available for the new owner when the puppies are old enough to be sold. If you wait until the dog is over one year, there will be a late fee. Assign the puppies appropriate names. When you register your litter, the puppies must be given the appropriate name for the registration. You should be aware of the following rules when choosing names: Names need more than one word, but can't go over 24 letters. A name cannot be repeated in a breed. You also can't have the same name of an approved Kennel Name. You can't use your last name. You also can't repeat any words in the names of the puppies. The Kennel Name must be the first word in the dog's name. Initials, numeric numbers, and abbreviations are not allowed. Using canine words, like dog, champion, or a breed name, is also not allowed. Choose the correct register. The Kennel Club registers all types of dogs, including pedigree, crossbreeds, and others. They have three different types of registers, and which one you place your dog in depends on the type of dog you have. The breed register is for pedigree dogs. The companion dog register is for companion dogs, and is open to crossbreeds and purebreds. The activity register is for dogs that love activities, like flyball, agility, or obedience. This register is for dogs that are not on the breed register, and it is open to crossbreeds and purebreds. Make sure the parent dogs are registered. To register the litter with the Kennel Club, the mother dog and the father dog both must be registered with the Kennel Club. Their registration must be in order before the male dog gets the female pregnant and by the time the mother gives birth. Ensure the mother dog hasn’t had too many litters. The Kennel Club changed their policy on how many litters a mother dog can have. If a female dog gives birth to more than four litters, any litters after the fourth will not be eligible to be registered with the Kennel Club. The Kennel Club keeps a record of the amount of litters the dog has, so if the dog has had four or more, the litter is ineligible. Determine if the mother is the right age. Litters can only be registered if the mother dog is the correct age. Female dogs that are eight years old or older at the time of the birth make the litters disqualified for registering. Additionally, female dogs that are under one year old at the time of pregnancy are also disqualified. There are a few exceptions. If the application is submitted before the dog get pregnant, the dog has given birth to one litter that is registered, and the vet provides evidence that the dog can successfully give birth to the litter, the Kennel Club may make an exception. Ensure the dogs are proper matches. To prevent inbreeding, the Kennel Club does not register litters that are the result of close relationship matings. For example, a parent-offspring or sibling mating is not accepted. This means that you cannot register father-daughter, mother-son, or brother-sister matings. Check other eligibility requirements. There are a few other reasons why a litter may not be eligible for registration. The mother dog has to be at a UK resident at the time of the birth. The mother dog also cannot have two litters by c-section. The mother and father dog must not have any puppies on file that were ineligible for registering in the past. This information will be on the owner's certificate. | Complete the online registration form. Fill out Form 1. Pay the registration fee. Wait for the registration. Register the litter at four weeks old. Assign the puppies appropriate names. Choose the correct register. Make sure the parent dogs are registered. Ensure the mother dog hasn’t had too many litters. Determine if the mother is the right age. Ensure the dogs are proper matches. Check other eligibility requirements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-and-Breed-Fancy-Guppies | How to Keep and Breed Fancy Guppies | If you want to keep and breed fancy guppies, keep your breeding pair or trio in a tank that holds about 2-5 gallons of water. Place a box or sponge filter and an air pump in the tank, and maintain the water pH at around 7.2. Once a week, remove about 25% of the water in the tank and replace it with clean, dechlorinated water. To encourage the guppies to breed, place a light above the tank, and set a timer to keep the lights on for 12 hours during the day and off for 12 hours at night. | Buy fish of a single strain if you want to breed guppies for show. Get familiar with the different strains of fancy guppies available and decide which strain appeals most to you. If you're new to the world of fish breeding, start with a few individuals of a single strain—otherwise, you may soon find yourself overwhelmed with more guppies than you can handle. Fancy guppies exhibit a wide variety of colors, patterns, and tail shapes. Look for a strain that has all the features you like the most (e.g., a bi-color body with a lyre-shaped tail). Get fish that are 3 to 4 months old and healthy. Younger fish will have an easier time acclimating to a new environment than older fish. Additionally, guppies that are between 3 and 7 months old are at their peak breeding age. Don't select fish that show signs of illness such as white spots on their skin, ragged fins, or swollen bodies with raised scales. Keep your breeding stock in pairs (1 male, 1 female) or trios (1 male, 2 females). Keeping your guppies in small groups makes it easier to keep track of your breeding lines. While you can keep your guppies in male and female pairs if you wish, having a breeding trio allows you to establish 2 separate lines that you can eventually interbreed. Maintaining separate breeding lines creates greater genetic diversity, which can reduce the risk of problems resulting from inbreeding. If you want to keep several breeding pairs or trios, put each group in its own tank. Otherwise, it will be too difficult to keep track of which offspring come from which parents. Help your new fish gradually transition into their breeding tank. When you first bring home your new breeding group, place the guppies in a small fishbowl in the same water in which you transported them. Every 15-30 minutes, add a small amount of water from the permanent breeding tank. Once the bowl is ¾ full, replace ½ of the water with water from the breeding tank. Repeat this process 2 or 3 times over the course of an hour, then release the fish into their new home. If your guppies act skittish or spend a lot of time hiding when you first put them in the new tank, hold off on feeding them for the first 24-48 hours. Stressed or frightened fish are less likely to eat, and letting food build up in the tank will pollute the water. Don't just dump your new guppies directly into the tank. A sudden change in water conditions can be dangerous or fatal to fish. Set up a small tank (about 5 gallons (19 L)) for your breeding group. Breeding pairs or trios don't need a lot of space. Keep the guppies you wish to breed in a tank that's between 2 gallons (7.6 L) and 5 gallons (19 L) in volume. You can keep your breeding groups in larger tanks if you wish, but successfully breeding guppies for show requires that you keep at least 8 to 10 tanks per strain. Using smaller tanks will help you make the most of your space. Provide box or sponge filters. Your guppy tanks will need filters to keep the water clean and healthy. Box and sponge filters are great options because they are effective, inexpensive, and easy to maintain. Ask an experienced breeder or check with a fish specialist at your local pet store to determine the best option for your tanks. While box filters are better at filtering out chemicals and debris, sponge filters have many advantages in a breeding tank. They are easy to clean, good for growing populations of beneficial bacteria, and safer for tiny fish fry than other types of filters. Place an air pump in each tank. Good air flow will make it easier for your guppies to get oxygen from the water, and the movement provided by a strong air pump can also help your guppies develop stronger muscles. Choose an air pump that is designed to work with the size of tank you are using. You can also use PVC piping to hook a single pump up to several tanks. Most box and sponge filters have built-in air pumps, so you may not need additional aeration beyond that provided by your filter. Fill the tanks with clean, dechlorinated water. If your tap water contains chlorine, you will need to dechlorinate the water before you add it to your tanks. You can do this simply by allowing the water to aerate for 24 hours before using it. You can filter out other chemical contaminants, such as ammonia, by using a filter filled with a purifying medium such as Ammo-Chips. Your local pet store may sell special filters or water conditioners designed to create ideal water conditions for your guppies. Maintain your water at a pH of around 7. 2. Guppies do best in water with a slightly alkaline pH of around 7.2, although they can thrive in a pH range between 6.8 and 7.8. Test the pH of the water in your tanks twice a week to make sure it is within healthy parameters and not changing drastically between tests. You can buy pH test kits for your aquarium at most pet stores. If you have to adjust the pH of the tank, do so gradually. Making sudden changes to the pH can stress or kill your guppies. Keep the water temperature between 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Guppies need relatively warm water in order to successfully breed and grow. Place aquarium thermometers in each tank so that you can carefully monitor water temperatures and keep them within an optimal range. If you are maintaining a large number of tanks, you may find it practical to heat the entire room in which you keep the tanks rather than having separate heaters for each tank. Change the water once a week. Use a siphon to remove about 25% of the water each week. Replace the missing water with clean, dechlorinated water. Regular water changes are critical for keeping your guppies healthy. Remember to also clean your filters regularly. Box and sponge filters need to be cleaned at least once every other week. Scrubbing the sides and bottom of the tank every 2 weeks will also help prevent disease. Have a light on above the tank for 12 hours a day. Set up a light on a timer above each tank. Guppies need a regular light-dark cycle in order to maintain their natural biological rhythms. Set the timer to keep the light on for 12 hours during the day, and off for 12 hours overnight. The lights don't need to be strong—a 30-40 watt fluorescent bulb over each tank will work well. If you have lots of tanks, you can simply light the ceiling above the tanks with several 4 feet (1.2 m) fluorescent bulbs instead of installing a light in the lid of each tank. Set the timer so the lights go on 1 hour before the first feeding of the day and go off 1 hour after the last feeding. Add rocks and floating plants to provide hiding places. Adult guppies like having small, dark spaces to hide out when they are feeling frightened or stressed out. If you wish, you can offer shelter by adding a few rocks with holes in them to your tanks. Floating plants are also helpful for providing hiding places for tiny hatchlings, which are vulnerable to being eaten by older fish. There's no need to add gravel or any other substrate to a breeding or growing tank. In fact, leaving the bottom of the tank bare will make it easier to clean and maintain. Feed your guppies a variety of animal and plant foods. Guppies are omnivores, and they need a varied and well-balanced diet in order to stay healthy. Offer your guppies a range of foods including baby brine shrimp, spinach, algae, micro worms, and various dry fish foods. Guppies do best with several small feedings throughout the day, especially in their first 3 months. Depending on how much they are willing to eat, you may be able to feed your guppies up to 6 to 8 times per day. Take care not to overfeed your guppies. Remove any food that is uneaten after about 5 minutes. You can also keep a few small Corydoras catfish in the tank to clean up any uneaten food. Get large tanks (at least 10 gallons (38 L)) for the offspring. Guppies tend to produce large quantities of babies (around 30 to 50) in a single drop. You'll need to move the new hatchlings to a larger environment so that they have room to spread out and grow. 10–20 gallons (38–76 L) tanks are a good choice for groups of new and growing fry. Some breeders put juveniles in 10 gallons (38 L) tanks and then transfer their mature show guppies into larger tanks. You may also wish to maintain a larger tank for any fish you'd like to cull from the show or breeding groups. You will need separate growing tanks for each strain you keep as well as for each family line within a single strain. Place the pregnant female in a separate tank from the breeding group. As soon as you notice that one of the females in your breeding group is pregnant, remove her from the breeding tank and place her in one of your larger tanks for raising fry. Keep her in the new tank until the babies are born, then put her back in the breeding tank. Female guppies give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Baby guppies are self-sufficient and don't need their parents to help them survive. In fact, keeping the fry in the same tank as an adult puts them at risk of being cannibalized. You can put spawning grass or floating plants in the tank with the pregnant female to offer the hatchlings a place to hide until you've had a chance to remove the mother. Feed the baby guppies newly hatched brine shrimp. Newborn brine shrimp are the best source of nutrients for baby guppies. Feed your fry 2 or more small meals of brine shrimp every day. After the first 2 days, you can add some very finely-ground flake food to their diet. Once the babies are past the age of 6 weeks, you can begin to offer them a more varied adult diet. Keep the water around 78 °F (26 °C). Guppy fry do best in slightly warmer water than adults. For the first 4 months of their lives, maintain their tanks at around 78 °F (26 °C). From 4-8 months, you can reduce the temperature by a couple degrees to about 76 °F (24 °C), and then 74 °F (23 °C) as they enter adulthood. Pregnant females also benefit from warmer temperatures, so keep the breeding and spawning tanks between 78–80 °F (26–27 °C) while pregnant females are present. Keeping the water too cool can contribute to the development of diseases, such as ich. Separate the males from the females at 3 to 6 weeks of age. Separating the male and female guppies will give the growing fry more space and prevent unwanted breeding as they mature. To recognize the females, look for a small, dark spot at the base of the belly, just behind the anal fin. This is called the gravid spot. Place the males and females in separate growing tanks. A tank that is 10–20 gallons (38–76 L) should work well for this purpose. Limit the number of young in a tank to 1 fish per 1 gallon (3.8 L). Select the fish you want to keep for breeding or show. Since guppies produce so many young, you will need to cull each group of offspring and select the best fish to continue your breeding lines. Cull any fish that are sickly, deformed, or do not meet the standards of the strain you are breeding. There are a variety of ways to handle culling. If you wish, you can sell or trade your culled fish at a local pet store, or keep them in their own tank as non-breeding pets. Some breeders keep or give away deformed guppy fry for use as feeder fish (e.g., to feed carnivorous fish or reptiles). | Buy fish of a single strain if you want to breed guppies for show. Get fish that are 3 to 4 months old and healthy. Keep your breeding stock in pairs (1 male, 1 female) or trios (1 male, 2 females). Help your new fish gradually transition into their breeding tank. Set up a small tank (about 5 gallons (19 L)) for your breeding group. Provide box or sponge filters. Place an air pump in each tank. Fill the tanks with clean, dechlorinated water. Maintain your water at a pH of around 7. Keep the water temperature between 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Change the water once a week. Have a light on above the tank for 12 hours a day. Add rocks and floating plants to provide hiding places. Feed your guppies a variety of animal and plant foods. Get large tanks (at least 10 gallons (38 L)) for the offspring. Place the pregnant female in a separate tank from the breeding group. Feed the baby guppies newly hatched brine shrimp. Keep the water around 78 °F (26 °C). Separate the males from the females at 3 to 6 weeks of age. Select the fish you want to keep for breeding or show. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cotton-Candy | How to Make Cotton Candy | To make your own cotton candy, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Heat the mixture to 320°F, stirring frequently, then pour the hot liquid into a shallow, heat-proof container and add flavoring extract and food coloring, if desired. Dip a decapitated whisk into the melted sugar, then swing the whisk back and forth over a sheet of parchment paper so very thin strands of sugar fall down, then wrap the strands of sugar around lollipop sticks while they are still soft. | Combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Place 4 cups of sugar, 1 cup of corn syrup, 1 cup of water, and 1/4 tsp. of salt into the saucepan and stir the ingredients together until the sugar is melted. Use a pastry brush to wipe down the sides of the pan to keep sugar crystals from forming. Clip on a candy thermometer and heat the mixture to 320°F (160°C). Then, pour the hot liquid into a shallow and heatproof container. Then, add the extract and food coloring that you're using and stir the ingredients well. Though this recipe calls for raspberry extract and pink food coloring, you can use any extract or food coloring you want. Line parchment over your work table. You can also spread it on the floor so it will catch any bits of falling sugar that may go over the table. Spin the sugar. Dip the decapitated whisk into the sugar syrup. Hold it over the pot and allow the sugar to drip back into the container for just a second. Hold it about one foot (30 cm) above the parchment and swing it back and forth so that very thin strands of sugar begin to fall on the paper. Keep going a few more times until you've got a nice looking nest of spun sugar. Know that it won't look like the machine cotton candy you're used to. Wrap the cotton candy around lollipop sticks. You should do this right away, or the sugar will get brittle and would bend around the sticks. Serve. This is a dish best enjoyed immediately, but you can also seal it in air-tight containers to keep the moisture away from the cotton candy. Combine the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Place 4 1/3 cups of sugar, 2 cups of water, 1 tsp. of vinegar, 1/2 cup of corn syrup and 1 drop of food coloring in the pan. Stir them together very gently so you don't end up forming any sugar crystals on the side of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Use a candy thermometer and watch it closely until it reaches 268°F (131°C). Then, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool until it gets down to 212°F (100°C). Divide the candy evenly into four 1-quart plastic containers. Remove it from the containers once it reaches room temperature. Do this by squeezing it gently while you carefully turn the container. Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch on a baking sheet. The baking sheet should have sides. Roll the candy in the cornstarch. Rub off any excess that you see. Prepare the candy for pulling. Make a hole in the center of the candy. Use your thumb and forefingers to burrow a hole in the center of the candy. Then, use pressure to make the circle bigger, while the candy remains the same thickness around the rope you've made. Once the rope is long enough, twist it into a figure eight and bring both of the halves together. Pull the candy. Hold the candy in both fists. Keep your front hand stable while your back hand pulls back gently. Rotate your hands around the candy and keep on pulling until the strands are nice and long. Keep pulling the candy at least 10-14 times. Serve. Enjoy this yummy pulled candy while it's in good shape. | Combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Clip on a candy thermometer and heat the mixture to 320°F (160°C). Line parchment over your work table. Spin the sugar. Wrap the cotton candy around lollipop sticks. Serve. Combine the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Divide the candy evenly into four 1-quart plastic containers. Remove it from the containers once it reaches room temperature. Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch on a baking sheet. Roll the candy in the cornstarch. Prepare the candy for pulling. Pull the candy. Serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Spy-Legally | How to Spy Legally | If you need to spy on someone, be careful about doing anything that violates the law. Spying on someone by checking their social media profiles is completely legal, and you can learn a lot about someone this way. You can also observe what a person does and where they go when they're in public. You can also technically record someone in your home, but you'd have to inform them when they come inside or it could cause you legal problems down the road. You can always hire a private investigator to spy on someone for you. They'll be more familiar with what is and isn't legal. Remember to never install monitoring software on someone's computer, phone, or vehicle since it's illegal. | Set up a hidden camera in your home. If you expect the person on whom you wish to spy will be in your home (e.g., a spouse), you can set up a camera to monitor their activity, so long as you own the property and no audio is recorded. This area of the law is still evolving, so it is best to inform anyone who enters your home that they may be subject to recording or monitoring. Giving this notice will greatly improve your case should you ever be taken to court for an alleged invasion of privacy. Place a GPS tracker in your vehicle. While the law is not fully defined when it comes to using GPS tracking devices, it is probably legal to place a GPS device on a vehicle you own. If the person on whom you wish to spy might use your vehicle, this can be a great way to keep track of their whereabouts. Because it is your property, like your home in the above example, you have greater rights to monitor the use of that vehicle than you would if the vehicle belonged to someone else. Conversely, it's probably not a good idea to place a GPS device on someone else's vehicle. Hire a private investigator. If you don't know how to go about spying on someone, don't have the time, or would simply prefer to let someone else do this task for you, you can consider hiring a private investigator. These individuals have surveillance experience and will likely have a decent idea of the privacy laws of your jurisdiction. Make sure, however, that the investigator does not use any illegal methods of spying like those detailed above, or you could be punished in the same manner as if you had done the illegal spying yourself. Be clear with your instructions, and outline in writing what activities you are authorizing the private investigator to take. Use publicly available information. You can find out a surprising amount about a person and their activities by simply searching for them on the internet. Try looking for things like property records, credit reports, and criminal histories. Observe the person in a public place. If the person on whom you wish to spy is in a public place, they have no expectation of privacy, and it is therefore legal to observe and make note of what they do or where they go. Try to limit your surveillance tools to your own eyes and ears. The use of any other device, even when the subject is in a public place, could be problematic in the eyes of the law. Check the person's social media trail. While accessing the password-protected social media accounts of others is illegal, simply reviewing the information someone has posted publicly is perfectly legal. These days, people tend to document much of their lives by uploading pictures or posting status updates on a variety of websites. You can learn a lot of information about a person by checking to see where they are posting from, when they are posting, and what they are posting. Use cameras only to protect your personal property. In a majority of jurisdictions, it is illegal to use a hidden camera to spy on other people. While law-enforcement officers or government agents may have this right, a private citizen is not allowed to record another person's behavior without their knowledge or consent. The exception to this is your home. You are allowed to install a camera to monitor what goes on in your house, or to prevent crimes from occurring on your property. Your intent here is of utmost importance. If you have a valid reason for having a hidden camera installed on your property, this behavior will likely be judged legal. This area of the law is still evolving, however, and varies from state to state. Understand that this exception exists because the act of taping or monitoring your home is not considered spying. To be considered spying, you must be collecting information and making observations furtively (stealthily). Never install any monitoring or surveillance software on someone else's phone or computer. It is illegal to use this type of software (commonly referred to as "spyware") to spy on someone else via their phone or computer. While the sale of this software is legal because the companies that offer these products include a disclaimer in the license agreement that their product is to be used only for legal purposes, you will be legally responsible if you use them in a manner that violates federal, state, or local law. Access someone else's computer or phone only if you have that person's consent. Accessing someone's private communications (e-mail, text messages, voicemails, etc.) without their knowledge or consent is against the law. Federal law prohibits intentional, unauthorized use of or access to this type of information. If the person on whom you are spying has consented to you accessing their private communications, or you have come across this information by accident, this activity will probably be considered legal, but will still be subject to an intensive factual analysis by a judge. The use of an improperly obtained password is also illegal. Even if you are able to correctly guess another person's password, if they have not authorized you to use their device, accessing the information on it is against the law. Never pretend to be someone else in order to obtain information about that person. The legal term for this is "pretexting," and it is illegal. You cannot call a cell phone company, hotel, bank, credit card company, etc. pretending to be someone other than yourself in order to acquire personal information about another person. Know when you can record a conversation. If all the people involved in a conversation consent to its recording, it is always legal to record that conversation. In 38 states, including the District of Columbia, it is legal to record a conversation in which you are involved without the consent of the other person/people involved, whether in person or over the phone. However, if you are a resident of California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, or Washington, it is illegal to record private conversations unless all those involved give their consent. In California, for example, it is only illegal to tape someone without their knowledge or consent if you knew ahead of time that it was against the law to do so. In other words, you have to intend to break the law in order to do so. If you can show that you were unaware of the law, you will not be found guilty of breaking it. It is illegal to record a private conversation in which you are not involved. For example, hiding a tape recorder in someone's car or luggage to record their conversations with others without their knowledge or consent is illegal. In many states, even possessing wiretapping equipment is a crime. Change your passwords. If you suspect someone is spying on you by accessing your e-mail, phone, etc., your first step should be to change all of your passwords. Make sure your new passwords are not similar to your old ones, and are hard to crack. Many websites offer free password generators. Also be sure to change the security questions you use to verify your identity in the case your password becomes lost. Get a new phone and/or computer. If you notice your phone bill is unusually high, your device's battery is draining quicker than normal, unexplained icons are appearing on your device, or you notice a decrease in the performance or speed of your device, this could be a sign that your device is being monitored by software running the background. If you have the finances available, getting a brand new device is the best way to ensure your personal information is not compromised and that you are not being tracked. Alternatively, you could ask the manufacturer of your device or check the internet to find out how to reset your device to its default factory settings, thereby eliminating any unwanted software that may have been installed. Once your phone is reset or you have purchased a new one, don't leave it unattended. Exercise common-sense computer safety. Whether you have replaced your computer or simply restored it to its factory default, it is good practice to follow basic safety practices going forward to protect yourself from further intrusion. For example: Use an anti-virus program. Use encryption software for especially sensitive communications. Cover your webcam when it's not in use. Don't click on e-mails or links you don't recognize. | Set up a hidden camera in your home. Place a GPS tracker in your vehicle. Hire a private investigator. Use publicly available information. Observe the person in a public place. Check the person's social media trail. Use cameras only to protect your personal property. Never install any monitoring or surveillance software on someone else's phone or computer. Access someone else's computer or phone only if you have that person's consent. Never pretend to be someone else in order to obtain information about that person. Know when you can record a conversation. Change your passwords. Get a new phone and/or computer. Exercise common-sense computer safety. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Yourself-Up | How to Clean Yourself Up | To clean yourself up, bathe every day using mild soap and a washcloth or loofah to clean your body. Wash your hair at least once or twice a week, or more if you sweat a lot or have oily hair. Although you don't need to wash your hair every day, you should spend a few minutes every morning styling it so you look neat and polished. Try to brush your teeth twice a day and remember to floss, too, to help prevent bad breath. Additionally, trim and file your nails regularly, and keep them clean by scrubbing them with a soft brush and soap and water. | Bathe yourself daily. Regular bathing eliminates body odors and kills the bacteria that causes bad smells. Use a mild soap and a loofa or washcloth to clean your body while showering. Look for soaps that advertise as “gentle,” “fragrance-free,” and all-natural. These soaps will be less likely to irritate your skin. If your soap causes any skin irritation, stop using the soap and call your doctor. If you're concerned about body odors, apply deodorant after showering. Deodorant can be purchased at most pharmacies and grocery stores. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a clean toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth. Additionally, floss your teeth once a day. Flossing fights bad breath and prevents gum diseases such as periodontitis. If you experience any tooth pain at any point, talk to your dentist. Take care of your hair. If you sweat a lot, have very oily hair, or have very short hair, wash your hair every day with a gentle shampoo. Otherwise, only wash your hair once or twice a week. This will help your hair stay soft and healthy. Additionally, get your hair trimmed regularly to remove any split ends and maintain a neat appearance. If you have untreated hair, get a trim at least once every twelve weeks. Damaged hair needs to be trimmed every four to six weeks. If you have short hair, trim it as often as needed to maintain your style. If you have a beard, keep it cleaned and combed. Take care of your skin. Wash your skin once or twice a day with a gentle cleanser. If you have acne problems, use a cleanser with salicylic acid in it. Salicylic acid clears away the dead skin cells that clog your pores and create acne. Otherwise, choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to avoid irritating your skin. Always use a facial moisturizer after washing your face to hydrate your skin. If you have oily skin, choose an oil-free moisturizer or a moisturizer with salicylic acid in it. Wear sunscreen whenever you go outside. Sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UV rays that cause wrinkles, skin cancer, and skin spots. Groom your nails. If you don't have clean nails, you won't look clean. First, use a nail cutter to trim your nails. Next, use a nail file to soften any sharp edges. If there's dirt underneath your nails, wash your nails with a soft brush, soap, and water. Alternatively, use a toothpick to scrape any debris out from under your nail. Scrub away stains by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water to create a paste. Rub the paste on your nails with an old toothbrush and rinse it off. Resist the urge to bite your fingernails. This can cause fungal infections in your nail beds. Make an effort to style your hair. If you like looking polished, spend time combing and arranging your hair every morning. This will help you feel and look clean. If you don't want to spend time on your hair, get a low-maintenance haircut. While you're at the salon or barbershop, tell your stylist that you're interested in a low-maintenance hairstyle. For example: Ask your barber for a short, messy haircut that will look good without any special styling. If you want a longer haircut from a salon, ask for a style that will compliment your hair's natural texture. All you will have to do is brush it. Wear clean, neat clothing. Make sure you wash your clothes regularly so that you always smell clean. Shirts, underwear, socks, and swimsuits should be washed after every wear. Jeans, pants, and bras can be worn two to three times before washing. However, if you sweat a lot in your clothing, wash it before wearing it again. For example, any clothes worn while you exercise should be washed after the first wear. Hang up or fold dry laundry immediately to prevent wrinkling. Look on the tag of your clothing for washing and drying instructions. when you wake up. Make your bed As soon as you get out of bed, spend a few minutes re-tucking your sheets, straightening your comforter, and rearranging your pillows. Your room will look much cleaner once the bed is made. Wash your sheets and pillowcases every two weeks to prevent bad odors and kill any dust mites. Purge your closet. If you're feeling overwhelmed by a mountain of laundry, reduce the pile by donating or throwing away any unused clothing. Go through each item in your closet and ask yourself how often you wear it. If you don't wear it very often, consider getting rid of it. Other criteria can include: Does the item of clothing fit? Have you worn the clothing in the past twelve months? Is it damaged or worn? If so, is it worth repairing? If you saw this item while you were shopping, would you buy it? Tidy periodically. If you clean several times throughout the day, your home will seem effortlessly clean. For example, every time you leave a room, leave it better than you found it. This can include straightening a bookshelf, returning a cup to the kitchen, or quickly dusting your TV stand. Spend five minutes cleaning every morning to help keep your home clean. Wash each dish as you dirty them. This will help you avoid having a mountain of dirty dishes. Quickly tidy the kitchen before you go to bed. When you wake up, your kitchen will be refreshingly clean. Create a deep-cleaning schedule. Larger cleaning jobs, such as vacuuming and scrubbing your bath tub, should be done once a week. Some people choose to spend one day a week deep-cleaning their home to get everything done at once. Other people prefer to create a cleaning schedule and assign one large job per day to spread out the work. For example: Monday: Vacuum all carpets. Tuesday: Deep clean the bathroom. Wednesday: Clean any wooden or tile floors. Thursday: Clean out your refrigerator. Friday: Organize your desk or work area. Saturday: Wash all your sheets and towels. Sunday: Dust any bookshelves and other flat surfaces. | Bathe yourself daily. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Take care of your hair. Take care of your skin. Groom your nails. Make an effort to style your hair. Wear clean, neat clothing. when you wake up. Purge your closet. Tidy periodically. Create a deep-cleaning schedule. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Your-Pet-from-Licking-Lotions-and-Creams | How to Stop Your Pet from Licking Lotions and Creams | To stop your pet from licking lotions and creams, try applying the ointment while your dog is asleep, so it isn't tempted to lick the area. You can also try distracting your dog from its wound by giving it treats. If you're still having trouble with your dog, you may need to ask your vet about using an Elizabethan collar, which physically prevents it from licking any area of its body. Alternatively, you can try wrapping a bandage on your pet's wound to stop it from licking. Just make sure to change the bandage often to prevent an infection. | Use an Elizabethan collar. An Elizabethan collar is a cone-shaped collar that fits around your pet's neck. Elizabethan collars are designed to impede and prevent your pet from licking themselves, messing with stitches, or other similar activities. Consult your vet before using an Elizabethan collar. Make sure the collar is a proper size for your vet. Secure it snugly, but not too tight. Apply the cream or lotion. Monitor your pet to make sure they're not hurt by the collar and that it works. Cover your pet’s skin or wound with a bandage. The best way to prevent your pet from licking lotion or cream off themselves is to cover the area of skin with a bandage. Make sure to: Apply the cream or lotion to your pet. Wrap the area with a bandage or some other fabric. Consider applying extra lotion or cream since the fabric might absorb some. If your pet needs to have lotion or cream applied regularly, you should change the bandage often. Using the same bandage for more than a day might promote the growth of bacteria or worsen an already bad infection. Apply lotion or cream to your pet when they’re tired or sleeping. You should also consider applying lotion or cream to your pet when they're too tired to lick it. While this won't always work, it is a good way of preventing your pet from licking themselves. Consider: Applying lotion or cream shortly after your pet has settled into sleep for the night or even for a nap. Make sure everyone around the house or around your pet has also settled in and are not doing anything to awake or distract them. Under the advice of a veterinarian, you may also consider applying lotion or a cream in conjunction with a medication that may make your pet sleepy. This will most likely be the case if the pet has had some sort of severe injury and is recovering from surgery or something similar. Try verbal commands. Spend a little time teaching your pet to obey verbal commands not to lick themselves or you. Verbal commands, once you teach your pet, will prove very effective. When your pet is licking you or themselves, say “no lick!” Move away from your pet slowly as you give the command. Only repeat the command once or twice. Don't yell at your pet. Training with verbal commands may take several weeks or longer. Have patience. Use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a great way to stop your pet from licking you or themselves. Remember, the point of positive reinforcement is to reward the pet for doing (or not doing) the intended behavior. Pair your positive reinforcement with verbal commands. When the dog obeys your verbal command, reward them. After the dog obeys what you've said, reward them with a treat and/or by saying “good boy.” Use negative reinforcement. If verbal commands and positive reinforcement have not worked, you may want to consider negative reinforcement. With negative reinforcement, you'll essentially train your pet by punishing them for licking the cream or ointment. One of the gentlest ways to use negative reinforcement is to simply touch or tap your pet lightly when they lick lotions or creams. This is best paired with a verbal command such as “no lick!” If you want to escalate negative reinforcement, you can try using a spray bottle. Simply spray your pet lightly when they lick you or themselves. Never hit your pet. Hitting is not an effective way of training and will alienate your pet from you. Also, be aware that negative reinforcement may not work when you aren't in the room. Many dogs will associate the owner with the punishment, rather than the activity. This means they don't lick when the owner is there, but will happily return to licking once they've left. Consult a trainer or vet. You can also consult a trainer or your veterinarian for ideas about training your pet. Ultimately, as pet care professionals, they'll have access to the latest information about how to stop your pet from licking lotions or creams. Consider enrolling your pet in a training program. Schedule a consultation with a trainer about your cream or lotion licking problem. Tell the trainer that you have serious concerns about it. Mention the licking problem to your veterinarian at your next visit. Your vet may have some really good ideas about how to stop your pet from licking. Keep your pet occupied doing something else. Whether you're trying to discourage your pet from licking themselves or you, you can try to keep them occupied doing something else. By offering them something more enticing to do, you'll stop your pet from licking lotions or creams. Many prescribed creams or ointments are rapidly absorbed, so by distracting the dog and playing with him immediately after application, this can give the cream enough time to sink in. Consider: Offering your pet food or treats to distract them from the lotion or cream. Playing with your dog after you apply the lotion or cream. This will be especially helpful if you've applied it to your pet. Taking your pet on a walk or traveling somewhere with them. This way, your pet will focus their attention on their surroundings rather than the lotion or cream. Add a flavor that might discourage your pet from licking. You can also consider mixing a particular flavor that your pet doesn't like into the cream or ointment. This way, you'll turn your pet off to it. Think about pre-made store-bought formulas used to repel cats or dogs. You'll probably just be able to spray the formula onto the cream or ointment. Make sure that the formula is safe for consumption. Consult your veterinarian about what flavors or additives might discourage your pet from licking creams or ointments. Apply a scent that will repel your pet. A really effective way to stop your pet from licking cream or ointment is to apply an additional scent that they may not like. Such scents can often be applied via a spray bottle onto the ointment or cream. Ultimately, your pet won't want to lick a cream or ointment that smells bad to them. You may not even need to apply the scent onto the ointment or cream, but just on the general area of the body where the lotion or cream is applied. The scent may conflict with the natural scent of the cream or ointment. Experiment to make sure you're comfortable with the scent mixture before you use it. As with adding flavors, consider using citrus to repel your pet from licking creams or ointments. Most dogs and cats dislike the smell of citrus. | Use an Elizabethan collar. Cover your pet’s skin or wound with a bandage. Apply lotion or cream to your pet when they’re tired or sleeping. Try verbal commands. Use positive reinforcement. Use negative reinforcement. Consult a trainer or vet. Keep your pet occupied doing something else. Add a flavor that might discourage your pet from licking. Apply a scent that will repel your pet. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Remove-Paint-from-Skin | How to Remove Paint from Skin | To remove paint from your skin, wash off as much as you can with soap and water, then cover the painted area with a light layer of oil and let it soak in for 2-3 minutes. Using your fingertips, a cotton ball, or an old washcloth, scrub the baby oil into your skin in small circles. If there is any paint remaining, scrub the spot with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover, but don't let it get near your eyes. Rinse off your hands with soap and water. For tougher stains, you may need to use a salt scrub or turpentine. | Scrub lightly with soap and water to remove big chunks of paint. Simply wash off as much as you can, working lightly. Don't worry if some of it doesn't come off at first -- this is just to help you use less oil later on. Always start with soap and water -- many water and latex paints will come completely free with simple hand washing. The earlier you can get to the paint, the better. Once it has dried it will be a little trickier to remove. Cover the painted area in a light layer of mineral or baby oil. Mineral oil is the best cleaner since it works effectively on both oil, water, and latex-based paints. Pour just enough on your skin to cover the entire painted area. Lightly rub it on, then leave it for 2-3 minutes to soak in. Any vegetable oil will work here, in a pinch, including coconut, flax seed, olive, etc. Scrub in small circles to lift the paint off your skin. Using your fingertips, rub the baby oil into the painted part of your skin, and gently scratch off as much of the paint as you can. You can just use your hands, working in small circles to massage the oil into the paint and remove it. Use cotton balls to dipped in oil to get tricky areas. If you have an old washcloth, you could use this as well, though it may get stained. You just want something a little rougher to scrub your skin. Scrub lightly in circles to remove tricky bits of paint. Try rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover if you're still struggling. Saturate the cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and use it to get at any stains that don't respond well to the mineral oil. Some people have had success with make-up remover as well. Alcohol will dry your skin out if left for too long. Use a moisturizer once you're done to prevent cracking or flaking. Rinse off your hands with soap and water. Once you've got everything off, use soap and water to remove the oil and smell of alcohol. If you still can't get the paint off, you're likely using a stronger oil-based paint. You can attack it directly using other oils and cleansers. Wash the area with warm water and liquid soap. Create a thick lather on the skin, then rinse the lather away. This will remove some of the paint from your skin and make it easier for the oil to get in and lift the paint away. Use a cooking or essential oil to pull away the paint. Simply coat the affected area in the oil and let it sit before scrubbing. You can use a variety of oils as they all have the same cleaning properties. More likely than not, you'll want to use what you have around the house, including: Vegetable Coconut Olive Essential oils, such as lavender or rosemary Rub the skin with oil and water until the primer comes off. Use a washcloth or your hands to rub the skin with oil. Rinse the skin to see if all the paint is removed, then add more oil if the skin is still stained. Make a salt scrub for an exfoliating, more powerful cleaner. Mix equal parts salt and oil, then scrub the mixture onto the paint to remove it. Any oil will do. However, it is best to use the biggest grain of salt you can get, usually "course" or kosher salt will do, since that provides a better scrub. Rinse the skin until it is clean. After rinsing your skin with warm water, you may want to shower to remove any unpleasant stickiness remaining. Use liquid hand soap to create a thick lather on the area. Liberally apply the soap and see how much paint you can get off with your hands or a washcloth. Rinse and repeat if the lather becomes darkly colored, like the paint you were removing. Mix up an all-natural remover for tough paints, like spray paint. Mix in 1/2 a cup of coconut oil (though vegetable will work too), along with 1/2 a cup of baking soda. Mix them together well, then use an old toothbrush to scrub away the paint with the concoction. No added chemicals needed. Use mayonnaise to get at tricky oil-based paints. Mayo will naturally pull off paint, especially if it is oil based. Place a dollop on the skin and rub it into a thin layer over the paint. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes before scrubbing with soap, water, and a washcloth. Try Vick's Vapor Rub as a cleaner. Vick's actually contains turpentine oil, but in much lower, and safer, quantities. Cover the paint in a layer of the oil and let it sit for a few minutes. Then scrub it clean with a washcloth, soap, and water. Try a sugar scrub for an exfoliating, moisturizing wash. Simply wet your hands and the affected area, then place roughly a tablespoon of plain white sugar on it. Rub it into the skin, using it to scrub gently at the paint to leave your hands smooth and clean. This can be an effective way to clean your skin after using harsher methods, such as oil or Vick's. Try professional paint wipes. If you're always in the studio, and you're always covered in paint, it might be a good time to invest in some painting wipes. Specifically designed to remove paint without harming your skin, the following brands are biodegradable. natural and almost always effective: GoJo Fast Orange Big Wipes SoHo Urban Wipes | Scrub lightly with soap and water to remove big chunks of paint. Cover the painted area in a light layer of mineral or baby oil. Scrub in small circles to lift the paint off your skin. Use cotton balls to dipped in oil to get tricky areas. Try rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover if you're still struggling. Rinse off your hands with soap and water. Wash the area with warm water and liquid soap. Use a cooking or essential oil to pull away the paint. Rub the skin with oil and water until the primer comes off. Make a salt scrub for an exfoliating, more powerful cleaner. Rinse the skin until it is clean. Use liquid hand soap to create a thick lather on the area. Mix up an all-natural remover for tough paints, like spray paint. Use mayonnaise to get at tricky oil-based paints. Try Vick's Vapor Rub as a cleaner. Try a sugar scrub for an exfoliating, moisturizing wash. Try professional paint wipes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Energy-if-You%27re-Tired | How to Get Energy if You're Tired | If you're tired and you need to get energy, stand up with your back straight and your shoulders slightly back, since slouching can make your brain feel even more tired. Sing aloud with an energetic song to give yourself some quick energy, and consider dancing along for even more fun. If you want a healthy way to get a caffeine boost, drink a cup of green tea rather than a sugary soda that can cause your blood sugar levels to crash later on. Similarly, opt for low-sugar carbs like fruit rather than snacks packed with processed sugar. | Get into a yoga pose. Doing yoga may help increase your energy levels. Try doing an energizing pose, such as downward dog, cobra pose, or bridge pose. Even doing a quick forward bend may help to increase your energy levels. To do a forward bend, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, look down, and then bend down towards your toes. Reach for your toes, but only bend as far as is comfortable for you. Allow your arms to hang down and stay in this position for a few minutes. Continue to breathe normally. Then, slowly raise your body back up into a standing position. Breathe deeply. Taking in some deep slow breaths can also increase your energy levels and help you to feel more alert. Try sitting or lying down and breathing in slowly through your nose and out through your mouth. Count to five as you breathe in and count down from five as you breathe out. Stand up straight. Check your posture from time to time to make sure that you are standing straight and tall. Physical movements and mental states are linked, so positioning your body in a way that expresses energy should send a signal to your brain that you are energetic. Make sure that your back is straight and your shoulders are back slightly. Correct your posture any time that you notice yourself slouching. Sing something. Singing aloud to a favorite upbeat song may also help to increase your energy levels in just a few minutes. If you need a quick energy boost, then put on your favorite song and sing out loud. Try dancing while you sing for an extra boost of energy. Go for a walk. Walking can boost your energy levels as well. Try heading outside for a walk around the block or just walk around your house for 10 to 15 minutes when you need an energy boost. Try listening to some upbeat music on headphones while you walk to increase the energizing effects of your walk. Head outside on a sunny day. Sunshine can also wake you up and help you to feel more energized when you are tired. Try heading outside on a sunny day to sit in the sun for 10 to 15 minutes or sit near a sunny window for a while. Do not stay out in bright sunlight for more than 15 minutes without sunscreen or your skin may burn. Give your energy a boost with a healthy energy drink. However, make sure it is healthy. Eat energy-boosting foods. If you need a pick-me-up, grab your favorite fruit or vegetable as a snack. Certain foods can give you an added boost of energy, and many of them are tasty as well. For instance: Bananas are a great source for potassium and vitamin B6, which are proven to help you get an extra boost of energy. Sweet potatoes have carbohydrates and fiber, which are great to give you an energy boost as well. You can also take an energizing herbal supplement like Panax ginseng, ashwagandha, or rhodiola rosea. Drink a cup of green tea. Green tea contains caffeine, which is why it can help to boost your energy. But unlike coffee, green tea may also reduce your risk of stroke, high blood pressure, depression, heart attack, and diabetes. Try having a cup of green tea to help boost your energy. In addition, green tea contains antioxidants that are beneficial to your health. Limit yourself to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. Just keep in mind that different types of caffeinated drinks have different levels of caffeine. For example, coffee may have between 60 and 150 milligrams of caffeine per cup, while tea may have between 40 and 80 milligrams. Stay well hydrated. Most people don't drink enough water throughout the day, which can lead to low energy. Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, but drink more during a workout. For example, you should have a glass of water before and after workouts. If you exercise for more than 30 minutes, then take small sips of water during your workout. Choose low-sugar complex carbohydrates instead of sugary snacks. Some natural dietary sugar is important for normal brain function, but too much processed and concentrated sugar (such as a candy bar, cookie, or soda) spikes blood sugar levels. Sugary foods can give you a short energy boost, but then it will be followed by a slump. Some good snack choices include: Whole wheat toast with nut butter A piece of fruit A handful of carrot sticks and a tablespoon of hummus Eat breakfast every day. Eating a nutritious breakfast keeps you alert, kick starts your metabolism, and prevents you from having sugar cravings in the afternoon. Skip sugary donuts and breakfast cereals. Some better choices include: Whole-grain bread Oatmeal Eggs Fruit Yogurt Peanut butter Select foods that are high in protein. Eating foods and snacks high in protein can give you a sustained energy boost. Protein-rich foods also provide your body with amino acids to repair and build tissues. Excellent protein sources include: Poultry Fish Lean red meat Eggs Nuts Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) Tofu Get good, quality sleep at night. A common reason why people get tired during the day is lack of restful sleep the night before. Lack of quality sleep can lead to feelings of fatigue and tiredness. Most healthy adults need an average of eight hours of sleep each night. Make your bedroom as quiet and as dark as possible in order to promote the best sleep possible. Try to keep your room cool and avoid electronics (including your phone) right before bed. At least 40% of American adults experience daytime tiredness multiple days per month due to poor sleep habits. Take a short nap during the day. Taking a short (power) nap may help you feel invigorated and increase your energy levels. A 20 – 30-minute nap during the day provides significant benefit for increased alertness and improved performance without leaving you feeling groggy or interfering with sleep at night. Finding a place to nap while at work may be a challenge, but consider cutting your lunch short and sleeping in your car (if your drive to work). Make sure your boss and co-workers know of your power napping intentions and don't think you're just being lazy. Try drinking a cup of coffee or tea right after your nap to improve the effectiveness of the nap. Exercise more. Heavy, strenuous exercise may cause fatigue, but regular cardiovascular exercise (such as walking briskly) for 30 – 60 minutes a day delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your heart and lungs work better. Regular cardiovascular exercise also improves mood (and libido!) and promotes better sleep, which both contribute to higher energy levels. In addition to walking, other good exercises include swimming, cycling, and jogging on a treadmill. Consult with your doctor about diabetes. If your energy levels do not improve, then make an appointment with your family physician and get your blood sugar levels checked. Diabetes is characterized by chronic high blood glucose due to lack of insulin or insulin resistance. Your body needs insulin to get glucose into cells so energy molecules (ATP) can be made. A common symptom of diabetes is daytime fatigue that is not alleviated by sleeping, exercise, or eating nutritious meals. Dehydration from excessive urination is also common with diabetes, which contributes to tiredness too, as noted above. Other symptoms of diabetes include weight loss, confusion (brain fog), blurred vision, and a sweet-smelling breath odor. Talk to your doctor about hormonal imbalance. Another common cause of tiredness and fatigue is hormonal imbalance. Glands in your body produce hormones, many of which impact metabolism, energy production, and mood. Your doctor can send you for blood tests that measure hormones and other compounds made by these glands. Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) is a common cause of chronic fatigue, especially in women. Adrenal fatigue can be caused by chronic stress, heavy caffeine consumption and/or over-medication. The most common symptoms of adrenal fatigue are fatigue, lack of energy, nervousness and sleep disturbance. Menopause commonly leads to lack of energy, hot flashes, insomnia, and emotional problems. It's brought on by a natural decline in female reproductive hormones (estrogen and progesterone), but certain diseases and conditions can trigger it prematurely. Get tested for anemia. A major symptom of anemia is feeling fatigued or weak. Anemia occurs when your body doesn't have enough healthy blood cells to function properly. Anemia may be caused by an iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, a chronic disease (such as Chron's disease or rheumatoid arthritis), or many other factors, so it is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing ongoing fatigue. Consider whether depression or anxiety are causing your fatigue. If you are constantly tired but testing determines that you are otherwise healthy, you may want to look at your emotional health. Both depression and anxiety can cause tiredness. Some signs and symptoms of depression include: feeling hopeless, empty, or worthless; difficulty concentrating; loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed; negative thoughts you can't control; turning to alcohol or drugs or other risky behavior. Some signs and symptoms of anxiety include: constantly feeling worried, tense, or on edge; avoiding everyday situations and activities that might cause you to feel anxious (such as socializing); you have irrational but uncontrollable fears; you have a sense of doom, or like something bad is always about to happen. If you think you may be suffering from depression and/or anxiety, talk to your doctor about a referral to a therapist that can help you overcome these issues or a psychiatrist who can evaluate your health and possibly prescribe an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. Get a referral to a weight-loss clinic. If you're overweight or obese, then losing weight might make the most positive impact on your day-to-day energy levels. Losing weight can improve your physical health, energy levels, mobility, mood, and self-confidence. A weight-loss clinic may help motivate you and teach you how to alter your diet by eating more fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats and whole grains while cutting back on empty sugar calories. Combining dietary changes with an increase in exercise can speed up the weight loss process. The key to losing weight is reducing your daily calories (no more than 2,500 if you're male, 2,000 if female) while adding some fat-burning cardiovascular exercise on a regular basis (even just a 30-minute walk every day). Losing weight also reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which also contributes to feeling tired and fatigued. | Get into a yoga pose. Breathe deeply. Stand up straight. Sing something. Go for a walk. Head outside on a sunny day. Give your energy a boost with a healthy energy drink. Eat energy-boosting foods. Drink a cup of green tea. Stay well hydrated. Choose low-sugar complex carbohydrates instead of sugary snacks. Eat breakfast every day. Select foods that are high in protein. Get good, quality sleep at night. Take a short nap during the day. Exercise more. Consult with your doctor about diabetes. Talk to your doctor about hormonal imbalance. Get tested for anemia. Consider whether depression or anxiety are causing your fatigue. Get a referral to a weight-loss clinic. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cope-with-Suicidal-Thoughts | How to Cope with Suicidal Thoughts | To cope with suicidal thoughts, try doing anything you can to distract yourself, like calling a friend to talk, watching your favorite movie, or playing with your dog. If you're not up for that, try making a list of all the things you love, like your friends, family, pets, and hobbies. Remember that you don't have to fight your suicidal thoughts alone. If you're feeling overwhelmed, call emergency services or a suicide hotline, like 1-800-273-TALK, to talk to someone and get help. | Put off any plans. Promise yourself that you'll wait 48 hours before doing anything. Remember, thoughts don't have the power to force you to act. Sometimes extreme pain can distort our perception. Waiting before taking action will give your mind time to clear. Seek professional help immediately. Suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming, and there's no reason to fight them alone. Ask a professional for help by calling emergency services or contacting a suicide hotline. These services have trained people ready to listen to you and offer help 24/7. Suicidal thoughts and impulses are very serious. Asking for help is a sign of strength. These services are free and anonymous. You can also call 911 (US), 999 (UK), or your emergency services number to be connected with a trained professional. If you are a university student, your university may have a suicide prevention line, often through campus police. Go to the hospital. If you have called for help and are still experiencing suicidal thoughts, you need to go to the emergency room. Ask someone you trust to drive you, or call emergency services. In the United States, it's illegal for emergency rooms to turn you away in an emergency, even if you don't have health insurance or can't pay. You can also look up mental health crisis centers or suicide prevention clinics in a directory. You may find low-cost options there. Call a trusted friend or loved one. Your risk of suicide is increased if you're alone with suicidal thoughts. Don't bottle them up or keep them to yourself. Call someone you love and trust and share your thoughts with them. Sometimes just talking to a good listener can help you cope and be enough to calm your thoughts. Stay on the phone, or ask the person to come over and be with you so you're not on your own. You may feel worried or embarrassed about talking to someone about your feelings. The people who love you will not judge you for sharing these feelings with them. They will be glad that you called rather than try to handle everything on your own. You can't predict when new options might appear. It's impossible to know what might happen if you just wait 2 more days. If you act on your thoughts now you'll never find out what could have been. Wait for help. If you've called emergency services or a friend to come over, focus on keeping yourself safe while you're on your own. Take deep, calming breaths and repeat some coping statements to yourself. You could even write these statements down to reinforce them in your mind. Examples of coping statements could include: “My depression is talking, not me,” “I will get through this,” “I'm just having thoughts right now - they can't make me do anything,” “There are other ways to handle my feelings.” Stop using drugs and alcohol. You might be trying to make the thoughts go away by drinking or using drugs. But adding these chemicals to your body actually just makes it a lot harder to think clearly, which you need to be able to do to cope with suicidal thoughts. If you're drinking or doing any drugs right now, stop and give your mind a break. Many people may use alcohol and other narcotics as antidepressants, but the relief that they provide is merely transitory. If you don't feel like you can stop, be with someone else - don't stay by yourself. Avoid being alone. Solitude does not help suicidal thoughts, in fact, it can worsen them to a great extent. Make a list of things you love. This is a list of everything that has helped you cope in the past. Write down the names of your best friends and the family members you love, your favorite places, music, movies, books that have saved you. Include little things like your favorite foods and sports, bigger things like hobbies and passions that help you wake up in the morning. Write down what you love about yourself - your personality traits, physical traits, accomplishments, and things that make you proud. Write down things you plan to do later in life - the places you want to travel, the children you want to have, the people you want to love, experiences you've always wanted. It may be helpful to have a friend or loved one help you with this list. Depression, anxiety, and other common causes of suicidal thoughts can get in the way of allowing you to see what is wonderful and special about you. Make a list of good distractions. This isn't a list of "healthy habits" or "self-improvement techniques" - it's a list of anything you can do to distance yourself from committing suicide when the thoughts start to get too heavy to bear. Think about what has worked in the past, and write it down. Here are a few examples: Eating at your favorite restaurant Calling an old friend to talk Watching your favorite TV shows and movies Rereading a favorite book that brings you comfort Going on a road-trip Looking at old emails that make you feel good Hanging out with your dog in the park Going for a long walk or run to clear your head Make a list of people in your support system. Write down at least five names and phone numbers of people who are reliable and will be able to talk with you when you call. Include plenty of people in case someone isn't available when you call. Write down the names and phone numbers of your therapist and support group members. Write down the names and numbers of crisis hotlines you might want to call. Write a safety plan. A safety plan is a written plan for when you experience suicidal thoughts. In the moment, you may not remember what actions to take to help yourself feel better. Having a plan written down can help you get past the initial feelings and stay safe. Here's an example of a safety plan: Read my list of Things I Love. Remind myself of the things I love that have helped prevent me from committing suicide before. Try an item from my list of Good Distractions. See if I can distract myself from suicidal thoughts with something that has worked in the past. Call someone on my list of People in My Support System. Keep calling people until I get in touch with someone who can talk for as long as I need to. Delay my plan and make my home safe. Lock away anything I could use to harm myself, then think things over for at least 48 hours. Ask someone to come stay with me. Have them stay until I feel OK by myself. Go to the hospital. Call the emergency services. You can find a safety plan template here. Give a copy of your plan to a trusted friend or loved one. Whenever you experience suicidal thoughts, consult your safety plan. Make your home safer. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or are worried that you will, take opportunities to harm yourself away. Suicide is most likely to happen when you have a way to harm yourself. Get rid of anything that you could use to harm yourself, like pills, razors, sharp objects, or guns. Give them to someone else for safekeeping, toss them out or lock them away. Don't make it easy for yourself to change your mind. If you don't feel safe staying by yourself at home, go to a place where you do feel safe, like a friend's house, your parents' house, or a community center or other public place. If you are thinking of taking an overdose of prescription medication, give your medicines to a trusted loved one who can give them back to you in daily doses. Seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you deal with what's causing your suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts are often the result of other mental health conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder, that are treatable. Stressful or traumatic events may also prompt suicidal thoughts. Whatever is behind your thoughts and feelings, a counselor or therapist can help you learn to deal with it and become healthier and happier. Treatment for depression is successful in 80-90% of cases. Common and effective treatments for people considering suicide include: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you change unhelpful and “automatic” ways of thinking Problem-solving therapy (PST) can help you learn how to feel more confident and in control by learning to solve problems Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) teaches coping skills and is very helpful for people with borderline personality disorder Interpersonal therapy (IPT) helps you improve your social functioning so that you don't feel isolated or unsupported Your healthcare professional may recommend a combination of medication and therapy. Be sure to take all medications as prescribed. Be aware that some medications may increase suicidal thoughts. If you experience any suicidal thoughts after taking your prescriptions, contact your doctor. Stay away from triggers. Sometimes certain places, people or habits can trigger thoughts of despair and suicide. It might be hard to make the connection at first, but start thinking about whether there are patterns that might clue you into potential triggers. Whenever possible, avoid things, people and situations that make you feel sad, hopeless, or stressed. Here are a few examples of triggers: Drinking alcohol and doing drugs. It feels good at first, but it can turn negative thoughts into suicidal ones very quickly. Alcohol is involved in at least 30% of suicides. People who are physically or emotionally abusive. Books, movies and music with dark, emotional themes. Stressful situations. Being alone. Learn to recognize your warning signs. Suicidal thoughts don't simply happen on their own. They're the result of something, such as feeling hopeless, depressed, grieving, or stressed. Learning to recognize what other thoughts and behavior tend to appear when you struggle with suicidal thoughts can help alert you to when you need to seek extra support from others. Common warning signs include: Increase in use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances Feeling hopeless or purposeless Feeling angry Increased recklessness Feeling trapped Isolating yourself from others Feeling anxious Sudden changes in your mood Losing interest in things you used to enjoy Change in sleeping habits and/or appetite Feelings of guilt or shame Connect with others. Building a strong support network is one of the most important things you can do to help you cope with your thoughts. Feeling isolated, unsupported, or as though others would be better off without you are common feelings behind suicidal thoughts. Reach out to others and talk with someone every day. Connecting with people who care about you can help you improve your coping skills and protect you against your thoughts when they show up. Talk with a spiritual figure. If you're a spiritual or religious person, you may find comfort in talking with a spiritual figure, such as a rabbi or priest. Chat with a friend. Make a habit of reaching out to at least one person a day, even on the days where you don't want to. Isolating yourself from others can contribute to increased suicidal thoughts. Call a hotline. Don't feel like you can only call a suicide prevention hotline once. Even if you need to call every day or several times a day for a while, do it. They're there to help you. Find a community of people like you. People in groups who are often oppressed, such as LGBT people have a higher risk of suicide. Finding a community where you can be yourself without facing hate or oppression can help you stay strong and love yourself. If you're a young person who's lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer and are considering suicide, call the Trevor Lifeline in the US at 1-866-488-7386 or instant message them from their website. Find a support group. No matter why you're having suicidal thoughts, you don't have to go through this by yourself. Many, many other people have experienced what you're going through. Many people have wanted to die one day, and been glad the next day to still be alive. Talking with people who get what you're going through is one of the very best ways to cope with suicidal thoughts. You can find a support group near you by calling a suicide prevention hotline or asking your mental health professional. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 If you're gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans, call 1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564) If you're a veteran, call 800-273-TALK and press 1 If you're a teenager, call Covenant House NineLine at 1-800-999-9999 You can also find support groups in the US by visiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's website. Work on loving yourself. Focus on altering your negative thought patterns and realizing the negative thoughts are not true. In order to start relieving the pain of your negative feelings, you need to be kind to yourself and see yourself as a strong person who is persevering. Myths about suicide, such as the idea that it's a selfish act, are perpetuated by many cultures, causing people who have suicidal thoughts to feel guilty or ashamed on top of the negative feelings they're already burdened with. Learning how to separate these myths from reality can help you cope better with your thoughts. Find some positive mantras that you can recite when you feel down. Affirming that you're a strong person who is worthy of love can help you remember that these suicidal thoughts are only temporary. For example, “I am feeling suicidal at this moment. Feelings are not facts. They will not last forever. I love myself and will honor myself by staying strong” or “I can learn how to cope with these thoughts. I am stronger than they are.” Work on the issues behind your thoughts. Working with a mental health professional can help you uncover some of the reasons behind your suicidal thoughts. These thoughts can be caused by many things, from medical problems to legal trouble to substance abuse. Find ways to address these issues, and you will probably find that you feel better over time. For example, if you feel hopeless over your finances, seek out a financial planner or counselor. Many communities and universities run low-cost clinics to help people learn how to manage money. If you feel hopeless over your personal relationships, ask your therapist about social skills training. This type of training can help you overcome social anxiety and awkwardness to form and maintain meaningful relationships with others. Try taking a class in mindfulness meditation, or learn on your own. Studies have shown that mindfulness, which focuses on accepting what is happening in the present moment without avoiding or judging it, can be helpful in managing suicidal thoughts. Bullying is a common cause of suicidal thoughts in young people. Remember not to blame yourself: someone else's treatment of you is their responsibility, not yours. Counseling can help you cope with bullying and preserve your sense of self. Ask a doctor about chronic pain. Sometimes, chronic pain can cause suicidal thoughts and emotional distress. Talk with your doctor about what you can do to address your pain. It may help you feel healthier and happier. Get enough exercise. Exercise has been shown to help reduce the effects of depression and anxiety. It can be difficult to exercise if you're feeling depressed, but setting a schedule for yourself working out with a friend can help you. Going to exercise classes can also be a good way to connect with others so you don't feel isolated or alone. Get good sleep. Depression often changes your sleep habits, making you sleep too much or too little. Research has shown a link between disturbed sleep habits and suicidal thoughts. Making sure to get good, undisturbed sleep can help you keep a clear head. Talk with your doctor if you can't sleep. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol are involved in many suicides because they cloud your judgment. They can also increase depression and cause reckless or impulsive behavior. If you're having suicidal thoughts, avoid drugs and alcohol completely. If you are struggling with alcohol, find a local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous. This organization can help you overcome your problems with alcohol, which may help with your suicidal thoughts. Develop a hobby. A hobby, like gardening, painting, playing a musical instrument, learning a new language etc. can distract your mind from repeated, unwanted thoughts and make you feel a little comfortable. If you already have an old hobby, which has recently been neglected because of your low mood or otherwise, go back to it. If you don't, develop a new one. It may require some deliberate effort initially, but sooner than later, you will feel automatically attracted to it. Focus on the positives of the past. Everyone has some achievements at some point of her life, which may be overshadowed by the current depressive state. Recount those. Think of the positive moments of the past, your effective struggles, your moments of triumph, joy, and glory. Set some personal goals. You probably have some goals you want to achieve. Perhaps you've always wanted to see the Sydney Opera House or spelunk in New Mexico. Perhaps you just want to adopt ten cats and create a furry little family. Whatever your goals, write them down. Remember them when times get bad. Believe in yourself. It can be hard to imagine that things can get better when you are experiencing suicidal thoughts. Remember that others have come through this, and you will too. You can care for yourself, take control of your life, and get treatment. You're strong. Remind yourself that feelings aren't facts. When you experience these thoughts, take a moment to challenge them by saying something like “I am feeling right now like people would be better off without me, but the reality is that I just talked to a friend today who said she was happy I was in her life. My thoughts are not fact. I can get through this.” Give it time. You may think that suicide will make your problems just “go away.” Unfortunately, you'll never get the chance to see whether things get better if you take that road. Healing from trauma, overcoming grief, and fighting depression all take time. Be patient and kind to yourself. | Put off any plans. Seek professional help immediately. Go to the hospital. Call a trusted friend or loved one. Wait for help. Stop using drugs and alcohol. Make a list of things you love. Make a list of good distractions. Make a list of people in your support system. Write a safety plan. Make your home safer. Seek professional help. Stay away from triggers. Learn to recognize your warning signs. Connect with others. Find a support group. Work on loving yourself. Work on the issues behind your thoughts. Ask a doctor about chronic pain. Get enough exercise. Get good sleep. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Develop a hobby. Focus on the positives of the past. Set some personal goals. Believe in yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Soccer-Player | How to Become a Soccer Player | To become a professional football player, start training in high school and practice at least 10-15 hours per week. Next, enroll in a good college with a strong football team and play for that team. Once you're on a college team, increase your practice time to 25-30 hours a week, including during the off-season. Finally, create a football resume that lists your accomplishments and send it to pro teams you want to play for. Consider hiring an agent to help you get signed. | Start early. It's important to develop your physical skills as early as possible. Most professional football players have been playing the game since at least high school. If you're not in high school anymore, but you still want to play football, join a local league, or find camps. Do anything to boost your skills and knowledge of the game. Practice. In high school, you should expect to invest about 10-15 hours a week practicing. In college, that time increases to about 25-30 hours a week. To go pro you have to play football as much as possible. In the off-season, don't stop training. Expect to make some sacrifices to get in all the training you need. Becoming a professional athlete requires a huge time commitment. Prepare for college. If you want to get into the pros, your best bet is to get into a good college. Pay attention to your GPA and take classes that will boost your chances of getting into a good school. Take classes in biology and the health sciences. The more you know about the human body and what is required for peak performance, the better. Keep in mind playing college football is not a guarantee that you will play professionally. Only 1.7% of college players will play professional football. Be on the lookout for scouts. If a scout visits your school, be on your best behavior. Don't show-off, and don't disrespect your teammates. Scouts are looking to see how well you play the game, but also how well you play with others. Maintain a good relationship with your coach. Your coach might know the scouts and be able to give you a reference. Getting a recommendation from a coach could be the defining factor in whether you get picked up or not. No matter what, keep a good attitude. Show energy in warm-up and stay positive on the sidelines. If you get negative feedback from a scout, learn from it. Improve yourself daily. Make a football resume. Include your basic information, the position you play, and any accomplishments as a player. As with any resume, list anything relevant to your goals. If you worked at a football camp, or helped coach a little league team, include it in your resume. Include anything that might set you apart from the competition. Your goal is to make professional football your job, so build a resume to reflect that. Include any news coverage you may have received. Find any articles that mention you or your team, even if it's the local paper from your high school days. Find video footage of your team playing and look for plays where you excel. Have a friend or family member record you during your games to help you build a highlight reel. Put your press kit out there. Send your press kit to teams you want to play for. Don't forget to follow up with the places you submit. Call or send an e-mail to let them know you're eager to play for them. Be sure to thank any of the teams that pass you up. Let them know you appreciate their time and consideration. If you don't get picked up by any teams, don't give up. Find other leagues to join so you can keep gaining experience. Keep your resume and press kit updated and don't stop submitting. Consider hiring an agent. An agent can act as a link between you and the teams you may want to play for. Finding an agent to represent you could be the ticket to getting signed by the NFL. There are certain rules and regulations that agents must follow in regards to representing college players. Agents typically have to wait until the end of a player's college career before actively recruiting them. Workout like a professional athlete. Knowing how to play football is only part of the process. Professional athletes are in top physical condition. Expect to make working out a priority. Find the physical statistics of a few professional athletes and work hard to match them. Look into the workouts they do and make those exercises part of your routine. Focus on heavy lifting. Perform exercises such as the bench press and the deadlift. Workout with the heaviest amount of weight you can lift correctly for 5 repetitions. Work the large muscle groups such as the chest, back, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Build up your endurance. Practice sprinting at increasing intervals. Start with trying to complete two 150-meter sprints in under 20 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds between each sprint. As you build up endurance, increase the length and intensity of the sprints. Try doing three 200-meter sprints in under 30 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds between each run. Make sure you give your body time to recover after each sprint. Rest for 3-5 minutes between each series of sprints. Work on boosting your heart rate and keeping it high for a short amount of time. Playing football requires explosive energy in short busts. Find workouts that mimic that intensity. Maintain a healthy diet. Training like a professional athlete means eating like one. Since you'll be doing a lot of heavy lifting, make sure you get enough protein. A good guideline is to make protein account for about 1/3 of your plate at each meal. Eat lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and beans. Try to mix in a vegetarian meal once or twice a week. Soy is one of the healthier options for a vegetarian lean protein. Your position will depend on the amount of calories you need to eat. If you need to be light on your feet, aim for 3,000-5,000 calories during training. If you're a lineman, you may end up needing 8,000 calories. | Start early. Practice. Prepare for college. Be on the lookout for scouts. Make a football resume. Include any news coverage you may have received. Put your press kit out there. Consider hiring an agent. Workout like a professional athlete. Focus on heavy lifting. Build up your endurance. Maintain a healthy diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Steri-Strips | How to Remove Steri Strips | To remove Steri-Strips, start by holding a wet washcloth over them for 30-60 seconds to loosen the strips. Next, stabilize your skin by pressing down on it until it's taut. Then, begin at one end of the strip and slowly peel it back in the direction of the incision, doubling it back as opposed to lifting it up. Make sure to stop just before the incision, then gently lift off the strip and repeat the process with all the remaining strips. | Wet the strips with water. Apply a wet washcloth over the area covered by Steri-Strips. Hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the strips feel thoroughly soaked. Do not soak the injury in water, as that gets water in the healing wound. If water alone does not loosen the adhesive on the Steri-Strips, try using a solution made of equal parts water and peroxide. Combine the two in a plastic cup, soak the washcloth in the new solution. Gently lay the solution-soaked washcloth over the Steri-Strips for 60 seconds. Press down on your skin. Stabilize your skin by gently pressing down on either side of each strip with two fingers. Switch the placement of your fingers as needed so that you are directly supporting the skin around each strip as you remove it. If you cannot use two fingers, one finger may suffice. Place the finger on one side of the strip you plan to remove, pressing down with just enough force to make the skin slightly taut. Remove cross stays. If any strips were applied over the ends of your primary Steri-Strips, remove those first. Simply lift one end of each strip and gently pull across the length of the strip until you reach the opposite end. These cross stays run parallel to the wound and are usually placed 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) away from the ends of the primary strips. The main function of the cross stays is to support the primary strips, reducing the risk of premature peeling and skin tension blisters. Pull one end of each strip at a time. For each primary strip, begin by lifting one end and peeling it back in the direction of the incision. Stop just before reaching the incision itself. Grab the strip so that the fingers used to pull it away are continually positioned just above the skin. Pull this end away slowly, passing the strip back over itself. Pull the strip back on top of itself, doubling back, rather than lifting up. As you peel the strip away, shift your supporting fingers so that they move closer to the newly exposed skin. Lift the opposite end of the strip. Peel each strip in the direction of the wound. As before, stop peeling the strip away before you reach the wound. Note that you will be pulling in the opposite direction used for the first end. In other words, if you pulled the first end to the left, the second end should be pulled to the right. By pulling each strip towards the wound, you should avoid pulling the Steri-Strip directly off the wound itself. Avoid pulling a Steri-Strip off as you would a Band-Aid. Gently lift the strip off the incision. Start at the top of the wound and gently lift the center of the Steri-Strip off, pulling it down toward the bottom of the incision. Pull slowly and gently. Make sure that you are still supporting the newly exposed skin with one or two fingers. Continue at an even, slow pace. If you feel any resistance from the strip, try wetting it again to loosen the adhesive more or peeling it from a different direction. Repeat as needed. Remove each primary Steri-Strip from the wound in the same manner, working slowly and gently to reduce the risk of reopening the wound. Avoid tugging the strip or your skin. Do not be alarmed if you see dead skin peeling away with the strips. It is also fairly normal for brown or green patches to form on the adhesive side of the strip. Brown discoloration can be caused by dried blood. Green discoloration can be caused when the oils of your skin get trapped beneath the strip and dry. Wash the area with antibacterial soap. Gently washed the newly exposed skin with warm water and antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a clean, soft towel when done. Gently lather the area with antibacterial soap and warm water for 30 to 40 seconds. Rinse the soap away, then clean the area again for another 30 to 40 seconds in the same manner. Patting the area dry, rather than scrubbing it, prevents the wound from reopening. Talk to your doctor about proper wound care. The physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional in charge of your treatment may have specific instructions regarding the proper care of your wound once the Steri-Strips are off. It is recommended that you check with your healthcare provider for any necessary continuation of care. If there are no special requirements, you should care for the wound simply by washing it gently and letting it dry completely before covering it with anything (bandages, clothing, etc.). Avoid exposing the wound to sunlight since excess sun can irritate the area and cause the scar to turn red. Depending on your circumstances and the speed at which your wound is healing, your physician or nurse may recommend that you apply more Steri-Strips or another type of bandage over the area for a few more days. Wounds that have been closed with strips and then left open can often become dry. Ask your doctor about a viable cream to apply to keep the area moist and reduce scarring. Creams with silica in them or Vitamin K have been shown to help reduce scarring. | Wet the strips with water. Press down on your skin. Remove cross stays. Pull one end of each strip at a time. Lift the opposite end of the strip. Gently lift the strip off the incision. Repeat as needed. Wash the area with antibacterial soap. Talk to your doctor about proper wound care. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Gele | How to Tie a Gele | To tie a gele on yourself, drape a scarf folded lengthwise across your forehead, and pull the tails back to cross at the nape of your neck. Then, drape the right side of the scarf across your forehead and cross the tails of the scarf over your left ear. Next, wrap the left side of the scarf across your forehead, towards the back of your head, and tuck the end of the scarf under the hem at the nape of your neck. Finally, adjust the pleats and positioning of the gele as needed. | Place the scarf across the client's forehead. Make sure that the scarf is off-centered, with the right side being longer than the left. The long, folded edge should be against her forehead. Get your fingers into position. Place both of your thumbs on the bottom edge of the fabric, right above your client's eyebrows. Place your forefingers under the fabric, right against her skin. Use your forefingers and thumb to pleat the fabric. Hook your forefingers while bringing them towards your thumbs. Meanwhile, pin the folded fabric down against the rest of the fabric, creating a pleat. Smooth the pleat down and create four more behind it. Extend the pleats down the right side of the fabric. Have your client reach up and hold the pleats against the left side of her head. Use your thumb and forefinger to create more pleat, making sure that they connect with the ones that you already made. Keep the fabric nice and taut here. Wrap the fabric towards the back and cross the ends. Take bring both end of the fabric towards the back of the client's head. Take the end that you jut finished pleating (the longer one), and cross it over the other (shorter) end. Pull the pleated end over the top of her head and refold the pleats. Take the long, pleated end of the fabric and drape it over the client's head. Work your way from the right ear down towards the left. Keep the pleats tight and the fabric above them loose. Have your client hold the short, left end out of the way. Tie both ends of the fabric behind the client's head. Manipulate the fabric in such as way that the edges facing the floor are tight, and the edge facing the ceiling are loose. Shape and pleat the fabric on the top of her head. By now, you will have lots of loose fabric on the top of your client's head. Using your fingers, pleat the fabric from top-to-bottom, center-outward. Think of it as creating a halo or crown. Leave a layer of fabric covering the top and back of the client's head. Tuck or fold the fabric at the back. At this point, you will have lots of loose fabric at the back of your client's head. You can fold this fabric upward a few times into a nice, neat band, or you can tuck it into the knot. Fold your scarf in half lengthwise. Just about any scarf will wok for a gele. It needs to be long enough so that you can drape it over your head, then hold each end in each hand, with your arms outstretched. Drape the scarf over your forehead. Make sure that the folded edge is covering your hairline. The scarf should be centered, with equal amounts hanging off to either side. Pull back the tails and cross them at your nape. Take the left and right ends of the scarf, and pull them back behind your neck. Cross the left side over the right. Hold both ends taut so that the fabric is nice and snug across your forehead. Angle the left and right sides so that they cover both of your ears down to the earlobes. Drape the right side of the scarf across your forehead. Position the fabric so that the new side edge is just behind the previous edge. Don't worry if your fabric wrinkles—this is actually a good thing! Cross the tails over your left ear. Pull the right side of the scarf down towards your left ear, and hold it in place. Pull the left end of the scarf upwards so that it covers the right. Wrap the left side of the scarf across your forehead and towards the back. Again, position the fabric so that the new edge is just behind the previous one, thus creating more pleats. Tuck the end under the hem at your nape. If you tied your gele tight enough, you should be able to slip the end of your scarf right under the hem, and not worry about it slipping. If your scarf had a fringe, be sure to tuck all the tassels in. Adjust the pleats, and create more pleats as needed. Adjust the folds and "pleats" across your forehead first. Next, use your fingers to sharpen the creases in the top layers of fabric to create more pleats. There is not specific rule as to how many pleats you should do—just go with what you think looks nice! Tuck in any loose ends, then pull the gele back a little. Check your gele in the mirror at various angles. If you spot any corners that are hanging out, tuck them unde the band of the gele. Finally, pull the gele back so that it rests right at your hairline. | Place the scarf across the client's forehead. Get your fingers into position. Use your forefingers and thumb to pleat the fabric. Extend the pleats down the right side of the fabric. Wrap the fabric towards the back and cross the ends. Pull the pleated end over the top of her head and refold the pleats. Tie both ends of the fabric behind the client's head. Shape and pleat the fabric on the top of her head. Tuck or fold the fabric at the back. Fold your scarf in half lengthwise. Drape the scarf over your forehead. Pull back the tails and cross them at your nape. Drape the right side of the scarf across your forehead. Cross the tails over your left ear. Wrap the left side of the scarf across your forehead and towards the back. Tuck the end under the hem at your nape. Adjust the pleats, and create more pleats as needed. Tuck in any loose ends, then pull the gele back a little. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Construction-Company | How to Start a Construction Company | To start a construction business, make sure to register your business, get insurance, and obtain a business license from your state. Consult your state's Secretary of State's office for specific instructions, as each state has different laws and requirements. Before you can get financing, develop a comprehensive business plan, including your target market and what services you will provide, that you can submit to lenders, like the U.S. Small Business Administration. | Do market research. Before you even think about starting a business, you need to understand your market. Start investigating the potential profitability of a construction business in your area by consulting industry publications for information about market trends specific to the construction industry in your area. The U.S. Small Business Administration is also a great resource for finding relevant industry information. In addition, you should find out what other companies offer similar construction services in your area, how much they charge, and what kind of reputation they have. You can also learn more about your community's needs for construction services by getting out there and talking to local residents and business owners. Be sure to consider the demographics of your area. You need to provide services that the people in your community will want and will be able to afford. Write a business plan. Putting together a business plan that establishes your business goals and procedures is an essential step to starting any business. This formal document will help you understand everything that is involved with starting and running your business. You will also need to present your business plan to any potential lenders, so be sure to put plenty of time into developing it thoroughly. Your business plan should contain separate sections that explain in detail how you will structure and manage your business, what kind of services you will provide, who your target market will be, how many employees you will hire, how you will market yourself, how much competition you will face, how you will differentiate your business from competitors, how much it will cost to start and maintain your business, and how much money you expect to make. If you have never written a business plan before, you might want to look into hiring a professional to help you write it. Get support. Starting a business is a complicated process, so you might benefit from the advice of an experienced mentor. Check out the SCORE Mentors Program to get matched with a mentor from your industry for free. You can also get guidance from your local Small Business Development Center. Female entrepreneurs can also look into Women's Business Centers, and veterans can get extra help from the Veteran's Business Outreach Center. Decide where you will run your business. You will need a property that provides an office for your administrators, large storage space for tools and equipment, and parking for your construction vehicles. Some construction company owners work from home. You could begin your business at home, but as it grows, you may want to consider finding an office location. Keep in mind that if you operate your business out of your home, you will need a special license for home-based businesses. Even if you run your business from home, you will need to budget for a few office-related expenses, including a dedicated business phone line, an organized work area (if you don't already have one), and maybe a PO box if you don't want to get business mail at home. Get the funds you need. The startup costs associated with a construction company can vary dramatically based on where you operate and what services you provide. Keep in mind that you will need funds to lease or buy vehicles, equipment, and tools. Additionally, you will have to pay bills, advertise, and pay salaries. Assuming you don't have the funds readily available, you need to apply for financing. The U.S. Small Business Administration may be able to help you with financing, even if you are not approved for traditional loans. Be sure to check out grants.gov to see if your business qualifies for any government grants. Register your business at the state level. The first step to creating a legitimate business is to register it with the state in which you plan on operating. The process for registering a business in the United States is slightly different in each state, so consult your state's Secretary of State's website for complete instructions. Be sure to come up with a name for your business before you start the paperwork. You can check with your state's filing agency to make sure no other business is using that name. You should also check with the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office to ensure that the name has not been trademarked by another business. There are many business structure options to choose from, and each comes with its own pros and cons, as well as its own legal requirements and fees. Sole proprietorships and partnerships offer tax benefits, but not protection from personal liability. Corporations protect the company's owners from personal liability, but they are taxed at a higher rate. Limited Liability Corporations (LLCs) offer a combination of tax benefits and liability protection for small businesses. Register with the IRS. In order to comply with federal tax laws you need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Applying for an EIN is very easy! You can do it on the IRS's website, by fax, by mail, or over the phone. All you need to do is answer a few simple questions about your business. Get licensed by your state. In order to legally operate your business, you will need to apply for a general business license in the state in which you operate. In addition, you will most likely need to apply for specialty licenses based on the specific types of services you offer. For example, a tradesman license is required in many states to provide certain types of construction services, like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services. Licensing laws vary from state to state, so check with your state's business license office to find out what you need for your business. Get insured. In order to protect yourself and your business, you will need a variety of comprehensive insurance policies, including general liability insurance, commercial vehicle insurance, and property insurance. Your insurance needs will depend on the specific nature of your business, so meet with an insurance agent to discuss what kind of coverage you require. There are additional insurance requirements if you have employees. Depending on what state you operate in, you may be required to carry workers' compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and/or disability insurance. Secure the necessary surety bonds. Surety bonds protect your clients by paying them in the event that you do not complete your work as agreed upon. Surety bonds are legally required for construction companies, but the specific requirements are different in each state. Look up your state's requirements online or meet with a reputable surety bond agent to find out what kind of coverage you need. In order to be approved for a surety bond, you need to be able to prove to the provider that you are experienced, capable, and financially secure. If you can't get approved by a third party surety bond provider, the Small Business Administration may be able to provide you with a bond. Surety bonds typically cost between 0.5% and 2% of the total project cost. Follow all industry regulations. Once you begin working on projects, you need to make sure you are in compliance with the myriad of laws that regulate the construction industry. It is a good idea to become familiar with energy efficiency standards, proper procedures for dealing with and disposing of hazardous materials like asbestos and lead, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards, and the Environmental Protection Agency's stormwater pollution standards. Don't forget about building permits! You will need to know the proper procedure for applying for permits in your area and your work will need to be up to local building code standards in order to pass the inspections. Meet your tax obligations. As a business owner, you will be responsible for paying business taxes, so it's very important for you to keep careful track of all of your expenses and costs. You might want to hire an accountant or bookkeeper to manage this aspect of your business if you don't have the time to do it yourself. Buy equipment. It's very important to have the right kind of equipment to complete the projects you are hired for. The required equipment will vary greatly depending on the types of projects you plan on accepting. Buying used equipment is a great way to save money, especially when you're just starting out. Renting might be economical as well for equipment that you seldom use. Hire employees. Unless you plan on starting very small and doing all of the work yourself, you will need to have a team of skilled and reliable workers. You can find employees by posting job listings on popular job boards like Craigslist or Monster. Make sure you only hire qualified people for skilled jobs. If you have lots of steady work, hiring your own team of full-time and part-time employees might save you money. Hiring employees also means you will have some additional responsibilities, like paying payroll taxes and providing benefits. Another option is to hire independent contractors or subcontractors. This offers you more flexibility because you don't have to keep paying a staff during a quiet period. Additionally, if you didn't like working with a specific contractor, you don't have to hire that person again. Network. It's very important to get out there and engage with the local community if you want to be successful. Try joining community organizations to make connections with people who will be able to help you grow your business. The more connected your are to the local community, the easier it will be to spread the word about your business. It's just as important to build relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, building inspectors, and developers. These people will be instrumental in helping you complete your projects, and they may be able to refer new business to you as well. Establish a marketing campaign. Marketing your construction business business should be one of your priorities when starting out, so be sure to dedicate the necessary time and money to doing it right. It is absolutely essential to have a user-friendly website that shows up in search engines. A strong social media presence is a good idea as well. This will allow potential customers to see pictures of your work and read reviews from other customers. Invest in good quality printed marketing materials like flyers, postcards, and business cards. Make sure you have a professional logo that is consistent across all of your marketing materials. Don't underestimate the power of word of mouth and simple advertising, like putting up signs in front of houses you are working on and on all of your construction vehicles. If you have a larger budget, you might want to consider television, radio, newspaper, or billboard advertising. Go to trade shows whenever possible. This is a great way to meet potential customers and let them know what you have to offer. Your marketing can be much more targeted if you know what kind of customer you are looking for. Think about factors like the scope of the work desired, budget, and lifestyle, and target your marketing campaign to people who meet these specifications. You will probably be able to become more specific in your marketing once you have established yourself a bit. Learn the art of bidding. In order to secure jobs, you will need to be able to provide accurate price quotes and deadlines to potential customers. A good construction management software can help you manage this process. Keep in mind that most customers prefer fixed-price quotes. Don't make promises you can't keep! It's much better to finish a project earlier than expected than to finish it late. Your prices need to take into account the cost of materials and labor, as well as your profit. At the same time you need to remain competitive. Consider hiring an administrator who is experienced in bidding projects. Your administrator can quote jobs in a timely fashion, while you focus on completing projects. You could also have the same person submit invoices and collect your payments on time so you have the funds to pay for materials without accruing excessive interest. Write comprehensive contracts. Before you start any job, you should always have a client sign a contract. Be sure to include specifics regarding the scope of the work to be done, the costs and payment terms, and the scheduled completion date. You may also want to include terms regarding additional work the client requests or unforeseen expenses. It's a good idea to talk to a lawyer about the kind of language you should include in your contracts in order to best protect your business. | Do market research. Write a business plan. Get support. Decide where you will run your business. Get the funds you need. Register your business at the state level. Register with the IRS. Get licensed by your state. Get insured. Secure the necessary surety bonds. Follow all industry regulations. Meet your tax obligations. Buy equipment. Hire employees. Network. Establish a marketing campaign. Learn the art of bidding. Write comprehensive contracts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Detect-Bad-Air-Quality | How to Detect Bad Air Quality | To detect bad air quality within your house, look for signs of mold, like black spots or a musty smell. Change the batteries on your carbon monoxide detectors every 6 months. Purchase an air quality monitor to check for even more kinds of pollutants. If you're checking outdoor air quality, log onto an Air Quality Index website to track levels of pollution for your area. Stay inside when levels reach moderate and unhealthy amounts, which are signified by yellow and orange colors. | Use an air quality monitor to test for test for indoor pollutants. Indoor air quality is judged by the amount of particle matter, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds, such as chemical pollutants), temperature, and humidity (which can lead to mold) in the air. Look online and in home hardware stores for air quality monitors that check all of these pollutants. Monitors typically cost between $150-250, and 1 device should work well for a medium-sized home. The monitor will inform you when it detects a risky level of pollutants and what you should do about it. It can come paired with an app that provides even more information, and can send you alerts about changes in the air quality even when you aren't in your home. Look for signs of mold. Check your home for a musty, unpleasant odor that persists even when you clean, and look for visible signs like black spots, water spots, or damp areas. You might also start experiencing health symptoms, such as watering eyes, congestion, or listlessness. You can verify with a professional mold inspection, then get rid of the mold with a removal service. Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the building. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, but can be deadly if it's inhaled. Installing carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home or workplace can alert you if dangerous levels of the chemical are ever present. Place the detectors close to areas that you are at frequently, such as a bedroom or a busy office, so you're more likely to hear them. Change the batteries every 6 months or so. Carbon monoxide can be released by household appliances like stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, grills, and hot water heaters. Place detectors in the same room as these appliances, or as close as possible. Do an at-home test to check for radon. To check for radon, a radioactive gas that can be found in soil, well water, and in homes, you can purchase an at-home test from a home improvement store. You'll likely need to leave the sensor material in your home, then collect it after a certain amount of time. Then, you'll mail the material to a lab for analysis. Check twice a year to make sure your building stays safe. Radon is the top cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and about 1 in 15 homes in the US have elevated levels of it. You can also hire a professional to test. Check verified Air Quality Index reports online. You can easily check your area's Air Quality Index (AQI) by logging onto a verified website. From there, you'll enter in a city or postal code, or allow the site to look at your GPS information to tell you the AQI in your area. Scores are color-coded and typically separated by pollutant. They're available throughout the US and globally as well. Use websites such as: For U.S. only: https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.main Worldwide: http://aqicn.org/here/ For links to sites with AQI information in other countries: https://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.international Look out for AQI scores of 100 or higher, which mean the air is unhealthy. The Air Quality Index (AQI) provides daily reports on air quality all over the world. It consists of a numerical value paired with a verbal level and a color. You can read the AQI with the following key: Good air quality: AQI within 0-50; green color. Air quality at this level is satisfactory and doesn't pose any health risks. Moderate: AQI within 51-100; yellow color. The air quality is acceptable, but could be a moderate health risk for people sensitive to ozone or particle pollution. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: AQI within 101-150; orange color. Most of the population shouldn't be affected, but people with heart or lung disease, children, and older adults are at risk. Unhealthy: AQI within 151-200; red color. Everyone might start to experience adverse health effects, with sensitive groups experiencing them more strongly. Very unhealthy: AQI between 201-300; purple color. This is a health alert, which means that everyone might start to experience strong health effects. Hazardous: AQI above 300; maroon color. This is considered an emergency condition, where the whole population is even more likely to be affected. Learn how the Air Quality Index is measured to read it more easily. The AQI tests for 4 different pollutants. Most AQI scores are given in terms of pollutant—1 score per pollutant—so knowing what they are and how they can affect you is helpful in learning how to keep yourself safe. Ground level ozone: Ozone pollution often occurs during the summer, when hot weather heats up pollutants from cars and power plants. Health effects can include coughing and throat soreness, difficulty breathing, aggravation of asthma, and inflamed lung cells. Particle pollution or matter: When inhaled, fine and coarse particles can aggravate your lungs. This is particularly dangerous during fires and for people with heart and lung diseases, as their diseases can be aggravated to life-threatening levels. Carbon monoxide: An odorless, colorless gas, carbon monoxide is let out in car exhaust. In high levels, it can reduce the amount of oxygen in your body. This type of pollution is most dangerous for people with cardiovascular diseases or difficulties. Sulfur dioxide: Also a colorless gas, sulfur dioxide is produced by burning fuels like coal and oil in power plants. Track wildfires that can affect air quality. Wildfires let off fumes that create dangerous levels of ozone and particulate matter. Healthy adults usually aren't at major risk from short-term exposure, but you should still avoid breathing in smoke if you can help it. Track nearby wildfires online and keep up to date on your local air quality, since winds can push smoke towards you even from miles away. Use fire tracker websites like https://fsapps.nwcg.gov/. Check pollen and spore levels online. Pollutants aren't the only air problem to be aware of. If you're allergic or even just sensitive to pollen and spores, you can track their levels in your area using allergen-specific websites. Sites will usually provide information on what kind of allergens are in the air and at what levels; anything over a low to medium-low range can affect your allergy symptoms, depending on your sensitivity. Sites to use include: https://www.pollen.com/ https://www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts/western-region Sign up for EnviroFlash to get email alerts about poor air quality. If you want to stay up to date on air quality without having to search for it, subscribe to EnviroFlash. You can sign up for daily updates, forecasts, and alerts for when AQI levels hit a level of concern (known as “action days”). To subscribe, go to http://www.enviroflash.info/. Enter your email address, name, and zip code, then search for the nearest EnviroFlash city to you. Download an air pollution detection app for convenience. For a convenient way to check air quality right on your phone, search your app store for an app that offers AQI and pollen information based on your location. Make sure it can access your current location for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Try apps like Air Matters, or Air Quality, both of which are free and work globally. Listen to and read weather reports from local media. Your area's AQI is almost always reported during weather updates on TV or in the newspaper, so you can track it daily if you want. It typically gets the most attention when it hits moderate or unhealthy levels, so even a casual news-watcher should be able to get notified when conditions are bad. Use an air purifier for indoor spaces. To remove dust particles and other allergens from your home, place an electronic purifier in your bedroom. This gives you the longest exposure to the purified air. Look for air purifiers online or in home improvement stores. Avoid heavy or prolonged exertion during periods of high AQI. No matter what pollutant is registering in high levels, the best thing is to avoid heavy outdoor exercise and long periods of time outside. If you do need to go outside, slow down (such as by walking, instead of running) and try to take frequent breaks indoors. For ozone and particle matter, avoid outdoor exertion at Moderate levels. For carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, avoid outdoor exertion at “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” levels. Try to exercise indoors on days when you're at risk. If you can't, cut back on the intensity of your exercise and avoid areas with heavy traffic, such as busy streets. Stay inside if you’re a child, older adult, or have a lung disease or asthma. The most susceptible people to poor air quality are children, older adults, and people with lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and asthma. If you or your loved ones fall into one or more of these categories, keep track of AQI closely and stay inside when levels register as Moderate. Stay alert for adverse health effects to different pollutants. Health effects for each type of pollutant vary slightly, so try to learn them and watch out for them during at-risk periods, especially if you're at-risk or spending a lot of time outside. Symptoms can appear or worsen over a few days after exposure as well. If you develop serious symptoms, such as an inability to breathe or aggravation of a current condition, go to the emergency room. Look for symptoms like: Ozone: coughing, throat soreness, chest tightness or pain, aggravation of asthma Particle pollution: chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, coughing, aggravation of asthma and chronic bronchitis Carbon monoxide: chest pain, lowered mental awareness and vision Sulfur dioxide: wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, especially for people with asthma. Wear a face mask if you have to be outside during bad conditions. If you have to spend a long amount of time outside or exerting yourself during dangerous air conditions, buy a face mask to protect yourself. Look online or in home improvement stores for a mask like the N95, which will protect you from most particulates. If you're exposed to other pollutants, consider getting a mask with a filtration system. Particulate masks are particularly important if your air quality is affected by wildfires. | Use an air quality monitor to test for test for indoor pollutants. Look for signs of mold. Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the building. Do an at-home test to check for radon. Check verified Air Quality Index reports online. Look out for AQI scores of 100 or higher, which mean the air is unhealthy. Learn how the Air Quality Index is measured to read it more easily. Track wildfires that can affect air quality. Check pollen and spore levels online. Sign up for EnviroFlash to get email alerts about poor air quality. Download an air pollution detection app for convenience. Listen to and read weather reports from local media. Use an air purifier for indoor spaces. Avoid heavy or prolonged exertion during periods of high AQI. Stay inside if you’re a child, older adult, or have a lung disease or asthma. Stay alert for adverse health effects to different pollutants. Wear a face mask if you have to be outside during bad conditions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Fish-Finder | How to Use a Fish Finder | To use a fish finder, read the display from right to left if you're using SONAR or down imaging since the most recent information will be to the right of the screen. If you're using the side imaging mode, read the display from top to bottom since the data near the top of the screen will be newer. Whichever mode you're using, look for blobs or small dots on the screen to locate small fish, or arches and large dots for big fish. You can also look at the thick line along the bottom of the display to figure out what kind of terrain you're over. | Read the manual. Reading the manual will help you familiarize yourself with your device. While some functions might be obvious and easy to understand, consult your manual before using your fish finder, and refer back to it when you have questions about use. Identify the location of basic information. All fish finders display some basic information about the speed of your boat, the current temperature, and the depth to which the fish finder is measuring. This information is typically clustered together in the top left or right corner of your fish finder display. The precise location of this information will vary depending on the make and model of your fish finder. Read the display from right to left when using SONAR or down imaging mode. The fish finder display shows the most recent information toward the right of the screen and pushes the oldest information toward the left. If your boat is stationary, the fish finder will still cycle the display from right to left, but you'll only be seeing one area. Read the display from top to bottom if you’re using side imaging mode. In side imaging, the top-most object in the display is your boat, and everything below it is what your boat has passed over. Data closer to the bottom is older, while data nearest to the top is newer. The side imaging mode uses a higher frequency, so you'll get a sharper image of what's in the water below. Look for blobs or small patches if you’re pursuing smaller fish. With your fish finder in SONAR mode, blobs or small patches on the fish finder display might indicate perch or bunker. If your fish finder is in side imaging mode, small fish show up as small dots. Look for an arch shape or large dots if you’re after larger fish. Salmon, catfish, and other fish of similar size will appear on the fish finder display as larger, arched shapes when you're using it in SONAR mode. In side imaging mode, they will appear as large dots. Use the display data to identify the type of terrain beneath your boat. The thick line along the bottom of your fish finder's display indicates the bottom of the body of water you're in. If the fish finder displays anything below this line, it means you're floating above a soft bottom (sand or mud, most likely). If you cannot see anything below this thick line, you're likely above a hard, rocky surface. The line that marks the surface below the water usually appears red by default in most fish finders. Knowing what sort of terrain you're over is useful when looking for fish that prefer either rocky areas or areas with soft bottoms. Use the fish finder in combination with your chartplotter. If you have a chartplotter function on your fish finder, switch it over into split-screen mode. That way, when you see potential areas of fish activity, you can mark it on your chartplotter and come back to it later. If your chartplotter and fish finder are separate, just mark a waypoint on the chartplotter when you identify an area of significant fish activity. Zoom in on areas of interest. If you want more detail or information about activity at a particular depth, you can zoom in on the area to get a clearer image. This is also useful if you know that the type of fish you're interested in tends to swim at a certain depth, since you can simply set the fish finder to zoom in on a certain depth range to focus on just that area. Zoom functions are typically accessed through the options menu of your fish finder. Adjust the color palette in a way that maximizes your ability to read the display. Some fish finders use white lettering on a black background. If you change the display to show black letters on a white background, you might find that the display is easier to read. Similarly, if you change the fish-detection area of the display to a different color, you might have a better time distinguishing fish from features of the terrain. Increase the update speed. The update speed determines how fast you'll receive data from the fish finder. If your update speed is low, you'll be looking at data from further in the past. If your update speed is high, you'll be looking at data that is more up-to-date. If you find yourself confused or unable to interpret high-speed fish finder data, turn the update speed down. Use the fish symbol feature if you’re unfamiliar with fish finder display data. The fish symbol feature translates the lines, dots, arches, and other abstract visual data of the fish finder display to show you where the fish are. Use this feature to skip over the learning curve required to interpret the visual display. If you're already familiar with reading raw fish finder data, you won't need the added visual clutter of a fish symbol feature, which could distract from the primary fish finder display. Peak the transducer when your fish finder’s automatic settings are being fooled. Sometimes, the fish finder is inaccurate, and you fail to find fish in the area where the fish finder suggests fish are active. To correct for these inaccuracies, you'll need to manually adjust the device's sensitivity. This process is known as peaking the transducer. Set the range to at least three times the depth. The precise way in which you change the range to at least three times the depth varies depending on which fish finder you're using. You can typically navigate the fish finder's settings menu to adjust the range. Increase the sensitivity until you see two readings on the display. The precise way in which you increase the sensitivity of your fish finder depends on the particular model you're using. In most cases, you can adjust the sensitivity using the settings menu or by pressing buttons along the outside of the fish finder. When you begin to see a second reading, stop increasing the sensitivity. You'll probably have to increase the sensitivity to the point that you see substantial visual clutter. In other words, your display will start to look messy and almost unintelligible. Reduce the sensitivity until the clutter is gone but the second reading remains. As you slowly dial back the sensitivity, the amount of “noise” (or messiness) in the signal will decrease. With the second reading visible, you'll get a better idea of what's beneath your boat. Don’t add filters or boost filter strength to reduce surface clutter. Doing either could cut down on the fish finder's sensitivity. Plus, most fish swim well out of range of the surface and away from your boat, so boosting filter strength or adding filters to reduce surface clutter are unlikely to help you find fish. | Read the manual. Identify the location of basic information. Read the display from right to left when using SONAR or down imaging mode. Read the display from top to bottom if you’re using side imaging mode. Look for blobs or small patches if you’re pursuing smaller fish. Look for an arch shape or large dots if you’re after larger fish. Use the display data to identify the type of terrain beneath your boat. Use the fish finder in combination with your chartplotter. Zoom in on areas of interest. Adjust the color palette in a way that maximizes your ability to read the display. Increase the update speed. Use the fish symbol feature if you’re unfamiliar with fish finder display data. Peak the transducer when your fish finder’s automatic settings are being fooled. Set the range to at least three times the depth. Increase the sensitivity until you see two readings on the display. Reduce the sensitivity until the clutter is gone but the second reading remains. Don’t add filters or boost filter strength to reduce surface clutter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-the-Splits-Quickly | How to Do the Splits Quickly | To do the splits quickly, start by warming up your muscles by jogging in place for 5 minutes, doing some jumping jacks, or dancing to your favorite music. After you warm up, do some gentle stretches such as toe touches and lunges. Then, move into some deeper stretches, such as a v-stretch, which includes sitting on the floor with your legs spread wide, and slowly stretching toward each foot and down the center. Once you're done stretching, go as far into your split as you can, and hold it for 30 seconds. After a short break, try again, but this time go a little deeper. | Warm up. It is very important that you are warmed up before you attempt to do the splits. This will help you to avoid injury and allow you to stretch deeper. It will also help you to get your splits quicker. You can warm up by jogging on the spot for 5 minutes, by doing some star-jumps, push-ups, sit-ups or by dancing crazily to your favorite song - anything that gets your body moving! As part of your warm up, you can then begin some gentle stretches such as touching your toes in straddle or pike, butterflies, lunges, or anything that will get you used to spreading out your legs. Set aside 15 minutes of your day. You'll never accomplish the splits if you only stretch for two minutes at a time, once or twice a week. You need to commit to a routine that involves at least 15 minutes of stretching, every day. Pencil these 15 minutes into your daily schedule and don't forget them, no matter what. If you're tight for time - multitask! Do your stretching exercises while watching TV, learning multiplication tables for school or waiting for the pizza delivery guy. It doesn't matter. Remember that the more you stretch, the faster you will achieve the splits. If you're really serious about achieving your splits as quickly as possible - whether it's for gymnastics, dance class or karate - consider stretching for 15 minutes every morning and 15 minutes every night. This will really speed up the process! Know your limits. When practicing for the splits, you should feel a good, intense stretch in your leg muscles, but you should never feel any pain. If you do feel any pain, you should stop what you're doing immediately, as pushing yourself too hard can cause serious muscle injuries. If you pull or damage your muscles in any way, these injuries may prevent you from ever achieving the splits! Do a v-stretch. Sit on the floor and spread your legs out in a big v-shape. If it helps, place your feet against a wall in order to get a deeper stretch. Keeping your back straight, lean to the right and grab your right foot with both hands. Hold the stretch for 30 to 60 seconds, then repeat with the left leg. Next, stretch your arms straight out in front of you, as far as you can. Try to get your chest to touch the floor. Hold this stretch for 30 to 60 seconds. Touch your toes while sitting down. Sit on your bum with your legs stretched out in front of you, feet together, and reach for your toes. If you can't quite reach your toes, grab your ankles instead. If you can touch your toes easily, reach around the soles of your feet. Remember to keep your back straight. Hold this stretch for 30 to 60 seconds. Touch your toes while standing up. Do the exact same as last time but standing up! Standing with your feet together and your legs straight, lean down and try to touch your toes. Remember not to bend your knees, and try to keep most of your body weight on the balls of your feet, rather than the heels. Hold the stretch for 30 to 60 seconds. If you're really flexible, try to put the palms of your hands flat on the floor. Do the butterfly stretch. Sit on the floor and bend your knees until the soles of your feet are touching. Push your knees towards the floor, using your elbows if necessary. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Keep your back straight as you stretch and try to pull your heels as close towards your body as possible. For a more intense stretch, try leaning over and placing your hands on the ground, as far in front of your legs as you an manage. Do kneeling stretches. Kneel down onto your knees and extend one leg out in front of you, making sure that it's completely straight. Place a hand on either side of your extended leg and lean down into the stretch. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, then repeat on the other side. For a more intense stretch, place your extended leg on a raised surface, such as a pillow or mat. Practice the splits. One of the best ways to stretch for the splits is to actually practice the splits! Practice doing a right split , a left split and a center split , or just choose one. Practice doing each type of splits slowly, gently easing your legs as far down as possible. When you've reached your limit, try to hold that position for 30 seconds. Then give yourself a break before trying again. Attempt to push yourself a little further down each time. A couple of things you can do to get further down into your splits include asking a friend or family member to push down on your shoulders or legs while your stretch -- just make sure they will stop immediately when you ask! You can also wear socks while you stretch (rather than stretching barefoot or in shoes), as this will help your feet to slide easier, especially on wooden or linoleum covered floors. | Warm up. Set aside 15 minutes of your day. Know your limits. Do a v-stretch. Touch your toes while sitting down. Touch your toes while standing up. Do the butterfly stretch. Do kneeling stretches. Practice the splits. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Epilepsy-in-Beagles | How to Treat Epilepsy in Beagles | If you think your beagle might have epilepsy, take it to the vet for testing to rule out other possible causes of the seizers, such as liver disease, poisoning, or anemia. If your dog is diagnosed with severe epilepsy, your vet might recommend an anticonvulsant drug such as Pexion or Epiphen to give to your dog. On the other hand, if your dog's seizures are less frequent than once per month, your vet might prescribe a diazepam rectal suppository to be given only when seizures occur to make additional seizers less likely. | Take your dog to the vet. Your vet will do some testing to rule out other possible causes for the seizures. If no cause for the beagle's seizures is identifiable, the dog is assumed to have epilepsy. The veterinarian may want to test for poisoning, liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and anemia, among other health issues. At this point, treatment depends on the use of anticonvulsant drugs to suppress abnormal electrical activity in the brain, rather than treating the underlying cause. Discuss whether treatment with an anticonvulsant is necessary. Anticonvulsant drugs do have side effects, so whether to treat a beagle for epilepsy or not depends on weighing up a number of factors. As a general rule of thumb, those dogs that need treatment are those who have severe, prolonged seizures (lasting more than 5 minutes each), frequent seizures, or clusters of seizures. There is no set rule as to what "frequent" seizures are, and this is usually assessed on an individual basis against how severe the fit is and if the dog has clusters (groups of seizures on the same day). One seizure a month is usually the threshold at which therapy is started. Choose an anticonvulsant. There are different anticonvulsants that are available. Different anticonvulsant drugs work in different ways, and around 25-33% of epileptic dogs require more than one medication in order to satisfactorily control their symptoms. Two drugs are currently licensed for use in dogs for the treatment of epilepsy and these are Epiphen (phenobarbitone) and Pexion (Imepitoin). Pexion: This is a relatively new drug that builds up to therapeutic levels in the bloodstream much faster than Epiphen. The dog is started at an initial dose of 10mg/ kg, which is given as a tablet by mouth every 12 hours. The drug is more effective given on an empty stomach, and dosing should be kept as close to every 12 hours as possible. Pexion reaches a steady therapeutic level within 7 days, which is considerably faster than for alternative drugs. Pexion should not be given to beagles with serious liver or kidney disease. Epiphen: Epiphen has been available for much longer than Pexion and is more commonly used. However, it takes at least two weeks to climb to therapeutic levels in the blood, so decisions about dose adjustments should not be made during that time. Epiphen is strongly associated with ravenous appetite, increased thirst, and poor coordination on the back legs, and is not a drug that suits all dogs. High doses cause more severe side effects, so rather than increase the dose to high levels, introducing a second anticonvulsant may be the better option. Give treatment regularly. Once started on anticonvulsants, it is essential that the medication is given regularly and not stopped suddenly. To do so risks the patient having more severe seizures in the future. Drugs such as Epiphen have a short acting effect and if the next dose of drug is late, the dip in blood levels can be sufficient to induce a seizure in some patients. Never adjust the dose of an anticonvulsant medication without first speaking to your vet. Prepare to help your dog with the side effects of anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsant drugs have side effects, such as sedation, hunger, or thirst, which can seriously interfere with the dog's quality of life. The dose of drug that would completely prevent seizures might well make the dog so sleepy and poorly coordinated that it can't take part in normal family life. The drugs can also cause liver damage. The aim of treatment is therefore a compromise between reducing the frequency of the seizures by at least half, while maintaining the dog's good quality life. Give your dog medication to minimize additional seizures. Dogs that are not started on anticonvulsants because their seizures are infrequent (less frequent than once a month) or mild, may be supplied with a diazepam rectal suppository. This is given to the dog immediately after a seizure, as the diazepam is absorbed through the rectal mucosa to enter the bloodstream where it dampens down electrical activity in the brain and makes another seizure in the next few hours less likely. This is helpful because in some dogs, one seizure follows on the coattails of another, in what are called seizure clusters. Giving diazepam can decrease the likelihood of this happening. Document your dog's seizures. You should maintain a log of seizures so you can really understand how often and how severe they are. You should also take video of seizures, if you can. This will be good information to share with a vet. The log should include the date, the time, and the length of the seizures. Make the environment safe for your dog. When a dog has seizures it's important to remove dangerous objects from the area, so that it does not get injured. If you can, move furniture that has sharp edges and hard objects away from a seizing dog. If you have a dog with a history of seizures, it may be a good idea to take items that it could hurt itself on out of the areas is spends its time in. For example, if your dog's bed is next to a sharply-edged table, you should move either the bed or table. Be on the look out for seizures. Beagles that have epilepsy will have seizures. During the seizure itself, the dog loses consciousness, and often lies on its side and paddles uncontrollably with the legs. The dog's jaw may also be clenched. The owner should take care not to be bitten, as the dog won't be able to release their bite. Many dogs also lose control of their bladder and bowels during a fit. Most seizures last for just a couple of minutes. Look for secondary behavioral symptoms. Dogs about to have seizures often have a phase of strange behavior preceding the seizure. This strange behavior may include restlessness, being unsettled, and being clingy. Your dog may also come to you seeking reassurance. Keep an eye on breeds that are more likely to have epilepsy. Some dog breeds have an inherited component to their epilepsy and acquire genes from their parents that makes seizures more likely. The beagle is one of these breeds. Along with beagles, Cocker spaniels, Dachshunds, German shepherds, Irish setters, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, poodles and keeshonds have high rates of epilepsy. | Take your dog to the vet. Discuss whether treatment with an anticonvulsant is necessary. Choose an anticonvulsant. Give treatment regularly. Prepare to help your dog with the side effects of anticonvulsants. Give your dog medication to minimize additional seizures. Document your dog's seizures. Make the environment safe for your dog. Be on the look out for seizures. Look for secondary behavioral symptoms. Keep an eye on breeds that are more likely to have epilepsy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Skinny-Tie | How to Tie a Skinny Tie | To tie a skinny tie in a four-in-hand knot, place the tie around your neck so the wide end is at least 12 inches longer than the thin end. Locate the seam on the front of the narrow end and cross the tie around this point with the wide end in front. Pull the wide end behind the narrow end, then push it through the loop around your neck. Finally, pull the wide end through the knot you just made, and tighten the knot by sliding it up the narrow end. This knot will be slightly asymmetrical at your neck. | Place the tie around your neck. Your collar should be up and your shirt buttoned most of the way to the top. The wide end should be at least 12 inches longer than the thin end. The wide end of the tie should be on the side of your dominant hand. So if you're right-handed, the wide end should be hanging on your right side. If you're left-handed, the wide end should be hanging on your left side. You can button the tie all the way to the top if you want but keep the end knot loose. Locate the seam on the front of the narrow end of the tie. There should be a seam located on narrow end of the tie, close to its highest point. You should cross the tie around this point. Cross the tie at the seam. Move the wide end over the narrow end so they cross on the seam. Use the seam as a guiding point for where to cross the tie. You can cross a bit higher or a bit lower than the seam. Don't go too high or low! Wrap the wide end around the narrow end. Pull the wide end behind the narrow end. Then, bring the wide end around to the left. Push the wide end through the loop. Bring the wide end up. Now, push it through the loop around your neck. Pull the wide end through the knot. Use your index finger to keep a loose hold on the front of the knot and the narrow end. Pull the wide end down through this knot. Tighten the knot by sliding it up the narrow end. Don't push the knot in too tight. The knot should be loose. The four-in-hand knot is a little asymmetrical at the neck. Place the tie around your neck. The wide end should hang lower than the narrow end. You should make sure that the wide end of the tie is twelve inches below the narrow end. Cross the wide end of the skinny tie over the narrow end. You should do this around the neck end. You can use the seam as a guide when you place the tie. Bring it back underneath to create a loop. Push the wide end down through the loop. Take the wide end up till it is close to the loop. Now, pull it down through the loop. Pass the wide end to the right. First take the wide end to the front, and then cross the it over the narrow end. It should fold over the narrow end. Push the wide end through the loop. Bring the wide end up and pass it through the loop. Pass it through the knot in front. Insert the wide end into the front knot. Tighten the knot by pulling the wide end slowly. This can be as loose or tight as you wish. This isn't a formal tie. | Place the tie around your neck. Locate the seam on the front of the narrow end of the tie. Cross the tie at the seam. Wrap the wide end around the narrow end. Push the wide end through the loop. Pull the wide end through the knot. Place the tie around your neck. Cross the wide end of the skinny tie over the narrow end. Push the wide end down through the loop. Pass the wide end to the right. Push the wide end through the loop. Pass it through the knot in front. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Score-in-Curling | How to Score in Curling | To score in curling, throw 1 of your team's stones into the house during an end of play. Increase your chances of scoring by having your teammates sweep the ice in front of the stone so it travels smoothly or by taking out your opponents stones. If your team manages to get more stones closer to the center of the house than your opponents after an end, count the number of stones to total multiple points. Finally, tally up your points after 10 ends to see who wins the game. | Form a team of 4 players who alternate shots. Each game of curling is played with 2 teams consisting of 4 players apiece. Team members take turns throwing stones. The turn order is determined before the game and is followed throughout it. The exception to this is in Mixed Doubles curling. Teams are composed of 1 male and 1 female player. Mixed Doubles games are much faster than regular games. Aim for the target in the center of the ice. The playing surface for curling is called a sheet. You stand at 1 end of the ice and aim for the “house,” which is the target at the other end. The “button” is the bullseye in the center of this target. Many beginners are thrown off by the size and color of the blue, white, and red rings. Ignore the rings. They're a visual indicator of where to aim, but otherwise don't pay them much attention. The most important part is how close your stones are to the button.. Players will start from a position 57 ft (17 m) away from the house. To stay in play, the stones must stop between the hog line, which is 21 ft (6.4 m) from the button, and the back line behind the house. Send 8 total stones down the ice towards the house. Each team plays by using granite stones, also called rocks. Teams alternate turns, throwing 1 stone at a time. Each team member gets to throw 2 stones total, which their teammates guide towards the house. Each stone weighs about 42 lb (19 kg), so guiding it along the ice takes some practice. Team members alternate turns. You have to wait to throw your second stone In Mixed Doubles, each team gets only 5 stones. Play 10 ends in a game. Think of an end as an inning in baseball. Once all the stones are thrown in an end, an official counts the score and writes it on a scorecard. Each team curls a total of 80 stones in a match. Each end begins with the team who won the previous end. If Team B scores more points in the first end, they start the second end. This is fairer than it seems because the team that goes second in curling has an advantage. The amount of ends can change depending on the game format. Full-length games may be limited to 8 ends. Professional Mixed Doubles games are always 8 ends long, but recreational games may be even shorter. Get stones into the house to score points. Only stones that stay within the house or button earn points. This is your team's goal for each end. Curling is a careful game of teams throwing and knocking away stones in order to gain position in the house. It is possible to land a stone within the active play area but outside of the house. Stones in these areas are usually guards. They never count towards any points. Teams may end up scoring no points during an end. If nobody has a stone in the house, neither team gets a point. Land the closest stone to the button to score a point. After all stones have been thrown in the current end, the team with the stone closest to the center of the target gets a point. All of the other stones behind it don't count. This means that only 1 team can earn points during an end. If your opponent is occupying the button and you're throwing your last stone, you have to knock the other stone away to prevent them from scoring. For example, your opponent has a stone on the blue ring. Your stone is in the bullseye. Your team gets 1 point. Have several stones closer to the target to score multiple points. Any team can score up to 8 points in an end. You get multiple points only if you have several stones closer to the bullseye than your opponent. Having multiple stones in the house doesn't count unless your opponent's stones are out of the way. This is why knocking out your opponent's stones strategically can be a big deal. For example, if Team B has 3 stones closer to the center than any of Team A's stones, Team B earns 3 points. Measure the stones’ distance from the circle to see which is closer. The colored rings serve as a guide when determining who scored. To determine the distance, stand directly over the stone and locate the edge closest to the center. Do the same for any other stones to determine where they fall in the house. The stone's edge needs to touch the outermost margin of the house or fall within it to count. Any stones outside of the circle are out of play. When in doubt, use a measuring stick to determine how far the stones are from the button. Referees do this when they can't make a determination by sight alone. In professional matches, referees make the final decision on scoring issues. However, most leagues across the world don't have officials supervising matches, so the players have to measure the stones themselves. Tally up your points after all ends are completed. Scorekeeping in curling is similar to writing out a baseball scorecard. After each end, determine which stones are closest to the center. Then, record the number of points scored. At the end of the game, add up all the points. The team with the most total points wins the match. If you have a scorekeeper, they can maintain a scoreboard updated after each end concludes. Throw the stone by gliding it towards the house. During your turn, crouch down by the stone at the starting block. Push the stone forward to generate momentum, then let it go towards the target. The goal is to get it in the house, usually as close to the button as possible. The speed, force, and direction of a throw are all important. While success is not entirely dependent on the throw, your stone isn't likely to get near the button without a good throw. Sweep the stone to help it along the ice. You may have seen curling players use brooms to sweep the ice ahead of the stone. The players who didn't throw the stone all do this to guide the stone towards the house. The amount of sweeping can change the stone's speed or direction. The ice of a curling sheet is rougher than it looks. If a stone is moving left on its own, for example, it will hit the rough patches and spin further towards the left. Sweeping melts the ice, allowing the stone to move across it more smoothly. To keep the stone moving fast and straight, sweep the ice directly in front of it. Perform a guard shot to block the opposing team. Guard shots land in front of the house but within the curling scoring area. This kind of shot is easy to remember, as the stones guard the house so opponents can't sneak in. It's a very useful kind of shot for protecting your stones in the house. For example, you throw a guard in front of the outer blue ring. If your opponent hits it, they may knock the stone into the house. They need to either knock the stone away or go around it. Areas with lots of guards can create headaches for the opposing team. Getting stones to the house involves working around guards and understanding how they will move when hit by an incoming stone. Make a draw shot to get a stone into the house. Draw shots are designed to get stones around guards. While they can be straight shots, many involve curling the stone with great precision. To curl a draw shot, turn the stone's handle right before you let go of it. Then, let the sweepers guide the stone around the guard and back towards where you want it to end up. These are some of the most strategic shots you can choose and some of the hardest to implement. They become more integral as stones begin filling the playing area during each end. For instance, if you have a guard in front of the house, aim your stone to the right of it. Turn the handle counterclockwise to spin the stone back towards the house. Use a takeout shot to remove guards from the playing area. Takeout shots are thrown with such force that they knock the opposing team's stones out of play. Stones thrown for speed and power are often takeouts. Takeout shots have to be performed carefully, or else you can knock your own stones out of the house. For example, if your opponent has a guard in the button, you can knock it away with a takeout shot. Throw your stone with the right amount of power to bump your opponent's stone while stopping yours in the house. Be careful when knocking out stones. You can easily knock your opponent's stone into the scoring area. You can also knock in your own guard stones or take your stones out of play. | Form a team of 4 players who alternate shots. Aim for the target in the center of the ice. Send 8 total stones down the ice towards the house. Play 10 ends in a game. Get stones into the house to score points. Land the closest stone to the button to score a point. Have several stones closer to the target to score multiple points. Measure the stones’ distance from the circle to see which is closer. Tally up your points after all ends are completed. Throw the stone by gliding it towards the house. Sweep the stone to help it along the ice. Perform a guard shot to block the opposing team. Make a draw shot to get a stone into the house. Use a takeout shot to remove guards from the playing area. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Convert-Euros-to-Dollars | How to Convert Euros to Dollars | To exchange euros into dollars, start by checking the exchange rate online so you know how many dollars you should be getting. Then, wait until you're in the U.S. before exchanging your money, since you'll get a better exchange rate. You should avoid using airport kiosks, because they typically charge you higher exchange fees. Additionally, withdraw dollars using your debit or credit card from an ATM at a major bank to avoid paying third party vendor fees. | Check currency rates with a free online exchange rate calculator. The basic exchange rate is defined as the rate banks are paying each other for foreign currency. Find this information through a free online calculator. These rates change daily, so you'll want to check regularly while traveling. Armed with this information, you'll know whether a rate you see is a good deal, or whether you should look elsewhere to exchange your currency. One reliable online exchange rate calculator is X-Rates. Go to http://x-rates.com/calculator/?from=EUR&to=USD&amount=1 to convert euros to dollars. Learn how to read currency exchange boards. You'll likely do most of your conversions through ATMs, but it's still helpful to understand a currency exchange board. Circumstances might require you to use a bank or other currency exchange. Currency exchange boards have two columns, the buy column and the sell column. If you're in Europe and want to buy some U.S. currency before you leave, look at the rate in the sell column for U.S. dollars. That is the rate at which the bank will sell you U.S. dollars. Once you're in the U.S., look at the rate in the buy column for euros. Now the U.S. bank or exchange is purchasing euros from you and giving you dollars. The difference between the buy rate and the sell rate for any given currency is the amount of money the bank or exchange is making on the transaction. You want this amount to be as low as possible. Wait to exchange money until you arrive in the U.S. While you can buy U.S. dollars from a bank in your home country before you take your trip, you'll generally get a better rate in the U.S. than you would abroad. Start with a small amount as backup, and plan on getting the bulk of your cash after you arrive. As long as you have a major credit or debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo, you should be fine when you land. Even if you have to take a taxi from the airport, most cab drivers accept credit and debit cards, or will drive you to an ATM on the way. Avoid airport exchange kiosks. As soon as you get off your plane in the U.S., you'll see kiosks in the airport that will exchange currency for you. These are convenient and tempting, but they typically charge high fees and offer a poor rate of exchange relative to a major bank. Read the exchange boards carefully and compare them to what you know about the interbank exchange rate from checking the online calculator. Also look at the differences between the buy and sell rates. Generally, avoid using an exchange if the difference between those two rates is more than.10. Withdraw cash from an ATM at a major bank. Using the ATM at a major bank is the easiest way to get local currency when you're traveling abroad. Always use ATMs located at banks (preferably inside) to ensure maximum security. ATMs in out-of-the-way places can be easily compromised by identity thieves. Additionally, ATMs operated by third-party vendors typically charge hefty fees that may not be reimbursed by your bank. Use a bank in the Global ATM Network. This is the largest network that waives fees if you use the ATM of any other bank in the network. These banks charge higher fees for transactions outside the network, but you can save money if you stay within the network. In the U.S., Bank of America is a member of the Global ATM Network. If your bank in your home country is also a member of the network, use Bank of America ATMs while in the U.S. to eliminate withdrawal fees. European banks in the Global ATM network include Barclays, BNP Paribas, and Deutsche Bank. Take credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee of anywhere between 1 and 5 percent on purchases you make outside the EU. Choose a card that doesn't charge these fees and make it your primary credit card while traveling in the U.S. Credit cards typically get better exchange rates than other financial services companies. Use your credit card for large purchases, such as paying for your hotel. You'll also enjoy greater security when you use a credit card. If your credit card is lost or stolen, you can cancel it immediately without liability for any fraudulent charges. Pick local currency for credit card transactions. When you buy something with a credit card, you may be given the option to use euros or dollars. While in the U.S., always choose to pay with dollars. Otherwise, you may end up paying additional fees. This process is known as dynamic currency conversion , and may result in a premium as high as 10 percent being added to your purchase. It can also trigger fees and penalties from your own credit card company. Plan your cash exchanges. Every time you get cash, you'll lose a little money in fees and commissions. It may not seem like much at first, but those fees can add up. Budget your trip and plan on making only one or two cash withdrawals. Generally, you want to have at least $200 in cash on hand for tips and small daily transactions. If you're staying in the U.S. longer than a week or two, you may need more than that. If you take all the cash you're going to need out at once, don't carry it all with you. Use your hotel's safe to store the cash you won't need for that day. | Check currency rates with a free online exchange rate calculator. Learn how to read currency exchange boards. Wait to exchange money until you arrive in the U.S. Avoid airport exchange kiosks. Withdraw cash from an ATM at a major bank. Use a bank in the Global ATM Network. Take credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Pick local currency for credit card transactions. Plan your cash exchanges. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-a-Girl%27s-Hair | How to Cut a Girl's Hair | To cut a girl's hair, start by washing her hair and then lightly drying it so it's still damp but not soaked. Then, use a comb to gently brush out her hair and part it the way she usually parts it. Next, starting at the back, take a section of hair between your forefinger and middle finger and use sharp scissors to cut off 1/2-2 inches. Use this section of hair as a guide as you work your way from the back to the sides and eventually the front. | Start with washed hair. The hair should be clean and damp when cutting. After the hair is washed, towel dry it to remove excess water, and then comb out any knots. Comb from the ends, and work your way up to the root to work out knots. This will prevent damage to the hair and will put less strain on the scalp. You should always use a comb for detangling. Don't use a brush. Sit in proper lighting. For a quality haircut, you will need to be in a well lit area. The girl who is getting the haircut needs to be sitting down straight, preferably in a chair high enough so the stylist does not need to lean down. Comb the hair. The hair should be combed straight back first, and then parted in the place it normally is. If the hair is worn with a middle part, do that. If the hair has a side part on the left or right side, do that. The hair will typically fall where it is trained to be. Check behind the ears for snarled or stuck hair. All of the hair needs to be combed straight down for a proper cut. Use sharp scissors. The ideal scissors to use would be stylist scissors specifically designed for hair cuts. Dull scissors will not cut the hairs cleanly, and they might create split ends. Additionally, dull scissors will bend or push the hair down before making a cut, resulting in a hairline that looks uneven. Start cutting in the back at the center. This will serve as your guide as you make your way towards the sides and front. You will use the back piece as a reference as you are cutting around the sides to keep the trim even. Pull up the back section of hair, and bring the ends through your forefinger and middle finger. You should have about 1/2 inch to two inches sticking out from your fingers. Cut straight across. For a softer look, you can trim up into the hair, holding the scissors at a 45 degree angle. The amount of hair you cut depends on how far up the damage goes, but typically it will be about 1/2 inch to two inches. Start by cutting less, and then go back to cut more if desired. Have the person lean their head forward slightly when cutting the back to help you perform a more even trim. Trim the sides. Work your way from your guide piece to the side. When cutting the hair that lays on the shoulder, have the person slightly lean their head to the opposite side. This will bring the hair up to help you cut more evenly. Cut the opposite side. Once you make it to the front of one side, go back to your guide piece in the back, and begin cutting the opposite side. Have the person lean their head to the opposite side you are cutting, and be sure to reference the guide piece the entire time. Check the length on both sides. Once you are finished, come to the front, and bring the hair from both sides between your fingers. Pull them down and flat, and look to see if they are the same length. If one side or piece is longer, go ahead and trim it appropriately. If you're cutting their hair in front of a mirror, it's easier to check the evenness by standing behind the person and looking at their reflection in the mirror. Finish the cut with a blow dry. Remember, as the hair dries, it will slightly shorten. If you notice any uneven pieces after the hair is dry, dampen the area, and even it out with scissors. Wash and towel dry the hair to be cut. The hair should be clean and damp while it is being cut. Comb all of the tangles out, and apply leave in conditioner if needed. Decide on the length you want your hair to be before it is pinned up. Divide the hair into sections. The layers on each side should be the same length, and to help do this, it is important to divide each side into symmetrical sections. The trick is to pull away from the places you want layers by combing each section at an angle down towards the face from the back. Here are the sections you will pin: As you divide your sections, twist each 1 into a tiny bun. Then secure the bun with a duckbill hair clip until you're ready to cut that section. Pin together the "top box" section. Use a comb to make a part on the top left and right side. Use the end of the eyebrows as a guide for how far over the part should be. Divide this section in half. One part will be from the crown of the head to the forehead, and the second part will be from the crown of the head and reach to the middle back section of your head. This hair will be combed forward and be section off in the front. The back of the hair from the middle down will not be layered. It can be left loose or pinned back. Divide the right and left front sections. These sections will start at the temples and end at the ear. Start with the comb at the back of the head, and angle down towards the bottom of the ear. Angle your cuts. When you cut or trim hair, you will angle the scissors up and at a 45 degree angle, and use the tip of the scissors to cut small pieces at a time. This will create uneven edges that will give the hair a more natural look. As you are cutting, you want to avoid bringing the scissors straight across the bottom. Instead, slightly pull the scissors away after each cut before cutting the next piece. Start with the front "top box. " Take out the clip from the top front section. Make sure the hair is still damp and completely combed out. Lift the hair at a 90 degree angle to your head, holding it between your forefinger and middle finger. It is important to cut the hair at an angle so it falls more naturally. Slide your fingers toward the ends until they reach the length you want the layer to end. You will cut the hair that is sticking out from your fingers. Cut a little longer than you want the layers to be to allow room for error. Keep in mind that hair shrinks when it dries. Common layers are cut right below the earlobe, or just above the jawline to help frame the face. It's a good idea to drop 1 section of hair down, and then cut it at the desired length of the layer. Then, you can pull that hair back up and use it as a guide for the rest of your hair. Trim the front left section. Next, take out the clip from the left section of hair. Brush through the hair, and pull it up toward the top section. Allow some of the hair to fall away so that you can maintain some of the longer length. Holding the left section between your fingers, trim the hair to your desired length. Remember to trim at an angle to create a more natural look. If necessary, you can always trim some of the fallen hair to add to your layer. Cut the front right section. Next, take out the clip from the right section of hair. Brush through the hair, and run your fingers through the section at a 90 degree angle from the head. Bring your fingers down to the side of the face where you want the layer to end. Make sure it is even with the side you just cut. Use one hand to pull the layer that was just cut down so you can match up the two sides. When you are ready, cut the hair extending from your fingers. Comb through the hair. When you are finished with each section, check the length of the layers. Line them up on both sides to see if they are symmetrical. If one side or piece is shorter than the other side, go back and trim it shorter. When you make adjustments, take off small amounts at a time so you don't end up making the hair shorter than desired. Blow dry the hair. Use a round brush as you blow dry to bring out the layers. Twist the brush inward as it dries to bring the shorter layers in with the longer layers. If you notice an area that needs to be cut shorter, remember to get all of the hair damp again before you cut it. If you only dampen one side, you will not be able to properly match up each side because the wet hair will appear longer than it will be once it dries. Prepare your bangs. Whether you are trimming bangs, or creating bangs for the first time, the front section of hair should be dry and combed out before cutting. Use a comb to section off only the area you wish to cut, and put the rest in a ponytail or clipped out of the way. Your bangs should not extend further than your brow line. Also, they'll look best if they follow a triangle pattern with the top point being in the center of your hair about 3 inches (7.6 cm) above the bottom of your hairline. A common problem when cutting bangs is cutting them too short. This is why bangs are best cut when hair is dry. Cut the bangs longer than you ultimately want them. This way, you can figure out the shape you want, and go back to make adjustments. Cut at a curve. Bangs are not cut straight across. Instead, they curve down towards the temples to help create a frame for the face. However, it depends on the look your are going for. Gather the hair. If you are simply trimming bangs, you will bring the comb through underneath the bangs where you want them to end. If you are making new bangs, use the comb to section off the hair you want to cut. Depending on how thick the hair is, bangs usually start right in front of the middle of the crown and angle downward on both sides towards the temples. You can play around with the look you prefer. Cut in the middle. Make a straight cut across your forehead, directly below the comb. Work your way toward one side, following the curve. By starting in the middle, you will have more control over how short the bangs end up. Angle the scissors down when working your way to the edge to create a gradual curve. Once you have one side finished, bring the scissors back to the middle, and cut the other side. Check for symmetry. Use your finger tips to pull down on the hair between your forefinger and middle finger. See if the bangs are the same length on each side. If they are not even, carefully trim the side that is longer. Cut tiny amounts at a time so you do not accidentally cut the longer side shorter, which may result in bangs that are shorter than you want. Soften the edges by cutting at a 45 degree angle. After your bangs are even, hold the scissors vertically at a 45 degree angle. Trim the edge with tiny cuts up into the hair, softening the look. Be careful not to remove any of the length. Sweep away cut hair. Use a makeup brush or blow dryer to get rid of those tiny trims. If the bangs do end up shorter than you were going for, do not worry. Hair grows at a rate of 1/2" per month on average, and that makes a big difference when it comes to bangs. | Start with washed hair. Sit in proper lighting. Comb the hair. Use sharp scissors. Start cutting in the back at the center. Trim the sides. Cut the opposite side. Check the length on both sides. Finish the cut with a blow dry. Wash and towel dry the hair to be cut. Divide the hair into sections. Angle your cuts. Start with the front "top box. Trim the front left section. Cut the front right section. Comb through the hair. Blow dry the hair. Prepare your bangs. Cut at a curve. Gather the hair. Cut in the middle. Check for symmetry. Soften the edges by cutting at a 45 degree angle. Sweep away cut hair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Business-Profile | How to Write a Business Profile | To write a business profile, use a standard font that's easy to read, and keep your profile short so potential customers aren't overwhelmed or bored by it. Also, avoid using a lot of technical jargon or flowery language so that people can easily understand your profile. You should start your profile with your basic information, like the name of your company, your address, and your contact information. Then, go over your company's mission statement and up-to-date details about your business. | Put your basic information first. Readers need to know who they're looking at before you get into the specifics. It will also demonstrate how organized and efficient you are. Make sure to give the company name, the year established, what your company does, who the principle is, all your contact info, and your website. If there are additional basic details relevant to your business, give them here. For example, your header could be: XYZ Semantics, LLC Marketing Consultants | Est. 1975 in Las Vegas, NV 55 Corporation Drive, Las Vegas NV 56556 | ph. (555)555-5555, fax: (555)555-5556 Email: [email protected] | www.xyzsemanticsllc.com Talk about your company’s ideas. If you have a mission statement, put it here. Otherwise, write out your company vision, guiding ethos, and a little about your history. Telling who you are and what drives you gives your company a human element. It also gives you a chance to do some subtle advertising early on. This is a place you can afford to be a little vague. Mission statements are legally necessary for some businesses, and may need to be specific. For everyone else, try to state what you do without limiting yourself. You don't want to scare away potential business that thinks you wouldn't consider expanding into adjacent industries. But it is easy to overdo vague language. A bad example: "XYZ Semantics is a company driven by the pursuit of its dreams. We want to bring you with us on this journey. Our dedication to solutions and innovation make us the leading marketing consultants west of the Mississippi." A good example: "XYZ Semantics is seasoned and talented team of marketing consultants. Since 1975 we have helped our clients grow their business and profits. Though our methods are complex, our goal is simple: we want to help you sell your product to more customers." Find out more specific details. Check with your secretarial or human resource staff to find out up-to-date details in several areas. You may not need to use all these, but having them on hand will make it easier when you sit down to craft the profile. Set up a way to streamline this process in the future, as you will want to update this information in your profile regularly. Number of employees Turnover. Low turnover can indicate stability, but either way it's a good statistic to have on-hand. List of all business activities. What are all the areas you work in? Unique equipment or specialties. If you are the only company that produces, say, a rare machine part, you need to mention that. Certifications Imports/exports Your methodology and/or what software you use. Volume of output you can handle. Prospective clients need to know if you are prepared to meet their needs. Delivery stats. How many units do you ship in a given period? Major accounts or clients. This is a way to show prospective clients whether or not you are used to doing business with companies like theirs. It's also another chance for subtle advertising. Sift through all this information. Since you want to keep the profile short, you can't include every possible detail. Also, not all of them might be strengths. Pick out what might be relevant to include in your profile in various contexts. Keep the other information on hand for future reference, but put the important stuff in one place for easy access. Study other business profiles. Look first at competitors and other companies in the same type of business. Note the style and tone of the ones that stand out. If you have a business you really look up to, such as a leading national corporation, look at their profile. What do they do that stands out to you? Incorporate this style into your own. Use accurate, up-to-date details. Before you sit down to write the profile, make sure you have the most recent numbers you can find. Prospective clients aren't interested in your performance from five years ago. They want to know how you will deliver now. Get your staff to update you on these details regularly so you have to do less leg work when it comes time to write a new profile. Keep it short. Most times, you want people to read your profile as potential customers. Make sure they read all the way through by keeping it short and engaging. Show you respect their time and you don't want to waste it. Short business profiles also indicate that you don't need a lot of flowery language and decorations to show you are the best. Let the numbers speak for themselves. For example, don't list every client you've had in the last 15 years. Keep the list short by including only the top 10 or so with high profiles. But make sure the language indicates they are not your only accounts! Avoid overly specific jargon as well as general statements. You will inevitably use terms that people in your industry understand, but a fourth grader might not. However, don't let the profile become an advertisement for your vocabulary. At the same time, avoid meaningless, vague statements. Experts in your industry will know fluff when they see it. Here are examples of poor wording: ”Simulated annealing and RPCs have the necessary infrastructure to interface with our overseas servers.” ”Our company optimizes synergy, productivity, and innovation while diminishing losses.” Here is an example of a targeted statement: ”We store data safely in our servers at home and in our international offices.” Use clean formatting. Some companies and individuals let their creativity get away from them by going for excessively showy visual appeal. This doesn't change the information presented, though. Pick a format that has lines and standard fonts to visually organize your profile. This is another way to ensure that the profile is easy to read. Mention why your company is best. This is a kind of advertisement for your business, so don't be afraid to talk about your strengths. Although, they should never worry about the accuracy of your business profile. Mention specific numbers or awards to quantify your performance. Make it creative but don't exaggerate. Find a nice middle ground between good writing that makes you stand out and showy prose. Write something that sounds nice in two paragraphs, and then edit it down to one. For example, don't write: "We are marketing consultants based in Las Vegas, NV. We help businesses in the region sell their products and services. If you sign with us, we will be contractually obligated to advise you ways to increase your business." But also don't write: "Semantics, LLC started in 1975, became the uncontested leader in marketing consultation in the United States by 1980. Our unrelenting and fervent attention to detail makes us the only good option for businesses hoping to increase sales. If you work with us, your profits will increase threefold in the first year." Opt instead for: "XYZ Semantics was named in Style & Marketing Magazine's 'Top 5 Marketing Consultants of the Southwest' list every year since 2005. Our team was selected from a variety of backgrounds to promote a creative environment. Choosing our services will not be the last good decision you make." | Put your basic information first. Talk about your company’s ideas. Find out more specific details. Sift through all this information. Study other business profiles. Use accurate, up-to-date details. Keep it short. Avoid overly specific jargon as well as general statements. Use clean formatting. Mention why your company is best. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Answer-Customer-Emails | How to Answer Customer Emails | The best way to answer angry customer emails is to start with a thank you, even if they're being rude. Thanking them for their feedback is a quick way to make the customer feel valued, and may cool their anger slightly. Then, address each topic mentioned in the customer's email and apologize for any errors, bad service, or wrong-doing they experienced. Sometimes all a customer want to hear is an acknowledgment, so try using a phrase like “We'd like to offer our sincerest apologies. The same mistake will not be made again.” If you need more information in order to find a realistic solution, ask them to clarify their original feedback. | Read the customer's email carefully. Avoid the temptation to begin formulating a response before getting to the very last word in the correspondence. As you read the entire text, other insights may come to mind that will make it much easier to provide a truly constructive response. Acknowledge the customer email as quickly as possible. Let customers immediately know you care for and plan on investigating their concerns, there is personnel responsible for such actions, and a solution will be reached. Try a few of the following replies to personalize your own: At (business name), we are 100% committed to meeting the needs of our customers. One of our customer representatives will reply within 24-hours. In an effort to monitor and improve customer satisfaction at (business name), we would like to inform you we take all feedback seriously, and will reply to your concern as soon as possible. We appreciate your concern and hope to keep your future business. Please allow us some time to investigate your issue and determine a suitable solution. Whenever possible, go one step further and personally acknowledge the receipt. This is especially important if it will take time to gather the information necessary to adequately respond to customer queries, concerns, or suggestions. Track all customer interaction. There are customer software packages that do this for you, but in general there should be a way to identify the customer, their contact information, and their specific complaint. Be sure to include enough information, like a unique ID number, in case the customer has more than one bad experience. Put yourself in the customer’s position. Before determining who is at fault, what the reply should be, and what solution will be provided, try to really identify with the customer. Imagine previous scenarios where you've been unhappy with a business, and formulate the type of answer that would have satisfied you then. Consider the questions or concerns in the client's email. At times, clients may be very direct, while at other times their words may hint at additional concerns. If there is question, do not guess at the client's intentions. Get clarification by asking a question. Make a list of specific issues. Sift through the email to remove the concerns from vitriol. Try to break down the email into three different sections. Identify what should be directly addressed. These items need immediate and concise answers. Pick out what needs further clarification. If there are uncertain demands or complaints, be sure to find the items that need return questions to the customer. Pay attention to any time-sensitive items. If a customer is unhappy with their service or product, and needs attention before a certain cut-off date, be aware of their scheduling concerns. Thank the customer for the email. When a customer takes the time to send an email, you are being given the opportunity to overcome obstacles and strengthen the relationship. Make it clear the customer is valuable and you will find a way to provide concise answers that solve their issues. Apologize for any wrong-doing. Sometimes all a customer wants is acknowledgement of an error, bad service provided, or an unsatisfactory product. Try one of the following to assuage the customer: Sorry for our mistake. We'll work harder next time to make your experience wonderful. We'd like to offer our sincerest apologies. The same mistake will not be made again. Oops! We definitely didn't live up to expectations with your last interaction. We'll try to do better in future visits. Set reasonable expectations for responding with answers. Many companies have a policy of answering emails within 24 business hours or less. Make sure your client knows when a reply can reasonably be expected. Address each topic mentioned in the customer email. An easy way is to respond to each point in the same order as listed in the original email. This will often make it easier for the client to quickly relate the responses to his or her comments, since the flow of answers is in sync with the arrangement of the customer's text. Ask clarifying questions. Should any comment expressed by the client be unclear in some manner, pose questions designed to obtain more detail. Avoid phrasing your questions so that simple yes or no responses are likely. Ideally, you want enough detail in return to fully address any remaining issues on the client's mind. Can you please explain the customer service interactions with which you are unhappy? Which items did you purchase, and which are unsatisfactory? Would you please provide the details of the sales transaction, including the date, time, and sales ID number? Handle angry customers with care. Customers that are upset are unlikely to respond kindly to anything except acknowledgement and understanding of their complaint. The customer is always right. Under nearly all scenarios, it does not behoove you to blame the customer for a mistake. Chalk up any interactions like this as a way to win over a customer. Do not get into an argument with the customer via email. Keep attempting to resolve the situation by offering multiple solutions to the problem. Offer realistic answers. While some difficult customers may ask for unrealistic outcomes, it's best not to even suggest something that can't be delivered. Only mention what can be done to remedy the problem. Offer solutions without excuses. Even if a client wants something that cannot be done, don't respond negatively. Include what solutions are available to address the underlying issue, especially if the fault is with your company. Ultimately, clients are more interested in what providers can do rather than what they can't. Thanks for the email. We've found the source of the error and are would like to recompense you with 15% off of your previous order. We appreciate the time you've spent to contact us. We'd like to offer you a full refund on the faulty product. Thank you for your business! Sorry for shipping the incorrect item to you. We've already sent a replacement via overnight shipping. Please consider the first item a gift. Your email has brought attention to a problem of which we were unaware. Thank you. Please use the attached coupon and accept a complimentary meal on your next visit. Ask the customer for suggestions. They may find your solution insufficient. Provided the request is reasonable, it's possible you'll gain a valued customer by allowing them to dictate their own terms. Monitor follow-up correspondence with the customer. Ensure your company follows through with the solution provided, and the customer is satisfied. Never leave an issue unresolved. | Read the customer's email carefully. Acknowledge the customer email as quickly as possible. Track all customer interaction. Put yourself in the customer’s position. Consider the questions or concerns in the client's email. Make a list of specific issues. Thank the customer for the email. Apologize for any wrong-doing. Set reasonable expectations for responding with answers. Address each topic mentioned in the customer email. Ask clarifying questions. Handle angry customers with care. Offer solutions without excuses. Monitor follow-up correspondence with the customer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Safely-Clean-a-Diamond-Ring | How to Safely Clean a Diamond Ring | To safely clean your diamond ring, start by mixing a little dish soap into a bowl of warm water. Let your ring soak in the bowl for 15 minutes. If there is still dirt on it, use a soft toothbrush to rub away the grime. To reach into crevices, you can use a toothpick to poke out the dirt. Finally, rinse the ring in cold water and lay it out to dry on a paper towel. | Make a soap and water mixture. Squirt a little dish soap into a bowl. Fill the bowl with warm water. Swish it around a bit to produce some suds. Use a gentle dish soap, preferably one made with natural ingredients, to avoid harming your ring with chemicals. Gentle hand soap, shampoo, or body wash may also be used. You can also use a combination of equal parts window cleaner and water. Do not use toothpaste to clean your ring. It will ruin the gold and leave a film over the diamond. Place your ring in the bowl for 15 minutes. Let the soapy water soak into the ring. It will penetrate and loosen the dirt, dust and grime that has built up there. Remove your ring and examine it. If you can still see dirt buildup, you'll need to clean it further. Otherwise, you can rinse your ring in clean water. Use a soft toothbrush to gently rub the dirt from your ring. Make sure you use a soft-bristled brush, rather than medium or hard-bristled, so that your ring doesn't get scratched. Scrub lightly, poking the bristles into the hard-to-reach crevices. You can use a toothpick to poke dirt out of the crevices if necessary. Rinse the ring in cool water. Lay it out to dry. Place your ring on a paper towel or clean cloth and let it completely dry. Buy a quick dip meant for the type of diamond ring you own. Quick dips are commercially available solutions designed to quickly clean jewelry. Different dips are made with different chemicals specifically formulated for gold, silver, or other metals. Be sure to pick out a dip that specifies use for cleaning diamond rings with the type of setting you have. Read the label carefully. It's important to follow the instructions for using the quick dip to a T, so that you don't end up damaging your ring. Read the instructions and make sure you're clear on how to use the dip before you proceed. Use the dip. Pour some of the dip liquid into a bowl. Place your ring in the bowl for the recommended amount of time, and no longer. Remove your ring from the bowl and let it completely dry on a soft cloth. Don't leave your ring in the dip for longer than recommended, or it may get damaged. Don't touch the diamond with your fingers until it dries. The oils on your skin may leave a film on the diamond. Choose an ultrasonic cleaner. These are small machines that make it easy to safely clean your jewelry in a matter of a few minutes. They are quite affordable, and similar to the types of cleaning machines used in jewelry shops. Look for cleaner made by a reputable company. Fill the cleaner with water and detergent. Most cleaning machines come with a metal cup that is filled with water and a detergent to clean your jewelry. Follow the instructions and fill the cleaning machine with the appropriate amount of solution. Place your ring in the cleaner and close it. Be sure it's assembled correctly and closed properly. Remove your ring after the recommended time. It should be clean within just a minute or two; don't leave it inside for longer than necessary. | Make a soap and water mixture. Place your ring in the bowl for 15 minutes. Remove your ring and examine it. Use a soft toothbrush to gently rub the dirt from your ring. Rinse the ring in cool water. Lay it out to dry. Buy a quick dip meant for the type of diamond ring you own. Read the label carefully. Use the dip. Choose an ultrasonic cleaner. Fill the cleaner with water and detergent. Place your ring in the cleaner and close it. Remove your ring after the recommended time. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Color-Hair-With-Food-Coloring | How to Color Hair With Food Coloring | To color your hair with food coloring, start by mixing food coloring with some white conditioner in a bowl until you get the color you're going for. Then, use your hands or a brush to apply the dye to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends. Once all of your hair is covered, place a shower cap or plastic bag over your hair and let the dye sit for 30 minutes to 3 hours. When you're satisfied with the color, wash the dye out and you're finished! | Lighten or bleach your hair, if needed. Food coloring is translucent. This means that it only adds to whatever color is already there. If you have dark hair, the dye may not show up at all. If you have light brown or brown hair, the dye will turn out darker. If having a darker tint does not bother you, then you can skip this step. Be aware that blue may turn out greenish on blond hair, and brownish on brassy hair. If this bothers you, tone your hair to a more neutral color. Protect your work space. Find a place that is easy to clean, such as a kitchen or bathroom. If the area is carpeted or hard to clean, spread some newspaper or a large, plastic sheet over the floor. Have all of your supplies laid out and ready. Put on a set of old clothes and plastic or vinyl gloves. If you don't have any old clothes that you don't mind ruining, put on a dark colored shirt instead. It would also be a good idea to wrap a hair dyeing smock or an old towel around your shoulders. If you want, you can buy a nylon cape, like the kind used in salons, from a beauty store. This will protect your clothing. Squeeze white conditioner into a plastic bowl or container. You will need enough conditioner to cover your hair, at least 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters). Avoid using colored conditioner, as it might affect the color of the dye. You can try a white-colored hair cream or gel. For a permanent option, use 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of developer instead. Add some food coloring. How much you use depends on how dark you want the color to be; the more food coloring you use, the deeper the color will be. Keep in mind that the color will turn out lighter than what's in the bowl. Be sure to use regular liquid or gel food coloring; do not use vegetable-based dyes as they won't adhere to your hair. For a permanent option, mix 1 tablespoon of food coloring into the developer. Adjust the dye color to neutralize yellow or brassy tones, if needed. If you lightened your hair earlier, you may be left with yellow or brassy tones. This may affect the outcome of your dye job. If you have yellow or brassy tints in your hair, add some purple or blue to your dye to cancel out the unwanted color. You can also mix up a separate pale blue (for brassy tints) or pale purple (for yellow tints) dye, and use that in your hair first. After you wash and dry your hair, you can dye it the color you want. Divide your hair into sections. Plan on having at least four sections. This will make dyeing your hair easier. If you plan on dyeing your hair multiple colors, then divide your hair into sections based on the colors that you want to dye. Apply the dye to your hair, starting from the roots. You can do this with your hands or a special applicator brush made for hair dye. Be sure to work the dye into your hair. Don't let the dye create suds, as this can dilute the dye and make it less effective. If you want highlights, apply the dye to thin sections of hair. Wrap each section with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it separate. Don't dye all of your hair. Another way to add highlights would be to poke holes into a shower cap, put the shower cap on, the pull strands of hair through the holes. You can even buy shower caps with holes from beauty stores for this purpose. Tuck your hair under a shower cap. If you need to, twist your hair into a bun, then secure it with a claw clip. Leave it there for up to 2 hours. If you don't have a shower cap, try plastic wrap or a plastic bag. Secure it with plastic hair clips. Leave the product in your hair for 30 minutes to 3 hours. The longer you leave the dye in your hair, the deeper the color will become. Keep in mind that the lighter your hair is, the faster the color will set. If you are using a developer for a more permanent option, let it sit for about 40 minutes. The longer you leave the dye in your hair, the deeper it will be. If you want a lighter color, leave it on for a shorter period of time. Consider doing a strand rinse test. This is only really necessary if you are going for a specific shade, or if this is your first time dyeing your hair with food coloring. Take a strand of hair from an inconspicuous area, and rinse it. If the color is too light, leave the dye on longer. If it just right, move on to the next step. Wash the dye out with cool water. This will seal the hair's cuticle and preserve the color. You can do this over the sink or in the shower. Don't use shampoo and conditioner, however, or it will remove the color. If you dyed your hair multiple colors, keep the dyed sections separate. Blow-dry your hair on a low setting. You can also towel dry your hair then let it air dry. Make sure that you use an old towel, however, as some of the dye may rub off. Take care of your dyed hair. If you used conditioner, avoid washing your hair for 3 to 5 days. This will help the color set. It would also be a good idea to sleep on colored (preferably dark) pillow cases to avoid staining. Temporary dye jobs will start to fade with each wash. They should last about 2 weeks total, depending on the color and your hair type. Some dye jobs may come out after only 2 to 3 washes. Permanent dye jobs will last about 3 weeks before they start to fade. | Lighten or bleach your hair, if needed. Protect your work space. Put on a set of old clothes and plastic or vinyl gloves. Squeeze white conditioner into a plastic bowl or container. Add some food coloring. Adjust the dye color to neutralize yellow or brassy tones, if needed. Divide your hair into sections. Apply the dye to your hair, starting from the roots. Tuck your hair under a shower cap. Leave the product in your hair for 30 minutes to 3 hours. Consider doing a strand rinse test. Wash the dye out with cool water. Blow-dry your hair on a low setting. Take care of your dyed hair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Your-Aloe-Vera-Plant | How to Care for Your Aloe Vera Plant | To keep your aloe vera plant green and healthy, place it in a sunny spot, like your kitchen window. Water it when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, or about once a week. Pour the water in slowly and continue pouring until water comes out of the drainage holes in the pot. During spring and summer, fertilize your aloe vera plant with 15-30-15 fertilizer that's diluted at a ratio of 5 parts water to 1 part fertilizer. | Place the aloe in a sunny spot. A sunny kitchen window or another sunny place in your house is perfect for an aloe plant. Aloe also does fine in areas with indirect sunlight. Aloe in full shade will not thrive, so make sure there's a least a little sun in the room where you place the aloe. You can move the plant outdoors in the summer months as long as there is no chance of frost. Aloe plants are made up of 95 percent water, and even a slight frost will freeze them and turn them to mush. If you live in a warm growing zone and are planting your aloe outdoors, choose a place that gets indirect sun (six to eight hours per day). Water deeply, but sparingly. Aloe plants are pretty low-maintenance, since they don't require much water. Wait until the soil is dry at least two inches below the surface, then water slowly and deeply until you see water coming through the drainage holes. Do not water the aloe again until the soil is dry at least two inches below the surface once more. In most environments during April through October, you will need to water regularly. This equates to watering once every week, and twice per month in the winter. If you've just repotted your aloe, wait two or three days before watering. This gives the roots time to adjust to the new soil before taking in water. When in doubt, water less, not more. When aloe is overwatered, the roots begin to rot, and the plant eventually dies. It's better to wait a few extra days if you're not sure whether it's time to water. If you truly love your aloe plant, consider using rainwater. When it rains, the aloe gets watered, and when it doesn't the aloe goes without. This replicates the aloe's natural environment. However, this will not work during times of drought. Remember that overwatering may lead to root rot and fungus, so it is very important to avoid this. Fertilize the aloe during the growing season. From April through September, the aloe will grow vigorously. You can help it along if you'd like by providing some fertilizer twice a month during these months. Dilute a 15-30-15 fertilizer by mixing it with water, one part fertilizer to five parts water. Deliver the fertilizer on the days when you water. Stop fertilizing during the winter, since the plant can't use fertilizer when it isn't actively growing. Watch for insects. There are a few pests that are common fans of the aloe plant, such as mealy bugs. These bugs are flat and brown or tan and they like to suck on the sap from aloe plants. To prevent them, use a natural, non-toxic pesticide on your aloe plant. Take a look at the pot the aloe came in. Aloe plants often come in flimsy and small plastic pots when you first buy them. To help your aloe last for years, it's a good idea to repot it in in a bigger pot where it will have more room. If the aloe is already in a large, sturdy clay pot with holes in the bottom, you don't necessarily need to repot it. Get a potting mix for cacti. Aloe, like other cacti, prefer dry, sandy soil, and they don't do well in the rich moisture of regular potting soil. Check your garden store for a mix made especially for cacti or succulents, plants that store their water and prefer their roots to be dry instead of wet. If you live in growing zones 10 to 11, where there is no chance of freezing, you can grow your aloe outdoors as a garden plant instead of as an indoor house plant. Use 1/3 sand, 1/3 gravel, and 1/3 soil as your growing medium. Chose a pot three times larger than the aloe's root ball. The root ball is the mixture of roots and dirt at the base of the aloe plant. Aloe loves to spread out and grow, so you want to choose a big pot that gives your plant plenty of room. Get a clay pot with drainage holes and a tray to place underneath to catch the soil and water. Also, make sure that you do not let the pot sit in water. It needs to be able to drain. After several months or a year of care, you might notice your aloe plant is starting to outgrow its pot. If the aloe leaves are as tall as the pot, it's time to graduate your plant to a bigger container. Buy a new pot that's three times as large as the current size of the root ball and repot it. Pot the aloe so that the leaves stand above the soil. Fill the pot partially with soil, then set the aloe's root ball right in the middle. Place more soil around the root ball, all the way up to the base of the leaves. Pat it lightly with your hands to keep the aloe plant in place. Keep in mind that the soil should only cover the root ball. Place pebbles on top of the soil. Spread pebbles or shells over the exposed dirt. This will help to hold in moisture and replicate the aloe's natural environment. Choose any type of small pebbles, rocks or shells that you like. Press them lightly into the soil at the base of the plant. Propagate the "babies". These are the tiny aloe plants that sprout from the main plant. When you see a baby that has fully formed, detach it from the mother plant by severing it with a knife. Take care not to break the roots as you do this. Set it on a clean, dry shelf to let it callous over for a couple of days. Then repot it in a small pot using potting soil for succulents or cacti. If the baby has no roots, you can still propagate it. Fill a small pot with the correct potting soil and place the baby cut-side down on top of the soil. Instead of watering it, spritz it with water every few days. Eventually you should see some roots start to sprout. When you do, you can pot it in the soil. | Place the aloe in a sunny spot. Water deeply, but sparingly. Fertilize the aloe during the growing season. Watch for insects. Take a look at the pot the aloe came in. Get a potting mix for cacti. Chose a pot three times larger than the aloe's root ball. Pot the aloe so that the leaves stand above the soil. Spread pebbles or shells over the exposed dirt. Propagate the "babies". |
https://www.wikihow.com/Secure-Your-Home | How to Secure Your Home | To secure your home, cover any sliding glass doors and windows with a thin covering of plexiglass to prevent intruders from breaking them and gaining entry into your home. Also, replace weak locks with grade 1 or grade 2 dead-bolts that penetrate the door frame, which will make it harder for intruders to break down your doors. You can also install motion-sensitive outdoor lighting that will turn on whenever anyone is outside. If you haven't already, consider installing an alarm system and putting up an alarm sign outside to scare off intruders. | Get to know your neighbors. The nosy neighbor across the street is your best friend when it comes to protecting your home. Criminals usually case a neighborhood before committing a crime, so they will know when you leave for work. Watchful neighbors who are home while you are at work make you much less likely to be robbed. Get a dog. A dog is a big responsibility, but they are very effective at deterring burglars. You want to keep burglars out, so bark matters more than bite. A small yappy dog is a more effective deterrent than a large quiet one. Always lock your doors and windows. Don't make it easy on thieves. An open door or window – even if it's only while you are walking the dog – makes your home an easy target. Get in the habit of locking every door and window when leaving, after entering and before bedtime. And don't forget to secure your dog or cat door. Keep your keys safe. The only thing worse than leaving your door unlocked is letting a criminal have the keys. Don't keep a hidden key outside your house. Thieves know the most likely hiding places, so whether it is under a mat, in a flowerpot, or hidden in a fake rock, they will probably find it. Instead, give a spare key to your neighbor. Don't carry house keys on a key ring bearing your home address or leave house keys with your car in a commercial parking lot or with an attendant. Post foreboding signs. Even if you don't really have security or a dog, a sign can be an effective deterrent. Don’t show off expensive stuff. Criminals case neighborhoods. If they can see valuables – or even if you just look much richer than your neighbors – they are more likely to target you. Draw blinds and shut curtains to keep items out of view and prevent criminals from “window shopping.” If you have a fancy car, keep it in the garage. Don't advertise new purchases by leaving boxes on the curb. Put them in your recycling bin. Or break the boxes down and fold them inside out, then put them out just before the pickup time. Be careful when having workers in your home. Plumbing or home improvement projects give workers ample time to case your home; information they might pass on to criminals. Be sure to ask potential contractors if their employees are subject to criminal background checks. Make your valuables hard to access. Criminals want to get in and out of homes as quickly as possible. Make it difficult on them by hiding or securing valuables. Consider buying a small safe that bolts to the floor. Rent a safe-deposit box for extra-valuable items. Keep car keys and garage remotes hidden. Stash jewelry or cash in places where thieves are unlikely to look: Use old, cleaned out shampoo, conditioner or moisturizer bottles. Use an old spice jar. Paint the inside with glue and add herbs so it looks full. Then put cash in a plastic bag, insert in the jar and keep with your other spices. Hide valuables in a full feminine napkin or tampon box. Make a slit in a tennis ball, squeeze to open, and hide valuables inside Engrave and register valuables. If they are stolen, this will make it much more likely that you can recover them. Engrave jewelry with your name or a number and take a photo of it. This will make it more difficult to sell and aid in catching the thief. Make sure you record the serial numbers for your smart phones, computers, televisions, and other expensive electronics, as this will make them easier to track. Register your bicycle by serial number in the National Bicycle Registry. Get a police inspection. You can make an appointment for local police to inspect your home and suggest security fixes. This is a good way to decide what you should prioritize in protecting your home. Know that insurance companies provide discounts for improving home safety. Most insurance companies provide 2 percent to 15 percent discounts for devices that make a home safer—dead-bolt locks, window grates, bars and smoke/fire/burglar alarms. Make sure your doors are strong. The back door is the most common point of entry for thieves, and the most common method is to simply kick it in. Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood and at least 1.75 inches thick. Be sure the frames are of equally strong material, and the door fits its frame securely so it cannot be pried open. Make sure the hinges are on the inside. Inexperienced door installers sometimes leave them on the outside, making it easy to simply remove the door. If there is a window near the door, put a ¼ inch covering of clear Plexiglas over the existing glass to prevent thieves from breaking the glass and reaching in to open the door. If you have an automatic opening garage door, make sure it can't be lifted open when closed. Take extra precautions with sliding glass doors. These are often a point of entry for burglars, as the latch that closes them is easily forced. Place a wood dowel cut to size or an adjustable safety bar in the interior floor track to keep the door from opening. Be sure to use shatterproof glass. If your glass is not, cover it with a thin film of plexiglass to prevent shattering. Replace weak locks. Locks are the weakest point on a door. Make sure you have a grade 1 or grade 2 dead-bolt lock that penetrates the door frame. The strike plate—the stationary piece that the bolt enters—should be made of solid metal or brass, with six three-inch-long screws that penetrate the door jamb and the door frame. For locks near windows, use a double cylinder deadbolt, which requires a key on the inside and outside. This prevents thieves from breaking the glass, reaching in and unlocking the door. Secure your windows. Windows are another common entry point, particularly in the summer, when they are often left open. Put locks on your windows. Key locks work best. Otherwise, criminals can simply break the glass and turn the lock. If you do wish to leave your windows open for ventilation, install a window stop that prevents the window from opening more than 6-8 inches. Use safety or shatterproof glass, to make breaking the windows more difficult. For added security, consider putting bars or accordion gates on windows at street level or on fire escapes. Install a metal grate to protect basement windows, or put a metal bar in the middle to make sure they are too small to crawl through. Secure window air conditioning units. Use a bracket or sliding window lock to prevent thieves from simply pushing in the unit and entering. Make your windows hard to reach. No matter how secure you make them, windows are still made of glass. The best way to prevent entry by windows is to keep the thief from getting to the windows in the first place. Don't leave ladders out unsecured. Thieves can use them to reach second story windows. Consider installing plastic drainpipes, which are much harder to climb than metal ones. Cut back weight-bearing tree limbs that hang near windows or over the roof. Place prickly bushes around first story windows to make them less tempting targets. Eliminate hiding spots. Trim bushes and trees, particularly around doors and windows. Also, consider replacing privacy fences or thick shrubbery with something that can be seen through. A tall, solid fence also provides privacy for the burglar kicking in your back door. Install outdoor lighting. Motion sensitive lights are best. They startle criminals, and they also draw your attention and that of your neighbors. However, since nearly two thirds of burglaries occur during the day, lights should not be a top priority. Secure your windows and doors first. Choose the system that is right for you. Alarm systems range from extremely complex and expensive for those that provide offsite monitoring and mobile access, to relatively cheap for door and window alarms you can install yourself. While more features might make your home marginally safer, know that merely having any sort of alarm system is usually enough to deter burglars. A monitored system will notify an offsite center if a break-in is detected. They will notify the police if they cannot contact you, or if they do contact you and you ask them to do so. A simple security system will set off a shrill alarm if a break-in is detected. This might scare off the burglar, or lead neighbors to call the police. However, know that police often charge a fee for a false alarm. Individual alarms for doors or windows or wireless cameras are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Consider your options if choosing a monitoring service. There are a variety of choices to make when choosing a monitored service. Landline, Cellular, or Broadband Monitoring – Each option for how your system communicates with the monitoring center has advantages and disadvantages. Landline – A landline phone connection is used to communicate with the monitoring center. It is the slowest option, and if you choose it, you should get cell uplink backup, or cutting the telephone lines will disable your system. Cellular – A cellular uplink is used to communicate with the monitoring center. Cellular monitoring is faster and more reliable, but also more expensive. Broadband – Your broadband internet is used to communicate with the monitoring center. It is much faster than a landline, and while not as reliable as cellular, it is cheaper. Professional or DIY Installation – DIY is usually quite simple, and it means you own the equipment. It is good for renters or people who move a lot. The professional installation allows for more complex systems, but if you will be moving soon, be sure you go with a company that will move your system for free. Home Automation – This provides the ability to remotely control not only your security settings, but also things like turning the lights on and off, and thermostat settings. It can also give you real-time updates and let you know when your kids come home. It is convenient, but more expensive. Choose a home security system that uses motion detectors and arms all doors and windows. These are the basics, whether using a monitoring service or not. There are many other features you can get – pressure mats under rugs to detect footsteps, closed-circuit TV systems, broken glass sensors, or pressure sensors that detect when someone is trying to kick in a door – but motion detectors and magnetic door and window contacts are usually sufficient to detect a break in. Get the most out of your system. Your security system won't help if you forget to turn it on. It will be less effective if you don't let burglars know it is there. Always follow these best practices: Always use your system, even when you take a quick trip to the store, visit neighbors, or walk the dog around the block. Never post your passcode near the home security alarm keypad. Make sure the yard signs and window decals that say your home is protected by a security system are clearly visible. Use generic security signs. Knowing the security company can help thieves to disable the system. Install your own simple security devices. If you don't want to invest in a full home security system, there are a number of simple, inexpensive alarms you can install yourself. Doors – Doorknob alarms sound off loudly when they are moved. If someone tries to break in, they will emit a piercing sound just like an alarm system. Windows – Similar movement-triggered alarms are available for windows. In addition, you can purchase inexpensive alarms that trigger when a window is broken. If you want to leave windows cracked for ventilation, window swags will sound if the window is opened too wide. Webcams – Motion-sensitive webcams start at $100 and can be remotely monitored on a Smartphone or computer. Twenty-four hour surveillance can help dissuade criminals from entering your home, and catch them if they do. Fake it even if you don’t have an alarm. Studies show that most criminals move on as soon as they see an alarm sign. So even if you don't want to pay for an alarm system, be sure to invest in alarm signs. Put signs in the front and rear of your house, as well as stickers in any windows you are worried about. Adding fake motion sensors on your windows will make it even less likely that a burglar chooses your house. Make it look like you’re still home. The key to protecting your home when you're away on work or vacation is to trick burglars into thinking you are still there. Follow the steps below to do so. Install timers on lights and televisions. Timers cost $5 to $40. They can turn on and off your lights, or better yet your lights and television, at set times each morning and evening. Most burglars avoid occupied homes. If they think you are around, they'll look elsewhere. Don’t let criminals hear your phone. Burglars sometimes call homes to be certain no one is there. If they here a phone go unanswered or an answering machine, they will know you are gone. Either turn down the volume on your ringer and answering machine or, better yet, have your calls forwarded. Leave blinds and drapes in their usual position. If you open and close them each day, consider using a timed, automatic curtain opener. If you are leaving your drapes open, be sure to move valuables so they are not in sight from the window. Take care of your mail and packages. If your newspapers and mail start to pile up, criminals will know you're not around. It is best to have a neighbor pick up your mail, packages, and newspaper for you. Seeing deliveries will make criminals think someone is home. You can also have your mail forward or held by the post office. Take care of your lawn and sidewalk. Arrange to have your lawn mowed in the summer, and your walk and driveway shoveled in the winter. Take out the trash. Have a neighbor use your trashcan and put it out on the curb. A house with no trash cans in front on collection day signals burglars that you aren't home. Tell your neighbors. Tell a dependable neighbor or two when you plan to be away, and ask them to keep an eye on your house. | Get to know your neighbors. Get a dog. Always lock your doors and windows. Keep your keys safe. Post foreboding signs. Don’t show off expensive stuff. Be careful when having workers in your home. Make your valuables hard to access. Engrave and register valuables. Get a police inspection. Know that insurance companies provide discounts for improving home safety. Make sure your doors are strong. Take extra precautions with sliding glass doors. Replace weak locks. Secure your windows. Make your windows hard to reach. Eliminate hiding spots. Install outdoor lighting. Choose the system that is right for you. Consider your options if choosing a monitoring service. Choose a home security system that uses motion detectors and arms all doors and windows. Get the most out of your system. Install your own simple security devices. Fake it even if you don’t have an alarm. Make it look like you’re still home. Install timers on lights and televisions. Don’t let criminals hear your phone. Leave blinds and drapes in their usual position. Take care of your mail and packages. Take care of your lawn and sidewalk. Take out the trash. Tell your neighbors. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Tight-Turn-Quickly-in-a-Car | How to Make a Tight Turn Quickly in a Car | The safest way to make a quick, tight turn is to make the widest possible arc with your car. First, shift safely to the outer edge of the road and tap the brakes as you approach the turn. Steer smoothly towards the center of the curve. Speed up as you hit the apex of the turn and straighten out by aiming for the outside edge of the road. | Check all your mirrors to make sure that you’re clear. Before you shift lanes or start to turn, you want to make sure that there's no one behind you or on the side of you. Check to each side of you and look into your rearview mirrors to make sure that you won't be crashing into other cars when you turn. When you see that you're all clear, you can start to take the tight turn. Don't drive fast if you're in heavy traffic or you may cause an accident. Shift your car to the outermost point in the road. If you are coming to a tight right turn, position your car to as far left as you can go. If you're making a tight left turn, you'll want to shift your car to the right. Getting to the outermost point of the road before taking the turn will allow you to take the turn at the widest possible arc. Tap the brakes and slow down as you approach the curve. If you are driving a manual car , downshift as you approach the tight turn. You want to enter the turn at a slow speed and exit the turn at a high acceleration. Keep slowing your car down until you feel like you have full control over it. If you enter a tight turn too quickly you won't have full control over your vehicle. Visualize the widest turn you can take. A wide turn will give you more control over the car and won't reduce your speed as much as a sharp turn. Look at the road in front of you and visualize taking the turn in the widest possible arc. Even if the turn is a tight one, you should try to take it with the widest arc so you don't lose momentum as you're turning. Aim for the apex of the turn. The apex is in the center of the inside corner of a turn. In order to make the widest turn, you'll want to aim your car so that it drives next to the apex as you're turning. Drive on the outside of the road or track and look at the inside corner of the turn. Plan to drive your car right along side the apex. Steer into the curve with a smooth movement. As you start coming up to the corner, start turning your steering wheel in the direction that you want to turn. To drive quickly through the turn, you'll want to turn your steering wheel as little as possible. Do not jerk the steering wheel or you may spin out. Apply slight pressure to the gas pedal as you turn. As you stabilize the car around the apex of the turn, you can apply gas to the car. As long as you didn't enter the turn too quickly, you should have slowed up enough so that you can now apply the gas through the rest of the turn. As you hit the gas your tires should feel gripped against the road and you should feel like you have full control over the steering wheel. If you're in a manual transmission you'll have to upshift as you get faster. If you lose control through the turn take your foot off the gas pedal and lightly tap the brake until you regain control of your car. Aim for the outside of the track as you exit the turn. Aiming for the inside of the road as you come out of the turn will make the turn too tight and you'll lose a lot of speed. Instead, look at the outermost point of the track or road and be ready to drive next to it once you come out of the turn. Practice this turn in an open space that's free of obstructions. When you use your handbrake to turn you'll have very little control over how your car turns. This can cause the back of your car to skid out wildly and you can easily go into an embankment or guardrail. Practice this turn in a wide open space until you know what you're doing. Drive into the turn at a fast speed. To use the handbrake to turn, you'll need to enter the turn at at least 30 miles per hour (48 km/h). Otherwise, when you pull the handbrake, your car will simply come to a screeching halt. Handbrake turning is easier over a low friction surface like snow, grass, or dirt. Push down on the clutch while pulling on the handbrake in a manual car. Take your foot completely off the gas while you lift your handbrake. Your hand brake and clutch should only be engaged for 1-2 seconds as you are making the turn. If you have an automatic car, you don't have to worry about the clutch. Turn your wheel into the turn. Because you're engaging the handbrake, you'll feel a lot of resistance on your steering wheel in the other direction. Quickly turn your wheel slightly in one direction until your back wheels start to skid out. Your tires will start to smoke because of the friction created between the tires and the ground. Push your handbrake down and let the wheel spin in the other direction. If you're using a manual transmission, hit the clutch as you drop the handbrake. If you're in an automatic, you can just push down the handbrake. When your back wheels start skidding, counter steer, or let the wheel spin in the other direction so that you don't overshoot the turn. If you don't properly counter turn as your wheels skid, you can spin out or potentially flip your car over. Turn back into the direction of the turn. When you've turned enough, you can turn back into the direction of the turn to regain control over your car. Straighten out your car and drive straight. If done correctly, you can make a 180° turn in the matter of seconds. | Check all your mirrors to make sure that you’re clear. Shift your car to the outermost point in the road. Tap the brakes and slow down as you approach the curve. Visualize the widest turn you can take. Aim for the apex of the turn. Steer into the curve with a smooth movement. Apply slight pressure to the gas pedal as you turn. Aim for the outside of the track as you exit the turn. Practice this turn in an open space that's free of obstructions. Drive into the turn at a fast speed. Push down on the clutch while pulling on the handbrake in a manual car. Turn your wheel into the turn. Push your handbrake down and let the wheel spin in the other direction. Turn back into the direction of the turn. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Chicken-Feeder | How to Make a Chicken Feeder | To make a simple no-waste chicken feeder, start by cutting a square, 2-inch section out of the end of a 3-foot long PVC pipe. Next, use rubber cement to glue the uncut side of the pipe to the inside of a shallow bucket, with the opening you cut positioned at the bottom of the bucket and facing out. Once the pipe is glued in place, lay the bucket on its side and allow the glue to cure for at least an hour. When the glue is completely dry, pour chicken feed into the tube and let it flow out into the bucket. | Cut a 2 in (5.1 cm) section out of the end of a 3 ft (0.91 m) PVC pipe. Measure from the end of the pipe and make a mark on it about 2 in (5.1 cm) in. Then, use a hand saw or power saw to cut about halfway through the pipe at this point. After that, make 2 more cuts going inwards from the end of the pipe. This will remove a 2 in (5.1 cm) wide square section from the end of the pipe. Do not cut out any other sections out of the pipe! Do not cut all the way through the pipe. Only cut halfway through it on 1 end. Glue the back of the pipe to the inside of a shallow bucket. Apply a generous amount of liquid cement or another strong adhesive to the uncut, back side of the pipe. Then, insert the end of the pipe into the bucket. Press the adhesive side against the inside of the bucket. Hold it in this position for about 1 minute to let the adhesive bond. Use a bucket that is around 6 in (15 cm) in height. This will ensure that the chickens can reach the food with ease. Lay the feeder on its side and allow the glue to dry overnight. Lay the pipe and bucket on the ground. Keep the pipe in the position you glued it in. Make sure it presses against the inside of bucket as it dries. It may only take about 15 minutes for the liquid cement to dry fully, but leave it for at least 1 hour to be sure. Liquid cement starts to dry quickly, so press the bucket and pipe together right away. Pour food into the top of the pipe and allow the chickens to feed freely. After the pipe has dried completely, pour chicken feed into the tube to fill it. Hold the pipe upright as you fill it. The feed will spill out into the bucket and this will keep the feeder erect after it is full. Don't worry about the bucket overflowing. The feeder will only allow food to come out as high as the section you cut in the pipe, so there should be no more than 2 in (5.1 cm) of feed in the bucket at all times. You may want to tie the filled feeder to a post to help keep it steady. It will stand upright on its own, but it may still tip over if it gets bumped. Cut 4 holes in the center of a 1.5 ft (0.46 m) PVC plastic pipe. Choose a PVC pipe that is about 4 in (10 cm) in diameter. Use a drill with a hole cutting bit to cut 2 in (5.1 cm) diameter holes in 1 side of the pipe. If you do not have a drill with a hole cutting bit, use a hand saw or power saw to cut a 6 in (15 cm) section out of the center of the pipe. Do not cut all the way through the pipe. Only cut a 6 in (15 cm) section that goes halfway through the pipe. Attach an elbow pipe piece and a 3 ft (0.91 m) PVC pipe. Place an elbow piece on 1 end of the 1.5 ft (0.46 m) pipe. Then, connect the 3 ft (0.91 m) PVC pipe to the other end of the elbow. Adjust the elbow and pipes so that they form a right angle. Make sure that the holes or section you cut out of the pipe are facing upwards. Place a cap on the open end of the shorter PVC pipe. To prevent chicken feed from spilling out, place an end cap onto the other end of the 1.5 ft (0.46 m) pipe. If the lid does not fit tightly, apply liquid cement or another strong adhesive to the inside of the cap to help it stay in place. Make sure that you let the adhesive on the end cap dry completely before using the feeder. This should only take about 15 to 30 minutes, but wait at least 1 hour to ensure that they are dry. Pour food into the opening of the vertical pipe to feed your chickens. Position the feeder so that the upright tube is in a corner to stabilize it. Then, with the open end of the 3 ft (0.91 m) pipe pointing up, pour chicken feed into the feeder. Keep filling until the feed reaches the top of the 3 ft (0.91 m) pipe. Then, place an end cap on the pipe to protect the food from moisture. Do not glue this end cap in place since you will need to remove it each time you feed your chickens. | Cut a 2 in (5.1 cm) section out of the end of a 3 ft (0.91 m) PVC pipe. Glue the back of the pipe to the inside of a shallow bucket. Lay the feeder on its side and allow the glue to dry overnight. Pour food into the top of the pipe and allow the chickens to feed freely. Cut 4 holes in the center of a 1.5 ft (0.46 m) PVC plastic pipe. Attach an elbow pipe piece and a 3 ft (0.91 m) PVC pipe. Place a cap on the open end of the shorter PVC pipe. Pour food into the opening of the vertical pipe to feed your chickens. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Katsu-Curry | How to Make Katsu Curry | To make katsu curry, start by cooking some ground beef in a pan until it's brown all the way through. Then, add diced onions, carrots, and potatoes to the pan and cook everything for 5 minutes. Next, pour chicken stock into the pan and cook everything over medium heat for 20 minutes before adding curry cubes and reducing the heat to low. Finally, cook the mixture for 10 more minutes before pouring it over some fried, breaded pork. | Cut vegetables. Take the potatoes, carrot, and onion and cut them into equal and small pieces. Set the pieces aside and then cut the ginger and garlic into fine, diced pieces. Cook the ground beef. Add the vegetable oil to the skillet and heat the ginger and garlic pieces in it. Place the ground beef into the skillet and sprinkle the pepper and salt on top of the beef. Cook the beef all the way through, making sure all the red turns to brown. If you do not want the beef juice in this recipe, please discard the oil (drain it from the ground beef) into a can or a disposable container before moving onto the next step. Add vegetables. Dump in the onion, carrot, and potato mixture into the skillet. Cook and stir everything together for five minutes. Pour in the chicken stock. Carefully pour it in and mix everything together. Pour the mixture into the saucepan. Put the pan over medium heat and continue to cook and stir it for 20 minutes. You'll see that the stock has thickened by now. Add the curry cubes to the pan and they should melt into the stew once placed in. Put the heat to a lower setting and leave it to simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and set the saucepan on the side. Prepare the pork. Cut away any excess fat from the pork. With the side of your knife, flatten down the edges of the loin. Put the pork into a bowl and pour the sake over it. Marinate it for a few minutes and then dry both sides of the pork with paper towels. Season the pork with a little salt and pepper. Bread the pork. Breading meat is always fun since there's different elements that go into it. Coat the pork loin with flour , dip (don't drown) it into the bowl of the beaten egg , and then lay each side of the loin onto a tray of panko flakes. Move the loin into another skillet with vegetable oil at 350 °F (177 °C). Make sure the oil fizzles as the loin drops in. Fry each side until they're both golden brown. Prepare dishes. Scoop up a cup of rice and cut a good slice of cutlet to put on the side of the rice. Take a spoon and dish out a spoonful of the curry to pour onto the cutlet and rice. Enjoy with a garnish of radishes. | Cut vegetables. Cook the ground beef. Add vegetables. Pour in the chicken stock. Pour the mixture into the saucepan. Prepare the pork. Bread the pork. Prepare dishes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Check-the-Battery-on-Your-AirPods | How to Check the Battery on Your AirPods | To check the battery on your AirPods using the AirPods case, start by cracking open the lid all the way and placing at least 1 of the earphones in the case. Then, look for a light between the compartments, which may take a few seconds to appear. If the light is green, your pods are fully charged. An amber light, on the other hand, means that you have less than one full charge. You can also check your AirPods' battery life by using your iPhone, as long as they're already paired with each other. If they are, hold your open case containing your AirPods near your iPhone. After a few seconds, you should see the charge statuses for your earphones, as well as the case. | Make sure that the AirPods are paired with your iPhone. Turn on your iPhone's Bluetooth by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and tapping the Bluetooth {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/9\/9c\/Macbluetooth1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Macbluetooth1.png\/15px-Macbluetooth1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":920,"bigWidth":"15","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Mac 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 if it's white or grey, then do the following: Hold the AirPods case near the iPhone. Open the case. Tap Connect when prompted. Try checking the battery by holding the case near your iPhone. If your AirPods are paired with your iPhone, you should see the battery status appear as a percentage at the bottom of your iPhone's screen. It is important to hold the case directly next to your phone. It will take a few seconds after opening the case for the charge status to show up on your iPhone. If you don't see the charge status on your iPhone, try closing and reopening the case. You should see the battery status for both your earphones and the case itself. Open your iPhone's Widget page. Swipe from left to right across your iPhone's screen until you get to the left-most page. You can install the Batteries widget here. The Batteries widget allows you to see the remaining battery life on any Bluetooth-connected item. Scroll down and tap Edit. This circular button is at the bottom of the page. Doing so opens a list of available widgets. Find the Batteries widget. Scroll down until you find the Batteries widget. This app should be near the top of the "MORE WIDGETS" section. Tap ＋. It's to the left of the Batteries option. Place the Batteries widget at the top. Tap and hold the ☰ icon that's to the right of Batteries , then drag it all the way up to the top of the Widgets page. Tap Done. It's in the top-right corner of the screen. Doing so saves your changes and cements the Batteries widget at the top of the Widgets page. Scroll up to the "BATTERIES" section. This section is at the top of the page. Review your AirPods' remaining battery life. As long as your AirPods are paired with your iPhone, you should see their battery life appear beneath your iPhone's battery life in the "BATTERIES" box. Open the AirPods case. Crack open the lid at the top of the case to do so, and make sure that you open the case all the way. Make sure that the AirPods are in the case. If at least one AirPod is in the case, you'll be able to see the charge level; if not, place at least one AirPod in the case before proceeding. Look for a light between the AirPod compartments. You'll see either a green or an amber light here, though if you just placed your AirPod(s) in the case, it may take a few seconds to appear. If there aren't any AirPods in the case, the light here reflects the charge level of the case itself. Determine your AirPods' charge. If the light here is green, your AirPods are fully charged. An amber light, on the other hand, means that less than one full charge remains in your AirPods. Use your Mac's Bluetooth menu. If you want to know exactly how much battery life remains in your AirPods and their case, place the case next to your Mac and open the case's lid, then do the following: Click the {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/9\/9c\/Macbluetooth1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Macbluetooth1.png\/15px-Macbluetooth1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":920,"bigWidth":"15","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Mac 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>"} Bluetooth icon in the upper-right corner of your Mac's screen. If you don't see this here, open System Preferences , click Bluetooth , and click If Bluetooth is off, click Turn Bluetooth On Wait for your AirPods to appear. Hover your mouse over the AirPods in the Bluetooth menu. Review the remaining battery life. Keep your AirPods in their case as much as possible. If you are not using your AirPods, you may as well keep them in the case. The case will keep them charged and ready to go. Avoid too much opening and closing of the case. Opening and closing the case too much can reduce the battery life. Unless you need to take the earphones out of the case, put them back in or check the battery status, you should avoid opening and closing the case. If you leave the case open for too long, it will also drain the battery. It is also a good idea to clean the case and earphones with a lint-free cloth. Plug your AirPods into your Mac computer. You will get the fastest charging times if you plug the AirPods into your Mac computer. You can also get fast charging speeds by using a USB charger for iPhone or iPad. Charge the AirPods at a reasonable temperature. It should be between 0 and 35 Celsius (32-95 Fahrenheit) in the room where you are charging the case and AirPods. This will ensure a smooth charging process. Fix battery drain by resetting your AirPods. To reset your AirPods, hold down the set up button on your case until you see the amber light flashing, hold it for at least fifteen seconds, and then reconnect your AirPods to your devices. If resetting does not solve the issue, you should return the AirPods to the retailer. | Make sure that the AirPods are paired with your iPhone. Try checking the battery by holding the case near your iPhone. Open your iPhone's Widget page. Scroll down and tap Edit. Find the Batteries widget. Tap ＋. Place the Batteries widget at the top. Tap Done. Scroll up to the "BATTERIES" section. Review your AirPods' remaining battery life. Open the AirPods case. Make sure that the AirPods are in the case. Look for a light between the AirPod compartments. Determine your AirPods' charge. Use your Mac's Bluetooth menu. Keep your AirPods in their case as much as possible. Avoid too much opening and closing of the case. Plug your AirPods into your Mac computer. Charge the AirPods at a reasonable temperature. Fix battery drain by resetting your AirPods. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-a-Girl-Likes-You-Back | How to Know if a Girl Likes You Back | To know if a girl likes you back, read her body language for signs that she's into you, especially long eye contact and extra physical contact. If she's suddenly touching your shoulder or brushing her hand against yours, chances are she's into you. Notice if she can't stop smiling when you're around or laughs at all of your jokes, even when they're not funny. She'll probably tease you playfully to get a reaction from you, which is another telltale sign that she likes you. | Look for an increase in eye contact. Typically, an increase an eye contact is a good sign that someone is into you. It's particularly good if they hold eye contact for a while and don't look away. Continuously locking eyes with you is her way of letting you know it's ok to approach her. Keep in mind that girls who are shy may not make eye contact as often. If you know she's shy, don't take a lack of eye contact as a sign that she doesn't like you. Watch for more touching. An easy gesture to understand and to watch for, is flirtatious behavior and touching. If she's suddenly touching your shoulder or brushing her hand against yours, chances are she's into you. Asking for a hug before you part ways is another good indication of her feelings. Some women are more subtle in their approach. They may ask you to help them out or want to show you something on their phone. This is their way of closing the physical gap between the two of you. Be aware that not all physical contact is a sign that she likes you. A girl may tap you on the shoulder or ask for a friendly hug without having other intentions. It's important to look for other signs in addition to physical contact. Take note if she can’t stop teasing you. Whether she's making fun of your hair or giving you a hard time about always being late; teasing can be a sign of affection. Teasing followed by a smile is even better! If her teasing is followed by a smile, she's probably just trying to be playful. She may tease you about your age, past girlfriends or hobbies. This is her way of trying to get a reaction from you. Being mean or hurtful is not a sign that she's into you, so don't waste your time on someone who puts you down. Notice her smiles. Of all the clues she might be giving you, facial expressions are some of the easiest to understand and to read. If she seems to light up when you come into the room, you can probably rest assured that the feelings are mutual. If she's always smiling when you look at her (or even when you're not) this is a sure sign that she's attracted to you. Smiling and laughter go hand in hand. If you notice her laughing at all of your jokes (even when they're not funny), this is her way of affirming your feelings. See if she becomes suddenly interested in your social media accounts. If she suddenly sends friend requests to all of your social media accounts, chances are that she's trying to get to know you better. You may see numerous requests from her all at once. If she not only wants to be your friend on Facebook, but would like to follow you on Twitter as well, this is a definite sign. If she mentions that you can find her on Facebook or should connect on Instagram, that's probably a good sign that she likes you. A girl who likes you may take an interest in your friends as well. Find out if your buddies have received friend requests from her. Notice an uptick in activity from her. Whether it's a status “like” or a message that just says "hey!", if you see a sudden increase in activity from the girl you like, she's definitely sending you a sign that she has a crush on you. For the shy girls, this may be one of the best ways to determine if they like you. Social media provides people with the opportunity to open up in a less intimidating environment. Look for an increase in private messages. Similar to texting, if someone is replying to you quickly, they're giving you a clue as to how much you matter. You may notice that she posts and tags a lot of pictures of the two of you together. This may be her way of telling other girls to back off because she wants to be your girlfriend. Watch for a change in relationship status. You may notice that she's broadcasting her newly single status. If she seems happy about it and is trying to draw attention to the fact that she's currently single, this may be her way of letting you know she's ready to mingle. If you're uncertain as to how she feels about her newly single status, try sending her a private message. If she responds quickly and includes many positive emoticons, she's trying to let you know she's more than ok. Wait for a message back. If you feel more comfortable broaching your feelings with a girl via social media, send her a private message. Let her know how you feel about her and wait for a response. Though we're in the habit of sharing our thoughts and feelings via social media, that doesn't mean you should broadcast your feelings publicly. Send her a private message instead of putting your feelings out there for all of the world to know. If the girl is shy, this may be a good way of reaching out to her on a platform that she's comfortable with. This also gives the girl a chance to thoughtfully consider her response to your feelings, should she not share your affections. Take note if she cancels plans with other guys. If she's canceling plans with other guys to hang out with you, keep that in mind. If you notice she's not as quick to talk about her latest beau either, chances are she views you as more than a friend and wants to be in a relationship. This is particularly true if she has talked about other guy crushes in the past, but suddenly changes the subject if you mention them. When she stops viewing you as one of the girls and refuses to share anything about her love life, you can rest assured that the feelings are mutual. Watch for signs of anger if you talk about other girls. In the past, you used to be able to get her take on your love life. Now she seems to blow up at the mere mention of another woman. If this happens, it's probably safe to assume that she wants to be your only leading lady. She may tease you about past relationships, but if you mention someone you currently like, it may not go over well. Past relationships may be her way of teasing you, but mentioning a recent crush will ensure she won't be smiling for long. Look for a suggestion to hang out alone. In the past, you were more likely to hang out in a group setting. Now that she keeps asking to spend time alone with you, this may be a clue she's into you. If you're being consistently invited to places that her past boyfriends accompanied her to, such as weddings or dances, you should probably have a discussion about whether you're more than friends. Observe her reaction when you admit you like her. If she's a good friend, she will appreciate your honesty. Though it may be awkward at first, you'll ultimately feel relieved once you've been honest. Tell her how you feel. While it could be awkward and you may feel extremely nervous about revealing your feelings to her, you'll be glad you did it. It's much better to say something than to not say anything at all. You may notice a look of relief on her face when you share your feelings with her. If she lights up when you tell her about your feelings, it is probable that she feels the same way. Begin the conversation by telling her how much you respect your friendship with her and that you've recently been having feelings that are beyond that of a friend. Let her know that it's ok if she doesn't feel the same way, but that you felt it was important to be honest with her and to share how you really feel. Don't worry if she doesn't return your sentiments. If she's a good friend, she'll stay friends with you and will be able to joke about it later. Most importantly, If she doesn't feel the same way as you, don't act as if the whole thing was a joke and that you don't really care that much either. | Look for an increase in eye contact. Watch for more touching. Take note if she can’t stop teasing you. Notice her smiles. See if she becomes suddenly interested in your social media accounts. Notice an uptick in activity from her. Watch for a change in relationship status. Wait for a message back. Take note if she cancels plans with other guys. Watch for signs of anger if you talk about other girls. Look for a suggestion to hang out alone. Observe her reaction when you admit you like her. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Spaghetti-Squash | How to Cook Spaghetti Squash | To cook spaghetti squash in the oven, first preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Then, cut the squash in half lengthwise with a sharp chef's knife. Scoop out all of the seeds in each half using a spoon. Next, drizzle 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of olive oil over the cut side of each half, and season with salt and pepper. Place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet, and bake them in the oven for 40 minutes. Carefully take the squash out of the oven and run a fork over the cut side. If the squash peels away from the skin in spaghetti-like strands, it's ready. If not, continue cooking the squash for 5 to 10 minute intervals. Finally, use a fork to shred the squash into thin strands, and enjoy! To cook spaghetti squash in the microwave, first place it cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish after you've scooped out the seeds. Then, fill the dish with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water, and microwave the squash for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it's tender. Finally, shred the squash into spaghetti-like strands with a fork. | Preheat your oven to 350ºF (176ºC). Slice the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place it on a baking sheet, flesh side down. Add 1/4 inch of water to the baking sheet. Bake the squash for 40-45 minutes. Bake it until it's tender. After 35 minutes, start poking it with a fork to check to see how tender it is. Then, remove the squash from the oven. Remove the squash with a fork. Rake the squash with a fork, creating the spaghetti-like strands. Spoon the mozzarella cheese, spaghetti sauce, and basil over the squash. Spoon 4 oz. of mozzarella cheese, 1 jar of spaghetti sauce, and 2 tsp of dry basil over the spaghetti squash. Bake the squash again until the cheese begins to bubble. This should take another 2-4 minutes. Serve. Enjoy this spaghetti squash while it's hot. Cut the spaghetti squash. Place the spaghetti squash on a cutting board, and then cut the squash in half with a large, sharp knife. Remove the seeds with a spoon or a melon baller, and then cut the halves into smaller chunks that are about 3 inches (7.5 cm) long. Place the spaghetti squash in a large saucepan. Cover the spaghetti squash with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. This should take 2-3 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer the squash for 15-20 minutes. When the squash is done, it should be tender when you poke it with a fork. After 15 minutes, start testing it to see if it's ready. Drain the squash. Drain the remaining water from the squash and place it in a serving dish. Season the squash. Season the squash with 1 tsp. of cinnamon and salt and pepper to taste. Place 2 tbsp. of unsalted butter over the hot squash and move it around as it melts. Serve. Enjoy this tasty boiled squash while it's hot. Prepare the spaghetti squash. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, then remove the seeds and the hair-like fibers. Place one tablespoon of butter on each squash half. Season the squash. Season the squash with 1/2 tsp. of salt, 1/2 tbsp. of pepper, and 1/2 tsp. of paprika. Wrap the squash loosely in plastic wrap. Wrap it loosely and pierce the wrap several times before you place it in the microwave. Microwave the squash for 20-25 minutes, or until it's tender. When it's done, it should be tender when you poke it with a fork. Remove the squash from the oven and scoop out the center. After you remove the plastic wrap and scoop out the center of the squash, place it in a bowl. Add another tablespoon of butter to the squash (optional). If you'd like your spaghetti squash to be extra rich, then you can add another tablespoon of butter to it. It should melt over the hot squash. Serve. Enjoy this tasty microwaved squash while it's hot. Pour 2 cups of water in your slow cooker. Place the spaghetti squash in your slow cooker. Poke the squash several times, using a fork or the tip of a paring knife. Cover the slow cooker. Cook the spaghetti squash on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the squash is tender. Allow the squash to cool for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove the squash from the slow cooker. Cut the cooked squash in half. Remove the seeds and rake the insides to make spaghetti like strands. Serve. Top the squash with 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, 1 minced clove of garlic, 3 tbsp. chopped cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste. | Preheat your oven to 350ºF (176ºC). Add 1/4 inch of water to the baking sheet. Bake the squash for 40-45 minutes. Remove the squash with a fork. Spoon the mozzarella cheese, spaghetti sauce, and basil over the squash. Bake the squash again until the cheese begins to bubble. Serve. Cut the spaghetti squash. Place the spaghetti squash in a large saucepan. Cover the spaghetti squash with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer the squash for 15-20 minutes. Drain the squash. Season the squash. Serve. Prepare the spaghetti squash. Place one tablespoon of butter on each squash half. Season the squash. Wrap the squash loosely in plastic wrap. Microwave the squash for 20-25 minutes, or until it's tender. Remove the squash from the oven and scoop out the center. Add another tablespoon of butter to the squash (optional). Serve. Pour 2 cups of water in your slow cooker. Place the spaghetti squash in your slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker. Cook the spaghetti squash on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the squash is tender. Cut the cooked squash in half. Serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Fortnite | How to Play Fortnite | To play Fortnite, start by downloading it for free on your computer's or gaming console's app store. Then, once you've made an account and started the game, your goal is to be the last player or team standing. Try to acquire a weapon as soon as possible so you can defend yourself against other players. Also, keep your back to the water whenever you can so it's harder for people to sneak up on you. At first, focus on hiding and evading other players instead of attacking, which will help you survive longer. | Download and install Fortnite. Fortnite: Battle Royale can be installed for free on your Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, iPhone, Android, or Mac/Windows PC by opening the respective app store and searching for Fortnite. If you find a paid version of Fortnite, it isn't the Battle Royale game. If you're installing Fortnite on a Windows computer, you'll have to go to the Epic Games download page, click WINDOWS , double-click the installation file that downloads, click Install , and follow any other on-screen instructions. Open Fortnite. You'll select the Fortnite app icon in your game library or Applications folder to do so. On Windows, you'll have to double-click the Epic Games Launcher icon. Set up an account. On the sign-in page, select the "Create Account" option, then enter your first and last name, preferred display name, email address, and password. Check the "I have read and agreed to the terms of service" box, then click CREATE ACCOUNT. On Windows, you'll have to click Sign Up before entering your email address, then you'll have to click Install under the Fortnite heading and follow the on-screen instructions. You can then open Fortnite by clicking Play. Select a game option. Select the current game type (e.g., SQUADS ), then, in the resulting menu, select one of the following game types: Solo — 100 players fight each other. Duo — You and a teammate versus 49 other teams. Squads — You and three teammates versus 24 other teams. "Soaring 50's"--- You with 49 other players battle 50 other players. In this mode, Gliders can be re-deployed. (This is a Limited Time Mode(LTM)) Select PLAY. It's at the bottom of the page. Then, wait for the game to load. After selecting a game type, you'll be placed in a lobby with other players.Once the lobby fills up, you'll be added to the game along with the rest of the players in your lobby. Understand the premise of Fortnite. At its core, Fortnite is an elimination-style shooter which emphasizes being the last person, duo, or squad standing. To this end, successful Fortnite players are often cautious and situationally aware. Surviving in Fortnite is much more important than killing other players. Familiarize yourself with basic Fortnite conventions. There are a few main conventions Fortnite uses to add a twist to its gameplay: Entry — All Fortnite players start in the same location (a flying bus) out of which they must jump in order to land on the island below. Pickaxe — Fortnite players all start with a pickaxe in their inventories. This pickaxe can be used for anything from offense to resource gathering. Resources — Resources such as wood can be gathered by using your pickaxe on things like houses and trees. These resources can then be used to build structures such as towers or barricades. Storm — The storm is a convention which slowly makes outer parts of the map unplayable as the game goes on. It does this by expanding inward at certain points in the match (e.g., 3 minutes in). Getting caught in the storm will cause you to die slowly. Avoid the storm. Once a Fortnite game has progressed past the 3-minute mark, a storm will appear on the outskirts of the map. This storm will progressively grow, thus shrinking the playable area and forcing the remaining players together. If you get caught in the storm, it will rapidly drain your health, eventually resulting in death if you remain in the storm long enough. The storm will usually kill several players in the mid- to end-game part of a match, so make sure you're aware of the storm's position as the match goes on. Try playing conservatively at first. To win in Fortnite, all you have to do is stay alive until everyone else is dead. While this is significantly easier said than done, the best way to stay alive is by avoiding unnecessary risks and encounters. Aggressive strategies aren't out of the question in Fortnite, but they tend to work best for quicker, more experienced players. Jump to Tilted Towers. Many Fortnite players will jump out of the bus near the beginning of the match, or when they spot a large settlement below. Instead of following suit, try to exit the bus at the very last second, and aim for a small house or village rather than larger establishments. This will place you on the outskirts of the map, so you'll need to move further than other players to avoid the storm later in the game. Acquire a weapon as soon as possible. While your pickaxe can be used as a last-ditch weapon if necessary, weapons such as assault rifles, sniper rifles, and shotguns tend to dominate Fortnite's conflicts. Keep in mind that any weapon is better than no weapon, so picking up a pistol or an SMG if you can't find your preferred weapon is perfectly fine—you can always switch out your weapons later. Use resources to build shelter as needed. Using your pickaxe on things like wood or rocks will net you resources which can be used to create towers, barricades, walls, and so on. Player-made shelters tend to be conspicuous, but they're good for putting a few layers of cover between you and an enemy player if the player already knows where you are. An alternative to using resources for shelter is hiding in existing shelters (e.g., houses) or taking cover inside of hiding places such as bushes. Keep your back to the water. Staying faced toward the center of the map with your back to the ocean will decrease the risk of someone sneaking up on you, especially if the storm has begun to develop. The water/storm is one section from which you can literally never be attacked, making it the only true "corner" you can back yourself into. Be careful not to get stuck between a conflict and the storm, as this will force you to enter a fight you might not be qualified for. Communicate with your team if necessary. If you're playing a Duo or Squad match, it's incredibly important for you to talk to your teammates about known enemy locations, discovered resources, and the like. Naturally, you'll skip this step if you're playing the Solo gametype. You can also let your teammate(s) know when you've been downed, making it easier for them to come find and revive you. Evaluate enemies before engaging them. You can usually tell which kind of weapon an enemy has from a distance; this is important if you're struggling to find decent power weapons, as going up against a player who has an assault rifle while you have a pistol will almost certainly prove fatal for you. Consider hiding instead of fighting if the enemy is better-armed and/or better-positioned. It's also important to keep an eye on a prospective target's behavior. If the enemy is running around looking for loot, you have a better chance of catching them off-guard than if they're holed up in a bunker. Look for enemies in common hiding spots. Bushes, houses, and other easy hiding spots are likely to contain enemies, especially later in the game when more of the players are in the same location. Fortnite players tend to be fairly creative when it comes to hiding spots. If you hear a player inside a house and you can't find them, your best bet is to run away rather than spend more time searching for them. Keep playing. Like any other online shooter, Fortnite has a steep learning curve at first, and the only way to improve is by continuing to play. Once you've played a few games, you'll most likely have a handle on the basics of Fortnite, making it easier to secure a win. | Download and install Fortnite. Open Fortnite. Set up an account. Select a game option. Select PLAY. Understand the premise of Fortnite. Familiarize yourself with basic Fortnite conventions. Avoid the storm. Try playing conservatively at first. Jump to Tilted Towers. Acquire a weapon as soon as possible. Use resources to build shelter as needed. Keep your back to the water. Communicate with your team if necessary. Evaluate enemies before engaging them. Look for enemies in common hiding spots. Keep playing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-Others | How to Help Others | If you want to help others, offer your assistance to friends and family around you and listen to what they have to say. Sometimes, all they need is someone to listen to their feelings without any judgment. Whenever they are overwhelmed with jobs or chores, see if you can help out in any way. To further help out your community, find a shelter or area in your town where you can volunteer. If you have spare change, consider donating to important causes near you. | Ask what you can do to help. Talk to a family member or friend and ask what they most need help with and offer your services. By offering before they need to ask you, you are showing that you care about them. Remember to follow through with whatever they've asked of you. Simply asking won't actually help them. Make a routine of asking around your circle of friends and family for what they need. Before long, helping others will simply be second nature to you! Listen. Often what people need is simply someone who will listen to them with kindness and without judgement. When someone is telling you about themselves, or a hardship they are going through, don't simply leap in with your own feelings, thoughts, and stories. Practice active listening. When you're listening to someone, stay focused on what they are saying. Look at the speaker and let go of distracting thoughts. If your mind wanders, the other person will notice and they won't feel like you are paying attention. Try to avoid making judgments on the person you're listening to. Not only will that close up the conversation, but it will make the other person feel as if they can't trust you with their thoughts. Offer to do jobs or chores. When someone is busy or stressed chores and jobs often slip through the cracks. Find out from your family and friends what they're too busy or stressed to do for themselves and set aside some time to do the chore or job for them. Do something like, make a meal and bring it over to their house during a particularly busy or stressful time, so they don't have to worry about feeding themselves. This is a particularly kind thing to do for someone who has just had a loved one die, or become seriously ill. Offer to watch your younger siblings, or friend's children for free to give the parents a much needed break. Send something to let them know you're thinking of them. A lot of times people can feel cut off from their friends and family and very alone. Just let a friend or family member know that you're thinking of them and that they are important to you. It doesn't have to be a big, grand gesture, something small will do fine. Write a nice email or letter and include some reason why you like the recipient. Maybe reminisce about something fun or silly the two of you did. If they've recently had a family member die or fall ill (or are struggling with depression ) tell them why they are important to you. Make up a care package. Maybe put in some home-baked goods or some little things that they might enjoy. If they like to knit, maybe include a skein of a colorful yarn in the package. Volunteer. Volunteering is great way to help out others in your community. Look around for a homeless shelter or soup kitchen and spend some time there doing whatever needs to be done. Not only will this help others, but you will get a new perspective on your own life. Work at a battered women's shelter and help women and children who have had traumatizing experiences get back on their feet. Try tutoring homeless children at the local shelter so that they can stay in school and not fall behind because the economy has been difficult for their family. Volunteer for hospice and really listen to the stories of the people who are going through their final days. They will give you more perspective on the blessings and the hardships you will encounter in your own life. Donate to important causes. This can be anything from a monetary donation to a charity or items like clothing that are needed by a local food bank or shelter. If you don't have money to spare, look through your unused items and see what you can part with that is in decent condition Donate foods like unopened spices, healthy non-perishable goods like canned soups, or beans. Give toys to the local shelters and food banks. Many of the children who take refuge there don't have any toys of their own. Redirect gifts. Instead of getting lots of new presents every birthday or present giving holiday (like Christmas), have your friends and family make monetary donations to charities or some important cause. You could even set up a fund that they can donate into. For instance, creating a fund to help low-income children go to college. Stop to help. If you see someone on the street who is struggling to carry all their groceries, or who needs money for a bus fare, give them a helping hand or some money. It usually doesn't take much to help another human being out. Keep in mind that they may not always need help. If someone says something like, "No thanks." or "I can handle it.", then just insisting may annoy them. You won't always be able to tell if they really do need your help, but it's best to back off if others are angry or in a hurry. However, if they refuse your help, you should ask one more time, and if they still refuse, then walk away. Play FreeRice. This is a simple website where you answer questions to donate rice to people in need. They work through the UN World Food Programme. Every time you answer a question, ten grains of rice are donated. There are a variety of categories, including vocabulary and geography. Edit wikiHow. wikiHow is always looking for new good editors and writers. Use click-to-give websites such as GreaterGood. When doing this, you want to be sure they are giving to good charities. For example, one of the sections of this one donates to Autism Speaks, which is generally considered to be a charity that does more harm than good. However, the other sections are perfectly legitimate charities. Download the Tab for a Cause extension. This is an extension where every time you open a new blank tab, a customizable dashboard with a small ad comes up as your default new tab page. The advertisement money is then apportioned to charities based on percentages of user votes (one new tab is one vote.) Just listen to someone's problems. This will show a person that you actually care and you are trying to figure out the cause of the problem that person has. | Ask what you can do to help. Listen. Offer to do jobs or chores. Send something to let them know you're thinking of them. Volunteer. Donate to important causes. Redirect gifts. Stop to help. Play FreeRice. Edit wikiHow. Use click-to-give websites such as GreaterGood. Download the Tab for a Cause extension. Just listen to someone's problems. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Eggs | How to Freeze Eggs | To freeze whole raw eggs, start by cracking the eggs into a bowl and beating them together gently. To prevent a grainy texture, add salt if you're saving your eggs for a savory dish or sugar if you're planning to use them for a sweet dish. Then, pour the mixture into freezer-safe containers, leaving ½ inch of space at the top to allow for expansion, or into an ice cube tray. The eggs will stay good in the freezer for several months to a year. | Crack the eggs into a bowl. Always begin by cracking open the eggs into a large bowl or other container. Raw egg, just like any material that contains significant amounts of water, will expand when frozen. If the eggs are frozen in the shell, this expansion could crack open the egg. Besides mixing shell fragments into the edible part of the egg, this could introduce harmful bacteria from the outside of the shell. If the eggs are near or past their expiration date, crack each one into a "test bowl" before transferring to the larger container. Discard eggs with obvious discoloration or a strong, unpleasant smell, then wash the test bowl before cracking the next egg. Beat the eggs together gently. Mix at least enough to break the egg yolks, or create a more uniform substance by beating them together until blended. However, try not to beat too much air into the eggs. Add another ingredient to prevent graininess (recommended). Raw egg yolks tend to become gelatinous when frozen. When mixed with egg white, this can cause a grainy texture in the frozen egg mixture. There are two main ways to prevent this, depending on your intended use for the eggs. If you are using them alone or in savory dishes, stir in 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) of salt for each cup (240 mL) of raw egg. If you are using them in sweet dishes, instead stir in 1 – 1.5 tbsp (15 – 22 mL) of sugar, honey, or corn syrup. Strain to improve uniformity (optional). If you want to make the mixture more consistent, strain it through a sieve or colander over a clean bowl. This will also remove most shell fragments if any were mixed into the egg while cracking them. Freeze in freezer-safe containers. Pour the mixture into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of space between the egg and the lid to allow for expansion. Tightly seal the containers. Alternatively, freeze the egg mixtures in a clean ice cube tray first, then pop the cubes out into a larger, freezer-safe container. This may make it easier to thaw the amount of egg you need. Label the container with three important facts. The eggs typically remain high quality for several months to a year, so it's a good idea to label them rather than relying on your memory. Remember to include: The date you froze them. The number of eggs you froze. The additional ingredient you mixed in (if applicable). This helps you avoid the unpleasant surprise of using sugary eggs in a savory dish. Separate the eggs. Break the eggshell carefully in half, without dropping any egg. Transfer the raw egg back and forth between the two halves, letting the white drip bit by bit into a bowl until only the yolk remains in the shell. There are several other methods you may use instead. Mix yolks with other ingredients to prevent gelling. Raw egg yolk will become gelatinous when frozen, making them unusable in most recipes and unpleasant for most people to eat. Prevent this process by mixing it with another ingredient. Use 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) of salt for each cup (240 mL) of raw egg if you plan to use the eggs in savory dishes If using them for sweet dishes such as baked desserts, skip the salt and instead stir in 1 – 1.5 tbsp (15 – 22 mL) of sugar, honey, or corn syrup. Freeze the yolks. Store the mixed yolk mixture in freezer safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of space to allow for expansion. Seal the containers tightly before freezing, and label with the number of eggs used, the date frozen, and the type of mixture (savory or sweet). Use the egg yolks within several months for best quality. Gently stir the egg whites. Mix the egg whites together to create a more uniform mixture, without introducing too many air bubbles into the mixture. Unlike the egg yolks, raw egg white does not require any additional ingredients to maintain a high quality in the freezer for several months. If the mixture is still too chunky or uneven for your preferences, strain it through a sieve over a clean bowl. Freeze the egg whites. As with the yolks, these should be stored in specialized freezer-safe, rigid plastic or glass containers. Leave 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of space to allow for expansion. Seal tightly and label with number of eggs and date frozen. Any type of raw egg can be poured into a clean ice cube tray first, then transferred to a sealed container in the freezer. This makes it easier to remove only the amount of egg you need for a given recipe. Separate out the yolk. The hard boiled yolk can be frozen with the appropriate preparation. The boiled egg white, however, will turn rubbery, tough, and damp when frozen, making it unpleasant to eat. Pull apart the egg whites and eat or discard them, leaving only unbroken hard boiled egg yolks. Place the egg yolks underwater in a saucepan. Carefully place the egg yolks at the bottom of the pan in a single layer. Cover with enough water to fill the pan at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the top of the eggs. Bring to a boil. Bring the water to a boil quickly. Cover the pan to speed up this process. Remove from heat and wait. Remove the pan from the heat and let stand 10–15 minutes. Drain before freezing. Remove the yolks with a slotted spoon if you have one, or use a ladle to carefully place them on a colander or sieve for draining. Package in freezer-safe containers and seal tightly. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Whether raw or cooked, frozen eggs are best thawed overnight in a cold place like the refrigerator, to avoid being exposed to bacteria. Any temperature above 39ºF (4ºC) carries significant risk of bacterial contamination for thawing food. You may speed up the thawing process safely by placing the container under cold running water. Never attempt to cook frozen eggs directly on a frying pan or in a dish. Do not leave frozen eggs to thaw at room temperature. Only use thawed eggs in well-cooked dishes. Insufficiently cooking thawed eggs can carry risk of bacteria. The internal temperature of the thawed egg or the food it is mixed into should reach at least 160ºF (71ºC). Cook thoroughly at prolonged high temperatures if you do not have a food thermometer to check the exact temperature. Get ideas for how to use separated yolks or whites. If you have extra egg yolks, consider making a custard , ice cream, or scrambled eggs. Use up egg whites to make frosting , meringue, or white cake batter. Finally, hard boiled yolks can be crumbled on top of salads or used whole as a garnish. Learn how much egg to use. Use 3 tbsp (44 mL) thawed raw egg for each egg the recipe calls for. If the eggs were frozen separated, use 2 tbsp (30 mL) thawed raw egg white instead of the white of one egg, and 1 tbsp (15 mL) thawed raw egg yolk instead of one egg yolk. Egg sizes can vary greatly, so don't worry too much about the exact amount. If baking, you can adjust to a dry or wet dough by adding more wet or dry ingredients, respectively, to balance it out. | Crack the eggs into a bowl. Beat the eggs together gently. Add another ingredient to prevent graininess (recommended). Strain to improve uniformity (optional). Freeze in freezer-safe containers. Label the container with three important facts. Separate the eggs. Mix yolks with other ingredients to prevent gelling. Freeze the yolks. Gently stir the egg whites. Freeze the egg whites. Separate out the yolk. Place the egg yolks underwater in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and wait. Drain before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Only use thawed eggs in well-cooked dishes. Get ideas for how to use separated yolks or whites. Learn how much egg to use. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-If-You-Have-Allergies-to-Liquor | How to Tell If You Have Allergies to Liquor | If you have allergies to liquor, you might get red flushes on your face, neck, chest, or arms when you drink. This will usually be accompanied by a hot or tingling sensation. Some people also get swelling around their face after drinking. Others get hives, which are red, itchy bumps that appear across your skin. It's common to vomit when you drink excessive amounts of liquor, but if you experience nausea and vomiting after only 1 or 2 drinks, or you get a headache, you probably have an alcohol allergy. While not as common, some people with asthma or hay fever also find that alcohol can trigger their condition. If alcohol brings on your asthma or hay fever, stay away from red wine, since this contains high levels of histamine. | Look for red facial flushing on the face, neck, chest, or arms. Red flushing on the skin is one of the most common signs of alcohol intolerance. It is also very common for those of Asian descent, and is often referred to 'Asian flush.' Sufferers will initially feel a hot or tingling sensation prior to the red flushing. In some cases, your eyes might become red as well. These symptoms may result from drinking just one beer or glass of wine, and you'll quickly notice your face and neck getting red. This reaction is caused by a mutation in the enzyme called acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is supposed to help metabolize alcohol. Those who experience Asian flush are at greater risk for cancer. There are numerous advertised products that claim to get rid of Asian flush, such as Pepcid, but they do not protect you from long-term effects of drinking alcohol. So it's best to stick to less than 5 alcoholic drinks per week if you experience these symptoms. Flushing may also be due to combining alcohol with a medication you are taking. Take note of swelling around the face and eyes. Something that may accompany facial flushing is swelling around the red areas. The skin around the eyes, cheeks, and mouth may become visibly swollen after drinking alcohol. This is another sign of alcohol intolerance. Feel your skin for hives. Red, itchy bumps, called hives, are a common symptom of an allergic reaction. These bumps appear pale red, and may also burn or sting. They can appear anywhere on the body, but you'll typically see them on the face, neck, or ears. Hives usually fade on their own but can last up to an hour or even days on your skin. The appearance of hives typically means you are allergic to ingredients found in the alcohol. Stop drinking immediately and pick up a bottle of water instead. If you experience hives, apply cool compresses or wet cloths to the affected areas to reduce any itchiness or burning. Watch for nausea and vomiting. It's common for people to get nauseous and even vomit after consuming too much alcohol. However, if you have an allergy or are intolerant to alcohol, you may get nauseous after just 1-2 drinks. Nausea and vomiting with alcohol intolerance may also be accompanied by stomach pain. Look out for diarrhea after drinking alcohol. Diarrhea is an uncomfortable condition, characterized by loose and watery stools. It is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as bloating, cramps, and nausea. If you experience diarrhea after consuming alcohol, that is a sign of an alcohol allergy or intolerance, and you should put down your drink immediately. Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) if you suspect diarrhea. If you have watery stools multiple times a day and are not drinking enough water, you can easily become dehydrated. See your doctor if you experience severe symptoms along with diarrhea, such as bloody stools, a high fever that lasts longer than 24 hours, or severe pain in your abdomen. Feel a headache or migraine 1-2 hours after alcohol consumption. If you have severe alcohol intolerance, you may experience a painful headache or migraine. The symptoms of a migraine include a pounding headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. This headache pain may not occur until 1-2 hours after drinking, and it can last for several hours. Observe congestion and other allergy symptoms. Wine, champagne, and beer contain histamines, which are chemicals released by the immune system help the body to get rid of allergens. When you consume something you're allergic to, histamines are released in the body, which can cause congestion, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. People with alcohol intolerance may be especially sensitive to red wine and other alcoholic beverages that contain high levels of histamines. Wine and beer also contain sulfites, which are compounds that can also trigger allergy symptoms. Discuss symptoms with your doctor. If you suspect an alcohol allergy or intolerance, it is important to take a break from alcohol consumption and see a doctor. Your doctor will inquire about your family history, ask about your symptoms, and complete a physical exam. Other tests they perform can help with a diagnosis to determine an allergy or underlying cause of your alcohol intolerance. Do a skin prick test for a quick diagnosis. The most popular test for food allergies is a skin prick test. During this test, the doctor places different drops of a solution containing various food allergens. Then, using a needle, the doctor gently pricks the skin to allow the solution to enter just below the surface. If a large white bump appears on the skin surrounded by redness, you are most likely allergic to the food that was tested. If no bumps or redness appears, you may not have an allergy to the test food. Ask the doctor to test you for foods that are commonly found in alcohol, such as grapes, gluten, seafood, and grains. The results of this test typically appear within 30 minutes. Complete a blood test. A blood test can measure your immune system's response to certain foods by seeing if your blood contains antibodies for a specific substance. For this test, your doctor will send in a blood sample to a medical laboratory, where different foods will be tested. The results of this test can take up to 2 weeks. Be wary of alcohol consumption if you have asthma or hay fever. There are only a few scientific studies on the link between asthma and alcohol intolerance, but researchers have found that drinking alcohol can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms in those who have the condition. The most common alcoholic beverages that worsen asthma symptoms include champagne, beer, white wine, red wine, fortified wines (such as sherry and port), and spirits (whiskey, brandy, and vodka). Alcohol also affects those with hay fever because it contains varying amounts of histamine, which can worsen symptoms. If you have asthma or hay fever and suspect alcohol intolerance, stay away from red wine, which contains high levels of histamine. Avoid alcohol if you have an allergy to grains or other foods. Alcoholic beverages contain a variety of different ingredients. If you are allergic to certain foods that are common ingredients, you may experience an allergic reaction when drinking them. Red wine is the most common alcoholic beverage that will cause an allergic reaction. Beer and whiskey are also likely to cause allergic reactions because they contain the 4 common allergens: yeast, barley, wheat, and hops. Some other common food allergens found in alcohol that may be contributing to your allergic reaction include the following: Grapes Gluten Seafood proteins Rye Egg protein Sulfites Histamine | Look for red facial flushing on the face, neck, chest, or arms. Take note of swelling around the face and eyes. Feel your skin for hives. Watch for nausea and vomiting. Look out for diarrhea after drinking alcohol. Feel a headache or migraine 1-2 hours after alcohol consumption. Observe congestion and other allergy symptoms. Discuss symptoms with your doctor. Do a skin prick test for a quick diagnosis. Complete a blood test. Be wary of alcohol consumption if you have asthma or hay fever. Avoid alcohol if you have an allergy to grains or other foods. |
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