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https://www.wikihow.com/Read-Music-for-the-Violin | How to Read Music for the Violin | Before you can read music for the violin, you'll need to learn how to read sheet music. Start by memorizing the notes: the notes in the spaces (from bottom to top) are F, A, C, E, and the notes on the lines (from bottom to top) are E, G, B, D, and F. Most people use the acronyms “Face” and "Every Good Boy Does Fine" to remember them. Once you've learned how to read sheet music, learn the open strings, which are G, D, A, and E from lowest to highest. From there, you can put a finger on the string to play the next higher note! | Identify the staff and clef. The staff is the set of 5 parallel lines on the page where notes are marked. The clef is the very first marking on the staff, at the left-hand side of the first staff line. This signifies the musical register in which you play. Violins only play in treble clef. This is the marking that resembles an &. Learn the notes. Each note is a round circle on a line or in a space on the staff. The notes in the spaces, from bottom to top, are F, A, C and E. The notes on the lines, from bottom to top, are E, G, B, D, and F. Notes below or above the staff are marked with a round circle and a horizontal line going through the middle of the note. If there are flats (b) or sharps (#), these may be marked next to a note. They may also be marked next to the treble clef. For example, if a sharp is placed on the F line, this means that every F played in a given musical piece will be played as an F#. Learn which notes correspond with open strings. An open string means that it is not pressed with a finger when it's played. There are four open string notes on a violin: G, D, A and E. These strings are in order from thickest to thinnest string, or left to right when holding the violin in playing position. On sheet music, these notes are often marked with a 0. Match numbers to each of your fingers. In order to play more notes than just G, D, A and E, you will need to press strings with your fingers. The fingers on your left hand are numbered 1 to 4. Your index finger is 1, your middle finger is 2, your ring finger is 3 and your pinky finger is 4. When a note is displayed on beginning violin sheet music, it will be accompanied by a number, 0 to 4. The 0 is an open note, while the other numbers correspond to a particular finger that will press a string. Learn the fingerings for the strings. The notes on each string will ascend in tone as you place another finger down on the string. Start by drawing your bow across the D string without pressing it down. This will play a D note. Place your index finger on the D string and play. You are now playing the next note up on the D scale, or C#. Play the next three notes on the D scale by placing your middle, then ring, then pinky fingers on the string. After you have placed your pinky finger on the D string and you have played that note, move to the next string (the A string) to play the next note in this scale. Start by playing the A string open (no finger pressing the string). Subsequent notes will be played by pressing first your index finger, then your middle finger, and so on. While you practice pressing your fingers on the string in order, memorize the fingers that match the notes in the music. So, for example, when you see a D, you know that will be the open D string. When you see an F#, you'll know to press your middle finger on the D string. Move your hand up or down the violin's neck when Roman numerals are noted on the music. When playing the violin, one of your hands will wrap around the neck in order to press the strings with your fingers. The strings can be played closer to the pegbox, usually called 1st position, or closer to the bridge (3rd, 4th or even 5th position). These positions are noted on violin music with Roman numerals underneath a note. Move your hand down the fingerboard of the violin to correspond with the numbered position. 1st position, or I, means that your hand will play closer to the pegbox of the violin neck. These positions may also be marked as “1st position” or “3rd position,” instead of using Roman numerals. Most beginner violin music is written for 1st position. Play two stacked notes as double stops. Double stops are when you play two notes together. On the violin, you'll play two strings at the same time. Double stops are represented on the musical staff with two notes stacked on top of each other at the note position to which they correspond. The notes may not be stacked directly on top of each other. Rather, there is likely a space between each, but one is above the other note. Advanced violin music might have triple or even quadruple stops, meaning you play three or four notes together at the same time. Play the bow in an upward direction for a V notation. There are a number of symbols that indicate how to play with the violin's bow. A V shaped marking under the note indicates bow movement in an upward direction. Play the bow with a downward motion for a table-like notation. A shape that resembles a table (rectangle with two legs coming out of the bottom) is the notation for playing the bow in a downward motion. Play an angle bracket symbol by accenting the note. There may be an accent, depicted by an angle bracket symbol (>), above or below the note. This means that you should play the note strongly. Play a bow lift notation. A symbol shaped like a thickly drawn comma indicates a bow lift. When you see this symbol above a note, lift your bow and bring it back to the starting point. Look at initials to see which part of the bow to use. Sometimes, violin music will include initials, which directs the player on which part of the bow to use on a particular note or segment of music. The following are the typical initials used to determine which part of the bow to use: WB: Whole bow LH: Lower half of the bow UH: Upper half of the bow MB: Middle of the bow Decipher other bow notations. There are numerous other bow notations, particularly as you read more advanced violin music or music from an earlier era. These notations indicate advanced techniques to achieve certain sounds, such as: Col legno : This means “with the wood.” Use the bow's stick, rather than the hair, to play the strings. This can be damaging to the wood of the bow, so many musicians use alternate bows for these musical segments. Sul ponticello : Position the bow at the bridge of the violin (at the body of the violin) to achieve a whispery tone. Au talon : This refers to a section of music that should be played with the bow at the nut of the violin (the area between the fingerboard and the pegbox). Martelé : This term means “hammered,” and indicates that you put pressure on the string with the bow and then draw the bow across the string with force. Release the bow pressure almost immediately from the string. Play “Vibr” as vibrato. Vibrato is an effect that warbles a note while you play. Vibrato is achieved by bending and unbending your finger as you play on a string. This dynamic is usually marked as “Vibr” underneath the notes that should be played as vibrato. Play “pizz” as pizzicato. Pizzicato is a technique, usually noted as "pizz" or sometimes spelled out in its entirety, that indicates you should play a note by plucking the violin string with your finger. If there is no obvious “pizz” or “pizzicato” designated, then assume the musical piece should be played as “arco,” or using the bow to play the notes. Play a Bartok pizzicato. Pizzicato may also be designated with the Bartok pizzicato symbol, also known as a “snap pizzicato.” This symbol, a circle with a vertical line through the top, will appear above the note to be plucked. This type of pizzicato is given an extra snap by pinching the string with two fingers and snapping it back into the finger board. Play a tremolo. A tremolo is a style of playing very quick, rapid sounds as the bow draws back and forth across the string. The tremolo is noted with thick, short diagonal lines drawn through the note or the stem of the note. They can be either measured or unmeasured. One diagonal line means 1/8 note tremolo (measured). Two diagonal lines mean 1/16 note tremolo (measured). Three diagonal lines mean an unmeasured tremolo. Understand style markings. Style markings give you an indication of the mood with which to play music. These are typically noted in Italian. Some of the more common words you'll see are: Con : With Poco a poco : Little by little Meno mosso : Less movement Dolce : Sweetly Allegro : Quick and lively Pay attention to dynamics. Dynamics in sheet music indicate how loud or quiet you should play. These are typically indicated below the staff and will change as you progress through the music. Written in Italian, these range from very quiet (pianissimo) to mezzo (medium) to fortissimo (very loud). Dynamics usually show up as lower-case letters, such as p (piano), mf (mezzo forte), ff (fortissimo) and so on. Crescendos and diminuendos are also used, which indicate that your playing should get louder or quieter gradually. They are typically indicated by a long, thin carrot or accent mark. Understand what tablature tells you. Tablature, or “tab,” is a shorthand way of describing where and when to place a finger on a string to play a note. This format often does not tell you note duration, however. A tab has 4 lines, each representing one of the strings on the violin. The lines are designated, from the bottom to the top, as G, D, A, and E. Mark the frets on your violin. A tab will tell you which finger to place where on a given note, and if you have the placements marked already, it will be easier to read a tab. These markings can be made with tape or a dab of paint or white-out directly on the fingerboard of the violin. Measure these placements from the nut, or the connector between the fingerboard and the pegbox and tuning pegs. 1st fret : 1 and 7/16 inches from the nut 2nd fret : 2 and 21/32 inches from the nut 3rd fret : 3 and ¼ inches from the nut 4th fret : 4 and ¼ inches from the nut Match each left-hand finger to the frets. Each of your fingers (minus your thumb) on your left-hand will have a number that corresponds to a fret. The index finger is 1, middle finger is 2, ring finger is 3, and pinky finger is 4. A 0 denotes an open string (no finger pressing the string). Read the notes on the tab. Each note will be marked with a number on a particular string line in the tab. For example, if there is a 0 on the top line of the tab, this means you will play the E string as open (no finger pressing the string). If there is a 1 on the top line of the tab, you will press the first fret with your index finger on the E string. If there is a 3 on the third line up on the tab, you will press the third fret with your ring finger on the A string. Download violin tablatures to practice. There is a wide variety of songs written in tablature for the violin that are available online. Type “violin tablature music” into a search engine to locate songs of varying difficulty. | Identify the staff and clef. Learn the notes. Learn which notes correspond with open strings. Match numbers to each of your fingers. Learn the fingerings for the strings. Move your hand up or down the violin's neck when Roman numerals are noted on the music. Play two stacked notes as double stops. Play the bow in an upward direction for a V notation. Play the bow with a downward motion for a table-like notation. Play an angle bracket symbol by accenting the note. Play a bow lift notation. Look at initials to see which part of the bow to use. Decipher other bow notations. Play “Vibr” as vibrato. Play “pizz” as pizzicato. Play a Bartok pizzicato. Play a tremolo. Understand style markings. Pay attention to dynamics. Understand what tablature tells you. Mark the frets on your violin. Match each left-hand finger to the frets. Read the notes on the tab. Download violin tablatures to practice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-Perch | How to Catch Perch | To catch perch, start by getting some live bait, such as minnows and insect larva. Next, find a spot with deep water and overhanging trees or man-made objects that block sunlight, as these are the places where perch like to hang out. Then, cast your bait, and let your line go deep since perch like to feed off the ground. When you get a bite, gently reel in the line as you pull up on the rod. | Get the proper equipment. This usually means getting a rod, reel, and some fishing line to spool on. The rod should only need a 6 to 8 pound test. Perch are smaller fish, and do not require complicated or expensive equipment. You may also want a cooler or stringer to hold you fish, especially if you catch several, or want to keep fishing after a catch. Get the right bait. Live bait is best, and perch prefer minnows and insect larva. Many anglers have also found crayfish meat to be popular with perch as well. Get the right lures. If you can't get live bait, artificial lures such as plugs, jigs, and spinners are good ways to draw in perch. Yellow, white, and yellow-white designs seem to be the most popular, but perch have been known to favor other colors and designs. Perch are smaller fish and move quickly, so you'll need a lure that reacts to less movement and is easy for you to keep an eye on. Get a fishing license. Some states require a fishing license depending on where you fish and what kinds of fish you are searching for. Make sure you know your state's laws, and that your license is up to date. Be sure to check if the license comes with any catch limits. You don't want to get in trouble for taking too many fish. Plus, that isn't fair to other anglers. Go out at the right time of day. Like other fish, perch are most active when feeding, so if you want to catch one, this is when you should be out there. The time of day they feed depends on the season you are fishing. These are some general guidelines, as the best feeding times can change day by day. During late spring and early summer, early morning and early evening hours are best. During late summer, late afternoon and evening is best. In autumn, the best times are morning, and late afternoon evening. During the winter, the low light of late afternoon-evening is good. Find a spot with deep water. Perch like areas with deep water and structures that block sunlight and provide them places to hide. Boat fishing is a good way to get into deep water, and allows you to move quickly if fish aren't biting or the school moves. Shore or dock fishing are good places to catch perch. They like the shelter of man-made objects, and can usually be found near overhanging trees or other cover. If you are near the shore, look for areas that will have a steep drop-off into deep water. Your state's Department of Natural Resources may have topographic maps to locate these spots. Cast your bait. There are a variety of methods you can use to attract perch. Perch, and other fish, like to feed off the ground, so you will need to make sure your line can go deep into the water. Bait casting. Cast your line out into an area where the fish might be. Let it sit for a while, reeling in if you feel the need to recast. Aim beyond the point you want to hit, as it's always easier to pull your line back. Still fishing. This involves dropping your line into the water and letting it sit, seeing if the fish come to you. You can do this from the shore, a dock or pier, or an anchored boat. This method involves the most patience, as you will not do much more than sit and wait for the fish to bite. Trolling. Drop your line into the water, and move, letting your line drag through the water. You can do this by having your boat move slowly through the water, or by walking slowly along a shoreline or pier. If you are in a boat, you will need to keep the engine running lightly to avoid scaring the fish. Some states do not allow motorized trolling, so make sure you are familiar with regulations before trying it. Ice fishing. Perch are active in the winter, so you can still catch them even in water that is frozen over. Fish in the winter are move more slowly, so if you find them they probably won't go to far. With the thick ice, having an electronic fish finder can help you figure out the best place to cut into the ice. Get a bite. Perch are light fish, so you will have to be quick about noticing when you get a bite. Once you see your line move, set your hook by pulling up quickly on the rod. As you reel in the line, pull your rod upward as well. You don't want to pull too hard, as you might pull your hook out of the fish. It may help to have a bucket or small net to hold the fish once you get it out of the water. Keep fishing if you catch one. Perch are schooling fish, so if you find one, you'll find many more. Once you find a school, keep re-baiting your hook to get as many as possible. Schools move around, so if your catches dry up, you'll need to move. By the same token, if you aren't catching any fish, move. Perch stay in their schools, and if they aren't in one place, look for another one. By this point, you may be interested in filleting your perch. | Get the proper equipment. Get the right bait. Get a fishing license. Go out at the right time of day. Find a spot with deep water. Cast your bait. Get a bite. Keep fishing if you catch one. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Live-on-a-Budget | How to Live on a Budget | To live on a budget, start by deciding how much money you want to save each month. Then, set that money aside immediately when you get paid so you're not tempted to spend it. Since you'll have less money to spend every month, try to find ways to cut back on your spending, like cooking at home instead of eating out, limiting how often you go out with friends, and or switching to a cheaper phone and internet plan. Also, use coupons to buy groceries, and start shopping for clothes at thrift stores to save money. | Create a starting budget by subtracting your expenses from your income. To get started making your budget, add up all of the money you get in a month. Then, calculate your average expenses for a month, and anything else you spend money on. Finally, subtract your expenses from your income to see if you're spending more than you make. Your income might include any money you earn from a job, contributions from your family or others, and any other payments or financial assistance you receive. Your expenses will include bills like your rent or mortgage, car payment, and insurance, as well as things like groceries, clothing, books, and entertainment. Some of these expenses will be the same each month, like your rent, while you'll need to calculate the monthly average of others, like groceries. Try this worksheet to help you determine your starting budget: https://www.consumer.gov/content/make-budget-worksheet Set spending limits based on your starting budget. Once you see a basic breakdown of where your money is going, evaluate the way you're spending your money. If there are any areas where you're currently overspending, try gradually cutting them back to make a little more room in your budget. Try breaking your expenses into categories to see what you're spending. For instance, you might list things like your rent, phone bill, and utility bill in a category titled "Bills." Expenses like groceries and dining out might go into a category titled "Food," and things like clothing and school supplies for your children might go into "Kids." Unless you need to drastically cut down on your spending, it's usually best to start by setting small, easily attainable savings goals. For instance, if you spend a lot of money on streaming services, you might start by canceling the one you use the least, rather than eliminating them all right away. Track your spending to ensure you stay within your spending limits. It's not enough to set limits for yourself; you also have to monitor what you're actually spending to make sure you don't go over those limits. The exact way you do this will depend on what works best for you—you might find it easier to write down each purchase as you make it, or you might prefer going over your bank and credit card statements at the end of the month to see how you did. One benefit of writing down your purchases as you go is that it's easier to remember exactly what you bought. However, some people find this tedious. Leave some room in your budget for extras. It's hard to stick to a budget if it makes you feel like you can't enjoy your favorite things in life. If you're able to, try to leave at least a little extra money every month for things you really enjoy, like having a night out with friends or buying new craft supplies. Being on a budget can actually help you free up extra money for the things you love, because you'll be less likely to impulsively spend on things you don't really want. Remember to be realistic—if you can't figure out how to make room for something in your budget, you might have to let it go. Put some money from each paycheck into savings. It can seem hard to save when you're on a budget, but having a little money put aside for emergencies or unforeseen expenses can be a life-saver when you need it. When you're planning out your budget, make it a priority to put even a little money into savings every time you get paid. Even if it doesn't seem like much, it will start to add up quickly! Start by setting a reasonable goal, like saving $10 or $20 a week for a few months. Once that begins to feel comfortable, challenge yourself to increase the amount, if you're able. Eventually, you should try to have about 3-6 months' worth of expenses saved in case you find yourself unable to work. Try the envelope method to help organize your cash. If you mostly use cash to pay for things, it can be hard sometimes to keep up with where it goes. One way to help keep your cash spending on track is to divide your money into different envelopes. Label each envelope with what the money's for, and only spend what you have set aside. For instance, you might have envelopes labelled "Groceries," "Clothing," "Medical Bills," and "Dining Out." If you know you're going to be meeting friends for lunch, you'd grab the "Dining Out" envelope. Don't borrow from other envelopes if you overspend, or else you could run short in another category at the end of the month. Write down your bills in a calendar to help pay them on time. Get a calendar, planner, or app that will help you keep track of each bill you owe each month, as well as their due dates. That way, you won't accidentally forget to pay a bill, which can cost you extra money in late fees and other penalties. Making late payments can have a sneaky impact on your long-term budget, as well. They can lower your credit score, meaning you'll get higher interest rates on things like a car loan or mortgage—and a higher interest rate means higher monthly payments. Learn to say no and avoid temptations. These days, there are endless opportunities to spend money. If you want to successfully stick to a budget, it will take self-discipline and willpower. It won't always be easy, but try to keep your goals in mind when you're tempted to buy something you don't really need. Also, get in the habit of occasionally turning down invitations from friends, especially if you tend to spend a lot of money while you're out. It might be necessary to avoid places where you're often tempted to spend more than your budget, especially at first. If you tend to shop online, try unsubscribing from promotional emails so you won't feel like you're missing out. When you do go out, bring cash, and only what you can afford to spend. Try repeating a mantra when you're tempted to spend. For instance, if you're saving for a trip, your mantra might be, "Beach vacation!" Transfer money to your savings automatically. Each week, have a certain amount transferred from your paycheck directly into a separate savings account. It's a lot easier to save money if you don't actually see it first. This goes for things like retirement contributions and a healthcare savings account (HSA) if you have them, as well. If you get paid in cash, get in the habit of taking out your savings as soon as you get paid—preferably before you spend anything else. Set financial challenges for yourself. If you want to manage your money a little better, try creating a personal challenge, like bringing your lunch to work for 30 days or not buying any new clothes for 3 months. Sometimes you just need an extra push to change your habits. Try telling a friend about your challenge to help hold yourself accountable! Avoid using credit cards unless you can pay them off. When you buy something on a credit card, you generally aren't charged interest if you pay off the whole balance each month. However, if you only pay the minimum amount due, you'll continue being charged interest every month until the balance is gone. Credit cards make it easy to overspend, since they seem like free money. If you have trouble controlling your spending, it's probably best to avoid them altogether. Keep trying, even if you mess up. While it's important to be financially responsible, it's also important not to beat yourself up if you spend a little too much money here and there. Even if you've made big money mistakes in the past, try to keep your attention focused on the future, and keep putting one foot in front of the other until you hit your goals. Remember, it takes time to learn new habits, so don't get too discouraged if you have trouble hitting your budgeting goals. Sometimes, this can even be a sign that you need to change your budget, rather than your spending, so keep evaluating and adjusting your finances every month. Comparison shop before you make a purchase. The internet makes it incredibly easy to see prices for the same item across different stores, so you can always get the best deal. You can comparison shop for everything from groceries and school supplies to your cell phone plan or car loan, so take advantage of the resources you have available to ensure you don't overspend. Try searching for items in sites like Google Shopping, Shopzilla, and Bizrate to compare prices from different retailers. Cook at home for most of your meals. Even if you don't think you eat out very often, you may be spending a lot more money than you realize on things like fast food and snacks from the convenience store. To help avoid that, plan out your meals ahead of time, and pick up groceries about once a week with everything you'll need for each meal. Make your grocery shopping more efficient by couponing and planning to use the same ingredients in multiple meals. If you find a good deal on meat or produce, buy extra and freeze some to use later. Dress up cheap ingredients to make them more exciting! For instance, you can make a tasty meal out of ramen noodles by adding a fried egg and thinly-sliced green onions. Shop secondhand and clearance sales whenever possible. You can often save a lot of money if you're willing to buy something secondhand rather than new. Try checking thrift stores and consignment shops in your area to see if they have anything that you've been meaning to buy. You can also find good deals by shopping for off-season clothes in the clearance section at your favorite store. Look for "free shipping with no minimum" deals when you're shopping online, or use membership perks that come with free shipping. Remember to check resale and auction sites online! However, use caution before you meet anyone in person to buy something from them—it's best to bring someone along with you, and leave if you get a bad feeling. Cancel your cable if you use a lot of streaming sites. If you spend most of your time watching shows on Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu, you may find that you'd be perfectly fine without your cable provider. This is called "cutting the cord," and it's an increasingly popular way to save a little extra money on your monthly budget. On the other hand, you might find that it's more cost-effective to bundle services like your internet, cable, and cell phone. In that case, you might cancel any streaming services you don't use often. | Create a starting budget by subtracting your expenses from your income. Set spending limits based on your starting budget. Track your spending to ensure you stay within your spending limits. Leave some room in your budget for extras. Put some money from each paycheck into savings. Try the envelope method to help organize your cash. Write down your bills in a calendar to help pay them on time. Learn to say no and avoid temptations. Transfer money to your savings automatically. Set financial challenges for yourself. Avoid using credit cards unless you can pay them off. Keep trying, even if you mess up. Comparison shop before you make a purchase. Cook at home for most of your meals. Shop secondhand and clearance sales whenever possible. Cancel your cable if you use a lot of streaming sites. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Tobacco | How to Dry Tobacco | To dry tobacco, you'll need to keep the leaves in a well-ventilated shelter, and control the heat and humidity. Use a barn or shed as your shelter, since the leaves need to be protected from rain and sunlight. Hang leaves that are already slightly yellowing in bunches on a rope or line. If the weather is hot, close the door of your shed during the day and open it at night to let in cooler air, which will help prevent the leaves from drying to quickly. In cooler periods, open the door during the day and close it at night so the leaves don't get too moist. You'll know the leaves are dried out when their edges curl and they have a browny color. The process usually takes 3 to 8 weeks. | Dry tobacco in the fall for the best results. The warm, dry days and cool, relatively humid nights of the late summer and early fall provide the perfect conditions for drying tobacco leaves. Pick leaves that are a pale-yellow for drying. Tobacco leaves that are too green will dry green, which you want to avoid. Typically the lower leaves on the plant will turn yellow sooner, so take those first for drying. Find a well-ventilated shelter for drying, typically a barn or shed. The leaves need to be protected from direct sunlight, rain, and wind for drying. A barn, shed, or garage would work well for this. You could even dry the leaves in your home, as long as you have the space -- just be sure the air isn't too dry. Find a shelter where you'll have some control over the humidity by opening or closing doors, windows, or vents. You'll need to keep the humidity relatively high to keep the leaves from drying too quickly. Be sure the leaves are protected from direct sunlight, which may burn them. Hang your tobacco in bunches of 3 to 5 leaves. Fasten the leaves to a clothesline or rope, bunched together at the stem and tied with a strong rubber band that will contract as the leaves shrink. If you're only drying a few leaves, another method is to thread individual stems and hang the leaves from a string. Control the humidity as your leaves dry. In cooler periods, open the doors of the barn or shed during the day to bring in the relatively warmer outside air. In warmer periods, and if your leaves are drying too fast, close the doors during the daytime hours and open them at night to bring in the moist night air. You may need to use a humidifier if your leaves are drying too quickly. If you dry your tobacco in your home, be sure to mind the temperature and humidity to avoid drying the leaves too quickly. An air-conditioned home would probably be too dry for air-curing tobacco. Leaves that dry too fast may remain green. Monitor the leaves to know when they’ve dried enough. As they dry, the leaves will turn yellow, then a kind of orange, and finally brown. (The shades will vary somewhat depending on the kind of tobacco leaves you're using.) Depending on environmental conditions, the process will take between 3 and 8 weeks. When the leaves are brown and the edges have curled slightly, the process is complete. The dried leaves will be slightly sticky, and they'll have the feeling of very thin leather. They should still be pliable, not brittle. The dried leaves should have a slightly sweet smell from the curing process. Remove the stems from the leaves. When the tobacco is ready, carefully peel the leaf away from its stem. You may use it immediately or store it if you want to use it later or let it continue to ferment. Stems retain moisture and may increase the chance of mold in storage. Tobacco leaves are ready for smoking or storage when they're brown and pliable, but not too brittle. If the leaves get too brittle, you can moisten them with water from a spray bottle. Almost magically, they'll regain their pliability with a little moisture. You can store the leaves in a humidor or even in a plastic bag. If you've moistened brittle leaves for storage, be sure to pat them down with a paper towel so there aren't any water droplets on them. This will keep the leaves moist but reduce the chance of mold developing while they're in storage. | Dry tobacco in the fall for the best results. Pick leaves that are a pale-yellow for drying. Find a well-ventilated shelter for drying, typically a barn or shed. Hang your tobacco in bunches of 3 to 5 leaves. Control the humidity as your leaves dry. Monitor the leaves to know when they’ve dried enough. Remove the stems from the leaves. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-a-Vacuum-Cleaner | How to Maintain a Vacuum Cleaner | Before performing any vacuum maintenance, make sure the vacuum is safely unplugged. Then, open up the vacuum and replace the bag or empty the tray if it is more than ⅔ full. You can also try cleaning the brush roll with your fingers or scissors to remove hair or string debris. To keep your vacuum running well, replace the belt every 6 months to a year, or when it becomes stretched out. | Empty the dust canister before and after each vacuuming session. If you have a bagless vacuum, remove the canister and dump out the dirt or debris that's in it before you vacuum. Then, dump it out again after you finish vacuuming. This prevents dirt from building up inside the canister and your machine. Over time, dirt may coat the inside of the cannister. To deep-clean it, rinse the canister with water. You can use a garden hose and clean the canister outside to minimize the mess. This is especially important if you're using a stick vacuum, since it has a much smaller dust canister. Replace your vacuum's dust bag once it's 3/4 full. If you have a canister vacuum or upright vacuum that stores the dirt and debris in a disposable bag, always check it before you vacuum. Most bags have a line on the side that indicates when to change the bag. If you wait until the bag is completely full, your vacuum won't operate as efficiently, so replace the bag when it's about 3/4 full. You might actually damage your vacuum if the bag is full and you continue to run the vacuum. Rinse the washable filters in your vacuum once a month. If your vacuum has a foam filter, take it out and run it under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, set the filter aside to air dry completely before you put it back into the machine. It takes about 24 hours for the foam filter to dry. Your vacuum will suck up more dirt with a clean filter. Replace HEPA or disposable filters about 2 times a year. Most vacuums have exhaust filters that catch tiny dirt particles to prevent them from blowing back into your home. Read your manual to find out if your vacuum has one of these HEPA filters and how often they recommend replacing it. Be sure to buy a replacement that matches your model. Some instruction manuals might direct you to shake or tap dirt out of disposable filters in between replacements. Open the cleaner head to access the roller brush and belt. Unplug the vacuum and turn it over. Then, use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws that hold the cleaner head cover in place. Lift away the cover so you can see the long roller brush and drive belt. If you have a canister vacuum, this is on the cleaner head that's attached to the long hose. Consider placing the screws in a small bag so you don't lose them. You may need to snap off the side of the cover head to access the belt. This depends on your vacuum's make and model. Check the vacuum belt once a month for signs of wear. If your vacuum motor runs but the brush doesn't turn, the vacuum's drive belt might be old. Once you've taken off the head cover, look for a small black belt that's connected to the brush roll. Feel the belt to tell if it's taut and elastic. If it feels brittle or you see cracks, you'll need to replace the belt. If the belt has slipped off of its track, it may be too loose and you should replace it. Purchase a new belt from a vacuum repair store or online. Then, take the old belt off and slide the new one in place. Remove the brush roll and cut away debris that's caught in it every 2 or 3 months. Pop out or pull the brush roll from the bottom of the cleaner head or brush roll attachment. You'll probably see strands of hair or thread caught in its bristles, which makes the brush less effective when you vacuum. Take a pair of scissors or a seam ripper and slice across the things that are caught in the brush roll's bristles. Then, pull away the debris so the bristles are clear. Your owner's manual may refer to the brush roll as the beater bar. Spin the brush roll to ensure that it spins freely. To determine if the brush roll is still in good shape, place it vertically on its axis and hold the top with 1 hand. Use your other hand to spin the brush roll with 1 flick. The brush should spin around several times. If the brush roll doesn't spin freely, you might need to replace the brush roll. You can do this every time you clean debris out of the brush roller. Remove debris or dirt from the cleaner head casing every 2 or 3 months. Take the opportunity to look inside the cleaner head casing while the brush roll is out. Use your fingers to pull out any clumps of hair or dirt that might be clogging the air passages or brush roll housing. Then, wipe it out with a damp cloth before you put the brush roll back in. Wear gloves if you don't want to touch the dirt or debris with your bare hands. Ensure that the drive belt is properly reconnected to the brush roll. Put the roller brush back in place and screw the cleaner head back in place. Push the roller brush so it's completely held by the sides of the cleaner head. Ensure that the drive belt is properly looped over its track and the roller brush. Then, place the casing over the cleaner head and screw it on. Do this for stick, canister, or upright vacuums. Unplug the cord and inspect it for fraying or breaks. Always unplug the vacuum before performing any maintenance. Look at the entire cord for breaks in the plastic, exposed wire, or fraying. If you see any of these, don't use the vacuum because you could get shocked. If the cord is damaged, take the vacuum to a vacuum repair shop. They can inexpensively repair or replace the cord. Use a damp cloth to wipe dust off the outside of the vacuum. If your vacuum is covered in dust or dirt, you'll spread it around your home as you vacuum and the dust could clog the machine's filters. Rub a damp cloth over the entire surface of the vacuum to remove built-up dirt. Ensure that you clean where pieces attach or connect. Removing dust and dirt from these areas can make a tighter seal so the vacuum works more efficiently. Inspect all of the attachments and remove dirt or hair from them. Take all of the attachments off of the vacuum and check them for cracks. Most vacuums come with a narrow extension wand, a dusting brush, a flat upholstery tool, and a power or turbo brush. Wipe dirt or dust from these attachments and pull away hair that might be tangled or stuck in them. For example, if hairs are caught in the turbo brush blade, take a pair of scissors and cut the hairs free from the bristles. Wipe down the hose and remove any dirt clogs. Pull out the long stretchy hose and wipe the length of it with a damp cloth. Then, stretch it until it's straight and hold it down to the ground. Get down and look into it to see if the hose is clogged. If it is, take a bent wire or metal hanger and carefully insert it into the hose. Pull on the clog to loosen and remove it. If the hose is clogged, you might notice a loss of suction when you vacuum. Use caution when you insert the wire into the hose since you don't want to accidentally puncture the hose. | Empty the dust canister before and after each vacuuming session. Replace your vacuum's dust bag once it's 3/4 full. Rinse the washable filters in your vacuum once a month. Replace HEPA or disposable filters about 2 times a year. Open the cleaner head to access the roller brush and belt. Check the vacuum belt once a month for signs of wear. Remove the brush roll and cut away debris that's caught in it every 2 or 3 months. Spin the brush roll to ensure that it spins freely. Remove debris or dirt from the cleaner head casing every 2 or 3 months. Put the roller brush back in place and screw the cleaner head back in place. Unplug the cord and inspect it for fraying or breaks. Use a damp cloth to wipe dust off the outside of the vacuum. Inspect all of the attachments and remove dirt or hair from them. Wipe down the hose and remove any dirt clogs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Epoxy-Flooring | How to Do Epoxy Flooring | To do epoxy flooring, you'll need to clean the floor and apply the covering with a roller. First, scrub your floor to remove grease, sand any rough patches, and vacuum up debris. Then, clean the entire floor thoroughly with a pressure washer to remove any impurities. Once the floor is dry, start applying a coat of epoxy primer. Let the primer dry for 24 hours before adding your first coat of epoxy. After another 24 hours of drying time, inspect the floor for any cracks and add crack filler if you need to. If you used crack filler, wait 12 to 16 hours before adding your second and final coat of epoxy. | Test your floor for moisture. Lay a plastic garbage bag down on your garage floor and secure it with duct tape on all 4 sides. Wait 24 hours. Gently lift up the corner of the bag to check for moisture accumulation. If it is dry underneath, you can proceed with your floor coating. If there is moisture, your floor is not suitable for epoxy and you should select a different floor coating. Check for concrete sealer. Pour 1–2 cups (240–470 ml) of water onto the surface of your garage floor. If the water immediately beads up, this means that a concrete sealer has been used on this floor in the past. If this is the case, it is best to forego the epoxy project, since these products are incompatible. Wait at least 28 days before applying epoxy to a new slab. If you're dealing with a newly installed slab, it is important to wait at least 28 days, but preferably 2 months, before applying epoxy. This gives the floor time to cure and dry thoroughly prior to coating. Remove floor paint, if necessary. Epoxy coating will not work properly if it is applied over polyurethane or latex floor paints. If your floor is covered in one of these materials, you will need to strip your floor before you can begin the epoxy process. For a large area, you might try soda blasting the paint. Rent a blasting unit (also called a pot blaster) for a local hardware store. Purchase special special sodium bicarbonate (make sure you get the right kind for your blaster). Following the manufacturer's instructions, add the sodium bicarbonate to the blaster. Use the machine to “blast” the floor. It works very similar to a power washer. Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water. After the floor dries, use an industrial vacuum to remove any remaining powder or debris. Use degreaser to remove oil and grease stains. Mop your entire floor using an industrial degreaser or solvent-based cleanser. After you allow the floor to dry, look for any remaining oil/grease stains. Spot clean these areas with a concrete degreaser and a stiff scrub brush. Then rinse the entire floor with clean water. Sand off any rubber residue. While you were cleaning the floor, you may have noticed some areas where tire rubber was deposited on your floor. If any tire rubber remains after mopping and spot-cleaning, use sandpaper to remove it. Attach fine grit sandpaper to a pole sander, hand sander or floor sander. Rinse with clean water. 180-grit sandpaper is a good choice. Vacuum up any remaining cleaning products or debris. Use an industrial strength vacuum to thoroughly suck up any dust, leftover cleaning powder, and other dirt. Leftover debris can cause bubbles and imperfections in your epoxy coating, so remove it all. Use a pressure washer to deep clean the floor. Using an industrial power washer, spray down the garage floor so that any remaining impurities make their way out of the garage or toward a drain. You can rent a pressure washer from many home improvement stores or other rental outlets in your area. Etch the floor. Purchase muriatic acid (also called hydrochloric acid) from a home improvement store. You will need about 0.25 gallons (950 ml) of muriatic acid for every 50–70 square feet (4.6–6.5 m ) of floor. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, but here are some guidelines: Hose down the floor. Mix 1 part muriatic acid with 3 parts water in a plastic bucket. Use a plastic watering can or pressure sprayer to coat the floor with diluted acid. Wait until the acid stops bubbling (about 2-15 minutes). Neutralize and remove the acid. Mix 8 fluid ounces (240 ml) of baking soda with 1 gallon (3,800 ml) of water. Apply this mixture over the floor to neutralize the acid. Some muriatic acid products will not need to be neutralized. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Rinse the floor with clean water and leave it to dry overnight. Pour clean water onto the floor to rinse any remaining acid and neutralizer into the nearest drain. Let the floor dry overnight before doing any more work. Patch any cracks with an epoxy crack filler. After the floor is completely dry, examine it for cracks. Any cracks that are 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) or larger, as well as any holes or spalled areas, will need to be filled in with epoxy crack filler. Place the product into the opening, then use a putty knife to scrape it down to surface level and smooth it out. Let this dry for 4-6 hours. Choose between solvent-based and water-based epoxies. Solvent-based epoxies adhere well and are available in many colors. The drawback is that these products are extremely hazardous. Water-based products are clear in color, but these products do not give off hazardous fumes. Both products typically contain from 40-60% solids (epoxy). The higher the percentage, the harder your floor will be, and the more expensive the product. You absolutely must use a ventilator to apply solvent-based epoxy products. Decide if you’ll use an epoxy primer. Epoxy primers can smooth out minor imperfections in the floor and give the epoxy a better base to bond to. It is important to use primer on floors that are very porous, flaky, chalky, or rough. Primers can also add strength and durability to any floor. Always select a product that is compatible with the epoxy you plan to use. Purchase enough epoxy for 2 coats. For a 450 square feet (42 m ) garage (a typical 2-car garage), you will need 2–3 gallons (7.6–11 L) of epoxy per coat. This can vary based on the percent of solids in the epoxy you buy, so check the labels. Purchase enough epoxy to cover your floor in at least 2 coats. Solvent-based epoxy products can be harder to find. Some paint specialty stores may carry them, but you may need to visit an industrial-supply store. Water-based epoxy products can be purchased at most home supply stores. Reduce hazards by wearing protective gear and turning off the power. Gloves, eye protection, lung protection, and good rubber boots can help keep you safe while applying epoxy. Turn off gas/power to any water heaters or other appliances in the garage. Take precautions to keep children and pets away from the area during application and drying. Always use a ventilator to apply solvent-based epoxy products. Use a 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) nap roller to apply the epoxy primer. Begin in the back corner of the room, and work your way toward the exit. Dip your roller into the bucket, and spread a thin layer of epoxy primer onto your floor. Avoid letting the roller get too dry. It can help to use an extension handle on your roller. Be careful not to paint yourself into a corner. Remember to wear a respirator and keep the garage door open. Let the primer coat dry for 12-24 hours. Maintain adequate ventilation and avoid going near the floor while the primer coat cures. For best results, wait a full day before resuming work on the floor. Mix one batch of each epoxy product immediately prior to application. Both epoxy primer and standard epoxy will come in 2 parts. These needs to be mixed together, one batch at a time, right before they are applied. Mix the two epoxy components for 5 minutes using a drill and stirring bit. Pour the entire contents into a second bucket and mix again. Epoxy kits are pre-measured. Mix all of part A together with all of part B to create the amount of epoxy listed. Most epoxy products (including most primers) have a “bucket life” of about 40 minutes. This means that the product must be applied within this time window before it hardens. Apply your first coat of epoxy. Once again use a ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) nap roller to apply your epoxy. Begin in the corner of the room, and make your way toward the exit. Try to keep the roller wet at all times, and try to keep your coat thin and even. Remember to mix the epoxy immediately prior to application. Move as quickly as you can without being sloppy. Epoxy has a short working time. Wait 24 hours for your first coat to dry. Always make sure there is adequate ventilation during the drying process. Avoid going near the floor while the first coat cures. Plan to wait a day before applying a second coat. Curing time will vary slightly across epoxy products. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions for the product you select. Check for problems before applying a second coat. Examine your floor for any problems that have appeared. This can include cracks, holes, or uneven surfaces that weren't visible before. Seal any cracks with an epoxy crack filler and/or sand down areas that are uneven. If you used sand paper, you may need to do another run with your vacuum to remove any debris. Wait 12-16 hours for the crack filler to dry, if you used it. If you had to patch any new cracks in your first coat of epoxy, wait at least half a day for the crack filler to dry before applying a second coat. Apply a second coat with an added non-skid product. After mixing the epoxy for your second coat, consider adding a commercial non-skid product. Use a drill and stirring bit to blend well. Then apply your second coat. Begin in the corner and gradually move toward the exit. Add 3–4 fluid ounces (89–118 ml) per every 1 gallon (3.8 l) of epoxy. Let the second coat dry for 24 hours. Avoid going near the floor while the second coat dries. Make sure there is adequate ventilation. Give the floor a day to cure before walking on it or using it. | Test your floor for moisture. Check for concrete sealer. Wait at least 28 days before applying epoxy to a new slab. Remove floor paint, if necessary. Use degreaser to remove oil and grease stains. Sand off any rubber residue. Vacuum up any remaining cleaning products or debris. Use a pressure washer to deep clean the floor. Etch the floor. Neutralize and remove the acid. Rinse the floor with clean water and leave it to dry overnight. Patch any cracks with an epoxy crack filler. Choose between solvent-based and water-based epoxies. Decide if you’ll use an epoxy primer. Purchase enough epoxy for 2 coats. Reduce hazards by wearing protective gear and turning off the power. Use a 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) nap roller to apply the epoxy primer. Let the primer coat dry for 12-24 hours. Mix one batch of each epoxy product immediately prior to application. Apply your first coat of epoxy. Wait 24 hours for your first coat to dry. Check for problems before applying a second coat. Wait 12-16 hours for the crack filler to dry, if you used it. Apply a second coat with an added non-skid product. Let the second coat dry for 24 hours. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-a-Necklace | How to Measure a Necklace | To measure a necklace, unclasp the necklace and lay it out on a flat surface. Measure the necklace with a ruler or tape measure and take note of its length, rounding up to the nearest inch, if needed. Once you have measured the necklace, measure your own neck with a tape measure. A good rule of thumb is adding 2 to 4 inches to your neck measurement for a necklace that will fit well and rest at or below your collarbone. You may want to consider your outfit, your body type, and the occasion when deciding what necklace length will work best. | Unclasp the chain and lay it out straight. Necklace measurements are essentially chain measurements. If you want to measure the chain, you will need to open it up and make it as straight as possible. Lay it out on a table or flat surface so that it will be easy to measure. Measure the length with a ruler or tape measure. Extend the tape measure from one end of the chain to the other. Do not forget the clasp in your measurement. The complete chain, including the clasp, should be measured because that is what determines how long it hangs. Do not include the length of any charm or pendant hanging from the chain. Note the length. You can make a mental note or write it down. This length is the marketable size of the necklace. If you lived in the United States, measurements are typically in inches, and centimeters are used in most other parts of the world. You can, however, take the measurement in both units if you wish. Round up to the next inch or centimeter if you get a measurement that isn't a precise number. If this is a length you want for a new necklace, you can bring in this length while searching for a necklace Measure your neck size. Neck size is probably the most important measurement for determining which necklace length will work best for you. To measure, wrap a soft tape measure around your neck, keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor as you measure. Then, add 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) to your neck measurement to calculate your minimum recommended chain length. If you are a person with a neck size measuring 13 (33 cm) to 14 ½ inches (36.8 cm), an 18-inch (45.7 cm) necklace is a good choice for necklace length. If you have a neck size measuring 15 (38 cm) to 16 ½ inches (41.2 cm), a 20-inch (50.8 cm) necklace would be a good choice. If your neck size measures 17 (43.2 cm) to 18 ½ inches (47 cm), a 22-inch (55.9 cm) necklace would be a good option for you. Choose a standard length if the chain can’t be customized. If you cannot customize the necklace length to your neck size, simply choose the second size up from your neck size as your minimum necklace measurement. For instance, if you are a person with a neck size measuring 17 inches (43 cm), your minimum standard should be 20 inches (50 cm) instead of 18 inches (45 cm). Take your height into consideration when choosing a length. In addition to neck size, your height can also change the position of a necklace around your neck. Long necklaces can overwhelm shorter people, and short necklaces can get lost on taller people. If your height is below 5 feet (1.5 m) 4 inches (162 cm), stick with necklaces measuring between 16 and 20 inches (40 and 50 cm). For people with heights between 5 feet (1.5 m) 4 inches (162 cm) and 5 feet (1.5 m) 7 inches (170 cm), necklaces of any length should work well. People with a height of 5 feet (1.5 m) 7 inches (170 cm) or taller look best in longer necklaces. Choose a size to flatter your body type. Just as different clothes flatter different parts of the body, different necklace lengths accentuate different parts of the body. If you have a slighter body type, a short, thin chain is a great choice. For a fuller figure, a slightly longer and thicker chain is flattering. If you want to accent the bust, choose a necklace that draws attention to the area just below the collarbone and above the bust. Usually, 20 to 22 inch (50 to 55 cm) necklaces will do the trick. If you have a flatter, less prominent bust, thin chains measuring around 22 inches (55 cm) tend to have an elegant look. Balance a length to your face shape. Necklaces can subtly make your face appear wider, narrower, longer, or shorter depending on the natural shape of your face. As such, different necklace measurements can flatter certain face shapes better than others. Some styles that work well on different face shapes are: A choker length necklace measuring between 10 and 16 inches (25 and 40 cm) can help soften the sharp angle of the chin on people with heart-shaped faces. This tactic also works well for those who have rectangular and oblong faces. People with round faces should avoid short necklaces since these chains tend to make the face appear even rounder. Longer necklaces measuring between 26 and 36 inches (66 and 91 cm) elongate the jawline better. If you have an oval shaped face, all necklace lengths should be equally flattering. Know the standard lengths for women. Standard necklace chains designed for women come in five basic sizes. For most women, these sizes will fall around the same place on the body. The standard sizes are: Choker length is 16 inches (40 cm). Princess length is 18 inches (45 cm), but this size can actually range anywhere between 17 and 19 inches (43 and 48 cm). This length usually falls out at the collarbone. Matinee length is 20 inches (50 cm), which usually extends just a bit below the collarbone. If you need a chain that falls at mid-chest, opt for a 20-inch (55-cm) chain. For a necklace that falls around the bust, choose a 24-inch (60-cm) chain. Note standard chain lengths for men. Necklace chains designed for men come in four basic sizes. Like women's necklaces, men's necklaces usually fall around the same place on each man. Standard lengths for men's necklaces are: Men with smaller neck sizes may choose an 18-inch (45 cm) chain. This length should come down to the base of the neck. The most common length for the average man is 20 inches (50 cm), which comes down to the collarbone. Choose a 22-inch (55-cm) chain if you want something that lands just below the collarbone. For a necklace that comes down to a point just above the sternum, go with a 24-inch (60 cm) chain. Remember that children's necklaces have separate standards. Children are typically smaller in height and frame, so the standard sizes for necklace lengths vary from adult standards. Most necklaces made for children fall within a single range: 14 to 16 inches (35 to 40 cm). Match your necklace length to the occasion and the outfit. Jewelry should complement your attire, and your attire is usually defined by the occasion. As a general rule, longer necklaces should work with clothes that have a high neck, like a turtleneck sweater. Shorter chains typically work best with formal attire, especially if the chain is short enough to sit well above the neckline of the outfit. The right necklace measurement for a casual blouse may not work well for a formal dinner dress. Double up your chain as a style choice. Many necklaces often come in measurements that far exceed those of a standard chain. For notably long necklaces, you will need to wrap the necklace around your neck two, three, or even four times. This should be done out of a stylistic choice rather than out of necessity. A necklace measuring 28 to 34 inches (71 to 86 cm) hang at or below the bust and are usually wrapped around the neck twice. Necklaces measuring 40 inches (101 cm) or longer usually land at or below the navel and may need to be wrapped around the neck two to three times. If a necklace measures 48 inches (122 cm) or longer, it will usually be wrapped around the neck three to four times. Opt for shorter lengths when choosing pearl necklaces. Under most circumstances, a strand of pearls should not be choker-like or long. The ideal measurement would allow the necklace to fall just above the collarbone or just below the neckline. The ideal length is typically 18 inches (45.7 cm). If you want to wear pearls for a less formal occasion, however, notably long strands can still work well. You can get a strand of pearls measuring up to 100 inches (254 cm) long. For long necklaces like this, wrap the strand around your neck three to four times so that the pearls do not extend past your upper abdomen. Take into account that pendants add length to necklaces. Pendants can affect both the overall length and weight of a necklace. When the pendant is placed on a chain of known length, the bottom of the pendant—and the necklace overall—will extend down your front by the length of the pendant. In other words, if you have a 2 inch (5 cm) pendant placed on an 18 inch (45 cm) chain, the necklace will land 2 inches (5 cm) below the collarbone. Notably heavy pendants may pull the chain down even further since the weight of the charm will cause the chain to hang taut around your neck. | Unclasp the chain and lay it out straight. Measure the length with a ruler or tape measure. Note the length. Measure your neck size. Choose a standard length if the chain can’t be customized. Take your height into consideration when choosing a length. Choose a size to flatter your body type. Balance a length to your face shape. Know the standard lengths for women. Note standard chain lengths for men. Remember that children's necklaces have separate standards. Match your necklace length to the occasion and the outfit. Double up your chain as a style choice. Opt for shorter lengths when choosing pearl necklaces. Take into account that pendants add length to necklaces. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Caprese-Salad | How to Make Caprese Salad | To make Caprese salad, start by slicing some tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick disks, discarding the top and bottom pieces since they contain the stem. Then, cut some fresh mozzarella into 1/4 inch thick pieces as well. After you cut the mozzarella, chop up some basil leaves and spread them over the tomato and mozzarella slices. Finally, season the salad with salt and pepper to taste before serving. | Slice the tomatoes into pieces that are 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) thick. Use the roundest tomatoes you can find so your slices are similar in size. Cut your tomatoes with a serrated knife so you don't accidentally crush them. Set the sliced tomatoes aside when you're finished. Don't use the top or bottom pieces of the tomatoes since they contain stem pieces. Cut the mozzarella into 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) thick slices. Look for fresh mozzarella in the dairy or deli section of your local supermarket. Use a chef's knife to cut your cheese. Make the slices the same size and thickness as your tomatoes. Overlap the tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving plate. Start by placing 1 slice of tomato near the edge of your plate. Set a piece of mozzarella cheese so it overlaps half of the tomato slice. Alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella cheese around your plate until it's completely covered. Try different plate arrangements, such as in a circle or along a straight line. Chop the basil leaves and spread them over the tomatoes and mozzarella. Layer 5-7 basil leaves on top of one another, and roll them up like a cigar. Thinly slice the leaves with a chef's knife and set them aside. Continue to make rolls until you've chopped all of your basil. Sprinkle the basil leaves on top of the tomato and mozzarella. If you don't want to chop your basil leaves, you can layer the leaves in your Caprese salad along with the tomatoes and mozzarella. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the salad to season it. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper you use based on how much seasoning you want. For a fresher flavor, only use a pinch of each. Otherwise, continue adding a pinch of salt and pepper until you're satisfied. Serve the Caprese salad right after you make it. Use a fork to take slices of tomato and mozzarella as well as a basil leaf from the tray. Take a bite of all of the ingredients combined for the best flavor experience. Caprese salad is best served immediately, or else the basil leaves will start to wilt. Keep any leftovers covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. Skewer the cherry tomatoes on toothpicks. Stab the toothpicks through the centers of your cherry tomatoes. Slide the tomatoes into the middle of each toothpick so you have room to add the rest of your ingredients. If you don't have cherry tomatoes, you can dice regular tomatoes into ⁄ 4 – ⁄ 2 inch (0.64–1.27 cm) cubes. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half if you want smaller bites. Roll the basil leaves along their stems. Pull off the end of the stem that extends past the leaf. Make each leaf into a tight roll following along their center stems. That way, they'll easily stay in place when you put them on your toothpicks. You can also push one end of the basil leaf onto the skewer immediately and fold it around the cherry tomato. Add the basil to each of your skewers. Push the centers of the rolled basil leaves onto each of your toothpicks. You can put the basil leaves on the top or bottom of the cherry tomatoes. Put an extra basil leaf on each of your toothpicks to give your hors d'oeuvres more herbal flavor. Finish each of the skewers with a ball of ciliegine mozzarella. Ciliegine mozzarella comes in small, cherry-sized bites. Sandwich the basil between the mozzarella and cherry tomatoes to finish the skewers. Arrange the skewers on a plate and season them with salt and pepper. Space the skewers evenly on your serving plate with the end of the toothpick facing up. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over your skewers. You can make skewers the day before you plan on eating them, but the basil leaves may wilt. Bring 1 c (240 ml) of balsamic vinegar to a boil. Pour the balsamic vinegar into a shallow saucepan and put it on the stove over medium heat. Continue to heat the vinegar until it comes to a rolling boil. Reduce the vinegar to a simmer and cook it until it has a syrupy consistency. After the vinegar starts boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue to reduce the vinegar for about 15 minutes, or until it has the consistency of a thick syrup. Remove the glaze from the heat once it's finished. Dip the end of a spoon into the glaze to see if it sticks to the back. If it doesn't stick, continue to simmer the balsamic vinegar. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over your salad or skewers. Scoop up a small amount of the glaze in a spoon and drizzle it lightly over your Caprese salad or skewers. Make sure each bite has a few drops to add a slight acidic flavor. If you don't want to make your own balsamic glaze, you can purchase a premade bottle from your local supermarket. | Slice the tomatoes into pieces that are 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) thick. Cut the mozzarella into 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) thick slices. Overlap the tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving plate. Chop the basil leaves and spread them over the tomatoes and mozzarella. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the salad to season it. Serve the Caprese salad right after you make it. Skewer the cherry tomatoes on toothpicks. Roll the basil leaves along their stems. Add the basil to each of your skewers. Finish each of the skewers with a ball of ciliegine mozzarella. Arrange the skewers on a plate and season them with salt and pepper. Bring 1 c (240 ml) of balsamic vinegar to a boil. Reduce the vinegar to a simmer and cook it until it has a syrupy consistency. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over your salad or skewers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Expenses | How to Reduce Expenses | If you're trying to save money, you can reduce your expenses with a few lifestyle choices. To save money on gas, car insurance, and vehicle upkeep, use public transportation or carpool with friends or coworkers. You can also try to keep your thermostat at a more neutral temperature, like 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Buying energy-efficient light bulbs and unplugging your electronics when you aren't using them will also help you save on your utility bills. You can also save on your water bills by limiting your showers to 5 to 10 minutes and using lukewarm water. Another way to reduce your expenses is to make your meals and coffee at home instead of buying them when you're out. | Add up your bills and expenses. It is important to determine how much money you are spending each month. Add up all of your expenses, like your mortgage or rent, car payment, insurance payment, and grocery bill. Include every expense that you have, no matter how small it is. Subtract your expenses from your income to see how much is left. Look at your income, and then subtract all expenses that you have to pay. Once you have subtracted all of those bills from your income, you are left with how much money you have left over to spend. Write down every time you spend money. It can be easy to lose track of how much money you spend on a daily basis. Keep a note in your phone or on paper and write down each time you spend money, no matter how small. You can review what you are actually spending money on and then decide what you can cut back on. Create goals for your money. If you'd like to pay off a debt, set aside money, or save up for a large purchase or trip, make those a goal for your money. If you have a goal in mind, you can start tracking your spending better and meeting deadlines that you set for yourself. This will help you stop spending money unnecessarily. Don't get discouraged if you don't meet your goals in the timeline that you set for yourself. Avoid unnecessary purchases. It can be tempting to buy cigarettes or coffee every day, but those small purchases add up over time. Try to avoid spending money on things that you don't absolutely need, until you are sure that you can afford them. Make sure that paying your bills is your number one priority with your money. Use public transportation as often as possible. Public transportation is good for the environment and for your wallet. Look into whether or not public transportation is cheaper than driving your own vehicle. It could help you save on gas and vehicle upkeep costs. Carpool to work with your coworkers. If you live near your coworkers, see if you can start a carpool schedule with them. Ask if you can switch off days driving to work, and pick your coworkers up when it's your turn to drive. This will save you gas money and vehicle upkeep expenses. Be sure to do your part in the carpool schedule so that you are not taking advantage of your coworkers. Check your tire pressure before you drive. Your car tires have an optimal PSI that they should be at in order to use gas efficiently. Use a tire pressure gauge to determine what PSI your tires are at, and check the manual of your vehicle to see what your optimal PSI is. This will save on fuel costs over time. If your tire pressure is low, you can fill up your tires at an air pump at most gas stations. Sell your vehicle if you rarely use it. If you don't use your car often, or if you have a vehicle that you don't drive, sell it to get some money in your pocket and reduce expenses like gas and upkeep. Check the Kelly Blue Book value of your car before you sell it so you know how much it is worth. Set your thermostat to an "away" setting when you leave the house. Turn your thermostat to 65 °F (18 °C) in the winter and 80 °F (27 °C) in the summer to keep your house warm or cool while you are gone. Check the settings on your thermostat to see if you can program it to do this automatically. You can also set your thermostat to a less extreme setting when you are sleeping. Buy energy efficient light bulbs. Replace the light bulbs in your home with bulbs that have an “Energy Star” rating. These bulbs will cost more up front, but they use energy more efficiently and will save you money in the long run. You can buy energy efficient light bulbs at most home goods and hardware stores. Unplug your electronics when you aren’t using them. Even if your devices are off, they are still using energy if they are plugged in. Unplug your phone, laptop, or other chargeable devices from the wall when they are not in use to save money on your electricity bill. Unplugging your devices also gives you protection from power surges. Take 5 or 10 minute showers. Taking a shower uses multiple gallons of water each time. Keep your shower time short by using fewer products and soaping up right away once you step in the shower. Keep your water temperature lukewarm to encourage you to get out quicker, as well. This will save you money on your water bill over time. Set a timer on your phone to remind you when your time is up. Cancel your cable if you don’t watch it. With the prevalence of streaming services, many people don't watch TV as often as they used to. If you have noticed that you don't watch cable anymore, cancel your subscription to save money on your monthly expenses. When you call to cancel your cable, your provider might try to get you to keep your subscription so that they still get your money. Be polite but firm with them. Cancel any subscription services that you aren't using, as well. These will often take out automatic monthly payments from your account that you might not even notice. Make a shopping list before you go to the store and stick to it. A shopping list gives you a clear idea of what you need and eliminates unnecessary purchases. Take a look around your kitchen to determine what you need before you go to the store, and try to stick to your list as you shop. Buy fresh foods that are in season. They will cost less than the fresh food flown in from the other side of the world since the customer has to pay for the fuel that got the food there. Research the area that you live in to see what produce is in season. Local produce will often have a sign telling you where it has been grown. Check in your area for a local farmer's market, or buy fresh produce from your grocery store. Cook meals at home as often as possible. Restaurant food is much more expensive than making a meal at home. Go out to eat as little as possible, and try to make most of your meals at home. Try cooking meals ahead of time and then putting them in the fridge to reheat later. This will save you time and make it more likely that you won't go out to eat. Make your lunches at home and take them to work with you so that you are less tempted to spend money on fast food. Make your coffee at home instead of buying it. Buying coffee can cost you as much as $7 a day. Invest in a coffee pot and a thermos to make your own coffee and bring it with you to save money. If you like flavored coffee, you can buy syrups and flavored creamers to make your coffee taste good. | Add up your bills and expenses. Subtract your expenses from your income to see how much is left. Write down every time you spend money. Create goals for your money. Avoid unnecessary purchases. Use public transportation as often as possible. Carpool to work with your coworkers. Check your tire pressure before you drive. Sell your vehicle if you rarely use it. Set your thermostat to an "away" setting when you leave the house. Buy energy efficient light bulbs. Unplug your electronics when you aren’t using them. Take 5 or 10 minute showers. Cancel your cable if you don’t watch it. Make a shopping list before you go to the store and stick to it. Buy fresh foods that are in season. Cook meals at home as often as possible. Make your coffee at home instead of buying it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-an-Assignment | How to Start an Assignment | To start an assignment, try working on the most enjoyable or easiest parts of the assignment first to get the ball rolling. Even if no part of the assignment seems enjoyable or easy, set a timer and try to make yourself work for at least 5 minutes, which is usually enough time to build momentum and overcome procrastination. You can also try breaking your assignment up into smaller, more manageable tasks and scheduling yourself regular breaks so it doesn't seem as overwhelming. | Tackle the most enjoyable parts first. Look over your assignment and discover the steps it will require you to take in order to complete it. Find the most appealing and personally interesting steps and work on those first. By doing the parts of your assignment that you like the most, you will be more inclined to get started and see the rewards of working rather than procrastinating. For example, you might research areas of a report that you find most interesting before moving on to other areas. If your math assignment has different types of questions, try doing those that you enjoy the most before moving on to the others. You might also try tackling smaller or easier tasks first so you can cross a few items off your list. Seeing that you've already made progress may help you feel motivated to continue. Start working for five minutes. The biggest challenge in overcoming procrastination is often taking the first step. To help you get started make it a goal to start working and only work for five minutes. Doing this will help you take the first and most difficult step, allowing you to build momentum and view the assignment as a much easier task than you may have originally thought. Promise yourself that you will meet your goal of working for five minutes on the assignment. Once you get started, you may find that you don't want to stop working. Otherwise, you can take a break and come back to the assignment, knowing you're at least five minutes closer to finishing than you were before. Break up your time. Looking at your assignment as one large task can make it seem more intimidating. The same thing occurs when you look at the time it will take as one solid block. Instead, try breaking your work up into manageable blocks that seem more easy to tackle. Try to set reasonable periods of time that you know you can meet. For example, you might set aside two hours on a Friday to dedicate to your assignment. If you don't have that much time all at once, try to carve out a few 20- or 30-minute blocks. You may or may not wish to continue working after your time limit has gone by. Have a realistic understanding of how fast you can write and plan your schedule accordingly. Get started. Again, just getting started can often be the most difficult part of the process, but you can't get anything done until you sit down and do it. So stop cleaning, stop emailing, stop making lists, stop worrying or thinking about the assignment or feeling bad that you haven't gotten started. Just start working on it. Now. Be sure you understand your assignment. To successfully restructure your assignment, you should fully read and understand it. While it might seem simple, properly understanding your assignment will allow you to effectively break the assignment down and meet it's requirements. It can also be an easy step to get you started on your assignment and overcome procrastination. It can help to read the assignment as soon as you get it and then ask any questions you might have. If you're not sure if you understand the assignment, try rewriting it in your own words or explaining it to someone else. If you find you can't or have a lot of questions, you may need more information. You should have an overview of the assignment, understand the main task, and understand the technical and stylistic requirements. Look for important words in the instructions to understand the assignment. These words might include define, explain, compare, relate, or prove. Keep your audience in mind and write a paper that would best deliver information to them. Make sure your goals are manageable. Most assignments can seem like a lot of work when viewed as a whole. Viewing your assignment in this way can make it seem daunting and difficult to complete, resulting in procrastination. Try breaking the assignment down into smaller goals that you know you can achieve to make it seem more manageable right now. Goals that are too big or not well defined can be difficult to start working towards. Smaller and well defined goals can seem easier to achieve than larger ones. For example, you could break a research paper down into several smaller tasks: 1) do preliminary research, 2) write an outline, 3) draft an introduction, 4) draft body paragraphs, 5) write conclusion, 6) revise. Each of these is much more do-able on its own. Change your mood. Bad moods tend to make procrastination seem much more appealing. Procrastinating seems to offer an escape from the work that will likely only make your mood worse. Instead, set positive rewards for yourself to look forward to after you have done your work. You might want to go for a quick walk after working for a set amount of time. Try reading a website or book that you enjoy for a few minutes after working. Alternatively, try a quick burst of exercise before setting to work. Exercise releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins and can also help boost your memory. Stay positive. Procrastinating often results when the focus is on how negative the assignment seems. This negative focus causes us to avoid it, delaying the perceived discomfort and doing something we enjoy instead. It can be useful to focus on the positive aspects of getting your assignment done to make it seem like the more appealing option. Instead of dreading your work, focus on how good it will feel to make progress. You won't have it hanging over your head. You can actually enjoy the weekend instead of feeling guilty. Keeping your eye on long-term rewards can help you stay motivated to finish your assignment. Avoid procrastination while working. Even though you may have started your assignment it is still possible to procrastinate while working on it. Pay careful attention to how you are working on your assignment and avoid some of the following examples of procrastination: Avoid moving your workspace constantly. Don't get lost on tangential research. Don't take constant breaks to get a snack. Create some consequences for procrastination. Procrastinating focuses your attention on short-term rewards while neglecting the long-term consequences of putting off your assignment. Creating some immediate consequences for yourself can help you focus on the immediate benefits of starting your assignment.. For every hour you waste procrastinating, you can limit how much television you watch that night. If you waste too much time procrastinating, you might deny yourself a favorite snack later on. Don't worry about perfection. When you are setting out to start your assignment you needn't worry about a perfect first draft. Producing a perfect assignment on the first draft can make the assignment feel more overwhelming than it needs to be. The goal when starting your assignment is to simply begin the process. You can always come back later on after you begin and refine your assignment. | Tackle the most enjoyable parts first. Start working for five minutes. Break up your time. Get started. Be sure you understand your assignment. Make sure your goals are manageable. Change your mood. Stay positive. Avoid procrastination while working. Create some consequences for procrastination. Don't worry about perfection. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Turn-Off-Apple-TV | How to Turn Off Apple TV | Press and hold the Home button for five seconds, select Sleep , and tap the touch surface. | Pick up the Apple TV's remote. If you have a 4th Generation Apple TV, the remote will have a glass touch surface on top; otherwise, the remote will be made of aluminum. Press and hold the "Home" button for five seconds. It's the TV icon on the right side of the remote's surface. For 3rd Generation TVs and down, first press and hold Menu for three seconds, then hold down the Play/Pause button. Doing so will place your TV in Sleep mode. Select Sleep. When a menu pops up on your TV, Sleep should already be selected; if it isn't, swipe up or down on your Apple TV remote's touch surface to select it. Tap the touch surface on your remote. Doing so will place your Apple TV in sleep mode. To awaken your Apple TV, simply press the Home (or Menu ) button on the remote. Press the "Home" button on your remote. This will take you to the Apple TV's Home Screen. On 3rd Generation Apple TVs and older models, you'll press and hold the "Menu" button for three seconds. Select the Settings app. It's grey with gears on it. To navigate to it, scroll over to it by swiping over the touch surface on the remote. On 3rd Generation Apple TVs and older models, use the arrows on the dial at the top of the remote to navigate. Tap the touch surface on your remote. Doing so will open your Apple TV's Settings. You'll press the circular button in the middle of the dial for 3rd Generation TV's (and older models). Scroll down and select Sleep Now. It's at the bottom of the menu. Tap the touch surface. This will put your Apple TV to sleep. For older remotes, press the circular button. | Pick up the Apple TV's remote. Press and hold the "Home" button for five seconds. Select Sleep. Tap the touch surface on your remote. Press the "Home" button on your remote. Select the Settings app. Tap the touch surface on your remote. Scroll down and select Sleep Now. Tap the touch surface. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Stair-Stringers | How to Cut Stair Stringers | To cut stair stringers, you'll need to use a framing square to draw out your stairs along the top edge of your board. Then, use a circular saw to cut the lines you marked on the wood, but always complete your cuts with a hand saw to avoid accidentally cutting too far. Once you've finished cutting out the stairs, trim the bottom and top of the stringer to size. Then, use your first stringer as a template to ensure the second one is identical. | Measure out how much total rise your stairs need. Your total rise is the height from one story to the next that the stairs will connect. The total rise should be set in most cases, so you simply need to measure the height. This distance should be from the top of the finished floor below and the finished floor at the top. If the floor is unfinished when you are calculating your stringers, you need to take that into account. Determine how tall you want each step to be. The height of each step can vary a bit but there are general standards. It is standard to have your riser be about 7 inches (18 cm) tall, so use this measurement unless you have specific parameters that prevent it, such as limited headroom. This measurement is sometimes called the individual rise of the stairs. Divide the overall rise by the individual rise to get the number of stairs. For this calculation you are simply figuring out how many stairs it will take to get the height you need. Use a calculator or do the arithmetic by hand, as it is generally pretty simple. For example, if you want 7 inches (18 cm) tall stairs and your overall rise needs to be 56 inches (140 cm), then 56/7=8. You will need 8 stairs. The number of treads you have (individual runs) will automatically be one less than the number of risers. Determine how much run each stair will need. Your total run is the horizontal distance between the top and the bottom of the stairs. How far the stairs stick out can vary depending on your needs, but keep in mind that stairs should usually be at an angle of about 40 degrees. In general, the run of each stair should be about 10 inches (25 cm) in order for people's feet to fit comfortably as they walk up them. There are many stair calculators that you can use online to figure out stair measurements. You simply need to input your rise and the angle you want for your stairs and they will calculate the other measurements you need, including your run. Calculate how long the stringer needs to be. Once you have the overall rise and run of the stairs, you can calculate how long the stringer needs to be. You can either use an online stair calculator, a hypotenuse calculator, or you can do the math yourself. To calculate the length yourself, you will need to use the Pythagorean theorem , which is a + b = c. So, for example, if the rise needs to be 60 inches (150 cm) and the run needs to be 84 inches (210 cm), then you would calculate 60 + 84 = c , with “c” being the length of 99 inches (250 cm). Double check your measurements before you start marking your cuts. Ensure your math and calculations are correct so that you don't waste your time and materials cutting risers that don't fit. It's better to take a few minutes to double check yourself than to waste a whole lot of time redoing your work. Start laying out the first stair. Place a framing square near the end of a 2 x 12 (38 x 286 mm) board, leaving a few inches at the end before the end of the square. Use the individual rise and run figures marked on the outside scales of the square that matches your desired measurements. These figures should touch the upper edge of your board. The short end of the square (tongue) should be on the rise measurement. The long end of the square (body) should be on the run measurement. The board should be at least 12 inches (30.48cm) longer than the planned length of the stringer, just to give yourself some play. Mark the outline along the square's outer edges. Move the square down to extend the run line to the lower board edge, if necessary. This is the outline of your top stair. Lay out the rest of the stairs. Slide the framing square along the board so your scale run figure touches the end of your first marked run line. Double check that your rise and run figures are lines up with the top edge of the board and then mark your second stair. Continue down the board, making sure to line up the scale's rise and run figure at the top edge. Mark the new outline and repeat until you have marked 1 extra pair of runs and rises. Mark the bottom of the stringer. In order to make the first step the same height as the others, you need to subtract the depth of the thread from the rise, so the finished stair is still 7 inches (18 cm). Simply make another mark to the right of the run line that is parallel and equal to the thickness of the thread. This marks the stringer bottom. Prepare to use a circular saw safely. Put on your personal protective equipment, including safety glasses. It's also important to use general safety precautions when using a circular saw. These include keeping your body parts away from the blade while the tool is running and being sure that the cord is out of the path of the tool as it's running. You should also clamp down your stringer board, so that it doesn't move while you cut it. Cut down the lines you marked on the stringer with a circular saw. Start the saw running before it makes contact with the wood. Then slowly work the saw in from the outer edge of the mark towards where it ends, where the rise and run meet. Leave about.5 inches (1.3 cm) of the line uncut, which you will finish with a hand saw. Finish your cuts with a handsaw. Cutting beyond where the rise and run lines meet can severely weaken your structure. Instead of accidently going too far with the circular saw, choose to finish your cuts with a handsaw so that you can be exact. Trim the bottom and top of the stringer. Cut the top of the stringer along the first rise line. Then trim the bottom run line, which was marked so that it is shorter than the others by an amount equal to the thread thickness of your stairs. Use the first finished stringer as a template. Use this one as a stringer template for all of your other stringers so they all match exactly. In most cases, you will need only 1 or 2 more stringers, although a very wide stairway could require more. | Measure out how much total rise your stairs need. Determine how tall you want each step to be. Divide the overall rise by the individual rise to get the number of stairs. Determine how much run each stair will need. Calculate how long the stringer needs to be. Double check your measurements before you start marking your cuts. Start laying out the first stair. Mark the outline along the square's outer edges. Lay out the rest of the stairs. Mark the bottom of the stringer. Prepare to use a circular saw safely. Cut down the lines you marked on the stringer with a circular saw. Finish your cuts with a handsaw. Trim the bottom and top of the stringer. Use the first finished stringer as a template. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Ginger-Fresh | How to Keep Ginger Fresh | To keep ginger fresh at room-temperature, wrap aluminum foil around any exposed areas and store it in your pantry or on your countertop for up to 1 week. If you want to refrigerate your ginger, peel it with a paring knife or a spoon and keep it submerged in a jar of vodka for up to 2 months. For long-term storage, try freezing your ginger by peeling it, wrapping it in plastic wrap, and putting it in a sealed plastic bag with the air pressed out. | Cover exposed fresh ginger with aluminum foil. If you haven't cut into your ginger yet, then you can store it as-is on the counter or in your pantry. However, once you cut a piece off, you'll need to cover up the exposed inside area in order to keep your ginger as fresh as possible. Simply tear off a small piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around the exposed area. Then, put it back onto your countertop or in your pantry until you need to cut off another piece. Keep your fresh ginger in the pantry for up to 1 week. If you plan on using all of your ginger within the week, it will stay fresh and flavorful if kept in the pantry. However, if you store it for longer, it may no longer taste good or be safe to consume. If you're unsure, look at the ginger. Softness and moistness are the first major signs that indicate that your ginger is going bad, and it may begin to get moldy and inedible soon after this point. Store dried, ground, or crystallized ginger in the pantry for up to 3 years. If you want to store your ginger at room temperature but you also want it to stay flavorful and safe to eat for a long time, buy it in these forms and keep it in the pantry. While ginger isn't necessarily fresh in these forms, it should retain its flavor well for 2-3 years. Submerge peeled ginger in a jar of vodka for up to 2 months. To keep ginger fresh in the refrigerator for the longest time possible, use a paring knife or a spoon to peel it and then put it into a glass jar. Fill the jar to the top with vodka and screw the lid on tight. Keep the ginger in the refrigerator for as long as 2 months. When you want to use your ginger, unscrew the jar lid, pull the ginger out, and pat it dry before you slice off a piece. Then, put the remaining ginger back into the jar and close the lid. If you're old enough to drink alcohol, you can also use the vodka in the jar to make a cocktail after you've finished eating the ginger. Store unpeeled ginger in an airtight plastic bag for 1-2 months. If you don't want to submerge your ginger in alcohol, store it without peeling it to keep it fresher for longer. Put it into a sealable plastic bag, press all of the air out, and then seal it tight. Then, put it in your refrigerator's vegetable drawer. When stored in this way, your ginger will keep its flavor for up to 2 months. When you cut off a piece of your ginger, blot the exposed inside of the ginger with a paper towel before you put it back in the plastic bag and return it to the refrigerator. Wrap unpeeled ginger in a paper bag for short term freshness. This is a good storage option to try if you plan on consuming all of your ginger within a week or 2. To ensure maximum freshness, wrap the ginger in a paper towel before you put it into the paper bag. Then, roll the bag up tight and put it in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. Peel the ginger with a paring knife. If you want to freeze your ginger, peel it first so that it's easier to use later on when it's frozen. Ginger can be challenging to peel, so be sure to use a paring knife or a spoon to remove all of the ginger's outer skin. Wrap the ginger in plastic wrap and seal it in a plastic bag. After you've taken off the skin, rip off a large sheet of plastic wrap and tightly wrap the ginger. Ensure that no part of the ginger is exposed to air, and then put it in a plastic bag, squeeze the air out, and seal it. Use a permanent marker to write down until what date the ginger will be good (kind of like an expiration date), that way you won't have to think back to how many months it's been since you put it in your freezer. Freeze the ginger for up to 6 months. Your ginger will stay flavorful and safe to consume for up to 6 months as long as it stays stored in the freezer. Grate your frozen ginger with a microplane grater. When you want to use your ginger, take it out of the freezer, remove it from the plastic bag, and unwrap it. Then, apply pressure as you rub it against a microplane grater. Once you've grated what you need, simply rewrap the ginger, put it back in the plastic bag, and place it back into the freezer. Don't bother thawing your ginger before you use it. Don't leave your frozen ginger out of the freezer for longer than a couple of minutes, as ginger may no longer taste good if it's frozen, thawed, and then refrozen before it's consumed. Get ginger that is smooth, firm, and heavy. It'll be much easier to keep your ginger fresh if you buy it in good condition. Ginger that feels firm to the touch and has smooth skin is typically high quality. Make sure to observe the ginger thoroughly and select one that has these characteristics in order to help keep it fresh for as long as possible. Avoid soft, wrinkled, or moldy ginger. Don't purchase ginger that feels soft, as this indicates poor quality. Also be on the lookout for any major skin blemishes, such as wrinkles, discoloration, and mold spots. Ginger with this kind of look and feel may be more difficult to keep fresh. Choose ginger that is big and thick. You'll get the most for your money if you choose ginger that has a large area of flesh, as opposed to several small, knobby fingers. This may also make peeling your ginger easier. Go for ginger that is big and thick to make things easier on yourself. | Cover exposed fresh ginger with aluminum foil. Keep your fresh ginger in the pantry for up to 1 week. Store dried, ground, or crystallized ginger in the pantry for up to 3 years. Submerge peeled ginger in a jar of vodka for up to 2 months. Store unpeeled ginger in an airtight plastic bag for 1-2 months. Wrap unpeeled ginger in a paper bag for short term freshness. Peel the ginger with a paring knife. Wrap the ginger in plastic wrap and seal it in a plastic bag. Freeze the ginger for up to 6 months. Grate your frozen ginger with a microplane grater. Get ginger that is smooth, firm, and heavy. Avoid soft, wrinkled, or moldy ginger. Choose ginger that is big and thick. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Ferret-Vaccinated | How to Get Your Ferret Vaccinated | Before you get your ferret vaccinated, find a vet who has experience with ferrets since they need specialized treatment and medicine. If you have your ferret's vaccination records, bring them with you to show the vet. Then, when you take your ferret to the vet, ask them to vaccinate it for rabies and canine distemper. After any visits, make sure to update your ferret's vaccination records, since you may need them in the future. | Ask for your ferret’s vaccination record when you adopt it. Your ferret may or may have not received its first round of shots before you take it home. Ask the previous owner, breeder, or shelter which shots the ferret has received, and ask for proof. Say, “Which vaccines has it received? Can I have the records to show my vet?” If the ferret is vaccinated, it will still need booster shots. If no vaccination records are available, take your ferret in for vaccines just in case. Find a veterinarian that has experience with ferrets. Treatment of ferrets is different from treatment of cats and dogs, so your vet will need specialized experience. Ferrets also need treatments that are formulated for ferrets, and using ones that aren't is hazardous to the ferret. Make sure your vet has ferret experience. Ask if the vet currently treats ferrets. Ask how long they've been treating ferrets. Ask if they currently have the medicine and tools needed to treat ferrets, or if they would need to order new supplies. Vaccinate for rabies and canine distemper. Ferrets are unlikely to contract rabies since they often remain in the home, but the law usually requires that they be vaccinated. This will protect your family and visitors from possible infection. Canine distemper is dangerous to ferrets, so never leave your pet unvaccinated. Ferrets can catch canine distemper from infected dogs or other infected animals, including other ferrets. Ferrets do not get feline distemper, which is a different type of virus. Canine distemper and rabies vaccinations are the only ones given to ferrets. Maintain good vaccination records. Your ferret will need booster shots, so you need to know the dates of all of its vaccines. Additionally, you may need to prove to someone that your pet is vaccinated, such as when you sign a new lease or need to visit a new vet. Keeping good records will ensure that your ferret remains healthy. If you sell or give away your ferret, the new owner will need good records in order to be a good pet parent. Keep your records in a labeled folder, filing cabinet, or in a backed-up digital file. Know how ferrets contract canine distemper. Dogs, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and wolves can all carry canine distemper. Infected animals typically share the germs through coughs and other fluids, but it's also present in their urine. Your ferret could get infected if it comes in contact with the urine of an infected animal, such as a raccoon that digs through your trash, or a dog that belongs to your neighbor. Canine distemper is deadly to ferrets. Make three appointments with your vet spaced three weeks apart. Your ferret will need to be vaccinated three times over a nine week period. Make sure that your vet is able to see your ferret for its two follow-up shots by making the appointments early. Talk to your vet's office about combining visits. For example, you may combine vaccinations with a yearly check-up. Get the first shot when the ferret is six weeks old. If your ferret is older than six weeks but has not been vaccinated, then it's very important that you contact your vet about getting the ferret caught up on its vaccinations. Canine distemper is fatal to ferrets. Take your ferret in for two more follow up shots at three week intervals. The first time your ferret is vaccinated against canine distemper, it'll need three total shots. The second shot will occur three weeks after the first, and the third shot will happen three weeks after the second. It's important that you ferret get all three shots, or it won't be protected. Give your ferret an annual booster for canine distemper. After the first round of shots, your ferret will be protected for a year. At your annual check-up, get a booster vaccine for the ferret to keep it up to date on its shots. Ask your vet if the law requires your ferret be vaccinated. Ferrets rarely get rabies, but many areas still legally require that ferrets be vaccinated since rabies is such a threat to the public. If your area does not require it, then you and your vet can decide if your ferret needs to be vaccinated. Some ferrets have allergic reactions to vaccinations, so you may opt not to vaccinate a house ferret if it's not required. Keep in mind that some housing facilities may still require records of rabies vaccinations before your pet is allowed to live there. This is the most common record requested by landlords. If your ferret is unvaccinated and bites a human, then it will likely be euthanized and tested for rabies, so vaccinating your pet does protect the animal. Get the first vaccination against rabies at three months old. You will need to get the first round of shots for your ferret on different dates if you are doing them on time. Make sure that your ferret gets the appropriate rabies vaccine. Most veterinarians use the Imrab-3 vaccine, which is approved for annual use in ferrets. Take your ferret in for annual vaccinations against rabies. As with the canine distemper vaccine, your ferret will need annual boosters to remain in compliance with legal requirements. Plan to get its boosters on a different day than its canine distemper booster to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Talk to your vet about how long you should wait between the annual boosters. If you get the boosters at the same time as the initial vaccination shots, then there will be a six-week gap between vaccines. Stay with your ferret during the vaccination. Ferrets are more likely to have an allergic reaction than a cat or dog, so it's important that you are there during the shot. The reaction usually begins as early as a few minutes after the shot and lasts for up to eight hours. Observe your ferret immediately after the vaccination. Signs of an allergic reaction usually happen immediately after the shot. Watch for symptoms, including: Swollen face. Diarrhea. Vomiting. Listlessness. Spiking fever. Itching. Avoid giving your ferret a vaccine after it has had an allergic reaction. A vaccine that causes an allergic reaction in your pet should never be given again. Instead, keep your pet away from other animals to keep it safe. While this requires vigilance, your pet should not receive a treatment that causes harm to the animal. | Ask for your ferret’s vaccination record when you adopt it. Find a veterinarian that has experience with ferrets. Vaccinate for rabies and canine distemper. Maintain good vaccination records. Know how ferrets contract canine distemper. Make three appointments with your vet spaced three weeks apart. Get the first shot when the ferret is six weeks old. Take your ferret in for two more follow up shots at three week intervals. Give your ferret an annual booster for canine distemper. Ask your vet if the law requires your ferret be vaccinated. Get the first vaccination against rabies at three months old. Take your ferret in for annual vaccinations against rabies. Stay with your ferret during the vaccination. Observe your ferret immediately after the vaccination. Avoid giving your ferret a vaccine after it has had an allergic reaction. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Easy-Money | How to Find Easy Money | By knowing where to look, you can potentially find easy money just lying around. A great place to start is at home. There are the obvious places you can check, like under sofa cushions and in your clothes pockets, but don't forget to dig around and check other places too, like around your washing machine and dryer, in old purses and bags you don't use anymore, and inside your car. You can also hunt for easy money when you're out and about. Check the floors of public places, look in parking lots and under bleachers, and try checking the coin return slots on vending machines. You might even find some dropped cash behind the toilets in public restrooms. | Understand the reality of making money by finding money. Although you can make a worthwhile amount of money this way, don't mistake this as an efficient money-making venture. Treat it as a game or a hobby and you'll have a much better time. Realize that most days, you won't find a significant amount of money. Stay clean out there. Money is one of the filthiest things that people touch on a regular basis, germ-wise. That's because it's handled by so many people, going from person to person all the time. When you're out money hunting, keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with you and don't be stingy with it. Especially after you check places like public restrooms and parking lots. Have a place to store what you find. When you're just out going about your business and you happen upon money, you can just store it in your pocket or purse. But if you go out with the intention of searching for money, it's best to have something to keep it in while you're out, like a coin purse or a small bag. It's also worth having a place to store your found money at home, like a piggy bank or something equivalent. Decide how you'll turn your change into cash. There are three main methods for turning coins into cash. You can use a machine designed for such a thing, like Coinstar. You can take it to your bank and use their coin counting machine if they have one. Or you can retrieve some change roll paper from your bank and roll the change up yourself, then exchange it at the bank. Whether or not using your bank to exchange your coins for cash is your best option depends on a few factors. Some banks have coin counting machines and some don't. Of the ones that do, some require a fee to use and some don't. Some banks will provide you with coin roll paper for free and some don't. Keep in mind that while Coinstar is the most convenient method, they also take 8 to 10 percent of your profit for their services. This can be avoided though, if you use their gift card program instead of turning in the voucher for cold hard cash. Decide what you're going to do with the money you make. Your options for what to do with the money you find are unlimited. But since lost money hunting works better as a hobby than as a money-making method, it's probably wise not to use this money for things you already buy, like groceries and gas. Instead, consider putting the money you find into a savings account. Either open a new one or put it into an existing savings account. Another idea of what to do with this money is to save up for something unnecessary but fun, like a bike or a gaming console. Having a concrete goal that you're working towards when finding money will make you more motivated and make it more like a game. Find forgot money in your furniture. People often empty their pockets in their bedroom, which means under your bed and bedside furniture is a great first place to look. Of course, sofa cushions and chair cushions are another great place for loose change to be found. Check under and around all the furniture in your house. Don't forget about your washing machine and dryer. People often leave money in their clothes on accident and then wash them, leaving coins and cash in and around the washing machine and dryer. Check all of your clothes and bags. It's no strange occurrence to occasionally find money in the pair of pants you're wearing that you had completely forgotten about. So do yourself a favor and seek out all the forgotten money now. Go through all your pants and jacket pockets for money. And while you're at it, go through any purses and bags you use as well. Look through your car. Anywhere you sit down regularly is a prime location to look for lost change. Make a sweep through your car, under the seats and in the seat cushions. Coins tend to collect in places that are frequented often but never thoroughly looked through. Look for money in places where money is handled often. This includes stores, restaurants, public telephones, public transportation, and bars. Keep an eye on the floors of these places, and you may be surprised by how much money you can spot. Try to be at least a little discrete about this though. You don't want people questioning why you're roaming around a restaurant with your back bent and your eyes glued to the ground. Be careful to not pick up money that was just dropped. You might find a stray dollar in the corner of a bar, but if it was just dropped by someone, return it them if they're not picking it up themselves. The goal is to collect money left behind, not steal. Pay careful attention to sides and corners, where coins can easily roll out of sight and out of the way. Check parking lots and bleachers. Inspect under bleachers at sporting events, fairs, and other venues with open-bottomed bleachers. Also check car parking lots, especially those of night clubs and bars. Do so in the morning hours, before traffic starts moving. It's amazing what people will drop when they are drunk, tired, and distracted. Whenever you need to go to a store, park far from the store, so you can search for money on the ground as you walk. Pay extra attention to self-pay parking lots and drive-throughs. People will reach from their car window to pay, and often drop coins to the ground. Most people won't bother to get out of their car to collect this change. Try vending machines. Check the coin return slots in vending machines. Look behind and underneath them for change that has rolled out of sight. Most people will not bend down and rummage under a vending machine to find a coin they've lost. Keep an eye on the sidewalk. Look down alleyways, and often-used footpaths where people may drop their spare change. This is an easy thing to do when you're out on other business. It's just about making a habit of being observant of the ground and what you might come across. Check bathrooms and public furniture. Check behind the public toilet seat. People have to drop their trousers, and anything could come out of those pockets, including change or bills. Also, look behind the cushions of the sofa, and seats, that you find in the foyer and bars of a hotel. This can be done by discreetly running your hand behind the cushions after you sit down. | Understand the reality of making money by finding money. Stay clean out there. Have a place to store what you find. Decide how you'll turn your change into cash. Decide what you're going to do with the money you make. Find forgot money in your furniture. Check all of your clothes and bags. Look through your car. Look for money in places where money is handled often. Check parking lots and bleachers. Try vending machines. Keep an eye on the sidewalk. Check bathrooms and public furniture. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Furniture-Designer | How to Become a Furniture Designer | If you're interested in becoming a furniture designer, start by working on hand-sketching furniture designs, and creating computer-aided drafting (CAD) and 3D models of furniture. You'll also need to get a bachelor's degree from an art institute or major university. Then, find an internship or apprenticeship through your school's placement program to work on real-world projects and build your portfolio for future employers. | Get a bachelor's degree from an art institute. You can also get a degree from a design program at a major university. Specifically, obtain a degree in product and furniture design or in furniture and interior design. This will qualify you for entry-level positions in the field. Take courses that employers are looking for. You'll need to study 3D and spatial design. Hone your required drawing skills in manual sketching and drafting classes. Be sure to study computer-aided drafting, which is a required skill for today's job market. Do coursework in upholstery or carpentering, especially if you plan to work for yourself. You'll also need to take classes about furniture, like furniture trends, the history of furniture, and furniture technology. Find an internship or apprenticeship. Use an internship or apprenticeship placement program at your school. If you need to find your own, reach out to firms that focus on skills you want to develop. Prepare a cover letter and resume that highlight your specific interests in furniture design, coursework, work experience, and skills relevant to the company you're applying to. Contact the firms that interest you to set up interviews. In your resume, include classes and experience you've had specifically in furniture design, draftsmanship, CAD, and business. You can also look for apprenticeships at furniture repair shops in your area. Maximize the value of your internship or apprenticeship. Gain practical experience by collaborating with professionals on real-world projects. Include your contributions to those projects in your design portfolio. Impress your colleagues and supervisors by doing your best work and being dependable so you can use them as references when you begin your career. Showcase your best work. Choose between five and ten of your best pieces to highlight in your portfolio. Pick pieces that demonstrate the breadth of your work. For example, if you've worked on seating, tables, and lighting design, use examples from all of those areas. Show your best work first. Demonstrate the process. For each piece, include your sketches and other prototypes that led to the final design of the piece. Show your CAD models, 3D prints, and the results of testing and interviews you might have conducted in developing each piece. This will make your portfolio stand out and provide invaluable insight into how you work. Show the finished product first. Add information about how you got to the final design second. Use a simple layout. Pick a clean design that showcases each piece. Also organize your material clearly. For example, you might want a clear photo of each piece to be a single page, followed by information about its design, form, function, and process. Make sure your portfolio is easy to look through. Create an index so that specific work and information about your designs can be located quickly. Keep the text minimal. Describe your work in a straightforward way, giving only the most pertinent information. Provide context to your work without being wordy or using long blocks of texts. These will distract from the visual nature of your work. Write short paragraphs or annotations for your sketches, models, drawings, and photos. For example, give the title of each piece, tell it's function, and you might include a sentence about your inspiration. For a desk, you might say, “The Stolik Desk was designed for children. Drawers can be interchanged for both right and left-handed users. The legs can be extended as the users grow.” For a floor lamp, you might say, “Drawing inspiration from the shape of the snap pea plant, the Fasol Lamp features a vivid green color and whimsical base with intertwining vines.” Include a short bio. Describe yourself briefly. Include information that will interest prospective employers or clients, like your background, your professional goals, and your sources of inspiration. Again, don't make this too wordy. For background you might say where you come from and where you studied: “I originally come from Oslo and pursued my MA in Furniture and Interior Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design.” You could combine your focus with information about your internship or apprenticeship: “My focus is industrial furniture design and I've interned at the Glory industrial design studio.” If you have testimonials from professors, employers, or clients, include those. Highlight any awards you've received for your designs or related skills. Include relevant scholarships. Read up on the latest trends. Keep up with improvements and changes in the field through publications related to the furniture design industry. Subscribe to professional journals. Also follow blogs and websites from professional schools and designers you admire. Attend trade shows. Keep up with trends and the public's current tastes in furniture at trade shows. Bring your own work to display and sell. Talk with other designers about their current work and what is happening in their area of the country or field of expertise. Join a professional association. Find a professional organization for furniture designers. Attend meetings to keep up with the newest trends. Attend panels and visit the exhibits at the meetings for inspiration. During meetings, try to connect with seasoned professionals and ask about their career paths. You might even find a mentor willing to guide you in your career. Network with others. Make connections with other designers at trade shows and professional association meetings. Be open and friendly, and let them know that you're willing to share your talents and connections with them if it comes up. In return, you can reach out to them if you have questions, need advice, are looking to expand your clientele, or need help when you're looking for a job. Keep in touch with your classmates and teachers from design school as part of your professional network. Take continuing education courses. Advance your technological and artistic skills through courses in topics you didn't cover in your degree program. Or take courses that will teach you new methods so your skills stay fresh. You can even pursue an advanced degree like an MFA or an MA. Attend workshops to learn how to make furniture from wood, metal, or other materials and use the proper tools. Take business courses to help you learn how to deal with clients or to run your own furniture design business. | Get a bachelor's degree from an art institute. Take courses that employers are looking for. Find an internship or apprenticeship. Maximize the value of your internship or apprenticeship. Showcase your best work. Demonstrate the process. Use a simple layout. Keep the text minimal. Include a short bio. Read up on the latest trends. Attend trade shows. Join a professional association. Network with others. Take continuing education courses. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Home-Based-Business | How to Start a Home Based Business | To start a home based business, decide what kind of business you'd like to run, and evaluate whether you can make the business profitable. Then, create a business plan that includes a description of your company's goals, a list of your product or service offerings and their prices, and market analysis of your competitors and their prices. Make sure you have the proper business licenses and insurance for your company before opening for business. | Evaluate your talents. Keep in mind, there is a huge difference between talents and things you enjoy. Just because you enjoy something does not mean you can turn it into a business. Think about your skills, or the hobbies that you do better than anyone else. It could be baking cake, making jewelry , or stitching dresses. Your business can also be based off of a professional skill you've developed or been educated in. Make sure that this is also something you enjoy doing. You're going to be spending a lot of time setting up and running this business so you have to be able to tolerate doing it. Assess your financing needs. While starting a business from home can be more affordable than starting a traditional business, you will still need money to get started. As you form your home business idea, think about how much money you will need to buy inventory, buy your production equipment, or cover any other initial costs. If you don't have a lot in savings, you can also get a business loan to get started, but this would mean qualifying for and then subsequently being responsible for a loan, which can be difficult for a new business. Consider your financing options carefully as you set up your home business. Know your competition. If you plan on working from home locally, look around town for other businesses offering the same services or products. You'll have to figure out if there is enough business left for you in your area. If you plan to work online, you're dealing with a very crowded market in most cases, so you'll have to find a way to differentiate yourself from the competition. In either case, be sure to check around and analyze your competition's pricing. If you can offer the same product for less, you may be able to draw some of their customers away. Understand the needs of your market. Listen to what people say and what they need in the area. If something they mention is an interest of yours and you are good at it, you should definitely try it. This applies locally just as well as it does online. Every good business idea fulfills a need in the market. Learn about employment laws. If you plan to hire employees or contract workers as part of your home based business, you will need to know how to navigate labor laws. These include, but are not limited to, minimum wage, overtime pay, required benefits, and other fair compensation regulations. It's best to hire legal counsel to make sure that you do not run afoul of these regulations. Consider some of the more common ideas. If no business ideas are coming to mind, think about some of the tried and trued home business types. Some highly lucrative home business ideas include tutoring, tax preparation, business coaching, counseling, marketing consulting, accounting, web designing, interior designing, dance instructing, newsletter service, proofreading service, and resume writing service. These home based business ideas just require your personal skills rather than large investments. Most of these business ideas can also be done online. Consider the space required for your business. If you're planning on doing any sort of manufacturing, product storage, or shipping, you will likely need more than a desk to work on. Think about how much space you have in your home for these activities. Will you be displacing other family members with your business activities? Consider your space requirements and your home's ability to meet those requirements before moving forward. Select a name for your business that reflects what you do. Finding the right name for your business is one of the most important variables to your success. Consider avoiding an obscure and unique name for your new business that does not clearly describe your business and give customers a clue about the services and products provided. First-time customers should be able to piece together a well-informed idea of what your business does based on its name. Check with competitors to make sure you're not violating legal trademarks or choosing a name that is too similar to competitors in your region. Consider the length and spelling of the name for your business. A longer name might be difficult for many to remember. Using uncommon words might make quickly finding your info on Yahoo and Google impossible for some customers. Buy a domain name for your business as soon as possible. A domain is the web address and extension for your future website which includes.com,.net or.org. Domain names are often sold with web hosting services. Availability for your business name is not guaranteed but can be found through domain registrar services. Consider filing for legal trademarks and copyrights to protect yourself from others stealing the name you've decided on for your business. Consider polling your friends on the best name for your business once you've narrowed the options down to a few ideas. Figure out if you can make this business profitable. How much will people pay for your services? Can you make a good income off this? Many people see astronomical numbers in their future until they take the time to determine their profits. Be sure to consider how much time you can reasonably commit to your business and how much profit you can get back for your time and investment money. In some cases, a great business idea in theory can in reality be unprofitable. Account for every cost associated with your business instead of just the upfront costs such as inventory and advertising. Remember to calculate the easily overlooked overhead and expenses such as travel, legal fees and accounting. A perfect example of this is if you make specialty cakes and, because of the extreme designs, sizes and amazing flavors, people are willing to pay you $350 per cake. However, due to the work that goes into producing such amazing cakes, you are only able to make one every week which brings your profit to $1400 a month minus the cost of your supplies. Create a business plan for your home based business. This is the blueprint for your business. It may also help you think of things that had not crossed your mind about your business and help you determine what kind of start up costs you are looking at. At minimum, a business plan should include the following: A description of your company's market, goals, and what differentiate it from the competition. A list of your product or service offerings and their prices. Market analysis of your competitors and their prices. Marketing plans. How do you plan to get the word out about your business? Check into legal barriers for your business. Some areas have certain rules and regulations for home based businesses, and you need to check into those at your town's city hall before investing much time or money in your business. Some areas just make home based business owners carry a business license and nothing else. Not knowing about these regulations can be devastating to your business. You should also consider home owners' associations in your neighborhood and consider the potential impact of your business on neighbors, especially if the business will increase traffic or noise in the neighborhood. Figure out if you need additional insurance. Visit with your local insurance agent to determine if you are in need of any special insurance for your home based business. When you start a home based business, you immediately start exposing yourself, your family and your home to variety of risks and you want to make sure you are covered before it is too late. Invest in your home based business. Before you get started, there are often investments you'll have to make in your business infrastructure. This varies based on the type of business you're running. For example, if you're running a printing business from home, you'll need to buy a professional printer and paper for it. If you're running an online business, it may be wise to upgrade your computer and internet speed. The time spent waiting for pages to load can add up and hurt your productivity. Organize your business as a legal entity. When setting up for business you have several options in determining the structure of your business. The easiest is to simply act as a sole proprietorship where you, the business owner, are legally the business. In this case, you would use your SSN for tax identification purposes. However, if you plan to have partners or hire employees, you will need to organize your business as a separate entity like a corporation. Doing so will require you to incorporate your business with you state and obtain an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. Corporations also limit your liability for any losses sustained by the business. Set up your home office. To work effectively, you'll need to have a dedicated business space within your home. If you work locally, this is also your commercial space. You'll need to create an area separate from family members, pets, and other distractions. If possible, separate this area as much as possible from the rest of your home. The physical separation will help create mental separation between your home life and work life and also make the tax deduction for a home-based office less subjective. Be sure that this office and your working from home doesn't disrupt your family life or bring new stress into your home. Set up a dedicated phone line and internet service. Almost all businesses will require contact with customers over the phone. In order to ensure that your line will be free when customers call, you'll have to get a dedicated phone line for business use. You should also sign up for voicemail rather than using an answering machine. This sounds more professional to customers. You should also add an internet connection that is fast enough for your business purposes while still remaining affordable. For example, if you are streaming video as part of your business, you are justified in buying faster internet. However, if you are mainly using the internet for browsing and email, there is no reason for you to get a higher speed internet package. Get a post office box for your business. This is especially important if you have business cards or will be regularly corresponding through the mail. The simple fact of the matter is that PO boxes look more professional than using your home address. Launch your business. When you have everything ready, launch your business or website and take your first customers. These can be friends or family to start with. Keep in mind, you will not know everything about your business from the start. Entrepreneurs learn as they go! If your first customers are friends or family, be sure to get their feedback and adjust your products or processes accordingly. Market your business. To bring in more customers, you'll have to market your business. This includes advertising, establishing a strong social media presence, and other activities designed to draw in customers. Your type of advertising should vary based on the type of customer you are trying to attract. If you're working locally, advertise on local radio stations or in the newspaper. If you work online, sign up for Google AdWords or advertise your business on relevant websites. Marketing a business can also include building a brand, setting up a professional website, driving traffic to your site with search engine optimization, and using a promotional strategy, among other tactics. One of the most important keys to marketing is clearly communicating what the service, value or product that your new business provides is. Try to keep away from long descriptions and lengthy explanations when sharing what your business does with others. Keep your message very simple, direct and to the point. Tell the customer what problems you can solve, services you will provide and how your products bring great value to their lives without adding too much jargon that would confuse your would-be customers. Digital Marketing and creating an online presence is necessary for every business. Billions of internet searches are completed every day on major internet search engines such as Yahoo and Google. Buying a.com and setting up a website with an easy service such as WebHosting Squared can cost less than $100 per year and takes you one step closer to finding more customers online. After you have created a website and ranked on google, Consider creating social media pages on Facebook and Twitter to communicate with potential customers and spread the word across your community. Social Media makes it easier for you to collect reviews, talk to customers, and advertise for free. Adjust strategies and products as necessary. Respond to your customers. You should set up a system or survey where your customers can rate their experience with you and your business. Be sure to strive for perfect ratings. Any criticisms you see consistently mean that you should change that aspect of your business. Build a trusting customer base. By adjusting to your customers' needs and consistently providing good services or products, you get the best form of free advertising: word of mouth recommendations. Your customers will recommend you to their friends if they are truly satisfied with your work, and your business will grow accordingly. You'll have get some customers coming back for repeat service and build up a consistent revenue pipeline. | Evaluate your talents. Assess your financing needs. Know your competition. Understand the needs of your market. Learn about employment laws. Consider some of the more common ideas. Consider the space required for your business. Select a name for your business that reflects what you do. Figure out if you can make this business profitable. Create a business plan for your home based business. Check into legal barriers for your business. Figure out if you need additional insurance. Invest in your home based business. Organize your business as a legal entity. Set up your home office. Set up a dedicated phone line and internet service. Get a post office box for your business. Launch your business. Market your business. Adjust strategies and products as necessary. Build a trusting customer base. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-People | How to Avoid People | To avoid someone, try switching up your daily routine so you're less likely to run into them. For example, you could start taking a different route to school or going somewhere new to eat on your lunch breaks. Also, block or delete them on social media so it's harder for them to get in touch with you. If you're forced to be around the person because of work or school, try to always have a friend or group of people around you so you never have to be alone with the person you're trying to avoid. | Consider why you want to avoid people. Many people are naturally introverted, and simply need time to recharge after social interaction. If you suffer from depression or social anxiety, however, you may consider seeking help. Introversion is perfectly normal. Introverted personality types tend to draw their mental energy from being alone, whereas extroverted personality types tend to draw their energy from time spent with people. Give yourself time and space. Do what you need to do in order to feel balanced. If you aren't sure whether you're introverted, or you'd like to explore your personality further, consider taking a personality test like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Be aware that while personality tests may give you insight into yourself, they may not give you the whole picture. Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, can lead people suffer from extreme shyness and fear social interactions like meeting new people, speaking to others, or social events. This fear may focus on being judged or scrutinized by others about how you look, what you say, or what you assume people are thinking about you. If you think that you might be suffering from an anxiety disorder, consider speaking with a counselor or therapist. Depression is characterized by a sad, hopeless mood, along with a loss of interest or pleasure in things that usually interest you. Many people with depression wind up withdrawing from friends, family, and loved ones, but support form these loved ones can be one of the best ways to bounce back from depression. If you feel that you're suffering from depression, tell someone--a friend, a family member, anyone close to you. Consider seeking help from a professional counselor or therapist. Stay Home. The best way to avoid people is to stay home. There are people outside, so don't go outside. Read a book or watch a movie. Explore the Internet. Play a game. Do whatever strikes your fancy. Consider turning your phone off, or putting it on "silent". Turn off Internet-based chat apps like Facebook Chat, Skype, or Google Messenger. Bear in mind that this may not be a long-term solution for you. Staying home for a day is one thing; staying home for a week or a month is entirely another. Don't be approachable. If you must go out, you can give off certain attitudes and social cues which will deter people from approaching you. Don't make eye contact. It is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Eye contact can be a social cue that you want to interact with someone: it initiates connection and establishes mutual awareness. Look at your phone, at a book, at the world around you, or at your feet--just not into anyone's eyes! Wear headphones or earbuds. Listen to music, listen to podcasts, or just wear headphones to deter people. Whether you're riding the train, walking down a street, or sitting in a park, people may be more hesitant to approach you if you have headphones in. Read. Stick your nose into a book, a newspaper, a Kindle or an iPad. Absorb yourself in what you're reading, and people may be hesitant to disturb you. Go to a remote place. If you want to avoid people, go where there are no people. Consider going camping for a weekend. Get away from the hustle and bustle of life in a populated area. Make sure to do your research and properly prepare for the trip. Visit a county, state, or national park. Check your area for open space preserves, national forest, and wilderness areas. Go for a long hike, or just sit and take in the silence. Be sure to secure any appropriate permits and heed the park rules. Be aware that you may encounter people even in wilderness areas. There are billions of people swarming this planet, and it's going to be very difficult to avoid all of them. If you do encounter another person in the wild: be polite, say hello, and then continue along your way. Know the person's schedule and habits. If you know where someone will be at a given time, it's much easier to avoid them. Find out where they work, if you don't know already. Avoid their place of work. If you work with the person, ask your manager if you can work a different shift. Avoid attending parties and other gatherings where you know that this person will be present--or try to stagger your attendance so that you aren't there at the same time. If an event has been organized over the Internet, check the guest list before you show up. Change your routines. Identify when and where you encounter this person, and avoid those situations. If you find that you keep running into someone, changing your habits may keep them out of your hair. If you can't avoid the situations in which you usually encounter the person--say, you have a class together, or you work together--consider taking bigger steps: drop the class, or find a different job. Try to spend your time interacting with other people so that you don't find yourself alone with this particular person. Take a different route to school or work each day. Take a different route home. If you usually hang out somewhere after school, consider heading straight home. If you are worried that someone is following you or watching you, change your routines more often. Never take the same way home. Tell a parent, a teacher, or a responsible friend. Avoid the person on social media. Ignore their messages, and be careful about the personal information that you post. Your online life may be more public than you realize. Consider blocking the person on Facebook. Consider "unfriending" the person, and setting your privacy settings so that they can't see your posts. This step may become necessary if a person won't stop harassing you. Delete the person from any relevant social media accounts: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. The less connected you are to a person, the easier it will be to avoid them. Be aware that if you block or delete a person from your social media profile, he or she may notice. This can send a strong message that you don't want to associate with the person--but it can also inflame the situation further. Don't pick up the phone for any unknown numbers. Let the call ring until it goes to voicemail. If you're trying to avoid someone, but they are trying to reach you, they may disguise their number or use a phone that is not their own. If your caller ID says "restricted" or "private", do not answer. If the call is important, the caller will leave a voicemail or find another way to reach you. If you live in the U.S., many telephone service providers offer a service that helps you identify your last call: if you miss a call from an unknown number and you'd like to know who it was, dial *69. You will hear the telephone number associated with your last call and, in some areas, the date and time of the call. Consider blocking a number so that the person cannot call you from their own phone. Avoid making eye contact with the person. Eye contact is a cue for social interaction, and they may take this connection as an invitation to speak with you. If you do accidentally make eye contact, do not hold their gaze. Look away quickly, and find someone else that you can interact with. If you need to walk somewhere and the person is in the way, give them a wide berth. Consider waiting until they leave. Do not give them a reason to speak to you. Avoid being alone with the person. There is safety in numbers. Spend your time in groups, speaking with others, so that you don't find yourself interacting one-on-one with the person you're trying to avoid. If you're in a group, the person you're trying to avoid may find it intimidating to approach you. Anywhere you go--to class, to lunch, even to the bathroom--try to keep at least one person with you. If you absolutely must interact with the person one-on-one, try to end the conversation as quickly as possible. Do not let them bait you into keeping the conversation going. Make an excuse ("I need to get to class." or "I'm late for an appointment.") and get out of there. Consider getting a restraining order if you feel that you're in danger. If you are trying to avoid someone and they won't leave you alone, you may want to involve the authorities in order to put a stop to the problem. Restraining orders can take various forms. You can get a restraining order to keep someone from harassing you; you can get a restraining order to keep a person a certain distance away from you (i.e. 50 or 100 yards) at all times; and you can get a restraining order to force someone to move out of your home. If a person is making you feel uncomfortable, call someone. Tell a friend, a family member, a teacher, or any responsible adult. Make sure that someone close to you knows where you are. If you find yourself in immediate danger, call 911. Tell the dispatcher where you are, who you are, and who is following you. Get to a safe place, like a classroom, a store, a friend's house, or a heavily-populated area. Lock yourself into a bathroom, if you must, and call 911 from there. Consider confronting the person. It can be stressful to spend your time walking on eggshells, trying to avoid someone. If you speak to the person directly, you may be able to resolve your problem. Think about what the problem is, and plan out exactly what you're going to say. Are you causing the problem here, or are they? Try to keep your emotions in check; be calm, rational, and patient. Be careful. Think about how the person will react. If you're worried that he or she may become violent, consider using a mediator--bring a mutual friend or family member, or hire a professional mediator. | Consider why you want to avoid people. Stay Home. Don't be approachable. Go to a remote place. Know the person's schedule and habits. Change your routines. Avoid the person on social media. Don't pick up the phone for any unknown numbers. Avoid making eye contact with the person. Avoid being alone with the person. Consider getting a restraining order if you feel that you're in danger. Consider confronting the person. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dribble-a-Soccer-Ball-Past-an-Opponent | How to Dribble a Soccer Ball Past an Opponent | If you want to be able to dribble a soccer ball past an opponent, you'll need to practice things like ball control and speed. Good ball control is key to succeeding at this move, so bend your knees and stay a little closer to the ground to keep your balance and make faster cuts. Having fast feet will also let you move the ball in tight spaces, so stay on the balls of your feet. When dribbling under pressure, use the sides of your feet to give you the most control of the ball. To make your move, get within 3 to 4 feet of the defender. Then, tap the ball to the side and use a quick change of direction to get past. You can also try to accelerate past the defender with a quick change fo speed to catch them off guard. This will also ensure that the defender won't be able to catch up with you. | Approach the defender while dribbling with the outside of your foot. When you dribble into pressure, it's best to keep the ball close to you, dribbling with the outside of your foot. This helps you maintain ball control and gives you the flexibility to go into many different moves. Try a move when you’re 3–4 feet (0.91–1.22 m) away. Doing your move when you're too far away from the defender will give them time to recover, but starting too close might not give you enough room to complete it. Starting when you're about 3–4 feet (0.91–1.22 m) away gives you the best chance of getting past the defender. No matter what move you use, remember to keep moving forward as you do it. Stopping completely will take away your momentum and give the defender a chance to close in on you. Tap the ball to the side and use a quick change of direction to get past. Dribble straight at the defender. Once you get a few feet away, quickly tap the ball away from the defender at a 45-degree angle, using the outside of your foot. Accelerate into space, keeping the ball close to you so another defender can't pick it up. If you find yourself too close to the defender, you can modify this move by tapping the ball away at a sharper 90-degree angle. Dodge the defender and accelerate toward the goal. For a variation on this, open up your hips to one side. Use the inside of the foot on that side to curl the ball across your body and accelerate in the opposite direction. You can also morph this into La Croqueta by tapping the ball across your body with the inside of one foot to the other, as though you're passing it to yourself, then flicking it to the side and accelerating. Use a hard feint for a simple, effective way to evade the defender. When you're a few feet from the defender, take a hard step to one side. Shift your weight, arms, and eyes to fake out the defender as much as possible, then push the ball in the opposite direction with the outside of your other foot. To put the defender even more off-balance, try a double body feint. Step hard to one side, then the other, and then tap the ball away to the first side. Lunge faster so that the defender can't step in and take the ball. Do a stepover to add another distraction. The stepover is a natural step up from the feint. Instead of just lunging to one side, loop one foot over and around the ball, then push it away with the other foot. The movement of your foot will fake out the defender even more than a simple step would. To make this move even more distracting, quickly circle one foot around, then the other, and tap the ball away with the first foot. Sell the stepover just as much as you would a feint, shifting your weight and arms hard to the side. Accelerate past the defender with a quick change of speed. Your move will only be effective if you follow it with a burst of speed around the defender or into space. Accelerating ensures that the defender won't be able to recover and catch up with you after you get past them. Keep your knees bent to stay low to the ground. A lower center of gravity gives you better balance, helping you stay on your feet as you change pace and direction. You'll be able to make faster cuts if you keep your knees loosely bent, which is a big advantage when you're trying to get past a defender. Stay light on your feet and keep them moving. Having quick feet wil let you move the ball in tight spaces and make your moves so fast that defenders can't get a tackle in. Stay on the balls of your feet when you take on a defender and focus on moving your feet as quickly as you can without losing control. Dribble with the sides of your feet when approaching a defender. Using the sides of your feet gives you the most control, making it a perfect dribble for when you're under pressure. Since most moves use the sides of your feet, dribbling with the outside or inside also makes it easier to go into quick cuts. Try not to dribble with your laces when you're near defenders. This is a good dribble for when you're trying to cover a large amount of space. It can, however allow the ball to get away from you, so it's not effective when you're under pressure. Keep the ball close to you when you’re dribbling near the defense. The better control you have over the ball, the better chance you'll have of navigating through tight spaces under pressure. Keeping the ball close makes it harder for a defender to tackle you successfully. Even if you don't have many moves mastered yet, taking smart touches and keeping the ball close can help you be a more effective attacker. Zig-zag around cones to improve your ball control. Set down 10-15 cones or small obstacles in 2 rows, staggering them slightly. Dribble towards the first cone, tapping the ball with the outside of your right foot with each step. Cut sharply around the cone with one side of your foot, round it, dribble to the next cone, and repeat. Once you've gone through with your right foot, switch to dribbling on your left. When you're turning around a cone, try to leave as little space as possible between the cone and the ball. Go through the cones 5 times on each foot. Make quick back and forth turns between sets of cones. Set up 2 cones or small obstacles 3–4 feet (0.91–1.22 m) apart, and another cone about 30 feet (9.1 m) away in a perpendicular direction. Starting at the 2-cone “gate,” dribble as fast as you can with the outside of one foot, cut sharply around the far cone, and sprint back on the same foot. When you get back to the gate, stop the ball directly on the line with the outside of your foot. Complete 10 back-and-forth runs on each foot, giving yourself a minute to rest before switching feet. This drill will train you to keep good ball control while moving at speed and to quickly break down your steps to make cuts or quickly change direction. Practice dribbling in close spaces to improve your footwork. Set up 3 cones in a line or a triangle shape, about 2 feet (0.61 m) apart. Dribble a ball through the cones with all parts of your foot, using quick touches to cut the ball around each cone as sharply as you can. Do this drill for 10-15 minutes to work on your control with all the surfaces of your feet. This is also a great drill if you're low on practice space. You can even practice at home. Kick the ball against a wall. When it bounces back, practice controlling and dribbling the ball. Practice your moves around cones and other players. To get better at specific moves, drill them as much as you can. Use a cone or unmoving obstacle when you're first learning the move, then ask a teammate to go one-on-one with you to see how it works against a defender. Focus on mastering one move at a time. Once you get one trick down, learning more advanced ones will get easier and easier. | Approach the defender while dribbling with the outside of your foot. Try a move when you’re 3–4 feet (0.91–1.22 m) away. Tap the ball to the side and use a quick change of direction to get past. Use a hard feint for a simple, effective way to evade the defender. Do a stepover to add another distraction. Accelerate past the defender with a quick change of speed. Keep your knees bent to stay low to the ground. Stay light on your feet and keep them moving. Dribble with the sides of your feet when approaching a defender. Keep the ball close to you when you’re dribbling near the defense. Zig-zag around cones to improve your ball control. Make quick back and forth turns between sets of cones. Practice dribbling in close spaces to improve your footwork. Practice your moves around cones and other players. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Twerk | How to Twerk | To twerk, begin by squatting. Stand with your legs bent and wide apart, like you're about to sit in a chair. Try turning your feet out over your knees, which will help your balance. Next, pop your booty out by leaning forward about 45 degrees. Rest your hands on your knees, with your fingers facing towards each other. Now, twerking is all about isolating the lower half of your body! For a standard twerk, pop your booty up and down by arching and straightening your back. It might also be helpful to think of twerking as moving your hip bones forwards, then backwards in two distinct motions. Practice slowly at first. Then once you feel comfortable with twerking on your own, try doing it to the beat of some fun music. As with all dance moves, you don't need to have a certain body type or skill level to look good. Just twerk with confidence and enthusiasm! | Get into a squat position. You want to be low to the ground so that you are grounded and easily balanced, but not too low. Consider keeping your knees behind your toes to avoid knee injury. Stand with your legs wide apart, lower to the ground, with your feet turned out. This will help you maintain your balance once you start moving. This is the most common way to twerk, and is the least sexually provocative. Pick a fun, fast beat and start practicing! You can practice twerking slowly at first, to get the basic move down, and pick up your pace once you're comfortable with it. Pop your booty outward. Get into the stance that looks like you are about to sit into a chair-- think "chair pose" in yoga -- your booty should be the main attraction. Make sure to keep your knees bent and place your hands on your hips. Keep your upper body pretty straight and look straight ahead. You don't need to look at the ground to twerk effectively. As you pop your booty out, you should lean forward approximately 45 degrees, shifting your weight to your toes. This is known as the "Miley Twerk". If you want to be a bit less scandalous, then you don't have to lean forward as much, and can keep your chest upright. Shake your booty back and forth. If you choose to keep your hands on your hips while you twerk, then you should press your thumbs into your butt bones to help push your hips go forward if you're moving forward; to move your booty back, use your other fingers to pull back on your hip bones to help your booty move backward. If you're comfortable twerking without your hands, then you can lift your arms straight out in front of you, close together and parallel to the ground, and gently sway them as you continue to twerk. For the Miley Twerk, you should move your hips quickly from right to left; for a standard twerk, pop your booty up and down, arching and straightening your back to get the best results. And don't worry if you don't have a big booty. Anyone can rock this move! It's all about isolating the lower half of your body. Try to keep the upper half of your body pretty stable. You can also switch it up with your hands, keeping them up in front of you, out at your sides, or back on your hips. Additionally, you can get even a bit lower the ground, placing your hands above your knees, with your fingers pointed toward each other and your wrists facing out, and shake your booty with your hands helping you get the most for your money. If you're really going for it, add a Miley face or hand signal for good measure. Stand about two feet away from a sturdy wall. Stand facing away from the wall but within close proximity so you can see the wall in your peripheral vision. Now, this is the most showy form of twerking. Make sure you don't think this is a good idea after you've had one drink too many, or you'll be fixing for a fall. When you attempt the wall twerk, you should already be pretty confident in your twerking abilities. This move is not for amateurs. You need to have a lot of upper body strength and good coordination to pull this one off. Put your hands on the floor. This time you want to make sure you have a strong grip on the floor as you will be walking your feet up the wall so you don't want to fall. Your entire hands should be on the ground to give you the balance you need. Get your booty high in the air to make it easier to get your legs up there. Your hands should be down about a foot in front of your feet, shoulder width apart. As you place both hands on the ground, shift the weight from your legs to your hands. Your torso and upper body should essentially be in a handstand position. Your fingers should be facing away from you. Walk your feet up the wall and bend your knees as you shake your booty. First, place one leg on the wall, get it up there until you feel stable, and then move the other leg up to join it. Your feet should be wide apart, about one foot away from each hip. Get your toes firmly on the wall and practice arching your back and hallowing it, creating the basic twerk move. Keep your arms and upper body strong and stable as you rock out with your lower body (which will be above your upper body!). You can think of this as a version of the "hands on the ground" twerk -- except that this time, you're up on a wall. You should aim to be up there for thirty seconds, or maybe even a minute or the length of a short song, but remember that your hands and shoulders will get tired after a while. This is also a great opportunity for grabbing a wall twerking partner to join you as you show off those moves! Make sure to come down gracefully. Move your feet back down the wall, one at a time. You can continue doing the "hands on the ground" twerk, or just take a complete break from twerking for a little while until you're ready to channel your inner-Miley again. Stand with your legs parallel and separated. Make sure your legs are straight and your torso is facing forward. They should be wider than hip distance apart. If they're too close together, it'll be hard for you to bend down to twerk effectively. Put your hands on the ground. Turn your toes out as you lean down. You can have a slight bend in your legs and make sure at least your fingertips touch the ground. If you're more flexible, nobody's stopping you from getting your entire hands down on the ground. This will help you maintain your own balance. Pop your booty. Bend and straighten your legs quickly, accentuating the booty pop during the move. Bend and straighten your legs along with the rhythm of the music. You can also shake and move your booty as you twerk. To do the regular twerk, just arch your back and then hallow it out, letting your booty move up and down, up and down. For the Miley, quickly wiggle your hips from left to right. | Get into a squat position. Pop your booty outward. Shake your booty back and forth. Stand about two feet away from a sturdy wall. Put your hands on the floor. Walk your feet up the wall and bend your knees as you shake your booty. Stand with your legs parallel and separated. Put your hands on the ground. Pop your booty. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Diary | How to Use a Diary | To use a diary, carry it with you and try to write for at least 10 minutes every day to get yourself in the habit. Start by writing the date at the top of your entry, then write down major life events, everyday details, your feelings, dreams, to-do lists, and anything else you'd like. Don't worry about writing perfect sentences, just write whatever comes naturally to you and try to avoid editing yourself. You can also use your diary for drawing, art, poetry, song lyrics, and collecting keepsakes! | Choose the type of diary you want to use. Some people like to use notebooks for diaries. Others prefer to use computers to write instead. Both methods are just fine, so choose the one you are most comfortable with. If you want to use a computer to write, you can use a text document to write or you can use an online journaling website or diary app. If you want to use a physical diary, choose one that's easy for you to write in. Make sure it's a good size for you and get one with lined paper inside. If you can't decide if you want to use a computer or write in a notebook, go with the one that makes you feel the most creative. Carry your diary with you every day. Keep your diary close to you if possible. If it's always within reach, you're more likely to use it. Start by writing details you want to remember and even random thoughts as they strike you in your diary. If you're using a notebook, make sure you choose one that easily fits into your backpack or purse. Keep your diary safe. Diaries are very private so if you carry it with you, keep an eye on it. If you leave it at home, be sure that it can't be easily found. Date the entries in your diary. One of the best things about diaries is reading them later, so be sure to date your entries. That way you know exactly when things happened. Make putting down the date the first thing you do when writing a diary entry so you won't forget. Get in the habit of using your diary every day. Put aside time for writing first thing in the morning or right before you go to bed and hold yourself to it. If you're very busy, even 10 minutes every day will help to get you in the habit of writing in your diary. Choose a time when you know you won't be interrupted by friends or family members. Write to pass the time when you're riding in a car or on a bus.These trips are a good opportunity to jot down your thoughts and ideas. Avoiding worrying about writing everything perfectly in your diary. Don't feel that you have to write long paragraphs and perfect sentences in your diary, or even sentences at all. If it's easier for you to get down short phrases or bulletpoints, go with that. It can be tempting, but avoid editing yourself in your diary. Don't worry about spelling and grammar either. No one is judging what you put in your diary and it's for your eyes only. Use your diary for drawing and art. Feel free to write poetry, put down song lyrics, and record quotes from others that are meaningful to you. Some people express themselves best through art, and that is a completely valid way to use your diary, too. Experiment with drawing, painting, collecting found objects and creating collages in your diary, especially if you find that the words aren't flowing. Mix it up! Write when you're in the mood to write, and draw or make other art if you're more in the mood to do that. Write down major life events in your diary. No matter how memorable an experience may be, some of the details will fade over time. Use your diary to write down major life events in great detail so that you can look back on them later. One day you will be able to look back at your old diaries entries and recall these important moments in vibrant detail. Think of your diary as a gift to your future self. Write down things about ordinary days. The big stuff is important, but don't forget to write about the small things that happen in your daily life, too. You'll find the big stuff and the small stuff interesting in the future. What seems ordinary today could very likely seem extraordinary to you in the future. Nothing you write in your diary is boring. Collect photos and keepsakes for your diary. Use glue or tape to place mementos and keepsakes into your diary. You can write text to go with the items if you want, but it's not necessary. Great examples of these types of items are ticket stubs to events you've attended, photos, leaves and pressed flowers, found objects and even completely random things that caught your attention on that particular day. You can get even more creative and arrange these items into an artistic collage. Write down your dreams in your diary. Keep your diary close to your bed and use it to record your dreams. Try to write down the details of your dreams as soon as you wake up, since they can be incredibly fleeting. You can keep a separate diary just for dreams, or you can enter them into your regular diary. If you enter them into your every-day diary, it might be helpful to write them down in a different color of ink, just to keep them entirely separate from other entries. Write down your goals. When you put something down on paper, it suddenly feels more real and solid. Putting your goals into words in your diary allows you to focus more easily on those goals, and often makes them feel more achievable. Not all goals have to be lofty ones. You can use your diary for goals both big and small, short-term and long-term. The main objective is describing clearly what those goals are. Once you do that, developing a plan of action comes much more easily. Create to-do lists and plan things in your diary. You can make daily lists of simple things you need to get done, or you can create to-do lists for more long-term goals. Whether you're trying to accomplish a certain goal, solve a particular problem or simply plan out your day, they are all much easier to tackle once you've broken them down into smaller tasks. If you're trying to make a tough decision, try creating a list of pros and cons in your diary to help you. Create a schedule for yourself. Use your diary to map out your day, organize your thoughts and making time to do the things you need to do, like homework or chores. Your diary is also a great place to set reminders for yourself, especially if you are using it daily. Track your success in your diary. Sometimes it feels like you're spinning your wheels when it comes to getting something accomplished, especially if it's something big. Your diary is a written account of what you've done along the way and functions as an excellent log of your progress. Progress can be hard to measure objectively and sometimes it's easy to forget successes you've already had. Looking back at older entries can help you put things in perspective. | Choose the type of diary you want to use. Carry your diary with you every day. Date the entries in your diary. Get in the habit of using your diary every day. Avoiding worrying about writing everything perfectly in your diary. Use your diary for drawing and art. Write down major life events in your diary. Write down things about ordinary days. Collect photos and keepsakes for your diary. Write down your dreams in your diary. Write down your goals. Create to-do lists and plan things in your diary. Create a schedule for yourself. Track your success in your diary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Give-a-Seminar | How to Give a Seminar | To give a seminar, start by preparing an outline that lists your main points in a logical order. Additionally, create visual aids, like slides or posters, that are clear and easily readable to add interest to your seminar. When it's time to begin, introduce yourself and talk about your background, then work through your outline while maintaining steady and consistent eye contact. Try to leave time at the end to answer any questions, but make sure you stick to your allotted time. | Understand the expected format. Seminars can come in a variety of forms. Talk with the organizer of the session and ask them about their expectations for your talk. They may want you to discuss a pre-circulated paper. Or, perhaps they would prefer that you give a speech with less audience interaction. You might ask, “Are you looking for a lecture format that is focused on research or a more interactive audience experience?” In most cases, plan to involve the audience through interactive activities. While the types of activities might differ, the involvement will help the audience participate. Consider your audience. Know who you will be speaking to and tailor your information to their interest and experience levels. If you are unfamiliar with the group, ask the seminar organizer to give you a bit of information about the possible backgrounds of audience members. If you have worked with this group before, then use the information that you know about them to tailor your talk to what will help them, and you, the most. For example, in a scientific talk before a group of specialists, you may not need to explain all of your jargon and can jump into in-depth topics more quickly. Depending on your audience, you may also choose to directly engage with controversial topics or shy away from them. You can even get to the venue a bit early and try to talk with some audience members to get a better feel for the room prior to directing your seminar. You might ask one of the attendees, “What made you want to attend this particular seminar?” If you are in a professional setting, consider talking to some of the attendees ahead of time to see what they would like to learn. Find out what technology is provided and what you need to bring. Make sure that you are comfortable using whatever technology is in the room. This may mean getting to know PowerPoint really well. Or, perhaps you need to practice how to switch slides using an automatic clicker or prompter. You may even want to give some thought to how you will set up the microphone, if you plan to use one. For example, if you are planning to use a slide presentation, then you'll want to make sure that the room is equipped with a good projection system. Create audience-friendly slides and visual aids. As you start to craft your presentation, think about whether or not your audience can actually interact with your visuals. For example, if you are using slides, then they need to be visible, clear, and easily readable. Use a large font and clear lettering. Stay away from too many extra graphics and include only minimal text. Be aware that it takes anywhere from 1-2 minutes for an audience member to read through a slide along with you. Therefore, don't overload your presentation with slides or you will never finish. Instead, go with pictures that can accompany the information that you are providing directly to your audience. You can also use other visual styles, such as models, posters, flyers, or brochures. Don't feel forced into sticking with slides and instead consider dipping into your creative side, if the seminar format supports this. Circulate any materials in advance, if needed. If your seminar will focus on a paper discussion, it is a good idea to work with the organizer to get a copy of the paper out to potential audience members at least a few days before the meeting. This will allow audience members to come prepared with advanced questions and comments. It will also let you dive into deeper material right away, as you can assume a certain level of common knowledge. If the paper that you circulate is a work in progress, you might say so on the draft itself and then repeat this at the start of your seminar. This way audience members will know that you welcome constructive criticism and other ideas. Practice giving your seminar using your outline. Once you have an outline in place and your visual materials prepared, you will want to practice as often as possible. Ask your friends, family members, colleagues, or mentor to serve as mock audience members for a trial run. Videotape yourself and then play it back, so that you can identify areas of improvement. Practice until you feel totally comfortable with the material and process. After each practice session, make notes on the sections that are working well and those that still need some refining. Arrive to the seminar location early. It is a good idea to get to the seminar room a little early, so that you can see how the room is set up. You can also upload your presentation and pass out any handouts or brochures. This also gives you a last minute opportunity to meet with the seminar organizer to iron out any issues. If you arrive 15-30 minutes beforehand that is usually enough time to accomplish everything that you need to do prior to starting the session. If it is a large seminar or a seminar that relies heavily on technology, you might consider arriving up to an hour early. Introduce yourself. Start off your seminar by going to the podium, or just the front of the room, and providing a full introduction. Tell the audience a bit about your professional background. Briefly explain why you are interested in the project that you will be discussing today. This is intended to make the audience comfortable listening to you and to start building the speaker-audience trust. Be humble as you introduce yourself, but stress your credibility in this subject. Instead of assuming that you know more about your audience, just let them know what experience you have. If someone else introduced you, make sure that they have a copy of your biography in advance. Bring an extra copy with you. When it's time for you to speak, you might say a few quick words about your passion for this project and offer your thanks to the organizers for the opportunity to speak with your audience today. Follow an outline of speaking points. Your talk should move from one logical point to another. Even if you have the entire talk memorized, it might be useful to have a paper with talking points or notecards in front of you. This may also help with your pacing. A good rule of thumb when giving a seminar is to, “Tell them what you will tell them, tell them, tell them what you told them.” For example, if you are giving a seminar focusing on a chronological topic, such as the development of the U.S. Civil War, make sure to give your audience plenty of warning before you jump time periods. Give content outside of your visual aids. It can be very tempting to read directly from your slides, but resist that urge. Instead, gesture to your slides as support for the larger points that you are making. If you've practiced enough, your progress with the slides will also let you know if you are making good time. For example, if you have a slide with a photo of Lincoln, then you could build upon that by discussing his time in office or his personal background. This information doesn't need to be spelled out alongside the image. Print out a copy of your slides and keep it in front of you as you speak. This will remind you which slide is coming up next so that you can smoothly transition to the next point. Introduce an interactive portion. To keep the audience's attention and to help them learn, make sure that they are involved with the material. Games, discussions, quizzes, and surveys will help them participate in the seminar. An icebreaker activity at the beginning of the seminar helps lighten the mood and grab people's attention. You can break up large groups into small groups to have them discuss a problem, question, or point. Stick to the time allotted. As soon as you agree to do the seminar, find out what your time restrictions will be and design your presentation around these. Aim for a presentation that falls at the exact time or just under the time limit. Never go over time. If you find yourself at the time limit, then find a quick way to wrap up and offer to explain more during the question session. For example, you might say, “Well, I've reached the end of my time, but I would love to talk about any of these issues in response to any questions that you have.” Answer all questions as completely as possible. Start by repeating the question to ensure that the entire audience can hear what is being discussed. Then, take a moment to compose your response before jumping in, if necessary. Try to link your answer back to your overall presentation whenever possible, perhaps adding information that you were unable to include due to time or format restrictions. When planning your seminar, make sure to leave time at the end to answer questions. Prepare a short statement to wrap up the talk after the Q&A session is over. Try to thank each person for their question after answering it. If a particular person tries to dominate the question session, you can offer to speak with them after. If you don't know the answer to a particular question, it is okay to say, “That is an excellent question, but I do not have that exact information.” Maintain steady and consistent eye contact. Look around the room as you are speaking and try to make eye contact with almost everyone in the room throughout your presentation. If you find yourself gazing at just one part of the room, force yourself to look in the other direction. Similarly, don't just focus on the back of the room, look at actual people so that you can gauge their responses to what you are saying. Speak clearly and with authority. From your video practice sessions, you will notice if your voice wavers or cannot carry far enough. Try to project your voice out, so that you can speak without a microphone, if necessary. Also, go slowly and carefully pronounce each word so that everyone can understand what you are saying. It might help to write, “Speak clearly,” in the margins of your presentation notes. This will remind you to keep up your voice mid-presentation. To practice projecting your voice, stick your tongue all the way out and say a nursery rhyme, like Humpty Dumpty. Afterwards, say the same rhyme normally. You'll notice that you can project your voice more clearly after doing this exercise. Keep your calm after an error. If you make any mistakes while speaking, odds are your audience didn't even notice. But, if you are worried, then you can acknowledge your error very quickly before moving right back into your presentation outline. This is yet another opportunity to build trust with your audience. For example, you might say, “I just noticed that that figure in column 3 is not up to date as of today, so the more accurate number would be…” Control your body language. Keep your arms and hands under control and avoid fidgeting with a pen or other item. Watch your walking patterns and try to move a bit, but not enough to be distracting. As you are analyzing your body language, consider whether or not your actions will distract from your content and, if they do, try to minimize or eliminate them. To help transition between points, move to another part of the room or change places when you move through certain points. If you want to emphasize a point, stop your body completely. Plant your feet together and take a pause before saying the sentence. | Understand the expected format. Consider your audience. Find out what technology is provided and what you need to bring. Create audience-friendly slides and visual aids. Circulate any materials in advance, if needed. Practice giving your seminar using your outline. Arrive to the seminar location early. Introduce yourself. Follow an outline of speaking points. Give content outside of your visual aids. Introduce an interactive portion. Stick to the time allotted. Answer all questions as completely as possible. Maintain steady and consistent eye contact. Speak clearly and with authority. Keep your calm after an error. Control your body language. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Nubuck | How to Clean Nubuck | To clean nubuck, apply leather degreaser or leather cleaner to any oily stains on the nubuck. Then, let the cleaner sit for 1 hour before rubbing it off with a sponge. To get ink stains off of nubuck, rub an ink lifter into the stain and then wipe it off with a cloth. For tough stains, you may need to use sand paper. Just rub the stains vigorously with the sandpaper until they come out. Because nubuck is sanded cowhide, it won't be damaged by the sandpaper. | Wipe your nubuck item with a nubuck cloth. This type of cloth is specially designed for cleaning nubuck. Nubuck cleaner is typically integrated within its fibers. Wipe with this regularly to remove light soiling and shiny spots. This prevents grime from building up. Wipe in several directions, using circular motions to clean all sides of the nap. If cleaning shoes, make sure to remove the laces before starting. Brush the surface with a nubuck brush. Use a circular motion, taking care not to spend more than a few seconds on any area, as this could damage the nap. This will clear the nubuck of dirt and grime. You can find nubuck brushes at most retailers who sell nubuck items. Alternatively, you can also purchase them online through websites like Amazon. Clean a particularly soiled area with a nubuck cleaner. These cleaners come in liquid and aerosol form, and are formulated for use on nubuck. Spray the cleaner onto a nubuck cloth and wipe the entirety of the surface. Finish by brushing the nap to remove any residue. Nubuck cleaners can be acquired from the same stores where you buy your nubuck items, such as your shoes and boots. Otherwise, you can find them online at various general retailers, like Amazon or Wal-Mart. Wipe your nubuck routinely and apply a protectant. Regular wiping with a nubuck cloth will prevent you from having to resort to leather degreaser and leather cleaner. You should also apply a spray protectant at least every 6 months. Spray the item, then allow time for the nubuck to thoroughly dry before using or wearing it. The best time to spray this protectant is after cleaning your nubuck surface. Make sure to lift the nap before you apply protectant. Start by wiping the stain with a nubuck cloth. No matter the substance that caused the stain, it's crucial to wipe away whatever excess you can. For lighter stains, this might be sufficient. A nubuck cloth is specially designed for cleaning nubuck surfaces; nubuck cleaner is usually integrated in the cloth fibers. Use leather degreaser and leather cleaner to loosen oily stains. These types of stains are usually found on jacket collars and upholstery headrests. Leather degreaser typically comes in aerosol form. Spray it onto the stain, and let it stand for about an hour. The leather degreaser will turn to a powder as it stands, soaking up the oil stain. Rub the powdery residue away with a sponge and leather cleaner. If the stain remains, repeat this process. Use an ink lifter for ink stains. It's important to start cleaning the stain as quickly as possible before it sets, usually in the first 6 hours. Ink lifter is a greasy substance that typically comes in a tube, much like lip balm. Rub the substance over the ink stain until it is completely covered. Then use a nubuck cloth and leather cleaner to wipe away whatever remains of the stain. Dry the nubuck with a blow dryer and brush with the nap. Brush as you dry the nubuck. This will keep any remaining stains from setting. Brushing the nap will remove any residue, keeping the surface clean. Use a suede block or sandpaper to sand a nubuck surface. As nubuck is created by sanding cowhide, it can withstand sanding for cleaning purposes. For the toughest stains, rub them vigorously with sandpaper or a block until the stain is removed. If you only need to clean a specific stain, only sand that particular spot. Make sure the block is clean before starting to sand the nubuck. Sand particularly soiled nubuck surfaces all over. If stains have settled in your nubuck surface, or it's soiled all over, you'll want to sand it completely. Run a block or sandpaper over its entire surface until the stains are removed. The nubuck will look practically brand new. Use a nubuck brush to remove residue. As you sand the nubuck, you'll be creating a fine dust composed of the leather and whatever grime it contained. Brush it away to keep your nubuck clear and clean. | Wipe your nubuck item with a nubuck cloth. Brush the surface with a nubuck brush. Clean a particularly soiled area with a nubuck cleaner. Wipe your nubuck routinely and apply a protectant. Start by wiping the stain with a nubuck cloth. Use leather degreaser and leather cleaner to loosen oily stains. Use an ink lifter for ink stains. Dry the nubuck with a blow dryer and brush with the nap. Use a suede block or sandpaper to sand a nubuck surface. Sand particularly soiled nubuck surfaces all over. Use a nubuck brush to remove residue. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-a-Hamster-That-is-Giving-Birth | How to Take Care of a Hamster That is Giving Birth | To take care of a hamster that is giving birth, start by cleaning a glass fish tank and lining it with several layers of soft bedding. Remove any other hamsters from the cage and let the mother have the space to herself. Pregnant hamsters can be a little aggressive, so avoid handling her in the days leading up to birth. Also, provide extra water and plenty of high protein food during this time. Once labor begins, it's important not to disturb the mother or intervene with the process. Continue supplying food and water and keep the mother and her babies separated from other hamsters for at least 2 weeks. | Use a cage that is a tank. When preparing for your hamster to have her babies, use a cage that is tank-like, i.e., like a fish tank with glass walls. You want to use a tank-like cage because it reduces the risk of the babies escaping through the wire bars, if the cage you have is a wire cage. Also, you want to have a cage that is only one-story high. Cages that have multiple stories can cause the mother to make her nest on one of the second or third floors. This is risky because one of the hamster babies could fall and hurt themselves or die. Clean the cage and add extra bedding. You want to clean the cage 3 to 4 days before the mother goes into labor. Clean the cage as you normally would, but add extra bedding. Pad the cage with extra bedding material that you usually buy. You can also add shredded pieces of toilet paper for extra bedding. However, do not use commercial fluff or wool to add extra bedding. This kind of bedding can cause harm if the hamster eats it or if one of its limbs becomes caught in the fine fibers. Signs that mother is pregnant and will be going into labor are: a sudden increase in weight gain, nipple protrusion, an aggressive temperament, nest building, and an increase in eating and drinking. Remove the wheel and toys from cage. Also, remove the hamster wheel, any hamster toys, and tubes/tunnels that are inside the cage. You want to remove these because they can injure the hamster babies. Remove other hamsters from cage. If your pregnant hamster is sharing a cage with other hamsters, move these hamsters to another cage. These hamsters might disturb the mother and her preparations, or they might harm or eat the babies once born. Give her extra water. When you notice the mother drinking a lot more water than usual, this is a sign that she will be having her babies soon. Therefore, make sure her water bottle is always full. You can also provide extra water by hanging another water bottle in her cage. Feed her a high protein diet. When the hamster mother is close to having her babies, she will also be eating more than usual. She eats more than usual because she wants to ensure that she has enough energy for the labor process. Therefore, make sure her food bowl is always stocked. It is also important to supplement her diet with extra nutrients, i.e., food that is high in protein, to help her with the pregnancy. Here are some foods that you can supplement her diet with: Scrambled egg whites Chicken or tofu Porridge Bread soaked in skim milk Do not hold or handle the mother. When the time for having her babies is near, the mother might become unusually aggressive. So, unless it is absolutely necessary, try not to handle or hold the mother during this time. If you do, she might bite you to let you know she is uncomfortable with being held. Place the cage in a quiet room. Make sure the cage is in a quiet room, away from any loud noises in the house. Loud noises can stress and disturb the mother during and after birth, which can cause her to harm her babies. Do not disturb the mother or her babies. You will know the mother is in labor when you hear little squeaks coming from the cage. Be very careful to not intervene during this process. The mother will give birth in 10 to 30 minute intervals. Either way, it can happen quickly, or take several hours. If you disturb the mother, this can cause her to stress and possibly harm one of her babies. Continue to leave the mother and babies alone until the babies have been alive for 2 weeks. Continue to supply her with food and water. The birthing process requires a lot of energy from the mother. Make sure the mother has a constant supply of water and is continually fed a high protein diet throughout the entire process. Make sure the water bottle and food bowl are easily accessible for you so you can re-supply them without disturbing the mother. Do not resupply during or right after the labor process. Wait a couple hours before checking and resupplying. Keep the mother separated. The mother is fertile again 24 hours after birth. Therefore, for the safety of the mother and her babies, do not put other hamsters back in the cage. Generally, you want to minimize contact with the mother for up to two weeks. Hamster babies will be mature enough to leave their mother at three to four weeks of age. If you keep the babies longer than four weeks, make sure to remove the babies from the mother before eight weeks of age. Remove the babies into gender specific living groups, unless you want an explosion of hamster babies. At eight weeks, the hamsters will be able to reproduce and could possibly reproduce with the mother. | Use a cage that is a tank. Clean the cage and add extra bedding. Remove the wheel and toys from cage. Remove other hamsters from cage. Give her extra water. Feed her a high protein diet. Do not hold or handle the mother. Place the cage in a quiet room. Do not disturb the mother or her babies. Continue to supply her with food and water. Keep the mother separated. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-a-Whole-Chicken | How to Cook a Whole Chicken | Before roasting a chicken, start by heating the oven to 425 °F. Then, sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Next, chop an onion into thick slices and peel for carrots before chopping them up into chunky pieces. Cut the top off a fennel bulb and chop the bulb into pieces. After you've put the chicken in a roasting tray, cut a lemon and head of garlic in half and put them inside the bird along with a large bunch of thyme. Throw the vegetables into the pan, spread some butter over the chicken, and roast it for 1.5 hours. | Rinse and dry the chicken. Wash the chicken off with cool water, and pat dry with a paper towel. Also, take the giblets out of the cavity. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Set the chicken in a slow cooker. Add the onions, carrots, celery, thyme, and lemon juice to the pot. You can scatter the vegetables over the top of the chicken. Smash the garlic cloves with the side of your knife. Add the garlic to the pot, too. To smash the garlic, place the garlic on a flat surface. Place a large knife on top of it, flat side down. Smash the other side of the the knife with your hand. Set the cooker to high. Leave the chicken alone for 6 hours. Take the chicken out. Set it on a plate. Pour the juices into a saucepan. Skim off as much fat as possible from the top. To skim off the fat, use a spoon to pull the top layer of fat off the top of the juice. Discard the juice. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of water. Whisk it together to remove any lumps. Pour into the saucepan with the juices. Whisk it together. Boil the juices. Boil the saucepan over high heat, stirring constantly. When it starts to thicken, cook it another 5 minutes. Serve in pieces. Cut up the chicken, and use the thickened pan juices as a gravy. Peel and chop the onion. Slice through the middle of the onion. Peel off the outer layer of skin. Place the half onion face down on the chopping board. Slice it one way. Turn the onion, and slice it the other way, resulting in chopped onion. Wash and slice the celery. Once they are clean, line up the celery stalks. Chop along the stalks. Peel and chop the carrots. Use a vegetable peeler to peel the carrots. Chop the carrots into chunks. Peel and chop the parsnips. Take off the peel with a vegetable peeler. Chop up the parsnips. Add all the ingredients to the pot, holding the pepper for later. Using a large soup pot, put in the chicken, chopped vegetables, chicken broth, and salt. Bring it up to a boil. Once it's boiling, cover it, and reduce the heat to medium-low. You want it to simmer for about an hour and a half. The chicken should be falling off the bone. Remove the chicken from the pot. On a large platter, pull the meat off the bones. Leave the skin behind. Shred the chicken, and then add it back to the pot. Serve in bowls. Add the pepper to the individual bowls. Heat up the oven to 425 °F (218 °C). Take the chicken giblets out of the inside of the chicken. Rinse and dry the chicken. Wash the chicken in cool water inside and out. Use a paper towel to dry off the chicken. Sprinkle the whole chicken with salt and pepper. Slice the onion. Slice the onion in half. Remove the outer skin of the onion. Slice the onion into thick slices. Peel and chop the carrots. Peel the carrots with a vegetable peeler. Chop them into large chunks. Remove the tops of the fennel bulb. Cut the fennel bulb into large chunks. Add the thyme, garlic, and lemon to the inside of the chicken. Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Use a string to keep the legs together. Push the tips of the wings under the chicken. Rub the outside of the chicken with butter. Add more salt and pepper. Throw the rest of the vegetables into the pan. Add salt and pepper. Also add in the olive oil and and the rest of the thyme. Use a spoon to mix it up. Place the chicken in the oven. Let it cook for about an hour and a half. The juices from the chicken should be clear when done. Let the chicken sit. After you remove the chicken and vegetables to a platter, cover it for 20 minutes before slicing. Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Take the chicken out of the package, and put it in a large enough roasting pan. Cut half the ginger into pieces. Place it inside the chicken, along with the lemongrass and two quarters of the lime. To keep the ingredients inside, use kitchen twine to tie the legs together. Stir together the oil and 1 teaspoon of the curry paste. Massage the mixture into the chicken with your hands. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Cover the pan with foil. Heat the oven to 390 °F (199 °C). Set the chicken in the oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil. Put in the potatoes. Stir them up in the pan juices. Place the pan back in the oven to roast for 40 more minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven. Take the chicken out of the pan. Place it on a serving dish. Put the baking pan on the stove over medium heat. Add in the ginger and curry paste. Peel the ginger, and then grate it into the dish. Add the curry paste. Let it cook on the stove for 2 minutes. Pour in the coconut milk and sugar. Bring the sauce to a boil, letting it go for 5 minutes. Add the beans. Cook them for 4 minutes. Pour in the fish sauce, lime, and juices from the chicken plate. Add in the fish sauce. Juice the other half of the lime, and pour in any juices from the serving plate. Serve over rice. Add peanuts on top for extra flavor. | Rinse and dry the chicken. Add the onions, carrots, celery, thyme, and lemon juice to the pot. Set the cooker to high. Take the chicken out. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of water. Pour into the saucepan with the juices. Boil the juices. Serve in pieces. Peel and chop the onion. Wash and slice the celery. Peel and chop the carrots. Peel and chop the parsnips. Add all the ingredients to the pot, holding the pepper for later. Bring it up to a boil. Remove the chicken from the pot. Serve in bowls. Heat up the oven to 425 °F (218 °C). Rinse and dry the chicken. Slice the onion. Peel and chop the carrots. Remove the tops of the fennel bulb. Add the thyme, garlic, and lemon to the inside of the chicken. Rub the outside of the chicken with butter. Throw the rest of the vegetables into the pan. Place the chicken in the oven. Let the chicken sit. Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Cut half the ginger into pieces. Stir together the oil and 1 teaspoon of the curry paste. Heat the oven to 390 °F (199 °C). Put in the potatoes. Remove the chicken from the oven. Add in the ginger and curry paste. Pour in the coconut milk and sugar. Add the beans. Pour in the fish sauce, lime, and juices from the chicken plate. Serve over rice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fast-and-Easy-Pancakes | How to Make Fast and Easy Pancakes | To make fast and easy pancakes, first combine 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together, then make a small well in the center of the mix. Crack an egg into the well and pour ¾ cup of milk in too. Stir the egg and milk into the dry ingredients. Whisk the batter until it thickens, then let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Place a skillet or griddle on your stovetop. Heat some oil or butter in the pan, then ladle the batter in small circles. When the pancake starts to bubble on the top, turn it over and continue cooking it until the edges turn golden brown. Remove the pancakes from the heat when they're done and serve them with your favorite toppings. | Measure out your dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they're evenly distributed. Use the bottom of a spoon or ladle to press a small well into the center of the dry mix to make mixing in the other ingredients easier. Baking powder is optional, but will produce fluffier pancakes that rise better during the cooking process. Add milk and an egg. Crack one egg into the well you made in the dry ingredients. Pour roughly ¾ cup of milk into the well. Stir the the egg and milk into the dry ingredients, making sure to beat the egg. For a thicker batter, use slightly less milk. Add the milk slowly and gradually while you stir. If the batter comes out thicker than you like, you can always add another ounce. If you use too much, however, you'll have to add more flour, which will throw the recipe off. Some people also like to add about a teaspoon of oil to the batter itself. This can help the ingredients hold together better once they've been mixed. Whisk until the batter thickens. Whisk the ingredients together vigorously until it becomes a batter. Try to break up as many of the lumps of flour and baking powder as you can. The batter should be smooth and have a thick, creamy consistency when it's done. Be careful not to overmix your batter. This can make the pancakes slightly tough and rubbery after they're cooked. Let the batter rest for a few minutes. Set a timer for 3-5 minutes and give the batter time to rest. As it sits, it will continue to set up and thicken. Stir the batter occasionally to eliminate air bubbles. While you're letting the batter rest, you can begin preparing your cooking surface. Resting the batter gives the starches time to relax after whisking them together so that the pancake will turn out light and fluffy. This is a good time to add other ingredients to your pancake batter, such as chocolate chips, blueberries, coconut, etc. Ready a large griddle or skillet. Find a surface to cook your pancakes on. Choose a griddle or skillet that is flat and large enough to cook several pancakes at once. Place the skillet on the cooktop and have the batter and the rest of your ingredients close by. If the cooking surface you're using isn't very large, you'll either have to make smaller pancakes or cook fewer at a time. Avoid saute-style pans with sloped edges. These can mess up the shape of the pancake and leave you with no room to flip them. Turn on the stove to a medium heat. Let the cooktop begin to warm up the skillet or griddle. It's essential to bring the cooking surface to the right temperature. If it's too hot, the pancake batter is likely to burn, while if it's not hot enough it can take much longer to cook and may leave the pancakes spongy in the middle even when they appear done on the outside. The cooking surface will grow hotter the longer it's exposed to direct heat, so it's a good idea to turn it down a little after your first round of pancakes are done. Heat 1tbsp of oil or butter in the skillet. Pour about 2 tablespoons of canola oil into the skillet, or use 2-3 tablespoons of butter, or a combination of the two. Heat the oil or let the butter melt in the skillet, making sure to coat the entire cooking surface. Wait until just before the butter or oil begins to sizzle before adding the pancake batter. If you're using oil to cook pancakes, canola or vegetable oil will work best, as they'll lubricate the skillet and cook the pancakes evenly without influencing their flavor. Cooking with butter is fine, but it can give the pancakes a denser, crispier outer texture once it cooks in. Wipe out the pan and add new butter after each batch to keep from burning it. Ladle on the pancake batter in small circles. Use a deep ladle to pour the pancake batter onto the hot cooking surface. Aim to make each pancake 3-4 inches in diameter. On a large enough cooking surface, you'll be able to cook up to 4 pancakes at a time. Keep the edges of the batter separated so the pancakes don't stick together. Keep the pancakes compact. Pancakes that are too big will be difficult to flip. Don't use too much batter for a single pancake, or the outside will get done while the inside is still goopy. Cook the pancakes until they begin to bubble. Depending on the heat of the skillet and the size of the pancakes, they'll need to cook for somewhere between 30 seconds and a minute on each side. Once bubbles begin to form in the wet batter on the top of the pancake, it's time to turn them over. Look for the edges to solidify and brown ever so slightly before flipping them. Bubbles indicate that the first side of the pancake is done and that heat is trying to escape through the other side. Slide your spatula under each pancake after they've been cooking for a few moments to make sure they don't stick to the skillet. Flip the pancakes over and continue cooking on the other side. Flip each pancake over with a spatula. Let the pancakes cook for another 20-30 seconds on the opposite side. Because they've already been partially cooked through, they won't take long to get done after you flip them. Keep an eye on the underside of the pancakes to make sure they don't burn. Flip the pancakes over in one fluid motion to prevent breaking them or making a mess. After flipping the pancakes, lift up one edge and peek at the bottom to gauge their progress. Remove the pancakes from the heat when they’re golden brown. Once both sides are a nice golden brown, take them out of the skillet and divvy them up amongst your hungry eaters. Start a second batch to use up whatever batter you have left over. If necessary, add a little more butter or oil to the skillet. Otherwise, the outside of the pancakes will be more likely to burn. Some people may like their pancakes slightly more brown or a little undercooked. Cook the pancakes until they're done enough to suit your tastes. Serve with your favorite toppings. Stack your pancakes high and top them with a square of butter or a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. You could also choose to add whipped cream, fresh fruit, nuts, jam, chocolate chips or even crushed candy pieces. Pancakes are a fun, easy morning treat that can be customized to even the pickiest eater's liking. Give your pancakes a delicious theme, pairing classic fruit combinations like strawberry and banana, or make their flavor profiles more complex with additives like cinnamon, coconut or lemon zest. There are no rules. Almost anything can go on a steaming hot stack of pancakes! | Measure out your dry ingredients. Add milk and an egg. Whisk until the batter thickens. Let the batter rest for a few minutes. Ready a large griddle or skillet. Turn on the stove to a medium heat. Heat 1tbsp of oil or butter in the skillet. Ladle on the pancake batter in small circles. Cook the pancakes until they begin to bubble. Flip the pancakes over and continue cooking on the other side. Remove the pancakes from the heat when they’re golden brown. Serve with your favorite toppings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Club-President | How to Be a Good Club President | Being a club president can be challenging, but if you're a good leader and stay organized, you'll set your club up for success. While it might feel strange at first, it's your job to give orders, set schedules, and make final decisions, so don't be afraid to be assertive. It's helpful to delegate club tasks so you're not stuck with all the work. At your next meeting, bring a meeting agenda so the meeting stays on track. You might assign member roles, discuss problems in the club, or ask members for suggestions. While it's important to be a leader, it's also important to listen to your members' ideas. Outside of meetings, take time to schedule fun activities with the group, like a movie or game night, which will help everyone feel more comfortable with each other. | Be a confident leader. You must be comfortable standing and speaking in front of your fellow club members. It's natural to be nervous when you first become the club's president, but you want the club members to respect your authority. You must be comfortable giving orders and setting a schedule. If there are discrepancies of opinion, it is up to you to make the final decision. You also need to have the confidence to hold your club members accountable to the rules of the club and to deadlines like fee payments. Listen to your club members. As much as you need have the respect of your club members, you also need to actively listen to their ideas and concerns. When someone comes to talk to you about an issue, take them seriously. If you don't have time to address it right then, let them know. Tell them you'd rather talk about it later when you have more time because you really value what they have to say. The positive interaction of all your club members will create a successful club. Create a democratic decision-making process, rather than overriding opinions of others. Keep your meetings fun. No matter what type of club you are leading, you want to make sure that your members enjoy coming and bring friends. Change up the style of the meeting and the meeting spot. Take time to do purely fun activities with your club members like having a movie or game night or volunteering together.. This will help create friendships within the club. Bring snacks to meetings and take time to play games. Kicking off meetings with an ice breaker can be a good idea. State your club's purpose. In order for your club to run smoothly and achieve its goals, the objectives must be clear to you and to all your club members. Define a mission statement for your club, or write out the mission statement that already exists. This mission statement should be short and simple. Post it somewhere in your meeting area, and remind members of the statement at each meeting. This will help you club stay defined and improve, no matter what type of club it is. Also, this will give potential new members an accurate idea of what your club is. Seek funding. Clubs need money for activities, trips and meeting expenses. If you are associated with a university or school, you may be able to appeal to the school for funding if you meet the criteria for becoming a club. If you're not associated with a school, you may want to consider making your club a non-profit. You should only consider this if your club is raising tens of thousands of dollars per year as this will require significant paper work and cost money. But long-term it can help with avoiding any taxes down the road on income the club generates. Consider fundraising. Activities like a car wash, selling products, or simply starting a donation page can help raise money for your club. You can also charge membership dues and fees that are used to fund the club. Define membership criteria. Outline the basic requirements for someone to become a member. Keep these as simple as possible. For example, you may want age requirements if your club is more adult in nature. You may also make ongoing criteria that are necessary to remain a member of the club, such as regular meeting attendance and participation in events or a certain GPA if you are associate with a school. This will also ensure that you have an active club. Recruit members. As you're leading your club, you want to make sure the club is constantly active in building participants, rather than just waiting for new members to find you. You'll need marketing. You may want a member of the club devoted to this, but as president this will also be your responsibility to make sure the club is growing. Create a website. This allows potential members to read about your club and contact you with interest. Hold open-house events. Advertise events for potential members to come and see what your club is all about. This is a great way to vet potential members and also showcase what your club can do for them. Ask current members to recruit. They are likely to have circles of friends with similar interests. Delegate club-related tasks. Part of being a good leader is knowing that you can't run your club alone. Your fellow officers and members are there to help and it is important for you to tell them what you need and expect out of them. Listen to their ideas, and let people volunteer for tasks they are interested in. Delegating tasks and responsibilities will keep members engaged and invested in the club. You'll need a treasurer, a secretary, a schedule manager, and a membership manager. Plan for club meetings. Have regular meeting dates and times, and tell members well in advance if a meeting will be cancelled. Before each meeting, plan what you will talk about. You should create a meeting agenda, where you outline what is going to be discussed in the meeting and who is going to be speaking on the topic. If you want other officers to speak at a meeting, make sure you discuss it with them before the meeting. Run the meetings with efficiency. Having a structure to your meetings will make your club more productive. You should begin every meeting with a call to order. You may say, "I call this meeting to order", or "This meeting is now in session." You should then have someone delegated to take meeting minutes, or notes on the meeting. This could be you or someone delegated to be the minute-taker. You should review the meeting minutes from the last meeting at the beginning of the meeting and revisit any issues or concerns that were not addressed in the previous meeting. You should then discuss each item on the meeting agenda. Allow for discussion and debate between club members but try to reach a consensus on each issue and move efficiently through each item. At the end of the meeting, you should have an official "end". You may say, "I now end this meeting" or "This meeting is now over." Stay active on social media. Make a Facebook page that provides a forum for members to interact and also to recruit new members. You can also create other club social media like Instagram or Twitter. Social media is a quick way to send information or invitations to events. Send out e-newsletters with club content, meeting notes, and upcoming events. | Be a confident leader. Listen to your club members. Keep your meetings fun. State your club's purpose. Seek funding. Define membership criteria. Recruit members. Delegate club-related tasks. Plan for club meetings. Run the meetings with efficiency. Stay active on social media. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Letter-of-Interest-for-a-House | How to Write a Letter of Interest for a House | Start your Letter of Interest by making a connection with the seller, like mentioning that you have kids who are the same age. Then, express what you love about the house, making sure to mention specifics and how they would impact your future life there. After expressing your interest, talk about your strengths and what makes you the ideal homeowner. Finally, close the letter by thanking them for their consideration and letting them know how to contact you. | Learn when a letter of interest can benefit you. You can use a letter of interest to set yourself apart as a potential buyer for a particular property. In essence, the letter gives you the chance to describe yourself, your family, your situation, and any other aspects you'd like to make a lasting impression on the home's seller. You can maximize the effectiveness of a letter of interest in particular situations. For example, in a “seller's market” situation, you can face competition from a crowded market of buyers all seeking the same house. A letter of interest is a tool you can use to make you stick out from the crowd. Letters of interest are less common when both parties involved are using a REALTOR. If the seller uses a REALTOR, he or she may want to minimize any part in the selling process, and the seller's REALTOR is more likely concerned with which potential buyer can close on the house quickly and for the largest percentage of the asking price. If you wish to submit a letter of interest, the best time to do it is when you make an offer on the house. A well-crafted letter of interest can make your offer more attractive to the seller. Form a connection. Learn what you can about the current owners of the house and highlight similarities with your own life in your letter. For example, if both you and the seller work as teachers, you can write something like, "What would be better than to have a teacher taking care of your old house?" If you (or your partner, spouse, or children) attended the same school, work in the same sector, volunteer for the same charity, or share any other significant connections to the owners, be sure to make note of this in your letter. Don't sound too formal: “I am a 30 year old alumnus of University Xyz with a degree in chemistry.” Do sound approachable: “The U Xyz banner at open house brought back memories — I didn't expect to meet another alumnus out here!” Tell the buyer why you love the home. Clearly express why you love this specific home and neighborhood. Write something along the lines of, "My family and I love the beautiful backyard and look forward to many afternoons relaxing beside the pool." Focus on specific features of the home and neighborhood that you love, such as the sunroom, yard, surrounding walking trails, etc. People are often still attached to the houses they're selling. Use this section to show the seller that you have the proper appreciation for the house. Show the seller that selling to you would leave the house in good hands. Write emotionally but authentically. An emotional connection between buyer and seller can be crucial to purchasing a home, so don't be afraid to use emotional language. However, honesty and authenticity always go a long way, so avoid coming across as saccharine or desperate. Don't mention sad stories: “...turned down from several houses... looking to escape an awful neighborhood...” Do tug on heartstrings in an upbeat way: “...kids loved running down the beach... couldn't stop smiling when I looked at the view...” This also means you shouldn't exaggerate what you love about the house. The current owner will know the house better than anyone, including the work it needs. Overselling how perfect the house is can easily come across as inauthentic. Don't be afraid to mention that you'd repaint, finish the basement, etc. This also tells the seller that you're willing to invest in the upkeep of the house. Paint a positive picture of yourself. Focus on your strengths, financial stability, and other positive characteristics that would make you the perfect homeowner. Highlight why you would make a great owner. Don't brag (e.g., “I have an outstanding work ethic” or “I am a pillar of the community”), but do mention positive traits in a straightforward and honest way. Support your statements with examples and evidence. For example, “I am community-minded and volunteer at my local school.” Save the best for last. Reiterate your excitement to purchase the house, as well as your most salient qualities. The closing paragraph of a letter of interest can be the most crucial, and thus it is important to close on a positive note. A closing paragraph might also imagine the future you and your family will enjoy in the home. You might write, “I would be so excited to raise my family here, and would enjoy many years creating memories in this home.” Express your sincere appreciation for the owner's time. Include a warm thank you at the end of the letter, such as, “Your consideration is greatly appreciated,” or similar wording. Keep the letter short. Outline a few important reasons why you would love to (and should) live in the house. Definitely keep it under 1 page, however. Try to avoid including too much detail about your own life story, and avoid complaining about the difficulties you might be experiencing in finding a home. Learn how a letter of intent (LOI) can benefit you. A letter of intent is completely different from a letter of interest. However, these types of letters are sometimes confused. While letters of interest attempt to set you apart from other buyers in the market, you can think of a letter of intent more like a pre-contract on the house. It sets a basis for the details of the transaction around the house and acts as a starting point for negotiations. This allows the buyer and seller to make sets of offers and counteroffers before committing to a final contract. One of the most important aspects of an LOI is that it isn't binding, meaning either party can walk away at any point in the process. Like letters of interests, letters of intent aren't common when REALTORS are involved in the process. REALTORS usually hash out the details on behalf of their clients with the implicit knowledge that nothing is binding until a final contract is agreed to and signed. If you aren't experienced in this sort of writing, it may be best to work from a template or have a real estate professional draft an LOI for you. Differentiate an LOI from a contingent offer. You should also be aware of contingent offers and how they differ from LOIs. A contingent offer constitutes a very real offer on the house, but one for which contingencies must be accepted by the seller. If the seller accepts the contingent offer, all parties will need to complete any appropriate tasks within the time specified in the offer. These tasks might include the inspection, any necessary work on the property that is mutually agreed upon, or any other contingent action that is needed before the sale can be finalized. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Write-a-Letter-of-Interest-for-a-House-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Letter-of-Interest-for-a-House-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Write-a-Letter-of-Interest-for-a-House-Step-9.jpg\/aid1493747-v4-728px-Write-a-Letter-of-Interest-for-a-House-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} You can include contingent items in your letter of intent, but the scope of an LOI is larger and less official than an actual contingent offer. You shouldn't make any offer on the home—contingent or otherwise—until both parties have agreed upon all of the specifics of an LOI. Address your letter to the seller. Use the seller's full personal or company name, main address, and contact information, and date the letter. Indicate that you are interested in buying the house. Include the property address and any details about what will be included in the purchase, including furnishings, land, or other items. Formal language is most common. You can write, “This letter describes the intent of (your name) to purchase the real estate located at (location) owned by (seller's name).” Ensure that the name and address of each party, as well as that of the property, are included. You may choose to begin this sentence in a semi-formal manner, such as, “I, (your name), am writing this letter to declare my interest to buy.” List the price you would be willing to offer in the second sentence. Use a phrase such as “The proposed purchase price is...,” or, “The purchase price proposed is,” or similar wording. Remember that as a basis for negotiation, the seller can choose to counter at a higher percentage of the full asking price than what you offer here. The offer should also indicate that the purchase price will be paid to the seller at the closing of the deal. If you are proposing to rent or lease, indicate whether you are proposing a weekly, monthly, yearly, or multi-year rent, and in what installments the rent will be made (e.g., every month, every year, etc.). Also include any pro-rated portions of rent if the home is to be inhabited in the middle of a month. Propose a deposit, if applicable. To show that you're serious about the intent to purchase the house (contingent upon good faith negotiations), you can choose to offer a deposit in your LOI. Rather than actually exchanging hands, this deposit is typically held in escrow for the duration of negotiations. Ensure that you clearly spell out the terms under which the deposit will be returned to you, such as by a certain date or if no agreement on the house can be reached. This type of deposit is typically called “earnest money.” Earnest money usually goes to escrow once you sign the purchase and sale agreement, but this agreement will stipulate when exactly it should be deposited into an escrow account. Earnest money is not usually deposited into escrow until the contract is executed, but in some cases it may be contingent on other factors, such as a successful inspection of the property. This amount may be approximately 1-3% of the purchase price. When a final agreement is signed, the money typically goes toward the down payment. Higher deposits are riskier for you, and may make your offer more attractive to the seller. A typical deposit is around 1% of the purchase price, which minimizes your risk as a buyer. Outline the finance period. Indicate the expected period of time you will require to secure the necessary funds. While you do not have to include any specific banking information, you should include the soonest you can expect to secure financing, as well as the soonest date you might be willing to close on the sale. You can include other dates in this section, such as a date on which the negotiations automatically expire. Placing an expiration date in the LOI can help push a seller into making a decision more quickly. An expiration date can also put pressure on you, as the buyer, to respond to any counter-offers by the seller. If you are represented by a broker, you can also clarify how the broker's fees will be paid. Suggest a “due diligence” period. If you would like to take additional time to inspect the home, review property tax records, examine building permits, or anything else, you can also suggest a period for you to perform your due diligence on the house. Use this period to discover anything about the house on which your eventual offer might be contingent. Be specific about the nature of your inspection: an independent tour, for example, or investigation of tax or other records. You may also specify what types of information or disclosures you will require during an inspection. Close by stating that the letter of interest is not legally binding. Make sure this clause is carefully worded and explicitly clarifies that neither party is legally bound to the letter of intent. Make sure there is a clause that states explicitly that “this letter does not bind the buyer or seller to any offer, financial or otherwise,” or use similar wording that clearly communicates that neither the buyer nor seller is legally bound to the letter of intent and may walk away at any time. A seller who is both a novice to the selling process and working without a REALTOR can interpret such a clause as a lack of seriousness about the property, but you don't want to risk leaving the letter of intent worded in such a way that a court could find it a legal, enforceable document. Sign and date the letter. Use a formal sign-off, such as “Sincerely,” or similar wording. The letter should also include phrasing such as “Agreed to and Accepted by,” or similar wording, followed by the signatures of both the buyer and seller. | Learn when a letter of interest can benefit you. Form a connection. Tell the buyer why you love the home. Write emotionally but authentically. Paint a positive picture of yourself. Save the best for last. Keep the letter short. Learn how a letter of intent (LOI) can benefit you. Differentiate an LOI from a contingent offer. Address your letter to the seller. Indicate that you are interested in buying the house. List the price you would be willing to offer in the second sentence. Propose a deposit, if applicable. Outline the finance period. Suggest a “due diligence” period. Close by stating that the letter of interest is not legally binding. Sign and date the letter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Sphynx-Cats | How to Care for Sphynx Cats | To care for a Sphynx cat, make sure it has access to a high-quality dry cat food at all times since Sphynx cats have a high metabolism and need more food than other cats. Alternatively, you can feed it wet food 3 times a day. Also, since Sphynx cats don't have a lot of fur to stay warm, keep your home warm at all times, and provide plenty of blankets for your cat to cuddle up in. Additionally, bathe your Sphynx cat once a week to keep its skin in good condition. | Feed your Sphynx cat often. The Sphynx cat lacks the insulating fur of other cat breeds, and therefore loses body heat more easily. The breed has a very high metabolism, which means your Sphynx cat needs to eat more than another cat might. You should always have dry food down for your cat to eat if you feed your cat dry food. If you feed your cat canned food, feed him three times a day or as needed to keep him satisfied. If feeding your cat wet, canned food, try for an average of eight to 12 ounces of food per day. You do not want your cat to be overweight, but your Sphynx cat should never be bony. If his weight decreases, or his ribs become more obvious, then increase the ration by five to 10%. Reweigh him again a week later to check the weight loss has been arrested. Alternatively, look for a food that is marketed for active cats, or look for a breed-specific food made for Sphynx cats. These tend to be higher calorie than the equivalent amount of regular food. Feed your Sphynx cat a good quality, protein rich food. Meat should be listed first and second on the pet food label. Avoid foods where a large percentage is cereal based. Set up a litter box. You should provide your cat with a large litter box. It should be placed in a quiet, out of the way spot. Check with the breeder to see which cat litter he used to provide consistency for your cat. Provide scratch posts. These provide an outlet for the cat's natural desire to scratch. Place several posts in your home, near entrance and exits, and next to the cat's bed. Keep your Sphynx cat warm. Because of the small amount of hair, the Sphynx cat needs to be kept warm. Usually, keeping the cat in your home at room temperature is enough. Sphynx cats also often lie in sunlight shining through windows or sit near objects that give off heat. Your Sphynx may want to cuddle with you often to be near your body heat. He may also want to sleep beneath your comforter at night. Provide access to blankets that your cat can lay on or under. During the winter you may need to place your Sphynx cat in sweaters. Protect your cat from sun exposure. Because the Sphynx cat's skin is exposed, you need to protect it from the sun. A limited amount of sun is fine, but too much can give your cat sunburn. Use UV blocking shirts or hats on your cat. You may want to install sun-blocking screens on your windows to make sure your cat doesn't lie in a sunny spot and get sunburnt. Bathe your cat regularly. Sphynx cats need regular bathing to keep their skin in good condition. Because of the lack of hair, the Sphynx's body secretes oil. This causes the breed to need frequent bathing. You should bathe your cat once a week. Sphynx cats are a great breed for people who are allergic to cats and cat hair. By bathing, your cat often, it also washes away dander and helps to keep the allergic component down. Sphynx cats have different degrees of hairlessness. Some Sphynx cats are completely hairless with skin that feels like a warm chamois leather. Some Sphynx cats have downy hair over their body, which feels like warm peach fuzz. The skin itself is often "oversized" for the body and sits in wrinkles. These wrinkles can be pronounced over the forehead and give the cat a quizzical or worried expression. Wash your cat’s ears. Because of the large size of the Sphynx's ears, they need to be cleaned regularly. Gently clean the ears with cleaning solution on a cotton ball or cotton swab once a week. If you neglect your Sphynx's ears, he can get a build up of ear wax, oil, and dirt. Clean your cat’s eyes. Sphynx cats don't have eyelashes. This means that the eyes can get dirt and other build up around them, which can cause irritation. To clean your cat's eyes, gently wipe them with a damp tissue. Don't use anything containing alcohol or other irritants, like baby wipes, around your cat's eyes. It will cause more irritation. Give your Sphynx a lot of attention. Sphynx cats love people and being around people. If you want a cat to bond with who wants to take part in what you're doing, then a Sphynx is a good choice. Sphynx cats are known to follow their owners around the house with wagging tails. Play with your Sphynx cat twice a day. Satisfy the Sphynx’s natural curiosity. The Sphynx is renowned for his inquisitive nature. He puts a lot of enthusiasm into whatever he does, which along with his natural curiosity means the Sphynx can get up to mischief if he's not provided with an outlet for his normal behavior. Because of this energy and curiosity, the breed has a lot of character and can be seen as quite mischievous. House your Sphynx cat inside. Because of your Sphynx cat's lack of hair, you need to keep her inside. If she is left outside, she can get sunburned or too cold. If you let your Sphynx cat outside, make sure to watch her closely to make sure the elements don't make her sick. Consider companions for your Sphynx cat. The Sphynx cat is a social cat who doesn't like being alone. If you are gone from home often, consider having another Sphynx cat or other pets. Sphynx cats do very well with other pets, including dogs and other cats. Provide places for the cat to climb. Sphynx cats have a lot of energy. They like to climb on furniture and doors, and even climb on people's shoulders. They also are good at balancing and can be acrobatic tricks. Make your home a fun place for your Sphynx cat to explore by giving him plenty of places to climb. Consider attaching shelving to the wall in such a way that the cat has an aerial walkway around a room. Providing a high perch beside a door will give the Sphynx a great spot from which to watch people come and go, which could prevent your Sphynx trying to dash out the door each time. Vaccinate your cat. You should vaccinate your Sphynx cat against common infectious diseases, such as cat flu, feline infectious enteritis, feline leukemia, and rabies. The initial kitten vaccinations require two doses to be effective, given from nine weeks of age and given three to four weeks apart. If in doubt about when to vaccinate, phone your local veterinary clinic to be advised of the protocol that they recommend and work to. Get your cat booster injections once a year. Desex your cat. Your Sphynx cat should be spayed or neutered. This generally takes place around five to six months old, before your female cat can start getting pregnant. While you are getting your cat fixed, you can also have an identichip fitted. ID chips are a permanent way of identifying your cat. Control parasites and worms. Other preventative health care for your cat includes parasite control and deworming. You want to discuss a flea prevention medicine with your vet. You should also get your cat dewormed every three months. | Feed your Sphynx cat often. Set up a litter box. Provide scratch posts. Keep your Sphynx cat warm. Protect your cat from sun exposure. Bathe your cat regularly. Wash your cat’s ears. Clean your cat’s eyes. Give your Sphynx a lot of attention. Satisfy the Sphynx’s natural curiosity. House your Sphynx cat inside. Consider companions for your Sphynx cat. Provide places for the cat to climb. Vaccinate your cat. Desex your cat. Control parasites and worms. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Your-Adopted-Mutt | How to Identify Your Adopted Mutt | To identify your adopted mutt, consider its size and weight, since very small dogs likely have some influence from toy breeds, like Chihuahuas or Shih Tzus. Alternatively, large dogs may have breeds such as retrievers and shepherds in their background. Additionally, examine its tail, which may be a variety such as bobtail, often seen in breeds like Australian Shepherd or Pembroke Welsh Corgi. You should also look at the shape of your dog's head, which may be a round dome, such as that of a Chihuahua, or square shaped, like a Boston Terrier. | Check your dog's size. Your dog's size is related to your dog's breeds. You can't have a large mutt without him having a large-breed dog as a part of his genetic makeup. For instance, if your dog is very small (in the 5 to 10 pound range), he likely has some influence from the toy breeds, such as Toy Poodles, Chihuahuas, Papillons, and Shih Tzus. If your dog is mid-range, in the 10 to 50 pound range, he likely has some influence from a mid-range size dog, such as a terrier or spaniel. Large dogs, in the 65 to 100-pound range, include dogs such as setters, retrievers, and shepherds. The biggest dogs, the ones that come close to 200 pounds, likely have some giant dog in their mix, such as Saint Bernard, Komondor, or Mastiff. Nonetheless, mutts can come in any size, and if your dog is mid-range, it may be harder to determine what breeds contributed to his genetic makeup based on size. Look at your dog's ears. Different breeds have different types of ears. Your mutt's ears can be an indicator of what breeds contributed to his looks. Bat ears are large ears that stand upright on a dog's head. They are large in proportion to the head. They may be slightly rounded. Chihuahuas and Cardigan West Corgis have these ears. Prick ears stand upright and are pointed. You'll see these ears on malamutes and Siberian Huskies, as well as some terriers. Sometimes, prick ears are made by cutting part of the ear, and those ears are called cropped. Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers often have their ears cropped. Another variation on prick ears is hooded ears, which curve slightly in at the bottom, like on Basenji dogs. Round-tip or blunt-tip ears are upright ears that are rounded on the ends, seen on Chow Chows or French Bulldogs. Candle flame ears are pointed ears, but they pinch in slightly at the bottom, making them look like a candle flame. English Toy Terriers have these ears. Button ears stand up, but the top part flops down, covering the ear canal. They're seen in Fox Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers, for example. Cocked, semi-cropped, or semi-pricked ear stands upright, but folds just slightly over at the top, as seen in Rough Collies and Pit Bulls. Drop ears or pendant ears drop down beside the side of the face, such as in the basset hound. Another type of ear that is usually a drop style is a v-shaped ear, which is a elongated ear in a triangle shape, seen in Bull Mastiffs. A folded ear is much like a drop ear. However, the ear hangs down in ruffles rather than straight down. You'll see these ears in dogs like Field Spaniels. Filbert-shaped ears hang down, but they have an unusual shape, looking like filberts. You'll find these ears in breeds like Bedlington Terriers. Rose ears are a type of drop ears, but they fold back instead of forward. You see these ears on Greyhounds. Check your dog's tail. Your dog's tail can also be an indicator of its breed. Dog tails come in several varieties. Curly tails make a little corkscrew. You see this type of tail in Pugs, Akitas, and Chow Chows, for instance. Bobtails are short tails that look cut-off. You see this tail on dogs such as Australian Shepherds and Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Flagpole tails are long and straight and stand up like, well, a flagpole. You'll see these tails on dogs like Beagles. Rat tails hang down, and they have very little hair. These tails are prominent on Irish Water Spaniels and Afghans. You might also see saber tails and sickle tails. Saber tails hang down but curve slightly upward and are covered in fur; German Shepherds have these tails. Sickle tails curve upward over the body and are covered in fur; Siberian Huskies and Chihuahuas have these tails. Look at your dog's head. The shape of your dog's head can also indicate the breed type of your dog. Head shape varies from apple-headed to blocky-headed. Apple heads are very rounded. In fact, they look like domes. These heads are often seen on Chihuahuas. A square-shaped head is known as a blocky head, seen in Boston Terriers. Dogs with noses sunk into their heads and an undershot jaw are called broken-up faces, as seen in Pekingese. Snippy-faced dogs have sharp muzzles that aren't very wide, such as Salukis. Dogs that have faces that are concave are called dish-faced, as seen in pointers. Dogs with down face have convex faces. Their faces are curved outward from the nose to the top of their head, as with Bull Terriers. Realize you won't be able to identify your dog 100 percent. While you may be able to pull out some of the breeds of your dog just by looking at him, it is difficult to decipher ancestry in mixed-breed dogs. When dogs are mixed, they can produce interesting characteristics that you wouldn't necessarily associate with the original breed. Order a genetic test online. Find a reputable company that sells genetic dog tests. They will send you a kit to help you test your DNA. Two of the major companies are Wisdom Panel and DNA My Dog. While these tests can provide some information, they aren't foolproof. In fact, getting tests from two different companies may show a different mixture of breeds. See if you can find out which company has the widest database of dog breeds on file and choose the company with the most breeds. They will have a wider reference range and will be better able to more accurately identify your dog. It's especially difficult to identify breeds if your dog has a larger number than other dogs; if your dog just has a couple of breeds, it may be easier to identify. Take a swab of your dog's cheek. The kit will come with two cotton swabs. All you do is rub it on the inside of your dog's cheek. Let them dry out, and stick them back in the envelope. Activate your kit. Some websites, such as Wisdom Panel, require that you activate your kit online at this point. You'll be given a code to write on your sample sticker. Mail it back in. Many kits come with the shipping label included. All you have to do is stick the kit back in the mail. Wait for the results. The company will mail back the genetic makeup of your dog. Some panels claim to go back as far as great-grandparents in identifying the breeds that makeup your dog. | Check your dog's size. Look at your dog's ears. Check your dog's tail. Look at your dog's head. Realize you won't be able to identify your dog 100 percent. Order a genetic test online. Take a swab of your dog's cheek. Activate your kit. Mail it back in. Wait for the results. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Power-Nap | How to Power Nap | To take a power nap, find a quiet, dark place to sit or lie down. Once you're settled in, set an alarm for 25 minutes so you have 5 minutes to fall asleep and 20 minutes to nap. Try to relax, and avoid focusing on falling asleep, which will only keep you awake for longer. Even just resting with your eyes closed can help! When your alarm goes off, don't hit the snooze button — naps longer than 30 minutes can make you feel more groggy and tired. | Find a good place to nap. In order to get the most out of your nap, you will need to find a peaceful and quiet place where you will not be disturbed by others. Napping at work : A survey by the National Sleep Foundation found that about 30% of people are allowed to sleep at work, and some employers even provide a place for employees to nap. If your place of employment isn't nap-friendly, you can take a power-nap in your car. Napping on the road : If you're driving, find a rest area to park in. Don't park on the shoulder. Always turn off the car and set the emergency brake. If it's night-time, park in a well-lit area with plenty of people around and lock all of your doors. Napping at school : If you have the time, and are allowed to,try using the library as a good place to nap. It is usually the quietest place at school. Then after, you can also nap in your car, if you have one. Choose a dark room. By blocking out the light, you will fall asleep faster. If you cannot get to a dark room, wear a sleep mask or at least a pair of sunglasses to provide some semblance of darkness. Make sure it is not too warm or too cold. You want your napping to be comfortable, so look for a cool, but comfortable place to nap. Most people sleep best around 65° F or 18° C. If your napping place is too cold, have a blanket ready or a comfortable jacket you can put on. If your napping place is too warm, consider placing a fan in the room, if possible. Listen to guided nap recordings. There are many videos, recordings, and apps that will guide you through relaxation techniques for napping. These may be found online through streaming websites or you can download them to a phone or tablet. If you are using your phone for a guided nap, put it on airplane mode. This will prevent phone calls or message alerts from disrupting you. Turn on soothing music. Relaxing music can put you in the right state of mind. If you find music distracting, you can also try white noise. If you are in your car, you can turn your radio to the static between stations and use that. Decide how long you want to nap. Strictly speaking, a power nap should be between 10 and 30 minutes. However, shorter and longer naps may also offer different benefits. Thus, you need to decide how long you have to nap, and stick with that amount of time. Nap for two to five minutes. If you don't have much time, but are so sleepy you cannot continue on with whatever you're doing, a two to five minute nap, called a “nano-nap” can help you deal with some of that sleepiness. Nap for five to twenty minutes. Naps between five and twenty minutes are good for increasing alertness, stamina, and motor performance. These naps are known as “mini-naps”. Sleep for twenty minutes. This is what most people refer to when they refer to a “power nap”, and is ideal for most people. In addition to the benefits of shorter naps, a power nap can help the brain rid itself of unnecessary information stored in short-term memory, and can also improve muscle memory. A power-nap captures the benefits of the first two of the five stages in the sleep cycle. These first two stages take place in the first twenty minutes. In addition to making you feel more rested and alert, the electrical signals in your nervous system strengthen the connection between neurons involved in muscle memory, making your brain work faster and more accurately. It can be especially useful to take a power nap if you are trying to remember a lot of important facts, for example, for a test. Sleep for fifty to ninety minutes. Known as the “Lazy Man's Nap”, this long nap allows you to reach slow-wave REM sleep (commonly known as deep sleep). Meaning that you get to go through an entire sleep cycle. If you have the time, and are extremely physically and mentally tired after pulling an all-nighter, for example, this nap could be useful because it gives your body enough time to repair itself. Be aware of the effects of naps of thirty minutes or longer. While there are benefits to longer naps, you also run the risk of developing “sleep inertia”, which is the heavy, groggy feeling you sometimes feel after napping. Turn off your mobile phone and any other potential distractions. If you are using your phone as your alarm clock, turn on airplane mode so you will not be interrupted by notifications. If background noise is unavoidable, or if you suffer from tinnitus , putting on headphones with soft, relaxing music may help. You can also try using ear plugs. Place a “Do Not Disturb” sign outside of your door, if you are at work. Note when you will be available again. This will keep co-workers from accidentally disturbing you. Have caffeine right before you nap. This may sound counterintuitive since caffeine is a strong stimulant, but you will not feel the effects immediately, especially if you are taking a nap of less than thirty minutes. Caffeine has to travel through your gastrointestinal tract, and can take up to 45 minutes to be absorbed. Taking a “caffeine nap” in which 200mg of caffeine are consumed right before a 20 minute nap may improve performance and make you feel less sleepy once you wake up. However, if it is late in the afternoon you should probably skip the caffeine, as it may make it more difficult to fall asleep at bedtime. You can also skip the caffeine if you are trying to quit caffeine. Set an alarm. Once you are close to finishing your coffee (or your green tea, or your caffeine jello shot , etc.), set an alarm that will wake you up after the desired amount of time. Setting an alarm will help you relax, as you know you won't sleep longer than you intend to. Keep in mind how long you need to fall asleep. If you want to take a 20 minute nap, and you usually take about five minutes to fall asleep, then you will want to set your alarm for 25 minutes. If you fall asleep very quickly, you may only need to add an extra minute or two to your desired nap time. If you're one of those people who has a habit of pressing the "snooze" button and going right back to sleep, put your alarm across the room, or as far away from yourself as possible if you're in the car, so that it will not be easy to turn it off. Close your eyes and relax. If you are consuming caffeine, you can do this directly after finishing your caffeine, if you are not, you can do this directly after you have made yourself comfortable and set your alarm. Try the "4-7-8 exercise" to fall asleep quickly. If you are having trouble falling asleep try this exercise: Close your eyes, and exhale completely. Then breathe in slowly, to a count of four. Hold your breath to a count of seven; then, making a whooshing sound, breath out through your mouth to a count of eight. Inhale one breath in, and then repeat the cycle three or four times. The whole exercise only takes about 60 seconds, and should help put you to sleep quickly. You can also try putting all thoughts out of your mind. Instead, try focusing only on your breathing. This is very similar to meditating, but can also help you relax so that you can fall asleep quickly. Try counting down slowly from 100. If you forget what number you're on, simply start again at 100. This will help keep your mind off of thoughts that keep you awake. You can also try one of the commercially available power nap machines or CDs that play a special soundtrack designed to induce a sleep state. Keep your eyes closed. Even if you are unable to fall asleep during your nap, keep your eyes closed and meditate. Although you may not fall asleep, you can still help your brain recharge a bit. Additionally, incorporating short bouts of sleep into a daily routine (taking a nap every day after lunch, for example) can help you "train" your body to expect a nap during that time and you'll have an easier time falling asleep. Get up as soon as the alarm goes off. Resist the temptation to sleep longer. Ideally, you will wake up feeling refreshed, but you may sometimes feel like you want to sleep more; do your best to resist this temptation as it can throw off your sleep routine, and you may wake up the second time with sleep inertia. Follow up with physical activity. Get your heart rate up a bit by doing a few jumping jacks or push-ups , you can also try a bit of jogging in place. Wash your face and expose yourself to bright light (e.g. sunlight), which can help you feel more awake, if you are still feeling groggy after your nap. | Find a good place to nap. Choose a dark room. Make sure it is not too warm or too cold. Listen to guided nap recordings. Turn on soothing music. Decide how long you want to nap. Nap for two to five minutes. Nap for five to twenty minutes. Sleep for twenty minutes. Sleep for fifty to ninety minutes. Be aware of the effects of naps of thirty minutes or longer. Turn off your mobile phone and any other potential distractions. Place a “Do Not Disturb” sign outside of your door, if you are at work. Have caffeine right before you nap. Set an alarm. Close your eyes and relax. Try the "4-7-8 exercise" to fall asleep quickly. Keep your eyes closed. Get up as soon as the alarm goes off. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lower-Ammonia-Levels-in-a-Fish-Tank-if-They-Are-Not-Very-High | How to Lower Ammonia Levels in a Fish Tank if They Are Not Very High | To lower ammonia levels in a fish tank, do weekly partial water changes, removing around 30% of the water in the tank and replacing it with fresh, dechlorinated water. You should also scoop out any organic matter that shouldn't be in the tank, like uneaten food, fish waste, and uneaten plant matter. To keep ammonia levels at a safe level, try feeding your fish less since uneaten food produces ammonia. | Do a partial water change. Partial water changes are an excellent and efficient way of reducing ammonia levels and maintaining a clean tank for your fish. You should aim to do a partial water change about once a week, though you may need to do it more often, depending on your tank's conditions. A good way to check if you need to do partial changes more frequently is by stirring up the substrate gravel with a fish net. If a lot of debris floats up, it's a good sign you're not changing the water often enough. Let fresh water sit out overnight to dechlorinate, or treat the fresh water with a dechlorination product. Wash your hands and make sure you've washed away all residue of soap, lotions, and other potential contaminants. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel. Disconnect any electrical appliances near the fish tank to prevent any risk of accidental electrocution. Wait to reconnect those appliances until you've finished changing the water and checked that everything is dry. For an otherwise healthy tank, you can aim to replace about 30% of the water. In a 10 gallon (37.9 L) tank, that means replacing 3 gallons (11.4 L) of water. You don't necessarily need to remove the fish for a partial water change. Just be careful as you put your hands in the tank so you don't startle the fish. Scrape off any algae that's grown on the walls of the tank. You can buy a specialized tool for scraping algae, or simply use an old credit card. Use a siphon tube to drain out 30% of the old water into a bucket or nearby sink. When you've removed enough of the old water, slowly pour in the fresh, dechlorinated water. Scoop out any organic matter that shouldn't be there. Decaying organic matter is a large factor in elevated ammonia levels. By using a fish net to scoop out anything that shouldn't be there (basically anything but the living fish and plants you want in the tank), you can help lower ammonia levels and prevent them from rising. Uneaten food is a large contributor to ammonia levels. Fish waste can also cause spikes in ammonia as it decomposes. Dead plant matter or dead fish left in your tank will release large concentrations of ammonia. Try cleaning out the filter in your tank, as this could reintroduce built-up organic matter back into the water. Don't replace the filter pads, though, as you may upset the bacterial balance in the water. Reduce the frequency and quantity of food given. If your fish leaves behind a lot of uneaten food, that food could be the reason for your tank's elevated ammonia levels. By reducing how much food is available in the tank, you'll lower the opportunities for ammonia levels to rise. Make sure your fish is still getting enough food. Talk to a veterinarian or fish expert on how much food your fish needs to stay healthy. Be aware that changing your fish's feeding habits won't reduce ammonia levels that are already high; it will, however, prevent future spikes in ammonia levels once the water has been changed. Introduce healthy bacteria to the water. The bacterial colonies that usually line a well-established fish tank's bottom help convert ammonia into its relatively benign nitrogen components. If your tank is new or if the bacterial colony has been drastically reduced, you may be experiencing what some fish experts call "new tank syndrome." Some people introduce bacteria by putting one or two inexpensive fish in the tank so that the fish's waste can bring in bacteria. If going this route, you may use a goldfish for a cold water tank, barbs for a warm tank, or damselfish for a saltwater tank. You can also add healthy bacteria by introducing a handful of gravel from an older fish tank to your new fish tank's bottom. Lower your tank's pH. Ammonia is either un-ionized as NH3 or ionized as ammonium (NH4+). Un-ionized ammonia (NH3) is the form that is toxic to fish, and is generally in greatest concentration when the water's pH is basic (high on the pH scale). Adding chemical pH adjusters (from your local pet store) is probably the easiest way to lower the pH of your tank. Lowering the pH won't remove the ammonia, but it can render it less dangerous if you need to buy some time before you can change the water. One easy way to maintain lower pH levels is to make sure you use actual gravel for the substrate (bottom) of your fish tank. Using crushed coral or coral sand releases calcium in the water that can cause spikes in pH. Try increasing aeration of the water. NH3, the form of ammonia that is toxic, is a dissolved gas that permeates the water. By increasing the aeration of your tank's water, it might help diffuse that ammonia gas out of the water and into the air. Aeration won't do much in a large pond, but it might help manage ammonia levels in your fish tank. You can buy an aeration pump at most pet stores or online. Make sure you leave your tank uncovered if you normally have a lid on. As the ammonia gas diffuses, it will need to be able to travel outside of the tank. Use neutralizing drops. One way to temporarily fix the ammonia levels in your tank is by using neutralizing drops. You can buy these at most pet stores, or order them online. Neutralizing drops do not actually remove ammonia from the water. Instead, the drops will neutralize the toxic effects of ammonia, rendering it harmless in the water. You'll still need biological filtration (from bacteria) to break down ammonia into nitrite and nitrate. Check the tap water. It's relatively rare that tap water would be significantly high in ammonia. Most municipal water systems test the concentration of chemicals like ammonia to ensure that the water is safe to drink. However, it may be worth checking if you're doing everything else right and the ammonia levels are still not dropping. Use the ammonia testing kit you would use for the fish tank on your tap water. If the ammonia levels are high in your tap water, talk to a representative from your municipal water district. Look for decomposition inside the fish tank. Decomposing material inside the tank is one of the biggest causes of high ammonia levels. By evaluating the contents of your tank's water, you'll have a clearer idea of what needs to be done to correct the problem. Any decomposing organic matter, including aquatic plants and microorganisms, can cause a spike in ammonia levels as protein breaks down. Uneaten food can also cause spikes in ammonia levels as it breaks down in the water. Scoop out any matter that shouldn't be in the tank promptly. Make sure you maintain your tank's regular schedule for changing or partially changing the water. Recognize ammonia excreted by your fish. If you see a lot of fish waste floating around in your tank, it could be the source of your elevated ammonia levels. Your fish's waste will gradually break down, just like decomposing organic matter, causing ammonia levels to rise in the water. You can manage fish waste by scooping out solids whenever you see them and changing or partially changing your tank's water on a regular basis. Buy a standard test kit. Most pet stores sell ammonia test kits. These kits check the total ammonia levels (which includes both ammonia and ammonium). The problem with this is that the tests do not distinguish between the two distinct ammonia levels, meaning you may not be able to accurately assess how toxic the water is. As a general rule, if your tank is established (meaning it's been inhabited and has active bacterial colonies), you should not be able to detect any ammonia with a standard kit. If these tests indicate a measurable level of ammonia and you know there is already a healthy bacterial colony and a lack of organic matter, it's most likely a problem with your filter. Measure the water's pH. Your tank's pH can directly affect the ammonia levels in the water. By measuring the pH levels on a regular basis, you'll help ensure that ammonia levels are not toxic. The pH of a body of water affects how much ammonia is ionized versus how much remains un-ionized. You'll still need to treat the water beyond adjusting the pH, as acidifying the water will not actually break down the ammonia that's already present. Test the water at the right time. Depending on when you test your tank's water, you might be getting an artificially-high reading. The best time to test the water would probably be right before feeding, as new food has not yet broken down in the water. Ammonia levels reach their peak approximately 90 minutes after your fish have been fed. Testing the water shortly after your fish have eaten (and are producing waste) can give you an inaccurately-high reading of ammonia levels. | Do a partial water change. Scoop out any organic matter that shouldn't be there. Reduce the frequency and quantity of food given. Introduce healthy bacteria to the water. Lower your tank's pH. Try increasing aeration of the water. Use neutralizing drops. Check the tap water. Look for decomposition inside the fish tank. Recognize ammonia excreted by your fish. Buy a standard test kit. Measure the water's pH. Test the water at the right time. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Enjoy-Having-Pet-Fish | How to Enjoy Having Pet Fish | To enjoy having a pet fish, give it a stimulating home and interact with it every day. Try giving your fish tunnels or nooks to hide in so it can play hide-and-seek. You can also put fake plants in the tank and add a mirror to the side of the tank to stimulate its brain. To keep your fish engaged, add new objects or move things around every month or so. In addition to watching your fish, you can train it to do some tricks. For example, use your finger or a small stick to catch the fish's attention. Then, give it a piece of food every time it comes to the target. Once you fish learns to follow a target, you can wet your finger or a stick and attach a piece of fish food to it. Hold the food just over the water and see if your fish will jump for it. | Pick out a tank that’s at least 2 ft (24 in) long. This may seem like a big tank if you have a tiny fish, but your fish actually needs lots of space for it to thrive and live healthily. Pick out a tank that's 2 ft (24 in) for small fish, and an even larger tank if you have big fish. Look up your specific species of fish for information about the exact size of tank you should purchase. Little fish bowls are not big enough for fish such as bettas or goldfish. Set up your fish tank so it includes a filter, water heater, and treated water. Fill the bottom layer of the tank with gravel or sand for the fish to dig around in. Sand and gravel comes in many different colors for fish tanks. Visit your local pet store to pick out a fish-friendly bottom layer for your fish to dig around in and enjoy. Purchase enough sand or gravel to cover the entire bottom of the fish tank in a thick layer. Provide tunnels or nooks for the fish to hide in. This helps stimulate a fish's survival instincts by teaching them how to hide. Purchase little nooks or fish houses at your local pet store or online, or make your own using a PVC pipe or similar object. Before you put anything into the tank, wash it thoroughly with clean water to remove dirt or germs on the surface. However, don't use any detergents or dish soaps, as these can make your fish sick. Place objects like fake plants in the tank to stimulate their brains. Fish love nibbling on plants and swimming around floating objects. Set a few small plants in your fish tank, settling them into the gravel or sand so they don't fall over. Floating rocks are a nice addition to a fish tank because they'll love swimming around them. Add a mirror to the side of the tank for the fish to look at its reflection. Fish are fascinated by their reflection, and this is a great way to ensure your fish isn't bored. Purchase a mirror specifically designed to go on the outside of a fish tank, or attach a reflective surface to your fish tank so it's facing inwards towards the fish. If your breed of fish tends to get territorial, test its interaction with the mirror and remove the mirror if your fish seems agitated. Mirrors for fish tanks often attach using suction cups. Switch out or add new objects every once in a while to keep the fish engaged. Even if your fish has awesome toys in its tank, it may become bored with them after a while. Every month or so, try to put a new object in the tank, or move the plants and other toys around so the fish has different surroundings. Keeping your fish engaged and interested in its tank will improve its mood and health. Spend time watching your fish to help you relax. Looking at fish has proven to help calm down the mind, having positive impacts on your mental wellbeing. Take some time to enjoy watching your fish swim around in its tank to help you destress. Train your fish to follow a target if it’s just getting to know you. Use your finger as the target, or use a small stick with a brightly colored end that will catch the fish's attention. Give the fish a piece of food each time it comes to where the target is, moving the target around slowly once the fish gets good at following. This is a great way to teach your fish to swim through a hoop as well. Teach your fish to jump out of the water for a cool trick. Fish such as bettas and goldfish can often do this trick. Wet your finger or a pointer stick and attach a piece of fish food to it, holding it just over the surface of the water. If your fish is hungry, it'll try to reach the piece of food by jumping out of the water. Once your fish is able to grab the piece of food, keep raising your finger or stick higher above the water to make it more challenging. You may need to wiggle your finger or the stick above the water's surface so your fish notices. Encourage your fish to push a ball for a cute talent. Place a small floating ball, roughly the size of the fish's head, in the fish tank. When the fish nudges it, give the fish a piece of food. Continue rewarding the fish with food whenever it touches the ball. Eventually, your fish will start nudging the ball harder to get a treat. Pay close attention to your fish when you're training it so you're ready to give it a piece of food as soon as it touches the ball. Avoid tapping on the glass to get your fish’s attention. This scares the fish and can bother their hearing abilities due to the sound. Use slow movements when trying to get your fish to notice you. Tapping on the glass will also likely make your fish hide. Feed your fish the right amount for its species and weight. This information is found on the label of a container of fish food that you would buy at a pet store or big box store. Fish can also eat small pieces of vegetables like peas or zucchini after they're cleaned and blanched. Consider creating a chart to help you keep track of when to feed your fish. Test the water’s pH level each week using a kit. This will tell you if you have dangerous levels of ammonia, nitrate, or nitrite, meaning the water needs to be changed or treated. Water testing kits are easy to use and come with a chart to refer to so it's clear what the pH level means. Follow the directions for your specific kit to help care for your tank. Purchase a water testing kit from your local pet store or online. Use a gravel siphon to clean out the tank. The gravel siphon is placed into the tank overtop the gravel, sucking up the dirt and debris while cleaning the water. Because it's a siphon, it'll also be sucking out water. Unplug the filter and any other equipment before siphoning to avoid damaging them—they often don't run well when there's not enough water in the tank. Leave the fish in the tank while you're cleaning the bottom layer of the tank. Change 25% of the water out each week. As you're using the gravel siphon, watch the water level to make sure you're removing at least 25% of the water. This water will be replaced with new, fresh water—after it's been treated with water conditioner, of course! Make sure the old water isn't colder than the current water in the tank, using a thermometer to help you test the temperature. Refer to the bottle of water conditioner to see how much you need to pour in to the bucket of new water, stirring it using a fish net. Avoid removing more than 50% of the water from the tank because this messes with the pH levels too much. After finishing the water change, plug back in the filter and any other pieces of equipment. Change the filter when it starts looking dirty. When you open up the top of the water filter, pull the filter out to see if it's covered in dirt and grime. If so, it's time to change it. Another way to decide if it's time for a new filter is to look at the water flow. If the water has slowed down, the filter needs to be changed. Avoid changing the filter on the same day you change the water because this takes out too much beneficial bacteria. | Pick out a tank that’s at least 2 ft (24 in) long. Fill the bottom layer of the tank with gravel or sand for the fish to dig around in. Provide tunnels or nooks for the fish to hide in. Place objects like fake plants in the tank to stimulate their brains. Add a mirror to the side of the tank for the fish to look at its reflection. Switch out or add new objects every once in a while to keep the fish engaged. Spend time watching your fish to help you relax. Train your fish to follow a target if it’s just getting to know you. Teach your fish to jump out of the water for a cool trick. Encourage your fish to push a ball for a cute talent. Avoid tapping on the glass to get your fish’s attention. Feed your fish the right amount for its species and weight. Test the water’s pH level each week using a kit. Use a gravel siphon to clean out the tank. Change 25% of the water out each week. Change the filter when it starts looking dirty. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-the-Difference-Between-a-Wrist-Sprain-and-a-Wrist-Fracture | How to Tell the Difference Between a Wrist Sprain and a Wrist Fracture | To tell the difference between a wrist sprain and a wrist fracture, try applying ice to your wrist, which will reduce the pain if you've sprained it. You may also notice light bruising after a day, which usually indicates a light wrist sprain. Alternatively, if you've fractured your wrist, you may feel sharp pain when moving it, and a deep ache when you rest it. Additionally, check to see if your wrist is misaligned or crooked, which will indicate a fracture. If the pain worsens after a day or two, see a doctor right away, since a fracture can have serious health consequences if it's left untreated. | Move your wrist and assess it. Wrist sprains have a wide range of severity depending on the degree of stretch or tearing to the ligament(s). A mild wrist sprain (Grade 1), infers some ligament stretching, but no significant tearing; a moderate sprain (Grade 2) infers significant tearing (up to 50% of the fibers) and may be associated with some loss of function; a severe sprain (Grade 3) infers a greater degree of tearing or complete rupture of ligaments. As such, movement in your wrist will be relatively normal (albeit painful) with Grade 1 and 2 sprains. A Grade 3 sprain often leads to instability (too much range of motion) with movement because the ligaments attaching the wrist bones are completely torn. In general, only some Grade 2 and all Grade 3 wrist sprains need medical attention. All Grade 1 and most Grade 2 sprains can be managed at home. A Grade 3 wrist sprain can involve an avulsion fracture — the ligament tears away from the bone and takes a small chip of bone with it. The most common ligament sprained in the wrist is the scapho-lunate ligament, which connects the scaphoid bone to the lunate bone. Identify the type of pain you are feeling. Again, wrist sprains are highly variable in severity, so the type and/or amount of pain varies greatly also. Grade 1 wrist sprains are mildly painful and the pain is often described as a soreness that can be sharp with movement. Grade 2 sprains are moderately or severely painful, depending on the degree of tearing; the pain is sharper than a Grade 1 tear and sometimes also throbbing because of the increased inflammation. Perhaps paradoxically, Grade 3 sprains are often less painful initially than a Grade 2 sprain because the ligament is completely severed and not irritating surrounding nerves as much. However, Grade 3 wrist sprains eventually start to throb quite a bit due to the accumulating inflammation. Grade 3 sprains that involve an avulsion fracture are very painful immediately, and involve both sharp and throbbing type pain. Sprains generate the most pain with movement and are usually much less symptomatic with lack of movement (immobilization). In general, if your wrist is very painful and difficult to move, see your doctor right away and get it assessed. Ice it and see how it responds. Sprains of all grades respond well to ice or cold therapy because it reduces inflammation and numbs surrounding nerve fibers that generate pain. Ice is particularly important for Grade 2 and 3 wrist sprains because they cause more inflammation to accumulate around the injury site. Applying ice to a sprained wrist for 10–15 minutes every one to two hours immediately following an injury makes a big impact after a day or so and significantly reduces the intensity of pain, which makes movement much easier. In contrast, icing a wrist fracture is certainly helpful for pain and inflammation control, but the symptoms often return after the effects wear off. Thus, as a general rule, cold therapy is more impactful on sprains that it is on most fractures. The more serious the sprain, the more swelling you'll see localized around the injury, which will make the area look puffy and enlarged. Small hairline (stress) fractures are often more impacted by cold therapy (long term) than more serious fractures, which require medical attention. Check for bruising the next day. Inflammation creates swelling, but that's not the same as bruising. Instead, bruising is caused by localized bleeding into the tissues from injured small arteries or veins. Grade 1 wrist sprains usually don't cause bruising, unless the injury was from a hard blow that crushed the small subcutaneous blood vessels. Grade 2 sprains involve more swelling, but again, not necessarily much bruising — it depends how the injury occurred. Grade 3 sprains involve lots of swelling and typically significant bruising because trauma that causes ruptured ligaments is usually severe enough to also rip or damage the surrounding blood vessels. Swelling from inflammation doesn't cause much color change in the skin, aside from some redness from "flushing" due to the heat created. The dark blue color of bruising is caused by blood leaking into the tissues just below the surface of the skin. As the blood degrades and gets flushed out of those tissues, the bruise changes color (lighter blue, then eventually yellowish). See how it feels after a few days. Essentially all Grade 1 wrist sprains, and some Grade 2 sprains, feel significantly better after a few days, especially if you rest the injury and apply cold therapy to it. As such, if your wrist feels pretty good, there's no visible swelling and you can move it without much pain, then likely no medical intervention is needed. If your wrist was more seriously sprained (Grade 2), but feels significantly better after a few days (even if some swelling is noted and the pain is still moderate), then give it a little more time to recover. However, if your injury hasn't improved much or is actually worse after a few days, then a medical assessment is likely needed as soon as possible. Grade 1 and some Grade 2 sprains heal quickly (one to two weeks), whereas Grade 3 sprains (particularly with avulsion fractures) take the most amount of time to heal (sometimes a few months). Hairline (stress) fractures can also heal pretty quickly (couple of weeks), whereas more serious fractures can take a few months or more, depending if surgery is done. Look for misalignment or crookedness. A wrist fracture can be caused by similar types of accidents and trauma that cause wrist sprains. In general, the larger and stronger bones are, the less likely they are to break in response to trauma — instead, the ligaments will stretch and tear. But when they do, they often create a misaligned or crooked appearance. The eight carpal bones of the wrist are small, so a misaligned or crooked wrist may be difficult (or impossible) to notice, especially with hairline fractures, but more serious breaks are easier to tell. The most commonly broken long bone within the wrist area is the radius, which is a forearm bone that attaches to the small carpal bones. The most commonly fractured carpal bone is the scaphoid bone, which is unlikely to cause a noticeable wrist deformity. When a bone penetrates the skin and becomes visible, this is known as an open or compound fracture. Identify the type of pain. Pain from a wrist fracture also depends upon severity, but it's usually described as very sharp with movement, and deep and achy without movement. The severe pain of wrist fractures tends to increase during gripping or squeezing of the hand, which is not often the case with wrist sprains. Wrist fractures usually cause more symptoms in the hand, such as stiffness, numbness or inability to move the fingers, in comparison to wrist sprains because there is a greater chance of nerve injury/damage with fractures. Furthermore, there can be a grinding or crunching sound when moving a fractured wrist, which doesn't occur with wrist sprains. Pain from a wrist fracture is often (but not always) preceded by a "cracking" sound or feeling. In contrast, only Grade 3 sprains can produce a sound or similar sensations, and that's sometimes a "popping" sound as the ligament ruptures. As a general guideline, wrist pain from a fracture will get worse at night, whereas pain from a wrist sprain will plateau and not flare-up in the night if the wrist is immobilized. Assess if symptoms are worse the following day. As noted above, a day or two of rest and cold therapy can make a big different in a mild-to-moderate wrist sprain, but the same can't be said for fractures. With the possible exception of hairline fractures, most broken bones need significantly more time to heal than ligament sprains. Thus, a couple days of rest and icing doesn't make much impact on the symptoms caused by most fractures, and in some cases, you may feel worse once your body gets over the initial "shock" of the injury. If a broken bone in the wrist pokes through the skin, then the risk of infection and significant loss of blood are high. Get medical attention as soon as you can. A severely broken bone in the wrist may completely cut off circulation to the hand. The swelling from the blood causes what is called "compartment syndrome," which is considered a medical emergency. When this occurs, the hand will feel cold to touch (from lack of blood) and turn pale (a bluish white). A broken bone may also pinch or sever a nearby nerve, which might lead to complete numbness in the region of the hand that the nerve innervates. Get an x-ray from your doctor. Although the above information can guide you to make an educated guess on whether your wrist injury is a sprain or a fracture, only an x-ray, MRI or CT scan can tell for sure in most cases — unless a bone is poking through your skin. An x-ray is the most economical and common way to view the small bones of the wrist. Your doctor will likely refer you for a wrist x-ray and get the results verified by a radiologist before consulting with you. X-rays only visualize bone and not soft tissues such as ligaments or tendons. Fractured bones can be tricky to see on x-ray because of their small size and the confined space, and it can take a few days for them to be visible on x-rays. To visualize the extent of ligament damage, your doctor will refer you for an MRI or CT scan. An MRI, which uses magnetic waves to provide detailed images of structures within the body, may be needed to detect a fractured bone in the wrist, particularly broken scaphoid bones. Hairline fractures in the wrist are very difficult to see on regular x-rays until all the inflammation fades away. As such, you may have to wait a week or so to confirm the fracture, although by that time, the injury is well on its way to healing. Osteoporosis (brittle bones due to lack of mineralization) is a major risk factor for wrist fractures, although the condition doesn't really increase the risk of wrist sprains. | Move your wrist and assess it. Identify the type of pain you are feeling. Ice it and see how it responds. Check for bruising the next day. See how it feels after a few days. Look for misalignment or crookedness. Identify the type of pain. Assess if symptoms are worse the following day. Get an x-ray from your doctor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stretch-Vinyl-Fabric | How to Stretch Vinyl Fabric | To stretch out a piece of vinyl fabric, first place the material facedown on a smooth working surface. Then, hold a heat gun 6 to 8 inches above the fabric and use it to warm the material for 1 to 3 minutes. Monitor the vinyl with a surface thermometer and, when it is about 100 °F, turn off the heat and pull the fabric toward yourself to stretch it. | Acquire 2-way or 4-way stretching vinyl. Not all types of vinyl fabric have stretching capabilities. If you plan on expanding your fabric, make sure you purchase 1 of the following vinyl variants from a specialty fabric store: Two-way vinyl, which only stretches from left to right but is thicker and far more durable than 4-way vinyl. Four-way vinyl, which stretches both vertically and horizontally but is far thinner than 2-way vinyl, making it more susceptible to tears. Place your vinyl facedown on a firm surface. Find a flat, clean table or working surface that has enough space for your vinyl. Then, lay the fabric on top of the table with the shiny side facing down. If you're stretching out vinyl clothing, see if you can unzip the garment and lay it out flat. If you can't, simply place it on the table as is. Turn on a heat gun and set it to high. To successfully stretch a piece of vinyl, you'll need to heat the fabric to incredibly hot temperatures. This is best accomplished by using a handheld heat gun turned to its hottest temperature setting. You can find heat guns at most home improvement stores. Check your heat gun's instruction manual for information on how to change its temperature setting. If you don't have a heat gun, you can use a standard hair dryer turned to its hottest setting instead. Hold the gun 7 in (18 cm) above the fabric and move it in a Z pattern. Place your heat gun or hair dryer 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm) above the fabric. Then, move it over the vinyl in a Z pattern to heat the material up. Make sure you keep the gun moving to avoid burning the vinyl. Tilt the Z after every pass to heat the fabric evenly. For the best results, heat your fabric in 1 sq ft (930 cm ) increments. If a part of your vinyl isn't heating up as quickly as the surrounding fabric, move the gun close to, but not touching, it for about half a second. Heat the fabric until it is about 100 °F (38 °C). In most cases, vinyl is ready to stretch when it is between 90 and 110 °F (32 and 43 °C), or almost hot enough to burn your hands. The heating process will normally take between 1 and 3 minutes, though the exact amount of time will depend on how powerful your heat gun or hair dryer is. You can use a surface thermometer to find the temperature of your vinyl fabric. Place your vinyl over the object you're upholstering, if applicable. If you want to make your fabric a particular size, place the vinyl over an object that's as large as you want it to be. If you're stretching vinyl out for a specific reason, such as to reupholster a piece of furniture, place the fabric on top of the object in question. If you'd like, you can place your vinyl over the object in question before heating it up. Stretch the vinyl between your hands. To stretch out your vinyl, grab 1 end of the fabric with your fingers and slowly pull it toward yourself. If you're working with firm 2-way vinyl, feel free to use a lot of force while pulling. If you're stretching thin 4-way vinyl, pull carefully to avoid tearing the fabric. If necessary, hold the other side of the vinyl down with a bar clamp or ask a friend to keep it in place. Press down on the fabric to remove wrinkles. As your vinyl stretches, it may develop small, unappealing wrinkles. To remove these, simply press down on the fabric with your fingers and smooth them out. If you're stretching the vinyl over a specific object, make sure to press out any creases or air bubbles that form. Apply additional heat if the fabric stops stretching. Over time, your vinyl will cool down and become harder to manipulate. If this happens while you're stretching it out, grab your heat gun and run it over the material again. Do not press your heat gun to the vinyl fabric. If you do, you may damage the vinyl itself as well as the material underneath. Make non-visible cuts along the edges of the fabric if you overstretch it. If your vinyl starts to overstretch, make small incisions along the edges of the fabric with a pair of scissors or a precision knife. This will give you the ability to pull on 1 portion of the fabric without affecting the other parts. Only use this technique on pieces of fabric where the edges won't be visible, such as vinyl upholstery. If you're pulling the vinyl around an object with curves, you may need to cut the fabric to help it better fit the object's shape. Secure the fabric with staples if necessary. If you're using your vinyl to reupholster an object, you'll need to secure the material to keep it from peeling off. To do so, pull the fabric as tight as you can and hold it down to the object. Then, use a staple gun to shoot staples into the vinyl fabric. Place staples between 1 and 2 in (2.5 and 5.1 cm) apart around the entire perimeter of the object. When finished, you should have a long line of evenly spaced staples. If necessary, ask a friend to hold the fabric down or use a bar clamp to keep it in place while you staple it. | Acquire 2-way or 4-way stretching vinyl. Place your vinyl facedown on a firm surface. Turn on a heat gun and set it to high. Hold the gun 7 in (18 cm) above the fabric and move it in a Z pattern. Heat the fabric until it is about 100 °F (38 °C). Place your vinyl over the object you're upholstering, if applicable. Stretch the vinyl between your hands. Press down on the fabric to remove wrinkles. Apply additional heat if the fabric stops stretching. Make non-visible cuts along the edges of the fabric if you overstretch it. Secure the fabric with staples if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Puff-Pastry | How to Make Puff Pastry | To make puff pastry, you'll need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, a ¼ teaspoon of fine salt, 10 tablespoons of cold butter, and 1/3 of a cup of ice cold water. Combine flour and salt in a food processor and pulse. Next add the cubed butter and water to the mix. Pulse a few more times, remove the dough, cover in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Gently knead the dough, fold it in thirds, roll it, turn it, and repeat to create thin layers. Rewrap the dough and refrigerate for an hour. Once the dough is chilled, use it for croissants or filled pastries! | Pour the flour and salt into a food processor and pulse for a few seconds. This combines the flour and salt evenly. If you do not have a food processor, then pour the flour and salt into a bowl and mix with a fork. If you are unable to purchase all-purpose flour, then use plain flour. Cut the butter into cubes. This will help the butter soften faster and make it easier to blend into the flour and salt. Add the butter a little bit at a time to the food processor and mix. Pulse the food processor for a few seconds before you add more butter. This makes the butter more manageable and prevent the blades from getting stuck. If you do not have a food processor, put the butter into the bowl and mix it lightly with the flour using a fork. Then, roll a pastry blade across the butter and flour using a back and forth motion. Keep lifting and rocking the pastry blade until you have a rough, crumbly texture. The butter chunks should be roughly the size of a pea. Add the cold water and pulse for a few more seconds. The dough will start to come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl. If you are using a bowl, lightly pat the dough down with your hands, then make a small well in the center. Pour the water into the well and mix with a fork until the dough starts to come away from the sides of the bowl. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and put it into the refrigerator for 20 minutes. This gives the butter time to cool back down, and prevents your dough from becoming too soft. After 20 minutes are up, take the dough out and unwrap it. Lightly flour your cutting board and rolling pin. This prevents the dough from sticking to everything. Be sure to keep a bag of flour on hand, in case you have to add more flour to your work surface; the dough will absorb the flour as you work with it, making the work surface sticky. Turn the dough onto the cutting board. The dough may feel dry, but this is normal. Do not add water to it; it will become softer the more you work with it. Form the dough into a flat square by kneading it gently. Do not make the dough too thin; you will be rolling it out some more later. You may see some streaks of butter in the dough, which is also normal. Do not attempt to mix the butter in. Use the rolling pin to roll the dough out into a rectangle. Roll in one direction only. The dough should be three times longer than it is wide. Fold the dough into thirds. Take the bottom third of the rectangle, and fold it just past the middle. Take the upper third of the rectangle and fold it down on top of the rest of the dough, making a square. Rotate the dough 90 degrees to either side. It does not matter which side: left or right. If the dough does not turn easily, it means that it has begun to stick to the cutting board. Gently lift it up and spread some more flour down onto the board. Set the dough back down and try rotating it again. Repeat the rolling, folding, and turning process six to seven more times. In this way, you are creating thin layers in the dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. Leave it in there for at least one hour, or overnight. Use the dough. Once the dough has thoroughly chilled, you can take it out of the refrigerator, roll it out, and use it to make croissants, filled pastry bites, or even baked brie cheese. Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor for a few seconds. This will allow at the salt and sugar to become evenly distributed throughout the flour. If you do not have a food processor, then put everything into a bowl and stir it briskly with a fork. You can also use plain flour instead of all-purpose flour. Add the lemon juice and part of the water into the food processor while it is still running. Start with ¾ cup (180 milliliters) of water; you will be adding the rest later, depending on how dry the dough is. Most food processors should have a spout at the top where you can pour ingredients through without taking the lid off. After a while, the dough should start to come away from the sides of the food processor. If the dough is still too dry and has floury clumps in it, add the rest of the water, one tablespoon at a time. Do this until the dough clumps together and comes away from the walls of the food processor. If you do not have a food processor, make a hole in the middle of your flour mixture, and pour the lemon juice and water in. Stir it with a fork until the dough clumps together. The lemon juice will help make the dough more elastic and easier to roll out. You won't taste it once you bake the pastry. Transfer the dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap and pat it into a square. The square should measure 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) on each side. Do not make the square too thin. Wrap the dough up and put it in the refrigerator for one hour. This will make the dough easier to work with later. During this time, you can start preparing the butter. Put unwrapped butter sticks on a sheet of parchment paper and cover them with 2 tablespoons of flour. Make sure that the butter sticks are touching each other and that the flour is spread evenly across them. Cover the flour and butter with another sheet of parchment paper and mash it with a rolling pin. Keep doing this until the flour becomes ingrained in the butter. Once you are done mashing, remove the top parchment sheet. Roll the butter out into a square. The square should measure 8 inches (20.30 centimeters) on each side. Wrap the butter with plastic wrap and put it into the refrigerator. Leave it there for one hour. This will allow the butter to cool back down and become more manageable later. Unwrap the dough and roll it out on a lightly-floured surface. You want to end up with a square that it is about 11 inches (27.94 centimeters) on each side. Set the butter in the middle of the and wrap the dough around it. Unwrap the butter and position it so that the corners are touching the flat sides of the dough square. Then, lift the corners of the dough and fold them towards the middle of the butter, creating a square-shaped packet. Roll the packet out into a rectangle. Do not make it too thin, and make sure that the rectangle is three times longer than it is wide. Fold the dough into thirds. Life the bottom third up and bring it just past the middle of the rectangle. Press it down. Next, lift the top third and bring it down onto the rest of the dough, creating a square. Turn the dough packet to one side by 90 degrees. You can turn it to the left or right. If the packet does not turn easily, the dough likely soaked up the flour. Gently lift the packet up and spread a thin layer of flour onto your work surface. Set the packet back down and try turning it again. Repeat the rolling and folding one more time. Roll the dough out into a rectangle and fold it into thirds again. You are doing this to create thin layers of dough and butter. Wrap the packet with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. Let it there until it becomes firm; it should take about 20 minutes depending on how cold your fridge is. Roll and fold the dough into thirds four more times, chilling it in between. After you roll, fold, and rotate the dough two times, put it into the fridge for 20 minutes, then roll, fold, and turn it two more times. Put the dough into the refrigerator for one hour before baking with it. At this point, you can start using your dough in your recipe. Make puff pastry shells. Roll out your puff pastry into a thin sheet, then cut it into circles using a circle-shaped cookie cutter or drinking glass. Lightly indent the center of each circle with a smaller cookie cutter or a cap (such as from a spice jar). Lightly poke the inner circle a few times with a fork. Transfer the circles to a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (205°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. Take the pastry out of the oven and either pat the inner circle down with the bottom of a spice jar or wooden spoon, or lift the inner circle out completely. You can now fill the cups with cream, fruit, or any cooked filling. Use puff pastry to make baked brie. Roll out your puff pastry until it is slightly bigger than your wheel of brie cheese. Set the cheese in the middle of dough and pour some honey over it. You can also add nuts and dried fruit. Bring the corners of the dough towards the middle of the cheese, creating a packet. Bake the brie on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. You can serve the baked brie with apple slices and crackers. Make some filled pastry puffs. Roll out the puff pastry dough into two thin 10 by 14 inch (25.4 by 35.65 centimeter) rectangles. Cut each sheet into 24 smaller rectangles. Press the rectangles into the wells of a mini muffin tin. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Take the pastries out of the oven and pat the center of each with the end of a wooden spoon or spice bottle. Fill the pastries with whatever you want, then put them back into the oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Here are some ideas for what you can fill the pastries with: Ham and cheese Sautéed mushrooms and onion Brie, pistachios, and peach preserves Make a ham and cheese pastry. Roll the pastry into two 10 inch by 12 inch (25.40 by 30.48 centimeters) squares. Place one of the squares on a baking sheet and brush it with mustard; leave a 1" boarding. Cover the sheet with a layer of ham slices, then cover the ham with Swiss cheese slices. Spread egg wash around the border and cover it with the second pastry sheet. Press the edges together, then brush the top pastry with egg wash. Bake at 450°F (233°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. Allow the puff pastry to cool, then cut it into squares and serve. To make the egg wash, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a bowl. Make some herb and cheese twists. Roll some puff pastry dough into a 10 by 14 inch (25.4 by 35.65 centimeter) rectangle. Brush one half of the pastry with egg wash. Mix 1/3 cup (35 grams) grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning in a bowl, then spread over the other half of the puff pastry. Fold the pastry in half, so that the egg side touches the cheesy side. Cut the pastry into 24 strips. Twist each strip into a spiral, then brush each strip with some egg wash. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 10 minutes. Let cool before serving. To make the egg wash, beat an egg and a tablespoon of water together in a small bowl. | Pour the flour and salt into a food processor and pulse for a few seconds. Cut the butter into cubes. Add the butter a little bit at a time to the food processor and mix. Add the cold water and pulse for a few more seconds. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and put it into the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Lightly flour your cutting board and rolling pin. Turn the dough onto the cutting board. Form the dough into a flat square by kneading it gently. Use the rolling pin to roll the dough out into a rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds. Rotate the dough 90 degrees to either side. Repeat the rolling, folding, and turning process six to seven more times. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. Use the dough. Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor for a few seconds. Add the lemon juice and part of the water into the food processor while it is still running. Transfer the dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap and pat it into a square. Wrap the dough up and put it in the refrigerator for one hour. Put unwrapped butter sticks on a sheet of parchment paper and cover them with 2 tablespoons of flour. Cover the flour and butter with another sheet of parchment paper and mash it with a rolling pin. Roll the butter out into a square. Wrap the butter with plastic wrap and put it into the refrigerator. Unwrap the dough and roll it out on a lightly-floured surface. Set the butter in the middle of the and wrap the dough around it. Roll the packet out into a rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds. Turn the dough packet to one side by 90 degrees. Repeat the rolling and folding one more time. Wrap the packet with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. Roll and fold the dough into thirds four more times, chilling it in between. Put the dough into the refrigerator for one hour before baking with it. Make puff pastry shells. Use puff pastry to make baked brie. Make some filled pastry puffs. Make a ham and cheese pastry. Make some herb and cheese twists. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-Parents-So-They%27ll-Understand | How to Talk to Parents So They'll Understand | It can be frustrating to talk to your parents sometimes, but by communicating what you're feeling, you can get them to understand you. When you start the conversation, get straight to the issue. Say something like, “I feel like it's unfair that I can't go to the party on Friday.” Then, calmly ask them what their concerns are so you can come up with solutions. For example, if your parents are worried about you being out late, you could promise to call and check-in before coming home. If you think your parents will get mad, consider just talking to the parent who's better at listening so they can help you talk to your other parent about it. If it's hard to bring up, write your parents a letter or email instead. While your parents may not understand you now, likely they'll come around sooner or later. | Write your goals and plan ahead. Write down what you want to discuss and what you want to achieve. Plan ahead for what your parent's concerns will be and put steps in place to prevent their worries. During this time, be as responsible as possible at home so your parents are more likely to listen to you. For instance, you may want to go to a party this weekend but your parents don't typically let you go out. Tell them they can have the other parents' number, you'll be home by curfew, and you'll keep your phone on you at all times. Choose the parent most likely to understand. Depending on the topic, one of your parents might be easier to talk to than the other. If you feel that that is the case, talk to the parent who you feel most comfortable with. Pull them aside when the other is not at home to have a discussion. For instance, if you want to get on birth control but your dad is totally against it, you might talk to your mom instead. She might be willing to help you get on the Pill without your father's consent. Write a letter or email if a discussion will be heated. Maybe you tried to talk to your parents about this issue in the past, but they refused to hear you out. Remember that sometimes in-person chats are not the best route. Consider emails, texts, or letters if your parents are not good listeners or if you are afraid to talk to them. For instance, perhaps you have been dealing with depression for a while, but your parents don't “believe in mental illness.” Write them a letter talking about your experience and how it affects you. Include outside information from trustworthy sources as needed to help you explain your experience. Give them the letter late at night or right before you go to school so they have time to process it away from you. Schedule a time to talk. If you would prefer to talk in person, plan the discussion in advance. Check in with your parents in the morning to see when would be a good time to chat. You can even text them during the day to set a time, as well. Say "Dad, I want to talk to you about something. When would be a good time for us to talk?" Choose a time when your parents are free. Otherwise, their mind will be elsewhere and they will either get irritated or not give you their undivided attention. Avoid having serious talks when it seems like they had a hard day at work or during their favorite show. If your issue is urgent, tell them immediately. For instance, if you are in trouble or are considering harming yourself, tell them as soon as possible. Talk when you’re calm. When possible, have these discussions when you are calm. You will be better able to articulate your thoughts clearly. A little emotion can be helpful in serious discussion, but too much can make you seem immature. Know when tears are inappropriate. If you need to tell your mom that you're pregnant, crying is understandable. If you want to go to the beach with your friends, however, tears may be a bit overboard. Rely on someone you trust for help or advice. Your parents may be more likely to trust a knowledgeable third party who can back up your point and provide additional information. Find another family member, mentor or teacher you trust who you can talk to. They may be able to coach you through your talk with your parents. Or perhaps they will be able to give you the advice that you are looking for in general. Start with a statement that’s to the point. Start with a statement that explains the issue you want to address and will help you segway into discussing your feelings. Be brief and to the point when introducing the topic. Calmly open the chat with a statement like, "I feel that it's unfair that I couldn't go to the party Friday night." Be honest about how you feel. Talk about what has been bothering you and why. It's really important that you be truthful with your parents during this process, no matter how difficult it might seem. Say something like “I got a speeding ticket because I was about to be late for my curfew. I'm sorry. I know this will cost a lot of money, but I already talked to my supervisor and she's going to give me extra shifts on the weekends. I understand if I need to be punished, though.” Use “I” statements. When having a serious talk with your family, avoid saying “you always” or “you never.” Instead, focus on you and your feelings, and stick to the facts. Avoid blaming other people or becoming defensive. In order for them to understand you, they need to hear things from your perspective. Say “When I have to stay home on Saturday nights instead of hanging out with Marissa, I feel sad and like I'm missing out on time with my friends.” Talk about their concerns. If you can understand the 'why,' then you can address what needs to change. Parents often have legitimate reasons for making certain decisions, so try to understand where they are coming from. Listen to their reasoning without interruption. For instance, perhaps your parents don't want you going out with your significant other because they are fearful that you'll make a bad decision. Spend time with your SO along with your parents until they feel more comfortable with you two going out alone. Keep a calm tone. During this conversation, keep your voice down. Avoid yelling, cursing or whining at all costs. Take a few deep breaths to calm down when you feel stressed. Remember that the more mature you are, the more likely they'll be able to understand you. Come up with some solutions. Brainstorm some potential fixes with your parents, and be willing to compromise if they are not fully on your side. Even if you can't get your way, you may be able to come to a partial understanding. For example, if you want to get a tattoo and your parents can't understand why, then suggest that if you still want the same tattoo in six months you can talk reopen the conversation again. Or if you want to go to a college that's not local, suggest taking a tour with your family. Give them some time. Even if your parents do not understand you immediately, don't worry! People often need some time to process things before they can completely get them. If you are hoping your parents will change their mind about something, give them some time. Until then, respect their decision. For instance, if your mom told you you can't get a tattoo, don't sneak and get one. Wait until she approves it or until you have the money and are no longer living with her to do so. Earn their trust. Tell them you understand how important trust is. If you have broken their trust in the past, earn it moving forward. Ask them what you can do to earn their trust back. Start by being honest, dependable and trustworthy. Remember that your actions speak louder than words, so you will have to do what you say you will do consistently to earn their trust back. Always be where you say you'll be and do as you said you would do. Go above and beyond to show your parents that you are responsible. Talk about good things, too. Relationships are built on more than just difficult conversations with your parents. Spend some time checking in with them often about your life. Talk to them about the good grade you got on your chemistry final or a cool movie you saw with friends. Talking to them about the little things will make discussing big things easier. Find ways to compromise. Unless your parents are unreasonable, most people are willing to find a happy medium. If you want your curfew to be extended by two hours, see if your parents will extend it by one hour for now. Ask if you can do extra chores at home in exchange for other privileges you want. Do your part at home. In order to be perceived as more mature, do all of your chores at home. Complete your homework without having to be asked and keep your room neat. Take out the trash, do the dishes, or cook dinner even on the nights when it's not your turn. Your parents likely do a lot around home - give them a break sometimes. Follow up. Your parents might have seen your side of things immediately, or perhaps they did not. If not, follow up with them to see how they're feeling. Check in after a few weeks to see where their head is at and if they've had a change of heart. Say something like “Hey Dad, have you thought any more about me going on the Senior Trip since we last talked? The money is due in a couple of weeks.” | Write your goals and plan ahead. Choose the parent most likely to understand. Write a letter or email if a discussion will be heated. Schedule a time to talk. Choose a time when your parents are free. Talk when you’re calm. Rely on someone you trust for help or advice. Start with a statement that’s to the point. Be honest about how you feel. Use “I” statements. Talk about their concerns. Keep a calm tone. Come up with some solutions. Give them some time. Earn their trust. Talk about good things, too. Find ways to compromise. Do your part at home. Follow up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-French-Toast-Without-Vanilla | How to Make French Toast Without Vanilla | To make French toast without vanilla, simply leave it out of the recipe. For example, mix the eggs, milk, salt, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Dip your slices of bread into the mixture, then fry them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. If you want to add some extra flavor instead of the vanilla extract, try bourbon, maple syrup, or almond extract. Just stir your chosen addition into the mixture before you dip the bread into it. You could also double the amount of cinnamon in the recipe to give your French toast an extra spicy twist. | Start with 8 slices of slightly stale or toasted bread. The texture of your French toast will be best if you have day-old or slightly stale bread. The bread will be more firm, so it will hold up better when you dip it into the liquid mixture. Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a shallow, rimmed dish. Measure out 2 eggs, 1 cup (240 mL) milk, 1 tbsp (12 g) of sugar or your favorite sugar substitute, and a pinch each of salt and cinnamon. Then, add them to a shallow dish. Your cleanup will be easiest if you mix all your ingredients into the same dish you're going to dip your bread into. Once everything is added, use a whisk to mix all of the ingredients together thoroughly. You can use any kind of milk, from skim to whole, or you can make the dish a little more indulgent by using heavy cream instead. You can also use a non-dairy option, like almond milk or coconut milk, if you prefer. A cake pan or serving dish would be perfect for this. Whatever dish you choose, make sure it has a rim so your ingredients don't spill. Also, it's best if the dish has a flat bottom so you can dip the bread easily. Include a vanilla substitute or omit the vanilla entirely, if you'd like. Your French bread will be perfectly delicious if you decide to just skip over the vanilla and continue making your French toast as-is. However, if you'd like to incorporate a little more flavor into the dish, you can try replacing the vanilla with a substitute like maple syrup, bourbon, or almond extract. Keep reading for a more detailed list of vanilla substitutions, as well as the measurements you'd use for each one! Melt a pat of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Swirl the pan as the butter melts to help it spread across the pan evenly. Exactly how much butter you need will depend on the size of the skillet you're using—you want the butter to lightly coat the bottom of the skillet when it melts. About 1/2-1 tbsp (7-14 g) of butter should be enough to cook 2 pieces of bread at a time. If you are making 8 pieces of bread, you'll need this amount of butter 4 times. Dip one slice of bread in the dish, then flip it and dip the other side. Once the butter in your skillet is melted, work quickly to dip the bread for the first batch. Take one piece of bread and place it flat into the shallow dish with the eggs and milk. Immediately flip it over to dip the other side, but don't leave either side in the mixture or the bread will get soggy. Place the bread in the skillet and cook each side for 2-3 minutes. Once you dip the bread, quickly transfer it to the skillet with the hot butter. You should hear a sizzle as the egg mixture hits the hot pan. Allow the bread to cook for about 2 or 3 minutes, then flip it over with a spatula and cook the other side. If you're cooking 2 pieces of bread at a time, quickly dip the second piece and add it to the pan as well. You want the bread to be a rich golden brown on each side. Continue cooking the bread in batches until it's all finished. Serve the French toast hot with the toppings of your choice. French toast is best eaten right away, so once it's finished cooking, place it on a plate and add your favorite toppings. For instance, you might drizzle maple syrup over your toast, or you might add sliced fruit and powdered sugar. Other toppings might include jam, honey, caramel syrup, apple butter, or peanut butter. If you won't be serving the French toast right away, place it on a baking sheet and keep it in a 250 °F (121 °C) oven for up to 30 minutes. Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. While your French toast will have the best texture right after it's cooked, if you have leftovers, you can place them in a sealed container or freezer bag in the refrigerator for 2 days. Reheat it in the microwave or your toaster. If you need to store the French toast longer, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Use maple syrup or honey in place of vanilla for a rich, sweet taste. Maple syrup is a common substitute for vanilla because they have a similar flavor profile. Honey is also often used in place of vanilla, although it has its own unique taste. Luckily, you can substitute either one in a 1:1 ratio, so if you needed 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of vanilla extract, you could use 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of maple syrup or honey, instead. Both honey and maple syrup are sweeter than vanilla, so you may want to cut back on the sugar in the recipe, or omit it entirely. Try using half the amount of almond extract instead of vanilla. Almond extract has a sweet, complex taste similar to cherries. Since almond extract is a strong flavor, you only need half the amount that you would need if you were using vanilla. For instance, if you need 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of vanilla extract for your French toast, you would use ⁄ 2 tsp (2.5 mL) of almond extract, instead. Replace the vanilla with bourbon or brandy for boozy French toast. Bourbon has a natural smoky vanilla flavor, and brandy typically has a sweet, fruity taste. Either way, if you have them in your liquor cabinet, you can add a splash to give your French bread a richer flavor. Similar to maple syrup, you can use these replacements in a 1:1 ratio, so you'll need 1 tsp (4.9 mL) to replace the vanilla in your French toast. Increase the cinnamon in the recipe to make cinnamon French toast. If you love the spicy flavor of cinnamon, just add extra to your mixture. For instance, if the recipe calls for a pinch of cinnamon, you might increase it to 1 1/2—2 tsp (3—4 g) instead. You don't need to adjust any of the other ingredients in the recipe. | Start with 8 slices of slightly stale or toasted bread. Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a shallow, rimmed dish. Include a vanilla substitute or omit the vanilla entirely, if you'd like. Melt a pat of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip one slice of bread in the dish, then flip it and dip the other side. Place the bread in the skillet and cook each side for 2-3 minutes. Serve the French toast hot with the toppings of your choice. Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Use maple syrup or honey in place of vanilla for a rich, sweet taste. Try using half the amount of almond extract instead of vanilla. Replace the vanilla with bourbon or brandy for boozy French toast. Increase the cinnamon in the recipe to make cinnamon French toast. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Better-Rapper | How to Become a Better Rapper | To become a better rapper, try studying your favorite rappers and their lyrics to get an idea of what works. You can also read poetry and study famous poets for inspiration since rap and poetry are connected. To improve your flow and timing, try rapping along to your favorite songs and doing diction exercises. Also, record yourself rapping and then play it back to get an idea of what you're doing right and wrong. | Analyze what other rappers are doing. Great artists in any field need to have a working knowledge of the legends who laid the groundwork in the field, as well as the contemporaries currently shaping the industry, and rap is no different. Spend time listening closely to everything from Run DMC to Tupac to local artists around you who haven't made it big. Being a connoisseur alone isn't enough. Break the lyrics and rhythms of your favorite and least favorite songs down into component parts. Ask yourself what succeeds and what fails in every example. Hold yourself accountable to the same standards you hold other rappers. If you realize that you're tired of hearing some worn out rhyme in other songs, then you need to avoid that same pitfall yourself, for instance. Write everything down. Think you've got a good idea for a lyric? Write it down where ever you can! Writing down your ideas will help you improve your rap skills since you will have more concepts for raps as well as an ever expanding vocabulary of lyrics. Poets and other writers regularly keep pocket-size notebooks on them at all times, so they can easily write down great lines before they forget them no matter where they are. If you have a smart phone, plenty of note-taking apps exist as well. Waiting for inspiration to strike before you write will limit your productivity, so try to make yourself write every day. Try giving yourself writing assignments. For instance, you can assign yourself thirty minutes or maybe even one verse to write each day. Enlist the help of friends to ask about your daily progress if you don't think you will pressure yourself enough to do it on your own. Look for inspiration in other inherently lyrical art forms. Rap and hip-hop are essentially poetry with a heightened emphasis on the internal rhythms of the language, so don't be afraid to look at some modern poetry movements for inspiration. For example, Saul Williams is an American poet and winner of the Nuyorican Grand Slam Champion prize. He has also worked with Nas, Kanye West, and Jay Z. The wide array of structure, meter, and other lyrical devices found in poetry may even influence you to try something new to the rap genre that you never would have considered otherwise. Work on your message. Plenty of rappers bring a comedic approach to their music, but the time-tested artists usually have something serious to say beneath the jokes. Try to relate to your listeners and rap about things with meaning. Rap about current events, social issues, or even everyday observations. Practice voice lessons. Rappers are musicians whose voices are their instruments. Voice lessons will help you with range, melody, and a variety of other singing aspects. Rap along to your favorites. Just as a guitarist might learn how to play Jimi Hendrix songs to practice skills, you should practice rapping along to some of your favorites to improve your flow and timing. Don't pick easy songs or just one artist. Practice a wide range of songs with variations in tempo, rhyme scheme, and song length to exercise several different skills with regard to your singing. “Alphabet Aerobics” by Blackalicious is a perfect tongue-twisting example to put your flow skills to the test. Do diction exercises. In addition to rapping along to other songs, try doing other exercises to increase your precision with diction. This page offers a diverse list of tongue twisters to practice, and they even come arranged by letter if you need to work on a specific sound. Practice and then practice some more. Practice rapping every chance you get, whether it is in your bedroom, outside, or in the car. The more you practice, the better your flow and skills will become. Try rehearsing your own raps in several different styles and at different speeds as well. This is both good practice, and you might stumble upon an unexpected flow as well. Listen to yourself. Record yourself rapping and play it back to see what you are doing right and wrong. This is also a great way to practice different approaches to the same material since it gives you an easy way to compare them afterward. Previous recordings also give you a way to gauge your progress, which is hard to measure when you work on something every day. Know when material isn’t working. Sometimes ideas won't come to fruition in the way you want. In these scenarios, it's better to set something aside and come back to it later. This also means knowing when to let go of an idea. Sometimes a project ultimately becomes about salvaging one great line and scrapping the rest, So don't be afraid to start over. Freestyle. Freestyling can greatly help you improve your rap skills. If you can think of a good line on the spot, there's no doubt you can think of a great line in the comfort of your own home. Get others to help out. Friends and family can listen to your raps and help you improve. You can also go to other aspiring rappers for tips and help. | Analyze what other rappers are doing. Write everything down. Look for inspiration in other inherently lyrical art forms. Work on your message. Practice voice lessons. Rap along to your favorites. Do diction exercises. Practice and then practice some more. Listen to yourself. Know when material isn’t working. Freestyle. Get others to help out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Predict-the-Weather-Without-a-Forecast | How to Predict the Weather Without a Forecast | To predict the weather without a forecast, start by figuring out which direction the wind is blowing. Easterly winds suggest that bad weather is heading your way. Next, watch for signs of high humidity, such as frizzy hair, curling leaves, and swollen wood, which may indicate that a storm is close by. Then, check the shape, color, and position of the clouds in the sky. Dark, low clouds usually mean rain is coming! | Detect the direction of the wind. Wind is caused when air moves from a high-pressure area to a low-pressure area. Since weather moves in from the west, westerly winds indicate good weather because they suggest the bad weather is already to your east. Easterly winds suggest that the bad weather is coming toward you. You can use grass or flower petals to determine the direction of the wind. Throw your grass or flower petals into the wind and watch the way that it blows or falls. You can also detect the direction of the wind by wetting your finger and holding it out. The side of your finger that gets cool will tell you from which direction the wind is blowing. Watch smoke from a fire. The air pressure determines what direction the smoke will go. In high pressure, the smoke will go directly up into the air. If the pressure is low, it will spiral back down around the fire. If you see the smoke spiraling back down, bad weather is likely on the way. When smoke spirals downwards, it means that bad weather is very close. The low-pressure system is already in place over your area. Watch for calm conditions. Before a storm, the low-pressure system can push out the area's normal wind patterns. This creates a temporary calm before the storm begins. You'll notice a lack of wind, which creates a stillness over the area. If you're near water, it will be calm and still, as well. This calm indicates a coming storm. At this point, you should be able to observe other signs of a storm, such as dark clouds. Take a deep breath. Close your eyes and smell the air. Smells become wet right before a storm, making them stronger. Before a storm, you should also notice a compost smell as plants release their waste. If you start to smell a compost scent, it likely means that a storm is coming. If you are near a swamp, you will likely smell swamp gases right before a storm. Swamp gas smells like rotten eggs because it comes from decaying vegetation. Check for humidity. High humidity often precedes a storm, so watch for signs of high humidity, such as frizzy hair, curling leaves, and swollen wood. These signs can tell you that a storm is on the way. Pine cones can also tell you if it's humid because they will stay closed if the humidity is high but will open if the air is dry. If you live in an area that always has high humidity, rely on other observations to predict the weather. Observe ocean swells. If you're near the ocean, look for ocean swells. These swells can be caused by winds that are blowing a storm system from out over the sea. This could mean that rain is on the way. Look at the shape of the clouds. The types of clouds in the sky can tell you a lot about the weather. In general, clouds that are white and high indicate good weather, and clouds that are dark and low mean rain or storms are on the way. White, wispy clouds usually mean that the weather will be clear. Flat clouds mean that the air is stable, while fluffy clouds mean that it is unstable. Smaller puffy clouds may look calm, but they often build over the course of the day. If you see these clouds, it could mean a storm is brewing. Observe the position of the clouds. Clouds that look high usually mean that they are farther away but could become a weather threat up to six hours later. Lower clouds mean that bad weather is closer. As the weather threat approaches, you will see the clouds move lower in the sky. Check the color of the clouds. Clouds can be various shades of white, gray, black, and brown, and each also means something different about the weather. Black clouds mean that there is a coming storm that does not have strong winds. Brown clouds mean that there is a coming storm that does have strong winds. White clouds usually mean good weather, though a storm could be on its way later in the day. Gray clouds usually mean a new or a light storm. However, gray skies mean that the storm is affecting a large area and may remain for awhile. Watch the movement of the clouds. The direction that the clouds are traveling can tell you if weather is on the way. Additionally, you should watch if the clouds are coming together or moving apart. Lowering, gathering clouds are a sign of bad weather coming. Clouds that are rising and spreading out indicate that the weather is clearing. Check for a red sky in the morning. Weather moves from west to east, while the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. If you see a red sky in the morning, then it means that there is clear weather in the east where the sun is rising, but bad weather in the west, making the sky look red. The bad weather from the west will be moving toward you, as that is how weather patterns work. The redness can appear as a bold orange to a deep red. If you see a red sky in the evening, you can rest easy. This means that there are clear skies in the west coming toward you, while the bad weather is to the east moving away from you. You can use the following rhyme: “Red sky at night is a shepherd's delight. Red sky in the morning is a shepherd's warning.” Look for a rainbow in the west. A rainbow in the west means that the sun's morning rays are striking moisture to your west, which is the direction from which the weather is moving. This means that a storm is moving your way, indicating bad weather later in the day. If you see a rainbow in the east, then it means that the weather has already passed over you, so clear skies are likely ahead. Remember the old saying, “Rainbow in the morning gives you fair warning.” Stare at the moon. Look to see how visible the moon is. If the moon is easy to see in a clear sky, then it could mean that the weather is cooling. It may also mean that a low-pressure system is moving into the area, which clears away dust. This means rain could be on the way. If the moon is visible, look for a wide halo that spreads out from the moon. A halo happens when the moon shines through cirrus clouds, which suggests coming rain. Remember the old saying, “Ring around the moon? Rain real soon.” A ring around the moon means a warm front is coming, which usually brings rain. The ring is caused by ice crystals that are passing over the moon. A double halo around the moon could signal strong winds in the coming storm. Another old saying is, “Clear moon, frost soon.” A clear sky means that there are no clouds to hold in the earth's heat. This means that the weather will be cooler that night and the next morning, even if it's not cold enough to frost. Count the stars. If you suspect a storm is coming, look at the stars. More than ten stars means that any coming storms should be light, while fewer than ten visible stars means that the storm will be heavy. A lack of stars means that there is excessive cloud coverage from an oncoming weather system. If many stars are visible, then the sky is clear. Look for high ant mounds. Before a storm, ants will build up their mounds and create steep sides. If you see raised ant beds, especially if they were lower before, then there may be a storm coming. Watch for low-flying or roosting birds. When the air pressure falls before a storm, birds feel discomfort in their ears. This causes them to fly lower toward the ground or to perch on lower tree branches or power lines. You may also observe the birds eating ground insects. This behavior suggests that a storm is coming. If the birds are flying high in the sky, then there will likely be fair weather. If you're near the sea, look for seagulls perched on the beach, which could indicate that a storm is coming. Watch for large groups of roosting birds. Birds also become quiet before a storm. Singing and chirping birds could indicate good weather. Look for bird migrations. Birds can sense air pressure and will time their migrations to good weather. If you see flocks of birds migrating in the sky, then the weather will likely be good that day. Notice if birds eat during a storm. If a storm is going to be short, birds will usually wait for the rain to end before looking for food. If you see birds eating during a storm, then it will likely last for a long time. Birds can sense the pressure patterns, allowing them to predict the weather. Search for bees and butterflies. Bees and butterflies return to their homes before a storm for safety. In the case of bees, they also work to preserve the hive. If you don't see any bees and butterflies when you would expect to - such as in a field of flowers - then there may be a storm coming. Check cow pastures to see if they are lying down together. Cows usually gather together and lie down in their pasture before a rainstorm. This is likely because it cools down before a storm, and cows like to be close to the ground when the weather cools. Cows lying on the ground is an indication that it may rain. This only applies to cows, not other livestock. Look for snakes. Snakes will leave their nests before bad weather, even if it's in the middle of wintertime. Seeing snakes in unexpected places or at a time when the snake would normally be in its nest can be a sign of bad weather. Snakes can even predict earthquakes. If you see a snake out of its nest behaving erratically, there could be an earthquake coming. Snakes usually come out of their nests in sunny weather to warm themselves. They don't like the cold because they are cold-blooded. A snake out of its nest when it's not a warm, sunny day is an indication that bad weather is coming. Watch tortoises if they are nearby. Tortoises will seek higher ground before a storm, so look for movement to higher locations. You may see them in the road one to two days before a rain. | Detect the direction of the wind. Watch smoke from a fire. Watch for calm conditions. Take a deep breath. Check for humidity. Observe ocean swells. Look at the shape of the clouds. Observe the position of the clouds. Check the color of the clouds. Watch the movement of the clouds. Check for a red sky in the morning. Look for a rainbow in the west. Stare at the moon. Count the stars. Look for high ant mounds. Watch for low-flying or roosting birds. Look for bird migrations. Notice if birds eat during a storm. Search for bees and butterflies. Check cow pastures to see if they are lying down together. Look for snakes. Watch tortoises if they are nearby. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Increase-Lean-Body-Mass | How to Increase Lean Body Mass | If you want to increase your lean body mass, you'll need to reduce your total body fat while increasing your muscle mass. To reduce your body fat, focus on eating lean protein, fruits, and vegetables, since they'll help you get all the nutrients you need without the empty calories. At the same time, try to avoid sugary, fatty, and salty foods, since they can lead to more body fat. You should also aim to get in 150 minutes of cardio exercise every week, like running or cycling, which will help you burn fat. To increase your muscle mass, do strength-training exercises 2-3 days a week. | Fill up on lean protein. Eating adequate protein is essential for a healthy diet, weight loss and important for increased muscle mass. Ensure you're eating the right types and amounts to help you reach your goal. The amount of protein you need will vary on your gender, age and activity level. However, if you're trying to gain muscle mass, aim for 1 g of protein for every pound of body weight. Try to eat leaner protein sources as they also contain fewer calories. Go for foods like: poultry, eggs, lean pork, seafood, legumes, tofu and lean beef. You'll need to include one to two servings of protein at each meal and snack to help you meet your goal. Measure out a 3 – 4-oz serving or a serving about the size of a deck of cards. Eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables. Both fruits and vegetables contain a wide variety of nutrients that will help support a healthy body and weight loss. Together with a higher protein diet and exercise, they can help you meet your goal. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, low in calories and high in many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This makes them nutrient dense foods. To meet your daily goal of 5-9 servings, you'll most likely need to include one to two servings of a fruit or vegetable at each meal or snack. One serving of fruit is 1/2 cup and one serving of vegetables is either 1 cup or 2 cups of salad greens. Consume limited amounts of grains. Limiting carbohydrates may help you decrease your total body fat while maintaining your lean muscle mass. Combined with exercise, this can help you increase your lean body mass. Following a low-carb diet has been shown to result in weight loss and the reduction of body fat. Grains are found in a wide variety of foods, but are most prevalent in grain-based foods (like bread, rice, or crackers). These foods do not offer as many nutritional benefits compared to other carb containing foods like dairy or fruits. If you include a grain based food, try to stick to an appropriate portion size which is 1 oz or 1/2 cup. Also try to choose 100% whole grains when you can. These foods have additional fiber and other nutrients than more processed grains (like white bread or white rice). Include pre- and post-workout snacks. You may need to add in a snack before and after your workout to help you fuel up and recovery properly. If you do not have enough fuel to carry out exercise or to recover, you may notice poor performance over time. It's typically recommended to eat some type of complex carbohydrate-based foods before a workout. This can help give you the energy to power through your exercise routine. Go for a piece of fruit, a small yogurt, or a bowl of oatmeal. After you've completed a workout, go for a combination of protein and carbohydrates. This helps resupply your body with energy used during the exercise and provide protein to repair your muscles. Try a banana and peanut butter, trail mix or a greek yogurt with fruit. Depending on when you're scheduled meals are, you may be able to use these as your pre- or post-workout fuel. For example, if you workout in the morning, your breakfast can serve as your post-workout fuel. Limit sweets, high fat foods, sodium, and alcohol. Foods that contain higher levels of added sugar or fat in addition to alcohol can cause you to consume excess calories. In addition, studies have shown that these foods may lead to increased body fat, especially in your stomach area. Limit these foods as much as you can. This will help support any needed weight loss or reduction in body fat. Added sugars are those that are added to foods during their processing. It doesn't add any worthwhile nutritional benefit — only calories. Limit foods like: candies, sweetened beverages, pastries, sweetened canned fruit and desserts. Remember that sauces, dips, and dressings often contain lots of sugar and/or sodium. By adding these to your meal, you can be consuming additional calories without realizing it. Ask for your sauces and dressings on the side, or skip them altogether. Also limit alcohol. It's not recommended for women to have more than 1 glass daily or men to have more than 2 glasses. Do 150 minutes of cardio each week. Cardio is essential for good health, but can also help you reach your goal. Although it doesn't necessarily build lean muscle mass, it can help decrease body fat. It's typically recommended to do at least 150 minutes of cardio each week, which works out to 5 30-minute workouts. Aim for moderate-intensity activities that increase your heart rate, get you to sweat and to be out of breath. Exercises can include: jogging/running, swimming, doing an aerobics class or cycling. Try making one to two of your cardio sessions into a high intensity interval training program or HIIT. Studies have shown this type of exercise helps decrease body fat more efficiently than your typical steady-state cardio (like a 30 minute jog). It also helps increase your metabolism which can help you burn more calories naturally. Do two to three days of strength training each week. These exercises can help build and strengthen your muscle mass. In addition to reducing your total body fat, increasing lean muscle mass will require you to do strength or resistance training. Cardio and diet alone cannot increase your lean muscle mass. Strength training comes with a lot of benefits outside of increasing lean muscle mass. It also helps prevent osteoporosis and strengthens bones and helps increase metabolism. Choose to do higher amounts of repetitions. In regards to weight lifting, you can choose to do many repetitions of an exercise or just a few repetitions. Both offer different benefits to both mass and strength gains. Doing a higher amount of reps per exercise is typically recommended if you want to build more lean muscle mass. Aim for about eight to 12 reps per set instead of lower amounts (like four to six reps). Doing more reps forces your muscles to work for a longer time under the resistance weight. This is the reason for the physical gain of muscle mass. Lower reps do have their place in strength training (and it may be something you want to consider). Lower reps with higher weights exhaust your muscles extremely quick and result in quicker strength gains. Do more compound exercises over isolation moves. Compound and isolation exercises offer you a variety of benefits. Most people do a combination of both, however if your goal is to increase lean muscle mass, go for compound exercises first. Compound exercises recruit multiple muscle groups and joints. They can help strengthen multiple muscles and increase muscle mass. These types of exercises can also cut down on overall workout time. Isolation exercises only focus on one specific muscle. These exercises are generally for fine-tuning, not for making large gains in muscle mass. Take measurements. To keep track of your progress towards your goal and to make sure you maintain your goal once you reach it will require continued effort. Taking regular measurements can help you see how far you've come and help you maintain your goal. Since increasing lean muscle mass will require you to also lose some body fat, weighing yourself regularly is ideal. As you lose body fat you should see the number drop slightly on the scale. Remember, if you make large gains in muscle mass, you may notice your weight increases as muscle weighs more than fat. You'll need to incorporate other types of measurements to get an accurate indicator of your body fat and lean mass. Track your body fat percentage. There are a variety ways to measure your body fat. You can do a skin fold test, electrical impedance test. Both of these methods can generally be done by a doctor or a personal trainer at your gym. Monitor your body fat percentage as you monitor your weight. Your goal should be that your body fat decreases (your weight may also increase) and your lean mass should be increasing. Even if your weight "stalls" or increases, as long as your body fat percentage is decreasing, you're on the right path for increasing your lean muscle mass overall. Get adequate sleep. Those who are chronically sleep deprived are at higher risk for higher levels of body fat and unhealthier and higher body weights. Aim to get at least seven hours (or up to 9 hours) of sleep each night. Sleep has a variety of benefits outside of weight loss and weight maintenance. It helps you focus and concentrate, stabilizes your mood and supports your immune system. Manage stress. Like sleep deprivation, chronic low grade stress has also been associated with higher rates of obesity and body fat percentages. They both trigger the release of the hormone cortisol which encourages your body to maintain fat around your abdomen area. Stress can be caused by just about anything in your life. When its ill-managed, you might notice some side effects. Outside of having difficulty managing your weight or noticing weight gain, stress can cause mood swings, fatigue and even sleep problems. Try self-soothing activities to relieve stress. These can include: reading a book, taking a hot shower, talking to someone, going for a walk, listening to music, or repeating a mantra. | Fill up on lean protein. Eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables. Consume limited amounts of grains. Include pre- and post-workout snacks. Limit sweets, high fat foods, sodium, and alcohol. Do 150 minutes of cardio each week. Do two to three days of strength training each week. Choose to do higher amounts of repetitions. Do more compound exercises over isolation moves. Take measurements. Track your body fat percentage. Get adequate sleep. Manage stress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Your-Face-from-Peeling | How to Stop Your Face from Peeling | To stop your face from peeling, drink lots of water so your skin stays hydrated and can fully heal. If you're peeling because of a sunburn, apply aloe vera to your face to soothe the burned skin. You can also try a medicated topical cream with vitamin D or E to reduce swelling and help your skin heal faster. If you're peeling and it's not from a sunburn, use a moisturizer specifically for facial use. You may be tempted to pick at any peeling skin, but try not to since this could make the peeling worse. | Wear sunscreen. Whenever you go outside in the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen on your face. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB coverage and an SPF of at least 30 to ensure you are protected. Be sure to apply sunscreen at least twenty minutes before going outside. Remember to apply sunscreen to your neck and ears. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, while in the sun. Sunscreen wears off rather quickly, especially if you are sweating, or in the water. Reapply regularly. If you are going to get wet or sweat heavily, look for a water-proof sunscreen. Limit your time in the sun. If possible, take frequent breaks in the shade. Limiting your time in the sun greatly reduces your chance of sunburn. Stay out of the sun when its rays are strongest, between 10am to 4pm. Wear a hat or other clothing that can shade your face. Large-brimmed hats will help keep the sun out of your face. Also wear sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses. They will help protect your eyes and the delicate skin surrounding them. UV exposure can lead to cataracts or macular degeneration. Gently wipe your face down with a cold, damp washcloth. Press against irritated areas for five to ten minutes morning and evening. Do not scrub hard. You will risk doing damage to the burned area and actually worsening the peeling. "Cold packing" your burns this way will help keep your skin temperature down and reduce pain. Take a cool shower or bath. Keeping the burn cool will help reduce pain and help the peeling end more quickly. Keep the peeling area clean, but be very gentle when washing. Apply aloe vera to the peelings area. Aloe vera can help to heal burned skin. Aloe vera is available at most drug stores and supermarkets. When applying aloe vera to you face, be careful to avoid getting it in your eyes. If you have a green thumb, consider buying an aloe vera plant for your garden or to keep in your home. Aloe plants are easy to grow and you can use the juice from a leaf to soothe a sunburn. Drink lots of water. Keeping your skin hydrated is an important part of recovering from peeling skin due to sunburn. Dehydration will prevent your skin from fully healing. Drink regularly throughout the day. Take over-the-counter medication to reduce swelling. Reducing swelling will help your skin heal more quickly. Always read the directions on medication carefully, and always take the medication only as directed. Options include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. General guidelines are as follows: for ibuprofen, take 400 – 800 mg every six hours as needed (max dose 3,200 mg/day); for acetaminophen, take 650 mg every four to six hours (max dose 3,250 mg/day). Use a medicated topical cream. Medicated creams can also help prevent swelling and reduce pain. Use cream with vitamins D and/or E. Studies are inconclusive, but some suggest they may help prevent skin damage. Topical diclofenac gel has been effective in reducing pain and inflammation from sunburn. Stay hydrated. A common cause of peeling skin is simple dehydration. You want to make sure you don't have dry skin. Make sure to drink lots of water to rehydrate. This might even be enough to solve the problem. You can also consider sports drinks, but look for low-sugar options or dilute them with water. While trying to rehydrate, avoid caffeinated drinks. Although they will not further dehydrate you, water will help you rehydrate more quickly. Use a facial moisturizer. Keep your face moisturized by using a cream specifically for this purpose. Do not over-apply your moisturizer. Use a small amount, and apply by rubbing in small circles. Make sure you use a moisturizer specifically designed for facial use. Your facial skin is different, and more sensitive, than the rest of the skin on your body. Using lotions or creams designed for your body can cause clogged pores. Avoid picking and peeling at all costs. Although it can be difficult to avoid picking at your skin when it is peeling, this only makes it worse. Picking at your skin can cause further damage, delay healing and cause your peeling skin to hurt more. It can also leave you open to infection. | Wear sunscreen. Limit your time in the sun. Wear a hat or other clothing that can shade your face. Gently wipe your face down with a cold, damp washcloth. Take a cool shower or bath. Apply aloe vera to the peelings area. Drink lots of water. Take over-the-counter medication to reduce swelling. Use a medicated topical cream. Stay hydrated. Use a facial moisturizer. Avoid picking and peeling at all costs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Attach-a-Merkin | How to Attach a Merkin | To attach a merkin, start by waxing your pubic hair if you plan on wearing the merkin for more than 2 days or shaving your pubic hair if you plan on using your merkin for only 1 to 2 days. Next, buy some spirit gum or a cosmetic adhesive for gluing fake hair and apply it to the back perimeter of the merkin. Wait 20 seconds for the gum to become tacky before placing the merkin gum-side down onto your skin. Then, hold the merkin down for a few seconds while it sets. Wear your merkin for no more than 3 to 4 days, washing your body as usual during this time. | Buy a merkin online or from well-stocked wig supply shop. The more realistic, natural-looking merkins are made from human hair hand-tied to skin-colored lace or netting. These can get quite expensive. If you are wearing a merkin as a gag, prank, or novelty, you might be interested in a fake-fur one instead. Some cosmetic salons may be able to apply a merkin for you. These merkins are made from fox fur, and are glued onto your skin. Trim the merkin, if necessary, using a sharp pair of scissors. Some merkins come "oversized" so that you can cut them down to the right size and shape for your body. Most of the lace-backed merkins are already made to fit, but the novelty fur ones can be cut into all sorts of weird shapes. Wax your pubic hair if you plan on wearing a merkin for more than 2 days. You can still wax your pubic hair, even if you plan on wearing the merkin for just one day. Waxing is recommended for those who wish to wear their merkins longer, because it lasts longer than a shave. Choose a full Brazilian wax, as opposed to a bikini wax or a “landing strip.” Shave your pubic hair if waxing is too painful, and you plan on wearing the merkin for only 1 or 2 days. Use a shaving gel or cream suitable for sensitive skin and a clean, sharp razor to get the closest shave possible. Because shaving does not last very long, it is not recommended for those who wish to wear their merkins for longer than 2 days. Wait several hours before attaching the merkin to give your skin time to heal. Whether you shave or wax your pubic area, you will need to wait a few hours before you can apply the merkin. Both of these procedures place a fair amount of stress on your skin, leaving it sensitive and tender. You will need to give the area time to recover. Once the inflammation is gone, you can start applying the merkin. Buy some spirit gum online or from a costume shop. If you cannot find any spirit gum, try another type of cosmetic adhesive meant for gluing on lace-front wigs, mustaches, and beards. For example, the Telesis 5 silicone matte lace adhesive is designed for use with skin and lace-backed cosmetic items. Try to get something high quality. It may be more expensive, but a cheaper product may irritate your skin. If you have not used spirit gum before, or have sensitive skin, consider doing a patch test on your inner elbow or wrist to see whether or nor you are allergic to the spirit gum. If you are allergic, consider using wig tape instead. Stand in front of a mirror, naked, and figure out where to place the merkin. Place the merkin in your genital area to approximate its proper placement. Draw a guideline with an eyeliner if you do not feel you will be able to apply the glue in the right area. Once you apply the spirit gum, it will be tricky to remove it. Apply the glue to the back, perimeter of the merkin and wait about 20 seconds for it to get tacky. Flip the merkin over so that the mesh side is facing you. Twist the cap off the spirit gum, and use the brush to trace the perimeter of the merkin. Most bottles of spirit gum will have a brush attached to the cap, like nail polish. If yours did not come with a brush, use popsicle stick or a clean brush with short, stiff bristles instead. Place the merkin, glue side down, onto your skin. Position it just above the pubic mound, where the majority of your pubic hair would be. If you need to make any adjustments, do so now. Smooth the merkin down onto your skin, and hold it in place until the spirit gum sets. Start smoothing the merkin from the center and move to the edges. Don't worry if the merkin starts to slip; it's simply because the spirit gum has not finished setting. Simply hold the merkin in place until it stays still. It should only take a few seconds for it to finish setting. Wear your merkin, and wash your body as usual if you want to wear for 3 to 4 days. Avoid scrubbing the merkin itself. Spirit gum is typically waterproof and can last a few showers. Remember, this is not a permanent accessory, so you will need to remove it after day or two. Do not wear it for more than 3 to 4 days. Merkins are reusable. If you'd like to wear your merkin more often, take it off, clean it, and reapply it using the same method listed above. You can also secure it using some wig tape instead. Find some spirit gum remover. If you cannot find any, try baby oil or olive oil. Some sources will recommend rubbing alcohol, but this is not a product you'd want close to such a sensitive area. If you must, use some facial toner for sensitive skin instead. Dip a q-tip in the spirit gum remover, and make sure that the cotton part is saturated. You do not want to rip the merkin right off. Spirit gum is very strong, and you could damage your skin this way. You might also end up ripping the merkin itself if it is lace-backed. Be sure to have several q-tips handy. Wiggle the q-tip under a corner of the merkin. The spirit gum remover will get under the merkin and start dissolving the spirit gum. Once you have the q-tip under the merkin, run it around the edges. Keep doing this until you can peel the merkin away completely. Do not try to forcibly pull or rip the merkin from your skin. Allow the remover to dissolve the spirit gum. Gently lift the merkin away and set it aside. If you feel any resistance, get out a q-tip, soak it with some spirit gum remover, and run it around the area where you feel resistance. Clean your skin using spirit gum remover, then follow up with soap and water. Wipe the area down first using some cotton balls soaked with spirit gum remover. Next, wash the area using some soap and water. Pat yourself dry. Some people recommend applying moisturizer or baby oil to the area to keep the skin soft. Clean the merkin using more spirit gum remover. Dampen an soft-bristled brush (such as an old tooth brush_ with spirit gum remover. Gently scrub the back of the merkin where the spirit gum is. If the spirit gum is not coming off, try using some 90% rubbing alcohol instead. Keep doing this until the spirit gum residue is gone. Once it is gone, gently pat the merkin dry. Spirit gum remover can leave behind an oily residue. If this happens, simply wipe it off using a soft cloth soaked with rubbing alcohol. | Buy a merkin online or from well-stocked wig supply shop. Trim the merkin, if necessary, using a sharp pair of scissors. Wax your pubic hair if you plan on wearing a merkin for more than 2 days. Shave your pubic hair if waxing is too painful, and you plan on wearing the merkin for only 1 or 2 days. Wait several hours before attaching the merkin to give your skin time to heal. Buy some spirit gum online or from a costume shop. Stand in front of a mirror, naked, and figure out where to place the merkin. Apply the glue to the back, perimeter of the merkin and wait about 20 seconds for it to get tacky. Place the merkin, glue side down, onto your skin. Smooth the merkin down onto your skin, and hold it in place until the spirit gum sets. Wear your merkin, and wash your body as usual if you want to wear for 3 to 4 days. Find some spirit gum remover. Dip a q-tip in the spirit gum remover, and make sure that the cotton part is saturated. Wiggle the q-tip under a corner of the merkin. Once you have the q-tip under the merkin, run it around the edges. Gently lift the merkin away and set it aside. Clean your skin using spirit gum remover, then follow up with soap and water. Clean the merkin using more spirit gum remover. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Right-Turn-at-a-Red-Light | How to Make a Right Turn at a Red Light | To turn right on a red light, start by getting into the right-hand lane if there are multiple lanes. Slow down as you approach the red light and come to a complete stop when you reach the crosswalk. Check for oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Wait until your path is clear and then make the right turn. | Make sure that you are in the right lane. Do not swerve into the right lane, or cut anyone off (abruptly move into the lane without adequate room). If you cannot get into the right lane, do not attempt to turn on red. Begin signaling about 100 feet (30.5 m) before you intend to turn. If your turn signal is still on, you can leave it on. You can also turn it off briefly before signalling your turn. For the safety of drivers and bicyclists around you, you should never begin your turn without signalling. Check the stop light for a “No Turn on Red” sign. In some states, you cannot turn on red if there is a red right arrow, so check your state laws. Many cities also have laws in addition to, or separate from, state laws. Make sure you know all the laws in your city. For example, New York City and Washington D.C. prohibit drivers from making a right turn on red. Virginia, North Carolina, Nebraska, Minnesota, and California prohibit taking a right on red if there is a red arrow light. Come to a complete stop. If there is a crosswalk, stop at the crosswalk. Otherwise, stop at the limit line. You must stop completely before making your turn. Do not coast through the turn, even if all appears to be clear. Check for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians crossing always have the right of way. Cyclists may also be coming behind you. If there is a bike lane, you must signal and enter it just as you would a regular lane. Oftentimes cyclists pull out further into the intersection, and may not be required to obey red lights. Keep this in mind as you check for them. Begin to inch out into the intersection. There may be parked cars blocking your view of oncoming traffic. Make sure the front of your car is not inching into traffic, but also make sure that you can see completely. If you cannot see completely, do not make the turn. Yield to other vehicles. Watch everyone who is moving on their green light, including bicycles and motorcycles. This can include people on the right making a U-turn. If it is a very big intersection, there may be people across from you that have a left turn arrow, so be sure to watch the whole road. Complete the right turn. You should begin and end the turn in the lane nearest to the right side of the road. Unless there is a sign indicating otherwise, always turn into the lane closest to you, the right lane. | Make sure that you are in the right lane. Begin signaling about 100 feet (30.5 m) before you intend to turn. Check the stop light for a “No Turn on Red” sign. Come to a complete stop. Check for pedestrians and cyclists. Begin to inch out into the intersection. Yield to other vehicles. Complete the right turn. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Study-for-a-Science-Exam | How to Study for a Science Exam | To study for a science exam, start by finding a quiet study area without distractions. Next, set aside 1 hour work intervals, spending 45 minutes studying, then 15 minutes reviewing your work before taking a short break. When studying from your textbook, read the titles, introductory materials, and subheadings first for an overview of the chapters. Additionally, do any practice problems and highlight important vocabulary words. Then, use previous exams, study guides, and class lectures as a way to focus on your work. | Know the test format and subject material. This is the best place to start, as you don't want to study things that won't be covered on the exam. This will help you frame your studying so you can gather all relevant readings, notes, handouts, and labs. This will also help you decide how much time you need to allot to studying for the exam. Knowing the format of the exam will help you know what techniques would be best to study for the exam. For example, if the test is a practical exam you will know you need to spend time during labs making sure you understand the material. If it's a written exam, it may focus on vocabulary, processes, and problems so you should spend time practicing these. Set aside a specific place to study. Your study area should be quiet and free of distractions. Your study area should have good lighting, ventilation, a comfortable chair (but not too comfortable), and a space large enough to spread out your materials. This area could be at your desk or at the kitchen table-- anywhere quiet and comfortable, but again, not too comfortable-- you don't want to fall asleep. Avoid areas that are distracting. Your area should be free of a telephone, stereo or television, and friends/roommates. Set aside a specific time to study. Do this by dividing your work into small range goals. Try to study in one hour intervals with short breaks in between. The average person can pay attention for approximately 45 minutes, so spend that amount of time preparing for your test and the last 15 minutes of your hour reviewing what you have just studied. Make sure you are well-rested. You will retain material better if you have enough sleep. Seven to eight hours of sleep per night is ideal for adults. While it is tempting to cram for an exam or pull an all-nighter, you will retain information more efficiently if you budget your time and get enough rest. Set a time to go to bed and wake up and stick to it. Use the Cornell System when taking notes. This is a method of note-taking that takes a "do it once" approach. Use a large, loose leaf notebook. Only write on one side of the paper, so you can spread your notes out in a map later. Draw a line 2.5 inches from the left side of your paper. This area will be the recall column, where you can add terms and notes for studying. During lecture take notes about general ideas, skip lines to show the ends of concepts, use abbreviations to save time, and write legibly. After lecture, review your notes and use the recall column to dot down ideas and key words that are easy for you to recall. When studying, you can use these as your study guide. Think about what questions your teacher might ask you. Teachers usually emphasize many things they have discussed in class, and these things usually appear in tests. Pay attention to large topics covered in class. If your teacher has provided a study guide, you will need to review notes about each of the topics on the guide. Think about what kinds of questions where on previous exams. What kinds of problems, essays, or vocabulary questions were asked? Use your recall column or sub-notes to study. These will help you recall important concepts and keywords. Start with material you want to learn best. Begin with larger general ideas and boil them down into more detailed aspects. While reviewing, make note of any discrepancies in your notes or any questions you have. Address these with your teacher before your exam. Use your notes to make a flow chart or concept map. These can help show the direction of a collection of steps or related concepts. Sometimes it helps to organize your ideas visually. For questions where you have to outline a process, a flow chart is a good tool to use. If you think you might be asked compare/contrast questions, a Venn diagram can help you outline the similarities and differences between two concepts. Highlight any important vocabulary terms. You will need to know meanings of scientific terminology for a science exam. Make flash cards to help you recall these. Have a science dictionary handy to look up words you don't remember and don't have in your notes. You can study vocabulary using your flash cards or notes when you have a spare 15 minutes. Waiting at the doctors office or for the bus, for example, is a good time where you can study these. Think of applications of the material. Relate what you learn to practical daily life and what you already know. Science is a very practical subject with many areas of practical applications. Making such connections will make the material relevant to you and easier to recall. This can be a very personalized way for you to remember material if you can relate the subject to your own personal interests. Read your textbook or articles using the survey method. This allows you to quickly assess what is in the chapter or article and what information is most important. Read the title first to help your mind prepare for the subject. Read the introduction or summary. Focus on the author's statement of the most important points. Notice each boldface heading and subheading. These help you break up the information into important subtopics. Notice any graphics. These should not be overlooked. Many times, pictures or charts can be replicated for your notes and can be handy tools for recalling information. Notice reading aids. These are bold faced type, italics, and end of chapter questions. These will show you what points are emphasized in the chapter and can help you recognize keywords and key concepts. Make reading questions. Turn the boldfaced heading of each section of a chapter into as many questions as you think will be address in that section. The better your questions, the better your comprehension of the material will be. When your mind is actively searching for answers to your questions, you will comprehend and retain the information you are reading more effectively. Read each section carefully. Keep your questions in mind as you go along. Look for the answers of your questions in the text and make notes of your answers in a notebook. If you are finding that your questions aren't answered, make new ones and re-read the section again. Stop and recall your questions and answers. You should do this after each time you finish re-reading a section of your textbook chapter. Reciting concepts, ideas, and answers to your own questions enhances your comprehension of the materials. See if you can answer the questions you made from memory. If not, refer back to the text. Repeat until you can recall the answers to your review questions. Review the chapter. See if you can answer all the review questions you made for the chapter. If you can't remember all the answers to the questions you made, then go back and find the answers and review that section again. Go over your questions several times at the end of a chapter for reinforcement. Do any practice problems that are in your book chapters. You may encounter math/science related problems on your exam. Textbooks often provide very good practice problems to work through. They usually have an answer key in the back so you can check your answers. Chances are if there are detailed problems and answers in your textbook, you are likely to encounter similar questions on your exam. Compare the problems with those your teacher has provided on worksheets or in notes. See if there are any differences in how problems are phrased or written between your textbook and other materials. Highlight any important vocabulary. You may have to know keywords for your test. Make flashcards with science words and definitions. You can practice these when you have a free 15 minutes. Make sure your textbook and notes match for the correct definition of vocabulary terms. Ask your teacher for clarification if you don't understand a term. | Know the test format and subject material. Set aside a specific place to study. Set aside a specific time to study. Make sure you are well-rested. Use the Cornell System when taking notes. Think about what questions your teacher might ask you. Use your recall column or sub-notes to study. Use your notes to make a flow chart or concept map. Highlight any important vocabulary terms. Think of applications of the material. Read your textbook or articles using the survey method. Make reading questions. Read each section carefully. Stop and recall your questions and answers. Review the chapter. Do any practice problems that are in your book chapters. Highlight any important vocabulary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Work-at-a-US-Embassy | How to Work at a US Embassy | To work at a US Embassy, start by making sure that you meet the Foreign Service Officer requirements of being a US citizen between the ages of 21 to 60 years old. You must also be willing to relocate for assignments around the world and uphold values such as promoting peace and protecting US interests. Next, choose a career track by checking the job descriptions on the US Department of State website. Then, prepare to pass the Foreign Service Officer Test, and a medical and security clearance to be placed on the hiring register. | Meet the FSO requirements. In order to be eligible for a position at a US Embassy, the US Department of State requires all candidates to be US citizens on the date of application. Candidates must be between the ages of 21 years and 60 years at the time of appointment, and must be willing and able to relocate for assignments around the world. Surprisingly, there are no explicit educational requirements. In fact, candidates for a position with a US Embassy do not necessarily need to have a college degree at all. However, candidates do need to have a broad knowledge in many academic areas, as well as strong writing and research skills. There is no foreign language requirement to become a Foreign Service Officer. The Department of State will teach candidates any required languages. However, fluency in a foreign language does make a candidate more likely to be chosen for an assignment. Meet the 13 dimensions of an FSO. The US Department of State has outlined 13 qualities and characteristics, known as the 13 dimensions of a Foreign Service Officer. These 13 qualities are sought across each career track and are expected of all prospective candidates. Composure - Candidates must remain calm and efficient in stressful or dangerous situations. Candidates must also be able to think fast and adjust to rapidly-changing situations. Cultural Adaptability - Candidates must be able to work with people of other cultures, value/belief systems, political affiliations, and economic situations. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and respectfully with people of other cultures, and must always show respect for cultural differences. Experience & Motivation - Candidates should demonstrate skills and knowledge gained from previous professional experiences, and should be motivated to join the Foreign Service with the intention of furthering the Department of State's interests. Information Integration & Analysis - Candidates should be able to retain and utilize information drawn from an appropriate variety of sources. Candidates should also be able to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information with ease. Initiative & Leadership - Candidates must assume responsibility for their work, and should be able to motivate others to work toward meeting the goals set forth by the Department of State. Judgment - Candidates should be capable of evaluating circumstances and determining what actions are appropriate for real world situations. Objectivity & Integrity - Candidates are expected to be fair and honest in all dealings as representatives of the US Department of State. Candidates should never be deceitful and should avoid favoritism and discrimination, keeping all personal bias out of their professional dealings. Oral Communication - Candidates should be capable of speaking in a well-organized, professional manner. Candidates should also be able to tailor their methods of communication to best suit a given audience. Planning & Organizing - Candidates should be able to prioritize tasks and manage work loads to most effectively achieve their professional goals. Resourcefulness - Candidates should be skilled at problem solving and troubleshooting to address problems that arise in the course of FSO duties. Working with Others - Candidates are expected to always interact with others in a professional and harmonious way. Candidates must work together to meet the goals and objectives set forth by the US Department of State. Written Communication - Candidates should be able to write concise and grammatically-correct prose to effectively communicate with and persuade audiences as necessary. Quantitative Analysis - Candidates should be able to compile and evaluate data, recognize patterns, perform mathematical operations, and draw appropriate conclusions based on the data analyzed. Understand and serve FSO values. As an employee of the US Department of State, all Foreign Service Officers are expected to uphold the values and goals of the American government. This includes a commitment to fighting terrorism, protecting US interests around the world, and implementing foreign policy programs prescribed by the Department of State. Additionally, FSO's are expected to promote international peace and stability, and contribute through their efforts toward a more secure and prosperous world. FSOs achieve these goals by implementing the policies and strategies provided by the President of the United States. Prepare for a Consular Officer's duties. Consular Officers work to help arrange international adoptions, evaluate travel requests from foreign nationals, assist in evacuating Americans stationed abroad, combat fraud, and fight human trafficking organizations. Consular Officers are expected to be strategic planners with crisis management skills, capable of protecting US citizens while working to serve US interests abroad. Consular Officers are trained in resolving child custody disputes, overseeing arrests and detentions, issuing travel advisories, and addressing and responding to emergencies abroad. Prepare for an Economic Officer's duties. Economic Officers serve as liaisons with foreign government representatives on foreign and domestic issues related to technology, science, economic developments, trade negotiations, energy crises, and environmental interests. Economic Officers must be skillful negotiators capable of building and maintaining mutually-beneficial trade relations with other nations. Economic Officers are trained in economics, trade, commercial diplomacy policies, energy issues, or environmental issues, depending on that officer's assignment. Prepare for a Management Officer's duties. Management Officers help facilitate all embassy operations across all departments. Management Officers are required to be fast thinkers who are capable of devising problem-solving strategies in the face of challenging situations. Management Officers are trained in a variety of professional areas, depending on the needs of that officer's appointment office. Prepare for a Political Officer's duties. Political Officers are responsible for analyzing the political climate of their host country. Political Officers must be able to effectively communicate and negotiate as needed with representatives of foreign governments. Political Officers are required to be well-informed and must possess the skills to effectively interpret situations and negotiate with other agencies on issues of international interest. Political Officers are trained to solicit support from foreign government agencies to help move US interests and shared international goals forward. Prepare for a Public Diplomacy Officer's duties. Public Diplomacy Officers engage with government officials and non-governmental groups, including political think tanks, civil society members, and academic leaders, with the goal of promoting mutual interests and building support for American international policies. Public Diplomacy Officers are expected to be skilled experts in cross-cultural interests and relations while advocating for American policies and values abroad. Public Diplomacy Officers are trained in communicating American history, values, and traditions to foreign audiences in order to build international support for American policies. Pass the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT). The FSOT measures a candidate's knowledge and skills across a variety of curriculum areas, including writing and communication skills. Candidates must register for the test before the deadline for that testing period. The FSOT must be taken online at a designated test center, with locations across the United States and abroad at Pearson Professional Centers, as well as at certain US embassies and consulates around the world. Tests are administered three times each year, with a testing window of eight days each February, June, and October. Candidates can find a comprehensive listing of test locations online by searching for FSOT test center locations. There is no explicit cut-off score for the examination. Instead, each candidate's overall portfolio is examined in the context of his desired career track. Skills are assessed in each of the following categories: Job knowledge - this category includes multiple choice questions that test the candidate's knowledge of US history and culture, government, world history, finance/economics, and international affairs. English expression - this multiple-choice category tests the candidate's writing and communication skills. Biographic information - this portion of the exam requires the candidate to self-assess his work style, communication skills, and awareness/respect of other cultures. An assigned topic, about which candidates must write an articulate essay in under 30 minutes. Submit a Personal Narrative (PN). Candidates who do well on the FSOT will receive an email from the US Department of State requesting a personal narrative, which will be submitted to the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP) no later than three weeks from the date the request is sent. The personal narrative allows the candidate to elaborate on his experiences and qualifications. Candidates should focus on providing concrete, positive examples of their abilities, while also addressing how their learning experiences would contribute to a successful career as an FSO. The candidate's PN is evaluated on its ability to address each of the six precepts used by the QEP as predictors of Foreign Service success. Leadership - the QEP assesses the candidate's ability to innovate, make decisions, and work as part of a team. Interpersonal Skills - the candidate's professional standards are evaluated, including his ability to persuade, adapt, and negotiate. Communication Skills - the QEP evaluates the candidate's written and oral communication skills, his ability to actively listen and learn, and his existing foreign language skills, if relevant. Management Skills - the candidate's effectiveness at evaluating, managing, and conducting operations are evaluated by the QEP. Intellectual Skills - the QEP assesses the candidate's critical thinking and active learning abilities, as well as his ability to gather and analyze information. Substantive Knowledge - the QEP examines the candidate's knowledge and understanding of US history, government, and culture, and his potential ability to interact with other cultures. Take the Oral Assessment. The oral assessment is typically held in Washington, DC, though the Board of Examiners also holds Oral Assessments in San Francisco, CA, if the necessary resources there are available. Candidates have a narrow window for taking the Oral Assessment, and the assessment date is determined by when the candidate took the FSOT. The Oral Assessment is an all-day evaluation which will do each of the following: measure the candidate's skills in each of the outlined 13 dimensions measure the candidate's ability to meet the tasks and duties of the Foreign Service assess the candidate's skills and personal characteristics, and compare those skills and characteristics with the essential duties within the candidate's preferred career track Obtain medical and security clearance. Candidates who do well in the Oral Assessment will be given a conditional offer of employment, pending the candidate's ability to obtain medical and security clearance. Medical clearance will be given by either The Office of Medical Services or the Department of State, and is contingent upon the candidate's medical history and his current and projected medical needs. Medical clearance factors in the potentially limited medical resources available at certain Embassy locations around the world. [ Security clearance will be given by the US Department of State, following a thorough background investigation that examines the candidate's employment history, credit history, criminal record, history of substance abuse, and his history of loan and tax payments. Candidates with dual citizenship status, candidates who have extensively stayed abroad for travel, education, or employment purposes, candidates with a foreign-born spouse, and candidates with immediate family members who are not US citizens may experience longer wait periods before clearance is given. Complete a Suitability Review Panel assessment. Once the background investigation is complete, a Suitability Review Panel will evaluate all of the candidate's materials (with the exception of some medical information) to determine whether the candidate is fit for service as a Foreign Service Officer. The Suitability Review Panel specifically examines: employment history, including instances of misconduct, poor performance, and inability to collaborate with others financial irresponsibility criminal history and personal misconduct any instances of deception or fraud during the application process history of alcohol use, specifically with regard to the candidate's ability to manage professional expectations use or sale/transportation of controlled substances the candidate's loyalty to the American government any personal or professional instances of poor judgment or lack of discretion Get placed on the hiring register. Candidates who successfully pass all examinations and reviews are placed on a hiring register. The register lists candidates by career track and by rankings, which are determined by the candidate's test scores and evaluations. A candidate's position on the register will only last a maximum of 18 months. If the candidate has not received a final job offer after 18 months, his name will be taken off the list, and he will have to complete the application process from the beginning. Relocate to Washington, DC. Candidates who are given an offer of employment will typically be required to move to Washington, DC, often with only a few weeks' notice. Candidates are permitted to decline only one job offer. If the candidate declines a second job offer or cannot meet the training requirements a second time, his name is removed from the hiring register. Certain prior obligations, such as overseas deployment in the military, are permitted as reasonable eligibility for job appointment deferment. However, deferments are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and are rarely granted, even for highly-qualified candidates. For this reason, anyone wishing to work for the Department of State should be prepared to relocate for training and assignment on short notice. Complete the A-100 course. All new Foreign Service Officers are required to complete the A-100 course, a six-week training and orientation program. During that time FSOs receive enhanced skills training to meet the needs of their Foreign Service appointment. Receive specialized training. The specialized training a new FSO receives is determined by that officer's work assignment. FSOs who do not speak a foreign language may be required to attend an additional six to nine months of foreign language training, depending on the officer's work assignment. The overall training process for new officers can take up to one year before the officer is assigned to his overseas post. | Meet the FSO requirements. Meet the 13 dimensions of an FSO. Understand and serve FSO values. Prepare for a Consular Officer's duties. Prepare for an Economic Officer's duties. Prepare for a Management Officer's duties. Prepare for a Political Officer's duties. Prepare for a Public Diplomacy Officer's duties. Pass the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT). Submit a Personal Narrative (PN). Take the Oral Assessment. Obtain medical and security clearance. Complete a Suitability Review Panel assessment. Get placed on the hiring register. Relocate to Washington, DC. Complete the A-100 course. Receive specialized training. |
https://www.wikihow.fitness/Do-Kegel-Exercises-for-Men | How to Do Kegel Exercises for Men | To do Kegel exercises as a man, start by trying to stop urinating mid-flow so you can feel your pelvic floor muscles. You should also try to contract your anus muscles, as if you're holding in gas or bowel movements. Once you know what your pelvic floor muscles feel like, practice contracting them, holding them for 5 seconds, and then releasing them. When you first start practicing, do the exercises lying down, since this will make it easier. After you've got the hang of the exercise, you can do it sitting or standing too. At first, practice contracting your pelvic floor muscles for 5 reps twice a day, such as in the morning and at night. Then, after a week, increase your exercise to 10 reps 3 times a day. Keep adding 5 reps and a set each week until you're doing 20 reps 3 or 4 times a day. | Stop urination mid-flow. While you are urinating, attempt to stop and start your urine stream. The muscles you use to do this are your pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles you are trying to target. This method should only be used to find your pelvic floor muscles. It is recommended that you do not stop and start your urine flow regularly as this may cause a urinary tract infection. Squeeze your anus muscles. Contract the anus muscles you normally use to prevent yourself from passing gas, or to hold in a bowel movement. These muscles are your pelvic floor muscles. To perform the exercise correctly, contract and release your anus muscles repeatedly. You know you are performing the exercise correctly when you feel a lifting or pulling sensation on your anus. Use a mirror to make sure you are focusing on the correct muscles. Stand in front of the mirror. Try to lift your penis vertically while keeping your buttocks, abdominal and thigh muscles still. Use the mirror to focus on the pelvic muscles and to detect the use of any other muscles. Do this exercise repeatedly in front of the mirror. If you notice yourself tightening your buttocks, thigh or abdominal muscles, then stop the exercise and try again. Contact your doctor. Do this if you are having trouble targeting your pelvic floor muscles. Your doctor will be able to work with you and give you techniques to target these muscles. In some cases, doctors may use a technique called biofeedback training to help their patients isolate their pelvic floor muscles. Biofeedback training involves inserting a small probe in your rectum as you attempt to contract your pelvic floor muscles. This helps the doctor see which muscles you are using and how to target the correct ones. Do the exercises while lying down. Lie down on a mat or your bed. Contract and hold your pelvic floor muscles for five seconds. Do this without contracting your buttocks, abdomen or thigh muscles. Then relax them for five seconds and repeat the exercise. Because it is easier to do Kegel exercises while lying down, start out by doing them this way first if you are a beginner. Practice them while sitting up or standing. Do this once you have perfected the movement while lying down. Sit up straight in a chair or stand in front of a mirror. Contract and hold your pelvic floor muscles for five seconds. Then relax them for five seconds and repeat the exercise. Do the exercises during routine tasks. Each time you do a routine task, such as shaving, brushing your teeth, or sitting at your desk, practice contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles. You can also do these exercises while reading or watching TV, for example. Start with five reps. When you first start doing the exercises, start out slowly by doing only five reps at a time. Do a set of five reps twice a day; for example, in the morning and at night. Do this every day. Remember to breathe while you are performing the exercises. If you are having trouble synchronizing your breathing with the exercises, then count to five as you contract and hold your muscles. Add five more reps and a set. Do this after a week. So, on your second week, do a set of ten reps three times per day. You can do them in the morning, during your lunch break, and before you go to bed. Do this five to seven times per week. For example, contract and hold your pelvic floor muscles for five seconds and then relax them for five seconds. Do this ten times, three times per day. Have an end goal of 20 reps. Eventually you should work up to a set of 20 reps three to four times a day, i.e., 60 to 80 individual exercises per day. Do this by adding five new reps and a set each week until you reach your end goal. Try doing a third while lying down, a third while sitting and a third while standing up. Depending on your pace, it takes about six weeks or more to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. | Stop urination mid-flow. Squeeze your anus muscles. Use a mirror to make sure you are focusing on the correct muscles. Contact your doctor. Do the exercises while lying down. Practice them while sitting up or standing. Do the exercises during routine tasks. Start with five reps. Add five more reps and a set. Have an end goal of 20 reps. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Flip-Turn-(Freestyle) | How to Do a Flip Turn (Freestyle) | The best way to do a flip turn is to take 2 strokes past the black T on the pool floor, then shift your weight to tilt your body forward. Somersault by tucking your knees tight against your chest and your hands at your sides. To push off, keep your knees bent, extend your arms, press your feet against the wall with your belly facing up and spring off. Rotate until your belly is facing down, and continue swimming! | Start your turn when you see the black T on the pool floor. There is a black line at the bottom of your pool lane. The perpendicular line lets you know that the wall is two feet away. You can use the black T to let yourself know it's time to start executing your turn. This can be hard to judge because it all depends on the length of your legs. Depending on how long your legs are, you would normally do two strokes after the T, then do your turn. If you're very tall or on the short side, adjust accordingly. Follow the last stroke of your arm under the water. As your arm enters the water, tuck your chin and keep kicking your legs to propel you over. Bring in both arms and position your hands at your sides. Do not start rotating your body during this step. As you start to somersault, breath out hard through your nose to prevent any water getting up it. Tuck your knees and feet as you angle forward to somersault. Keep your elbows close to your body. Make sure your knees are close to your chest. If you don't tuck your knees close enough, your feet will take too long to get to the wall. The tighter you tuck your body, the faster your somersault will be. Unfold your upper body. After completing the somersault, release your elbows and extend your arms in the direction you just came from. Put your hands together. Your body should form a straight line from your torso to the tips of your fingers. At this point, your legs are still tucked. Make sure you are not rotating in the water back onto your belly. You should be on your back at this point. Untuck your legs and press your feet flat on the wall. Your toes should be pointing upwards, towards the top of the water. Your knees should be at 90 degree angles. Your hips need to be at about 110 degrees. Straighten your legs as your push yourself off the wall. When your feet are flat against the wall, use them to push off. Your body should shoot off the wall like a torpedo. The harder you push off, the faster you will spring off the wall. Rotate onto your stomach. As you are pushing off the wall, start rotating so that your back is facing the ceiling. Your belly will be facing down at the pool floor. Twist your hands and look towards the direction you want to twist. Don't move your head. After kicking off and during rotation, you can perform a few strong dolphin kicks. This is optional, and may be something you want to do after you get better. Resurface and begin swimming normally. Swim around 10 to 15 feet ( approximately 5 meters) underwater using the butterfly kick in streamline position. Start the pull with the arm that was closest to the bottom as you rotated. Your hand should exit the water as you finish the pull. Now resume your freestyle stroke. Learn how to somersault in water. Knowing how to somersault in water is essential for learning the flip turn. If you have never tried one, you should practice basic somersault technique. You want to be able to approach the wall, tuck your chin and fold into a ball, and start to flip over with your bottom popping out of the water as your flip over onto your back. Practice each step of the technique separately. This technique requires a lot of practice. You need to practice approaching the wall and getting used to knowing when to breathe, where the correct length is for your height, and how to kick off and rotate in the water. Practice over and over, moving at a slow pace. As you get used to it, you can do it faster. It is important that you don't speed up as you approach the wall until you master this flip. Otherwise, you could hit the wall and hurt yourself. Practice several times per week. The exact frequency is up to you, but perfecting this move will take some time. Practice as often as you can. Don't forget to take days off occasionally to rest up, though! | Start your turn when you see the black T on the pool floor. Follow the last stroke of your arm under the water. Tuck your knees and feet as you angle forward to somersault. Unfold your upper body. Untuck your legs and press your feet flat on the wall. Straighten your legs as your push yourself off the wall. Rotate onto your stomach. Resurface and begin swimming normally. Learn how to somersault in water. Practice each step of the technique separately. Practice several times per week. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Magazine | How to Create a Magazine | To create a magazine, make a list of potential articles for your magazine, including top 10s and product reviews. You should aim to have 5-10 articles which vary in length. Next, design a cover with eye-catching colors and pictures to grab readers' attention. Additionally, decide how you want to layout your magazine, including whether you want white space or pictures behind the articles. Then, assemble a prototype of your magazine so you can show printers and retailers how the finished product will look. | Choose a topic. Magazines usually have a theme or topic for all of their content. A good theme is general enough for you to write plenty on but specific enough that it caters to a specific audience. Some themes have more magazines than others, and you may want to break out into your own niche. As you come up with your theme, ask yourself: Is this an art or literary journal? A lifestyle journal? Is it about a certain hobby or fashion? Will I be reporting news or trends? Do other magazines cover this topic? How could I uniquely present this topic? What makes my idea different? What kinds of articles could I write for this magazine? Identify your target audience. You should determine what kind of person will be reading your magazine. By focusing on your audience, you will refine your magazine towards a specific niche. Try to determine the following: Who would be interested in this topic? Am I marketing to a specific gender, age, religion, cultural background, or sexual orientation? Would people in certain industries or careers be more attracted to this type of magazine? What kinds of concerns does this audience have? How would this audience relate to my magazine? How often would I publish this magazine? Monthly? Weekly? Every two weeks? Research your topic. Once you know what your theme is, it is good to do some research on it. You may already know the basics, but you should know what people expect of a magazine like yours. Research can help you generate ideas, and it will help you understand what to avoid in your niche. What are the most recent trends, fads, gadgets, apps, and fashions that relate to my topic? What kinds of articles do people need or want? What kind of tone do I need to set for this topic? Is it a highly technical subject? Can I use humor? Does it require high academic language or casual writing? Study similar magazines. The best kind of research you can do is to look at magazines that are similar to what you to do. While you should not steal their content, you can look for inspiration. These magazine can show you what does and does not work in a print medium. You can also find out if your idea has been done before or if the market is already saturated with that type of magazine. You can also contact the editors of these magazines to find out what printers they use, what their costs are, and how they sell advertisements. Define your mission statement. Write out a sentence or two that outlines what you want the purpose of your magazine to be. This statement should include who the targeted audience is and why they should read your magazine. For example, if you wanted to make a lifestyle magazine for young women interested in knitting, your mission statement could be: “This magazine seeks to explore the world of knitting for women 20-30 years old by fostering networks of creativity and offering the latest product reviews, fun and unique patterns, and monthly knitting contests.” Think of a title. The title should relate to your theme. It should be fun, catchy, and memorable. Good titles tend to be one to three words. It should clearly express what your magazine is about. Create a list of article ideas. Come up with as many ideas for articles, features, stories, and sections as possible. Aim for thirty to forty ideas, but come up with at least twenty articles. You may only use a couple of these in your first volume, but this will give you plenty of material for future issues. If you cannot come up with at least twenty ideas, you may want to refine your theme or topic. Some ideas include: Top ten lists Product reviews Interviews Photo galleries News blurbs Assemble an editorial team. Making a magazine by yourself can be difficult. You can divide the workload by forming an editorial team that handles different parts of the magazine. You can ask friends or family members to help out. You can also advertise on a job board or through a local newspaper. Positions you can fill include: Editor-in-chief: the head of the entire magazine.The editor-in-chief approves each issue, comes up with issue ideas, and manages the business side of the magazine. You may want this position for yourself. Features editor: person in charge of the major story (or feature) of each issue. They come up with ideas, assign stories, and design the layout of the feature article. Copy editor: the person who edits and proofreads all of your articles. Art director: person in charge of all art and media for each issue. Production manager: person who oversees the publication and printing of each issue. Find writers. It may be difficult to write all of the content yourself. Place a call for papers for your new magazine on social media, blogs, and in newspapers. You can also go to local writing conferences or post notices in coffee shops. Writers may contribute their own ideas based on the theme, or you can assign them a topic from your list of article ideas. If you cannot pay your writers, be sure to advertise your magazine as an amateur magazine. If you can pay your writers, place the rate in your advertisement. Professional magazines typically pay about three cents per word. Write the articles. Make sure that your articles are of varying lengths. If this is your first magazine, you may want to start small with a short magazine of five to ten articles. Try having a variety of articles with one long article and several smaller snippets. Hire designers and artists to produce exciting new graphics. Magazines usually have plenty of visuals. These should be high resolution images that relate directly to the content that you provide. You can hire a photographer to scope out local events. You could also find a graphic designer to produce digital art. You could include cartoons, portraits, caricatures, or diagrams. You can hire freelancers by advertising on online job boards. You can also hire a design agency for your art. In addition to paying artists, you can buy stock photographs on the internet. Be careful, however, about lifting pictures from the internet without paying. You can be sued for copyright infringement if you do not have permission to use them. Organize the layout of your magazine. Decide how you want to arrange your text and images. You may choose to have a clean, white space for your articles, or you may fill the space with images. If you will be placing ads in your magazine, decide where you want them to go and how big they will be. Certain computer programs can help you design your layout, such as Adobe, Quark Xpress, Adobe PageMaker, Corel Ventura and Adobe FrameMaker. Alternatively, you can hire a professional designer. Design a cover. Put fun colors and eye-catching pictures on the front cover. You can use an image from your main article or use a more general image that conveys the theme of your magazine. Place plenty of bold headlines to grab your readers' attention. Use a legible font in big letters for your title. You may want to use a contrasting font for the smaller headlines. Choose a cover image that reflects the content of the issue. Assemble a prototype. A prototype is an early sample of your magazine that will help you shop around your magazine to potential advertisers. It will also show your printer exactly how you want your magazine to look. Put together the different pieces that go together best. Make sure the pictures and articles match each other in tone and content. Print your prototype using a local printing service. This is not the final copy of your magazine! After you visit advertisers, you will have to re-edit your magazine to include their ads, and you may make more changes during editing. Find advertisers. Advertisers are the primary source of funding for magazines. It may be difficult to find advertisers for a new magazine, but you can want to ask local small businesses if they would like to buy ad space in your new magazine. Bring your prototype with you as you meet with advertisers so they can see what kind of magazine you have. On average, most magazines are 50-60% advertisements, but you can include as many or as few advertisements you want based on how profitable you want the magazine to be. More advertisements will give you more money, but it may turn off readers who want more articles. Fewer advertisements give readers more content, but it makes your profits more dependent on subscribers. You do not want more than 70% of your space taken up by advertisements. Contact printers. For a more professional looking magazine, you will want to work with a printer that specializes in magazines and periodicals. Many will have websites where you can upload your files. Local small scale printers may be able to do small runs while professional printers may have minimum print runs of 5,000 copies. You can contact magazines you enjoy to find their printers. Be aware that large magazines may hire more expensive printers. A local print shop may work for you if you want only a small run of about 100 copies or less. Calculate the costs. There are many different factors that determine the cost of printing. Before you print, you should consider what features you want your magazine to have. Ask potential printers for a quote for these features. These include: Will your magazine be in color or black and white? How many pages will it be? How many photographs and images are included? What kind of paper do you want it to be printed on? Determine the cost of your magazine. Calculate all of your expenses. Be sure to include the operational expenses, the salary for your editorial board, payments to writers and artists, and printing costs. From this amount, subtract the money you made from advertisers. Divide this new number by the number of magazines you are circulating. This will give you an idea of what you might need to charge per magazine. Compare this cost to similar magazines, and tweak until you have a competitive price. Most magazines lose money on their first issue. Be aware that not all of your magazines will sell on their first run. Magazines typically charge less for subscriptions than they do for issues sold on the stand. Keep this in mind as you decide the cost of your magazine. Sell subscriptions. You can start by asking your friends and family if they would like to buy subscriptions. Advertise on social media, and ask blogs if they would be willing to advertise your new magazine. Advertise directly to your audience. If you know you have a targeted audience, find other publications and websites that they use, and place an advertisement there. Contact a distributor. If you have a large print run, you may want to invest in a distributor. Magazine distributors will sell your magazine directly to stores for you so that you do not have to handle the sale of thousands of magazines. Many distributors will not give you your earnings until the magazines have sold in stores. You will also have to pay them for each magazine sold. Consider the costs carefully. Distributors are not suitable for small print runs. If you have a small run, you will need to handle distribution yourself. Ask local drugstores, bookstores, and shops to sell your magazine. You can distribute your magazines yourself by contacting local stores. Ask the managers or owners if they would willing to carry your magazine. They will want to know how much your magazine costs and how much they get to keep from each sale. Determine the cost of the magazine, and subtract the costs of printing, writing, and art per magazine. From that amount, negotiate how much money you will get to keep from each purchase. Create an online version. Most magazines have an online presence. An online version of your magazine will let potential readers access free articles to entice them to subscribe. It will also allow your articles to be shared on social media, which will give you free advertising. Consider whether or not you want to create a free version. | Choose a topic. Identify your target audience. Research your topic. Study similar magazines. Define your mission statement. Think of a title. Create a list of article ideas. Assemble an editorial team. Find writers. Write the articles. Hire designers and artists to produce exciting new graphics. Organize the layout of your magazine. Design a cover. Assemble a prototype. Find advertisers. Contact printers. Calculate the costs. Determine the cost of your magazine. Sell subscriptions. Contact a distributor. Ask local drugstores, bookstores, and shops to sell your magazine. Create an online version. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Process-Loans | How to Process Loans | To process loans, start by contacting the loan officer and entering the loan information into the computer system. Next, order the borrower's credit report, evaluate their assets, obtain proof of insurance, and research their income sources and employment history. Review everything in the file closely for accuracy, make note of any red flags, and put it all together according to the underwriter's formatting and organization guidelines. Once you're satisfied that everything in the loan package is complete, forward it to the underwriter. | Contact the loan officer. The loan officer acts as the intermediary between you and the borrower, and they can answer any questions you have about the loan. If you have any questions about the information, the loan officer can answer them. Read through the application and other documents received first to make sure you understand everything about the loan before you get started with the processing. If you have any questions, it's better to ask them as soon as possible. Enter loan information into the computer system. The bank or lending company where you work will have its own system for entering information about each loan you process. Enter the information you've received accurately and completely. If the computer system prompts you for information you don't have in the loan file you received, contact the loan officer as soon as possible so you can get this information filled in. The computer system will generate deadlines for various processing steps to be completed, and may send you reminders when a deadline is approaching. Order the borrower's credit report. If the borrower was pre-approved, the loan officer may already have pulled the borrower's credit report and included it in the information sent to you. If not, you'll have to order one. You may need a credit report from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus. If the loan officer only checked one, you may still need to order the other two. Order an inspection or appraisal. The mortgage company may require an inspection or appraisal of the property being purchased before the loan can be approved. Depending on your employer's rules, it may be your responsibility as a loan processor to order these. Since inspections and appraisals can take time, if you know you need to order them, do so as soon as possible during processing. The underwriter will review the inspection and appraisal to determine the value of the collateral for the loan. Some states may have additional requirements, such as certification that there are no termites on the property. Start a title search. The title search for the property will reveal whether there are any outstanding liens or other claims against the title, which could affect the value of the property. It's possible that the loan officer has already set the wheels in motion for the title search, or you may be responsible for handling this on your own. Check the borrower's income sources. The borrower's income is perhaps the most important part of their loan package, because it determines their ability to pay back the loan. Typically you'll be looking at the borrower's tax returns or pay stubs going back a couple of years. The borrower's education and employment history can be just as important as the amount of their income. For example, if you have a borrower in their mid-20s who just graduated with a professional degree and has started working full-time in that field, their income probably will increase as they gain experience in their field. You may need additional information to verify the borrower's income if they are self-employed. Request this information as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary delays. Evaluate the borrower's assets. The borrower may have other property that either could generate income on its own or could be liquidated to pay debts if necessary. The value of these assets will affect the amount of the loan that gets approved. Assets are particularly important if the borrower has limited or fixed income, perhaps because they're retired. When assessing value here, take into account whether the borrower has used that property as collateral on another loan. Analyze the borrower's outstanding debts and credit history. The borrower's credit report provides a snapshot of how that borrower handles credit. Compare their outstanding debt to their income, and check for missed payments. Your employer will have basic standards that must be met. If the borrower doesn't meet these standards, they may need to provide additional information. For example, if a borrower has an unacceptable number of late payments on their report, the lender may require an explanation. Get proof of insurance. All lenders require borrowers to prove that they have homeowner's insurance, or can get homeowner's insurance for the property. Your employer will have set coverage standards that must be met. Homeowner's insurance protects the property, which is being used as collateral for the loan. While the homeowner is still paying their mortgage, the insurance protects the lender as well as the homeowner from loss. If proof of insurance wasn't submitted with the original loan application, work with the loan officer to get documentation from the borrower. Review the file. Before you send the file off to the underwriter, take a moment to look through all the information and documents in the file and make sure everything is complete and accurate. Check for errors and contact the loan officer if you need clarification on anything. As you review the file, note any possible red flags or other cause for concern. This saves the underwriter some time as they go through the file. Make sure the file follows the underwriter's formatting and organization guidelines. If documents or information are presented in the wrong order, it could impact the loan's approval. Request any additional reports of documents. The underwriter requires specific documents and information in each loan file. If you found missing documents in your review, contact the loan officer as soon as possible. If you've found any red flags, you also might want to get the borrower to explain them. For example, suppose the borrower missed three payments on a car and had it repossessed. The borrower may be able to provide information that would help excuse them for that fault. Forward the loan package to the underwriter. Once you're satisfied that everything in the loan package is complete and in an acceptable form, it's ready to move on to the underwriting process. You may be required to send the package through a supervisor first, who will review your work and point out any changes that should be made. This is especially likely if you're just starting out as a loan processor. Work with the underwriter to resolve any problems. The underwriter may issue a "suspense" on the loan if they require more information for processing. They may go directly to the loan officer for this information, but frequently as a loan processor you will act as an intermediary between the underwriter and the loan officer. In some cases, such as if the issue is related to a note or comment you made on the file, the underwriter may go to you directly for an explanation. | Contact the loan officer. Enter loan information into the computer system. Order the borrower's credit report. Order an inspection or appraisal. Start a title search. Check the borrower's income sources. Evaluate the borrower's assets. Analyze the borrower's outstanding debts and credit history. Get proof of insurance. Review the file. Request any additional reports of documents. Forward the loan package to the underwriter. Work with the underwriter to resolve any problems. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Neutralize-Dog-Urine-Odors | How to Neutralize Dog Urine Odors | Dog urine odors can be powerful, so you'll need to act quickly to neutralize them. The first thing to do is run a wet and dry vacuum cleaner over the area to suction up all of the urine. If you don't have a vacuum, soak up the urine with paper towels or old newspapers. Then, cover the area with a generous amount of a solution made from equal parts vinegar and water and scrub it into the carpet. Afterwards, coat the area with baking soda and spray a mixture of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid over it. Once the area dries out, run your vacuum over it again. If the urine is already dry, you'll need to buy an oxidizing or enzyme odor remover and apply it to the spot according to the instructions on the bottle. | Run a wet and dry vacuum cleaner over the affected spot. Using the vacuum, suction all of the urine from the carpet or flooring. Doing this will help to prevent the urine from getting absorbed into the carpet or flooring's deeper layers. Urine that has been absorbed into the deeper layer will create an odor that will be very hard to get rid of. If you do not have a vacuum cleaner, lay several sheets of newspaper or paper towels down on the spot. This is best to do right after the dog has urinated. Remove the soaked paper and replace with new sheets until it seems like the paper is not soaking up anymore urine. This will help to keep the urine from sinking deep down into the carpet. Use a UV light to detect any dried urine spots. If you were unable to soak up the urine right when it happened, and you're not sure where the smell is coming from, you can use a cheap UV blacklight to find the spots where your dog has urinated. Once you've found the spots, mark them by placing an object next to them so you don't lose them again. Cheap UV lights can generally be bought at your local home goods or hardware store. Create a vinegar-water solution. The solution should be 50% vinegar and 50% water. For instance, if you use two cups of water, you should mix it with two cups of vinegar. The amount of liquid you use will depend on how large the spot where your dog urinated is. Apply a generous amount of solution to the urine spot. You will want to use a generous amount to make sure that the solution absorbs into the deeper layers of the carpet, eradicating the urine odor along the way. The solution will help to soften and neutralize the hardened, deeper layers of the urine spot. Scrub the spot gently. Use a new sponge or washcloth to scrub in the vinegar mixture. Doing this will help to remove the hardened layers of urine in both the superficial fibers of the carpet (the surface of the carpet), as well as the deeper layers of the carpet or flooring. Run your vacuum over the urine spot again. Once you have scrubbed in the vinegar, run your vacuum over the spot again to pull up the vinegar mixture and the urine that is has broken up and neutralized. Again, if you don't have a vacuum, use paper towels or newspaper to soak up the vinegar and broken up urine. Sprinkle baking soda over the urine spot. Once you have dried the area, pour baking soda over the entire affected area. Make sure that the baking soda covers all of the affected carpet or flooring. The baking soda will help to ensure that the urine gets neutralized. Mix hydrogen peroxide with dishwashing liquid. Mix 250 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 5 ml of plain dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Make sure that the hydrogen peroxide you use is 3%. Anything higher may damage your carpet or flooring. You should also make sure that the dishwashing liquid you use does not contain any bleach, as this may also stain your carpet. Spray the hydrogen peroxide mixture on the urine spot. Lightly spritz the area covered in baking soda. Once you have sprayed the mixture on to the spot, put cleaning gloves on and give the spot a good scrub with a new sponge or a brush that you don't plan on using again (unless it is for this same activity). Allow the area to dry completely. This may take several hours. Once the spot it no longer damp to the touch, run your vacuum over it again to pick up any excess baking soda that may not have gotten mixed in with the hydrogen peroxide mixture. Be aware that old urine spots most likely discolored your carpet. Purchase epsom salt or potassium alum. Both of the products can be found at your local grocery store or pharmacy. The product you use is up to you--both epsom salt and potash alum have the same effect on dog urine--the get rid of bacteria in the urine spot that can be increasing the bad smell, and they absorb any leftover liquid. Make your cleaning mixture. Dissolve 200 grams of Epsom salt or potassium alum in 800 ml of water to make a liter of solution. Transfer the solution in a spray bottle to make applying the solution to the affected area easier. Combat urine spots. If the urine is fresh, soak up the urine with paper towels, newspapers, or a wet/dry vacuum. After you've soaked up as much urine as you can, spray the cleaning mixture on to the affected area. Let it soak into the urine spot for several minutes. If the urine spot is old, spray the affected area and then let the solution soak into the spot for 30 or more minutes. The longer you let the solution sit, the more effective it will be in breaking up and dissolving the urine that has dried in the carpet. Soak up the mixture. Once three or four minutes have passed, wipe it off and soak it up with paper towels or a wet/dry vacuum. This will ensure that you remove all of the dissolved urine that the mixture broke up. Once you have gotten the spot relatively dry, spray the solution on the spot again. This time, let it dry. The dried solution will continue to fight against bacteria in the affected spot. Try enzyme products.These products contain enzymes that decompose urine into molecules that can be eaten by specific non-odor causing bacteria present in their products. Examples of these products are: 100% Natural Pet-Dog-Cat Urine and Stain Odor Remover by Nature's Secret Weapon ™, Stink-Free ™ Urine Odor Remover, Roco & Roxie Supply™ Pet Stain and Odor Remover, Best Carpet Enzyme Cleaner by Bubba's Rowdy Friends Pet Supply Inc., and Urine-Off™ Give oxidizing products a try. These products can be directly sprayed on areas with remnant urine odors. These products neutralize odors by killing odor-causing bacteria, and can prevent remarking. They also contain substances that remain after application that continue to neutralize odors, bind to waste products, and prevent bacterial and mold growth. Examples of these products include Oxyfresh Pet Deodorizer with Oxygen and Shout Turbo Oxy Stain & Odor Remover. Make sure you use the right amount of neutralizer. When using either enzyme or oxidizing products, it is important to use more product than the amount of urine that your dog expelled. A medium-sized dog can usually pass half a cup of urine, so in that case, you would use a cup of neutralizing agent. Apply the neutralizer. For this step, it is best to read the instructions on the bottle or package that the neutralizer came in. However, most neutralizers need to be applied to the spot and then let to soak for a certain amount of time. When they have soaked into the carpet, it is best to vacuum the spot or soak the liquid up with paper towels, newspaper, or old fabric towels. When washing urine off of concrete, use three times the amount of neutralizer. For instance, if your dog passed roughly one-fourth a cup of urine, you would use three-fourths cup of neutralizer. When treating carpets that have been heavily soiled with urine on multiple occasions, it is best to lift the carpet up and clean the floor as well. If you do not, there is a good chance that the odor will continue to linger. If you are treating a car seat, use double the amount of neutralizer to account for the fact that the foam in car seats is much more absorbent that most carpets and floorings. | Run a wet and dry vacuum cleaner over the affected spot. Use a UV light to detect any dried urine spots. Create a vinegar-water solution. Apply a generous amount of solution to the urine spot. Scrub the spot gently. Run your vacuum over the urine spot again. Sprinkle baking soda over the urine spot. Mix hydrogen peroxide with dishwashing liquid. Spray the hydrogen peroxide mixture on the urine spot. Allow the area to dry completely. Purchase epsom salt or potassium alum. Make your cleaning mixture. Combat urine spots. Soak up the mixture. Try enzyme products.These products contain enzymes that decompose urine into molecules that can be eaten by specific non-odor causing bacteria present in their products. Give oxidizing products a try. Make sure you use the right amount of neutralizer. Apply the neutralizer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Successful-Relationship | How to Have a Successful Relationship | To have a successful relationship, treat each other as equals, since everyone is entitled to love and respect. For example, if your partner lets you have a night out with your friends, you also need to accept it when they want to go out alone. You should also find ways to express your love for each other in actions and words, such as holding hands while you're walking together or regularly saying, “I love you.” When you spend time together, act as a source of support by listening to your partner's complaints and dreams, which shows you care about them. Additionally, open up and tell them about your concerns and hopes, since this shows you trust them to support you. If you're involved in a conflict or disagreement, try to reach a solution through compromise, like by including activities you both enjoy during your date nights. | Compare values. Your core values guide the way you approach life and love. Compare your own values to those held by your partner. If these core values differ too drastically, your lifestyles might be too incompatible to work out in the long-term. Take all major values into consideration, including your faith, social beliefs, and plans for the future. For instance, if you definitely want to have kids but your partner is definitely against it, a successful relationship might be improbable. You'll also need to compare financial values. Consider the way you and your partner spend money. Once you share your finances, you need to be able to agree on how to spend and save money. Ask yourself if your partner is trustworthy. Trusting your partner is important, but you should only extend trust to a partner who deserves it. To that end, you should evaluate whether or not your current partner is actually worth trusting. Consider past experience. Ask yourself if your partner has been dependable and consistently supportive. A partner that has a history of breaking your trust may not be worth trusting anymore. If your partner has proven his or her trustworthiness but you still have difficulty feeling trust, the issue might lie with you. There might be some unrelated cause making it difficult for you to trust, and you will need to address that issue before you can build a lasting relationship with your partner. Consider which "you" is present in the relationship. Different people will naturally draw different sides of your personality to the forefront. It will be much easier to maintain a successful relationship with someone who naturally draws out your positive attributes. Essentially, you need to ask yourself if you're happy with who you are in the relationship. If this relationship makes you feel insecure, for instance, it might not be healthy to maintain, even if your partner isn't intentionally drawing out that side of you. If you're unhappy with who you are in the context of the relationship, you might be able to work through your problems with the help of your partner or a professional therapist. You will need to determine whether or not the issue is something that can be resolved on a case by case basis. Examine your ability to deal with conflict. Consider how you and your partner deal with conflicts, both within your relationship and outside of it. While there will always be room for improvement, you at least need some current foundation for healthy conflict resolution if you want the relationship to last. Successful couples are able to confront problems and resolve them. If you hold grudges with one another, avoid conflict altogether, or shut down emotionally after an argument, you will need to improve the way you deal with conflict if you want the relationship to continue. Similarly, when external problems arise, you and your partner need to be able to support each other. Drawing together will make your relationship more successful, but being pulled apart is a bad sign. Become equals. Both you and your partner must look at one another as equals. You must both admit that the two of you are equally deserving of love, respect, and devotion. If one partner is less committed than the other, the relationship won't be able to last long. If you aren't willing to return a favor, don't ask for it. For instance, if you want to spend a night out with your friends, you also need to let your partner spend a night out with his or her own friends. Divide your shared responsibilities evenly, as well. Split household chores evenly and give each other equal voices when you make decisions that affect both of you. Express love for one another. You should express your love through both words and actions. Work with your partner to find the right balance for your relationship. Saying "I love you" is important, even if you frequently express your love through your actions. Actions speak louder than words, but there are times when words still speak more clearly. Demonstrate your love through small acts of physical intimacy and appreciation. For instance, hold hands with your partner as you walk down the street or surprise your partner with a small gift to show that you've been thinking of him or her. Respect each other. Respect is just as essential as love within a relationship. If the two of you are unable to respect each other as human beings, the bond between you will crumble apart. Accept your partner for who he or she is. Instead of trying to change your partner, accept your partner's weaknesses and focus on your his or her strengths. You also need to make sure that both you and your partner respect you. Address your partner's needs, but don't prioritize them over your own. Show support. You'll need to support each other at all times. Encourage each other when things get tough, and congratulate one another when things go well. Listen to your partner's complaints and interests. Offer advice when you can, but never underestimate the value of a shoulder to cry on, either. You also need to give your partner the opportunity to support you. Confess your likes, dislikes, fears, and dreams to your partner. Be as open about these things as possible. Improve all aspects of intimacy. Both emotional intimacy and physical intimacy are important in a relationship. You must feel an emotional connection to your partner that is just as strong as any physical attraction you feel. Spend time looking nice for one another. You can dress down most of the time, but on occasion, you should put a little extra effort into grooming yourself so your partner realizes how attracted you still are to him or her. Make sure that your romance is built on a solid friendship. You need to be able to share secrets, laughter, and tears with one another. Remain positive. People who possess positive attitudes generally tend to experience more success overall. This is true in nearly all areas of life, and your relationship is not an exception. Remain thankful for your relationship and try not to take any aspect of it for granted. Spend time encouraging positivity in the relationship, as well. Try to make positive statements to your partner at least five times as often as you state negative comments. Try new things together. To prevent things from feeling stale, the two of you should make it a point to occasionally share new experiences. Discuss different options you might want to pursue and take your individual personalities into consideration. There are some activities you know your partner won't enjoy even though you might, and vice versa. Avoid these activities when possible and focus on new experiences that might bring equal enjoyment to both of you. Make time for yourself. Even though you and your partner need to act as “one” in some sense, both of you are still your own individual persons. Nourish yourself as an individual so that you can be energized enough to nourish your relationship, as well. Spend time alone doing activities or hobbies your partner doesn't enjoy. Spend quiet time alone, too, and focus on meditating or relaxing. Stay connected to your own friends and family. It's great if your partner gets along with all of your other loved ones, but having your own social circle can be a good thing, too. Pick your battles. Two people in a relationship will always face disagreements, but some of these troubles are more serious than others. Fight the important battles and consider letting the insignificant ones drop. Ask yourself if the current disagreement has long-standing consequences. If it doesn't, it might be something worth dropping. If it does, you probably need to address it. Communicate openly and honestly. You should always communicate sincerely, but effective communication is especially important in the midst of an argument or other disagreement. Nobody can read minds. Instead of making your partner guess, directly state what it is that you need or want from your partner. You can only reach a solution once everything is out in the open. Empathize. Try putting yourself in your partner's shoes and thinking about his or her needs. When you learn to empathize with your partner's feelings, you may find yourself less angry and more willing to accommodate your partner's point of view. Everyone has shortcomings. Instead of viewing your partner's quirks as weaknesses, accept that these issues are simply part of your partner as a whole. Many flaws are connected to insecurities, so picking at them during an argument will usually be destructive. Aim for constructive conversation and criticism instead. Compromise. Give a little and take a little. Instead of thinking that the resolution of a disagreement must strictly match either your own ideals or your partner's ideals, try to reach an agreement that satisfies both of your perspectives. For example, if you get into an argument about how you spend your date nights, figure out a way to include an activity your partner enjoys as well as one that you enjoy. When this won't work, agree to let your partner plan the activity for one date night under the condition that you get to plan the activity for your next date night. Respond to problems proactively. When a problem arises in your relationship, think of ways to actively correct it instead of dwelling on the problem itself. For example, if the two of you don't spend any time together anymore, start scheduling time for your relationship. Plan dinner dates or look for activities that both of you might enjoy doing. Make a conscious effort to correct the problem instead of letting it fester. | Compare values. Ask yourself if your partner is trustworthy. Consider which "you" is present in the relationship. Examine your ability to deal with conflict. Become equals. Express love for one another. Respect each other. Show support. Improve all aspects of intimacy. Remain positive. Try new things together. Make time for yourself. Pick your battles. Communicate openly and honestly. Empathize. Compromise. Respond to problems proactively. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sharpen-Lawn-Mower-Blades | How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades | Before you sharpen your lawn mower blades, put on gloves to protect your hands and disconnect the mower's spark plug so it won't start. Then tip the mower onto its side, wipe away any grass or debris from the blade, and loosen the fastening bolt to remove the blade. After you have removed the blade, secure it to your work station using a vise or a sturdy clamp. Once it is secure, you can sharpen it by running a metal file along the sharp edge of the blade, holding the file at a 45 degree angle. | Disconnect the spark plug and power source. A lawnmower can cause serious injury if it starts while you are working on it. Always disconnect the spark plug and the power source (outlet or battery) before disassembling your mower. The spark plug can usually be disconnected by removing a prominent wire on the side or front of the lawnmower engine from its metal mounting. Once disconnected, the engine should not be able to start. For safety purposes, it's still recommended to wear heavy gloves and eye protection during this project even if you're sure you've disconnected the spark plug. Turn the mower on its side with its carburetor facing up. To access the Lawn Mower blades, you must turn it on its side. However, because of the construction of a lawn mower engine, turning the mower over haphazardly can cause engine oil to spill into the carburetor and air filter. To avoid this, make sure you turn the mower so that these face up , rather than down. The carburetor and air filter on most modern mowers are usually housed in a boxy plastic case on the side of the engine. If you're unsure of where these parts are located on your mower, consult your owner's manual or contact your manufacturer. As additional protection against spilling, you can run the mower until it's out of gas, or pour the oil into a separate container. This project is also a good opportunity to check your oil and change it if necessary. It's a good idea to change your oil at least once a year. Mark the downward-facing side of the blade. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when sharpening their lawnmower blade is to re-install it upside-down. If this happens, the blade won't be able to cut grass, no matter how sharp it is. To avoid the extra effort of having to remove and install the blade again, make a noticeable marking on the bottom side of the blade before removing it. There are many ways to do this. For instance, you may want to mark the bottom of the blade with a dot of spray paint, inscribe your initials with a grease pen, or simply stick some masking tape to the center of the blade. Block the blade and loosen the fastening bolt. Most lawnmower blades are secured with a bolt in the center of the blade. Normally, it's difficult to remove the bolt with a wrench or ratchet because the blade will turn with the tool. For this reason, it's usually necessary to immobilize the blade before you start unscrewing the bolt. There are many ways to do this. Usually, it's easiest to wedge a sturdy block of wood between the blade and deck of the mower to keep the blade steady while you loosen the nut or bolt. You can also use a vise or clamp if it's more convenient. Some mowers have a reverse threaded nut holding the blade onto the spindle. Take note of the placement and orientation of any spacer washers or plates that come off with blade. Clean the blade of grass clippings and rust. Once the blade is blocked, it shouldn't be hard loosen the bolt and remove the blade. Once you do, take the opportunity to clean it — if you've been using the mower frequently, there's a good chance it will be dirty with grass clippings, grime, and so on. For ordinary cleaning needs, all you'll usually need is a gloved hand or a dry rag. However, if it's been a long time since you've cleaned your lawnmower, you may find it necessary to use a hose and a little soapy water to remove accumulated plant material and grime. If you do, dry the blade with a rag once you finish. Clamp the blade securely at your work station. Using a vise or a sturdy clamp, secure your lawnmower's blade in a way and place that makes it convenient for you to work on it. For instance, you may want to secure it so that the blade sticks out over the edge of your workbench at roughly waist-level so that you can work on it while sitting. You may want to lay down a few pieces of old newspaper before you begin working to catch stray metal filings, making for easier cleanup. Sharpen the blade with a file. Run a metal file along the cutting edge of the blade. Stroke from the inside edge of the blade to the outside edge until a clean shiny, edge is apparent. Flip the blade over and repeat the process on the other edge. The amount of dust you'll produce from filing your lawnmower blades by hand is likely going to be fairly small compared to what you might generate from other projects. However, it's still a smart idea to wear a standard face mask or respirator to protect your lungs from airborne dust and metal particles as you would for larger grinding projects. Follow the angle of the factory bevel as you sharpen. Keep the file at the angle of the bevel of the blade as you sharpen. Often, the blade angle is about 40 or 45 degrees, but this is not always the case, so check manufacturer's information for the exact angle. Ideally, when you're finished, the blade should be roughly as sharp as a butter knife. Lawnmower blades don't have to be razor-sharp – they spin fast enough to cut the grass without this level of sharpness. Reinstall the blade when sharpened. Spray some WD-40 (or a similar lubricant/sealant) on the main bolt to ensure that it does not rust, then put the blade back on the mower, followed by any washers, then the bolt. Tighten the bolt. Make sure that the blade is oriented correctly when you mount it (this should be easy if you marked the downward-facing side earlier as directed). The sharp edge should be facing the direction of the spin and/or the direction of the grass catcher portal. Do not use a hammer to make the bolt tighter. A snug fit with a wrench or rachet is usually all you need. You should be able to feel the tightness of the bolt by simply turning the wrench. Observe common-sense safety precautions while working. If you aren't already wearing eye protection, gloves, and long sleeves, put these on before beginning. Bench grinders and other sharpening machines can fling sparks and tiny pieces of debris at very high speeds, potentially causing injury if you're not wearing proper protection. Use a bench grinder. If you don't want to sharpen your blade by hand with a file or there are minor dents or cracks in the blade, using a mechanical solution may be necessary. For sharpening lawnmower blades, ordinary bench grinders usually work well. To sharpen the blade, move it back and forth against the wheel of the grinder. As when filing by hand, you'll want to maintain the original angle of the blade's bevel as you sharpen it. You can also use a 4½ inch (11.4 cm) hand grinder with a metal wheel. Alternatively, use a belt sander. Another way to sharpen a lawnmower blade is to use a belt sander. The same basic principle applies here: rub the blade at an angle against the abrasive sandpaper to gradually sharpen it through friction To use your belt sander to sharpen the blade, invert it so that the belt is facing up and lock the trigger switch in the "on" position. Quench the blade to prevent overheating. The intense friction that results from sharpening a lawnmower blade with a machine can cause the blade to get very hot. This high heat can cause the blade to warp or weaken even as it becomes sharper. To prevent this, it's important to quench the blade frequently as it's being sharpened. To quench the blade, keep a bucket full of water near your workbench as you work on it. As the blade heats up, dip it in the water to quench it and cool it down. Wipe the blade dry before beginning to sharpen it again. Re-sharpen about twice every mowing season. Regularly sharpening your lawnmower blades is a great habit to get in. With frequent use, it's usually appropriate to sharpen a lawnmower's blades about twice every mowing season — more if you use it frequently. Keep an eye on your grass after you use your mower to cut it. If the grass has a clean, smooth edge, your blades are sharp. If the grass is frayed or torn, your blades are probably too dull and should be sharpened. Balance the blade regularly. If the lawnmower's blade isn't properly balanced, it can cause the mower to vibrate as it spins or even damage its internal parts. It's convenient to balance the blade when it's removed for sharpening, so you may want to do so after each sharpening. One way to do this is with a special device called a balancer, which can usually be found at gardening centers or hardware stores. If you do not have a balancer, it's still possible to balance the blade. Place the blade on a wooden dowel. If one side tilts higher than the other, file the opposite side of the blade, then test the balance again until the blade lies flat. Replace blades with deep dents or cracks. While sharpening your blade is a great way to get it in good shape after ordinary wear and tear, some blades are beyond repair. If your blade is bent, deeply worn, dented, or cracked, sharpening won't be able to fix these problems. In these cases, replacement is usually the quickest, easiest option. When in doubt, see a mechanic. If any part of the sharpening or balancing process seems difficult, unsafe, or beyond your level of maintenance skill, don't risk damaging your blades or hurting yourself. Instead, enlist the help of a lawnmower repair expert. Nearly any lawnmower repairman will be able to sharpen and balance a set of lawnmower blades fairly quickly and at a reasonable price. As an example of the amount of money you might expect to spend at a lawnmower repair shop, some locations charge as little as $10-15 per sharpening. | Disconnect the spark plug and power source. Turn the mower on its side with its carburetor facing up. Mark the downward-facing side of the blade. Block the blade and loosen the fastening bolt. Clean the blade of grass clippings and rust. Clamp the blade securely at your work station. Sharpen the blade with a file. Follow the angle of the factory bevel as you sharpen. Reinstall the blade when sharpened. Observe common-sense safety precautions while working. Use a bench grinder. Alternatively, use a belt sander. Quench the blade to prevent overheating. Re-sharpen about twice every mowing season. Balance the blade regularly. Replace blades with deep dents or cracks. When in doubt, see a mechanic. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pitch-in-Slow%E2%80%90Pitch-Softball | How to Pitch in Slow‐Pitch Softball | Pitching a softball slowly can take a little getting used to, but with the right technique and practice, you'll get the hang of it. Hold the ball in your palm and wrap all of your fingers and thumb around it. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, then take one step back with your dominant foot so your body is slightly angled towards your target. After you step back, swing your arm backwards in an underhand motion, keeping the ball below your waist. Then, step forward with your dominant foot and swing the ball forward and upward. Release the ball right after your arm passes your thigh to pitch it at your target. | Hold the ball in the palm of your dominant hand. Make full contact with the ball using your palm and fingers. Wrap your fingers around the ball in a way that feels comfortable to you. Grip the ball tightly using all of your fingers and thumb. Hold the ball tightly enough to keep it in your hand. If you are right-handed, hold the ball in your right hand. If you are left-handed, hold the ball in your left hand. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and take a step back. Face the direction you want to pitch the ball. Then, take 1 step back with the foot on your dominant side, so that your body is now slightly angled towards your target. If this feels unnatural to you, you can also keep your feet together or bend slightly at the waist. Make sure to keep your knees soft. Do not lock them! Swing your arm backwards using an underhand motion. Bring your arm back alongside your hip after you take a step back. Hold the ball so that it is just behind you before you start to pitch it. Keep the ball below the level of your waist with your arm out straight. Make sure that your palm is facing your target. Throw the ball underhand as you step forward. Swing the ball forward and upward as you take 1 step ahead with the foot that was positioned behind you. Release the ball right after your arm passes your thigh. Loosen your fingers to release the ball and let the ball fly up and towards your target. This movement should be quick, but not too forceful or you may end up getting an excessive speed warning from the umpire. Hold the ball with your index finger and thumb on opposite seams. Press your palm against the surface of the ball. Then, arrange your fingers so that your index finger is parallel to 1 of the seams and your thumb is parallel to the opposite seam. Grip the ball tightly with your fingers to keep the ball in your hand. The rest of your fingers can press against the ball where it feels natural, but focus most of the pressure on the ball with your index finger and thumb. Imagine you are gripping a soda can. This is similar to how your index finger and thumb should be positioned on the ball. Step back and plant your feet firmly on the ground. Check to ensure that your feet are about shoulder-width apart. Then, take 1 step backwards with your dominant foot, which is on the same side as the hand you are using to hold the ball. Keep your knees loose, not locked. Bring the ball behind you with your palm facing up. Use a swinging motion to move the hand holding the ball behind you. Keep your arm straight and the ball below the level of your waist as you do this. The ball should be right behind your hips. Bring your arm back to a comfortable position. Don't overextend it. Throw the ball and twist your wrist slightly to the left on the release. This will put a spin on the ball after you release it, which may help to make it more challenging to hit. As you bring the ball forward to throw it, turn your wrist by about 90 degrees to the left. If you are left-handed, twist the ball to the right as you bring it forward to pitch. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Plant your feet firmly on the ground so that they are in line with your shoulders and so that the front of your body is angled towards your target. Keep your knees soft and your body loose. You may also take a step back with your dominant foot or bend slightly at the hips if this feels natural to you. Curl your fingertips under and press them against the ball. Place the ball in your dominant hand so that it is resting in your palm. Then, position your thumb on 1 side of the ball and press your knuckles into the opposite side of the ball along the seams. Use enough pressure to maintain a good grip on the ball. If you are right-handed, hold the ball with your right hand. If you are left-handed, hold the ball with your left hand. Bring the ball behind you before you throw it. Keep a good grip on the ball as you wind it back, and remember to keep it low. Don't raise it up higher than the level of your waist. Hold the ball so that your knuckles are facing in the direction you want to pitch. Pitch and release the ball with your thumb first and your fingers last. Swing the ball forward with an underhand motion. Keep your knuckles facing ahead and moving in the direction of your target. Loosen your grip on the ball with your thumb first and allow the ball to roll over the tips of your knuckles as you pitch. Remember to keep the ball below the level of your waist as you swing forward. | Hold the ball in the palm of your dominant hand. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and take a step back. Swing your arm backwards using an underhand motion. Throw the ball underhand as you step forward. Hold the ball with your index finger and thumb on opposite seams. Step back and plant your feet firmly on the ground. Bring the ball behind you with your palm facing up. Throw the ball and twist your wrist slightly to the left on the release. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Curl your fingertips under and press them against the ball. Bring the ball behind you before you throw it. Pitch and release the ball with your thumb first and your fingers last. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Morgellon%27s-Disease | How to Treat Morgellon's Disease | If you're experiencing symptoms of Morgellons disease, including sores or skin rashes that cause intense itching, crawling and biting sensations under your skin, and fibers or threads in or on your skin, see your doctor so they can diagnose you and offer treatment. Since there is no known cure for the disease, your doctor may recommend medication to treat specific symptoms. For example, your doctor may suggest antifungal medications to treat skin infections. Another treatment option your doctor may suggest is seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist, since sufferers of the disease may experience depression and anxiety. To treat the disease at home, massage your skin with olive oil or bentonite clay after bathing, since this will moisturize your skin and remove any filaments. | Identify your symptoms. Morgellon's disease is a skin disorder in which people have itchy sensations on their skin. This may cause them to scratch until they have open sores. Symptoms include: Severe itching caused by sores or a rash The feeling that insects are crawling under your skin The feeling that you are being bitten or stung by insects Fibers or strings in or on your skin. The fibers may be in the sores. Some experts say the fibers are likely from clothing that got stuck in the sores. Others say it is a symptom of an infection. Exhaustion Loss of concentration Memory loss Sleep problems Muscle pain Joint pain Hair loss Weight loss or gain Low body temperature Loss of balance Abnormal reflexes Inflamed lymph nodes Irritable bowel syndrome Irregular or fast heartbeat Decreased vision and hearing Explain your symptoms and medical history to your doctor. Your doctor will likely want to hear about both your symptoms and discuss your medical history. Some doctors believe that the causes for Morgellon's may be at least partially psychological. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that people suffering from Morgellon's disease often had a medical history which included one or more of the following conditions: High blood pressure Allergies Arthritis Skin infections like scabies Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, or attention deficit disorder Drug abuse Ask your doctor about a skin biopsy. This will enable the doctor to test the affected skin against known infections and environmental factors. This may be useful in ruling out causes other than Morgellon's. Be aware that when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed the skin of patients suffering from Morgellon's, they did not find evidence of an infection. This may support a psychological cause for Morgellon's. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that: No unusual bacteria were infecting the skin samples. The fibers in the sores were usually those that could have come from clothing or bandages, such as cotton or polyester. The most frequent skin problem observed was sun damage. Get tested for Lyme disease. A recent scientific study found that filaments in the skin of people with Morgellon's were made of keratin and collagen, not from clothing. This supported the conclusion that Morgellon's is associated with the Borrelia spirochetes that cause Lyme disease. If you think you may have Morgellon's disease, ask your doctor to test you for Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The testing should be done by a laboratory and clinician who is familiar with Lyme disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Morgellon's is not always associated with Lyme disease. Get tested for other conditions that can cause itching. In order to correctly diagnose Morgellon's, it is important that your doctor rule out other causes of severe itching. This may include: Scabies Body lice Pinworms Allergies Thyroid problems Kidney malfunctions Liver problems Gather a team of doctors you trust. Because Morgellon's is not well understood, you may benefit from the opinions of doctors from different fields. It is important that all of the doctors are thorough in their examinations and that they listen to you and take your symptoms seriously. You may want to consider talking to: Your general practitioner A dermatologist A psychologist or psychiatrist A specialist in Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. You can find doctors who are knowledgeable about Lyme disease by contacting the Lyme Disease Association, International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, the Tick-Borne Disease Alliance, or local Lyme support groups. Specialists in any other body systems that are affected. For example, if you suffer from vision or hearing problems, add an eye doctor or hearing specialist to your team. Support your immune system with a healthy diet. A healthy diet will help your body repair and heal any wounds you may have. It will also boost your immune system to help you fight any infections that may be present. The Morgellon's Foundation in the UK recommends: Supplying your body with sufficient energy by choosing complex over simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest and provide energy for longer. They include whole-grain bread, brown rice, oats, buckwheat, couscous, and whole-wheat pastas. Limit your intake of processed sugars including cookies, cakes, and candies. Consume a rich array of vitamins and minerals by including lots of diverse fruits and vegetables in your diet. Vitamins and minerals support important physiological processes in your body, including those necessary for healing. Excellent sources include dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and salads topped with different fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, apples, orange slices, or berries. Get protein from healthy sources. Eat lean meats like poultry and fish. If you eat red meat, trim the fat off. Vegetarians can get protein from chickpeas and beans. Cook with herbs that may have antibacterial or antifungal properties. Options to try include black pepper, cloves, coriander, chili, cayenne, turmeric, and cumin. Use self-care techniques during bathing. The Morgellon's Foundation recommends trying several different options to cleanse your wounds and remove any filaments that might be present. Consult your doctor before using these techniques to make sure they will be safe for you, especially if you have open wounds. Exfoliate your skin. This can be done by gently rubbing your skin with a washcloth or exfoliating glove as you wash. Commercial exfoliating mixtures are widely available at local drug stores. You can also make your own by adding a small amount of salt to the water. Take a bath with disinfectant mixtures in it. You can soak for 10 minutes in a warm bath that has salt (1.5 kilograms) added to it. Afterward, rinse off with clear water and dry yourself thoroughly. The Morgellon's Foundation also suggests adding other substances like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and bentonite clay to the water. Consult your doctor first to be sure that they will not irritate your sores. Massage your skin with olive oil or bentonite clay after bathing. This should be done on unbroken, dry skin. It will help to moisturize your skin and remove any filaments that may be irritating you. Consult a doctor before applying any treatments to your wounds. Keep your environment clean. This means being diligent about keeping your house, clothes, and pets clean and well cared for. You can do this by: Vacuuming your house regularly to reduce irritants like mold spores, hair, pet dander, and dust. Get a dehumidifier if you have mold growing in your house. Washing your clothing and bedding at 60 degrees routinely. Add a small amount of color-safe bleach to the water as a disinfectant. Taking your pets to the veterinarian to make sure that they are not infected with parasites. Keep them up to date on their shots and deworm and treat for fleas and ticks as recommended by your vet. Manage stress. Morgellon's is highly uncomfortable and distressing for those who suffer from it. Try to lower your stress levels by taking care of yourself both physically and mentally. You can do this by: Getting social support. Stay connected with friends and family. If they don't live nearby you can keep in touch via phone, letters, email or social media. Finding a support group. Your doctor or local health department may be able to recommend groups near you. You may also be able to find support groups specifically for Morgellon's by searching online at the Morgellon's Foundation website. Exercising. Exercise will relax you physically and emotionally. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which will lift your mood. General recommendations for adults include 75-150 minutes of exercise per week. Using relaxation techniques. These methods can be used even when you don't feel well enough to be very physically active. They include meditation , deep breathing , visualizing calming images, progressively tensing and relaxing different muscle groups throughout your body, or doing yoga. Stay open-minded about treatments. Your doctor may suggest seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist. This may be helpful for two reasons: The physical symptoms are extremely distressing for sufferers, which can lead to depression and anxiety. Treating depression and anxiety may substantially improve your quality of life. If there is a psychological component to the disease, treating any underlying conditions may help to resolve the Morgellon's. Find doctors you trust and can speak openly with. Talk to your doctor about medications. Because there is no known cure, the medications your doctors suggest may vary depending upon what symptoms you have. Your doctor may suggest: Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections associated with Lyme disease Antifungal medications to treat skin infections Anti-parasite medications to kill parasites Painkillers to deal with muscle and joint pain Anti-histamine medications to address itching and irritation Sleep medications to reduce sleep disturbances | Identify your symptoms. Explain your symptoms and medical history to your doctor. Ask your doctor about a skin biopsy. Get tested for Lyme disease. Get tested for other conditions that can cause itching. Gather a team of doctors you trust. Support your immune system with a healthy diet. Use self-care techniques during bathing. Keep your environment clean. Manage stress. Stay open-minded about treatments. Talk to your doctor about medications. |
https://www.wikihow.fitness/Exercise-to-Lose-Belly-Fat | How to Exercise to Lose Belly Fat | If you're trying to exercise to lose belly fat, walk 30 minutes a day for at least five days a week, or, to burn more calories, run for some or all of that time! Try using high intensity interval training when you run by adding some intervals where you sprint for 30 seconds then slow down for a minute and 15 seconds. Make your abs workout high intensity, too, by doing a series of 50 crunches, a minute of bicycle crunches, 15 sit-ups, 15 knee raises, 20 oblique crunches on each side, and then 20 seconds of half burpees. | Walk it off. Walking is a great way to burn fat and work your abdominal muscles. Walk for 30 minutes at least 5 times a week. To burn the most calories, tighten your abdominal muscles while you're walking. Walk at a brisk pace, where you can talk normally but would have trouble singing, and don't forget to swing those arms! If you need to, start out with shorter walks and work your way up to 30 minutes. Take off running to burn fat quickly. If walking seems a bit slow to you, move up to running. Running can burn as many as 600 to 1,000 calories per hour, and best of all, you don't have to hit the gym to run. If you want to increase the intensity, try running up hills. Hop on a rowing machine to get your heart pumping. Rowing is a great all-body workout, and it gets your blood pumping. Plus, rowing often works muscles that your body isn't accustomed to using, which means it can help ramp up your metabolism. Cycle your fat away. Whether you jump on your bike or hit a cycling class at the gym, cycling is also a great way to burn fat. A cycling class can help you increase your intensity to ensure you're burning as much fat as you can, but you may find it easier to incorporate riding a bike into your routine. For instance, you could bike to work instead of taking your car. Swim laps for an all-body workout. Swimming is a great full-body workout, and you can burn up to 750 calories per hour. Try swimming for 30 to 45 minutes 4 or 5 times per week to get the full benefit. If you're just starting out, start out with 10 laps of 50 metres (160 ft) each. You can rest for about half a minute between laps. Add 100 to 200 metres (330 to 660 ft) per week. Row with intensity training. On the rowing machine, row steadily for 20 seconds, and then rest for 10. As you rest, stay on the machine with your legs and arms in place. On the next 20 seconds, try to beat your last 20 seconds. Keep going for 8 rounds of 20 seconds of rowing and 10 seconds of rest. With each round, work on beating your last distance. Finish up by rowing for 500 meters. Sprint using HIIT. As an example of a HIIT routine, you could run and coast at given intervals. For instance, you can run for 40 yards all-out, then slow down for 40 yards. Rest for half a minute and begin again. Alternatively, you can run for 30 seconds and rest for 1 minute and 15 seconds, repeating 10 times. Switch between muscle groups. Typically with interval training, you work hard for a short period and then take a rest. However, another way you can do it is to switch between muscle groups without taking a rest. For instance, focus on an exercise that works your legs and then jump into an exercise that primarily works your arms. For instance, try 30 seconds of pull-ups, doing as many as you can, followed by 60 jumping jacks and 20 burpees, then rest for 30 seconds. Try an abs interval workout. Start with 50 crunches. Move on to a minute of bicycle crunches, followed by 15 situps. Switch to 15 knee raises and 20 oblique crunches on each side. End with 20 seconds of half burpees. To do a regular crunch, lie on your back with your knees bent and your hands cupped behind your ears. Lift your upper back and shoulders up off the floor towards the ceiling as you pull your knees in toward your chest. Release to complete 1 rep. For a bicycle crunch, lean up slightly with your hands behind your head and your elbows out. Bring up one knee and bring the opposite elbow toward it, then do the other side. For a hanging knee raise, start by hanging off a pullup bar. Bring your knees up to your chest or as high as you can raise them, and then bring them back towards the floor, only lightly brushing the floor as you do. For oblique crunches, lay on one side with your knees bent a bit. Place the arm that's not next to floor behind your head. Lean up as if doing a normal crunch, and then return to the starting position. For a half burpee, place your hands on the floor in front of you. Jump your feet backward and forward, from an almost pushup position to your feet up near your hands. Try side planks. Planks work your core muscles, and side planks are even more effective, because you only have 2 points touching the ground. Start by laying on the floor on your side. Your elbow should be underneath you. Lift your hips off the ground until your body is in a straight line. Hold that position for about half a minute or as long as you can. If you don't hit the 30 to 45 second mark, lift again until you do. Turn over and do the other side. If you have knee problems, you can modify the planks by resting your knees on the floor. Work on pushup walkouts. Start in a downward dog position with your palms flat on the floor and your body lifted off the ground. Your body should be slightly bent at your waist. Walk your hands forward into a pushup position, and then walk them back toward your feet. Repeat 10 times. Do bird-dogs. Begin on all fours on the ground, looking down. Extend one arm forward while you extend the opposite leg backward at the same time. Stay in this position for 5 seconds, keeping your back straight. Move to the other side, and repeat the whole process 5 to 10 times. Add reverse crunches. Lay on your back with your arms splayed out to the sides. Bring your knees up so that your thighs are perpendicular to the floor. Your calves should be parallel to the floor with your feet in the air. Gently lift your hips off the ground, contracting your abdominal muscles as you do. Inhale as you move your hips back down. Do about 10 repetitions. Try arms-up hops. Start with your arms at your side. Step forward with one leg. As you do, bring your other leg up. Bring your arms up above your head. Simultaneously, hop on the leg that's still on the ground. As you come back down, bring your feet together and your arms back to your sides. Do 20 reps, switching back and forth between your legs. | Walk it off. Take off running to burn fat quickly. Hop on a rowing machine to get your heart pumping. Cycle your fat away. Swim laps for an all-body workout. Row with intensity training. Sprint using HIIT. Switch between muscle groups. Try an abs interval workout. Try side planks. Work on pushup walkouts. Do bird-dogs. Add reverse crunches. Try arms-up hops. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Say-No-Nicely | How to Say No Nicely | To say no nicely, buy some time rather than turn the person down point-blank. For example, if your mom asks in February if you're coming to town for the holidays, you can say, "I'm not sure if I can get the time off work. Let's talk about it September.” You can also word your response so that your concerns are clear without saying no outright. For instance, if your boss asks you to take on another project, you can say, "I'm working on x and y project, both due next week. How much time can you give me to complete the new project?" | Understand why saying no is difficult. Most of us have learned from an early age that saying yes is easier and gets favor and approval from family. This taps into a deep need to please our parents that is tied with love and fears of abandonment. Or we may fear alienating and losing our spouses or significant others. With friends, saying no can cause misunderstandings or risk hurt feelings. Then there's the worry that saying no at work could make you look bad or keep you from a promotion. Saying yes is great in theory, but often causes problems if we say yes to more than we can manage. Learn why saying no is important. Learning to say no nicely is a pathway to establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries. If you take pride in caring and doing things for others, saying no often feels uncomfortable. You may find that you say yes too often and end up anxious or stressed because you took on too much. Saying no reinforces healthy boundaries, which lets you effectively care for others while you take care of yourself. Give yourself a little time. The experts agree that taking your time before saying no is crucial. If you're considering how to turn down an invitation or request, remember that you don't have to answer right away. Buy yourself some time to avoid nagging on the subject or hurt feelings. Don't take too much time, since it's not fair to make the other person wait too long. Avoid saying yes immediately and changing your mind later. This will hurt or ruin your credibility. For example, say your mom asks you in February, "Are you coming to town for the holidays this year?" Respond with something like, "Well, we haven't even thought about it yet. We're not sure if we can get the time off work. Let's talk about it again in September, okay?” Stick to your principles. If someone asks you to do something that's against your values, it may be best to say no in a way that avoids direct confrontation. Ask for time, then tell the person you want to give it some thought. Carefully consider your own values before saying yes to something you do not feel comfortable doing. For example, imagine a friend asks you to write a letter of reference for her family member. You can say something like, “I don't really know your family member very well and wouldn't feel comfortable writing as if I do.” Try not saying no. Don't say yes, but understand that you can turn something or someone down without saying actually saying no. Instead, be clear about your concerns and why you're refusing. For example, if your boss asks you to take on another project, don't simply say that you can't fit it into your current workload. Instead, say something like, "I'm working on x project due next week and y project that we're presenting next month. How much time can you give me to complete this project?" Be honest. Sometimes it is tempting to tell a white lie or make up an elaborate story before saying no. But doing this risks your credibility if you are found out, and this can threaten relationships, whether personal or business. In the end, being honest is being nice. For example, if you're refusing an invitation, you could say, "That sounds like a great (opportunity/event/project) for someone else, but it doesn't suit me. I hope you (have fun / find someone else)." Stay firm. You may find it hard to repeatedly say no if someone keeps pestering you to do something. They might be used to you always saying yes and are just testing your limits. Hold your ground and continue to firmly say no. You may start out by refusing and giving an explanation like, "I know you really want to meet up this weekend, but I've already made plans that I need to keep." If the person continues to pester you, try keeping your responses brief, but firm. Refuse to lend someone money. Lending money to friends can really put a friendship at risk. If your friend takes too long in paying the money back, you may hesitate to ask for it and the person might start believing the loan was a gift. If you do not think your friendship (or pocketbook) can withstand an unpaid loan, break the news as gently as possible to your friend. Remember to be as honest as you can. For example, you could say to your friend, "I know you are in a tight spot financially. I really value our friendship, but friends and loans just do not get along. Is there some other way I can help out?” Or, “I just don't have the extra cash myself to lend. If I could give you the money, I would.” Refuse to donate. If you know you won't be supporting a donation request, express the importance of the request, turn it down, and give an alternative, if you can. For example, "It sounds like you're working on a great cause, but I just can't work it in right now. I've already pledged my monthly donation funds. You might try x business or ask me again next month." Don't feel obligated to donate to every request. Chances are, you're focusing on your time, business, or finances. Say yes to projects that you really can or want to commit to. Tell your kids no. Most kids don't like just being told not to do something. If your child wants something that you're not going to give or allow, firmly say no and explain why you're not allowing it. Make sure to express their point of view and then suggest something that they can have or can do. For example, you might say, "No, you can't spend the night at your friend's house during the school week. I don't want you to be too tired for class the next day. I know you're frustrated, but you can always spend the night over the weekend." Turn down a big favor. Never feel obligated when someone asks you for a huge favor. After all, the person probably has no idea what your work or stress load is currently like. You have the choice to say no, even to a personal favor. If the person is a good enough friend, she should understand and not press you. For example, you might say, "I really wish I could babysit for you this week, but I've got a really big work deadline and a family obligation." Be clear and honest. Don't lie, which could hurt your relationship in the long run. Turn down a date. Be direct and clear to make sure the other person gets the message. In romantic situations, people tend to take any ambiguity as a sign of hope, which isn't fair or pleasant for anyone involved. Polite ways to be blunt include "You're (a good friend / a nice guy), but I'm not interested in you that way," or, "We're not quite a match." If you just went on the date and have been asked to go on another one, you should be as honest, but gentle as you can. Try saying something like, "I enjoyed this evening, but I don't think you and I are a good fit." Cut the conversation short once you've turned someone down. Most likely, neither of you will be happy trying to spend time together immediately afterward. Turn down sex. If a romantic partner is pressuring you to start having sex, or act more intimate than you are comfortable with, firmly decline with a straightforward "No." If necessary, mention a reason, such as the chance of pregnancy, your moral beliefs, or simply that you will make the decision on your own schedule. Let the other person know that this is your personal decision, and has nothing to do with his or her attractiveness. Don't assume that your partner will pick up on your lack of enthusiasm and simply stop. You need to be clear. Handle persistent requests. If you're being repeatedly hounded to go on a date or start having sex, it's time to be extra firm. If someone doesn't listen to your polite responses, another firm "No" is necessary. Here are some examples of followup responses to try: Say, "I'm uncomfortable with your constant asking, so I'm going to have to say no." Tell your friend or partner that the behavior is making you sad or upset. Turn down requests to spend time together. Don't get invested in the opinion of a stranger or acquaintance. If you can, stop seeing the person completely. Turn down a marriage proposal. First, thank him or her, and say that you're honored to be asked by such a wonderful person. Say you're not going to accept, but it's not because of anything he or she did. Finally, offer a full explanation of why you are turning down the proposal, including all the specifics in your situation. This advice applies to someone in a serious relationship with you. If someone you only started dating proposes, gently say "That's sweet, but it's way too early." If someone proposes to you in public, prevent embarrassment by keeping the moment short and sweet. Try "I love you, and I want to talk about it in private." Don't create a big scene or dramatic refusal. | Understand why saying no is difficult. Learn why saying no is important. Give yourself a little time. Stick to your principles. Try not saying no. Be honest. Stay firm. Refuse to lend someone money. Refuse to donate. Tell your kids no. Turn down a big favor. Turn down a date. Turn down sex. Handle persistent requests. Turn down a marriage proposal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Rosemary | How to Dry Rosemary | To dry rosemary, start by snipping sprigs off the plant that are approximately the same length so that you can bundle them together efficiently. Next, separate the sprigs in groups of 8 to create small bundles. Then, wrap twine or rubber bands around the bases of the sprigs to hold the bundles together. Finally, hang the sprigs indoors in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area for about 2 weeks, turning the sprigs every 1-2 days to ensure even drying. | Use scissors to snip sprigs of rosemary off the plant. The best time to harvest your rosemary is in the morning, after the sun has dried away any nighttime dew. Your rosemary plant will bush out with vigorous growth from the places where you pinched or snipped it. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/aid1388776-v4-728px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Try to snip straight sprigs, all about the same length, for easier bundling. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-1Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/aid1388776-v4-728px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-1Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Tie the sprigs into bundles, wrapping twine around the bases of the sprigs. Leave a loop on the twine bundle to make hanging your rosemary sprigs easier. Alternatively, you can use rubber bands to secure your rosemary bundles. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/aid1388776-v4-728px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} You can combine up to eight sprigs of rosemary per bundle. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-2Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-2Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-2Bullet2.jpg\/aid1388776-v4-728px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-2Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Hang the rosemary sprigs in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place to dry. Although you can dry your rosemary outdoors, the National Center for Home Food Preservation recommends drying rosemary indoors for the best color and flavor. Your porch, attic, or storage cupboard are all good drying options. You can try hanging the rosemary bundles from a clothes hanger, if this is more convenient. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/aid1388776-v4-728px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Some people also recommend covering your rosemary with brown paper bags as it dries. This prevents any dust from settling on the rosemary as it dries and also stops any sunlight from bleaching out the color. Just be sure to tear holes in the paper bags to keep the rosemary well ventilated. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-3Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-3Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-3Bullet2.jpg\/aid1388776-v4-728px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-3Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Turn the drying rosemary sprigs every day or two to ensure even drying. You'll know the rosemary is dry when all traces of pliability are gone from both stems and leaves. This should take approximately two weeks. You can also spread your rosemary sprigs or bundles on a flat or slanted window screen, elevated on cinder blocks or wooden blocks, for the best air circulation as they dry. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/aid1388776-v4-728px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} You won't be able to hang-dry rosemary sprigs in a humid environment, so you may need to dry your rosemary in the oven or in a food dehydrator. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-4Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-4Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Dry-Rosemary-Step-4Bullet2.jpg\/aid1388776-v4-728px-Dry-Rosemary-Step-4Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Store the dried rosemary. Once the rosemary has completely dried, place it on a sheet of waxed paper and separate the tough, woody stems from the leaves. Store in an air-tight container in your kitchen cupboard. Use your dried rosemary in recipes such as lamb roasts and stews , garlic and herb bread , and rosemary-infused oil and butter. Prepare the rosemary. Rinse the rosemary well in cold water to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Pat dry with paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove moisture. Pick off any withered leaves or woody stems. Spread the rosemary on a baking sheet. Place the rosemary - cut into ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm) sprigs - onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Do not overcrowd. Place in the oven. Place the baking sheet onto the top shelf of an oven preheated to the lowest temperature. Leave to bake for 2 - 4 hours, until the stems of the rosemary are brittle. Transfer the rosemary to a storage jar. Once out of the oven, leave the rosemary to cool completely. Gather up the edges of the parchment paper to form a funnel and slide the dried rosemary into a clean glass jar. Seal the jar tightly and store in a dry, dark place, such as your kitchen cupboard. Prepare the rosemary. Rinse the rosemary and shake or blot it dry, or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Spread the rosemary onto dehydrator trays. Run the dehydrator at a low heat setting (between 95 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit, or 35 and 40.5 degrees Celsius) until the rosemary stems break when bent. Herbs that are more delicate crumble when dry, but rosemary leaves are more likely to break, much like the stems. The exact amount of time it takes to dry rosemary using this method will vary, but on average, it takes about 6 to 8 hours at 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Store in a clean, glass jar. Transfer the dried rosemary to a clean, glass jar and seal tightly. Store in a dry, dark cupboard. | Use scissors to snip sprigs of rosemary off the plant. Tie the sprigs into bundles, wrapping twine around the bases of the sprigs. Hang the rosemary sprigs in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place to dry. Turn the drying rosemary sprigs every day or two to ensure even drying. Store the dried rosemary. Prepare the rosemary. Spread the rosemary on a baking sheet. Place in the oven. Transfer the rosemary to a storage jar. Prepare the rosemary. Spread the rosemary onto dehydrator trays. Store in a clean, glass jar. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Hazel-Eyes-Pop | How to Make Hazel Eyes Pop | The easiest way to make hazel eyes pop is to wear clothes and accessories that are shades of purple and green, like a dark emerald dress or a purple hat and scarf. Get reading glasses with frames that are a deep shade of purple or green. You can also play up brown eyes with different shades of brown, like chestnut or silvery cedar. | Use a colored eyeliner. Although most people tend to stick with a simple black eyeliner , if you have hazel eyes, you can try experimenting with different colors to see what makes your eyes stand out. For example, if you want to bring out the blue in your eyes, try using a deep purple, which will bring out any blue tones you have in your eyes. If you want to bring out the green in your eyes, try using colors such as taupe, brown, green, or gold. Brown eyeliner is also flattering for hazel eyes. Choose a warm color, like chestnut, to highlight cool tones, or a cool color, like silvery cedar, to bring out the gold in your eyes. Try a different shade of mascara. As with eyeliner, if you have hazel eyes, you aren't stuck with black. Try other shades, too! Some mascara comes with flecks of gold, which is a good option for hazel eyes, you can also try lighter browns, or even mascara that has a purple tint. Experiment with different color eyeshadow. This can be tricky for people with hazel eyes. Most of the colors that will accentuate you hazel eyes tend to be bolder colors that can end up looking clownish, if you're not careful. You can use neutral tones, like cream, or taupe, or stick with colors in the purple, blue, green, and gold family. Apply moderately! If you're using a bright shade, apply it to no more than ⅓ of your upper eyelid. Avoid using too much blue. A bit of blue can accentuate your eyes if they have more blue tones than brown. However, especially if your hazel eyes tend to be more of a greenish-brown, too much blue can overpower them. Choose a lip color that will accentuate your eyes. Eye makeup isn't the only method of bringing out the color in your eyes. Choosing a lip color , whether it be lipstick, lip stain, or a gloss, can also help your eyes pop. While you don't want to overpower your eyes with a very bold lipstick, you can still accentuate them. For example, try choosing colors that are complementary to your eyeshadow. Generally, berry colors (such as coral, pink, or red) offer good, but subtle choices. One example of a bad color pairing would be to choose a very dark berry color for your lips, and then pairing it with a green eyeshadow. Try adding bronzer to your makeup routine. Most bronzers are made to give you a golden glow, and gold is great for making hazel eyes pop. However, apply in moderation as you don't want to give yourself a fak- looking orange tint. Simply sweep the bronzer gently over your t-zone. This area includes the skin just above your eyebrows, your nose, and the skin just under your nose, and below your lips. Consider your hair color. Hair color plays a big role in accentuating or down-playing our eyes. If you already dye your hair, or are up for trying it, you can try warmer tones, such as red or auburn, or even a more golden shade. If you have a more blue tone to your hazel eyes, you might also be able to work with cooler shades such as a silvery blonde or ash brown. If you are nervous about dying your hair, try using a semi-permanent color that doesn't last as long as permanent color, or you could even try on a wig in the color you are thinking of to get an idea of how it will react with your skin and eye color. Avoid clothing that is the same shade as your eyes. For a person with hazel eyes, this can mean different things. Some people tend to have more greenish-blue eyes, while others have more greenish-brown eyes. Either way, choose a shade that is slightly different than the color of your eyes. For example, a forest green sweater can accentuate the olive green color of your eyes. Use glasses to accentuate your eye color. If you wear glasses, you can choose frames that will accentuate your eye color. To bring out the green in your eyes, try choosing frames that are in the red or purple family, or even dark green frames. To bring out the gold tones, try dark shades of purple or even plum. Choose outfits in neutral colors as well as purple or green. Opt for neutral and dusky shades like cream, gray, sand, and dusty pink. Dark purples and greens also look great. For example, an emerald green or royal purple will accentuate your eyes. Typically, it will be best if the article of clothing used to accentuate your eyes is your shirt (or a dress). Accessorize with colors that will bring out the color of your eyes. There are a wide variety of accessories you can use to accentuate your eyes. For example, try a scarf or hat in which is in the purple, green, or gold family. If you wear earrings, you can try the same with that, too. Accessories that are worn closer to your face will play a bigger role than items that aren't. So if you're trying to emphasize your eyes, you should choose earrings, a scarf, or a hat instead of something like a bracelet or your shoes. | Use a colored eyeliner. Try a different shade of mascara. Experiment with different color eyeshadow. Choose a lip color that will accentuate your eyes. Try adding bronzer to your makeup routine. Consider your hair color. Avoid clothing that is the same shade as your eyes. Use glasses to accentuate your eye color. Choose outfits in neutral colors as well as purple or green. Accessorize with colors that will bring out the color of your eyes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Percentages | How to Calculate Percentages | To calculate percentages, start by writing the number you want to turn into a percentage over the total value so you end up with a fraction. Then, turn the fraction into a decimal by dividing the top number by the bottom number. Finally, multiply the decimal by 100 to find the percentage. | Visualize what a percentage represents. A percentage is an expression of part of the whole. 0% represents nothing, and 100% represents the entire amount. Everything else is somewhere in between! For example, say you have 10 apples. If you eat 2 apples, then you have eaten 2 out of the whole 10 apples (2 / 10 × 100% = 20% eaten). If 10 apples is 100% and you ate 20%, then 100% - 20% = 80% of the apples remain. The term "percent" in English comes from the Latin per centum , meaning “through 100” or “for 100”. Determine the value of the whole. In some cases, you will be given the value for part of the whole and the whole. Other times, you might get two parts that make up the whole. It is important to distinguish what the percentage is “of.” For instance, let's say we have a jar containing 1199 red marbles and 485 blue marbles, making it 1684 marbles in total. In this case, 1684 makes up a whole jar of marbles, i.e. 100%. Find the value that you want to turn into a percentage. Let's say we want to find out the percentage of the jar that is taken up by the blue marbles. Then the percentage of the whole we are looking for is 485 (the number of blue marbles) of 1684 (the whole amount). Put the two values into a fraction. The part goes on top of the fraction (numerator), and the whole goes on the bottom (denominator). Therefore the fraction in this case is 485/1684 (part/whole). When you're setting up two proportions, it's easiest to set them both up as the part over the whole on either side of the equation. Convert the fraction into a decimal. Percentages are best calculated from the decimal form. To turn 485/1684 into a decimal, divide 485 by 1684 using a calculator or pencil and paper. This comes to 0.288. Convert the decimal into a percent. Multiply the result obtained in the step above by 100% (per 100 = per cent ). For this example, 0.288 multiplied by 100% equals 28.8%. Identify the given numbers you're working with. Say you borrowed money from a friend who is going to charge you daily interest. The amount borrowed was initially $15 and the interest rate is 3% per day. These are the only two numbers you need for the calculation. Convert the percentage into a decimal. Working backward from before, divide the percentage by 100%, or you can multiply by 0.01 (they're the exact same). 3%/100% = 3/100 = 0.03. In other words, you can translate any percentage into a decimal by dividing by 100. For example, 26% = 26/100 =.26 Re-word the problem with your new values. It helps to reword your problem with the new value(s) now in the form of “ X of Y is Z.” X is the decimal form of your percent, “of” means to multiply, Y is the whole amount, and Z is the answer. So, 0.03 x $15 is $0.45. In this example, $0.45 is the amount of interest accrued each day that you do not pay your friend back. If you need to further calculate the total due after 1 day, you would add the amount you borrowed to the amount of the interest times the number of days. So $15 + ($0.45 x 1 day) = $15.45. Write down the original price and the discount percentage. The original price is usually the big number that retailers will mark through or make especially large so you know how good of a “deal” you're getting. Be sure to also pay attention to whether the discounted percentage applies to a single item or the total. Find the opposite of the discount percentage. This trick lets you perform 1 calculation instead of 2! The opposite of a percent is 100% minus the percent you are working with, i.e. the amount of the item you are still paying for. If you want to buy a shirt that is 30% off, the opposite of this is 70%, meaning you would have to pay 70% of the original price. Convert the opposite percent into a decimal. To convert a percent into a decimal, divide by 100%, multiply times 0.01, or move the decimal two places to the left. In this example, 70%/100% = 70/100 = 7/10 = 0.7. Multiply the original price by the new decimal. If the shirt you want is $20, multiply $20 by 0.7. This comes to $14, meaning the shirt is now on sale for $14. Calculate your savings afterward to feel better. Once you get home, it can be a good idea to check your receipts, not only to make sure the discounts were applied correctly but to see how much you saved altogether. Here, you can simply subtract the sale price from the original price ($20 - $14 = $6 saved)! | Visualize what a percentage represents. Determine the value of the whole. Find the value that you want to turn into a percentage. Put the two values into a fraction. Convert the fraction into a decimal. Convert the decimal into a percent. Identify the given numbers you're working with. Convert the percentage into a decimal. Re-word the problem with your new values. Write down the original price and the discount percentage. Find the opposite of the discount percentage. Convert the opposite percent into a decimal. Multiply the original price by the new decimal. Calculate your savings afterward to feel better. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calm-Hyperactive-Children | How to Calm Hyperactive Children | To calm a hyperactive child, try playing some soothing music, such as classical or meditative music. Alternatively, help your child burn off energy by doing something active, like going for a walk or playing in the park. If you sense they're getting frustrated, try moving on to another activity to help refocus their attention. You can also teach your child how to calm themselves by taking a few deep breaths when they find themselves getting frustrated. | Develop routines. Kids thrive on routine, and knowing what activities will be happening in the day can help give them a sense of stability. Schedule wake-up time, mealtimes, activities, free time, and bedtime. Routines for each activity - for instance, bedtime routines - will help your child feel more secure and can help them wind down. You don't need to plan out every moment of your child's day, but having a schedule can help them feel more secure. Be careful not to overschedule. Having too many activities in a day can be exhausting to your child. Give them downtime, too. Feed your child a balanced diet. There's no special diet to decrease hyperactivity in children. However, all children benefit from eating healthy foods, drinking enough water, and cutting back on the amount of junk food they eat. Make sure that your child is eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as grains, proteins, and omega-3 acids. Foods high in omega-3 include fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and soybeans. Some people recommend cutting out food additives and dyes. While studies are inconclusive on whether this is effective, it may help children with food allergies or sensitivities, so it doesn't hurt to try. Ensure your child is getting enough sleep. While it sounds contradictory, if your child isn't getting enough sleep, that can actually cause them to become restless and hyperactive. Getting enough sleep can reduce their hyperactivity, and is important for their health in general. Try to make sure that your child goes to bed at a reasonable hour and sleeps through the night. Toddlers between 12 months and two years old should be getting around 11 to 14 hours of sleep, including their naps. Children between 3 and 5 years old need between 10 and 13 hours of sleep per night. Kids between 6 and 12 years old need between 9 and 12 hours, and teens need between 8 and 10 hours. If your child frequently has difficulty falling asleep, often wakes in the middle of the night, or shows signs of a sleep disorder, make an appointment with their doctor. Make sure your child gets exercise. All kids need an outlet for their energy, and exercising can help reduce hyperactivity. The World Health Organization recommends that all children ages 5 and older get at least one hour of exercise per day, and there's many ways to work this into your child's schedule. You can: Walk with your child to school, if you live close enough. Take them to the park to play on the playground or ride their bike. Go to an indoor play area with your child. Practice yoga or tai chi with your child. Try sports that they enjoy. (Keep in mind that some kids may dislike organized sports and prefer playing on their own or with friends.) Look for extracurriculars that get them active, like martial arts or dance classes. If you're stuck inside, try hopscotch in the hallway, playing volleyball with a balloon, or dancing to music. Consider downloading or buying exercise games or apps. Reduce screen time. While computers, phones, and TV can be beneficial to kids, too much use of these can cause inattention and potentially increase hyperactivity. Overuse of electronics and social media can also keep your child away from exercise, socialization, and other necessary lifestyle components. Reducing your child's time on electronic devices can help them settle down. Allow your child a set amount of screen time for necessities, like schoolwork, and limit the amount of time they spend online, texting, or watching TV. (The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under 18 months, one hour per day for children ages 2 to 5, and to set "reasonable limits" after that age.) For younger children, use "tech time" for educational programs or apps and seeing family or friends on video chat. Encourage their play to be in real life, not on the screen. Don't let anyone watch TV or use phones or computers while eating. Use this time for talking instead. (You may also want to ban electronic devices from certain rooms, such as bedrooms.) Have your child get off their devices at least an hour before they go to bed. (You may also want to use a blue light filter on their devices.) Minimize stress. If your child is under stress, or detects that you're under stress, they might become rambunctious. Make sure that your child is getting any needed support at home and school, give them downtime, and work on reducing any stressors in the household that might be affecting them. Life stressors - like moving house, parents separating, a birth or death in the family, financial issues, or starting a new school - can cause hyperactivity in children. Check in with your child regularly and help them cope. Avoid exposing your child to things that might frighten them, such as scary or violent movies or news stories involving violence. Spend time with your child. If your child feels ignored or neglected, they may become hyperactive or noisy to get your attention. You can reduce this by giving your child your full attention for set amounts of time per day, and letting them spend time with you. Eat meals together. Play together. Learn about what your child likes, and let them talk about it and explain it to you. Read books together, and read them bedtime stories. Let your child come to you when they need to talk, and give them your full attention. (Don't force them to talk if they don't want to, however.) Consider what your child is capable of. Young children are naturally energetic by nature; a first-grader isn't ready to sit at a desk for an entire day. Some children are also just more energetic than others. If your child is young, you may need to readjust your expectations of what they can do. Younger children generally need to move more; three-year-olds can usually only sit still for around five to ten minutes, while five-year-olds can only sit for around 15. By the time they're seven, they should be able to sit still for around 25 minutes. Communicate your expectations clearly. Without clear understanding of what's okay and what's not, your child might act in a way that appears hyperactive, when they simply don't know better. Clearly explain what's expected of them, so they know what they should be doing. "We walk when we're in the doctor's office." "Indoor voice, please." "Be gentle with your friend." "Feet on the floor." Allow non-disruptive fidgeting. For some kids, making them sit still and hold in their energy can actually increase their hyperactivity, and can also reduce their focus. If a child's fidgeting isn't bothering anyone, let them fidget. (This is especially important for kids with conditions like ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or autism.) Some kids stay calmer with stress balls or quiet fidget toys, while others end up distracted by them. Let your child try them and see if it helps. If the fidgeting becomes disruptive, gently remind your child to rein it in, or offer an alternative. Choose calm activities. Kids can end up overexcited by energetic or fast-paced activities, so you might want to pick activities that aren't likely to get them riled up. Examples of quiet and calming activities can include: Reading books Coloring or drawing Making crafts Singing calm songs Playing with toys like play-dough, slime , or bubbles Offer positive feedback, and ignore minor disruptions. Praising your child for what you want them to do will have a better effect than constantly scolding or punishing them for doing the wrong thing. Focus on giving praise, and ignoring behavior that isn't positive. Praise specific behaviors. Instead of "Nice work!", say, "I'm proud of you for working so hard on your homework, and taking a break when you got frustrated". Instead of "Thank you", say, "Thank you for raising your hand and waiting until I called on you". Only intervene with negative behaviors if it's actually causing a problem (for instance, if your child starts roughhousing with others or distracting other children). Make time for breaks. Anyone benefits from taking periodic breaks from whatever they're doing, and this is even more important for hyperactive kids so that they don't get restless. Plan breaks into your child's schedule so they get some downtime to relax, run around, or do whatever will help them burn off their energy. Breaks may not need to involve physical activity. Your child might prefer downtime where they can just do something relaxing, like drawing or listening to music. In a classroom environment, your child might benefit from being a classroom helper - for instance, helping to pass out papers or wipe off the whiteboard. Learn to curtail overexcitement. Some kids are high-energy and excitable, which can result in hyperactivity that upsets others or boils over into frustration. If you notice your child getting overexcited, there are ways to calm them down. Give warnings before changing activities. Make these warnings tangible (like "One more round and then we're moving on"). Redirect your child's attention if you notice them getting excited or frustrated, and guide them to another activity. Separate them from the situation for a moment so they have a chance to wind down. Encourage mindfulness. Mindfulness is a strategy that helps keeps anyone - kids and adults alike - in the moment. It's particularly useful for hyperactive kids, who might be struggling with strong emotions or self-control. You can find many mindfulness techniques for children online, depending on their age. Have your child focus on their breathing. Encourage them to focus on how their breath feels going through their nose, down into their chest, and then how it feels when they release their breath. Take them to a calm place outdoors, if possible. While walking with them, encourage them to pay attention to the sounds, physical feelings, and smells they might be experiencing. When your child is feeling a strong emotion, encourage them to pay attention to how they feel. Create a calming space. Dedicate a corner of a room, a nook, or other small space to making a space that the child can sit in by themselves. Put pillows, stuffed animals, books, fidget toys, and other cozy items in this space. This is not a time-out space where they go when they are in trouble. Instead, this is a space where they feel safe and can get a chance to relax. This space can also be used to help children learn how to take a break when they're angry, sad, or otherwise emotional. Use guided imagery and meditation. Meditating is, for any age, a good way to calm the mind and body. When children are unable to handle thinking about stressful situations, you can help them visualize how they can respond to those situations. This can help calm them down. Search online for examples of these, or find a book at your local library on meditation and guided imagery for children. For example, have the child sit and close their eyes. Ask them to imagine a calm space, like a beach or a forest. Have them pay attention to the sounds that they hear, the wind they feel on their face, and the details they see around them. Using a regular imagined calming space can be helpful. Practice breathing techniques. Teach your child how to take deep breaths to relax. Take a deep breath in through the nose and slowly breathe out through the mouth. This simple strategy can be used by your child to calm down in almost any situation, and can even be used before bed to help your child wind down. Have your child think about their legs while breathing deeply and rhythmically. Have them tighten up their leg muscles when they inhale, and relax those muscles with every exhale. Go through different parts of the body until the entire body is relaxed. Have your child curl their hands into fists. Have them inhale slowly, and then as they slowly exhale, have them uncurl a finger. Repeat until all of their fingers are uncurled. Have your child imagine a warm color or light that surrounds them as they breathe. Imagine this color or light wraps them up to calm them down. Give your child a journal to write in. If your child is old enough to write, go to the store with them and have them pick out a notebook or journal for themselves. Journaling allows for your child to express their feelings and reflect on situations they might have had trouble with. This is particularly helpful if you suspect your child is under stress or is having a difficult time, but it can be useful for any child (especially preteens and teenagers!). Do not read your child's journal. They should feel that they can be totally honest in their journal, and respecting their privacy will help them feel safe enough to write what is really on their mind. See a doctor if your child also has trouble focusing. Lots of activity can be normal for kids, but if your child also seems daydreamy or is so hyperactive that they can't focus, it's possible there could be something else going on. See a pediatrician if your child is showing signs like: Forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, not seeming to listen, or disorganization and messiness Blurting things out, talking excessively, often switching activities without finishing them, or physically impulsive behavior Losing things frequently, or not turning in homework assignments Avoiding certain activities or school subjects, or misbehaving when it's time for these Difficulty with school, academic subjects, or poor grades Look for a doctor if you notice unusual sensory responses. If a child is undersensitive to certain stimulus, they might be hyperactive as an attempt to fulfill that need. Some kids may also become restless when exposed to sensory stimuli that's painful or stressful to them, which can look like hyperactivity. Sensory processing issues might look like: Not noticing sounds, smells, tastes, visuals, or physical sensations (like injury) Being overly sensitive to sounds, smells, tastes, visuals, or physical sensations Seeking out a lot of activity, and/or being too rough while playing Loving swings or car rides - or, conversely, getting dizzy with these Repetitive behaviors (also called stims) like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning Talk to your pediatrician if you notice signs of stress. Some kids might struggle with hyperactivity if they have an untreated mental health issue, like anxiety, or are struggling with abuse or a traumatic event. Your pediatrician will be able to advise you on how to help reduce your child's stress, and can determine if your child might be struggling with their mental health. Your child might benefit from therapy if there's a stressful life event going on. Mental health conditions like anxiety disorders are typically treated with therapy, and a doctor may suggest medication for adolescents. Get your child tested for other health problems. Some physical health problems can increase hyperactivity in kids, whether as a symptom of the condition or as a side effect. If your child's hyperactivity seems sudden, unusual, or excessive, or your child doesn't seem to be feeling their best, it's best to get a doctor involved. Conditions that can cause hyperactivity in kids include: Deficiencies in certain nutrients Sleep disorders Overactive thyroid Take your child to a doctor if their hyperactivity is dangerous. Some children are so hyperactive that they injure themselves frequently, and may even break bones, sustain head injuries, or need stitches. If your child's hyperactivity is to the point where they're frequently in the ER or doctor's office, talk to their doctor to determine the cause and how to treat it. | Develop routines. Feed your child a balanced diet. Ensure your child is getting enough sleep. Make sure your child gets exercise. Reduce screen time. Minimize stress. Spend time with your child. Consider what your child is capable of. Communicate your expectations clearly. Allow non-disruptive fidgeting. Choose calm activities. Offer positive feedback, and ignore minor disruptions. Make time for breaks. Learn to curtail overexcitement. Encourage mindfulness. Create a calming space. Use guided imagery and meditation. Practice breathing techniques. Give your child a journal to write in. See a doctor if your child also has trouble focusing. Look for a doctor if you notice unusual sensory responses. Talk to your pediatrician if you notice signs of stress. Get your child tested for other health problems. Take your child to a doctor if their hyperactivity is dangerous. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Go-to-Sleep-when-You%27re-Sick | How to Go to Sleep when You're Sick | To go to sleep when you're sick, try drinking something hot before bed, like herbal tea with lemon and honey, for relief from a sore throat. You can also elevate your head with an extra pillow if you feel congested. If you have a cough, try taking a spoonful of honey to coat your throat before you sleep or using a cough suppressant. Additionally, you can try ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin for relief from a high fever or flu aches. | Know how to treat a fever. A fever is thought to be the body's way of fighting infection, so unless the fever is 102°F (38.9°C) or higher (for adults), it is important to let the fever take its course instead of treating it. There are, however, ways to make yourself more comfortable if you're dealing with a high fever at bedtime. For a very high fever over 102°F (38.9°C), try ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin. Be sure you take the proper dosage as indicated on the package, and call your doctor if the fever is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher or lasts for more than three days. For a lower grade fever, try wearing thinner pajamas, using only bed sheets instead of blankets, or even sleeping in the nude if that's more comfortable. You can also go to bed with damp hair or use a damp rag on your forehead or neck while you sleep, as long as you don't feel overly chilled. Address a cough. Coughing fits are extremely disruptive to sleep. Try elevating your body with a few extra pillows at bedtime, and try to sleep on your side to prevent fluids from pooling in your lungs. Try taking a spoonful of honey to coat your throat before you sleep. You can also drink tea with honey to reduce the urge to cough as you fall asleep. If your cough is productive, meaning that you cough up phlegm, try taking a medicine to dislodge some of the mucus about an hour or so before bed. These products are labeled "expectorant" and they cause you to spit out the mucus. You can also try using a cough suppressant or a soothing ointment like Vicks Vaporub. Deal with body aches at bedtime. It can be very difficult to fall asleep if your body is aching, whether it is from the flu , an injury, or an infection. Calming the ache can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Take an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen 30 minutes before bedtime. If the pain continues, try heat. Put a hot water bottle over any specific areas that feel achey. If your heating pad has a timed off-switch, it may be safe to use at bedtime. Treat a sore throat at bedtime. Falling asleep with a sore throat can be particularly difficult, since these seem to intensify at bedtime. Before bed, drink a hot herbal tea made with lemon and honey. You can use any herbal tea like chamomile or raspberry, or create your own by simply steeping slices of lemon in hot water and adding a teaspoon or two of honey. The heat itself will help relieve your throat, so the type of tea doesn't matter as long as it is not caffeinated. First, take a long-lasting pain reliever like ibuprofen about 30 minutes before bedtime. Then, when it is time to lay down, try using a numbing spray like Chloraseptic or Cepacol. These will temporarily numb the pain so you can fall asleep. Have a glass of water by your bedside to keep hydrated. Ensure you drink each time you may wake during the night. Cuddle a teddy or heat pack to distract you. Use honey to coat your throat. Take steps to alleviate nausea and upset stomach. Symptoms like gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can keep you up all night. Take some medicine before bed, like Pepto-Bismol, and try to get comfortable. For nausea, you can also try sipping a tea made with ginger. If you have fresh ginger and lemon available, slice them and put them in a cup of boiling water to steep for five minutes. Add a bit of honey and sip this slowly before bed. The ginger and lemon will help to settle your stomach. Sleep with your body curled around a heating pad, if you have one. If you don't, fill a tube sock with dried corn or uncooked rice and tie the end securely. Heat this in the microwave for a minute; the grain will hold the heat and act as a heating pad. Address a runny or congested nose. If your nose is runny or congested, breathing can be difficult and this can cost you precious hours of sleep. Try these strategies at bedtime: Elevate your head with an extra pillow or two. Whether you are congested or runny, the extra elevation will help the sinuses drain as you sleep, which should make breathing easier. Use a nasal rinse like a Neti pot or saline spray right before bed. Blow your nose thoroughly afterwards, take a cold medication specifically for runny or congested noses, and then keep a box of tissues next to the bed. You may still have to blow your nose throughout the night, but the medication should slow down the flow. If you are congested and having trouble breathing through your nose, coat your lips with a thick coating of lip balm or petroleum jelly and try to breathe through your mouth as you sleep. Don’t take medicine that makes you jittery before bed. If Benadryl leaves you wired, make sure to take your last dose for the evening a few hours before bedtime. Ideally, you would simply use a medication that didn't stimulate you, but sometimes there are not good alternatives available. The best you can do is hope that your response has calmed by bedtime. Use the right posture for sleep when congested. When you lie down, your blood doesn't have to fight against gravity to get to your nose and inflame the veins and tissues there; this is why it might seem like you have to sit up in bed every few minutes to clear up your nose when you're congested. Prop yourself up with pillows when you're trying to get to sleep, and let gravity keep nasal inflammation at bay. Use a nasal spray before bed. A stuffy nose that impedes breathing is a common reason for being unable to sleep while you're sick. Use a localized nasal spray right before bed, and reuse as necessary throughout the night to keep your nasal passages clear. Decongestant nasal sprays reduce swelling in the sinuses and nasal tissues. They're available both over-the-counter and by prescription, but should not be used over a prolonged period of time — three days at the most. Salt-water nasal sprays don't have compounds that reduce swelling, but are still effective for loosening mucus and making it easier to clear nasal passages through blowing your nose. These can be used as often as necessary. Nasal strips are a good alternative to sprays if you find that the sprays keep you awake. Drink something hot right before bed. Sometimes, an illness makes you feel so bad that you lose your appetite for both food and drinks, but keeping your body hydrated is necessary for a speedy recovery. More important to sleep, though, is that a hot drink right before bedtime can soothe a sore throat, inhibit coughing, and clear up congestive mucus that would otherwise make it hard to breathe. Avoid caffeinated drinks, like coffee or caffeinated tea, before bed. Find decaffeinated versions of your favorite hot drink. You can find teas that specifically help your body fight off colds at the grocery store, like teas with added Vitamin C or Echinacea. Run a humidifier in your bedroom at night. A humidifier is a machine that produces a mist or steam, increasing the humidity or moisture in the air. The moisture in the air keeps your mucus loose, making it easier for air to get through your nasal passages as you sleep. The noise created by a humidifier might keep you awake, though, so look for a quiet machine. If you're buying a new one, look for online reviews to get an idea of whether it is noisy. Try keeping the humidifier just outside your bedroom door; this way, you'll still have some moisture in the air, and the noise will be reduced. Set the thermostat to a moderate temperature, but on the cool side. Extreme temperatures — either hot or cold — will keep you from getting a good night's sleep. Your brain, which regulates your body temperature without you even thinking about it, tries to achieve different internal temperatures when you are awake versus when you're asleep. Reducing the external temperature slightly will help your body gear down for rest. The ideal temperature for sleep is 68°F (20°C). Keep a dark bedroom at night. Though you may think that reading a book or watching TV will help you get to sleep, the light from both of those activities will actually keep you awake longer. When your eyes take in and process light, the nervous system stimulates the parts of the brain that control hormones and body temperature. When this happens, your body chemistry stays wired up for consciousness, and you'll find it more difficult to fall asleep. When it's time to go to bed, turn off all light sources and cover up any technology that may have blinking lights that will keep your brain engaged. Stop using all electronic devices — including phones, tablets, and laptops — at least 30 minutes before bed, if not a few hours, as the blue light emitted from the screens will keep you awake. Maintain a quiet, soothing environment. If someone else in your home is listening to music or watching TV with the volume up high, ask them to turn down the volume enough to keep you from hearing it in your bedroom. The less distractions you have, the better chance you'll have of getting to sleep. Know how you react to your medication. Even though symptom guidelines are a pretty good indicator of how you will react to a medication, observe your body's actual response to what you're putting into your body. For example, Benadryl makes some people sleepy, but leaves other people feeling unnaturally wired. Avoid cold and flu medications that include ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. You might have to read the small print on the packaging to see what's really in your medication, but avoid these drugs, specifically, if you're trying to get a good night's sleep. Although these decongestants make it easier for you to breathe, they are also light stimulants that might keep you awake, if breathing clearly. Decode the medication’s packaging. Over-the-counter medications often make claims on their packaging that are geared more toward advertising for sales than informing for treatment. It's good to know what the difference between “non-drowsy,” “nighttime” and “daytime” really is. “Non-drowsy” medication simply means that there are no ingredients that are meant to induce sleep. This does not, however, mean that the medication is specially formulated to keep you awake or prevent you from getting drowsy. Don't assume that non-drowsy formulas will leave you unaffected: for example many such formulas include pseudoephedrine. “Nighttime” or “PM” medication has compounds that are intended to make you sleepy. Be careful about mixing or doubling up on your medications; if your “nighttime” medications already treats fevers or pain, don't add extra drugs on top of them to target those symptoms. “Daytime” or “AM” medication may be synonymous with “non-drowsy” formulas, or may have caffeine in them to increase alertness. Read the packaging carefully to see what you're getting. Don't assume that “daytime” medications are merely formulas that aren't specifically designed to make you drowsy; if you take one before bedtime, it may well keep you awake. Be wary of “nighttime” formulas in general. Although nighttime formulas may well get you to sleep quickly, the quality of sleep you get from such medications isn't healing, restorative sleep. Furthermore, the alcohol used in such medications may dehydrate you as you sleep, actually setting your body back in terms of its healing process. Some nighttime medications can become habitual; prolonged reliance on these products to get to sleep can disturb healthy sleeping habits. | Know how to treat a fever. Address a cough. Deal with body aches at bedtime. Treat a sore throat at bedtime. Take steps to alleviate nausea and upset stomach. Address a runny or congested nose. Don’t take medicine that makes you jittery before bed. Use the right posture for sleep when congested. Use a nasal spray before bed. Drink something hot right before bed. Run a humidifier in your bedroom at night. Set the thermostat to a moderate temperature, but on the cool side. Keep a dark bedroom at night. Maintain a quiet, soothing environment. Know how you react to your medication. Avoid cold and flu medications that include ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. Decode the medication’s packaging. Be wary of “nighttime” formulas in general. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-an-Emergency-Winter-Shelter | How to Build an Emergency Winter Shelter | To build an emergency winter shelter, start by clearing a patch of ground and padding it as dry as possible. Next, find a long branch to use as a “spine” and 4 branches that are 3-5 feet in length. Use the shorter branches to make 2 sturdy triangles for each end of, then lay down the “spine” on top. Once your frame is in place, lean additional branches against the spine for support. For added insulation, find materials to cover the frame, and weigh them down with rocks, mud, and snow. | Assess available building resources-- materials, supplies of any kind, manpower, and daylight. This seemingly short and less important step will actually be the factor that decides between success (survival) and failure (dirt nap). Knowing what you have to work with and how much time to build shelter is the key to surviving cold and snowy weather in the short run. Make use of anything you have and plan to work with whatever is provided by nature. The amount of manpower you have is limited by injuries, strength, and the general health of you and all other survivors. Even injured persons who can not walk can use their hands to fabricate materials for the shelters so plan to include everyone in the effort. Try to work during daylight. The ability to see is vital. Working in the dark is dangerous and it slows progress greatly, so recognize how much time you have until sundown. Prepare the ground of the shelter. For a single person shelter you must clear any snow, ice, and debris away to form an area large enough for the survivor to lay down with no more than six inches of space on either side of their body. The space should run so that the short ends line up with the wind direction or to the north and south. Pad the ground. After clearing this spot of any wet debris it must be padded with materials that are as dry as possible. Pine boughs can be 'slapped' against a tree trunk to knock water, ice, and snow off to dry the materials. Any man made materials you have access to can be used as well: Floor mats from a car, seat cushions, plastic grocery sacks filled with leaves... Anything that will distance you from the ground and keep you dry. The ground steals heat rapidly and water pools in low spots so this step is critical. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Build-an-Emergency-Winter-Shelter-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-an-Emergency-Winter-Shelter-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Build-an-Emergency-Winter-Shelter-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/aid3596221-v4-728px-Build-an-Emergency-Winter-Shelter-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Gather materials to construct a frame to cover the prepared ground space. If possible, locate a long branch or pole that is ideally about a foot taller than the person to be sheltered. This 'spine' will be what sits above the body of the survivor and to which the sidewalls of the shelter will be laid. If you have access to fallen trees that are still attached to their stump you can use the space beneath the fallen trunk as a great start to your shelter. Raise the spine on one end of the shelter to form the opening by which you enter and exit the shelter. Looking at the arrangement from the side will make it appear to be a 30-60-90 degree triangle with the opening at the 60-90 degree angle side. The 90 degree angle is on the ground and it stretches all the way to the the other end of the shelter where the 30 degree angle forms at the closed back end of the shelter. The survivors feet will be down in the space where the spine pole touches the ground and forms that 30 degree angle. Take two branches of about three to five feet in length and lay them side by side. Lash them together with any cord, rope, wire, tape, or vines you can find. When you grasp the untied ends and pull them away from each other the lashing will tighten and provide a sturdy prop to lay the spine pole on. These two branches will form a 45 degree triangle to hold the spine up off of the ground. The mouth of the shelter will form a 45 degree triangle with the longest side being the ground the two poles are set on and the point of the triangle above it. The point of the triangle is where the spine branch will rest because the two branches cross and form a small "X" to set the spine on. Build your shelter's "skeleton. " Stab smaller branches into the ground and lean them against the spine pole from the front of the shelter down its length towards the 30 degree end of the shelter. They should look like skeletal 'ribs'. Find materials to cover the frame. Any water proofing materials you have will be put to good use in this step but you can still do it without any man made materials. Break off small leaf covered or pine needle branches. Lay them against the 'ribs' with the broken end of the branch pointing up at the spine pole. Repeat with a second row of these branches. Lay them above the first just like the shingles on the roof of a home. This deflects rain and snow and layers insulation over the frame. Add more cover. Crush flat standing weeds and lay them over the branches as well. The goal is to evenly heap water proofing natural materials over the frame not only to keep you dry but to insulate you as well. A plastic tarp, split open plastic trash bags, or rubber floor mats could be draped over the frame and if done properly would keep you dry but would provide little to no insulation. The idea is to block all light from being seen while in the shelter. Pinpoints of light mean air (and heat) can easily escape from the inside. Covering the shelter with as much insulating material as possible is limited by the strength of your spine pole and of course the amount of available materials. Even in an open field you can gather bunches of field grasses and make a 'pile' shelter, so covering your 'A' frame should not prove too difficult. Weigh down any materials you cover the frame with to keep them from blowing away in the wind. Mud, branches, and even snow will hold the materials down. Also, snow is a natural insulator. Weigh down any materials you cover the frame with. This will keep them from blowing away in the wind. Mud, branches, and even snow will hold the materials down. Also, snow is a natural insulator. Add final touches. Any materials you have can be stored inside the shelter with you including your drinking water to prevent it from freezing. If built properly this type of shelter can be slept in without heavy clothing and still be adequate enough for survival if not comfortable as well. Close off the shelter. Once the survivor and up to one other guest back into the shelter through the triangle opening at its mouth, they will need to close off the opening. Backpacks, a trash bag full of leaves, or a small frame of sticks tied together and strung with as much materials as possible can be used. Feel free to 'stuff' the interior of the shelter with dry grasses, leaves, or other materials (rugs, blankets, pillows). The extra padding will help keep you warm as well. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Build-an-Emergency-Winter-Shelter-Step-15Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-an-Emergency-Winter-Shelter-Step-15Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Build-an-Emergency-Winter-Shelter-Step-15Bullet1.jpg\/aid3596221-v4-728px-Build-an-Emergency-Winter-Shelter-Step-15Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Finished. | Assess available building resources-- materials, supplies of any kind, manpower, and daylight. Try to work during daylight. Prepare the ground of the shelter. Pad the ground. Gather materials to construct a frame to cover the prepared ground space. Raise the spine on one end of the shelter to form the opening by which you enter and exit the shelter. Take two branches of about three to five feet in length and lay them side by side. Build your shelter's "skeleton. Find materials to cover the frame. Break off small leaf covered or pine needle branches. Repeat with a second row of these branches. Add more cover. Weigh down any materials you cover the frame with. Add final touches. Close off the shelter. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Dog-Barrier-for-Your-Vehicle | How to Build a Dog Barrier for Your Vehicle | To build a dog barrier for your vehicle, measure your vehicle space before you begin so you can be certain the barrier will fit properly. If you have collapsible seats, you'll also need to decide if you want the barrier behind either the back seats or the front seats. Depending on which space you choose, measure both floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall lengths in the trunk area or behind the front seats. Using these measurements, go shopping for spring-tension rods and suitable cross-bar material, either in PVC or wood, for attaching to the rods. Remember to buy stronger material for the cross-bars if your dog chews through things and make sure the bars will go across wide enough to prevent your dog from pushing its weight through into the seats ahead. | Measure your vehicle's interior. The size of your dog barrier will depend on the floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall lengths of your vehicle's trunk area. If your vehicle has collapsible back seats, you have the choice of placing the barrier just behind the front seats. In this case, run a tape measure from the floor just behind the front seats up to the ceiling. Otherwise, just measure the floor-to-ceiling height of the trunk area behind the back seats. Finally, take the longest measurement between the side windows in the trunk area, then write down these lengths. If you have a sedan or other vehicle without open trunk space behind the back seats, and you don't mind keeping your dog in the back seat, you can place the barrier just behind the front seats. Purchase spring-tension rods. These are used either to hang draperies in windows, or to support shower curtains. Their spring action allows them to be fitted between two surfaces without screws or adhesives. You'll need to find rods that can compress to just a little shorter than the floor-to-ceiling length of the trunk that you measured. Bring this measurement to the department or hardware store, and ask an employee to help you find the appropriate size. For example, if the floor-to-ceiling length is 3 feet, 6 inches (1.067 meters), buy rods that compress to at least 3 feet, 5 1/2 inches (1.054 meters). You can find these rods at large department stores or hardware stores. Select rods that have tapered rubber stoppers on their ends. These will help to secure the barrier in place against the floor and ceiling surfaces. Choose crossbar material. For the horizontal bars, look for ¾-inch (at least 1.9 centimeters) PVC pipe or wooden rods at the hardware store. Either one will be strong enough to keep the dog from getting through. PVC will be lighter, but also easier for the dog to chew through. Calculate the total crossbar length. These will need to be at least as wide as the wall-to-wall measurements of your trunk area. Calculate the total rod length to be purchased according to the size of your dog: If your dog weighs more than 25 pounds (11.3 kilograms), multiply your wall-to-wall length by four for four crossbars. If the dog weighs less than 25 pounds, multiply by five for five bars. Finally, multiply this figure by ⅘, and write down the result. For example, if your longest wall-to-wall measurement is four feet (1.22 meters), for a 40-pound (18.1-kilogram) dog, multiplying by four gives 16 feet (4.9 meters). Then multiplying this figure by ⅘ gives 12 feet, 7.2 inches (3.92 meters). Buy less material for certain vehicles. In some minivans and SUVs / SACs without collapsible rear seating, there won't be a gap to block off between the rearmost seats. Or you might prefer not to collapse the rearmost seats. In these cases, get just enough material to cover the gap between the top of the rearmost seating and the ceiling—three bars should be enough, so multiply the longest wall-to-wall length in the gap above the rearmost seats by 3, then the result by ⅘. Measure the crossbars. Your crossbars will vary in length according to the gap they'll be covering. If you're using four bars, the bottom two only need to be long enough to cover the gap between the fronts seats just above the center console. Measure these at 2/5 of your wall-to-wall measurements, or long enough to span this gap. Measure the top two bars at ⅘ of the wall-to-wall length, or long enough to cover the gaps between the front seat headrests and the side windows. If you'll use five bars, measure the bottom two at ⅖ the wall-to-wall length, the middle one at ⅗, and the top two at ⅘. Again, make sure these will be long enough to cover the gaps. If you're only cutting three bars for a barrier behind the rearmost seating without a gap between the seats, measure the top bar at 7/10 the longest wall-to-wall length, the middle bar at ⅘, and the bottom bar at 9/10. Make sure all gaps will be covered by these lengths. Cut the crossbars. Using a table saw or hand saw, cut the four or five crossbars to their various lengths. Use medium-grade sandpaper to sand off the sharp frayed edges of the PVC pipe or wooden rods. Position the vertical rods. Put in place the two spring-tension rods vertically, one just behind each front seat, or behind the rear seats.Their distance from each wall should generally be about ⅕ of the wall-to-wall measurement. Make sure they are perfectly vertical, not leaning to one side or the other. Mark off attachment points. One at a time, position your four or five crossbars horizontally and evenly spaced from one another, beginning with the two shorter bars three inches (7.62 centimeters) higher than the center console. The top bar can rest four inches (10.16 centimeters) below the ceiling. Using a thin felt-tip marker, indicate the attachment points by putting an x-mark on the horizontal PVC or wooden rods where they intersect with the vertical rods. Then, keeping the horizontal rods in place, put horizontal marks on the vertical rods above and below where they intersect with the horizontal bars. Assemble the barrier. Using 20-gauge utility wire (0.0319 inches / 0.018 centimeters), bind the crossbars to the vertical bars at their marked intersection points. Run the wire in an x-shaped pattern diagonally around the intersection, changing the orientation of your winding every two passes. Wrap the wire tightly until the two bars are firmly secured. Check that the bars remain perpendicular to each other throughout the winding. If you'd prefer to hide the wire, cover it over with electrical tape of a color that most closely matches the color of the bars. Put the barrier in place. Make sure the bars are all securely attached at the intersection points. Position the barrier directly behind the front or back seats, dividing the rearmost seating area and the trunk. Use the spring-tension feature of the vertical rods, compressing them enough to allow the barrier to be slid into place and secured. | Measure your vehicle's interior. Purchase spring-tension rods. Choose crossbar material. Calculate the total crossbar length. Buy less material for certain vehicles. Measure the crossbars. Cut the crossbars. Position the vertical rods. Mark off attachment points. Assemble the barrier. Put the barrier in place. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Double-Sided-Tape | How to Remove Double Sided Tape | To remove double-sided tape from a wall or countertop, first plug in a hair dryer in the outlet closest to the tape. Then, turn the hair dryer on and set the heat to the highest setting. Hold the blow dryer 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) away from the double-sided tape for 30 seconds, which will help loosen the adhesive. Next, turn the hair dryer off and slowly peel the tape away with your fingertips starting at a corner. If the tape is still sticking, heat it another 30 seconds before trying again. You can also use an iron to remove the double-sided tape. First, put 3 pieces of tissue paper on top of the tape and then set your iron to low heat. Once it's preheated, put it on top of the tissue paper, and move it around in a circular motion for 30 seconds. Now, remove the iron and tissue paper, and peel the tape off by hand. To remove double-sided tape from glass or ceramic, you can use a plastic scraper. Hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle to the surface and apply firm pressure. Slide it into a corner of the tape repeatedly until the tape lifts up. Then, peel the rest of the tape off by hand. Finally, use baby oil or all-purpose cleaner and a sponge to remove the sticky residue. | Remove stubborn, stuck-on tape with a hairdryer. Plug your hairdryer into the nearest power outlet and turn it on to a medium or high setting. Hold the hairdryer a few inches away from the tape and let the hot air blow over it, focusing on the edges and corners. This will cause the glue to soften. After a few minutes, set the hairdryer aside and try to pick at one of the corners of the tape with your fingernail. Most of the tape should come off, but you may need to take the hairdryer to it again. If you have very short fingernails, or don't want to ruin a nice manicure, then use a butter knife or pallet instead. If you still have a thin film of residue, you can buff the surface with a scouring pad soaked with warm, soapy water. Avoid using oil or oil-based commercial cleansers. Wash any residue using water, vinegar, and soap. Mix 2 cups (275 milliliters) of water with ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of vinegar and a few drops of liquid soap. Dip a sponge into this solution, then scrub the affected area on your wall or door using small, circular motions. This cleansing solution is mild and should not remove most paint; however, you might see some fading. Consider using a magic eraser to remove any residue. Dampen the magic eraser with water, and buff the affected area with it until the residue is all gone. Magic erasers are mildly abrasive, which makes them unsuitable for glass and highly-polished surfaces, but they are safe for walls and doors; you may see some mild fading, however. You can purchase magic erasers in the detergent section of a supermarket or hardware store. Gather your supplies. If you have some double sided tape stuck to your window, you cannot use heat or you will risk cracking the glass. You also can't use anything too abrasive, or you will risk scratching the glass. Instead, you will need to dissolve the tape using oil. Here is a list of what you will need: Butter knife (you can also use your fingernail) Window cleaner Sponge and glass scrub Cooking oil or cleaning oil (mineral oil, Goo Gone, etc) Rubbing alcohol Try to remove tape as much as possible. You can do this by picking at one of the corners with your fingernail. You can also use a butter knife or pallet knife, but take care so that you do not scratch the glass. Spray the tape with window cleaner. If you do not have any window cleaner, you can make your own by mixing together 2 cups (275 milliliters) of water, ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of vinegar, and a few drops of liquid soap. Buff the soaked area with a sponge using small, circular motions. This will help dislodge some of the stuck-on residue. If your sponge has two sides (a soft side and an abrasive side) try using the scratchy side. Consider using oil and a glass-safe scrubbing sponge. If the glass cleaner or vinegar solution did not remove the tape, you will need to saturate it with some cooking oil (such as olive oil) or a cleaning oil (such as Goo Gone or Goof Off). Spray the oil onto the affected area and buff it with the sponge until there is no more residue. Clean the glass with some rubbing alcohol. Soak a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and rub it until you have removed all tape and oil residue. If there is still some tape left, buff it again with a glass-safe scrubbing sponge soaked in oil, and then clean it again using rubbing alcohol. The rubbing oil will get rid of the oil residue and evaporate, leaving no marks. Use a hairdryer to remove tape from paper. Plug in the hairdryer and turn it on. Using a medium or high heat setting, aim the nozzle at the tape and blow on it. After a few minutes, try to pry the tape off of the surface using your fingernail. This is especially effective on paper. Use caution when working with photographs, as the heat may damage them. Try some commercial residue cleaning products. Many products, such as Goo Gone and Goof Off, can effectively remove double sided tape, but they can also damage plastic surfaces. If you choose to use one of these products on plastic, keep this in mind. Simply pour some of the product over the tape and let it soak for a few minutes, then pull the tape off. If the tape doesn't come off, then try scrubbing it with a scratchy sponge until it does. The chemicals in the fluid will have dissolved the sticky adhesive on the tape. This will be most effective on glass. Avoid using this on paper, cardboard, and fabrics as you will risk staining them. Consider using some food-grade oil. It will work similar to commercial products, such as Goo Gone and Goof Off, but it won't contain any harmful chemicals, making it safer to use on sensitive surfaces such as plastic. Simply pour some oil onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it with a scouring pad. Do not use oil on paper, cardboard, and fabric surfaces, because it will stain them. Try some acetone or nail polish remover on unpainted surfaces. This will dissolve the adhesive in the tape, making it easier to remove. Like alcohol, it evaporates and leaves behind no residue. Unfortunately, it will also dissolve any paint and finishes as well, so may not be the best product to use on plastic or painted surfaces. Simply pour some acetone or nail polish remover onto the tape and let it soak for a few minutes before peeling the tape off. This will be the most effective on fabrics, as it won't stain. This may work on paper and cardboard, but it may also cause the paper to warp and become wrinkled (as with any other liquid). If you are using nail polish remover, try to use a basic one, without additives, such as vitamins and strengthening properties. Also, try to avoid colored nail polish removers, as they may stain your surface. Use rubbing alcohol on plastic. It will work just like acetone, but it is not as harsh; this means that it is less likely to remove paint or mar finishes. It also means that you may still see some residue and will have to scrub the left-over adhesive with a scouring pad. This will be effective on fabric surfaces. Try using masking tape to peel double sided off. Tear off a piece of masking tape and press it down firmly onto the top of the double sided tape; be sure to keep a firm grip onto one corner of the masking tape. Slowly pull the masking tape towards you; it should also pull the double sided tape along with it. You can also use duct tape or scotch tape as well. Use oil to remove residue from plastic and glass. You can use a cooking oil, such as olive oil, mineral oil, or a cleaning oil, such as Goo Gone or Goof Off. Soak a cotton ball with some oil and rub it over the surface until the residue is gone. Soak another cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and rub it over the surface to clean off any oily residue. If you are working on a large area and the surface is horizontal, you can pour some of the oil over the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Do not use oil on unfinished wood or walls. It will soak into the surface and stain it. Try using acetone on glass. Do not use acetone on painted surfaces, finished surfaces, or plastic. It will remove paint and can melt certain types of plastic. For light residue, soak a cotton ball with some acetone and rub it over the residue until it is all gone. For heavy residue, fill a spray bottle with some acetone and spray it over the affected area; let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off until the residue is gone. This method can be combined with the oil method. Acetone is safe on most fabrics, but test it in an inconspicuous area first; it may cause some fabric dyes to bleed. Use rubbing alcohol to remove residue from any surface. It is safe to use on walls, plastic, finished and unfinished wood, fabric, and glass; it should not remove paint and finishes, but it may cause some fading. A higher percentage, such as 90%, will be the most effective, but for painted surfaces you may want to use a lower percentage, such as 70%. For smooth surfaces, soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and buff the affected area until the residue is gone. For rougher surfaces, use a towel or cloth instead; this will prevent any fuzz from getting caught in the texture. If the residue is really bad, fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and saturate the area. Leave the rubbing alcohol on the affected area for a few minutes, then wipe it off using a cloth or towel. Try using a mixture of vinegar, water, and dish soap. Mix one part vinegar with eight parts water. Add a drop or two of dish soap and mix. Saturate the residue with the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe the residue off using a paper or cloth towel. This should be safe to use on most surfaces, but it may cause some fading or staining on certain wall surfaces. Try rubbing the area with your finger or eraser. Some light residue can simply be rubbed away. The area may look a little dull; if this happens, simply wipe it clean with some rubbing alcohol. | Remove stubborn, stuck-on tape with a hairdryer. Wash any residue using water, vinegar, and soap. Consider using a magic eraser to remove any residue. Gather your supplies. Try to remove tape as much as possible. Spray the tape with window cleaner. Buff the soaked area with a sponge using small, circular motions. Consider using oil and a glass-safe scrubbing sponge. Clean the glass with some rubbing alcohol. Use a hairdryer to remove tape from paper. Try some commercial residue cleaning products. Consider using some food-grade oil. Try some acetone or nail polish remover on unpainted surfaces. Use rubbing alcohol on plastic. Try using masking tape to peel double sided off. Use oil to remove residue from plastic and glass. Try using acetone on glass. Use rubbing alcohol to remove residue from any surface. Try using a mixture of vinegar, water, and dish soap. Try rubbing the area with your finger or eraser. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dance-at-Prom | How to Dance at Prom | To dance at prom, start by finding some friends on the dance floor, so you're with a group of people instead of standing awkwardly by yourself. Then, see what kinds of moves they're using, and try to do something similar. If you're not sure what else to do, you can always sing along to the song lyrics. While you're singing, try to shuffle your feet and move your head and shoulders in time to the music, so you look like you're dancing and having fun. | Move your head to the music. When you first get on the dance floor, you may be feeling a bit nervous, whether you're standing next to your date or just standing with a group of your friends. The first thing you should do after you hit the dance floor is to get a feel for the beat. Once you get it, move your head to the music, and start moving your body up and down slightly, so you're really feeling the beat. Get your shoulders into it. Move them up and and down slightly along with your head. Don't just bob your head up and down like some kind of robot. You can move slightly the left, and then the right, as you get a feel for the music. Move your feet to the beat. If it's a faster song, you'll need to pick up the pace; if its slower but not a slow song, then move your feet slower. If you're an absolute beginner, then you don't have to put in too much effort in the footwork department. Just bend your knees and move up and down to the music. The important thing is that you keep your feet moving, not that you look like a professional. Once you're comfortable with just moving your feet, you can do the "two step." In this dance move, all you have to do is step your right foot about a foot to the right, move your left foot over to the right, and gently tap the ground. Then, do the move again starting with moving your left foot to the left, and repeat. Move your arms. Now that your head, shoulders, and feet are really into it, you can start moving your arms too. Remember that, ideally, you should start moving all of your body parts at once. Starting with the head and feet will help you feel the rhythm, but you shouldn't keep your arms at your sides like dead fish. You can move your arms up and down to the music near your sides, down by your knees, or even up in the air, like you're dancing while washing a window. Mix it up. Dance with your arms moving at your sides, and then have 'em move up in the air. Don't underestimate the power of the "raise the roof" move at the right time. Put your hips into it. Your hips are a separate entity and they should not be ignored. Move them up and down along with the music, or move to the left and then the right, so your hips match the movements of your feet. Ladies, if you're feeling less shy, you can even gyrate your hips a bit to the music. See what everyone else is doing. Check out your friends on the dance floor. Pick a friend who is particularly confident and has great rhythm. See what move she's doing? Now steal it. That's right. Pick something simple to do with your arms and feet when you're getting bored with your simple moves, and see what happens. If your friend is doing it and looks good, then you can try to do the same. You should also dance with the song in mind. If it's a funny song with a regular beat and people are clapping their hands, join in. Sing a few lyrics. This is a great thing to do when you feel like you don't know what you're doing. Look at your friends, mouth out the lyrics to the song, shake your head, and look like you're having such a great time with the song that you don't really care how you look. Move around. Don't just stand in one place or dance in the same two square feet of space. Move around by shuffling your feet and finding your friends. Keep it interesting and even make some light conversation with your friends or your date if you can do it without shouting too much. One thing you can do is stand in a circle with your friends and take turns moving in the center of the circle to show off your dance moves. Don't be nervous: when you dance in the middle of a circle, it'll normally be something silly. Have fun dancing with your date. If your date is a wallflower and doesn't want to join you and your friends right away, wait a few songs before pulling your date onto the dance floor. But if you're dancing with your date to a fast song, just make sure you're following the same rhythm, standing at a comfortable distance, and having a great time. Some schools will have regulations about how close you can get, so make sure you know what your school requires of you. After that, just have fun. During fast songs, you can still be in similar positions as you would in slow songs: a guy can put his hands on a girl's hips, and the girl can keep her arms around his neck. If you want to grind with your date, make sure it's allowed by your school. This is a more sensual dance move than most. Position your arms correctly. If you want to start off on the right foot, then you and your date have to put your arms in the right place first. For the prom slow dance, the arm movements are much simpler than for the traditional slow dance. The guy just has to put his arms on either side of the girl's waist, and the girl has to wrap her arms around the guy's waist. Depending on how intimate you want the dance move to be, you should dance about one foot to half a foot (30 - 15 cm) away from your partner. Girls should plan their shoe height in advance. They should wear shoes that wouldn't make them taller than or at eye-level with their date, or they may feel a little awkward during the slow dance. Position your feet correctly. Face your partner with at least one to two feet between your heads. Don't stand with your toes touching or you'll bump into each other; instead, stand either with your feet alternating or with the girl's feet inside of the guy's. Keep your feet at last 1 to 1.5 feet (0.3 to 0.5 m) apart (30 cm-45 cm) so you can move from side to side without any problems. Start moving. Slow dancing is about as easy as it gets. Just keep your arms positioned correctly, maintain a respectable distance from your partner, and sway back and forth, transferring your weight from one foot to the other without lifting your feet. If you want to rotate or move a bit, just move your feet in rhythm with your partner's. If you're comfortable with this simple dance, you can go for the "step touch," which means to just step to the right with your right foot, and then to follow this foot with your left, tap the ground, and then reverse the motion by stepping to the left with your left foot, letting the right foot follow it, and so on. Just make sure you keep your feet in sync with your partner's. Don't worry about assuming traditional roles. In "real" slow dancing, the guy takes the lead while the girl follows. In this version, the guy holds one of the girl's hands and leads her into the direction he wants to go; the girl has to follow so they stay on course. But when you're talking about the good old prom slow dance, that's really not necessary. You'll just be moving from side to side. If the guy wants to lead, just follow his cue and move in the direction he moves; but for the most part, you won't be moving around too much. Just remember to dance to the beat of the music. Not all slow dance songs have the exact same rhythm, so you will have to move a bit faster or slower depending on the beat. Chat a little bit. If you and your partner are totally in love, then sure, you can just sway there and look longingly into each other's eyes. But for most of you, slow dancing in silence could get a little boring or awkward, so don't be afraid to talk to your partner, crack a joke, or just make small talk a little bit. You can say you love or hate the song that's playing, compliment your partner on his or her looks or dancing skills, or talk about the couples around you. Do whatever you gotta do to have fun and feel comfortable. Milk the cow. This is completely silly and an instant classic. Just bend your knees, bob up and down, while raising your fists in the air, one at a time, alternating as if you were milking an actual cow. Keep this up for thirty seconds or so with a serious and committed look on your face, and everyone around you will be laughing and joining in. Do the running man. This is another great move that will get you some laughs for at least a minute or two, or until it gets old. The running man is simple. Just lift one foot high in the air so your thigh is parallel to the floor, and then set it back and down while simultaneously lifting the other foot. Keep alternating lifting and putting down your feet while either swinging your arms in an exaggerated manner at your side, like you're prancing, or pushing your arms back and forth, like you're skiing or elbowing someone. This works best paired with a Carlton Banks-esque grin on your face. Beat back the beat. Get inspired by the Jersey Shore cast and bounce up and down while pumping your fists at the ceiling, alternating with one fist up and one fist down. Just pick a song and stick to the beat. Don't be embarrassed if the occasional, "Yeah, baby!" escapes your lips. Wax the car. Bounce your knees and from side to side and alternate between using your right and left hands to wipe wax on your car in a circle, moving one hand in a circular motion for about three seconds before swaying to the other side and using the other hand to repeat the same motion. This move works great if you synchronize with a few friends. Comb your hair. First, get a look on your face that says you're all that and you know it. Then, turn to your left side and fake run your right hand over your hair like you're combing it, making your perfect 'do look even more perfect. Bounce your feet up and down as you do this, and rinse and repeat on the other side. Keep it up until your hands look tired, or until you know you can't look any better. Reel in your friend. You can pull this move at least 2-3 times at your prom before people start rolling your eyes. Just be the fisherman: cast your line far and away, aiming toward your friend, the fish. Keep bouncing as you do this, so you're not just standing in place. Then, lean back and start reeling in your friend like he or she is a heavy, heavy fish. Your friend should puff up his or her cheeks and move his or her hands toward and away from his or her mouth, acting like a fish that has gotten caught on your line. Do the Harlem Shake. When that song comes on, wait for the leader to dance around and take control. When you get your cue, do anything you want, as long as it's with enthusiasm: lean back, start swinging your arms wildly behind you with bent knees, punch the air, shake your head from side to side, and generally look like you're having a seizure. Don't worry: this dance tends to only last a little more than a minute, so you'll be done before you start seeing bright white spots in front of your eyes. Get ready to bust out your synchronized dance moves. Every prom will play a few songs that have designated dance patterns. These are a fun break from figuring out what the heck to do with yourself, and normally all you have to do is master a handful of dance moves and generally do what everyone else is doing. If you don't want to have to sit out like a wallflower when any of these songs come on, then become a pro at the following dances in advance: "The Cupid Shuffle" "Teach Me How to Dougie" Soulja Boy's "Crank That" "The Macarena" "The Electric Slide" | Move your head to the music. Move your feet to the beat. Move your arms. Put your hips into it. See what everyone else is doing. Sing a few lyrics. Move around. Have fun dancing with your date. Position your arms correctly. Position your feet correctly. Start moving. Don't worry about assuming traditional roles. Chat a little bit. Milk the cow. Do the running man. Beat back the beat. Wax the car. Comb your hair. Reel in your friend. Do the Harlem Shake. Get ready to bust out your synchronized dance moves. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Raise-the-Height-of-a-Table | How to Raise the Height of a Table | To raise the height of a table temporarily, buy a set of bed risers, which are wood or plastic supports that go on the bottom of your table legs. For a more permanent solution, buy bun feet or get 4 short pieces of wood the same height. Then, attach them to the bottom of your table legs with screws or hanger bolts. If you want to blend the new feet in with the table, sand the wood where the legs meet the extensions. You can also paint the bottom of the legs with the same color paint as the rest of the table. | Prop up your table with bed risers. To make your table taller in a hurry, purchase bed risers to place under your table legs. Bed risers can be found in wood and plastic, in an assortment of sizes and shapes. Be sure to purchase a set of risers that will support the weight of your table. If you wish, paint the bed rises the same color as the table legs so they blend in. This method will work for tables of any size, made of any material. Attach bun feet to the bottom of a wooden table. Buy 4 bun feet with pre-installed hanger bolts from your local hardware store. Drill holes that are approximately 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) deep into the bottom of the table legs, then hammer in tee nuts. Screw in the bun feet until they are firmly attached and the table doesn't wobble. Buy tee nuts that fit the hanger bolts in the bun feet. Paint the bun feet the same color as the table legs so that they blend in, if desired. Extend the height of a metal table with PVC pipe. Buy PVC pipe that has a diameter of 2 inches (5.1 cm) from your local hardware store. Cut the PVC pipe into 4 equal pieces measuring the same height you want to add to your table. Turn your table onto its side and place the PVC pieces over each foot, then stand it up carefully. If your table legs are narrow, use a smaller width of PVC pipe. Find short wood pieces roughly the same width as your table legs. Visit your local hardware store to shop for short wood pieces to extend your table legs with. Look for pieces that are roughly the same width and the same type of wood as your table legs. Buy unfinished wood pieces or pre-made table legs that you can saw as needed. You can also look for table legs and wood pieces at flea markets, garage sales, or thrift stores. Turn the table upside down and make the center of each leg. Place your table face on the ground. Using a ruler, measure the center point of each table leg. Mark each spot with a pencil. If your table is very heavy, ask a friend or family member for help turning it over. Be careful to protect the surface of your table from nicks or scratches if you are placing it on a cement or stone floor. Drill holes and hammer tee nuts into the bottom of your table legs. Use an electric drill to make a hole that is approximately 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) deep at the bottom of each table leg. Insert the back of the tee nuts into the drilled holes. Use a hammer to gently pound the tee nuts into the wood. The surface of each hammer tee nut should be flush with the wood surface to ensure that it is fully inserted. Insert hanger bolts into the center of each piece. Hanger bolts are essentially screws with bolts on the end of them. Measure and mark the center of each wooden extension. Drill a hole into each piece that is roughly half the length of your hanger bolts, then insert the screw part of the hanger bolts into the wood. Use an electric drill to screw in the hanger bolt if you have a nut driver in your driver kit. Alternatively, attach a nut around the top of the hanger bolt and use pliers to manually screw it in. Attach each leg extension firmly and make sure the table is even. Carefully screw the bolts protruding from each wooden extension into the hammer tee nut on each leg. Continue screwing them in until you meet resistance to ensure that they are firmly attached. Turn over the table to test the evenness of the legs. Make sure that the table doesn't wobble when pressure is put on top of it, which could be a sign that the legs are uneven. If the legs are uneven, remove the extensions and re-attach them to make sure that they are screwed in properly. If necessary, you can also sand down the longer pieces to match the others. Sand around the area to make the legs look seamless. Use a piece of 100-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface of the wooden extension and the bottom of the table leg. Continue sanding until the line where the two parts meet looks seamless. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling wood particles while you sand. Remove wood dust from the table with a clean cloth. Fill in any gaps with wood filler if necessary. Apply paint or wood stain to the extensions to match the table legs. If possible, find the same paint or wood stain that you used to decorate your table to cover the extensions. Use a small paintbrush to apply the finish evenly. All the table legs to dry overnight before turning over the table. Place a plastic sheet under the table or around each table legs to prevent stains. Measure your table height to see how tall the new legs should be. Use a measuring tape to check the current height of your table from top to bottom. Next, measure the height of the tabletop on its own. Use these measurements to determine how long you need the new table legs to be. Note that the height of a standard dining table is usually 30 inches (76 cm). To select new table legs that closely resemble the original ones, take a picture of the legs to bring to a hardware store. You may also opt to buy new, decorative legs that contrast your tabletop. Turn the table upside down and remove the legs with an electric drill. Carefully remove all screws from the underside of the table using an electric drill. If any of the attachments are reinforced with glue, use a screwdriver to gently pry them off. If necessary, use a rubber mallet to carefully tap the sides of each leg to loosen the glue. Wear goggles while removing the screws to protect your eyes from any flying debris. If any small blocks or wood pieces are attached to the underside of the table, remove them as well. Keep the screws in case you need them to attach the new table legs. Sand and shape the new legs. Place your new table legs on an easy-to-clean surface, such as a countertop or linoleum floor. Use a 100-grit sandpaper to sand down the legs. Continue sanding to round the edges until you get the shape you want. Finish the legs with stain, lacquer, or paint (optional). Place your table legs on a large plastic sheet, or another clean surface that you don't mind staining. Use a clean paint brush to apply a stain, lacquer, or paint that matches the rest of your table. Allow the legs to dry overnight before attaching them to the table. If you can't find the right finishing product to match the new legs to your table, consider repainting the entire table. Mark evenly-spaced spots on the four corners under the table. Use a ruler to measure where you want the center of each table leg to be attached to the underside of the table. Mark each spot with a pencil. Make sure that each hole is spaced equally from the sides of the table. If the holes are not evenly spaced, erase them and start over. Drill holes over the pencil marks. Use an electric drill to make small holes at each of these 4 points. Line up the tip of your drill bit with each pencil mark to be as accurate as possible. Drill each hole approximately 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) deep. Add woodworking glue to the top of the legs and screw them in. Add a few rings of woodworking glue around the hanger bolts for extra reinforcement when attaching the table legs. Slowly screw each leg into each of the 4 corners of the table. Stop when you meet resistance and the leg is firmly attached. Allow the glue to dry overnight before turning over the table. It is best to let the woodworking glue dry completely before moving the table to make sure it bonds properly. Let the table sit overnight, or for 6-8 hours. After this drying period, you can turn over the table carefully and use it normally. Putting weight on your table before the glue dries could loosen the legs and make the table wobbly. | Prop up your table with bed risers. Attach bun feet to the bottom of a wooden table. Extend the height of a metal table with PVC pipe. Find short wood pieces roughly the same width as your table legs. Turn the table upside down and make the center of each leg. Drill holes and hammer tee nuts into the bottom of your table legs. Insert hanger bolts into the center of each piece. Attach each leg extension firmly and make sure the table is even. Sand around the area to make the legs look seamless. Apply paint or wood stain to the extensions to match the table legs. Measure your table height to see how tall the new legs should be. Turn the table upside down and remove the legs with an electric drill. Sand and shape the new legs. Finish the legs with stain, lacquer, or paint (optional). Mark evenly-spaced spots on the four corners under the table. Drill holes over the pencil marks. Add woodworking glue to the top of the legs and screw them in. Allow the glue to dry overnight before turning over the table. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Clay-Rose | How to Make a Clay Rose | To make a clay rose, start by rolling a chunk of clay into a ball, dividing the ball into seven similarly-sized pieces, and rolling those pieces into balls. Take the smallest ball and press it into a guitar-pick-shaped “petal” with the pointy part thicker than the rounded part, then fold the sides gently inward. Repeat with a slightly bigger ball of clay, then fold this second petal around the first. Continue attaching slightly larger petals in a spiral, then pinch the bottom of your rose to connect all the petals. | Select Fimo Eberhard Faber clay. This is the most widely-available polymer clay and the most popular among clay artists. Fimo comes in 58g (2 ounces) and 350g (12.5 ounces) packages. It is the stiffest of the clays and the most difficult to condition. Fimo's firmness lets it hold very fine detail, and smearing is rare. This is important to consider if you plan on painting your rose after crafting it. When fired, Fimo is very strong. It has a slightly glossy surface. It also buffs well and develops a high shine. This brand of clay also comes in a beautiful selection of colors, including two transparent clays, six "stone" textured clays, a glow-in-the-dark clay, and metallic colored clay ("perglantz"). There is also a soft formulation of Fimo that comes in a different selection of colors. Choose Promat Polyform Products Co. clay. This is another strong type of clay - ideal for making a rose - but is slowly becoming hard to acquire because it is being phased out by Premo Sculpey clay. Promat is firmer than texture than Premo (its common substitute). It is harder to condition but less prone to smearing and stronger when fired. It is also flexible in thin sheets, which is optimal for when you craft the rose petals. Opt for Cernit T&F GmbH clay. Cernit is the strongest of the polymer clays. Cernit has a porcelain, waxy finish when fired and is often used for doll-making because of its high quality when fired. Though Cernit is the strongest of the clays, it is not as difficult to condition as Fimo. If you have delicate hands, choose Cernit over Fimo to go easy on your hands while still ensuring sturdiness. Pick a clay color to use as the rose petals. For a better finished product, choose one as close to the color red as possible. If you're going for texture, Fimo and Cernit are your best options because of their refined finish after being fired. If you're going for color, Fimo has the wider range of colors and may produce the best contrast when crafting your rose. Light pink is also a nice color. When you attach the calyx, or the green outer whorl of the flower, the contrast between colors will make your rose pop with contrast. Stretch and compress the clay with your hands. This is known as conditioning, and it is necessary for making the clay ready to work with. The physical process of stretching and compressing, combined with the warmth of your hands, changes the texture of the clay, making it softer and more pliable. It also makes the clay stickier and less brittle, which is ideal when making thin sheets for the petals. Take a chunk of clay (about a half an ounce or so) and squish it between your fingers. As it warms and softens, roll it between your palms into a snake shape. Then move your hands against each other in a circular motion to compress the snake back into ball. Repeat this process several times until the clay is soft and easily molded. For stubborn clay like Fimo, there are techniques for speeding up the conditioning process. Sit on the clay for 15-20 minutes to mildly warm it. Do not lay it in the sun or on a heating pad, as excessive heat will cause the clay to start curing, making it unusable. You can also use a food processor to chop the clay into smaller pieces to condition. Roll a ball of clay into the size you want your rose to be. Further divide this ball into seven even pieces, as these will be used to form your petals. The pieces should be about the same size, but they don't need to be exact. Having different sized petals will actually make your rose look realistic and natural. For a 2 inch (5.1 cm) wide rose, roll your clay into a 1 inch (2.5 cm) ball. Press the smallest of the seven balls into a rounded triangular shape. This will become your first rose petal. Roll the clay ball first to make it as smooth as possible. You want few visible lines on the surface of your petal. The size and shape of this petal should be similar to a standard guitar pick. The point, which will become the base of the rose, should be thicker than the opposite edge, which will be the top of the petal. The top edge should be about 1/16 of an inch thick. Fold the petal into a bud. Hold the petal with the thick point down and use the other hand to gently fold the sides in on themselves. The edges of the rosebud should overlap a little. Mold the second ball of clay into a petal slightly bigger than the first. The top edge should also be slightly thinner. Hold the bud in one hand and wrap the second petal around it. The petal should be facing the bud, not attached to the smooth back end. Form the third and fourth petal so that they are slightly bigger than the second. They should also be thinner than the second petal. Wrap the third petal around the first two petals. This should offset it so that the three petals form a spiral when you look at the rose from above. Gently roll the edge of the third petal outward, using the tip of your finger. The edge of the petal should curl downward a bit and should stick up a little past the second petal. Attach the fourth petal to the other three. Be sure to maintain the even, spiral design that you established in the previous step. Also roll the edge of this petal outward, making sure that it sticks up past the third petal. Form the three outer petals. These petals can be the same size as each other but should still be larger than the third and fourth. The edges of these petals should be paper thin. Wrap the outer petals around the flower. Be sure to evenly distribute the petals so that it retains its symmetrical shape and spiral design. Gently roll the top of the edge back after attaching each petal. For a wider, more "bloomed" flower look, curl the whole petal back. For a more bud-like look, curl just the very edge. Squeeze the base of the rose gently once all the petals are attached. This will help meld the petals together. Hold the rose gently and use a knife or needle to cut off some of the base, making the bottom of the rose flat. This will make attaching the calyx easier. Place your rose on a baking pan and bake it in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Set the oven temperature so that it is above 210 °F (99 °C) but below 300 °F (149 °C). Heating causes chemical changes in the clay, making it hard and strong. Polymer clays, like the ones used for clay rose, don't require a special kiln and can harden normally in a standard kitchen oven. The oven temperature must reach at least 210 °F (99 °C) for the polymer to fuse properly; however, if the temperature goes above 300 °F (149 °C), the clay may burn, giving off dangerous fumes. Most manufacturers recommend temperatures between 250 and 275 degrees Fahrenheit for all clays that are not translucent. If you are using translucent clay, keep the temperature between 210 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid changing its color Take the rose out of the oven after 10 or 15 minutes. Let it cool so that you can safely and easily attach the calyx after molding it. Press a piece of clay into a thin sheet that is slightly larger than the rose's diameter. This will become the calyx, or the leafy outer portion, of your clay rose. The calyx should have 6-8 points and should be about 1/16th of an inch thick. Pinch the edges of each segment gently to make them thinner. Attach the calyx to the bottom of the fired rose. Press it firmly to make sure there is good contact between the rose and calyx. Don't worry if the calyx doesn't perfectly stick to the rose. Re-firing the rose with a fresh piece of clay will create a strong bond and secure the attachment. Bake the rose and calyx in the oven. Use the same temperature and baking time as before. Once your rose is completely done baking, let it cool for a few hours before applying paint or other decorations. Decorate fresh clay creations with your fired rose. You can re-fire clay as many times as you'd like, offering a wide variety of decoration opportunities for your clay rose. Make a box out of strong clay and carefully attach several clay roses to the top. Attaching fired roses is ideal since joining two soft clay items can be difficult and can distort the shape. After you've successfully attached the items, fire it in the oven using the same temperature and bake time as the clay rose. Your box is now both practical and pleasant. Make a refrigerator magnet. Use a clay rose magnet to hold up a nice family photo or flaunt a stellar report card. Simply attach a cluster of roses to a plain oval plate of clay. You can either join the two separately fired items using super glue, or you can use the fresh clay/fired clay re-fire method outlined above. Create your own jewelry. Before you re-fire your clay rose, use a needle to make a hole in the calyx. Hang the rose on a jump ring to make a clay rose earring. Run a necklace through the calyx hole and use the rose as a pendant. Or, you can put a hair clip through the calyx hole and use it as a fancy hair clip. | Select Fimo Eberhard Faber clay. Choose Promat Polyform Products Co. Opt for Cernit T&F GmbH clay. Pick a clay color to use as the rose petals. Stretch and compress the clay with your hands. Roll a ball of clay into the size you want your rose to be. Press the smallest of the seven balls into a rounded triangular shape. Fold the petal into a bud. Mold the second ball of clay into a petal slightly bigger than the first. Hold the bud in one hand and wrap the second petal around it. Form the third and fourth petal so that they are slightly bigger than the second. Wrap the third petal around the first two petals. Attach the fourth petal to the other three. Form the three outer petals. Wrap the outer petals around the flower. Squeeze the base of the rose gently once all the petals are attached. Place your rose on a baking pan and bake it in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Take the rose out of the oven after 10 or 15 minutes. Press a piece of clay into a thin sheet that is slightly larger than the rose's diameter. Attach the calyx to the bottom of the fired rose. Bake the rose and calyx in the oven. Decorate fresh clay creations with your fired rose. Make a refrigerator magnet. Create your own jewelry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Your-Muffin-Top | How to Get Rid of Your Muffin Top | Getting rid of your muffin top can be hard because belly fat is tough to lose, but by exercising regularly and eating healthily, you can do it! Aim to exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your fitness level. You should also mix up your workout routines so you exercise more muscles, which will help you burn fat quicker. For example, try running for 1 session and doing some weight training the next time you exercise. Alongside your exercise routine, eat plenty of lean proteins, like fish and chicken. Lean proteins fill you up more, making it less likely that you'll want to snack on unhealthy foods. It's also important to cut down on calories, so choose low-calorie foods that are high in fiber, like apples, broccoli, and spinach. | Exercise at least 3 times per week. Consistency is key when you're trying to get rid of your muffin top and lose excess body fat. Whatever exercise plan you create, make sure that you can commit to exercising at least 3 days per week to ensure that you're moving enough to fight off belly fat. While the amount of time will vary depending on your specific body type and goals, you'll likely need to commit about 30 to 60 minutes each session. Vary your workouts to avoid hitting a plateau. Belly fat can be stubborn and difficult to get rid of. Therefore, it's important that you vary your workout routine to avoid hitting a progress plateau. As your muscles grow accustomed to a particular exercise, it will become less effective over time. By switching things up, you'll keep work a wider variety of muscle groups and ultimately, burn more fat. Varying your workouts can also help you ward off exercise boredom and keep you motivated. For example, if you do a yoga class one day and a HIIT class the next, try to plan a different workout, such as a strength training session at the gym, for your next workout. While you can certainly do the same workout twice in a row, try to switch it up at least a 2 times per week. Focus on high intensity cardio intervals. To make the most of your workout, try to incorporate several short bursts, about 20 seconds to 1 minute each, of high intensity cardio. While consistent, moderate-intensity workouts, such as walking and jogging, can certainly help decrease your body fat percentage, shorter, higher intensity cardio tends to be more effective at fighting belly fat. Sprint intervals and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes are both great ways to burn fat and calories in a short amount of time. You can create your own high intensity cardio workout by doing sprint intervals on the treadmill. Incorporate total body strength training into your exercise routine. In order to get rid of your muffin top, you'll need to decrease your total body fat percentage – not just the amount of fat stored in your stomach. Therefore, it's crucial that you incorporate total body strength training into your training plan. Exercises that work your whole body help you build lean muscle mass, which helps you burn more calories throughout the day and decreases the amount of fat stored in your stomach area. Try doing dumbbell squats with a rotation shoulder press for a strength exercise that works almost all your abdominal muscles as well as your legs and arms. Medicine ball tosses with a core rotation is another great total body strength exercise that will help burn body fat and sculpt your core. Dumbbell dead lifts are another great total body exercise that can burn fat and help strengthen your core. Do core-strengthening moves to help sculpt your belly. While focusing only on abdominal exercises won't get rid of your muffin top alone, it can be helpful to do some targeted ab work alongside your cardio and total body regimen. Ab-specific exercises, such as an oblique sit up , can supplement total body exercises and help get rid of muffin top by sculpting your abdominal muscles. Variations of plank pose, for example, can work your whole core and help sculpt your midsection. Plank jumping jacks, side planks, leg pull-ins, and mountain climbers are all great ab exercises with the added benefit of a bit of cardiovascular work. Standing twists and side bends can both target your oblique muscles, decreasing the amount of fat that hangs over and gives you the muffin top effect. Make an effort to walk more often. In addition to high intensity cardio and strength training, walking is also a great way to target belly fat. While it may not produce results as quickly or efficiently as more intense forms of exercise, walking more can make a huge difference in the size of your muffin top over time. Try going for a walk right when you wake up in the morning. That way, you won't have time to think about it too much and talk yourself out of it. To help you walk more, try walking places that you usually drive, or parking farther away from the door. You'll get more steps in per day without even realizing you're doing it. Do yoga to help decrease your total body fat. While yoga is a relatively gentle form of exercise, it's also known to be quite effective at decreasing your total body fat, including the fat stored in your belly. Yoga is also a great stress-reliever, which decreases your cortisol levels and helps get rid of your muffin top. Vinyasa and power yoga are particularly good options if you're looking to get rid of your muffin top. Both of these types of yoga keep you moving consistently, which helps you burn more calories and decrease your total body fat. Yoga may also help reduce stress and help you sleep better, both of which can help decrease stubborn body fat. Fill up on lean proteins. Lean proteins, such as chicken and fish, are essential if you're trying to get rid of belly fat. High-quality lean proteins help stabilize your blood sugar and fill you up, keeping you from feeling the urge to snack on unhealthy foods later. Eating plenty of lean proteins can also help regulate your insulin and cortisol levels, both of which help get rid of your muffin top. Wild salmon is a particularly good source of lean protein that also contains belly fat-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. Eggs are also a great source of lean protein that contain relatively few calories. Eggs are also generally inexpensive, making them a great option for fighting belly fat on a budget. Incorporate more healthy fiber into your diet. Like lean proteins, eating more fiber is essential for getting rid of your muffin top. Fibrous foods help you stay full and satisfied longer, decreasing your desire to snack and your caloric intake. Apples, bananas, raspberries, pears, and strawberries are all high fiber fruits that can help fill you up and fight belly fat. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, turnip greens, and green peas all contain several grams of fiber per serving. Consume plenty of antioxidant-rich options. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as kale and spinach, can reduce inflammation that contributes to belly fat. In addition, these foods contain several of the vitamins your body needs to stay healthy and keep on track with your fat-burning plan. Green tea is also a great fat-burning option that is high in antioxidants. Add more healthy fats into your diet. While it may seem counter-intuitive to increase your intake of fat, healthy unsaturated fats can actually fight belly fat rather than add to it. Avocados, olive oil, raw nuts, and fish are all great sources of monounsaturated fats that will fill you up and give you more energy without increasing unwanted body fat. In contrast to unsaturated fats, which can fight belly fat, saturated and trans fats, such as those found in processed cheese, can contribute to belly fat and easily derail your progress. Avoid consuming too much processed sugar. Sugar is likely one of the biggest contributors to the development of your muffin top. Foods that are high in processed sugar tend to be very high in calories, which can be difficult to burn off. Processed sugar can also be addictive, causing you to overindulge and increase the amount of fat stored in your belly. Therefore, to get rid of your muffin top, it's crucial that you avoid consuming too much sugar and instead, focus on filling up on healthier options. While it's important to cut back on sugar, you don't need to give it up entirely to get rid of your muffin top. Try to eat sugar only occasionally and practice portion control when you do. When you're craving something sweet, try eating fruit instead of anything made with processed sugar. While fruits are still high in sugar, the natural sugar found in fruits is much less likely to contribute to belly fat. Steer clear of processed carbohydrates. To help get rid of your muffin top, avoid eating highly processed carbohydrates, including white bread, pastries, cookies, cake, white rice, and potato products. While eating some healthy carbohydrates helps fuel your body for workouts, processed carbohydrates can increase your insulin levels and, in turn, increase or maintain the amount of fat stored in your belly. Insulin keeps fat where it's currently stored. Therefore, if you have a muffin top, increasing your insulin levels can keep your belly fat where it is. Instead of processed carbohydrates, focus on eating healthy, whole grain carbohydrates, such as quinoa and oats. Eat healthy meals regularly to keep up your metabolism. Skipping meals can increase your cortisol levels, which can contribute to belly fat. Therefore, it's important that you make an effort to eat regularly to help manage your body's stress hormones. Eating healthy snacks and regular meals will also help keep you from overeating or snacking late at night. Eating regularly also keeps your metabolism from lagging, which is essential for getting rid of your muffin top. Find activities that help relieve your stress. Stress is a huge contributor to belly fat. When you're stressed, your cortisol levels can skyrocket, leading to more fat storage in your midsection. To avoid this, make time for activities that help relieve your stress. Reading, playing an instrument, or hitting the golf course, for example, are all great options for stress-relieving activities. Get enough sleep to keep you motivated and on track. Sleep has a huge impact on your ability to fight belly fat. When you don't get enough sleep, you likely have a harder time controlling your appetite, cravings, mood, and motivation. By getting enough sleep, you'll have the energy to stay motivated to stick to your diet and exercise plan and get rid of your muffin top. Getting enough sleep also helps keep your cortisol levels down, which helps fight belly fat by helping your body manage stress. Sleeping also helps decrease late night snacking, which can derail your progress and contribute to muffin top. Don’t rely on the scale to measure your progress. When you add muscle mass and lose belly fat, the number on the scale may stay the same or even increase. Instead of relying on your weight to track your progress, take time to assess how you feel and how your clothes fit. This will be a much more accurate indicator of whether your muffin top is shrinking or not. Talk to a healthcare professional to create a healthier lifestyle plan. While losing belly fat can make you feel better and help your clothes fit better, it can also play a big role in improving your health. Having excess belly fat can increase your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, if you have excess belly fat and are worried about your health, talk to your family doctor or a nutritionist about creating a diet and exercise plan specifically tailored to your needs, medical history, and lifestyle. | Exercise at least 3 times per week. Vary your workouts to avoid hitting a plateau. Focus on high intensity cardio intervals. Incorporate total body strength training into your exercise routine. Do core-strengthening moves to help sculpt your belly. Make an effort to walk more often. Do yoga to help decrease your total body fat. Fill up on lean proteins. Incorporate more healthy fiber into your diet. Consume plenty of antioxidant-rich options. Add more healthy fats into your diet. Avoid consuming too much processed sugar. Steer clear of processed carbohydrates. Eat healthy meals regularly to keep up your metabolism. Find activities that help relieve your stress. Get enough sleep to keep you motivated and on track. Don’t rely on the scale to measure your progress. Talk to a healthcare professional to create a healthier lifestyle plan. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Pet-Snake | How to Get a Pet Snake | When picking out your first pet snake, look for a good beginner species like corn snakes, ball pythons, or kingsnakes. Check your local regulations to see if your chosen species is legal to own and, if so, whether or not you need a permit. Search online for small-scale breeders since pet store snakes are not always ethically obtained. Purchase a healthy snake that breathes easily and has a clear nose and eyes, neatly arranged scales, and no skin blisters or partial shedding. | Check regulations regarding pet snakes in your area. Certain snakes may be illegal in certain areas. Exotic pets may not be allowed in some places, or you may need to have a permit for owning a snake. Check with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), or your local government, to see if there are regulations regarding pet snakes. Choose a suitable species of snake. There are many different species of snakes, some more suited to becoming a pet than others. Certain snakes grow up to 30 ft (9 m) long! Some snakes can live up to 30 years, so you need to be prepared for that kind of commitment. If you've never owned a snake before, you may want to start with a corn snake , a ball python , or a kingsnake. These snakes have the best temperaments, least amount of feeding issues, highest level of hardiness and healthiness, and come in a variety of colors. Educate yourself about a snake’s needs. You'll need to learn a lot about the snake you want before purchasing it. Research to find out about the particular snake's habitat (including lighting and heating requirements) diet, size, temperament, and life span. Make sure you really want a snake and are prepared to take good care of it for the entirety of its life. Research snake sellers. Pet store snakes are often poorly bred or captured in the wild. A better option is to find a breeder you can trust that offers high-quality snakes for a price that you are willing to pay. You should also consider adopting a snake, rather than purchasing from a breeder. This way, you can provide a good home to a snake that someone else wasn't able to properly care for. Look for a small-scale breeder, rather than someone who mass produces reptiles. Read reviews about the seller or breeder to see find out if others have had good experiences. Good breeders and sellers know about the animal they are selling to you and should be willing to answer questions that you may have. Examine the snake closely before you decide to take it home. A healthy snake should have a clear nose and eyes, neatly arranged scales, healthy-looking skin (no blisters or partial shedding), and breathe without respiratory distress. It should not be lethargic, and should allow you to pick it up without too much fuss. Ask the snake's previous owner about the animal's history. This is an important step to ensure you are getting a healthy snake; ask if the snake has had any issues eating, drinking, moving around, or shedding its skin. You also need to know what it eats and how often as well as the date and quality of its last shed (a well-shed skin comes off all in one piece, if the snake sheds in bits and pieces it may be unhealthy). Purchase a home for your snake. You'll need a tank or terrarium with a diagonal at least the length of the snake. Make sure you have a place to put a cage this size. You may need a larger home for your snake as it grows, so be sure you are prepared to purchase a larger terrarium if needed. You can choose a plastic enclosure, a cage made of wood, or a glass terrarium. Don't pick a cage with mesh screens, as they don't hold heat well, plus the snake may injure its snout by rubbing on the screen, or wear a hole through it and escape. Snakes are escape artists, so you need to have a very secure lid on your tank to ensure the snake does not get out. Choose a hiding place and things to climb on. Your snake will also need a hiding place, such as a cave made of rock, a splinter-free piece of driftwood, or a ceramic log to curl up in. Choose something that is durable and easy to clean or replace. Make sure your hiding place is just large enough for your snake. The snake should be able to hide completely out of view in a snug, secure place. You can also provide rocks, branches, and vines for your snake to climb on. If you choose living vines or plants, ensure they are compatible with, and not poisonous, to your snake species. Get cage lining. Your snake needs a soft, absorbent material for the bottom of the cage. Find out what kind of bedding is best-suited for the species of snake you are going to purchase. In many cases, shredded newsprint works well. You can also purchase aspen or cypress shavings for your snake's bedding. Avoid using fragrant wood shavings, such as cedar or pine. Don't use aquarium gravel, as the snake could cut itself on the sharp edges of the rocks. Obtain a heat source. Snakes cannot regulate their body temperature the way mammals can. Snakes require heat lamps either above, on the outside walls, or underneath their tanks. Find out which method is best for the species of snake you have. You should also provide a thermal gradient in the snake's home; a warm basking area at one end and a cool area at the other end allows the snake to move around depending on its needs. Though heated rocks may look nice, they can burn a snake's sensitive skin, so do not use them. Snakes tend to take in heat through their belly, so you may want to provide a heating pad instead. You will also need thermometers and hygrometer (humidity gauge) for your snake's cage to ensure it is the right temperature and humidity. Acquire the proper lighting. Some snakes do well in natural light, while others require special lamps or lights. Do your research to find out what kind of lighting is best for your snake species, and purchase lights if need be. Some snakes are nocturnal while others are diurnal. Be sure to find out which type your specific snake species is and use timers on your lights if you won't be home or awake when the lights need to turn on or off. Purchase water dishes. You'll need a small, heavy, dish for the snake to drink out of. You will also need a larger dish for the snake to soak in. Get snake food. Snakes are carnivores and eat frogs, fish, worms, and rodents. Make sure you are comfortable with the idea of this before getting a snake. The best snake food is pre-killed prey: you buy the prey frozen, thaw it out at home, and feed it to the snake. Be aware of the risks of feeding your snake live prey. Live mice and rats can carry diseases and parasites, and they can bite and struggle, possibly injuring your pet. Take your snake to a reptile veterinarian. Go online and search for a reptile veterinarian in your area and decide on one to go with based on experience and reviews. As soon as you buy your pet snake and take it home with you, take it to the vet so that they can perform a physical examination and conduct diagnostic tests to ensure that the snake is healthy and disease-free. Do not take your snake to a regular small animal veterinarian. Working with reptiles is a specialty, so small animal vets may not be knowledgeable enough to provide proper care. During the visit, the vet will likely also provide information on how to properly feed, house, and care for your pet snake. Take your snake to the vet at least annually for check-ups. Introduce your snake to its new environment. Don't feed or handle your snake for a few days after it has been introduced to its new home so it has time to acclimate. Ensure the temperature and humidity are correct for your snake species before introducing it to its new home. Feed the snake. How much and how often you should feed your snake depends on the species and age. Ask your veterinarian when, what, and how much to feed your snake based on its species. In general, young corn snakes should be fed one small mouse every seven days, while adult corn snakes can eat two small mice every week. Both young and adult kingsnakes should be fed a large mouse or rat every seven days. Great care should be taken around the feeding times of all snakes, as this is when they are most aggressive. Never handle your snake when it is hungry. Do not handle them directly after feeding either, as this may cause them to regurgitate their food. Check the temperature and humidity often. If the temperature or humidity level is off in your snake's environment, your snake could develop digestion problems. Ensure the temperature and humidity are within acceptable ranges for your species of snake and adjust them immediately if you notice a problem. Different kinds of snakes need different humidity levels, depending on their native area (e.g., Amazonian rain forest versus American southwestern desert). Find out what is best for your particular snake. You can change the humidity in the cage by changing the bedding (aspen shavings decrease humidity, while cypress shavings increase it), putting the water dish in the warmer part of the cage (to increase humidity) or the cooler part (to decrease humidity), or adding sphagnum moss to the cage (to increase humidity). Clean the cage. Change the water once a week (or more if it is visibly dirty). You should clean the entire cage at least once a month. Replace the bedding, wash and refill all water dishes, and clean the sides of the tank. Make sure you have a place to put your snake while cleaning its cage so it does not escape. All reptiles can carry salmonella bacteria. After handling your snake, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Don't let children under age 6 handle snakes. Never clean the cage or its components in your kitchen sink, and keep the snake away from human food and dishes. Enjoy! Snakes are good pets and solid friends. Handle your snake carefully , bond with it, and enjoy your new pet. | Check regulations regarding pet snakes in your area. Choose a suitable species of snake. Educate yourself about a snake’s needs. Research snake sellers. Examine the snake closely before you decide to take it home. Purchase a home for your snake. Choose a hiding place and things to climb on. Get cage lining. Obtain a heat source. Acquire the proper lighting. Purchase water dishes. Get snake food. Take your snake to a reptile veterinarian. Introduce your snake to its new environment. Feed the snake. Check the temperature and humidity often. Clean the cage. Enjoy! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-Your-Crush%27s-Attention | How to Catch Your Crush's Attention | To catch your crush's attention, wear nice clothes and style your hair so you feel confident when you're around them. Try to spend more time around your crush too by joining a club they're in or sitting with them at lunch, since they'll be more likely to notice you that way. When they look your way, make eye contact with them and smile to show you like them. Another good way to get their attention is to compliment them on their appearance or talents. For example, tell them you like their hair today or that they made a really interesting point in class. | Spend extra time on your appearance. Take the extra 10 or 15 minutes you need to look your absolute best before you see your crush. Even just small things can change you from someone in the background to someone who catches their attention. Not only can looking your best make your crush notice you, it can also give you the confidence boost you need to approach your crush. Pay attention to your hair. Even doing a quick comb through can make a big difference. For girls especially, straightening or curling their hair can give them a confidence boost. If you wear makeup, make sure that it is applied well and will last all day. Also make sure that you are taking care of your body in general by getting enough sleep and taking care of your skin so you look fresh and healthy. Look different. Dressing differently than the people around you is a good way to get noticed. This works especially well if you are in an environment where everyone dresses in a similar way. If people at your school dress similarly or in uniform, wear a statement necklace or a pair of cool sneakers to catch the attention of your crush. If you are in a professional work environment, wear something that is appropriate but different. For instance, wear a collared shirt with an interesting pattern or a sparkly headband. Wear red. If red is your color, go for it. Studies show that both genders are more attracted to people when they wear red. Pull out a red dress or shirt from your closet to get your crush's attention. If you don't like wearing red, choose another bright color to help you stand out from the crowd. Don’t go overboard with your outfit. When trying to impress a crush, it's easy to take it too far. You want to look nice, but remember to wear clothing that's appropriate for the situation. For instance, if your crush is in your yoga class, don't dress for class like you're headed to the red carpet. Remember that everything is better in moderation. This goes for perfume and cologne as well. Make sure your crush has seen you around. Do your best to be in the line of sight of your crush. If you are in the same class, try to sit near or in front of him. If you see him at the gym, work out nearby. Do this until you are sure that your crush has seen you and knows that you exist! Don't do it to the point where you're around your crush more than you should be. There's a difference between making sure your crush sees you around and stalking your crush. Get more involved. Get involved in whatever space you see your crush. If you go to school with your crush, join a sports team or an extracurricular activity. If you volunteer with your crush, take on more hours. Becoming more involved will make you more visible and show you as a person with drive and purpose, which are both attractive qualities. Meet your crush’s friends. If you're too nervous to talk to your crush, try to talk to his friends. If a friend of yours knows one of your crush's friends, go up together and chat. If you don't have any connections to your crush's friends, try to meet one or two of them by chatting about any circumstances you have in common, like a class or a work project. You could start a conversation with something as simple as, "So when's the final project for English due again?" If you end up talking a lot to your crush's friends, you're bound to meet or hang out with your crush before long. Becoming friends with your crush's friends is a way to get into your crush's good books. Don't talk about your crush to his friends. If you start asking about your crush immediately after meeting them, it will be obvious that you like him. Try to play it cool. Flirt non-verbally. If you feel nervous about approaching your crush, there are several things you can do to get her attention and appear interested. Make eye contact and smile. Eye contact and smiling shows that you are friendly and approachable, but you have to make sure not to overdo it. If your crush doesn't respond the first time, don't keep doing it. If you're a girl, play with your hair, especially if it's long. Twirl your hair around your finger or brush it to the side. Drawing attention to your hair is a way of highlighting one of your assets. Start a conversation. If you've never spoken to your crush before, it's time to take the plunge. Find a reason to talk to your crush, preferably when there aren't many people around so you won't get interrupted. If you don't know your crush, talk about something relating to the circumstances that you're in. For instance, if you are waiting in line for something, ask your crush, "Hey, do you think the wait is worth it?" If you are in the break room at work you could say, "Have you tried the cookies Susan brought in? They're really good!" Asking a question is a good way to start a conversation. For instance, if you are in the same class you could ask, “Hey, what did Mr. Feinstein say the homework was again?” You could also ask for help. Whether it be opening a jar, reaching for something, carrying a heavy suitcase, or getting help with homework, asking your crush for help is a great way to start a conversation. It also will make your crush feel good about himself, which is a good way to have your first interaction with him be a positive one. Talk about common interests. Once you have started talking to your crush, talk about anything you may have in common. People are naturally attracted to people that they have things in common with, so talking about shared passions is a good way to create a bond. For instance, If are both on the school track team, ask your crush "So how are you feeling about the next track meet?" Ask her about herself. Asking your crush a question shows her that you find her interesting and want to learn more about her. Since people like to talk about themselves, it also can be a good way to keep the conversation going. For example, ask your crush, “So how long have you been working here?”, or, “What other classes are you taking this semester?” Be a good listener. After you've asked your crush about himself, you may be worrying about what you are going to say next, how you are going to respond to what he's saying, what to do if there is a lull in the conversation... all of this can be solved by listening. It's difficult to listen to someone and also focus on how nervous you are — listening attentively should take your attention away from yourself and bring it to the subject at hand. Try to respond with meaningful follow-up questions, or something that shows your crush you are interested and listening. If your crush is talking about taking scuba lessons, ask him how he became interested in diving, or where he's taking classes, or how long it will take to become certified. Don't see a pause in the conversation as an opportunity to change the focus over to yourself. Conversations should be give-and-take, so you shouldn't spend the entire time talking about your crush, but it also shouldn't seem like you're just waiting for him to take a breath so you can talk about yourself. Showing that you are a good listener and genuinely interested in your crush and what he has to say can help him feel comfortable around you. If it doesn't make you too nervous, make eye contact with your crush to show that you are listening and engaged. Don't stare — that could be a little too intense — but try to meet his gaze occasionally. Show that you're listening by nodding or make an affirming sound (like "Mmm hmm" or "Right"). Compliment your crush. As superficial as it is, people love flattery. While you are talking, try to compliment your crush on something. A compliment is also often a good way to keep the conversation going because it puts it on a new course. If you know your crush through a sport, you could say, “I've seen you playing soccer. You're really good!” You could also just say, “I like your shirt,” or compliment her on some other aspect of her appearance. Limit yourself to one compliment to avoid looking like you are sucking up to her. Laugh at his jokes. Another way to flatter and connect with your crush is to laugh at his jokes. It shows your crush that you have a similar sense of humor and that you find him funny. Laughing together is a great way of connecting and sharing a moment. As you laugh, you can even say, "You're so funny!" If want to be extra flirtatious, touch your crush's arm while you laugh. This adds another layer of connection and is a way to make your crush feel closer to you. Stay in contact. Try to keep running into and talking to your crush. Every time you see your crush in the hall or around town, say hello. Pick up conversations from the last time you talked. If you feel like your crush likes you, amp up your flirtiness or even ask him out! Define your style. Take a look at your wardrobe. Make sure that all your clothes feel like you, and aren't just things that you've had for years and can't bring yourself to get rid of. Your clothes are a great way to express yourself and show off your personality. If you have a very defined style, it can give your crush some idea of who you are and what you're about, which could make your crush interested in talking to you. If you're a sporty guy, wear your favorite team's jersey. If you're feminine and cute, embrace this side of yourself by wearing pastels and lacy clothes. If you're more of a rebel, wear band shirts and black jeans. Don't copy your crush's style. Just because your crush has a very preppy style, don't think you have to dress like you're going to a country club if that's not your look. You need to feel comfortable and feel like yourself in your clothes. Speak your voice. Make yourself heard when your crush is around. If you are in a class with your crush, participate and answer questions. Voice your opinions and feedback in work or club meetings. Even just try to chat with friends around your crush. This will give your crush a better idea of what kind of person you are. Try your best to be cheerful and upbeat around your crush. People are naturally attracted to happy and confident people, so do your best to be positive when they are around. Use social media. Social media is a great way to reach your crush in an indirect way. Even if your crush isn't your Facebook friend or isn't following your social media, he still may see your posts or pictures through mutual friends. Try to craft your social media presence to show you in the best possible light. Make sure that your posts and pictures present you as a positive and interesting person. Make sure that you aren't tagged in any unflattering photos or photos of you doing anything inappropriate. Use confident body language. Even if your crush makes you feel nervous, do your best to act confident. Stand up straight with a relaxed smile. Don't cross your arms, look down at the ground or fidget; these behaviors can make you look protective or nervous. Also try to keep your body turned toward your crush as opposed to away from her. | Spend extra time on your appearance. Look different. Wear red. Don’t go overboard with your outfit. Make sure your crush has seen you around. Get more involved. Meet your crush’s friends. Flirt non-verbally. Start a conversation. Talk about common interests. Ask her about herself. Be a good listener. Compliment your crush. Laugh at his jokes. Stay in contact. Define your style. Speak your voice. Use social media. Use confident body language. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Feed-Hermit-Crabs | How to Feed Hermit Crabs | To feed a hermit crab, provide 1 teaspoon of commercial crab food per day, whether in pellet, gel, or powder form. You can add to your crab's diet by providing it with fruit or vegetables, like kale, broccoli, and bananas. For a longer-term option, give your crab a bit of wood, which hermit crabs like to play on as well as eat. To ensure your crab gets enough protein, you should also feed it earthworms, cuttlefish, or turkey from time to time. Then, if you want to treat your crab, try giving it a little peanut butter. | Choose a high-quality commercial crab food. There are several varieties of commercial crab food available that you can use as the basis for your crab's diet. What's more, you can alternate between these and provide your crab with a well-balanced diet. Hermit crab food is available in pellet form, in gel form, in powder form, or like canned dog food. If you choose any of these types of food, give small crabs about 1 teaspoon per day. There is some conflict over whether or not to feel your crab commercial crab food. However, the consensus is that organic food is better than non-organic, and that you should avoid buying commercial food that has copper sulfate or ethoxyquin. Pick different colored and textured vegetables. Hermit crabs not only love vegetables and fruits, they are able to consume a wide variety of them. You should change up the menu by rotating between kale, broccoli, bananas, and any other safe fruit or veggie, like mangoes, papaya, and coconut. This will help keep your crab from getting bored with the same old food, in addition to providing a well-balanced amount of the vitamins and minerals found in different veggies. You can serve vegetables raw as long as you rinse them thoroughly in water (without soap!). Some believe it is important to note that the main source of nutrition should be from a commercial crab food, with vegetables and fruits being added only as a supplemental treat. Provide wood for your crab. Crabs love wood because they can play on it and they also enjoy eating it. A positive feature of wood is that it lasts longer and does not have to be replaced daily. It is also abundantly available right outside your front door. There are several types of wood for their enjoyment, like Birch, Oak, Ash, or Cholla, to name a few. Your crab is a little creature, so there is no need to feed them multiple times a day. Feed your crab once daily in order to keep the fruits and veggies fresh. Foods like wood will last considerably longer, so change the wood when you see it gets slimy, old, or otherwise unappetizing. Give them enough protein. Many new crab owners neglect to provide an adequate protein source or variety. Protein is important for maintaining a crab's musculature, exoskeleton, and also for aiding in the processing of carbohydrates. More protein makes for a stronger crab. You can select from a wide range of widely available protein sources like animal protein (turkey, unseasoned beef, duck), seafood (lobster, catfish, cuttlefish), or grubs (bloodworms, earthworms). You can even source some of these from your own yard (just dig up some worms after a fresh rain). You should include a fresh protein source on a daily basis. Fresh in this case means that each day you'll need to provide new food, replacing the old protein. The protein sources you serve can be raw or cooked, including meat. Crabs do enjoy eating meat off of the bone, but they do not do well with sauces or butter. Make sure to exclude these. Seafood can also be served raw or steamed. Give your crab treats. Just because protein is essential for your hermit's diet, it doesn't mean you can't treat the little fella from time to time. Aside from fruits and veggies, you can give your crab a little peanut butter as a treat. Just be sure to look at the ingredients so you can avoid extra sugars and other unwanted items. Natural peanut butter will be best. Honey, washed grass, trail mix, and popcorn are other favorable treats. Supplement your crab’s food with calcium. While hermit crabs are omnivorous and eat just about anything, they may be some extra attention when it comes to ensuring they have a complete diet. It's important to supplement their food with calcium source. Give them calci-sand substrate, crushed oyster shell, or cuttlebones. Each of these is calcium rich, which will help shell maintenance and exoskeleton development. Neglecting this could lead to an unhealthy crab. Feed your crab at night. Crabs are nocturnal so feed at night or in the evening. If you have trouble remembering, you can always set a timer. Better yet, make feeding time a part of your daily routine. It's strongly recommended that you remove the meat and seafood the following morning to avoid attracting flies and other pests. Use shallow dishes. The dishes you choose will have a great impact on your crab's well being. Taller dishes won't allow your crabs to freely access their food. The optimal height for a food dish is one that is shallow. Crabs are also sensitive to metals. Make sure you choose dishes made of plastic or ceramic. The best type of dish will also be non-porous. The tiny imperfections in porous materials (stone, some plastics) permit the growth of bacteria and germs. Give your crab water. Your little friend will need a place to drink, bathe, and play. Put a shallow dish a fresh water in the enclosure daily. Your crab will decide when and what quantity to drink. You'll need to treat any tap or bottled water with a water dechlorinator. This is crucial because hermit crabs are sensitive to chlorine and chloramines (a combination of chlorine and ammonia that affects their gills). If you have an Ecuadorian hermit crab (land crab), give it one bowl of fresh water and one bowl of salt water. These crabs require both types of water to keep their gills wet (yes, crabs have gills!). Without both salt and fresh water the gills dry out and the crab suffocates. Control the humidity level. The amount of moisture in the air directly affects the health of your tiny crab, so keep an eye on it. You should strive to maintain a level of about 70% humidity in your crab's home. Keeping the environment humid only requires that you place a natural sponge inside of a dish of water in the enclosure, which helps disperse the moisture. Be sure to place the sponge in close proximity to the tank heater. This will ensure the water evaporates from the sponge. Clean your crab’s enclosure. Make sure you keep on top of cleaning your crab's enclosure, including the dishes. You may notice a residue or film on the water dish. Even though this is a common, natural occurrence, you need to clean it off regularly. As an additional note, when you change the water, also clean other undesirables from crabitat, like crab feces. This will help reduce water contamination, as well as cut down on any odiferous emanations from the crab's home. | Choose a high-quality commercial crab food. Pick different colored and textured vegetables. Provide wood for your crab. Give them enough protein. Give your crab treats. Supplement your crab’s food with calcium. Feed your crab at night. Use shallow dishes. Give your crab water. Control the humidity level. Clean your crab’s enclosure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Research-the-History-of-Your-House | How to Research the History of Your House | To research the history of your house, look at its design and the materials used to build it, which can help date it. Go to your local courthouse or county recorder and find your property's abstract. That will give you a complete history of when your house was built and purchased over the years. You can also search online or at a nearby historical society for property history records and other information about your house and neighborhood. | Evaluate the materials used. Over the years, many different types of materials and styles of craftsmanship are used to build houses. The types of materials used can give you some ideas about when the house was built and how long it has been since any changes were made. For example, one place you can look is under the water tank lid of the toilet. If there is a toilet in your house that is original to the house, the date stamp on the water tank lid will give you a good idea of when the house was built. If the toilet isn't original, that date will at least give you an idea when the bathroom was last remodeled. If your house has a mansard roof, for example, it was likely built in the late 19th century. However, keep in mind that certain styles and housing designs were still being built in more provincial areas long after they had fallen out of favor in urban centers, so the location of your house will be important in identifying the era in which it was built. Look closely both inside and outside your house, and try to identify building materials used. Bring in an expert if you're unsure what type of wood or stone was used. Check out some architecture books. Go to your local library or research online to find out the design style of your house and when that style was popular in your area. This can give you some clues as to when the house was built. Keep in mind that old houses often have been updated several times to reflect changing trends or the desires of the owners. Your house may incorporate several different architectural styles. Your house also may have been built at different times. For example, the original house may have been built in one style, and then the owners built an addition in a different style 40 years later. Even with many decades of additions and renovations, you typically can uncover a core style to your house. This gives you a general idea of the era in which the house was built. Pay attention to design details and hardware used. Cabinetry and design styles go in and out of fashion through the years, and these details not only tell you something about the history of your house, but also give it a unique character. The types of nails and molding used can provide some important clues as to when your house was built. You can review design books or look online to find other instances of original molding or cabinetry to help date your house. Even if these elements aren't original, dating them can provide clues as to when that particular room was remodeled. Scrape through layers of paint. The walls of an older house may have 10 or more layers of paint. If you don't want to cause too much damage to your house, find an inconspicuous spot and scrape through the layers. A professional can help you analyze the age of the lower layers of paint. The colors used also can provide clues, since different interior colors go in and out of fashion through the years. The composition of the paint also can be analyzed to link it to a particular era, since paint has been made using different chemical compounds over the years. Talk to your neighbors. Anyone who's been living in your neighborhood for a long time can help you understand more about the history of your house. Neighbors can be particularly helpful if you're new to the neighborhood. Ask them if they knew the people who lived in the house before you, and whether they can remember any renovations being done. If they are amenable, you also can talk to them about the history of their house or ask to inspect its details. Since your neighbors' house may have been built around the same time as yours, this can offer you some important clues. Track down previous owners. You typically can uncover the names of previous owners by looking through the deed history of your house. In the United States, this information is typically available at the county recorder or register of deeds. Once you have a name, you can track them down on the internet for free, or through a commercial people-locator service. Keep in mind that some people may not want to be contacted, and may not want to talk to you. The house may hold painful memories for them, or they may just not want to be bothered. Respect their wishes and avoid infringing on their privacy. The best way to contact a previous owner typically is by sending a letter. Explain who you are and why you want to contact them. Provide them a means to contact you back if they're willing to talk. Use a metal detector in your yard. A metal detector can be a great way to uncover old coins and other artifacts that may add their own unique story to your house and help you learn more about the house's history and its previous owners. Take care digging up artifacts in your yard. You may want to contact an archaeologist or local historian if you believe you've found something of possible historic significance. Visit your local courthouse or county recorder. At the courthouse, you typically can learn the official lot number or description of the property where your house is located. You may not find correct information using your street address, since these can change over time. Your local or county tax assessor also may have this information within the tax records for your property. Keep in mind that official record keeping of land and properties typically uses a different system than street addresses with which you're familiar. This system allows you to track the history of your house from the moment it was built. If you live in a place that has been continually inhabited for hundreds of years, even the property grid/lot system itself may have changed over time. In this case, you may also need to make a trip to your local historical society. Find a copy of your property's abstract. The abstract records all deeds or other legal transactions associated with your property. These documents typically are located at the county courthouse, although you may have been given a copy when you purchased the home. Review the history of the purchase and selling price. A dramatic increase in the selling price over a short period of time may mean a building or room was added, or that the house was substantially renovated. You can cross-reference with any building permits for additional clues. If you live in the United States, visit your local or county courthouse to look at the deed registry, usually found in the clerk and recorder's office. This information is indexed by a lot and block number in a city, and a section, township and range for rural property. Go to your local municipal planning agency. The government office that issues building permits should have public records pertaining to your house. The building permit can contain a treasure trove of information including the house's original dimensions, construction dates and costs, and the names of the people originally involved in its construction. Keep in mind that you typically must pay a small fee to acquire these documents, including a search fee as well as a fee for your own copy. If your house is hundreds of years old, you may need to visit the local historical society to find the building permit. Check city directories and atlases. If you live in a larger city or town, directories and atlases can help you uncover details about your house throughout the past. In many areas, these city directories and maps were in use hundreds of years ago. Directories and atlases also can help you identify changes in street names and other geographical details that you can use to target your research and find more information about your house. These directories and atlases typically are available at the municipal planner's office. If they are not there, staff typically will be able to point you in the right direction. Review survey maps and field books. Survey maps and property field books are common sources of information about the history of a property. These typically are located in either local or national archives, and were maintained for tax purposes. Talk to someone at the property tax assessor's office to find out where historical records are kept and how you can access them. Keep in mind you'll typically need to pay a fee to have them retrieved. Read local newspaper archives. Your local library typically keeps archives of the local newspaper. If there's more than one branch, the central or main branch usually holds the largest collection. If you live in a rural area with no library nearby, try at the largest city or urban area, or maybe the county seat. That library typically will have archives pertinent to your area. Search backwards, looking for mentions of construction in your neighborhood or the names of the house's previous owners. Keep in mind that street names and numbers can change over time, so record any changes you see and the dates so you can construct a chronology. Visit your local historical society. Most regions have a historical society that maintains historical records and information about your house and your general neighborhood. Larger cities often have their own historical societies, but if you live in a rural area you may have to seek out the historical society that covers a larger regional area. If you have an extremely old house, such as those commonly found in Europe, neighborhood information may be all you can find to research the history of your house. If your house is less than 200 years old, the historical society may have a wealth of information, particularly if any of the house's previous owners were well-known in the community or the house was the site of a significant event in local history. Take care handling delicate old documents, and follow the historical society's rules regarding the care and copying of these documents. Search for information online. There are many websites dedicated to preserving genealogical records and property history records, often available for free. You can use these resources to find information about your house as well as its previous owners. For example, if your house is in the United States, you might search for records at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website. The NARA maintains all official government genealogical and land records, and also has links to other databases with a wealth of information. If your house is in Ireland or the United Kingdom, you might start your online research at the Building History website, located at buildinghistory.org. This site is maintained by a historian and provides a wealth of resources for researching the history of your house, including deeds, wills, tax documents, and maps, as well as images and information about towns and villages. Compile a chronological history of your house. As you uncover information about your house, order it chronologically so that you can map the house's history from original construction to the present. Keeping your information ordered this way also enables you to identify gaps in that history where more research is needed. | Evaluate the materials used. Check out some architecture books. Pay attention to design details and hardware used. Scrape through layers of paint. Talk to your neighbors. Track down previous owners. Use a metal detector in your yard. Visit your local courthouse or county recorder. Find a copy of your property's abstract. Go to your local municipal planning agency. Check city directories and atlases. Review survey maps and field books. Read local newspaper archives. Visit your local historical society. Search for information online. Compile a chronological history of your house. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Say-Happy-Birthday | How to Say Happy Birthday | To say happy birthday to someone, send them a nice text that says something like "Hope your special day is amazing!" or "Happy birthday, enjoy your next trip around the sun!" If you're going to see them in person on their birthday, get them a card and write a thoughtful message in it, like "Be who you are, because who you are is amazing. Happy birthday!" You can also get them a nice gift, like flowers, their favorite dessert, or a playlist of their favorite songs. | Say “Happy birthday” in a different way to make it special. The traditional greeting can sometimes feel overplayed, so try something different for a more unique greeting. Amidst the flood of “Happy birthday” greetings, let yours be one that stands out. Some phrases you can try out are: Have a wonderful birthday! Hope your special day is amazing! Hope you have an enjoyable birthday! You deserve it. I'm so glad to know you and hope you have an amazing day. Enjoy your next trip around the sun! Craft a unique greeting based on the person’s age and experiences. Take into consideration any milestones that have happened in the past year and incorporate those into your birthday greeting. Acknowledge what the person has accomplished to show that you are invested in their life. For example, you could say something like, “This past year you succeeded at starting your own business, and I look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the year to come. Happy birthday!” Examples of milestones include learning how to drive, graduating from high school or a higher education program, buying a home, growing a family, getting a new job, getting married, moving, starting a new business, and meeting a personal goal, like running a marathon or reading 50 books in a year. Write out a personal message for a more specific birthday wish. Get a birthday card or stationery and sit down for 10 minutes and write a short letter to your friend or family member. Think about the ways in which they have positively impacted your life, what makes them special, and what you hope will be true for them in the coming year. Taking the time to handwrite a message is a gift in and of itself. Most communication happens quickly via the Internet or the phone, so a handwritten note will be something the birthday person can hold onto for a long time. Share what you love about your significant other on their birthday. What a great time to share your appreciation of your loved one! Think about what it is that makes you happy to be in a committed relationship with them and what you have enjoyed learning about them in the past year. It can also be fun to reference inside jokes or ideas about what you look forward to celebrating with them in the coming year. Try saying something like, “Just when I think it can't get any better, you surprise me with the amazing way you love me. Happy birthday.” Or “Wishing my love a birthday that is just as beautiful and wonderful as you are!” Express gratitude if you're wishing your parent a happy birthday. Take time to either call or see your parent in person on their birthday to give them a warm birthday wish. Express your gratitude for their role in your life and be sincere in what you say. If you have a strained relationship with a parent, it's okay—try to remember that you have them and that their birthday is a special opportunity to say “Thank you” or simply, “Happy birthday.” You can say something like, “Words just don't come close to saying how thankful I am that you're my parent. Happy birthday!” Or try something like, “I know who I am today is because of who you have been in my life, thank you—and I hope you have the happiest birthday!” If you have a parent who has passed, their birthday can be a painful reminder of that loss. You can take time to remember them, visit a spot that was special to them, or look at old photographs to honor their memory. Celebrate what makes your best friend unique on their birthday. From sentimental to funny or weird or casual, find something to say to your best friend that epitomizes the relationship you have with them. Make it personal, and be honest and sincere about your gratitude for them to help make them feel special on their birthday. “I hope your birthday is as sweet as the cake and that the year to follow is filled with as much joy as you bring your friends!” and “Be who you are, because who you are is amazing—happy birthday to my best friend!” are both great examples of something you can say that is short and sweet. Express birthday wishes to a coworker with a personalized greeting. When cards get passed around at work for everyone to sign, take a minute to write out something a little longer than just “Happy birthday.” Depending on how well you know the person, you could write something like “All the best in the year to come” or something more personal like “Looking forward to working on more projects together in the next year.” Make sure to sign your name beneath your greeting to make it more personal. Use your friend’s native language to wish them happy birthday. Or, if there is a destination your friend or family member has always wanted to visit, use that language. Find audio clips online of the phrase you want to say to practice the pronunciation. Most cultures also have special ways in which they wish one another happy birthday—research what those customs are to make your greeting even more unique. For example, saying “Happy birthday” in Spanish , Italian , or Japanese is a fun and unique way to tailor your greeting. Buy or make a card for their birthday. Search for a card that reminds you of the birthday person, or get creative and design a card either by hand or on the computer. Write a personal message inside the card, rather than simply signing it. If you don't plan on seeing the person on or near their birthday, mail the card a few days before the date so they will have it in time. Sending a card is a great way to show you care because it takes time to purchase or make a card. Send a thoughtful email or text message. Don't just write “Happy birthday” and leave it at that—copy out a few lines and make it personal. You can also include photo attachments of you and that person, remembering shared experiences you've had together. Because texting can be more impersonal than a letter or in-person exchange, be intentional with your message and put some thought into what you're saying. Arrange for flowers or a gift basket to be delivered. Schedule this delivery a few days in advance by contacting a florist or boutique that is local to the birthday person. Casually check with your friend that they will be either at home or at work that day to ensure the delivery makes it to them. You can find out where the person will be by asking something simple, like “Do you have any plans for the week of your birthday? I know I usually take my birthday off and spend it at home.” This will start a conversation where they can tell you if they plan on doing anything out of the ordinary. Make sure to include a note with the flowers/gift basket that includes your name. The website or person taking your order will ask you what you would like the note to say. You could even arrange to have their favorite take-out meal delivered to them for a special birthday treat. Bake their favorite dessert for them. Whether it's a cake, cookies, muffins, lemon bars, or chocolate covered pretzels , spend a few hours making their favorite sweet. You can either deliver these treats in person on the day of the birthday, or mail them overnight for a special treat if you live far away. If you are mailing a dessert, like cookies, put them into an airtight container or bag to keep them fresh. Include a card along with the dessert and put a note inside that says something like “I know you love carrot cake and wanted you to have something special on your birthday. I hope you enjoy!” Take the person out for a one-on-one meal. Time is often the most valuable resource we have, so spending some of yours on connecting with your friend or family member will make them feel loved and cared for. You could take them out for coffee or treat them to dinner somewhere you think they would like. Make reservations if you need to. Plan on paying for the meal for your friend if you do take them out. A surprise meal that they end up having to pay for themselves isn't a great surprise. Buy or make a thoughtful gift. Pay attention throughout the year to things the person mentions they are interested in to get ideas. Gifts don't have to be expensive to be meaningful. Think about their personality and interests, and let that guide your decision making. Some simple ideas are to make them a playlist of their favorite songs from that year or buy them a guide book for a trip they are planning. You could even purchase a gift certificate for a massage or a spa visit for a relaxing experience for your friend. Bonus points if you make it something the 2 of you can do together for some quality time! | Say “Happy birthday” in a different way to make it special. Craft a unique greeting based on the person’s age and experiences. Write out a personal message for a more specific birthday wish. Share what you love about your significant other on their birthday. Express gratitude if you're wishing your parent a happy birthday. Celebrate what makes your best friend unique on their birthday. Express birthday wishes to a coworker with a personalized greeting. Use your friend’s native language to wish them happy birthday. Buy or make a card for their birthday. Send a thoughtful email or text message. Arrange for flowers or a gift basket to be delivered. Bake their favorite dessert for them. Take the person out for a one-on-one meal. Buy or make a thoughtful gift. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Knit-a-Shawl | How to Knit a Shawl | Before you knit your shawl, practice any stitches in the pattern you are unfamiliar with or haven't used in a while. Then, nit a sample swatch using the pattern so you can see if your gauge corresponds to the pattern. If it doesn't, you'll need to change the size of your needles to make sure the shawl ends up being the right size. Then, follow your pattern to knit the shawl and cast off when you're done. Finish by blocking your shawl, which you do by stretching it until it reaches the right dimensions. | Choose a knitted shawl pattern. You will need to find a pattern that fits your skill level. There are patterns designed for all skill levels and your local sewing or knitting store should have a variety of them. You can purchase a single pattern on its own or find a pattern in a collection, such as in a knitting magazine. If you are unsure whether a pattern fits your skill level, ask someone working at your yarn store about the difficulty of the pattern. Whatever your level of skill, pick a knitting pattern that has a design that is pleasing to you. You do not want to spend time and money knitting a shawl you do not like. Read the pattern to see what type of yarn is recommended. The pattern will tell you both how much yarn to purchase and the "weight" of the yarn to use. The "weight" of yarn refers to its thickness. Weights are referred to in terms of their number, zero gauge yarn is very thin, while a 7 gauge yarn is very thick, or with descriptors such as "super fine" or "bulky," for instance. The term "gauge" is explained on each label wrapped around the yarn. It refers to the number of stitches you need to have in each inch of any one row and the number of rows you will need to have for each inch of finished fabric using the main stitch of the pattern. It is possible to substitute a different yarn from the one suggested on the pattern, but you will want to select something that has a similar weight. Check the knitting pattern to see what size needles are recommended to knit the shawl you have chosen. The size of needles you use determines how big your loops are and the looseness of the weave. Needles are sized in millimeters, with US sizes 1 - 50 corresponding to specific millimeter diameters. Some patterns will give you a choice between straight needles and circular needles. The circular needles will actually give you more room for projects that are larger, such as shawls. Purchase the style and color of yarn that is pleasing to you. Yarns can be made of a variety of different fibers. It's best to pick a yarn that feels nice to the touch and will hold up to wear. Remember that you do not have to purchase the same colors as those shown on the pattern. Choose whatever color you would like. Also purchase needles at your local yarn store, if you don't already own the size required. Review the pattern. Be sure that you know how to read the pattern and that you have a grasp on the basic steps in knitting the shawl before you even start. Knitting patterns have a language all their own. Patterns include symbols that stand in for types of stitches. In addition, there are many standard abbreviations that will give directions for completing your project. Luckily, these are largely standardized, so once you learn what a symbol or abbreviate means, you can use it for reading a variety of patterns. Practice any stitches in the pattern that you are unfamiliar with or haven't made in awhile before you start the actual shawl. This will probably be unnecessary if you are an experienced knitter or if the pattern only contains very basic stitches. The stitches you absolutely need to know are the knit and purl stitches. These can be combined in a wide variety of ways. Good examples are shown in the garter stitch pattern and the seed stitch pattern. If there are any additional stitches in your pattern that you do not know how to make, you can search for tutorials online or get a knitting instruction book that will show you how to create those specific stitches. Also, many yarn shops have very helpful employees who are quite happy to teach you! Knit a sample swatch before you begin the project. This will allow you to check your gauge. Remember to use the stitches designated in your pattern so that you get a true sample of how big your stitches will be. You may need to change needle sizes to better meet the gauge. Matching the gauge, in other words how many stitches you make in a specific distance, specified by the pattern is important in order to make the finished size of your shawl match the size it should be according to the pattern. Follow the pattern to knit the shawl. Remember to keep track of your stitches as you go and undo any mistakes as quickly as possible, so you don't have to undo a lot of stitches. Cast off when you are finished. "Casting off" simply refers to finishing off the edge of your shawl, so that it does not unravel when you are ready to remove the needles. To begin casting off, move two stitches from your left needle (which should have all the stitches on it) onto your right. Then take you left needle and pull the first stitch you took off over the second and release it. The second stitch should stay on the right needle. Repeat by taking one stitch from the left needle and moving onto the right, then once again pulling the stitch that is furthest to the right up, over, and off of the right needle. Continue this process until you have no more loops on the left needle. You will want to pull a 6 inch (15 cm) loop up, cut the yarn, then pulling the yarn all the way through the last loop. This will tighten down when pulled, creating a small knot. This will also leave a 6 inch (15 cm) "tail" of yarn which needs to be woven into the edge of the shawl. This is frequently referred to as "finishing off". If you are still unsure how to cast off, it may be helpful to follow more detailed directions here. Add a fringe to your shawl if you like. If you choose to add a fringe, you'll want to be certain you have purchased enough yarn to include the extra amount needed. Please take note that truly beautiful fringe can, sometimes, need a lot of yarn. Adding fringe to the edge of your shawl is easy. Simply cut pieces of yarn all the same size, at least 6 inches (15 cm) long. Take several together and thread them through a loop on the edge of your shawl. Tie them off so that they will be permanently attached. Move down the edge of shawl any distance you choose and attach the same number once again. Continue like this, using a standard distance between pieces of yarn to make the fringe look polished. Block the shawl when it is finished for a more professional look. Blocking is just a method of stretching your project into shape. The simplest form of blocking is just to stretch your project by hand until it reaches the dimensions outlined in the pattern. If hand blocking does not work, pin your project down in the dimensions you desire, and with an iron set to the temperature appropriate for the fiber of your yarn, iron it. To get it to set you may need to lightly spritz the project with water but be sure that the fibers you used will not react poorly to water before you try this. Lacy shawls almost always need to be blocked, while basic shawls usually do not. | Choose a knitted shawl pattern. Read the pattern to see what type of yarn is recommended. Check the knitting pattern to see what size needles are recommended to knit the shawl you have chosen. Purchase the style and color of yarn that is pleasing to you. Review the pattern. Practice any stitches in the pattern that you are unfamiliar with or haven't made in awhile before you start the actual shawl. Knit a sample swatch before you begin the project. Follow the pattern to knit the shawl. Cast off when you are finished. Add a fringe to your shawl if you like. Block the shawl when it is finished for a more professional look. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Eyelashes-Naturally-Longer | How to Make Your Eyelashes Naturally Longer | To make your eyelashes naturally longer, eat foods that promote hair growth, like salmon, greek yogurt, spinach, and citrus fruits. You can also drink green tea, which has been shown to make hair grow longer. Also, try gently massaging your eyelids and lash lines several times a week to increase blood flow to the area and stimulate hair growth. | Eat foods that support healthy hair growth. The following foods have been proven to assist with growing healthy hair: Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which promote the growth of full, shiny hair. Greek yogurt contains vitamin B5, which promotes blood flow and helps keep hair thick. Spinach contains vitamin A, iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C, which combine to give you strong, well-moisturized hair. Citrus fruits and guava contain vitamin C, which prevents breakage. Meats, iron-fortified cereals, and leafy greens will give you the iron you need to keep your hair growing. Lean poultry and other sources of lean protein promote hair growth. When you're not getting enough protein, your hair stops growing. Cinnamon helps with your circulation, which brings oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. Use green tea internally or externally. Research suggests that green tea may improve hair growth. A study done on rodents who drank the tea for 6 months showed significant hair growth in previously bald patches. Green tea can also stimulate growth and soften hair when applied topically (directly to the skin/hair). Use garlic internally or externally. Research has shown that garlic can aid hair growth. One study showed that patients who applied a topical garlic treatment to bald patches saw results within 2 to 4 weeks. Garlic pills are available at most health food stores, and many pharmacies. Garlic creams or gels may be more difficult to find, so ask your doctor or dermatologist if you cannot easily find them at a pharmacy. Do not apply actual garlic to your eyelashes, as this will cause irritation, not to mention it will make you smell like garlic. Remove your makeup every night. Wearing makeup can dry out your lashes, making them brittle and more likely to break or fall out. Failing to remove your makeup can also cause eye irritation or even styes. Styes are pimples that appear on your eyelids, often around the lash line. They are caused by clogged oil glands and bacteria. The irritation caused by styes can cause lashes to fall out. Waterproof mascara can be difficult to remove, but it's important to take it off. It can dry your lashes, making them brittle. Avoid using it on a daily basis. Be gentle while cleaning your eyelids and lashes. Use a gentle makeup remover for your eyes. Coconut oil is a good option, as it will remove your makeup and moisturize your lashes at the same time. It also has antibacterial properties. One good way to clean the makeup off your eyes is to gently massage coconut oil into your eyelids and lashes, and then blot the oil and makeup off with a cotton pad. Be sure not to rub your eyes too hard while cleaning them, as this could cause some of your eyelashes to fall out. If you get lash lifts, make sure you're using a lash conditioner daily. Follow up your makeup removal with a gentle facial cleanser. Once you've removed your makeup, use a gentle facial cleanser over your entire face, including your eyelids. This will help remove any remaining oil. Your eyelids should already be pretty clean, so just let the cleanser lightly run over your eyes. There is no need to rub it into them. If you wear false lashes, be sure to clean them with a mild cleanser each time you wear them. Give your lashes a break from makeup. Try to avoid wearing makeup every day — especially eye makeup and mascara. Wearing makeup every day can dry out your lashes and irritate your eyes, which can cause your lashes to break or even fall out. If you have to wear makeup to work or school, try to take a day off on the weekend. At the very least, remove your makeup as soon as you are home and not going out for the rest of the day/night. Use a conditioning mascara. When you wear mascara, opt for a formula that's labeled for conditioning, as they do more than just fill out your lashes. These formulas contain ingredients that support lash growth, helping your lashes grow longer and look fuller. Conditioning mascaras work by supplying your lashes with ingredients like plant cell extracts, biotin, and amino acids. It takes time and consistent use to see results. However, it you're already using mascara, it requires no extra effort on your part! You can also try a lash-growth serum that will help prolong the growth cycle (anagen phase) of your lash hairs. Avoid waterproof mascara. Waterproof mascara not only dries out your lashes, but it is also more difficult to remove than non-waterproof formulas. The more you struggle to remove your mascara, the more likely you are to remove some eyelashes in the process. Be careful when using fake eyelashes and eyelash curlers. Both of these things involve pulling and placing pressure on your eyelashes that could cause them to fall out. If you must use an eyelash curler, squeeze it gently a few times instead of pressing down hard. If you do use an eyelash curler, be sure to only use it BEFORE applying mascara to your eyelashes. Using it on wet eyelashes increases the chances of the lashes adhering to the curler and tearing out. Don’t rub or pull on your lashes. Whether you're cleaning them or trying to get something out of your eye, avoid rubbing or pulling on your eyelashes, as doing so can cause them to break or fall out. Rubbing your lashes means applying hard pressure to them while moving your fingers or other objects back and forth, or up and down, across your lashes. Note that rubbing your lashes is not the same as massaging your eyelids, which can actually improve the health of both your eyelids and lashes. Wash and dry your hands. You want to make sure that your hands are clean and dry before you massage your eyelids, otherwise you could risk irritating your eyes or causing pimples (styes) to form. Apply a warm compress to your eyelids. You can also use a clean washcloth soaked in very warm water. Just be sure that the water isn't so hot that it burns your skin. This will help unclog pores and deep clean your eyelids and lash line. Gently massage your eyelids and lash line. Sweep your fingers along the length of your eyelids towards your eye — downward on your upper eyelid, and upward on your lower eyelid. Massaging these areas will keep pores clean, increase blood flow, and stimulate hair growth. Be sure that you apply a gentle pressure to your eyelids while massaging them. The pressure shouldn't be so hard that it hurts your eyelids or eyeballs in any way. You can do this with or without oil. If you do use oil, be careful that it doesn't get into your eyes, and that you properly wash your face afterward so that the oil doesn't clog your pores. Coconut oil may be a good choice as it has antibacterial properties. Repeat 5 to 10 times over 30 seconds. Continue the sweeping motions on each eyelid for roughly 30 seconds per eyelid. If you experience any discomfort, consider applying less pressure, or take a break. Repeat at least 2 to 3 times per week. Some people even massage their eyelids once a day. Know which oils are beneficial to your lashes. Many alternative health practitioners and DIY beauty fans believe that the following oils stimulate hair growth, but scientific research is still needed to prove that they really work: Castor oil is one of the most commonly recommended oils for promoting thicker, fuller lashes. Try to buy a natural and hexane-free brand of castor oil. Cedarwood oil is a stimulator that promotes hair growth. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which can help boost hair health and growth by preventing protein loss. Extra virgin olive oil has moisturizing and antibacterial properties that can help you achieve thicker, fuller lashes. Jojoba oil has long been praised as a natural hair growth remedy. It has been proven to moisturize and nourish hair, and may stimulate growth. Moroccan argan oil is full of antioxidants, and moisturizes and nourishes your hair. Rosemary oil stimulates your hair's roots, improves hair growth, and increases circulation. Vitamin E oil can be taken as a supplement or applied externally to promote hair growth. Dilute the oils. Some oils such as coconut or olive oil, for example, can be applied directly to the lashes without being diluted. Essential oils, however, carry strong scents that can irritate the eyes if they aren't diluted with carrier oils. Extra virgin olive oil and jojoba oil are commonly used to dilute essential oils. How much you use will depend on your own tastes, but you might want to start with 2 to 4 drops of essential oil per tsp of carrier oil. Know a sample lash growth recipe. A popular growth serum recipe is to combine 1/2 tsp of coconut oil with 2 to 4 drops of lavender essential oil. You can even mix these in the palm of your hand. If you want to make more, use the same ratio in larger quantities, and store the mixture in an air-tight container, away from light. Wash your eye area. Ensure that it is clean of makeup or any other debris/dirt. Gently wash your eye area with your hands, being careful not to rub or apply too much pressure to your eyes and eyelashes. Apply the oil or oil mixture to your eyelashes. Use either your finger or a cotton swab to do this. Start at the roots and work your way to the ends. Be careful not to get any in your eyes. Essential oils can irritate your eyes, so be careful that none of the oils drip into your eyes during application. If they do, rinse your eyes out with cool, clean water. To rinse your eyes, fill your hands or a basin with cool or lukewarm water and lean down to place your eye into the water. Open and close your eye repeatedly, release the water from your hand, and repeat as needed until your eye feels flushed. Leave on overnight. Ideally, apply this serum to your eyelashes before bed so that your eyelashes can really soak up all the benefits. Clean your eyes thoroughly the next day. Be sure to clean your eyes well the next day so that your pores and glands don't become clogged. Remember to be gentle while you clean your eyes — don't rub them! Repeat a few times a week. If you experience any irritation, stop using whatever oils you're using on your lashes immediately. Know why petroleum jelly helps lashes. There is actually no scientific evidence to prove the age-old claim that petroleum jelly boosts lash growth, but countless people claim to have had success with it. Many people believe the lash-growth effect is due to the petroleum jelly providing a protective barrier, which can make your lashes stronger and thus less likely to break before reaching their full length potential. Know the risks. Petroleum jelly (also known as petrolatum) is generally considered safe, however, concerns have recently been raised about the risks of contamination from cancer-causing chemicals that are found in the oil from which the petrolatum is sourced. Some people avoid petrolatum not out of health concerns, but out of ethical ones, as it is sourced from oil, which is a non-renewable resource. Allergic reactions to petroleum jelly are rare but possible, so use with caution. In addition, as petroleum jelly is greasy, there is also the risk that applying it to your lashes could cause the pores on your eyelids and lash lines to become clogged, causing irritation or styes. Purchase petroleum jelly. Vaseline is the popular brand, but you can get no-name versions as well. If you don't want to use petroleum jelly, you can buy non-petroleum versions at health food stores like Whole Foods. Synthetic versions also exist. You can also make your own non-petroleum jelly by combining 1/8 a cup (roughly 1 ounce) of grated beeswax and 1/2 a cup of olive oil in a small saucepan, melting them together over low heat or in the top of a double boiler, and pouring the mixture into a jar to cool. Purchase a mascara wand or cotton swabs. You should be able to find both of these things at drugstores, beauty supply shops, and dollar stores. If you'd prefer a wand but don't want to buy one, you can even go to a store that sells makeup and request one of the disposable wands used for testing out products and applying makeup during in-store makeovers. If you get a disposable wand, be sure to clean it after each use with a gentle cleanser (baby shampoo will work) and lukewarm warm water. Clean your eyelids and lashes. Use a gentle, unscented cleanser to wash your eyelids and lashes, being sure not to rub them or apply too much pressure. This will ensure that they are free of debris such as residual makeup. Apply the petroleum jelly to your lashes. Dip a cotton swab in the jelly and then run it along your lash line like an eyeliner, avoiding your eyes. Next, put a bit of jelly on your fingers and gently run your thumb and index finger over your lashes. You can also just apply the jelly to your lashes as you would apply mascara, with a clean mascara wand. Apply it before bed or wear it in place of mascara. Applying petroleum jelly before bed will allow the jelly to sink into your lashes undisturbed. You can also wear it in place of mascara. It won't be as dramatic as mascara, but it will enhance the appearance of your eyelashes. Some people suggest wearing petroleum jelly underneath your mascara to keep your lashes moisturized and keep your mascara on longer, while others claim that the jelly will cause your mascara to smudge. Repeat at least 3 times a week. If you're only applying it before bed, try to repeat the process at least 3 times a week. Ensure that you thoroughly clean it off your lids and lashes. Use a gentle cleanser to wash the petroleum jelly completely off your lashes and lids. Don’t wear petroleum jelly on your eyelashes all the time. You need to give your eyelids and lashes a break, otherwise you'll risk getting clogged pores, which could make lashes fall out or at least stop them from growing. If you're wearing it in place of mascara, don't wear it at night. If you wear it at night, don't wear it all day as well. Expect to see a difference in 2 to 4 weeks. The popular claim is that petroleum jelly can make your lashes appear longer and fuller. You should be able to notice a difference within a few weeks of using it, as long as you use it regularly. Although many people claim that petroleum jelly works to give them fuller, longer lashes, no scientific research has been done to prove that such claims are true. | Eat foods that support healthy hair growth. Use green tea internally or externally. Use garlic internally or externally. Remove your makeup every night. Be gentle while cleaning your eyelids and lashes. Follow up your makeup removal with a gentle facial cleanser. Give your lashes a break from makeup. Use a conditioning mascara. Avoid waterproof mascara. Be careful when using fake eyelashes and eyelash curlers. Don’t rub or pull on your lashes. Wash and dry your hands. Apply a warm compress to your eyelids. Gently massage your eyelids and lash line. Repeat 5 to 10 times over 30 seconds. Repeat at least 2 to 3 times per week. Know which oils are beneficial to your lashes. Dilute the oils. Know a sample lash growth recipe. Wash your eye area. Apply the oil or oil mixture to your eyelashes. Be careful not to get any in your eyes. Leave on overnight. Clean your eyes thoroughly the next day. Repeat a few times a week. Know why petroleum jelly helps lashes. Know the risks. Purchase petroleum jelly. Purchase a mascara wand or cotton swabs. Clean your eyelids and lashes. Apply the petroleum jelly to your lashes. Apply it before bed or wear it in place of mascara. Repeat at least 3 times a week. Ensure that you thoroughly clean it off your lids and lashes. Don’t wear petroleum jelly on your eyelashes all the time. Expect to see a difference in 2 to 4 weeks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Revenge-on-Your-Siblings | How to Get Revenge on Your Siblings | If you want to get revenge on your siblings, try to put a piece of tape on the nozzle of their sink, but leave a small hole at the front so water will shoot into their face when they try to wash their hands. To embarrass them at school, change the wallpaper on their laptop to something embarrassing just before they leave for school, so all of their friends will see it when they get there. You can also glue their deodorant closed if you just want to annoy them. | Set their clock four or five hours ahead. Then when you wake them up, tell them that they have slept through whatever they needed to do that day. And make sure you are dressed for the day when they wake up. Be careful though; if they accuse you, act innocent as if it were their fault. Torment them with their least favorite food. Make sure to hand out the biggest portion of that dish onto their plate when it's being served. Alternatively, you can use a food they like. If they really like ice cream, eat all their ice-cream and leave the empty container in the freezer. Try taking their things and hiding them. Put their pencil case under the couch or their homework in the microwave. Try taking only one thing every day (something that they won't notice right away, like a pen). Hide it in your room and make sure it blends in with your stuff or simply hide it in your closet. Keep making the things you take more and more important to them every day, but don't take things that are very important to them. If they accuse you of hiding their stuff, deny it! If you act like you have no idea what's going on either they might become even more confused. Glue their deodorant closed. Buy some superglue that is invisible once it dries and glues all their deodorants closed. If you want to be really mean, you can glue all their soaps in the shower closed too. This will confuse them and then really frustrate them. Put some tape on the nozzle of their sink. Leave a small gap towards the front. When they go to wash their hands the water will spray them right in their face! This is a simple and effective prank. Spray whipped cream in their hands while they are sleeping. When they scratch their nose or roll over to sleep on their side, they'll end up covering themselves with whipped cream. Be careful however, as this might get you in trouble with your parents. Change their autocorrect in Microsoft Word. If your brother or sister is at the point in school where they are writing a lot of papers on their computer, you can prank them using their word processing system. Go to “Autocorrect” under the “Tools” tab and change the settings to automatically replace normal words like “that” or 'the” with ridiculous ones like “blarganauv” and “snoodle-shanks”. Change as many words as you want! If you want to really get them in trouble you can change the words to something like “my teacher stinks” and hope that they don't notice it. Change the wallpaper on their computer. Do this after they go to bed or before they head to school in the morning. You don't want to give them a chance to notice it and change it back. Change their wallpaper to something embarrassing, like a picture of them sleeping in a funny way, or maybe pictures of puppies and hearts that you find on the Internet if they are a boy. You know your sibling, choose something that you think would embarrass them. When they open up their laptop at school people will see their new background. Fill their backpack with underwear. Right before they go to school, find their backpack, empty it, and fill it with their underwear. They will be so confused, and it will also inconvenience them throughout the day. Talk to your sibling’s girlfriend or boyfriend at school. Introduce yourself and say, “Oh, you must be [insert name that isn't theirs]”. When they say no, act confused and tell them that your sibling is always talking about this other person. This will get your sibling in some hot water! Decide your revenge depending on the sibling's age. You probably wouldn't want to use the same prank on an 18-year-old as you would on a 7-year-old. Try to find a prank that will be appropriate for their age. Choose how you want to get revenge. You can get them into trouble with your parents, or simply prank them. It's generally best to leave your parents out of it unless it's a really serious situation. You might as well get your revenge in a fun way through a prank. Choose your prank. Make sure it isn't a predictable prank. There are so many great pranks out there, there's no reason to fall back on one that's boring. Pranks have all sorts of levels of intensity so choose one based on how much revenge you're looking for. If you know good pranks, write them in a notebook and keep it in a place no one would look such as in your desk, under a pillow, or in a box. Keep your ideas secret until you decide to act. | Set their clock four or five hours ahead. Torment them with their least favorite food. Try taking their things and hiding them. Glue their deodorant closed. Put some tape on the nozzle of their sink. Spray whipped cream in their hands while they are sleeping. Change their autocorrect in Microsoft Word. Change the wallpaper on their computer. Fill their backpack with underwear. Talk to your sibling’s girlfriend or boyfriend at school. Decide your revenge depending on the sibling's age. Choose how you want to get revenge. Choose your prank. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Cat-from-Biting-and-Scratching | How to Stop a Cat from Biting and Scratching | If you need to stop a cat from biting and scratching, say “No!” loudly or clap your hands, and stare directly into the cat's eyes to show your dominance. Walk away immediately and ignore the cat for at least 5-10 minutes so it will understand that it is being ignored due to its behavior. Do not feed or pet the cat until it has calmed down so it doesn't associate biting you with getting affection. | React calmly. Never hit, shout, chase, or lose your temper with a cat. You will simply terrify the cat and cause it to become nervous and confused. Never call a cat to you and then punish it. The cat hasn't got a clue why you're responding negatively to him. In fact, the cat probably expects a pleasant response if you call it. Remove yourself from the situation. The first thing to do is stop touching the cat and then hold your hands well out of striking range. If he doesn't calm down within a few seconds, stand up slowly so you can remove him from your lap. Walk away and do not return until he has calmed down. Avoid soothing your cat after biting or scratching. Instead, signal your displeasure to the cat. After you've disciplined it, do not begin cuddling and petting him. This will confuse your cat and give him mixed signals. It may even begin biting you in order to get a cuddle. Give the cat a way out. If you are trying to get from one room to another and a hissing, snarling cat blocks the way, look at the situation from his viewpoint. The cat believes he is trapped and you are walking towards him, which he perceives as a threat. He wants to run but there is no escape route so he must defend himself by attacking. The simple solution is to step aside, let the cat pass (which he will do at speed) and then go about your way. Don't feed your cat for 20 minutes following a biting or scratching incident, as this might be wrongly taken as a reward. Understand what encourages a cat to change its behavior. Cats respond best to positive reinforcement , namely praising and rewarding appropriate behavior, while ignoring and withdrawing from inappropriate behavior. Hand the cat a catnip mouse to bite instead of you. Then, praise the cat for biting the toy. Try the voice and body method. As soon as the cat bites or scratches, say "NO!" in an authoritative tone. At the same time, point your finger at the cat. Stare at the cat directly with an unimpressed or fierce look. Stares are regarded in the cat world as a threat of dominance. It also helps to remove yourself from the cat's vicinity after doing this, or to ignore him for about 10 minutes. Try the hand clapping method. When your cat bites or scratches, clap your hands and say "NO!" firmly. Remember, don't shout at your cat or clap directly in your cat's face. It can scare him and leave him nervous. Repeat this whenever biting or scratching occurs. Your cat should learn to stop. This method works with a dominant, aggressive or cheeky cat. It's not recommended for use with a timid or nervous cat, since it can reinforce these traits. Try to ignore the cat. The moment your cat stops biting or scratching you, stand up and walk away in a dismissive fashion without any further interaction. Make sure that the cat is all alone in the room with no human interaction for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat this each time he tries to bite or scratch you. He will quickly associate the bad behavior with being ignored. This method won't work with all cats, but works well with very affectionate cats, since they'll miss the attention, and with kittens, since they're still learning manners. Teach your kitten acceptable limits when it comes to playing. Learn to play act. When he gives you a nip while playing, let out a loud squeal and pull your hand away. Then, stand up and walk away, signalling the game is over. If you do this consistently, the young kitten will soon learn that biting ends the game and will avoid doing so. If your cat is giving you love bites and you want to discourage this, press back gently against the bite. Pressing back makes it uncomfortable for the cat, so he/she will stop biting down. Pulling away fast from a play bite or grab is when you're most likely to get clawed from playing rough. Give your cat toys to play with instead of using your hands or fingers. A cat in middle of playing often forgets to be gentle and you may get a painful scratch or the cat will continue to play later, scratching you unexpectedly. To prevent this, provide toys that are clearly not part of you, such as fishing toys on strings, a laser-light pointer, or a catnip mouse. Cats need to bite, chew and scratch for fun and practice, just not on you or any other human. Try playing with the cat using a fishing pole toy, so your hands will be free of bites. Let your cat have plenty of play time. Build regular play sessions of 5 to 10 minutes into your day. Get the cat moving after a fishing toy and continue playing until the cat is worn out. The idea is to mentally stimulate your cat with chasing behavior and physically wear it out. A tired cat is a lot less likely to attack than a bored cat with excess misdirected energy. Consider neutering your cat. Cats that are not neutered are more territorial than their neutered counterparts. While being entire (or not neutered) doesn't automatically mean a cat is aggressive, neutering does have a calming effect and tends to make the cat more sociable and home-loving. Learn to recognize pre-strike signs of aggression. Watch for clues like dilated pupils, skin rippling, or ceasing to purr. The cat may vocalise and give a low, throaty growl, or a quiet, ululating, whine, or hiss. He might tip his ears back and flatten them against his head. Its whiskers may bristle forward and he may draw back the corners of his mouth and open his mouth slightly (often while hissing). A cat that is playing will also have large round pupils, because he is excited. Take this into account when considering the cat's other body language - so a cat on your lap should not be excited and not have large pupils. If the cat is cornered, he may often crouch and look anxiously from side to side, as if seeking an escape route (which is what he is doing). Determine if your cat was hand-reared, or orphaned and raised by humans. Hand-reared kittens missed the roughhousing associated with litter life and did not necessarily learn how to moderate their play attacks. These cats often grow into adults who seem to lash out viciously for no reason. Hand-reared cats that are aggressive usually give subtle signs for humans to back off. Learning these cues can prevent biting and scratching. Figure out if your cat is stressed or anxious. A cat that is stressed and has no escape route is likely to lash out. Stress can come from being cornered by a noisy toddler, change in environment, or new people, so obviously it is important to be aware of your cat's emotional needs and reactions. Avoid labeling the cat as aggressive; it may simply be responding to stress. The best response is to restore calm and a settled atmosphere. Turn down noisy TVs, ask children to be quieter around the cat, and if anyone is upset, ask them to cry or shout out of the cat's hearing. Decide if the cat is simply being overly playful. If you encourage the cat to attack moving hands, feet, or fingers when playing, don't be surprised if the cat later attacks a foot, even though the game is over. The cat may assume it's still play time. Check to see if your cat is sick or in pain. A cat that is in pain or is ill can become defensive making it more likely to attack. Cats showing signs of sickness (losing weight, thirstier, vomiting) or pain (short-tempered, yowling, scratching, biting) should be checked out by a vet. It could be their bad behavior will improve once the underlying health issue is corrected. An older frailer cat that may resent being picked up or cuddled and might bite or scratch to get some peace. Ask family members to be mindful of the cat's age and need for gentler handling. Giving the cat plenty of space should help any behavior issues. | React calmly. Remove yourself from the situation. Give the cat a way out. Understand what encourages a cat to change its behavior. Try the voice and body method. Try the hand clapping method. Try to ignore the cat. Teach your kitten acceptable limits when it comes to playing. Give your cat toys to play with instead of using your hands or fingers. Let your cat have plenty of play time. Consider neutering your cat. Learn to recognize pre-strike signs of aggression. Determine if your cat was hand-reared, or orphaned and raised by humans. Figure out if your cat is stressed or anxious. Decide if the cat is simply being overly playful. Check to see if your cat is sick or in pain. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Fountain-Pen | How to Use a Fountain Pen | To use a fountain pen, start by holding it in your dominant hand so it's pinched between your thumb and forefinger with the barrel against your middle finger. Next, place the nib on the paper at a 45-degree angle so the ink can flow out smoothly. As you write, keep your hand rigid and move the pen with your arm and shoulder instead of your wrist. Then, apply gentle pressure as you write to draw out the ink, making sure you don't press too hard and scratch the paper. | Hold the pen properly. Remove the lid from the pen and hold it in your dominant hand, pinching it gently between your thumb and index finger. The barrel should rest against your middle finger. Rest your other fingers on the paper to stabilize your hand. It's important to hold a fountain pen properly, because this will prevent your hands from getting tired as you write, and it will facilitate the writing process. When you write, you can either post the cap on the back of the pen, or remove it completely if you have small hands. Place the nib on the paper. This may sound simple, but because of the construction of a fountain pen, this is more complicated than with a ballpoint pen. Because a fountain pen has a pointed nib rather than a rounded end, you must position the nib on the paper properly in order to write, and this is called the sweet spot. Angle the pen at a 45-degree angle and place the nib against the paper. Make a few strokes with the pen, rotating the pen slightly in your hand as necessary until you find the spot where the pen writes smoothly and without scratching or skipping. Keep your hand rigid to write. When writing, there are two ways you can control the pen: with your fingers or with your hand. With a ballpoint pen, you can get away with controlling the pen with your fingers rather than your hand, because the rounded tip means you'll always be able to write. But with a fountain pen, you need to control the pen with your hand so you don't lose the sweet spot. To do this: Hold the pen in your hand and keep your fingers and wrist rigid as you move your arm and shoulder to move the pen. Practice a few strokes in the air first, and then start making a few strokes against a piece of paper until you get the feel for writing with your hand. Apply gentle pressure. You don't need to press hard with a fountain pen, but you do need to apply the nib to the paper with some pressure in order to draw up the ink. Gently press the pen into the paper and begin practicing writing with the fountain pen. Use light strokes as you write, because pressing too hard can damage the nib and disrupt the ink flow. Writing with your hand instead of your fingers will also help ensure that you don't apply too much pressure. Determine what kind of fountain pen you have. There are three types of fountain pens on the market today: cartridge, converter, and piston. The different types refer to the different ink delivery methods, and the method will determine how you refill your pen when the ink runs out. Cartridge pens are the most common today, and they are the easiest to refill. To write with this type of pen, you simply purchase pre-filled ink cartridges, so when one runs out, all you do is replace the cartridge. Converter cartridges are reusable cartridges that get inserted into a cartridge pen. These are great for people who don't mind refilling the ink and don't want to throw away a cartridge every time the ink runs out. Piston pens are similar to converter cartridges, but the pen comes with its own built-in refilling system, so you don't have to replace the reusable cartridge with a separately purchased converter. Change the cartridge on a cartridge pen. Unscrew the cap from the pen, and then unscrew the barrel (the body) from the nib. Remove the empty ink cartridge. With your new ink cartridge: Insert the small end inside the nib. Push the cartridge onto the nipple until it clicks, which occurs when the inside of the nib punctures the cartridge to access the ink. If the pen won't write immediately, sit it in a vertical position to allow gravity to pull the ink down into the nib. This can take about an hour. Refill ink in a piston pen. Remove the cap from the nib, and, if necessary, the cap off the back of the pen that covers the end knob. Twist the knob (most likely in a counter-clockwise direction) to extend the piston toward the front of the pen. When that's done: Dip the entire nib into an ink jar, making sure to cover the hole on the back of the nib. Turn the piston knob in a clockwise direction to draw ink into the chamber. When the chamber is full, pull the pen out of the ink. Turn the piston in a counter-clockwise direction again and let a few drops of ink back into the bottle. This will help remove air bubbles. Clean the nib with a cloth to remove any excess ink. Refill the ink in a converter cartridge. Converters work in one of two ways, either with a piston mechanism or an air-bladder mechanism (also called squeeze converters). To refill an air-bladder pen, dip the nib into the ink bottle and: Slowly press the converter at the back of the pen, and wait for air bubbles to appear in the ink. Slowly release the converter and wait for the ink to be drawn into the chamber. Repeat until the chamber is full. Choose the right nib for everyday writing. There are many different types of fountain pen nibs, and they are appropriate for different situations and to create different effects. For everyday writing, opt for: A round nib, which is great for making uniform lines A small nib, which will create thinner lines A firm nib that doesn't have a lot of flex between the two tines, so the tines won't spread out under pressure to create a broader stroke Choose nibs for decorative writing. To write in cursive, italics, or calligraphy, you won't use the same nib as you would for everyday writing. Instead, look for: Stub and italic nibs, which are wider and flatter than round nibs. These are able to create both wide and narrow strokes, because vertical strokes will be as wide as the nib and horizontal strokes will be as thin. A wider nib, which will create wider strokes. Nibs typically come in five sizes: extra-fine, fine, medium, broad, and double broad. A flexible or semi-flexible nib, which allows you to control how narrow or broad a stroke will be by applying more or less pressure. Understand the different nib materials. Fountain pen nibs are also available in a variety of different metals, and each of these has unique properties. The most common metals for nibs are: Gold, which has lots of flexibility, so you can control the width of the stroke Steel, which has more spring, meaning you can press harder without separating the tines, so your stroke won't get broader when you press harder Flush the nib and feed. For the best performance from your fountain pen, you should flush the pen and nib every six weeks or so, or any time you change the ink type or color. To flush the pen: Unscrew the cap, then unscrew the nib to remove it from the pen. Remove the ink cartridge. If there's still ink in there, put a piece of tape over the opening to keep the ink from drying out. Hold the nib under room-temperature running water to flush out ink. Then place the nib in a bowl of clean water, nib-down. As the water becomes inky, replace it with clean water. Repeat until the water remains clear. Wrap the nip in a piece of soft and lint-free cloth, such as microfiber. Place it nib-down in a cup and let it dry for 12 to 24 hours. When it's dry, you can reassemble the pen. Take care of the nib. To keep the nib from becoming clogged, always store the pen nib-up when you aren't using it. To prevent damage to the nip and scratching to the pen, store the pen in a protective case. | Hold the pen properly. Place the nib on the paper. Keep your hand rigid to write. Apply gentle pressure. Determine what kind of fountain pen you have. Change the cartridge on a cartridge pen. Refill ink in a piston pen. Refill the ink in a converter cartridge. Choose the right nib for everyday writing. Choose nibs for decorative writing. Understand the different nib materials. Flush the nib and feed. Take care of the nib. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-the-Market-Value-of-a-Company | How to Calculate the Market Value of a Company | To calculate the market value of a company, start by finding the company's current share price, which is typically available online. Then, find the number of shares outstanding by looking under "capital stock" on the company's balance sheet. Finally, multiply the number of shares outstanding by the company's current share price to find the market value. | Decide if market capitalization is the best valuation option. The most reliable and straightforward way to determine a company's market value is to calculate what is called its market capitalization, which represents the total value of all shares outstanding. The market capitalization is defined as a company's stock value multiplied by its total number of shares outstanding. It is used a measure of a company's overall size. Note that this method only works for publicly traded companies, where share values can be easily determined. A disadvantage of this method is that it subjects the company's value to the fluctuations of the market. If the stock market declines due to an external factor, the company's market capitalization will fall even if its financial health has not changed. Market capitalization, because it relies on investor confidence, is a potentially volatile and unreliable measure of a company's true value. Many factors go into to determining the price of a share of stock, and thus a company's market capitalization, so it's best to take this figure with a grain of salt. That said, any potential buyer for a company might have similar expectations to the market and place similar value on the company's potential earnings. Determine the company's current share price. The share price of the company is publicly available on many websites, including Bloomberg, Yahoo! Finance, and Google Finance, among others. Try searching the company's name followed by "stock" or the stock's symbol (if you know it) on a search engine to find this information. The stock value that you'll want to use for this calculation is the current market value, which is usually displayed prominently on the stock report page on any of the major financial websites. Find the number of shares outstanding. Next, you'll have to figure out how many shares of the company's stock are outstanding. This represents how many shares the company are held by all shareholders, including both insiders, like employees and board members, and external investors like banks and individuals. This information can be found either on the same website as the stock price or on the company's balance sheet under "capital stock." By law, all publicly-held companies' balance sheets are available online for free. A simple search engine search will turn up any public company's balance sheet. Multiply shares outstanding number by the current stock price to determine the market capitalization. This figure represents the total value of all investors' stakes in the company, giving a fairly accurate picture of the company's overall value. For example, consider Sanders Enterprises, a fictional, publicly-traded telecommunications company with 100,000 shares outstanding. If each share is currently trading at $13, the company's market capitalization is 100,000 * $13, or $1,300,000. Determine if this is the right valuation method to use. This valuation method works well if a company is privately held or if the market capitalization figure is deemed unrealistic for any reason. To estimate a company's value, look at the sales prices for comparable businesses. Market capitalization may be deemed unrealistic if a company's value is mostly held in intangible assets and investor overconfidence or speculation drives the price up way beyond reasonable limits. This method has several shortcomings. First, it may be difficult to find enough data, as sales of comparable businesses may be very infrequent. Also, this valuation method does not account for significant differences between business sales, such as whether the company was sold under duress. However, if you are trying to find the market value of a private company, your options are limited, and comparison is a simple way to get a rough estimate. Find comparable companies. There is some discretion involved in choosing which businesses are comparable. Ideally, the companies considered should be in the same industry, be roughly the same size, and have similar sales and profits to the company you want to value. In addition, the sales (of comparable companies) should be recent so that they reflect more or less up-to-date market conditions. If you are determining the market value of a private company, you can use publicly-traded companies of the same industry and size for comparison. This is easier because you can find their market value by using the market capitalization method in a few minutes by searching online. Create an average sale price. After finding recent sales of comparable businesses or valuations of similar, publicly-traded companies, average together all the sale prices. This average value can be used as the beginning of an estimate of the market value of the company in question. For example, imagine that 3 recent mid-sized telecommunications companies sold for $900,000, $1,100,000, and $750,000. Averaging these 3 sale prices together yields $916,000. This might seem to indicate that Anderson Enterprises' market capitalization of $1,300,000 is an overly optimistic estimate of its value. You may wish to weigh the different values based on their closeness to the target company. For example, if one is of very similar size and structure to the company being estimated, you may choose to assign a higher weight to this company's sale value when calculating the average sale price. For more information, see how to calculate weighted average. Determine if this is the right method to use. The most appropriate method for valuing small businesses is the multiplier method. This method uses an income figure, such as gross sales, gross sales and inventory, or net profit, and multiplies it by an appropriate coefficient to arrive at a value for the business. This type of estimate is best used as a very rough, preliminary valuation method because it ignores many important factors in determining the actual value of a company. Find the necessary financial figures. Generally, valuing a company using the multiplier method requires annual sales (or revenues). Having a sense of the company's total asset value (including the value of all its current inventory and other holdings) and profit margins can also help in value estimation. These values are typically available on a publicly-traded company's financial statements. However, for a private company, you will need permission to access this information. Sales or revenues, along with commissions and inventory expenses if there are any, are reported on a company's income statement. Find the appropriate coefficient to use. The coefficient used will vary based on the industry, the market conditions, and any special concerns within the business. This number is somewhat arbitrary in nature, but a good figure to use can be obtained from your trade association or from a business appraiser. A good example is BizStat's valuation "rules of thumb." The source of the coefficient will also specify the appropriate financial figures to use in your calculation. For example, total annual earnings (net income) is the common starting point. Calculate the value using the coefficient. Once you find the financial figures needed and the appropriate coefficients, simply multiply the numbers to find a rough value for the company. Again, keep in mind that this is a very rough estimation of market value. For example, imagine that the appropriate multiplier for mid-sized accounting firms is estimated at 1.5 * annual revenues. If Anderson Enterprises' total revenues this year are $1,400,000, then the multiplier method yields a business value of (1.5 * 1,400,000) or $2,100,000. | Decide if market capitalization is the best valuation option. Determine the company's current share price. Find the number of shares outstanding. Multiply shares outstanding number by the current stock price to determine the market capitalization. Determine if this is the right valuation method to use. Find comparable companies. Create an average sale price. Determine if this is the right method to use. Find the necessary financial figures. Find the appropriate coefficient to use. Calculate the value using the coefficient. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pay-Your-Rent-with-a-Credit-Card | How to Pay Your Rent with a Credit Card | Before attempting to pay your rent with a credit card, ask if your landlord accepts credit card payments and find out if they charge transaction fees. Your landlord may require you to sign up for an online tenant management account to make your payments. To make payments online, visit the tenant management website and look for a button labeled “Pay My Bill” or something similar. If you want to pay over the phone, call your landlord's customer service hotline and navigate to the payment section. | Ask if your landlord accepts credit card payments. Some landlords, especially those who are part of major rental companies, accept credit card payments with little to no hassle. However, many small and independent landlords do not because of the additional fees involved. Your landlord may accept payments via debit even if they don't take credit cards. Inquire about additional fees associated with credit card payments. Almost all landlords charge a transaction fee to make a payment using a credit card. In addition, some landlords charge a variety of small, hidden fees that you may not notice until you get your billing statement. Most landlords charge around 3% for each credit card transaction. Some landlords may hide additional fees in your rental agreement or their payment website's terms of service. Create an online payment account if necessary. In order to make payments using a credit card, you may need to create an online payment account on your landlord's official tenant management website. To do so, visit the site and look for a button labeled “Setup Account” or something similar. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to create your account. Some landlords require tenants to make an online account even if they intend to pay in person or over the phone. If you're required to do this, your landlord should provide you with the specific website address. Pay online through your landlord’s tenant management website. If you want to pay your rent online, visit your landlord's tenant management website, login to your account, and search for a button labeled “Pay My Bill” or something similar. Click on the button, then follow the on-screen instructions to pay your rent. Call your landlord if you want to pay over the phone. Most major landlords let tenants pay their rent by calling an official customer service hotline. If your landlord uses an automated system, navigate to a payment or billing section and enter your personal and credit card information. If you end up talking to a customer service operator, ask them to walk you through the payment process. Some landlords may also accept payments via text message or a smartphone app. Pay in person if your landlord allows you to. If you live in a housing complex that has an administration office, see if they can process a credit card payment for you. If they can't, or if you don't live in a housing complex, check if your landlord accepts remote payments from financial transfer centers like MoneyGram. Search online for a rent payment service. If your landlord does not accept credit card payments, consider becoming a member of a third-party rent payment firm. In exchange for a small processing fee, these companies will convert your money into a form your landlord will accept, typically a check or bank transfer. Some popular rent payment firms include: Plastiq, which charges 2.5% per credit transaction. Plastiq is the only major service that accepts prepaid cards and gift cards in addition to major credit cards. Radpad, which has a 2.99% credit transaction fee. Rentshare, which takes out an additional 2.99% for each credit transaction. RentMoola, which charges 2.99% per credit transaction. Tio, which has variable credit transaction fees. Create an online payment account. Once you choose a rent payment firm, visit the company's official website and sign up for an account. For most services, you'll need to provide your full name, physical address, e-mail address, and phone number to sign up. Some firms only provide service to specific areas. Giving your physical address up front helps these companies determine if you're an eligible customer. Connect your credit card to the account. Once you've created an account, go to your profile and look for a button labeled “Add a Card” or something similar. Then, type in your credit card number, the name on the card, the card's expiration date, the Card Security Code (CSC), and the billing address associated with the card. Most rent payment firms accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. If your firm lets you pay other bills in addition to rent, they may limit your rent payment options to specific credit card brands. Fill out a payment recipient form. In order to make a payment, you'll need to fill out an official form stating who your landlord is and where they're located. For certain firms, you may need to select your landlord from a pre-approved database instead. If you pay your rent to an individual instead of a company, look for an option labeled “I'm paying a person” or something similar. Submit your payment at least 2 weeks before it’s due. When you're ready to pay your bill, look for a button on your firm's website labeled “Start a Payment” or something similar. Click it, then follow the website's on-screen payment instructions. Most firms will not transfer your money instantaneously, so try to submit your payment at least 2 weeks in advance. | Ask if your landlord accepts credit card payments. Inquire about additional fees associated with credit card payments. Create an online payment account if necessary. Pay online through your landlord’s tenant management website. Call your landlord if you want to pay over the phone. Pay in person if your landlord allows you to. Search online for a rent payment service. Create an online payment account. Connect your credit card to the account. Fill out a payment recipient form. Submit your payment at least 2 weeks before it’s due. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Brussels-Sprouts | How to Freeze Brussels Sprouts | Before you freeze your brussels sprouts, take them off the stalk and soak them in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes to clean them. Then, put the brussels sprouts in sealable plastic freezer bags and press out any excess air with your hands before closing them. Write the date on the bags in permanent marker and place them in the freezer. Store the brussels sprouts for up to 12 months. | Take the Brussels sprouts off the stalk. If they're already off of the stalk, you can skip this step. Otherwise, grab the individual sprouts and pull them away from the stalk until they snap off. Once all the sprouts are off, dispose of the stalk. Soak the Brussels sprouts in warm water for 10 minutes. Soaking the Brussels sprouts in warm water is an easy way to clean them before storing them in the freezer. The water will wash out any dirt or particles underneath the leaves on the sprouts. Rinse the Brussels sprouts with fresh water and then pat them dry. Use a dishcloth to carefully dry each of the sprouts. It's important that they're completely dry before you store them in the freezer or ice crystals could form on them. Place the Brussels sprouts in resealable plastic freezer bags. Depending on how many Brussels sprouts you have, you may need to use several bags. Once the bags are full, press out any excess air with your hands and seal the bags. You can also make it so each freezer bag has one serving of Brussels sprouts in it. Then, when you're ready to cook, you can grab a bag and not have to worry about doing any measuring. Write the date on each bag with permanent marker. Writing the date on the bags will save you the trouble of having to remember how long the Brussels sprouts have been in the freezer. You can also write the future expiration date on the bag so you don't have to count out the months every time you want some Brussels sprouts. Store the bags of Brussels sprouts in the freezer for up to 12 months. After 12 months, the Brussels sprouts may start to lose their flavor and texture. If the Brussels sprouts are dry or discolored when you take them out of the freezer, it could be a sign that they've developed freezer burn. They're still safe to eat, but they may not taste as good. If you want the Brussels sprouts to maintain their color, flavor, and nutritional value for longer in the freezer, it's a good idea to blanch them before you freeze them. and separate the Brussels sprouts by size. Boil a pot of water Divide your Brussels sprouts into 3 piles: a small Brussels sprouts pile, a medium pile, and a large pile. Each pile needs to be blanched for a different amount of time. If all of the Brussels sprouts are the same size, just make one big pile. Prepare a large bowl of ice water. You'll transfer the Brussels sprouts to the ice water right after you boil them to complete the blanching process. Fill the bowl three-quarters of the way full and put in about one ice cube tray of ice. Boil your small Brussels sprouts for 3 minutes. Once the pot of water you put on the stovetop is boiling, carefully drop the pile of small Brussels sprouts into it. Leave the pot uncovered and set a timer for 3 minutes. Transfer the small Brussels sprouts from the boiling water to the bowl of ice. Use a ladle to carefully scoop the Brussels sprouts out of the boiling water. Immediately dunk them in the bowl of ice water and leave them in there to chill for 3 minutes. Take the Brussels sprouts out of the ice water and pat them dry with a dishcloth. You want the Brussels sprouts to be completely dry before you freeze them. Once the Brussels sprouts are dry, they're blanched and ready to be frozen. Repeat with the other Brussels sprouts, but use longer boiling times. Boil the medium Brussels sprouts for 4 minutes, and the large Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes. Immediately submerge them in ice water when they're done boiling, and let them chill for the same amount of time they boiled for. Remove them from the ice water and pat them dry with a dishcloth. Place the blanched Brussels sprouts in resealable plastic freezer bags. No need to keep them separated by size anymore. Once they're in the bags, press out the excess air with your hands and seal the bags shut. Write the date on the bags in permanent marker. That way you'll know how long the Brussels sprouts have been in the freezer for. You can also write the expiration date for the Brussels sprouts on the bags so it's easier to tell if they're still fresh. Keep the Brussels sprouts in the freezer for up to 12 months. The Brussels sprouts should hold their flavor and texture for 12 months in the freezer. After that, they may develop freezer burn and no longer taste good. If you notice that the Brussels sprouts are dry or discolored when you take them out of the freezer, it could be a sign that they're freezer burnt. | Take the Brussels sprouts off the stalk. Soak the Brussels sprouts in warm water for 10 minutes. Rinse the Brussels sprouts with fresh water and then pat them dry. Place the Brussels sprouts in resealable plastic freezer bags. Write the date on each bag with permanent marker. Store the bags of Brussels sprouts in the freezer for up to 12 months. and separate the Brussels sprouts by size. Prepare a large bowl of ice water. Boil your small Brussels sprouts for 3 minutes. Transfer the small Brussels sprouts from the boiling water to the bowl of ice. Take the Brussels sprouts out of the ice water and pat them dry with a dishcloth. Repeat with the other Brussels sprouts, but use longer boiling times. Place the blanched Brussels sprouts in resealable plastic freezer bags. Write the date on the bags in permanent marker. Keep the Brussels sprouts in the freezer for up to 12 months. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Develop-a-Friendly-Tone-of-Voice | How to Develop a Friendly Tone of Voice | To develop a friendly tone of voice, vary your vocal pitch so you stress important words and ask questions with a high pitch. Alternatively, if you want to project calm or conclude statements, use a low pitch and a softer voice. While the pitch and volume of your words are vital to sounding friendly, work on looking the part by smiling and keeping your body open and your posture straight and inviting. | Breathe from your diaphragm to control your voice. Making your tone of voice friendlier requires you to be aware of how fast you talk and how high and low your voice gets. Use strong breaths from your abdomen for better control. To check if you're breathing from your diaphragm (the muscle that sits right below your lungs), watch yourself in the mirror while you breathe in. If your shoulders and chest rise, you're taking shallow breaths without using your diaphragm. Practice using your diaphragm by placing your hand on your abdomen and pushing it outward while you breathe in. Vary your vocal pitch. Don't speak in a monotone voice. Instead, make your voice both high and low as you talk. Stressing important words in your sentence with a higher pitch reassures listeners, while lower pitches can inject calmness into your conversation. End questions on a higher pitch and statements on a lower pitch. If you end statements with a high pitch, you'll sound like you don't believe what you just said. The best way to keep up a friendly tone is to have varied pitches while you talk. You don't want to have a totally high-pitched conversation, as people might think you just inhaled a helium balloon. A completely low-pitched conversation, however, could make your listener think you're uninterested in your chat with them. Speak slowly to keep people engaged. When you speak too quickly, you sound like you just want your conversation to be over and done. Instead, speak slowly to allow your listener to hear every word you say. This will tell them you actually want to be there talking to them. You don't need to take thirty seconds to get out every word. Be aware of your speed, and you'll naturally slow down. Add some pauses to let your listener keep up with you. Use a softer voice to avoid sounding aggressive. There's nothing worse than feeling like you're being yelled at by someone. Keep your voice at a level that allows people to hear you without shouting at them. Breathing from your diaphragm will help with this problem. These controlled breaths let everyone hear you without making you work too hard to push out the sound. Any time you're struggling to make yourself heard, you're probably going to end up shouting, which won't sound friendly. Avoid mumbling to keep your listener from getting confused. If you're not clearly articulating every syllable of each word, your listener might not understand you. Worse, they may think you're saying something they can't hear on purpose. This could make them confused and frustrated. Practice good articulation by saying tongue twisters to yourself for five minutes each morning or night. For example, say these as fast as you can while still keeping the words clear: “James just jostled Jean gently. Jack the jailbird jacked a jeep,” “Kiss her quick, kiss her quicker, kiss her quickest,” and “The shrewd shrew sold Sarah seven silver fish slices.” Record yourself to practice your changes. Use your smartphone or a camera to take a voice recording or video of you while you speak. Pay close attention to the pitch, speed, and loudness of your voice. Make improvements after each new recording. Smile to appear and sound approachable. When you smile, your face opens up and stretches. This automatically makes your tone friendlier. Smiling will also make your conversation partner feel comfortable being around you. Practice smiling while you talk by standing in front of your bathroom mirror and saying a few sentences with a big grin on your face. Keep your body open and posture straight to be inviting. Uncross your arms and straighten your shoulders and back. Don't slouch in the middle of a conversation. Instead, use your body language to look welcoming and positive. If you feel like your arms are flopping awkwardly next to your sides while you're chatting, lace your fingers together in front of your body. This is still more inviting than crossing your arms over your chest. Listen attentively to show empathy. When you have a conversation with someone, it's important to show interest in what the other person has to say. Nod and keep your eyes on their face while they're speaking to you. By showing you care, you'll keep up the friendly tone of the conversation even when you're not the one doing the talking. Ask follow-up questions based on what they've said to keep your friendly chat going. For example, if they tell you they have a cat named Chloe, you could say, “I love animals! How old is Chloe?” Keep the conversation balanced so you’re both chatting. Maintain a back-and-forth with your conversation partner. Don't tell a story that takes an hour to get through. Instead, use the conversation to learn about each other or get updates on how both of you are doing. Offer genuine compliments to be kind. Be friendly in what you say in addition to how you say it. Share a nice thought about the other person. Avoid making things up just to be nice, however, as it'll sound fake. Avoid gossiping and don't complain too much. These habits will quickly turn a friendly, positive conversation into a negative whining session. Be careful with your pitch when you compliment people. If you go high on the wrong words, you'll end up sounding sarcastic. For example, saying “I love those earrings!” with a really high-pitched “love” might make your listener think you're making fun of their jewelry. | Breathe from your diaphragm to control your voice. Vary your vocal pitch. Speak slowly to keep people engaged. Use a softer voice to avoid sounding aggressive. Avoid mumbling to keep your listener from getting confused. Record yourself to practice your changes. Smile to appear and sound approachable. Keep your body open and posture straight to be inviting. Listen attentively to show empathy. Keep the conversation balanced so you’re both chatting. Offer genuine compliments to be kind. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-Your-Service-Dog-Without-a-Professional-Trainer | How to Train Your Service Dog Without a Professional Trainer | While it's not possible to fully train your service dog without a professional trainer, you can train it to perform certain tasks like picking up your keys or alerting you to the phone ringing. For example, start by placing your keys on the floor where your dog can clearly see them. When it approaches the keys, say “keys” and give your dog a treat. Once your dog associates the keys with you saying the word, teach it to hold the keys by using the cue word "Hold" and rewarding your dog when it holds the keys in its mouth. | Neuter or spay your dog, if this has not been done already. All service dogs are neutered. This is because females can't work while in heat (you will be followed by a pack of dogs wanting to mate her) and males are more easily distracted by territorial issues. Also neutered dogs tend to be less aggressive, which is important for a service dog. Spay or neuter your dog when they are between four and six months of age to prevent females coming into heat and distracted males. This works well as a general guide and is much less effort. If you are experienced and will not have the dog near unfixed dogs at any time (not to be taken lightly), the ideal is between one and two years depending on when your dog's bone's growth plates close (usually earlier for small dogs and later for larger dogs). This enables the dog to have stronger bones, which is especially important for some kinds of service dogs that perform rigorous physical tasks for the handler (such as mobility assistance dogs). Depending on the weight of your dog, a neutering costs between USD$200 and USD$300 at most vets. Teach your dog basic command skills. A service dog has to be able to sit, stay, lie down, and come on cue. The dog also needs to walk next to the handler in a controlled manner all the time. This is so that you have control over your dog at all times. You can use either verbal cues or hand signals as commands. This is done by using a treat and holding it just in front of the dog's nose. Then raise the treat in an arc, backwards over his head. As he looks up to follow the treat, his bottom drops to the deck. Click, give the command word 'Sit' and then reward. Recall can be tricky if the dog is distracted, so start the lessons indoors away from other animals, or in an enclosed back yard. Call the dog to you, when he comes, click, repeat the cue word, eg 'Come', and reward. If the dog fails to come, or is tardy about it, never ever reprimand the dog. This only makes him more reluctant next time. The foundation of training a service dog is the same as teaching good manners and discipline to a regular dog, except you take things a step further. Given the importance you may place on the dog to keep you safe, if you are not an experienced trainer, seek the help of a professional service dog trainer, so that you don't teach the dog bad habits or over tax it. Consider clicker training your dog. The principle of clicker training is the use the click-clack noise to mark the exact moment of a dog's good behaviour and then give the dog a reward. The dog learns to associate the click-clack with a treat and works eagerly in anticipation of the down payment on a treat that the noise marks. The method advocates rewarding good behaviour, so that it is remembered and the dog wants to repeat the action to get a reward. On no account punish your dog, which only teaches him to be fearful of you, the trainer, and does nothing constructive towards your goal of training your own service dog. Teach the dog to be as well-behaved unleashed on a leash. The dog should have impeccable basic obedience both when the lead is on and not on. Teach your dog not to greet other people. The service dog has to be focused on you, and not on anyone else. This step is vitally important because you may need instant help, and if the dog is running around to other people to greet them, the dog can miss your need for immediate help. To do this enlist the help of a friend, and get them to approach slowly. Get the dog to sit and look at you. If the dog turns to look at the approaching stranger, your friend immediately stops in their tracks (whilst ignoring the dog). When the dog's attention returns to you, click and reward. Repeat these training sessions and eventually the dog will learn that paying attention to strangers gets no reward (and is not worth doing) whilst concentrating on you gets rewards. In addition, teach your dog to ignore other animals, food on the ground, strangers, and vehicles.. The one and only thing that the dog is supposed to care about is you. Teach your dog when he is off duty. Under some circumstances, it's OK for your service dog to go and play. Teach your dog a cue that signals it's off duty. To do this, perhaps invite a friend to come and visit. Have the friend bring along a dog toy, and when the dog looks in their direction, click, use the cue word 'play' and reward. This gives him the signal its OK to keep approaching. Teach your dog specialized skills. The specific tasks you might want to teach the dog will depend on your disability. If you are profoundly deaf, then teaching a dog to alert you to the doorbell ringing, a phone going off, or a smoke detector alarm are all useful ideas. Likewise, if you have mobility issues, you might want the dog to retrieve small household items for you, such as keys, a remote, or a phone. Do this in small steps. For fetching keys, this would involve the dog recognizing the keys, picking them up, bringing them to you, and giving the keys. To teach the dog what keys are, place a set on the floor where it can clearly see them. When it goes to investigate, click, cue word 'keys', and reward. Every time it approaches the keys repeat the same routine. You will notice the dog becomes more proactive about approaching the keys, and at this point say the cue word 'Keys' and as he continues to approach, click. Now you want to teach him to pick the keys up. Perhaps put a soft ball on the keychain so he can pick them up without damaging his teeth. Place the keychain in his mouth, click, give a cue word 'Hold', and reward. Repeat this regularly for several days. Now place the keys a short distance away, have the dog go to the keys, cue word 'Keys', and pick them up, cue word 'Hold'. Then use your recall to bring him back with the keys. Once he has returned, get him to sit and drop the keys. Perhaps offer him an extra tasty treat, one worth dropping the keys for. Click, cue word 'Give', and reward. Keep the sessions short 5 - 10 minutes at a time, but work on it twice daily. Mix this in with other training and keep it fun, so that your dog doesn't get bored. Train public access with your dog. Good manners are crucial for people accepting your dog and looking forward to you or other service dog teams coming back. This includes: urinating and defecating only on command leaving any interesting looking or smelling things alone (especially important in stores) walking calmly in a heel position at all times in public (unless not being in heel is needed to mitigate the handler's disability) never showing aggression to the general public or other service dogs. Gather important documents. Be aware that there is no legal way or requirement to certify. If a website claims it's necessary for you to pay for a certification from a legal standpoint, it is a scam. Find out which is the governing body for that particular type of service dog (e.g., is he a Hearing dog for the deaf, or a Guide dog for the blind?) and ask if they have assessors who would be prepared to license your dog. In the United States, no such governmental organization exists. Get accompanying credentials that confirm you need the dog. This might be a doctor's letter explaining your disability and how the dog is crucial to your life. These will be useful for flying and rental housing. These documents never need to be presented to a business owner in the case of an access issue. Get a vet check and a letter of good character to say the dog is well-trained and in good health. If outside the United States, send all the documentation to the appropriate licensing body and await their further instructions. Find a dog that is the right age. It can be difficult to know if a puppy under the age of 6 months has the right blend of intelligence and attention to make a good service dog. Charities that train service dogs, have a high 'drop out' rate, even when they have used their knowledge to select likely candidates. Buying a puppy with the express purpose of it becoming a service dog is a gamble. It might be better to source a young dog which has been properly trained and has established their personality already. Assess the health of the dog. Your service dog needs to be in good health in order to meet the requirements of the job. For example, if it has arthritis, and finds it difficult to move around, it is unfair to place the responsibility of responding to the doorbell on its shoulders. Also, some dogs with health conditions such as diabetes, have needs of their own and may not always be on top form to perform their service role. You are going to invest a lot of time into training your dog, so you want to ensure it is kept in optimal health. This means twice yearly vet checks and weigh ins, a regular vaccination protocol, and proper preventative parasite treatments. Depending on where you live, this might range from flea and tick treatments to heartworm preventatives. Service Dog Training organizations have Board Certified veterinarians perform x-rays and other tests (complete blood panels, for example) to make sure the potential Service Dog doesn't have hip dysplasia, patellar subluxation, (bad knees), heart or eye conditions, or other injuries or genetic conditions that would prevent a dog's ability to perform its job for at least eight years. Assess whether the dog is intelligent and eager to please. These are the hallmarks of a trainable dog and will make the task of training easier and more enjoyable. Look for a young dog that approaches you calmly but without fear. His or her body language should indicate confidence, such as an erect tail, wagging, walking directly to you (not slinking around the edges of the room), and keeping its head up (not lowered and cowed). The best service dogs are intelligent and eager to please, which often makes their size irrelevant. Any breed from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane can potentially fill the role if they have the correct temperament. Find out from the owner how much training the dog has had. If its basic training is solid, ask the dog to sit and stay. Observe if it fidgets and looks around (easily distracted) or it keeps hits eyes on you (eager to please). Does he or she respond quickly or is it slow to react (not ideal in a service dog where quick reactions are needed). Assess whether the dog is socialized and confident in a range of social situations. The dog needs to be confident in a range of situations and with all types of people. If it is anxious or fearful in certain situations this could place you in harms way. A fearful dog exhibits introverts body language such as cowering, averting his eyes, slinking in a submissive posture, holding his tail between his legs. A fearful dog may lick its lips a lot, and if forced out of its comfort zone may growl. However, a confident dog will approach with an erect wagging tail, and willingly present himself or herself for petting. Determine whether the dog is docile and not overly protective. An aggressive, highly territorial or protective dog is unlikely to make a good service dog. You will spend more time trying to control the dog that he spends helping you. Aggressive dogs snarl, or raise their lips. Their hackles (the fur along the backbone) may stand on end. The dog may make direct eye contact in a confrontation manner and growl. A docile dog, however, is all about wanting contact and is more likely to bang their head against your hand than exhibit distancing signals such as growling. | Neuter or spay your dog, if this has not been done already. Teach your dog basic command skills. Consider clicker training your dog. Teach the dog to be as well-behaved unleashed on a leash. Teach your dog not to greet other people. Teach your dog when he is off duty. Teach your dog specialized skills. Train public access with your dog. Gather important documents. Find a dog that is the right age. Assess the health of the dog. Assess whether the dog is intelligent and eager to please. Find out from the owner how much training the dog has had. Assess whether the dog is socialized and confident in a range of social situations. Determine whether the dog is docile and not overly protective. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Brass-Jewelry | How to Clean Brass Jewelry | To clean brass jewelry, start by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap into a cup of warm water. Then, dip a microfiber cloth or toothbrush into the water mixture, and clean your jewelry using small, circular motions. For particularly stubborn dirt, soak the piece of jewelry in the water mixture for a couple of minutes before trying to clean it. When you've finished cleaning it, hold the jewelry under running water to rinse off soapy residue. If you want to remove light tarnish from your brass piece, cut a lemon in half, and coat one of the cut sides in salt. Next, rub the lemon over your jewelry until it shines. Once you're happy with how the piece looks, rinse off the lemon juice and dry it thoroughly, since leaving water on brass can cause spots. | Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. It won't take much soapy water to clean your jewelry, so pour about 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water into a cup or a bowl, then add 3-4 drops of mild dish soap. Gently stir the water to make sure the soap is mixed in evenly. Soap and water are perfect for a gentle clean that will remove dirt and grime from brass without removing its patina, or the aged layer that develops on older pieces over time. Test the soapy water on an inconspicuous area to make sure it’s safe. Although this is a very mild cleaning method, if you're trying to preserve the patina of a piece, it's always a good idea to do a quick test before you clean the whole item. Dip a cotton swab in or the corner of a cloth into the soapy water, then gently rub it onto a hidden piece of the jewelry, like the back of a pendant or near the clasp on a chain. If the patina starts to come off or you're concerned the water will harm the brass item, you may want to consider having the piece cleaned professionally. Clean the piece with the soapy water and a soft cloth or toothbrush. If you were satisfied with your spot test, dip a microfiber cloth or a soft toothbrush into the soapy water, then use it to gently clean the surface of the jewelry in small, circular motions. You may need to go over the same spot more than once to get it as clean as you want, but avoid scrubbing too hard, as you could scratch the brass. A toothbrush is best for an item with a lot of crevices, like an ornate pendant or ring, while a cloth is more gentle for jewelry with a lot of flat surfaces, like a cuff bracelet. For stubborn dirt, soak the jewelry for 2-3 minutes in the water before you clean it with the cloth. Be sure to choose a toothbrush that's only used for cleaning! Rinse the jewelry thoroughly, then dry it with a soft cloth. When you've finished cleaning the brass item, hold it under running water and use your fingers to remove any soapy residue from the surface of the piece. Then, rub the jewelry with a dry microfiber cloth or towel until it's completely dry. Water can leave spots on brass, which is why it's important to dry it thoroughly. Cut a lemon in half. The acidity in a lemon is perfect for dissolving dirt and tarnish on brass, without being so abrasive that you'll damage the finish. Place the lemon on a cutting board, then carefully slice it in half lengthwise. Cutting the lemon lengthwise will give you more surface area to work with, but it's fine if you cut it the other way. You may want to remove any visible seeds, although this isn't necessary. You can also use a lime, if that's what you have on hand. Dip one of the cut sides of the lemon in salt. Pour a thin layer of salt onto a small plate or saucer. Then, press the cut side of one of your lemon halves into the salt. The salt will stick to the lemon, coating the cut side completely. Rub the salt and lemon over the surface of the brass until it shines. Hold your brass jewelry in one hand, or lay it on a flat surface and use your hand to hold it steady. Then, rub the lemon and salt all over your brass jewelry. The combination of the acidic lemon and the abrasive salt should quickly loosen and remove dirt and tarnish from the jewelry. Keep doing this until the jewelry shines. You may need to dip the lemon in the salt again, especially if it's a large piece. Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach places. For smaller pieces with a lot of detail, squeeze out a little of the lemon juice into the pile of salt and mix it until it forms a paste. Then, dip a soft toothbrush into the paste and apply it to the jewelry. Scrub gently until it's clean. Rinse the jewelry and dry it thoroughly. Once you're happy with how your jewelry looks, rinse it well under running water. Then, rub it vigorously with a soft, dry cloth to make sure it's completely dry. If you leave any water on the jewelry, it could leave spots. Make sure to completely wash away any lemon juice; otherwise, it could etch the surface of your jewelry. Make a salt, flour, and vinegar paste for an all-natural deep clean. Mix ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of white vinegar with 1 tsp (6 g) of salt and stir until the salt is dissolved. Then, add about 2 tbsp (30 g) of flour, or enough to make a thick paste. Rub the paste onto the jewelry and let it dry for about 10 minutes, then rinse and dry the item thoroughly. This is a gentle way to remove built-up tarnish and stubborn grime. Try ketchup for a unique way to shine your brass jewelry. The acidic blend of tomatoes and vinegar in ketchup makes it a great brass cleaner. Just squirt a little ketchup onto a soft cloth or brush, then rub it gently into the surface of the jewelry. If the piece is badly tarnished, you may need to leave the ketchup in place for 3-5 minutes, but you should be able to see it working right away. Rinse the ketchup away with warm water and dry the jewelry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Opt for non-gel toothpaste for occasional cleaning. Coat the jewelry in a thin layer of plain white toothpaste and leave it on for about 5 minutes. Then, polish the jewelry with a clean, soft cloth to remove stubborn dirt and grime. Once it looks shiny and bright, rinse the brass completely under running water, then dry it with a separate soft cloth. Toothpaste is mildly abrasive, which is why it gets the brass so clean. However, you should only use this technique for occasional cleaning, as it can scratch the surface of the brass over time. Use ammonia for a quick clean if you don’t mind the fumes. Working in an area with plenty of fresh air, mix 1 part ammonia with 8 parts in a plastic or glass container. Soak the jewelry in the mixture for several minutes, then carefully remove it once it looks shiny and clean. Use a cloth to wipe away any tarnish, then rinse and dry the jewelry thoroughly. For example, if you're only cleaning a small piece of jewelry, like a brass ring, small brooch, or pendant necklace, you might mix 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of ammonia with 8 US tbsp (120 mL) of water. Increase the amounts for larger jewelry, like chunky bracelets or necklaces. Ammonia can be dangerous, so take the proper precautions! Make sure to wear gloves and goggles and work in a well-ventilated area, and never mix ammonia and bleach, as the fumes can be deadly. | Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. Test the soapy water on an inconspicuous area to make sure it’s safe. Clean the piece with the soapy water and a soft cloth or toothbrush. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly, then dry it with a soft cloth. Cut a lemon in half. Dip one of the cut sides of the lemon in salt. Rub the salt and lemon over the surface of the brass until it shines. Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach places. Rinse the jewelry and dry it thoroughly. Make a salt, flour, and vinegar paste for an all-natural deep clean. Try ketchup for a unique way to shine your brass jewelry. Opt for non-gel toothpaste for occasional cleaning. Use ammonia for a quick clean if you don’t mind the fumes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Breed-Bearded-Dragons | How to Breed Bearded Dragons | To breed bearded dragons, start by lowering the temperature and exposure to light in the dragons' cages for at least 2 months so they can undergo brumation before breeding. Then, place both bearded dragons in a breeding enclosure and wait for the male to climb on the back of the female to mate. After a week, return the dragons to separate cages and wait another week before putting them in the breeding enclosure again. When the female starts pacing about 4 weeks later, move her to a laying box so she can lay her eggs. | Determine the sex of your bearded dragons. There are several physical characteristics that will help you tell your male and female dragons apart. The male bearded dragon's head is larger than that of a female. In addition, his abdominal girth will be smaller and he will have larger pores in his anal region. Another way to determine the sex is to look at the hemipenile bulges. To do this, hold your bearded dragon on his back in your hand and gently bend his tail toward his back at a 90-degree angle; be careful not to damage the vertebrae in his tail when you bend it. Two hemipenile bulges on either side of the tail indicate a male; one centered bulge or no bulge at all indicates a female. Take your bearded dragons to your veterinarian. It is essential that your bearded dragons are in optimal condition prior to breeding. Your veterinarian can give them a thorough physical exam and let you know if they are in good health or are in need of treatment. He or she can also test your dragons for atadenovirus, which is very contagious among dragons and can cause serious disease. Bearded dragons should not be bred if they test positive for atadenovirus, since it can be passed from mother to baby. Keep in mind that a bearded dragon that has the virus may not be shedding it at the time of the test, leading to a false negative result. For this reason, it would be good to have your dragons tested repeatedly before breeding. Have your veterinarian check your bearded dragons' ages, lengths, and weights. For optimal breeding, the male should be at least 18 months old and the female should be at least 24 months old. They should both be at least 18 inches in length from snout to tail. The female should weigh at least 350 grams. Supplement your female bearded dragon’s diet. Your female will need a daily supplement that contains calcium and vitamin D. This will help ensure that her eggs will be adequately calcified and that she will not suffer from a calcium deficiency after laying her eggs. She will also need a general multivitamin. Your female should receive this supplementation at least several weeks before breeding. Talk with your veterinarian if you have questions on how to incorporate these supplements into your female bearded dragon's diet. Prepare the breeding habitat. Although your female and male bearded dragons will only temporarily live together in the same enclosure, it is important that the enclosure is set up for an optimal breeding situation. First, the enclosure should be large enough to comfortably house two adult bearded dragons; your local pet store can help you determine the exact enclosure size that you will need. Glass aquariums are very popular enclosures for bearded dragons, but other types are also available, including melamine cages and PVC cages. Using a screen lid cover will keep your bearded dragons from escaping and will allow for fresh air circulation. Use a thermometer to maintain the overall temperature at 77 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and the mid 70's at night. Place a basking light (available at your local pet store) outside of the cage to provide a focal basking spot in the cage at a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Position full-spectrum light bulbs (UVA and UVB) above the enclosure, about one foot from where your dragons will likely spend most of their time. The UVA and UVB rays from the bulbs will help keep your bearded dragons healthy by helping them produce vitamin D. Places branches and rocks in the enclosure. The branches will give your bearded dragons something to climb on, and the rocks will give your dragons opportunities to rest and hide from each other. Prepare the lay box. The lay box is where your female dragon will lay her eggs. The lay box should be an eight to ten-gallon plastic container with a secure lid that allows for air circulation. Fill the box with about eight inches of either topsoil or potting soil, along with sand. The soil mixture should be damp enough so that it lightly clumps together and is easy to dig in. The soil should not be so dry that it would cave in when she tries to bury her eggs. Purchase an incubator. The eggs will need to be removed from the lay box and incubated. It would be best to purchase a pre-made incubator at your local pet store to reduce the likelihood of malfunction. The Hovabator is a commonly used incubator for bearded dragon eggs. Fill small containers with either vermiculite or perlite (available at your local gardening store) and place them in the incubator. Press your thumb in each container to make a depression where the egg will go, and cover the container with a lid that allows for air circulation. Prepare your bearded dragons for brumation. Brumation is the process of decreasing the temperature and photoperiod (lighting schedule) for your bearded dragons. When the male and female are in their separate cages, decrease the temperature to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Decrease their exposure to light: 10 hours of light and 14 hours of darkness. You will probably notice that your dragons will eat less and hide more during brumation. They probably will not bask as much either. After brumation, they will want to resume their usual diet. Brumation should last at least two to three months before breeding. Place your bearded dragons in the breeding enclosure. Your dragons probably will not mate right away, and will need some time to adjust to their new surroundings. Making this enclosure ready for them beforehand will get them more comfortable. When the male is ready to breed, his beard will darken to black. Observe the courtship behavior. Your bearded dragons will exhibit courtship behaviors before the actual mating. Both your male and female will start bobbing their heads; the female may also start waving one of her arms to indicate her receptiveness to be bred. Your male may also stomp his feet and chase your female around the enclosure. Your bearded dragons may also twitch their tails as a courtship behavior. Observe the mating behavior. To mate, your male will quickly climb on the back of your female and bite her neck; biting her neck keeps her from running off before the mating process is complete. Your male will then press his cloacal region against that of your female. The entire mating process only take a few minutes. Return your bearded dragons to their separate cages after one week. It is recommended to leave your dragons together for about a week after mating. After this one week, place them in their separate cages for one week. Put them together for another week for another mating session. You may need to do this several times to ensure a successful mating. Continue to feed your female her supplements after the mating. Increasing her exercise and keeping her well hydrated after mating will help her be better prepared to lay her eggs. Observe her in her separate cage. Your female will demonstrate behavior that shows that she is ready to lay her eggs. She may start pacing her cage and looking a little anxious. She will also eat less and frantically dig in her cage. When she is exhibiting this behavior, gently move her to the lay box so that she can lay her eggs. You will also be able to easily see that her belly is full of eggs. You will be able to see the outlines of the eggs, which will look like small marbles. Egg laying typically occurs about four to six weeks after mating. Allow your female dragon to lay her eggs in the lay box. You will see her digging in the enclosure to create an area to lay her eggs. It may not be easy to tell when she has laid her eggs, especially if you didn't see her do it. If this is the case, you will know that she has laid eggs when you see that her belly looks more deflated and flat. Remove her from the lay box after she has laid her eggs. If you do not think that your female has laid all of her eggs, take her to your veterinarian immediately. She may be suffering from egg binding, which is a serious medical condition that would keep her from laying her eggs. Female bearded dragons typically lay their eggs in the afternoon or early evening. You may want to start watching her around this time of day to see if she looks ready to lay her eggs. Females usually lay between about 24 eggs at a time, but can also lay as few as15 and as many as 50. A group of eggs is called a clutch. Remove your female bearded dragon from the lay box. After she has laid her eggs, she should be placed back in her original cage. In general, female bearded dragons are not very maternal. Also, captive female bearded dragons tend not to guard their eggs. Place the eggs in the incubator. To do this, lift the eggs with your hands or a spoon. It is important to be extremely gentle when you are transferring the freshly laid eggs from the lay box to the incubator. As best you can, keep them in the same orientation as you found them in the lay box. It may be helpful to mark the top of the egg with a pencil to keep you from accidentally turning it upside down when placing it in the incubator. Place each egg in an individual container in the incubator. The egg should fit snugly within the thumb depression that you made earlier. Make sure that the egg is not covered with the vermiculite or perlite and place the lid on the container. Maintain the incubator temperature at 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a digital thermometer to monitor the temperature. If the temperature gets too hot within the incubator, the embryos could die inside the eggs. The incubator should be in a room that is cooler than the temperature inside the incubator; a warmer room would increase the incubator's temperature, which puts the embryos at risk. The incubator's humidity should be maintained at around 80%. Placing a bowl of water within the incubator will help to maintain the humidity level. Refill the water as needed. Check the temperature daily and the humidity about twice a week. Monitor the eggs on a regular basis. Pay close attention to see if the eggs look wet or overly dry. Condensation on the eggs can be deadly to the embryos, so it is very important to make sure that the eggs do not have any moisture on them. If they look wet, take the lid off the incubator for 24 hours to release the excess humidity and let the vermiculite or perlite dry. If the eggs look dimpled or look like they're about to collapse, they may be too dry. Use room temperature water to dampen the vermiculite, making sure not to make it so damp that the egg gets wet. Healthy and fertile eggs will increase to about twice their original size and turn chalk white. Eggs that are yellow, pink, or green may not be fertile. Eggs with mold on them may or may not be fertile. Talk with your veterinarian if you are unsure what to do with the moldy eggs. The eggs will begin to hatch in about 60 to 70 days. Observe changes in the egg’s appearance. Just prior to hatching, the eggs may begin to deflate and develop water droplets. These changes are completely normal and should not be confused with signs that the egg is infertile. You will also see a slit in the eggs exterior, which is caused by a baby bearded dragon's egg tooth on the tip of their snout. The baby will make a slit large enough to fit its snout and head through, and will rest with its head out for about one day. Avoid helping the baby bearded dragons emerge from their eggs. Let the babies hatch on their own, which will typically take about 24 to 36 hours. You will probably notice that all of eggs will hatch within a day or two of each other. Keep the babies in the incubator for their first 24 hours of life to help them adjust to their new environment. Remove any babies that did not survive. Group the baby dragons together according to size. Line their enclosure with moist paper towels, which will help keep them hydrated during their first few weeks of life. You can also lightly mist them with water until they begin drinking water on their own. In terms of food, the yolk from their individual eggs will provide them with nutrition for a few days, so you can wait until around day 3 to feed them real food (crickets, chopped greens). You will need at least a 20-gallon tank to hold the baby dragons. They will need larger tanks as they grow older. Provide the babies with plenty of food so that they do not begin nipping at each other's toes or tails. Place the larger and more dominant babies in a separate enclosure so that the smaller ones can eat. | Determine the sex of your bearded dragons. Take your bearded dragons to your veterinarian. Supplement your female bearded dragon’s diet. Prepare the breeding habitat. Prepare the lay box. Purchase an incubator. Prepare your bearded dragons for brumation. Place your bearded dragons in the breeding enclosure. Observe the courtship behavior. Observe the mating behavior. Return your bearded dragons to their separate cages after one week. Observe her in her separate cage. Allow your female dragon to lay her eggs in the lay box. Remove your female bearded dragon from the lay box. Place the eggs in the incubator. Maintain the incubator temperature at 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Monitor the eggs on a regular basis. Observe changes in the egg’s appearance. Avoid helping the baby bearded dragons emerge from their eggs. Group the baby dragons together according to size. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Christmas-Cheesecake | How to Make a Christmas Cheesecake | To make Christmas cheesecake, start by lining the bottom of a cheesecake pan with parchment paper and sliced fruit cake. Then, bake the sliced fruit cake in the oven for 10 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. Next, while that's baking, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, brandy, nutmeg, sugar, and eggs to make the cheesecake filling. Finally, pour the mixture over the fruit cake slices in the pan and bake it for 45 more minutes before refrigerating the cheesecake overnight. | Preheat the oven to 180ºC, 160ºC fan forced (convection). Line the cheesecake pan with parchment paper. Arrange the fruit cake slices evenly across the base of the pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the slices seem slightly browned. Reduce the oven to 150ºC, 130ºC fan forced. Place the cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, brandy, nutmeg and half of the sugar into the mixing bowl. Beat until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time and beating in until just combined. Pour the cheesecake mixture into the pan. Place in the preheated oven to bake for 45 minutes, or until it is just set. Turn off the heat and open the oven door. Leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door open slightly until cooled. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight. Create a toffee topping the next day. Pour the remaining sugar and water into a heavy based saucepan. Heat over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to a simmer for another 10 minutes without stirring. When it turns golden brown, it's ready, so remove from the heat. Arrange the fruit slices across the cheesecake top. Drizzle the toffee over the fruit. Once it sets, the cheesecake is ready to serve. Assemble the ingredients. Melt the butter. Pour the cookie mix into the mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and stir through to combine. Pat the sticky cookie mixture into the base of the cheesecake pan. Put the pan in the fridge to set the base. Make the filling. Mix together the cream cheese and the fig pudding. Add the half teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir in thoroughly until the two ingredients are well blended. Pour the creamed mixture onto the cookie base. Let this stand in the fridge, too. Heat the cranberry sauce until it is very hot but not boiling. Extract the cheesecake from the pan and pour the hot cranberry sauce onto it, making the topping slide down the surfaces. Take time to decorate. Serve immediately. This is especially good with spicy hot chocolate. Finished. | Preheat the oven to 180ºC, 160ºC fan forced (convection). Arrange the fruit cake slices evenly across the base of the pan. Reduce the oven to 150ºC, 130ºC fan forced. Place the cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, brandy, nutmeg and half of the sugar into the mixing bowl. Add the eggs one at a time and beating in until just combined. Pour the cheesecake mixture into the pan. Turn off the heat and open the oven door. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight. Create a toffee topping the next day. Arrange the fruit slices across the cheesecake top. Assemble the ingredients. Melt the butter. Pour the cookie mix into the mixing bowl. Pat the sticky cookie mixture into the base of the cheesecake pan. Put the pan in the fridge to set the base. Make the filling. Pour the creamed mixture onto the cookie base. Let this stand in the fridge, too. Heat the cranberry sauce until it is very hot but not boiling. Serve immediately. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Tomato-Juice | How to Make Tomato Juice | To make tomato juice from tomato paste, scrape the paste into a resealable pitcher, fill the tomato paste can with water four times, and add it to the paste. Stir the tomato paste and water until it is smooth, then add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. You can hand stir the mixture or use a hand-held blender to ensure that all of the ingredients are well combined. The juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. | Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes. The best tomatoes to use for making juice are ripe heirloom tomatoes that taste delicious raw. If a slice of the tomato has great flavor and texture, the juice will come out tasting great, too. Look for tomatoes at the peak of tomato season at your local produce market or farmer's market. Keep in mind that you should be looking for juicy, sandwich or salad tomatoes, rather than paste tomatoes. Organic tomatoes are better to use than commercially-grown tomatoes that use pesticides. You don't want to be able to taste chemicals in your juice. You can choose one variety or a combination. Early Girl and Big Boy varieties produce more juice, while Roma tomatoes produce thicker juice (if using Roma tomatoes (paste tomatoes), you may want to combine them with some other, juicier tomato varieties). Wash your tomatoes. Rinse the tomatoes under running tap water and dry with a clean dish towel or paper towels. Simply rinsing the tomatoes should be enough to remove most dirt and bacteria. Core and cut the tomatoes into quarters. Slice the tomatoes open by cutting each one in half. Dig out the stem, removing any hard part that is not part of the flesh, and cut each half into two equal halves. Fill a large, non-reactive pot with the chopped tomatoes. Use a stainless steel or porcelain pot rather than an aluminum one; aluminum will likely react with the acid in the tomatoes causing discoloring and possibly an off flavor. Press the juice from the tomatoes. Use a potato masher or a wooden spoon to press the tomatoes, releasing some of the juice. The pot should now be full of a mixture of tomato juice and other tomato parts. You want enough liquid in the pot to bring to a boil. If the mixture seems too dry to boil, add a few cups of water until you have enough liquid in the pot to boil. Bring the contents of the pot to a boil. Stir the tomatoes and tomato juice constantly, so the mixture doesn't burn. Keep cooking until the mixture is soft and soupy. This process should take about 25 to 30 minutes. Add seasonings if you wish. Add a pinch of sugar, salt or other seasonings to flavor your tomato juice. The sweetness of the sugar helps cut back the acidity of the tomatoes. If you feel unsure about how much sugar, salt, or pepper to use, it is best to start with too little. You can do a taste test before you remove the tomatoes from the heat and add more seasoning, as necessary. Remove the tomatoes from the stove and allow them to cool for a few minutes. You do not want them to return to room temperature, but they should be cool enough to reduce the risk of accidental burns. Strain the solids from the juice. Place a sieve or wire mesh strainer over a large glass bowl. If using a strainer, select one with small gaps. Use a glass or plastic bowl, since metal bowls may react with the acid in the tomatoes. Gradually pour the cooled tomato mash through the sieve. Most of the tomato juice should flow through the holes. Shake the sieve occasionally to unclog the holes and allow more juice to drip into the bowl. Use a rubber spatula to squeeze the tomato mash against the bottom of the sieve. Pressing down on the mash will help squeeze out any juice that is still trapped inside the tomatoes. Discard the solids left behind inside the sieve. These solids will not have much, if any, culinary value. Cover and chill the juice in the refrigerator. Store it for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir the juice well before drinking. Your tomato juice can last up to one week when kept refrigerated in a tightly-sealed container. Open one 6-ounce (180 milliliter) can of tomato paste. Use a tomato paste that contains as few additional ingredients as possible. You can also use a 12-ounce (360 milliliter) can of tomato paste to create more juice, but you will also need to double the amount of water you use. Scrape the tomato paste out of the can and into a medium-sized pitcher. Select a pitcher with a lid and sealable spout to preserve the juice as long as possible. If using a 12-ounce (360 milliliter) can of paste, use a large pitcher. Fill the tomato paste can with water four times. Pour the water into the pitcher with the tomato paste. You can also measure out water using conventional measuring cups, but measuring it with the can will maintain the proportions well enough. Stir the tomato juice and water together until well-blended. If possible, use a hand-held blender to make sure that both ingredients are thoroughly combined. Add sugar, salt, and pepper, to taste. Stir the ingredients or blend with a hand-held blender until combined. If the tomato paste already included salt, omit it here. Store the juice in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Dispose of any unused juice after a week. Get your equipment ready. To can tomato juice, you'll need quart-size (approximately 1 liter) mason jars with rings and new lids as well as a canner so you can create a sterile seal. It may also be helpful to get a jar lifter to make it easier to remove the hot jars from the canner when you're finished heating them. Note that it is not recommended to can tomato juice without using a canner. The tomato juice must be heated to a high temperature in order to kill bacteria and ensure the juice will be safe to drink when you open the jars. Either a boiling water canner, a dial-gauge pressure canner, or a weighted-gauge pressure canner will work. Sterilize the jars. You may either boil the jars for 5 minutes a piece, or sterilize them by running them through the dishwasher. Set them out on a clean dishcloth to prepare them for filling. Prepare fresh tomato juice. If you're going to the trouble of canning juice, it's better to make fresh juice than to can juice you made using tomato paste. Make enough juice to fill up one or more quart jars, keeping in mind that you'll need to leave ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) of headspace at the top of each jar. Strain out the pulp, skins, and seeds. Boil the juice for 10 minutes. Boiling the juice for 10 minutes kills bacteria in preparation for canning. At this time, you may take one of the following optional measures to further preserve the juice: Add lemon juice or vinegar. The acidity of lemon juice and vinegar helps preserve the tomato juice. Add one teaspoon per jar. Salt. Salt acts as a preservative as well, and if you wish to use it, add one teaspoon for each quart. Keep in mind that salt will alter the flavor of the juice. Pour the juice into the jars. Leave ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) of headspace at the top of each jar. Place the lids on the jars and tighten the rings. Place the jars in the canner and heat them. Follow the operating instructions for your particular type of canner. The standard heating time is between 25 and 35 minutes. When the process is complete, remove the jars and allow them to cool, undisturbed, for 24 hours. Store your jars of tomato juice in a cool, dry place. | Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes. Wash your tomatoes. Core and cut the tomatoes into quarters. Fill a large, non-reactive pot with the chopped tomatoes. Press the juice from the tomatoes. Bring the contents of the pot to a boil. Add seasonings if you wish. Remove the tomatoes from the stove and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Strain the solids from the juice. Cover and chill the juice in the refrigerator. Open one 6-ounce (180 milliliter) can of tomato paste. Scrape the tomato paste out of the can and into a medium-sized pitcher. Fill the tomato paste can with water four times. Stir the tomato juice and water together until well-blended. Add sugar, salt, and pepper, to taste. Store the juice in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Get your equipment ready. Sterilize the jars. Prepare fresh tomato juice. Strain out the pulp, skins, and seeds. Boil the juice for 10 minutes. Pour the juice into the jars. Place the jars in the canner and heat them. Store your jars of tomato juice in a cool, dry place. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Canine-Allergies | How to Diagnose Canine Allergies | To diagnose canine allergies in your dog, look for common symptoms, such as patchy hair loss, inflamed skin, rashes, repeated ear infections, and excessive scratching due to itchiness. If you notice these signs, take your dog to the vet so they can administer blood or skin tests to try and figure out the problem. Since it can be difficult to pinpoint what exactly is causing the allergies, they may prescribe a general anti-inflammatory medication for you to administer to your dog. Along with following your vet's recommendations, remember to give your dog flea medication regularly since many dogs are allergic to fleas. | Look for symptoms of an allergy. There are a range of possible symptoms that could result from an allergy. However, none of these signs are "specific," which means none of them are enough in their own right to make a diagnosis. For example, for a dog with diarrhea this could be the result of a dietary allergy, an infection, parasites, garbage gut, lymphoma, or any one of a number of other causes. However, common symptoms of an allergy include: Itchiness: This symptom becomes evident if your dog is scratching or chewing, pulling fur out, rubbing its face or bottom along the ground, or excessively licking itself. Poor skin and coat: Your dog may have patchy hair loss, red inflamed skin, or spots and rashes. Ear infections: Repeated ear infections can be a sign of allergies. Redness: Inflamed skin and rashes can be a symptom of allergies. Gastrointestinal signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive flatulence, and weight loss can be signs that your dog is allergic to something it is ingesting. Suspect allergies especially in young dogs. Allergies typically develop in young dogs, although it is unusual to see signs in pups younger than six months because they haven't been exposed to an allergen enough times for the immune system to overreact. Typically, once a dog has developed symptoms of an allergic reaction, each time it encounters the allergen his symptoms get worse. This accounts for why dogs with seasonal allergies to pollens often seem to get worse from year to year. Look for possible allergens that your dog has been repeatedly exposed to. It is a common misunderstanding that a pet newly exposed to an allergen for the very first time will have an allergic reaction. In truth, an allergic reaction occurs after the dog has been repeatedly exposed to the allergen, which primes up the immune system for overreaction. Thus, for a dog allergic to food it's not the first time they eat the item that their allergies flare up, but it's after repeated exposure. It is, however, true that allergic reactions get worse with time and repeated exposure. Consider possible allergens the enter the body in a variety of ways. Allergens can trigger allergic reactions by entering the body in different ways. Perhaps the easiest allergy to understand is a contact allergy. This is where the dog lies on a substance to which they are sensitive, and the direct contact of the allergen against the skin triggers the reaction. Typically, the allergy is localized, meaning that the inflammation flares up in the spot where the skin contacted the allergen. Food allergies are fairly self-explanatory in that there is a food which the dog eats and then reacts to. However, the dog's body can react in different ways. Some dogs develop inflammation and irritation of the gut lining, which causes gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or diarrhea, or the allergy may show itself as inflamed skin and itchiness. A common allergy is to air-borne allergens, such as tree, grass, or flower pollen. These contact the skin directly or are inhaled to set up an inflammatory reaction. Inhaled allergens, such as pollens or mold spores, often cause skin itchiness. Dietary allergens, such as beef or wheat, can also cause itchiness or upset stomachs. Make sure your dog is free of parasites. Many dogs are allergic to fleas and this is a relatively easy allergy to treat. Just make sure that you are giving your dog a flea medication on a regular basis, as once the fleas are gone, the allergy will be as well. Aside from allergies, it is important to always have your dog treated for fleas and ticks. It is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, in wooded areas. Take your dog to the veterinarian. Diagnosing allergies is notoriously difficult. Although there are several tests available, each has advantages and disadvantages. Most clinicians take an overall approach, in which they eliminate possible causes, such as parasites, and interpret the test results in the light of the dog's history, symptoms, and response to treatment. The vet first performs a clinical examination looking at the skin, but also feeling the abdomen and listening to the chest. He or she then examines the coat in more detail looking for signs of parasitic infection, such as flea droppings or patchy hair loss, which could indicate mange. The vet may wish to rule out parasites in the itchy dog, before proceeding to more extensive and expensive tests. This may be simply a case of using an effective insecticidal product in order to kill any parasites present. Discuss further testing with your veterinarian. Once the preliminary testing is done, the vet has different options for a more specific diagnosis. These include blood tests, skin tests, skin biopsy, and dietary trials. These can give you a more specific diagnosis but there is no guarantee that they will actually figure out the root of the problem. Consider paying for blood tests. The big advantage of blood tests is their convenience. The clinician draws a sample of blood and sends it to the lab for analysis. However, blood tests are costly and can give unreliable results. The theory behind blood testing for allergies is that the body produces immunities called IgE when it encounters an allergen. Theoretically, the higher the level of IgE to an individual allergen, the more allergic the dog is. This sounds simple, but these tests are known to come up with false positive results. This means the results cannot always be relied upon to be 100% accurate. Discuss the option of doing skin tests on your dog. You may be familiar with intradermal tests, as they are commonly used on people. The test involves clipping an area of fur, dividing the skin into a grid, and then injecting a small bit of allergen into the skin. The skin then may produce a reaction in response, which is a raised blister like bump. The larger the reaction, the more allergic the dog to that particular allergen. Intradermal skin tests are considered the gold standard for allergy tests, but even they can be problematic. Some dogs require sedation in order to have the test run, as the repeated pin pricks can be uncomfortable. However, some sedatives can inadvertently interfere with the allergic reaction and suppress the positive to make a false negative. Also, intradermal skin tests are expensive because the samples of allergens don't keep for long and unless the clinician does a lot of testing, there is a lot of waste. This can mean referral to a skin specialist who does have the caseload to warrant keeping in house test kits. Talk with your veterinarian about the option of a skin biopsy. The role of skin biopsy in diagnosing allergic disease is limited. The sample under a microscope only suggests general inflammation that occurs with allergy, but cannot make a definitive diagnosis. Skin biopsies can, however, rule out other problems that mimic allergies, such a pemphigus or certain infections. Consider dietary trials. These are reserved for suspected food allergies or to rule out food allergy. While lab tests do exist for food allergy, again the results are largely unreliable and it is best to run a dietary trial. A food trial consists of feeding the dog foods it has never previously encountered, and nothing else, for a period of 8 -12 weeks. The theory is that this gives allergens time to clear from the system. If the dog's symptoms resolve in this time then it was likely an allergy that was responsible for them. However, dietary trials take tremendous commitment on the part of the owner, since the dog must eat an extremely restricted diet. Even a single illicit treat fed during the trial period could undo all the good work. If your dog is a scavenger or you live with people who will feed the dog treats behind your back, then a dietary trial can be extremely challenging. Put your dog on an anti-inflammatory medication. All in all, allergies can be difficult to pinpoint. This is why broad-acting medications, such as anti-inflammatories, are a popular solution to allergy problems. If your veterinarian is sure your dog has an allergy, he or she may then prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the itch and inflammation that is causing the dog (and owner) such distress. The vast majority of allergy problems in dogs are diagnosed up to the point that the clinician is sure an allergy is responsible, however not to the point of labeling exactly what the dog reacts to. | Look for symptoms of an allergy. Suspect allergies especially in young dogs. Look for possible allergens that your dog has been repeatedly exposed to. Consider possible allergens the enter the body in a variety of ways. Make sure your dog is free of parasites. Take your dog to the veterinarian. Discuss further testing with your veterinarian. Consider paying for blood tests. Discuss the option of doing skin tests on your dog. Talk with your veterinarian about the option of a skin biopsy. Consider dietary trials. Put your dog on an anti-inflammatory medication. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Pharmaceutical-Sales-Rep | How to Become a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep | To become a pharmaceutical sales rep, work on your communication skills and practice speaking in front of big groups of people since you'll need to be good at those things to be an effective salesperson. Also, focus on taking science and business-related courses, which will give you a leg up in the field. It's also important to be up-to-date on news relating to the pharmaceutical industry, so try to get in the habit of reading news releases from pharmaceutical companies and stock-market reports. | Earn a Bachelors degree. A four-year degree from an accredited university or college is required to become a pharmaceutical sales representative. You can improve your chances by gaining a degree in a related field like Life Science. Earning your degree in the science field will not only provide you with valuable tools to understand new breakthroughs, but help you communicate with other medical professionals. Coursework in Business is also a valuable way to gain sales skills. Generally, most pharmaceutical companies will consider a four year degree in any subject, as it represents your ability to master new information and your discipline to follow through. Get licensed/certified. Voluntary certification as a Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR) is available through the National Association of Pharmaceutical Representatives. This type of certification will give you the pharmaceutical product knowledge required by pharmaceutical sales companies, and educate you on the rules and regulations for selling products. You will also learn skills to help you hone your selling techniques. All CNPR® Certified graduates also get access to a job search tool called NAPRx® Career Center , a government website, where pharmaceutical companies look to fill job openings. Connect with College Resources. While you are in school, you can begin networking and feeling out the industry by taking advantage of a variety of resources your campus provides. Attend job fairs. Some major pharmaceutical companies recruit directly from college campuses. Dress professionally and prepare for an interview on the spot. Do what it takes to sign up early, as some of these events have rosters that fill up quickly. Use your Career Resource Center. This valuable resource will connect you to useful information about the job market and a career councilor who can provide assistance in working on your resume or career prospects. Get some sales experience. As a pharmaceutical sales rep, your career revolves around sales. This will require you to be comfortable and professional when speaking one-on-one or talking in front of large groups while presenting information to close the sale. Having previous experience working in sales is a huge advantage for your resume. Employers are looking for candidates who can be persuasive and have excellent communication skills. The more practice you have in sales, the more prepared you will be for your interview. Network. Keep in contact with professionals at your university. Tell everyone that you know about your career goals. Getting into pharmaceuticals sales can be challenging because some firms only advertise openings when they cannot fill them by word of mouth. Talk to doctors and other medical professionals and ask them for the names of their sales reps. If you have a chance, talk to the sales reps and district managers directly. A good referral from a rep is a better tool than your resume. Seek out recruiters who work in the pharmaceutical field. Look for pharmaceutical job fairs where you can make connections in the industry. Keep up to date on industry news. Read annual reports, news releases, and stock-market reports. Find out everything you can about competing products and companies. Some good resources for news include: CafePharma CuttingEdgeInfo.com BioSpace FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Lexi Comp New Information and Products Create a strong resume. Drug companies get hundreds of resumes daily, so yours needs to stand out from the rest. Your resume should be directly targeted to the company you are applying for. This means that you will need to adjust your resume for each company. Your resume should be driven by a list of your accomplishments. Remember, this is a sales job. Ultimately, you need to sell yourself to each prospective employer. Professional resume writers offer a service to assist you in strengthening your resume. If you feel like you are struggling, you can enlist their help for a price. Create a Brag Book. A Brag Book is essentially a portfolio for pharmaceutical reps. Make copies of everything you want to include and scan the originals into your computer. Use the scanned documents to create a single file of your complete Brag Book. You don't need to send your Brag Book with every application. Once you get a hiring managers attention, let them know that you have a digital copy available. Create a hard copy and organize it professionally. Your brag book should contain relevant documents and letters that represent your professional achievements. Include: Table of contents Resume Company ranking reports Performance reviews College transcripts Letters of recommendation Positive emails Marketing materials Continuing education certificates Photos of trophies, copies of plaques, award certificates Land an interview. You can apply at a companies website, but your best shot is to contact your networking connections and gain the names of professionals in the industry who you can send your resume to directly. Use your Brag Book at your interview. Bring a hard copy with you and expect the hiring manager to keep it. Focus on bringing attention to your Brag Book by referring to specific items inside it throughout your interview. Make sure you know your own book very well. Highlight your Brag Book and let it back up your verbal answers. For example, your interviewer may asks you about your sales targets, you can point to a ranking report or a performance review in your Brag Book. The way you use your Brag Book during the interview can set you apart from the competition by providing the hiring manager with a demonstration of your salesmanship. Ace your interview. Use your knowledge and understanding of the industry to back up your verbal answers. Some questions will test your knowledge of the job itself while others will be sales or product related. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job. Share personal stories related to the medical field that might make an impression. Ask for the job. Demonstrate your star sales ability by asking for the job at the end of the interview. At the end of the interview, say something like, “Is there anything about my qualifications that may keep you from moving forward with me in the application process?” Ask when you can expect to hear back if they don't tell you. Write Thank You Notes to every hiring manager who sees you. If they couldn't hired you, they may know someone else in the industry who can. Keeping a professional relationship with everyone you meet, is key. Understand your salary and benefits. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual salary of pharmaceutical sales representatives is $88,200, and most earn between $51,710 and $145,730. Sales reps who work for established companies receive benefits packages often including a company car, business trips, expense accounts, stock options, bonuses, medical and life insurance, and tuition reimbursement and retirement plans. Be sure to inquire with your company about the benefit options that are available to you. Excel in your training. Most pharmaceutical companies will provide on-the-job training to new sales reps. Some companies even provide tuition reimbursement for ongoing coursework in pharmacology and related fields. As a Pharmaceutical rep, you will be expected to enroll in continuing education throughout your career. Know your responsibilities. Most Pharmaceutical sales reps work on commission in a region. You will be responsible for scheduling and attending sales meetings with medical professionals and health care providers, following leads, and cultivating new customers for your company. You will also be responsible for attending industry conferences, speaking at provider events, and continuing your education as a medical professional. In addition to your sales duties, you may also need to conduct field research on behalf of your company. This involves surveying prescription patters and monitoring reactions to new treatments.. This is a job filled with advancing technology in a fast paced environment. Strive to excel at the intellectual challenges you will face and take pride in communicating exciting medical advances with consumers. Here you will have the opportunity to share new and sometimes life-saving treatments with your community. You will likely be responsible for setting your own schedule and working independently. Since you work on commission, you may spend weekends and evenings on developing contacts and networking future sales. Advance in the Industry. With time and experience, you will have the opportunity to advance into administrative positions in which you would supervise the work of new salespeople. Work hard, meet your goals and continue your education to climb the ranks of the pharmaceutical industry ladder. | Earn a Bachelors degree. Get licensed/certified. Connect with College Resources. Get some sales experience. Network. Keep up to date on industry news. Create a strong resume. Create a Brag Book. Land an interview. Use your Brag Book at your interview. Ace your interview. Ask for the job. Understand your salary and benefits. Excel in your training. Know your responsibilities. Advance in the Industry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Encourage-Senior-Dog-Adoption | How to Encourage Senior Dog Adoption | To encourage senior dog adoption, try to explain that senior dogs are already trained and won't require the level of attention that a lot of younger dogs do. You can also explain that older dogs are calmer and less energetic, which will require less time and effort from new owners. If you're advertising online, try providing testimonials of successful senior dog adoptions to remove the stigma around behavioral issues associated with older pets. Also, post photos of the senior dogs on social media, which will help engage potential adopters. | Explain that senior dogs are already trained. One of the benefits of adopting a senior dog instead of a puppy, is that most senior dogs are already trained. When adopting a senior dog, you will not need to worry about the dog going to the bathroom in the house. They have likely already developed this skill. Similarly, senior dogs will already be able to follow a number of basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. Essentially adopting a young dog is a lot of work and they will require constant attention and lots of training. Senior dogs can also easily learn new commands and tricks, contrary to popular belief. Reveal that older dogs are calmer and less energetic. Senior dogs will require some form of daily exercise. Typically this can be achieved in the form of a short walk or game of fetch in the backyard. Puppies, however, have a lot of energy and will require ample amounts of daily exercise. Explain that before adopting a dog, you should consider the amount of time you can devote to providing your dog with exercise. A senior dog is likely the better choice if you are looking for a calmer and less energetic companion. Senior dogs are also less likely to cause destruction in the home. For instance, a puppy is more apt to chew on your rug or couch as a way to burn off energy. Inform customers that senior dogs are not always problem dogs. Many people believe that rescue dogs, especially senior rescue dogs, have behavioural issues as a result of their previous living conditions. Although this is true in some instances, it is not a general rule for senior dog adoption. Senior dogs are put up for adoption for a variety of reasons. As a result, many senior dogs that are available for adoption have no real behaviour issues and make great companions and family pets. For example, sometimes people are forced to give up their pet because they are moving, the dog's owner died, the novelty of owning a dog wore off, loss of a job, or the family circumstances changed. Provide testimonials of successful senior dog adoptions. One way to encourage senior dog adoption, is to provide potential adopters with testimonials describing successful adoptions. These stories can be shared on the shelter website and included in brochures. Some people may be more likely to adopt a senior dog if they can learn about the positive experiences of previous adoptions. This will also help remove the stigma that senior dogs have behaviour issues. Testimonials can also explain that senior dogs can actually live for years once they are adopted. Post photos on social media sites of senior dogs looking to be adopted. Another way to advertise senior dog adoption, is by posting photos on social media of dogs that are currently looking to be adopted. You can provide a few details about the dog including their age and temperament. These photos can be shared on a variety of social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This is a great way to advertise the rescue agency as well as individual dogs seeking a home. You can also share the background stories of senior dogs to help motivate potential adopters. Some individuals will find these stories heartwarming and will look into adopting a specific dog as a result of its history. For instance, you could write "Fido is a Wheaton Terrier who is approximately 8 years old and was found in an abandoned building with no food or water. After receiving a thorough vet exam, Fido is doing great. This dog loves to cuddle and is looking for a forever home." Create special programs to adopt out senior dogs. Many shelters will create special programs to help with adopting senior dogs. For instance, some shelters focus exclusively on senior dog adoptions and all of their promotional material is dedicated to senior dog adoption. Alternatively you could try providing extra incentives and programs for senior dog adoption. November, for example, is senior dog adoption month. Throughout the month of November your shelter could provide discounts and added incentives for senior dog adoption. You could also try reaching out to local media sources such as television, newspapers, and radio programs to help advertise senior dog adoption. Promote senior dog adoption to first time dog owners. Older dogs are a great choice for first time dog owners because they do not require the same amount of attention or training as a young puppy. For first time dog owners, training can be a very difficult and time consuming task. As a result, adopting a senior dog, that is already trained, may help to ease the transition into life with a dog. Tell potential adoptees to talk with an individual who is currently raising a puppy in order to get a realistic idea of the amount of work and time involved. If they are not interested in constantly cleaning up after the puppy, a senior dog may be the right choice for them. Target senior citizens to adopt senior dogs. Senior dogs make excellent companions for senior humans. Companion animals, such as dogs, provide many benefits for the owner. For instance, they provide physical activity, increased social engagement, love and affection, and some believe they even contribute to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. As a result, senior dog adoption is a fantastic way to provide senior humans with companionship and purpose during the latter stages of life. Provide senior citizens with added incentives to adopt a senior dog. For example, some shelters provide senior citizens with a discount on adopting senior dogs. This could be as much as 50% off in order to help encourage senior dog adoption. Senior dogs can also come with a starter kit and food to help in the transition. Find foster homes for senior dogs. At times it may be difficult to find an individual to adopt a senior dog from your shelter. An alternative to adoption is fostering. This means that an individual will provide a temporary home for the dog as it awaits permanent adoption. Fostering is an excellent option for people who are unable to commit to full time dog ownership, but want to help out dogs in need. Fostering a senior dog will help remove them from the stressful environment of the shelter. Advertise your foster program in the local media. | Explain that senior dogs are already trained. Reveal that older dogs are calmer and less energetic. Inform customers that senior dogs are not always problem dogs. Provide testimonials of successful senior dog adoptions. Post photos on social media sites of senior dogs looking to be adopted. Create special programs to adopt out senior dogs. Promote senior dog adoption to first time dog owners. Target senior citizens to adopt senior dogs. Find foster homes for senior dogs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Shave-Your-Pubic-Hair | How to Shave Your Pubic Hair | To shave your pubic hair, start by trimming your hair with an electric trimmer or a pair of scissors, since a razor will quickly get clogged if your hair is too long. Then, take a hot bath or shower to soften your hair, which will make it a lot easier to shave off. Once your hair feels soft, cover it in shaving foam to reduce irritation. When you're shaving, try to shave in the same direction as your hair grows to reduce irritation. You should also stretch the part of your skin that you're shaving, since you're more likely to cut yourself if it's loose. After you've finished shaving, exfoliate your skin with a sugar scrub to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and remove dead skin cells. | Pre-trim your pubic hair. Razors are designed to shave fairly short hair and will quickly clog and become dull if applied to long hair. To trim it, gently pull the hair up, away from your body and then cut it back with small, sharp scissors, preferably clippers, along with some equipped with safety guards. Alternatively, use an electric scissor-action trimmer without rotating heads. Aim for hair that is shorter than 1/4" (0.6 cm). If you are new to pubic shaving, you may want to leave your hair short for a couple of days, as this will allow you to get used to the feeling of being bare down there. Trimming your hairs with scissors or small clippers is ok to do too, but some people become nervous when having such items near such a tender part of your body. If you aren't comfortable with using any of these, try electric razors. They are specifically designed to shave these kinds of hairs without getting too close to cut your skin. Soften your hair and hair follicles by taking a hot shower or bath. This will make the coarse pubic hair a lot easier to shave off. It may seem like a non-necessary step, but it'll make the somewhat lengthy process much more manageable. If you don't have time to take a hot shower or bath, simply run a washcloth under warm water and place it on your area and let it sit for about five minutes. It's important to exfoliate both before and after shaving because it will help all of the hairs get properly aligned outwards while stripping away the dead skin, allowing for a closer shave and reducing the chances of the razor catching and scratching you. Foam up to avoid irritation. Use unscented shaving foam, cream, or gel to lather your pubic hair. It is recommended that you use shaving foam or cream that is designed for shaving pubic hair rather than facial hair. Always test the shaving cream on another part of your body before you start applying it to your pubic hair, as some people suffer from allergic reactions to certain products. Just because a product is marketed to females doesn't mean it's only usable by those of the fair sex. Shaving cream for women is generally gentler than men's. Moreover, men's shaving cream is often scented, which can lead to irritation and painful stinging. Choose your razor. When buying a razor, it doesn't matter which brand or what style it is. They are all designed to get the job done. Make sure that you pick one that is gentle on your skin so that your area won't react as badly with it as it would with a harsh razor. When buying razors, it is ideal to get ones that are to be specifically used on parts of the body. For example, if you buy two razors, one could be used for shaving your pubic area and one could be used for shaving your underarms. Make sure that when you use any razor, you dry it. Leaving a razor wet causes the blades to dull, which will make shaving difficult. Stretch your skin tight. If it's loose, you'll end up cutting yourself. Razors perform best on skin that is somewhat flat and doing so will help remove the hair easier. Make sure that you know what parts you are going to shave. Are you allowed to shave? Is it safe for your skin? Make sure that you are completely sure you want to do this before you begin. Shave slowly and gently. To start off, is a great idea to shave slowly and with the grain. All this means is that if your hair grows downward, shave downward. This will help prevent irritation. Shaving against the grain is not a good idea when first starting off because doing so causes rashes and itchiness. Another idea is to shave from side to side. This way, your skin will get more used to the feel of a razor on your private parts. Do not over-shave. Shave an area only as much as you need to remove the hair. If you go over it too many times, it will become inflamed. In the early stages of shaving, you will probably find that shaving your pubic hair two days in a row causes red bumps and/or itching. Skip several days between shaves until your skin grows used to the change. Consider shaving your nether regions. Yes, hair grows on your bum too. You can shave this too, just make sure to be very gentle because it's not too easy to see where you will be shaving. You can always shave over one last time, just make sure not to press down too hard to prevent inflammation. If you are considering removing all of your hair, know that having none can increase your chances of getting and spreading an STD or two (namely, HPV and molluscum contagiosum). Clean up. Always make sure that you clean up your mess. Even if you don't care about all those hairs now, they build up later. Exfoliate to keep your skin clean. This removes all the dead skin on the surface after shaving in addition to lining up your hairs and helping to prevent them from becoming ingrown. With your normal body soap, gently cleanse your pubic area. This will help to remove anything that might block your pores and lead to ingrown hairs and resulting infections. Use a sugar scrub as your exfoliate to leave your skin smooth. If you don't have that, you can always make a paste with baking soda, which will get the job done too. If you are a woman, do not get soap beyond your labia. Your vagina is naturally regulated by your body and doesn't need to be cleansed with anything other than water. In fact, soaps often upset the pH balance (natural bacteria) making the vagina more susceptible to infection. Use Egg Oil. Egg oil contains several bio-actives which prevent infections or inflammations and help the irritated skin recover faster to it's original shape. Massage egg oil well into the shaved area twice a day for a week. Leave it on until your next shower. There is no necessity to wash it off as it is easily absorbed into the skin. Rinse off any remaining pubic hair, gently pat dry, and moisturize. Aloe Vera, baby oil, or moisturizers designed for sensitive areas can be used. Egg oil containing immunoglobulins can avoid rashes due to micro-abrasions. Avoid moisturizers that may contain fragrances and coloring agents. No matter what you use, just make sure that it's unscented and it isn't full of possibly irritating perfumes. Take care if powdering the area. Powders absorb the sweat and oil around the pubic area, which can reduce irritation and bumpiness. However, extra care must be taken not to get any of this powder onto the very sensitive areas of the vagina or penis. Moreover, you should avoid smothering the skin, which can clog pores and may encourage pimples. Women should never put talc on their genital areas , as this is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. In fact, talc is no longer used to dry-lubricate surgical gloves because it is believed to become toxic when applied to mucosal tissues. Go over the area with tweezers. If your razor misses a few hairs, simply pluck them out. Make sure to do it gently, not forcefully. | Pre-trim your pubic hair. Soften your hair and hair follicles by taking a hot shower or bath. Foam up to avoid irritation. Choose your razor. Stretch your skin tight. Shave slowly and gently. Consider shaving your nether regions. Clean up. Exfoliate to keep your skin clean. Use Egg Oil. Rinse off any remaining pubic hair, gently pat dry, and moisturize. Take care if powdering the area. Go over the area with tweezers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Quietly-Confident | How to Be Quietly Confident | To be quietly confident, do your best to stand up straight, hold your chin up high, and make eye contact with people, which will make you appear more confident without having to say anything. Additionally, don't feel like you have to dominate conversations or brag about your talents, which is usually what people do when they're insecure and looking for validation. Instead, be a good listener, and praise other people to show that you're confident enough to not be threatened by them. You can also quietly project confidence by staying calm in stressful or frustrating situations, which will show people that you're in control of your emotions. | Keep your chin up and shoulders back. Nervous or insecure people often walk around with their chins pointed down and their eyes trained on the floor. Show confidence by lifting your chin as if there was an invisible thread pulling your head up. Keeping your chin level helps with posture as a whole. Sometimes, when you are uncertain you might slouch or cower. Thinking about an invisible thread going from the crown of your head down through your spine can help you pull your shoulders back, too. Plant your feet hip-width apart. If you're standing, balance your weight evenly between your legs. Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart. Avoid tapping your feet or turning your body away from those you are speaking to. You can relax your arms at your sides, or do a “power pose” by placing them on your hips. Sit relaxed in your seat. If you're seated, show confidence sitting with a relaxed posture. Lean back slightly in your chair while still turning towards the other person(s). You might even “power pose” by clasping your hands behind your head in a “V” shape. Another option is to simply place your hands in your lap if you're not seated behind a table. If you are, place them lightly on the table in front of you. Don't cross your arms. Make eye contact. When you greet others or are making conversation, don't avoid their eyes. Anxious or unsure people may feel intimidated by eye contact, but a quietly confident person knows that strong eye contact helps you come off as secure and in control. This doesn't mean staring someone down. You can casually look off at times. But, try to maintain eye contact, particularly during one-on-one conversations. If making direct eye contact feels weird for you, try glancing at the person's nose for a few seconds, then their mouth, then their entire face. They won't be able to tell that you're not looking at their eyes. Pause and breathe deeply. When you are feeling short on confidence, it's easy to get all wound up. If this starts to happen, just take a brief moment to breathe deeply and collect yourself. Inhale deeply from your nose for a count of four. Then, hold the breath for a few counts. Exhale from your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat the cycle until you start to feel calm again. Know your value. Self-centered people may display their confidence by dominating conversations and bragging about their talents. Deep down, they do this because they are seeking validation. A quietly confident person understands what they bring to the table. Therefore, you won't need to openly seek the validation of others through your external accomplishments. Those that have the least to prove are usually the most confident. Believe in your self-worth. If you have trouble with this, it can help to make an ongoing list of some of the major challenges you have overcome and the milestones you have passed. Reflect on the list often to remind yourself of your value. Express your needs. When you know your value, you have no problem letting others know what you need from them. Passive people may expect people to read their minds, or guess at their needs. Quiet confidence means having the self-assurance to meet people halfway and communicate your needs to them. Tell people what you need in a respectful, clear, and honest manner. For instance, you might tell a friend, “I am worried I might lose my job, so I really need to cut back on extra spending” rather than snapping at her because she wants to go shopping. Say “no. ” Passive-aggressive people may say “yes” to requests and then resent the person for asking. A quietly confident person is okay with saying “no” when a request doesn't serve them. Start small and practice saying “no” with the people in your life. For example, your coworker tries to shove his extra work off on you for the second week in a row. You might say, “No, Patrick. I can't take your work. I was happy to help last week, but I don't have the time to do your work and mine.” Accept compliments instead of denying them. Many self-conscious people don't know how to respond to compliments or feel uncomfortable or awkward when they're given. Show assertiveness by accepting them kindly and fully. This is a technique known as “positive inquiry.” For example, if someone says, “This meal you made is delicious!” try saying “Thanks! I'm glad you like it. I'm enjoying it too,” instead of saying, “It's an easy recipe,” or “It's alright.” Repeatedly say what you want to show calm persistence. This is called “the stuck record technique,” and can be used in heated arguments to keep the conversation on track. Clearly, calmly state what you want, and say it again and again calmly without giving up to display assertiveness. For example, if your new shoe broke and you went back to the store to return the pair, you might say, “I bought these shoes last week and the strap broke yesterday. I'd like a refund, please.” Then, if the store's employee says something like, “These have obviously been worn a lot. You can't expect me to give you your money back,” stay calm and say, “The strap has broken after only one week. I'd like a refund.” Listen actively. Being loud, flashy, and talking all the time, sends a “look at me” message. However, quietly confident people realize that you gain much more respect (and learn more, too) by listening more than you talk. Try to truly understand the other person's message. Don't interrupt them. Once they're finished, try to paraphrase what they said to make sure you properly understood. Praise others rather than yourself. Some people act as if it's physically painful to highlight others' successes. In truth, when you are able to celebrate others, it shows that you can share the spotlight, and that you are a team player. Make an effort to call out someone else for an accomplishment when the situation arises. Own up to your mistakes. An insecure person might hope the ground swallows them after a mistake. They may simply search for an out. Meanwhile, an arrogant person may find a way to hand the blame off onto someone else. Confident people do not make excuses when they made a mistake. They accept it, correct it, learn from it, and move on. It can be hard to admit “I was wrong.” But doing so shows others that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions. As soon as you realize you made an error, take ownership. For example, the client is late for the meeting because you forgot to schedule their car service. Say, “Oh, goodness. This is my fault. I forgot to call a car. I'll fix this right away.” Accept advice and mentorship from others. Quietly confident people are genuine, honest with themselves, and honest with others. They aren't afraid to admit that they don't have all the answers. Everyone has areas in which they can improve. Don't be shy about owning up to yours and asking for help. Be sure to admit it if you do not know something and to let others know that you will try to find the answer. You might say, “I must have forgotten that aspect of our training. Do you mind offering me a refresher course?” Or, “Helen, you really have a handle on presentations. Can you give me some pointers?” Stop gossiping. One way to appear low in confidence is by constantly gossiping about others. A quietly confident person knows their own value, so they don't get off by putting others down. Stop hanging with people who gossip. Learn how to redirect conversations when they're headed for gossip town. For example, you might say, “Enough about that, what did you guys do this past weekend” to change a conversation when gossiping is taking place. | Keep your chin up and shoulders back. Plant your feet hip-width apart. Sit relaxed in your seat. Make eye contact. Pause and breathe deeply. Know your value. Express your needs. Say “no. Accept compliments instead of denying them. Repeatedly say what you want to show calm persistence. Listen actively. Praise others rather than yourself. Own up to your mistakes. Accept advice and mentorship from others. Stop gossiping. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wake-Up-from-Your-Dream | How to Wake Up from Your Dream | Waking up within your dreams and controlling them is an ancient practice called lucid dreaming. To do this, you'll need to ask yourself if you're dreaming throughout the day. Look for signs that you might be in a dream, like objects being in the wrong place, your hands looking strange, or people from your past being there. Before you go to sleep each night, you can also repeat a mantra to yourself. For instance, say, "Tonight, I will realize I'm dreaming and become conscious in my dreams." Once you get lucid in a dream, try to control the scene with your mind and your dream body. For example, if you see a monster in your dream, cover your face with your hands and imagine that when you look again it'll be gone. Or, fly around the landscape, talk to dream characters, or rehearse an important speech to a dream audience. Getting lucid and controlling your dreams can take a lot of practice, but the possibilities of lucid dreaming are infinite. | Set an alarm. If you are worried you may have a dream that you will want to wake up from, set an alarm for somewhere after 90 minutes into your sleep. REM sleep happens 90 minutes into sleep, and it is during this cycle of your sleep that you dream, so having an alarm rouse you might help. Some alarm clocks have more than one alarm you can set, so you can wake up from separate cycles of REM sleep. You can also use a mobile device, many of which allow you to set as many alarms as you like. Be careful not to do this too often, however, as REM sleep is a beneficial cycle of sleep that helps you process information, build memories, and replenish neurotransmitters, including chemicals that give you energy and help you feel good during the day. Allow light into your sleep space. Leaving a light on or your curtains open may help interrupt especially deep cycles of sleep in which you dream, essentially making you a light sleeper and possibly helping you wake up from a dream more easily. Again, though, doing so too often might have other consequences on your usual ability to get the full benefits of uninterrupted sleep. Call out for help in the dream. If you find you are somewhat conscious in your dream and can take action, you might try calling out in the dream. You may experience a situation where you call out in your dream, but it's more of a faint whisper. This could because your mouth isn't open in real life. You aren't actually activating your vocal chords or using air, so no sound is actually coming out. If you concentrate, however, you might be able to speak in real life, waking yourself up. Think to yourself, "I'm going to actually call for help." Some people get the sensation of their brain responding with a no. Continue telling your brain that you will in fact call out for help until the sensation goes away. This might be the second or third time. At this point, try to say something. It may seem harder than usual, and that's because you are actually using your vocal chords. This time, a noise should come out, and you should wake up, realizing that it was all a dream. Blink in the dream. If calling out for help in your dream does not manage to wake you up, you might try blinking. When you blink in the dream, your eyes should close. When you open your eyes again, they may actually open in real life. Doing this may manage to wake you up, but just be careful, because this has a high chance of causing sleep paralysis. This technique requires practice, so give it a try—especially during lucid dreams (see method 2)—often so that you can be ready to utilize it should you want to wake up from a dream. Assuming the technique works for you, you will be ready to wake up in a hurry if you have mastered this technique. Jolt yourself awake. This technique also works well in lucid dreams, but even if you have not developed this ability, you may still be able to jolt yourself awake. Simply attempt to move in your dream with the hope that doing so will move your body in real life, thereby waking yourself up. Sleep in a position that will make it easy for you to move around. In the dream, try to kick your legs or move your arms around. Fall asleep in your dream. Once you know that you are dreaming, and want to wake up, simply fall asleep in your dream. This will cause you to wake up in real life. The easiest way to do this is to (in your dream) get on your knees with your face on the floor, and stretch your arms behind you. You'll be asleep (aka awake) in no time. If there are other characters in your dream around you, you might have to tell them not to distract you. It's like falling asleep in real life - you can't do it when everyone's talking. Try to realize that you are, in fact, dreaming. This is called "lucid dreaming." Essentially, lucid dreaming is simply becoming aware of the fact that you are dreaming while you are dreaming without waking up. Once you successfully achieve this, you can be in control of your dreams. Lucid dreaming makes the possibilities of your dreams endless, and minimizes the risk of an uncomfortable dream. Make mental notes about your surroundings/environment when you are awake. When you do this in a conscious state on a regular basis, your psyche will bring these habits into the dream state as well. Then, when you dream, you can identify details about your surroundings/environment that will serve as clues that you are dreaming. Once you achieve this, you may be able to become lucid in the dream state. You can also wear something like a watch to focus on as you drift asleep. As long as it's comfortable but not so comfortable that it feels like your normal wear. Besides just making mental notes of your surroundings/environment, you can explicitly ask yourself whether you are dreaming or awake at various times throughout the day. Again, making a habit of such a practice will very likely carry over into the dream world so that you may recognize you are dreaming once in the dream state, should you ask yourself at that time. This is called the reflection technique. Try the MILD technique. Stephen LaBerge developed the Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD) technique as a means to helping people achieve lucid dreaming. It requires that you try to recall your dreams as completely as possible as soon as possible after waking, then tell yourself that you will remember that you are dreaming as you fall back asleep, followed by imagining that you are already dreaming lucidly and imagining the dream itself, and repeating these steps until you are asleep and dreaming again. If you follow these steps effectively, you may be able to become aware of the dream within the dream, thereby becoming lucid and gaining control over the dream. Prevent uncomfortable dreams. Sometimes, with enough concentration, you can determine what you will dream about before you go to sleep. This is called intentionality, and it is another means to dreaming lucidly. Intentionality, actually, is part of some other methods of lucid dreaming as well, so it is a good idea to practice it as you attempt to achieve lucid dreaming, even if it alone does not end up being effective for you. It is important to note that no lucid dreaming technique works for everyone or the same for everyone. For this reason, it is a good idea to try different methods, intentionality being one. Intentionality basically just requires that you use your imagination to conceive of the dream you want to have. Imagine the place you want to be in your dream and especially how you will get there. This can help you plan, in a sense, to dream lucidly. Try light stimulus. There are several products on the market that can help you achieve lucid dreaming through light stimulus. These products are masks that have led lights embedded in them that flash near the eyes if you wear the mask while sleeping. The idea is that you could notice the lights as you dream—particularly if you went to sleep with intentionality—and this could help you remember that you are dreaming, allowing you to become lucid in the dream. In addition to light stimulus, there is even an app for smartphones that helps with intentionality and plays sounds that might help the dreamer become lucid during key parts of the sleep cycle. Combine different lucid dreaming techniques. Combinations of techniques to help you dream lucidly strengthen the possibility that you will become aware of the dream within the dream. In order to successfully dream lucidly, try different combinations of the various techniques to see what works for you. Some techniques have even been created via specific combinations. One technique combines intentionality with the mental notes mentioned above (called reality testing). Another technique combines journaling—waking up to record dream memories in a journal—and analysis of the journal entries for common attributes with intentionality. It is called the wake back to bed (WBTB) technique. Attempt to manipulate your nightmare away. Once you are able to achieve lucid dreaming, you may not feel the need to wake up any longer because you can change the dream into something less uncomfortable. Lucid dreaming, however, is different for everyone, and it may not be especially easy for you to change your dream—it may require practice. Nevertheless, once you have realized you are in a dream, you might be able to change things that are happening, and remove whatever is scary and making you want to wake up. This may be better than fully waking yourself up. Once you are lucid in the dream, you should be able to control the dream. You will have more control if you become more aware of the dream world, so pay attention to your surroundings. Actively change the dream. One very straightforward way of changing the dream is by simply doing what it is you want to do. The difference, of course, is that you are in a dream, so the constraints of the real world do not apply. A common way of testing this out is to produce a brick wall and put your hand through it. Doing so is a good test of your ability to control the dream, and the realization that you are in control can empower you to change dreams that are making you uncomfortable. Voice your desires inside the dream. Another way of exercising control over the dream if you are dreaming lucidly is by voicing your desires. Try saying whatever it is you want to change about the dream, and you may see results. For instance, if you are being chased, try saying that there is no one chasing you, and you may succeed in making whom or whatever is chasing you vanish. In whatever situation you may find yourself in the dream, voicing your desire to change it may work for you. | Set an alarm. Allow light into your sleep space. Call out for help in the dream. Blink in the dream. Jolt yourself awake. Fall asleep in your dream. Try to realize that you are, in fact, dreaming. You can also wear something like a watch to focus on as you drift asleep. Try the MILD technique. Prevent uncomfortable dreams. Try light stimulus. Combine different lucid dreaming techniques. Attempt to manipulate your nightmare away. Actively change the dream. Voice your desires inside the dream. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-White-Papers | How to Write White Papers | To write a white paper, start with an introduction summarizing a problem you're dealing with, then how you propose to solve that problem. Detail possible solutions you have rejected and why you rejected them. Next, describe the problem you identified in greater depth and provide a historical overview of how it became a problem, then describe your solution in more detail. Use charts, graphs, and diagrams to back up your points and to make your paper easier to read. | Determine your audience. Typically, you won't know your audience personally. However, you should identify as many factors as possible, such as professional needs, educational backgrounds, and job title(s). These aspects will determine how to form your argument. Mold your proposal to be relatable to your audience based on these factors. For example, if your topic is community gardens, appeal to your readers as property owners and parents, as well as community decision-makers. They'll be interested in learning about the impact of gardening and local food on their property values, their children's health, and their children's education. Figure out their level of expertise. This will establish how simple or complex your paper should be. If your audience's expertise matches or is close to your own, you could include technical jargon. For a general audience, however, keep the paper as jargon-free as possible. If you must include specific terminology, use it sparingly and explain it. For example: If you're writing a white paper for an engineer, you should include lots of technical details and be lengthy in your descriptions. If you're writing for a government official, focus on policy-related implications. If you're writing for a corporate audience, focus on cost-effectiveness and growth potential. Choose a catchy title. Make it attention-grabbing but not over-the-top. Mention or allude to your problem. Some titles incorporate the words “white paper,” but this isn't mandatory. Tailor the language to a general audience. Some good examples include: Closing the School-to-Prison Pipeline with Art Safer Cities through Community Gardens: A White Paper Get right to the point. Assume your reader has a very busy life. Explain exactly what your white paper is about without adding unnecessary padding. Make your first couple of sentences engaging enough to grab their attention. Write the introduction. Acknowledge your audience and how you intend them to use the paper. Summarize the present order of things and why it's a problem. Briefly discuss the arguments of your opposition and why you're proposing something different. For example, if you were writing on student debt, you might say: Student debt has grown exponentially over the past decade. Combined with the dismal job market new graduates face, their debt threatens to become the next economy-crashing bubble. Creditors and a number of economists have argued A, B, and C. However, these arguments do not address X, Y, and Z. Summarize your solution. Briefly introduce the methodology you'll use in your analysis. Detail possible solutions you have rejected and why you rejected them. Explain why your audience should accept your proposed solution. For example, your solution to the student debt bubble could be: After [interviewing experts, examining statistics, etc.], I became convinced that [two or three proposed solutions] do not adequately address the problem. This white paper will argue in favor of [your proposed solution] because it would [insert an objective reason here]. Identify the problem. For this step, you'll have to know your reader's needs. Focus on the challenges that you propose to solve. This should be something you can phrase in a few words. Examples of problems include "decreasing sales," "slow network speeds," or "management-employee conflicts." Analyze the problem. This helps to make your argument credible in the mind of your reader. Describe the problem you identified in greater depth. Give details as to how you concluded this is a problem. Use clear, precise terms. Your analysis should last no more than a paragraph. Provide a historical overview. Historical overviews help to explain how the problem in question became a problem. If possible, you could also discuss how your problem was once a solution. Use specific figures, dates, and names to explain this progression. For example, a white paper on addressing climate change might discuss how hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) were once believed to be a safe replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which had produced a hole in the ozone layer. However, we now know that HFCs are actually dangerous greenhouse gases. Use visual aids. Include charts, graphs, or diagrams to help to back up your white paper's argument. They can also win an audience's attention. Some white papers integrate visual aids into the text. Others place them in an appendix at the end. Ask your employer which method they prefer. Provide additional background. Analyze the data and figures you present. Detail how you arrived at your conclusions. Make sure you've examined all the facts so that there are no holes in your findings. You should aim to produce findings that can be reproduced through the analysis you conducted. Describe your proposed solution(s). Adopt a step-by-step approach that clarifies exactly how you intend your idea to be implemented. Divide your content into digestible parts, such as bulleted lists or individual paragraphs with their own bold headings. This will help your audience to read and understand your argument. If you're writing your paper within a corporate context, avoid mentioning your company's product at this point. Focus instead on what to expect in a solution. Justify your solution. Use hard evidence, such as trade journals, government publications, and the data and figures in your research, to explain why your solution is the best course of action to take. Weigh your argument against other proposed solutions. Acknowledge the usefulness of opposing solutions while emphasizing why they fall short of solving the problem. Close with a summary. Include a review of the problem at hand. Briefly recap your solution. Re-emphasize the result you hope to see. If you choose to slip in a plug for your product or company, keep it relevant and subtle. Remember you're focusing on solving someone else's problem, as opposed to promoting a product or service for personal gain. | Determine your audience. Figure out their level of expertise. Choose a catchy title. Get right to the point. Write the introduction. Summarize your solution. Identify the problem. Analyze the problem. Provide a historical overview. Use visual aids. Provide additional background. Describe your proposed solution(s). Justify your solution. Close with a summary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Retain-Information-when-You-Study-for-a-Test | How to Retain Information when You Study for a Test | It can feel overwhelming if you've got to study for a big test, but there are plenty of techniques you can try to retain information more effectively. Try writing out what you need to remember by hand, as copying words over and over can help commit them to your brain. Flashcards are another good way to retain information like dates, names, and vocabulary. If you're having trouble retaining a specific piece of information, try using mnemonic devices or making visual associations. For example, Roy G. Biv is a mnemonic device used to remember the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. To engage better with the material while you're learning in class, take notes to put the information into your own words. Reading actively by looking for the main point of each section you read can also help, as it stops your mind from wandering. | Read actively. You won't retain information if you just casually read the material. When you're re-reading for a test, or reading new information, do so actively. This will help you remember the information better when a test arrives. It's easy to read a whole page and realize you took in nothing. If you notice your mind wandering, return it to the text. Ask yourself questions when you read. For example, ask, "What is the main point of this section?" It can help to underline as you go and write down notes in the margins. Summarize chapters after reading them. You shouldn't study in one big session. You will end up feeling overwhelmed. If you summarize each chapter as you go, you will better retain the information later. When you finish a section of a textbook, close the book for a moment and briefly summarize the information in your head. You can also summarize the information by writing it down, which may help you remember it better. You can also recite the information to yourself out loud, as this may also help you remember it. If you're a visual learner, try drawing pictures, charts, or graphs of a chapter's material after you finish it. Take notes. Many students take notes during class. While this is a great tactic, you should also take notes while you're reading and studying alone. Putting the information into your own words as you go will help you remember it better later on. Try to take notes actively. Do not just, for example, copy down definitions and concepts into a notebook. Try to phrase them in your own words. This will help you better understand, and therefore retain, the information you've learned. You should also make sure your notes stay organized. Use headings to label the notes by chapter and section. You should also date the notes, especially notes you take in class. Explain the material to someone else. If you're studying with another student, it can actually help to explain the information. Study groups can be helpful. If someone is struggling with a concept, having you explain it to them may help both of you better understand and retain the material. If you don't know anyone in your class, you can always ask a roommate or friend if you can explain the information out loud to them. Take a learning-style quiz to find out the best way for you to study. A learning style quiz can help you learn whether you're a visual, auditory, or tactile learner. After you take the quiz, you can tailor your study approach to your learning style so it's more effective. You can find a learning-style quiz online by searching "Learning-style quiz" or "What kind of learner am I quiz." If you're having trouble finding a quiz, try taking the one at http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles-quiz.shtml. Write out information by hand. Copying information over and over again can help commit it to your brain. When you write, you will be actively thinking about the words you're reading. If you're really struggling to retain a particular concept, vocabulary word, date, name, or other aspect of your course material, try writing it down a few times. You may remember it better later on. If you don't like handwriting, you can also type out your notes again and again. Just make sure to pay attention to what you're typing. You can also try copying your own notes. You may understand terms better if they're already phrased in your own words. This can help you retain the information later on. Use mnemonic devices. Mnemonic devices are means of associating new information with phrases, terms, or images. Many people use mnemonic devices to help them commit new material to memory. For example, "Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain" is a mnemonic device many use to remember the colors of the rainbow, as the first letter of each word in the sentence corresponds to a color of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. If there isn't a well known mnemonic device for the material you're trying to learn, you can make up your own. Have fun and be creative. Make up a visual you can easily remember and use to recall information later. Make associations with the material. In addition to mnemonic devices, you can make other associations that help you retain information. You can make visual associations in your mind, for example, or look for certain patterns. For example, say you're trying to remember John Steinbeck wrote East of Eden. You have a friend named Eden and a friend with the initials J.S. In order to remember this information, picture your friend with the initials J.S. standing next to your friend Eden. Imagine the two of them holding compasses pointing in the direction east. Make flashcards. Flashcards are a wonderful way to help you retain information. They are particularly helpful when trying to remember things like dates, names, and vocabulary terms. You can make flash cards by writing information on either side of the card. For example, say you're making flashcards for vocabulary terms. Use index cards. Write the definition on one side and the word on the other. If you don't want to make physical flashcards, there are many websites that allow you to make flashcards online. Test yourself on the materials. Testing yourself is one of the best means to retain information. Merely re-reading or studying the information is not as effective as actually testing yourself on the materials. In the weeks leading up to the exam, test yourself frequently. You can make up your own test by writing down questions as you re-read your notes and course materials. Think of questions that are likely to be on an exam. When you get done reviewing, try to answer your own questions. You can also see if your professor provides practice tests. You should take any practice tests your teacher offers, as this will help prepare you for the exam. If you have any old quizzes lying around, try retaking them. Look up online quizzes for the material you're studying and use them to test yourself. Review the material regularly so you retain it better. Studies show that when students review the material they learned 3 times within a month of learning it, they're much more likely to retain that information. Within 24 hours of learning the material, review it for 10 minutes. Then, 7 days after you learned the material, review it for 5 minutes to get back up to speed. Finally, 30 days after you learned the material, you'll only need to go over it for 2-4 minutes for your brain to remember it! Instead of waiting until the day before your test to start studying, go over it during brief sessions throughout the month. Then, when your test comes around, you'll be more likely to remember it all. Organize your supplies. You will have a harder time studying if you are disorganized. In order to make your study sessions most efficient, organize your supplies ahead of time. Make sure to separate materials by class. Keep a folder where you keep all your notes, past papers, and old quizzes. Keep your study area organized. If your study area is very messy, this can affect concentration. Tidy up your study area after each study session. Take breaks. You will not retain information if you try to cram it in all at once. Instead of studying for hours on end, stick to reasonably timed study sessions with breaks in between. Keep yourself on a schedule regarding breaks to make sure they don't take too much time. You can, for example, agree on 50 minutes of studying and then 5 minutes of break time. Make sure to time your breaks. A 5 minute internet break can easily turn into an hour internet break unless you're diligent about setting a timer. Get enough sleep. You cannot retain information unless you're getting a solid night's sleep each night. Make sure to go to bed at a reasonable hour, and aim for a full night's sleep each day. Sticking to a sleep schedule will help you fall asleep faster. If you go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day, your body's natural circadian rhythm will adapt. You should also engage in a relaxing ritual before bed each night. Try reading a book or taking a warm bath. Avoid electronic screens, as these can make sleep more difficult. Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity can actually increase your brain's ability to retain information. Aim for half an hour of aerobic exercise a day to maximize your ability to recall information. Pick a form of exercise you enjoy, as you'll be more likely to stick to it. If you're very busy, see if there's a way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. You can, for example, bike to class instead of walking or taking the train. | Read actively. Summarize chapters after reading them. Take notes. Explain the material to someone else. Take a learning-style quiz to find out the best way for you to study. Write out information by hand. Use mnemonic devices. Make associations with the material. Make flashcards. Test yourself on the materials. Review the material regularly so you retain it better. Organize your supplies. Take breaks. Get enough sleep. Exercise regularly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pastillas | How to Make Pastillas | To make no-cook pastillas, combine 2 cups of powdered milk and 14 ounces of condensed milk in a mixing bowl. Once the mixture is thoroughly combined with no lumps, add 1 tablespoon of margarine and mix thoroughly. Then, use your hands or a scoop to shape your pastillas into a ball or cylinder, and roll them in sugar. Immediately wrap the pastillas in cellophane and twist the ends tightly to keep the candies from drying out. | Pour the powdered and the condensed milk in a bowl. Just pour 2 cups of powdered milk and 1 can (14 oz.) of condensed milk into a bowl. This recipe should make about 80 candies. Mix the powdered and condensed milk together. The mixture may be a little thick and hard to mix together, so have patience and a thick and sturdy spoon. Add the margarine to the mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of margarine to the mixture; alternately, you can use real butter. This will help add an extra creamy flavor to the treat. Mix it in with the other ingredients. Shape your candy into circles or cylinders. Choose the shape you'd like for your pastillas; they can be circular, or they can be more cylindrical, like Tootsie Rolls. Just use your hands to give them their desired shape; you can wear gloves if you want to. Place the shaped candies on a plate. Pour the sugar on a plate. Pour half a cup of sugar on a plate. Roll the pastillas into the sugar. Make sure that all part are covered. Wrap the pastillas in cellophane. You can cut the cellophane in advance to get the desired shape. Then place the pastillas in the cellophane and wrap the ends of it. Serve. Put the candies on a party plate and enjoy. You can have them for dessert or serve them as a snack whenever you like. Combine the condensed milk, powdered milk, and sugar in a saucepan. Make sure to stir the ingredients thoroughly as you heat them until they turn to a paste. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the butter. Continue to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Remove from heat. Take the pan off the stove and move the mixture you've cooked into a bowl. Let it cool for at least 5-10 minutes, until the mixture is cool enough to be touched but still a bit warm. Shape the mixture. Use your hands or a knife to shape the mixture into bite-sized candies. You can make a circular shape, a cylinder, a cube, or whatever shape you want. You should make about 80 pieces. Roll the candy lightly in sugar. Use your hands to make sure each piece is lightly but evenly covered in sugar. Wrap the candy in cellophane. Place each piece of candy in the center of a cellophane square and roll it into a cylinder or whatever shape you like, and tuck the ends of the cellophane into the roll. Serve. Enjoy this tasty candy during any time of day. | Pour the powdered and the condensed milk in a bowl. Mix the powdered and condensed milk together. Add the margarine to the mixture. Shape your candy into circles or cylinders. Pour the sugar on a plate. Roll the pastillas into the sugar. Wrap the pastillas in cellophane. Serve. Combine the condensed milk, powdered milk, and sugar in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the butter. Remove from heat. Shape the mixture. Roll the candy lightly in sugar. Wrap the candy in cellophane. Serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Iron-Supplements | How to Take Iron Supplements | To take iron supplements, try to take your supplement at the beginning of the day, since your stomach may absorb the iron more efficiently. However, if you feel this causes pain or cramps, eat a small amount of food first. When you take your supplement, drink a glass of orange juice to help absorb the iron. If you experience constipation, consider lowering your iron intake, or take a stool softener if you can't reduce the dosage for medical reasons. | Go for a multivitamin supplement if you don’t have anemia. If you don't have anemia and just want to make sure you're getting enough iron, take a daily multivitamin. Multivitamin supplements usually contain 18 mg (100% daily value) of iron. It's best to consult your doctor before taking a multivitamin, especially if you take medications or have a history of any medical conditions. Treat anemia with an iron-only supplement. Schedule a doctor's appointment if you think you have an iron deficiency. They'll perform an exam and order a blood test to make an accurate diagnosis. To correct an iron deficiency, they'll recommend iron-only tablets or capsules, which often contain at least 65 mg (360% daily value) of iron. You may need to take higher-dose iron supplements if you have cancer, bleeding problems, kidney disease, Crohn's disease, Celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis. These conditions often cause iron and other vitamin deficiencies. Consuming too much iron is dangerous if you don't have a serious deficiency, so do not try to take high doses of over-the-counter iron supplements. Never take high-dose iron unless directed by a doctor. Take a liquid iron supplement if you can’t swallow pills. Liquid, syrup, and powdered iron supplements are the best option for children and adults who can't swallow pills. Specific steps vary, so use your product according to the package's instructions or as directed by your doctor. Generally, carefully measure your prescribed amount of liquid, syrup, or powdered iron supplement with a dropper or measuring spoon, then mix it with juice or water. Your body may also absorb liquid iron supplements better, and some people report that they cause fewer side effects than tablets and capsules. Ask your doctor to recommend the right dosage amount. Whether you take an iron supplement in pill or liquid form, use it as your doctor prescribes. Depending on your specific condition, your doctor may prescribe a dose of iron that's unsafe for people with normal iron levels. Remember to use high-dose iron supplements only under the guidance of a medical professional. Taking too much iron can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, organ failure, coma, and death. Tell your doctor about any medicines you take. Excess iron can affect how some medications work, including some antibiotics and medications for Parkinson's disease or hypothyroidism. Take iron on an empty stomach with juice and a small amount of food. Taking your supplement on an empty stomach improves absorption, but it may cause stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. To lower the risk of an upset stomach, take the supplement with 1 cup (240 mL) of orange juice and a snack or light meal. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, so it's a good idea to take your supplement with orange juice. While taking iron supplements, you should also eat more foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, cantaloupe, mango, strawberries, and tomato. Just be wary of eating raw high-fiber fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, within 2 hours of taking your supplement. Fiber can interfere with iron absorption. Wait 2 hours before consuming calcium, caffeine, and high-fiber foods. If you take iron with food, make sure you steer clear of dairy products, whole grains, and raw high-fiber veggies. Additionally, don't drink caffeinated tea, coffee, or soda, and avoid sneaky sources of caffeine, such as chocolate. You should also avoid consuming calcium supplements and antacids within 2 hours of taking an iron supplement. Calcium, caffeine, and high-fiber foods make it more difficult for your body to absorb iron. Store iron supplements in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid storing iron tablets or capsules in your bathroom medicine cabinet, which may be too warm and humid. A pantry cupboard away from liquids and direct light is a better option. Iron supplements typically have a shelf life of 2 years or more. Check the expiration date, and avoid taking a supplement that has expired. If you take a liquid iron supplement, you may need to store it in the refrigerator. Check your product's instruction label, and store it as directed. See your healthcare provider regularly to monitor your iron levels. You'll likely take supplements for 6 to 12 months if you're treating an iron deficiency. During that time, you'll need to get blood tests periodically to check your iron levels. They should return to normal in 2 to 6 months, but you'll probably continue taking supplements to build up your body's iron stores. If you've experienced symptoms of anemia, you should start to feel better within 1 to 4 weeks after you start taking iron supplements. Seek medical attention if you experience serious side effects. Signs of an iron overdose include severe or bloody diarrhea and vomiting, fever, sharp stomach cramps, bluish lips and fingernails, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, and seizures. Other causes for concern include rash, swelling, numbness or tingling, and trouble breathing. Call emergency services or get to an emergency room if you experience any of these symptoms while taking iron supplements. While black stools are normal and are a sign the supplements are working, they shouldn't have a tarry appearance. See your doctor if you experience tar-like stools, which are serious and could indicate intestinal bleeding. Take a stool softener if you experience constipation. Constipation is a common side effect, but medications can help. Use an over-the-counter stool softener, or ask your doctor if they recommend a prescription-strength medication. Take your medication according the package's instructions or as directed by your doctor. Ask your doctor about lowering your dose if side effects persist. Tell your doctor if you experience persistent nausea, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea. Ask them if you can take a lower dose or switch to an iron supplement in another form. If altering your dose isn't possible, ask them to recommend medication to relieve your specific symptoms, such as an anti-nausea or anti-diarrheal drug. If you haven't been taking your iron supplement with a meal, doing so could also help relieve side effects. Drink a liquid iron supplement through a straw if it stains your teeth. Liquid iron supplements can give teeth a blackish tinge. To prevent stains, mix the dose with water or juice, and drink the beverage through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. To remove stains, simply brush your teeth with baking soda or rinse your mouth with 3% hydrogen peroxide. | Go for a multivitamin supplement if you don’t have anemia. Treat anemia with an iron-only supplement. Take a liquid iron supplement if you can’t swallow pills. Ask your doctor to recommend the right dosage amount. Take iron on an empty stomach with juice and a small amount of food. Wait 2 hours before consuming calcium, caffeine, and high-fiber foods. Store iron supplements in a cool, dark, and dry place. See your healthcare provider regularly to monitor your iron levels. Seek medical attention if you experience serious side effects. Take a stool softener if you experience constipation. Ask your doctor about lowering your dose if side effects persist. Drink a liquid iron supplement through a straw if it stains your teeth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Liquor-Delivery-Service-License | How to Get a Liquor Delivery Service License | In most states, you won't need a separate license to start a liquor delivery service as long as you have a regular retail license. Check with your state's alcohol licensing board to see if you need an additional license. In some states, you'll need different licenses to sell spirits as well as beer and wine. Many states also require fingerprints and background checks, and others require you to get your application signed by a notary. You'll also need to pay a processing fee, which is usually over 100 dollars. Once you receive your license, you'll be free to sell alcoholic beverages as well as deliver them to customers' homes. | Contact your state licensing board. States that allow delivery of alcoholic beverages to private homes regulate delivery licenses through the same licensing board that regulates the sale of alcohol generally. You first need to find out if the state licensing board allows home delivery in your state. Some states have passed laws specifically allowing it. In other states, home delivery is neither forbidden by law or explicitly permitted by law. Where your state's law doesn't address home delivery, licensing boards have different approaches. In many such states, home delivery is permitted under the same regulations as retail sales are permitted. This means customers must pay for the alcohol on site and have it delivered at a later time. Choose your license type. In most states that have passed laws that deal specifically with liquor delivery services, you must have a retail license to sell alcoholic beverages to consumers for consumption elsewhere. If you don't already have a retail license, you'll have to get one before you can start a liquor delivery service. Determine whether you intend to deliver spirits, beer, wine, or all of the above. Some states require different retail licenses for the sale of different types of alcoholic beverages. Many states require separate licenses for selling spirits, and these licenses may be allocated. This means that although typically you can get a license to sell beer and wine provided you meet the basic license requirements, there may be a lottery for a set number of licenses to sell spirits. If you have questions about which type of license you need, you can ask someone who works at the state licensing board, or review the information on the board's website. Complete your application. Each state has an application form that you must complete to get a retail license to sell alcoholic beverages. You will have to provide information about yourself and any other business owners, as well as your business and its location. The application form itself will require you to provide information about your business, yourself, and any other owners of the business. You'll have to identify the location of your business, and may have to get certification that you don't violate any zoning or other local ordinances governing the location of retail establishments that sell alcoholic beverages. In many states all owners of the business must get fingerprinted and pass a criminal background check before a license will be issued. In addition to the application form, there typically are a number of other documents you must provide to get a new retail license to sell alcoholic beverages. The state licensing board should have a checklist you can follow to make sure you've gathered all required documents. Typically other documents you must submit are related to the owners of your business, including copies of identification, fingerprint cards, or background check information. Double-check everything on your application before you get ready to submit it. Errors or missing information could result in your application being delayed or rejected. Submit your application. Some states may require you to sign your completed application in the presence of a notary public. Make copies of your signed application and all other required documents before submitting them to your state licensing board so you have copies for your records. You must pay a fee to apply for a retail license to sell alcoholic beverages. This fee varies widely among states, but typically is at least $100. Some states allow you to fill out and submit your applications online, paying your licensing fees with a credit or debit card. If you have to submit a paper application, you may want to take it into the local licensing office yourself or pay extra for a tracking option when you mail it, so you can verify it got to the right place. Receive your license. Once your application is processed, you should receive your official license within a few weeks provided you meet all the requirements of your state. Once you get your license, you can sell alcoholic beverages as well as deliver them to customers – provided home delivery is allowed in your state. Expect it to take several weeks, if not a couple of months, for your application to be processed once it is received by the licensing board. Make payment arrangements. In many states that allow home delivery of alcoholic beverages, the customer must make payment in full at your location in advance of the delivery, rather than paying the delivery person when their order is delivered. In some states, the customer must come to the store in person and purchase the alcoholic beverages they want delivered in a face-to-face transaction. Other states allow customer orders over the internet or by telephone, as long as they are processed in-store just as a normal in-person transaction would be. Typically alcoholic beverages must be purchased in advance – the customer cannot pay the delivery driver on receipt of the delivery, using any method of payment. Check with your state licensing board to make sure you've set up appropriate methods of payment and identification of the customer that comply with your state's regulations. These rules differ significantly from state to state in regard to home delivery of alcoholic beverages. Set times for delivery. Typically, you can deliver orders to customers during the normal retail hours of your business. However, the days of the week and times you are permitted to deliver alcoholic beverages to customers may be further restricted by your state's law. For example, some states do not allow the delivery of alcoholic beverages after dark, even if your physical store can remain open late into the evening. In states where customers are required to make their purchase in person for later delivery, you may be allowed to deliver even on days such as Sunday when you can't open your store. In addition to state regulations, choosing your delivery times also is a matter of personal preferences. Set times that suit the needs of your business while also taking into consideration the safety of your employees who will be making the deliveries. Hire appropriate drivers. Most states require that those who deliver alcoholic beverages for you be over the age of 21. They also may have to meet other state requirements relative to licensing retail sales clerks. In addition, your delivery drivers must have driver's licenses that are in good standing. Your state may require them to have a driver's license from the state where your store is located rather than an out-of-state license. Typically, if someone is legally permitted to work in your store, they also are permitted to make deliveries. Any registration or license required for retail employees of liquor stores also is required for employees who deliver alcoholic beverages. Stay within state amount limits. Many states that allow home delivery of alcoholic beverages place restrictions either on the size of the individual orders or on the percentage of your business that is made up by your home-delivery service. Home delivery of alcoholic beverages is limited to products for personal consumption, not for resale. Some states limit the amount that can be purchased at once by an individual consumer for that reason – essentially, the law assumes that if someone is purchasing several cases of liquor, they intend to sell some of it. The amount of alcoholic beverages you are permitted to deliver to customer's homes may depend on the type of establishment you have. For example, bars in Arizona also may deliver alcoholic beverages to private residences within the state, but those sales cannot exceed 30 percent of their total sales. Liquor stores, however, do not have this restriction. Maintain adequate vehicle registration and insurance. Any vehicles that are used by your business to deliver alcoholic beverages to customers' homes must follow your state's regulations for business vehicles. Your drivers should have the appropriate registration, licensing, and insurance documents in their vehicles at all times when they are delivering alcoholic beverages for your business. Check with your state's licensing board regarding ownership of vehicles used to deliver alcohol. Some states must require drivers to use vehicles owned by the business rather than their personal vehicles. If your drivers are allowed to use their personal vehicles, find out if there are additional insurance requirements for people using their personal vehicles for business purposes, and make sure your drivers are aware of those requirements. For vehicles owned by your business, keep the required registration and insurance documents inside the car, and make sure all employees who drive the vehicle are listed on your insurance. Keep copies of vehicle registration and insurance documents with your business records. Search for official forms. In many states, the alcohol control board that regulates the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages provides forms that can be used to legally record all delivery transactions. If a form is available for you to use and record all required information, it may be a good idea to use it even if the regulations allow you to record your sales another way. By using the official form, you can be certain that you have all the information required. Since inspectors will be familiar with the form, they'll be able to easily read your records. If you have your own record-keeping system, for example if you keep all of your records as electronic files on a computer, you may want to design a form to incorporate into that system that mimics the format on the state's form. Record every delivery transaction. Even if a specific form is not required, most states do require you to keep detailed records of every delivery transaction, including the name and address of the customer. The records you keep for home deliveries may require additional information that isn't necessary for regular in-store transactions. Typically you must record the name and identification information for the customer, as well as the address to which the alcoholic beverages were delivered. You also may need to include both the date and time of purchase and the date and time of delivery. Details of the specific transaction, including the number of bottles sold and the volume of those bottles, is necessary so state inspectors can ensure you're complying with state regulations that limit the quantity of alcoholic beverages sold or delivered to individual consumers. Records must be kept for the period of time specified by your state's law, typically at least two or three years from the transaction date. Keep in mind that state inspectors typically have the right to inspect your premises and records at any time, and may come unannounced. | Contact your state licensing board. Choose your license type. Complete your application. Submit your application. Receive your license. Make payment arrangements. Set times for delivery. Hire appropriate drivers. Stay within state amount limits. Maintain adequate vehicle registration and insurance. Search for official forms. Record every delivery transaction. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-an-Ariana-Grande-Ponytail | How to Do an Ariana Grande Ponytail | If you love Ariana Grande's trademark ponytail, you can easily style your own hair like hers. First, spray your hair with dry shampoo or hairspray. Then, use a teasing brush or flat oval brush to comb small sections of your hair backward in small strokes. This will give your hair more volume for your ponytail. Then, all you need to do is gather your hair at the top of your head near your crown and tie it in a ponytail. To hide your hair tie, just wrap a small section of hair around the tie and secure it with a bobby pin. If your hair isn't really long like Ariana's, consider using hair extensions to get her exact look, but it'll look great even with shorter hair! | Give your hair volume. Put some dry shampoo or hairspray in your hair, and tease the front section of your hair. You can also use volumizing mousse on dry hair and blow dry it to add some volume. Teasing is the method of creating texture where you use a teasing brush or flat oval brush to comb small sections of your hair backward. Start in the center of a section of hair and draw your brush back in quick strokes toward your head. This knots your hair slightly, and creates volume. To blowdry your hair, don't part it. Instead, lift it up in sections at the roots and brush back to establish the direction of your style. Use your fingers or a round brush to control the sections as you dry them. Add hair extensions. You don't need hair extensions for a high pony, especially if you have thick hair. However, Ariana Grande's hair always features a really big style that is sleek and flowing, which is achieved with extensions. Create an anchor (a small section of hair) where the center of the ponytail will be at the top of your head. Clip your extensions in a circle around that anchor. If your hair is significantly shorter than the length you want, pull it all into a ponytail first. Then wrap your extensions around the outside of the ponytail. Sweep your hair into the ponytail. Gather your hair and pull it to the back of your head, securing it in an elastic. Opt for a fiber-wrapped elastic for the tightest ponytail. For the Ariana Grande style, you will want to put your hair more towards the top of the crown of your head. When you gather your hair, pull it up to avoid creating bumps. Use a section of hair to hide the ponytail holder. Pull out a small section of hair from the ponytail or loose extension and wrap it around the elastic. Secure it with a bobby pin. You may want to use some hairspray to keep spiky extra hairs in check-- sometimes your hair may not be long enough to create a smooth disguise for the hair tie. Give yourself sideswept bangs. Before you start your ponytail, part your hair dramatically to one side. If you have bangs, only part your bangs. If you don't have bangs, just part a two inch section at the front of your head. Follow the steps for the basic pony, and then secure your bangs at the end. If you don't have bangs, pull your parted front section of hair across your forehead, creating a draped line to the side. Then wrap the ends behind your ear. Pin it in the back of your head. If you have bangs, spray them with hairspray and brush them to the side. Try to keep them above your hairline to complete the look. There are two options for bangs if you are using long hair rather than actual bangs. You can let them hang low over your eye, or you can pull them taut to the side. Create a half-up ponytail. This is a little bit less traditional, but it is in the spirit of the high-ponytail, big hair look. To begin, separate the top portion of your hair into a bun. Then add volume to the back of your hair. The half-up look requires a great deal of hair, so you will need to add hair extensions to the back sections of your hair. Do a little bit of teasing as well, and curl your hair in large sections. If you're going to go big, go big! Use a few long extensions that go up the back of your head. Curl your hair by starting three inches from the root, wrapping your hair around the curling iron, and holding it for ten to twenty seconds. | Give your hair volume. Add hair extensions. Sweep your hair into the ponytail. Use a section of hair to hide the ponytail holder. Give yourself sideswept bangs. Create a half-up ponytail. |
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