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https://www.wikihow.com/Switch-Medicaid-Providers | How to Switch Medicaid Providers | If your Medicaid provider doesn't offer the best service for you, you can switch to a new provider under certain circumstances. If you've just signed up, you can change your provider for the first 90 days for any reason. You can also switch after 90 days if you meet special criteria, like getting married or giving birth. Some states will also allow you to change if your plan makes changes to the services you need or if you need specific medical care not offered by your plan. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until the enrollment period, which is usually in October or early November. All you need to do is log into your Medicaid account online, call the Medicaid office and quote your ID number, or go into your local office in person. | Read the information provided by your state Medicaid office. When you enroll in Medicaid, you will receive an introductory packet from your state Medicaid office. These materials explain the different plans available for Medicaid recipients. You may be able to choose a plan yourself, or the Medicaid office may choose a plan for you based on the information you provided to them when you signed up. If you don't like your initial plan for any reason, you are always free to change your plan any time within the first 90 days you are enrolled in Medicaid. If you didn't receive an introductory packet or confirmation letter in the mail, contact your local Medicaid office for assistance. Make sure they have your correct address and contact information. Choose the plan you want. All managed care plans offered by Medicaid provide the same basic services and benefits. However, some offer additional extra services that you may need. Additionally, not all doctors accept all health plans. If you want to keep your doctor, or if you're seeing particular specialists, make sure you're on a plan that they accept. Comparison information is available from your state Medicaid office. Your introductory packet may include this information. It is also available on their website. Not all plans are available in all areas. There may be a map on the website of your state's Medicaid office that you can use to confirm the plan you want is available where you live. Log onto your online account, if possible. The easiest way to change your plan in the first 90 days is to do so online. All states offer online accounts for Medicaid recipients. You might also be able to change your plan through healthcare.gov, if you initially enrolled there. If you have internet access but you haven't yet set up an online account, it's a good idea to do so. You will need your Medicaid ID number to set up an online account. In addition to changing your plan, you may also be able to change the doctor listed as your primary care provider (PCP) or update your contact information online. Call your state Medicaid office. If you're not comfortable on the internet or don't have consistent internet access, you can also change your plan by calling your state Medicaid office. Tell the operator that you want to change your Medicaid plan. Have your information ready before you make the call. You'll need to be able to tell the operator your Medicaid ID number, the name of your current plan, and the name of the plan you want to switch to. Speak to a Medicaid counselor in person. Call your local Medicaid office and make an appointment. Let them know that you're within your first 90 days of Medicaid and want to change to a different plan. If you have questions about the available plans, or aren't sure which one will work best for you and your family, a Medicaid counselor in your local office will be able to help you. For example, you might want to make sure you can still see the same doctors. The counselor would be able to help you identify plans that your doctors accept. If you or your children have a particular medical condition, such as diabetes or asthma, let the counselor know so they can identify the best plan for you that has programs to help manage those conditions. Report major life changes as soon as possible. Major life changes could effect your eligibility for Medicaid. If you don't report them within 10 days, you could lose your Medicaid benefits. The reporting requirement applies regardless of whether the life change would entitle you to switch Medicaid providers. Changes that must be reported include a change of people in your household, change of address, change of employment or amount of income, and pregnancy. You may be able to report any changes online or over the phone. You can also go to your local Medicaid office and fill out a paper form describing the change. You may be asked to provide proof of the change you report. For example, if you've reported that you're pregnant, you may be asked to provide a statement from your doctor. Review the eligibility guidelines. After your first 90 days, you typically can't change Medicaid plans unless a significant life event has occurred, such as getting married or giving birth. You may also be able to switch plans if you move to another part of the state and your plan isn't available there. Some states also allow you to switch plans after your first 90 days if your plan makes changes to services you need, or if you need specific medical care not offered by your plan. Call or visit your state Medicaid office. If you believe you qualify for a special enrollment period and want to switch your plan, you can call and start the process over the phone or schedule an appointment to speak to a counselor in person. You typically can't simply change your plan over the phone at this stage. You'll have to wait to get a transfer form in the mail, fill it out, and send it back. Make arrangements to go to the Medicaid office in person if you don't have time to wait. Make an appointment to speak with a counselor if you're not sure whether you qualify for a special enrollment period, or if you don't understand the eligibility guidelines. A special enrollment period typically only lasts 60 days from the date of the event of life change that triggered it. Don't delay if something happens that would enable you to switch plans, or you could lose your window of opportunity. Provide information about your special circumstances. Gather any documentation you have that supports your need for a special enrollment period to switch Medicaid providers. Your state Medicaid office will evaluate this information and determine whether to allow you to switch plans. If you're meeting with a Medicaid counselor in person, bring any documentation with you for them to review. They will decide whether you're eligible for a special enrollment period based on the information you provide. In some circumstances, you may receive a notice automatically that your special enrollment period has already started and you need to choose a new plan. For example, if you move to a different county in the same state and change your address with Medicaid, that might trigger a notice if your current plan isn't offered in your new county. Choose your new plan. You have 60 days from the date your special enrollment period starts to enroll in another plan. Your special enrollment period doesn't necessarily start on the day you notified Medicaid. If you visit your local Medicaid office to talk to a counselor in person, you may be able to choose a different plan right then. The counselor will give you advice on which plan would best suit the needs of you and your family. Receive notice of the start of open enrollment. After you've been enrolled in your plan for about a year, your state Medicaid office will send you a notification before the open enrollment period starts, typically in October or early November. During the open enrollment period, you can switch Medicaid providers for any reason at all. If you didn't qualify for a special enrollment period, or you just don't like the plan you're on for whatever reason, this is your opportunity to switch. Compare the plans offered by your state. Your local Medicaid office will have information about the different plans available. You can also view this information online. Look for comparison charts that will help you easily determine what services and benefits are offered by which plans, and which plans are available in your area. All plans typically provide the same basic services. However, some plans may offer special programs or added benefits that could be of interest to you. For example, some plans offer weight loss or smoking cessation programs. Make an appointment with a Medicaid counselor. Call your local Medicaid office if you want to speak to a counselor in person about your choices in Medicaid providers. The counselor will help you choose the best plan for you and your family based on the information you give them. Medicaid counselors can also explain the different plans and benefits offered to you, and answer any questions you may have. Select the Medicaid provider you want. During open enrollment, you can switch Medicaid providers online, over the phone, or in person. Make note of the plan you want and have basic information, including your Medicaid ID number, handy. If you switch providers online, you'll likely get a notification confirming that your request has been received. Keep this for your records in case there are any problems processing your request. Wait for confirmation of your new plan. Once you're enrolled in your new plan, the plan provider will send you a welcome packet with information on the benefits of the plan and how to use it. If you sign up during open enrollment, your new plan typically starts on January 1 of the following year. Keep your welcome packet in a safe place. It contains important information about your plan and its benefits and services that you may need to access throughout the year. It also includes contact information if you have any questions or problems. | Read the information provided by your state Medicaid office. Choose the plan you want. Log onto your online account, if possible. Call your state Medicaid office. Speak to a Medicaid counselor in person. Report major life changes as soon as possible. Review the eligibility guidelines. Call or visit your state Medicaid office. Provide information about your special circumstances. Choose your new plan. Receive notice of the start of open enrollment. Compare the plans offered by your state. Make an appointment with a Medicaid counselor. Select the Medicaid provider you want. Wait for confirmation of your new plan. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Curve-a-Bowling-Ball | How to Curve a Bowling Ball | To curve a bowling ball, stand a few inches from the foul line and at least 4 feet back from your release. Start your approach the same as a straight shot, but focus on the arrow that you'd like to hit. Release the ball at the bottom of your swing, pulling your thumb out before your fingers. As you release, rotate your fingers along the outside of the ball, from a 4 o'clock position to a 7 o'clock position, to make it curve. This is easiest if you have a quality bowling ball, one with fingertip grips and a urethane or resin coating. | Start with the right stance and grip. You want to be several inches from the foul line and preferably at least four steps away from your release. Some people take longer and that's fine -- but at least four steps is ideal. Line your feet up with the arrow on the lane you are aiming for (which will depend on how hefty your curve is). If you have your own ball, you probably know how to grip it. However, if you're working with a house ball, you may need to adjust your style. House balls generally have knuckle grips -- you want your fingers (and especially thumb) to come out swiftly, so don't jam them in there. Hold the ball so it aligns straight with your wrist. Hand positions are covered later on in this article; it's more important during your swing than before. Always focus on the arrow on the lane that you want to hit. Never focus on the pin you are aiming for. It is a lot easier to hit a mark that is ten feet in front of you than one that fifty. The arrow you want to hit will vary on lane conditions (wet vs. dry). To change the aim it is easier to change where you stand at the start than to change the arrow. If you are missing to the left, move your starting point to the left and vice versa. It sounds counter intuitive, but if you move to the left and hit the same arrow the ball will go farther right at the beginning before swinging to left. There are dots on the floor to help you adjust. Moving your feet over just one board can be the difference between a strike and the dreaded 7-10 split. Start your approach like you would a straight shot. Your approach is the same as any standard shot -- the change is in your follow-through, and mostly in your hand. Bring the ball back into the swing position while keeping your palm behind the ball, just as you normally do. Be sure to keep your wrist strong. If you carry too much of the weight on your wrist or twist it back and forth, you could hurt yourself -- or at the very least wear yourself down before your frames are up. Release the ball at the bottom of your swing, pulling your thumb out before your fingers. The idea behind the hook is at the very end, your fingers are the only thing containing the ball, and they spin it as it releases -- hence why your thumb needs to get out of the way. Here are a few hand position options: The standard way to hook the ball is to place your two fingers and thumb in the three holes as normal. In other words, change nothing. Some people choose to not put their thumb in the ball at all, and instead sort of cup the ball on their palm and/or wrist as they swing the ball back and release it in the follow-through. And yet a few choose to only place one finger (the index finger) in the slot and palm the ball, spinning in the same motion on the release. However, you risk the ball turning in your grip, and that can lead to sprained wrists and fingers. Rotate your fingers up along the outside of the ball as you release, directing the ball's spin with your fingers. Continue moving your hand up on your swing to direct the ball down the lane, finishing in a handshake position. Ideally, you want to go from a 4 o'clock position to a 7 o'clock position. The ball should be totally out of your hands by the seven o'clock position, and your arm should follow through to the 12 o'clock position with your hand up by your ear all while your eyes are lock on the arrow you are trying to hit. Try hard not to subconsciously decelerate your swing in an effort to concentrate on and nail your hook; the same power is still needed. Or if you do, account for the differential; when you resume your normal throw, the hook could be very different. Learn to control the degree of your curve by varying the ball's position and timing your release. To increase the degree of the curve, release your fingers from the ball more rapidly. Your counterclockwise motion could also be more (or less) drastic. With a little practice you will know if you've thrown a good ball or not by how close the arrow you are. If you're not getting it, isolate the variables and experiment with each one alone. Try starting from a different start spot. Try switching up your footwork. Heck, experiment with different balls. It's possible that your wrist and hand positioning is just fine and there's another element that's mixing it up. Use a tennis ball to practice. A great way to practice your hook shot without having to make an embarrassing trip to the bowling alley is to practice with a tennis ball. It'll go straight when you throw it, but when it hits the bounce, it'll veer off to the side -- if you're doing it right, of course! Another option is a pool ball, but the damage potential of nearby objects is a bit more substantial! Use a bowling ball that is a few pounds lighter than the ball you would normally use as you're learning. A lighter ball allows you to focus on learning the new throwing technique. While you definitely want to get up to your normal ball sooner rather than later, the lighter ball can help you concentrate on what your hands should be doing. Just don't get too used to it! Think of it like spiraling a football, only upside down. If you have experience spiraling a football, it's the same general principle. Just under-handed! Your fingers move along the side of the ball in much the same way. Just think of throwing a football underhanded, trying to maintain the same spin. It starts cupped in your hand, and the last point of contact is with the tips of your fingers as it spins off. If you're using a house ball, know that it could be very difficult. Those balls at the bowling alley are meant for straight shots; hooking them could require different, more outrageous methodology to get the same, natural hook effect. So if you don't have your own, don't stress! It could be your equipment. The general rule of thumb is that you choose a ball that's 10% of your body weight. If you're 160 pounds, choose a 16-pound ball. That is, if you're of normal health and have no reason why a lighter ball would be more down your (bowling) alley. Get a ball with a fingertip grip. Certain balls (most house balls) come with knuckle grip, where the holes go down to your second knuckle. But a fingertip grip is much more conducive to throwing a hooked ball -- since your thumb and fingers have to come out, the actions are a lot swifter and smoother. Get your own ball with a urethane or resin coating. A urethane coverstock on your bowling ball will make your hook shot so much easier; they don't absorb oil from the lane and they provide way more friction than your standard plastic ball (the house ball). Those two things combined set that hook up for success. A resin coating can actually dig into the oil in the lane, upping the chance that you hit exactly where you're aiming for. But they're quite an investment and only for the most serious of bowlers. If you're considering getting your own ball, ask about RG ratings and coverstock. A ball with a high differential of RG rating will create a really sharp hook. However, you could have a ball with a low differential, so long as it has a matte-finish coverstock to combat lane oil. If you're dealing with a dry lane (at your home alley, that is), consider a stiff or pearl coverstock. So many options! When in doubt, explain your situation to the assistant. As long as you give them all your variables and what you'd like to do, they can find the perfect ball for you. Don't choose a ball drilled to your fingers and with your axis point until you have your hook down. As you get better at it, your hook changes. So wait it out! You want a ball that's all your own when you're at your peak. | Start with the right stance and grip. Always focus on the arrow on the lane that you want to hit. Start your approach like you would a straight shot. Release the ball at the bottom of your swing, pulling your thumb out before your fingers. Rotate your fingers up along the outside of the ball as you release, directing the ball's spin with your fingers. Learn to control the degree of your curve by varying the ball's position and timing your release. Use a tennis ball to practice. Use a bowling ball that is a few pounds lighter than the ball you would normally use as you're learning. Think of it like spiraling a football, only upside down. If you're using a house ball, know that it could be very difficult. Get a ball with a fingertip grip. Get your own ball with a urethane or resin coating. If you're considering getting your own ball, ask about RG ratings and coverstock. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Slide-Show | How to Make a Slide Show | To make a slide show using software like PowerPoint or Keynote, start by importing the pictures you want to use, then choosing a theme to add backgrounds and borders to your pictures. Next, experiment with the options on your software to add music, time your slide transitions, and choose transition effects. If you need assistance, go to your program's Help section and do a search on how to add specific effects. Finally, save your slideshow to a flash drive so you can present it on any other computer. | Choose your software. Open a program such as Microsoft's PowerPoint or Keynote on a Mac to create a slide show. These versatile softwares can create slideshows with text, videos, photos, or any combination of the aforementioned features. You could also use an alternative application like OpenOffice or other third-party softwares. Import your photos. Select digital pictures and add them into your slide show. You might be able to add other content such as text, sound, or videos to your slideshow if you choose. Most softwares allow you to import multiple photos through "File" "Import." Choose editing options. Navigate through your software program's interface to choose a style or theme for your slides. Search your program's Help section or manufacturer's website to find how to get to the styles or themes for the particular version of your software. You may be able to preview how different themes would look on one of your slides by resting your cursor over a provided thumbnail for each theme. Play around with the settings. Experiment with the settings or options in your software program to modify your slide show. You may be able to add music, time your transitions, and choose from different transition effects. Sometimes animated transitions that are playful can grasp your audience. Use these effects sparingly and based on your audience. Save your slideshow. Always save when you are finished creating the slideshow. You can always go back and add images or edit items later. Save the presentation to a flash drive if you have access to a computer where you plan to present the slideshow. Locate your photo library software. Every computer comes equipped with some type of application to store photos. Windows has Microsoft Media Center and Macs have iPhoto. Search through your applications until you find the right application. If you are using a Linux or Chromebook, you may have to download or use a chrome app. Import your photos. Before being able to organize your photos, you'll need to import them into the software's photo library. Many softwares will popup a message if you attach a camera or other devices with photos. Allow the library to store your photos. If you are already have your photos saved to your hard drive, you'll need to import them. The import function is usually found under "File" "Import." Create a slideshow in iPhoto. Select a group or album of photos and then click the slideshow tab near the bottom of the screen. Create a memorable name for your slideshow. Click and drag the photos to arrange them in the order of your liking. Add music to your slideshow by selecting music. You can edit individual slides by pressing adjust. Create a slideshow in Media Center. Open Windows Media Center by selecting it from the programs list. Select the photo library on the start screen. You can either play a slideshow of the entire photos in Media Center or create a specific folder to use for the slideshow. Create a folder and drag all the desired photos into that folder. Then click “play slideshow” when you're ready to see the results. Use the software's effects. Depending on what photo library you selected, you should have some effects to choose from. iPhoto allows you to adjust the transitions between photos and even offers the Ken Burns effect. The editing bar should be around the perimeter of the editing screen of the slideshow. Experiment with the options to keep the slideshow entertaining. Choose an internet photo library. There are plenty of different types of libraries that have different features. Google Doc's application “google slides,” for example, is a very easy to use alternative to a software. Sign up for a free account at a photo-sharing website. Another popular website for sharing and creating slides is Photobucket. For these sites you'll need to create a membership which is usually free. If you already have an email account with gmail, you have access to google slides. Import your photos. Upload your digital pictures to an album onto the website. Choose the album where you want to store your slideshow. Another way to organize your photos is by importing them individually into a slideshow template. Adjust the slideshow options. Navigate through the photo-sharing website's interface to see its slideshow options. You can select templates, transitioning effects, or music selections. In Photobucket, you click an arrow beside "My home" or "My albums." Select "Creation Tools" and click "Try it now" below the "Slideshows" option. This lets you see what slideshow styles or themes are available to choose from. Add images to the slide show. You may need to click on the images or drag and drop them into your slideshow to add them. Another option is to select a group of photos and then select create slideshow. Customize your slideshow. Choose among the different options to customize your slideshow. This can include making your slideshow images big or small or adding titles to your photo slides. Save your slide show. Make it simple. Avoid overcomplicated slides that could distract the audience away from your intention. If you have a lot to say or show for one slide, stretch out the content over a few slides. If you are only using pictures in your slideshow, use one centered picture for each slide. If you have text and pictures, be sure to have plenty of white or negative space. Negative space allows the content to breath and will draw the audience in easier. Limit the number of bullet points per slide. Don't force people to read a lot while listening to you speak. In general, avoid being text heavy in your slides. Limit the number of words for each bullet. If a bullet has two or more lines of words, there are too many words for that bullet. Use high-quality content. When using digital photos it is a good rule to never “break” the image. Breaking an image means stretching it along the vertical or horizontal axis alone, or stretching a small image larger. Poor image resolution can detract from your slideshow by straining your audience. Choose the order of your slides. Creating a logistical flow is important in slideshows. There should always be some type of narrative even in photo-based slideshows. Think of it like a story or essay where the slideshow has a beginning, middle, and conclusion. When sorting through your slides you can also decide if you want to break up any slides that are packed with content. Be consistent. Let the slides communicate with each other instead of clashing against each other. Use the same typography, colors, and imagery throughout your slides. Using a template can help keep a consistent flow. Templates can also become restrictive, so be sure to add your own message and creativity. | Choose your software. Import your photos. Choose editing options. Play around with the settings. Save your slideshow. Locate your photo library software. Import your photos. Create a slideshow in iPhoto. Create a slideshow in Media Center. Use the software's effects. Choose an internet photo library. Import your photos. Adjust the slideshow options. Add images to the slide show. Customize your slideshow. Make it simple. Use high-quality content. Choose the order of your slides. Be consistent. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Linear-Feet | How to Calculate Linear Feet | If you're planning a building project and you need to calculate the linear feet of the materials, review the design plan for your project and determine the length of each separate piece that you'll need. To find the total number of linear feet that you need for your project, add together the lengths of the individual parts. If you're measuring in inches, you may need to add all of the measurements together and divide by 12 to get the length in feet. | Measure the lengths of the pieces you need. Review the design plan for your project. Identify all the pieces of any particular material type that you need. Determine the length of each separate piece. For example, suppose you are installing a new kitchen countertop. Your plan might require a two-foot length from the wall to the sink, a three-foot length from the end of the sink to the corner, and another two-foot length to wrap around the corner. Add the individual lengths together. To find the total number of linear feet that you need for your project, add together the lengths of the individual parts. Imagine the individual pieces lined up end-to-end and determine the length from one end to the other. In the countertop example, you need three pieces of two feet, three feet, and two feet. Thus, the total number of linear feet of countertop material that you need is 2+3+2=7 feet. Check your project instructions. For some projects, the design plan or instructions may tell you the number of linear feet that you need. For example, suppose you were knitting a sweater. It would be impossible to look at a picture of a sweater and determine the amount of yarn that you need. Somewhere, the instructions should tell you how much yarn to purchase. Convert units if needed. By definition, "linear feet" are measured in feet. However, the individual pieces you need may be measured in inches or a combination of feet and inches. It may help first to convert all your measurements to inches, then add them, and convert to feet and inches in your final step. For example, suppose you have three pieces measuring 5'2", 4'6" and 3'8". If you convert each of these to inches, you get 62", 54" and 44". Add them to get a total of 160". Divide this by 12 inches per foot, and you will get a total of 13 feet, with four inches left over. Thus, the total linear footage is 13 feet, 4 inches. Divide your project into different categories of materials. Make a list of the separate materials you will need for your project. For example, separate out the different sizes of boards that you plan to use into separate categories. You will need to calculate the amount of material in each category. As a running example, suppose you are planning to build a bookshelf. The sides of the bookshelf will be made with four 2 x 4 boards, one in each corner. The top, bottom, and three shelves in the middle are made from 1 x 12 boards. In this case, divide the building materials into two categories, 2x4's and 1x12's. Calculate the length of each individual piece. After deciding which building materials you will use in your project, determine the length of each individual piece. Take care not to measure the same pieces multiple times. It can be helpful to check off each board on a sketch of your project and label each piece with its length as you go. In the bookshelf example, suppose that the four 2x4s are each eight feet long and that the five 1x12 boards you use for the top, bottom, and shelves are all four feet long. Calculate the total length of each building material separately. You need to determine how much of each type of board to buy in order to complete your project. Add up the lengths of the pieces of each board size. Keep them apart from each other and find a separate total for each style. In the bookshelf example, since you have four eight-foot long corner pieces made from 2x4 boards and five pieces made from 1x12 boards (three shelves plus the top and bottom), you can calculate totals as follows: 2x4 boards: 8 feet times 4 boards = 32 linear feet 1x12 boards: 4 feet times 5 boards = 20 linear feet Use your totals to determine the cost of your materials. When you know how much of each material you need for your project, you know how much you'll hypothetically need to buy. Find the price of each type of material (per foot) and multiply by the total linear foot value obtained for the type of material to find the approximate cost of the material. In the bookshelf example, you need 32 feet of 2x4 boards and 20 feet of 1x12 boards. Suppose 2x4s sell for $1.50 per linear foot and 1x12 boards sell for $2.25 per linear foot. In this case, you would determine the costs of these materials by multiplying as follows: 2x4 boards: $1.50 x 32 = $48 1x12 boards: $2.25 x 20 = $45 Be conservative with your purchases. When it comes to building projects, one of the most widely-circulated tips of the trade is to bring slightly more material than you think you'll need. This may cost a bit more up front, but it can save time and cost overall. Calculate the square footage of your deck area. Assume for this example that you are building a simple rectangular deck. The area is found by multiplying the length of the deck by its width. For this example, suppose you are building a deck that is 12 feet long by 8 feet wide. The total area is ( 12 feet ) ( 8 feet ) = 96 sq. ft. {\displaystyle (12{\text{ feet}})(8{\text{ feet}})=96{\text{ sq. ft.}}}. Decide the width of deck material you wish to use. You are likely to find deck materials in widths ranging from four inches to twelve inches wide. You will need to consider the type of material, whether you want natural wood or artificial composite materials, and how your material choice will affect the overall look of your final project. Divide the total area by the width of the boards used. When you know the size of your deck and the width of your building material, divide one by the other to calculate the linear footage that you need to buy. For a deck of 96 square feet, using 6 inch (1/2 foot) wide boards, you need: linear feet = 96 sq. ft. 1 / 2 feet = 192 feet {\displaystyle {\text{linear feet}}={\frac {96{\text{ sq. ft.}}}{1/2{\text{ feet}}}}=192{\text{ feet}}} Plan for some waste. You cannot expect that every board will be used perfectly in its full length. Professional builders plan for about 5% to 10% “waste” when purchasing. Multiply your linear footage by 1.05 (5%) or 1.10 (10%) to find the total you should purchase. For example, if you calculated a linear footage need of 192 feet, then you should get: 192 ∗ 1.05 = 201.6 feet {\displaystyle 192*1.05=201.6{\text{ feet}}} 192 ∗ 1.10 = 211.2 feet {\displaystyle 192*1.10=211.2{\text{ feet}}} Purchase extra if you are planning a more creative design. The above calculations are based on a fairly simple rectangular deck with boards that are laid out in straight lines. If you plan to do something more creative, like laying the boards along diagonal lines, you are likely to waste more material in the corners making the boards fit. If so, you will need to plan more linear footage. Search the Internet for online calculators. A variety of sources online provide special calculators that will help you decide the linear footage that you need for a range of projects. If you have a special project, search for “linear foot calculator” and some brief description of your project. For example, the following specialized calculators are available: Upack.com provides a description of how to calculate the linear footage that you need in a moving truck. There is an online calculator based on the number of rooms that you plan to pack and move. edeck.com is a company that sells outdoor deck building materials. On their site, you can choose the width of decking that you want, and it will calculate the linear footage for you. Collect your measurements. Use the online calculator as a guide to collect necessary measurements. The company or agency that created the online calculator generally will direct you to provide certain information. For building a deck, you will need to provide the square footage and board width. For storing rare manuscripts, you will need to provide the number and size of specialized storage boxes. In any event, read the instructions carefully and provide the information in the units that are expected. Some sites will allow you to select your own measurement units, such as feet or yards. Others are pre-programmed for a particular unit. Read the instructions carefully. Enter your data and receive your results. For most sites, as soon as you enter the necessary information, the site will automatically provide the linear footage that you desire. Check the site carefully for a “reset” button. You may need to click “reset” between calculations if you wish to conduct more than one calculation. | Measure the lengths of the pieces you need. Add the individual lengths together. Check your project instructions. Convert units if needed. Divide your project into different categories of materials. Calculate the length of each individual piece. Calculate the total length of each building material separately. Use your totals to determine the cost of your materials. Be conservative with your purchases. Calculate the square footage of your deck area. Decide the width of deck material you wish to use. Divide the total area by the width of the boards used. Plan for some waste. Purchase extra if you are planning a more creative design. Search the Internet for online calculators. Collect your measurements. Enter your data and receive your results. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Let-Go-of-a-Long-Distance-Relationship | How to Let Go of a Long Distance Relationship | Letting go of a long-distance relationship can be really tough, but once you process your emotions, it will be easier to move on. Getting over a relationship takes a while, so give yourself time to feel sad and grieve. You should totally cut off communication with your ex for the time being so you can work on healing. While you might feel like being alone, it's important to call on friends and family for support. Try talking to a friend who's gone through a similar situation since they'll be able to give you advice. If you find yourself missing your ex, remind yourself why the breakup was necessary in the first place. Even though it might seem bad now, in the long run, this is the best decision for your happiness. | Be sure that you want to break up. Pay attention to your gut instinct. Your relationship doesn't have to be perfect, but it should have an overall positive effect on your life. If you have an unhealthy dynamic with your partner, or if you just have the nagging feeling that the relationship has run its course, it may be time to say goodbye. If your partner puts you down, gets jealous when you see your friends, or makes you do all the traveling when you visit each other, your relationship probably isn't healthy. Notice if you find yourself dreading visits or avoiding phone calls with your significant other. Think about whether you can break up in person. If you live halfway around the world from your boyfriend or girlfriend, traveling to break up with them might not be practical or possible. However, it's more respectful to break up with someone face-to-face, and saying goodbye in person will give you and your soon-to-be-ex a better sense of closure. The longer you've been with your long-distance partner, the more important it becomes that you break up with them in person. If you can't break up in person, have the conversation over the phone or a video call. Whatever you do, avoid breaking up by email or text. Consider what you want to say ahead of time. Think about why you want to break up, and decide how you'll break the news to your boyfriend or girlfriend. If you're worried about getting emotional or forgetting what you want to say, ask a friend to help you practice by role-playing the conversation with you. Be kind, but firm. Tell your boyfriend or girlfriend why the relationship isn't working out for you. Use “I” phrases instead of "you," and avoid criticizing them or blaming them for your decision to break up. For instance, don't say, “You don't make enough of an effort to stay in touch.” Instead, say, “I feel lonely when we don't talk for days.” Stick to the facts. Keep a cool head and avoid letting your emotions get the better of you, even if your boyfriend or girlfriend takes the breakup hard. If they try to talk you out of your decision, remind them again why your mind is made up. Don't let the conversation turn into an argument. For example, you might say, "Even though I really love you, the long distance aspect of our relationship doesn't provide the kind of connection I need and want from a relationship." Arguing might give your ex false hope that they can talk you into getting back together in the future. You might say, "I know you don't feel the same way, but I am certain about my decision." Practice self-care. If you are the person being dumped, you may be overwhelmed by sadness, confusion, or rejection. If the other person has expressed a desire to end the relationship, you have no choice but to respect their wishes. Take this time to care for yourself and heal emotionally. If you can, take off a few days from work or school and visit family or friends to put yourself in a new environment. Do things that make you happy like shopping for a new outfit or watching your favorite movies. Try writing in a journal to help express and sort out your feelings about the break up. Seek help if you have trouble moving on. If you have trouble coming to terms with the breakup, it might help to see a school counselor or therapist in your area. Sometimes, breakups are hard to move on from. You may need professional help to come up with ideas to keep yourself busy, or start afresh after ending a relationship. At your first visit, you might explain, "My long-distance girlfriend broke up with me. She wasn't a part of my everyday life here, but I still feel so empty and alone. I need help." Give yourself time to grieve. It takes time to get over the loss of a relationship. Your ex was a significant part of your life, even if you didn't see them in person every day, and it may take a while to get used to life without them. Let yourself feel sad, and go easy on yourself if you're feeling less focused or productive than usual. Don't rush the grieving process. If you're worried about sitting around being downtrodden, pick a day on the calendar as your "deadline." Get out all the sadness or frustration, and choose to "move on" after this date. Try to identify one thing every day that makes you feel happy. It could be a small bird landing on your windowsill, or someone giving you a compliment. Consider writing these down in your journal — a collection of these may help lead you toward healing. Lean on family and friends for support. It's common to feel lonely and isolated after ending a long-distance relationship. Reach out to your loved ones for emotional support and a sympathetic ear. Your friends and family can help build up your self-esteem and take your mind off your ex. You can ask a friend, “I'm having trouble letting go of my relationship. I know you have been through this before. How did you get over the loss of your long-distance relationship?” Or you might find that you just want to spend time with people you enjoy and who make you happy and not discuss your ex. Remember that it's your choice. Find creative ways to let your feelings out. Breakups have been a source of artistic inspiration for thousands of years. You don't have to be a professional artist to appreciate the benefits of venting your feelings creatively. Writing, drawing, dance, and other forms of expression can help you channel your emotions constructively, and you might even pick up a new hobby along the way. Remind yourself why breaking up was necessary. If you find yourself feeling guilty about the breakup or wondering if you did the right thing, revisit your reasons for ending the relationship in the first place. After the relationship is over, it's easy to remember only the good times. Remind yourself that, while getting over your ex will be hard for a while, you made the right decision for your long-term happiness. If you struggle with regret frequently, make a list of all the ways breaking up has improved your life. Avoid contacting your ex. You won't be able to get over your ex fully if you keep talking to them. Although you don't have to worry about running into them in person, looking at their social media pages or holding onto mementos of the relationship can still interfere with the healing process. Delete your ex's number from your phone and block or unfollow them on social media. Now isn't the time to try to be friends with your ex. You may be able to reconnect eventually, but for the time being, give yourself at least six months to heal and move on. Continue following a regular routine. Sticking to a familiar schedule can help you feel as normal as possible, which will lead to a faster recovery. Instead of wallowing in sadness and adopting unhealthy habits, do your best to keep your sleep hours regular, stay productive at school or work, and maintain any other habits you had before the breakup. If part of your regular routine was talking to your ex at a certain time, you'll want to find something to do instead. Try calling a close friend or making that the time when you go practice your pottery skills. Stay healthy. Eating well and working out can help you feel better physically and emotionally. Instead of slacking off at the gym and indulging in treats, take the opportunity to care for your health by choosing nutritious foods and challenging yourself during your workouts. Mood swings are exactly what you don't need after a breakup, so avoid sugary foods. Instead, choose whole grains, vegetables, and lean sources of protein, which will help keep your mood and energy levels stable. Cardiovascular exercise, such as running or swimming, is a great mood booster because it prompts the body's release of “feel-good” chemicals called endorphins. Distract yourself with a new hobby. After your breakup, you'll probably find yourself with more free time than you had before. Put that time to good use – sign up for a class, join a club, or start working on a project you've always wanted to do. Using your time productively will help you avoid moping about your ex, and new activities are a great way to make new friends. Connect with people. Spending time with friends is a tried-and-true way to get over an ex. Seek out new friendship with interesting people and strengthen existing bonds. Make plans to get together with people in your social circle and play a game, see a movie, or visit a new restaurant. Reach out to one of your friends and say, "I've been thinking about signing up for a Zumba class. It looks like such fun! You want to join me?" If you want to expand your group of friends, pursuing new hobbies is a good way to meet people with similar interests as you. Look on sites like Meetup.com, which brings people together based on various interests, like hiking, cooking, or learning a new language. Apply what you’ve learned to your next relationship. You don't have to let a past relationship haunt you forever, but you can use the experience to make your next relationship better. After you've had some time to process the breakup, think about what it taught you, whether positive or negative. You'll be more likely to repeat what worked, and less likely to make the same mistakes again. You might find that the relationship itself was the problem, or you may realize that long distance relationships don't work for you. Or, you might even become clearer about what kinds of "ground rules" you would need in a relationship that had some long distance components in it. For instance, if you realized that you got hot and heavy too soon in this relationship, be sure to pace yourself next time around. You might even set up rules for taking things slow, such as not meeting the family until a certain time or waiting to become physically intimate. | Be sure that you want to break up. Think about whether you can break up in person. Consider what you want to say ahead of time. Be kind, but firm. Stick to the facts. Practice self-care. Seek help if you have trouble moving on. Give yourself time to grieve. Lean on family and friends for support. Find creative ways to let your feelings out. Remind yourself why breaking up was necessary. Avoid contacting your ex. Continue following a regular routine. Stay healthy. Distract yourself with a new hobby. Connect with people. Apply what you’ve learned to your next relationship. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kiss-Your-Partner%27s-Neck | How to Kiss Your Partner's Neck | To kiss your partner's neck, start by gently stroking their skin with your fingertips to get them in the mood. Aim for the sensitive parts of their neck, such as where their neck connects to their shoulder and collarbone or on the front left or right under their jaw. Once you've teased them a bit by stroking their neck, use your mouth to turn the heat up. Go slowly to make your partner savor every second. You can also breathe onto their skin and drag your lips across their neck in between kisses, which will drive them crazy with pleasure. | Stroke your partner's neck with your fingers. Lightly stroke your partner's neck with the tips of your fingers. This will begin to turn on your partner and may even make her shiver with pleasure. Stroke the area that you plan to kiss and your partner will feel even more pleasure when you kiss her there. Kiss your partner on a sensitive part of her neck. One of the most sensitive parts of the neck is the where the neck connects with the shoulder and collarbone. Another sensitive part of the neck is the front left or right side. But almost any part of the neck is sensitive and susceptible to your kisses. Use your body as you kiss your partner's neck. Don't just stand apart from your partner and lean in to kiss their neck. Instead, wrap your arms around them if you're facing them, or wrap your arms around them if you're kissing them from behind. Wet your lips for a closed-mouth kiss. First, wet your lips with your tongue just enough so that they're soft. Then, gently kiss any part of your partner's neck with a closed mouth, as if you were giving your partner a close-mouthed kiss on the lips. You can start by kissing the area where your partner's neck meets her shoulders or collarbone, resting your lips on the curved groove. Kiss your partner's neck with an opened mouth. Slowly open your mouth in between kisses, and begin to kiss your partner's neck with an open mouth, separating your lips as you gently kiss her skin. You can also move up and down your partner's neck to add some variety. Breathe some hot air on your partner's neck in between kisses. This will drive your partner crazy with pleasure. If you're really getting into it, lick your partner's neck from the bottom to the top. Use only the tip of your tongue and be very gentle. Make sure your partner is enjoying this sensation. Do not do this if it's your first time kissing this person. Confirm it with them first if you're interested, but only do this if you've kissed their neck before or you have some experience with it. This goes for blowing air or using your tongue, and especially for biting and sucking. If it's your very first time, just stick with open and closed mouth kisses. Do this so that you and your partner can discuss anything else that the two of you would be interested in doing. Slow down. Give your partner slow wet kisses so she can really feel the sensations. You can focus on kissing one area of the neck or move all around her neck. Try kissing near her ear -- this is another sensitive area. Blowing hot air near the ear will drive your partner wild as well. Suck gently on your partner's neck. Gently suck on your partner's neck for just one or two seconds at a time. Just don't do it too quickly or you'll leave a hickey, and your partner may not be into that. You can suck on your partner's neck in between close-mouthed or open-mouthed kisses. Be very careful of hickeys. Sucking and biting is very likely to result in a hickey, and that may get both of you in some very serious trouble. You can also blow some cool air onto the spot that you sucked when you release your mouth. Gently bite your partner's neck. After you've been kissing your partner's neck for a while, try gently biting her skin. If you're careful, you can bite a little bit of skin in between your teeth and gently lift it before lowering it. Remember to take it easy with this one -- at first, you may catch your partner by surprise. | Stroke your partner's neck with your fingers. Kiss your partner on a sensitive part of her neck. Wet your lips for a closed-mouth kiss. Kiss your partner's neck with an opened mouth. Slow down. Suck gently on your partner's neck. Gently bite your partner's neck. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dispute-an-Uber-Fare | How to Dispute an Uber Fare | To dispute an Uber fare using their app, start by logging into your Uber account and tapping the 3 horizontal bars in the top-left corner of the screen. When you see the drop-down menu, tap “Your Trips” and the “Past” tab to open a list of your recent trips. Tap the trip that you want to dispute, then click on “I would like a refund,” which is located under the list of “Help” options. From here, you can select an issue, like “My driver took a poor route” or “My pickup or drop-off location was wrong.” After you select your issue, read Uber's policy on your problem before proceeding. If you feel that you still deserve a refund, fill out the form to explain your exact issue and click “Submit” to request your refund. | Open Uber. Tap the Uber app, which resembles the black-and-white Uber logo. This will open the Uber map interface if you're logged into Uber. If you aren't already logged into Uber, do so with your phone number and password (or Facebook profile) first. Tap ☰. It's in the top-left corner of the screen. A menu will appear. Tap Your Trips. You'll find this near the top of the menu. Tap the Past tab. It's at the top of the screen. Doing so opens a list of your recent trips. Select a trip. Tap the trip that you want to dispute. Tap I would like a refund. It's located under the list of Help options. Doing so opens a list of possible issues. If you see a receipt listed here instead, tap Help in the middle of the page before proceeding. Select an issue. While some of the issues listed in the Uber app aren't disputable, each of the following issues is disputable. Tap one of these issues: My driver took a poor route Someone else took this trip I paid a toll or parking fee for my driver I was charged a cleaning fee I have an extra charge from this trip My pickup or drop-off location was wrong My driver made an unrequested stop My promo code didn't work My driver asked to be paid in cash I had a different issue with my charge Read your selected issue's policy. To avoid confusion about what warrants a refund and what doesn't, read Uber's policy on your selected issue before proceeding. Fill out the issue's form. Scroll down if necessary, then fill out the issue's form. This will usually consist of providing details about the incident, though you may have to check a box next to your specific issue as well depending on your selected issue. For example, if you chose "My driver took a poor route", you'll only see a "Share Details" field for you to describe the event. If you chose "I paid my driver cash", however, you'll have more options such as "Did your driver ask for a cash tip?" and "What was the amount of cash paid?". Be thorough when providing this information. The more detail you provide, the more informed a decision Uber will be able to make. Tap SUBMIT. It's at the bottom of the page. This will send to Uber your fare dispute; if Uber agrees with your dispute criteria, they will refund your payment method (e.g., your debit card or PayPal account). Open the Uber website. Go to https://help.uber.com/ in your computer's browser. As with the Uber mobile app, you can request a refund on the Uber site. Click SIGN IN. It's in the upper-right corner of the page. You'll need to sign in with your Uber account to view your trip history and file a dispute for a specific trip. Sign into your Uber account. Enter your Uber phone number or email address, click NEXT , check the "I'm not a robot" box if prompted, enter your password, and click NEXT. Click the FOR RIDERS tab. You'll see this light-grey tab on the left side of the window. Click the dated drop-down box. It's at the top of the map section, which is just below the "Trip Issues and Refunds" heading at the top of the page. Doing so prompts a drop-down menu. Select a trip. Click the date of the trip for which you want to dispute a charge. This will change the information and links to the right of the map section to reflect the selected trip. Click I would like a refund. This option is to the right of the map section. The trip's page will open. Scroll down and select an issue. You should see one or more of the following issues listed at the bottom of the page, so click one that suits you: My driver took a poor route My pickup or drop-off location was wrong The route had heavy traffic Someone else took this trip I paid a toll or parking fee for my driver My driver made an unrequested stop My promo code didn't work I was charged a cleaning fee I had an uberPOOL fare issue I had a different issue with my charge Enter as many details as possible. Once you've selected a reason, you'll be able to fill out the form to submit your appeal. Different reasons will have slightly different forms. For example, if you selected "I paid a toll for my driver," there will be a field for you to enter how much the toll was. Make sure you are clear and polite. Angry, disrespectful requests are far more likely to be ignored or rejected than are objective ones. Click SUBMIT. It's a green button at the bottom of the page. This will submit your dispute to Uber. Wait for your claim to be processed. This may take anywhere from 24 hours to a week or more. You'll receive a decision at the email address with which you registered to Uber. | Open Uber. Tap ☰. Tap Your Trips. Tap the Past tab. Select a trip. Tap I would like a refund. Select an issue. Read your selected issue's policy. Fill out the issue's form. Tap SUBMIT. Open the Uber website. Click SIGN IN. Sign into your Uber account. Click the FOR RIDERS tab. Click the dated drop-down box. Select a trip. Click I would like a refund. Scroll down and select an issue. Enter as many details as possible. Click SUBMIT. Wait for your claim to be processed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Account-for-Negative-Goodwill | How to Account for Negative Goodwill | Negative goodwill occurs when a firm is sold for less than its fair market value due to the prices of its assets. To calculate goodwill, add up the net fair value of all of the company's tangible assets, including current and fixed assets. Remember that any liabilities present must be subtracted from this value. Then, add the fair value of any intangible assets, such as the value of any patents, licenses, and agreements, as well as the perceived value of the company's brand name. If the negative goodwill value is equal to or less than the value of allocated assets, reduce the allocated asset value by the complete amount of the negative goodwill. If you think negative goodwill is likely, inform both the buyer and seller immediately. You should also contact any other appraisers or auditors working on the deal so that the valuation can run smoothly. | Understand how fair value is found. Fair value represents the price that could be gained from the sale of an asset or the amount paid to transfer a liability at the present date in the open market. Essentially, fair value represents how much you could actually get for an asset if you sold it. This distinguishes it from book value, which is based on depreciation and other calculations. Fair value can be calculated by comparing the assets to similar assets available in the market. For more on determining fair value, see how to calculate asset market value. Calculate fair value for net current assets. Net current assets represents the value of all current assets (like cash, inventory, and accounts receivable) minus all current liabilities (short-term debts). This is also called working capital. Use the fair value principle explained above to value these assets. Inventory fair value may be more or less than book value. This depends on numerous factors, from production input prices to inventory turnover rate. A low inventory fair value is common in bargain purchases. Find fair value for net fixed assets. Net fixed assets are calculated as the value of the company's fixed assets (production equipment, buildings, land) minus accumulated depreciation and long-term liabilities (loans on fixed assets). This also includes any improvements made to fixed assets. Again, fair value may be calculated using approximate, comparable fixed assets on the market. Estimate fair value for identifiable intangible assets. In addition to tangible assets, some intangible assets are identified and valued during the purchase process. These include items of a contractual or legal nature, like patents or customer relationships, and are also valued using fair value principles. These, however, are much harder to value than tangible assets. The valuation of these assets is best left to experienced accountants and valuation specialists. These intangible assets can include: Unique technologies Brand names Licenses Workforce ability Agreements with customers or competitors Usage rights (such as EM spectrum rights) Know how goodwill is calculated. Goodwill is simply the difference between the purchase price of the company and the fair value of its assets, both tangible and intangible. When the purchase price is higher than the asset value, there is positive goodwill; when it is lower, there is negative goodwill. Negative goodwill represents a "discount" on the company. Sum up net tangible assets. Add up the net fair value of all of the company's tangible assets, including current and fixed assets. Remember that any liabilities present must be subtracted from this value. For example, imagine that the company has $5 million in net current assets and $10 million in net fixed assets. Add these two together to get a total of $15 million. Add identifiable intangible assets. Total up the fair value of any intangible assets identified in the purchase process. These include the value of any patents, licenses, and agreements, as well as the perceived value of the company's brand name. Add this value to net tangible assets to get the total fair value of the company's assets. For example, if the assessed value of the same company's intangible assets comes to $20 million, including $6 million in patents and $14 million in the brand name, add this figure to total tangible asset value to get $35 million ($15 million + $20 million) in total asset value. Subtract total asset value from the purchase price. Take the total fair value of the company's assets found in the last step and subtract it from the purchase price of the company. The result, assuming the purchase price was lower than the asset value, will be negative goodwill. If the purchase price for the same company is $30 million, subtract the value of the company's assets, $35 million, from this number to get goodwill. So, the negative goodwill in this case is $30 million - $35 million, or $-5 million. Even when the goodwill is negative, it is still listed simply as "goodwill" on the balance sheet. It is listed as negative number though. Compare the fair value of acquired allocation assets to the value of negative goodwill. Allocation assets are broadly defined as non-current assets obtained by the purchaser in an acquisition. These include plant, property, equipment, intangibles, and other non-current and non-monetary assets. Total the fair market values of these assets and compare it to your calculated negative goodwill value. Whether negative goodwill is more than, equal to, or less than the allocated asset value will determine how the negative goodwill will be accounted for in the acquirer's books. Record a reduction in allocation asset value. If the negative goodwill value is equal to or less than the value of allocated assets, the allocated asset value is reduced by the complete amount of the negative goodwill. The transaction is recorded as first as a debit to fair value of assets acquired for the value of net assets acquired plus the negative goodwill value, a credit to total consideration paid for the cost of acquiring the company, and a credit to initial negative goodwill for the value of the negative goodwill. Then, an entry is made to adjust the allocation assets by debiting initial negative goodwill for the full amount of negative goodwill and crediting allocation assets (or property, plants, equipments, and intangible assets) for the same value. For example, imagine that a company whose net assets are valued at $20 million is acquired for $15 million. The negative goodwill here is $5 million. The value of allocation assets is calculated at $6 million. First, debit fair value of net assets acquired for $20 million, credit consideration paid for $15 million, and credit initial negative goodwill for $5 million. Then, debit initial negative goodwill for $5 million and property, plant, equipment, and intangibles for $5 million. The result of this is that no negative goodwill is recognized on the balance sheet or income statement of the purchaser. Calculate residual negative goodwill. If the value of the negative goodwill is larger than the value of allocation assets, the purchaser will have to reduce the allocation asset value to zero and then recognize the value of the residual negative goodwill. The accounting entries for this situation are similar to those in the first case, with one exception. The initial negative goodwill is still reduced by its full value, but the property, plant, equipment, and intangibles account is reduced by its full value, with the leftover being credited to residual negative goodwill (extraordinary gain). Imagine that in the previous example, the value of the allocation assets was instead $4 million. You would still perform the first set of entries (net assets acquired, initial negative goodwill, and consideration paid) in the same way, but in the second, you would debit initial goodwill for $5 million, credit plant, property, equipment, and intangibles for $4 million, and credit residual negative goodwill (extraordinary gain) for the difference, $1 million. Recognize residual negative goodwill. If there are no allocation assets, you should record all of the negative goodwill as an extraordinary gain. In this case, there is no need to allocate an initial negative goodwill amount. For this case or for the case of residual negative goodwill, the extraordinary gain should be reported as a separate item on the purchaser's income statement. The extraordinary gain should be recorded as an increase to net income. Look for bargain purchase warning signs. Any transaction that results in negative goodwill should have a reason behind that result. That is, companies aren't sold for a discount unless they have fallen on hard times. Be sure to assess whether or not this is the case if your calculations for goodwill give you a negative number. If not, your assessments for fair value may have been too high. In general, companies sold for a discount show one or more of the following signs: Recent financial hardship Lack of potential buyers The business was sold quickly The seller was forced to sell Uninformed seller (about market trends, growth projects, etc.) Identify that there will be negative goodwill. If you are appraising a company for sale, ask the seller if they expect that the company will be sold at a discount. Having the knowledge that a company will likely be sold at a discount can make other decisions, like certain aspects of determining fair market value, much easier during the appraisal process. Again, make sure that there is an accompanying reason that the company is being sold this way. Communicate with all parties. If you determine that negative goodwill is likely, inform both the buyer and seller immediately. You should also contact any other appraisers or auditors working on the deal so that the valuation can run smoothly. Evaluate differences in the rates of return. The calculated internal rate of return (IRR) and weighted average cost of capital (WACC) are often misaligned in a bargain purchase. Most of this has to do with the fact that the IRR is calculated using the purchase price, while the WACC is not. These differences can result in different valuations for the company and its assets. Identify why these rates are different and assess whether or not you can justify why this is so. In some cases, a separate valuation of the company may be necessary. | Understand how fair value is found. Calculate fair value for net current assets. Find fair value for net fixed assets. Estimate fair value for identifiable intangible assets. Know how goodwill is calculated. Sum up net tangible assets. Add identifiable intangible assets. Subtract total asset value from the purchase price. Compare the fair value of acquired allocation assets to the value of negative goodwill. Record a reduction in allocation asset value. Calculate residual negative goodwill. Recognize residual negative goodwill. Look for bargain purchase warning signs. Identify that there will be negative goodwill. Communicate with all parties. Evaluate differences in the rates of return. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Cutlet | How to Make a Cutlet | If you want to make meat cutlets, slice chicken, veal, beef, or pork into thin, flat pieces. Place one cutlet between 2 pieces of parchment paper on a cutting board, then pound the parchment with a meat mallet until the meat is 1/2-inch thick all the way across. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a skillet, then add the cutlet and cook it for 1-2 minutes on each side. To make a crispy crust, dredge the cutlet in flour before you cook it. Remove the cutlet, season with salt and pepper, and serve! | Wash, boil, and mash the potatoes. Rinse the 3 medium potatoes under cold water. Place them in a large pot and cover them with water. Place the pot on the stove and boil for 20 minutes on high heat. Drain the water in a colander and put the potatoes back in the pot. Mash them with a potato masher. It's ok if there are still some lumps. Use a hand mixer if you prefer extra smooth mashed potatoes. Boil the green beans and carrots for 15-20 minutes. Peel the carrot and slice it into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces. Place the pieces in a pot with the 1 cup (125 g) of green beans and cover them with water. Boil on high heat until the vegetables start to soften. Drain the water using a colander over the sink. You can also cook the veggies in a bowl with ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of water and heat them in the microwave on high for 5 minutes. Be sure to cover the bowl with a paper towel to prevent spills. Heat oil over high heat and add the cumin seeds. Pour 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of vegetable oil into a frying pan on high heat. Add 1 tsp (6 g) of cumin seeds to the hot oil. It's natural for the cumin seeds to start to sputter when you add them to the oil. Add onion and ginger to the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Chop the onion into cubes and add it to the pan. Then, sprinkle in 1 tbsp (5 g) of grated ginger. Cook until the onions begin to soften. Add the paprika, turmeric, peas, carrots, and green beans, and cook for 2 minutes. Add 1/2 tsp (1 g) of turmeric powder and 1/2 tsp (1 g) of paprika to the pan. Then, pour in the carrot and green bean mixture and 1 cup (150 g) of green peas. Stir the mixture gently with a wooden spoon. Stir in the coriander leaves. Sprinkle 1/4 cup (15 g) of finely chopped coriander leaves into the pan. Stir the ingredients until they are well-combined. Use a food processor to turn the veggie mix into a chunky paste. Spoon the veggie mixture into a food processor. Pulse for 5 seconds 3 or 4 times. You don't want it to turn into a smooth paste. You should still be able to see some bits of the veggies. Combine the vegetable mix, mashed potatoes, salt, lemon juice, and flour in a large pot. Stir well until the potatoes and vegetables are equally distributed. Add the juice of 1 lemon and salt to taste. Add 2 tbsp (20 g) of all-purpose flour. Substitute rice flour for a gluten-free option. Shape the cutlet mixture into 1 in (2.5 cm) flat discs. Use your hands to break off pieces of the cutlet mix and shape them into balls by rolling them gently between your palms. Place each ball on a clean cutting board or other work surface and flatten it into a disc with the heel of your hand. Dip each disc into chickpea flour mixed with water and then breadcrumbs. Combine 1 tbsp (6 g) of chickpea flour with ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of water in a small bowl. Pour 1/2 cup (65 g) of dry bread crumbs into another bowl. Dip each cutlet into the chickpea mix one-by-one. Then, dip the cutlets into the breadcrumbs. Flip each one over to make sure both sides are coated. Set the cutlets back on your work surface. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you are sensitive to gluten. Fry the cutlets on high heat for 1 minute on each side. Use a large skillet sprayed with a thin layer of oil. Place as many cutlets in as will fit without the discs touching each other. Fry for about 1 minute on each side until the outside turns golden-brown. Flip the cutlets with a spatula. Serve the veggie cutlets immediately. They work great as an appetizer with ketchup or chutney. Wash, peel, and boil the potatoes. Rinse 4 large russet potatoes in cool water. Peel them and place them in a large pot. Add enough water to cover them completely. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and cook for 20 minutes until the potatoes are soft. You should be able to easily poke a fork into the potatoes. Drain the potatoes and mash them after they’ve cooled. Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl. Let them cool for about 5 minutes. Then, use a potato masher to mash them into chunky mashed potatoes. Add onions, green chili, salt, cayenne pepper, coriander powder, and cumin. Chop 1 medium red onion and 2 green chilies into small cubes. Add them to the potatoes. Then, add 1 1/2 tsp (7 g) of salt, 1 tsp (2 g) cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp (1 g) of coriander powder, and 1/2 tsp (1 g) of cumin powder. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. Use your hands to shape the cutlets. Take a 1 in (2.5 cm) ball of the mixture into your hands. Shape it into a round, flat disc or a rectangle. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Place the shaped cutlets on a clean, flat work surface. Fill one medium bowl with eggs and another with breadcrumbs. Whisk 2 eggs together in a bowl. Fill the other bowl with 1 1/2 cup (200 g) of dry breadcrumbs. Dip the cutlets into the egg mixture and then the breadcrumbs. Take each cutlet and dip it into the egg mixture. Then, transfer it to the bowl with the breadcrumbs. Flip it over several times in the breadcrumbs to make sure it is fully coated on all sides. Repeat with the remaining cutlets. Place the breaded cutlets back on your work surface. Fry the cutlets in oil for 2-3 minutes on each side. Add ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of vegetable oil to a large skillet. Place as many potato cutlets in the skillet as will fit without touching each other. Fry them until they turn golden brown. Then, flip them over and fry the other side to golden brown as well. Serve immediately. Potato cutlets are a perfect side dish for meat or vegetable stew. You can also serve them as an appetizer with ketchup or mustard. Buy a pre-sliced cutlet to save on prep time. Many grocery stores slice larger pieces of meat like chicken, veal, beef, or pork into cutlets that are ready to be pounded and cooked. This can save you the time and effort of cutting the meat into thin cutlets yourself. If you want more control over the thickness of your cutlets, it's best to learn to cut them. Slice the cutlets from larger pieces of meat to have more control over the size and shape. Slice each piece of meat into 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) thick cutlets. Cut chicken or steak cutlets horizontally, slicing off layers of the meat from the top. Cut thicker pieces of meat, like roast, tenderloin, or turkey breast across the grain. If you are slicing chicken breast or steak, place it on a clean, dry cutting board. Place one hand flat on the top of the meat. Slice the meat holding your knife parallel to the cutting board. It's easiest to slice from the thick end to the thin end of the piece of meat. Be sure you buy boneless, skinless chicken breasts for cutlets. Slice thicker meat across the grain by cutting straight downwards perpendicular to the cutting board along the width of the meat. Cutting against the grain can be a little more difficult. To make it easier, refrigerate the meat at least 30 minutes before slicing into cutlets. If this is your first time slicing cutlets, you may end up making some holes in your meat. Don't worry about this. They will still taste good, and you can keep practicing until you master the technique. Sandwich your cutlet between 2 pieces of parchment paper. Place one piece of parchment paper on your cutting board. Place your cutlet on top. Then, cover the meat with another piece of parchment paper. You can also use a large resealable plastic bag. Cut along both edges of the plastic bag so you can open it up into one flat sheet. Place your cutlet on one side of the plastic sheet and fold the other half on top of it. Pound the cutlet with a meat mallet until it is 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) thick. Keep a tight grip on the mallet. Hit the meat firmly but not so hard that you will pound holes into it. Be sure to pound all over the cutlet so it is evenly thin. If you don't have a meat mallet, you can also use another heavy object, like the back of a heavy skillet or a glass bottle. Try pounding at a slight angle instead of straight up and down for more control over the shape and thickness of your cutlet. Saute the cutlet in oil and butter to bring out the flavor of the meat. For an easy way to cook your cutlet, add 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon (5 g) of butter to a skillet. Heat them over medium-high heat for about 1 minute. Add your cutlet and cook for 1-2 minutes on the first side. Turn the cutlet with tongs and cook for 2 minutes on the second side. Season with salt and pepper. Dip the cutlet in flour before you saute it to make a crunchy crust on the cutlet. You can also easily turn a cutlet sauteed in flour into chicken piccata for an easy weeknight Italian dinner. Grill your cutlet for an alternative to hamburgers at a barbeque. To do this, preheat your grill. Brush your cutlet with a thin coat of vegetable oil. Grill the cutlet for 2 minutes on each side over direct heat. Season with salt and pepper and serve. Turn the cutlet with metal tongs or a spatula. You can even make a cutlet burger by putting the cutlet inside a hamburger bun and adding ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, or whatever other hamburger toppings you enjoy. Make breaded cutlets for a tasty, crispy dish. Bread your cutlet by putting 1 ½ cups (150 g) dry breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup (64 g) all-purpose flour, and 2 eggs into 3 separate shallow bowls. Dip both sides of your cutlet first in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. Saute the cutlet in vegetable oil over high heat for 2 minutes on each side. Finally, bake the cutlet in the oven at 400 °F (204 °C) for 10 minutes. You can also make your own breadcrumbs. Use seasoned breadcrumbs if you want more herb flavor. It may be easier to lay the cutlet flat into the bowl of breadcrumbs and then scoop breadcrumbs with your hands from the sides of the bowl and up on top of the cutlet A breaded cutlet is the base of many delicious dishes, including chicken parmesan. | Wash, boil, and mash the potatoes. Boil the green beans and carrots for 15-20 minutes. Heat oil over high heat and add the cumin seeds. Add onion and ginger to the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Add the paprika, turmeric, peas, carrots, and green beans, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the coriander leaves. Use a food processor to turn the veggie mix into a chunky paste. Combine the vegetable mix, mashed potatoes, salt, lemon juice, and flour in a large pot. Shape the cutlet mixture into 1 in (2.5 cm) flat discs. Dip each disc into chickpea flour mixed with water and then breadcrumbs. Fry the cutlets on high heat for 1 minute on each side. Wash, peel, and boil the potatoes. Drain the potatoes and mash them after they’ve cooled. Add onions, green chili, salt, cayenne pepper, coriander powder, and cumin. Use your hands to shape the cutlets. Fill one medium bowl with eggs and another with breadcrumbs. Dip the cutlets into the egg mixture and then the breadcrumbs. Fry the cutlets in oil for 2-3 minutes on each side. Buy a pre-sliced cutlet to save on prep time. Slice the cutlets from larger pieces of meat to have more control over the size and shape. Sandwich your cutlet between 2 pieces of parchment paper. Pound the cutlet with a meat mallet until it is 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) thick. Saute the cutlet in oil and butter to bring out the flavor of the meat. Grill your cutlet for an alternative to hamburgers at a barbeque. Make breaded cutlets for a tasty, crispy dish. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wet-Sand-Wood | How to Wet Sand Wood | Wet-sanding your wood helps to give it a fine, smooth finish. You'll need specifically designed wet-sandpaper or sandpaper that can be used for wet and dry work. Use at least 200-grit paper. Before you can wet-sand your wood, you'll need to apply a varnish or lacquer and leave it to cure overnight. Soak your sandpaper of choice in water overnight while your wood is curing. Then, dry-sand your wood with regular sandpaper, starting with 80-grit and working your way up to 180 or until the surface is smooth. After that, dip your wet-sandpaper in soapy water or mineral spirits to lubricate it. Wrap it around a wooden block or sponge and buff your wood surface with circular motions. Use increasingly course sandpaper for an even smoother finish. | Apply several coats of varnish or lacquer to the wood. Sanding is taking off a thin layer of finish or wood to smooth it out. Before you dry sand and wet sand, apply lacquer or varnish, depending on your preference. Use a brush or a rag to apply the finish. Make sure you apply enough finish or you'll sand right through it. The finish that you choose is mostly personal preference. Oil-based varnish, oil-based polyurethane, and water-based polyurethane are common finishes. Most of the time softwoods take three coats and hardwoods take two to three coats of finish. Let the varnish or lacquer cure overnight. Follow the specific instructions on the finish you choose, but typically the finish will need to dry for about an hour between coats. Then let it cure overnight before you begin sanding it. Dry-sand the wood. Use an electric sander or hold the sandpaper with your hands. Either way, start with 80 grit sandpaper and progress to 100 grit and then 120 grit. If the wood feels fairly smooth when you rub it, you're ready to wet sand. Otherwise, continue dry-sanding with 150 and 180 grit. Dry-sanding knocks down the roughness to a point where wet-sanding is most effective. It's pointless to wet-sand if you don't dry-sand first. If you use an electric sander, read the operator's manual carefully and use it with caution. If you sand by hand, use gentle forward and backward motions all the way across the piece. Clean the dust off of the wood. The most effective way to remove dust is to blow it off with a can of compressed air or a powered air compressor. In a pinch, vacuum the dust off or attach the hose to the blower of the vacuum and blow the dust off. If you have no other option, get a clean rag and dampen it with water. Gently wipe the wood to remove the dust. Be sure to let it dry before you continue. Choose wet or wet/dry sandpaper. Wet-sanding is not done with the same type of sandpaper as traditional dry-sanding. Wet sandpaper is designed to hold up when wet, while dry sandpaper is not. Wet sandpaper also comes in a much finer (higher numbered) grit, which produces a smoother finish. Sanding sponges are commonly used because they conform to the surface better than sandpaper does. Feel free to use these, but keep in mind they might not have the grit you need. Select high-grit wet sandpaper. Besides using wet sandpaper, you need to make sure to get a high grit to ensure a fine smoothness. The lowest grit you should use is 200, but you'll find up to about 2000 grit. It comes down to how much time you have available and your preference. For example, purchase wet sandpaper that's 250, 500, 750, and 1000 grit. Start with the lowest, and increase the grit as you go if you want the wood smoother. You may find that the second round of wet-sanding does not seem to make the wood any smoother. In this case, stop after using the 500 grit paper. Soak the sandpaper in water overnight. No matter what you do, the sandpaper will dry out as you use it. To keep it wet longer, soak it overnight so it absorbs as much water as possible. If you are in a rush, soak it for at least 15 minutes while you get everything set up. This is not mandatory, because you'll still dip it in lubricant when you start, but soaking is best when you have the time. Dip the sandpaper in lubricant before you sand. While soaking the sandpaper is helpful to prepare it, you still need to dip it in lubricant on occasion as you sand. Mix a solution of water and dish soap for an effective lubricant. Mineral spirits also work well. You don't need to keep the sandpaper dripping wet, but make sure that it doesn't go dry while you work. Wet the paper again every few minutes, as a general rule. Wrap the sandpaper around a wood block or sponge. To make sure a few square inches (20 sq. cm) of sandpaper remains in contact with the wood, use a block or sponge. If you simply hold the sandpaper in your hand, you won't cover as much area. Again, this is not absolutely necessary, but it is the most efficient way to sand wood. Sand the surface with circular motions. Holding the sandpaper against the wood, apply a small amount of pressure. Move your hand in circular motions. It is not necessary to follow the grain of the wood while you sand. Make sure to keep your hand moving along the wood, rather than staying in one spot. Each spot only needs one or two circular swipes. Work in a pattern so that you sand the wood evenly. Start in a corner of the piece of wood and work along one edge to the other side. Then move down the wood a bit and sand back across toward the corner you started at. Repeat this pattern, sanding from side to side, until you have covered the entire surface. Increase the grit of the sandpaper as you go. After giving the entire surface an even sanding with the first grit, run your hand across it. If it feels smooth enough to you and it looks good, leave it alone. If you want it smoother, grab a higher grit and repeat the process. Each piece of sandpaper should be soaked and kept wet with mineral spirits or water and dish soap. Clean the wood off when you have finished sanding. Even wet-sanding is sure to leave some dust on the surface of the wood. Use the compressed air or vacuum you used before to remove all of the dust from the wood. In a pinch, use a slightly dampened cloth to clean the wood. Apply a sealer if you want to. Your wood will be smooth after you wet-sand, but you may want to add more gloss or waterproofing. Use a wood sealer of your choice. Make sure it will go over the finish you already used. Apply it with a rag or paper towel so you don't leave brush strokes. | Apply several coats of varnish or lacquer to the wood. Let the varnish or lacquer cure overnight. Dry-sand the wood. Clean the dust off of the wood. Choose wet or wet/dry sandpaper. Select high-grit wet sandpaper. Soak the sandpaper in water overnight. Dip the sandpaper in lubricant before you sand. Wrap the sandpaper around a wood block or sponge. Sand the surface with circular motions. Work in a pattern so that you sand the wood evenly. Increase the grit of the sandpaper as you go. Clean the wood off when you have finished sanding. Apply a sealer if you want to. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Trap-Rats | How to Trap Rats | If you're only dealing with a few rats, try setting a live trap by placing it in a kitchen or problem area. For larger rat infestations, set 6-7 snap traps around your house or building. Make sure to bait your traps with meat or peanut butter, and place them in areas where there are frequent rat droppings. After you've caught a rat, put on gloves and dispose of it in the garbage as soon as possible. | Buy at least several traps. Once you've identified a rat problem, you'll want to work fast. The quicker you can start trapping rats, the less time the population of rats will have a chance to expand. Start by heading to your local hardware store and buying plenty of rat traps — the more you're able to set, the better chance you stand of trapping rats. Most disposable rat traps are available for quite cheap, so it's not a bad idea to buy one or two more than you think you'll need. If the extra money prevents major rat problems in the future, it will have been a wise investment. See the steps below for information on the different types of rat traps available. The sole exception here is when dealing with live traps. Since live traps are almost always significantly more expensive than ordinary disposable rat traps, it can be impractical to buy more than one. Thus, live traps are best-suited for small rat problems — instances when there's only about one or two rats loose in your house. Any larger, and you run the risk of being unable to catch all of the rats before they breed. See below for more information on live traps. Use snap traps. The "classic" spring-loaded wooden snap trap is a proven, effective way to start trapping rats. These traps work by snapping a metal wire over the rat's neck when it tries to grab the bait. Snap traps usually come in several sizes, so be sure to pick one that's big enough to kill to the rats at your residence — using traps that are too small may maim the rat without killing it or lead to a protracted death from strangulation. Pros: When used correctly, kills rats quickly and effectively. Traps are reusable and are basically effective forever until they're sprung, so they can be left in "problem areas" semi-permanently. Cons: Can occasionally cause bleeding, gore, etc. Possible to hurt yourself if the trap is sprung accidentally. Use glue traps. Glue traps are pads or sheets covered in a very sticky adhesive with a spot for bait in the middle. When the rat tries to get the bait, its legs are caught in the glue. As it struggles to free itself, its mouth gets caught in the glue and it suffocates. However, this is cruel and inhumane, because the rodent will die a slow/painful death. Animal rights groups recommend other types of traps, such as snap traps or kill-free traps. While glue traps are considered fairly effective for killing mice, since rats are bigger and stronger, there is some doubt as to their effectiveness at controlling rat populations. Even large, rat-sized glue traps may not always kill a rat, requiring you to euthanize it yourself. Pros: Cheap, disposable. Can also catch bugs, spiders, etc. inadvertently. Cons: Won't always kill rats quickly. Occasionally won't kill rats at all, requiring you to put the rat out of its misery. Considered very inhumane and cruel by many animal rights groups, including PETA. Aren't effective forever — glue will eventually start to dry. Use poison traps. Poison-based rat traps usually come in the form of a pre-packaged poison "station." The station is placed in a spot where the rat is likely to come across it, the rat eats it, wanders away, and eventually dies. While poison can be an effective way to kill rats, out of all the trapping methods, poison usually poses the most serious danger to small children, pets, and so on, so it's crucially important to use these sorts of traps responsibly. Pros: Low maintenance — not necessary to check for dead rats, as the rats will leave the trap and die elsewhere. Can be left out semi-permanently if poison is consistently refilled. These traits make poison traps good choices for outdoor rat control. Cons: Death can often take hours or days. Not guaranteed that rats will eat the correct dosage. Possible to accidentally poison pets, small children, or non-pest animals if used improperly. In indoor rat infestations, rats may die in inaccessible parts of the residence and begin to rot. Alternatively, use a live trap. It definitely bares mentioning that you don't necessarily need to kill a rat to trap it. Live traps, which usually come in the form of small steel cages, can catch rats without harming them in any way. These sorts of traps usually work by enticing a rat to grasp a piece of bait positioned over a pressure-sensitive pad. When the rat steps on the pad, a trap door swings shut, trapping the rat in the cage. If you're using a live trap, be sure to use one small enough to prevent a rat from escaping. As a general rule, if a rat can fit its head between a set of bars, it can easily squeeze through. Some rats can even fit through spaces as narrow as 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters) wide. Pros: Does not hurt the rat. Considered humane by most animal rights groups, including PETA. Cons: Relatively expensive. Labor intensive — trap must be checked frequently and emptied with each rat caught. Does not by itself guarantee that the same rat will not be a problem in the future. Take any pets or young children into account. When choosing your traps, it's important to consider any people or animals at your residence that could conceivably fall victim to your trap by accident — namely, pets and small children. If you do have pets or small children, you may not necessarily need to avoid lethal traps all together, but you should be ready to take all necessary precautions to ensure that your children and pets won't have access to the traps. This can include keeping a close eye on your child or pet when it is around the traps and, if necessary, creating physical barriers for its own safety with playpen walls, etc. For especially small pets, like miniature dogs, ferrets, hamsters, and so on, larger snap traps can potentially cause serious injury. Bigger animals and children may still be at risk for broken bones, gashes, and so on if they step on one of the traps. Glue traps can lead to intense pain and discomfort if a pet or child accidentally steps on one. In rare cases, the glue trap can be life-threatening if it attaches to the area around the mouth and nose. To remove a glue trap, apply baby oil to the spot where it is stuck and pry it off with a spoon. Poison can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe depending on how much is ingested. If you have reason to believe your pet or child has eaten rat poison, contact your local poison control center immediately — the help you get may be life-saving. For major rat infestations, call an exterminator. While it's possible to get rid of lots of rats with your own traps, sometimes, it's best to leave the problem to professionals. If you don't feel comfortable trapping rats yourself or you believe your infestation is too large for you to control, call a pest control expert as soon as possible. Most pest control companies offer experienced exterminators trained to use a wide range of solutions, including mechanical traps, kill and seal traps, ultrasonic repellants and rodenticides. Signs of a major infestation include: Rats visible in the open — most rats like to hide as much as possible, so if you see them regularly, it's likely that there are many. Frequent appearance of small, pellet-like droppings. Greasy, dirty "trails" along walls. Bite/nibble marks in stored food. Small gnawed openings in corners of walls and cupboards. Infestation signs that don't seem to improve as rats are caught. Bait your traps before placing them. Once you've selected and bought your traps, you'll need to bait them (with the exception of poison traps, which use the poison itself as bait.) Apply your bait to the designated spot on the trap according to any instructions provided with it. Typically, for snap traps, the bait will need to go on the flat "platform" that sits opposite the swinging arm. Glue traps, on the other hand, often have a peg in the middle that bait can sit on. Live traps usually have a similar platform for the bait in the center. Your bait should be a small, thimble sized amount of a food that's appetizing to rats — don't use too much or it will be easier for the rat to take it without springing the trap. Just a few common examples of rat bait are listed below: Peanut butter Bacon or meat Most fruits and vegetables Cereals Commercial rat baits (available at hardware stores and online pest control retailers) Look for rat droppings as signs of high-traffic areas. One of the biggest tell-tale signs of a rat problem is the presence of small, brown, pellet-like droppings. Anywhere you find these droppings is an acceptable place to put a trap — if a rat has been there before, there's a good chance it will be there again. Take care when handling or cleaning rat droppings — certain illnesses, like Hantavirus, can be caused by accidentally ingesting or inhaling small particles from rat feces. Wear gloves and a face mask when disposing of rat droppings and be sure to wash your hands when you've finished. Set indoor traps along walls and in corners. For indoor rat problems, it's usually best to place traps directly next to walls and corners where rats (or rat droppings) have been spotted. Rats hate running out in the open where they can be seen easily, so putting rat traps in the middle of the floor is unlikely to warrant results unless they're in a location where you've specifically noticed rats before. If using snap traps, place the traps perpendicular to the wall so that the baited end is touching it. This forces the animals to touch the bait platform if they want to continue along the same path as they've been using before. Set outdoor traps on narrow paths and under foliage. Rats can be a little harder to trap outdoors because it's harder to predict their movements. Try placing traps along narrow locations where you've observed rats before, like tree branches, the top edges of fences, gutters, and so on. You may also want to place a few traps under dense foliage, as rats love the safety and cover that thick bushes and shrubs can provide. If you have time, try spending a few minutes looking for "rat runs" — small, narrow paths in grass that rats use to come and go. Placing traps along rat runs is a great way to start catching rats. Consider placing traps out unset for a few days. Rats may be wary of new objects that suddenly appear in the path of their established trails, which can make them reluctant to go for traps even when bait is used. In these cases, you may want to consider leaving your traps out "unset" for a few days so that the rats have a chance to get to get used to them. Then, set the traps and add bait — the rats should approach them without fear, making it much more likely that you'll successfully catch one. Check your traps frequently. Once you've set out traps, make a habit of checking them once a day for successful catches. You do not want to discover a trapped rat several days after it's died, as decaying rat corpses can be accompanied by an unpleasant smell, the presence of bugs and other scavengers, and severely unsanitary microorganisms. See the section below for more information about disposing of rats once you've trapped them. It's just as important to check live traps as it is to check lethal traps. Leaving a rat in a live trap for a long period of time can be potentially deadly, especially in very hot or cold climates where the rat is vulnerable to exposure. Do not touch rats directly. While not all rats are carriers of dangerous diseases and parasites, some are, so it's very important to take proper precautions to protect yourself when handling rats (living or dead.) Wear sterile gloves and avoid touching the rat itself, instead grabbing hold of the trap. Remove your gloves and wash your hands when you're done disposing of the rat and never touch your face, eyes, or mouth after touching either a rat or its trap without thoroughly cleaning your hands. Euthanize any rats that are injured but not dead. Unfortunately, lethal traps do not always work perfectly — occasionally, you may find a trapped rat that is maimed and unable to escape, but still living. In this case, the most humane thing to do is often to put the animal out of its misery by quickly and cleanly killing it. Releasing an injured rat into the wild is likely to cause it to die a relatively more painful death from starvation or being eaten. While many animal rights groups (including PETA) recommend against the use of lethal traps in the first place, among more mainstream pest-control resources, two methods of euthanasia are usually deemed acceptable for rodents: cervical dislocation and asphyxiation. Cervical dislocation involves breaking the rat's spinal cord by pressing on the base of its neck with quick, forceful pressure, while asphyxiation involves putting the rat in a small container and flooding it with an inert gas like carbon dioxide. See our article on humanely killing a rodent for more information on this topic. Bury or throw out dead rats. If you find a dead rat in your trap, disposing of it is usually fairly simple: either carefully place the rat in a plastic bag and set it in your outdoor garbage container or else dig a hole in the ground a few feet deep and bury it. If you dig a hole, make sure it's not any shallower than a foot or so or neighborhood pets may dig up the rat's carcass. In the case of glue traps, you'll need to throw the entire trap out with the dead rat. Don't re-use glue traps — they won't work as well the second time and it can be very difficult to cleanly un-stick the rat from the trap in the first place. Release live rats outdoors. If you've caught a rat in a live trap, simply take it outdoors, set the trap on the ground, and carefully open the trap door to let it go. If you're interested in the rat's survival, try to release it within about 100 yards (91.4 m) of where you found it. Releasing rats in unfamiliar territory makes them much more vulnerable to predators and starvation. Note, however, that if you release a rat into the wild alive, there's not necessarily any reason why it won't find its way back into your house. In this case, it's important to "rodent-proof" your house to ensure that the root cause for the rat infestation is eliminated. This includes removing any food sources, sealing holes in the outside of your house with caulk or steel wool, tidying up any messes to remove potential nesting places, and more. See our article on rodent-proofing your home for more information. Wash your hands and your trap when finished. When you've disposed of your rat, remove your gloves and give your hands a thorough washing to remove any bacteria particulate matter that may have passed from the rat to you. After this, you may carefully wash your trap to clean it for future use (except in the case of glue traps, which aren't meant to be reused.) | Buy at least several traps. Use snap traps. Use glue traps. Use poison traps. Alternatively, use a live trap. Take any pets or young children into account. For major rat infestations, call an exterminator. Bait your traps before placing them. Look for rat droppings as signs of high-traffic areas. Set indoor traps along walls and in corners. Set outdoor traps on narrow paths and under foliage. Consider placing traps out unset for a few days. Check your traps frequently. Do not touch rats directly. Euthanize any rats that are injured but not dead. Bury or throw out dead rats. Release live rats outdoors. Wash your hands and your trap when finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Presentation-Skills | How to Improve Your Presentation Skills | If you want to improve your presentation skills, go for a walk, meditate, or distract yourself before your presentation so you don't get overly nervous. You should also drink a tall glass of water before you present to lubricate your vocal cords so your mouth doesn't feel dry. As you speak, try pausing for emphasis to avoid using filler words like "um" or "uh." To exude confidence, stand up straight and keep your shoulders back while you make eye contact with members of the audience. | Do your research. If you want to have stellar presentation skills, then you have to sound like an expert on the subject you're speaking about, whether it's the mating pattern of sea otters or the inexplicable popularity of Miley Cyrus. Though having a degree or lots of experience in the field can help convince your audience, researching the topic as thoroughly as you can is your best bet for making them believe every single word you say. Hit the Internet and library and talk to experts to get a better idea of your subject, until you feel that you can effectively give a presentation on your subject and answer any questions that will arise along the way. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/681016-01b01.jpg\/v4-460px-681016-01b01.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/681016-01b01.jpg\/aid681016-v4-728px-681016-01b01.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>"} The more research you do, the more confident you'll be about giving your presentation. And if you're more confident, you'll be better at giving your presentation. Know your audience. If you want to polish your presentation skills, then you have to give a lot of thought to who will be in the audience. If you know you'll be presenting to your fellow classmates, then you have to think about what will intrigue and interest them. If you're presenting your topic to a group of specialists, then you can assume they know the lingo; if you're presenting a complicated topic to a group of eighth graders, however, then you'll have to simplify it so they can follow along. Though you can't know everything your audience will and will not want to know, you can figure out a lot based on the age and the make-up of the group of people you'll be presenting to. Keep this in mind as you hone your presentation. Make a plan for your time limit. Chances are that you have a certain time limit for giving your presentation, whether it's half an hour for a work presentation or ten minutes for a presentation in class. Whatever your time limit is, you should make your presentation so it fits comfortably under the time limit so you don't spend your time talking too fast to try to hit every point; however, you shouldn't make it so much shorter that you're left with a lot of "dead time" at the end. The closer your presentation is to meeting that time limit, the more relaxed you'll be about presenting your material, and the better your presentation skills will be. Consider using technology. Technology, from using music or a slide projector, can help enhance your points and engage your audience. However, having too much technology can have the opposite effect -- they call it "Death by PowerPoint" for a reason. So, if you do decide to use technology, make sure that it helps you engage your audience and to have stronger, more confident presentation skills instead of alienating your audience. It can be easy to use technology as a crutch. You may feel less prepared and skilled if you're depending on a machine to do some of the work for you. However, if you think having some charts, graphs, or bullet-pointed arguments will be really helpful for making your point, then by all means go for it. Have a solid presentation structure. A logical and well-organized presentation structure will help you improve your skills because all of your work will be laid out for you. Though you can have room for creativity when creating a presentation, most presentations, just like most essays, typically follow a similar structure. Here's how it should look: Introduction: Hooking your your audience and introducing the main points you'll be making. In other words, "Tell 'em what you're gonna tell 'em." Body: Using specific examples, facts, stories, and data to help illustrate your point. In essence, "Tell 'em." Restate your most important points to make sure they resonate with your audience. Conclusion: Wrapping up your presentation with some food for thought while summarizing your main points. That is to say, "Tell 'em what you told 'em." Practice, practice, practice. If you want to improve your presentation skills, then one of the best things you can do is to practice your presentation. Practice it in front of the mirror, practice it in the shower, practice it in front of your close friends or family members. You should not, however, memorize it word for word, or your presentation will sound too rehearsed and you'll feel out of your element if you lose your place or are asked an unexpected question. Instead, you should practice it enough that you feel so comfortable with the subject matter that you can ad-lib a little. You can film yourself giving the presentation if you think that will help you improve. However, some people actually get more nervous by doing this, so it's up to what you think is best. Relax beforehand. You can't go into a presentation sweating bullets or stuttering because you're so nervous that you can barely see straight. Instead, take a breather at least a few hours before a presentation, whether it means drinking a cup of camomile tea, meditating, or going for a walk. If you want to relax, then you have to prepare well in advance -- you won't be able to relax if you're perfecting and practicing your speech minutes before you have to present. Remember that the more relaxed you are, the easier it will be for your audience to connect to you, and the more fun you'll have. Drink a tall glass of water to lubricate your vocal chords before you go on stage. Keep a glass or bottle of water with you on stage if it helps you relax and to pause occasionally. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/681016-07b01.jpg\/v4-460px-681016-07b01.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/681016-07b01.jpg\/aid681016-v4-728px-681016-07b01.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>"} Arrive early to feel comfortable in the space where you'll be presenting. If you're presenting in an auditorium or another large building, then walk around the place or even sit in the audience to get a feel for it. If you want to help yourself relax, then remember that your aim is connection, not perfection. You want to connect with your audience instead of giving a bullet-proof presentation, and it's much easier to connect if you feel like you're being yourself. Exude confidence. Kill 'em with confidence before you even say your first word. If you look like you're confident about who you are and believe in what you're saying, then the audience will be much more likely to have faith in you. So, look sharp, have a big smile on your face, and make eye contact with your audience to show them that you're unafraid and know your stuff. Even if you're not feeling very confident, giving off confident vibes will help you feel at ease, and will make people more likely to believe in you. Don't slouch. Keep your head high and your spine straight. Don't fidget or play with your hands. You can use your hands occasionally to gesture for emphasis, but don't do it too much or you'll look even more nervous. Be able to laugh at yourself. If you've made a little mistake, laugh it off and the crowd will laugh along with you instead of feeling awkward. Use forceful words and speak as if everything you say is a fact. Don't say, "I think that San Francisco may be a better city than LA" if the goal of your presentation is to prove that San Francisco is vastly superior to its southern cousin city; say, "San Francisco is a better city than LA, hands down," and your audience will be more likely to agree with you. Have a strong opening. You have to wow your audience from the get-go. If you have them hooked from the first word, then they'll be more likely to follow along the rest of the way. Start with a shocking or relevant fact, a funny and engaging anecdote, or with an inspiring quote. Whatever you start with, make sure that it's conducive to your presentation and isn't just there for the entertainment value. Whatever you do, do not apologize for having to give the presentation, even if it's a required presentation for work or school. Nothing will make your audience zone out faster than if you say, "Sorry to bore you guys with all this technical mumbo-jumbo, but I've gotta do it…" Be articulate. Being articulate is the key to improving your presentation skills. You can plan the most fascinating presentation of all time but your audience won't get a thing out of it if you're speaking too quietly or too fast or are rambling on so much that they don't get your main point. Focus on speaking clearly and slowly, and loudly enough for everyone to hear you. Let your expression match your words and people will be more likely to understand your words and to connect with you. Pause between sentences for emphasis, and work on eliminating as many "ums" and "uhs" as possible without freaking out if you use a few of them -- after all, even President Obama has been known to use a healthy dose of "ums" when getting his point across. Keep it concise. Work on trimming down any extra words and focus on what's important. You don't need a million adjectives to get your point across -- just one perfectly-chosen adjective will do. Read as much as you can to improve your knowledge base and vocabulary. This, in turn, will make you sound more intelligent and articulate. Get specific. If you want to fully articulate your points, then you'll need to use stories, anecdotes, statistics, and facts to support your ideas. If you tell your audience that a healthy diet is the key to a happy life but have no evidence to back it up, why should they believe you? Even if you're charming and funny, if there's no substance to your speech, your audience will be able to tell. Stories are a great way to create a human connection and to illustrate a point effectively without slowing down your momentum. You don't need a million facts and statistics, either; one or two carefully-chosen facts or statistics can really blow your audience away. A story or a statistic can be an effective, engaging way to open a presentation. You can also return to it at the end to wrap things up. Embrace the power of "you. " Though you should avoid the second person when you're writing a formal essay, the word you is crucial to connecting to your audience during a presentation. You want to make each and every person feel that you're talking to them so that the person feels that your presentation can actually benefit them. You should say, " You can learn to manage conflict effectively in under an hour with five simple points," instead of "Any person can learn to manage conflict…" Though you're essentially saying the same thing, using you whenever it's appropriate will get your audience more involved in your presentation. Be human. Connect through your emotion. Nobody likes a boring speaker so infuse some energy into your gestures, inflect your voice as you would when talking to someone one-on-one, attempt self-deprecating humor and don't be afraid to show your failures as an example to learn from. Repeat your important points. Though every word in your presentation should count, undoubtedly there will be at least two or three points that you want your audience to walk away with. It's okay to remind your audience of these points by repeating them for emphasis; you can even do so without getting boring or repetitive. If you use a story or anecdote to illustrate a point, remind your audience of what the point is, and return to it later in your presentation, if not at the end. Let your audience see that some of the points you've made are more important than others. Another way to emphasize your important points is to slow down when you want your audience to really home in on your words. Use your hands to gesture for emphasis if it's necessary. Consider making time for a Q & A period. Having a question and answer period can help your audience really understand your material, connect with you and your presentation, and feel like they have gotten the full story on the subject you presented about. If you feel that your presentation calls for a question and answer period and that you can effectively make time for one without derailing your presentation, then you should plan for having a question and answer period after you've given the body of your presentation -- but before the closing. You should give a time limit for questions, say, 5-10 minutes. Tell your audience that you're going to make this much time for questions so that you don't get off track by answering so many questions that your audience has forgotten the gist or your presentation. Make sure you have a conclusion after the question period. You don't want to give a stellar presentation and then have it peter off into a series of irrelevant questions. Finish strong. End your presentation on a solid note. Don't let your presentation taper off or wrap things up when you or the audience looks bored. Give a firm conclusion that continues to engage your audience while reminding them about the most important points of the presentation. It's okay to "tell 'em what you told them," as a reminder about the central message of the presentation. Stay confident up until the very end, keep your head high, and even thank your audience for their participation if it's necessary. Avoid looking bored with your own presentation or eager to get off stage. Don't say something like, "Well, that about covers it," or "That's all I've got" -- be confident that you've given a great presentation and be excited about wrapping it up with a nice little bow. Get feedback. You can't just walk off the stage or away from the front of the room with a big grin on your face just because you feel like you nailed it. Even if you've given a stellar speech, there is always room for improvement, and you should look at every presentation that you give as a learning experience. And if you feel like you failed horribly, that's okay, too, and it means that you can learn even more from your experiences. Here are some great ways to get feedback: Have a trusted friend or co-worker sitting in the audience who can evaluate your work objectively. They can take notes on your confidence level, your articulateness, as well as the audience's reaction. You can even ask a few people to do this if you want more objective feedback. Pass out a questionnaire at the end of your presentation. Ask people to give you an honest analysis of how you did. Though taking criticism isn't always fun, it's an incredibly valuable tool. Consider taping yourself to see how you look on stage. How you felt during the presentation may not be a completely accurate representation of what the audience saw. Consider taping the audience. This can also help you gauge the audience's reactions, and will show which parts they thought were the most engaging, and which parts were the most boring or confusing. Check in with yourself. How do you feel that you did? Which parts did you struggle with the most? How can you learn from this presentation to make your next one even more stellar? Get inspired. Go see the best speakers in person and decide for yourself what makes them great. Why is Anthony Robbins a good or bad speaker? Is Steve Jobs inspiring? How does he deliver that inspiration through his presentation? How about MLK, FDR, or Winston Churchill? Watch other people give presentations or speeches and take notes. See what you can learn -- and what you can toss out. Seeing other people speak to large audiences can be inspiring and can make you feel like you too can accomplish this daunting task. Remember that even the speakers who look the most relaxed may suffer from horrible stage fright. With enough hard work, anyone can overcome that fear and look completely relaxed while being scared on the inside. Join a Toastmaster's organization. If you really want to improve your presentation skills, then joining a Toastmaster's organization can help you grow as a public speaker. You'll also meet interesting people, learn a variety of topics, and will learn to give articulate and exciting presentations in front of large audiences. If you want to succeed in public speaking for work, school, or just because it's something you love, then this is a wonderful option. Take a seminar or course on public speaking. Another option is to take a course or seminar that can help you improve your public speaking skills. Your school or workplace may offer such courses, and they can be a great resource. You'll gain insight on what it means to give great public speeches from experts and will also be given the chance to practice in front of a relatively small audience. These courses will be small and supportive, and you'll feel less nervous about presenting since you know that everyone in the audience will also have to present at some point. If you want to improve your presentation skills, then taking a course in the subject will boost your abilities -- and your confidence. | Do your research. Know your audience. Make a plan for your time limit. Consider using technology. Have a solid presentation structure. Practice, practice, practice. Relax beforehand. Exude confidence. Have a strong opening. Be articulate. Get specific. Embrace the power of "you. Be human. Repeat your important points. Consider making time for a Q & A period. Finish strong. Get feedback. Get inspired. Join a Toastmaster's organization. Take a seminar or course on public speaking. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Land-Pollution | How to Prevent Land Pollution | To prevent land pollution, reduce the amount of paper you use by signing up for digital bills and subscriptions. Try to consume fewer material goods and buy products made with minimal packaging to keep wastefulness to a minimum. Also, limit your use of harsh chemicals and cleaners, and be sure to dispose of them properly when you do use them. Finally, recycle your discarded glass, plastic, paper, cardboard, and aluminum items so that they don't end up in a landfill. | Limit your consumption of material goods. It takes a lot of energy and raw materials to manufacture everyday items. To reduce the amount of waste you produce, don't buy something unless you absolutely need it! When an item you do own breaks, see if it can be repaired rather than replacing it. Also, buy used items, including furniture, clothing, toys, books, electronics, and decorations for your home. If you only need to use something a few times, ask a friend or neighbor if you can borrow that item instead of buying a new one. Using biodegradable products also reduces the amount of waste you create. Recycle as much you can. Landfills are a major contributor to land pollution. Instead of throwing away your waste, recycle as much of it as you can. Glass, plastic, paper and cardboard, and aluminum and other metals can all be recycled. Sort your recyclables as per your recycling company or city municipality prefers. If you don't have a recycling service, see if you can arrange for one to pick up recyclables from your home and office. Use less plastic. Plastic waste is clogging up landfills and oceans around the world. Avoid buying and using plastic products, such as plastic bags, cutlery, cups, straws, and bottles. Another great way to cut down on plastic use is to buy items in bulk packaged in boxes instead of plastic containers. Use fabric bags to carry your groceries, pack your lunch in reusable containers, and invest in reusable bags to store food items like leftovers and snacks. Reduce your paper consumption. The best way to do this is to avoid using disposable paper products. Paper towels, plates, cups, napkins, and other throwaway items are made from trees. Deforestation is a major cause of land pollution since it contributes to soil erosion and exposes the soil to contaminants. Instead of purchasing disposable paper products, opt for reusable plates and cloth towels and napkins. Opt for paperless billing and cancel magazine and newspaper subscriptions. You can also limit your paper consumption by sending emails instead of snail mail, avoiding printing things unless you truly need to, and using both sides of a sheet of paper. When you do need to use paper, opt for recycled paper. And be sure to recycle any paper you do use! Encourage your government to preserve forested areas. All types of forests are critical to the health of the environment. Reforestation can dramatically reduce land pollution. Write to or call your elected officials and ask them to take steps to stop deforestation. Ask them to crack down on illegal logging and encourage sustainable land use. Furthermore, encourage them to support worldwide reforestation efforts. You can also donate time, money, or both to organizations dedicated to reforestation. Plant trees. Reforestation efforts can help reduce land and air pollution around the world. Planting trees increases biodiversity, stops soil erosion, reduces carbon monoxide buildup, and adds aesthetic value to the area. You can plant trees in your own community or work with worldwide organizations to plant trees in deforested areas. If you plant trees in your own community, be sure to choose trees that are native to your region and will thrive in your specific climate. Check the laws in your area before planting trees on land other than your own. Avoid using fertilizers and pesticides. Both fertilizers and pesticides leach into the soil and contaminate it. This contaminated soil is often no longer able to support the growth of crops, leading to less land available for food production. If you have a farm, yard, or garden, avoid applying pesticides or fertilizers to your soil. Use natural or organic fertilizers instead of chemical ones. Dispose of toxic chemicals properly. Household cleaning products, solvents, paints, automotive fluids, and aerosol containers all contain toxic materials. Rather than tossing these items in the trash, where they will leach into the soil in a landfill, take the time to figure out how to dispose of them properly. Read the label on each container as well as the material data safety sheet to figure out the best way to get rid of each type of chemical. Be sure to store these kinds of chemicals in spill-proof containers as well. Buy organic foods. Organic foods are grown without the use of pesticides. Select fruits and veggies that are certified organic to reduce chemical pesticide usage in the agriculture industry. Though you may spend a little more money, organic foods are better for both your health and the planet! Reduce your electricity consumption. Burning fossil fuels to create electric power emits nitrogen into the air. This nitrogen is deposited back onto the land, leading to both soil and water pollution. To reduce your electricity consumption, turn off and unplug devices and equipment you aren't using, such as televisions, printers, tablets, and computers. Turn off lights in rooms you're not in and use LED bulbs rather than fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. Select energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, like washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioning units. Use a programmable thermostat and keep the temperature between 77–80 °F (25–27 °C) in the summer and 64–68 °F (18–20 °C) in the winter. Use renewable energy sources. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are better for the environment than burning fossil fuels for energy. Call up your power company and see if you can purchase your electricity from renewable sources. Or, install solar panels or a wind turbine to power your home and/or office! In many cases, you can receive a tax credit for using renewable energy sources. Limit your vehicle emissions. Vehicle emissions contain a lot of nitrogen which pollutes the air, water, and land. Burning gasoline also contributes to land pollution since drilling for oil releases contaminants into the soil. Rather than driving everywhere you need to go, carpool or take public transportation. If your destination is close enough, ride your bike or walk. Flying also contributes to pollution. Try to consolidate or limit your business trips and vacations so as to reduce the number of flights you take each year. | Limit your consumption of material goods. Recycle as much you can. Use less plastic. Reduce your paper consumption. Encourage your government to preserve forested areas. Plant trees. Avoid using fertilizers and pesticides. Dispose of toxic chemicals properly. Buy organic foods. Reduce your electricity consumption. Use renewable energy sources. Limit your vehicle emissions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Minor-Burns | How to Treat Minor Burns | If you've suffered a first- or second-degree burn, gently run cool water on the burn for about 10 minutes, or lay a clean towel dipped in water over the burn instead. If the skin is unbroken, gently apply aloe gel to the burn to help soothe your pain and inflammation. Do not pop any blisters, as this will increase your risk of infection, and treat the area with an antibiotic cream and a bandage if you have a blister that pops on its own. Call your doctor right away if you see any signs of infection, like fluid seeping from the wound or red streaks spreading from the burn site. | Determine whether you have a first-degree burn. First-degree burns are the most common burns. You have a first-degree burn if only the outermost layer of skin is affected. These are the least severe type of burn and can usually be treated at home. Symptoms involve: Pain Area is sensitive to the touch and warm to the touch Minor swelling Reddening of the skin Examine whether you have a second-degree burn. Second-degree burns are more serious than first-degree burns. The damage goes beneath the outer layer of skin to affect the layer underneath. You may have a scar after it heals. Symptoms of a second-degree burn include: Pain Swelling Blistering Red, white, or blotchy skin Reddened areas “blanch,” or turn white, when pressed with finger The burned area may look wet Identify a third-degree burn. Third-degree burns involve severe damage that includes tissues beneath the skin such as the layer of fat below the skin and possibly even the muscle or bone. Symptoms include: A waxy or leathery appearance to the skin Reddened areas do not “blanch” or turn white when pressed on, but remain red Swelling Black or white areas on the skin Numbness where the nerves have been damaged Breathing problems Shock — pale, clammy skin, weakness, blue lips and fingernails, and decreased alertness Seek medical care if needed. Someone with a third-degree burn requires immediate emergency care and EMS (9-1-1) should be called. If you have less serious burns you may still need to go to the emergency room. Seek professional medical care if: You have a third -degree burn. You have a second-degree burn that covers more than 3 inches of skin. You have a first or second-degree burn on your hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or a joint. The burn is infected. Infected burns may seep liquid from the wound, and have pain, redness and swelling that gets worse over time. The burn has extensive blistering. You have a chemical or electrical burn. You have inhaled smoke or a chemical. You have problems breathing. Your eyes have been exposed to a chemical. You are uncertain of the severity of the burn You have severe scarring or a burn that doesn't heal after a few weeks. Soothe the burn with cold water. Cool water will lower the temperature of the burned area and stop the damage from progressing. Gently run cool water over the burn for at least 10 minutes. If the movement of water flowing over the burn is too uncomfortable, you can apply a clean, cool, wet towel. Do not put ice or very cold water on the burn. The extreme temperatures may increase the damage to your tissues. Take off jewelry that is on the affected area. If you have jewelry or other items that may restrict blood flow if the area swells, remove it immediately. Items that may need to be removed include rings, bracelets, necklaces, anklets, or any other item that could cut off circulation during swelling. Swelling will start immediately so remove the items as soon as possible, but do so gently to avoid further irritation to the damaged tissues. Apply aloe on the burns that are not open wounds. The gel from aloe plants reduces pain and inflammation. It also promotes healing and helps your body repair damaged skin. Do not apply it to an open wound. Aloe is found in many gels and moisturizers. If you have a commercially prepared aloe vera gel, apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you have an aloe plant in your house, you can obtain the gel directly from the plant. Break off a leaf and split it open lengthwise. You will see a clear, greenish goo inside. Dab it directly onto the burn and let it absorb into the skin. If you do not have aloe, you can apply another moisturizer to prevent the burn from becoming too dry as it heals. Don't put greasy materials like butter on the wound. Don’t pop blisters. If you pop blisters, this creates an open wound and makes you vulnerable to an infection. If the blisters burst on their own you should: Wash the wound with soap and clean water. Gently dab an antibiotic cream over the area. Protect the area with a nonstick bandage. Go to the doctor if you have blisters that are larger than 1/3 of an inch in diameter, even if they have not burst. Combat pain with over-the-counter medications. Burns can be extremely painful. You may need painkillers to help you get through the day or fall asleep at night. Over-the-counter medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be effective; however, they may interfere with other medications so discuss them with your doctor before taking them. Medications with aspirin should never be given to children. If your doctor says it is ok for you, you can try: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) Naproxen sodium (Aleve) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Check to see if your tetanus shot is up to date. Tetanus is a disease that occurs when the tetanus bacteria infect an open wound. Your doctor will likely suggest that you get a tetanus shot if: The burn caused a deep wound or it is dirty. You haven't had a tetanus shot in the past five years. You don't know when your last tetanus shot was. Monitor the burn for signs of infections. Your skin provides you with a barrier against pathogens in the environment. A burn makes you vulnerable to infection. If you develop any of the following symptoms, go to the emergency room right away to have it checked by a doctor: Pus or fluid seeping from the wound Swelling, redness, or pain that increases over time Fever Red streaks spreading from the burn site Put silicone sheets on any burn scars to help them disappear. Tear off the adhesive backing on the silicone sheet and press it over the burn scar to help keep it hydrated. When the adhesive on the sheet wears off, take it off and put a new one on. Over a few days, the scar will flatten and won't look as noticeable. This only works on new scars that are still red in color. If your scar looks white or brown, you may need laser treatment instead. | Determine whether you have a first-degree burn. Examine whether you have a second-degree burn. Identify a third-degree burn. Seek medical care if needed. Soothe the burn with cold water. Take off jewelry that is on the affected area. Apply aloe on the burns that are not open wounds. Don’t pop blisters. Combat pain with over-the-counter medications. Check to see if your tetanus shot is up to date. Monitor the burn for signs of infections. Put silicone sheets on any burn scars to help them disappear. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Avocado-Mask-for-Hair | How to Make an Avocado Mask for Hair | To make an avocado mask for damaged hair, start by cutting a ripe avocado and removing the pit. Once the avocado is split, scoop out the meat and blend it with 1 tablespoon of water in a food processor or blender. Keep blending until the mixture is smooth and then stir in 1 to 3 teaspoons of olive oil to hydrate your hair even more. After your mask is finished, wet your hair and apply the mixture until your head is covered. Use a plastic clip to keep your hair in a bun as the mask seeps in. Make sure to rinse your hair out after 10 to 25 minutes, because the mask can dry out and go rancid if it's left in longer. | Pit a ripe avocado. Cut a ripe avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop the meat out with a spoon and place it into a blender or food processor. Avocados are full of vitamins and fatty acids. They help damaged hair by making it stronger and resistant against breakage. If you have hair that is fine or shorter than shoulder length, then you will only need about ½ of an avocado. If your hair is longer than shoulder length, then you will need a full avocado. If your hair is long and very dry or thick, then you may need more than 1 avocado. Blend the avocado with some water. Add 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of water to the avocado. Pulse the blender or food processor on high speed until you get a chunky puree. This will take about 1 minute. If the puree is still too chunky, add 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 milliliters) more of water. Stir in 1 to 3 teaspoons of olive oil. Olive oil is full of healthy fats that help nourish and hydrate dry hair without weighing it down. If you tend to get dandruff, consider using 2 to 4 teaspoons of melted coconut oil instead. Apply the mask to wet hair with your fingers. Dampen your hair first. Scoop the mask up with your fingers, then apply it to your hair, starting from the roots if you have a dry scalp or starting from the ends if you have dry or damaged ends. Massage it into your scalp if starting there, and work it down towards the ends. Or, work it into the ends and work up towards your scalp. Stop the application a few inches from the roots if your hair is fine. Applying avocado to roots may weigh down fine hair. If your hair is very long or thick, consider parting it into quadrants. This will make the mask easier to apply. Divide your hair from ear to ear and from your forehead to the nape of your neck to create 4 sections. Pull your hair into a bun and secure it with a plastic clip. Metal clips can react with the oil and stain your hair, so make sure to use plastic clips. If you want to make the mask even more effective, cover your hair with a plastic shower cap. This will trap the heat and allow the mask to penetrate the hair strands. Wait 10 to 25 minutes before rinsing the mask off. Do not leave the mask on for more than 30 minutes. It may dry out and go rancid as well. Start with plain, tepid water first, using your fingers to loosen and comb the mask out. Once you have the mask completely rinsed out, follow up with some shampoo. Repeat once weekly or less often. Peel and pit one ripe avocado. Cut an avocado in half, then remove the pit. Scoop the flesh out with a spoon and place it into a bowl. Avocado is great in this mask because it contains fats and oils that help repair dry, brittle hair. Plan on needing ½ of an avocado for fine/short hair, a full avocado for longer/thicker hair, and more than 1 avocado for very long/thick/dry hair. Add some olive oil and honey. You will need 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil and 2 tablespoons (45 grams) of honey. Olive oil and honey are both hydrating. While olive oil helps protect your hair against further damage, honey helps make it stronger. Add 2 to 3 drops of lavender essential oil, if desired. You can leave the essential oil out if you want to, but it will help give the mask a nice fragrance. It is also great for treating dandruff. Whip everything together on high. You can do this using a stand mixer or a handheld mixer. Keep blending until the mask is light in color and smooth in texture. Apply the mask to damp hair. Get your hair wet first, then squeeze out the excess water. Apply the mask to your hair, starting from the ends. You can even massage the mask into your hair, if you want to. Don't apply the mixture to your roots if your hair is fine. Stop the application a few inches away from the roots. Cover your hair with a shower cap and heat it for 15 minutes. Pull your hair up into a loose bun first, then cover it with a shower cap. Blow dry your hair for 15 minutes. If it is a warm, sunny day, you can sit out in the sun for 30 to 45 minutes instead. Rinse the mask out, then follow up with shampoo and conditioner. Rinse the mask out with lukewarm water first. Once your hair is clean, wash it with shampoo and conditioner as you normally would. You can repeat this treatment once per week, but no more than that. Cut and pit half of an avocado. Cut an avocado in half. Cover and refrigerate the half containing the pit. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh from the remaining half. Avocado is full of healthy fats that plump and condition your hair. They also help make your hair soft and shiny. You will only need about ½ of an avocado for fine/short hair, a full avocado for longer/thicker hair, and you may need more than 1 avocado for very long/thick/dry hair. Blend the avocado flesh until it is smooth. It is best to do this with a blender or food processor; a fork won't give you the same smoothness. If you need to, add ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) of water to help loosen the avocado up. Add in an egg and 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil. Eggs contain protein, which helps make hair stronger and repair split ends. They also help make your hair appear thicker and shinier. Olive oil, on the other hand, contains fatty acids, which help make dry hair smooth. It also contains vitamin E, which can help stimulate hair growth. Mix everything together. Pulse the blender on high until the avocado, egg, and olive oil are all mixed together. You want the color and texture to be consistent, with no streaks or swirls. If you want to, you can transfer the mask into a small bowl to make it easier to use in the shower. Start with a clean scalp. This mask is very rich, so it is important to have a clean scalp. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo, making sure to massage it into your scalp. Rinse the shampoo out and squeeze the excess water from your hair. Leave your hair damp. Apply the mask to your hair, starting from the ends. Scoop up some of the mask, and massage it into the ends of your hair and work towards your scalp. Keep applying the mixture as needed to cover your strands. You may also apply the hair mask to your scalp if you have a dry scalp. However, do not apply the mixture to your roots if your hair is fine. This will weigh your hair down. Stop the application a few inches away from your roots. Put your hair up into a bun. If you can you, you can cover your hair with a shower cap, and wash the rest of your body. Wait 5 minutes before rinsing the mask off with tepid water. It is very important to use tepid or cool water, otherwise you risk cooking the egg in the mask. Once your hair is clean, follow up with your usual shampooing regimen. Repeat this treatment no more than once per week. | Pit a ripe avocado. Blend the avocado with some water. Stir in 1 to 3 teaspoons of olive oil. Apply the mask to wet hair with your fingers. Pull your hair into a bun and secure it with a plastic clip. Wait 10 to 25 minutes before rinsing the mask off. Peel and pit one ripe avocado. Add some olive oil and honey. Add 2 to 3 drops of lavender essential oil, if desired. Whip everything together on high. Apply the mask to damp hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap and heat it for 15 minutes. Rinse the mask out, then follow up with shampoo and conditioner. Cut and pit half of an avocado. Blend the avocado flesh until it is smooth. Add in an egg and 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil. Mix everything together. Start with a clean scalp. Apply the mask to your hair, starting from the ends. Put your hair up into a bun. Wait 5 minutes before rinsing the mask off with tepid water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Chicken-Wings | How to Cook Chicken Wings | To cook chicken wings, start by cutting the tips off the wings and chopping the wings in half at the joint. Next, marinate the wings in 1/2 cup of sauce, like buffalo or barbecue sauce, for at least 30 minutes. To bake the wings, spread them out on a baking tray covered with foil. Then, cook them for 30 minutes at 375 degrees F and baste them with another 1/4 cup of sauce. Finally, cook them for another 30 minutes at 375 degrees F while basting them with extra sauce every 10 minutes. You'll know when the wings are done if they're no longer pink in the center. | Use your favorite wing sauce. You can use a bottle of your favorite commercial wing sauce, or you can make a homemade wing sauce. Note the wing sauce recipes provided. Prepare a buffalo wing sauce. This sauce needs to simmer on the stove for 2 hours before use. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Carefully add the tomato sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to mix. More hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder can be added if desired. Simmer uncovered, on low heat, for two hours. Stir occasionally. Make your own barbecue sauce. This sauce is ready to use after simmering for a little over an hour. Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan. Stir well to mix. Heat the sauce over medium-high heat until it boils. Reduce the heat to low or medium-low so that the sauce continues cooking at a low simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 75 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from burning. Mix together a sweet and sour orange glaze. This glaze can be prepared without the use of a stove. Whisk all of the glaze ingredients together in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use. Whisk together a honey mustard sauce. This is another sauce that can be prepared without heating the ingredients. Whisk together all of the sauce ingredients in a small to medium bowl until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use. Remove the wing tips. Use kitchen scissors or a sharp kitchen knife to cut off the tip of each chicken wing. Place each chicken wing on a cutting board and hold it steady with your non-dominant hand. Use your dominant hand to cut between the joint at the top end of the tip. Discard the wing tip. Separate the wings into two parts. Cut the remaining part of the wing into two pieces by cutting between the joint with a sharp kitchen knife or kitchen scissors. Spread the remaining portions open so that you can clearly see the joint. Carefully cut each wing at this joint. Marinate the wings in sauce. If baking, broiling, or grilling the wings, marinate them in 1/2 cup (125 mL) of your chosen sauce for at least 30 minutes. Do not use your entire batch of sauce since you may want to use some later for basting or dipping. It is not necessary to marinate the chicken wings if you plan on slow-cooking them. To marinate, place the wings inside a resealable plastic bag and set the bag inside a shallow dish. Pour the marinating sauce into the bag and seal. Turn the bag several times to coat the wings, and set the bag inside the refrigerator as it marinates. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil. You could also spray the pan down with nonstick cooking spray. Aluminum foil is less messy, but the cooking spray will still prevent the chicken wings from sticking to the baking sheet. Choose a baking sheet or dish with shallow sides. Transfer the wings to the prepared baking sheet. Allow the excess marinade to drip off before lining the wings up. Hold each wing above the bag of marinade for 30 seconds, or until you no longer notice any marinade dripping off. Arrange the wings on your baking sheet in a single layer. Do not stack or pile the wings. Discard the excess marinade. Bake the wings for 30 minutes. After the first 30 minutes pass, baste the wings using another 1/4 cup (60 mL) of the same sauce before returning them to the oven. The oven must be completely preheated before you can begin cooking the wings. Cook for another 30 minutes. Baste the wings every 10 minutes until done, using up to another 1/4 cup (60 mL) of sauce. When done, the chicken should no longer be pink in the center. Serve hot. Transfer the wings to your serving dish shortly after removing them from the oven. Preheat the broiler. Allow the broiler to preheat for 5 to 10 minutes so that it has enough time to come up to temperature. Most broilers only have "On" and "Off" settings. If your broiler has "Low" and "High" settings, however, preheat it to the "High" setting. Remove the wings from the marinade. Transfer the wings to an unheated broiler pan. A broiler pan is specially designed so that fat drips off meat as it cooks, so it is important that you use a broiler pan and not a regular baking sheet. Do not line the pan with aluminum foil or cooking spray, as doing so may pose a fire hazard. Allow the excess marinade to drip off the wings before placing them on the broiling pan. Discard the marinade. Arrange the wings in a single layer. Do not stack or pile them on top of one another. Broil the wings for 20 to 25 minutes. Cook the wings in your preheated broiler, turning once halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and even cooking. As the wings cook, they should be 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) away from the heating element. Use tongs to turn the wings. Turn the wings after they become light brown on one side. Toss with additional sauce and serve. After removing the wings from the broiler, you can toss or baste them with an addition 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 to 125 mL) of your chosen sauce. Serve hot. Heat your grill to medium-high. Rub the grill grate with a little cooking oil to prevent the wings from burning as they cook. If using a gas grill, preheat the burners to medium-high. If using a charcoal grill, prepare a medium-hot charcoal fire. Coat the bottom of the grill in a single layer of coals, but pile more coals toward the center. Remove the wings from your marinade. Drain the excess marinade from the wings and pat dry. Allow most of the excess marinade to drip off each wing. The remaining moisture should be dried off with clean paper towels. The wings should be quite dry when you add them to the grill. Chicken wings are known to cause flare-ups, even without a wet marinade, so you need to minimize the dripping by wiping away as much of the marinade from the surface as possible. Transfer the wings to your prepared grill. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the grill. Do not pile or stack the wings, since doing so will prevent even cooking. Do not cover the grill. Grill for 20 minutes. Cook the wings until they are brown and crisp on the outside and no longer pink on the inside. Flip the wings every few minutes to promote even charring and even cooking. If the fire flares up or if the wings begin to burn, transfer the chicken wings to a cooler part of the grill. Serve hot. Transfer the wings to a large bowl and toss them in another 1/2 cup (125 mL) or more of your chosen sauce. You can also coat the wings with your sauce by basting them. Serve immediately after coating the wings. Preheat your broiler. Let your broiler preheat for 5 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, arrange un-marinated chicken wings on a broiler pan in a single layer. Note that the chicken wings do not need to be marinated for this recipe, but you should still separate them into parts. The broiling steps can be skipped, if desired, but doing so will prevent the wings from developing their trademark crunchy skin. Most broilers only have "on" and "off" settings. If your broiler has a "high" and "low" setting, use the low setting. You only need the broiler to brown the wings, not to cook them fully. Do not line the broiler pan with aluminum foil or cooking spray. Broil for 10 minutes on each side. Place the wings in your preheated broiler and cook for a total of 20 minutes, flipping them over with tongs at the halfway mark or once you notice browning on the top side. Broil the chicken wings roughly 4 inches (10 cm) away from the heating element. Transfer wings to slow cooker. As soon as the chicken wings finish browning, arrange them in a slow cooker. You will need to stack the wings in order to make them fit. This does not pose an obstacle to even cooking when using a slow cooker, however. If desired, you can line the slow cooker with cooking spray or with a specially-designed slow cooker liner to minimize sticking and make cleaning up easier. Cover with 2 cups (500 mL) sauce. Pour two cups of your preferred sauce over the chicken wings in the slow cooker. If desired, you can give the wings a quick stir in order to coat them with the sauce. This is not often necessary, though, since the sauce will usually find its way from the top to the bottom of the slow cooker, coating each wing as it passes through. Cook for 4 to 5 hours on Low. Cover the slow cooker and cook until the chicken wings are no longer pink on the inside and begin falling off the bone. You could also cook the wings on High for 2 to 2.5 hours. Serve immediately. Transfer the wings to individual serving platters directly from the slow cooker. Keep the slow cooker set to Low as you dish out the wings. If your slow cooker as a "Warm" setting, you could also use that. | Use your favorite wing sauce. Prepare a buffalo wing sauce. Make your own barbecue sauce. Mix together a sweet and sour orange glaze. Whisk together a honey mustard sauce. Remove the wing tips. Separate the wings into two parts. Marinate the wings in sauce. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Transfer the wings to the prepared baking sheet. Bake the wings for 30 minutes. Cook for another 30 minutes. Serve hot. Preheat the broiler. Remove the wings from the marinade. Broil the wings for 20 to 25 minutes. Toss with additional sauce and serve. Heat your grill to medium-high. Remove the wings from your marinade. Transfer the wings to your prepared grill. Grill for 20 minutes. Serve hot. Preheat your broiler. Broil for 10 minutes on each side. Transfer wings to slow cooker. Cover with 2 cups (500 mL) sauce. Cook for 4 to 5 hours on Low. Serve immediately. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Avoid-Indigestion | How to Avoid Indigestion | To avoid indigestion, try eating fewer acidic and fatty foods such as coffee, spicy foods, fries, potato chips, and soda, which can upset your stomach. You should also try drinking fewer alcoholic drinks to prevent your body from producing too much stomach acid. If your indigestion is caused by eating large meals, consider eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day to avoid indigestion. It's also important to chew thoroughly when you eat, so try your best to eat meals slowly, which will reduce stress on your digestive system. If you still have indigestion, try taking an over-the-counter alginate before you eat, which will produce a foam in your stomach to prevent stomach acid from entering your esophagus. Additionally, make sure to talk to your doctor if your indigestion is severe so you can find an appropriate treatment. | Identify foods that trigger your indigestion. If a food gives you indigestion, it will usually do so within about three hours. Even if you have never been sensitive to a food in the past, people can develop intolerances and sensitivities throughout their lives. One way to identify which foods may be causing your symptoms is to make a list of suspected foods or foods that commonly trigger indigestion, then eliminate them from your diet for two weeks, and notice if your indigestion stops. Then reintroduce the foods, one by one, and record if you begin experiencing symptoms again. If so, then you know you need to avoid that food. Common foods that trigger indigestion include: Caffeine. Though that morning coffee or tea may be crucial for getting out of bed in the morning, it may be causing your indigestion, too. Spicy foods. Some people find that food with chili triggers their indigestion. The amount that people can tolerate is highly variable. Fatty, heavy foods. This includes breaded, deep fried foods and foods cooked in a lot of oil. Many fast foods, such as fries, potato chips, and fried dough are deep fried. Carbonated drinks. Fizzy drinks like sodas taste great, but they are frequent triggers for indigestion. Chocolate. Chocolate can also trigger indigestion. Lower your alcohol intake to avoid indigestion. Alcohol can make your body produce more stomach acid. With more acid, you are at a higher risk of the acid irritating the tissues of your digestive tract. Do not mix alcohol with painkillers, even over-the-counter painkillers like aspirin. Doing so can increase the damage to the lining of your stomach. Eat dinner early to curb indigestion at night. Time your last meal so that your body has plenty of time to digest it before you go to sleep. Try to finish eating at least three hours before you go to bed. This is important because when you lie down, it is easier for stomach acid to flow up into your esophagus. If you are prone to heartburn when you go to bed, don't lie completely flat. Prop yourself up slightly by putting pillows under your head and shoulders. This will allow you to use gravity to help keep the acid down. Eat small meals throughout the day to reduce your indigestion. If you eat more frequently, you will be less hungry when you do eat. This will make you less likely to overeat. It will prevent you from overburdening your stomach with more food than it can handle. Overeating can stretch your stomach and be painful. Instead of eating two or three huge meals, try eating five or six smaller ones. Add mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks to your meal plan. Chew thoroughly to discourage indigestion. Chewing breaks your food down into smaller pieces. In turn, that helps make it easier for your stomach to digest. The easier your stomach digests food, the less likely you are get indigestion. Reduce the stress on your digestive system by eating slowly. This means that your digestive tract has less food to deal with at any given time. If you usually eat your food in five to 10 minutes, consider pausing as you eat and stretching it out to 30 or 45 minutes. In addition, eating slowly will allow your full stomach to communicate to your brain that you are full and you should stop eating, even if there is still food on the plate. Eating too fast doesn't allow this communication to naturally occur and you have already over eaten by the time your brain tells you that you are full. Manage your weight to help manage indigestion. Carrying extra pounds puts pressure on your stomach, making you vulnerable to indigestion. The best way to control your weight is to eat healthy and exercise. A healthy balanced diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy, whole grain breads and pastas, and, if you eat meat, lean meats. Foods to limit are fatty or sugary foods like red meat, fried foods, pastries, candies, cookies, and cakes. Women who want to diet safely should aim for 1,200 – 1,500 calories per day. Men should eat 1,500 – 1,800 calories per day. These diets should enable you to lose a pound per week. If you plan to do more severe dieting, you should be supervised by a doctor to make sure that it is safe for you. Regular exercise will help you trim down and burn calories. For best results, do 15 to 30 minutes a day at least five times per week. Make it fun by choosing an activity you enjoy like sports, running, walking, or biking. to discourage indigestion. Reduce stress Stress triggers indigestion for many people. Luckily, there are many ways you can learn to control your reaction to stress and to relax. They may take some practice, but it is worth the effort. Relaxation techniques to try include: Deep Breathing Meditation Yoga Tai Chi Discuss your medications with your doctor that may cause indigestion. Some medications may make you vulnerable to indigestion. Do not stop taking your medications or change how you take them without talking to your doctor first. Your doctor will work with you to find a suitable alternative. Nitrates, which are given to widen blood vessels, may weaken the muscle at the bottom of your esophagus. This makes you more vulnerable to acid reflux. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen may make indigestion worse. Some diabetes medicines (metformin) and antibiotics can also cause some stomach upset. If you are unable to change medications, your doctor may advise you to take them with a meal. to reduce indigestion. Stop smoking A muscle at the bottom of your esophagus connects your esophagus to your stomach. That muscle prevents the acid from leaving your stomach and entering your esophagus. Smoking damages it and makes you vulnerable to acid reflux. The chemicals in cigarettes can also give you indigestion. You have many resources available to help you stop smoking. You can: Join a support group or call a hotline when you have a craving Talk to your doctor or an addictions counselor Try nicotine replacement therapy Try residential treatment where you will have 24 hour access to medical and emotional support through doctors, counselors, and peers Pop an antacid to stop indigestion when it occurs. These over-the-counter medications neutralize excess stomach acid. This makes the acid less irritating to the lining of your stomach, esophagus, and intestines. If you always get indigestion at the same time of day, like when you go to bed, take one at that time. If your digestion is unpredictable, you can take one whenever you feel the indigestion starting. The relief will probably last 20 minutes to a couple hours. Antacids are widely available at local pharmacies and supermarkets. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or treating a child. Try an alginate to prevent indigestion. This medication produces a foam in your stomach which blocks your stomach acid from flowing into your esophagus. You take one after you eat to prevent indigestion from happening. Alginates should be taken after you eat because that maximizes their effects. They stay in your stomach longer and are present when you have the most stomach acid. Many antacids also contain an alginate. The information on the packaging will tell you if that is the case. Experiment with home remedies for indigestion. These techniques have not been scientifically proven, but some people find them to be helpful. Talk to your doctor before taking any herbal remedies or dietary supplements to be sure that they are safe for you. Some may interact with medications or make certain GI conditions worse. Try probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus. This "good" bacteria may help maintain the balance of good and harmful bacteria in your digestive system. Eat oatmeal to absorb excess acid. You can even try eating a spoonful of dry oatmeal. Soothe nausea by drinking peppermint tea (do not use peppermint if you have indigestion due to GERD, as this can actually make it worse). Use ginger. Ginger can settle your stomach and reduce nausea. You can use it to make a tea, eat candied ginger, or drink ginger ale. Take artichoke leaf extract. This substance may increase bile. Try STW5. This supplement contains peppermint, bitter candytuft, licorice, and caraway. It is said to reduce the amount of acid your body makes. Drink cranberry juice or take cranberry supplements to inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria. Ask your doctor about stronger medications for severe indigestion. Your doctor may recommend either over-the-counter medications or prescription strength medications. Talk to your doctor about possible side effects before you start, especially if you are pregnant or nursing. Your doctor may suggest: Antibiotics. This may be necessary if the indigestion is caused by an infection of H. pylori bacteria. Proton pump inhibitors. These medications lower acid production. They are known to interact with medications for epilepsy and blood thinners. Side effects may include rashes, abdominal pain, dizziness, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, or vomiting. H2-receptor antagonists. These medications reduce the acidity of your stomach acid. They are generally only given after antacids, alginates, and proton pump inhibitors were ineffective. Anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. This may reduce the discomfort caused by the indigestion. Control indigestion during pregnancy with home remedies. Pregnant women are vulnerable to getting indigestion because of the hormonal changes their bodies are going through, the expanding uterus pressing on the stomach, and the relaxation of the muscle separating the esophagus and the stomach. Home remedies to try include: Eating a spoonful of dry oatmeal before bed. Maintaining good posture when eating so that your torso is straight. Good posture will minimize the pressure on your stomach. Eating five or six small meals each day, rather than three large ones, which reduces the amount of stomach acid your body must produce to digest a meal. Avoiding processed foods and focusing instead on whole foods. Taking probiotics with your doctor's approval. Waiting three hours or longer before laying down for bed after eating. If you do go to bed earlier than that, try propping yourself up on pillows so your head is above your stomach. If you are pregnant and experiencing indigestion, talk to your doctor before you take any medications, even over-the-counter medications. | Identify foods that trigger your indigestion. Lower your alcohol intake to avoid indigestion. Eat dinner early to curb indigestion at night. Eat small meals throughout the day to reduce your indigestion. Chew thoroughly to discourage indigestion. Manage your weight to help manage indigestion. to discourage indigestion. Discuss your medications with your doctor that may cause indigestion. to reduce indigestion. Pop an antacid to stop indigestion when it occurs. Try an alginate to prevent indigestion. Experiment with home remedies for indigestion. Ask your doctor about stronger medications for severe indigestion. Control indigestion during pregnancy with home remedies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-Jury-Duty | How to Dress for Jury Duty | To dress for jury duty, choose an outfit that's business casual, like slacks and a button-down shirt or a long skirt paired with a blazer. Avoid wearing clothes that have graphics, logos, or slogans on them. Also, make sure you're wearing closed-toed shoes. If you don't want to be selected, wear flashy clothes and accessories that will make you look unprofessional, like costume jewelry or a graphic t-shirt. | Read your court's guidelines. Every court should have guidelines that they provide to their jurors and juror candidates. You will be able to find it and FAQs online or in your jurist information packet. Some courts require a jacket and tie, others only require a collared shirt. Be familiar with your guidelines. Stay professional. If you either want to look like a suitable candidate or you have already been selected to serve on the jury and are aiming to be jury foreman, you will want to look your best without looking flashy. Be as comfortable as possible. Between either waiting for selection or courtroom proceedings and jury deliberation, you will likely be in your outfit for quite some time. Dress comfortably. Wear seasonal clothing, carry layers if necessary, and make sure that your socks and shoes don't pinch or constrict. Leave beachwear at home. Flip-flops, tank tops, short skirts and shorts are generally frowned on. In some locations you will be asked to leave and return at a later day when you are dressed appropriately. If it's extremely hot outside, some modest women's sleeveless shirts or dresses may be allowed. If you wear something that doesn't fully cover your shoulders, bring something to layer on top just in case. Dress business casual at a minimum. While you can dress more formally if you'd like, business casual is a must, especially if you are looking to get selected or given a leadership role. Women and men are generally comfortable and appropriate with khakis, slacks, button down shirts, sweaters, blazers or skirts that are at knee level or below. Avoid obvious brands and slogans. If you are still going through selection, brands and slogans may single you out when you are being interviewed. Clothing that expresses political, religious or other opinions may lead to further questions and potential dismissal from the jury pool. You may be asked to leave if you are wearing clothing emblazoned with offensive words. Dress more conservatively. A courtroom is a place where people of many generations will be in attendance. Most people dress as if they are going to church or work. There are better places to express your sense of fashion. Wear closed-toed shoes. Some courtrooms require this, and sandals would rarely be considered appropriate anyway. More importantly, jury rooms can be cold and you may experience discomfort during a full day of jury service. Be sure to wear comfortable, breathable socks as well. Bring extra layers. Try a cardigan, a jacket, a scarf and/or tights to reduce your discomfort. If you wear several layers, you will be able to remove them or add them on as your body temperature changes. Leave unnecessary jewelry and loose change at home. Many courts require their jurors to pass through metal detectors. It will save you time and hassle if you can place all your metal items in your purse or bag, so that you don't have to be swept with a detection wand each time you leave and return for lunch or breaks. Push the limits. While you are required by law to participate, some people prefer to avoid jury duty. If this is you, you'll need to push the limits of what is acceptable attire. Dress too far off the beaten path and you may be asked to change and return again. Dress too standard and you run a higher risk of being selected. Understand your court's requirements and work to subvert them. Dress down. When in doubt, dress down. Even if your court has very strict rules and requires a jacket and tie, you can deliberately tie the tie incorrectly or wear an obviously miss-sized suit. You won't look good, but if you look sloppy and unprofessional your odds of being selected drop considerably. Stay comfortable. Even though you are trying not to get chosen, orientation and selection can sometimes still take quite a while. While you aren't planning on making a full day (or days) of it, you should definitely try to make sure you aren't itchy, hot, cold, or uncomfortable. Display slogans, brands, and logos. Depending on your courtroom rules (and how well you layer your clothes when you walk in) you can get away with a lot here. While wearing a politically, religiously or racially charged slogan might be faux pas, it might also get you out of jury duty because you will seem biased or inflammatory. Wear religiously and ethnically expressive clothing. Ideal jurors are completely unbiased, so by displaying an obvious bias you can make yourself a less ideal candidate. This is a great time to break out your yarmulke or even flag-colored muumuu if there is leeway in the guidelines. Bling it up. If possible, wear flashy and oversized costume style jewelry. As a general rule, you want to do anything that you can to make yourself noticeable or stand out in an unconventional or unprofessional way. Garish jewelry and even makeup are a good way to do that. | Read your court's guidelines. Stay professional. Be as comfortable as possible. Leave beachwear at home. Dress business casual at a minimum. Avoid obvious brands and slogans. Dress more conservatively. Wear closed-toed shoes. Bring extra layers. Leave unnecessary jewelry and loose change at home. Push the limits. Dress down. Stay comfortable. Display slogans, brands, and logos. Wear religiously and ethnically expressive clothing. Bling it up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Money | How to Clean Money | To clean paper money in the washing machine, start by placing a few bills in a lingerie bag along with a folded hand towel, which will prevent the money from getting knocked around as much in the wash. Then, place the bag in the washing machine with a small amount of detergent, and wash the money on a gentle cycle using cold water. Finally, remove the bills from the bag and lay them out flat on a towel to dry. | Repurpose a lingerie laundry bag. Take an old lingerie bag or buy a new one from the women's section at any clothing store. You will use this to protect your paper money in the washing machine. Lingerie bags are small, zip-up bags made of fine mesh that are designed to safely wash delicate undergarments. The bag will keep heavy streams of water and the movements of the washing machine drum from destroying the bills. You may have discovered from experience that paper money will hold up through an accidental trip through the laundry. Dollar bills are constructed mostly of cotton and durable cellulose fibers, meaning that they can safely be cleaned in a washing machine under the right conditions. Lingerie bags and other mesh wash bags are cheap and can be purchased new in most places for less than $10. Place a few loose bills in the lingerie bag. Select the dirty bills that most need cleaning. Place these in the lingerie bag. Make sure all the bills are separated and laid out flat. It may be a good idea to put a folded hand towel or some other small washable item in the bag with the paper money to keep it from getting knocked around as much during the wash cycle. It is not advisable to wash all of your paper money this way, nor to clean large amounts at one time. You should only clean bills that are caked with enough dirt, grease or grime to become a possible health risk. Wash the bills in cold water on a gentle cycle. Set the washing machine to a gentle wash cycle and turn it on. Place the lingerie bag containing the money in the washing machine as it fills. Add a very small amount of detergent to the load. Let the money complete the cycle in the wash. Stop the washing machine and take a look at the bills every now and then to make sure they aren't tearing or coming apart in the wash. If the bills you're cleaning are especially old or fragile, consider cutting off the wash cycle early to prevent possible damage. Lay the bills out to dry. Take the lingerie bag out of the washing machine. Remove the loose bills from the bag. Be very careful: the wet money will be delicate and very easily torn. Separate the bills and lay them out on a towel or other flat, dry surface. Let the bills dry completely before handling. Leaving the bills beneath a ceiling fan on a low setting will allow air to circulate around them, which can help dry them faster. Paper money should only be air-dried, just to be on the safe side. Never put loose bills through the dryer or use a hairdryer or other heat source to dry them. Fill a sink or basin with warm water and mix in a gentle soap. Run some warm water into a sink or shallow basin. Add a small amount of mild liquid soap to the water and make sure it's evenly distributed to form a soapy solution. For the purpose of cleaning circulating currency that changes hands often, most standard dish or hand soaps will work. Mild soaps are preferable if you're a collector or wish to preserve the condition of the coin. Most detergents contain abrasive elements that can wear away a coin's detailing. Soak the dirty coins in the soapy water. Place the dirty coins into the soapy water solution. Allow them to soak anywhere from ten minutes to half an hour, depending on how soiled they are. The warm water will loosen the caked-on dirt and grime, while the soap will kill bacteria and eat away at stains. You will be able to observe the water darken as the dirt soaks out of the coins. Yuck! Use a sponge, scrubber, or cue tip to lightly scour the outer surface of the coins after they've had a chance to soak for a while. Be sure to throw the scrubber away after using it to clean coins. Rinse the coins thoroughly. Once the coins have had ample time to soak, drain the dirty water from the sink or basin. Then, transfer the coins to a kitchen strainer to rinse them, or simply hold them up to the faucet by hand. Run cool water over both faces of the coins until all traces of soap have been rinsed away. Failure to rinse the coins sufficiently can cause them to retain a thin coating of soap that dirt and grime can later stick to. Set the coins on a towel to dry. Lay out an absorbent towel and place the coins on top. Pat the coins with one end of the towel to remove excess water, then let them air dry. In roughly ten minutes, the coins will be clean, dry, and ready to be handled without worry. Don't allow water to stand on coins that have been washed and rinsed. The moisture can damage or discolor the metal, or even cause it to tarnish. Purchase a bottle of pure acetone. Take a trip down to your local hardware store and buy a bottle of pure acetone. Make sure you get the industrial-grade variety. Cosmetic acetone, usually sold as nail polish remover, sometimes contains scents and other stripping chemicals that can ruin the finish of a coin. Acetone is useful not only for dissolving the grime built up on dirty coins, but because it acts to kill bacteria and disinfect. Pour a couple of ounces of acetone into an open container. Pour the acetone into a container with a wide opening. You won't need to use a lot—only enough to submerge the coins when they're laid flat. Acetone fumes can be detrimental to breathe, so make sure to work in a well-ventilated area. Do not inhale acetone fumes or allow them to get in your eyes. Perform the acetone bath outside, or work near an open window to let the fumes escape. Use a glass or ceramic container. Acetone can eat through plastic, styrofoam and other synthetic materials. Soak the coins in the acetone briefly. Drop the coins you wish to clean into the bottom of the acetone-filled container. Acetone is a powerful solvent that's perfect for dissolving all sorts of stuck-on messes. The coins will only need to soak for a minute or two to remove the worst of the grime. Direct exposure to acetone may cause irritation to the skin. Wear gloves to protect your hands when working with acetone. Move the coins around in the acetone periodically to shake off dissolving dirt. Rinse the coins with distilled water. Take the coins out of the acetone bath. Whisk them through the acetone one last time to remove any remaining loose dirt. Shake off the excess solvent. Then, transfer the coins to another receptacle containing pure distilled water. You can also pour the distilled water over both sides of the coins to rinse them. Blot the coins with a clean towel and leave them sitting out to dry. Distilled water should be used in place of tap water because it does not contain fluoride, chlorine, and other chemicals that might react negatively with the metals used to make the coins. | Repurpose a lingerie laundry bag. Place a few loose bills in the lingerie bag. Wash the bills in cold water on a gentle cycle. Lay the bills out to dry. Fill a sink or basin with warm water and mix in a gentle soap. Soak the dirty coins in the soapy water. Rinse the coins thoroughly. Set the coins on a towel to dry. Purchase a bottle of pure acetone. Pour a couple of ounces of acetone into an open container. Soak the coins in the acetone briefly. Rinse the coins with distilled water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fish-for-Sturgeon | How to Fish for Sturgeon | Sturgeon are large, freshwater fish that can be found in subtropical and temperate rivers, lakes, and streams. To fish for sturgeon, you'll need a 6 to 8-foot musky rod with a level-wind reel, a braided fishing line in the 80 to 100-pound test range, a heavy slip sinker, and a 5/0 circle hook. Once you've set up your fishing rod, bait the hook with a nightcrawler worm to attract sturgeon. Cast the line out to a deep section of the water, as these fish like to feed on the bottom. When you feel a bite, set the hook and slowly reel the fish in. Make sure you hold tightly, as sturgeon will often put up a 10 to 15-minute fight. | Get the right tackle equipment. A sturgeon fishing rod should be 6 to 9 feet (1.8 to 2.7 m) in length and made of a single piece (rather than a rod that is assembled). The reel should be outfitted with line that can hold at least 80 pounds and have enough line to run 250 yards (228.6 m). String the right hook on the end of your line. Many sturgeon fishermen recommend a hook size of 5/0 to 9/0, depending on the species of sturgeon you are fishing for. Add the right bait to your hook. The adage “fresh is best” applies to sturgeon fishing. Types of recommended bait include crawfish, fresh water clams, salmon eggs or carcasses, shad and other small fish. If fresh bait isn't available, adding scents to the bait will catch the attention of the sturgeon. Shrimp oil, shad oil and sardine oil are just a few of the many fish oils on the market. Locate the right spot to fish. Ledges, small channels, sand flats and other rocky points are recommended when you fish for Sturgeon. Sturgeon move with the tides as they search for food. If the tide is out, look for deeper water. If the tide has come in, fishing in small beds of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m) may produce a good catch. Identify the sturgeon’s bite on your line, which can vary according to the outdoor temperature. During colder weather, the bites are slow and repetitive. The repetitive action will help you differentiate between a bite and the tide moving your line. During warmer weather, the bite tends to be more aggressive. This occurs because the fish are getting close to spawning season (typically in July and August) and are more active. Look for the rod tip to dip and line movements. Pull up on your fishing rod so that you secure the catch. Once you feel the bites, it is important to yank the rod so that the hook lodges securely into the sturgeon. Reel in the sturgeon as quickly as possible. Remember that sturgeon can be quite large. Plant both feet and ask for assistance if you feel that the fish is too powerful. | Get the right tackle equipment. String the right hook on the end of your line. Add the right bait to your hook. Locate the right spot to fish. Identify the sturgeon’s bite on your line, which can vary according to the outdoor temperature. Pull up on your fishing rod so that you secure the catch. Reel in the sturgeon as quickly as possible. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Beach-Ball-Party-Arch | How to Make a Beach Ball Party Arch | To make a beach ball party arch, measure the archway and buy enough beach balls and inner tubes in your chosen size to fill the space. Blow up the inflatables and practice stacking the balls and tubes before using latex adhesive to permanently connect them. Construct the first side of the arch, then have a friend hold the curved top in place as you construct the other side. Hold the arch up for 15 minutes so the glue sets properly in the desired position! | Determine where you will place the arch. Locate an area at your party that will make a good space for the arch. This will allow you to determine how big the arch will be, and how many beach balls and inner tubes will be needed. You can create the arch as a backdrop piece for photo ops, or as something your guests will walk through. If you plan for people to walk through the arch, consider the height of your guests. If you don't know the height of your guests, 6–7 feet (180–210 cm) is a good size. You may want to look for an area that offers some support for the arch, such as an existing doorway. The arch should be self-standing, but any additional support can be helpful. Determine the size of your arch. Place one end of a piece of rope on the ground where the arch will begin, and place a rock on top of it. Then run the rope along the area where you imagine the arch (use a friend and/or a step-stool to help you). Make a mark on the rope where it reaches the ground on the other side. Then lay your rope out straight and use your tape measure to determine the length. To determine the size of your arch, you will need a long piece of rope or twine, a tape measure, a marker, and a rock. You may also need the help of a friend and a ladder or step-stool. Determine the sizes of your beach balls and inner tubes. You are going to use 1 larger inner tube as the base for each side of the arch (so you'll need 2 altogether). Then you will alternate between beach balls and small inner tubes, making your way across the arch. In order to know how many of each you'll need, you need to select your materials and measure them. The most common size of beach ball is 11.2 inches (28 cm), but they are also available in 16 inches (41 cm), 24 inches (61 cm), and other sizes. Inner tubes are available in a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses. You may need to purchase a few inner tube options and then measure them blown up. (The measurements on the package generally refer to the diameter of the inner tube, whereas you need to know the thickness.) Figure out approximately how many beach balls and inner tubes you’ll need. You will want an even number of small inner tubes, plus 2 larger ones for each base. You will want an odd number of beach balls. Let's say your arch is going to be 20 feet (6.1 m) long, from end to end. Your beach balls are 16 inches (41 cm), your large inner tubes are about 10 inches (25 cm) thick, and your small inner tubes are about 6 inches (15 cm) thick. In this example, your math would look like this: So 20 feet (6.1 m) is 240 inches (610 cm). This is the total size of your arch. Your bases subtract 20 inches (51 cm), which leaves 220 inches (560 cm). The center beach ball (the one that makes the total number odd) subtracts 16 inches (41 cm), which leaves 204 inches (520 cm). Each beach ball-inner tube pair equals 22 inches (56 cm), and 204 inches (520 cm) divided by 22 inches (56 cm) equals 9.27, which we can round up to 10. (If you round down, you won't have an even number.) For a 20 foot (6.1 m) arch with these beach balls and inner tubes, you will need about 11 balls, 10 small inner tubes, and 2 larger inner tubes. Purchase your materials. Once you know approximately how many beach balls and inner tubes you need, you can purchase your materials and get to work. You may want to purchase a couple of extra balls/tubes, because it may take some trial and error to get your arch just right. For this project, you're going to need: 2 larger inner tubes An even number of smaller inner tubes An odd number of beach balls Latex glue (available at craft stores or online) An air pump to blow up balls and inner tubes Blow up all inflatables. Use an electric pump or hand pump to inflate all of your beach balls and inner tubes. Fill each item until it is firm to the touch. Full, firm inflatables will make a sturdy arch, but be careful not to overfill them. Otherwise, they might pop. Practice stacking the inner tubes and beach balls without glue. Practice constructing the arch without glue, to make sure you like the design. You may need to enlist the assistance of a friend to hold the beach ball arch in place. Remember, the order goes: a large inner tube at the base (on each side), followed by pairs of beach balls and small inter tubes. Add adhesive to the beach balls to create your arch. For the construction of the arch, you will definitely need help from 1-2 friends. It is important to glue the pieces together with the arch standing up (as opposed to lying on the ground), in order for you to get the curvature just right. Apply a thin layer of latex glue to the bottom base inner tube, and press 1 of your beach balls against it. Apply pressure for 20-30 seconds. Apply a thin layer of latex glue to the beach ball, and press 1 of your small inner tubes against it. Again, apply pressure for 20-30 seconds. Alternate between sides: do a few layers on the left, then a few layers on the right. Be sure to gentle curve the balls and inner tubes in the shape of an arch. Have your friends hold the arch in place as you connect the 2 sides. The top/center of the arch will need the most support. Be sure to glue the balls/tubes with the inflation tabs sticking out. This will allow you to add air as needed, and help with take down. Hold the arch in place for as long as you can. Take turns holding the top/center of the arch for a minimum of 10-15 minutes (although longer is better), until the adhesive starts to set. Finally, leave the arch alone for several hours, to allow the adhesive to cure. Add additional support. If you have constructed your arch near a solid structure (like an existing doorway), you can use rope or twine to help secure the arch. Loop a length or rope or twine around the arch in the top middle, and find a place to attach it. Add another length of rope/twine on each side of the arch. This step is optional, but advisable, especially if your arch will be outdoors. Take down your arch. Open the nozzles on all of the inflatables. Untie any rope or twine you used to secure it. Give the arch some time (an hour or 2) to deflate naturally. Squeeze the remaining air out, fold up the arch, and store it for future use. Next time you use the arch, you may need to use latex glue to re-secure any connection that may have come loose. | Determine where you will place the arch. Determine the size of your arch. Determine the sizes of your beach balls and inner tubes. Figure out approximately how many beach balls and inner tubes you’ll need. Purchase your materials. Blow up all inflatables. Practice stacking the inner tubes and beach balls without glue. Add adhesive to the beach balls to create your arch. Hold the arch in place for as long as you can. Add additional support. Take down your arch. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Drill-Safely | How to Use a Drill Safely | To drill safely, start by ensuring your drill bit is securely fitted into the chuck to prevent it from flying out while you work. You should also make sure you're using the right kind of bit, such as a general drill bit for wood or a masonry bit for concrete. Then, use steady pressure on the material to drill the hole. If you're struggling to penetrate the material, adjust the clutch to get a higher torque. Alternatively, reduce the torque if you want to drill more slowly. You should also make sure you're taking regular breaks if you're drilling through hard material so the drill bit can cool down. | Wear safe clothing and eye protection. Avoid baggy clothing or dangling jewelry that could catch in the drill as you lean over it. Wear safety goggles or glasses that cover the sides of your eyes, to protect them from flying debris. Wear ear protection if drilling regularly. A handheld electric drill produces about 90 decibels, which is just enough to cause hearing damage after prolonged exposure. Most cordless drills are quiet enough that hearing protection is not necessary. Impact drills (hammer drills) are the loudest handheld drills, producing over 100 dB. Hearing protection is recommended whenever using them. Protect your lungs when necessary. If the project kicks up a lot of dust, wear breathing protection. A dust mask is only good for short-term comfort. Use a respirator if you drill regularly or for long periods of time, or if the material you are drilling is a known respiratory hazard. Each respirator is rated for certain types of hazards. Make sure the one you use is suited to your project. Choose the correct drill bit. Using a bit made from the wrong material can cause the bit or the material you're drilling to break. You can use a general-purpose bit on most wood; a masonry bit for stone, brick or concrete; an HSS (high speed steel) bit on most metals; and a carbide or diamond-tipped bit on very hard, brittle surfaces such as porcelain, glass, or glazed tiles. There are many specialized bit designs, so consult the drill manual or bit manufacturer if you're not sure which bit to use. When drilling a hole for a screw, there's an easy way to find the right size bit. Hold the screw up directly behind the bit. The bit should hide the shaft of the screw from view, but the screw threads should still be visible on both sides. Fit the drill bit firmly into the chuck. The chuck is the clamp in the "jaws" of the drill. This holds the drill bit in place as it spins. To replace a drill bit, make sure the drill is off (and unplugged if corded), then loosen the chuck by rotating it. Depending on the drill, you may be able to do this by hand, or you may need a chuck key located in a compartment in the top or handle of the drill. Insert the drill bit into the chuck, then tighten again. Make sure the bit is straight and secure, and remove the key before you turn on the drill. Each chuck has a maximum size. Most drills made for home use in the United States have a chuck of size 1/4", 3/8", or 1/2". The shaft of the drill bit must be smaller than this size (but the tip can be larger). Run the drill and watch the bit spin in the air. If it wobbles from side to side (or looks like a blurry cone), the bit is bent or not secured correctly. Discard bent bits, since they can easily break during drilling. Clamp small pieces together. If you are drilling into a small, loose piece, clamp it down firmly before you drill. Do not hold the piece down with one hand while drilling, as the drill could slip and injure you. Handle the cord safely. If the drill has a cord, never leave it stretched across a pathway when not in use. Never pick up the drill by the cord. If you are drilling in a wet or muddy area, use a cordless drill instead. If you need to plug the drill into an extension cord, check the drill manual for the minimum wire gauge (or go with 16 gauge if you're not sure). Do not chain multiple extension cords together, use indoor extension cords outdoors, or use an adapter to plug a three-prong cord into a two-prong outlet. Drill a pilot hole. In many cases, you'll get better results if you start with a drill bit a little smaller than the final hole size. Drill a shallow "pilot hole," then switch to the larger bit to finish the job. The pilot hole will help prevent your drill bit from slipping, and reduces the chance of splitting wood or other damage. Very brittle materials such as ceramic and glass require extra care. Make a small "X" in masking tape where you want the hole, to help prevent slipping and chipping. Instead of drilling the pilot hole, place the drill bit over the X, then gently tap it with a hammer to create a small dent. Drill with steady pressure. Hold the drill steady and push it into the material you're drilling. If it takes more than light force to drill the hole, you're probably using the wrong bit. Adjust the clutch. Each drill has a twistable collar to adjust the torque, often with a series of numbers on it. The higher the number, the more torque (rotational force) the drill will apply. If you are having trouble penetrating the material, increase the torque. If you are over-driving screws (burying them too deep), or if drilling too deep could damage something, lower the torque. Some models mark the highest torque with a drill bit icon. Avoid overheating the drill bit. If you are drilling through hard materials or drilling at high speeds, the drill bit will encounter an immense amount of friction. This can rapidly overheat the bit, to the point where it becomes red hot or burns the material you're drilling. Start at low drill speeds, and only increase the speed if the drill isn't moving smoothly. If you're drilling through hard materials, or drilling many holes in any material, stick to slow speeds and pause occasionally to give the bit a few seconds to cool down. When drilling glass, ceramic, or stone, give the bit a steady supply of water to keep it cool. One way to do this is to build a "dam" out of putty or modeling clay around your drilling area. Fill the area with water so it flows down into the hole. "Pump" the bit up and down so the water can reach the tip. Even if the drill bit doesn't look hot, give it time to cool down before touching it. Do not force a jammed bit through. If the drill bit gets stuck in the material, don't try to force it out by running the drill. Unplug the drill, separate the bit and the chuck, and remove the bit using manual tools. | Wear safe clothing and eye protection. Wear ear protection if drilling regularly. Protect your lungs when necessary. Choose the correct drill bit. Fit the drill bit firmly into the chuck. Clamp small pieces together. Handle the cord safely. Drill a pilot hole. Drill with steady pressure. Adjust the clutch. Avoid overheating the drill bit. Do not force a jammed bit through. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Improve-Blood-Sugar-Levels | How to Improve Blood Sugar Levels | To improve your blood sugar levels, try to reduce your intake of processed foods, like cookies, donuts, and soda, since they contain simple sugars that raise your blood sugar levels. You should also focus on eating complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, brown rice, and oats, since they are full of fibre, which helps slow your blood stream down. Additionally, try to exercise regularly, such as walking, swimming, or going to the gym, since this improves your insulin sensitivity and lowers your blood sugar levels. If you've been prescribed insulin, make sure to take it as directed. | Test your blood sugar. Testing your blood sugar is the first tool that you have in treating diabetes. This is usually done with an electronic meter. Following your doctor's instructions, you will have to use a small lancet on your finger to obtain a drop of blood several times per day. The blood is put on a test strip in the meter, which then gives you an accurate reading. Levels greater than 126 mg/dl before a meal or 200 mg/dl two hours after meals are hyperglycemic (high). It is also good to keep a regular log of your readings in order to get an idea of how your sugar levels fluctuate in response to diet and exercise. Some meters have spring-action lancets that make checking less painful. Other allow you to test from your arms, thigh, or hand. Unfortunately, urine testing is less accurate than blood and not a usable method. Take your insulin if it has been prescribed for you. It helps your body use glucose for energy. Insulin therapy is a must for people with type 1 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes sometimes need it. Your medical team will help you determine if and what you will require for an insulin regime. In general, people with type 1 diabetes start with two injections of insulin per day, while people with type 2 diabetes may need one per day to go with other medications like pills. In both cases, the body builds up resistance so that more insulin is needed over time. Insulin is also delivered in different ways. The most common method is by injection. However, there are also insulin pens -- and self-testing, self-correcting electronic pumps, the easiest method. You should inject into the same area of the body in order to be consistent, but not the exact place. Insulin delivery should also be properly timed to fit meal times so that it is effective in processing glucose as needed. Your doctor will tell you what time of day you need to take your insulin. Follow a nutritious diet. Good nutrition and lifestyle is a major aspect of diabetes management. Medical studies show that a good diet, exercise, and weight loss can reduce fasting glucose levels in people with diabetes. Part of this is knowing what to eat. The idea, in short, is to eat things that level your blood sugar rather than spiking it. Together with your doctor or dietitian, you should be able to make an appropriate meal plan. Nutrition is the best way to control blood sugar levels because blood sugar is directly impacted by what you eat and when. Eating a healthy diet that is focused on blood sugar control is essential in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and thus preventing or controlling diabetes. Reduce the intake of simple sugars. Simple sugars like cane sugar, honey, or corn syrups found in soda and processed foods are easily absorbed into the bloodstream and will raise your blood sugar levels. You will have to be vigilant with them. This does not mean that you can't eat sweets on occasion. A small piece of pie or a cookie now and then is OK, but you will have to plan for it. Make sure you are not overdoing sweets and getting off track. Eat complex carbohydrates. Doctors recommend that people with diabetes get 60% to 70% of their total calories from carbohydrates and non-saturated fats – especially complex carbohydrates like whole grains, brown rice, and oats. High-protein diets are not recommended. Instead, opt for fiber-rich foods such as kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, broccoli, peas, almonds, apples, and pears. Fiber slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and will keep your blood sugar level. It will also make you feel full. Many people with diabetes or people trying to maintain blood sugar levels think they need to completely avoid carbohydrates. This is not true. Complex carbohydrates are rich in fiber and thus, have a blood sugar-stabilizing effect. Educate yourself on how much you can eat during snack and meal times and how to space those meals out so that you can better control your levels of blood sugar. Exercise regularly. Another pillar of diabetes and blood sugar management is physical exercise. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity. Try attending a gym, walking regularly, or simply be more active. Incorporate fitness into your daily routine by choosing walking over driving, or opting for stairs over the elevator. Swimming and exercise classes are also good options. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program. You may need less medicine if you are burning sugar through exercise. Exercise can cause your blood sugar level to drop for up to 12 hours. Check your levels before exercise and again afterward. Consider wearing a diabetic bracelet. Tell gym partners or coaches about your condition. Carry emergency phone numbers with you, as well. Be attentive to any sores or blisters on your feet, particularly if you have diabetic neuropathy. Small sores can become infected. Bring some small snacks with you to the gym in case your blood sugar drops. Eat often. People with low blood sugar can benefit from frequent meals to ensure a steady glucose supply, otherwise they may become shaky, panicky, confused, or faint. Eating too sporadically can cause spikes in blood sugar, followed by lows. This sort of up-and-down creates a diabetic environment in the body. Plan to eat about once every 3 to 4 hours, making sure that meals are small but satiating. You should also include snacks. Try carrying emergency snacks with you in case you experience a sudden sugar low. Peanut butter crackers or granola bars work great as a portable food, for example. Avoid sugary foods. The best way to manage hypoglycemia is through a diet similar to that used by people with diabetes. Someone who is suffering from an extreme sugar low needs a quick boost. In such circumstances, a modest amount of juice, candy, soda, or even sugar or honey (about equal to 15 grams) will alleviate symptoms. However, in general it is best as a person with hypoglycemia to avoid sugary foods, especially on an empty stomach. Simple sugars may boost your blood sugar, but they can lead to a quick crash and spark a vicious cycle of highs and lows. It is much better to maintain a steady balance. Eat complex carbohydrates. Make sure to include foods that are low in simple sugars, rich in complex carbohydrates, and high in soluble fiber, but all in smaller portions -- not big servings. Use whole grains, not refined and bleached, so eat rolled oats, barley/rye flour, and brown rice, starches like whole grain pasta and legumes like beans are all good choices -- but control and limit amount/size of servings of corn (it is called "sweet corn" for a reason); cooked, dried peas/beans (eat cooked snap-peas, green beans); non-stuffed baked potato, unsweetened yam (limit sweetened or sugared foods). Unsweetened/fresh fruit may also be a good idea for some, as its natural sugars do not require insulin. Get plenty of soluble, plant fiber. Improve hypoglycemia, pre-diabetes or diabetes by including soluble fiber in your diet. It's an effective way to make sure that sugars enter your blood slowly, gradually, and not all at once. Most complex carbohydrates and unrefined/unprocessed grains contain fiber, as do vegetables. Make sure to load up on fibrous vegetables like broccoli, leafy greens, or green beans. Eat protein, but not very much. It can interfere with handling carbohydrates. Doctors in the past advised that people with hypoglycemia should eat high protein meals four to five times per day in order to keep themselves satiated and to avoid blood sugar highs and lows. However, a high-protein diet contains more saturated fat and puts people at a higher risk of heart disease than those who follow a moderate protein diet. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor or dietitian to see what is best for you. Exercise. Physical exercise is equally good for someone with low blood sugar as someone with high blood sugar. Again, though, you need to be vigilant. Exercise suppresses blood sugar levels, so you should make sure to snack beforehand. A banana with peanut butter or an apple and some cheese are sensible ideas, combining sugar with protein. If you exercise in the evening, consider having a snack before bed in order to stave off a hypoglycemic reaction. Talk to a doctor. If you are here, you probably already know or suspect that you have a blood sugar problem. It is best to see a doctor, first of all. One will assess your symptoms, give a diagnosis, and inform you about what is wrong. It may be diabetes, which is caused in Type 1 by a lack of insulin, or in Type 2 is due to resistance to insulin in the body. This lack of insulin leads to chronically high levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia) that over time can damage the kidneys, nerves, retinas, cardiovascular system, and feet and legs. Another potential issue is low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. The opposite of hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia can be hereditary or a reaction to diabetic medication. Consult with a registered dietitian when trying to regulate blood sugar (whether you have diabetes or pre-diabetes). Dietitians can create custom meal plans for you that accomplish your goals healthily and safely. In case you have diabetes, the doctor will also advise you on a plan to manage the disease through diet, exercise, and perhaps an insulin program. This will be the foundation for managing your blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia can also be a serious medical condition and should be managed through diet and exercise. Learn to recognize symptoms. Managing your problem will be a learning process. Part of what you can do is to recognize how high or low blood sugar levels manifest themselves in your body. There are certain things to look for. Do you sometimes feel dizzy, shaky, weak, or faint? These are all possible symptoms of very low blood sugar. Or, are you frequently very hungry or thirsty (polyphagia/polydipsia)? Do you urinate often (polyuria), especially at night? Does your urine smell sweet? Have you experienced weight loss? Any of these might indicate poorly managed high blood sugar. Learn more about your blood sugar problem. Diabetes and its related problems are chronic and life-threatening. There is no cure. It is absolutely in your interest to inform yourself as much as possible about the disease by talking to your doctor, reading on your own, and consulting other resources. There are many good sites online devoted to living with diabetes, for example. Try visiting the American Diabetes Association at http://www.diabetes.org/ or Diabetes.uk at http://www.diabetes.co.uk/ to get started. These sites offer plenty of information, tips, food recipes, and general support. | Test your blood sugar. Take your insulin if it has been prescribed for you. Follow a nutritious diet. Reduce the intake of simple sugars. Eat complex carbohydrates. Exercise regularly. Eat often. Avoid sugary foods. Eat complex carbohydrates. Get plenty of soluble, plant fiber. Eat protein, but not very much. Exercise. Talk to a doctor. Learn to recognize symptoms. Learn more about your blood sugar problem. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Flash-Cards | How to Make Flash Cards | To make flash cards, start by writing each key term or figure you're trying to memorize on its own index card or piece of paper. Then, on the other side, write the definition or other information that relates to the word on the opposite side. Make sure your writing is large and clear so it's easy to read while you're studying. Also, don't try to cram too much information on your flash cards. Instead, use bullet points and short notes to convey the information. | Find a place to work. Have a well lit working area where you are away from distractions and have all equipment ready. You want to devote your entire attention to your flash cards. Some people enjoy having a television on in the background or have music playing. If this is you, feel free to enjoy your preferred auditory stimuli, just make sure that they don't distract you from your task. Collect your materials together. This means that you should have your flash cards and textbook ready. Have a good pen, markers, highlighters, and whatever other writing implements you'd like to use. At this stage, you'll also need to decide what medium you want to use to make your flash cards. Will you choose paper and pen or will you create digital flash cards? Ultimately, it is a matter of preference. Studies have shown that most students retain information better if they have to write out the materials. Yet, the convenience of having your flash cards on your phone may outweigh other concerns. Highlight the most important information. Identify salient information in your notes and text book. Distill them down into their key parts so that you can transfer them to your notecards — in a physical or a digital form. You can do this by highlighting your notes or the textbook. If you cannot write in your textbook, write on a separate sheet of paper or create a separate file in a word processor on your computer. Eventually, you will develop a system of note-taking that will make flash cards easier to make. Some of the easiest ways of doing this are to highlight or underline key sections your teacher stresses. Some people use asterisks, dashes, or other symbols to set off important text from the rest of their notes. Write the key term or concept on one side of the flash card. Write it in large letters so it will be easy for you to read. You don't want to include any of the key information on this side. The point of flash cards is to see a basic concept and then be able to identify pertinent information about that topic. If your teacher has given you key questions to consider, you might just write out the question on this side. Keep this side of the card as simple as possible. Write short, concise notes on the other side of the flash card. Your goal is to distill the key information on this side of the notecard. Don't rewrite a professor's entire lecture on Mongolian agrarian reform or bicameralism. Take the most important points your professor emphasizes and bullet point them on the notecard. Write with pencil or light ink so that this information doesn't bleed to the other side of the card. Draw diagrams if you need to. Don't be afraid to include additional information on the back of your notecards, as long it is essential information to the studying process. Make sure your writing is large, clear, and well-spaced. If your writing is small, you will not be able to read it easily and if it's crowded you will have too much to take in at one time. Writing clearly will enable you to read your notes easily. If you find yourself including too much detail on your notecards, either try to distill it further or break it up into several notecards. In this case, you can place the key word on the first side with some kind of qualifier in parentheses. For example, if you wanted to remember the causes of the French Revolution, but couldn't condense it onto a single card, you might make several cards. “French Revolution Origins (Political)”, “French Revolution Origins (Social)”, and “French Revolution Origins (Economic)” might be possible cards for this subject. Write in bright colors. Colors are your friend. Feel free to color code particular information. For example, if you are studying for a French verb test, you might write the infinitive verb on one side of the card and then on the other, you could write the definition in black and then the conjugated forms in a different color. Get creative. Color can be used to help further organize the salient information on the flash card. Just make sure that you can still read it. Yellow ink on a yellow flash card won't work. Use shorthand to save space. Sometimes, you might have a lot of information on a single flashcard. In this case, you might consider adopting a form of shorthand. Most people develop their own that makes sense to them. In general, people use shorthand to highlight essential information and de-emphasize non-essential words. Turn “and” into “&” and “for example” into “e.g.”. Open Microsoft Word and start a “New” document. No matter what version of Word you are using, you'll need to open the program first. Then you'll want to click on the “New” file button. This is found in the top bar. Choose a flash cards template. You can do this in two different ways. There is a search bar. Type “flash card” is that search bar and the template will appear. Or you can go and find the “flash card” template amongst all the other templates provided in MS Word. Typically, there are several different flash cards templates to choose from. Some are more colorful than others. Some are plain white. Some have decorations. Choose the one that is the most appealing to you, but keep in mind that your flash cards should be easy to read. If some sort of decoration or color makes them difficult for you to use, you'll want to avoid that template. Fill them out with the necessary information. Each template will tell you where the key term, concept or question should go and where you should put the necessary information. Use color to organize your notecards further. Simply highlight the text that you'd like to recolor and then click on the text color tab at the top of your program. Use a color that is still easy to read, but distinguishable from the other color that you're using. For example, use black for the primary information and green, blue, red, purple, or brown for subsequent particulars on the same card. Print out and cut up the flash cards. Flash cards won't help you much if they're stuck on your hard drive. Print them out on sturdy cardstock and cut them apart. You can punch a hole through one corner and string cards on a ring to keep them together. Then you can just flip through them as needed. Choose an online flash card creator. There are several to choose from. Some will even let you download their program to use offline. Several sites like cram.com, http://www.flashcardmachine.com , http://www.kitzkikz.com/flashcards/ , and https://www.studyblue.com are great free resources. Create an account if prompted. Many online note card creation programs require you to create an account. This is essential so that you don't lose the information you've put in. By creating an account, you'll be able to access your flash cards from any computer with an internet connection. This means that you'll be able to look at them on your desktops, laptops, and smartphones. Insert all the relevant information. Each site has a place for the key term, concept, or question and then another place for the important information. Some websites like cram.com give you the option of personalizing the aesthetic of your flashcards — adding color or designs. Others like http://www.kitzkikz.com/flashcards/ just have spaces for the information. Finish your flash cards. Every website then has a button to click that says “create flashcards” or “process flashcards”. Click it and start using them. Choose a mobile app to make flash cards. The biggest advantage to a mobile app is that you can take your flash cards with you wherever you go. There are many mobile apps out there that can help you make flash cards. Some are even tailored by subject, such as math and vocabulary. Most apps are free, so try out a couple to see what best suits your needs. Take your time to make flash cards. This may be the biggest “no brainer” step of all, because you need to have good information on the card if it's going to be helpful. Try to think of making flash cards as part of the study process, not just a step that allows you to study. It is oftentimes the first foray into the study process for you. Pay close attention to the material. Try to add your own insight while you are making them. It will help you remember the information later on. Some researchers even think that hand-written flash cards work more effectively than those made on MS Word, with other software programs, or online. Princeton and UCLA psychologists found that information retention increases when students are forced to write it out on paper. Your brain is forced to process the new material in a different way than if you simply type it out verbatim. Test yourself frequently. Don't just make the flash cards and look them over right before a test. Reference them frequently. Set aside a chunk of study time when you won't be disturbed. Go through the notecards methodically. Keep them at hand throughout the day and reference a couple during television commercials, when you are sitting on the bus, or waiting in line at the grocery store. Your goal is to know the entire stack backwards, forwards, and mixed up. You can only do this if you test yourself frequently. Have someone test you. It doesn't matter if the other person is in your class or not. All they have to do is be able to read to you what you've written on the card. Have them show you one side of the card. You then explain the material on the other side, making sure that you use key phrases. If you are new to the information, you might even have your study helper show you the side with the information and then you say the key word. Keep your notecards until you are absolutely sure that you don’t need them. One of the biggest mistakes that students make is discarding their flash cards after the quiz or exam. Information compounds over the course of the semester and from one class to the next. If you are taking a course that has several parts, consider creating a much larger “bank” of flash cards to reference in the coming months. | Find a place to work. Collect your materials together. Highlight the most important information. Write the key term or concept on one side of the flash card. Write short, concise notes on the other side of the flash card. Make sure your writing is large, clear, and well-spaced. Write in bright colors. Use shorthand to save space. Open Microsoft Word and start a “New” document. Choose a flash cards template. Fill them out with the necessary information. Print out and cut up the flash cards. Choose an online flash card creator. Create an account if prompted. Insert all the relevant information. Finish your flash cards. Choose a mobile app to make flash cards. Take your time to make flash cards. Test yourself frequently. Have someone test you. Keep your notecards until you are absolutely sure that you don’t need them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Waterfall-Bong | How to Make a Waterfall Bong | To make a waterfall bong, all you'll need is a 1-liter plastic bottle and a 1/4-inch socket for a socket wrench. First, poke a 1/4-inch hole in the cap with a knife or a sharp pen. Then, place the socket inside the hole. Finally, just cut a 1/4-inch hole about 5 inches up from the bottom of the bottle for the carb, which is the hole you'll hold shut with your finger when you smoke the bong. Once your bong is ready to go, fill the socket in the cap with your smoking material. Then, fill the bottle with water while keeping the carb covered. Do this outside or over a sink since water is going to pour out. Take your finger off the carb and light the material in the socket. As the water drains out, the bottle will fill up with smoke. Once the water stops draining, take off the lid and inhale. | Make a hole in the cap of a 1 liter Plastic bottle. This is about the size of the large soda bottles you can buy at a grocery store.Poke a ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm) hole into the cap of a 20 ounce bottle with a sharp object like a knife or sharp pen. It needs to be big enough to fit the bottom of the quarter inch socket but not so big that the socket falls all the way through. The bottom of the socket is the smaller cylindrical portion. This part should poke down through the bottle cap if the cap is on the bottle. The larger bowl portion of the socket will act as a bottleneck and brace against the bottle cap to stop it from falling into the bottle. It would be best to start with a smaller hole and make it larger, because if you make it too big you'll need an entirely new cap. Place a socket in the cap. You can buy a small socket wrench piece at any hardware sore. The socket will be the part of the bong that you put your herbs into eventually, which is called the bowl. Put the quarter inch socket into the hole that you just made in the cap. It should fit snugly and not jiggle. You definitely don't want it to fall into the bottle – the bottle will ultimately be filled with some dirty water after you have smoked it. This socket will be used as your bowl. Instead of using a bowl you can also roll a joint and stick it in the hole at the top. If the connection feels a little loose you can stick a bit of gum around the edges to give it a firmer connection. Tape is a little more difficult but could also work. For an even better seal and overall better hit, consider using a glass bowl and rubber grommet from a real bong. An easier way to make a bowl is to shape it out using tin foil and just put it over the hole where the cap should go. Poke holes in the tin foil for the smoke to go through. Make your carb. The carb is a small hole in a smoking device that you hold shut while you light the herb. When you are ready to take your hit you release your finger from the carb and the pressure change causes all the smoke to rush into your lungs. Examine the bottom of your 1 liter bottle. You should notice a bunch of small notches at the bottom of the bottle that serves as it base. Cut or burn a small hole directly above one of these notches. You don't need the hole to be very big - just big enough to allow some airflow. This hole serves as your carb. The hole will be on the side of the bottle toward the bottom. Excessive use of lighter to melt the plastic can makes holes too big and/or plastic too weak. Fill the bottle with some water. Take the cap off and fill your bottle with water. You should fill it to about an inch from the top while holding the carb closed with your finger. This will stop the water from leaking out. Don't let go if you are holding the carb with your finger. If you plan to smoke immediately you should fill the socket bowl with weed and get a lighter before you fill the bottle with water. Fill the bowl with whatever you are smoking. Remember that you are putting it into the socket that you placed inside the cap. Screw the entire cap on once it is filled with your smokable product. Ground smoking material will work better, as it will restrict incoming airflow less than solid matter will. Take the pieces of herb and rip it up into small pieces, about the size of bead or a very small pebble. Place the pieces of herb into the bowl – remember your bowl is the head of the socket. Keep your finger on the carb until you are ready to smoke. Make sure you are in a place where it is okay for the water to spill out, like over a sink or a pool or outside. Part of the process is having the water empty out of the bottle while the smoke replaces it. Now let go of the carb and as the water is pouring out of the carb, light the bowl. While the water level is lowering the bong will pull in the smoke from the bowl. Wait until all the water is completely out. Now cover the carb again with your finger. The bottle should be filled with smoke. Now you are ready to smoke it. Breathe in. Screw off the bowl and start sucking in. As you suck in let go of the carb. This change in pressure in the bottle will help funnel the smoke into your lungs. Be prepared for a large hit. Try to breathe the air in deeply. Breathing in air will bring the smoke into your lungs. Repeat the process as many times as you want. Change the bottle about once a week. It gets dirty after frequent use. | Make a hole in the cap of a 1 liter Plastic bottle. Place a socket in the cap. Make your carb. Fill the bottle with some water. Fill the bowl with whatever you are smoking. Keep your finger on the carb until you are ready to smoke. Wait until all the water is completely out. Breathe in. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Batman | How to Draw Batman | To draw Batman, start by deciding which look you want to give him, since his appearance has changed over the years. If you're unsure, you could try looking at different versions of Batman online for inspiration. Then, choose a pose for your Batman, like driving the Batmobile or crouching on a rooftop. After you've drawn Batman's figure, remember to include the details of his outfit, including his gloves, boots, and cape. Finally, add the cowl to Batman's face. | Draw Batman’s stick figure. Using your stick figure as your base, draw circles and pipes to represent the muscles. Add in the details of batman’s costume. Remember to add in two pointy horns, the mask, the bat design on the chest, his belt attached with pockets, the three blades attached in his gloves, his boots and his cape with zigzag design at the bottom. Draw the facial features and add details to the hands. Erase unnecessary lines and finish adding details. Color in your drawing. Draw the outline of Batman’s head, tilted slightly sideways. Draw a large curve representing the shoulders, and two lines for the neck. Add details of his costume to your drawing. Draw the eyes and the mouth. Add the bat emblem (see below) to the chest area. Erase unnecessary lines and ink in your drawing. You can add in a few lines for the design on his mask and a few more lines as creases to his cape. Instead of coloring in the picture, you can also shade your drawing for a darker, more sinister look. Decide which style of Batman you want to draw. Unlike Superman, whose look evolved early and has remained fairly constant throughout his appearance in the comics, Batman's look has been revised a number of times during his years of crime fighting. Both his physical appearance and his costume have changed, with the most notable changes being the addition of the yellow oval around his Bat-insignia in 1964, which has been dropped in more recent renderings of the Gotham Guardian, as well as no longer showing him wearing trunks that match his cowl and cape, coupled with a different rendering of his utility belt. You can find examples of your favorite Batman look online, in comics anthologies such as "The Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told," or in shows such as "Batman: The Animated Series" or "The Brave and the Bold." Pick the pose you want to draw the Dark Knight in. When not behind the wheel of the Batmobile or in the cockpit of the Batplane, Batman can often be seen swinging through downtown Gotham City on his Batline, crouching on rooftops, breaking through skylights or tumbling his way into or out of danger. These action poses require knowledge of perspective and foreshortening to render the Caped Crusader correctly. If you haven't mastered these techniques, you may instead want to draw the imposing figure Batman casts when he's standing still. Get the proportions right. In general, you'll want to draw Batman's body to be about 3 times as wide and 7 1/2 to 8 times the height of his head. The Dark night Detective is described as standing 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall and weighing 185 pounds (84 kilograms). If you're showing Batman from the perspective of a terrified thug seeing the Masked Man hunter drop down on him, you'll want to lengthen the body parts nearest the viewer and shorten those furthest away. Draw a skeleton of the pose. Draw a circle initially to represent Batman's head, a square for his jawline and a rounded rectangle for his chest. Use sticks to represent his lower torso, arms and legs until you work of the specifics of his pose and the perspective needed. Because Batman's cape is so voluminous, you need to plan what parts of the Caped Crusader's body it will cover when you begin your sketch. You can start with a set of curved lines to show where the upper part of the cape will rest with respect to Batman's back. Flesh out the details. Start roughing in Batman's chest, arm and leg muscles. Batman should have a well-defined chest and abdominal muscles and a neck thick enough to bear the weight of his head, cowl and cape. Work the shape of his face from the original circle to be more squarish; if you're going for the look Sheldon Moldoff created in the 1950s, you want an especially square-jawed Batman. Although Superman is much more physically powerful, Batman's physique should be roughly the same as Superman's, as the two heroes used to trade costumes to confuse their enemies in 1950s and '60s issues of "World's Finest Comics." Other than in Frank Miller's rendering from "The Dark Knight Returns," Batman should not appear musclebound, either; his physique should most closely resemble that of a decathlete. Make it hug his body. Batman's costume is close-fitting, although in more recent years, it has incorporated form-fitting soft body armor to protect the Dark Knight from bullets and knives. Thus, it isn't necessary to show every detail of every muscle, although the most significant ripples should be shown. Put the trunks in the right place if you're showing them. Although the contrasting color trunks have been dropped in recent years, Batman is still drawn with them in many pictures. If you're including them, the lower parts should ride where his legs meet his groin, and the upper part, which reaches his waist, should be concealed by his utility belt. Extend the gloves and boots to the right length. The sides of Batman's boots should come up to the thickest part of his calves, with the point at the front coming to just below his knees. His gloves should reach the thickest part of his forearms, with 3 serrated projections curving backward from the outer sides of his forearms to suggest bat wings. The glove serrations are primarily decorative, but they served as bladed weapons in "Batman Begins." Give the Caped Crusader a large cape. Batman's cape is both longer and wider than Superman's. It should extend as far down as the backs of his upper ankles, ending in scalloped points to suggest bat wings and be wide enough that he can wrap it around his body the way Sherlock Holmes can his Inverness cape. In action poses, the cape should billow out behind Batman, large enough for him to use it as a parachute or parasail in an emergency. Bob Kane's original vision for Batman's cape was as sort of a wearable hang glider, but this created a cape that was too stiff to draw. Add in the utility belt. Draw a line just below the waist and another line about the width of Batman's hand above it to represent the edges of the utility belt. Create a rectangle in the center for the buckle, then either draw in a set of spaced cylinders or rectangular pouches depending on which version of the belt you're rendering. Draw in reference lines for the eyebrows and nose. Batman's nose and eyebrows are concealed by his cowl, but the cowl is molded around his forehead so the lines made by his brows show. The nose itself should be rendered as 2 triangles with a common side over the septum. Draw in the lower edge of the cowl. Extend a diagonal line from either side of the nose to the side of the head. Draw another line from each of these lines from where the cheek would be down to the jawline and erase the lines running from the cheeks to the ears. Position the cowl's eyeslits. The eyeslits should be roughly almond-shaped and placed where eyes would normally be. By convention, even in facial close-ups, Batman's eyes are not drawn in, but the slits are left white, although some artists defied this convention in the 1970s. (In recent years, this has been explained with eye-covers similar to those used by Spider-Man.) Add the cowl's ears. Use narrow triangles to represent the bat-ears of the cowl. Bob Kane originally drew fairly long ears, which were shortened a few years into the character's run and remained short until Neal Adams extended them again in the early 1970s. Shade in the cowl face. A common convention in drawing Batman is to shade in the area of the cowl that covers his upper face. This is not a coloration of the actual cowl, but rather a means to suggest the facial features covered by it. The shading usually covers the forehead and upper cheeks, but not the nose or where the mask rests on Bruce Wayne's eyebrows. Make an oval on Batman's chest. This will serve as the outer border of the logo if you choose to render the chest emblem with the oval and as a guide for the bat if you don't. The oval should be about as long as the distance between the ends of the Dark Knight's eyeslits. Draw another oval just inside the first oval. The space will form a border for the emblem. If you don't plan to include the oval in the logo, ignore this step. Draw a set of reference lines bisecting the oval horizontally and vertically. Sketch in the Bat-symbol, starting from one of the sides. Until 1969, the bat was drawn with slightly curving lines radiating from the bat's head to form the peaks of the wings, which then curved down to the outer tips. After that point, the outer edges of the wings curled to resemble the edges of a 2-headed ax. Using the reference lines, draw in one half of the Bat-symbol, then draw the other half as its mirror image. Remove any reference lines you drew. | Draw Batman’s stick figure. Using your stick figure as your base, draw circles and pipes to represent the muscles. Add in the details of batman’s costume. Draw the facial features and add details to the hands. Erase unnecessary lines and finish adding details. Color in your drawing. Draw the outline of Batman’s head, tilted slightly sideways. Draw a large curve representing the shoulders, and two lines for the neck. Add details of his costume to your drawing. Draw the eyes and the mouth. Erase unnecessary lines and ink in your drawing. You can add in a few lines for the design on his mask and a few more lines as creases to his cape. Instead of coloring in the picture, you can also shade your drawing for a darker, more sinister look. Decide which style of Batman you want to draw. Pick the pose you want to draw the Dark Knight in. Get the proportions right. Draw a skeleton of the pose. Flesh out the details. Make it hug his body. Put the trunks in the right place if you're showing them. Extend the gloves and boots to the right length. Give the Caped Crusader a large cape. Add in the utility belt. Draw in reference lines for the eyebrows and nose. Draw in the lower edge of the cowl. Position the cowl's eyeslits. Add the cowl's ears. Shade in the cowl face. Make an oval on Batman's chest. Draw another oval just inside the first oval. Draw a set of reference lines bisecting the oval horizontally and vertically. Sketch in the Bat-symbol, starting from one of the sides. Remove any reference lines you drew. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Shave-a-Matted-Cat | How to Shave a Matted Cat | If your cat has developed mats in its fur, start by trying to work out the tangles with a wide-toothed comb and pet detangler spray. However, if this doesn't work, clip off the mats. When using clippers on your cat, tighten your grip around its scruff to prevent it from biting or scratching. Once your cat is calm, move the clippers in the same direction that your cat's fur lies. Stop shaving as soon as you see fur that looks like it can be combed through. For cases where the mats are stuck to your cat's skin, bring it to the vet, who can give it a close shave without hurting it. | Buy a detangler spray for your cat’s fur. Adding water to the mats can actually make them worse! Instead, get a detangler that's made specifically for cats. Spritz a bit of this onto the mats. The product may help loosen up the hair. You can buy pet detangler spray at your local pet supply store or online. Don't buy a detangler meant for humans and use that on your cat. Use a dematting or wide-toothed comb. It's best to buy a comb that's designed to get mats out of pets' coats. You can also try using a metal comb that has a fair bit of space between each of the teeth. These tools give you the best shot of detangling the mats without hurting your poor kitty. Dematting combs use sharp razor blades to more easily cut through matted fur and should be available online or at your local pet supply store. These should only be used on matted areas, as the blade may cause thin or bald patches on normal fur. Hold the base of the mat in your fingers. Just like when your own hair is tangled, brushing can hurt! To minimize the pulling, hold the mat in one hand while you comb with the other. Start at the end of the mat and work your way back. Use the wide-toothed comb to gently attempt to work out the mat. Make small, downward strokes. Once you've detangled a small section at the bottom, move up just a tad and work out the next part of the tangle. Avoid pulling at your cat’s skin. If you notice that your combing is making your cat's skin move quite a bit, you probably need to use clippers. Listen to your cat's sounds, as well. While it may hiss or spit if it's upset, a screech or cry could indicate that you're hurting it. If your cat expresses discomfort or anger at being groomed, stop and give it a break. Wait a few hours before trying again or before moving onto shaving. Grab your cat’s scruff gently. Put your cat on a stable, flat surface. Make sure your cat is as calm as possible by speaking to it in soothing tones. Take the loose skin at the back of your cat's neck in your hand and tighten your grip. Your hand should be close to the ears, and the ears should move back slightly when you close your hand. This grip should help prevent your cat from biting or scratching you while you clip it. You should not lift your cat by the scruff to clip it. Clip with the fur. Turn on the clippers and move them in the same direction that your cat's fur lies. Do not use pressure. Just lightly graze the clippers along your cat's coat to remove the matted fur. Check the temperature of the clippers frequently. Clippers heat up fast, and you don't want the blade to burn your cat. Every minute or so, turn off the clippers and put your hand on the blade. If it's too hot for you, it's definitely too hot for your cat! Wait until the clippers cool down before starting them up again. You can also use clipper oil or spray to keep the blades cool. Just spray the blades and then wipe them dry both before you start clipping and whenever you feel the blades begin to heat up. Shave without going all the way down to the skin. You only need to shave off the mats. As soon as you see fur that looks untangled enough that you could comb through it, stop shaving. This will keep you from accidentally injuring your cat with the clippers. Once you've shaved off the worst of the matting, stop and attempt to comb out your cat's coat again. If the mats are severe enough, they may stick to your cat's skin. If this is the case, it's best to bring your cat to the vet. They can give your cat the close shave it needs without hurting it. Consider visiting a professional to shave off the mats. If you've never shaved your cat before or if your cat attacks when you try to shave it, call your vet. They may ask you to bring your cat into their office to be shaved. They might also tell you to visit a professional groomer. Both vets and groomers have been trained to shave cats, and they'll be able to do it without injuring your furry friend. This will be a more expensive option than doing it yourself, but it's also the safest choice for your pet. If the cat becomes upset, angry, or aggressive during shaving, the vet can sedate it to safely shave off the mats. Do not use scissors to cut out the mats. Vets frequently see cats who are injured because their owners used scissors to clip them. If you don't already have a pair of pet clippers, go out and buy some. Choose electric clippers made specifically for pets. You can buy pet clippers online or at your local pet supply store. While clippers with lots of features can get pretty pricey, you should be able to find a basic clipper for about $30 USD. Check your cat’s coat regularly. At least once or twice per week, run your hand over your cat's coat. Look for any clumps of fur that your cat couldn't work out during grooming. This will also give you a chance to check for other signs of health problems, including lumps or bumps on its skin. Lumps and bumps could indicate that your cat has a small injury, abscess, tumor, or parasitic infestation. The earlier you catch these problems, the better! Brush your cat’s fur frequently. Matting can affect both longhaired and shorthaired cats, and it's important that all cats get frequent grooming from their owners! If you have a longhaired cat, brush it at least once and possibly twice per day. Brush your shorthaired cat one to three times per week. Brush with the direction of the fur. Use a comb that's specifically made for your type of cat. Longhaired cats, for example, need a comb with longer teeth that can reach into their deep fur coats. Brush out small mats as soon as you find them. If you're checking your cat weekly, you should find mats before they get so bad that they'll need to be clipped off. Don't wait for them to get worse! You don't want to have to clip your cat again. Visit the vet regularly to make sure you’re grooming properly. Always bring your cat in for an annual checkup. Tell your vet about your normal grooming routine and ask them how your cat's coat looks. They'll tell you if you need to brush more frequently or use a different comb. | Buy a detangler spray for your cat’s fur. Use a dematting or wide-toothed comb. Hold the base of the mat in your fingers. Start at the end of the mat and work your way back. Avoid pulling at your cat’s skin. Grab your cat’s scruff gently. Clip with the fur. Check the temperature of the clippers frequently. Shave without going all the way down to the skin. Consider visiting a professional to shave off the mats. Do not use scissors to cut out the mats. Check your cat’s coat regularly. Brush your cat’s fur frequently. Brush out small mats as soon as you find them. Visit the vet regularly to make sure you’re grooming properly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Well-Pump | How to Replace a Well Pump | To replace your well pump, all you'll need is a plumber's wrench, Teflon piping tape, and a screwdriver. Make sure you turn off the power before working on your pump to avoid electrocuting yourself. You'll also need to drain your tank to release all the pressure. Once your tank's empty, remove the pump's inlet and outlet ports, unscrew the wires going to the pressure switch, and remove the old pump. You'll need to apply Teflon piping tape to the outlet and inlet threads to help you get a proper seal and prevent leaks. After you've reconnected the wires to your pump, you'll also need to prime it by filling it with water through the outlet pipe and testing it. | Make sure you know that the pump is actually your problem. Before embarking on any of the following, ensure you have determined the pump to be at issue, by properly troubleshooting and checking the other components in your well system first, based on the presenting symptoms. No water does not always equal no pump. When in doubt, always consult a professional. Be sure to follow any and all applicable laws and codes. Obtain a new pump. Determine what type of pump you need. Submersible pumps are used in deeper wells and will be beneath the ground in a well casing, while a jet pump is used in shallow wells that are less than 25 feet (7.63 m) deep and will be above ground. Find out the power ratings, the gallons (l) per minute pumped and the well size before you install a new pump. Locate well pumps at a water supply retail store, hardware store or online. When replacing well pumps, be sure to purchase the correct type of pump. Turn off the power to your pump at the main circuit breaker. A circuit breaker controls the flow of electricity to your house, and the well should be on a separate switch. Pay attention to the voltage assigned to the breaker (110/120,240v) as you will need this information to troubleshoot your pump issues, and correctly set up your new pump. Turn on a hose or faucet to release all the pressure from holding tanks or pressure tanks by letting the water drain out. When you install a new pump, you need to drain the water from the pumping system. Use a plumber's wrench to take off the inlet and outlet ports on the old well pump. Unscrew the wires going to the pressure switch on the old jet pump with a screwdriver. Remove the old pump. Apply Teflon piping tape on the threads of the outlet and inlet pipes, wrapping tape around each pipe at least 5 times to get a proper seal. When replacing well pumps, you need a good seal to prevent water leaks. Install the new pump, following manufacturer's instructions. Screw the pipe from the well, or inlet pipe, to the inlet pipe on the jet pump with a plumber's wrench. Screw the pipe that brings water to the house, or outlet pipe, to the outlet pipe on the jet pump with a plumber's wrench. Connect the wires to the appropriate terminals on the pressure switch of the new pump. Tighten the wires to the electrical terminal with a screwdriver. Check that the pump motor is wired for the same voltage as what is being supplied from the circuit breaker. If the voltage is not the same, rewire the pump motor to the appropriate voltage configuration per the manufacturer included instructions. Prime the pump. Jet pumps need to be primed before use. Do this by filling the pump with water through the outlet pipe coming out of the top of the pump or an available access hole that may be located on the pump. Pour in water until the pump is full. Proceed to the next step. If pump loses prime, doesn't pump at a sufficient rate, or doesn't pump water after being primed and run, it may indicate other problems with the water system (i.e. bad check valve) or the well itself ( i.e. hole in drop pipe, plugged point/jet). A problem of this nature may have been the causation of the old pump failure and may not make itself readily apparent until this point. Turn the circuit breaker back on and test your new pump. Assemble your materials. Before starting you will need to have the following materials: an assistant high-powered flashlight (something on the white light spectrum) two pipe wrenches multimeter wrench/socket set knife soft-set pipe dope (preferred) or Teflon tape submersible pump wire splice kit wiring pliers wire nuts electrical tape propane torch T-handle (parts to build listed further on) 2 pipe dogs/pipe clamps short handled sledgehammer petroleum jelly 3ft. of 2" Sch.40 PVC Torque arrestor (6-8" wells) Determine what type of system is used to connect the pump and its drop pipe to the water line going to the pressure tank. If the drop pipe and wire come up through the well cap, and is piped together above ground it is most probably a well seal or a Morrison head. If this is not the case, it is probably connected using some type of pitless adapter, or in rare instances direct piped through the side of the casing with a galvanized tee. One last point of mention: this is not to be embarked upon lightly. While this article tries to be as informative as possible, and cover a variety of situations, there are inherent risks and circumstances beyond control that may lead to the loss of the pump and pipe down the well, and possible serious injury to persons involved in this activity. If you are uncomfortable with any of the aforementioned and aforementioned processes, please consult the appropriate professionals. Open the well cap (not applicable to well seal, Morrison head). The well cap is on the round piece of metal sticking out from the deep well, and will give you access to the submersible pump. Take off the hex nuts that hold the cap in place with a socket wrench. 7/16" is a common size for many caps. On some older caps it may use small hex bolts, mounted horizontally (same as the system used with 4" metal vent caps). If your jurisdiction requires vermin-proof well caps, and your cap is not, replace with a compliant well cap. Lift the well cap off the well housing. Pull up the extra wire and wire nuts. Inspect nuts for tightness and wire for damage. If a nut is loose in a way that the wires are no longer connected, or a wire is broken, rectify issue and test for pump function. If not resolved, or no issue found , proceed to undo the wires, paying attention to which wire connects to which. At this point, have oneself or the assistant turn the power back on to the well. If there's a control box, be sure to hit the reset button. After this, use the multimeter to test the wire supplying the well (not the pump wire). If there is not 240v (give or take a few volts) there, it indicates a problem on that end. Diagnose and rectify the problem, before reconnecting and retesting for pump function. If this is not the issue, proceed to the next step. Be sure power is off again. Determine the type of pitless adapter, the depth and location of it, and what you will need to adapt to it (not applicable to well seal/Morrison head). Use the high-powered flashlight to look inside the well casing. In colder regions, where freezing is an issue, the pitless adapter is usually located 4-8 feet below the top of the well. In warmer regions, it may be located nearer to the surface. The pitless is the brass fixture on top of the drop pipe. You should be able to see the threads where the T-handle threads into it. Depending on the type of adapter, these may be male or female threads. There may be a pipe that extends from the top of the pitless, to the top of the well casing or slightly past, with a bar (for lack of a better description) that spans the top of the casing, or that has a coupling on the end with or without a plug in it. This is called a hold-down. It stops the pitless from unseating during pump operation. Sometimes, the hold-down is tack welded to the side of the well casing. This can be undone with a hammer blow, or a grinder if necessary. Undo the bar, plug, or tack weld, and thread a short T-handle to the end, after the next step. Try to ascertain the size of the adapter (either 1” or 1-1/4”). If there is a hold down, the diameter of the hold-down pipe should be sufficient information provided it is at least 1”. This information is critical to the next step. If you have a 7” well with a donut shaped pitless that fills the well casing, you have a Whitewater pitless. Due to the notorious difficulty involved in pulling and resetting this type of pitless, it is strongly advised that it is left to professional care. If it appears like you may have just a tee, piped through the side of the casing, consult a professional. Construct the T-handle and prepare to pull the pump. Using the information obtained in the previous step, construct a T-handle using galvanized steel pipe and fittings corresponding to the size of your adapter (1” or 1-1/4”). Do not substitute the specified material for PVC (not strong enough) or other metals (more expensive). For a short T-handle use: 1 tee 3 pieces of pipe 12” long, or 6 6” nipples joined together with 3 couplings. Construction is simple. One foot of pipe in each side of the tee. Tighten all joints completely. Do not cross-thread. For a long T-handle: 1 tee 2 pieces of pipe 12” long, or 4 6” nipples joined together with two couplings. 1 long piece or no more than two pieces of pipe joined together with a coupling, of a length equal to at least the distance from the top of the pitless, to the top of the well casing, plus one foot. Longer is ok, shorter is not. Construct by putting the 12” pieces in the sides of the tee, with the longest section going in the bottom of the tee. Tighten all joints completely, do not cross thread. Thread the T-handle into the pitless or the hold-down. If you are unable to determine whether your pitless is male or female threads, keep a coupling of the appropriate diameter handy. Attach to the end of T-handle and attempt to thread, if male threads don't connect. If you are unable to determine the diameter of your adapter, build a 1" T-handle, keep an 1-1/4-1 reducer and a short nipple handy. Try those combinations needed. If your T-handle connects but fails to thread, stop and consult a professional. The threads in the pitless may be damaged or fouled and an insufficient connection will lead to the loss of the pump and pipe. If you have made a successful connection, hand tighten as tight as you can, and give two more turns with a pipe wrench to complete. Do not cross-thread. Proceed to the next step. Pull the pump out of the well casing with a winch or a derrick. A winch or derrick has the strength to pull the submersible pump out without damaging the casing or yourself. The method for pulling the pump that will be described here is a variant of the "double dog" method, and while not the standard method of pulling well pumps, will most likely be the easiest method for the equipment and skills available to the types of persons using this guide. If the pump is 3/4hp or less on 100' or less drop pipe, and the drop pipe is Schedule 80 PVC or HDPE (black poly)you may consider pulling it by hand, if you and your assistant are strong enough. If it is HDPE, pulling by hand is the primary option, since it does not have jointed sections, other than possibly a hold-down, or a short section of galvanized steel pipe below the pitless. If you have a well seal or Morrison head, undo the connection between the drop pipe and outlet line that is above ground. On a well seal, use a wrench or ratchet to loosen the bolts on the seal. After you do this, pull the drop pipe up through the seal a foot or so, and attach a pipe dog, using the guidelines below to properly set the tightness. Preset the tightness of your pipe dogs using the T-handle as a guide. The pipe dog is set correctly when it takes a moderate or slightly more resistance to close it around the pipe. If your drop pipe turns out to be Sch, 80 or HDPE, you will need to adjust a bit more when the moment comes to use it. Be sure to not overtighten with these materials, as they may deform or break. Do not under tighten, as the loss of the well pump and pipe may result. Attach the winch or derrick line to the T-handle or around the pipe dog. Do this with a chain, in a way such that the it will not come off the T-handle or pipe dog, and the handle of the pipe dog will not be accidentally released. Unseat the pitless by tightening the winch or derrick line and using it to pull the T-handle up. Use a small sledgehammer to tap up on the bottom side of one of the T-handle handles to assist with this. Do not pound on it forcefully. You will know the pitless has unseated by the sudden release of tension, and you will most probably hear water gush out. Guide the pitless out of the side of the well casing and straight up, stopping when the pitless is approximately 18 inches (45.7 cm) above the top of the casing Clamp with a pipe dog, ensuring to set it on the top of the casing, and to not pinch the wire, release the tension from the cable and remove the T-handle. If the pitless will not unseat, stop, and consult a professional. Check that the pitless has its O-ring(s), and that it(they) are in good shape. Replace with an exact replacement if necessary. Replacement with anything not an exact replacement may result in the pitless not being able to seat properly, or leaking. During this process have the assistant hang on to the wire, guiding it out of the casing, cutting where it is taped onto the pipe(taking care not to nick the wire), and feeling for any defects or bare spots there may be on the wire. If you have a well seal, this step is pulling up 18 inches (45.7 cm), unseating the well seal with a prybar or flathead screwdriver, raising the seal so you can clamp the second pipe dog on below the well seal and then taking the well seal off the pipe. Proceed to pull the pipe and pump by attaching the chain under the pipe dog in a way such that it cannot come off. If you are using a winch, you will only be able to pull it in small increments. If you are using a derrick, and the boom is long enough, you may be able to pull entire sections of pipe. If not, pull in smaller increments. If your drop pipe is galvanized steel, it comes in 21 feet (6.4 m). lengths,typically. If it is Sch. 80 PVC, it is in 20 feet (6.1 m). sections. If it is HDPE, it does not come in sections. As mentioned earlier, pulling HDPE by hand is the most viable option, and should be attempted first. In 4-5" casings, rust buildup on the inside may cause the pump to hang up, or not allow a new pump to go down. If this is the case, consult a professional to work out a viable solution to the problem. Do not force the pump and pipe to go anywhere it does not want to, as the consequences can be dire. Pull the pipe and pump up out of the casing. With a winch or short boom derrick, pull a couple (5 for the short boom derrick) feet at a time, attach the other pipe dog, at the top of the well casing or slightly above, set down, undo chain, and upper pipe dog. Reattach chain to lower pipe dog, same as before. Repeat until you have reached the first coupling. At this point attach the pipe dog below the coupling. If using a derrick with a long enough boom, this is the first point where you stop and clamp the pipe. Take the drop pipe apart. Unscrew the pipe out of the top of the coupling. Do not unscrew the coupling off of the pipe below. If the pipe is galvanized steel pipe, inspect each section for rust. If the pipe is rusty, and/or covered with blisters of rust, do not reuse the pipe. Replace with new galvanized, or Sch. 80 PVC. Take extreme care with the pipe in the air, as you unscrew it as it is heavy, and serious injury or damage may result to persons or property hit by the pipe as it comes to the ground. Take care with Sch. 80 PVC to not over extend the pipe, as it will break. Take care to not damage the threads on the pipe or couplings. Use the piece of 2" Sch. 40 PVC as an extension to give yourself leverage if you're having trouble getting the pipe to come unscrewed. Repeat the process until you have the pipe and pump out. Follow manufacturer's directions to attach your new pump. Run a continuity test on the wire you just pulled with the old pump, if no obvious defects were found. If there is continuity, reuse. If not, replace the wire. The wiring kit should have three butt connectors, and three shrink tubes. Slide the shrink tubes onto the pump wires before connecting the wires. Crimp well, so the wire doesn't pull out of the butt connectors, and seal by centering the shrink tubes over the connections, using the propane torch to shrink If you have a 6" or larger well, there will be a torque arrestor(it looks like a rubber football with four pieces missing) Make sure it is in good condition. Replace if needed. If there is not one, put one on, with the bottom about 6 inches (15 cm) above the pump. "Balloon" the torque arrestor out so it is about the same size as the well casing or slightly less. Not having it enough will make the torque arrestor ineffective. Chlorinate the well with a few(10 or so) chlorine pellets or a few cups of liquid bleach. When installing well pumps, debris and rust is stirred up in the casing, and bacteria can get in through the top, which can cause problems. Reverse the process used to pull the pump. Be sure to tape the wire well, and use enough pipe dope on the threads. Lower the submersible pump into the well casing with the winch or derrick line. Stop when the pitless is 18–24 inches (45.7–61.0 cm) above the casing. Clamp with a pipe dog. Run the water in the casing over the top until it is clear, and you can no longer smell chlorine. Do this by wiring the pump wire back up to the other wire, and turning the power back on. The pump will pump the water out and onto the ground. After the completion of everything, you may choose to continue to run off more water through an outside garden hose bibb. This will flush the water through the pressure tank. If you have any filters, screens, or softeners, beware that they may become plugged up by small flakes of rust stirred up by the pump replacement procedure. Running it over the top a bit longer can go a long way towards prevention, but, is not 100 percent effective. Turn the power off, unwire, reattach the T-handle and chain, lubricate the O-ring(s) of the pitless with petroleum jelly(do not use pipe dope), lower down the rest of the way, and reset the pitless. Use the high-powered flashlight to see down the casing to help you. This step can be very difficult. Make sure to get it right. or get help to get it right. If you have a horizontal-seating pitless (i.e. Mass J-Series or similar) tap the top of the T-handle to seat the pitless the rest of the way. If you have a vertical-seating pitless(Advance or similar) and it was on galvanized steel pipe, and was replaced with Sch. 80, add a hold down before turning on pump. Due to the difference in the hanging weight, a pitless of this type may unseat otherwise. Wire the pump back together, carefully stuff the extra wire back in the casing, replace the well cap and tighten the hex nuts to secure it. Turn the power back on and test your new pump. Normal water service should be restored. In spite of chlorination, it is required in many jurisdictions to submit a water sample for bacteria testing. Treat the water as unsafe for drinking purposes, pending the results of the test. | Make sure you know that the pump is actually your problem. Obtain a new pump. Turn off the power to your pump at the main circuit breaker. Turn on a hose or faucet to release all the pressure from holding tanks or pressure tanks by letting the water drain out. Use a plumber's wrench to take off the inlet and outlet ports on the old well pump. Unscrew the wires going to the pressure switch on the old jet pump with a screwdriver. Remove the old pump. Apply Teflon piping tape on the threads of the outlet and inlet pipes, wrapping tape around each pipe at least 5 times to get a proper seal. Install the new pump, following manufacturer's instructions. Connect the wires to the appropriate terminals on the pressure switch of the new pump. Prime the pump. Turn the circuit breaker back on and test your new pump. Assemble your materials. Determine what type of system is used to connect the pump and its drop pipe to the water line going to the pressure tank. Open the well cap (not applicable to well seal, Morrison head). Determine the type of pitless adapter, the depth and location of it, and what you will need to adapt to it (not applicable to well seal/Morrison head). Construct the T-handle and prepare to pull the pump. Pull the pump out of the well casing with a winch or a derrick. Take the drop pipe apart. Follow manufacturer's directions to attach your new pump. Chlorinate the well with a few(10 or so) chlorine pellets or a few cups of liquid bleach. Reverse the process used to pull the pump. Run the water in the casing over the top until it is clear, and you can no longer smell chlorine. Turn the power off, unwire, reattach the T-handle and chain, lubricate the O-ring(s) of the pitless with petroleum jelly(do not use pipe dope), lower down the rest of the way, and reset the pitless. Wire the pump back together, carefully stuff the extra wire back in the casing, replace the well cap and tighten the hex nuts to secure it. Turn the power back on and test your new pump. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Whole-Wheat-Pasta | How to Make Whole Wheat Pasta | To make whole wheat pasta dough by hand, start by adding whole wheat flour and salt in large bowl. Create a well in the middle, pour the eggs, water, and oil into the well, and use your hands to mix everything together. Next, place the dough on a flat surface and knead it out with your hands to combine everything and smooth it out. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours before rolling it out flat and cutting into small strips. | Place 2 1/3 cups (529.6 g) of whole wheat flour into a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 tsp. (2 g) of sea salt to the flour and mix the 2 ingredients together to blend them. Create a well in the middle of the mixture in the bowl. Beat 2 eggs in a small bowl with a fork, and then add the beaten eggs to the center of the well in the large bowl. Add 1/3 cup (75.6 ml) of water and 1 tsp. (5 ml) of olive oil to the eggs. Use your hands to combine the wet and dry ingredients gradually until they are combined and begin to form a ball of dough. Remove the dough from the bowl onto a well-floured, flat surface. Knead the dough to fully combine the ingredients and make it smoother. Place the ball of dough back into a large mixing bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours. Spread flour heavily over a flat surface once the dough has been sitting for 12 to 24 hours. Remove the dough from the bowl and roll it out with a well-floured rolling pin until it is approximately 1/8 in. (0.3cm) thick. Use a pizza cutter or a kitchen knife to cut out long, thin strips of dough. Put a large pot of water over high heat on the stove and allow it to come to a rapid boil. Insert the fresh pasta noodles into the pot when the water is boiling, and allow them to cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to prevent them from becoming sticky. Finished. | Place 2 1/3 cups (529.6 g) of whole wheat flour into a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 tsp. Create a well in the middle of the mixture in the bowl. Beat 2 eggs in a small bowl with a fork, and then add the beaten eggs to the center of the well in the large bowl. Add 1/3 cup (75.6 ml) of water and 1 tsp. Use your hands to combine the wet and dry ingredients gradually until they are combined and begin to form a ball of dough. Remove the dough from the bowl onto a well-floured, flat surface. Knead the dough to fully combine the ingredients and make it smoother. Place the ball of dough back into a large mixing bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours. Spread flour heavily over a flat surface once the dough has been sitting for 12 to 24 hours. Remove the dough from the bowl and roll it out with a well-floured rolling pin until it is approximately 1/8 in. Use a pizza cutter or a kitchen knife to cut out long, thin strips of dough. Put a large pot of water over high heat on the stove and allow it to come to a rapid boil. Insert the fresh pasta noodles into the pot when the water is boiling, and allow them to cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to prevent them from becoming sticky. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rich-Quick | How to Get Rich Quick | To get rich quick, start by selling high value items you don't use, such as unused clothing, furniture, and musical instruments on sites like eBay and Craigslist. Additionally, sell old plumbing fixtures, car parts, and other kinds of scrap metal to a metal recycling center. If you have some free time, make extra money doing part time jobs like dog walking, babysitting, or house cleaning. Alternatively, rent out free space in your home such as an unused bedroom or an extra parking spot. | Rent out a room in your home. If you have an extra bedroom in your home and are willing to share your living space, temporarily renting out the space is a great way to make extra money. If renting for more than a week or two, draw up a lease agreement with your new tenant to help circumvent any disputes. Renting a room or your entire home to people on vacation is another way to increase your income. Websites like Airbnb will facilitate the renting process for a cut of the money that renters will pay. Make a profile about you and the available space on the Airbnb website, set a nightly price, and accept offers to rent the space based on an applicant's profile and the dates they hope to stay. Be aware that laws in different states and cities treat short-term rentals differently. Familiarize yourself with the laws in your area. Give up your extra parking spot. If you live in a big city where parking space is limited, consider renting out your driveway or garage. In big cities, especially cities that are growing, people are willing to pay large monthly sums of money to use your parking space. There are apps specifically designed to help you make money off of your parking spot! In most places it is legal to rent out your driveway, or even your reserved spot in a garage for various amounts of time. (Check about legality in your area.) Try out Monkey Parking, Just Park, and Spot – they each have different rules and specific criteria for use. Sell the stuff you don’t use. If you have items of value lying around the house that you no longer need, consider selling them. Items with high resale value include unused furniture, clothes, shoes, bags, cars, bicycles, musical instruments, and other collectors' items. Postpone the yard sale. Though this might seem like the quickest way to sell your stuff, many of your items will likely go unsold, or will sell for less than they are worth at a yard sale. Sell your stuff online. Craigslist and OfferUp are essentially online versions of a yard sale. They require less effort and provide access to a larger audience, but they are still limited to a relatively local market. Use photos and descriptions to market your items online. Sell items on eBay. This will give you the highest probable sales price, in part because you'll reach the largest audience. Further, potential buyers will bid on your item and potentially pay more than you had anticipated. Plus, payment and shipping are easier and more reliable than having to meet without someone to complete a sale. Recycle scrap metal. If you have unused scrap metal lying around the house or garage, take it down to a metals recycler to make some cash. Look for unused steel, brass, copper, aluminum, and iron. Common items to recycle include old car parts, toasters, plumbing fixtures, beverage cans, and metal construction debris - the heavier, the better, as you'll be paid by weight. Different metal recycling centers have different rates and may only purchase certain kinds of metal. Make a few calls to find the business that will pay you the most. Donate eggs, sperm, or plasma. Healthy men between the ages of 18 and 35 may be eligible candidates to sell sperm. Healthy women between 20 and 30 can also make substantial amounts of money selling eggs. Prepare to be interviewed and screened thoroughly, for either sperm or egg donation. Physical fitness, medical conditions, and lifestyle all greatly affect your ability to donate. Donating sperm is perhaps the easiest of these options, though the process does require a blood test. Sperm banks will generally pay $35-$50 per specimen, though facilities will not pay you until a second blood test following your sperm donation comes back clean. Donating eggs is a serious endeavor that involves a substantial medical procedure and will likely also include a strict regimen of supplementation and behavior preceding donation. The process will last several months, and there are emotional and physical risks involved, as well as a recovery period following each donation. Women are usually paid several thousand dollars per donation, and can donate multiple times. Sell your plasma. If you are in good health, then you may be eligible to sell your plasma for some quick cash. There are much less strict requirement to be able to sell your plasma, though you still have to meet certain criteria. Plasma donations are usually met with a $20-$50 dollar return, and first-time donors usually get an added bonus! Find short, easy, or enjoyable part-time jobs. There are plenty of ways to make an extra buck on the side. Babysitting, dog walking, and house cleaning are all great ways to make cash in a short period of time. Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors to see if they are looking for any sort of help. Even better, harness the time and energy you spend on one of your hobbies by trying to turn a profit doing what you love. If you play an instrument, join a house band with consistent gigs at local venues, or contact recording studios to tell them you're available for recordings. Return things you don't need. If you have recently purchased items that you don't need, and if they are still in good condition, then return them to the store you bought them from. This is a great way to make cash back instantly. Note that different stores have different return policies. You may need to return the items with the tags still attached and/or with a receipt. Some stores only offer store credit rather than cash. Sell tickets. Scalping involves buying tickets to a concert or sporting event and then reselling them in order to make a profit. Use caution with this method, though; while it is usually legal to resell tickets at face value, scalping laws vary from state to state. Some even allow you to sell tickets at whatever price you can. Scalping works best at sold-out events. While the quality of the seat matters, potential buyers will likely be able to find tickets for less than face value if the event is not sold out. Make a profit by acquiring tickets at lower than face value, so you can sell them for the face value and still make a profit. Use StubHub to find and sell tickets. StubHub is especially helpful in facilitating payment and shipping, and provides information regarding the legality of the transactions you're considering. Craigslist is another great option for acquiring and selling tickets too. Flip houses. House flipping involves buying a house at a low price, renovating it, and then immediately selling it and making a profit off of the renovations. The key to this process is speed; most investors try to renovate and put the house back on the market within six months. Look to buy run-down houses in up-and-coming neighborhoods. This will allow you to buy as low as possible and sell as high as possible. Monitor the housing market to ensure that you're buying and selling houses at times that are especially financially beneficial. For instance, when the supply of housing properties is higher than the demand, look to buy homes, and look to sell properties when demand is higher than the supply. This will help you spend less on initial investments and make more profit on higher sales. Try leveraged trading. Leverage maximizes both the potential gains and the potential losses of an investment by essentially multiplying the value of your investment. As such, it is a very high-risk method of making money, so it's important to make informed choices about where and how to invest. Most traders are limited by the amount of cash they have on hand. Leveraged trading, by contrast, allows investors to borrow money for an investment so that they can operate with more money than they have personally. Spend less. No matter how much money you make, you will never feel like you have enough unless you learn how to properly manage it. The key is to learn to differentiate between what you need, what will actually improve your life, and what is unnecessary or frivolous. Check your bank statements often to keep track of where and how you spend your money. It is especially important to keep track of small expenditures that you make on a daily basis, as these can add up quickly. Cutting $10 out of your daily expenses can add up to roughly $10,000 in savings in just three years! Maximize savings. While not quite a “get rich quick” approach, the more you save means the more you make on interest – especially if you save long-term. A wise savings strategy can wind up adding significantly to your savings account and has a higher chance of making you rich than anything else in this article. The miracle of compounding interest provides the most reliable way to steadily increase your savings. Contributing even small amounts to long-term savings accounts such as IRAs (individual retirement accounts) each year will lead to exponential returns later in life. While interest accrued in IRAs can add up to substantial amounts, there are higher return opportunities on extremely safe stock options that consistently provide income to investors. You can even keep stock holdings in your IRA plan to increase the principal you have in the account and accrue even greater interest. Take care when deciding on any type of investment-based savings strategy beyond a simple savings account. There is risk in all types of investment, including stocks. That said, diversifying the holdings in your savings strategy is wise. Some of the largest corporations in the world steadily return double what the best IRAs offer. Win the lottery. This requires, of course, an incredible amount of luck. The lottery is a low-risk, high-reward method for striking it rich, though the odds of winning are close to zero. Somebody has to win, though, so it's not totally impossible. Never expect to win the lotto, but if you do, it may make you rich. Every lottery works differently; some sell instant-win, scratch-off tickets while others ask you to guess a set of winning numbers to be revealed later. Scratch-off games usually yield a smaller jackpot than numbered-ticket lotteries. Gamble. If you can afford the potential losses, gambling is one of the easiest ways to make large sums of money quickly. Gambling is legal under US federal law, but it is restricted in most states to certain locations and other specifications. To minimize your losses, gamble on things that are not based entirely on luck. Learn and practice games that require skill and strategic knowledge. For instance, blackjack and poker depend on other players' decision-making (as well as chance). By improving your understanding of certain games, you can increase your chances of winning. Casinos will sometimes even host entirely skill-based competitions that charge an entry fee to participants and pay out huge amounts to the winner. For example, casinos have even held basketball free throw contests! You will never be able to win the majority of gambling games, as the odds are against you, but you can know when you have a favorable position, and when it makes sense to increase your bets or cut your losses. Gamble on sporting events or horse races where you can apply some background knowledge to help determine the most likely outcome. If you have a problem with compulsive gambling, don't hesitate to reach out for free help. Make a viral video. If all else fails, YouTube videos are incredibly easy and cheap to make. If it goes viral, a simple video can generate lots of money. The key to creating a viral video is to post content that is unique and attention-grabbing. Make a YouTube account and decide on your preferred method of compensation, which is derived from the advertisements that are shown alongside your videos. Keep the video short, as long videos are less likely to capture peoples' attention and go viral. Common themes for viral videos include animals doing funny or unusual things, athletes performing amazing stunts, and people saying or doing funny or embarrassing things. If you're lucky, you can find other people attempting to film viral videos, and you can film them. Your video will likely end up being more humorous! | Rent out a room in your home. Give up your extra parking spot. Sell the stuff you don’t use. Recycle scrap metal. Donate eggs, sperm, or plasma. Find short, easy, or enjoyable part-time jobs. Return things you don't need. Sell tickets. Flip houses. Try leveraged trading. Spend less. Maximize savings. Win the lottery. Gamble. Make a viral video. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Happy-Weimaraner | How to Have a Happy Weimaraner | To have a happy Weimaraner, teach it basic commands, such as "sit" and "stay, so it knows its boundaries. Since Weimaraners aim to please their humans, reward your dog's good behavior with tasty treats and verbal praise. Your dog will also require a lot of exercise, so block off an hour each day to walk, run, and play with it. Weimaraners are also happiest when they're with their people, so allow your dog to follow you around and sleep with or near you. | Start the training early. Proper training is essential to having a happy Weimaraner. Training should start when the Weimaraner is a puppy. Without early training, that puppy will grow into an adult that will be a real challenge to control. Puppy kindergarten is a great way to start training a Weimaraner puppy. In puppy kindergarten, your Weimaraner will start learning basic obedience skills and learning the proper way to interact with other dogs. Be firm, gentle, and consistent. Weimaraners need clear, solid leadership so they know their boundaries. Your Weimaraner will be happy when it knows exactly what to do and what not to do. Leadership should not be harsh, though. Harsh leadership will make a Weimaraner wary and fearful, making the training very difficult. A Weimaraner needs lifelong training so it always knows the right thing to do. When you give your Weimaraner commands, say them only once in a clear, authoritative voice. Do not yell. If you see your Weimaraner misbehave , do not punish or yell at it. Instead, firmly say 'No!' and do not reward the behavior. Reward good behavior. Your Weimaraner aims to please you. If you reward your Weimaraner with a tasty treat and verbal praise when it follows your commands and behaves well, it will continue doing the right thing. Your Weimaraner will be so happy to please you and get rewarded in return! Consider crate training your Weimaraner. Weimaraners are very energetic dogs. They can also feel very anxious when separated from their owners. Therefore, crate training may seem like a bad idea, but it's recommended for Weimaraners. When done properly, crate training will give your Weimaraner a safe space to sleep, rest, and play when you're not home. Crate training will also help prevent your Weimaraner from being destructive while you're away. Start the crate training when your Weimaraner is a puppy. Socialize your Weimaraner. Weimaraners can be wary of strangers. Socializing your Weimaraner throughout its life will help it feel comfortable with new experiences, other dogs, and other people. It will also help your Weimaraner feel confident, stable, and happy. Examples of socialization are: Scheduling play dates with friendly dogs Introducing your Weimaraner to friendly friends and family Varying the route of your walks so that you meet new people and dogs Taking your Weimaraner to a dog park Give your Weimaraner lots of play and exercise. Weimaraners need a lot of daily play and exercise to stay happy. Because Weimaraners love people so much, your Weimaraner will want to play and exercise with you. Block off at least an hour each day to play and exercise with your Weimaraner. Play and exercise will keep your Weimaraner mentally stimulated, which is important for happiness. Choose high-intensity games. When you play with your Weimaraner, get ready to be active! Fetch is a great game to play with a Weimaraner. Consider playing Frisbee, too. If you decide to play Frisbee, use a dog-safe disc, rather than a Frisbee for humans. Your dog will have an easier time handling the disc in its mouth. Let your Weimaraner chase you around your yard or dog park. Any game that will encourage your Weimaraner to run and jump will be a good choice. Exercise with your Weimaraner. In addition to playing, exercise will be a great outlet for your Weimaraner's energy. If you live near water, let your Weimaraner go swimming when the water is warm. When the weather is nice, go for a long hike in the woods. Long, brisk walks are also a good idea. If there's a beach close by, let your Weimaraner run on the beach. Let your Weimaraner follow you around. Your Weimaraner is like a shadow—it follows you around wherever you go. Rather than shooing your Weimaraner away from you, let it stay right there with you. Your Weimaraner will feel happiest when it's close to you. Weimaraners are very prone to separation anxiety. If your Weimaraner has separation anxiety issues, take it to your vet or a veterinary behaviorist. They can develop a plan for your Weimaraner to become comfortable with being alone. Allow your Weimaraner to sleep close to you. A Weimaraner's shadow tendencies don't stop when it's bedtime. Your Weimaraner will feel happy and safe when it's close to you at night. Even if you won't allow your Weimaraner to sleep in the bed with you, move its bed close to your own. Involve your Weimaraner in family activities. Your Weimaraner will feel happy when it feels like it's a close part of your family. In addition to letting it follow you around and sleep close to you, consider taking it with you when you take a vacation. Also, let your Weimaraner ride with you in the car when you run errands. | Start the training early. Be firm, gentle, and consistent. Reward good behavior. Consider crate training your Weimaraner. Socialize your Weimaraner. Give your Weimaraner lots of play and exercise. Choose high-intensity games. Exercise with your Weimaraner. Let your Weimaraner follow you around. Allow your Weimaraner to sleep close to you. Involve your Weimaraner in family activities. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Knit-an-Infinity-Scarf | How to Knit an Infinity Scarf | To knit an infinity scarf, start by casting on 60 stitches. Then, knit 2 stitches and purl 2 stitches for each row. Continue knitting this pattern until your scarf is at least 70 inches long. Next, as you cast off, knit 1 stitch and purl 1 stitch to the end of the row. Finish by lining up the cast on and cast off edges, and sewing both ends together. As you sow the ends together, remember to turn the ends inward. | Cast on 60 sts. K 2 P 2 across the row. Repeat the row until the scarf measures at least 180 cm/70 inches. You can also make it shorter if wished, a suggested shorter length would be 95cm/37 inches. You can make it longer but remember that this is bulk hanging around your neck! Cast off loosely in rib, twisting as you end the knit. (Rib = K 1, P 1 to end of row.) Bind off the stitches. Line up the cast-on edge with the cast-off edge and sew the ends together, turning the ends inward as you stitch. Some people recommend twisting one end before sewing together, to create the infinity twist. It's up to you, as in putting the scarf on, you'll be twisting it anyway. Done. Use a very long circular needle. If you use a small one, you'll only knit enough to make a cowl, which is a short infinity scarf but you won't be able to wrap it again and again. The needle size should be at least 4mm/6 US and above. Choose the stitch and pattern of your preference. Knit stitch works well for beginners––knit even rows, purl odd rows. You can vary the number of rows as you go. Choose the scarf length. You'll need to gauge the final length from the stitch used by making a sample piece of about 15 stitches and measuring its gauge. This tells you how many stitches fit for each 5cm/2 inches, allowing you to calculate the final length desired. Cast on. Using your calculation from the previous step, cast the number of stitches needed for the required length. Then connect the beginning and end of the row and start knitting in circles. Knit around and around. Continue knitting until it reaches the height you'd like. Then cast off and the infinity scarf is complete. Use the 2.25mm (1 US) needles first. Cast on 152 sts on 3 (2 or 3 US) needles (50-50-52). Join; do not twist the sts. Work 3.8cm/1 1/2 inches in rounds of K 2, P 2 rib. Change to the 3mm (2 or 3 US) needles. Knit the pattern as follows: 1st round : Knit 2nd round : Knit 3rd round : Knit 4th round : Purl 5th round : Knit 6th round : Purl 7th round : Knit 8th round : Purl. These 8 rounds form the pattern. Repeat 13 times more, making a total of 14 patterns. Change back to the 2.25mm (1 US) needles. Work in 3.8cm/1 1/2 inches in K 2, P 2 rib. Cast off loosely in rib. Darn the ends in neatly. The cowl is completed! Try it on for size. Choose a pattern. An infinity scarf can be made from many existing scarf patterns, provided the length is long and the style stays rectangular. It should also be of a decent width. Experiment to see what will allow the final scarf to hang nicely. Knit the pattern. Stitch the ends together when done, to create a loop. One infinity scarf from your favorite pattern! | Cast on 60 sts. K 2 P 2 across the row. Repeat the row until the scarf measures at least 180 cm/70 inches. Cast off loosely in rib, twisting as you end the knit. Bind off the stitches. Done. Use a very long circular needle. Choose the stitch and pattern of your preference. Choose the scarf length. Cast on. Knit around and around. Continue knitting until it reaches the height you'd like. Use the 2.25mm (1 US) needles first. Change to the 3mm (2 or 3 US) needles. These 8 rounds form the pattern. Change back to the 2.25mm (1 US) needles. Cast off loosely in rib. Darn the ends in neatly. Choose a pattern. Knit the pattern. Stitch the ends together when done, to create a loop. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Wax-Hands | How to Make Wax Hands | To make a hollow wax hand, add 2 inches of water to the lower part of a double broiler and place on the stove at medium heat. Crumble small pieces of wax into the top pan and stir until the mixture is totally melted. Then, remove from the heat and wait until the wax has cooled to 110 °F. Dip your hand in a bucket of cool water to protect it, then dip it in the pan of wax so that it's completely covered. Immediately remove your hand from the pan and place it back in the bucket of cold water. Repeat this process about 8 times, or until your wax hand is thick enough. | Follow safety procedures. This process is not too dangerous if an adult follows these instructions precisely. Skipping any of the steps below greatly increases the risk of fire, especially if you heat the wax directly instead of using the double boiler setup described here. If the wax does ignite, extinguish the fire with baking soda or a chemical fire extinguisher. Never add water or a water-based fire extinguisher to a wax fire, as this causes an explosion. Add a little water to a large pan. You only need about 2 inches (5 centimeters) of water. This will be the lower half of a makeshift double boiler. If you already have a double boiler, fill the lower pan with water and skip ahead to "Add the wax." Place a metal stand in the pan. Find a metal cookie cutter or metal jar lid, and place it on the base of the pan, underneath the water. Add a smaller pan. Choose an aluminum or steel pan, and place it on top of the metal stand. Avoid other metals, which can discolor or react with the wax, and non-stick pans, which are very difficult to clean wax from. Don't use this pan for food again, unless you're using food-grade paraffin wax or beeswax. Even a food-safe wax may leave residue that affects the taste of your food, but it won't harm you. Crumble small pieces of wax into the small pan. You can use beeswax or paraffin wax from a hobby retailer, or remove the wick from used candles and use them. Crumble or cut the wax into small pieces so they melt faster, then throw them into the smaller pan. Make sure there's enough wax to cover your hands. Add color (optional). You can shave crayon wax into the mix to add color, or purchase wax dye or candle dye from a hobby store. If you're using a dye product, follow the instructions on the label. It's best to assume that any color addition is not safe for food, even if it is labeled non-toxic. In other words, if you add color here, don't use this pan for cooking. Set up your other materials. Before you begin heating the wax, read over one of the two methods below and gather any materials you need. There are two types of wax hands you can make: Hollow wax hands are easy to make, and the only additional material you need is a container of water. To make a solid wax hand you can use as a candle, you'll need a bucket of damp sand, a dowel, and a candle wick. Read the instructions below for preparation before you start heating the wax. Heat and stir the mixture until the wax melts completely. Place the double boiler set up on the stovetop and heat over medium heat. Stir slowly and constantly using a steel or aluminum utensil. If the wax is not food-grade, this utensil will also not be suitable for cooking. This can take quite a while, especially if the wax is in large chunks. Never leave wax unattended while it's being heated. Remove from heat. Take the pan off the heat and continue on to one of the methods below. Fill a container with cool water. A bucket works well, since you'll need to dip your whole hand into it. Fill it up most of the way, but leave room at the top to avoid spilling. You can add food coloring to the water to color your wax hands. This only has a minor effect, but may be a better coloring option if you don't want to use non-food-safe dyes or crayons in your wax-heating pan. Wait for the wax to cool. Follow the instructions above to melt the wax, then wait for it to cool. Touching hot wax can cause serious burns, so it's best to use a candy thermometer or candle-making thermometer to be sure the wax is safe. The wax is ready once it has cooled to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43ºC) or slightly lower. If a solid film has formed over the wax, return the pan to heat again to melt it, then let it cool again. Wipe hand lotion onto your hand and wrist. Cover your hand and wrist with the lotion, but do not rub it into your skin. You should still be covered with white smears of lotion. This will make it easy to slip the wax hands off without breaking them. Lightly wet your hand. Dip one hand in the bucket of water up to your wrist. Shake the excess water off your hand. Dip your hand in wax. Briefly dip the same hand in the warm wax and pull it out again. To make removal easy, only dip up to the base of your hand, before it starts narrowing to your wrist. Choose a hand shape before dipping and keep your hand in that position for the rest of this method. Keep dipping in water and wax. Dip your hand back and forth between the water and wax. Each time, you'll add another layer of wax to your hand. An average-sized wax hand is ready after eight dips, but a small child's hand may be ready after three to four. End with a water dip. This will help adhere the final layer of wax to the layers beneath it. Pull off your new wax hand. Gently loosen the wax hand by sliding your un-waxed pinky finger under the wrist. Once it starts to loosen, dip it under the water level to help it glide off. If the hand is stuck, poke a hole in the wax fingertips with a pencil tip to release the suction. Make the finishing touches. Dip it in water one last time to help the wax harden. While the wax is still soft, use your fingers to smooth out any bumps or tears. Once the wax is air-dried, the job is done. Optionally, you can dip the wrist end of the hand into the warm wax, then fold the edges inward to make a sturdy base for the hand to stand on. This may not work if the wax wrist is torn or short. Fill a bucket with damp sand. Mix water into sand bit by bit, until it is damp but firm. It should stick together enough to hold shapes. You can purchase sand at a hardware store or home improvement store. Stick your hand in the sand. Press your fingers and hand into the sand in the hand shape of your choice. Carefully pull your hand out again, without making any extra holes. You should be left with a hollow in the sand that holds the shape of your hand. Dangle a candle wick into the hole. Tie a candle wick or braided cotton string onto a dowel, and lay the dowel over the bucket. Adjust the wick so it hangs down into the hollow left by your hand. If you want the candle to burn with the fingers pointing upward, the candle wick needs to touch the bottom of the hole. Pour hot wax into the mold. Follow the instructions above to melt the wax. As soon as it has melted completely, carefully pour the wax into the hollow left by the sand. Wear gloves when pouring hot wax. Let the wax set. Depending on the type of wax and the size of your hand, this can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, but leaving it overnight is a good idea just in case. Remove the candle. Once the wax is set, you can dig out the sand around it, or place a plastic bag over the mouth of the bucket and slowly tip the whole thing over. You may need to trim the wax hand if it's seeped out of the original hollow, or scrape it slightly to uncover the wick. Once that's done, your hand candle is complete. | Follow safety procedures. Add a little water to a large pan. Place a metal stand in the pan. Add a smaller pan. Crumble small pieces of wax into the small pan. Add color (optional). Set up your other materials. Heat and stir the mixture until the wax melts completely. Remove from heat. Fill a container with cool water. Wait for the wax to cool. Wipe hand lotion onto your hand and wrist. Lightly wet your hand. Dip your hand in wax. Keep dipping in water and wax. Pull off your new wax hand. Make the finishing touches. Fill a bucket with damp sand. Stick your hand in the sand. Dangle a candle wick into the hole. Pour hot wax into the mold. Let the wax set. Remove the candle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Introduce-Yourself-in-a-Presentation | How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation | To introduce yourself at the start of your presentation, all you need to do is state your name and tell the audience any relevant experience or skills you have. For example, say something like, “My name is Jacob Misen, and I have over a decade of experience using Facebook marketing ads in the dance industry.” If you have a broad range of relevant experience, you can bullet point a few examples on your opening slide instead of reading them out. Once you've introduced yourself, smoothly transition into your presentation. For instance, you can mention a client or project you've recently worked on that relates to the topic of your presentation. | State your name clearly. You want the audience to remember who you are, so don't mumble or rush through saying your name. Speak loudly and confidently, and make sure you enunciate every syllable. If you have an unusual or difficult to pronounce name, you may want to add a small remark to help your audience remember it. For example, you can say “My name is Jacob Misen, like 'risen' but with an M” Communicate your contribution to get the audience excited. Think about how you will help your audience and briefly communicate that rather than just listing your credentials or job title. Your basic credentials will probably be listed on the presentation program, anyway. Ask yourself what special skills and experience you have that would interest your audience and introduce yourself with those. If you are VP of Marketing at a large company, it can actually be much more effective to say something like “I have more than a decade of experience using Facebook marketing ads to target clients in the dance industry” rather than simply stating your job title. Leave extra details on a handout or powerpoint slide. If there are other details about yourself that are interesting and relevant to the presentation, you don't have to list them all in your introduction. Instead, add them to your handout or powerpoint presentation. Your audience can read them there if they want. You can also specifically refer your audience to the handout or powerpoint for more information. For example, if you want to let them know that you have articles in many international newspapers but you don't want to list them all out, simply say “I've written for a number of internationally recognized news organizations. You can find the full list on the first page of my handout.” Save some relevant details about yourself for later in the presentation. You don't have to give the audience everything about yourself right away. Stick to the most interesting and relevant information. If you have other interesting personal details you want to share, you can add them in other parts of the presentation. For example, you could say “when I designed a website for Richard Branson last year …” to inform your audience that you have an impressive resume, without having to list it all for them in your introduction. Plan a smooth transition from the introduction to your content. Once you've got a great introduction, it's important you seamlessly and effectively transition into the meat of your presentation. Having a planned transition will also help you maintain your confidence because you'll know exactly where you are going and how to get there. Try concluding your introduction by mentioning a client or project you were working on that directly relates to the topic of your presentation. For example: “I've had the pleasure of working with NXP Semiconductors for the past three years. Just last week we encountered a problem with our logistical database...” and then lead into your presentation about a new software that will solve everyone's logistical hiccups. Set the mood with music to get the audience energized. Playing music as you walk up to the presentation area and for a few seconds before you start to speak shares your personality and gets the audience's attention. This works best if you can reference the lyrics or artist as the music fades and you begin your presentation. If you don't have music that can tie to your presentation, you can use a song with the theme of beginning. For example, if you are presenting at a sales meeting, play some soft jazz as participants enter. Then, when it's time for you to start, play the Black Eyed Peas chorus of “Let's Get it Started” to get your audience's attention. You can then open with an energetic “Good morning!” or “Good Afternoon” as the music ends. Remember to choose music that's appropriate to the event. An academic conference may not be the best place for pop music, for example (unless you are presenting research on pop music, of course). Use an attention-grabbing quotation before you introduce yourself. Share a short, relevant quote before you say your name. This can get your audience interested in the topic. It's even better if the author of the quote is a big name in the industry you are speaking to. The audience will recognize the name and it will lend credibility to your presentation. For example, if you are presenting on the design of a new user-friendly coffee machine, you may start your presentation by referencing Elon Musk: “Any product that needs a manual to work is broken,” and then go on to say “My name is Laurie Higgens, and my coffee machine doesn't come with a manual.” Speak briefly about your relevant experience and qualifications, and then dive into presenting your design. Avoid cliche or overused motivational quotes the audience has probably already heard many times. Be sure to correctly cite your quote. Get the audience thinking by leading with a revealing statistic. Starting by presenting a statistic that illustrates a problem that your presentation will address or attempt to solve can be a great attention-grabbing move. In many cases, the audience might not even realize there is a problem until you point it out to them. Once you do, they will be more alert and invested in hearing solutions from you. For example, you might start with “According to Time magazine, Americans filled 4.3 billion prescriptions and doled out $374 billion on medicine in 2014.” Then, introduce yourself and your qualifications in medical research and transition into a presentation about how to prevent doctors from over prescribing medication to their patients. Remember to cite the source of your statistics. You will look more professional and reliable, and the audience will be able to follow up on the information if they wish. Connect to the audience and invite them to reflect with a question. Asking a question transforms your audience into participants. Try to pick universal situations that everyone in the audience will have some experience with or opinion about. Make sure it ties directly into your presentation material, too. If you are giving a presentation about a new airport security-friendly travel bag, try starting your presentation with “How many of you have ever stood in line at airport security and nearly missed your flight?” You can also invite your audience to close their eyes and imagine something as you lead up to your question. Don't be discouraged if your audience doesn't raise their hands when you ask a question. Sometimes these questions seem more rhetorical to an audience, or maybe they are just shy. You can often see signs that they are still engaging with the question if people are nodding or smiling after you ask it. Employ humor to relax yourself and the audience. Laughter can create an instant connection between a speaker and the audience. Start your introduction by making fun of yourself or exaggerating your own experiences in a humorous way. Don't overdo the humor. Make it natural without trying to force a laugh. Be sure that any jokes or ironies you use are appropriate for the context in which you are speaking. Try telling stories, showing pictures on a powerpoint, or using quotations. Being funny not only puts your audience at ease, but it also helps them remember you after the presentation. Involve the audience if you are presenting to a small group. Giving a presentation can be a very lonely and isolating experience. If you have a small audience, however, you can involve them in your introduction. After you introduce yourself, ask the audience members to introduce themselves and state a question or concern that relates to your presentation topic. You will take a bit of pressure off yourself, keep your audience alert, and get to know them at the same time. For example, if you are making a presentation about a pizza delivery app, ask your audience members to tell their name, their favorite pizza topping, and a situation where they've had a particularly amazing or awful experience with food delivery. Make a plan and write it down. It's best to have a plan for how you will introduce yourself so you don't get lost or confused when you're on stage. It's even better if you can write your plan down so you can review it beforehand or refer to it during your presentation. You can write down every sentence if you'd like, especially for practicing the introduction. When it's time to present, it's probably best to just write down a few notes or key words to remind you of what you want to say so you don't just read off your note cards. Rehearse your introduction with a friend. Practicing your introduction out loud will help you speak with the right intonation and at the right pace so your message will be clear and interesting. You can also time yourself and add or remove certain parts of your introduction until you've got it just right. Ask your friend for constructive feedback and advice on how to improve. Practicing out loud will also help you gain confidence. If you don't have a friend to watch your presentation, record yourself on video and play it back later to refine your presentation skills. It can be uncomfortable to watch yourself on video, but it will help you nail your introduction. You can even record your whole presentation. Keep recording and re-recording until you are happy with it. Then you know the audience will be happy too. Research the culture where you will present so you don’t offend anyone. You will want to make a good first impression with your introduction, so be sure you know what is expected of you and what might be frowned upon. Research the local culture where you will be speaking: what do they normally wear in the industry there? Do they introduce themselves by first name only, or with their first and last name? Be mindful of international customs too. In some places, it's not appropriate to use humor. If you are unsure about your audience, leave the humor out. The best resource to learn about the local culture is the locals themselves. If you have a contact where you will be speaking, ask them about customs, dress code, and how humor is usually received. If you don't know anyone personally, try searching in industry-specific online forums. Find YouTube videos of presentations given in the area that are relevant to your industry. | State your name clearly. Communicate your contribution to get the audience excited. Leave extra details on a handout or powerpoint slide. Save some relevant details about yourself for later in the presentation. Plan a smooth transition from the introduction to your content. Set the mood with music to get the audience energized. Use an attention-grabbing quotation before you introduce yourself. Get the audience thinking by leading with a revealing statistic. Connect to the audience and invite them to reflect with a question. Employ humor to relax yourself and the audience. Involve the audience if you are presenting to a small group. Make a plan and write it down. Rehearse your introduction with a friend. Research the culture where you will present so you don’t offend anyone. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Songs-Using-Snapchat | How to Identify Songs Using Snapchat | Tap and hold on the Snapchat camera screen while a song is playing, then release when the Shazam icon appears. | Open the Snapchat app. It's a yellow icon with a white ghost. Hold your phone near a song that’s playing. You don't necessarily need to be right by the music source, but if it's noisy this could help Shazam to identify the song. Try your best to not have background noise because it may be harder to hear. Press and hold on the camera screen. This is the first screen that appears when you open the app. Two lines will circle each other as you press. Release after the Shazam popup appears. Your phone will vibrate when this happens, and you will be able to view the name of the song and the band who plays it. You can tap Song Info to see more information. Swipe up from listen and scroll down to see details such as lyrics and recommended songs. You can also long press the screen after tapping Song Info. This will make a Snap that you can send to your friends and includes a preview of the song. If you can't get Shazam to work, you may need to update Snapchat. | Open the Snapchat app. Hold your phone near a song that’s playing. Press and hold on the camera screen. Release after the Shazam popup appears. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Shave-With-a-Safety-Razor | How to Shave With a Safety Razor | To shave with a safety razor, fill your sink with warm water and apply shaving cream to your beard. Wet the razor and position it at about a 30° angle to your skin, then shave in small strokes, making sure not to press down with your razor onto your skin. On the first pass, always shave in the direction of your hair growth, and frequently dip your razor in the warm water to remove hair and shaving cream. After the first pass, wet your face and apply more shaving cream, then shave with sideways strokes or against the grain to get a smooth finish. | Unscrew the head and comb from the handle. Double-edged (DE) razors come in 3 parts—the head, which covers the razor blade; the comb, which fits between the head and the handle; and the handle itself, which you hold as you shave. Hold onto the head and comb as you unscrew the handle. This will unlock all 3 parts of your razor. Fit a sharp razor blade between the head and comb. Place a razor blade between the head and the comb, making sure to line up all 3 holes in the head, razor blade, and comb. Which razor blades should you choose? Your choice of razor blades will most likely depend on your beard. Thicker beards usually require sharper blades. Those with thinner beards will find that duller blades may be more forgiving, although they can tug at the hairs instead of cutting right through them. Feather blades, made in Japan, are the industry standard when it comes to sharpness. If you take your time shaving (which you should), these blades will offer casual and serious groomers alike the closest shave. Fasten the razor blade by screwing the head and the handle together. Tighten the razor blade to its mooring between the head and the comb and you're ready to start shaving. Shower before you start shaving to soften your hair. Showering before shaving is an important step that many casual shavers forget. Showering moisturizes and softens your beard, making the shaving process afterward easier, and producing fewer nicks and cuts. Making sure your hair and skin are soft, moisturized, and clean will help prevent problems like razor burn, folliculitis, and ingrown hairs. Wash your face with warm water and facial soap or scrub. Over time, your face accumulates dead skin. Removing that layer of dead skin on your epidermis by washing before you take razor to skin often, if not always, results in a better shave. Scrubs, which contain small abrasives, do a particularly good job of sloughing off dead skin. Many men use glycerin soap before shaving to contribute to a better shave. Glycerin soap does a good job of both removing dead skin and smoothing out the skin without robbing it entirely of moisture. Work a small amount of pre-shave cream into your beard. A small dab of pre-shave cream (often containing the aforementioned glycerin) softens your facial hair while prepping the surface of the skin for repeated contact with a blade. Some men prefer to work baby lotion into their beards pre-shave. The baby lotion helps reduce irritation by providing a smooth surface for the razor to glide over. Draw some warm water in your sink for your shave. Warm water feels especially nice on the skin. It also does a good job of clearing away stubble and gunk from your DE razor when you clean it in between passes. Lather up your shaving cream and apply it over your entire beard. Make sure not to wash away any pre-shave cream. The casual shaver probably relies on shaving cream out of a can, as it's quick, cost-effective, and easy. This is perfectly acceptable. Some men, however, are rediscovering the pleasure of lathering up shaving soap themselves with a badger-hair brush and a bit of warm water. Start with a little dab of shaving soap, a wet shaving brush, and a shaving mug. Start working the shaving soap around in circular motions using your brush. Apply small amounts of water as necessary. Mix your shaving soap vigorously for anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 and a half minutes, until the soap has been whipped up into an opalescent lather. Take the lathered shaving soap and work it into your beard with your brush. Use a gentle circular pattern to do this. Using a brush to apply the lather to your face further softens your beard and ensures that the lather has penetrated every available portion of your face. When the lather is all worked into your beard, smooth it out with a few strokes of your brush. Wet your DE razor and position it at about a 30° angle to your skin. Submerge your DE razor in the hot water and then position it at about a 30° angle. This angle ensures a close shave but doesn't produce a lot of nicks and cuts. On the first pass, always shave with the grain. The direction in which the hairs of your beard grow out of your skin is called the grain. Shaving in the same direction as your hair grows—i.e., "with the grain"—chops off less beard, but is very forgiving and less likely to irritate your skin. On your first pass, always go with the grain. If you've never shaved before, it will take some time to get to know the direction your beard. Every man's grain is different, and often changes depending on the hair's position on the face. Dip your razor frequently into the bath of warm water and swirl it around. This dislodges hair and other gunk that gets caught in between the head, the blade, and the comb. Needless to say, a clogged safety razor will produce a less satisfying shave than a clean one. Shave using small, light strokes. Ever notice how commercials advertising shaving products always show men shaving using long, continuous strokes? That's not how you shave. It may look nice in commercials, but it results in a lot of nasty nicks and cuts in real life. Use small strokes, making sure not to press down with your razor onto skin. Keep your touch light and don't press down hard. The weight of your razor should be doing most of the work. If you feel like you need to press down with your razor onto your skin in order to shave, either your blades aren't sharp enough or your razor isn't heavy enough. Hold your skin taut to promote easier shaving. Holding your skin taut makes it easier for the razor blade to glide over your skin's surface. Holding your upper lip down and your lower lip up, as well as pulling the skin beneath your jawline taut, will give you a closer shave without as many nicks. Pay special attention to problem areas. Problem areas are areas that often produce nicks, cuts, irritation, and redness. For many men, these include the areas above and below the lips, beneath the jawline, or any other place on the face that is contoured instead of flat. When shaving these areas, take your time and shave against the grain. Be patient and willing to take several passes instead of trying to remove all stubble with the first pass. Wet your face, apply another thin coat of cream, and take a second pass. The aim of the first pass is to remove most of your stubble, although there will still be some noticeable patches. The aim of the second pass is to shave away any remaining stubble without causing cuts or irritation. On the second pass, shave using sideways strokes or against the grain, albeit very carefully. Sideways strokes will trim the forest of your beard down to a clean sand-dune without producing much irritation. On the second pass especially, remember to unclog your razor, keep your skin taut, and always lather over areas you intend to shave for extra lubrication. Repeat this general process as many times as necessary to produce a clean shave. All men have different beards and desire different shaves. Shave until you've achieved your desired level of closeness, keeping in mind that each extra pass you make increases your chance of producing nicks and irritation. Clean your DE razor and splash your face with cold water. Remember, use water pre-shave, cold water post-shave. Whereas warm water opens up your pores, cold water causes them to contract. Cold water on your face feels especially refreshing, and helps stanch any blood caused by nicks. Briefly submerge your blade in rubbing alcohol to wick away excess moisture. Water on blades causes rust; rust causes additional friction; friction causes a less comfortable shave. If you want to increase the longevity of your razor blades, unscrew them from the razor, submerge them in rubbing alcohol, and remove them. Place them back onto the cleaned razor when they're dry. if you used one. Clean and dry your brush Rinse your brush under cool water to remove any remaining soap. Lightly shake the wet brush until most of the water is gone. Store the brush in a well-ventilated area. . Apply an aftershave to the face if desired Aftershaves help tone and sometimes hydrate the skin post-shave. There are 2 common types of aftershave—alcohol-based and witch hazel-based: Alcohol-based aftershaves are generally cheaper, but tend to sting and are prone to drying out the skin (much in the same way that alcohol will dry out the razor blade). They are the most widespread aftershave on the market. Witch hazel aftershaves are cooling and don't sting the skin, but offer less of a toner to skin than alcohol-based aftershaves. They are very forgiving and increasingly popular in the post-shave routine. If you're adventurous, you can even make your own aftershave. The process is straightforward and allows you to be creative. Hydrate your skin with moisturizer. You've just poked and prodded your skin, tugging at and scraping off hair, probably along with some skin. In order to keep your face as healthy as possible and minimize skin irritation, give it some nourishment in the form of moisturizer. Your skin will thank you. If you have dry or sensitive skin, skip the aftershave and use a mild, gentle moisturizer that's free of harsh perfumes or dyes. | Unscrew the head and comb from the handle. Fit a sharp razor blade between the head and comb. Fasten the razor blade by screwing the head and the handle together. Shower before you start shaving to soften your hair. Wash your face with warm water and facial soap or scrub. Work a small amount of pre-shave cream into your beard. Draw some warm water in your sink for your shave. Lather up your shaving cream and apply it over your entire beard. Wet your DE razor and position it at about a 30° angle to your skin. On the first pass, always shave with the grain. Dip your razor frequently into the bath of warm water and swirl it around. Shave using small, light strokes. Hold your skin taut to promote easier shaving. Pay special attention to problem areas. Wet your face, apply another thin coat of cream, and take a second pass. Repeat this general process as many times as necessary to produce a clean shave. Clean your DE razor and splash your face with cold water. Briefly submerge your blade in rubbing alcohol to wick away excess moisture. if you used one. . Hydrate your skin with moisturizer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Rust-from-Cement | How to Remove Rust from Cement | To remove minor rust from cement, pour lemon juice or white vinegar on the affected area and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, scrub the area with a wire brush and rinse away the rust with cold water. For stubborn rust stains, apply a heavy-duty cleaner that contains oxalic acid or trisodium phosphate (TSP) and let it sit on the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Finish lifting the stain by scrubbing with a stiff bristled nylon brush, then rinse with cold water! | Rinse and wash the concrete with soap and water before beginning. Dirt and dust will just get between your cleaner and the stain, making your work less effective. Once you've cleaned the surface of the concrete you should let it dry before moving on. Pour or spray lemon juice on the rusted surface. Almost all rust remover uses acid to lift and scrub away the stain, and the high concentration of citric acid in pure lemon juice makes it a worth-while cleaning candidate. Pour on the lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing with a wire brush. Pour or spray white vinegar on the rusted surface in place of lemon juice for tougher stains. Let the vinegar sit for several minutes before scrubbing it with a wire brush. Rinse away the rust with some cold water and repeat for difficult stains. Scrub the surface of the concrete with a brush. Let the lemon juice or vinegar sit for 5-10 minutes. Scrub the surface with a stiff bristled nylon brush if it is smooth or painted concrete. Work in small circles to remove as many of the rust stains as possible. Do not use metal bristles as they can remove the top paste layer in the cement and expose the aggregate material beneath this layer. Rinse off the concrete with cool water when you're finished. After rinsing, let the concrete dry. You may want to go after the stain again when you're done, as multiple washing is often the best way to fully remove rust stains. Use a sponge and diluted vinegar to scrub any delicate or painted surfaces. If you cannot use a wire brush without damaging the surface, stick to a sponge with some warm water. However, make sure that you test the cleaning product on a small corner of the concrete first -- many acids will strip or ruin the paint. Water down 1 cup of vinegar with 1/2 cup of water and start scrubbing in gentle circles. It may take 3-4 washes, but it will work over time. Move on to commercial cleaners if vinegar and lemon juice don't work. For big, persistent stains you'll need to move on to the heavy-duty cleaners. Rinse off the concrete and let it dry before applying any of the following chemicals, and be sure to follow safety precautions: Work in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves and eye protection. Stick to long sleeved shirts and pants to protect your skin. Use a cleaner that contains oxalic acid, such as Singerman's or F9 BARC. These sprays are often used to scrub sinks without scratching them, and they will quickly lift up rust stains. They often come in liquid or powder form. Spray or sprinkle the cleaner on the rusted surface. If the cleaner is made of powder, wet it with water. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes before continuing. Use Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) to remove persistent rust from cement. Mix 1/2 cup (118.29 ml) of TSP with 1/2 gallon (1.89 L) of hot water. TSP can be purchased at a home improvement store, and needs to be mixed at home. Put on gloves before handling TSP. Pour the mixture on the rusted surface. Allow the mixture to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub the surface with a stiff bristled nylon brush and rinse after the cleaner sets in. Just like with your gentle stains, do not use metal bristles, as this can remove the top paste layer in the cement. Instead, us a stiff nylon brush and work in circles to lift up the stain. Rinse away all the cleaner when you're done, taking care to remove all of it. If left on the concrete for too long it may cause discoloration. Carefully consider hydrochloric acid to remove any stain. Hydrochloric acid, in some tests, is the most effective way to remove rust stains. However, left too long to soak this acid can tint your concrete blue, so you need to act quickly. Dilute the acid a bit with 1 cup of water for 2 cups of acid to give yourself more time and avoid re-coloring your surface; always mix acid to water to avoid a violent reaction. Let the acid soak into the stain for 5-10 minutes. Scrub away the rust stain, working quickly. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water. Repeat as needed. Use a pressure washer for hard to reach or tough stains. If you're having trouble getting to a stain, or can't scrub any harder, leave your acid on the stain for 10 minutes and set up a pressure water. The high-powered hose not only rinses away all the acid for you, it puts concentrated force on the stain to easily lift it off the surface. Seal your concrete for the best protection against rust stains. Concrete sealer is applied like a stain on wood, and it soaks into the pores of the concrete and protects it from stains. You can get it at any home-improvement store. For the best results, reapply the sealer every 2-3 years: Choose a weekend with very little chance of rain to work. Wash the concrete and remove any existing stains. Starting in the corner, roll the sealant onto the concrete. Let the sealant sit for 48 hours before placing any furniture on it. Avoid placing metal bottomed furniture directly on concrete. If you do need to, try and remove it during rainstorms. The number one cause of rust stains comes from outdoor metal furniture that gets wet, but this can be easily prevented with some forethought. You can get felt runners, or outdoor carpets and mats, to protect your concrete as well. You can try coating your metal furniture with a sealant to prevent rust. You can also seal already rusted furniture to prevent the rust from spreading to your concrete. Even interior concrete can get rust stains if the room is moist or humid, so be aware of any metal to concrete interactions. Ensure that you have non-corroding bar supports when laying your concrete. Some stains come from within the concrete, as water gets to the metal support bars and causes rust stains from within the concrete. The best way to prevent this is to be proactive -- making sure you pay for and get non-corroding bars in your foundation. Have your house inspected for leaks. Moisture causes rust, so if you have stains on your interior concrete you should get an inspection to look for leaks. The sooner you close up the leak the better, as moisture can cause more damage then just a few easily cleaned stains. | Rinse and wash the concrete with soap and water before beginning. Pour or spray lemon juice on the rusted surface. Pour or spray white vinegar on the rusted surface in place of lemon juice for tougher stains. Scrub the surface of the concrete with a brush. Rinse off the concrete with cool water when you're finished. Use a sponge and diluted vinegar to scrub any delicate or painted surfaces. Move on to commercial cleaners if vinegar and lemon juice don't work. Use a cleaner that contains oxalic acid, such as Singerman's or F9 BARC. Use Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) to remove persistent rust from cement. Scrub the surface with a stiff bristled nylon brush and rinse after the cleaner sets in. Carefully consider hydrochloric acid to remove any stain. Use a pressure washer for hard to reach or tough stains. Seal your concrete for the best protection against rust stains. Avoid placing metal bottomed furniture directly on concrete. Ensure that you have non-corroding bar supports when laying your concrete. Have your house inspected for leaks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Grades | How to Improve Your Grades | To improve your grades, start by studying continuously so that your brain has time to process the material you're learning, rather than cramming the day before a test. Wen studying, make study cards with a few facts or concepts on them so you can brush up on some of them each day. During class, stay focused on the information by asking questions and taking notes for future reference. Before a test, practice time management by studying in an area free from distractions and aiming to complete tasks within a set period of time. | Pay attention in class. The best thing you can do to improve your grades is focus and pay attention when the information is first presented to you. It's easy to lose focus when your teacher is going on and on about something that's not interesting, but you should not tune them out. Really listen to what they're saying and keep yourself engaged by asking questions and taking notes. Take notes. It might seem silly, but notes are actually a great way to help you improve your grades. Good notes are like a road map, when you go to study later on. They'll also show your teachers that you're serious about doing better in your classes. You don't have to write down everything your teacher says: just get down the basics. You know when you tell your parents about what happened to you during the day? That's how you should take notes. Just get the broad strokes, with the really important things written with greater detail. If you know something is confusing to you or seems really complex, write that down too! Even if you don't understand what your teacher is saying, you'll have a note to yourself that you need to look that up and get more information later. Write out your notes by hand, instead of on a computer. You will have an easier time remembering them this way. Ask questions when you don't understand. When you don't understand a concept or fact that your teachers talks about in lecture or that you encounter in your text books, don't be afraid to ask! Smart people don't just know everything instantly...they're curious enough to ask and find out when they don't know something. If you're nervous about asking in front of everyone else, you can also talk to your teacher outside of class time and ask about getting some extra help or explanation. You also shouldn't feel like your teacher would be angry about you not understanding. Teachers are happy when you're interested enough and invested enough to ask for help. If your teacher doesn't explain it in a way that you can understand or if you still feel uncomfortable, try going on the Internet to find a new explanation. You can often find YouTube videos covering common school concepts, and there are also forums and other websites that might deal with your question and explain it to you better. Go over your syllabus. Your teacher will probably give you a syllabus at the beginning of the year or semester. This is a written outline of all of the subjects you will study over the course of the year. You should go over this syllabus carefully and ask your teacher about anything on it that doesn't make sense. Paired with your notes, it's another great road map to your learning. Snack throughout the day. You might not realize it, but your problems concentrating might be because you're hungry! Try eating a small snack between classes, as well as a drink of water, in order to help your brain concentrate and have the best chance at absorbing the material. Your snack should be high in protein, which will give you the most energy. Try salami sticks or a handful of almonds or soy nuts. Try to find a way to work with your learning style. Everyone learns in different ways. Some people learn better when they're moving and using their body. Some people learn better with lots of pictures and visuals. Some people learn better when they can hear things like words and music. Think about what helps you remember things the most and then find ways to work that into how you learn your course material. For example, if you're an auditory learner (someone who learns better with sounds), ask your teacher if you can record lectures to listen to again later. If you don't know your learning style, you can take a test here or you can take any number of other online tests. You can also just analyze your own classroom experiences. If you're a visual learner, draw up some charts or webs which visually represent the information you need to learn and how the ideas are connected. Start studying immediately. Don't procrastinate! Waiting until the end of the quarter to study or, even worse, cramming the night before a test dooms you to poor grades. Your brain won't have enough time to really understand the material and log it away. Cramming leads you to remember things incorrectly or not at all. Basically, you should set aside time every night to go over material from the previous week and make sure you remember and understand everything. This means that when you study for a test, all you have to do is a quick refresher. Try to return to old material as much as possible, to help solidify the ideas in your mind. Go over your notes. Having good notes allows you to quickly go over the material and refresh your memory. If you didn't understand it the first time, your notes will give you a road map to finding the information that you need. Organize your notes by topic and go over them one topic at a time. Sometimes topics that are related are covered at very different points in the year. You might have to pair information you learned in September with information you learned in January, to get a full picture of it. Make a study guide. Sometimes your teacher may give you a study guide, but if not, you should make your own. A study guide breaks up the information that might be covered on the test and then lists out the most important facts and ideas. These are usually used for preparing for tests but they can also be used for keeping up with regular subjects as well. Make one for yourself each time you finish a unit and you will be prepared for anything your teacher could throw your way. Make study cards. Study cards are like little study guides, with a single concept or set of facts to one note card. You can then study these like flash cards, giving yourself 2-3 per day, covering material from previous weeks so that it stays fresh in your mind. Make a study wall. Have you ever seen a mind map? This is where someone writes down an idea on a card and places it on a wall, then connects other cards with similar ideas to the first. You can do this for studying too! Make charts, graphs, and written descriptions on pieces of paper or note cards, and then organize these by taping them to your wall. Study from your wall and when it becomes test time, you'll be able to think of where the information you need was on your wall and you'll have a much easier time remember it! Use memorization techniques. You'll probably have to do at least a little memorizing, for information that you can't remember easily. Different people memorize things better or worse using different techniques, so you'll probably have to do some experimenting. The most important thing is to remember to start the process early and spend a lot of time working on it, so that your brain has enough time and experience to really log it away. You can try these memorization techniques: Work only on small sections at a time. When working on memorizing lists (such as vocabulary words, place names, or groups of people), never work with more than five items at a time. Thoroughly memorize these five items before going on to the next five items. If you try to do all at once, you'll really struggle. Use mnemonics. Mnemonics are when you use acronyms or other keys in order to remember lists or concepts. For example, "Memory Needs Every Method Of Nurturing Its Capacity" is a mnemonic for how to spell mnemonic. Look up if there are any mnemonics for what you're studying, or make up your own! Use flash cards. Flash cards are useful for studying vocabulary words and other things, like dates. Write yourself a question or word on one side of a note card, and the answer or definition on the other. Take effective breaks. Your studying will be most effective if you break it up with mental rest periods. MIT recommends 50 minutes of study or work followed by 10 minutes of rest. They also recommend using this time to do things like eat and get a few minutes of exercise, since this will keep your mind sharp and productive. Make sure you have a good environment for study. You need to have a productive environment to study in. Your study environment should be free of distractions, so turn off those cell phones! You need to focus because each time you do get distracted, studies show, it takes 25 minutes to really get back on track. Sometimes, you might be able to find a quiet spot in a busy house if you think outside the box: try a basement or bathroom. If your home isn't good for studying, try a library or coffee shop. A lot of the time, we tell ourselves that we need certain things, like television and music, to help us focus when really we just want to justify a distraction. If you're one of the 30% of auditory learners, your learning will be more productive if you speak aloud the information, rather than trying to learn it while other noises are competing for your attention. Eat right and get enough sleep. Eating poorly can make it hard for your brain to work, because it won't have the tools it needs. The same goes for sleep. Scientists now think that when we sleep, our brains clean out toxins and other dangerous materials that keep us from being able to think clearly. Get your 8 hours of sleep (or however much leaves your body feeling refreshed for the entire day) and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Skip out on junk food, sugar, and too much fat. You should eat fruits, vegetables (kale and spinach are good), and healthy protein sources like fish and nuts. Stay organized. Keep all of your work organized in folders and binders and keep a calendar of due dates. Staying organized like this will help keep you from forgetting assignments and tests. It will also help you schedule in study time and relaxation time, in a way that you can create a healthy balance. Staying organized extends to your work space as well. You should keep extras off of your desk that might cause distractions. Start with what you know. When you study, start by evaluating what you do know. You can set aside the information you do know for last minute review. Just make sure that you really are comfortable with the material and do set aside at least a little review time before going in for a test. Once you've set this aside, you can focus on conquering the information that you don't know or aren't comfortable with. Prepare for tests. When you know you have a test coming up, you'll need to really buckle down and devote extra time and focus to making sure you understand the material. Talk to your teacher for some extra, pointed advice on how to prepare for your test. You should at least ask them about the format that you can expect, as well as how it will be graded. Study for tests in the testing room. Visual learners especially will benefit from this technique. Your brain will associate the visuals in the room with the studying you did and the information you learned, making it easier to recall. Some studies have argued, however, that moving around to different rooms can help you remember information better. This technique, however, may cause too much distraction so use it carefully and if it doesn't seem to help, stop using it. Take a practice test. Practice tests can help you overcome test anxiety and help you understand what you're likely to encounter on the test. Get together with a group of friends and make several practice tests. You can even ask your teacher with help on this! Practice time management. Time management is crucial to making good marks on assignments and exams. A lot of the time we feel like we've spent more time on studying than we really have (because of distractions) or we'll feel like we shouldn't spend more time on studying because we have so little free time to begin with. When you cut out activities that really don't add anything to your life, like playing Candy Crush or checking Facebook, you'll find that you have way more time for both studying and relaxing! Really prioritize what's important and you'll be setting aside a good amount of time for study before you know it. Ask your teacher for advice. If you're really working to turn your grades around but you're not making any headway, try talking to your teacher. Set up a meeting after school or at lunch and explain your problem to them: you're trying to improve your grades but studying more, taking notes, and other traditional methods aren't working. They might be better able to understand where you're struggling and help you find a way to overcome the problem. Ask for extra credit. If you're working hard on your coursework and you've shown your teacher that you've really changed your approach to learning, you should consider asking for extra credit or even a special, big side project. This can help make up for poor grades you got earlier and help you end with an A...even if you had a C! Make sure you explain to your teacher everything you've been working on, so that they know you're serious. A lot of teachers don't like extra credit, but they'll probably have sympathy if they see you really working to put yourself on a better path. Get a tutor. If you're really having a hard time, ask your teacher or your university's tutoring center if they can help you find a tutor. Getting a tutor isn't admitting defeat and it doesn't make you dumb: a tutor is a tool, like a code book or a translator. Everyone has something that they don't understand at some point and you're making the smart decision by using every weapon in your arsenal to defeat your lack of understanding. Study in groups. When you study with other people, you're pulling together all of your different pieces of intelligence and understanding to make one academic ace! You can compare notes and discuss the class to make sure that you all have the fullest, best understanding of the material. Just remember: you have to give a good as you get when working with others or no one will want to work with you. Give yourself context. Sometimes, if you take your learning into an immersive environment or do it in a way that gives you a way to really see what it is you're learning, this can help you learn the information a lot better. Find a way to make your subject real and give yourself context for what's happening and you'll find you connect with the material in a way that you haven't before. So, for example, going to a history museum and seeing actual items people used as you learn about the history. Another example would be doing science experiments instead of just reading about reactions in books. If you want to try some science experiments, wikiHow can help. Try making colored fire or making your own personal cloud ! Find online tools. There are lots of online tools that can help explain the material you're trying to learn. You can just go looking for communities that are interested in the material you don't understand or you can go to websites that are specifically designed to help. Just remember: you're not just looking for the answer so you can copy it down. If you really want to improve your grades, what you really want is to find someone that can help you understand the material. Some good places to start include: http://www.mathsisfun.com/ http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ http://www.cosmeo.com/bysubject.cfm?science http://quizlet.com/ | Pay attention in class. Take notes. Ask questions when you don't understand. Go over your syllabus. Snack throughout the day. Try to find a way to work with your learning style. Start studying immediately. Go over your notes. Make a study guide. Make a study wall. Use memorization techniques. Take effective breaks. Make sure you have a good environment for study. Eat right and get enough sleep. Stay organized. Start with what you know. Prepare for tests. Practice time management. Ask your teacher for advice. Ask for extra credit. Get a tutor. Study in groups. Give yourself context. Find online tools. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Sinus-Infections | How to Prevent Sinus Infections | To prevent sinus infections, remember to wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after you've been out in public. You should also drink at least 8 glasses of water a day since you're more susceptible to a sinus infection if you're dehydrated. Also, try to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night and eat a healthy diet to boost your immune system, which defends your body from infections. | Wash your hands frequently. Most viral and bacterial infections are spread by touching someone who is infected and introducing the germs directly into your mouth, nose or eyes. Infectious microorganisms can live for hours in body secretions such as saliva and mucus. Therefore, be cautious about touching people who are obviously ill during common cold season (sneezing, coughing, runny nose) and make sure to wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of a sinus infection. To wash your hands properly, first wet them with water, then apply soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Make sure you wash between your fingers, under your nails, and both the front and back of your hands. Then rinse and dry your hands on a clean towel. Avoid touching your face when you're out in public, particularly your eyes, nose and mouth. Always wash your hands before eating, especially if you eat with your hands (such as pizza or hot dogs). Don't go overboard on the hand sanitizer, because it can promote the growth of antibacterial-immune microorganisms. Keep well hydrated. In order to function normally and be able to keep microorganisms at bay, the mucous membranes of your sinuses, nose and throat need to be moist. When they get too dry, they are much more susceptible to irritation, inflammation and infection. Therefore, keep yourself well hydrated by drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of purified water per day — it'll keep your mucous membranes moist and keep you hydrated. Avoid colas and energy drinks — they can promote dehydration because caffeine is a diuretic (triggers more urination). Limit coffee and black tea intake. During the winter months, your sinus membranes can become very dry due to the extreme aridity of your home. Adding moisture to the air via a humidifier may help prevent sinusitis. Make sure the air is a cold, not warm — warm humidified air can cause bacterial growth in the humidifier, making you feel worse. Keep your allergies under control. Another risk factor for coming down with a sinus infection is having allergies. Allergic reactions to pollen or other irritants can cause a stuffy and runny nose, which is not sinusitis, but it can trap viruses or bacteria in your nasal passages and increase the risk of infection. Thus, if you have allergies or hay fever, avoid exposing yourself to the triggers or keep them under control with medications — typically over-the-counter antihistamines / decongestants. Be careful not to over-use antihistamines for your allergies because they can cause your mucus membranes to get too dry. Check with a physician before starting or stopping medication. An allergic reaction and a sinus infection can cause similar symptoms (stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, watery eyes, sneezing), but sinusitis is invariably more painful, causes a mild fever and leads to greenish or gray mucus discharge from the nose. Avoid exposure to irritants. In addition to allergens, there are many chemical irritants that can trigger irritation and inflammation in your nasal passages, which makes them more susceptible to getting infected. As such, try to avoid common chemical irritants such as cigarette/cigar smoke, dust, bleach, most cleaning agents, environmental pollutants and asbestos particles. Wearing a mask when you know you will be exposed to these irritants may help, as it can be difficult to avoid them completely. Cigarette smokers develop more respiratory infections (upper in the sinuses and lower in the lungs) than non-smokers. Secondhand smoke, in particular, is a significant risk factor for sinus and lung infections in children. Never smoke around children, who are unable to understand the risks. Pet fur and dander can aggravate allergies. Remember to dust and vacuum your home regularly, so your nasal passages don't get irritated. Don't give your child a bottle while lying down. Another major risk factor for sinus infections in young children (infants) is bottle feeding, especially while they lay on their backs. The milk or formula can easily get into the nose, nasal passages and sinuses, which not only increases the risk of choking, but it also provides nourishment to bacteria. Any bacterial in the infants' sinuses feed on the milk sugar and rapidly flourish, leading to an infection. Always feed your baby/infant/child while he is sitting upright in order to prevent food from going places it shouldn't. Although 90% of sinus infections in adults are caused by viruses (often the common cold), only about 60% are viral in infants and children. The other 40% are bacterial, which readily take advantage of feeding mishaps. Maintain a strong immune system. For any type of infection, true prevention depends on a healthy and strong immune response. Your immune system consists of specialized cells that search for and attempt to destroy disease-causing microorganisms, but when it's weakened and malfunctioning, viruses and bacteria can proliferate in mucus membranes and lead to sinus infections much easier. As such, focus on ways to keep your immune system strong in order to naturally prevent sinus infections and other infectious diseases. Getting more sleep (or better quality sleep ) (at least 7.5 to nine hours), eating more fresh fruits and veggies, practicing good hygiene, keeping well-hydrated and getting regular exercise are all ways to boost immunity. Pay attention to dietary factors. Your immune function will also benefit by cutting down on refined sugars (soda pop, candy, pastries, cakes, cookies, ice cream, milk chocolate), cutting back on alcohol and quitting smoking. Supplements that can boost your immune system include: vitamins C and D, zinc, selenium, echinacea, olive leaf extract and astragalus root. To go one better than supplements, get your vitamins from your diet in the form of oranges, papayas, grapefruit, and leafy greens. Reduce your stress levels. Being over-stressed is another major factor for getting sick, especially catching viral and bacterial infections. Moderate-to-severe stress, especially when it's constant (chronic), weakens your immune system significantly. As noted above, weakened immunity allows potentially pathogenic germs to take advantage and grow out of control, which can overwhelm tissues such as mucus membranes. Consequently, reducing stress levels from your work and personal life is important for preventing infectious diseases such as sinus infections. Effective stress-relieving practices include meditation, yoga, tai chi and deep breathing exercises. Sometimes changing jobs and/or personal relationships are the best forms of stress relief. Talk to a licensed counselor if you need advice and guidance. In addition to emotional stress, immunity is negatively impacted by physical stressors, such as being overweight, not eating well (malnourishment), dealing with other diseases (diabetes, chronic infections) and exposure to toxins. Flush with saline solution preventatively. Spraying some saline solution (a pinch of salt in some warm distilled water) into your nasal cavities can help keep them moist and deter the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Most viruses and bacteria either die or can't reproduce in salty conditions. Saline nasal sprays can also help wash away mucus build-up. Speak with your doctor before attempting to cleanse your sinuses. Put some saline solution in a spray bottle and spray it into your nostrils, but make sure you sniff / snort it up into your sinuses. Consider doing this a few times weekly during the cold / flu season (between December and February in the U.S.) for prevention. As an alternative, put saline solution into a Neti pot and pour it into your nasal passages through your nostrils. Neti pots look like small tea pots and are commonly used in India and Asia to clean / disinfect nasal passages. Search the internet for how-to videos. | Wash your hands frequently. Keep well hydrated. Keep your allergies under control. Avoid exposure to irritants. Don't give your child a bottle while lying down. Maintain a strong immune system. Reduce your stress levels. Flush with saline solution preventatively. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-an-Itchy-Sunburn | How to Get Rid of an Itchy Sunburn | Before trying to get rid of an itchy sunburn, watch for signs of a severe sunburn, including blistering, dizziness, fever, weakness, and confusion, which requires medical attention. If your sunburn is mild, relieve any itchiness by applying apple cider vinegar to your burn. The vinegar will balance the pH on your skin and help it heal faster. Another method for calming sunburned skin is to soak in a warm oatmeal bath for 10 minutes to moisturize your dried-out skin. Add colloidal oatmeal directly to your bath water or place some uncooked oats in a pair of pantyhose tied off at the end before placing it in your tub. After your bath, try diluting peppermint oil in jojoba or coconut oil and rubbing it into your skin for a cooling effect. | Seek medical advice for severe burns. Home remedies can be helpful, but they're usually intended to treat mild burns. If you are experiencing blistering, dizziness, fever, or possible infection (draining pus, red streaks, increased tenderness), you should contact your doctor before treating the sunburn yourself. If you or a friend are feeling weak and unable to stand, confused, or passes out, you should call an ambulance. Skin that is waxy and white, very dark brown, or raised and leathery are signs of a third degree burn. It is very rare, but it is sometimes possible to suffer a burn this severe from the sun. Seek medical help immediately. Spray the sunburn with apple cider vinegar. Vinegar is a weak acid that is sometimes used as an antiseptic. It balances your skin's pH, which in turn promotes faster healing and can relieve itchiness. Vinegar does have a strong smell, but it should dissipate after a few minutes. Fill a clean spray bottle with apple cider vinegar. Test it by first spraying it on a small area of sunburned skin and wait to see if you experience pain or any kind of reaction. Spray the vinegar on the sunburned skin, allowing it to drip-dry. Do not rub it into your skin. Reapply if your skin begins to itch again. If you don't have a spray bottle, pour a few drops on a cotton ball or washcloth and dab it on the sunburn. Some claim regular white vinegar as the same effect as apple cider, so you can try using that instead of apple cider vinegar if none is available. Take a warm oatmeal bath. Oatmeal moisturizes dry skin and will normalize the skin's pH, which is often at a high level when skin is dry and itchy. You can use colloidal oatmeal, which is ground and will float in the bathwater, increasing the exposure to your skin. Otherwise you can put 3/4 cup uncooked oatmeal in a clean pair of panty hose and tie or knot it. Run a lukewarm bath (hot water may dry out your skin and cause more itching). Add the colloidal oatmeal to the running water so it mixes completely. If you are using the stocking, toss it into the bath at this time. Soak for about 10 minutes. If you feel sticky afterwards, rinse with lukewarm water. You can take an oatmeal bath up to three times a day. Make sure you pat dry with a towel—do not rub. This can cause further irritation to your skin. Treat the area with diluted peppermint oil. Available in most health stores, peppermint oil has a cooling and calming effect on skin. Do not use peppermint extract--it is not the same as peppermint oil. Dilute the peppermint oil in a carrier oil (a vegetable oil like jojoba or coconut). Add 10-12 drops per ounce of oil for adults. For children, pregnant women, or those with sensitive skin, add 5-6 drops. Test the oil on a small area of your sunburn to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction. Rub the oil into the sunburn. You skin should feel a cold/hot sensation, and the itching should subside temporarily. Apply witch hazel to the sunburn. Witch hazel contains tannis, which may reduce swelling, pain, and itching. It is a good alternative if you don't want to use hydrocortisone cream. Rub a small amount of witch hazel cream into your sunburn (after patch testing for allergic reaction). Use a cotton ball to apply witch hazel water to your skin. Use witch hazel up to six times a day to relieve pain and itching. Use .5%-1% hydrocortisone to relieve pain and itching. Hydrocortisone is an over the counter steroid cream that is often very successful at reducing inflammation, redness, and itching. It stops your cells from releasing inflammatory substances, which calms the skin. Apply hydrocortisone to your sunburn 4 times daily, rubbing it into your skin. Use hydrocortisone very sparingly on your face and for no more than 4 or 5 days. Take an over the counter antihistamine to stop itching. Sometimes the itchiness in a sunburn is caused by immune-system cells that release histamines to notify your brain that something is wrong. An antihistamine can suppress this reaction and temporarily relieve itching and swelling. Take a non-drowsy antihistamine (such as loratadine) during the day. Follow the directions on the box for dosage and use. At night you can take a diphenhydramine, which can cause extreme drowsiness. Don't try to drive, operate machinery, or do anything that might endanger yourself or others when taking this antihistamine. Just go to sleep! If the itching is severe, talk to your doctor about hydroxyzine. It is a prescription drug that sedates your central nervous system and also acts as an antihistamine. Use a topical anesthetic to numb your skin. Available as sprays, creams, and ointments, a local anesthetic blocks nerve signals in your body so you won't feel the itching sensation. To use the aerosol spray, shake the can well and hold it 4-6 inches from your skin. Spray it on the sunburn and rub in gently. Be very careful not to spray any into your eyes. For creams, gels, or ointments, apply the cream to dry skin and gently rub until it is evenly distributed. Look for brands that include aloe which can help soothe your skin. Take a hot shower for severe itching that doesn't respond to treatment. If you are experiencing what is known as the "Hell Itch"--extreme itching that usually sets in about 48 hours after a burn, a very hot shower may be the best course of action. The Hell Itch does not respond to other treatments, and is so persistent and severe it can lead to sleep deprivation, depression, aggressiveness, and suicidal thoughts. If no other treatment works, including those recommended by your doctor, you may choose to try this method. If you are under 18, talk to your parents first. Take a shower in water that is turned up as hot as you can stand. Don't use soap or scrub your skin--the hot water will dry your skin out and soap will make this worse. Continue with the extremely hot showers until the itching subsides (usually about two days). The hot showers work because the brain can only process one sensation at a time. The heat of the water activates the pain nerves, which will suppress or shut down the sensation of itching. Talk to your doctor about prescribing a high-potency steroid cream. If the itching is so bad you can't concentrate on anything else--you can't work, can't sleep--and feel like you might go crazy, your doctor may be able to help with an aggressive treatment. A high-potency steroid cream may reduce inflammation and calm the itching. These medications are available by prescription only, and can weaken your immune system and cause other serious side effects. They should only be used in the most extreme cases. | Seek medical advice for severe burns. Spray the sunburn with apple cider vinegar. Take a warm oatmeal bath. Treat the area with diluted peppermint oil. Apply witch hazel to the sunburn. Use .5%-1% hydrocortisone to relieve pain and itching. Take an over the counter antihistamine to stop itching. Use a topical anesthetic to numb your skin. Take a hot shower for severe itching that doesn't respond to treatment. Talk to your doctor about prescribing a high-potency steroid cream. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Transfer-Data-from-a-Flash-Drive-to-a-Computer | How to Transfer Data from a Flash Drive to a Computer | Mac: 1. Open Finder. 2. Open the flash drive folder. 3. Select files to transfer. 4. Click Edit and select Copy. 5. Open a folder on your Mac. 6. Press Option + Command + V. Windows:1. Open File Explorer. 2. Open the flash drive folder. 3. Select files to transfer. 4. Click Home. 5. Click Move to. 6. Click Choose location. 7. Select a folder and click Move. | Plug the flash drive into your computer. Your flash drive should plug into one of the rectangular USB ports on your computer's housing. Most flash drives only fit one way, so don't force the flash drive; if it won't fit, rotate it 180 degrees and try again. Open Start . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Open File Explorer . Click the folder-shaped icon in the lower-left side of the Start menu. Click This PC. It's a computer-shaped icon on the left side of the File Explorer window. This will open a list of your computer's attached drives, including your flash drive. You may have to scroll down on the left-hand column of options in order to find This PC. Open your flash drive. Under the "Devices and drives" heading, double-click the name of your flash drive. This will usually be the flash drive's manufacturer's name and/or the model number. The flash drive usually has the "(F:)" drive letter assigned to it. Select files to move. Click an individual file to select it, or hold down Ctrl while clicking each file that you want to select. You can also select every file in the flash drive by pressing Ctrl + A. Click Home. It's a tab in the upper-left side of the flash drive's window. Doing so prompts a drop-down toolbar at the top of the window. If you're comfortable with Windows' click-and-drag feature, you can instead click and drag the selected files onto your desktop or into your preferred folder. If you do this, skip to the last step in this method. Click Move to. You'll find this option in the "Organize" section of the toolbar. A drop-down menu will appear. Click Choose location…. It's at the bottom of the drop-down menu. Doing so opens a new window. Select a folder. Click the folder into which you want to transfer the selected folder. You can also create a new folder by selecting a destination folder, clicking Make New Folder , and entering a name for the folder. Click Move. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. Your files will begin transferring into the selected folder; once they complete, you can proceed. Eject your flash drive. In the flash drive's window, click the Manage tab at the top of the window, then click Eject in the resulting toolbar. Once you receive a notification that the flash drive is safe to remove, you can physically remove it from your computer by gently pulling on it. Plug your flash drive into your Mac. Your flash drive should fit into one of the rectangular ports on the side of your Mac (MacBook) or the back of the Mac's monitor (iMac). Most flash drives only fit one way, so don't force the flash drive; if it won't fit, rotate it 180 degrees and try again. If your Mac has a set of oval ports instead of a traditional rectangular USB port, you'll need to buy a USB 3.0 to USB-C (or Thunderbolt 3) adapter in order to plug your flash drive into it. Disregard this step if you have a USB-C flash drive. Open Finder. Click the Finder app icon, which resembles a blue face, in your Mac's Dock. Open your flash drive. Click your flash drive's name in the left-hand column of options in the Finder window. This will cause your flash drive's contents to display in the Finder window. Select files to move. Click an individual file to select it, or hold down ⌘ Command while clicking each individual file that you want to select. You can also press ⌘ Command + A to select every file in the flash drive. Click Edit. This menu item is at the top of your Mac's screen. Clicking it prompts a drop-down menu to appear. If you're comfortable with your Mac's drag-and-drop feature, you can instead click and drag the selected files onto your Mac's desktop or into your preferred folder. If you do this, skip to the last step in this method. Click Copy. It's near the top of the Edit drop-down menu. This will copy your file(s). If you're copying one file, you'll see the file's name after Copy (for example, if you're copying a file named "New", you'd click Copy "New" here). If you're copying multiple files, you'll click Copy [number] Items (e.g., Copy 4 Items ) here instead. Open a transfer location on your Mac. Go to the folder into which you want to move the files that you copied. If you want to move the files onto the desktop, for example, you'd go back to the desktop. Move the copied files. Press ⌥ Option + ⌘ Command + V at the same time to paste the files into your current folder and remove them from the flash drive. Eject your flash drive. Go back to the Finder window, find your flash drive's name on the left-hand side, and click the "Eject" {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/3\/3f\/Maceject.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Maceject.png\/30px-Maceject.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a macOS icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} button to the right of the flash drive's name. Once the flash drive's name disappears, you may safely remove the flash drive from your computer by gently pulling on it. | Plug the flash drive into your computer. Open Start . Open File Explorer . Click This PC. Open your flash drive. Select files to move. Click Home. Click Move to. Click Choose location…. Select a folder. Click Move. Eject your flash drive. Plug your flash drive into your Mac. Open Finder. Open your flash drive. Select files to move. Click Edit. Click Copy. Open a transfer location on your Mac. Move the copied files. Eject your flash drive. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Your-Old-Dog-Stops-Recognizing-People | How to Know if Your Old Dog Stops Recognizing People | If you're unsure whether your old dog recognizes people it knows, see if it ignores them when they first enter the house, which is a sign that it doesn't remember them. You should also try to notice if your dog seems nervous or aggressive around familiar people, which is another sign that it has forgotten them. In general, pay attention to any bathroom accidents in the house, since forgetting potty training is a common sign of cognitive decline. If your old dog has trouble remembering things, take it to your vet so they can treat it. This will usually involve diet changes and medicine, so make sure to follow your vet's directions to make your dog more comfortable. | Pay attention to whether your dog follows people. Dogs are generally capable of recognizing the faces of their owners and others they love. If your dog recognizes someone, it's likely to follow that person around, especially when greeting a person. If someone, say, enters a room that a dog knows, they'll generally follow them initially. If a friend walks in that your dog knows, it's normal for your dog to follow them for a few minutes. If a dog has stopped recognizing someone, it's likely to remain indifferent when someone enters a room. Watch your dog's body language around people. How does your dog behave in the presence of familiar people? A dog's body language in the presence of friends rather than strangers should be relaxed and friendly. If your dog seems nervous or aggressive around familiar people, it may no longer recognize them. A relaxed, friendly dog will have its ears forward, its head held high, its mouth slightly opened, and its tail down and wagging. A relaxed dog will also carry their body in a looser fashion. If your dog knows someone, it should generally be relaxed around that person. A fearful or aggressive dog will lower its body. It will pin its ears back, wrinkle its nose, and keep its lips curled. This is not a normal reaction a dog should have in response to seeing people it knows. Notice to whether a dog pays attention to familiar people. If your dog is generally calm around people, even new people, it's unlikely to behave in a fearful fashion if it stops recognizing people. However, your dog may simply not pay much attention to new people. If your dog seems uninterested in greeting or playing with familiar guests, it may be losing its ability to recognize people. Recognize whether your dog has forgotten other learned behaviors. If you suspect your dog is no longer recognizing people, pay attention to other ways your dog behaves. Cognitive decline can show up in other forms. If your dog is showing other symptoms of cognitive decline, this can help confirm your dog has indeed lost the ability to recognize people. One of the most common signs of cognitive decline is forgetting learned behaviors. Does your dog remember basic commands and tricks it learned? If your dog suddenly does not remember how to sit or roll over, this is a sign of cognitive decline. This should occur on a regular basis and not just be a one time misstep. Your dog may also forget basic household manners. If your dog knows not to go in the kitchen while people are eating, and is suddenly consistently underfoot during meal times, for example, this can be a sign of cognitive decline. Take note of bathroom accidents. As dogs age, they may forget their potty training lessons. Your dog may forget that its not supposed to eliminate indoors. If your normally potty trained dog is suddenly going inside a lot, this can be a sign of cognitive decline. Bathroom issues can also be a sign of a physical problem, so it's important to get them evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out other causes. Watch for physical symptoms of distress. A dog that's developing cognitive decline may be confused and upset easily. This can often manifest itself in physical symptoms. While any physical changes should be evaluated by a vet, a dog experiencing cognitive decline may display some of the following behaviors: Trembling or shaking Being easily startled Pacing throughout the house Sleeping more frequently Notice whether your dog gets trapped or lost easily. A dog with cognitive decline may get confused simply navigating your home. Your dog may get trapped in your bedroom and be unable to find the door. Your dog may get lost coming from the living room to the kitchen for dinner. Make an appointment with your vet. Symptoms of cognitive decline should always be evaluated by a veterinarian. Many symptoms can be indicative of an underlying health condition, which should be ruled out first. There is no cure for cognitive decline in older dogs, but your vet should be able to develop a treatment plan to slow down symptoms. Schedule an appointment with your vet. Let your vet know about the concerning changes in your dog's behavior. Make sure you make a list of symptoms ahead of time. The more information you provide, the better advice your vet can give. Your vet will do a general exam and, depending on your dog's symptoms, may want to run some blood work and other tests. Talk to your vet about a daily routine for your dog. Your vet will not be able to cure cognitive decline, but can make your dog's life easier by recommending a particular routine. A routine that combines daily exercise, play, and support can ease your dog's symptoms. Your vet may have specific recommendations for behavior modification techniques that can help your dog. Discuss diet and medication. In addition to lifestyle changes, in some cases medication or a special diet can help. Talk these options over with your vet to see if they're right for your dog. Make sure you ask your vet questions about any medications your dog is prescribed. Follow the instructions carefully and monitor your dog for side effects. A special diet for cognitive decline is usually supplemented with certain vitamins and minerals shown to slow the symptoms. You may have to order special diet food online or get it at your vet's office. Keep your routine consistent. In order to minimize confusion for your dog, keep your routine consistent. Try not to make any sudden changes to your schedule and avoid changes to your household. Do not, for example, suddenly add a new couch, as this can confuse a dog suffering cognitive decline. Eliminate clutter in your home. It can be hard for a dog with cognitive decline to get around, so keep your home clear of clutter. Keep floors clear and do not leave items sitting out. Dogs with cognitive decline get lost and confused easily, so less clutter is important for your dog's health. | Pay attention to whether your dog follows people. Watch your dog's body language around people. Notice to whether a dog pays attention to familiar people. Recognize whether your dog has forgotten other learned behaviors. Take note of bathroom accidents. Watch for physical symptoms of distress. Notice whether your dog gets trapped or lost easily. Make an appointment with your vet. Talk to your vet about a daily routine for your dog. Discuss diet and medication. Keep your routine consistent. Eliminate clutter in your home. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Swim-Freestyle | How to Swim Freestyle | When swimming freestyle, breath by rotating your body 30 degrees to the surface and inhaling through your mouth. To keep proper form while breathing, make sure your forehead and the crown of your head are in the water. Also, resist the urge to lift your head as this will cause your hips and legs to drag down into the water. To exhale, blow bubbles out of your mouth and nose. One way to practice this technique is to submerge your face and hum through your nose or mouth. Most importantly, never hold your breath as this can cause you to slow down. | Perfect your hand placement and entry. To begin your stroke, your hands should be relaxed and your fingers should be held together. Put your hand into the water fingers first about 15 inches above your head. Your palm should be tilted at a 45 degree angle facing out so your index and middle finger enter the water first. Your wrist should be tilted down and positioned above the fingers, and your elbow will be raised above the wrist. Your hand should make as little splash as possible during entry. Once your hand is in the water, extend your arm another 4 inches Once your hand is in the water, press your hand down and out with your fingers spread out slightly. This is called “getting a feel” for the water or “the catch”. If you want to work on your hand technique, you can wear hand paddles to help you concentrate on how your hands are entering and exiting the water. Avoid putting your hand into the water just above your head. It will slow you down and hurt your technique. Do not smack the water with your arms, instead, once your hand enters the water, follow the motion and glide your arm into the water. Work on your downsweep. Your arm will act as a lever during this phase of the stroke. As you stroke, your body will rotate toward the arm that is in the motion of stroking. Move your forearm and hand downward and back with your elbow held at about a 45 degree angle. Your elbow should stay high in the water during this phase of your stroke. Concentrate on going through the downsweep smoothly. This phase should happen in a rapid motion. However, avoid trying to go faster during this phase because it won't propel you forward much but could create drag. Pull your hand and forearm toward the center of your body for the insweep. During this part of the stroke, use your hand like a paddle and move as much water as possible. This is where you start to move your body forward with your arm stroke movement. It is the first part of the “propulsive” phase. And your upper arm will move inward toward your chest and ribcage. Your elbow will go starting moving into a 90 degree angle. When your hand starts to approach the midpoint of your body, you have reached the backsweep. Keep your arms closer to being under you instead of stroking at your sides. Push your arm in an up, out, and backward motion to backsweep. This is the second “propulsive” phase where you can gain speed in your stroke. Right as your hand gets to the midpoint of your body you will stop pulling and start pushing water. Keep pushing water out and up until your arm hits the line of your thigh. This part of the stroke will be the most rapid phase and can be the most powerful at propelling you forward. Move your elbow out of the water until it is pointing up for the release. During the release your arm doesn't move you forward, but it does provide support for the arm which is pulling underwater. It is important to work on your release technique so that your hand entry is clean. To end your stroke, launch your hand forward in line with your shoulder out of the water. Your fingers should hang loosely above the water and your hand should swing wider than your arm. Your arm should be relaxed and should swing wide, too. Concentrate on rotating your arm forward, and do not force a down rotation at the end of the release. Flutter kick just below the surface of the water. Although kicking accounts for only 10-15% of the power in your stroke, it is still an important part of your freestyle technique. Keep your hips close to the surface of the water and make a series of quick kicks. You want to focus on minimizing drag while you propel yourself forward; therefore, your kicking range of motion should be narrow. Your legs should not kick out of the water and neither should they break below the line of your body. Kick from the hips and thighs. Do not kick from your knees, this is called a bicycle kick, and it will cause more drag. You may slightly bend your knees while you kick, but this should not be where your power is coming from. Use the two-beat kick. The two-beat kick requires less power and is used by long distance and middle distance swimmers. You kick one leg per stroke cycle. One stroke cycle means the stroke of one arm. Kick one leg in conjunction with the insweep of the opposite arm. (The insweep is when the arm starts pulling water toward the midsection of the body.) If you can think about how your arms and legs sync while you are walking, how your arm moves forward at the same time as the opposite leg, you can imagine how your kicking should be synced with your arm stroke in a similar way. The six-beat kick requires that you kick three times per arm stroke cycle. The third beat of the kicking cycle will start during the recovery phase. This is a faster kick that is used by faster swimmers. Point your toes while you kick. If your toes aren't pointed while you kick then there will be extra drag caused by your exposed forefoot. Your toes should face inward, and your big toes should come close to touching as you kick. When you point your toes, you are exercising the flexibility in your ankles. If you are having difficulty with ankle flexibility, consider using mid-length flippers to practice your kick. You can focus on both your freestyle arm and leg techniques more easily with the extra propulsion that flippers provide. But only use your flippers to help train your feet during drills. Rotate your body in line with your arm stroke. Rotating your body correctly will help you with many important aspects of your stroke. First, you can put more power into your arm stroke. Second, you will minimize drag. And third, it will enable you to breathe correctly. As you rotate your body left and right with your alternating arm strokes, your body should be moving in the water about 30 degrees from the surface on both sides. Remember to swim mostly on your stomach and not on your side. Rotate your body forward as well. Your arm and shoulders should extend forward and your body should rotate forward after your hand and arm have entered the water. Your fully extended shoulder should stay tucked near your cheek. Do not move your shoulder further away from your body, or this will cause drag. Focus on rotating your body from the hips and not from the shoulders. Rotate your body to the surface, and inhale through your mouth. This will allow you to keep your neck muscles and your head relaxed. If you turn just your head, you can put unnecessary stress on your neck. Keep your forehead and the crown of your head slightly submerged while you breathe. Imagine you have a wine glass balanced on the side of your head that you cannot spill. Do not over rotate. You only want tilt your body 30 degrees in one direction or the other. Do not hold your breath longer than you need to when you swim. Breathe at every stroke if you feel the need. Do not lift your head up- this will cause your hips and legs to fall, and you will have to work to regain your balance. Continue to keep your body and arms outstretched while you breathe. Keep your body straight, and do not lose your extension while you breathe. Blow bubbles out of your mouth and nose to expel your breath. If you hold your breath, you may develop feelings of anxiety while you are swimming that will slow you down and distract you. You can practice blowing out bubbles in shallow water. Exhale 70% through your mouth and 30% through your nose. And exhale the last 20% with more force. Submerge your face and sigh or hum through your nose or mouth to create a stream of bubbles. While underwater, make sure to exhale out all of the air so that you are not having to exhale any last bit of air when you should be inhaling. Hold your forehead just under the water while you swim. The water should rest between your hairline and your eyebrows. Keep your neck and upper-back muscles relaxed while you swim. Your head should be cocked about 45 degrees forward. If you move your head down too much toward your chest, it will cause more resistance. Practice your stroke and breathing techniques. Work on isolated parts of your stroke and breathing techniques through practice drills on land and in the water. Concentrating on different parts of your stroke that you need work on will help you develop a stronger complete stroke. Practice your arm stroke, body rotation and head position on land. Bend forward at your waist, and go through the five stages of the arm stroke: entry, downsweep, insweep, backsweep, release. Practice rotating your body correctly, and practice keeping your head still at the side when you breathe. Rotate your shoulders to work on a longer stroke. Over exaggerate the rotation while you practice, and it will help create muscle memory for when you swim. Do breathing drills. Kick off the wall and keep your right arm extended in front of you. Use your left arm to stroke, and on your second stroke, take a breath on your left side. Practice blowing bubbles out of your mouth and nose completely and inhaling a full breath through your mouth. Then alternate sides and do the same drill on your right side. This will help you become comfortable with your inhaling and exhaling techniques and establish a breathing pattern. Concentrate on only rotating enough for you to get a full breath. Practice kicking drills. Push off the wall with your feet and extend your hands and arms out in front of you. Keeping your head underwater, kick vigorously for as long as your breath will last. You do not want to focus on going fast, instead, try to focus on your technique. Keep your toes pointed, your feet pointed inward so your toes are almost touching, your hips up, and your kick high. Keep your legs relaxed, and kick from your thighs. Repeat this drill 3-4 times. Wear goggles while you are swimming. You do not have to wear goggles to swim freestyle; however, when you have to close your eyes while you swim, it can make you anxious. And it will make it more difficult to concentrate on your stroke. When you wear goggles, it can help you stay balanced and oriented. You will know when to stop because you will be able to see the walls of the pool, and you won't have to worry about bumping into other swimmers. Adjust your strap, pulling the straps until the goggles fit on your face firmly and comfortably. Adjust the nose bridge. Pull on both sides of the strap if the nose bridge is a strap. The nose bridge fits properly if you press your goggles up to your eyes and they suction to your eyes without a problem. Fit the goggles to your head by putting the eye cups up to your eyes so that they suction to your face, and then with your thumbs, move the strap behind your head so that your goggles are firmly in place. | Perfect your hand placement and entry. Work on your downsweep. Pull your hand and forearm toward the center of your body for the insweep. Push your arm in an up, out, and backward motion to backsweep. Move your elbow out of the water until it is pointing up for the release. Flutter kick just below the surface of the water. Use the two-beat kick. Point your toes while you kick. Rotate your body in line with your arm stroke. Rotate your body to the surface, and inhale through your mouth. Blow bubbles out of your mouth and nose to expel your breath. Hold your forehead just under the water while you swim. Practice your stroke and breathing techniques. Wear goggles while you are swimming. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Pregnant-Using-Instead-Cups | How to Get Pregnant Using Instead Cups | Instead Cups are vaginal inserts that trap discharge and may help you to get pregnant. However, keep in mind that they are not designed for this purpose, so they won't be as reliable as other proven methods. To use Instead Cups, have your partner ejaculate into the cup. Then, spread the semen over the inside of the lip. To insert the cup, squeeze the sides of the cup together and carefully push it into your vagina. The cup should be all the way to the back, covering your cervix with the front lip behind your pubic bone. Leave the cup in for about 6 hours before taking it out. If hooking your finger under the bottom lip and pulling doesn't work, poke a hole through the seal and pull it down and out. | Chart your cycle. In order to determine when sexual intercourse will most likely result in pregnancy, it is useful to know when you are most fertile. Fertility is highest during ovulation, and charting your cycle can help determine when ovulation usually occurs within your cycle. The first day of your period, mark the number "1" on the calendar for that day. The first day of your next period, mark a "1" on the calendar that day, and mark the number of days in your last cycle on the day prior. Ovulation (releasing an egg from the ovary) typically occurs during the midpoint of your cycle. For example, in a typical 28 day cycle, ovulation tends to occur on day 14. In a 30 day cycle, ovulation should be expected on day 15. You can begin attempts to get pregnant before the end of your first cycle of course. Obviously, you should quit birth control before you try to get pregnant. Have sex more frequently within a few days of this midpoint to increase chances of pregnancy. Use OPK sticks. Ovulation predictor kits (OPK sticks) are a commonly-used device that can determine when a woman is ovulating to help time sex. Start using OPK sticks two days before the midpoint of your cycle, and continue using them until you either have a positive result or start your next cycle. Use them once per day. Cheap, generic sticks are usually adequate. They look like pregnancy tests and you can either pee on the wick at the end or immerse it in pee in a cup (read the actual instructions). Try to use the OPK sticks at the same time each day. Ovulation can vary widely between cycles and different women. Mark your OPK test results on the calendar for each day. It's important to know that they detect something called the LH surge (luteinizing hormone) from the pituitary gland in your brain that tells your ovaries it is time to ovulate. It doesn't happen immediately however, the LH surge precedes actual ovulation by 24 to 36 hours. Have sex after a positive OPK test. Because the OPK test will register as positive prior to actual ovulation, you can wait up to 12 hours before having sex. However, having sex early will not decrease your chances of pregnancy, as long as you continue having sex regularly during ovulation. Examine cervical mucous. The cervix produces several kinds of mucous, which can be good indicators of fertility. To determine if ovulation is occurring, examine your cervical mucous by inserting clean hands into your vagina, and observing the qualities of the mucous. Sticky or scant findings indicate you are probably not ovulating yet. Creamy consistency indicates you may ovulate soon. Wet, watery, or stretchy mucous indicates ovulation is likely very close. Very wet mucous that can stretch between your fingers for an inch or more indicates ovulation is right around the corner or in progress. This is the ideal time for intercourse. This type of mucous is like a superhighway for sperm to cruise up into the cervix and reproductive tract. At the cervix, sperm is chemically changed, or capacitized, to enable it to fertilize the egg. This process takes about 12 hours, so in order to co-ordinate actual ovulation with capacitized sperm, wait 12 hours after your positive OPK test before you have sex again. This will time your actual ovulation with the maximum number of live capacitized sperm in your system. Measure body temperature. Basal body temperature is the lowest body temperature a healthy person has during the day. Increases in basal body temperature can indicate the beginning of ovulation. In order to measure your basal body temperature, you must take your temperature with a basal thermometer (a thermometer with a very fine scale) right after awakening in the morning. During ovulation, basal body temperature increases by 0.1 or 0.2 degrees, and is sustained at this level until the next cycle begins. By regularly charting your temperature, you will be able to predict when you are likely to next ovulate. Understand the limitations. Instead Cups are intended for use as menstrual cups, worn to collect menstrual fluid. Because their primary design is not for aiding pregnancy, this method is not as reliable as more studied and traditional methods for achieving pregnancy. Capture semen in the Instead Cup. Do not "scoop up" semen in the Instead Cup. Rather, ask your partner to pull out and deposit the semen directly into a ready Instead Cup. Have one within arms reach and open it at the appropriate time. Coat the Cup with semen. Cover the inside of the lip with semen, taking care to cover the thermoplastic membrane. Insert the Cup. Squeeze the sides of the Cup together and insert the Instead Cup as recommended by the manufacturer (all the way to the back of the vagina, covering the cervix near the back, with the front lip behind the pubic bone). Fertile cervical mucous will flow from your cervix into the Instead Cup covered in a film of semen. This will maximize the effectiveness of both your cervical mucous and your partners semen, which will liquify after about an hour when sperm will enter the cervical mucous and into your reproductive tract. Leave the Cup in. Allow the Cup to sit inside your vagina for 6+ hours, but never for more than 12. Remove the Cup. After 6 hours, carefully remove the cup from your vagina. Removing the instead cup can be tricky and even a little frightening, but keep your cool and remember that it will come out with a little coaxing. If hooking your finger under the bottom lip and pulling doesn't work for you, break the seal at the top by poking it with a finger and pull it down and out. Putting your legs up to your chest and bearing down may help also. Examine the contents after removal. Is it full of clear liquid with some swirls of white? It should contain liquified semen and fertile cervical mucous. Wait to test for pregnancy. Give yourself a longer window until testing for pregnancy, at least until after your next period would have normally come. It takes 7-10 days for a fertilized egg to reach the uterus and implant, so testing too early can be demoralizing and is not useful. Improve your diet. Eating healthy foods that support fertility can be a good way to increase chances of pregnancy. For example, opting for a diet that is lower in animal proteins, and higher in vegetable intake can increase fertility. Exercise regularly. Regular moderate-intensity exercise can benefit women of all body types who are trying to conceive. In order to reap the benefits of exercise, light or moderate exercise should be engage in a few times per week. However, vigorous exercise more than five hours per week may reduce fertility, and should be avoided. Take pre-natal vitamins. Even if your diet includes a healthy amount of vitamins and minerals, pre-natal vitamins supply more folic acid and iron than do standard adult vitamins, both of which aid fertility. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects and iron supports the baby's growth and development. De-stress. Studies have shown that stress can contribute to infertility. Relieving stress may help with conception, although the exact links between stress and fertility are not yet fully understood. Consider fertility medication. Fertility medication usually works by causing the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland to release hormones that will stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. These medications can be a useful resource for women who have not been able to achieve pregnancy otherwise. Consider in-vitro fertilization (IVF). In-vitro fertilization can allow for pregnancy when other methods of conception have failed. IVF allows for an egg to fertilized by sperm outside the body, and then replaced into the mother's uterus in order to establish a successful pregnancy. Take certain herbs. Some folk remedies point to a variety of herbs said to increase fertility. These include chasteberry leaves, red clover, evening primrose oil, stinging nettle, and red raspberry leaves. These herbs are often consumed as an infusion, made from steeping them in hot water. These herbal remedies are often referenced in traditional folk medicine, but are often not researched and do not have any proven effect on fertility. Drink warm water. Warm water has been said to have a positive effect on reproductive organs, as well as on blood flow. Hydration also assists with the production of cervical mucous, necessary for conception. | Chart your cycle. Use OPK sticks. Examine cervical mucous. Measure body temperature. Understand the limitations. Capture semen in the Instead Cup. Coat the Cup with semen. Insert the Cup. Leave the Cup in. Remove the Cup. Examine the contents after removal. Wait to test for pregnancy. Improve your diet. Exercise regularly. Take pre-natal vitamins. De-stress. Consider fertility medication. Consider in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Take certain herbs. Drink warm water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Date-Seeds | How to Plant Date Seeds | To plant date seeds, buy some ripe Medjool dates from the grocery store and collect the seeds from the center. Once the fruit is removed from the seeds, soak them in fresh water for 48 hours to start the germination process. Make sure to replace the water once a day to keep any mold from forming. After two days, fold 2 seeds into a damp piece of paper towel and seal the towel in a plastic sandwich bag. Keep this bag in a warm, dark place for 6 to 8 weeks, and swap out the paper towel if you notice any mold growing. After the seeds have sprouted, loosely fill a pot a little over half-way with potting soil and place a seed in the center, sprout-side up. Then, fill the pot with soil so the seed is covered completely and only the sprout shows. | Buy some ripe medjool dates and collect the seeds. Purchase some ripe medjool dates at a grocery stores and open them up to remove the seeds from the center. Set the seeds aside and either eat or discard the date fruit. You'll know the dates are ripe when they are slightly wrinkled or leaking a sticky fluid. Clean off the seeds to remove any leftover fruit. Rinse the seeds thoroughly and rub off any excess date flesh. If the leftover fruit is persistent, you can soak the seeds in hot water for 24 hours, then rub off the fruit. Soak the pits in fresh water for 48 hours. Fill a cup or bowl with cool water and place the pits inside to soak. Change the water once a day by dumping out the old water and refilling it with fresh water. This will help keep mold from forming. Soaking the seed will let the seed coat absorb the water and prepare it for the germination process. Toss out any seeds that float to the top of the water. You only want to use seeds that sink to the bottom of the container. Fold 2 seeds into a damp piece of paper towel. Run some water over a sheet of paper towel to dampen it. Then lay the paper towel out flat and place 2 date seeds on either end. Fold the paper towel over so it covers both seeds, then fold it in half. The seeds should be fully covered and separated by a layer of paper towel. Place the seeds and paper towel into a plastic bag and seal it. Open up a plastic sandwich bag and tuck the damp, folded paper towel inside. Make sure the seeds are still in place before closing the bag's seal. Store the bag in a warm, dark place for 6-8 weeks. The seed will germinate best at temperatures between 70 to 75 °F (21 to 24 °C). Find a place in your home that stays warm, such as the top of the refrigerator, or use a warming mat to regulate the temperature more carefully. Check the plant regularly for growth progress or mold. Every 2 weeks or so, open the bag up and check for progress. Check for mold as well, taking care to replace mold paper towel with a new damp paper towel. After 2-4 weeks, you should see tiny roots growing out of the seed. Pot the seed once it sprouts. Keep checking the germinating seed for progress. Once the seed has sprouted a shoot off of the roots, it's time to take it out and pot it! Try sprouting the seeds in pots if you’d prefer them in containers. Prepare one pot for each seed by filling the pots with one part seed-starting compost and one part sand. Lightly water the soil so it's moist and then plant the seeds so half of each seed is exposed. Cover the exposed part of the seed with sand. Cover the pots with plastic wrap and place them somewhere with indirect sunlight that has a temperature of around 70 °F (21 °C). The seeds should sprout after 3-8 weeks. Place the pots on a germination mat if you're having trouble finding a spot that's 70 °F (21 °C). Find a pot with plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Look for a clay pot or plastic container with lots of holes in the bottom for proper drainage. You may also want to purchase a dish to rest the pot or container on and help catch any drips. You should start with a smaller pot at first, but keep in mind that you'll need to transplant to a larger pot as the plant grows. Fill the pot 3/5 full with potting soil. To estimate the soil amount, fill the pot until it reaches a little over halfway. Use a palm or cactus mix, which usually includes a good mix of soil, sand, vermiculite, perlite, and peat moss to regulate the soil's moisture and drainage. Don't pack the soil down. It will need to be loose for proper drainage. You could also add vermiculite or sand to normal potting soil in a 1:4 or 1:3 ratio. Place the sprouted seed 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the center of the soil. Hold the leafy or sprouted end up in center of the pot, slightly above the soil. The point where the sprout emerges should sit about an 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the pot's edge. If the roots are still delicate, you can plant the sprout with the paper towel to protect them. Only plant one sprouted seed per pot. Fill the rest of the pot up with lightly packed soil or sand. Hold the seed and sprout in place while you add the rest of the soil, filling it to the point where the sprout emerges. Pat the soil down to lightly pack it so the sprout will have support to stand up. Water the plant thoroughly. After being planted, the sprout will need a good drink. Pour water over the soil until it trickles out through the drainage holes at the bottom. Let the soil absorb and drain the water, then water the plant again until the soil is fully moistened. Keep the pot in a sunny area. Some good spots are near a window with lots of sun or on an open porch. The plant will grow best in full sunlight, so try to keep it exposed as much as possible. Water the plant whenever the first 2 inches (5.1 cm) of soil feels dry. Check the soil daily by sticking your pointer finger into the dirt up to the second knuckle. If the dirt feels moist, then the plant still has enough moisture and you should wait to water it. If the soil feels dry, pour some water over evenly over the dirt's surface. It's better to water plants when they need it, rather than on a set schedule. Generally speaking, though, date palm plants will need to be watered about once a week. Transplant the date palm into larger pots as it grows. Once you notice that the plant is outgrowing its current pot or growing roots out of the bottom of the pot, you'll need to move it to a bigger pot. Keep doing this throughout the plant's life as it keeps growing. Always water the plant well before and after transplanting it into a new pot. Once the plant has grown to tree size, you can move the large pot outdoors onto a deck or porch. Make sure to keep it in a spot with maximum sun exposure. If necessary, you can also keep it indoors in a large pot near a sunny window. However, keep in mind that this will severely hinder its growth. If you live in a warm enough climate, you can also transplant the date palm into the ground outside. Transplant the date palm into the ground if it gets too big for a pot. As long as you live in a warm enough climate, you can move your date palm plant outdoors and plant it in the ground. You'll need to choose a sunny spot and dig a hole large enough to hold the plant's roots. Take the plant out of its pot and set it in the hole, then fill it in with soil. Keep in mind that over time, date palms can reach heights of 50 feet (15 m). Choose a spot that will give the tree plenty of room to grow! | Buy some ripe medjool dates and collect the seeds. Clean off the seeds to remove any leftover fruit. Soak the pits in fresh water for 48 hours. Fold 2 seeds into a damp piece of paper towel. Place the seeds and paper towel into a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a warm, dark place for 6-8 weeks. Check the plant regularly for growth progress or mold. Pot the seed once it sprouts. Try sprouting the seeds in pots if you’d prefer them in containers. Find a pot with plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the pot 3/5 full with potting soil. Place the sprouted seed 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the center of the soil. Fill the rest of the pot up with lightly packed soil or sand. Water the plant thoroughly. Keep the pot in a sunny area. Water the plant whenever the first 2 inches (5.1 cm) of soil feels dry. Transplant the date palm into larger pots as it grows. Transplant the date palm into the ground if it gets too big for a pot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Someone-Fired | How to Get Someone Fired | If you feel like you need to get someone fired, schedule a meeting with your manager or supervisor. If you can, bring along written evidence of the other person's wrongdoings, as well as statements from any other coworkers who might feel the same way. Plan what you want to say, and practice reciting them in a calm tone of voice. Request that your complaint remain anonymous, then let your manager deal with the situation from there. | Make sure you have a legitimate reason to get a person fired. Simply disliking a person personally is not reason enough to try to relieve them of a job. Remember that even if you and your co-worker don't get along, they may be relying on this job to provide for their family. Take some time to consider whether you really want to be responsible for taking that away from them. You have a good case if your coworker is: Interfering with your ability to work Interfering with someone else's ability to work Stealing company time by being habitually late, lazy, or uncooperative Creating a hostile or counterproductive work environment Has sexually, physically, or verbally harassed you or another worker Get some back-up. Your argument will seem way more valid if you have the support of your other co-workers. Ask around to see if anybody else at work feels the same way that you do about this employee. Go about this in a diplomatic way. Avoid spreading rumors or trying to convince people to start hating the co-worker in question. Instead, start by asking questions like, "So, what do you think of the new clerk?" or "It's interesting listening to John speak to his clients on the phone." or "Did you happen to notice what time John got to work?" If you find that one or more co-workers agree with your complaints, then ask whether they would be willing to join you in making a formal complaint. Keep tabs on this person. Pay attention to your co-worker's behavior at work so that you can have substantial evidence when you go to make a complaint, and keep a document of incidents. Pay attention to significant indiscretions and log them. Keep a log of the times, dates, and detailed descriptions of these incidents so that your argument appears more valid and to give your manager something to work off of. This will be easiest if you work the same shifts as your co-worker, and work in the same general vicinity. Try to distinguish between serious indiscretions that affect the work environment and more minor infractions. Failing to clean up the coffee station isn't as big a deal as showing up to work drunk. Schedule a meeting with your manager or supervisor. Use your best judgment to determine who the most appropriate person is for you to meet with regarding this matter. Plan on meeting in person, if possible. Bring your written notes with you when you go to the meeting, as well as any other coworkers who also wish to complain. Request that your complaint remain anonymous. This way, you will avoid making enemies with the co-worker in question. Avoid making complaints via email, which are both easier to ignore and less formal than in-person meetings. That also leaves a paper trail of your complaint, which you may prefer to distance yourself from. Plan what you'll say. Think through the points you'd like to make and practice reciting them in a calm tone of voice. If you're in the heat of frustration with the person, the boss might be more likely to assume this is an interpersonal matter you're blowing out of proportion, rather than a serious complaint you're making with the good of the company in mind. Point out some of the person's good points: "I like John, really. He's funny and I think he's a good guy and I hope he turns around, but I'm worried about him." Don't ask directly for the boss to fire the person. If your manager asks, "What do you think I should do?" feel free to make your preference known, but it's not your decision to make. Let your manager deal with the situation. Once you have made a formal complaint, it is no longer your responsibility to continue keeping tabs on this person or trying to get them fired. Go back to focusing on your own life both in and outside of work, and just try to stay away from the co-worker in question if they bother you. Create situations that make it difficult for your coworker to continue. Before resorting to blatant sabotage, help an incompetent co-worker sabotage themselves. If this person is consistently late to work, extend an invitation to a late night outing on a work night. Separately arrange a meeting for early the next morning with your supervisor, telling them that your coworker will be there. Show up bright-eyed and ready to work, acting confused as to why your coworker wouldn't show up for the meeting. If your coworker has an issue with cursing in front of customers, invite your religious grandfather to bring a group of his church friends past when your coworker is working. Let them complain to the manager instead. Consider creative alternatives. Sometimes you just want to get rid of somebody. Time to channel your inner Jim Halpert and bring out the nukes. Be extremely careful if you attempt to manipulate things to try to get someone fired, or you could be the one who ends up getting sacked. Order adult products to your coworker's work address, but leave off the suite number so that the delivery person has to make a big deal of searching for it. The more inappropriate, the better. Hop on your coworker's computer and send lewd, but believable emails to your boss. Change their computer desktop to porn while they're away. Tell your boss you want to meet with them at your coworker's desk right at the beginning of the day, before they've gotten the chance to notice it. Help them. While it may be your first reaction to want to get your coworker straight-up canned, any scenario in which they leave the job is good for you. Maybe that means recommending them for a new job you think they'll be attracted to, or continually talking to them about how bad the job is, convincing them to quit. If they think they're acting in their own best interest, you're doing everyone a favor. | Make sure you have a legitimate reason to get a person fired. Get some back-up. Keep tabs on this person. Schedule a meeting with your manager or supervisor. Plan what you'll say. Let your manager deal with the situation. Create situations that make it difficult for your coworker to continue. Consider creative alternatives. Help them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Leaflet | How to Make a Leaflet | To make a leaflet, first choose a simple title that catches the readers' attention. Then, write a brief overview which gives readers an introduction to your topic and explains what the leaflet is about. If you're using Microsoft Word, you can download a leaflet template or use columns to separate your ideas. Try to organize your information into clear sections to make it easy to read. For example, if you're writing a leaflet about swimming pools, you might have one section about pool safety and another about games you can play in the pool. Try to find some bright, colorful images to go with your text, which will catch the reader's eye and make your leaflet more exciting. | Know your topic. When you sit down to make a leaflet, you need to know about your topic. When you're researching your topic, think about the most important key points your reader must have in order to understand your message. Know what resources you have available. For example, if your topic is fun at the swimming pool, have a spots in your leaflet for swimming safety, fun games to play, and information on any waterslides. Plan your leaflet by keeping a rough draft on folded paper. Fill it out as a mockup to keep your brain moving creatively. The rough draft can be used to help work the layout and organization. Pick a title. When building a leaflet, it must have a title. The title should be brief and informative, but also catch the reader's attention and invite them to read more. If you're stuck on a title, try finishing your leaflet and adding a title last. A title may come to you after you know more about the topic. For example, the swimming pool leaflet may suit a title such as “Fun in the Pool” or “Field Trips to the Pool”. Give an overview. An overview is a brief but clear opening that clearly states the objective of the leaflet. Create an introduction that is concise and creative. If necessary, use bullet points to keep your objective from having too much text. Make text easily readable. When creating a leaflet your text will print off quite small and congested. Avoid readability problems by keeping your text at a minimum size of at least 12 point text in a clear font, such as Arial. Avoid whimsical and unclear fonts and stick to short and simple paragraphs, with plenty of space between. Headings should stand out from the rest of the text consistently. For example, if you choose to bold a headline, bold all of them. Another option is to underline all headers. Avoid crazy use of colors. Keep the colors contrasted from the white paper but avoid using several colors at once. This gives an overwhelming look and is difficult to read. Keep it simple. Leaflets should be organized and kept simple. Use plain English and avoid slang or overly complicated sentences. To keep your sentences simple, try reading them aloud to yourself. If you're finding that you struggle over words, your sentences may be too complex or difficult to understand. Avoid jargon and abbreviations. Group relevant information together. When building your leaflet, keep relevant information flowing steady and logically. If possible, avoid repeating information. For example, when writing about a day at the pool, keep all information regarding safety together. In a new section, talk about games such as Marco Polo. When writing about the games, try avoiding repetition of the importance of life jackets and pool safety. Proofread and edit. Once you have all your information typed up, proofread and check for grammar, spelling and formatting errors. This works best if you let your information sit for a few hours and check back. If you reread it too soon, you will find yourself easily skipping over errors. If time permits, ask a close friend or relative to proofread on your behalf. Create a new document. Open your Microsoft Word from your computer. In the standard toolbar, you want to click “New Blank Document”. Don't forget to immediately begin saving to prevent any lost content. Though the process may slightly vary, this will also work in other word processors such as OpenOffice, LibreOffice, AbiWord or Microsoft Wordpad. Set-up your margins and orientation. To set up the proper leaflet orientations, click into the “File” menu. From there, click “Page Setup” and “Margins”. Margins should be set to 0.5”. Assuming you want a traditional leaflet, you will also need to change the page orientation. This is done by going to “Orientation” within “Page Setup” and clicking “Landscape.” Insert columns. A leaflet will have a column on each page. To insert columns, click on “Format” from the upper toolbar. Choose “Columns”. Under the “Presets” tab, change the number to three. Under “Width and Spacing” you will need to edit the space to twice of the margins (1.0”). The spacing is the gutter in between the columns. If you'd like your columns to be less wide, increase the width. Visualise the columns. In order to see where the lines are visualized, click “Line between” under the “Presets” tab within “Columns”. This will give a thin line to show the boundaries between each column. This will help in the planning and structuring of your leaflet. If you wish to remove these lines after completion but before printing, simply uncheck the box again. Download a template (Optional). If you don't like the leaflet you've made, you can download one built by Microsoft. Do this by clicking “File”, then “New”. From here, select “Brochures and Booklets”, then “Brochures”. An extensive library of brochures, including tri-fold brochures will come up. Know the path within your computer. Once you've selected a picture, you need to know how to access it. For example, the path may be “My Computer”, “My Documents”, “Downloads”, followed by the picture name “Myleafletpicture.jpg”. Find the fill effects. To find fill effects, select the “Page Layout” tab. From here you'll need to enter the “Page Background” group. Then select “Page Color”. From this menu you should see “Fill Effects”. Insert the picture. Once you've arrived to the “Fill Effects”, you can “Select Picture”. Now you'll need the path to find your pictures. Once you found it, click “Insert” and “Okay”. This will insert the picture as a background into your leaflet as a whole. Choose your column. Before adding a text box, directly click into whichever column you wish to put the box into. You will need to do this individually for each column, back and front, that you wish to put text into. Click the Insert tab. To insert a textbox, you must first select the “Insert” tab. From here, you can select “Text Group”. Insert the text box. After you've selected “Text Group” choose the option for “Simple Text Box”. The text box should now appear within your column. From here, you can drag and manipulate the box to fit your needs. You can also resize it. These text boxes will work for both headers and content. To keep all text in the same location, it is recommended that you do separate text boxes for both. | Know your topic. Pick a title. Give an overview. Make text easily readable. Keep it simple. Group relevant information together. Proofread and edit. Create a new document. Set-up your margins and orientation. Insert columns. Visualise the columns. Download a template (Optional). Know the path within your computer. Find the fill effects. Insert the picture. Choose your column. Click the Insert tab. Insert the text box. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Nail-Polish-Stains-from-Your-Finger-Nails | How to Remove Nail Polish Stains from Your Finger Nails | To remove nail polish stains from your fingernails, start by soaking your nails in a solution of warm water and lemon slices for 1 to 2 minutes. When you're done, scrub your nails with a toothbrush and toothpaste. After you've finished scrubbing, let your nails sit for 1 to 2 minutes before rinsing the toothpaste off. Finish by rubbing a little coconut oil into your fingernails. Alternatively, combine baking soda, a few squeezes of lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl. Dip a toothbrush into the solution and scrub it into your nails. | Mix 2 parts baking soda, 1 part olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a bowl. For instance, you might use 2 tbsp (40 g) baking soda, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) lemon juice. Then, use a spoon to stir the ingredients together thoroughly. The baking soda will probably start to fizz when you add the lemon juice. Don't worry, that's totally normal! If you want to adjust the amount of paste you're making, just keep a ratio of 2 parts baking soda to 1 part olive oil. Unless you're making a very large batch, a few squeezes of lemon juice should still be sufficient. Add a little more baking soda or oil until you have a thick paste. When you first mix together the ingredients, they may seem a little too clumpy or too runny. If the mixture is too thick, drizzle in a small amount of olive oil and stir it together to loosen it. If it's too thin, sprinkle in a small amount of baking soda to thicken it up. Continue doing this until you have a thick but spreadable paste. Dip a toothbrush or nail brush in the mixture. Once you've created your paste, get an old toothbrush or a stiff nail brush. Press the bristles down into the paste so they're completely coated. A new toothbrush will work too, but make sure you don't mix it up with the toothbrush you use for your teeth! The paste is made from all natural ingredients, but nail polish residue can be toxic if ingested. If the paste won't stay on the brush, it's probably too thin. Add a little more baking soda to thicken it. Scrub your nails lightly with the brush until the stain lightens. Use the brush to work the paste onto the surface of your nail, scrubbing in a circular motion. If you need to, you can wipe the paste away to check your progress. If the stain is still there, add a little more paste and continue scrubbing. Continue until you've scrubbed all of your stained nails. Rinse your nails with hand soap and warm water. Once you've lightened the stain as much as you can with the paste, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. The soap will help break up the oil in the paste, while the warm water will help dissolve the baking soda, which may leave a light residue if it has started to dry. Cut 10 pieces of foil that are big enough to wrap around your fingertips. Cut or tear 10 strips of foil that are about 4 in × 3 in (10.2 cm × 7.6 cm). The pieces should be big enough to cover your entire nail, plus a little extra, since you'll have cotton on your nail as well. Since you'll be wrapping all your nails at once, it's easiest to prepare your foil ahead of time. You may also want to set out your cotton balls at this time. If you don't want to use a whole cotton ball on each nail, cut 5 cotton balls in half, instead. Fill a small metal or glass bowl with oil-enriched acetone. Pour about ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of the acetone into your bowl, or enough to soak all of the cotton balls. The measurement doesn't have to be precise—if you accidentally use too much, you can just pour it back into the bottle when you're finished. Do not use a plastic bowl, as the acetone will melt it. You can find oil-enriched acetone at well-stocked beauty supply stores. However, if you can't find it, you can use regular acetone, instead. Soak a cotton ball in the acetone, then press it onto your fingernail. Dip the first cotton ball in the bowl and make sure to soak it completely. Then, place the cotton ball onto one of your fingernails, making sure to cover the surface of the nail completely. It's a good idea to cover your dominant hand first. That way, you won't have to try to use your non-dominant hand after it's covered in foil. Wrap your nail in one of the pieces of foil. Place the center of the foil over the cotton ball, then fold the top of the foil down over the tip of your finger. Finally, wrap the sides of the foil around your fingertip to secure it. Press and squeeze the foil around your fingertip to help keep it in place. Repeat the process for all of your nails. Since you'll have to let the acetone soak in for a while, it's best to do all of your fingernails at once. Continue adding acetone-soaked cotton balls to each of your nails, and wrap each one in foil as you go. If you're concerned it will be too hard to put the foil on your other hand once your fingers are covered, you can do one hand at a time. Let the acetone soak into your nails for about 10 minutes. In order to fully dissolve the stain, allow the acetone plenty of time to work. However, don't leave the acetone on longer than 10 minutes—it's a harsh chemical, and it could lead to skin irritation if you leave it on too long. While you wait, try watching TV, listening to the radio, or another fun hands-free activity so you don't get too bored! Remove the foil and cotton, then wash your hands thoroughly. After the 10 minutes, take all of the wraps off of your fingers. Wash your hands with soap and warm water, but don't scrub too hard, as your skin may be sensitive from the acetone. It may take a while for the smell of the acetone to fully fade. Place a drop of cuticle oil onto your nail. Cuticle oil is designed to soften the skin around your nails, but it can also help loosen nail polish stains left behind by dark or bright colors. You don't need much—one drop should be enough for each nail. If you don't have cuticle oil, try using vitamin E oil instead. Buff your nails lightly with a buffer. Using the large-grit side of a buffer, lightly go over your nail in an X shape. Don't press down too hard, and only use about 6-8 strokes. Over-buffing your nails can damage them. You don't want to file down into the surface of your nail; you just want to scuff away the nail polish stain. Swipe nail polish remover across your nail to remove the stain. After you've buffed your nails, the stain should be loosened. Dip a cotton ball or pad in nail polish remover, then rub it across your nail. You should see the stain lighten noticeably, and it may even go away altogether! Since buffing can damage your nail, if this doesn't work at first, consider trying another method to lighten the stain. | Mix 2 parts baking soda, 1 part olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a bowl. Add a little more baking soda or oil until you have a thick paste. Dip a toothbrush or nail brush in the mixture. Scrub your nails lightly with the brush until the stain lightens. Rinse your nails with hand soap and warm water. Cut 10 pieces of foil that are big enough to wrap around your fingertips. Fill a small metal or glass bowl with oil-enriched acetone. Soak a cotton ball in the acetone, then press it onto your fingernail. Wrap your nail in one of the pieces of foil. Repeat the process for all of your nails. Let the acetone soak into your nails for about 10 minutes. Remove the foil and cotton, then wash your hands thoroughly. Place a drop of cuticle oil onto your nail. Buff your nails lightly with a buffer. Swipe nail polish remover across your nail to remove the stain. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Allergies | How to Treat Allergies | If you need to treat severe allergies or a dangerous allergic reaction that came on suddenly, use an EpiPen to give yourself an injection into the outside of your thigh area and see a doctor immediately to make sure you're okay. You can use over-the-counter nasal sprays and antihistamine medications to treat mild seasonal allergies, but if your seasonal allergies are severe, talk to your doctor about oral corticosteroids. To avoid aggravating your allergies, vacuum often and clean damp areas like bathrooms frequently to prevent mold growth! | Recognize anaphylactic shock. This can quickly become fatal and may occur within minutes of your exposure. Symptoms include: Hives Itching Flushed or pale skin The feeling that your throat is closing Swollen tongue or throat Breathing problems or wheezing Weak, fast pulse Vomiting Diarrhea Fainting Use your epinephrine injector if you carry one. If you carry an epinephrine injector (EpiPen), give yourself the injection. Follow the instructions in the package. Inject the medication into the outside of your thigh. Do not inject it elsewhere because this will increase your chances of having side effects. Do not use the medication if it has changed color or if you see solid clumps in it. Go to the doctor, even after injecting yourself. Because anaphylaxis can quickly be fatal, go to the emergency room even if you feel better. Getting checked by a doctor is necessary in case the symptoms start again. Side effects from the epinephrine injection can include skin reactions, fainting, irregular or racing heartbeat, vomiting, stroke, and breathing problems. Identify common allergens, e.g foodborne allergen sources such as nuts which can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions that lead to skin irritation, nausea and sometimes even to Anaphylaxis. Chances are you will have a different set of symptoms, depending on what your allergens are. There are many common allergens: Substances that are in the air such as pollen, pet dander (which is what causes people to be allergic to dogs and/or cats), dust mites, and mold will often cause a stuffy nose, coughing and sneezing. Bee or wasp stings will cause swelling, pain, itching, and in extreme cases, possibly anaphylactic shock. Foods such as peanuts, other nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk may cause digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea or even anaphylactic shock. Medications like penicillin often cause systemic reactions including an itchy rash, hives, or anaphylactic shock. Latex or other things that touch your skin may cause local irritation including a rash, hives, itching, blisters or peeling. Allergic-like reactions are even possible to extreme heat, extreme cold, sunlight, or friction on the skin. Make a doctor’s appointment to get an allergy test. If you are having trouble determining what your allergies are, your doctor can conduct tests to help figure it out. During a skin test or prick test the doctor will put a tiny amount of suspected allergens under your skin and then watch to see if you react with redness and swelling. A blood test will allow the doctor to evaluate whether your body is reacting with an immune response to particular allergens. Identify food allergies with elimination testing. This should be done under the supervision of a doctor. If you have suspicion of what you might be allergic to, eliminate it from your diet. If that was the source, your symptoms should improve. Your doctor may ask you to eat it again, to see if your symptoms return. This would help confirm that it was the source. Keeping a food diary during this process can help you and your doctor keep track of your symptoms and detect any other possible allergens you might still be exposed to. Try natural remedies. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking supplements or herbal remedies, especially if you are taking other medications or have any medical conditions to make sure they won't interact or aggravate your condition. Also, the dosages in herbal remedies are not well regulated, so it is difficult to know how much you are taking. Remember: "natural" doesn't automatically mean "safe." Take butterbur tablets. A scientific study suggested that they may reduce inflammation and have effects that are similar to antihistamines. Bromelain may also have anti-inflamatory properties. Inhale steam from water with eucalyptus oil added to it. The oil will give a sharp smell which will clear your sinuses. But don't ingest it or put it on your skin because it's poisonous. Relieve congestion with a saline nasal spray. It will help reduce inflammation and dry out a drippy nose. Use oral antihistamines to get relief from common symptoms. Antihistamines can improve a drippy nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, hives, and swelling. Some antihistamines can make you sleepy so you shouldn't drive when you are taking them. Common ones include: Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Desloratadine (Clarinex) Fexofenadine (Allegra) Levocetirizine (Xyzal) Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin) Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Try an antihistamine nasal spray. It should reduce sneezing, stuffy sinuses, postnasal drip, and improve an itchy or drippy nose. These are available by prescription: Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) Olopatadine (Patanase) Use antihistamine eye drops to soothe itchy, red, or swollen eyes. Keep them in the refrigerator to prevent them from stinging. Azelastine (Optivar) Emedastine (Emadine) Ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor) Olopatadine (Pataday, Patanol) Pheniramine (Visine-A, Opcon-A) Use mast cell stabilizers as an alternative to antihistamines. If you aren't able to tolerate antihistamines, you may have more success with these. They prevent your body from releasing chemicals that cause allergic reactions. Cromolyn is an over-the-counter nasal spray. Prescription eye drops include: Cromolyn (Crolom), Lodoxamide (Alomide), Pemirolast (Alamast), Nedocromil (Alocril). Ease nasal and sinus congestion with oral decongestants. Many are available over-the-counter. Some also have an antihistamine in them. Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D) Desloratadine and pseudoephedrine (Clarinex-D) Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D) Loratadine and pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D) Get immediate relief with nasal decongestant sprays and drops. But don't use them for more than three days or they might make your congestion worse. Oxymetazoline (Afrin, Dristan) Tetrahydrozoline (Tyzine) Reduce inflammation using taking nasal corticosteroids sprays. This can reduce stuffiness, sneezing, and dry up a drippy nose. Budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua) Fluticasone furoate (Veramyst) Fluticasone propionate (Flonase) Mometasone (Nasonex) Triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour) Try corticosteroid eye drops if nothing else works. This will improve itchy, red or watery eyes. But you need to be closely monitored by an eye doctor because these medications may increase your chances of cataracts, glaucoma, eye infections, and other problems. Fluorometholone (Flarex, FML) Loteprednol (Alrex, Lotemax) Prednisolone (Omnipred, Pred Forte) Rimexolone (Vexol) Treat severe allergies with oral corticosteroids. But don't use these for an extended period of time because the side effects are serious. They may cause cataracts, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, ulcers, high blood sugar, delayed growth in kids and exacerbate hypertension. Prednisolone (Flo-Pred, Prelone) Prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Rayos) Try leukotriene receptor antagonists. They counteract leukotrienes, which are substances that your body releases during an allergic reaction. These medications should reduce inflammation. Try desensitization therapy. This is also called immunotherapy and is offered when medications don't work and you can't avoid being exposed to the allergen. The doctor will expose you to the allergen to decrease your reaction to it. Each dose you get will be greater than the last until you have built up enough tolerance. The allergens are usually administered as shots, but for grass and ragweed, you may get a pill that will dissolve under your tongue. This must be done under a doctor's supervision and may take several years. Prevent the buildup of allergens in your house. Many substances in the air in our houses can cause allergies. This includes pet dander, dust mites, and pollen that has blown in from the outside. Vacuum frequently. Using a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) will reduce the allergens that are in the air. Reduce the number of carpets you have in your house. Carpets, in contrast to hard floors, hold allergens and pet dander, making it more difficult to keep the house allergen-free. Wash your bedding regularly. You spend about a third of your day in bed. If you have allergens on your sheets and pillow, you are spending a third of your time breathing in those allergens. Use a plastic cover on your mattress to prevent allergens from settling. Wash your hair before you go to bed to rinse out any pollen that might be stuck in it. If you are allergic to particular pollens, stay at home as much as you can at the time of the year when the levels of those types of pollen are high. Keep your windows closed to prevent pollen from blowing into your house. Prevent the growth of mold. This will reduce the amount of spores in the air. Keep your home dry using fans and dehumidifiers in rooms with high humidity, like the bathroom. Fix any leaks in your house. This includes small things like drippy facets and larger issues like leaky roofs that might allow water to drip down the walls. If you have mold, kill it with a solution of bleach and water. Avoid eating foods you are allergic to. If you are allergic to foods that are common ingredients like eggs or wheat, you may need to thoroughly read the ingredients lists on packaged foods. When you go to a restaurant, tell the server about your food allergies. Stress the severity of the allergy and tell them if it's life-threatening to really make sure they understand your needs. If you need to, bring your own food with you. Then you will always know what you are eating. Have a professional remove any bee or wasp nests that might be near, in, or on your house. If you are severely allergic to stings, stay far away while this is happening. You may need to do this again every few years. | Recognize anaphylactic shock. Use your epinephrine injector if you carry one. Go to the doctor, even after injecting yourself. Identify common allergens, e.g foodborne allergen sources such as nuts which can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions that lead to skin irritation, nausea and sometimes even to Anaphylaxis. Make a doctor’s appointment to get an allergy test. Identify food allergies with elimination testing. Try natural remedies. Use oral antihistamines to get relief from common symptoms. Try an antihistamine nasal spray. Use antihistamine eye drops to soothe itchy, red, or swollen eyes. Use mast cell stabilizers as an alternative to antihistamines. Ease nasal and sinus congestion with oral decongestants. Get immediate relief with nasal decongestant sprays and drops. Reduce inflammation using taking nasal corticosteroids sprays. Try corticosteroid eye drops if nothing else works. Treat severe allergies with oral corticosteroids. Try leukotriene receptor antagonists. Try desensitization therapy. Prevent the buildup of allergens in your house. Prevent the growth of mold. Avoid eating foods you are allergic to. Have a professional remove any bee or wasp nests that might be near, in, or on your house. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Laptop | How to Clean a Laptop | To clean a laptop, start by wetting a sponge and squeezing the water out so it's nearly dry. Then, gently wipe your laptop's screen with it, adding a little bit of dish soap or rubbing alcohol to remove stubborn dirt and grime. When you're finished, polish your screen in a circular motion with a cloth to dry it off and remove any streaks. To clean your laptop's keyboard, try shaking loose dust out of the keyboard or sucking it up with a small, handheld vacuum. Then, use a pencil eraser to rub grime off the keys. If there's grime in between the keys, run a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol between them. | Clear surface dust with a microfiber cloth. Fold the cloth and rub it gently across the full width of your screen, back and forth. You may want to brace the screen with your other hand so it doesn't move while you're cleaning it. Don't press hard into the screen or try to scratch off stubborn spots – you could damage your screen. Use only the lightest pressure to wipe off surface dust. Use a damp sponge for dirt and grime. Wet a clean sponge, then squeeze it out until it is almost dry. Use purified or distilled water rather than tap water, which can leave mineral streaks on your screen. Wipe your screen gently, using light pressure – do not scrub. You can also use a pre-moistened cleaning wipe. Just make sure it doesn't contain harsh cleansing agents such as ammonia or bleach, which may damage your screen. Water can drip into your laptop and damage internal components, so make extra sure you've squeezed all excess liquid out. For particularly stubborn spots, add just a drop of gentle dish soap to the water. If you have a touchscreen, consult your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website to determine what cleaning agents are safe for the finish. Invest in a screen-cleaning kit for dirtier screens. You can buy screen-cleaning kits online or at any store that sells electronics. These kits include a cleaner specially designed for laptop screens and usually come with their own microfiber cloth. If you have a touchscreen, check to make sure the kit is listed as safe for touchscreens. Do not use regular glass cleaners, particularly those that contain ammonia, on any laptop screen. They can damage the screen. Polish in a circular motion to remove streaks. After you're done cleaning, take your microfiber cloth and gently rub your screen in a circular motion. This will eliminate any streaks or particles the sponge left behind. Start at a top corner and proceed in tight circles across the top of your screen, then back and forth until you get to the bottom. Shake the loose dust out of your keyboard. Get a good grip on the sides of your laptop and turn it upside down with the screen open. Shake the machine gently to dislodge crumbs and larger particles. You may also want to tilt it to one side, then another, to free debris stuck under keys. If you haven't cleaned your laptop in a while, or if you regularly eat while using your laptop, shake it over a trashcan to avoid making more of a mess. If you've already cleaned your screen, you may want to give it another wipe-down with your microfiber cloth after you do this. Dust from the keyboard may end up on the screen. Vacuum loose dust and hair from the keyboard. If you have a small handheld vacuum, use the smallest attachment to vacuum the debris from your keyboard without harming your laptop. Move the attachment slowly across the keyboard, going over each row from the top of the keyboard to the bottom. You can also use a can of compressed air. However, if you do, tilt your keyboard at an angle so that you're forcing the dust out of your keyboard. If you blow the compressed air directly into the keyboard, you'll just blow the dust and debris further inside. This is especially true for MacBook keyboards, which are open to the inside of the machine. Use a pencil eraser to remove grime from the keycaps. If you look at the keys from an angle, you will be able to see where grime has built up on the keycaps from your fingers. Take your pencil eraser and gently rub to get rid of this build-up. After you use the pencil eraser, you may want to run the vacuum over the keys again, just to get rid of the stubble the eraser left behind. Get between keys with a cotton swab. You may find that grime has built up between the keys as well. A cotton swab is small enough to clean these areas. If your keyboard is particularly grimy, dip the cotton swab in rubbing alcohol. Take care not to get the cotton swab too wet. Don't press down too hard when you clean – you don't want the alcohol dripping underneath the keys into your machine. A cotton swab dipped in alcohol also works for cleaning the tops of the keys, particularly if you have sticky grime that the eraser couldn't get. Wipe down the keys with a slightly damp cloth. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water, or with a disinfecting mixture of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol. Thoroughly squeeze out all excess liquid before using the cloth on your keyboard. Rub lightly over the tops of the keys – do not press them in. After you've used a slightly damp cloth, wipe the keys again with a completely dry cloth to remove all moisture. Remove keys only if you know how to put them back on. Taking off the keycaps may be the only way to remove all grime captured beneath the keys. This is likely true if you've never cleaned your laptop, or if you frequently eat while using your laptop. However, keycaps can be tricky to remove and replace, depending on the design of your machine. You may want to take a picture of your keyboard before you take the keys off, just so you have a reference for where to put them back on. Once all the keys are off, you may forget the order, especially for function keys. Mix a gentle cleansing solution. Use purified or distilled water and a few drops of gentle dish soap. You can also use a mix of equal parts rubbing alcohol and purified or distilled water. Do not use regular household cleaners for your case, or any harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. If you use rubbing alcohol, take care not to get any on your laptop's screen. It can damage the anti-glare and scratch-resistant coatings on the screen. Dip a sponge into your cleansing solution. Take a clean sponge and soak it in the cleansing solution, then wring it out until it is nearly completely dry. Make sure it no longer drips, even when you squeeze it. Rub the sponge gently over the outside surface of your laptop. You can use the same sponge and cleansing solution to clean your laptop's touchpad. Don't clean inside ports or vents with the sponge – you risk getting moisture inside your laptop and damaging its components. Use cotton swabs to clean the gunk out of crevices. If your laptop case has seams and crevices, they may collect dirt and grime. A cotton swab dipped in your cleansing solution can get into these small areas. As with the sponge, make sure the cotton swab is not too wet. Use light pressure to avoid squeezing moisture into the machine. Dig out grime with a toothpick if necessary. If narrow crevices, ports, or vents are clogged up with dirt, use a toothpick to gently scrape the case and pull the grime out. Move the toothpick in an outward sweeping motion to avoid shoving grime further up into your machine. Be gentle with the toothpick to avoid scratching the surface of your case. Hold it at an angle, like you would hold a pencil, rather than bearing down with the point. Blow debris from ports with compressed air. Angle a can of compressed air so that it is blowing into and out of the port or vent you want to clear. Turn your laptop and blow from multiple angles to make sure you've cleaned thoroughly. Never blow the compressed air directly into the port or vent. This will loosen the debris and send it deep inside your machine, where it could damage components. Use rubbing alcohol for sticky residue. If you have particularly sticky or grimy spots on your case that can't be removed with gentle cleaning, use a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol directly on the spot. Make sure the cotton ball isn't too wet – you don't want rubbing alcohol running into your machine. Use moderate pressure, rubbing repeatedly until the spot is gone. If you previously had stickers on your laptop case, you may have more luck with an oil-based cleansing product, such as Goo Gone. Polish the surface with a microfiber cloth. Once your case is clean, take your microfiber cloth and wipe the entire case, using a circular motion. This will remove any moisture as well as any streaks your cleaning may have left on the finish of your case. Once your laptop case is clean, you may notice spots of grime that you didn't see before. Use a cotton swab or cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to finish these last spots. | Clear surface dust with a microfiber cloth. Use a damp sponge for dirt and grime. Invest in a screen-cleaning kit for dirtier screens. Polish in a circular motion to remove streaks. Shake the loose dust out of your keyboard. Vacuum loose dust and hair from the keyboard. Use a pencil eraser to remove grime from the keycaps. Get between keys with a cotton swab. Wipe down the keys with a slightly damp cloth. Remove keys only if you know how to put them back on. Mix a gentle cleansing solution. Dip a sponge into your cleansing solution. Use cotton swabs to clean the gunk out of crevices. Dig out grime with a toothpick if necessary. Blow debris from ports with compressed air. Use rubbing alcohol for sticky residue. Polish the surface with a microfiber cloth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Gift-Bow | How to Make a Gift Bow | To make a classic gift bow, start by cutting a piece of ribbon that's long enough to wrap around your gift. Next, fold the ribbon so it forms 2 loops on each side. Then, bring these 2 loops together to form 1 loop in between the 2 side loops. After you cross the top left loop over the top right loop, fold the left loop behind the right loop. Finally, pull the top 2 loops together tightly to form a knot at the center of the bow. | Cut a length of ribbon. For a large ribbon, use a long length of wide ribbon. For a small ribbon, use a shorter length or narrow ribbon. Spread the length of ribbon on a flat work surface. Fold the ribbon. Fold it to form two loops at each side. Bring these two loops together to form one loop in between the two side loops. Cross the top left loop over the top right loop. Fold the left loop behind the right loop. Then pull it through the bottom loop. Pull the top two loops together tightly. This will form a knot at the center of the bow. Trim the ends of the ribbon to neaten. Cut either a diagonal or a V-shape to prevent fraying. Attach to the gift. Either loop it through ribbon attached to the gift or tape in place using doubled-up or double-sided tape. Cut a long length of wide ribbon. To get the desired ribbon length, wrap the ribbon loosely around the length of the box, then its width. This is the basic length, then add another 60cm (24 inches) to the length, for making the bow with. (This additional measurement may need adjusting for a much larger box.) Choose a color of ribbon to suit the gift box. Lay the ribbon across the top of the box, facing vertically. Wrap the ribbon around the length of the box first, and hold it at the base of the box. Check that the wrong side of the ribbon is facing the box. Twist the ribbons around each other by 90 degrees to pull each end of the ribbon horizontally. Fix the ribbon if needed. Twist the ends to keep the wrong side of the ribbon facing the box, then pull the ends up and over the center of the box. Pull tightly to keep the ribbon firm. Make loops from each of the ribbon ends. Tie a bow by folding the right loop over the left and folding it underneath the left loop. Pull towards you, then pull tightly. Bring the left loop over the right loop, then slide the left loop through the hole under the right loop. This forms the knot. Pull tightly. Trim the ends of the ribbon to neaten. Cut either a diagonal or a V-shape to prevent fraying. Done. the gift now has a complete gift bow made from ribbon. Purchase a suitable rectangular gift box with a lid. Place the gift inside, wrapped as appropriate. Place the lid on. Cut a long length of wide ribbon. See the measurement approach in Method 2 above. Choose a color of ribbon that suits the gift box. Fold the ribbon so that one side of the ribbon is 25 percent shorter than the other side. Lay the fold on the center of the gift box. Hold in place. Wrap the two ends of the ribbon around the gift box and back up to the top. Keep them apart from each other. After bringing the lengths back up to the top of the box, thread them through the fold made earlier. Pull tight. Pick up the two ends. Take the longer end and bring it right around the side of the box, underneath and back up to meet the shorter end. Tie the two ends together in a box on the short side of the box. Done. Cut the ribbon. Cut it twice the length of the desired finished bow length. Lay the ribbon out on a flat surface. Fold the ribbon into a loop. Glue the join of both ends together. Flatten the ribbon in the center. Flatten it over the join, then glue the flattened section in place. Cut a small piece of ribbon from the same ribbon. Wrap it around the center of the ribbon over the flattened section. Glue the join of this fold at the back. Done. The flat bow is neat and professional looking. It looks ideal attached on its own to a gift or added to a length of already wrapped ribbon. | Cut a length of ribbon. Spread the length of ribbon on a flat work surface. Fold the ribbon. Cross the top left loop over the top right loop. Fold the left loop behind the right loop. Pull the top two loops together tightly. Trim the ends of the ribbon to neaten. Attach to the gift. Cut a long length of wide ribbon. Lay the ribbon across the top of the box, facing vertically. Check that the wrong side of the ribbon is facing the box. Fix the ribbon if needed. Make loops from each of the ribbon ends. Bring the left loop over the right loop, then slide the left loop through the hole under the right loop. Trim the ends of the ribbon to neaten. Done. Purchase a suitable rectangular gift box with a lid. Cut a long length of wide ribbon. Fold the ribbon so that one side of the ribbon is 25 percent shorter than the other side. Lay the fold on the center of the gift box. Wrap the two ends of the ribbon around the gift box and back up to the top. After bringing the lengths back up to the top of the box, thread them through the fold made earlier. Pick up the two ends. Tie the two ends together in a box on the short side of the box. Cut the ribbon. Lay the ribbon out on a flat surface. Fold the ribbon into a loop. Flatten the ribbon in the center. Cut a small piece of ribbon from the same ribbon. Done. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Communicate-During-Online-Dating | How to Communicate During Online Dating | To communicate during online dating, start with a question about something on their profile, like, “So I saw that you're a dog person! What's your favorite type?” Tease them lightly to show your sense of humor and throw in a few compliments about their interests or accomplishments. Ask about their job and hobbies to get to know them better, and ask them out on a date if you're forming a real connection. To show that you're not interested, give them a polite excuse and be firm but kind. | Get in touch with people who are similar to you. Recent studies have shown, unsurprisingly, that the most successful online dating interactions happen between people with genuine similarities. When you're looking through profiles, gravitate towards people who have listed interests similar or compatible to your own. Look at their pictures as well—not just to see how they look, but to get an idea of their personality and how social and adventurous they are. Start with a question about something on their profile. Read the person's profile and look at their pictures to see what they're interested in. Referencing something that shows you looked at their profile, especially if it's something you have in common, gets your communication off on the right foot and gives you a better chance of getting a response. For example, if the person has a picture of them skiing, you could say, “So I saw that you're a skier. What's your favorite mountain around here? I need to get back on the slopes.” Don't make up a similarity if you don't have one; instead, play off your differences. Send a teasing text like, “So you're a skier? I'm more of a snowboarder myself, but I guess we can still try to be friends.” Make them laugh with a joke or clever question. Starting things off with a joke or teasing question or comment can be a playful, flirtatious way to get in touch with someone online. Use a joke that reflects your personality; the way that they respond will show you if your senses of humor are compatible. You can go with something as simple as a knock knock joke, or make a funny, personalized comment like, “I see you like pizza and I need to know: pineapple or no pineapple? No pressure, but this is extremely important.” You can also start off the conversation with a funny gif or meme. Avoid making sexual references. This can come off as overly-aggressive and off-putting. Compliment them, but not their appearance. A little flattery is OK, but complimenting someone's appearance online can feel cheap. Instead, focus compliments on their interests and things that they've done to show that you're interested in getting to know them. You could say, for example, “I saw that you went skydiving, that's so cool. I've been wanting to go for forever.” Try a backhanded compliment for a more playful, challenging tone, like “So I see you've finished a marathon, but come back to me when you can do something really impressive, like eat 10 hot dogs in a row.” Avoid a “hi” or “hey” message. While it's great to try to keep things simple, just sending “hi” or “hey” as your first message probably won't cut it in online dating. You're not revealing any part of your personality or showing the other person that you're interested in theirs. These messages also tend to get the lowest response rate. If you're really stuck, try sending something like “What's up?” instead. This keeps your tone simple and casual but still invites a response from the person you're messaging. Ask lots of questions. The more you know about your potential partner before you meet in-person, the more likely you are to have a great date and relationship. Once you start getting to know each other, don't be afraid to ask deeper questions to get a feel for how you'll connect to each other. Start with questions about what they like to do in their free time, their friends, their job, and things they love, like food, movies, or sports. From there, slowly transition into deeper subjects you're genuinely curious about. Don't jump into sensitive topics just yet. Stay away from questions about religion, politics, and other potentially touchy subjects until you've met in-person. Be honest about yourself and your interests. It's important to be honest in any relationship, but especially in online dating, when you and potential dates only know about each other through your messages and profiles. Don't hide behind your computer screen and try to be someone you're not— it will only lead to a worse overall relationship. Even “white lies” about small things can add up over time. Remember that you want this person to like you for who you are, not the person you think they want you to be. Show them your true personality, too. Stick to your natural sense of humor and mode of speaking to give them a sense of your communication style and character. Stay positive, upbeat, and light. Keeping an upbeat attitude while talking on a dating site will give people an overall positive opinion of you and make them want to keep chatting, since your optimism will be infectious. A little sarcasm or dark humor is okay occasionally if that's how you communicate, but keep outright complaining to a minimum. For example, don't start a conversation with something overtly negative, like, “Ugh, I really hate my job.” Instead, try something like, “Today was insane at work! So happy to be home.” Use self-deprecating humor and honesty. Being a little self-deprecating can show potential dates that you aren't arrogant and don't take yourself too seriously. Some studies have even shown that people who use words like “sorry,” “apologize,” and “awkward” in their messages have more success in online dating. This can be a great way to point out and laugh about some of the strangeness of online dating. You could say, “Sending these messages is always so awkward, but I was looking at your profile and think you're really interesting. Would love to get to know you more :)” Mimic their texting or emailing style. Studies have shown that people who talk and text in a similar style are more likely to start a good relationship. Don't completely copy what they say, but take a cue from their overall tone and the words they tend to use. You can also use this technique to gauge a potential date's interest. If they seem to be mimicking or shifting towards your messaging style, it could be a sign that they're attracted to you. Don’t give out personal information until later on. It's always smart to keep some information private, no matter how well you think you're connecting with someone online. Don't tell anyone your last name, address, or workplace until you've met in person and have a strong connection. Avoid asking other people for their personal details as well. Never give someone you met online money. Set up a date when you’ve talked for a few weeks. Make sure you have a chance to get to know your potential date before you ask them out in-person. The more you know about them (and vice versa) the better chance you have of enjoying a great date and making a real connection. Use your best judgment to decide when to ask them out. You want to know enough about them to ensure that your connection is deeper than just physical attraction, and it should feel like a natural next step in your relationship. Avoid asking someone out within a day or 2 of messaging them. This can come off as desperate and needy. Even if you're making a fast connection, waiting a few more days will feel more natural and relaxed. Write back when you can tell they wrote a personal note. You don't have to respond to every message you get, especially if it's someone you can tell you wouldn't go out with. If the message is personalized and clearly took some time to craft, though, it's good form to take a moment to kindly thank them and express that you're not interested. Respond to messages that mention something on your profile, like a particular interest, or show that they tried to make a kind of connection. You can delete or just not respond to plain messages like “hi” or “what's up.” You especially don't have to respond if the message is offensive or rude. You can even block people that you don't want to contact you, especially if they're persistent. Send a brief, direct, and kind message to let them down gently. It's never fun to reject someone, so do it as kindly and firmly as you can. Make sure your point gets across but let them know that it's not personal and that you hope they find happiness in another relationship. You could say, for example, “Hi James, thanks for the message. You seem like a good guy but I don't think I'm the right fit. Wishing you all the best.” If you've been chatting for a while and want to break it off, say something like, “I think our connection is more platonic,” or, “You're a great person, but I just don't feel the chemistry between us.” Give them an excuse if you want an easy out. It can feel awkward rejecting someone you haven't met in person. For a smoother way out, try using a polite excuse, either real or made-up, to show that you're not available. Say something like, “Hey, it's been really great chatting with you. Unfortunately, I'm realizing that I really don't have time for a relationship right now with everything going on in my work and family life. Wishing you all the best.” Mention something positive if you don’t want to hurt their feelings. When you're letting someone down easy, try to couch it in positive, complimentary language. This can help to lessen the blow if you think the person will be really disappointed. You can say something like, “Your messages have really made me laugh, but I just don't see our relationship going any further. You're a great person and I know there's someone out there for you.” Be honest with them and yourself. Don't pretend to be interested in someone just because you're not sure how to let them down easily, and don't try to force yourself to like someone that you just don't. This isn't fair to them or to you. If you feel bad for shutting them down, just remember that you're doing the right thing for both of you in the long run. You're freeing both of you up to find better matches. Be firm with people who are bothering you. If someone is sending you rude messages or is bothering you persistently, it's OK to be more blunt and forceful with your messages. If they continue to bother you after you've told them not to, block them, delete their messages, or report their behavior. Say something like, “Please stop messaging me. I'm not interested and your comments are pretty offensive. I will block you if you keep sending me messages.” Look at the settings on your social media or online dating platform to see how to report or block people. | Get in touch with people who are similar to you. Start with a question about something on their profile. Make them laugh with a joke or clever question. Compliment them, but not their appearance. Avoid a “hi” or “hey” message. Ask lots of questions. Be honest about yourself and your interests. Stay positive, upbeat, and light. Use self-deprecating humor and honesty. Mimic their texting or emailing style. Don’t give out personal information until later on. Set up a date when you’ve talked for a few weeks. Write back when you can tell they wrote a personal note. Send a brief, direct, and kind message to let them down gently. Give them an excuse if you want an easy out. Mention something positive if you don’t want to hurt their feelings. Be honest with them and yourself. Be firm with people who are bothering you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-an-Inguinal-Hernia | How to Recognize an Inguinal Hernia | To recognize an inguinal hernia, start by removing your clothes from the waist down and standing in front of a mirror. Next, place two fingers over the area that you're concerned about, cough, and feel for any bulging. If you think the hernia might be in your abdomen, hold your breath, contract your stomach muscles, and check for bulging there. The bulging area may also burn or ache. It's important to see a doctor immediately if you suspect you might have a hernia, since serious complications may result if a hernia is left untreated. | Look in the mirror for signs of a hernia. Remove all clothing below your waist and look in the mirror. Place two fingers over the area you think is affected. Force yourself to cough and note if you felt or saw a bulge coming out of that area. You can also hold your breath and bear down (contract your abdomen as you were going to the bathroom). Use your finger to note if a bulge is coming out. Hernias can be aggravated by doing things that put pressure on the abdomen. You should also look for: A bulge in your groin area: If so, you may have a direct or indirect hernia. You will see swelling in the lower part of your abdomen that extends down toward or even into your scrotum. A bulge on the thigh below your groin: This is most likely a femoral hernia. One testicle that's larger than the other or more swollen: This may be from an indirect hernia. Burning, aching, or heavy pain in your groin: These can indicate a hernia because the intestine can become caught and squeezed, leading to pain. Seek emergency treatment if this occurs. If the swelling is an oval shape that is not in your scrotum area, then it is probably a direct hernia rather than an inguinal hernia. Check if the hernia can be pushed back. Feel if the hernia is reducible, or can be pushed back into place. Lay down to let gravity relieve the tension of the hernia back in place. Slowly apply pressure to the bulge using your index finger and try to push the contents back up. Do not force it, which could rupture the herniated products or the opening. If you can't reduce the hernia, see a healthcare professional immediately. Let your doctor know if you've been or felt like vomiting in addition to not being able to push the bulge back in. This can mean there's a complication known as strangulation. You need to see a doctor immediately if you have abdominal pain or a fever. Strangulation of the intestine and blood vessels supplying it can deprive the intestine of proper nutrients. This will kill the tissue and keep it from functioning. You'll need surgery to remove the dead tissue so that digested products can pass through. Get a medical examination. You should get medical attention regardless of what kind of hernia you have. At the doctor's exam room, you'll need to remove all clothing below the waist and your doctor (and possibly an assistant) will inspect your abdomen and genitals for asymmetry and bulges. You'll be asked to bear down such as cough, or contract your abdomen while not breathing. A bulge suggests a hernia. Your doctor will also check to see if the hernia is reducible by palpating the area with an index finger. Your doctor may listen against the bulge with a stethoscope for bowel sounds. If no bowel sounds are heard, this can indicate dead intestinal tissue or strangulation. Learn the types of groin hernias. There are several types of hernias that affect your abdomen or groin. If you think you have a hernia in these areas, it is likely one of these: Indirect inguinal hernia: This type is a congenital (birth) defect that causes the intestine and/or lining of the intestine to pass through the area where a man's testicles descended before birth. In most cases, this area didn't seal properly before birth, making it weak. Direct inguinal hernia: This type is usually caused by trauma to the area like repeated stress from lifting heavy objects, frequent coughing, straining while using the bathroom, or pregnancy. The intestine, lining, or intestinal fat pass through these weakened muscles near the groin and genitals, but not through the scrotum or testes. It is most common in men over 40, but can occur in women as well. Femoral hernia: This type is usually caused by pregnancy or childbirth, but can occur in men. The intestinal contents pass through a weakening in the lower groin, where the vessels supplying the thighs and legs pass through. Complications are more likely with femoral hernias, so keep your doctor up to date if symptoms change. Discuss your options with a doctor. Surgery is the most accepted and widely used treatment for hernias. But, if you're not experiencing symptoms and the hernia can be pushed back (reduced), you may want to wait. Either way, make an appointment with your doctor to get a professional opinion. If you know you'd like surgery, but your doctor advises you not to, because there aren't symptoms, you do have the right to elective surgery for cosmetic purposes. If you decide on surgery, make an appointment with a surgeon. If you plan on surgery, you'll need to have lab work done: labs for your blood values (PT, PTT, INR, and CBC), electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and glucose levels, and an ECG for detection of any heart abnormalities. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor to arrange your tests and have the results sent to your surgeon. Get laparoscopic surgery. With laparoscopic surgery, you'll be given anesthesia orally to reduce your pain and discomfort. The surgeon will inflate your abdomen with air so the tissues are more spread out and easier to work with. Next, a surgical probe is used as a camera to guide other probes that can cut, remove, and stitch. The probe will push the herniated products back in place. The probe will also apply a mesh to reinforce the weak abdominal wall. This will prevent future herniations. The small incisions from the probes will be sutured (stitched) at the end. Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive. It also leaves a smaller scar after surgery, causes less blood loss, and results in less pain following surgery. Laparoscopic repair is favored over the open procedure if the hernia is bilateral, recurrent, or femoral. Have open surgery. If you choose to have open surgery, the surgeon will make an incision along the groin to open the area up. Once open, the surgeon will manually push the contents back into the abdomen and look for passage of flatus. Then, the surgeon will likely apply a mesh around the weak abdominal muscles or tie the abdominal muscles together. This will prevent future herniations. The incision will be sutured, or stitched, at the end. If you have a larger hernia or are looking for a less expensive surgery, you should consider open surgery. Open surgical repair is favored over laparoscopic repair if there has been prior surgery in that area, if this is your first inguinal hernia, if it is a large hernia, or if infection is a concern. Care for yourself after surgery. Since you may have pain for a few weeks after the surgery, take any pain medications your doctor prescribes according to the directions. You should also make sure to eat a high-fiber diet or take 2 tablespoons of milk of magnesia twice a day following your surgery. After your surgery, it will take 1 to 5 days before you have a bowel movement and a high-fiber diet can improve your bowel function. To relieve pain, you can also place a cold pack wrapped in a towel over the area for about 20 minutes. Clean the wound. Keep the bandages over the wound for up to 2 days. You may see some bleeding or drainage from the area which is normal. After 36 hours it's ok to take a shower. Remove the gauze before showering and apply light pressure to the area when you're washing it with soap. When you're done, lightly pat the area dry with a towel. Apply a new fresh gauze to the area after each shower. Avoid taking baths or soaking the wound in pools or hot tubs for at least 2 weeks. Ease back into physical activity. You won't have any medical or physical restrictions after surgery, but the area may still be tender. Try to avoid any activities that apply pressure to your abdomen for about a week. These activities include exercising, running, and swimming. You should also wait to lift anything more than 10 lbs for up to 6 weeks or till you doctor tells you it's okay. Heavy lifting can aggravate a new hernia at the same site. Driving is discouraged during the first two weeks after surgery. You can have sex after a hernia as long as it's not uncomfortable or painful. Most patients will have recovered and gone back to work within a month of having herniorrhaphy. Watch for complications. Talk with your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms after your surgery: Fever (101 F) and chills: A bacteria may have infected the surgical site. Drainage of fluid from the surgical area that smells or looks like pus (usually brownish/green): Bacterial infections make these smelly and viscous fluid. Constant bleeding from the surgical site: you may have ruptured a vessel that was never properly closed during surgery. Trouble urinating: Fluid and inflammation are normal after surgery, but too much can compress the bladder or urethra causing trouble urinating. This can cause urine retention or the inability to empty your bladder fully. Swelling or pain in testicles that's getting worse The most common complication is recurrence of the hernia. Lose weight. If you're overweight or obese, try to lose weight by eating fewer calories and doing light exercises. Excess weight can make the weak areas in your abdomen carry more weight than they should. This increased pressure on weak abdominal points can increase your likelihood of having a hernia. Make sure to choose exercises that don't increase the stress on your abdominal wall. Good moderate exercises to try include walking, jogging, swimming and bicycling. Eat more fiber. Fiber helps move your bowels and empty your intestine. High-fiber diets also loosen your stool which will reduce straining when you go to the bathroom. Eat lots of fiber-rich foods like wheat bread, fruits and vegetables. You should also drink lots of water throughout the day to keep your bowels moving. Fiber is especially important if you've had surgery for a hernia, because surgery and the use of pain medications can make your bowels slow down. This can lead to constipation which can aggravate your abdomen. Learn to lift objects correctly. Avoid or be careful when lifting heavy objects. You can start lifting objects over 10 pounds about 6 weeks after surgery. To properly lift, bend at the knees to lower yourself. Grasp the object you're lifting close to your body and lift up, using your knees, not your waist. This helps reduce the weight and stress on the abdomen from lifting and bending. You may also want to wear a supportive garment around your waist. This can help support your abdominal muscles, especially when lifting. Stop smoking. Smoking is directly linked to chronic cough, which can cause and aggravate a hernia. If you've already had a hernia, it's extremely important that you avoid behaviors that can lead to another one, such as smoking. | Look in the mirror for signs of a hernia. Check if the hernia can be pushed back. Get a medical examination. Learn the types of groin hernias. Discuss your options with a doctor. Get laparoscopic surgery. Have open surgery. Care for yourself after surgery. Clean the wound. Ease back into physical activity. Watch for complications. Lose weight. Eat more fiber. Learn to lift objects correctly. Stop smoking. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Bubbly-Person | How to Be a Bubbly Person | Being a bubbly person is all about having a positive attitude and appearing confident. Try to develop an optimistic outlook on things. For example, focus on the positive experiences you've had when you tell someone about your day. You should also wear clothes that make you feel good to boost your confidence, which will help you to be bubbly. When you meet people, start up a conversation to show that you're open and chatty. You should also speak about your interests and passions, since bubbly people are open about what they enjoy doing. Bubbly people also enjoy learning about other people and what they think, so ask lots of questions during conversations. | Shake hands with everyone you meet. Anytime you meet someone new (or even when you greet someone you have met before), it is a positive and bubbly gesture to shake hands. Make you sure are giving a nice firm and confident handshake. Be sure to make eye contact while you do so! Practice your handshake at home with friends to be sure you use the right amount of pressure and maintain steady eye contact. Repeating the person's name as you shake his or her hand is also a good strategy to seem bubbly. For example, when you meet someone new, say their name back to them once or twice before you introduce yourself, such as by saying, "Hi Brian. I'm Shirley. It's nice to meet you Brian!" Make small talk with people you don't know. Chat up your waiter or barista. Say hello to people on the street! Compliment people on the train. Converse with people in the coffee shop or in your class. Remember that you are an important player in the world. Interact with others as much as possible, and let your bright personality shine. When you feel at a loss for things to say, think of a compliment. Tell someone you like their sweater, then as a follow up, ask them where they bought it. Tell someone they have a nice voice. Have interesting things prepared to talk about. Being bubbly means you can talk to anyone and always have something to talk about. Find ways to talk to the people around you. Whether this means people at school, at work, or just people you run into out in the world, try to have a few interesting pieces of small talk ready to go. Practice a few funny stories from your life. Listen to podcasts (such as This American Life) to hear interesting conversation points. Ask questions! Let the other people do the talking for you. If you find yourself at a party, try to talk to every person there for at least a little bit. Try new things. To cultivate a bubbly and charismatic personality, you must come off as passionate and interesting. One way to accomplish both of these things is to regularly try something new! When you seek out new experiences you stoke your passion for life, and at the same time, you generate lots of interesting things to talk about. Learn a new language. Take a trip. Try a new restaurant. Study a martial art. Make new friends. Your bubbly personality is sure to attract the attention of others. Work on developing a lot of diverse friendships! Whenever you feel a connection with someone, invite them to get lunch or coffee. You may also consider joining some activities in order to meet some new people. Try signing up for a class, a sports team, or a craft circle. Smile! A bright smile is one of the most important aspects of a bubbly personality. Studies have shown that even if you are feeling down, forcing yourself to smile can improve your mood! Practice wearing a smile throughout the day. You will exude bubbliness, attract friends, and improve your mood in the process. Stick to silly humor rather than deadpan or sarcastic humor. The type of humor that you use can also make you seem more bubbly. Try to stick to silly humor, such as knock-knock jokes and puns , rather than using sarcastic, dark, or deadpan humor. Try looking up a few silly jokes to tell to people you encounter throughout the day. Practice being optimistic. It is a misconception that some people are just naturally positive. In reality, optimism takes practice. You can develop a bubbly personality by working to bolster your optimism. Become aware of your “self-talk,” or the thoughts that you have about yourself. Don't say anything about yourself that you wouldn't say about a friend. When you have a negative thought, try to alter it. Instead of thinking, “I've never done this before,” try to tell yourself, “This is an opportunity to learn something new.” Try to be optimistic when you talk with your friends too, such as by pointing out the positive in a situation. For example, if a friend is worried about an upcoming exam, don't join in on worrying about the test with your friend. Instead, you might say something like, "You are a great student! I am confident that you are going to do a great job! But for now, let's enjoy this beautiful day!" Avoid complaining. Negativity leads to more negativity. So even if something is bothering you, try to let it go rather than complaining about it. Complaining only spreads your misery around to others (which is decidedly un-bubbly). Embody a bubbly disposition by breaking the habit of complaint. If you really need to air your complaints, try writing them down. Another option is to speak to a therapist. Develop some form of stress-relief. If you want to exude a bubbly disposition, you can't be hampered down by stress. Find some methods of stress-relief that work for you and practice them regularly. Get a massage. Go for a walk. Diffuse essential oils (like lemon or lavender) in your home or office. Try to relieve your stress before it even becomes a problem. Express your gratitude. When you feel genuine gratitude in your daily life, it becomes much easier to exude bubbliness. Develop and grow your experience of gratitude by keeping a gratitude journal. Get a notebook, and write down five things you are grateful for each day. In time, your gratitude will grow and grow! Replace the word “have” with the word “get. ” The chores and monotony of daily life can easily bring you down. You may find yourself grumbling, “I have to go to work,” or, “I have to go to school,” or even, “I have to pay my rent.” But try swapping out just one little word, “have,” for the more positive verb, “get.” When you say that you “get to go to work,” it reminds you to be grateful that you have a job. When you say that you “get to pay rent,” it reminds you to be grateful both that you have a place to live, and that you can afford to pay for it. Avoid unnecessary drama. There is a Polish proverb that goes, “Not my monkeys, not my circus.” This saying reminds us that we do not need to engage in the drama of others. When you encounter conflicts that do not directly involve you, try not to intervene. Refrain from gossiping! Avoid talking about people behind their backs. If you are constantly surrounded by the drama of others, consider surrounding yourself with new people. Look your best. In order to be bubbly, you need to feel good about yourself. Take some time each day to look your best: groom yourself, wear clothes that make you feel good, and spend a little time on your hair, make-up, or other beauty rituals. When you take a little time to look your best, you will feel better and attract more positive attention from others. Focus on the positive. Write down a list of things that you like about yourself. This can be anything from your eyes, to the way that you are kind to everyone you meet. Aim to include at least ten attributes on your list. Read this list over daily. It is certain to make you feel good about yourself. Once you have identified some of your best qualities, aim to let these qualities shine. For example, if you have beautiful eyes, wear eye makeup that accentuated this. If you are smart and well-versed in philosophy, practice ways to lead with this in conversation. Carry yourself proudly. Make sure that when you walk, you hold your back straight and pull your shoulders back, maintaining good posture. When you talk to people, look them in the eye and smile when appropriate. These are all good ways to improve your self-confidence and give off a bubbly attitude. The shape you make with your body also affects your hormonal response. Simply standing up straight can make you (on a hormonal level) more confident and better at dealing with stress. Use daily affirmations. You can use daily affirmations to and cultivate a bubbly personality. Affirmations are short, positive statements about yourself. You can post these any place that you'll see each day. You will want to state these affirmations out loud. Examples include: I am beautiful, I am worthy, I am confident, or I deserve to be happy. Consider placing these near your bathroom mirror, above your kitchen sink, or any place you will look at them often. Take good care of yourself. Taking good care of yourself includes eating well, drinking water, staying active, and getting enough rest. Taking good care of yourself works to boost your self-esteem (and make you more bubbly) in two ways: first, when you feel cared for, you are more likely to cultivate self-love, and second, when you are in good health, your emotions are more stable. Focus on eating vegetables, fruit, lean meats, and whole grains. Avoid sugar, alcohol, and fast food. Try to sleep 8 hours per night. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, such as kayaking, walking around the block, playing tennis, or dancing to music. | Shake hands with everyone you meet. Make small talk with people you don't know. Have interesting things prepared to talk about. Try new things. Make new friends. Smile! Stick to silly humor rather than deadpan or sarcastic humor. Practice being optimistic. Avoid complaining. Develop some form of stress-relief. Express your gratitude. Replace the word “have” with the word “get. Avoid unnecessary drama. Look your best. Focus on the positive. Carry yourself proudly. Use daily affirmations. Take good care of yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Simple-Hairstyle-for-School-(Long-Hair) | How to Have a Simple Hairstyle for School (Long Hair) | If you want a simple but sleek hairstyle for school, consider making a fishtail braid by splitting your hair into 2 sections and crossing them back and forth until you reach the end and secure it with a ponytail holder. For something even easier, comb your hair to one side and secure it into a ponytail so your hair stays in front of one of your shoulders. You can also split your hair into a top and bottom section, gather the top layer into a ponytail, and leave the bottom as it is. | Brush your hair to the left or right hand side. Either side works just as well. Braid your hair over your shoulder. Keep it loose or tight, either way is great. Use hairspray and bobby pins to keep it secured. You can also try hair spraying the bobby pin(s) if any hairs are still out of place or won't stay pinned, they tend to grip better. This will help ensure your braid won't fall out over the course of the day. Gather two sections the top of your hair to pull back. Choose strands from around your face for a pretty look. Cross the sections at the back of your head. Pin them back with a crossover clip. Position the clip horizontally to clip back the strands of hair. Leave the rest of your hair down. You can curl it, straighten it or just let it stay natural. If you decide to curl or straighten you hair, make sure you use products for heat protection so you won't damage your hair. Divide your hair into two sections. Comb them out so that they're tangle-free. Cross a strand from the right section to the left. Take a strand from the outside edge of the right section and cross it over. For a more intricate fishtail braid, use a very small strand of hair. Cross a strand from the left section to the right. Take a strand from the outside edge of the left section and cross it over, making sure it crosses over the strand from the other side. Continue crossing strands back and forth. As you move down the length of your hair, you'll see the fishtail pattern emerging. Secure the end with a ponytail holder. Cut off the toe end of an old sock. A a long, thin sock will work best. Roll it down so that it resembles a donut shape. Spray your hair with water. This step will help your hair curl up while it dries in the sock bun. Pull your hair up into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Pull your ponytail through the rolled sock. Smooth your hair over the sock. Start at the tip of your ponytail, and tuck the ends underneath as you go. Repeat this step as you slowly roll your hair over the sock. Secure the bun at the base of your ponytail. You can use another hair elastic or bobby pins to secure. Let your hair dry in the bun. You can sleep with it or wear it out in public. Take your hair down. When you take it out of the sock, your hair will be slightly curly. Spray with hairspray to hold the curls. Choose between a messy ponytail or a sleek ponytail. If you desire a neat and sleek ponytail, brush your hair and consider straightening it before proceeding. If you want a messy ponytail, which is just as cute, leave your hair in its natural state. Gather all your hair at the back of your head. Choose either a low, medium, or high height. Comb your hair to prevent bumps. You can use a comb or simply run your fingers through your hair while you're gathering it into a ponytail. If you prefer to have a messy ponytail, you don't need to check for any lumps. Secure with a hair elastic. Make sure the elastic is tightly wound so your ponytail doesn't fall out. Either keep it simple or add cute hair clips. Adding headband can also enhance the look. Try a cool twist. Take a thin strand of your hair from your ponytail. Wrap it around the hair tie and secure with bobby pins. This will cover up the hair tie for an elegant look. Bobby pins that match your hair color are recommended so that they are less noticeable. To spice up your ponytail, you can use a ribbon or bow instead of a proper hair tie. Another option is to cover your elastic with the ribbon. Try a messy bun. Secure your hair in a neat ponytail. Twist the actual hair around the base, where the hair tie is. Secure with another elastic and pull random pieces out. Do a sporty bun. Pull your hair up like you are making a ponytail. However, when you put the elastic in, only wrap it fully twice. The third time, only pull the pony halfway through. Pull out random pieces, if needed. Do a sleek, dressy bun. Take a small bit of hair at the top of your head. Do a bun as described in the second method. Split the rest of your hair in half. Take the right half and wrap it around your head, including the beginning bun. Do the same with the left. To make it look cuter, add flowers, bows, etc. Divide your hair into two layers. There should be a top layer and a bottom layer. Gather the top layer. Pull the top layer back and away from your face as if you were making a ponytail. Secure it with a hair tie. Leave the rest of your hair down. You can curl or straighten the rest of your hair, or just let it stay in its natural state. Finish with some colorful clips or a headband. Part your hair. Do with either a center part or a side part (for an older look). Brush your hair so it's tangle-free. Divide your hair into two sections. Tie one section off for later using a clip or a ponytail holder. Braid the first section and secure with an elastic. Do the same to the section tied off earlier. Divide your hair into two layers. There should be a top layer and a bottom layer. Gather the top layer and leave out two strands. Pull the top layer back and away from your face as if you were making a ponytail, but leave out a strand on either side. Secure it with a hair tie. Twist the two strands. Twist them tightly so they stay twirled, then secure them to the top of your hair tie with hair pins. Cut off the toe end of an old sock. A a long, thin sock will work best. Roll it down so that it resembles a donut shape. Pull your hair up into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Pull your ponytail through the rolled sock. Smooth your hair over the sock. Start at the tip of your ponytail, and tuck the ends underneath as you go. Repeat this step as you slowly roll your hair over the sock. Secure the bun at the base of your ponytail. You can use another hair elastic or bobby pins. Use hairspray to keep it from coming out. Choose between a neat side ponytail or a messy side ponytail. For a neat one, you might want to take time to straighten your hair first. For a messy one, which is just as cute, just let your hair keep its natural texture. Brush all of your hair to one side. It doesn't matter if your side ponytail is located on the left or the right. Gather your hair into a ponytail just below and behind your ear. The end of the ponytail should drape over your shoulder. Secure with a hair elastic or rubber band. Use hairspray or hair pins if needed to secure loose strands. Put your hair in a ponytail. You can keep it in a ponytail or twist it into a bun, as both styles work well in a quiff. Gather your bangs. If you don't have bangs, pull up a bit of the hair near your forehead, taking it out of the ponytail. Backcomb the hair and twist it. Hold hair up straight and comb from the ends down to the roots. This adds the volume you need to do a quiff. Clip the hair back. Keep it twisted so it has volume. Apply either hairspray or a bit of water. Push the hair forward for a quiff. It should look like a stylish bump on the top of your head. Be careful not to overdo it. A quiff should not be too thick or too thin, so ensure it is back combed properly. Brush your hair. Make sure it's tangle-free and easy to handle. Split your hair into three ponytails. Leave some hair out at the top of your head, and divide the hair below into three even ponytails. Secure each one with a ponytail holder. Make sure they're stacked one on top of the other going down the head, not across. Undo the first ponytail and backcomb it. Hold it out straight and run a comb from the tips back to the roots. This will create volume and texture. Keep backcombing until it stands up. Clip it near the top of your head. Use some hairspray to help it retain its volume and stay in place. Comb the loose hair on top over the backcombed section. Smooth it over the backcombed section very lightly with a comb. You want it to cover the backcombed section so that it has a smooth appearance. Undo the ponytails and comb your hair straight in the back. Divide your hair in four sections. They should be stacked on top of one another in a line stretching from the top of your head to the nape of your neck. Tie the first section into a ponytail. Tie the second section into a ponytail, adding the first ponytail. Repeat with the other sections. This is a pretty layered look that's more interesting than a regular ponytail. Brush your hair. Make sure it's tangle-free and easy to handle. Split your hair into three ponytails. Leave some hair out at the top of your head, and divide the hair below into three even ponytails. Secure each one with a ponytail holder. Make sure they're stacked one on top of the other going down the head, not across. Undo the first ponytail and backcomb it. Hold it out straight and run a comb from the tips back to the roots. This will create volume and texture. Keep backcombing until it stands up. Hairspray it. This will help it retain its volume and stay in place. Comb the loose hair on top over the backcombed section. Smooth it over the backcombed section very lightly with a comb. You want it to cover the backcombed section so that it has a smooth appearance. Undo the ponytails and gather your hair back. You can gather it into a ponytail or a bun. Secure it in place with a ponytail, and you're good to go. | Brush your hair to the left or right hand side. Braid your hair over your shoulder. Use hairspray and bobby pins to keep it secured. Gather two sections the top of your hair to pull back. Cross the sections at the back of your head. Leave the rest of your hair down. Divide your hair into two sections. Cross a strand from the right section to the left. Cross a strand from the left section to the right. Continue crossing strands back and forth. Secure the end with a ponytail holder. Cut off the toe end of an old sock. Spray your hair with water. Pull your hair up into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Smooth your hair over the sock. Secure the bun at the base of your ponytail. Let your hair dry in the bun. Take your hair down. Choose between a messy ponytail or a sleek ponytail. Gather all your hair at the back of your head. Comb your hair to prevent bumps. Secure with a hair elastic. Try a cool twist. Try a messy bun. Do a sporty bun. Do a sleek, dressy bun. Divide your hair into two layers. Gather the top layer. Leave the rest of your hair down. Finish with some colorful clips or a headband. Part your hair. Divide your hair into two sections. Braid the first section and secure with an elastic. Divide your hair into two layers. Gather the top layer and leave out two strands. Twist the two strands. Cut off the toe end of an old sock. Pull your hair up into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Smooth your hair over the sock. Secure the bun at the base of your ponytail. Use hairspray to keep it from coming out. Choose between a neat side ponytail or a messy side ponytail. Brush all of your hair to one side. Gather your hair into a ponytail just below and behind your ear. Secure with a hair elastic or rubber band. Use hairspray or hair pins if needed to secure loose strands. Put your hair in a ponytail. Gather your bangs. Backcomb the hair and twist it. Clip the hair back. Push the hair forward for a quiff. Brush your hair. Split your hair into three ponytails. Undo the first ponytail and backcomb it. Clip it near the top of your head. Comb the loose hair on top over the backcombed section. Undo the ponytails and comb your hair straight in the back. Divide your hair in four sections. Tie the first section into a ponytail. Tie the second section into a ponytail, adding the first ponytail. Repeat with the other sections. Brush your hair. Split your hair into three ponytails. Undo the first ponytail and backcomb it. Hairspray it. Comb the loose hair on top over the backcombed section. Undo the ponytails and gather your hair back. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-an-Angle-Using-a-Protractor | How to Measure an Angle Using a Protractor | To measure an angle using a protractor, place the center of your protractor at the vertex of the angle, which is where the two lines come to a point. Then, line up one line with the protractor's baseline, which is the solid line on the bottom with a “0” at either end. Once your protractor is positioned correctly, see what number the other line of the angle crosses. If your angle opens to the left, you should note the number on the outer arc of the protractor. Otherwise, if your angle opens to the right, use the number in the inner arc. Sometimes the line of the angle may not line up perfectly with a number, and if that's the case, just count the hash marks on the outside edge to figure out the degrees. | Determine what type of angle you're measuring. A right angle is exactly 90 degrees. If an angle is less than 90 degrees, it's an acute angle. Obtuse angles, on the other hand, are more than 90 degrees but fewer than 180. In some diagrams, you may see more than one angle. The arc around the vertex shows you which angle you're supposed to find the value of. Labeling an angle acute or obtuse helps you reading the protractor. For example, if you know you have an obtuse angle, then you know it is going to be more than 90 degrees. If you get a smaller number from your protractor, you're likely looking at the wrong scale. Place the center of your protractor on the vertex of the angle. At the bottom of your protractor, you'll see a little hole in the center. Typically this hole has vertical and horizontal lines crossing it, so you can line up the protractor exactly. To make sure you're right on the vertex, it can help to make a little dot inside the center of your protractor. Then remove your protractor and confirm the dot is on the exact tip of the vertex. Line up one line with the protractor's baseline. The baseline of your protractor is the solid line on the bottom with a "0" at either end. Once you have the protractor on the vertex of the angle, adjust either the protractor itself or your paper until one line is following the baseline. If one line is more horizontal, it will typically be the easiest one to line up along the baseline. However, you'll get the same result no matter which line you use. Find the degrees in the angle using the correct scale. Along the outside of the protractor are 2 arcs of numbers. Use the outer arc if the angle you're measuring opens to the left. Use the inner arc if the angle you're measuring opens to the right. The number that the other line of the angle crosses is the number of degrees in that angle. Protractors usually provide numbers in 10s. If the angle you're measuring doesn't line up perfectly with a number, count the hash marks on the outside edge of the protractor to determine the degrees in that angle. Draw a straight line from the vertex of the angle. Line up the straight edge of your protractor under the horizontal line of the angle. Extend the line straight out from the vertex across the other side. If you look below the straight line, you'll see another angle. This smaller acute angle is formed by the straight line you drew and the diagonal line of the original reflex angle. Place your protractor on the straight line to measure the acute angle. Line up the horizontal line on the baseline of your protractor, placing the center of your protractor over the vertex. Look where the diagonal line crosses the protractor to determine the number of degrees in the acute angle. You may find it easier to measure if you turn your paper so that the acute angle is facing straight up. Add the measurement of the acute angle and 180. A reflex angle is more than 180 degrees, but less than 360. The acute angle you just measured plus 180 degrees will give you the degrees in the reflex angle. For example, if the reflex angle produces an acute angle of 18 degrees, that would mean the reflex angle is 198 degrees. | Determine what type of angle you're measuring. Place the center of your protractor on the vertex of the angle. Line up one line with the protractor's baseline. Find the degrees in the angle using the correct scale. Draw a straight line from the vertex of the angle. Place your protractor on the straight line to measure the acute angle. Add the measurement of the acute angle and 180. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Live-without-Electricity | How to Live without Electricity | Living without electricity can be tricky, but if you invest in alternative power sources, it's definitely possible. Choose renewable energy sources for your home so you don't have to rely on power companies. Install solar panels or a generator for electricity, and use kerosene lamps and candles for lighting. It's also good to have a battery-powered flashlight for when you have to get up in the night. Heat your home with a fireplace or wood-burning stove. To help cut down on the number of fires you need to build, install an extra layer of insulation in your walls to keep the heat in. For cooking, you can either install a wood stove or use a small camping stove. | Invest in alternative energy. If you are planning on living without electricity, then you are going to have to find other ways to power your home without the help of electricity companies. Renewable energy sources are an excellent way to do this. Install solar panels to harness the power of the sun, build wind turbines, or power your home through a hydropower system. You may also consider installing a generator so you can power your own electric items. Make a bicycle generator. Bike generators are both a great way to get exercise and a great way to charge your electronics. You can order the plans for bike generators online, or you can order pre made bike generators. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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 should also consider using alternative fuels like biodiesel , biomass, and Ethanol. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-1Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-1Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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>"} Plan out your lighting system. There are several viable options for how to best light your house. One of the best is the kerosene lantern. You could also use kerosene wick lamps, candles, and battery-charged camping lanterns. It's also important to have flashlights on hand for when you need to get up in the middle of the night but don't have any lights to turn on. If you decide to get a bicycle generator, you will be able to light your the lamps in your house. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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>"} Winterize your house. This means adding extra insulation to your house's walls, particularly in the attic and around doorways. Heat escapes under doorways, around windows and through the upper regions of the house. Create an insulation system that will let as little heat escape as possible. Buy door sweeps to block up the undersides of doors. You should also consider using a window insulator kit to block air leaking through your windows. You can either purchase a ready made window insulation kit, or make your own. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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>"} Consider central heating. If you do not have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, you should seriously consider building one, especially if you live in a cold climate. To heat other rooms in the house, you can consider building vents onto your fireplace that lead to the other rooms. Figure out how you’re going to cook. One of the best ways to cook without using any electricity is to install a wood stove. When it gets too hot to cook over the wood stove, use propane or butane camping stoves (which act exactly like any other gas stove.) If you have a gas stove, you can still use it without using electricity. You will just have to light the burners with matches or a lighter. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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>"} Plant a garden. Rather than purchasing fruits and vegetables from a store, why not grow your own? With just a few seeds, you can turn your yard into a cornucopia of produce. Growing your crops on your own land will also mean that you have control over what sort of contaminants your food is exposed to. Plant crops that will produce fruits and vegetables at different times of the year, that way you have delicious food to eat all year round. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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>"} If you are really serious about growing a lot of crops, you will need to learn about crop rotation. To read more about farming crops in large quantities and crop rotation, click here. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-6Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-6Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-6Bullet2.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-6Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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>"} Plant an herb garden so that you can have fresh and delicious herbs. Dry some of the herbs so that you can use them year round. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-6Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-6Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-6Bullet3.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-6Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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>"} Raise livestock. If you have the space to do so, you should consider raising livestock. Cows , goats , and sheep are all excellent dairy sources, chickens provide eggs and meat, and pigs can help you compost as well as provide you with food. You can sell, trade, or keep what your livestock produces. Build a chicken coop to house your chickens. Your chicken coop should have room for your chickens to wander around in, as well as some cubby holes where they can lay their eggs. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-7Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-7Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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>"} Learn how to preserve food. A large part of living without electricity is being able to preserve food, even when you don't have a refrigerator to store it in. Nearly everything can be canned --from fruits and vegetables, to meat and eggs, canning is an excellent way to preserve your fresh produce. If you plan on doing a lot of canning, you should consider purchasing a pressure canner. Pressure canners make the canning process a lot more efficient. Pickle other foods that you want to preserve. Pickled food can be great during the winter when fresh food is less available. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-8Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-8Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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>"} Dry fruits, vegetables and meat. Drying food is also an excellent way to store food without using electricity. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-8Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-8Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-8Bullet2.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-8Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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>"} Create a compost pile. Compost is incredibly handy, particularly when you do not want to pay for city trash services. Not only will a compost pile help you achieve nutrient rich fertilizer, it is also relatively easy to build. Make your own fertilizer. It is particularly easy to do this if you raise livestock. Your garden will be particularly grateful to you if you feed it with your own homemade organic fertilizer. Focus on a product that you can create to sell or trade. Consider your skills--are you good at sewing , cooking, carving, building, etc.? Determine what supplies you might need to make things in bulk. Also consider what products you can make from what you already have. Are you raising sheep? Then learn how to knit or make cheese out of your sheep's milk. Hand wash your clothes. While this may seem like a daunting task, it becomes easy with practice. Scrub your clothes against a washboard, rinse them, and then hang them out to dry. The secret to soft clothing is to rinse your clothes with one or two cups of vinegar before hanging them to dry. The vinegar will keep your clothes from getting too stiff while they air dry. Make an emergency kit. Aside from water and non perishable foods, there are some other basic items that every household should have in their emergency kit. These items include: a flashlight, extra batteries, a multipurpose tool (such as a Swiss Army knife), a manual can opener, seven days worth of your medications, sanitation items, extra cash, a portable radio, and an emergency blanket. You should also make copies of your personal documents. These include important medical information, passport, proof of address, and your birth certificate. You should also have a map of the area and a list of emergency contacts. Put together a first aid kit. In a power outage, you never know what might happen (or who might need doctoring.) Because of this, it is strongly recommended that you keep a first aid kit in your house. You can buy first aid kits that are fully stocked, or put your own kit together. For a full list of all of the items you should put in your first aid kit, click here. Store water somewhere in your house. The Red Cross suggests stockpiling at least a gallon of water per person per day. If possible, get enough water to last you a week at a minimum (so, if you are a family of three, that would mean purchasing 21 gallons of water.) If you are unable to purchase or store this much water and are afraid your drinking water would be compromised in an emergency, you can also purify water during the emergency. Learn how to purify water here. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-15Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-15Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-15Bullet1.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-15Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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 non-perishable food. These food items should be easy to make or, even better, take no preparation at all. If you do not have access to a heat source, such as a grill or camp stove (which are covered in Part Two) then you should mostly stockpile non-perishables that do not need to be cooked. Non-perishables that need to be cooked: Canned soup, macaroni and cheese, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-16Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-16Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-16Bullet1.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-16Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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>"} Non-perishables that don't need cooking: Canned nuts, canned vegetables and fruits, peanut butter, granola bars, crackers and chips, canned meats, pre packaged pudding, and unopened bottles of juice. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-16Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-16Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Live-Without-Electricity-Step-16Bullet2.jpg\/aid1034639-v4-728px-Live-Without-Electricity-Step-16Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","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>"} Keep track of your family members. If the power goes out or you find yourself in an emergency situation, use your phone to call your family members before your phone dies (since you won't be able to charge it after the battery runs out.) Keep some entertainment on hand. Because you won't be able to use your TV, computer or any other electronic item, you will need to find some entertainment for yourself. However, its good to keep in mind that you shouldn't waste your flashlight's batteries by shining it on a book at night. If you have lanterns or candles, set one up at a table so that everyone can gather around it to read, play games, or talk. Invest in some alternative light sources. These include multiple flashlights, camping lanterns, and candles. Store your flashlights where you can find them quickly in the dark. Candles are great because they last a long time without wasting battery life. Lanterns are especially useful when trying to go about daily life in the dark. Illuminate your kitchen with a lantern while you cook. Determine what you will do for heat. If you have a fireplace, it would be a good idea to stockpile wood. Close off rooms that are not being used because what little heat you do have will spread out throughout the house. You could also consider investing in a kerosene heater. While these heaters will warm the house, they must be placed near a vent or else they could lead to carbon monoxide build up. Use your car to charge necessary electronics. If you can get outside to your car, you may want to charge your more absolutely necessary electronics (such as cell phones for contacting family members and rechargeable flashlights.) You can charge your electronics through your cigarette lighter in your car (which is connected to the cars battery.) Keep perishables in your fridge cold. The best way to do this is by purchasing a block of dry ice, wrapping it in newspaper, and placing it in your refrigerator. Find out where you can purchase dry ice today, so you know where to go in case of an emergency. Open your fridge and freezer only when absolutely necessary. You can also cover your fridge and freezer with thick blankets to keep the temperature inside down. Make sure the blankets do not cover your fridge or freezer vents. Cook perishable foods first. Before you dive into the non perishable foods you have stocked up on, consider cooking the perishable food you have left in your refrigerator. Only do this on the first day of the blackout, as most refrigerated food should not be eaten after it has been sitting in temperatures above 40ºF (4.4ºC) for longer than two hours. Exceptions to this rule are hard cheeses, processed cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, butter/margarine, and bread. Cook on your gas stove. If you are lucky enough to have a gas stove during a power outage, then you should be fine when it comes to cooking your food. You will have to light the ranges by hand, but other than that, you should be good to go. If, however, you have an electric stove, alternative cooking methods are listed below. Never use your gas stove or oven to heat your house. These appliances are not meant to do that and will cause a dangerous increase in the amount of carbon monoxide in your house. Break out the propane and butane camp stoves, or use your grill. If you have a camping stove and can't cook on your electric range, then its time you blew the dust off that propane or butane can. These camping stoves essentially work the same as a regular gas stove. Grills and barbecues will also work in a power outage. Just make sure you don't use them inside, or else they could cause carbon monoxide build up, which can be very dangerous. Be ready to make a fire if you have to. If you have a fireplace, use it. If you don't, you may need to make a campfire in your backyard. If you are living in an area that is prone to blackouts and you don't have a fireplace, you might want to consider delegating a corner of your backyard for a campfire area. Go out to eat if you can. If you can leave your house, you may consider going out to eat. Chances are, you will most likely get a little stir crazy if you have to stay in the house so go out to eat during the day. | Invest in alternative energy. Plan out your lighting system. Winterize your house. Consider central heating. Figure out how you’re going to cook. Plant a garden. Raise livestock. Learn how to preserve food. Create a compost pile. Make your own fertilizer. Focus on a product that you can create to sell or trade. Hand wash your clothes. Store water somewhere in your house. Store non-perishable food. Keep track of your family members. Keep some entertainment on hand. Invest in some alternative light sources. Determine what you will do for heat. Use your car to charge necessary electronics. Keep perishables in your fridge cold. Cook perishable foods first. Cook on your gas stove. Break out the propane and butane camp stoves, or use your grill. Be ready to make a fire if you have to. Go out to eat if you can. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-the-Sheath-of-a-Horse | How to Clean the Sheath of a Horse | To clean your horse's sheath, start by putting on latex gloves and ensuring someone is either holding the horse's reigns or it is tied in place. Next, put your free hand on the horse's back so you have a good sense of its movements. To reduce the chance of being kicked by your horse, stand close to its front legs. Start cleaning with a soft sponge and hose on its belly before moving towards its penis so the horse isn't surprised. Finally, lubricate the sheath with jelly, wash it with a sponge to remove grime, and push back the sheath before cleaning smegma from the penis. | Understand the pros. In general, arguments in favor of washing a horse's sheath focus on hygiene and reducing the chances of infection. Bacteria tend to colonize around the smegma. The exact nature of the secretion and the likelihood of infection vary from horse to horse. No matter what, an excessive build-up can lead to irritation and inflammation in any horse. In turn, the sheath can swell up, which can restrict the horse's ability to procreate or even urinate. Some owners report that excessive smegma actually attracts flies, which carry disease. Understand the cons. Many experts argue that a horse's sheath “self-cleans”, so washing it by hand might actually be harmful. It could disrupt your horse's normal physiological system or you might end up damaging its sheath in the process. Others argue that it is not necessary to wash a gelding because they have been castrated, thus reducing the horse's natural production of smegma. Consult your veterinarian. In the end, regardless of which side of the debate you support, you should discuss this issue with your vet. When it comes down to deciding whether or not to clean your horse's sheath, you'll need to consider your situation — your specific horse. Some horses are more susceptible to smegma or bean build-up. This can be the result of glandular or hormonal issues. Some beans will naturally shake loose and others won't. If left alone, these can be considerably dangerous and may even require surgery to remove. Cut your nails. Cut them as short as possible and/or file down any sharp edges. Since a horse's sheath is incredibly sensitive, you'll want to eliminate the possibility of scratching the horse. Keep in mind that the horse's instinctual response to discomfort in its nether regions will be to kick and buck, which can lead to serious injury — for you and/or the horse. Put on thin latex gloves. Do not use thick rubber washing gloves. This might offend your sense of propriety, but it is more important that you retain your tactile senses. You'll need to be able to feel for any built-up smegma secretions or beans. Ask someone to help restrain your horse. They can hold the reins, which will keep the horse facing a specific direction. They can also brush the horse to calm them while you do the dirty business. If you are alone tie the horse safely and securely. Place your free hand gently on the horse's back. This helps you feel for your horse's movements so you can move out of the way quickly in case he moves to kick. Many horse owners and vets also claim that a trusting horse will be comforted by your hand too. Stand towards the front of the horse. It is safest to stand with your hip and shoulder near the horse's front legs. Since horses kick with their back legs, you want to stay as far away from them as possible. Perform the cleaning in an open area. Since you need a hose and want to avoid being trampled, you'll want to clean your horse's sheath in an open area - perhaps in your barn. Don't stuff yourself and your horse in a small stable stall. You won't have anywhere to turn. Use a soft sponge and hose to gently wet the sheath and penis. Start from the belly and work towards its penis so that the horse isn't surprised. Use room temperature water, if possible. Hot water and cold water can be uncomfortable for your horse. Your goal here is to sluice off dirt and other contaminants from the outside of the sheath. Discard the used sponge after completion Use lubricant. Lubricate your hand and the sheath with either KY Jelly or a commercial sheath cleaner. In order to remove the smegma or “beans”, you'll need to lubricate the region. This will also make the process less stressful/painful for the horse. Wipe away grime from the sheath. Take a soft sponge or a pad of cotton wool and wipe gently along the outer edge of the horse's sheath. Remove all smegma, dirt, and any other foreign materials that may have built up. Use room temperature water to rinse, while wiping. Do not wipe too aggressively. Work the sponge or pad of cotton wool in small circles as you move along the sheath. Gently push back the sheath with one hand. Push it as far as your can before inserting your hand. At most, your horse's sheath will slide 1 or 2 inches back. This will reduce the pocket that forms around the penis and will making cleaning easier. Not all horses will allow you do to it. If you do this frequently enough, your horse will become used to the sensation and won't resist. Remove smegma from around the penis with your other hand. It will probably be a rusty color. This is normal. The smegma (dried excretions) will usually flake and peel away in your hand. Bring out as much as possible and use a lot of lukewarm water to rinse. Check for beans (lumps of smegma) in the urethra. Insert your little finger into the urethra and feel for a hard lump. If it is there, slowly roll it out of the tip of the horse's penis. Some call this harvesting beans. You will feel it before you get to your first knuckle. Beans rarely form deeper than this and if they do, they require surgery to remove. Check for abnormalities. Check for thick skin, grayish skin color in normally pink areas, and lesions. If you see any of these, you should consult your veterinarian. These can be the result of improper genital care, but may also be symptomatic of other dietary, bacterial, and viral issues. Use a sponge or hose to gently rinse the sheath and penis. If you used soap, make sure it is all washed off. Left-over soap residue can cause problems of its own like skin irritation. Clean up. You've just completed a gross job. Use a strong anti-bacterial soap and wash your hands and forearms several times. | Understand the pros. Understand the cons. Consult your veterinarian. Cut your nails. Put on thin latex gloves. Ask someone to help restrain your horse. Place your free hand gently on the horse's back. Stand towards the front of the horse. Perform the cleaning in an open area. Use a soft sponge and hose to gently wet the sheath and penis. Use lubricant. Wipe away grime from the sheath. Gently push back the sheath with one hand. Remove smegma from around the penis with your other hand. Check for beans (lumps of smegma) in the urethra. Check for abnormalities. Use a sponge or hose to gently rinse the sheath and penis. Clean up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Attract-a-Cancer-Woman | How to Attract a Cancer Woman | To attract a Cancer woman, try taking her on activity-based dates, like going to the movies or a concert, since Cancer women tend to prefer dates where they're not the sole focus of attention. Also, be vulnerable around her by opening up about your feelings, which Cancer women look for in a partner. Remember to be patient if she seems closed off at first. Cancer women can be shy, but that doesn't mean she's not attracted to you! | Make the first move. Take the initiative and introduce yourself to a Cancer woman. Try not to be overly aggressive by using intimate pickup lines or invading her space. Cancer women are naturally shy and are apt to be more open to a laid-back approach. Try to notice what she's doing, and use that information to say hello. For example, if you see her select a candy bar a the grocery store, you could say, “Is that one good? I've been meaning to try it. I'm Mark, by the way.” If she's not doing anything in particular, just start simple. Say, “Hi.” If she says hi back, ask her how her day is going. Choose activity-based dates. Take your Cancer woman to a movie, concert, or another date activity where she is not the sole focus of attention. Having something for both of you to focus on will keep her most comfortable. If conversation lags, comment on the activity at hand. Avoid intense one-on-one dinner dates early on, which may feel like an interrogation to a shy Cancer. Show vulnerability. Reveal a little bit about yourself when she asks you questions rather than giving short answers. If there's a suitable opportunity to talk about something that was a challenge for you, go for it. Your Cancer woman will appreciate your ability to open up. For example, if she asks how you got into teaching, rather than simply saying, “I like it.” You could say, “I really want to make a difference for kids. My dad wasn't always around growing up, and I had a teacher who made a really strong impression on me during that time.” Be patient if she takes a while to open up. Try not to be put off if a Cancer woman dodges your questions. Table the topic for now, and circle back to it when you know each other a bit better. Cancers are protective and naturally shy, especially about their families and close friends. For example, if she says avoids a personal question, say, “No problem. I want to make you feel comfortable.” Do what you say you are going to do. Prove you are trustworthy by following through on your actions and words. Cancer women crave a reliable, stable partner. By showing her you can be that person, she'll be more attracted to you. For example, if you say you're going to pick her up from work, leave enough time in your schedule to make sure you can do it. If you offer to water her plants while she's on vacation, do a good job and follow all of her directions. Don’t date around. Focus your romantic attentions on only the Cancer woman if you'd like to build a relationship. Fidelity and trustworthiness are very important to her. If you're dating multiple people, you should be really clear about that to make sure you're both on the same page. For example, you might say, “I'm really interested in taking our relationship to the next level. I'm not dating anyone else right now because I don't want to show disrespect to what we're building.” She's likely to respond favorably. Invite her family along for activities. Plan a picnic or another casual, daytime activity that would enable you to get to know her family. Let her know that you want to invite them because you know how important they are to her. For example, you could say, “I love how close you are with your mom. Does she want to come hiking with us on Sunday?” Do a double date with a couple of her friends. Grab dinner and a movie or play putt-putt golf with her friend and their significant other. If you don't know them well enough to arrange it, show interest by suggesting it to her. For example, you could say, “There's a great new pizza place by my office. Do Suzy and John want to join us for a pie on Saturday night?” It's best to invite a longstanding couple and your Cancer woman on a double-date. That way, she won't feel guarded meeting a friend's significant other for the first time. Show understanding when she prioritizes her friends and family. Tell her you know how much she loves her friends and family when she has to change plans to accommodate their needs. Show concern for the wellbeing of people who are important to her by asking about them after the fact. For example, if she bails on a date to take her brother to the doctor, you could say, “No problem at all. Pizza can happen anytime. Is he okay? What can I do for you both? Ask about her family history. Flip through family photo albums with her and ask about her heritage. This is a great time to ask her questions about beloved family members or simply let her tell stories from when she was a kid. You could say, “Is that a picture of you and your Grandma Betty? It sounds like she was an amazing woman. What's your favorite memory together?” Introduce her to your friends and family. Show her you're willing to bring her into your life by letting her spend time with your family and friends. Arrange a fun activity that will let her shine. For example, if your Cancer woman is a great artist, you could all do a sip-and-paint night at a local art studio with your sister. Avoid criticizing those who are important to her. Hold back critiques or feedback about friends and family of hers you don't know well. If you do criticize someone important to her, do so only to show her you are on her side and want to support her. Try to show empathy whenever possible. For example, if she and a friend get in a bad fight, you could say, “I know how much you guys care about each other. It concerns me that she got so personal with her attacks on you. Are you okay? Can I do anything to help?” Cook her a meal. Dust off a favorite family recipe of yours and make her a thoughtful meal at her place. Many Cancer women love a quiet night at home where they feel most comfortable. If you invite her friends or family, it will help illustrate how much you value those important to her, too. If you don't have a family recipe to share, pick a cookbook recipe that reflects some of her interests. It doesn't have to be a complex roast. If she loves Mexican food, she will love the effort you put into some fresh guacamole. Don't forget to do the dishes! Host a movie night. Create a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting, lots of pillows, and some fresh-popped popcorn for a laid-back evening at home together. Tell her she's welcome to wear sweats or pajamas, so she knows you are concerned with her comfort. Have a couple of films lined up, and let her choose the direction of the evening. Clean up after yourself. Take care of her home by cleaning up after yourself when you cook or come over. Keep your own place tidy, too, so she can see that you treat your home with respect. Fix things around the house. If you're handy, care for her home by making it function better. Repair a leaky faucet or humming refrigerator without her having to ask. Taking good care of her place lets her know that you understand what a sanctuary her home is to her. If you're not particularly handy, unload her dishwasher or perform another simple chore to help out. Take care of her pet. Show love to her furry friends with walks, ear scratches, and treats when appropriate. By showing her you value her companion, she can begin seeing you as a seamless part of her life. If she's not an animal person, offer to housesit for her or pick up her mail when she's out of town. It'll make her return home that much sweeter. | Make the first move. Choose activity-based dates. Show vulnerability. Be patient if she takes a while to open up. Do what you say you are going to do. Don’t date around. Invite her family along for activities. Do a double date with a couple of her friends. Show understanding when she prioritizes her friends and family. Ask about her family history. Introduce her to your friends and family. Avoid criticizing those who are important to her. Cook her a meal. Host a movie night. Clean up after yourself. Fix things around the house. Take care of her pet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Bushy-Eyebrows | How to Fix Bushy Eyebrows | There are several simple tricks you can use to keep your bushy eyebrows looking neat and tidy. Try running some water over an old toothbrush, shake it out until it's just damp, and comb your eyebrows into shape. If your eyebrows are really wild, try putting a tiny amount of hairspray on the toothbrush too to help keep the hairs tamed. You can also apply a bit of conditioner to your brows while you're in the shower to help them look smoother and shinier and to make them easier to control. For a quick fix, grab a magnifying mirror to help you see the little annoying hairs that run along the edges of your brow and pluck them out. Just make sure to not overpluck since eyebrows don't always grow back. | Decide what shape your eyebrows should be to complement your face. Take a pencil and rest it vertically on one side of your nose. Where the pencil rests between your eyebrows is where the eyebrow on that side should reach. If your eyebrow is shorter than where the pencil falls, you can lightly fill it in with a brow pencil or powder. Next, tilt the pencil on your nose toward the eye that is on that side while keeping the base of your pencil on the nostril. Once your pencil crosses over your pupil, stop and look where the pencil reaches. The arch of your eyebrow should be where the pencil stopped over your pupil. Lastly, keeping the bottom of the pencil on your nostril, continue to tilt your pencil to touch the outside corner of the eye on that side. Where your pencil lands should be end of your eyebrow. Like the beginning of your eyebrow, you can always fill in the ends if they do not reach the pencil. If they go past the pencil, pluck the ends to wear they feel comfortable. Pluck any stray hairs not included in your ideal brow. Use a pair of tweezers and a magnification mirror, and carefully remove any hairs found outside the line of your drawn brow. Match the curve of the bottom of the brow to the top. The end of the brow should be around the end of your eye socket. Do not thin out the head of the brows. It should be the thickest part. Also, do not remove hair from the top of the brow unless you have any especially insane hairs. Use the natural shape of the top of the brow to shape your arch. Start at the bottom of the eyebrow. Go slowly, taking breaks to see how thin they are becoming. Make sure you don't over-do it. After cleaning up the bottom row of hairs, look at the top of your eyebrows. Many salons suggest not plucking the top of your eyebrows, but this can be helpful to those who have a 'jagged' look to their eyebrows. Plucking the stray hairs from the top will help your eyebrows look neater. Trim your eyebrows carefully. If you are doing this at home, use an eyebrow brush to sweep your eyebrow hairs upward. While holding the hair up, begin to lightly trim the hairs that stick up above your eyebrow with a pair of sheers. Be very careful to avoid trimming them too short. Repeat this process while brushing the hairs downward and trimming. While this is possible at home, it is advised to go to a professional for this to avoid accidentally cutting hair too short and creating a "hole" in your eyebrow. Make your brows slightly different. Your eyebrows should not be identical. Use the differences of their natural shapes and the placement of your nose and eyes to guide your plucking. Unlike with most makeup looks, finish one brow before working on the other. At the end, you can compare them both and make sure they look compatible. Use a toothbrush as a comb. Run some water over an old toothbrush, then shake most of the water off. Dry out the bristles even more by placing your finger at the top of the bristles and sliding down while pressing firmly. You want it barely damp. Then take the (prepped) toothbrush and comb your eyebrow into shape. Use only the top end of the bristles to fine-tune the arch and the corner of your eyebrow. You don't have to do it all again for the second brow, simply comb it as well. If your eyebrows are really wild, put a very tiny amount of hairspray on it as well. Do a quick pluck. Use an eyebrow pencil to draw the shape that you want. Then, use tweezers to pluck the hairs that seem out of place, then quickly comb your brows with dry toothbrush. Fill in gaps with an eyebrow pencil and then smoothing it in to blend with the rest of your brow. Be sure to make sure that those really long hairs on the edge aren't based in the middle. If they are, you can snip them, but be careful that you keep things even. Get a close-up magnification mirror to help with this process. This really helps locate some of those little annoying hairs. Wax your eyebrows. Use home wax strips, not cold or hot wax to avoid potential eye hazards. If you decide to wax completely, look up videos on how to draw eyebrows so you do it right, and try several methods over the weekend. Be sure to make them look natural, and get a pencil colour that matches your hair tones. Take it easy on the waxing. It's easy to over-do it, and leave yourself looking witchy. Consider going to a professional waxing salon. Most nail salons offer this service, and it is generally not expensive. However, you may want to ask your friends for recommendations on your local salons, as a bad wax can be very painful. After the wax, the esthetician will probably apply some creams and tweeze any stray hairs. This is a great option if you're looking for shape to your eyebrows but do not know how to get your desired look. Apply conditioner in the shower. It might sound odd, but if you apply a little conditioner to your eyebrows, it will help them look smoother, shinier and they will be easier to tame after you get out of the shower. | Decide what shape your eyebrows should be to complement your face. Pluck any stray hairs not included in your ideal brow. Start at the bottom of the eyebrow. Trim your eyebrows carefully. Make your brows slightly different. Use a toothbrush as a comb. Do a quick pluck. Wax your eyebrows. Consider going to a professional waxing salon. Apply conditioner in the shower. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Your-Dog%27s-Ears | How to Clean Your Dog's Ears | To clean your dog's ears, make a mixture of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 rubbing alcohol and let it come to room temperature. Then, dip a cotton ball into the liquid and squeeze out any excess fluid so the ball is just damp. Next, lift your dog's ears and rub the inside of the flap with the cotton ball. Do not use this mixture to clean the dog's ear canal unless it is recommended by a veterinarian. Repeat this process once a week, if possible. | Inspect the general condition of your dog's ears. Have your dog sit or stand near you so you can see easily in its ears. If all you see is dirt or normal earwax you can begin cleaning your dog's ears. Look for any drainage of fluid from the ear (clear or gray/brown), thick waxy material, or any scratches, scabs or wounds. If you see any of these signs DO NOT clean the ear and contact your dog's veterinarian for advice. You will not be able to see deep into the ear canal, as at the base of the ear, where it meets the head, it takes a sharp turn. Therefore, it is not advised to do a deep cleaning into the ears without instructions from your veterinarian. NEVER use a Q tip in the canal itself as you can compact material into this sharp turn or even rupture the eardrum. Look for parasites and foreign bodies in the ear. Dogs can harbor any number of unwanted entities in their ears. Dogs that frequently run through grasses or wooded areas can get foreign bodies such as plant awns, grass, or seeds in their ears. If you notice any of these problems, you can first try to (very gently) remove the offending object or try to clean the ears to remove these things. If this doesn't work, you will need to take your dog to your veterinary professional. Mites, ticks and fleas all enjoy the relatively hidden spots in and around the ears. Mites make the ears intensely itchy and can make the ear produce a thick, brown discharge. You will need to have a veterinarian diagnose and treat ear mites. Ticks and fleas can be killed (and prevented) by the various topical flea and tick prevented easily purchased from your veterinarian. Inspect the ears for any signs of a yeast infection. A yeast infection makes the ears smell funky, itchy and produce a brownish discharge. These fungal infections need special medicine to clear the infection; cleaning alone will not cure a yeast infection, in fact it might make the condition worsen. Take your dog to its veterinarian if you see any of these symptoms. Look for the signs of a bacterial infection in the outer part of the ear. Bacterial ear infections can range from a mild infection easily cleared with medication to serious infections causing the dog to feel very unwell. A veterinarian needs to be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial ear infections due to the potential for serious complications. Keep an eye out for anything that might be a tumor, but remember that these are rare. Occasionally, odd lumps or bumps are found in and around the ears. Most times these lumps and bumps are nothing but skin cysts or reactions to trauma or bug bites. Carefully watch these at home. If they don't go away within a week, grow larger, or bother your dog, consult a veterinarian. Purchase a commercial dog ear cleaner or make you own with common household products. Either cleaner can be used on the outer portion of the inside of the ear flap. The procedure for cleaning the ear is the same with a commercial ear cleaner as it is with the homemade version. Mix a few tablespoons of vinegar and the same amount of rubbing alcohol together in a clean bowl. Make sure it is at room temperature prior to using, as no one, dogs included, likes cold fluid on their ears. This mixture is safe to use on the visible inner part of your dog's ears. DO NOT use this mix if you suspect your dog has an ear infection and do not pour into the ear canal itself. There are many good all-purpose dog ear cleaners on the market. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what you can purchase locally. You can also ask for recommendations at your local pet supply store. Dip a cotton ball into the liquid. Squeeze out the excess so the cotton is wet but not dripping. If you have a very small dog, you may want to use half of a cotton ball. Alternatively, you can wrap a piece of gauze loosely around your pointer finger and dip it in the liquid. The gauze shouldn't be sopping wet. If you accidentally put too much cleaner on it, wring it out a bit and continue. This is a gentler alternative to a Q-Tip, which can make your dog a bit uncomfortable. Just hold the gauze in place with your thumb and index finger. Gently swab the inside of your dog's ear flap. Remove all dirt and debris you can see. If your dog has very dirty ears, the process may take quite a few cotton balls. As long as you're gentle and stay towards the front of the hearing canal, your dog should tolerate this procedure very well. Clean gently though, as the skin can be easily broken. Vinegar and alcohol can sting broken skin. Make sure to gently clean out the crevices as dirt and wax can build up in these areas. Clean the inside of both ears. Irrigate your dog's ears fully only if it's recommended to do so by a veterinarian. If your veterinarian advises, usually because the ears are packed full of dirt and wax, you can use the ear cleaner to irrigate (or drench the ears). This should remove much of the sticky thick material from the ear canal. To do so, position the tip of the ear cleaner bottle right at the opening to the ear canal inside the ear flap. Squeeze the bottle to drench the ear canal with fluid. Gently rub the base of the ear (thumb on one side, fingers on others) and massage the ear (very gently!) in this manner for 60 seconds. Use gauze or cotton to clean out the gunk that comes out of the ear. Most likely you will use a lot if the ears are full of debris. Let your dog clear out its ears after cleaning. It is natural for your dog to want to shake his or her head after cleaning. Let it do so, but turn your face so you don't get fluid or debris in your eyes. This will help to clean any excess cleaning fluid out of the ear canal. After your dog has shaken out any excess liquid, give the ears another wipe with gauze or cotton balls. This will remove any material brought out from the ear canal during the head shaking. Clean your dog's ears regularly. A weekly ear inspection and cleaning (if necessary) would be a great schedule to adhere to and will help you keep on top of any potential ear health problems. Dirt accumulates rather fast and can lead to an infection, especially with floppy-eared canines. | Inspect the general condition of your dog's ears. Look for parasites and foreign bodies in the ear. Inspect the ears for any signs of a yeast infection. Look for the signs of a bacterial infection in the outer part of the ear. Keep an eye out for anything that might be a tumor, but remember that these are rare. Purchase a commercial dog ear cleaner or make you own with common household products. Dip a cotton ball into the liquid. Gently swab the inside of your dog's ear flap. Irrigate your dog's ears fully only if it's recommended to do so by a veterinarian. Let your dog clear out its ears after cleaning. Clean your dog's ears regularly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Clay-Toy | How to Make a Clay Toy | To make a clay shooting star, start by choosing 4 different colors of clay polymer, like yellow for the star's body, and red, green, and blue for the trail. Roll the main color into a ball and flatten it a little with your palms until it's about 1 inch thick. Use your fingers to pinch 5 points around the sides of the flattened circle, aiming to space them evenly apart. If you want your star to have a face, roll a little bit of black clay into tiny balls, then gently press them onto the star. You can also roll a thin strip of black clay into a “U” shape for a smile. After the star is done, create 3 small, carrot shaped strips with the other colors of clay, then line them up lengthwise. Finally, place the smaller ends of the colored strips at or under the middle of the star to make it look like the trail from the shooting star. | Choose 4 different colors of clay polymer. You can choose any colors you want for your stars. You'll need a main color for the body of the star—yellow is a popular choice, but it's up to you. Then, choose 3 other colors to make the arc-shaped star trail. The star trail will look like a tiny rainbow and it's what makes the star look like it's “shooting.” For example, you could use bright yellow for the star's body. Then, use red, green, and blue to make the star trail. If you want to give your star eyes and a mouth, you'll also need a small amount of black clay polymer. Adding a face is optional, but it looks really cute! You can get clay polymer at any craft store. You won't need more than a handful of each color! Roll the main color into a ball and flatten it slightly with your palms. Take the colored clay you're using for the star's body and roll it between your palms until it forms a sphere, which is the easiest and smoothest shape to start with. Press down lightly on the clay to flatten the star's body a little. You should now have a flattened circle shape. Flatten the clay until it's about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. The star shape can be any size that you want. If you aren't sure, aim for 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) in diameter. Use your fingers to pinch 5 points around the sides of the flattened circle. Space the points out as evenly as you can and make them about the same size. Once the points are formed the way you want them, use your fingers to perfect the final shape. Then, set the star aside. Your star doesn't have to be perfect, and it doesn't have to have 5 points. You can have a 3-pointed star if you prefer! Don't go over 5 points, though, or it might get unwieldy. If you want to make more than 1 star, go ahead and form the other bodies and lay them out in a row on a flat surface. Roll the black clay into tiny spheres to create the eyes. If you're giving your stars eyes, just take a little bit of black clay and roll it into tiny spheres. You'll need 2 spheres per star. Then, position the eyes next to each other on the star and press them in gently to secure them in place. If you want to get really detailed, use white clay polymer to create a tiny, white, circular reflect in each eye. You could also use more black clay to create eyelashes, but you don't have to! These details will give your stars an anime look. Roll a thin strip of black clay into a “U” shape to create a smile. Again, the mouth is totally optional. The smile is super easy, though—just take a tiny ball of black clay, roll it into a thin strip, and mold it into a “U” shape. Then, press the smile gently into place beneath the star's eyes. You can try other mouth shapes if you'd like! For example, make a tiny flattened circle for a “surprised” open-mouthed star. Think about the different emoji expressions you've seen. You could try to create a range of “faces” for your stars based on emoji expressions! Create 3 small, carrot-shaped strips with the other clay colors. Now it's time to make the star trail! Each star will have 3 strips in its trail, although you can definitely make more strips if you want. Grab a small piece of clay from each of your remaining colors. Roll the pieces into balls and mold each one into a small carrot shape. Each strip should have a pointy end and a rounded end – just like a carrot. You can make your strips as long as you want. About 3 inches (7.6 cm) long is a good length for a star that has a 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) diameter. Line the 3 strips up side-by-side lengthwise. You can arrange the different colors in any order you want! For example, you could have a blue strip on top, a red strip right beneath that, and a green strip beneath that. Line them up exactly so that all of the points are facing in the same direction. Lightly press the strips together to connect them. The star trail will look a lot like a rainbow. Place the pointy tips between the top points of the star to form the trail. Choose a space between the very top point and the top right point of the star to position the star trail. You can lightly press the tips of the strips into the side of the star, or lift up your star a little and situate the tips underneath. Your shooting star is now complete! The rainbow trail should be “shooting” off the right side of the star. Get out red, green, and yellow clay polymer. The red is for the flower petals and the yellow is for the circular center of each flower. The green is for the stems and leaves. You can use other colors, of course! For example, if you want purple flowers, use purple instead of red. Green is the best color for stems and leaves, but you can get creative and make fantasy flowers, too. Pick up clay polymer at your local craft store or buy it online. You don't need much—a handful of each color is more than enough. Pull off 5 small chunks of red clay and roll them into balls. Aim for pieces that are about the same size as the tip if your finger. However, you can make the petals bigger or smaller than that, if you want. Once you pinch off the pieces, roll them into tiny spheres. You'll need 5 tiny red spheres for each flower. If you're making more than 1 flower, don't forget to create additional spheres. Flatten each red sphere into a thin circle. Each circle will be about the same size as a dime, with a similar thickness. Mash the sphere flat with your palms and then use your fingers to mold the piece into a circle shape. The circles don't have to be perfect. Just do your best! Pinch 1 side of each circle with your fingers to create a petal shape. Hold the circle in your left hand and use your thumb and index fingers on your right hand to pinch one side of the circle. Pinch until your fingers meet so that 1 side is still rounded and the pinched side is pointed. The petal shape will look similar to a big teardrop. Pull off a piece of yellow clay and roll it into a sphere. The yellow piece should be approximately the same size as 1 of the red spheres before you shaped it into a petal. If you like, it can be just a tiny bit bigger than that. Pinch the yellow clay off the main hunk and roll it in your palms to form a spherical shape. You'll need 1 yellow sphere per flower. Press the pointy end of each petal around the yellow sphere. Work on 1 petal at a time and gently push the pointy end into the side of the sphere until it's connected. Do the same thing with the 4 remaining petals, working your way around the perimeter of the sphere. Space the petals out as evenly as possible. The petals should be touching, but not overlapping. If you're making multiple flowers, go ahead and connect the other petals to their yellow spheres. Pull off a piece of green clay and roll it into a long, thin cylinder for the stem. Put the green chunk between your palms and rub back and forth until you have a green strip, almost like a snake. Aim for a thickness similar to a pencil and 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) in length. Position 1 green stem under each flower head. You can make the stem longer or shorter, if you want. Don't make it much thicker than a pencil, though, or it won't look like a stem. Create 2 green “petals” just like the red flower petals. Pinch off 2 pieces of green clay and roll them into spheres that are the same size as the original red spheres you made. Flatten them into circle shapes and pinch 1 side just like you did for the petals. These are the leaves for the flower's stem. You will need at least 2 leaves for each flower. If you want, you can make more. Press 1 green leaf onto each side of the stem. Don't push too hard! You only need to push hard enough to “connect” the leaves to the stem about halfway down the stem's length. Put 1 leaf on each side of the stem and your clay flower is complete. Get out purple and yellow clay polymer. Purple will be the main color of the octopus's body and yellow will be the accent color. However, you can use any 2 colors you'd like! If you want to add eyes and a mouth to your toy, grab a tiny bit of black and white clay, too. Grab about a handful of purple, which will be more than enough. You only need a marble sized amount of yellow, and a tiny pinch of black and white if you want to create a face. You can buy clay polymer at craft stores and through online retailers. Separate the purple clay into 2 equal portions. Pull the handful of purple clay in half and roll both pieces into spheres. 1 portion will form the octopus's body and you'll use the other half to create its tentacles. You can just eyeball it—your portions don't have to be precise. Roll 1 portion of the purple clay into an egg shape. Roll the clay in your palms until it forms a sphere. Then, use a little more pressure as you roll to elongate the sphere slightly so that it has more of an oblong, egg-like shape. This is the octopus's body. You can set this piece aside for now. Break the other portion of purple clay into 8 equally sized pieces. Octopi have 8 tentacles, so separate the other portion of purple clay into 8 pieces that are roughly equal in size. Then, roll each piece into a sphere. Use your palm to roll the 8 spheres into 8 tube shapes. Put your palm flat on top of 1 of the spheres and roll it back and forth until it elongates and gets skinny. Stop when it gets about 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. Then, do the same thing for the remaining 7 spheres. If you've ever made clay snakes, the process of rolling back and forth to elongate the clay is very similar. Taper the end of each tentacle slightly. Fan out the tentacles in a circle so the thick ends meet in the center. The tentacles should taper as they go out, so group the thick ends together until they're touching and then fan out the tapered ends into a circular shape. It should look sort of like a clock, except with 8 hands instead of 2. Try to space the tentacles apart as evenly as possible, but they don't have to be exact. Position the body piece on top of the 8 tentacles where they meet. Push down on the oblong shape so that it connects to all of the tentacles where they meet in the middle. Once the body is in place, it will look like the legs are coming out of the octopus's body. Push down lightly when you're positioning the body so that you don't squish the oval shape. Mold the tentacles pieces to have gentle curves. Tentacles wave around, so they look curvy rather than stick straight out. You can form each tentacle into an “S” shape or just give the tentacle a gentle curve. Try to vary the curves of the tentacles so they all don't look exactly the same! Add 2 tiny white clay circles to the body to create the eyes. If you want your toy to have a face, press on 2 small white circles. Add a smaller black circle to each white circle so the eyes have pupils. Then, use a tiny strip of black clay to create a “U” shaped mouth beneath the eyes. Make the white circles just a little smaller than pencil erasers. You can use red or pink clay to make the smile if you prefer. Cover the body and legs with small yellow circles. Make the yellow circles about the same size as the white ones you made for the eyes—slightly smaller than a pencil eraser. Spread the circles out as evenly as possible all over the body and down each tentacle. The spacing doesn't have to be perfect! After you add the yellow dots, your octopus is complete. | Choose 4 different colors of clay polymer. Roll the main color into a ball and flatten it slightly with your palms. Use your fingers to pinch 5 points around the sides of the flattened circle. Roll the black clay into tiny spheres to create the eyes. Roll a thin strip of black clay into a “U” shape to create a smile. Create 3 small, carrot-shaped strips with the other clay colors. Line the 3 strips up side-by-side lengthwise. Place the pointy tips between the top points of the star to form the trail. Get out red, green, and yellow clay polymer. Pull off 5 small chunks of red clay and roll them into balls. Flatten each red sphere into a thin circle. Pinch 1 side of each circle with your fingers to create a petal shape. Pull off a piece of yellow clay and roll it into a sphere. Press the pointy end of each petal around the yellow sphere. Pull off a piece of green clay and roll it into a long, thin cylinder for the stem. Create 2 green “petals” just like the red flower petals. Press 1 green leaf onto each side of the stem. Get out purple and yellow clay polymer. Separate the purple clay into 2 equal portions. Roll 1 portion of the purple clay into an egg shape. Break the other portion of purple clay into 8 equally sized pieces. Use your palm to roll the 8 spheres into 8 tube shapes. Fan out the tentacles in a circle so the thick ends meet in the center. Position the body piece on top of the 8 tentacles where they meet. Mold the tentacles pieces to have gentle curves. Add 2 tiny white clay circles to the body to create the eyes. Cover the body and legs with small yellow circles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Ham-Croquettes | How to Make Ham Croquettes | To make traditional ham croquettes, heat butter, scallions, and flour in a saucepan. Slowly add milk to the pan and whisk until the mixture thickens. Next, stir in diced ham, egg yolks, mustard, sage, salt, and pepper. Once everything is incorporated, take the pan off the heat, scoop the ham mixture into 2 inch ovals, and dip them in egg wash. Once coated in egg, roll the ovals in breadcrumbs and fry them in oil for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. | Sauté the scallions. Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the scallions and flour. Stir the mixture and cook about 2 minutes until the scallions start to soften a bit. Make a roux. Slowly add in the milk while you whisk. Keep whisking and cooking until the mixture thickens up and the flour dissolves. There shouldn't be any lumps. Add the ham. Stir in the diced ham and take the pan off of the heat. Add the eggs yolks. Whisk the mixture very quickly while you add the egg yolks. Make sure they are completely incorporated. Stir in the seasonings. Put the pan back on the stove over medium heat and add the mustard, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir well till the mixture is combined. Set it aside to cool completely. To speed up cooling, spread the mixture on a baking sheet. Prepare to coat the croquettes. In one bowl, whisk the egg and water. Set it aside. Set the breadcrumbs aside in another bowl. Heat your oil. Place the oil in a large pot on the stove and heat it to 375 degrees. You really need to have a deep-fry thermometer to gauge how hot the oil is. Your croquettes may not cook evenly if the oil is too hot or not hot enough. Shape the croquettes. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop 1 tablespoon of your cooled ham and cheese mixture. Shape the mixture into a 2-inch oval. Repeat this with the rest of the mixture. Dust your hands with flour to make shaping easier. Floured hands will keep the mixture from sticking to your hands. Dredge or coat the croquettes. Take an oval and completely cover it in the whisked egg. Then place it in the breadcrumbs. Roll it around so the croquette is completely covered. Place it on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Repeat this for the rest of the croquettes. Fry the croquettes. When your oil has reached 375 degrees F, carefully lower 3 or 4 croquettes at a time into the oil. Do this slowly or the temperature of the oil will drop quickly, making them cook unevenly. Fry the croquettes for 1 or 2 minutes, or until they're completely golden brown. Fry the rest of the croquettes and let them cool off a little bit before you serve them. Keep checking the temperature of the oil as you fry the other batches of croquettes. Take the cooked croquettes out of the oil. Remove the cooked croquettes with a slotted spoon and set them on paper towels to cool a little. Then serve them. Sauté the onion. Heat the butter and oil in a saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the minced onion, salt, and pepper. Stir the onion and cook until it turns clear, about 3 minutes. Make a roux. Add the flour to the onions and stir really well, letting it cook for 1 minute. Whisk or stir in the milk. Keep stirring and cooking the mixture for about 3 minutes. There shouldn't be any lumps and the mixture should start to thicken a little. Add the ham and cheese. Stir in the finely diced ham and 1/3 of the grated cheese. The mixture should be very thick but not lumpy, like a paste, by this point. Set the mixture aside to cool completely. To speed up cooling, spread the mixture on a baking sheet. Prepare to coat the croquettes. In one bowl, whisk the eggs and set them aside. In another bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and the remaining 1/4 cup of Manchego cheese. Set this mixture aside. Heat the oil. Place the oil in a large pot on the stove and heat it to 375 degrees. You really need to have a deep-fry thermometer to gauge how hot the oil is. Your croquettes may not cook evenly if the oil is too hot or not hot enough. Shape the croquettes. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop 1 tablespoon of your cooled ham and cheese mixture. Shape the mixture into a 2-inch oval. Repeat this with the rest of the mixture. Dust your hands with flour to make shaping easier. Floured hands will keep the mixture from sticking to your hands. Dredge or coat the croquettes. Take an oval and completely cover it in the whisked egg. Then place it in the breadcrumb and cheese coating. Roll it around so the croquette is completely covered. Place it on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Repeat this for the rest of the croquettes. Fry the croquettes. When your oil has reached 375 degrees F, carefully lower 3 or 4 croquettes at a time into the oil. Do this slowly or the temperature of the oil will drop quickly, making them cook unevenly. Fry the croquettes for 1 or 2 minutes, or until they're completely golden brown. Fry the rest of the croquettes and let them cool off a little bit before you serve them. Keep checking the temperature of the oil as you fry the other batches of croquettes. Remove the cooked croquettes. Remove the cooked croquettes with a slotted spoon and set them on paper towels to cool a little. | Sauté the scallions. Make a roux. Add the ham. Add the eggs yolks. Stir in the seasonings. Prepare to coat the croquettes. Heat your oil. Shape the croquettes. Dredge or coat the croquettes. Fry the croquettes. Take the cooked croquettes out of the oil. Sauté the onion. Make a roux. Add the ham and cheese. Prepare to coat the croquettes. Heat the oil. Shape the croquettes. Dredge or coat the croquettes. Fry the croquettes. Remove the cooked croquettes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-and-Treat-Black-Widow-Spider-Bites | How to Identify and Treat Black Widow Spider Bites | A black widow spider bite looks like 2 small dots surrounded by a red, swollen bump. It might cause you intense pain, muscle cramps, and excessive sweating. If you think you've been bitten by a black widow spider, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Although deaths from black widow bites are extremely rare, it's best to get it checked out to be safe. However, avoid driving yourself, since you might feel sick. If you can't get to a hospital immediately, wash the bite with mild soap and water to keep it clean. Then, wrap a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and hold it to your bite for 10-15 minutes to help reduce the swelling. You may want to take an over-the-counter painkiller, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help with the pain. | Recognize a bite from a black widow spider. Black widow spiders have fangs. When bitten, two small puncture wounds are usually visible. As the venom from the bite spreads, the area develops a target-like appearance. The fang marks are in the center, surrounded by an area of reddened skin, then another circle of red just a little further beyond the center. The fang marks are visible immediately. Redness and swelling of the area where the bite occurred develops rapidly, usually within an hour. Pain typically starts within the hour and can quickly spread from the site to systemic areas such as the abdomen, chest area, or back. This is not always the case, but this is the classic description for the pattern that develops from a black widow spider bite. Capture the spider if possible. The treating physician will want to know what caused the bite/sting/injury. Safety is always the priority. If you can safely capture the spider, place it a container that does not present a risk of injury to anyone else. A small glass jar or plastic container with a lid, placed inside another container with a secured lid and handle, such as a small cooler, can help to make it easy to transport the spider. Clearly no one needs to be put at risk of being bitten. If it can be done safely, capture the spider and safely take it with you to the medical facility. Presenting the spider that did the biting can help in initiating the most effective treatment as quickly as possible. Carrying around a black widow spider might not be the best plan, so at least take very clear pictures of whatever bit you, if you can do so safely. Recognize the symptoms. Most people that are bitten by a spider, including a venomous one like a black widow, do not have any serious medical problems as a result. Symptoms that can result from a black widow bite include severe and intense pain, stiffness, muscle cramps, abdominal cramps, back pain, excessive sweating, and hypertension. Both topical and systemic reactions to the venom from a black widow spider can develop and spread quickly. Seek treatment as soon as possible once you confirm, or are fairly sure, you were bitten by a black widow spider. Topical reactions include itching or rash at the site, sweating of the extremity where you were bitten, pain radiating from the site, and discolored areas of the skin that form blisters. Systemic reactions include severe and intense muscle pain, pain radiating to the back and chest area, sweating, difficulty breathing, headache, nausea and vomiting, fever and chills, elevated blood pressure, and anxiety, restlessness, and delirium. Initiate treatment. The first step in treatment is to stay calm and safely identify the spider. Wash the area with mild soap and water and use ice applications or a cold cloth to help prevent swelling. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Use a towel or soft and clean cloth between the skin and the ice-filled baggie or cold pack. Elevate the area that was bitten if possible and practical. Take an over-the-counter product to help with pain and/or inflammation such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. Be sure to follow the directions on the label. Seek medical care. According to reports from poison control centers in the United States, more than 2500 incidents of black widow spider bites are reported each year in the United States. Go to an urgent care clinic or hospital emergency room. You may want to call your regular doctor and inform him or her of the situation. Your doctor may want you to come straight to the office or have a preference as to the medical facility you go to. Wherever you end up going, inform them that you are on your way and that you were bitten by a black widow spider — this will give the staff ample time to prepare. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. The venom from the bite can alter your responses abruptly. You may feel lucid when you start driving, but your condition can change quickly. Most people do not experience severe reactions from a black widow spider bite. In fact, some people have no problems at all and do not need medical care. Due to the possibility of severe pain, discomfort, and systemic changes, talk with your doctor as soon as possible or go to an emergency room or urgent care clinic to be sure you can receive prompt treatment should you develop any adverse effects or complications. Inform the doctor at the treatment facility of all medications or treatment steps taken upon arrival. Fortunately, only three cases of death have been recorded over many years. Some reports of serious complications and death have been linked to black widow bites in people that were already severely medically compromised. Use the antivenom, Antivenin Latrodectus Mactans. The antivenom has been available since the 1920s. At least one case report of a severe hypersensitivity reaction has limited the use of the antivenom in the United States. Complications from the bite are possible. A medical facility can monitor your vital signs and changes in your condition to determine if treatment is warranted. An article published in 2011 reviewed four cases of black widow spider bites. Three of the people bitten were treated with the antivenom and one was not due to concerns over hypersensitivity. The three people treated with the antivenom experienced relief from the severe pain caused by the bites in a short period of time, usually with 30 minutes of receiving the injection. All three people were observed for a few hours in the emergency treatment facility then discharged to home without further complications. The person that did not receive the antivenom was treated with strong pain and anti-inflammatory medications in the emergency department, then required admission to the hospital. The person received treatment in the hospital for two days, then began to feel better by the third day. He was discharged to home on the third day without further complications. Identify the black widow spider without disturbing it. The unique marking of a female black widow spider is the bright red hourglass shape on the underneath part of its abdomen. The female spider has a black and shiny body with a large and round abdomen. The body is about 1 and ½ inches in length, and the entire spider, legs and all, is more than 1 inch across. They have fangs that are a little shorter than those of other spiders, yet still long enough to penetrate human skin. Black widow spiders are reported to be commonly found in the southern and western regions of the United States. Other sources and statistics report frequent sightings as far west as California, all along the eastern seaboard, south to Florida, and north as far as Okanagan in BC and central Alberta in Canada. Spot possible places where they like to live. Black widows like to live outside where there are plenty of flies to feed on; however, they can be found inside structures and shelters. They prefer undisturbed places such as woodpiles, under simulated rock well covers, the eaves of a house, around fences, and other areas where debris piles up. Watch for black widows in dark, moist, and undisturbed places like meter boxes, under porches, porch furniture, and inside and around barns and sheds. Try not to disturb the web. Black widow spiders like to make their webs between objects that are solid and stationary. Some spiders prefer to make their webs in locations that are more flexible, like between shrubbery and tree branches. The black widow's webs are purposefully made in an irregular shape, not like the typical and sometimes practically perfect webs made by other spiders. The fibers of the web are stronger than those found in most spider webs. They don't prey on human skin. Most bites occur when their webs are disturbed. They are not aggressive but will bite when they feel trapped or are touched. Differentiate the males from the females. The females have the classic markings and the more potent venom. If you are bitten by a female black widow, then you need prompt medical attention. The body of a female is usually larger in size than a male black widow spider, however the legs of a male are often longer. This can make the overall size of the male appear larger. Males can be black but are usually brown in color, and the markings can be anywhere on the abdomen. The red is typical yet some males have markings that are white or brownish. The female has the traditional hourglass red shape on the abdomen, but this can appear more orange than red in some females. Females have fangs large enough to penetrate human skin and deliver enough venom to create a systemic reaction. Bites from male black widow spiders are not considered to be capable of delivering venom. The black widow spider was named for the tendency of the female to eat the male after mating. This is not always the case, but it is a real possibility. | Recognize a bite from a black widow spider. Capture the spider if possible. Recognize the symptoms. Initiate treatment. Seek medical care. Use the antivenom, Antivenin Latrodectus Mactans. Identify the black widow spider without disturbing it. Spot possible places where they like to live. Try not to disturb the web. Differentiate the males from the females. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Communicate-With-a-Guy-After-He-Rejected-You | How to Communicate With a Guy After He Rejected You | Getting rejected can feel horrible, but you can go back to talking with a guy as long as you give yourself some time to heal. It might take a couple of weeks until you have the courage to talk to him again, so use that time to process your feelings and strengthen your confidence. When you're ready to make contact, ease into it by hanging out with him in a group so you have a buffer. Try to keep your conversations simple at first. For example, ask him “What did you do this weekend?” Avoid mentioning the rejection, since it will only make things awkward and it will make it seem like you can't let go of the past. | Reframe the situation. Don't view this situation as a failure. Being rejected by someone doesn't mean you have failed in some huge, measurable way. On the contrary, it means that you were brave and put yourself out there and gave yourself an opportunity to learn from your mistakes. Try to think of the rejection as an opportunity to grow as a person and figure out what works for you. Take some time to think about what you might've done differently to turn that rejection into an acceptance. This will help you learn from your mistakes and make changes for the future. Don’t rush things. Rejection can be a difficult pill to swallow — it can create feelings of hostility, embarrassment, shame, and denial. Allow yourself to take it slow after an instance of rejection and to process all the feelings you have. The guy will need to process his feelings too. If you want to be friends again after he rejects you, you'll need to give him a bit of time and space to figure out what he thinks about it too. This will help eliminate any potential awkwardness. Of course, the length of time that you need to wait will vary from situation to situation. But a good rule of thumb is to wait at least two weeks, or until you start feeling more comfortable with the idea of talking to him again. Be yourself. Even if he rejected you, there was a reason you liked him in the first place. And clearly you got close enough to him to know that he likes you too (at least as a friend). Don't change who you are just because you got rejected. Continue dressing the same, talking the same, and liking the same things that you did before the rejection, but also continue your normal activities online. Keep posting things to friends, pictures of yourself, and whatever you used to do before the rejection. Don't ever change yourself for anyone. Your uniqueness is what draws people to you. Avoid obsessing over the rejection. One of the hardest parts of communicating with a guy after he rejects you is letting it go. Don't obsess over what you said, what you could have said differently, or how you might have handled the situation in another way. It happened; move on. Running through alternative scenarios in your mind over and over will only prolong your agony. Just accept that it happened and try to avoid thinking about it too much. Tell your friends that you don't want to rehash the rejection and that you'd like their support in not talking about it. If you find yourself obsessing over the situation, try distracting yourself by doing something else. Call a friend to meet up or start watching a movie. Try rereading a book you love or going for a walk outside. Use this as an opportunity to become better friends. Try not to view this as a hurtful rejection, but more as an opportunity to get to know him better and possibly gain a good friend. Act in a civilized manner after he rejects you and show him you want to continue a friendship. Don't ice him out and ignore him so you can pretend like what happened didn't hurt you. Instead, make efforts to continue the friendship and get to know him better. If you want to reach out to him to try to maintain the friendship (or start one in the first place), you could try to talk to him about it. Tell him that you value him as a friend and you don't want to lose the friendship. Invite him to hang out with you casually — like going to a movie or hanging out with a group of mutual friends. Wait for the right time to interact. Don't try to push your way back into his life right after he rejected you; try to wait until you are both more comfortable. This process may take weeks, or maybe even months, to gather your courage to talk to him again. But just try to be patient and give yourself the time you need to heal and move on. You can tell when he starts being more comfortable by how he acts – if he starts treating you like he did before the rejection, then it is close to being back to normal. Some signs that it may be the right time to start trying to interact with him again include increased eye contact between the two of you, noticeably fewer awkward encounters, or if your mutual friends tell you that they think he will be receptive to it. Use your friends as a buffer. Instead of sulking around like it's the end of the world, spend more time with your friends. This is especially important if the guy who rejected you is part of your friend group. Hang out with your friends and show him that you aren't just sitting around your house super depressed because of that happened. Have a party at your house and invite him. Or go with your friends to the movies, even when you know he'll be there. Show him that you are a fun person to be around. Engage in conversations. Starting conversations with someone who rejected you can seem difficult at first. But you'll quickly get over the awkwardness after a little initial effort. Try to talk to him like you used to before he rejected you. If you struggle with this, try asking him questions about his life. This is a good way to get him to open up and for you to both move past what happened. Try asking questions like, “How did you do on the Math test?” or “Did your sister come home to visit this weekend?” or “What did you do this weekend?” Really, just ask anything to get him talking. If you are friends with the guy or became friends with him, avoid bringing up the rejection. It only makes things a bit uncomfortable and you might regret it. It just makes him feel bad that he had to reject you, for whatever reason. And it may seem like you cannot let go of the past. Try to be friends. Moving forward after a rejection can be difficult, and you'll need to make a little effort if you want it to work. Try to forget about any embarrassment you may feel from the situation. Make the effort to be friends and show him that you're not a person who can't handle it. Stand by him in lines and talk to his friends. Make sure you glance at him in classes. And if he stares back, there's a good chance he might want to talk. This will help make him think you're not afraid of talking with him. Treat him like any other person you would normally talk to. Use social media. A good way to reach out slowly over time after a guy rejected you is by doing so on social media accounts. These platforms allow you to let a guy know you're thinking about him without going overboard with messages, texts, or potentially awkward in-person interactions. Start by liking a photo he posted. Don't leave a comment, just like the photo. Wait a few days and then leave a light-hearted comment on something he posted. Nothing too personal – just a joke or a funny reference. During this period, be sure to continue posting a few things on your own accounts to give him an opportunity to return the gesture. Don't go crazy with the posts, but post enough that it's clear you're still a fun person living your life, not just someone who is moping around after the rejection. Send messages sparingly at first. You don't want to bombard him with text messages (or messages on any other online platform), especially in the first few weeks after he rejected you. Once you have let some time pass, try sending a simple message inquiring about something unrelated to your relationship or what happened between the two of you. Try texting something like, “Hey. Did you ever get around to watching that movie I recommended?” Or maybe, “Hey. See you at the party this weekend?” Keep it light and casual. You can build from there. | Reframe the situation. Don’t rush things. Be yourself. Avoid obsessing over the rejection. Use this as an opportunity to become better friends. Wait for the right time to interact. Use your friends as a buffer. Engage in conversations. Try to be friends. Use social media. Send messages sparingly at first. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Cast-Iron-Tub | How to Remove a Cast Iron Tub | Removing your cast iron tub might seem like a daunting task, but if you break it down into smaller steps, it should be relatively straightforward. First, turn off the water at the shutoff valve. Then, remove the drain from the bottom of the tub, saw the drain pipe off, and remove it too. You'll also need to remove the wall strip with an angle grinder and a chisel, then remove the flange and caulking with a claw hammer and utility knife. If you don't want to keep or sell your tub, cover it with an old blanket and break it into smaller pieces with a sledge hammer to make it easier to carry. | Turn off the water supply via the shutoff valve. If your model is freestanding—meaning it's finished on all sides and can stand alone like a piece of furniture—the shutoff valve is typically located on the water line that connects the tub to the faucets. For other models, you will have to turn off the bathroom water valve behind the toilet or sometimes the entire home's water supply. Be sure to open up the tub faucet until no more water runs out of it before moving forward. Remove the stopper and overflow assembly. Typically, the overflow plate is circular and connected to your tub with 1 to 2 screws that hold the stopper lever in place. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws along with the plate. Afterward, use your fingers to remove the lever hook from the linkage bar and then unscrew or pull the stopper to remove it. The stopper is the piece that seals the tub when you need to fill it with water. Take off the drain flange with a removal tool or pair of needlenose pliers. The drain flange is the finished part of the drain that is visible in the bottom of the tub. Insert a removal tool or pair of pliers into the flange, twist it counterclockwise, and pull it out. Head to a home hardware store and purchase a dedicated drain flange removal tool. Remove the drainpipe from your cast iron tub. If your tub is freestanding, use a reciprocating saw and metal blade to cut off the drainpipe about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) from the location closest to the bottom of the tub. If your tub is built-in to your home, access the bottom of the tub via a crawlspace or basement and twist the pipe loose with water pump pliers or a pipe wrench. Remember that your new tub will have new piping. With that in mind, never cut the plumbing that's connected to your home. Rock the reciprocating saw up and down as you cut to move faster. Be sure to grip the handle firmly with your dominant hand and hold the front grip tightly with your non-dominant hand to guide to saw. Focus on keeping a tight grip on the saw while applying pressure to the tool. Make sure the saw's shoe (the flat edges parallel to the blade that guide it) is pressed tightly against the piping to reduce vibrations. Wear gloves and a safety mask when using a reciprocating saw. Remove the wall strip starting 6 inches (15 cm) or less above your tub to reveal the flange. If you use a reciprocating saw to remove the wall strip, take care not to cut any mechanical elements, such as studs, pipes, or wires. For wall tiles, cut through the horizontal grout line using an angle grinder with a diamond blade and then use a chisel to remove each tile individually. When using an angle grinder, always start by marking an outline of the cut about ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) deep. Maintain a firm grip on the grinder handle. If you can't remove the tiles with your chisel alone, use a hammer or mallet to drive it into the tiles. If your tub is freestanding, you don't need to remove a wall strip to reveal the flange. Disconnect the flange from the wall studs. After removing the wall strip, locate the screws or nails that fix the flange to the wall studs. Now, use a screwdriver to turn them counterclockwise and remove them or pry them off with the claw of a hammer. The flange is a lip that secures the tub to the studs to prevent it from moving. Remove the caulking surrounding the tub using a utility knife. The caulk is located on the outer perimeter of the tub. It either fastens the tub to the floor, wall, or both. Apply caulk remover to the caulk and wait until it softens. Afterward, drag your utility knife along the caulking lines slowly and steadily and it should come off easily. Be sure that your cut lines are parallel to the lengths and widths of the tub. For stubborn areas, use a hair dryer or heat gun and expose it to heat. Once it's softened, it should come off easily. When using a hair dryer or heat gun, take care not to heat adjacent material, such as plastic. Use a putty knife or toothbrush for lingering caulking residue. Lay down plywood sheets onto the floor around your tub. After removing your tub, you need to set it down somewhere. To prevent damage to your floor, set up a space covered in plywood that's large enough to accommodate your tub. Purchase sheets of plywood from a home hardware store. Pull the tub out of the wall and onto the plywood. Always remove the tub with the help of a friend, as most of them weigh about 300 pounds (140 kg). Grab the bathtub as firmly as you can, pull it out from the wall, and lay it onto the plywood. Afterward, stuff the top of the drainpipe with a large rag to stop sewer gases from stinking up the washroom. Ask a friend to pull the tub outward from one side as you pull the other. Remember that sewer gases can be toxic and flammable in high concentrations. However, the small amount coming from the tub line shouldn't be hazardous. Break the tub apart with a sledgehammer if you don't want to keep or sell it. Start by covering the cast iron with a heavy blanket or towel. Put on some goggles and a long-sleeve shirt and use a 16 lb (7.3 kg) sledgehammer to break the tub apart until it's in smaller pieces. Grab the butt of the sledgehammer handle with your left hand and the spot near the head with your right hand. Raise the hammer into the air over your right shoulder and swing it down using your right hand for force. Start your swing arc from your feet—not from your shoulder—and stand on a flat, firm, level, and dry surface when using a sledgehammer. If you want to salvage the tub, be sure to remove the feet by twisting them counterclockwise, then take some measurements and photos and post an ad online. Use a reciprocating saw to cut the tub into pieces if you don't want to damage your flooring. You can also use a combination of a saw and sledgehammer for great results. Carry your tub outside for disposal. Carefully put each piece into a garbage bag and carry it outside. Take care to hold the bags from the bottom so they don't rip open and don't put too many pieces into any one bag at a time. Mark off the bags as concrete to help disposal workers. | Turn off the water supply via the shutoff valve. Remove the stopper and overflow assembly. Take off the drain flange with a removal tool or pair of needlenose pliers. Remove the drainpipe from your cast iron tub. Remove the wall strip starting 6 inches (15 cm) or less above your tub to reveal the flange. Disconnect the flange from the wall studs. Remove the caulking surrounding the tub using a utility knife. Lay down plywood sheets onto the floor around your tub. Pull the tub out of the wall and onto the plywood. Break the tub apart with a sledgehammer if you don't want to keep or sell it. Carry your tub outside for disposal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Blueberries | How to Grow Blueberries | To grow blueberries, plant a young blueberry plant in a raised garden bed that's in a sunny spot. Give your blueberry plant 1 to 2 inches of water per week and avoid overwatering it. To help your plant grow healthy and strong, fertilize it twice during the spring using an organic fertilizer. You'll also want to prune off all of the blooms on your plant during the first year to help make it stronger before it starts producing fruit. If you take the time to tend to your blueberry plant, you'll be able to harvest delicious blueberries in the summer! | Choose highbush blueberries for a warm climate. This variety grows well in USDA hardiness zones four through seven. Highbush is the most common type of blueberry and it yields large, dark berries on bushes six to eight feet tall. Set highbush blueberries 6 feet (1.8 m) apart. This variety is best for eating fresh and for making desserts. Select lowbush blueberries for cold weather. This variety is resilient in cold weather and best for USDA plant hardiness zones two through six. This super-hardy variety grows low to the ground between 6 and 18 inches tall. Set lowbush blueberries 2 feet (0.6 m) apart. Lowbush berries are small and sweet. They are good for baking muffins and pancakes. Go for rabbiteye bushes in a high heat climate. This variety does well in zones seven through nine and can tolerate heat and drought. The berries are typically smaller than highbush berries and they ripen a bit later in the summer than other varieties. Set rabbiteye blueberries 15 feet (4.6 m) apart. If you do not have a lot of space to plant your blueberries, maybe opt for the lowbush or highbush variety instead of the rabbiteye variety. Prepare for healthy pollination. Blueberries have both male and female organs on the same flower, but not all are self-pollinating. If you want to be sure that your blueberries will be pollinated, plant different varieties within 100 feet (30.5 m) of each other. Doing so allows bees to travel between plants and cross-pollinate. Build a raised garden bed in full sunlight. Fruit plants need as much sunlight as possible, especially when the berries begin to develop. Build a raised garden bed to grow your blueberries in. Blueberries do well in raised beds that are 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 m) wide and 8 to 12 inches (20.3 to 30.5 cm) high. Make a simple raised garden box out of two 1 x 8-inch cedar boards. Cedar is a good choice for a garden bed because it won't rot with age. Choose a high or raised spot in your garden for the garden beds. Avoid low-lying areas and spaces where water tends to collect and/or flood. Use peat moss in the soil. Mixing peat moss into the soil can improve drain, as peat moss can absorb and hold 10 to 20 times its dry weight in water. Use a planting area approximately 2-1/2 feet in diameter and 1 foot (0.3 m) deep. Remove no more than half of the soil and mix the removed soil with an equal ratio of peat moss. Mix the peat moss/soil mixture back into the planting area. Keep in mind peat moss can be harmful to the environment and is relatively expensive to buy. There are several environmental costs associated with the peat moss market, including the fuels required to dig drainage ditches, harrow and dry the peat, bale it, and ship it long distances. Check the pH of the soil. Most fruits do best in slightly acidic soil between a pH of 5.5 and 6.5. Blueberries prefer an even more acidic soil with a pH between 4.09 and 5.0. Your local agricultural extension office should have soil testing forms, bags and instructions available. If the pH level is higher than 5.0, enrich the soil to make it more acidic using acid compost or planting mix. If the soil pH is above 4.5, mix in granular sulfur to lower the pH level so it is closer to 4.09. After making adjustments to the soil, always test its pH level again. Use blueberry plants that are 2 to 3 years old. This way, they will start producing fruit for you quickly. If you start with younger plants, it will take a few years for them to develop fruit. Plant the bushes in early spring. The fruit will ripen toward the end of summer. Loosen the roots of the blueberry plants. Pat the blueberry plants with the heel of your wrist to loosen the roots. Do this all around the outside of the container and then turn it sideways and slide the plant out by tapping the bottom of the pot. Catch the plant with your hand. Do not grab the plant by the stem as this can dislodge the roots and damage the plant. Dig a small hole for each plant. It should be shallow enough that the top of the root base is 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) above ground (for plants about 2 years old, 20 inches deep and 18 inches wide). You can use a simple hand trowel to dig the holes. Make the holes between 2-1/2 and 6 feet apart. If you space the holes closer together, you will end up with continuous rows, but if you space the holes further apart, you will end up with individual bushes. Plant the blueberry plants. Pat soil up around the top of the plant to cover any exposed roots with ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) of soil. Then, add 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) of mulch to the planting side. This helps to keep the ground moist, prevent weeds, and enrich the soil. Bark mulch, sawdust, and grass clippings are all good choices for mulch for blueberries. Replenish the mulch every couple of years. Always water the area thoroughly after planting. Grow blueberries from seed. If you do not want to use grown blueberry plants, you can grow blueberries from seed. Sow seed in a flat, 3-inch deep box filled with finely ground moist sphagnum moss. Keep the moss moist in a warm room between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and covered with a sheet of newspaper. The seed should germinate into seedlings within one month. Place the seedlings in direct sunlight and continue growing them in the moss until they are about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) tall. You can then transfer the seedlings to a larger pot or to your garden. Water the seedlings well and maintain them in a sunny location. After two to three weeks, fertilize the seedlings with liquid fertilizer at 1/2 the recommended rate. Water the plants. Use one to two inches of water per week. Be careful not to over-water or drown your blueberry plants. Prune the plants every winter. The first year that you plant the blueberries, clip all of the blooms off of the plants. This will allow the plants to become resilient before they start producing fruit. Pruning also removes crowded or stagnant stems and allows productive parts of the plants to grow stronger. Every year thereafter, remove low growth around the base of the bush by clipping at an angle at the node of each branch. Remove any dead branches and/or twigs from the plants, as well as any discolored, blotchy growths. Prune lowbush blueberries by cutting the stems to ground level, but do not prune the full plant, as the pruned stems will not bear fruit the next season. To ensure your plant produces each year, only prune half of the plant each year. The pruning process should eliminate about 1/3 to 1/2 of the wood growth on each plant. Thin out the branches further if necessary. Fertilize the plants. If your blueberries grow less than a foot annually (or less than 4 inches for lowbush plants), try using a natural fertilizer to boost the plant's productivity. If possible, use an organic fertilizer to avoid hurting the roots and effectively deliver nitrogen to the blueberries. Seed meals such as soybean and alfalfa are good organic options. Use 1/4 cup to 2 cups of fertilizer per plant depending on the size. Blood meal and cottonseed meal also work well as fertilizer. Fertilize the plants in early spring and again in late spring for best results. Always water well after fertilizing. Test the pH level of the soil every two years. Remember, if the pH level is higher than 5.0, you can enrich the soil to make it more acidic using acid compost or planting mix. If the soil pH is above 4.5, mix in granular sulfur to lower the pH level. Harvest your blueberries. Do this in late July or early August. Some varieties, including rabbiteye, take a bit longer to fully ripen. Each year, the time of harvest will vary slightly depending on climate conditions. | Choose highbush blueberries for a warm climate. Select lowbush blueberries for cold weather. Go for rabbiteye bushes in a high heat climate. Prepare for healthy pollination. Build a raised garden bed in full sunlight. Use peat moss in the soil. Check the pH of the soil. Use blueberry plants that are 2 to 3 years old. Loosen the roots of the blueberry plants. Dig a small hole for each plant. Plant the blueberry plants. Grow blueberries from seed. Water the plants. Prune the plants every winter. Fertilize the plants. Test the pH level of the soil every two years. Harvest your blueberries. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Washing-Machine-Door-Seal | How to Replace a Washing Machine Door Seal | To replace a washing machine door seal, first pry off the door's outside rubber band. Then, loosen the screw or nut holding the seal in place, and pull off the old seal. When you're ready to put on the new seal, start by lubricating it with some dishwashing liquid, which will make it easier to fit on. Next, fit the new seal on, making sure to line the drain holes up with the bottom of your machine. You can then tighten the screw or nut to secure the spring or band holding the new seal. Finally, replace the door's outside band over the new seal. | Unplug the washing machine. Unplug the washing machine, so there is no possibility of injury from accidentally turning it on. Unscrew the front panel if possible. This is not possible on all washing machine models, and can be an involved process on others. Look up your model online with the query "remove front panel" to save yourself the frustration of figuring it out for yourself, or look for screws in the following places, continuing down the list if the front panel still won't come off with a good tug: The front panel itself, or the sides and base of the machine near the front panel. Remove the detergent dispenser and look for a screw behind it. Detach the kick panel (below the large front panel) and any other smaller panels on the front. Some kick panels can only be detached after pulling open the filter with a flat-head screwdriver, then detaching the drain hose. Unscrew the lid and look for screws beneath it attaching the front panel. Handle a machine without a removable front panel. If the front panel is not removable on your model, you'll have to do the job through the front opening. There are a few things you can do that give you more room to work: Unscrewing and removing the lid. Unscrew the door hinge, if possible. Setting the machine carefully on its back, so the drum drops slightly down, away from the door. Remove the outer retaining band. Most washing machines have a small band flush against the outer edge of the rubber door seal. Pry this away with a flat-head screwdriver, then pull it entirely off the seal. Fold the door seal into the washing machine. Pry the rubber door seal off the edge of the drum using your fingers or a flat-head screwdriver. Fold it off the edge and into the drum to access the inner retaining band underneath it. If you feel any resistance, stop and locate any clips holding the clamp in place. Clips can usually be removed with a screwdriver, either by removing the screws holding them in place, or by prying them off with a flat-head. Remove the retaining spring or band. This part presses the rubber seal in place. Locate the screw or nut holding the spring in place, and loosen it so the seal can be unhooked and removed. You may need to use one of the following techniques to access the screw: Unscrew the lid of the washing machine and come in from the top. Remove the front panel of the washing machine, then unbolt the large, round counterweight surrounding the drum. In rare cases, the clamp band has no tension adjustment, and can be pushed off using a flat-head screwdriver or fingers. Start from the bottom and work your way around the drum in both directions. Note the position of the drain holes. Look for small drain holes near the bottom of the seal. Your new door seal should have the drain holes in a similar position to allow water to drain correctly. Pull off the seal. Pull the seal away from the lips of the drum to remove it. Some door seals are glued in place, but these can still be removed with a strong tug. On some models, the door lock also has to be unscrewed before the seal can be pulled off. Take note of the door lock position before you remove it, since you'll have to orient it in the same position after installing the new seal. Wipe the exposed area with a damp cloth. Before you put in the new seal, remove all grime and mold from the attachment area using a damp cloth. Decide whether to use lubricate or sealant . Unless your seal came "pre-lubricated," you can rub the lip with a little dishwashing liquid to make it easier to fit on. If the seal is not lubricated, you have the option of attaching it more firmly using a specialized adhesive for rubber door seals. This is usually not necessary, unless the seal needs to be glued to a drain hose. Align the new door seal over the drum. Fit the door seal on, working the inner lip over the drum. Make sure to line the seal up so the drain holes are at the bottom, near where the previous seal's drain holes were. There will often be a mark, such as a triangle, on both the door seal and the machine. Line these up when attaching the seal. Fit the inner spring or band back on. Fold the new door seal in to the drum again. Hook the spring or band back together, then pull it on over the seal. Tighten it again using a screwdriver or wrench. Fit the outer lip and band over the outer rim. If you have removed the counterweight or front panel, replace them first. Next, pull out the door seal again and hook the outer lip over the outer groove. If there was an outer retaining band, fit this over the outer lip and press tightly to reattach it. Reattach all other parts. Screw back on the front panel, door, lid, or any other parts you had to remove to get at the door seal. Plug in the washing machine. Consider running the washing machine on empty while supervised, to check for leaks. If the door leaks, you'll need to disassemble it and check that all parts are firmly attached. | Unplug the washing machine. Unscrew the front panel if possible. Handle a machine without a removable front panel. Remove the outer retaining band. Fold the door seal into the washing machine. Remove the retaining spring or band. Note the position of the drain holes. Pull off the seal. Wipe the exposed area with a damp cloth. Decide whether to use lubricate or sealant . Align the new door seal over the drum. Fit the inner spring or band back on. Fit the outer lip and band over the outer rim. Reattach all other parts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Social-Skills | How to Improve Social Skills | If you want to practice your social skills, try joining a gym or a book club, or go to a coffee shop, since people in these places are often expecting social interaction. Chat with the people you come into contact with, like the barista, the receptionist at the gym, or the person sitting next to you. Start with casual questions like, “How is your day going?” or “Is it always this busy here?” As you become comfortable doing this, look for other opportunities to strike up conversations with people you meet. | Be aware of the volume and tone of your voice. Don't speak too softly or too loudly either. Speak at a volume that can be heard easily, and suggests confidence but never shows aggression. Remember to adjust the volume of your voice to suit the surrounding environment. If possible, speak at the same volume and tone as people in your immediate environment. If you find that you speak quickly because you're nervous or anxious, try speaking at about a third of your normal speed. This trick is called slow talk, and it not only helps you speak clearly, it can also help you feel calmer. Learn the right manner in which to initiate a conversations. You can begin by saying something that is generally or universally true, rather than overly personal because that might seem to be insulting or offensive to some. Comment on the weather, or maybe some current event you heard about in the news recently. You could compliment someone on what they are wearing or the way they have done their hair. Small talk is not always easy though; since it can often be difficult to think of exactly what to say. Here a few examples: "That's a nice hat, where did you buy it"? "What's with this crazy weather?" "I just love the view from here." "Isn't Professor James' class fascinating?" Find ways to extend conversations. After speaking about general issues such as current events, try bringing up more intimate or a more relatable topic. Asking questions that delve a little deeper below the surface. For example, asking polite questions about their family, employment, or hobbies can lengthen a conversation and make it more meaningful. Remember that a conversation takes two people, so avoid speaking too little or vice versa. Try as much as possible to ask open-ended questions; in other words, start with a "How," a "Why," or a "What," instead of those questions to which there can only be a plain and simple "Yes" or "No" answer. That doesn't encourage the person you're speaking to speak more. Here are some ways to lengthen conversations and give them depth: "So, what you do for a living?" "Tell me a little more about your family?" "How do you know the host of the party?" "How long have you been attending / been a member of weight watchers?" "What are your plans for the weekend?" Steer clear of inflammatory topics. When interacting with a person you don't know all too well, there are some subjects you should steer clear of. In general, these would include controversial subjects like religion, politics, or the persons ethnicity/race etc. For instance: While it appears appropriate to ask someone a question about an upcoming election, it might be offensive to ask someone who they plan to vote for. While it seems okay to ask someone about their religious affiliation generally, it might be a bad idea to ask just about anyone about the church's views on sexuality. End conversations courteously. Instead of abruptly cutting them off and walking away, try to be polite about it. Tell them in a sweet, non-offensive way that that you have to take their leave, and give them the impression that you enjoyed the interaction. Try concluding with positive statements such as: “I've got to run, but I hope we meet again soon.” "Well, I have a bank appointment, but it's been fun chatting with you." "I can see that you're busy, so I'll let you go. It was nice talking to you." Pay attention to your body language. Our gestures often communicate messages more powerfully than words. Remember that body language plays an important role in social interactions. Be wary and take time to reflect on messages you give others through your posture, eye contact, and facial expressions. If you are avoiding eye contact, standing far away, or crossing your arms, you are likely telling others that you don't want to interact. Adopt a confident pose, and smile a bit more, Make frequent eye contact with people you are talking to; stand tall and unfold your arms. This way you are certainly more likely to create a good impression on people you speak to. Observe how other people behave in social situations. Watch their body language closely and consider why they are better at interacting with others socially. Observe their posture, their gestures, their facial expressions, and how often they make eye contact. Consider how you might replicate or improve upon your own body language while talking to people. Determine 'how well' the people you're observing know each other. This is important because the body language shared among close friends who are talking differs completely from that displayed by two complete strangers even in an ordinary setting. Mentally take notes about what you see and observe. This will both guide and help you to become more aware of your own body language. Try not to focus too much on yourself and making adjustments in the moments, though. Focus on the people with whom you're interacting and practice new skills with yourself or a close friend later. Improve your non-verbal communication skills at home. Home is often the best place to start learning something new because you won't be as inhibited in a familiar setting. You could try making a video of yourself in conversation with your family members, and then consider how you can improve your body language. You could also practice non-verbal gesturing in front of a mirror. Enlist the help of family members you are close to, or even close friends- this is another effective approach, as they can give you honest useful feedback that no one else would. Some other tips include 'pulling back' your shoulders, keeping your spine straight, and your chin up, parallel to the floor. One of the best things about practicing at home is that it's obviously a private and a low-pressure environment. Don't be shy! It just you and the mirror! Have fun trying out different types of body language signs and gestures. Focus on a keeping a genuine smile right from the moment you meet a person. A smile is universally known to be a great way to show you are open to others, and makes people feel at ease. Just focusing on smiling when you meet people will make things a little easier. Practice your eye contact. Work on making more eye contact as you get comfortable with it. Don't stare people in the eye, especially if you're uncomfortable with it because that could prove annoying. Whenever you think about eye contact, make yourself look at someone in the eye for just about 3-5 seconds only. As this gets easier, you'll be natural about it. If you're not right next to someone, look at their earlobe, or the spot right between their eyes. This is faking it, but people won't be able to tell the difference. If you're nervous making eye contact, some social psychologists suggest that you practice doing with people on TV. Put on the news and try keeping eye contact with the anchor. Spend a little extra time on your self while getting ready to go out. You'll feel more confident with the way you look. Spending a little extra time on making sure you like the way you look and feel confident about yourself will make all other social situations easier to be in. Develop a hygiene routine, buy some new clothes or a pair of shoes you liked, and dressing your best not only improve self-confidence they make you naturally more social, too. Find a place where people seem easy going. Starting a conversation with an unknown person will seem less risky and more acceptable to everyone there. Some situations seem easier than others, especially when initiating social interaction. Supermarkets or banks are more often than not among the worst places to initiate a conversation with a total stranger (people just want to get their groceries and be done with it). Coffee shops, sporting events, and community centers can be great places to start talking to great new people. To meet new people, try joining a group such as an amateur sports club or a book club. A fitness class is often a great place to start a conversation. You can also look for groups online to find meetings of people interested in the same things as you. Websites like MeetUp.com are great for that. Start small, chatting with service people that helped you out to get started. Ask your barista how their day is going. Thank the mailman as he passes by, or ask a co-worker how their weekend went. You don't have to dive into deep, invasive, and consuming conversations immediately. Start small. Remember, there is no downside to saying 'hey' to someone. You will most likely not see them again, and these low-key conversations are the best to practice with. Pick someone who doesn’t appear busy or uninterested. Approach your subject with open body language and appear to be interested in getting to know them better. This often is a good opportunity to have a meaningful conversation. Be confident when approaching a person. If you are too nervous you may make the other person nervous too! Remember to put away your cell phone. Checking your phone all the time during a conversation annoys people, and makes them think you're more interested in your phone than you are in talking to them! Reflect on how it went. If the encounter went on well, take note what you did right and do try to repeat this in the future. If things went poorly, mentally assess the situation to determine what exactly you did that wasn't all that impressive. Did you approach someone who appeared to be busy with something or who was displaying closed body language? Was your own body language open and inviting? Did you start the conversation with an appropriate topic? Talk to more people. Your social skills will improve with practice. The more you communicate and interact with people, you will get better at it. Try not to let negative social interactions get you down. Oftentimes such encounters are not your fault. Remember that there will often be setbacks as you work toward improvement. Learn from the situation, and go forward armed with new knowledge. Join a support group. This is usually a safe, comfortable environment where learning to speak to people can be easier. You are not the only one there who wants to work on their speaking skills. Why not practice with others who are in the same boat? The very fact that you want to improve your social skills shows that you are an open, kind person who is willing to work on themselves. Surround yourself with people with similar goals to help you grow. If you suspect social anxiety is interfering with your everyday life, seek help from a certified therapist who specializes in Social Anxiety Disorder. | Be aware of the volume and tone of your voice. Learn the right manner in which to initiate a conversations. Find ways to extend conversations. Steer clear of inflammatory topics. End conversations courteously. Pay attention to your body language. Observe how other people behave in social situations. Improve your non-verbal communication skills at home. Focus on a keeping a genuine smile right from the moment you meet a person. Practice your eye contact. Spend a little extra time on your self while getting ready to go out. Find a place where people seem easy going. Start small, chatting with service people that helped you out to get started. Pick someone who doesn’t appear busy or uninterested. Reflect on how it went. Talk to more people. Join a support group. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-Pool-Tiles | How to Replace Pool Tiles | To replace pool tiles, start by draining enough water to leave the damaged tile exposed and dry. Then, use a grout saw to remove the grout around the cracked tiles. Take a hammer and place the tip of a chisel in the joint of the cracked tile and tap it with the head of the hammer to break it off. Mix up a batch of mortar according to the directions on the packaging and spread a layer on the back of the new tile. Place the new tile in place and duct tape them in place while they dry. Then, use waterproof tile grout to fill the spaces between the tiles and let it set. | Drain your pool below the tiles that need replacing and let the area dry. Use a submersible pump to drain out enough water to leave the damaged area exposed and dry. Once the area is clear, turn off the pump and let the tile dry off completely. It's best to do this in bright sunlight, which will dry the tile quickly. If you're only replacing a couple tiles along a top edge, you'll only need to drain enough water to expose the area and keep it from being splashed. If you're redoing your entire pool, drain all of the water and let it sit for a day or 2, until it's fully dry. There are also special adhesives available for re-attaching single tiles underwater. However, your repair will be much more effective and durable if you drain your pool first. Use a grout saw to remove the grout around any cracked tiles. This tool essentially looks like a screwdriver with a saw blade on the end of it. Push the blade end against the grout and saw it back and forth to cut through the grout. Keep cutting through until you remove all of the grout around the tiles that need to be replaced. Use a hammer and chisel to remove any damaged tiles. Place the tip of the chisel in the joint of the cracked tile, then tap it with the head of the hammer to break the tile away from the mortar. Keep tapping until the whole tile comes away, then repeat on any other damaged tiles. If your tiles are small, you can use a small flathead screwdriver instead of a chisel. Inspect the beam behind the tile for any necessary repairs. Look for cracks, open seams, an uneven surface, or missing chunks in the beam. If the damage is greater than some damaged tiles, you'll need to shore up the base with hydraulic cement or a plaster mix. This is essential for ensuring the longevity of your pool as well as creating a flat surface for the tile to stick to. If the damage looks like it could be extensive, contact a professional full-service pool company to help diagnose and repair the problem. Use the old tiles if they’re still intact. If the tiles came off but they're still in 1 piece, you can simply re-attach them! This will save you a lot of time, instead of trying to find new tiles that fit the pattern or space available. When the tiles fall off, keep them together in a safe spot where they won't get bumped, cracked, or lost. Ask your original pool builder for tile, if possible. If you know who built your pool and they're still available, they may still have extra tiles handy. Send them an email, including a picture of the tile and a quick description, and ask if they have access to any extra tiles. You'll also need to ask for a price, which may be discounted due to your past business. Check online or at local pool stores for similar or identical tiles. Pool stores are good for comparing colors up close, but online pool tile catalogues will likely give you the most variety to choose from. Settle for a close match if the repair is in a less obvious area, such as somewhere you can't see from the house. As long as the color is the same and the shape and size are similar, they probably won't stand out too much! Have tiles custom-made to match your original tiles exactly. This option is more expensive, but if you can't find a match for your tiles, this will give you the most seamless repair. Consult with a custom tile company to see if they can recreate your tile. Bring photographs of the original tile to give them a reference. To find a custom tile company, look online or locally and set up a consultation. Mix up a batch of swimming pool thinset repair mortar. Follow the instructions on the packaging to measure and mix the mortar and water. Use a trowel to stir the mixture in a plastic container or metal bowl. Keep adjusting the proportions as needed until the mixture reaches a spreadable, peanut butter-like consistency. Stir well to get rid of any lumps. The thick, spreadable consistency will help keep the mortar from dripping into the pool water. Some thinset mortars also come with a bonding agent, which increases the adhesive quality. Mix equal parts mortar and bonding agent, then add water until the mixture thickens to a creamy, spreadable texture. Spread a 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) layer of thinset on the back of the new tile. With your trowel, scoop up a daub of thinset and smooth it out over the entire back of the tile, all the way up to the edges. Line the tile up on the pool wall so it matches any existing pattern, then press it firmly against the beam. Thinset dries quickly, so make sure to place the tile immediately after covering the back. Keep the tiles in place while they dry for 24-48 hours. Check on the tiles' progress every 10 minutes for 1-2 hours to see if they've slipped down the pool wall. If any small tiles slip, simply slide them back up and press them into place. For larger tiles, you should duct tape them into place while they dry. 24 hours should be enough to dry the thinset mortar, but waiting up to 48 hours will let it cure and harden even more. Use waterproof tile grout to fill in the spaces between the tiles. Load up a flexible spreader with grout and push the product between the tiles. Once you've filled up the space, let the grout set for 10-15 minutes, then use wet your hands and gently rub at any excess grout smeared on the tiles. To avoid dropping any daubs of grout into the pool, work with small amounts at a time. If the dried-on grout is stubborn, wait 24 hours and scrub the tiles with a stiff brush to polish and remove any haze. After letting the grout dry for 24 hours, you can refill the pool and enjoy the product of your hard work! | Drain your pool below the tiles that need replacing and let the area dry. Use a grout saw to remove the grout around any cracked tiles. Use a hammer and chisel to remove any damaged tiles. Inspect the beam behind the tile for any necessary repairs. Use the old tiles if they’re still intact. Ask your original pool builder for tile, if possible. Check online or at local pool stores for similar or identical tiles. Have tiles custom-made to match your original tiles exactly. Mix up a batch of swimming pool thinset repair mortar. Spread a 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) layer of thinset on the back of the new tile. Keep the tiles in place while they dry for 24-48 hours. Use waterproof tile grout to fill in the spaces between the tiles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Join-the-Military-and-Survive-Bootcamp | How to Join the Military and Survive Bootcamp | To join the military and survive bootcamp, schedule an appointment with a military recruiter to officially enlist, then take the military's aptitude and fitness tests before heading off to bootcamp. You can prepare for bootcamp by getting plenty of exercise and changing your sleep schedule so you can adjust to going to bed and waking up early. Once you're at bootcamp, try to stay quiet, follow orders, and focus on the tasks you're given. | Schedule an appointment with a military recruiter. While a recruiter's job is to get you to sign your name on the dotted line, they are also there to help you succeed. You can find a list of recruiters by searching online or visiting the military's website. Call the recruiter so you have plenty of time to meet them in person. Use this opportunity to clear up any questions you have as you begin the enlistment process. Think of your recruiter as a boss interviewing you for a job. You wouldn't sign up for a job you know nothing about. Similarly, a recruiter wants to see a dedicated applicant who is motivated to learn more about the job. Some questions you can ask are “Why should I join,” Are there incentives for joining,” “What is combat training like,” and “What comes after basic training?” Collect any benefits the government offers new recruits. A few perks may sweeten the looming challenge of boot camp for you. Many recruiters offer you sign-on bonuses or guaranteed promotions. You should settle on this with the recruiter before you sign any papers. Nobody will look down on you for taking a bonus and you will still start with basic training, regardless of your rank. Get any potential bonuses written down on paper. They should be in the contract you sign when enlisting. A recruiter's verbal promise may not be enough to guarantee an incentive. If you want to do a specific job in the military, recruiters can help reserve spots in training schools for you. If you can't get a guarantee you want, you don't have to sign anything right away. Unless you really want to join a specific branch of the military, contact other branches to see what they offer. Otherwise, wait and see if the military can offer a guarantee at a later date. Bring the required identification documents to the recruiter. After you contact the recruiter, they will tell you what documents you need and how to get them. Basically, expect to a personal ID, education records, and legal documents for any marriages or children you have had. The recruiter will use these documents to confirm your identity and register you. Proof of citizenship, such as a green card, is needed only if you weren't born in the country. Otherwise, bring along ID like a driver's license and your Social Security card if you enlist in the U.S., for example. Marriage, divorce, and birth certificates are all required to ensure you don't have any legal distractions. You will need court documents for issues like paying child support. For education records, bring your college transcript, GED, or high school diploma. These are usually required for enlistment. Tell the truth about any medical and legal issues you have. You may think these will be a problem, and there is a possibility they can keep you out of the military. However, lying will get you in much more trouble. The military will find out eventually, whether through a drug test or a background check. Improve your chances of joining and succeeding by being up front with your recruiter. For instance, you should not stop taking medications prescribed by your doctor. These are usually important for your health. When you reach boot camp, the military provides you with any medication you need. If a recurring medical issue or mental illness impacts your ability to serve as a soldier, your application may be rejected. Ask your recruiter for a waiver to see if you still qualify for enlistment. Legal issues such as criminal convictions aren't an automatic disqualifier. As long as these issues aren't outstanding and you show that you're serious about succeeding in the military, you may get in. Take the military’s aptitude test. In the U.S., for instance, this test is called the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Militaries across the world use these types of test to help determine what jobs their recruits are best suited for. You take multiple-choice tests covering areas such as math, science, language, and mechanical knowledge. Speak to your recruiter to set up the test. You can't really fail this test, but low scores mean you may be disqualified from the job you want. Always discuss your options with your recruiter. You don't have to rush to take the test, so study for it. If you don't like your scores, take it again before signing up for boot camp. Complete a military fitness test. You know boot camp is going to be a challenge to your body, so the fitness test won't be much of a surprise to you. Most military fitness tests around the world are very simple. It involves doing as many push ups and sit ups as you can in a couple of minutes. Then you try to run a long distance as fast as you can, usually about 1.5 mi (2.4 km). Do your best during the test, but don't fret if you don't meet the military's high bar. This is only a preliminary screening. You will get more of a workout in boot camp. To improve your chances of passing, get fit before you try to enlist. If you struggle a lot or display health issues, you are less likely to be accepted into the military. Go to boot camp within a month of completing your tests. Getting sent to boot camp hinges upon you reciting the Oath of Enlistment to your recruiter. If you have been accepted, you will be called into the recruiter's office at least a week after all the testing, paperwork, and career discussions are complete. After you recite the oath, you are immediately sent to boot camp, so be prepared! The recruiter and the military will tell you what you need to bring. Usually you need nothing more than a little bit of money, personal identification, and a change of clothing. You may also ask for a delayed entry. This means you go to boot camp at a later date, usually within a year. Exercise as much as you can to prepare your body. Run long distances, carry heavy equipment, and do push ups, pull ups, sit ups, and crunches. The more physically fit you are before arriving at basic training, the better off you will be. The workload is tough, so you will have a leg up on other recruits if you improve your physical capabilities. Arriving at training overweight or lacking strength can make you a target for drill instructors who need to work you into shape. In a worst case scenario, if you aren't able to meet the physical demands of boot camp, you have to go through it a second time or are discharged. Improve your swimming abilities before going to boot camp. Members of any branch of the military benefit from swimming practice. If you can't swim by the time you arrive at boot camp, you will have a hard time completing several activities. Practice swimming in a safe period, such as a pool, working on your speed and endurance. The military doesn't have an official swimming test, so you won't get sent home from boot camp. However, you need to learn before you can complete boot camp. Many recruits learn or get better by participating in the training drills. Swimming is especially important in branches like the Navy or Marines, although members of other branches still need to know how to handle water. Practice basic drill routines used in boot camp. Fitness tests are a part, but not all, of the activities you will go through. You will see plenty of drills during your time at boot camp. Instructors constantly test your ability to act without hesitation. Practice standing upright at attention, pretending that you're marching and halting as your instructor barks out the commands. While at home, fill a laundry basket with clothing, books, notepads, and other items. Dump the basket onto the floor, mix up the items, then quickly sort them on your bed in a neat fashion. This is the kind of test the military expects you to do. Also try sitting on the floor with your legs crossed, your back straight, and your hands on your knees. It doesn't sound difficult, but in boot camp you may be required to sit still for hours at a time. Get to bed early and wake up early. Rigid scheduling is part of the life of a recruit. In boot camp, expect to go to bed around 9:00 PM and get up around 4:00 AM. This can be very difficult at first, so practice! Adapting to a sleep schedule requires training like any other skill. It's important to get used to waking early in time for the first day of boot camp. Start adjusting your sleep schedule at least 2 weeks in advance. Begin earlier in order to give yourself more time to adjust. The first 3 days of boot camp are particularly busy, so you may not get as much sleep as you like. Getting a good night's rest can help you adjust. Study jargon and other information relating to military work. Most recruiters can recommend you a few books for study. Learn the basics, such as military rankings, standard equipment, commands used by superior officers, and your branch's creed or motto. Learning all of this in advance can reduce some of the stress when you're put on the spot in boot camp. You don't need to know how to fire guns or have other specialized knowledge, although if it is relevant to your work in the military, it can help. If you want a specific military duty, studying for it can help you succeed. For instance, if you want to be a mechanic, read up and work on cars. Stay quiet and follow orders. Military life is about learning discipline. As soon as you arrive at camp, you are expected to take orders from your drill instructors and commanding officers. Keep your head down, do what they say without complaint, and don't try to stand out too much. Never argue with your instructors, joke around during drills, or otherwise step out of line. Contrary to what you may believe, most drill instructors don't enjoy tearing you down in front of other recruits. It's simply their job to be a thorn in your side so that you improve as a recruit. A good rule of thumb is to not speak unless spoken to by your superior officers. Prioritize and focus on any tasks given to you. The military expects you to follow orders, no matter how unrelated they seem to what you signed up for. Sometimes you will be asked to do things you would rather not be doing. Whether you're marching with your platoon or scrubbing a toilet, do it when asked. When you arrive at boot camp, you start receiving orders. You go through processing, which involves things like getting your uniform, setting up your pay, and moving into your room. Any recruit would rather be sleeping in or talking with friends rather than fulfilling some of their duties. Remind yourself that there will be plenty of time for this later. Do what everyone else is doing when you don’t understand commands. There are times when you may not understand the instructions given or may not have been paying attention. Take your cues from other recruits. If you see everyone else moving a certain way, follow their lead. There is a chance you can blend in enough to avoid critique from your drill instructor. Unless your instructor is out of earshot, try not to ask other recruits what to do. Many times the instructor will catch you, pull you out of line, and give you an earful. If you do get caught doing the wrong thing, don't grin, but bear the criticism all the same! Demonstrate leadership qualities by helping other recruits. Drill instructors aren't looking for people acting like movie stars, but they do notice good recruits. Remember that you are part of a unit, so have your partner's back. Speak to fellow recruits in your unit and give them gentle reminders about what they're doing wrong. Set a good example yourself by standing straight with your chin held high, working quickly, and speaking loudly when your drill instructor asks you to. While being a leader is important, avoid alienating yourself from fellow recruits. Balance being a leader with being a good friend. Jerks may not get help from fellow recruits. Every other recruit will be in a similar position to you. A lot of what you are asked to do will not make sense at first. Boot camp is an opportunity to bond with fellow recruits, relying on each other to succeed. Cooperate with other people even if you don’t like them. At boot camp, you will encounter all sorts of instructors and recruits. Naturally, not all of them will be your best friend. As a member of the military, you serve in a group, so you quickly learn to get along with anyone. Remind yourself that you're all in this together. Teamwork is essential, so you may notice your group getting punished even if 1 recruit fails. Help those who are struggling. They probably will help you too at some point. Avoid letting drill instructors pit you against other recruits. It's a test. You aren't at boot camp to achieve individual glory, so don't make yourself stand out this way. If you have a problem with someone, talk to them after lights out. Avoid making excuses for your mistakes. Drill instructors will call you out even when you aren't sure you have done anything wrong. Whether your mistake is big or small, look the instructor in the eye and tell them the truth. Say something straightforward, such as “I lack discipline” or “I lack focus.” They may make you do a few push ups, but punishment is often much worse when you don't take responsibility for your actions. For instance, you can't travel anywhere without permission. Saying “I didn't know” won't help you. During deployment, not knowing could get you or someone else injured. When drill instructors asks you what you did, tell them and accept the consequences. Some mistakes, such as disobeying your drill instructor, reflect poorly on your unit. Other recruits may be punished with you, which will lose you friends. Try your hardest to pass difficult physical tests. Many "tests" you go through in basic training are designed to be impossible to pass. When you're struggling to get over a wall in a 10-part obstacle course, don't despair. Do your best now and practice later. With time, the task will become easier to you. The point of these tests is to break you down, then build you back up with more confidence and discipline than you have ever had before. It is tough work, but it can be rewarding. Even if you feel like you can't succeed, give it your best shot. You don't need to finish tests in first place to be a good recruit. | Schedule an appointment with a military recruiter. Collect any benefits the government offers new recruits. Bring the required identification documents to the recruiter. Tell the truth about any medical and legal issues you have. Take the military’s aptitude test. Complete a military fitness test. Go to boot camp within a month of completing your tests. Exercise as much as you can to prepare your body. Improve your swimming abilities before going to boot camp. Practice basic drill routines used in boot camp. Get to bed early and wake up early. Study jargon and other information relating to military work. Stay quiet and follow orders. Prioritize and focus on any tasks given to you. Do what everyone else is doing when you don’t understand commands. Demonstrate leadership qualities by helping other recruits. Cooperate with other people even if you don’t like them. Avoid making excuses for your mistakes. Try your hardest to pass difficult physical tests. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-a-Papaya | How to Cut a Papaya | To cut a papaya, first cut the papaya in half lengthwise using a sharp chef's knife. Then, scoop out all of the seeds in each half using a spoon and discard them. Place one of the halves skin-side down on your cutting board, and cut it into thick, evenly spaced slices. Repeat with the other half. Now, use your knife to cut the skin off of each slice. You can leave the slices as they are, or you can make evenly spaced cuts across them for bite-sized papaya pieces. | Pick a ripe papaya. Papayas are ripe when their green skin has started turning yellow and looks bruised. When you press the papaya, you should be able to make a slight indentation, but the papaya should not be completely soft. If a papaya mushy or smells overly sweet, it's too ripe to eat. If it's green and quite firm, it needs to ripen for a few days. Set it on your counter and allow it to turn a little yellow. Both the large, long Caribbean papaya variety and the smaller Hawaiian variety can be tested for ripeness in this way. Papayas bruise extremely easily, so handle it with care on the way home from the market. Wash the papaya. The green skin of the papaya is not edible, but it's still important to wash the fruit to prevent contaminating the inside when you cut into it. Lay the papaya on a flat surface. Use a cutting board or a countertop. Papayas are quite juicy and can make a bit of a mess, so you may want to have a dishtowel handy for cleanup. Cut the papaya. Papayas are very soft inside, so handle it gently. Use the sharpest knife you have, or a serrated bread knife, to get a clean cut. Start by cutting off the top end of the papaya. Slice the papaya in half lengthwise. Make sure the flesh inside looks ripe and fresh. It should have a slightly funny smell. Scoop out the seeds from both halves of the papaya. Use a spoon to remove the black seeds and the sticky membrane that coats them. Slice the papaya halves in half crosswise. Use a sawing motion to slice off the skin. Repeat with all four quarters. Slice the papaya into spears or chunks. Eat them fresh and unadorned, or use them to make one of the recipes below. Prepare a papaya and other fruit. Wash a ripe papaya, slice it in half lengthwise, discard the seeds and slice off the skin. Cut the papaya into a few large pieces. A papaya smoothie is delicious on its own, but you can also choose to make it with other fruit. Consider these options: Fresh or frozen blueberries. Blueberries have a lot of antioxidants and paired with papaya they would make a powerfully healthy smoothie. Kiwi and avocado. The kiwi offsets the papaya's sweetness with its bright flavor, and avocado makes for an especially creamy smoothie. Spinach or kale. Making a "green" smoothie is a great way to get a serving of vegetables at breakfast. Papaya is so sweet and flavorful that you won't be able to taste the greens. Prepare the base. Papayas taste good with both cream and juice bases. Try one of the following bases to thin out your smoothie: A cup of yogurt, either flavored or plain. A cup of almond or cashew milk. A cup of orange juice or apple juice. Add some extras. Enhance your smoothie with extra flavors or supplements to make it a complete meal. Consider the following options: A scoop of protein powder. A few spoonfuls of chia seeds. A tablespoon of peanut or almond butter. Blend the ingredients. Place the fruit, base, and extras in a blender. Put the lid on the blender and use the "liquify" button to blend the ingredients until they are smooth. If you like a thinner smoothie, add more juice, milk or water. If you prefer your smoothies on the thicker side, add a few spoonfuls of instant oatmeal. Blend until smooth. Serve the smoothie. Pour it into a glass and drink it with a straw, or if you made it extra thick, eat it with a spoon. | Pick a ripe papaya. Wash the papaya. Lay the papaya on a flat surface. Cut the papaya. Slice the papaya in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds from both halves of the papaya. Slice the papaya halves in half crosswise. Use a sawing motion to slice off the skin. Slice the papaya into spears or chunks. Prepare a papaya and other fruit. Prepare the base. Add some extras. Blend the ingredients. Serve the smoothie. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Great-Conversation | How to Have a Great Conversation | If you want to have a great conversation, ask open-ended questions that require more than a one-word answer, which will encourage the other person to get involved in the discussion. Ask the person questions to learn more about them and to find something you both have in common, then use their answers to steer the conversation. When the other person is talking, provide physical and verbal cues to let them know you're listening, like making eye contact, nodding, or saying “How interesting!” | Perfect your timing. Timing is key to starting a great conversation. No one likes to be interrupted if they are busy or preoccupied. When you are trying to start a conversation, keep in mind that timing is key. If you need to have an important conversation with your boss, for example, try scheduling time in advance to talk. This will ensure that you both have the time to devote to having a productive conversation. Timing is also important for impromptu conversations. Maybe you have been looking for a way to meet your new neighbor. You probably don't want to strike up a conversation if they are entering the building soaked with rain, looking exhausted, and carrying a bag of take-out food. At this point, a simple, "Hi, how are you?" will suffice. You can save getting to know one another for a better time. If someone is making eye contact with you, it might be a good time to strike up a conversation. For instance, if you are browsing in a bookstore and the person next to you glances over frequently to see which book you are considering, try talking to them. You could say, "This one looks interesting. Do you like biographies?" If you want to talk to your husband about adopting a new puppy, make sure to approach him at a good time. If you know he's not a morning person, don't bring up the subject before he has had his coffee and a chance to wake up. Comment on your surroundings. Having spur of the moment conversations is an excellent way to improve your skills as a conversationalist. Take some time each day to try to start a conversation with someone you encounter in your everyday life. For example, you could try talking to the person in line behind you at your local coffee shop. Make a comment or ask a question about your surroundings. This will seem natural and is a great way to start talking. Try saying, "I love the coffee here. What's your favorite roast?". This shows that you are interested in talking and you are beginning the conversation in a completely natural way. Strike a positive tone. Offering a cheerful comment is usually more effective than saying something negative. You could say something like, "Isn't this weather great? I love when it's cool enough to wear sweaters." Remember people. Many of us encounter a very large number of people each day. Whether you work for a large company, or simply see a lot of people in your neighborhood or at your child's school, it can be difficult to put the right face with the right name. However, research shows that making a point to not only remember people's names, but to call them by name can help increase the personal connection between you. When you first learn someone's name, repeat it in conversation. When someone says, "Hi, I'm Emily", you should say, "It's nice to meet you, Emily." The immediate repetition will help you imprint the name in your memory. Offer a compliment. Saying something nice is a great ice-breaker. Most people respond positively when you offer them a compliment. Try to choose something specific to comment on, and make sure that you are being sincere. Your tone of voice and facial expressions often convey your thoughts, so make sure you are being honest in the compliment. Try saying something encouraging to a co-worker whom you would like to know better. You could offer a statement such as, "I really admire the way you delivered that presentation. Could you give me some tips on how to organize an effective pitch?" This type of statement not only starts the conversation on a positive note, but you are opening the door for follow-up. Ask good questions. It takes at least two people to have a great conversation. Make sure to do your part and actively participate in the discussion. One of the best ways to do this is to ask questions that will allow the discussion to develop naturally. Ask open-ended questions. Instead of saying, "It's a nice day, isn't it?" Say, "How are you planning to enjoy this beautiful weather?" The first example only requires a yes or no answer, which could be a dead end for the conversation. Ask questions that require more than 1 word. Ask questions that clarify what the other person is saying. If you are having a talk about rules with your teenager, try saying, "I hear you saying that you're frustrated because you feel like you don't have enough freedom. What can we do to find a solution that works for both of us?" Practice being an active listener. Being an active listener means that you are responding to your conversation partner and demonstrating that you are engaged in the discussion. You can indicate that you are actively listening through both physical and verbal cues. Active listening makes the other person feel valued and respected, which is very important when trying to develop effective conversations. You can let someone know that you are listening by using positive body language. Make sure to make eye contact throughout the conversation. Also, try nodding or shaking your head at appropriate times. You can provide verbal cues to let someone know that you are engaged in the conversation. They can be as simple as "That's interesting!" or more substantial, such as "I didn't know that. Can you tell me more about what it physically feels like when you're running a marathon?" Another way to indicate that you are actively listening is to restate some of the conversation. Try paraphrasing. For example, you can say, "How interesting that you are exploring some new volunteer opportunities. It sounds like you are really excited about trying something new." Remember that active listening is about retaining and thinking about what the other person is saying. Instead of trying to formulate your response, focus on hearing what they are saying and absorb the information. Be genuine. When having a conversation, try to demonstrate that your interest in the other person is sincere. For example, maybe you want to get to know your boss better. She probably has a lot of demands on her time, and does not have a lot of time to make small talk with her. Instead of chit chat, try to make an actual connection. If you're working on a project for her, ask for her advice on dealing with that client. Be sincere and show that you value her opinion. Maybe your neighbor has a college flag hanging outside of their house, and you're curious about why. You could sincerely say, "I notice you have a Kansas flag outside your house. Are you a fan of college basketball?" This is an organic, genuine way to start a conversation. You can branch off into other topics once you get to know the person. Find common ground. Having a great conversation requires you to think about the other person's interests. If you can find something that you have in common, that can be an excellent "getting to know you" topic. You might have to ask several questions to find your common ground, but it will be worth your efforts. Maybe you are trying to relate to your new sister-in-law, but you are very different people. Try talking about a new television show you've seen or a book you've read. Maybe you'll find that you have similar tastes. If all else fails, go for something that people typically like. For example, most people like good food. Ask what her favorite dinner is, and go from there. Stay current on the news. Try to be aware of what is going on in the world. This will help you be prepared if someone tries to talk to you about current events. Take a few minutes each morning to scan the headlines. Being knowledgeable will allow you to be a much better participant in conversations. Another technique is to be aware of what is happening in pop culture. Talking about the latest books, movies, and music is a great way to have fun chats with your friends, co-workers, or even the other travelers on your morning commute. Try to avoid bringing up controversial topics (politics, religion, etc.) with people as this may lead to an argument rather than a conversation. Monitor your body language. Your physical behavior is an important component of any face to face conversation. Eye contact is particularly significant. Holding someone's gaze indicates that you are engaged in the conversation and that you are paying attention. Remember that eye contact doesn't mean you should just stare at someone. Instead, try to maintain eye contact for 50% of the time when you are talking and 70% of the time when you are listening. You can use other non-verbal cues when participating in a conversation. Try nodding your head to show understanding, or smiling when a positive response is called for. Also remember never to just stand there as still as a statue during a conversation. Move your body around (not like a maniac, as this'll be unexpected and cause the other person to have uncomfortable thoughts about you). Cross your legs if you have to, but also make sure your body stays moving in a way it's interested in the conversation! Remember: your body is a more powerful form of communication than words! Avoid over-sharing. Over-sharing means that you are saying something that either embarrasses you as the speaker or worse, your listener. It can be awkward. There are many times when people blurt something out and then almost instantly regret it. Offering too much information can make both you and the person that you are talking to feel awkward. To prevent over-sharing, try to be aware of situations where it most often occurs. Over-sharing happens a lot when you are nervous or especially eager to make a good impression. For example, if you are going to an important job interview, take a few deep, calming breaths before you enter the room. Also, take a moment to think about what you're going to say before actually verbalizing your thoughts. You can also try slow-talk, which is when you speak at 1/3 of your normal speed. Evaluate your relationship with the other person. Before sharing information, ask yourself, "Is this the appropriate person to discuss this with?" For example, you probably don't want to discuss your hemorrhoid flare-up with the person in line behind you at the coffee shop. They don't need that information, and will likely be uncomfortable hearing about it. Keep in mind that it is okay to share personal information about yourself in small doses to get to know someone. You just don't want to share everything about yourself at once. Try offering 1 or 2 new pieces of personal information per conversation as a way to practice vulnerability and deepen your relationship. It can be scary to share these personal things because you run the risk of being rejected or criticized, but it is essential for the relationship to grow. Use conversations to strengthen your personal relationships. Communicating is one of the best ways to strengthen your connection with someone. Talking is one of the most effective forms of communication, so it makes sense that connecting verbally can help strengthen your personal bonds. Try to have in-depth conversations with those people you really care about. One way to do this would be to implement better dinner table talk. For example, if you live with a romantic partner, avoid watching tv while you eat. Instead, try to have an interesting conversation several times a week. Ask fun questions such as, "If you won the lottery, what would you do first?" These sorts of questions can help you connect and get to know one another better. Converse with coworkers to improve your work relationships. Having good conversations is an excellent way to make your work life better. Not only can it help you advance in your profession, but it will make your day-to-day routine more enjoyable. Try talking to your co-workers about things other than work. This will help you connect on a personal level. Then, when you are working on a project together, you will naturally communicate more effectively. Perhaps you've noticed that your cubicle mate has several pictures of her cat on her desk. Try to ask her questions about her pet as a way to get to know her better. This will lead to more in-depth conversations down the road. Have more in-depth conversations to feel happier. People who are happy about their conversations are generally happier people. Mostly, this refers to in-depth conversations, but surface level chats can raise your endorphins, too. Basically, try to put effort into each conversation that you have during the day and you'll start to feel good about life in general. Smile while you are talking with someone to improve your mood. Try to smile more when you are talking with someone as well. Smiling makes you feel happier by releasing endorphins, so it is an easy way to improve the quality of your conversations and to get more out of them. Remind yourself to smile before, during, and after your conversation to reap the benefits of smiling. | Perfect your timing. Comment on your surroundings. Remember people. Offer a compliment. Ask good questions. Practice being an active listener. Be genuine. Find common ground. Stay current on the news. Monitor your body language. Avoid over-sharing. Use conversations to strengthen your personal relationships. Converse with coworkers to improve your work relationships. Have more in-depth conversations to feel happier. Smile while you are talking with someone to improve your mood. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Curly-Hair | How to Cut Curly Hair | To cut long layers in curly hair, first divide the person's hair into 3 layers, and tie up the top 2 layers with a clip or hair band. Starting with the bottom layer, pull sections of hair through your fingers, and trim off the ends, especially on areas where there are split ends. Just try to keep the amount you take off consistent throughout the section. Once you've trimmed the bottom layer, move on to the middle, and then finally the top layer. Keep in mind that for long layers, you want the middle and top layers to be slightly shorter than the bottom layer. Once you're done with all the sections, do a final check and trim any stray hairs that you missed in the beginning. | Get your supplies. You'll need a good pair of cutting scissors. They should be very sharp, as dull scissors won't give you a good cut. You'll also need hairpins, clips, or hair ties if you want to section off part of your hair, as well as a wide-toothed comb. Only use your hair-cutting shears for cutting hair. If you use them on other things, they will get dull, making it more difficult to cut your hair. Skip razors because they can make curly hair more frizzy. Detangle your hair. It's easiest to detangle hair when it's a little wet. Use a wide-toothed comb, not a brush or regular comb. Start with the roots, and work your way down, gently pulling out tangles with the comb. If a tangle is being particularly stubborn, see if it need to be cut a bit to help untangle it. Work with dry or mostly dry hair. While you can wash your hair first, you should work with dry hair when cutting curls. That way, it will be easier to cut just what you want, as the length changes between dry and wet. Some stylists say damp works well, too. Mainly, it means less drying time. Just make sure the curls have mostly scrunched up before you start cutting, so you can get an idea of the shape. Another option is misting dry hair with a light leave-in conditioner, so that you get the best of both worlds. Try the 2-cut bob. If you're looking for a short bob, start by washing and drying your hair. You may want to add some leave-in conditioner. Comb your hair into a low ponytail at the back of your head. Don't get it too close to your head. Make sure you comb all the loose hairs and get the hair as straight as possible. Once you've got it combed into a ponytail, pull the elastic an inch or two down. Cut your hair straight across below the ponytail holder. Undo the ponytail. Comb your hair into a high ponytail onto the very top of your head. Once you get it all combed straight, cut across the top, as well, about two inches from the end of your hair. Comb it out, and you're done. Try search and destroy with a mirror. This method works better in front of a mirror that magnifies. That way, you can really see what you're doing. The goal of search and destroy is to just take off what's damaged. "Dusting" is lighter than a trim, meaning you don't take as much off. Work on small, single sections of your hair at a time. Hold them up to the mirror so you can see which ones are damaged. Trim off the ends of curls that are damaged. Once you've got all the damaged ends in a section, move on to the next section. Pin back any area you've already trimmed. Search and destroy using the twist method. Start with detangled hair. Twist your hair into small sections. That is, curl the hair around your finger until it exposes the damaged ends. Trim off what you can. Make sure your hair is dry or just damp before starting this method. You can also do this method with small braids. Your sections should only be about an inch by an inch. Trim off 1/4 of an inch to 1/2 of an inch. Pin or tie back areas you've already trimmed. Use your fingers to search and destroy. Another way to find damage is to use your fingers to feel for it. As you run your fingers through your hair, feel for damaged ends. When you find some, trim that bit off. This method also works best with dry or damp hair. Once you've done an area, pin it up. Part it into small sections. As your parting it, twist or braid the hair to keep it in the small sections. You can also use small clips if you prefer. Small sections work best for this method, as it makes it easier to work with the hair. Try for about 1-inch by 1-inch sections, though if your hair is thinner, you can go a little bigger. Work on one section at a time. With each section, undo the braid or clip. Comb it out, layering it between your fingers. Stretch it out until it's straight, and you have just the ends extending from your fingertips. Make sure not to use a brush, as that can frizz out the hair. Stick to a wide-toothed comb. Trim or dust off as much as you want. "Dusting" refers to just taking off the damaged ends, while "trimming" is cutting off a bit more. Either one is fine. It just depends on the person's preference. With the hair between your fingers, cut off the ends sticking out. Go across in a straight line. The straight line can work here because it's only a very small section of hair. Move across the head. As you go, make sure you pin back the sections that you've already done. You don't want to do the same section twice. You can use bigger hair clips to pull back the hair that's already been trimmed. You can re-braid or twist sections to keep them out of the way of your cutting. Do a final check. When you're done trimming, undo all the twists. Shake out the hair to make sure you have no major stray hairs sticking out. With curly hair, you won't have perfectly aligned hair, but trim away any obviously thick or long pieces. Have the person lean their head back. One way you can work on curly hair is having the person lean back. Pull the top layer of hair up into your hand, letting the edges hang out. You can also have the person flip forward instead. The point of this technique is to create instant light layers. Cut the hair. With the hair in your hand, cut at an angle towards your hand, snipping off the ends. You're not going to get every hair. With curly hair, you don't always need to cut a straight line like you do with straight hair. One method you can use is to comb out a section. Use your fingers to hold the hair, moving out to the ends. Instead of cutting what's held between your fingers, cut on the other side of your hand. Cut at a downward angle, moving towards your fingers, being careful not to cut yourself. This technique helps to create texture. Thin it out a bit. Where the hair looks bulky, pull out individual curls to cut. Cut inward at angle, just as you did when you flipped the hair. Basically, you're just going to keep pulling out curls to trim off the ends a bit until the hair doesn't look so bulky. Make layers. Layers help to give shape to curly hair. Long layers often work well, with the shortest layer starting at chin length and the rest of the layers going down from there. However, you can also go for very short. Just make sure it's at least 2 inches all over the person's head. While you're cutting, shape the hair to follow the shape of the person's head. Others swear by short layers, with the top layer being 5 to 6 inches long. You have to find what works best for each hair type. The flipping technique helps to give natural layers to the hair, so if you're happy with that, you don't need to add any more layers. To add layers, work down through the hair, shortening from the top to the bottom. However, you can also use clips to work on individual layers at time. Clip up most of the hair to work on the bottom layer. Pull some out for the next part, and work on that layer. Continue until you have as many layers as you want. Trim off any dead ends. Though the hair flipping helps give the hair layers, it doesn't take care of dead ends on the bottom layer. Go around the bottom, pulling out any hair you see with dead or split ends. Pull the hair through your fingers, and trim off the ends. Look at the head as a whole. Once you're done, do a final check. Look for any major stray hairs, and trim away anything that you see that doesn't belong. Make sure to look at the person straight on so you can see where there's a problem, and don't forget to check the back, too. | Get your supplies. Detangle your hair. Work with dry or mostly dry hair. Try the 2-cut bob. Try search and destroy with a mirror. Search and destroy using the twist method. Use your fingers to search and destroy. Part it into small sections. Work on one section at a time. Trim or dust off as much as you want. Move across the head. Do a final check. Have the person lean their head back. Cut the hair. Thin it out a bit. Make layers. Trim off any dead ends. Look at the head as a whole. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Comfort-Your-Girlfriend-when-She-Is-Upset | How to Comfort Your Girlfriend when She Is Upset | When your girlfriend is upset, comfort her by asking what's wrong and showing support as she explains the situation. For example, you could say, "I know that this must feel terrible right now and I'm so sorry. Please let me know if I can do anything to make it better." To show her that her feelings matter to you, make sure to both acknowledge the issue and express your feelings by saying something like, "She was a great friend and I'm upset she's moving away, too." However, stay away from giving advice, since most problems that upset people don't have an easy solution and she's most likely thought it all out before. If you want to physically comfort her, give her a hug or hold her hands if she seems open to it. | Ask her what’s wrong. No matter what your opinion is, keep it to yourself. Let her vent and get the story out, just nodding and adding a small comment when necessary. If she doesn't want to tell you, don't pressure her. Some girls don't like to talk about why they're so upset. If this is the case, just tell her that you care and let her cry it out. "How're you feeling?" "Hey, is something bothering you lately?" "You seem upset. What's going on?" "I'm here to listen if you want someone to talk to." Be supportive, not dismissive. It doesn't matter if you don't agree with her issues. Reassure her that you're there for her. Take her to a private spot and tell her that it's alright to cry. Ensure her that you're on her side. "I know that this must feel terrible right now. I'm so sorry." "I can't imagine how you feel. I know this can't be easy." "I'm sorry that you're upset. Please let me know if I can do anything to make it better.” Acknowledge the issue and briefly express your feelings. Just showing someone that you see and understand their problem means the world. Keep it short and simple. "I am so sad to hear that your mom is sick." "I know you really deserved that promotion. I'm sorry it didn't work out." "She was a great friend, and I'm upset she's moving away too." Stay away from giving advice. Most people are upset because there is no easy solution. So don't try to offer her one. She's more than likely thought it all out before, and your advice will just keep her circling around how "hopeless" her problems are. Instead, say: "This must be really hard for you." "I wish I had an answer or solution. Just know that I'm here for you no matter what." "What do you think comes next?" "How do you want to handle this?" Empathize and validate her emotions. This one can be hard, but as long as you let her take the lead you can help her get a hold of her feelings. Get her to open up about how she feels instead of the situation or the outcome by drawing on your personal experience. Labeling the feelings will help her control them: "I know you really wanted that job. I would be really let down in your shoes." "You absolutely have a right to be sad; I would be too." "I know you're angry and upset right now. I understand, and it sucks." Stay positive. This is very important. While supporting her, constantly remind her that things will get better. She's going to be looking to you for advice, so make sure not to be negative. Bring your positive energy to the conversation and she will slowly, but surely, start to pick up on it. "Let it out. You know that, however terrible, these feelings will pass." "Let's remember the good moments together. Remember when..." "This sucks right now, I know. But I will be here for you until things feel better." Avoid minimizing her problems or talking down to her. At the end of the day, remember that you aren't there to make things magically better, you're there to support her. Telling her "it's no big deal" or that "you went through the same thing" will make her feel like you don't take her seriously. Things not to say include: "You were too good for that job anyway. They're not even worth your time." Clearly, since she's upset, she thinks it was worth her time. "I know exactly how you feel." Everyone's problems are unique -- you don't know exactly how she feels, and she'll sense it. "You're so strong -- you'll be fine." Sometimes people need some time not to be strong. Don't make her feel like she can't be vulnerable unless she looks "weak." "I know this is terrible. Did I tell you about the time I......" This isn't about your past problems, so don't try and change the subject. Be patient as she gets a hold of her feelings. This doesn't mean be passive. Rather, you should watch, wait, and know when to act. It may take a while for your girlfriend to open up depending on how upset she is. Knowing when to act will only be possible through communication. Consistently ask her if she's ready to talk about it. Only leave her alone if she tells you to. Even if she seems angry or upset, stay with her until she has calmed down. Use physical contact to comfort her. Light touching works wonders. It releases the hormone oxytocin. This hormone elevates feelings of attachment, connection, trust, and intimacy. If you're holding hands, run your thumb over her knuckles or rub small circles on the back of her hand. You can also place one hand on her shoulder or the small of her back for the same effect. Holding hands is a great stress reliever. This simple act increases a sense of trust and security and lowers cortisol (“stress hormone”) levels. Hug her. Be firm but gentle-soft rocking or patting on the back is fine if you need to calm her down a bit before you can talk. Remember, you're hugging her to help comfort her, so ensure that she feels safe and protected. Hugs provide a sense of security. We are wired to find touch reassuring. Don’t push it. A gentle touch or hug is plenty to comfort your girlfriend. If she wishes to kiss you, she will. Move her. Physically take her somewhere different to surprise her with an act of kindness. At this point, she might not want to be around other people. Suggest a small getaway to take her mind off of things. Set up a private picnic for the two of you. Treat her to an afternoon massage at the spa. Go see a new comedy movie. Take her for a walk. | Ask her what’s wrong. Be supportive, not dismissive. Acknowledge the issue and briefly express your feelings. Stay away from giving advice. Empathize and validate her emotions. Stay positive. Avoid minimizing her problems or talking down to her. Be patient as she gets a hold of her feelings. Use physical contact to comfort her. Hug her. Don’t push it. Move her. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Treat-Skin-Cancer | How to Treat Skin Cancer | To treat skin cancer, monitor your skin so you notice changes as soon as they appear. A helpful acronym to remember is the “ABCDE's” of melanoma, where A stands for asymmetry, B for border, C for color, D for diameter, and E for evolving. Abnormally shaped moles that you haven't noticed before, unexplained bumps or lesions, or any weird variation in your skin's color or texture could merit a trip to the dermatologist. Your dermatologist will take a biopsy to check for cancerous cells, then will recommend a surgical or nonsurgical treatment. | Focus on skin most exposed to the sun. Although skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, it's most likely to occur on areas with the most sun exposure. It's the UV radiation in the sun that damages the DNA of skin cells and makes them mutate into cancer cells. Thus, spend more time checking parts of your body that get the most sun, such as your scalp, face (especially your nose), ears, neck, upper chest, forearms, and hands. Look for unusual marks and blemishes on your skin, especially new growths (see below). It's obviously a good idea to not let certain areas get constant sun exposure, but some outdoor jobs make it difficult. If you can't always cover skin up, then apply a strong sunscreen that blocks out UV radiation. Women tend to be more susceptible to skin cancer on their legs and upper arms because they wear skirts, shorts, and halter tops. Check your skin for unusual spots while you're naked (just prior to bathing, for example) so you can see as much of your skin as possible. Use a magnifying glass if your eyesight is poor. Determine your risk factors. Some people are more susceptible to skin cancer than others because they have more risk factors. The main risk factors currently identified include fair skin with freckles, red hair, over-exposure to UV radiation (from the sun or tanning beds), history of serious sunburns, having lots of moles, prior radiation treatments, weakened immunity, exposure to arsenic and a family history of skin cancer. Some of these risk factors can't be avoided (skin complexion), but some are merely behaviors that can be changed, such as being cautious while in the sun. Any skin color is susceptible to cancer, but lighter shades have less pigment (melanin), which is protective against the damaging effects of UV radiation. This makes people with lighter skin more at risk for skin cancer. Blistering sunburns as a child/teenager increases your risk of getting skin cancer as an adult. People who live in sunny and/or high-altitude climates get more UV exposure. That's beneficial for producing vitamin D and lowering your risk of depression, but a potential risk factor for developing skin cancer. Moles are not cancerous, but large irregularly shaped ones (called dysplastic nevi) can become cancerous when exposed to lots of UV radiation. Distinguish between different cancer types. It's important to understand the differences between normal marks on the skin (such as freckles, moles, warts, pimples) and skin cancer. For examples, basal cell carcinoma often appears as pearly/waxy bumps in its early stages, and later as a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesions. In contrast, squamous cell carcinoma often appear firm, red nodules and progress to flat lesions with scaly, crusted surfaces. Finally, melanomas can appear as large brownish spots with darker speckles, or small lesions with irregular borders and colorful speckles (red, white, blue-black). Basal cell carcinomas almost always appear in sun-exposed areas, such as your neck or face. Squamous cell carcinomas also appear in sun-exposed areas and are more common in darker-skinned people. Melanoma tends to develop anywhere, even on skin that has no sun exposure. It has a tendency to develop on the palms, soles, fingertips, or toes. Learn the ABCDEs of melanoma acronym. A handy acronym to learn and help you identify potential melanomas on your skin is referred to as the ABCDEs of melanoma. More specifically, the characteristics are: A = asymmetry, B = border, C = color, D = diameter, and E = evolving. Asymmetry: one half of the mole/blemish is unlike the other half. Border: a mole/blemish with an irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border. Color: the mole/blemish is varied from one area to another — has shades of tan, brown or black, or is sometimes white, red, or blue. Diameter: melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm when diagnosed, but they can be a little smaller. Evolving: a mole/blemish that looks different from others or is changing in size, shape, or color. Consult your dermatologist immediately if any of your moles or pigmented spots exhibit the above-mentioned signs or features. Make an appointment with your family doctor or dermatologist. If you find unusual looking marks or blemishes on your skin, particularly if you didn't notice them before or they've recently transformed, see your doctor right away. Your family physician can rule out most other skin conditions that can mimic cancer (such as eczema, psoriasis, ingrown hairs, carbuncles, skin tags), but you'll likely get referred to a skin specialist called a dermatologist. Remember that catching skin cancer early makes treatment much more effective. To better diagnose your skin condition, the doctor will likely take a skin biopsy (tissue sample) and look at it under a microscope. Different types of skin biopsies are called a shave biopsy and a punch biopsy. In addition to a suspicious look, skin cancer can get itchy, inflamed, and tender to touch. In some cases, particularly with melanoma, the skin can bleed and form a scab. Most cases of skin cancer change/grow slowly. If it gets bigger quickly, it's usually a more serious variety of skin cancer. Ask your doctor about non-surgical procedures. There are a number of non-invasive and quick procedures that are used if your skin cancer is a simple basal cell carcinoma or a thin squamous cell carcinoma — not nearly as serious or dangerous as melanomas. Examples include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and biological therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-powered focal x-rays to kill skin cancer cells. It's typically used for basal cell carcinomas that can't easily be cut out. Patients often need 15-30 treatments. Chemotherapy involves using cancer-killing drugs in ointments or creams that are applied directly to the skin lesion. This treatment is limited for cancers on the skin's surface, not deeper ones. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses laser light after chemicals are applied to the skin and absorbed. The combination destroys cancer cells because the drugs make them sensitive to the high-intensity light. Biological therapy (or immunotherapy) enlists your immune system to kill cancerous cells. You're given compounds (interferon, imiquimod) made by your body or in the lab that boost your natural defenses against cancer. Ask your doctor about cryosurgery (freezing). Skin cancer treatment varies greatly and depends on the size, type, depth, and location of the lesion(s). Small skin cancers on the surface are easiest to remove, either by shaving them off or by freezing them off. Getting cryosurgery is a sign your skin cancer is small and not very dangerous. Your doctor then applies liquid nitrogen to the lesion to freeze and kill the cells, and then the dead tissue eventually sloughs off when it thaws — it takes a few days. Cryosurgery can be very effective for small basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas because they are closer to the surface of the skin, but it's not often used for deeper melanomas. Cryosurgery is also used to remove warts and skin tags. It's a quick and simple procedure that's that very painful. Consult your doctor about excisional surgery. Excisional surgery involves cutting (or excising) out the cancerous tissue and the surrounding margin of healthy skin. Sometimes quite a bit of normal skin is removed around the lesion just to be on the safe side, which leaves a relatively large wound to heal. This type of surgery is appropriate for any type of skin cancer, even deeper melanomas. Excisional surgery is performed by your dermatologist during an office visit. The area around the lesion is numbed with topical anesthesia. The removed marginal (normal) skin is always examined under the microscope to see if it's truly free of cancer cells. Expect Mohs surgery for more serious skin cancers. Mohs surgery involves removing successive layers of skin from a lesion and examining each layer under the microscope until no cancerous cells can be seen. It's similar to excisional surgery, but it allows cancer cells to be removed without taking lots of surrounding healthy skin (smaller wounds and quicker recovery). Mohs surgery is more appropriate for larger, recurring, or difficult-to-treat skin cancers. Mohs surgery is often used on the nose, where it's necessary to conserve as much skin as possible. Mohs surgery has a reputation for offering the highest cure rate for difficult-to-treat basal cell carcinomas. Talk with your doctor about the need for curettage or electrodesiccation. This treatment involves scraping away the surface tumor with a sharp, spoon-shaped tool called a curette and then destroying any remaining cancer cells with an electric needle (electrodesiccation). The electricity not only destroys cancer cells, but it also cauterizes the wound so it doesn't bleed. The procedure is often repeated up to 3 times to get all of the cancerous cells. Electrodesiccation is used on essentially all skin cancer types, although it's more effective and efficient on smaller lesions closer to the surface of the skin. This technique tends to leave a moderate wound, less than regular excisional surgery, but bigger than that left from Mohs surgery. | Focus on skin most exposed to the sun. Determine your risk factors. Distinguish between different cancer types. Learn the ABCDEs of melanoma acronym. Make an appointment with your family doctor or dermatologist. Ask your doctor about non-surgical procedures. Ask your doctor about cryosurgery (freezing). Consult your doctor about excisional surgery. Expect Mohs surgery for more serious skin cancers. Talk with your doctor about the need for curettage or electrodesiccation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fake-Money | How to Make Fake Money | To make fake money, start by searching online for images of play money, since printing genuine bills is illegal. Alternatively, you can use watermarked images of bills from the Treasury Department of the United States. You should also make sure your bills are either 75 percent smaller or 150 percent bigger than regular bills so you don't break any laws. Once you've found a good image, print it and cut out the bill to make your own fake money. If you want to make it even more realistic, soak your paper in tea or coffee to give it a light brown tint. | Mix water and coffee in a bowl or pan. If don't want bright white paper for your bills, then you can try to create a color closer to normal currency by dying it with coffee. Get a coffee cup and fill it halfway up with hot water. Add in 3 tablespoons (44.4 ml) of instant coffee and stir quickly. Then, pour this mixture into a shallow bowl or pan. This should leave you with a deep brown colored liquid. If you want your money to only have a slight brownish tint, then you can add a bit more warm water to the cup. If you don't have instant coffee on hand, you can instead use a tea bag steeped in a cup of warm water. To create an even more complex color, squeeze out 1-2 drops of green food coloring into the mug and stir quickly. This will give your currency a greenish tint. Dip the pieces of printer paper into the water. Hold a piece of paper above the dish and dip the paper into it. Try to evenly coat both sides of the paper. This will create a uniform color. Go as quickly as you and avoid saturating the paper to the point of ripping. Arrange 1 piece of paper on a plate. Get a microwave-safe plate and place a single sheet of paper on it. The paper should lie flat right in the middle of the plate. You'll need to use separate plates for each piece of paper. Or, you'll have to wait until the single plate that you are using is cooled down after microwaving. Microwave each piece of paper to dry it. Set the plate and paper in the microwave and cook it for 20 seconds on high. Remove the plate and tap your finger against the paper. If it still feels wet, heat it for another 10 seconds and repeat until it is dry. Set the finished piece of paper aside. Repeat the process with a fresh plate and sheet of paper. Let each piece of paper air dry, alternatively. If you want to avoid using a microwave, lay all of your paper pieces out to dry on baking sheets. Make sure that they do not overlap, as this will increase the drying time. You can also hang them up on a clothes line with clothes pins. Follow all laws and regulations. Creating any kind of currency is generally regulated by your national government. In the United States, the final fake bill must be shrunk down to 75% or less of the original bill's size or enlarged to over 150% of the original bill's size. The government also encourages anyone who prints fake money to make it one-sided. Check with your national or local government before starting printing any fake money, just to be safe. You should also note that it is illegal to copy money in color tones in many areas. Instead, you'll probably need to go with black and white bills. Draw out your currency. If you'd like to avoid the computer and printer, you can use a pen to sketch currency images directly on to your paper. Place a piece of real currency on the paper and then trace around its edges. Use a fine tipped pen to draw additional details inside the bill's outline. This is an especially great way to make fake money for kid's activities, as it allows you (or them) to put all sorts of images on a bill. Download play money worksheets. Get on your computer and search for “play money templates” or “play money worksheets.” Download the document and fill it out with any extra details. Some templates allow you to change the dates or text on the currency. You can also adjust the print size, so that the currency follows any laws. Some educational currency websites will even let you put your own photo or another image in the center of the bill. Use watermarked government money images. The Treasury Department of the United States provides images of currency that can be downloaded and printed out for educational reasons via their official website. Other financial groups, such as the European Central Bank, offer the same service as well. Go online, pull up one of these files, and then you are ready to print. Many of these entities offer images of both coin and bill currency. Buy from a prop company. Prop companies are businesses that you can find online or through costume stores. They make sets of fake currency for movies, plays, or other performances. You can generally request more detailed bills or just generic stacks that can be realistic from afar. This is also a good way to get fake money that you know conforms to all legal rules and regulations. However, buying fake money from a prop company can be pricey. Make sure that you understand exactly what you are getting for your money. Most companies will require that you purchase a roll or stack of bills, not just a single bill. Print out your currency. Add your dyed or colored paper into the printer's paper feeder. Double-check your printer settings to make sure the currency is fitted to the page. Then, print a single page at a time or multiple pages at once. For the best quality, use a laser printer. Create multiple copies. If you have a print out of a sheet of currency, you can place this in a copier and make additional ones. You can also make copies of real bills, but you'll need to keep these black and white. To follow the law, you'll also need to change the size settings to either 150% larger or 75% smaller than standard bills. You can also make two-sided copies of currency using most copiers. Cut your bills out. If all of your bills are the same size, place the sheet (or stack of sheets) inside a paper cutter and use it to cut them apart. This will create the most uniform, smooth edges. However, if the currency is different sizes, grab a pair of scissors and carefully cut around the sides. Add a band around the bills. Get cash straps from your local bank or office supply store. You can also use heavy, wide rubber bands. Use a permanent marker to write the name of a bank across the strap. Then, place a stack of bills inside and you are ready to go. | Mix water and coffee in a bowl or pan. Dip the pieces of printer paper into the water. Arrange 1 piece of paper on a plate. Microwave each piece of paper to dry it. Let each piece of paper air dry, alternatively. Follow all laws and regulations. Draw out your currency. Download play money worksheets. Use watermarked government money images. Buy from a prop company. Print out your currency. Create multiple copies. Cut your bills out. Add a band around the bills. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Glass | How to Make Glass | To make glass, you'll need a furnace or kiln, silica sand, sodium carbonate, calcium oxide, a heat-resisting container, metal tongs, and thick gloves and a face mask for safety. Start by mixing your sodium carbonate and calcium oxide into your silica sand so that they make up about 26-30 percent of the glass mixture. Then, pour your glass mixture into your heat-safe container and place the container in the kiln with your metal tongs. The kiln should be at least 1500°C. Then, remove the glass periodically and mix it to remove bubbles. You can also pour your molten glass into a mold to shape it. Finally, when you're ready, cool your glass in your kiln, which is known as annealing. | Obtain silica sand. Also called quartz sand, silica sand is the primary ingredient in making glass. Glass without iron impurities is sought for clear glass pieces, as the iron will cause the glass to appear greenish when present. Wear a face mask if handling extremely fine-grain silica sand. If inhaled, it can irritate the throat and lungs. Silica sand is available from online retailers. It is fairly cheap - small quantities shouldn't cost more than 20 dollars. If you want to operate on an industrial scale, specialty retailers can offer competitive rates on large orders - sometimes lower than $100 per ton. If it is not possible to find sand sufficiently free of iron impurities, their tinting effect can be countered by adding small amounts of manganese dioxide. Or, if you want greenish glass, leave the iron in! Add sodium carbonate and calcium oxide to the sand. Sodium carbonate (commonly called washing soda) lowers the temperature necessary to make glass commercially. However, it permits water to pass through the glass, so calcium oxide, or lime, is added to negate this property. Oxides of magnesium and/or aluminum may also be added to make the glass more durable. Generally, these additives take up no more than 26 to 30 percent of the glass mixture. Add other chemicals, depending on the glass's intended purpose. The most common addition for decorative glass is lead oxide, which provides the sparkle in crystal glassware, as well as the softness to make it easier to cut and also lowers the melting point. Eyeglass lenses may contain lanthanum oxide because of its refractive properties, while iron helps glass absorb heat. Lead crystal can contain up to 33 percent lead oxide; however, the more lead oxide, the more skill required to shape the molten glass, so many lead crystal makers opt for less lead content. Add chemicals to produce a desired color in the glass, if any. As noted above, iron impurities in quartz sand make glass made with it appear greenish, so iron oxide is added to increase the greenish tint, as is copper oxide. Sulfur compounds produce a yellowish, amber, brownish or even blackish tint, depending on how much carbon or iron is also added to the mixture. Place the mixture in a good heat-resistant crucible or holder. The container should be able to withstand the extremely high temperatures within the kiln - depending on your additives, your glass mixture may melt at a range of temperatures between 1,500 and 2,500 degrees Celsius. Your container should also be easily grasped with metal hooks and poles. Melt the mixture into a liquid. For commercial silica glass, this is done in a gas-fired furnace, while specialty glasses may be created using an electric melter, pot furnace or kiln. Quartz sand without additives becomes glass at a temperature of 2,300 degrees Celsius (4,172 degrees Fahrenheit). Adding sodium carbonate (soda) reduces the temperature needed to make glass to 1,500 degrees Celsius (2,732 degrees Fahrenheit). Homogenize and remove bubbles from the molten glass. This means stirring the mixture to a consistent thickness and adding chemicals such as sodium sulfate, sodium chloride or antimony oxide. Shape the molten glass. Shaping the glass can be done in one of several ways: The molten glass can be poured into a mold and let cool. This method was used by the Egyptians, and it is also how many lenses are created today. A large amount of molten glass can be gathered at the end of a hollow tube, which is then blown into while the tube is turned. The glass is shaped by the air entering the tube, gravity pulling on the molten glass and whatever tools the glassblower uses to work the molten glass. The molten glass can be poured into a bath of molten tin for support and blasted with pressurized nitrogen to shape and polish it. Glass made by this method is called float glass, and it is how glass panes have been made since the 1950s. Slowly cool the glass in a kiln. This process is called annealing, and it removes any stress points that may have formed in the glass during cooling. Glass that has not been annealed is significantly weaker. Once this process is completed, the glass can then be coated, laminated or otherwise treated to improve its strength and durability. The precise temperature for annealing can vary based on the precise composition of the glass from as low as 750 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. The rate at which the glass must cool may also change - generally, larger pieces of glass must cool more slowly than smaller pieces. Research proper annealing methods before beginning. A related process is tempering, in which shaped and polished glass is placed in an oven heated to at least 600 degrees Celsius (1,112 degrees Fahrenheit) and then quick-cooled ("quenched") with blasts of air at high pressure. Annealed glass breaks into shards at 6,000 pounds per square inch (psi), while tempered glass breaks into small pieces at no less than 10,000 psi and usually at around 24,000 psi. Prepare a makeshift furnace from a charcoal barbecue grill. This method uses the heat generated by a large charcoal fire to melt silica sand into glass. The materials used are relatively cheap and common - theoretically, all you'll need is a short trip to the hardware store to be ready to make your own glass. Use a large charcoal barbecue grill - standard-size "dome" models work well. Use the thickest, sturdiest grill available. Most charcoal grills will have a vent on the bottom - open this vent. Even at the extremely hot temperatures reached in this method, it can be difficult to melt silica sand in a grill. Add a small quantity (about 1/3 to 1/4 of your sand's volume) of laundry soda, lime, and/or borax to your sand before you begin. These additives lower the sand's melting temperature. If you're going to blow your glass, have a long, hollow, metal tube handy. If you're going to pour it into a mold, prepare your mold beforehand. You want a mold that won't burn or melt from the heat of molten glass - graphite works well. Know the dangers of this method. This method will push a conventional barbecue past its normal temperature limits - so hot that it's even possible to melt the grill itself. This method can cause severe injury or death if it's attempted recklessly. Proceed with caution. Have a large quantity of dirt or sand or a fire extinguisher rated for high temperatures on hand to smother the fire if needed. Take every possible precaution to protect yourself and your property from the high heat. Attempt this method on a dirty or sandy surface outdoors with plenty of space. Performing this on a bare concrete surface not covered with sand or dirt could result in the concrete explosively spalling if hot molten glass is dropped onto it. Don't use any irreplaceable equipment. Stand clear of the grill while you're heating the glass. You should also wear as much of protective clothing as possible, including: Heavy duty oven gloves or mitts A welder's mask A heavy duty apron Heat-resistant clothing Get a shop vacuum with a long hose attachment. Using duct tape or another method, angle its hose so that it is blowing directly into the bottom vent without touching the grill's main body. You may want to fasten the hose to one of the grill's legs or wheels. Keep the main vacuum unit as far away from the grill as possible. Make sure the hose is secure and will not move - if it comes loose while you're making your glass, you should not approach the grill if it's extremely hot. Turn the vacuum on to test your hose positioning. An accurate hose will blow directly into the vent. Line the inside of your grill with charcoal. Use more charcoal than you would for grilling meat. Successful results have been achieved by filling the grill nearly to the brim. Place a cast-iron pot or crucible containing your sand in the center of the grill, surrounded by charcoal. Hardwood (or "lump") charcoal burns hotter and quicker than briquette charcoal, making it a better choice if it's available. Light the charcoal. Consult the charcoal's packaging to know whether your charcoal can be lit directly or whether it requires lighter fluid. Allow the flames to spread evenly. Wait for the charcoal to get hot. When the charcoals are grayish and emanating an orange glow, they're ready. You should be able to feel the heat from simply standing near the grill. Turn the shop vac on to introduce air to the charcoal. Charcoal fed with air from the bottom can burn extremely hot (up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. ) Beware - large flame-ups may occur. If you're still not able to reach high enough temperatures, experiment with replacing the lid while introducing air through the vent. When your glass is molten, very carefully use metal implements to remove and shape it. Because of the low temperature of the grill method, the molten glass may be stiffer and harder to work than glass from a kiln. Shape it with a tube, mold, or other tools as you normally would. | Obtain silica sand. Add sodium carbonate and calcium oxide to the sand. Add other chemicals, depending on the glass's intended purpose. Add chemicals to produce a desired color in the glass, if any. Place the mixture in a good heat-resistant crucible or holder. Melt the mixture into a liquid. Homogenize and remove bubbles from the molten glass. Shape the molten glass. Slowly cool the glass in a kiln. Prepare a makeshift furnace from a charcoal barbecue grill. Know the dangers of this method. Take every possible precaution to protect yourself and your property from the high heat. Get a shop vacuum with a long hose attachment. Line the inside of your grill with charcoal. Light the charcoal. Wait for the charcoal to get hot. Turn the shop vac on to introduce air to the charcoal. When your glass is molten, very carefully use metal implements to remove and shape it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Earn-Money-at-Home-(Kids-and-Teens) | How to Earn Money at Home (Kids and Teens) | Even if you're too young to get a job to earn your own income, you have several options if you want to make some money at home. For example, ask your parents if you can do extra chores, like washing their cars or mowing the lawn, in exchange for payment. You could also offer to recycle your neighbors soda cans at the store. If your neighbors have pets, like puppies or cats, offer to pet sit for them. Another option is to gather up your old toys, electronic items, and other valuables that you don't use. Then, take them to a garage sale to sell them for cash. Alternatively, ask your parents to help you sell them online through a shopping site, like eBay. | Do extra chores around the house. In addition to your weekly or monthly allowance, ask your parents if you can do extra work for even more money. Make sure to discuss the specifics! Negotiate an acceptable price for the both of you. But keep in mind your limits -- if mowing the lawn is $10 a time, that doesn't mean you can mow it 3 times a day. Get paid for cleaning the yard. This can mean raking leaves, picking up trash, or getting rid of useless stuff in the yard. Wash your parents' cars. They'll be happy to pay you to do this instead of springing for a car wash. However, you will have to invest some money for cleaning supplies, such as a sponge and a bucket. Clean the entire house. You can offer to clean the house in preparation for a party, or just do it on the spur of the moment. However, if you don't discuss it with your parents in advance, you risk not getting paid for it. On the other hand, you could get paid extra for doing such a nice thing for your folks! Write a book. Sure, this one seems a bit far-fetched, but it's doable and, in fact, it's been done before. You don't have to write a Greek classic -- you just have to write a book. Yes, your parents will have to help you get it printed and published, but that's just red tape and paperwork. Once your book is published, your friends, families, and neighbors will surely want to get their hands on a copy. And who knows? Maybe it'll be a hit! Re-sell your stuff online. If you have a keen eye for prices and things that are "hot," this may be a decent option for you. If you have anything right now that you don't use but someone else might, that's money. If you don't, get on the look out. Start getting shopper-savvy. If you see a deal, go for it! That NetBook is on sale for $85? You can sell it online for twice that after Black Friday. It does take a certain amount of money from the get-go, but it will get you a profit in the long run. Again, you'll need the help of a parent. To have an eBay account, you need to be 18 years or older. Ask your parents if they'll assist you with this. They'll probably be in awe of your business acumen! Recycle. Alright, so maybe this one isn't the most lucrative, but it's certainly super easy. All those cans of soda you, your friends, and your family (and your neighbors!) drink are worth 5 cents a pop. 100 is an automatic 5 bucks. And all you had to do was drink soda! Ask your family or close neighbors to save their cans for you -- they'll probably be happy to recycle and not have to make the trip to the store themselves. Start baby or pet sitting. If you're of a decent, trustworthy age, you may be able to start taking care of others' children and/or pets. Babies can be hard work -- so if you don't have experience, you might wanna stick to puppies. If getting a pet sitting gig is hard to come by, consider dog walking. Your elderly neighbors won't want to deny Fluffy a nice afternoon walk. Some adults are either too busy or physically unable to walk their dogs -- ask if you could do it for them for a small fee. Put the seasons to your advantage. If you live in an area where there are 4 seasons, you're in luck. Every season has something for you to make money off of -- you just have to be willing to work outside! Ask your parents, neighbors, and family friends if you can mow their lawn during spring and summer, rake leaves during fall, or shovel snow during winter. You'll need a lawnmower, rake, or shovel, but the houses you go to may have one for you to use instead. Join a neighborhood garage sale. You have plenty of toys sitting in the back of your closet that haven't been played with in months underneath plenty of clothes you grew out of last year. So why take up all your space? Go sell 'em! Find a local newsletter, newspaper, or ask around about local garage sales. Sometimes they are blocks wide. You can either reserve a space or ask an adult if you could borrow a patch of theirs -- but you'll come to the sale to help! You can also ask if there's anything you could do to help advertise for the garage sale. Your odds of selling stuff will increase if there are more people browsing through it. Do errands and odd jobs for your neighbors. This is where making your presence known becomes very important. If Mr. & Mrs. Wheeler from down the street know an able-bodied youngster will happily (and for a reasonable price) take care of their lawn, wash their car, help paint their garage, or run to the pharmacy for them, they might not go calling on family members or professionals for help. Let the neighbors you know (avoid strangers!) that you're looking for a few odd jobs here and there. Most people have something they want to get done but keep making excuses about. Ask them what you could do and tell them you would be more than happy to help. Utilize your surroundings. If you're in an area that naturally produces something people might want, take advantage of it. Not everybody has the resources you do, if you look close enough. If Mistletoe grows in the hills around your home, start bagging it up! You can start the holiday spirit going from house to house. If the beach is near you, think of what you could do with sand, shells, or other beach-y goods. Get a paper route. You'll have to get up very early, but it's good money and good exercise. You probably know someone who has done this before -- if you don't, you haven't asked! You may be able to get a route that's all around your neighborhood. Ask your parents about this and seek out your local newspaper for options. Tutor. If you're stellar in a school subject, you may be able to tutor students who are younger than you -- at any school in the area, if you have a ride. Go online and talk to your teachers -- they may even be able to point you to a few kids who need help. Keep your grades up! If you don't, you may not be able to tutor anymore. Who knew studying could get you money? Sell crafts. If you are artistically inclined, put it to good use. You'll have to either work the kid angle or be very, very good, but it is a reasonable way to make money. Pick your craft and go around your neighborhood flashing your dimples and pearly whites. Who could resist what you're selling with that face and that smile? Think about the holidays. What can you make that people might like for Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's? Could people buy your crafts as gifts for others? | Do extra chores around the house. Write a book. Re-sell your stuff online. Recycle. Start baby or pet sitting. Put the seasons to your advantage. Join a neighborhood garage sale. Do errands and odd jobs for your neighbors. Utilize your surroundings. Get a paper route. Tutor. Sell crafts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Puff-Quinoa | How to Puff Quinoa | If you'd like to puff quinoa, heat a saucepan over a medium heat and add the oil if desired. To test if the pan is hot enough, add a small amount of quinoa, which should pop within a few seconds. Once your pan is hot enough, cover the base of the pan with quinoa before shaking the pan to prevent the seeds from sticking. When the popping slows, usually after 1-5 minutes, remove the pan from the heat. Finish by pouring the quinoa onto a baking sheet to let it cool down. | Decide whether to rinse. All quinoa naturally produces bitter substances called saponins. Most companies treat the quinoa to remove most of the saponins before they reach the store, but there may still be a faint biter taste. Rinsing will remove this, but you'll have to wait at least half an hour for the seeds to dry. If you decide not to rinse, skip down to the puffing instructions. Rinse the quinoa in a bowl. Place the quinoa in a bowl. Fill it with cold water. If the quinoa still contains saponins, foam will form on the surface. Pour the quinoa through a strainer. Empty the bowl into a fine mesh strainer. Hold it under cold running water to remove the foam. Repeat until foam stops forming. Return the quinoa to a bowl so you can watch for foam, then rinse again. The quinoa is ready once no more foam forms on the surface, and the seeds all remain in the bottom of the bowl. Set your oven to the lowest temperature. Set your oven to "warm" or to the lowest temperature setting. There's no need to wait for preheating — just continue to the next step. Dry your quinoa in the oven. Spread out the wet quinoa on a dry baking tray. Check every ten minutes and stir to break up large clumps. Remove when completely dry. This usually takes thirty to sixty minutes. To further reduce the risk of burning, leave the oven door ajar. You can move on to the stovetop before the quinoa is completely dry. You'll just have to wait for the moisture to evaporate before the quinoa pops, which can take 10–30 minutes. Heat a heavy-bottomed sauce pan. To prevent a quinoa avalanche, this pan should either have a lid or be at least six inches (15 cm) deep. Heat the pan over medium heat. Add oil (optional). Many people choose to pop their quinoa dry for health reasons. If you prefer a crisper puffed quinoa, cover the base of the pan with about 1 tbsp (15 mL) of oil. A neutral-flavored oil such as canola or safflower is a good choice. Add a little quinoa to test the heat. Add a sprinkle of dry quinoa to the pan. If the pan is hot enough, the quinoa should pop within a few seconds. Quinoa does not expand nearly as much as popcorn kernels, but it will turn brown, jump in the air, and release a nutty aroma. Cover the base of the pan with quinoa. Once the pan is hot enough, pour in quinoa in a single layer on the base of the pan. Shake the pan until the popping slows. Shake constantly to even out the temperature and prevent stuck, burnt seeds. Remove from heat once popping starts to slow, usually after one to five minutes. If you are using a pan with a lid, crack it a couple times to let steam escape. Do this on the side facing away from you to avoid steam and quinoa rocketing to your face. You can continue cooking to make the quinoa browner, nuttier, and crunchier, but the quinoa will burn easily after this point. Shake off heat until popping stops. As long as you don't smell burning, you can continue shaking the pan off heat for another minute or two. Pour the puffed quinoa onto a baking sheet to cool down once popping stops. Flavor to eat as a snack. Replace your popcorn with a bowlful of puffed quinoa, mixed with a little salt and pepper. Alternatively, add a dash of chile oil, or a sprinkle of your favorite dried herbs. Add the quinoa to breakfast cereal. You've just made a healthier version of puffed rice cereals. Eat it with milk or add it to homemade granola (before or after baking). Sprinkle over salad or vegetable dishes. Puffed quinoa adds a great crunchy texture to salads in place of nuts or croutons. It also works well with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Use them in energy bars. Make protein-rich hiking snacks by combining puffed quinoa with nuts and other high-energy foods. Mix puffed quinoa into cookie dough. Replace some of the oats in an oatmeal cookie , or add it to any cookie recipe for crunch and protein. | Decide whether to rinse. Rinse the quinoa in a bowl. Pour the quinoa through a strainer. Repeat until foam stops forming. Set your oven to the lowest temperature. Dry your quinoa in the oven. Heat a heavy-bottomed sauce pan. Add oil (optional). Add a little quinoa to test the heat. Cover the base of the pan with quinoa. Shake the pan until the popping slows. Shake off heat until popping stops. Flavor to eat as a snack. Add the quinoa to breakfast cereal. Sprinkle over salad or vegetable dishes. Use them in energy bars. Mix puffed quinoa into cookie dough. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Paint-Off-Canvas-Shoes | How to Get Paint Off Canvas Shoes | To remove wet water-based or acrylic paint from your canvas shoes, start by scraping off any excess paint and blotting the fabric with a wet cloth. From there, scrub your shoe with a mix of detergent and water before rinsing it under a faucet with cold water. Keep scrubbing and rinsing until the stain is gone. If the stain won't go away, apply some nail polish remover to a damp paper towel and dab the area until it disappears. For paint that's dry, alternate scrubbing with detergent and scraping with a knife until the bulk of the paint is removed. Then, remove the stain with nail polish remover. | Get rid of the excess. Use a spoon or dull knife to get rid of as much of the paint as you can. Hold the fabric of the shoe taught and gently scoop up the extra paint. This will make it much easier to sponge and blot away the stain. Blot the affected area with a wet cloth. This will dampen the area, making it easier to flush out the stain. It will also make the fabric more pliable and easy to work with. Use lots of water and do not be afraid to reapply as needed. Try to keep the canvas as wet as possible. It will be easier to remove the stain if the canvas is wet. The water will keep the fabric flexible and activate the detergent as you work on the stain. Apply a detergent mixture. Mix one part detergent, one part water in a small bowl or bucket.. Apply it to the shoes with a wet sponge and rub into the stain. Do not be afraid of applying pressure and really scrubbing the stain. Make sure to use a sponge different from the one you use on kitchen surfaces or utensils. Rinse with water. Simply run the shoe under a faucet with cold water to remove the detergent suds. Repeat the above steps until the stain is gone. Apply more pressure and water if you are having trouble removing the stain. Apply nail polish remover. If the stain still remains, apply some nail polish remover to a damp paper towel. Dab it on the stain and continue until it disappears. Brush off the excess paint. Use a coarse brush or toothbrush to flake off the dried excess paint. For smaller stains, you may be able to pick off dried chunks with your fingernail. Removing the dried top layer will allow you greater access to the set-in stain underneath. It will also be a more efficient, quicker way of removing the larger part of the stain. Apply a soapy mixture to the stain. Apply a solution of one part detergent, one part water, to a damp cloth and apply it to the stained area of the shoe. Depending on the size and strength of the stain, you may need to apply some nail polish remover to a damp cloth and work that into the stain, as well. Do this until the paint softens into the fabric of the shoe. Once the dry paint has softened, it will be easier to dissolve away from the fabric. Scrape off the softened paint. Use a dull knife to scrape off the now soft paint. The paint should rub right off the shoe. There will still be a light layer of paint set into the fabric below. However, the large majority of the paint should now be gone. Rub with detergent solution. Use a solution of one part detergent, one part water, applied to a damp cloth. Continue to rub the remaining stain with the solution. Rinse with cold water by holding the stained area under a faucet. Continue this process until the stain is completely gone. Apply nail polish remover. If the stain still remains, apply some nail polish remover to a damp cloth. Dab it on the stain and continue until it disappears. Get rid of the excess. Use a spoon or dull knife to get rid of as much of the paint as you can. Hold the fabric of the shoe taught and gently scoop up the extra paint. This will make it much easier to sponge and blot away the stain. Blot the affected area with a wet cloth. This will dampen the area, making it easier to flush out the stain. It will also make the fabric more pliable and easy to work with. Use lots of water and do not be afraid to reapply as needed. Try to keep the canvas as wet as possible. It will be easier to remove the stain if the canvas is wet. The water will keep the fabric flexible and activate the detergent as you work on the stain. Place a dry cloth over the stain on the outside of the shoe. A few paper towels or an old dishtowel that you no longer use near food or dishes will work fine. Place the towel on a flat surface and then lay the shoe on top, with the stained area facing down agains the towel. Apply a bit of turpentine to the inside of the shoe behind the stained area. Apply the turpentine to an old sponge or rag, and rub it on the inside of the shoe. Make sure you are holding the shoe with one hand as you apply pressure to the inside of the stain. The paint will begin to come off onto the dry towel you placed on the outside of the shoe. Make sure to be wearing a pair of rubber gloves when handling turpentine. Use the turpentine in a well-ventilated area. Continue to replace the dry cloth outside the shoe as it gets wet from the turpentine. The paint will also begin to transfer to the cloth. Repeat until the stain has disappeared. Continue to apply turpentine to the sponge, and apply pressure to the area until the turpentine starts to take effect. Rub the stain with a dry cloth and some laundry detergent. Apply the detergent to a dry paper towel or old rag. Rub the outside of the shoe with the dry cloth on the affected area. This will help remove any leftover paint that remains set in the fabric. Soak overnight in a tub of hot water. Use a bucket or laundry sink. Fill with hot water and submerge the shoes completely. Soak them for at least six hours. Rub the stain with your thumbs every once in awhile to help remove dislodged paint while it soaks. Rinse off the shoes with cold water. Let them air dry, outside if possible. The stain should now be completely gone. After being washed and dried, the canvas of the shoe may be a little tighter on your foot. However, the fabric will stretch out through continued wear. Brush off the excess paint. Use a coarse brush or toothbrush to flake off the dried excess paint. For smaller stains, you may be able to pick off dried chunks with your fingernail. Removing the dried top layer will allow you greater access to the set-in stain underneath. It will also be a more efficient, quicker way of removing the larger part of the stain. Pour paint thinner over the stain. Hold the shoe over a bowl or tub to catch the excess paint thinner. Pour a thin stream of paint thinner directly over the stain. Make sure to use the appropriate type of paint thinner based on which kind of paint the shoes are stained with. Also be sure to read the directions on the paint thinner packaging for details about use. Scrape off the softened paint. Use a dull knife to scrape off the now soft paint. The paint should rub right off the shoe. There will still be a light layer of paint set into the fabric below. However, the large majority of the paint should now be gone. Place a dry cloth over the stain on the outside of the shoe. A few paper towels or an old dishtowel that you no longer use near food or dishes will work fine. Place the towel on a flat surface and then lay the shoe on top, with the stained area facing down agains the towel. Apply a bit of turpentine to the inside of the shoe behind the stained area. Apply the turpentine to an old sponge or rag, and rub it on the inside of the shoe. Make sure you are holding the shoe with one hand as you apply pressure to the inside of the stain. The paint will begin to come off onto the dry towel you placed on the outside of the shoe. Make sure to be wearing a pair of rubber gloves when handling turpentine. Continue to replace the dry cloth outside the shoe as it gets wet from the turpentine. The paint will also begin to transfer to the cloth. Repeat until the stain has disappeared. Continue to apply turpentine to the sponge, and apply pressure to the area until the turpentine starts to take effect. Rub the stain with a dry cloth and some laundry detergent. Apply the detergent to a dry paper towel or old rag. Rub the outside of the shoe with the dry cloth on the affected area. This will help remove any leftover paint that remains set in the fabric. Soak overnight in a tub of hot water. Use a bucket or laundry sink. Fill with hot water and submerge the shoes completely. Soak them for at least six hours. Rub the stain with your thumbs every once in awhile to help remove dislodged paint while it soaks. Rinse off the shoes with cold water. Let them air dry, outside if possible. The stain should now be completely gone. After being washed and dried, the canvas of the shoe may be a little tighter on your foot. However, the fabric will stretch out through continued wear. | Get rid of the excess. Blot the affected area with a wet cloth. Apply a detergent mixture. Rinse with water. Apply nail polish remover. Brush off the excess paint. Apply a soapy mixture to the stain. Scrape off the softened paint. Rub with detergent solution. Apply nail polish remover. Get rid of the excess. Blot the affected area with a wet cloth. Place a dry cloth over the stain on the outside of the shoe. Apply a bit of turpentine to the inside of the shoe behind the stained area. Rub the stain with a dry cloth and some laundry detergent. Soak overnight in a tub of hot water. Rinse off the shoes with cold water. Brush off the excess paint. Pour paint thinner over the stain. Scrape off the softened paint. Place a dry cloth over the stain on the outside of the shoe. Apply a bit of turpentine to the inside of the shoe behind the stained area. Rub the stain with a dry cloth and some laundry detergent. Soak overnight in a tub of hot water. Rinse off the shoes with cold water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Massage-Ball | How to Use a Massage Ball | To use a massage ball, place the ball against the area you want to massage, then gently roll the ball back and forth with your hand. Only move the ball about 2-3 inches at a time, since you want to target individual muscle groups to relax them. When you roll the ball across a sore muscle, stop and apply gentle pressure for about 30 seconds. However, avoid pressing down on your joints or bones, as it could be painful or even cause an injury. | Choose a small ball, like a golf ball, for your hands and feet. If you'll be massaging a smaller area like your hands, feet, or forearms, a smaller ball will work best. That's because the smaller diameter will allow the ball to get down into the muscle without putting too much pressure on your bones. The diameter of a golf ball is usually about 1.68 in (4.3 cm). You could also use a squash ball, which is smaller than a golf ball, or you can purchase the smallest therapy ball available at your local sports equipment store. Use a medium-sized ball, like a lacrosse ball, for larger muscle groups. The diameter of a lacrosse ball is 2.5 in (6.4 cm), and a tennis ball is slightly larger, topping out at 2.7 in (6.9 cm). This size is perfect for targeting your shoulders, back, glutes, and legs. A tennis ball won't give you as deep of a massage, since it doesn't have the same density as a lacrosse ball. However, if it's all you have on hand, it won't hurt to give it a try. Most commercial massage balls are about this size as well. You can use larger balls like softballs or baseballs, for your chest and back if you like, but it's not necessary to use a separate ball if you don't have one. Choose a spiky ball for more pressure or a smooth ball for less. Depending on the area, you might want to purchase a spiky massage ball to get a firmer massage. For instance, spiky balls are often used for foot massages, since the thick skin on your feet makes it harder to get a deep massage. Opt for a smooth ball if you'll be laying down on it, like for a back massage. This will make it easier for you to roll the back around to get it just where you want it. Use your hands to roll the ball over your muscles in a circular motion. If you can reach the spot that's sore, place the ball over the area, then gently roll it back and forth with the palm of your hand. You only need to move it about 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) at a time. Gently roll the ball against the back of your neck for a soothing way to relieve tension. Roll the massage ball up and down your forearms to help relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Stop when you find a sore muscle and apply gentle pressure for about 30 seconds. Press the ball gently into the muscle to work out the tension and soreness. It's actually this pressure that will give you relief, more than the movement of the ball. The idea is to keep the ball pressing down into the muscle, but it's okay to rock the ball back and forth a little if you need the extra pressure. A sore muscle isn't the same as sharp pain from an injury. If you encounter that, you could be pressing on a nerve, so stop what you're doing. If the pain persists for several days or prevents you from normal activity, see your doctor. Don't press on your joints or bones. When you're moving the ball, avoid putting too much pressure on your joints or bones. This could cause pain and bruising, or even an injury. If the ball feels uncomfortable when you're using it, you're probably pressing into a bone. Just roll it a little to the side For instance, if you're massaging your neck, roll the ball over the muscles on either side of your neck and spine, rather than directly on top of the bones. It can be harder to feel when you're pressing on a joint, but just try to keep the ball from resting on the bend of your elbows, shoulders, wrists, or knees, in particular. Start with a larger ball then go to a smaller one if you're using a set. If you purchased therapeutic massage balls, they may have come in a set. If you're going to be using multiple balls, it's best to use the larger ones first for a general massage, followed by the smaller balls to target areas that are especially sore. Try a different size ball if you're not getting the results you need. Place the ball in a clean tube sock and tie a knot in the sock. By putting the ball inside of a sock, you'll have something to hold on to. This will give you better control over the location of the ball, especially if you're massaging your shoulders and upper back. This might stretch out the sock, so opt for one without a match if you can! The knot will hold the ball inside the sock even if you accidentally drop it. Stand with your back against the wall. Although you can use this method to massage almost any body part, it works best with the back of your body, including your neck, shoulders, back, and glutes. Whichever part you're planning to massage, make sure you're standing so that area is against the wall. For instance, if you're massaging your shoulders, you might want to stand away from the wall a little and lean backward to ensure you get the most contact. Use the sock to place the ball between the wall and your body. Hold the open end of the sock and put it behind you, dangling the ball until it touches the area you want to massage. When you get it where you want it, gently press your body against the ball to hold it in place. Don't press too hard, or it could be uncomfortable. If you're massaging up high, pass the sock over your shoulder. If you're massaging low, like in your glute area, you might need to fold your arm down to reach behind your back instead. Bend your knees slightly to roll the ball 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm). Use subtle movements to gently roll the ball around in the area you want to massage. Maintain steady pressure against the ball, then bend and straighten your knees to target different spots. It's better to work on one area, then switch to another. Rather than trying to massage all the way from your shoulder down to your lower back and up again, for instance, it would be better to work on your shoulders, then the middle of your back, then your lower back. Increase the pressure slightly to work the tension out of sore muscles. When you find a sore spot or a tight muscle, stop rolling the ball and lean in slightly. The increased pressure in that deep tissue will help loosen the muscle fibers, which should result in some pain relief. About 30 seconds of pressure should be enough for most spots, but you can adjust based on how you feel. Lay down on a mat with the ball under the sides of your back. It's a good idea to do this on an exercise mat if you have one, even if you're using a ball with a little bit of give to it. This will reduce the impact on your joints and will make the whole massage more comfortable. Shift around to adjust the ball beneath you once you're laying down. Do not put the ball directly under your spine, and stop what you're doing if you feel any discomfort. If you don't have an exercise mat, perform this massage on a soft carpet or a stack of blankets instead. Fold your arms across your body to round your back. Once you're laying on the ball, cross your arms in front of your body. This will round your back slightly, allowing the ball to make more contact with your body. You can just pull your forearms in over your midsection if you want, or you can hold your arms in the air above you for an added stretch. If you need to use your arms to steady yourself, that's fine. Try to keep your elbows in close to your body to get a similar result. Push yourself with your feet to gently roll the ball 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm). Use gentle motions, since you don't want to lose control of the ball and have it roll too far. Just use your feet to shift your weight, rolling the ball back and forth across the muscle that you want to massage. If you feel any sharp, sudden pain, remove the ball immediately. You could be pressing on a nerve, you might be aggravating an injury, or you might just be pressing on an area that's too sore for a massage. Lift your hips if you need more pressure on a certain area. Continue repositioning the ball beneath different areas of your back. Be sure to work both sides evenly, since you'll get the most relaxation benefit from a massage that leaves you feeling balanced. Work your shoulders, upper and lower back, on either side of your spine, and even in your glutes. Avoid rolling the ball directly beneath your shoulder blades, spine, or hip bones Stand on a flat surface or sit on a sturdy chair. You can massage your feet while you're sitting or standing. However, you might have a more relaxing experience if you sit in a chair for the process. If you're standing, try to stand near a wall or a sturdy piece of furniture you can use to steady yourself. Place the massage ball on the floor under the arch of your foot. You'll use the ball to massage your whole foot, but resting your arch on the ball allow you more control over the ball as you work your way into the massage. If you want to apply more pressure, you can shift so some of your weight is being supported by the foot resting on the ball. Roll the ball forward all the way to your toes, then back to your heel. While applying gentle pressure on the ball, bend your knee to roll the ball forward until you reach your toes. Without losing control of the ball, roll it backward again until it reaches your heel. Extend your toes while you're doing this so the ball will be able to reach all of your foot muscles. Repeat the massage on the inside and the outside of your foot. A massage is more effective if it's balanced,but the contours of your feet make it hard to work on both sides at once. To counteract this, roll the ball against the outside of your foot, then again on on the concave portion on the inside of your foot. Continue the massage for several minutes or until you feel some pain relief. Stop and focus on any sore spots. If you find a spot that's especially sore, gently roll the ball in a circular motion under your foot. Use your body weight to adjust the pressure on the ball so it works the tension out of the muscles without being painful. Press down for about 30 seconds if you find an area that needs extra attention. | Choose a small ball, like a golf ball, for your hands and feet. Use a medium-sized ball, like a lacrosse ball, for larger muscle groups. Choose a spiky ball for more pressure or a smooth ball for less. Use your hands to roll the ball over your muscles in a circular motion. Stop when you find a sore muscle and apply gentle pressure for about 30 seconds. Don't press on your joints or bones. Start with a larger ball then go to a smaller one if you're using a set. Place the ball in a clean tube sock and tie a knot in the sock. Stand with your back against the wall. Use the sock to place the ball between the wall and your body. Bend your knees slightly to roll the ball 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm). Increase the pressure slightly to work the tension out of sore muscles. Lay down on a mat with the ball under the sides of your back. Fold your arms across your body to round your back. Push yourself with your feet to gently roll the ball 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm). Continue repositioning the ball beneath different areas of your back. Stand on a flat surface or sit on a sturdy chair. Place the massage ball on the floor under the arch of your foot. Roll the ball forward all the way to your toes, then back to your heel. Repeat the massage on the inside and the outside of your foot. Stop and focus on any sore spots. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dehumidify-a-Car | How to Dehumidify a Car | If your car is damp inside or smells musty, you may need to dehumidify it. Sprinkle baking soda on your seats and carpets, leave it there for 24 hours, then remove the baking soda with a vacuum cleaner. If your seats have traces of mildew, spray them with distilled white vinegar, let them soak for 10 minutes, and wipe them clean. To dry out damp floor mats, hang them out in the sun for a few hours. If you have a garage, you can also leave your car doors open with a fan aimed into the car overnight. This will help dry any damp and get rid of the odor. | Vacuum up lots of water with a wet/dry vac. If your car is soaked or if there's a lot of standing water, you'll want to start by getting that out. Use a wet/dry vac to remove the excess water. Take off the top of the vacuum and remove the dry filter. Then plug in the vacuum and start sucking up the water! If you don't have a wet/dry vac, you can rent one from a hardware retailer or an appliance rentals center. Remove floor mats and hang them in the sun. Take out all the carpets and put them in the sun to dry. Using the wet/dry vac, vacuum up any water that was hanging out under the mats. Leave the mats out overnight. Run the vacuum over them if they're still damp in the morning. Use bath towels to absorb water on your seats. Put several thick towels on the upholstery. This should absorb most of the water. Check back in a few hours to switch out damp towels and replace them with new ones. Remove the towels before you go to bed. Leave the doors open and run fans overnight. If you can, leave all the doors open for at least 8-12 hours. Aim several large standing fans at the interior of the car. Focus especially on the seats. Let the fans run on their highest setting for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. Use baking soda to absorb the remaining moisture. If you managed to dry your car out quickly, you shouldn't get any mold growth or musty smells. Just in case, sprinkle some baking soda all over the seats and mats. Leave this on for 24 hours, and then vacuum it up with the wet/dry vac. Baking soda can be used on all types of car interiors, including leather. Park your car in a sunny spot. If you can, take advantage of the sun and outdoor air. This will help dry out any dampness that's causing mildew to form in your car. You'll also want to dry out your mats in the sun. Wear a protective mask and gloves while cleaning. Since you're dealing with mold, it's a good idea to protect yourself. Wear a mask and latex gloves. After you've finished cleaning the car, thoroughly wash your hands and change your clothing. Remove mats and check for dampness. Mildew often grows in storage areas or on the floors of your car. Check the spare tire compartment, then look under all the mats. Don't forget the trunk. You should also see if your air conditioner is leaking by feeling for damp spots on the mat that sits underneath the filter. Leave the mats out and put them in the sun to dry. Scrub off mold with a nylon brush. Once you've found your mold spots, tackle them with a nylon brush. You don't need to use any soap or water, as this could actually make the mold problem worse. Just scrub at the mold until it's removed from all the surfaces in your car. Then vacuum up all the broken-down mold particles. If the mold has left stains, use a carpet and upholstery stain remover. Follow the instructions on the bottle. If you're cleaning leather, you may want to use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching it. Spray the seats with white distilled vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with white distilled vinegar. Spray it on the seats and any affected mats or carpeting. This will kill the mold. Leave it on there to soak in for about 10 minutes. Vinegar can be used on leather and cloth interiors. If you're concerned that it'll damage your car, however, spot-test a small area of the interior by putting a little vinegar on it and letting it sit for 10 minutes. Vacuum the entire car with a wet/dry vac. Go over the entire interior with the wet/dry vac. Vacuum up the vinegar and any remaining dampness. Pay special attention to the areas where you found mold. Sprinkle an anti-mold solution on the surfaces of the car. Go to your local hardware store to find an anti-mold powder. Sprinkle it on the seats, carpeting, floors, and mats. This will kill off any remaining spores. Let it sit for about five minutes, then vacuum it up. Sprinkle baking soda to sit overnight. The baking soda will absorb the rest of the moisture. Allow it to sit on the surfaces of the car for about 12 hours or overnight. Then use the wet/dry vac to vacuum it up. Replace the mats and enjoy your mildew-free car! Keep a container of baking soda in your car to absorb moisture. Fill a small container with baking soda. Put it on one of the floors of your car to continuously absorb moisture. Check the container every few days and replace the baking soda when it gets damp. Look for leaks throughout the car. Ask a buddy to sit inside your car while you spray it with a hose. They can see if any water leaks through windows, doors, sun and moon roofs, or even the floors. If you've got leaks, go to a repair shop to plug them up as soon as possible. Remove wet items from your car right away. Leaving wet clothes, towels, or even a cup of water in your car could cause the air inside the car to become damp. This might lead to the growth of mold and the return of that dreaded musty smell! To keep your car dehumidified, remove sources of dampness when you leave the car. Dry out damp spots as soon as you can. If your car does get damp on the inside, dry it out quickly. Vacuum the carpets and leave the windows and doors open overnight. Sprinkle some baking soda. Addressing moisture quickly will keep you from having to do a deeper clean. Clean your car every two weeks. Remove all trash. Wipe down the hard surfaces of the interior. Vacuum the mats and seats. Use upholstery cleaner to address any stains or dirt on the seats, then re-vacuum them. If your seats are leather, use saddle soap to clean them. | Vacuum up lots of water with a wet/dry vac. Remove floor mats and hang them in the sun. Use bath towels to absorb water on your seats. Leave the doors open and run fans overnight. Use baking soda to absorb the remaining moisture. Park your car in a sunny spot. Wear a protective mask and gloves while cleaning. Remove mats and check for dampness. Scrub off mold with a nylon brush. Spray the seats with white distilled vinegar. Vacuum the entire car with a wet/dry vac. Sprinkle an anti-mold solution on the surfaces of the car. Sprinkle baking soda to sit overnight. Keep a container of baking soda in your car to absorb moisture. Look for leaks throughout the car. Remove wet items from your car right away. Dry out damp spots as soon as you can. Clean your car every two weeks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Pet-Doves | How to Choose Pet Doves | In order to choose a pet dove, determine which breed fits best with your lifestyle. For instance, ring-neck doves are great for beginners, while bleeding heart doves will be more active and require more attention. If size is an issue, Pygmy ground doves and diamonds doves stay fairly small, while the Victoria crowned pigeon requires a lot of space. Once you've picked a species, make sure you choose a healthy bird by looking for clear eyes, clean feathers, and a beak without any discharge. You should also avoid loose, green droppings, which is a sign of sickness. | Choose ring-neck doves if you're a beginner. If you're a first-time dove owner, ring-neck doves are a good choice. They make calm pets, and they like be to social. The most common colors are white and a light tan. However, you can also find these doves in a wide variety of other colors, including peach, orange, and pink pearled. Pick bleeding heart doves if you want more activity. Some species of dove are more active than others. If you like activity, pick one of these species, such as bleeding heart doves, to keep as pets. Take home zebra doves if you want a singing dove. Zebra doves are one of the more musically inclined species. Another species you might consider is the black-winged ground dove, which likes to chirp. Go for size. If you're most interested in having a large or small bird, then pick larger or smaller species. The largest species of dove is the Victoria crowned pigeon, while the smallest is the pygmy ground dove. Diamond doves are also fairly small. Try not to mix and match in the same cage. While you can mix some species of doves if you know what you're doing, it can be disastrous if you don't. Some species don't mix well with others; they prefer to stick to their own kind. If you do want to mix breeds, ask at your pet store or local bird club which breeds go well together. Particularly gentle species tend to go better together. However, no matter what the species, make sure they seem to be getting along together if you put them in the same cage. You should observe the doves to make sure they aren't fighting each other. Look at pet stores and rescues. Pet stores are a good place to start, as they generally carry doves. You can also check out local rescues in your area, particularly bird rescues, as you might luck out and find some doves who need a good home. Avoid buying birds online. You will not be able to check the conditions of a bird that was bred by someone selling online, so the bird may have been raised in unhealthy conditions. By buying a bird online, you will likely be giving money to someone who considers birds as products rather than living creatures. Find specialty doves at bird shows and clubs. If you are looking for a particular type of dove, you may need to branch out from pet stores and rescues. Check to see if there's a bird show in your area, for instance. You might also find a bird club in your area. Bird breeders can also be a good option. Choose a pair of females or a male and female. If you want more than one bird, which is a good idea if you're getting a social species, get either a couple of females or a male and female. If you have more than one male together in a cage, they likely won't get along. Keep in mind, though, a male and female together will likely breed. If you do want two males, opt for two cages or a much larger cage to house them together. Think about space. A cage for one or two doves should be about 3.5 feet (1.1 m) by about 2 feet (0.6 m) with a height of about 2.5 feet (0.8 m). A cage that size takes up a decent amount of room, and if you want more birds, you may need even more space. Observe the doves before buying. Of course, you want to pick healthy birds, but you also want to pick ones with personalities that you enjoy. Spend some time watching the birds before deciding on a couple, if you can. Look for clear eyes. A healthy bird will look bright-eyed. You shouldn't notice any cloudiness, for instance. Also, it shouldn't have any discharge around its eyes. Check out its feathers. A healthy, happy dove will have clean, smooth feathers. Doves are fairly fastidious when it comes to bathing and preening, so a bird that is feeling good will keep its feathers in good order. Pay attention to its nose (beak). Another indicator of health is the dove's nose. It should be clean, meaning it should be from discharge. Also, the vents should be clean and clear. Pick out happy, alert birds. Doves are generally energetic birds. If you notice one sitting still in the corner with fluffed-out feathers, it's best to avoid that bird (and maybe others in the cage), as it's likely sick. Observe the bird's breathing. The way a bird is breathing may also indicate how healthy the bird is. Watch the bird's chest and note if the bird seems to be breathing normally, rapidly, or with difficulty. If the bird is breathing rapidly or with difficulty, then the bird is likely unhealthy and may even have a respiratory infection. Being fluffed up may also indicate that the bird is having difficulty breathing. Avoid birds with loose, green droppings. If a dove's droppings are loose and green or if you notice this problem in a cage with a group of birds, it's best to go somewhere else to get your dove. Loose, green droppings can indicate sickness. | Choose ring-neck doves if you're a beginner. Pick bleeding heart doves if you want more activity. Take home zebra doves if you want a singing dove. Go for size. Try not to mix and match in the same cage. Look at pet stores and rescues. Find specialty doves at bird shows and clubs. Choose a pair of females or a male and female. Think about space. Observe the doves before buying. Look for clear eyes. Check out its feathers. Pay attention to its nose (beak). Pick out happy, alert birds. Observe the bird's breathing. Avoid birds with loose, green droppings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Brick-Oven | How to Make a Brick Oven | To make a brick oven, begin by digging out and pouring a concrete foundation to give your oven a stable base. Next, build a square stand out of stacked concrete blocks and use a mixture of clay and sand to cement them together. Then, build a wooden frame for the hearth on top of the stand and fill it with concrete. When it's dry, line the hearth with firebricks and create an oven dome over the top. Finally, build a tall chimney with more firebricks to vent the smoke from the oven. | Find brick oven plans. Brick ovens are time-consuming, expensive projects. If you build the oven incorrectly, it might crack and undo all of your hard work. If you want to build the oven properly, you need to follow a plan. Brick oven plans can be found online or purchased from your local home improvement store. Some great plans include: Forno Bravo's free brick oven plan ( https://www.fornobravo.com/pompeii-oven/brick-oven-table-of-contents/ ) Makezine's free brick oven plan ( http://makezine.com/projects/quickly-construct-wood-fired-pizza-oven/ ) Purchase oven plans from EarthStone ovens ( http://earthstoneovens.com/ ) Consider the size of your oven. The plan you choose will depend on how much space you can dedicate to your oven. For example, if you have a small garden, you will need to build an oven that will fit inside of it. Other considerations include: If you're building the oven under a patio cover, the oven should be short enough to fit underneath it. However, make sure the chimney can stick out from underneath the patio cover to release the smoke. If you want to cook large pizzas, the floor of the oven must be large as well. Budget limitations should be taken into consideration. If you have a small budget, plan to build a smaller oven. Choose a dome oven plan. Dome ovens are igloo-shaped brick ovens with wooden doors. They have an easy, rustic elegance that can add a lot of visual interest to your backyard. Additionally, these ovens will cook food evenly and can be heated to very high temperatures. Dome ovens can be difficult to build. Some plans even involve woodworking. These ovens can take a lot of time to heat up properly. Consider a barrel oven plan. Barrel ovens are brick ovens that are built around a large metal barrel. These ovens can be heated up very quickly and are more energy efficient than some dome ovens. This oven type is an excellent choice for hobbyists who want to be able to cook foods quickly. These ovens are usually sold in kits that include a firebox and a large metal barrel. These kits usually have to be purchased online and can be expensive to ship. Plan your foundation. Most brick oven plans will include instructions for a concrete foundation. The concrete base will bear the weight of the brick oven, keeping it level for many years. The foundation slab should be at least as big as the brick oven. However, if you make it bigger, you can also create a patio or sitting area next to your brick oven. If you make a larger patio area, you will need more materials and the foundation will take more time to build. Build a foundation form. The instructions for this form will be included in the brick oven plan. Follow the instructions to create a wooden form. This form will be placed in the ground and filled with concrete to create the concrete foundation. Use a spirit level to make sure the form is perfectly level. The more level the form is, the more level your foundation will be. Dig an area for your foundation. Measure out the foundation for your brick oven, using small flags or chalk dust to mark the edges. Next, clear away any large rocks or debris before using a tiller to excavate the dirt. Most foundation plans ask you to dig 10 inches (25.5 centimeters) deep into the ground. Tillers can be rented or purchased at home and garden stores. When using a tiller: Follow the manufacturer instructions. Avoid digging too deep too quickly. Only excavate about an inch at a time. Water the area a few hours before tilling to loosen up the soil. Install the foundation form. Once the hole has been excavated, place the foundation form in the hole. Press the sides firmly to force them into the soil. If you have trouble installing the foundation form, you may need to dig some dirt away from the sides. Once the form is installed, fill in any empty spaces along the outside with dirt. Lay some gravel. Pour a layer of pea gravel or crushed rock into your excavated hole. Keep adding gravel until the layer is about 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) deep. Next, use a tamper (a tool with an upright handle and a square metal plate on the bottom) to tightly compact the gravel. Tampers can be rented or purchased from your local gardening or home improvement store. If you don't have a tamper, you can use your foot to compact the gravel. However, it won't be compacted as well. Lay down wire mesh. Cover the gravel with a layer of wire mesh. If needed, use strong wire cutters to trim or shape the wire mesh. You can put 6-mil polyethylene sheeting over the gravel, but under the wire to stop water from wicking up (absorbing water) from the ground into the slab. It's even better to put some Xypex (a water-proofing chemical) into the concrete while you are mixing it. Xypex is not expensive, and will help keep your reinforcing wire or rebar from corroding. Corrosion causes the metal to swell, cracking your slab eventually. Wire mesh can be purchased at your local home improvement store or online. Install a rebar grid. Installing rebar will help strengthen and stabilize the concrete foundation. Refer to your brick oven plan to see how much rebar you need to use. Usually, you will install the rebar into the sides of the foundation form and use wire to connect overlapping sections of rebar. Some people think that installing rebar is unnecessary and skip this step. However, without the rebar, your concrete base may crack after a few years of use. Most small slabs are poured without rebar, but with wire mesh to strengthen them. Rebar or wire mesh should be propped up off the gravel base using pieces of stone or brick, so that it becomes embedded in the concrete. Pour some concrete. Mix a batch of concrete (adding the recommended amount of Xypex) and pour it into your foundation form, completely submerging the rebar grid, which should be held up off the gravel base by pieces of brick or stone, not wood. Once the form is completely filled, use a straight piece of wood, such as a 2x4, to level off the top (this is called "screeding".) Let the slab cure for a few days before continuing to build your brick oven. The amount of concrete you need will vary based on the size of your foundation. Refer to your brick oven plan for more information. Mixers and other concrete pouring equipment can be rented at your local home improvement store. Follow your plan exactly. It's easy make mistakes when building a brick oven. These mistakes can lead to cracking, collapsing, or bad insulation. If you follow your plan, you will avoid making these mistakes. Resist the urge to cut corners or improvise. If you do, you may undo all of your hard work. Understand basic woodworking techniques. Your plan may ask you to build wooden templates. If so, you will need to know how to use basic woodworking tools. Some basic tools include: A circular saw, to cut straight pieces of wood A jigsaw, for cutting shapes in wood A power drill, to drive screws into pieces of wood A level Use the correct types of brick. Your plan will ask for several different kinds of bricks. It may be tempting to ignore their recommendations and use the cheapest or most readily available bricks. However, each brick type has an important function that will extend the life of your oven. For example: Firebricks are used to line the interior of the oven. These bricks resist crumbling caused by heat and can withstand high temperatures. Red clay bricks are usually used on the exterior of the oven. These bricks help insulate the firebricks and are somewhat heat resistant as well. Other brick types, such as concrete blocks, may be used for the base of the oven. These are chosen for their durability and stability. Use the proper mortar. Usually, when you build a structure from brick, you use a concrete mixture to hold the bricks together. However, if you use this to connect the bricks in your oven, the concrete may cause the bricks to crack as they expand from the heat. Instead, use a mixture of clay and sand to cement your bricks together. This mixture will expand and contract at the same rate as the bricks. Follow the ratios in your brick oven plan. Usually, the plan will ask you to mix six parts of clay to four parts of sand. For advice on bricklaying , talk to a representative from your local home improvement store. They can direct you towards the proper tools and equipment. Build an oven stand. Use concrete blocks to create a stand for your oven. Lay the first layer down in a square shape with an opening at the front. Use a level to make sure that the layer is even. Continue laying concrete bricks until the oven stand is about waist-high. Once the concrete blocks have been stacked, fill every other core with concrete to cement everything together. The space inside the oven stand can be used to store firewood. Construct a hearth. Create a wooden concrete form in the shape of your hearth. Next, place the wooden form on the oven stand and fill it with concrete. Use a long, straight piece of wood to level off the concrete and let it dry for a few days. Install a rebar grid into the wooden form before pouring the concrete for additional support. Line the hearth with firebricks. Set a layer of firebricks using the intended shape of the oven as a guide. Connect them with a thin paste made of one part sand and one part fire clay. Add water until the mixture becomes a thick slurry. Avoid the temptation to use mortar to connect the firebricks. Mortar won't expand and contract with the bricks and will eventually crack them. Create the oven dome. Lay down firebricks in a circular shape to create the walls of the oven. As you build, slowly angle the layers inwards to create a dome shape. You may need to cut the bricks into smaller pieces using a tile saw. Let the sand and clay paste dry on each layer before continuing. Leave a space open near the back of the dome. This will allow the smoke to vent into a chimney. Build a chimney. Surround the opening at the back of the dome with a layer of firebricks. Stack the bricks in a square shape to create a tall chimney. The smoke inside the oven will vent out of the space in the back and the chimney will direct it into the air. You can also create a chimney base with the firebricks and then purchase a tall, metal chimney flute. Attach the flute with mortar. Create the oven entrance. Use red clay bricks to create an oven entrance. This is where you will add firewood and insert food. Traditionally, brick oven entrances are built into an arch shape. However, you can also make a square shaped entrance if you'd like. Use mortar to connect the red clay bricks. You can create an oven door out of wood or simply use loose bricks to block it off when necessary. Keep in mind that closing off your fire during use will cut off oxygen and cool the oven, or even extinguish it. Cover the oven with insulation. Cover the entire oven with a thick layer of vermiculite-based insulating concrete. Let the concrete insulation dry according to the manufacturer instructions. Once it's dry, add a layer of red clay bricks around the oven to give it a traditional appearance. Review your brick oven plan. Your oven plan will tell you where and how to build a fire inside your brick oven. Make sure you thoroughly understand the process before you try to build a fire. If you try to cook without reading the instructions, you may burn or undercook your food. Purchase an infrared thermometer. Different foods require different cooking temperatures. Seasoned brick oven experts can tell what temperature an oven is by looking into it. However, if you're unexperienced, you need to purchase an infrared thermometer. This tool can be pricy, but it's an important investment in your cooking experience. Follow the manufacturer instructions when using an infrared thermometer. Cook pizzas. Make delicious pizzas in your brick oven using the Fire-in-the-Oven method. First, build a large fire in your brick oven. Let the fire build until the flames are licking the top of the oven. Next, push the fire to the back of the oven to clear a space for your pizza. Lay your pizza directly on the brick and cook it with the oven open for 1 to 3 minutes. The oven needs to be 650 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit (343-371 degrees Celsius) to properly cook a pizza. You may need to add more wood every 15-20 minutes to maintain the flame. Make a roast overnight. Add wood to your oven and create a large, slow-burning fire. Once the oven has reached 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius,) your oven is ready for a roast. First, carefully rake out the coals onto the ground, killing the fire. Next, place the roast in the oven and close the door. The residual heat from the fire will slowly cook the roast overnight. This method works best with larger cuts of meat. The roast should be in a pan and wrapped with foil. Bake conventional dishes. You can use your oven to bake at temperatures below 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius.) First, build a fire in your oven. Once it reaches the right temperature, rake out the coals to kill the fire. Place your dish in the oven and close the door. The residual heat in the oven will cook the food. This method works well for bread, desserts, beans, and pasta dishes. Bread can be placed directly on the brick while other dishes should be cooked in an oven safe pan. | Find brick oven plans. Consider the size of your oven. Choose a dome oven plan. Consider a barrel oven plan. Plan your foundation. Build a foundation form. Dig an area for your foundation. Install the foundation form. Lay some gravel. Lay down wire mesh. Install a rebar grid. Pour some concrete. Follow your plan exactly. Understand basic woodworking techniques. Use the correct types of brick. Use the proper mortar. Build an oven stand. Construct a hearth. Line the hearth with firebricks. Create the oven dome. Build a chimney. Create the oven entrance. Cover the oven with insulation. Review your brick oven plan. Purchase an infrared thermometer. Cook pizzas. Make a roast overnight. Bake conventional dishes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-an-Enlarged-Heart | How to Treat an Enlarged Heart | To treat an enlarged heart, you should try to eat foods low in salt, fat, and cholesterol, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, which help reduce your blood pressure. You should also try to do regular cardio exercise like walking or swimming, as this will help treat the underlying causes of your enlarged heart. Additionally, you should do your best to cut down on alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine, which put strain on your heart. It's also important to see your doctor regularly while you recover, so they can monitor your progress. | Recognize the causes. There are many diseases that can cause an enlarged heart. These include heart valve or heart muscle disease, arrhythmia, weakening of the heart muscle, fluid around your heart, high blood pressure, and pulmonary hypertension. You can also develop an enlarged heart after thyroid disease or chronic anemia. It can also be due to a build up of excess iron or abnormal proteins in your heart. Other situations have been associated with an enlarged heart. An enlarged heart can be caused by pregnancy, obesity, nutritional deficiencies, stressful life situations, certain infections, the ingestion of certain toxins such as drugs and alcohol, and taking some medications. Know the risk factors. There are certain individuals who are at risk for an enlarged heart. If you have high blood pressure, blocked arteries, congenital heart disease, valvular disease, or have had a heart attack. You are also at risk if your family has a history of enlarged hearts, since they tend to run in families. Your blood pressure must be above 140/90 for it to be considered high enough to be a risk factor for an enlarged heart. Learn the symptoms. Although it is not a disease, there are symptoms that some people with an enlarged heart suffer. An irregular heart beat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and coughing are some of the symptoms of an enlarged heart. Your symptoms may also vary, depending on the underlying cause of your enlarged heart. You should see your doctor immediately if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting spells. Understand the complications. There are multiple complications that can arise from an enlarged heart. You can be more susceptible to blood clots and cardiac arrest. You may also have persistent heart murmurers, which are due to friction during the flow of blood and disrupt the rhythm of your heart. If it is left untreated, an enlarged heart can also lead to sudden death. If you have an enlarged left ventricle, which is considered a severe case of an enlarged heart, you are at risk for heart failure. Diagnose an enlarged heart. There are multiple ways that your doctor can diagnose your enlarged heart. The first step is typically an x-ray, where your doctor will look at the size of your heart. He may also perform an echocardiogram or an electrocardiogram if the x-ray is not conclusive. He may also perform a heart stress test, a CT scan, or an MRI. He will then run tests to figure out the underlying cause of your enlarged heart, which will help him come up with the best way to treat it. Change the way you eat. One of the main ways you can reduce the effects of an enlarged heart and help combat the underlying causes of the condition is through diet. You should eat foods low in saturated fats, sodium, and cholesterol. You should incorporate more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy proteins into your diet. You should also drink 6-8 8 ounce glasses of water a day. Try eating more fish, green leafy vegetables, fruit, and beans to help lower your cholesterol and sodium levels and reduce your blood pressure. You can also ask your doctor for a diet plan that is best suited for your particular situation. Work out. Put more physical activity into your daily routine. Depending on what underlying condition you have, your doctor may recommend different kinds of exercise. He may suggest light aerobic and mild cardiovascular exercise such as walking or swimming if your heart is too weak to take too much stress. He may also suggest your do more intense cardio and strength training such as bike riding or running as you get stronger or if you need to lose a decent amount of weight. Always consult your doctor before undertaking any physical activity, especially with a heart condition. Combining eating right with exercise will help you lose weight, which is very beneficial for many of the underlying causes of an enlarged heart. Reduce bad habits. There are certain bad habits you should avoid or quit all together when you are diagnosed with an enlarged heart. You should quit smoking immediately because it adds strain to your heart and blood vessels. You should also avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine because they make your heart beat in an irregular rhythm and put a strain on the muscle. You should also try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night in order to help regulate your heart beat and replenish your body every day. See your doctor often. As you go through your recovery, you need to see your doctor often. This way, he can keep a close watch on the state of your heart and let you know if your condition is better or worse. Your physician will also be able to tell if you are responding to treatments or if you need to seek more advanced options for treatment. Discuss medical device options with your doctor. If an enlarged heart causes severe heart failure or significant arrhythmia your doctor may suggest you get an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The ICD is a matchbox-sized device that helps the heart maintain its normal rhythms through electrical shocks. Your doctor may also suggest a pacemaker to help coordinate the contractions of your heart. Consider heart valve surgery. If an impaired valve caused an enlarged heart, then your doctor may suggest replacement surgery as an option. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the narrowed or damaged valve and replaces it with another one. These valves can be a tissue valve from a deceased human donor, a cow, or a pig. You may also receive an artificial value as well. Surgery may also be necessary to repair or replace a leaky valve, also known as valve regurgitation. This condition, which also contributes to an enlarged heart, causes blood to leak out through the valve backwards. Ask about other surgeries. If your enlarged heart is due to diseased arteries you may need to have coronary stents or coronary artery bypass graft surgery to fix your heart. If you have experienced heart failure due to your enlarged heart, your doctor may suggest you have surgery to implant a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). This device will help your weak heart pump properly. The LVAD can be a long term treatment for heart failure or as a life saving measure while you wait for a heart transplant. Heart transplants are considered the last resort for an enlarged heart and are only considered when all other options have been ruled out. It is not easy to get a heart transplant and the waiting process can take years. Take angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. When you are diagnosed with a condition that causes an enlarged heart, your doctor may prescribe you ACE inhibitors. If a weak muscle in your heart contributed to your condition, ACE inhibitors are used to help restore your heart's normal pumping functions. The medication can lower blood pressure as well. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are prescribed as an alternative medication for patients who have trouble tolerating ACE inhibitors. Treat heart tissue scarring with diuretics. If you have an enlarged heart, especially if it due to cardiomyopathy, your doctor may prescribe diuretics. These medications help lower the levels of water and sodium in the body and help decrease the thickness of your heart muscles. This medication may lower blood pressure. Use beta-blockers. If a major symptom of your enlarged heart is high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe beta-blockers. This will depend on your overall condition. This medication helps to improve blood pressure and lessens abnormal heart rhythms in addition to lowering your heart rate. Other medications such as digoxin also help to improve the heart's pumping mechanism. This can help you avoid hospitalization due to heart failure. Ask your doctor about other medication. Depending on the cause of your enlarged heart, your doctor may also prescribe other medications to help with your condition. If he is worried that you may be at risk for blood clots, your doctor may prescribe you anticoagulants. These medications reduce the risk of blood clots that can lead to strokes or heart attacks. He may also prescribe anti-arrhythmics, which are medications designed to help keep your heart at a normal rhythm. | Recognize the causes. Know the risk factors. Learn the symptoms. Understand the complications. Diagnose an enlarged heart. Change the way you eat. Work out. Reduce bad habits. See your doctor often. Discuss medical device options with your doctor. Consider heart valve surgery. Ask about other surgeries. Take angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Treat heart tissue scarring with diuretics. Use beta-blockers. Ask your doctor about other medication. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Avid-Reader | How to Become an Avid Reader | To become an avid reader, start by choosing books that match your current interests or are in a genre you enjoy. Next, make time for reading, like waking up earlier to read at breakfast or getting into bed before you're tired to read a chapter before you go to sleep. You can also get into the habit of carrying a book with you so you can read while commuting, eating lunch, or sitting outside. If you're easily distracted, find a quiet and comfortable spot to read, like the library or a park bench. | Choose books that suit your current interests. You may think that you want to read the classics-- philosophy, the biographies of historical figures, and plays-- and if those are your interests, you should pursue them. There are plenty of other interesting books out there, though, and you can work your way up to more difficult material over time. Some people like to begin by reading the novel versions of movies that they've enjoyed. From ''Fight Club'' to ''The Hunger Games'', you will find that many movies are actually based on books. One method of determining what kind of book you will like is to figure out what it is that drives you to frequent certain movies or TV shows. People who like biopics usually like biographies. If you like psychological thrillers, you might like murder mysteries or horror stories. If plot drives you, a lot of fiction is suitable for your tastes. If you don't like fictional stories, try non-fiction. You will learn about real things that happened, gain insights into science, history, other cultures, or what people are doing to try to solve problems in the world, and explore interesting ideas by great thinkers. Get book and author recommendations. Ask people whose taste you trust-- people who like the same music, TV or movies as you. Ask them about what their favorite books or authors are. Asking people you know is a good way to start out-- they can often lend you the books that they enjoyed the most. Talk to English teachers and parents for book recommendations. They can help you find stories you enjoy and may have more book knowledge than your friends. If you like an author that a friend recommends, stick with them! It's the best way to keep on reading. Use online resources, such as Goodreads, to find book reviews and recommendations. Check out book award lists. Start with the best of the best! If they ended up on a list of great books for the year, a lot of people must have read and liked them so you can probably find something you like there too. Some awards are based on what people are actually reading rather than what critics choose. This may be the best place to start since you know that the many people have enjoyed these books. Award lists that are selected by writers, critics, librarians, and booksellers can give you an idea of what is going on in the literary world. Look for a quiet, comfortable space to settle in with a book. Don't put yourself in a place where you will be self-conscious or experience interruptions. Libraries are designed for finding great books and reading! You can grab a book and get started right away in the quiet of your local library branch. Go to a park or somewhere outdoors. If you associate reading with oppressive indoor settings, going outdoors can be a great way to break up the monotony. Try walking on the treadmill with a book. Some people simply cannot sit still while reading. Some studies say that you can remember more later if you read while walking on the treadmill, and the jolt of dopamine you get from multitasking may encourage you to keep reading. Add reading to your schedule. Many people think that they do not have time to read, but the truth is that they just have not found the time. Some easy tweaks may add an hour or so per day of extra time. If you normally have down time before or after work (extra time waking up or winding down), you can make reading a part of that routine. If you spend time checking your email or playing games as a matter of routine, put your book by your laptop or on the couch to remind you to read instead. Small adjustments make a difference. Getting up a little earlier can make time for reading in your breakfast routine. Getting to the gym earlier can make an extra half-hour for reading before bed. Read before going to sleep. Goal-oriented reading is less pleasurable than relaxed reading. You will feel happier after reading if it is done without any stress on finding information or reading a certain number of pages. Go to bed a half hour or hour earlier than usual, so that you have time to read before you get too tired. Reading under the light of a lamp is much healthier than looking at the blue light of a phone screen or e-reader. It's good to read in the morning as you can get an inspirational and fresh start to your day. Be aware that the light from an e-reader device may disrupt your sleep. A real book might be a better option before bed. Squeeze reading in between activities. This is not the most relaxed way of reading, but if you are an on-the-go type, it's a good way to fit reading in without having to shift your schedule too much. If you spend a long time commuting, bring a book instead of plugging into your phone. If you usually eat lunch alone, you can take the time to enjoy a chapter or two while you eat. If you eat out for lunch, try packing your lunch instead. This will free up a surprising amount of time. Reward yourself with reading after completing tasks for work or school. Get away from screens. Once you've chosen or found the time to read, keep media from cutting into your precious half hour. Every time you look at something new, you get a jolt of dopamine. Forcing yourself away from screens will allow you to pursue the long-term enjoyment and deeper understanding that books offer. Turn your phone completely off. You might be shocked at how often you reach for it and check your lock screen to find it completely black.This serves as a good reminder to stay focused on your book. Completely get away from your laptop or television. A click of the remote or trackpad will bring you back into the digital world, and you can get stuck there for an incredibly long time. Use your local library. Libraries are built to be quiet, distraction-free places to read. Use them to their fullest! Skim before reading. You can skim while you read too! Reading avidly can sometimes mean that you find any way to make things easier for yourself. Read the first few pages of the first chapter rather than reading the summary on the back of the book. This way you get a better understanding of the author's writing style. You may find yourself in the middle of a book you really enjoy, but has taken a dry turn. Read topic sentences and final paragraphs so that you get the general idea. Read quickly until you reach a part that holds your interest. Read in different formats. You might like the feel of having an actual book in your hands and turning real pages. If you don't like carrying around and keeping track of too many things, you may like the convenience of using an e-reader device. If you use productivity apps on a tablet, you will probably like the convenience of e-books. Downloading your books mean that you have many books in one place. If you already carry a tablet, you won't have to carry a book as well. If you prefer to go to the library and browse actual books, and enjoy the feeling of turning pages, you probably want to stick to real books. Keep multiple books around. Having books around, whether electronic or real, to browse and choose from will inspire you to read. Use your library. Take advantage of the fact that you can check out multiple books and return them if nothing grabs you. If there are books that you have that you've been meaning to read, leave them out! They will serve as a reminder, and you are more likely to pick them up if you are looking for something to do. Purchase books for your tablet online or check out an eBook from your local library. Move on if you’re having a hard time. You don't want to waste time reading something that isn't for you, and struggling through a book just to get it done might derail your efforts to become an avid reader altogether. Gather a few possibilities and read the first chapter or two of each one, then choose the one that grabs you. If you feel stuck or bored, try something different! Just because you like biographies doesn't mean you wouldn't enjoy some light fiction with a little less substance. It might just provide the break you need to go back to the weightier stuff later. Use the fifty page rule. If you've started a book and don't like it, you might still feel weird about stopping cold. Fifty pages is usually enough of the book to figure out whether or not it's worth it for you to keep reading. If it seems like a chore, don't do it. There are plenty of books out there for you to enjoy. Start a reading log. A reading log is a good way to look back on what you've read and to keep track of things that you want to read. A log can be a list on your phone, a Pinterest board, or a physical notebook. Just make sure that it's something that you're likely to keep around or remember. Keep an ongoing list of what you've read: a simple list of titles and author's names. If you particularly liked a book, mark it. Also keep a list of recommendations and things that you want to read. If you're the note-taking type, keep summaries and memorable quotes in the notebook as well. This will provide you with concrete examples of your progress and remind you of the knowledge and information that your reading has given you. Join a book club. Having regular meetings on your calendar and knowing that you'll need to be able to talk intelligently with other people about a book is a great incentive to keep reading. Depending on where you live, you may have many genres to choose from. Try sticking to your favorite genre first, just to make sure that you stay on track. You can branch out after you've gotten into the swing of things. If you can't find any near you, you can start your own. You can use Facebook or meetup to create groups easily. Participate in city or statewide reading initiative. The public library systems in many states or larger cities often choose one book and encourage as many people as possible to read it at the same time. They usually include programs like book talks and other events where you can join a discussion. If you do this with friends, it can be easier to stay on track, and you'll have someone to talk to about the book. Sign up for an online book forum. You can look for a broader forum that discusses multiple kinds of books, or you can pursue a specific artist or genre. On social media forums like Goodreads, you can see what your friends are reading, read book reviews, and keep track of your own reading so you can see your progress. There is also an option to find books related to ones you've liked as well, which makes finding new books easy. Keep a pen in your hand. If you can't remember what you've read right after you finish it, you may get discouraged. Taking notes ensures that you can quickly remember what you've read, even after you've forgotten it. Take brief summary notes at the end of each chapter to ensure that you can look back and recall what you've read. If taking notes interrupts your reading flow, mark key paragraphs with a check mark or star. Later, you can go back to these starred paragraphs and take notes on them for yourself. Read an entire paragraph before marking it up. Many people highlight the first sentence of a paragraph. Sometimes the first sentence is the right one to emphasize, but in other cases, only looking at the first sentence of a paragraph can leave out key information. Don't mark up any specific sentences or words right away. Be patient and wait until the final sentence before deciding. If the paragraph seems important right away, mark it with a star. After a difficult or inspiring paragraph, pause for a moment. Explain to yourself what you have read, out loud or in your head. Then summarize that in the margin or on a separate piece of paper. Read out loud. Reading out loud is a great trick for people who are auditory learners. It also works any time that you may be having difficulty with the language of the book. You may feel a little bit silly if you are alone, but don't let it stop you. You'll soon get into the rhythm and forget your circumstances. If you are in public, try covering your ears and mouthing the words. This usually goes unnoticed, and is not really odd behavior for someone reading in a public place. Check for key phrases and information. It's ok not to read the entire book, especially if it is non-fiction. By taking a moment before reading to locate key information, you can save yourself time. Use the table of contents to locate what you're looking for. If you've skimmed over a few paragraphs, check for summary words (in conclusion, in summary, furthermore) and pay particular attention to that paragraph. Before you start reading, perform a quick check of a chapter. Take note of its title and any subheadings. Read the first and last paragraph, and check the topic sentences of the body paragraphs. Try to determine from these things the main idea of the chapter and the author's intention. | Choose books that suit your current interests. Get book and author recommendations. Check out book award lists. Look for a quiet, comfortable space to settle in with a book. Add reading to your schedule. Read before going to sleep. Squeeze reading in between activities. Get away from screens. Skim before reading. Read in different formats. Keep multiple books around. Move on if you’re having a hard time. Start a reading log. Join a book club. Participate in city or statewide reading initiative. Sign up for an online book forum. Keep a pen in your hand. Read an entire paragraph before marking it up. Read out loud. Check for key phrases and information. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Mud-Out-of-Clothes | How to Get Mud Out of Clothes | To get mud out of clothes, start by letting the mud dry, since cleaning wet mud can cause it to spread. Then, shake off as much mud as you can, or brush it off with a dry cloth. Next, apply a small amount of liquid detergent to the mud stains with a damp cloth, and leave it for 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can soak the clothes in a tub of water and liquid detergent. Once the clothes have finished soaking, wash them in the machine with bleach if the clothes are white, or with laundry detergent for any other color. | Allow the mud to dry on a flat surface. Do not try to clean off wet mud, as this will only make the stain worse and potentially spread it to other areas. Lay the clothing flat on the floor or a countertop and allow it to dry out. It may take several hours or overnight for the mud to dry, depending on how thick it is. Shake or brush off as much dry mud as you can. Hold the clothing up and shake it out a few times outside to get rid of surface mud. You can also use your hand or a dry cloth to lightly brush off the dry mud. This can make it easier to get rid of the mud when you wash the clothing. Scrape off caked on mud with a spatula or a soft brush. If the mud is caked onto the clothing and appears very thick, you can try scraping off layers of it with a spatula, a soft brush, or a knife. Run the spatula over the dried mud to scrape it off, or rub the mud off with the brush until you see the surface of the fabric on the clothing. Be careful not to scrape the clothing itself, as this can damage it. Scrape off as much surface mud as you can before washing the clothing. Bring the clothes to the dry cleaner if they are not machine washable. If the clothing is made of fabric that is not safe to clean in the washing machine or by hand, take it to the nearest dry cleaner. This will ensure you do not damage the clothing further by washing it at home. Apply liquid laundry detergent to the mud and let it sit for 15 minutes. Dab a small amount of liquid laundry detergent to the mud stains with clean fingers or a damp cloth. If you have powdered detergent on hand, mix the detergent with some water to create a paste that you can apply to the mud. The laundry detergent helps to break up the mud and makes it easier for it to come out in the wash. Use stain remover for stubborn mud stains. Look for a stain remover made for use on mud and dirt stains at your local supermarket or online. Apply the stain remover directly to the mud with clean fingers or a damp cloth and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Stain remover is a good option if the mud is really caked on and is very thick. Soak the clothes in a detergent solution if they are very muddy. If the clothes are covered all over in mud and it is difficult for you to spot remove the stains, place the clothes in a clean plastic bin or the tub. Then, put 2-4 drops of detergent in the tub with warm water. Let the clothes soak for 30 minutes, or overnight, depending on how muddy they are. If the clothing is made of fabric in light colors like white, you may not want to soak them, as this can expose the fabric to the brown pigment in the mud. Pretreat the clothing with detergent or a stain remover instead. Clean the clothes in the washing machine in warm or hot water. Use the hottest water setting recommended for the muddy article(s) of clothing. Do not put the muddy clothing in with other items in the washing machine, as this can cause the mud to transfer onto the other items. Use chlorine bleach if the clothes are white. If the clothing is made of white fabric, use chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach to wash them in the washing machine. Only use the recommended amount of bleach on the clothing, following the instructions on the label. Wash the clothes with laundry detergent if they are dark colored. If the clothes are any other colors besides white, use laundry detergent in the washing machine to clean them. Bleach can damage colored clothing and leave marks or stains. Inspect the clothing after one washing cycle to confirm the mud is gone. You may need to wash the clothes more than once to get the mud out. Do as many cycles as needed until the clothes come out clean and free of mud. Hand wash delicate clothes in hot water. If the fabric is delicate, you should hand wash the clothing instead in a plastic bin or the bathtub. Fill the bin with hot water and laundry detergent. Then, rub the fabric with the watery solution to remove the mud. You can also try using a toothbrush or a scrub brush to remove the mud as you hand wash the clothing. Dry the clothes. Once you have removed the mud on the clothes, you can put them in the dryer on a low heat setting to dry them. If the clothes are delicate, air dry them on a clothesline or drying rack. Make sure all the mud and staining is gone before using the dryer, or the stain will be permanently set in the clothes. | Allow the mud to dry on a flat surface. Shake or brush off as much dry mud as you can. Scrape off caked on mud with a spatula or a soft brush. Bring the clothes to the dry cleaner if they are not machine washable. Apply liquid laundry detergent to the mud and let it sit for 15 minutes. Use stain remover for stubborn mud stains. Soak the clothes in a detergent solution if they are very muddy. Clean the clothes in the washing machine in warm or hot water. Use chlorine bleach if the clothes are white. Wash the clothes with laundry detergent if they are dark colored. Hand wash delicate clothes in hot water. Dry the clothes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hide-Belly-Fat | How to Hide Belly Fat | If you want to hide your belly fat, adjust your posture by sucking your stomach in and straightening your back. Not only will this make you appear slimmer, but good posture will support your spine and help prevent back problems caused by carrying extra weight. As you go about your day, correct yourself if you start to slouch, since slouching can make your belly look bigger than it is. In addition to keeping good posture, avoid tight or clingy clothes that bring unwanted attention to the midsection. Instead of fabrics like lycra or satin, opt for clothes made from cotton, velvet, or wool blends that are more forgiving. To naturally cinch your waistline, try wearing mid or high-waisted pants, which will hug in any love handles or belly pooches. | Avoid tight or clingy clothes to distract the eye. Overly form-fitting garments can bring unwanted attention to excess fat around the midsection. Instead, choose fabrics and styles that have a bit more give and stretch to them. Lycra, satin, and jersey fabrics will all cling to the body in an unflattering manner, while sturdy cotton, velvet, and wool blends make for forgiving garments. Tops or dresses with draping are a good options, as well as sweaters in cashmere or a lightweight cotton. Embrace dark colors for a slimming effect. Black, charcoal, navy, and brown create the illusion of a smaller frame while also hiding wrinkles and any pulling or bulging of fabric. If your midsection is larger than your bottom half, create a more proportionate look by wearing dark clothing on top and lighter colors on the bottom, such as khaki pants. Choose clothing that accentuates your best features. Play to your strengths by highlighting your arms, shoulders, or any other part of your body that makes you feel confident. It will draw the attention away from your belly and toward your favorite qualities! A sleeveless top will highlight your arms and shoulders. A low-cut shirt will accentuate your neckline. Shorts or a dress or skirt above the knees will show off your legs. A T-shirt can display strong arms. Slim ankles can be showed off with a pair of cropped pants Wear pants with a mid- or high-rise waistline to naturally cinch your waistline. Low-rise fashions can have a push-up effect on your belly fat, making it more prominent. High-waisted styles will hug in any love handles or belly pooches. Pair high-waisted pants with a simple blouse without too much volume for a sleek look. Avoid wearing a short jacket with high-waisted pants, which can create a boxy effect. Choose tops with draping, pleats, or frills to disguise excess fat. A shirt that has extra fabric and texture will trick the eye and hide the bulge around your belly. A top with a lot of detail and fabric pairs perfectly with simple bottoms, like a classic pair of black trousers or a pencil skirt. Layer on a jacket or a cardigan to cover up belly fat. Use a long sweater or jacket to create long lean lines, pulling the eye away from your belly and lengthening your appearance. Try a poncho or a long sweater with a waterfall hemline for a bohemian look, as long as you pair it with a form-fitting garment on the bottom, such as a legging or skinny pant. For a more masculine look, wear a blazer for a more formal occasion or a leather bomber jacket for a casual style. Try a shirt or dress with an empire waistline to emphasize a small waist. An empire waistline cinches at your most narrow point, right below the ribcage, accentuating your waist and skimming your belly. You can make any loose top or dress into an empire waist by belting it around your ribcage. A dress or top with an asymmetrical waistline can have a similar lengthening effect. Wear shapewear underneath your clothing to smooth your midsection. Specially formulated elastic undergarments can reshape your stomach, pulling in your belly fat and making your clothes fit better. A high-waisted short or a fitted camisole is a good way to smooth the entire midsection. Pair soft leggings with a long shirt or tunic for a more comfortable and stylish way to tuck in your tummy. Under a sweater or button down, wear a specially-designed elastic shapewear shirt to eliminate bulging. Tailor your clothes for a better overall fit. Taking in your garments to accommodate your midsection while properly fitting the rest of your body creates a much slimmer look. Wear bold accessories around your neck to draw the eye up. This will place the emphasis on the upper half of your torso. Wear a chunky statement necklace or a top with a bold, detailed neckline Opt for shirts with broad collars and tie larger knots in their ties, such as a full windsor. Choose a wider tie. A tie with larger overall width will balance out the midsection and create a more proportional and balanced appearance. Your tie should fall right at the upper line of your belt so that it doesn't give the appearance of not being able to reach over your belly. Carry a purse with longer straps to elongate the body. The straps will create a long and lean visual effect and draw attention down to where the bag ends, past your hips. Crossbody bags, satchels with long handles, and hobo purses are all good options. Wear a pair of suspenders. Suspenders are a better alternative to a belt by holding up your pants up without pinching or creating a bulge around the top of your pants. Suspenders also create 2 long vertical lines on the body, drawing the eye up and lengthening the appearance of your torso. Top off your outfit with a hat to add more length. A stylish hat is an easy way to add a little more height to your frame, automatically balancing out any extra weight around the middle. Sun hats, fedoras with wide brims, or flat caps are all great options. Pull in your tummy. Sucking your stomach muscles to your spine immediately flattens your belly. Additionally, the action of pulling your stomach in will support your spine and help prevent any back problems that can arise from carrying extra weight. Square your shoulders and lift your chest. This action will create the look of a wider top and smaller waistline. Keep your back straight. Maintaining a straight or slight s-curve in your spine will help you appear slimmer and prevent your stomach from sticking out. Avoid over-arching your back. Don't slouch, which will prevent you from tucking your stomach in and will make your belly look bigger than it actually is. Wear a heeled shoe to automatically stand up straighter. Wearing heels naturally improves your posture by rotating your hips to tuck your bottom in and helping keep your back and shoulder straight. Even a classic dress shoe with a small heel can be enough to reap these benefits. | Avoid tight or clingy clothes to distract the eye. Embrace dark colors for a slimming effect. Choose clothing that accentuates your best features. Wear pants with a mid- or high-rise waistline to naturally cinch your waistline. Choose tops with draping, pleats, or frills to disguise excess fat. Layer on a jacket or a cardigan to cover up belly fat. Try a shirt or dress with an empire waistline to emphasize a small waist. Wear shapewear underneath your clothing to smooth your midsection. Tailor your clothes for a better overall fit. Wear bold accessories around your neck to draw the eye up. Choose a wider tie. Carry a purse with longer straps to elongate the body. Wear a pair of suspenders. Top off your outfit with a hat to add more length. Pull in your tummy. Square your shoulders and lift your chest. Keep your back straight. Wear a heeled shoe to automatically stand up straighter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-a-Paper-Presentation | How to Prepare a Paper Presentation | To prepare a paper presentation, create an outline of your content, then write your script on note cards or slides using software like PowerPoint. Be sure to stick to one main point per card or slide! Next, design visual aids like graphics, charts, and bullet points to illustrate your content and help the audience follow along. Then, practice giving your presentation in front of friends and family until you feel ready to do it in class! | Know the requirements. Each presentation for each class is going to be a bit different. Some instructors will be happy with 3 minutes while others will demand you stand there awkwardly for 7. Have all the guidelines clear when you go to write your presentation. Know how long the speech must be. Know how many points you're required to cover. Know if you must include sources or visuals. Know your audience. If you're giving a presentation to your classmates, you probably have a rough idea of their knowledge on the topic. But for virtually every other circumstance, you may be in the dark. Either way, cater your paper to make zero assumptions. If you're presenting to people you know, it'll be easy to know what to break down and what to gloss over. But if you're presenting to unknown stockholders or faculty, for instance, you need to know about them and their knowledge levels, too. You may have to break your paper down into its most basic concepts. Find out what you can about their backgrounds. Know your resources. If you are giving a presentation in a facility you've never visited before, it's best to inquire about what you'll have at your disposal and what you'll need to set up beforehand. Does the facility have a computer and projector screen? Is there a working WiFi connection? Is there a microphone? A podium? Is there someone who can assist you in working the equipment before your presentation? Create a script for your presentation. Although you could write everything out, it's best to use notes to jog your memory -- you'll sound more like you're talking and be able to make more eye contact. Only have one point per notecard -- that way you won't end up searching the notecard for your information. And don't forget to number the cards in case you get mixed up! And the points on your cards shouldn't match your paper; instead of regurgitating information, discuss why the key points of your paper are important or the different points of view on this topic within the field. Decide on a limited number of ideas you want your audience to comprehend and remember. To do this, find the most important points in your paper. These are the ones you should be drilling home. The rest of your presentation should be extras not necessarily addressed in your work -- if they've already read the paper, they don't need to be lectured on it. They're there to learn more. Make an outline of the highlights to help you prepare your presentation. As you form the outline, you'll see what aspects of your paper pop out the most and what order they would best be relayed in. As you go through this outline, remove any jargon if it may not be understood. Design visual aids to make your presentation even better. To help your audience follow along (and for the visual learners), use slides with graphics, charts, and bullet points to make everything a bit more captivating. It can enhance the information in your paper, yes, but it also keeps everyone from wiggling around in their seats. If you have any statistics at all, turn them into graphs. The contrasts will seem more stark when put in pictures before your audience -- numbers are sometimes meaningless. Instead of thinking about 25% and 75%, they'll be thinking about the 50% difference they see before them. If you won't have access to the proper technology, print visual aids on poster board or foam-core board. Presentation software (Powerpoint, etc.) can also double as notecards. Instead of messing with small pieces of paper, you can just click a button to get your next prompt. If using presentation software, use words sparingly, but enough to get your point across. Think in phrases (and pictures!), not sentences. Acronyms and abbreviations are okay on the screen, but when you talk, address them fully. And remember to use large fonts -- not everyone's vision is fantastic. Think in terms of conversation. Just because this is paper-based does not mean your delivery should be equivalent to what an 8.5 x 11 can do. You have personality and are a human engaging with an audience. Use their humanness to do things you might not otherwise do in a paper. It's okay to be a bit repetitive. Emphasizing important ideas will enhance comprehension and recall. When you've gone full circle, cycle back to a previous point to lead your audience to the right conclusion. Minimize the unnecessary details (the procedure you had to go through, etc.) when highlighting the main ideas you want to relay. You don't want to overload your audience with fluff, forcing them to miss the important stuff. Show enthusiasm! A very boring topic can be made interesting if there is passion behind it. Practice your presentation in front of friends and family members. Don't be shy -- ask for constructive criticism. This helps you know whether or not you're meeting the time requirements and if not, how you could tweak your style. And once you've recited it 20 times before breakfast, your nervous should be at a minimum. If you can grab a friend who you think has a similar knowledge level to your audience, all the better. They'll help you see what points are foggier to minds with less expertise on the topic. Tape record yourself. Alright, so this one is a little much, but if you're really nervous, you may find listening to yourself beneficial. You can see which parts you're nervous about and which parts you have nailed down. It'll help you to see the flow, too, when you listen back. It'll also help you with volume. Some people get rather timid when in the spotlight. You may not be aware that you're not loud enough! Be warm. You are allowed to be a person, not just a machine that relays facts. Welcome in your audience and take a few seconds to establish a comfortable atmosphere. Do the same with your conclusion. Thank everyone for their time and open the floor for any questions, if allowed. | Know the requirements. Know your audience. Know your resources. Create a script for your presentation. Decide on a limited number of ideas you want your audience to comprehend and remember. Design visual aids to make your presentation even better. Think in terms of conversation. Practice your presentation in front of friends and family members. Tape record yourself. Be warm. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-for-Permission-to-Use-Tampons | How to Ask for Permission to Use Tampons | Before asking for permission to use tampons, think of a few solid reasons why you'd need them, like the fact they'll make playing sports easier. Then, schedule a time to talk with your parents, and tell them you want to use tampons as directly as you can. For example, you might say: “I think I'm old enough to use tampons and need them for swimming practice.” You can also reassure your parents about safety, saying: “I know I can't use them for more than 8 hours, and I'll make sure to change them regularly.” Finally, be sure to thank your parents for listening, no matter what they say. | Ask your parent/guardian for a private conversation. When you feel you are ready to use tampons instead of pads for your period, you may need to gain the permission of your parents (in many cases your mother). Gaining their permission is important because they buy your feminine products. It is also good for them to know what is going on in your life so that they can take care of you. For example, if your mom says she is headed to the store in an hour, ask her if you can have a talk before she goes. Perhaps send a quick text to ask your parent or guardian to meet with you so that when you see them face to face, they will be ready to listen. Say, “When I get home from school today, can we talk for a minute?” Write them a letter. If you feel embarrassed or stressed about talking to your parents about using tampons, try writing them a letter. You may also want to write a letter if it's hard to find time to sit down with them. Writing a letter helps you organize your thoughts and make a strong appeal. Write down your thoughts in a logical order, such as opening with your desire to use tampons, describing why they are a good idea, explaining that you have the responsibility to handle them, and closing with a polite request. Revise your letter for proper wording and punctuation. You could open with, “Dear Mom, I know it may seem weird that I'm writing a letter, but I wanted to ask you something personal, and I feel more comfortable writing a letter than talking face to face.” You could also consider making it electronic, either writing a text or email, if that is something your parent or guardian would read. Talk to someone you trust. If talking to a parent or guardian is too difficult, either emotionally or logistically, you may want to talk to another trusted adult first. Get advice from them on how to approach your parents. Discuss your fears with them. They may be able to offer advice that makes you feel less uncomfortable than talking to your own parents. Another adult you might discuss this with is your doctor. Your doctor can offer medical advice about tampon application, calming the fears of both you and your parents. Pull aside a trusted adult and ask, “Hey, can I talk to you about a personal issue real quick?” This can also be an experienced friend. Be prepared to be denied. Part of asking for permission is being ready to have your request denied. Your parents may not feel you are emotionally prepared for such a step. They may think you need to be a little older, or that tampons aren't safe. Be prepared to show maturity by not getting upset at their refusal. Think about their personalities and your past experiences with them to help you anticipate what they might say. Ask why they won't agree to let you use a tampon in a respectful manner. Not getting upset can be the sign of maturity your parents need to agree to let you start using tampons. For example, a mature person is thankful, meaning they express gratitude even when things don't go their way. Understand that your parents are most likely interested in your safety and are not trying to be mean. Tell them what is going on. Once you have your parents' attention, tell them about your desire to use tampons. You want them to clearly understand your position. Even if you don't think they will understand, you need to express your desire anyway. Start by saying something like, “So I've been thinking about it, and I want start using tampons.” Explain why you want to use tampons. Explaining all the reasons why you want to do something is important for helping the other person become convinced. Use persuasion tactics like proper timing, being willing to do something in return, and being persistent. Your parents will probably be impressed by a logical argument made without whining. Choose to ask your parents for a discussion about tampons when they are relaxed, not right after they get home from work. Be willing to do chores or another task they have been wanting you to accomplish in return for permission to use tampons. If they say no at first, meet any conditions they offer and ask them again. Keep asking until they relent. Try, “I am old enough for tampons and I need them because I play sports.” Ask with a polite manner. Be kind and polite when you ask for permission. Make eye contact with your mom or dad and say nice things about them. Don't flatter them to get them to agree with you; instead, be genuine with any compliments you give. Also avoid fidgeting, whining, or accusing them if you don't like their response. Say, “Thank you for taking time to meet with me today.” Use words like can, could, may, might, would, and so on. These words are humble rather than demanding, and will likely help you get what you want. For example, say, "I would like to start wearing tampons," instead of, "I have to wear tampons now." Avoid whining if they say no. If the answer is “no,” don't throw a fit. This will only assure your parents that you are not ready for the responsibility of using tampons. Instead of whining, complaining, or being out of sorts, accept their judgement calmly. Don't tattle on a sibling in order to make yourself look better. If your older sister uses tampons without your parents' permission, for example, telling on her to get your way might cause family drama rather than help your case. Calm their fears. When you are presenting your appeal to your parents to use tampons, you may want to start by calming their fears. For example, if they are worried you will get sick from using tampons, assure them that you know when to take out your tampon. If they are worried that you will use it improperly, assure them that you have learned how to use a tampon correctly. For example, explain that you know you should change a tampon every four to six hours. Demonstrate that you have researched tampons. Start by printing out web pages. You can show your parents that you have read about how to apply a tampon properly. You can also show that you have read about the risks. Show that you have read up on Toxic Shock Syndrome and how to prevent it. Also show proof that your age doesn't have anything to do with your ability to use tampons. Any girl with a menstrual cycle can use a tampon. Explain how tampons are perfectly safe for both virgins and non-virgins. The tampon does not interfere with the hymen (the skin covering the vagina). Make them aware that tampons can't enter the body, so they are a safe alternative to pads. Offer stories of others your age. Tell your parents about your friends who are in similar situations to your own, such as the same age and playing the same sports. Explain that they wear tampons and are perfectly fine. If you are feeling left out because you are not allowed to wear tampons, explain this to your parents. If anyone tries to bully you for not wearing tampons, tell an adult immediately. You can tell you are being bullied if you are being singled out on an ongoing basis; the bully is bigger than you in stature or has a stronger personality; and enjoys it when you are uncomfortable. Explain situations where you need them. The reason tampons are an option on the market at all is because active women need them. If you play a sport like swimming, you physically should not swim unless you can contain your menstrual cycle; otherwise you might contaminate the water. You can play any sport better with a tampon. Other situations you might want a tampon include wearing tight clothing, having to change clothes in a public dressing room, or for the sake of comfort. | Ask your parent/guardian for a private conversation. Write them a letter. Talk to someone you trust. Be prepared to be denied. Tell them what is going on. Explain why you want to use tampons. Ask with a polite manner. Avoid whining if they say no. Calm their fears. Demonstrate that you have researched tampons. Offer stories of others your age. Explain situations where you need them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Finish-Concrete | How to Finish Concrete | If you've already poured and leveled your concrete, begin the finishing process by moving a rounded bull float over the concrete to smooth out the surface. For small projects, you can use a magnesium float instead. Then, use an edging tool to tidy up the edges and corners of your concrete by moving in a back-and-forth motion as this will make the concrete more durable. Finish by cutting grooves at intervals in your concrete before it dries to reduce the risk of cracking in the future. | Pour the concrete. If you are unfamiliar with pouring concrete, follow the linked instructions to ensure you do so correctly. Be ready to move on to the next steps as soon as you pour. Compress the concrete only if necessary. Many modern concrete mixes do not need to be compressed, or "tamped", before finishing, and tamping the wrong mix can weaken the slab. Confirm your decision with a professional before tamping. If you do decide to tamp, simply press the concrete down using any variety of tamping tool (hand, rolling, etc.). Place a 2x4 across the concrete. Find the straightest lumber 2x4 you can find and place it across the barriers holding the concrete in place, or "forms". The 2x4 should extend at least a foot past the forms in each direction. This object is referred to as a screed board. Use the 2x4 to level the concrete. Using the technique described below, move the 2x4 down the forms to remove excess concrete. Use a sawing motion to pull and push the 2x4 across the concrete as you move it down the length of the forms. This sawing motion helps prevent tearing as you level the surface. Tilt the leading edge slightly away from the direction of travel to create a thin cutting edge where the screed board meets the concrete. Keep at least a 1 inch (2.5cm) hump of concrete in front of the edge at all times. This will fill any holes in the concrete's surface. Pour and level in stages for larger projects. At the end of the slab, push the excess concrete against the forms for easy removal with later tools. Immediately level and prepare further using a bull float. The bull float is a flat, long-handled tool used to flatten minor ridges and holes, as well as embed aggregate particles further into the concrete, bringing the smoother "cream" consistency concrete to the surface for better finishing. The bull float should have rounded ends, not flat or straight ends. Avoid using a square float, as it will make smoothing out the concrete more difficult. Move the bull float back and forth across the slab, perpendicular to the direction you moved the leveling board. (In other words, move the bull float between the two forms the 2x4 was resting on.) Slightly lift the leading edge to create a smaller cutting edge of contact, lifting the tool toward you when pushing and away from you while pulling. Some bull floats will have a handle that will lift the tool for you when you turn it. Don't overdo it; the edge of the tool should remain level with the concrete. Try to finish this process before any "bleed water" leaks out onto the concrete's surface. Use an alternative tool (optional). A magnesium float is a short-handled tool that serves the same purpose as a bull float for smaller projects. A "power float" or "helicopter" is a powered tool used on large projects. Move the magnesium float back and forth in overlapping arcs until the whole surface has been covered twice. A power float requires two people to place it carefully onto the slab, but only one to operate it. It takes a little practice to work properly, so stay near the center of the slab while you're learning to avoid damaging the concrete's edge. Tidy the corners using a smaller tool. An edging tool is designed to create level edges and corners next to the form, where your larger bull float or magnesium float is less accurate. This will create more durable edges as well as improve the concrete's appearance. Use a back-and-forth motion in a 1- to 2-ft. (0.3–0.6m) area before moving on to the next. As with previous tools, lift the leading edge of the tool. Don't press too deeply into the concrete; this can create impressions that are difficult to remove. Cut grooves into your concrete. These are called control joints and direct the concrete's inevitable cracking in such a way that appearance and functionality are minimally affected. These should cut 25% of the way through the concrete's depth. The distance between joints should be no more than 24 times the thickness of the slab. If you are working in the imperial system, calculate this by doubling the thickness of your slab in inches and using that measurement as feet. (For instance, a 4" (10 cm) slab should have joints no more than 8' (2.4m) apart.) Every inside corner of your slab and every corner that touches a building or step should have a control joint extending from it, as these are common cracking locations. Use a straightedge or snap line to lightly mark the joints before cutting and keep your tool straight as you cut. A grooving tool works well for most projects. If your concrete has already started to dry and crack, use a dry-cut saw that can cut to the desired depth. For extra large projects, use a long-handled marking tool. Wait for the concrete to partially dry. It takes experience to learn the correct timing for concrete, since its drying speed depends on many factors such as the characteristics of the mix and the local temperature and humidity. Here are the basic details: As the concrete sets, excess "bleed water" will rise to the surface. Wait until this water has evaporated and the wet shine of the concrete has started to disappear. If the concrete is still quite wet and forms ridges when you move on to the next step, wait longer. If the concrete becomes too hard and dry to finish properly, throw additional water onto its surface. This is a last resort as it will result in weakness and scaling in the final slab. Apply a color hardener (optional). If you are coloring your concrete using a powder that adds color to the top layer, apply this in the amount specified on the label while the concrete still has a full wet shine. It will still require a little more drying before you proceed to the next stage. Only use on horizontal surfaces and with proper safety equipment to avoid inhalation. Smooth and compact the surface once again with a hand float. This is the final smoothing, bringing the more consistent "cream" of the concrete to the surface for a level, durable finish. Different materials will provide different effects: Magnesium floats are very popular among professionals, since they are lightweight and excellent at opening up the concrete's pores for evaporation. Aluminum floats are very similar to magnesium, but somewhat heavier and stronger (and so a little more difficult to handle). Wooden floats (redwood or hardwood) are cheap but wear out quickly. They create a rough fuzzy surface useful for very stiff concrete or if using colored hardeners (which need to be mixed in with the rougher tool). Laminated-canvas resin floats are used for the same purposes as wood but are a much more durable (and expensive) tool. As before, lift the leading edge slightly and make shallow flat motions across the surface. Consider a trowel finish. Many people skip troweling if they plan to broom, as it only results in minor improvement in that scenario. Troweling without brooming results in a very slick surface (unsafe for surfaces that will get wet) and may cause fine cracks to develop called "crazing". Use a magnesium trowel in much the same way you used previous finishing tools. You can create a very smooth finish by passing over the slab two or three times, waiting for the concrete to dry slightly between passes and lifting the leading edge a little more each time. Steel trowels can also be used, but inexpert timing could cause the steel to trap water inside the concrete and damage it. Troweling too deep or troweling "air-entrained" concrete mixes can release the concrete's air bubbles and prevent it from setting correctly. Larger troweling tools (or other long-handled finishing tools) are sometimes referred to as "fresnos". These are handy for reaching the center of large slabs. Alternatively, use a hand trowel but kneel on wooden boards when you need to be on the slab to prevent leaving deep impressions. Try a broom finish. Most people end with a broom finish to create a non-slip surface. You can do this with or without a preceding trowel finish. Use a medium stiff or stiffer shop broom (the wide rectangular kind). The bristles should be stiff enough to leave noticeable marks, and the concrete should be soft enough to be shaped by them but hard enough to retain them (not sinking back together). Dip the broom into a bucket of water, then shake off the excess (not onto the concrete). Drag the broom gently over the concrete in segments. Overlap the previous segment to ensure full coverage. If the surface is intended to drain, create the grooves in the direction liquids are supposed to flow. Cure the concrete. The final drying process of concrete takes several weeks, and if "cured" at the correct rate minimizes the chance of later damage. The simplest method is to wet the concrete's surface and cover it with plastic sheeting. Weigh down the sheet's edges with heavy objects. There are many other ways to keep the concrete wet, but these tend to require more water or maintenance than plastic. Concrete curing chemicals are often used for professional jobs. These come in many varieties, so consult someone familiar with your concrete mix for advice on selecting one. Begin curing as soon as possible. Once begun, keep off foot traffic for 24 hours, light vehicles such as bicycles for 1 week, and car traffic for 2 weeks. Complete curing takes at least 30 days, and longer at the corners and edges. Seal the concrete. After the concrete has cured for at least a month, use a concrete sealer to make it resistant to liquid damage and easy to clean. Make sure that the concrete is completely dry and clean before starting. Clean the slab well before applying sealant. Apply thinly to avoid puddles. If needed, wait a couple hours (or as the label instructs you), then apply a second layer perpendicular to the first. Allow sealant to dry completely before walking over or placing anything onto the concrete. Wait three days before allowing vehicle traffic. | Pour the concrete. Compress the concrete only if necessary. Place a 2x4 across the concrete. Use the 2x4 to level the concrete. Immediately level and prepare further using a bull float. Use an alternative tool (optional). Tidy the corners using a smaller tool. Cut grooves into your concrete. Wait for the concrete to partially dry. Apply a color hardener (optional). Smooth and compact the surface once again with a hand float. Consider a trowel finish. Try a broom finish. Cure the concrete. Seal the concrete. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Work-Permit-and-Job | How to Get a Work Permit and Job | To get a youth work permit and job, start by reading your state's laws by typing “youth work permit” and your state into a search engine and looking for a government resource. Check any age and paperwork requirements that your state may have, and research the number of hours you're allowed to work, the times of day you can be employed, and the limits of the type of work you can do. For example, in some states you'll need a permit if you're still in school, will be limited to working no more than 18 hours per week during the school year, and can only work between the hours of 7am and 7pm. Once you understand your state's guidelines, gather any required documents, like your birth certificate, social security card, and consent from your guardians, and complete the necessary applications. | Read your state’s law. In the U.S., each state sets its own rules regarding youth permits. You should find your state's rules by typing “youth work permit” and then your state into a search engine. Look for a state government website. You might also want to talk to a guidance counselor at school. Tell them, “Hey, Mr. Jones, I'm thinking of getting a summer job. Do you know where I can find information?” They should be able to point you in the right direction. Check age requirements. Before applying, make sure that you are old enough. For example, your state will have a minimum age limit. In Massachusetts, the minimum age is 14. Also check whether you need a permit at all. In Nevada, you don't need a work permit if you are at least 14 years of age. Some states might exempt you if you have already graduated high school. For example, in California, you don't need a work permit if you've already graduate or received a certificate of proficiency. Understand limitations on work you can do. Most states will limit the number of hours you can work. They may also limit when you can work. You should understand these limitations before you begin working. For example, in Massachusetts, you are limited to working a maximum of 18 hours a week when school is in session. You can only work from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the school year and 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. when school is not in session. You'll also be limited in the kinds of work you can do. Certain jobs are considered “hazardous” and minors are prohibited from working them. There may be other restrictions for especially young workers. Check with your state's labor office. Gather required documents. Your state may request certain documents before issuing the permit. You should ask ahead of time what documents you will need to submit, which will vary depending on your state. In Wisconsin, for example, you must submit the following: proof of age, such as your birth certificate your Social Security card consent from your parents or guardians letter from your employer on letterhead identify the job duties and hours worked permit fee Ask your parents for permission. You'll need your parents to sign off on the work permit, so you should ask them if you can work. Try to have several reasons why getting a job will be beneficial. For example, consider the following: Explain why you want the money. You can tell your parents, “If I work, then I'll be able to buy my new school clothes and supplies. This will help me learn how to budget.” Tell them what you hope to learn. Say, “I've never worked before, and I think this is a good way to learn how to be in a team with other people. I'll learn important people skills.” Tell them you are bored. Explain to your parents that you'll only be sitting at home if you don't work. By working, you'll make productive use of your time. Apply for the permit. There should be an application you can fill out. Check your state's website for where you can get the form. In some states, you can get one from your superintendent of schools or a guidance counselor. In other states, you must contact work permit offices. Complete the application neatly. If your handwriting is messy, then try to type the application. Keep a copy of the permit application for your records and then submit it to the required person. Ask how you'll receive the permit. In some states, you can print it off and then sign it. In other states, you might have to pick it up in person. Apply for jobs. Typical teen jobs include working in a fast food restaurant, babysitting, and working in camps and hotels. However, you should think about what interests you and, of course, what businesses are hiring where you live. Depending on your state, you might need a job offer in hand before you even apply for the work permit. Check your state's rules. You might think about writing a resume. Although not required for most jobs teens get, it is a way to stand out. Try to apply in as many places as possible. If you must apply in person, then wear neat, conservative clothes. Cut your hair and nails so that you look professional. If you get an interview, then take it seriously. Answer all questions honestly and mail or deliver a “thank you” note to whoever interviewed you. Obtain a new permit. If you switch jobs, then you might need to get a new work permit. You should check with your state to see. Don't start working at a new job until you find out whether you need a new permit. Confirm you need a work permit. Many foreign nationals living in the U.S. don't need a work permit because they can already work in the U.S. For example, the following people can work already: all green card holders naturalized citizens holders of work-based visas, such as H1-B visas Check if you qualify. There are many classes of immigrants who qualify for a work permit and must obtain one to work. However, tourists and illegal immigrants cannot qualify. Instead, the following classes of immigrants do: people granted asylum spouses of various visa holders K-1 fiancé visa holders people with a pending green card application others (see the instructions to USCIS Form I-765 for a complete list) Obtain the correct form. You must complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to apply. You can download the form from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765. Make sure to download the instructions as well. You can also get a copy by calling 1-800-870-3676. Gather required documents. You need to submit supporting documents along with your application. Gather them ahead of time to speed up the application process. For example, you will need the following: copy of your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record copy of your last work permit (if you are applying for a new one) two passport-style color photographs taken within 30 days of your application other documents depending on your circumstances (see the instructions) Consult a lawyer, if necessary. Only a qualified immigration lawyer can answer your questions. To find an immigration lawyer , contact the bar association in your state or city. Ask for a referral. You can find your nearest bar association by entering your address at this site: http://shop.americanbar.org/ebus/ABAGroups/DivisionforBarServices/BarAssociationDirectories/StateLocalBarAssociations.aspx. If you are low income, then you might qualify for legal aid. Visit the Legal Services Corporation's website and click on “Find legal aid.” Legal aid provides free and reduced-fee legal help to people in financial need. Complete the application. Print neatly using black ink or, better yet, type your answers into the form so that they are easier to read. Provide all requested information. If something doesn't apply, then type “N/A” or “not applicable.” If you need additional space, then attach a piece of paper. Make sure to include your name and Alien Registration Number (if applicable) at the top. Also indicate what part and item your answer refers to. Submit your application. Make a copy of the application and all supporting documents for your records. Put everything in an envelope and secure it. You can find out where to file by calling 1-800-375-5283. You'll have to pay a fee of $380. A few exceptions exist, as explained in the instructions. Make your check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Don't use any other abbreviations. Provide additional information. Your application will be checked for completeness. If anything is missing, you'll be asked to provide it. Do so promptly. USCIS might also schedule an interview or ask that you provide biometrics (such as fingerprints and a photograph). USCIS will send you a notice if any of these are required. Find a job. Your card will be mailed to you. Alternately, you might have to go to the USCIS office to pick it up. Once you have your card, you can begin your job search, which will probably depend on your education, skills, and experience. Immigrants have widely different backgrounds, so no one job search is right for everyone. If you want an entry-level job, then you can look at Help Wanted ads and check if any business you frequent is hiring staff. If you have a degree and/or experience, then you can find non-profits geared to helping immigrants re-establish careers in the U.S. Upwardly Global is one of these non-profits. They provide help with creating resumes and networking effectively. They can also refer you to community partners to help improve your English skills. Check if you need a work permit. Many temporary jobs do not require a work permit. You can check whether you need one by visiting http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-nopermit.asp#dropdowns and checking the job you intend to perform in Canada. For example, you do not need a work permit to run or organize an international convention or meeting in Canada, unless you are doing hands-on work, such as decorating, setting up or taking down displays, or providing audiovisual services. If you intend to work as a public speak for more than five days, then you also need a work permit. Find out if you are eligible for a work permit. Canada has a list of general eligibility requirements you must satisfy. Check to see that you do before applying for a work permit: Prove you intend to leave Canada when your permit expires Show you have enough money to provide for yourself and your family during your stay in Canada Obey the law and have no criminal record Be in good health and take a medical exam if required Work only for eligible employers Avoid working for an employer that primarily offers erotic dance or massage, escort services, or striptease Not be a danger to Canada's security Have a job offer in hand. There are two types of work permits: open work permits and employer-specific permits. An open permit allows you to work for any employer, whereas an employer-specific permit is tied to one employer. By far, most work permits are employer-specific, and you must have an offer in hand from a Canadian employer before applying for one. Apply for the permit. Your requirements will differ depending on whether you apply for the work permit outside Canada, while inside Canada, or when entering Canada. See http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-eligible.asp for detailed information. If you apply when outside Canada, then determine which work permit you will need: an open work permit or employer-specific. You can apply for the permit when you apply for your visa. Generally, you can only apply for the work permit while in Canada if you have a valid reason for being there. Examples include having graduated from a Canadian university, having a valid study or work permit, having temporary residence. You can apply online at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/account.asp. You can apply for a work permit when you enter Canada only if you are from a visa-exempt country and you have a valid medical certificate. You may ask for either an open work permit or finish an employer-specific application that your employer has completed. Wait for the results. The amount of time you must wait will depend on your circumstances. You may receive a decision within hours or up to eight weeks later. The process can also be delayed if the government needs to confirm your offer of employment. Remember that you can't work until you receive your work permit. However, if you obtained a business visa, then you can do any work allowable under the visa. | Read your state’s law. Check age requirements. Understand limitations on work you can do. Gather required documents. Ask your parents for permission. Apply for the permit. Apply for jobs. Obtain a new permit. Confirm you need a work permit. Check if you qualify. Obtain the correct form. Gather required documents. Consult a lawyer, if necessary. Complete the application. Submit your application. Provide additional information. Find a job. Check if you need a work permit. Find out if you are eligible for a work permit. Have a job offer in hand. Apply for the permit. Wait for the results. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Pirouette | How to Do a Pirouette | To do a pirouette, start with your feet in fourth position and your arm curved in front of you with your palm facing your body, as if you were holding a beach ball. From this starting position, bend your knees and push off your back leg while bringing your left arm in front of you to start turning. Then, keep your grounded foot pointed firmly and your ankle straight as you rotate to help you keep your balance. Finally, to end the pirouette, return your feet to the same position in which you started. | Wear the appropriate footwear. Ballet slippers, jazz shoes, turning shoes, are best for practicing pirouettes. You need something with good range of motion and support. Modern shoes, such as Capezio Foot Undeez or Dance Paws are also appropriate, which cover and support the ball of your foot. They're easy to slip on and great for quick practices. You also need to practice pirouettes in a safe place, clear of any sharp objects or obstacles. It's always preferable to practice in a dance studio under supervision. Practice your retire position before you turn. Your retire position should be perfect before you begin to turn, making it important that you learn to place your toe correctly and bend your knee appropriately. Place your toe into the notch at the top of the front of your knee, staying careful not to over-cross the foot on the leg. You should feel support under your thigh, when you're positioned properly. Keep your ribs closed and your shoulders back. Your shoulders should be directly over your hips. Straighten your supporting leg to keep your releve should be as high as possible, imagine yourself stretching up to the sky, and into the ground. Check your hips. Make sure your hips are not tilted to the back, or otherwise off-kilter. Imagine your hips were a fruit bowl. Would your fruit spill? A tilted pelvis can often lead to incorrect turns and eventually knee and back problems. Make sure you have a strong plie prep but don't stay in your preparation (plie) too long, because then you will lose the momentum, making it difficult to pirouette. Arrange your feet in fourth position. If you are turning to the right, your left foot will be in front, with your weight evenly distributed between both feet so that you can push off the back foot. Position your arms. Hold your right arm curved in front of you. Your palm should be facing your body with the elbow gently curved to the side, your arms rounded and out from your body as if holding a beach ball. Your fingers should be about level with the bottom of your rib cage. Keep your shoulder back. Hold the other arm out to the side, palm forward and slightly below the shoulder. Keep the elbow in front of your body. Bend your knees and push off the back leg. You should move into retire position on releve. At the same time, close your left arm into first position and bring the left side of your back around. Make sure, while turning, you keep your hips stacked under your shoulders, there should be no curve in your spine. This will ensure better balance. Point the retire foot hard. Imagine you're bringing that retire higher as you turn. This will also keep your center up and balanced. Make sure your foot is still connected to your leg. Keep your supporting leg nice and straight, and don't sickle your feet. Sickling means that you let your ankle slouch and you lose your balance. Also remember to spot, so you don't get dizzy. Don't try double or triple pirouettes if you can't get a single down. Focus on going up, not around. Imagine someone is pulling you by a string on the top of your head. The turn will come naturally when you learn to go up. Focusing too hard on the spin causes inexperienced ballet dancers to tilt slightly, losing balance. Focus instead on going up and nailing the mechanics of the turn. Spot yourself during the turn. As you are turning, look at a spot on the wall level with your eyes and as you rotate, attempt to keep it in sight at all times, you'll have to whip your head around to find it again with each rotation. This is called spotting. Stop and return to fourth position. Your feet should be placed in the same position they were when you started. Modulate force for number of rotations desired. Before attempting multiple turns, try to balance at the end of a single turn before landing. More force generally equals more rotations, but it is also a timing thing. Too much force will send you careening across the room and you will lose control. Equally, too little power and you'll stop dead in your tracks and fall face first. The proper amount of power comes with experience and you'll soon be able to tell whether you have too much power or not enough. For the first few tries, only attempt a single pirouette to familiarize your body with the feeling and motion. It takes time to work up to a double, triple, or a quad. You may even want to start with only quarter/half turns. If you try doubles/triples right away you will be disappointed. Stick with it. Remember, every ballerina has fallen on a pirouette at least once. Practice makes perfect. It doesn't take long to be able to do a pirouette and once you get the hang of it, it will feel natural. | Wear the appropriate footwear. Practice your retire position before you turn. Keep your ribs closed and your shoulders back. Check your hips. Arrange your feet in fourth position. Position your arms. Bend your knees and push off the back leg. Point the retire foot hard. Focus on going up, not around. Spot yourself during the turn. Modulate force for number of rotations desired. Stick with it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Stone-Crab-Claws | How to Cook Stone Crab Claws | To cook stone crab claws, start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, move the pot to a cool burner. Then, use a pair of tongs to put the crab claws in the hot water. Let the claws cook for 5 minutes and then remove them with the tongs. Finally, crack open the claws and use a fork to remove the meat from inside. | Put a pinch of salt in a pot full of water. Add a pinch ( ⁄ 16 tsp (0.31 ml)) of salt for every 12 c (2.8 l) of water in a large saucepan or cooking pot. Fill a ⁄ 8 tsp (0.62 ml) measuring spoon halfway to measure a pinch of salt. Or, simply grab as much salt that will fit between your index finger and thumb. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Place the saucepan or pot on a large burner (gas or electric) on the stove. Turn the burner up to high and wait until many bubbles are floating to the surface or the water and looks like it is “rolling." The time this will take will vary depending on the amount of water you use, the surface area of the pot, and salinity of the water. However, expect 12 c (2.8 l) of water to take about 7 to 10 minutes to boil. Take the saucepan off of the heat. Slowly move the saucepan off of the burner and onto a room temperature area of the stove such as a burner that is turned off. You can also move it onto a pot holder. This will bring the water to a temperature that will ensure the meat does not become overcooked. Use tongs to place claws in the water for 5 minutes. You can also use oven mitts to grasp the claws and gently place them in the pot of hot water. Once the claws are in the water, cover the pot. Quickly throwing them in could create splashes that could potentially burn the skin. Make sure you do not leave the claws in the hot water for more than 5 minutes. This will make the crab meat too tough. Keep in mind that every 2 lb (0.91 kg) of crab claws will give you about 1 lb (0.45 kg) of meat. Use tongs to remove the claws from the hot water. Pick up each crab claw and place it on a cutting board or plate. The plate does not have to be the serving plate. Use a crab cracker to break open the claws. Put the claw in between the 2 metal arms of the cracker. Then, squeeze the two metal arms together until you feel and hear the shell crack. Repeat this process until you can open it completely. Using a crab fork, regular fork, or knife, remove the crab meat from inside of the claw. Consider wearing oven mitts to protect your hands because the claws will still be very hot. Depending on the dish you are preparing, you may choose to leave the meat in large chunks or to break it up into smaller pieces for a shredded presentation. Boil (2 in (5.1 cm) of water in a large pot or saucepan. Bring the water to a rolling boil by placing it on the stove over high heat. You can also put a pinch, ⁄ 16 tsp (0.31 ml), of salt in the water to help bring it to a boil faster. Place a steamer basket or strainer in the pot. Make sure the strainer or steamer basket are not touching the water, but are suspended over it so they are surrounded by the evaporating water. Also, the strainer must be metal, not plastic or other material. Use tongs to place the claws in the strainer and cover the pot. Use aluminum foil to cover the pot tightly. You can also use the a regular pot lid that fits securely over the pot. There will be hot steam rising out of the pot so make sure you don't allow your hand or arm to linger over the pot for too long. Leave the crab claws in the pot for 5 to 10 minutes. Once you start to smell the crab meat cooking, they will be done. You don't want to leave the claws in the hot water too long so as not to overcook the meat. Remove the claws from the pot with tongs and crack them open. Take the claws out of the pot and place them on a plate. While wearing oven mitts, use a crab cracker to break open each claw. Squeeze the claw between the 2 metal arms of the cracker, applying pressure until you feel and hear the shell crack. Repeat this process until you can open it completely. Scrape out the meat with a fort or knife. You can leave the meat in large chunks, break it up into smaller pieces, or shred the meat. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). This usually takes several minutes. The oven will beep when the temperature inside has reached 350 °F (177 °C). Put the claws in a large, shallow pan. Lay the claws flat in the pan. While it is okay for the claws to touch, do not allow them to overlap or lay on top of one another. Depending on the number of claws you want to cook, you may need to use multiple cooking sheets. Put hot water in the pan and cover. Use about ⁄ 2 c (0.12 l) of water, or enough to cover the bottom of the pan. The water should not be boiling hot. Cover the pan with aluminum foil. The pan should be wrapped tightly so juices will not spill over. Bake the crab for 8 to 10 minutes. Set a timer on the stove, your phone, or a regular kitchen timer. This will ensure you are alerted when it's time to take the claws out of the oven. Most seafood merchants sell the claws precooked. Thus, you will actually be re-heating them, which is why you want to be careful not to leave the claws in the oven for too long. Remove the pan from the oven when the timer is up. Place the pan on top of the stove or several pot holders. At this point, you can place the claws on a plate and serve. | Put a pinch of salt in a pot full of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Take the saucepan off of the heat. Use tongs to place claws in the water for 5 minutes. Use tongs to remove the claws from the hot water. Use a crab cracker to break open the claws. Boil (2 in (5.1 cm) of water in a large pot or saucepan. Place a steamer basket or strainer in the pot. Use tongs to place the claws in the strainer and cover the pot. Leave the crab claws in the pot for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the claws from the pot with tongs and crack them open. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Put the claws in a large, shallow pan. Put hot water in the pan and cover. Bake the crab for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven when the timer is up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Solve-a-Magic-Square | How to Solve a Magic Square | To solve an odd-numbered magic square, start by using the formula n[(n^2+1)/2] to calculate the magic constant, or the number that all rows, columns, and diagonals must add up to. For example, in a 3 by 3 square where n=3, the magic constant is 15. Next, start your square by placing the number 1 in the center box of the top row. Then, arrange the rest of the numbers sequentially by moving up 1 row, then 1 column to the right. | Calculate the magic constant. You can find this number by using a simple math formula, where n = the number of rows or columns in your magic square. So, for example, in a 3x3 magic square, n = 3. The magic constant = n[(n^2+1)/2]. So, in the example of the 3x3 square: sum = 3 * [(9 + 1) / 2] sum = 3 * (10 / 2) sum = 3 * (5) sum = 15 The magic constant for a 3x3 square is 15. All rows, columns, and diagonals must add up to this number. Place the number 1 in the center box on the top row. This is always where you begin when your magic square has odd-numbered sides, regardless of how large or small that number is. So, if you have a 3x3 square, place the number 1 in Box 2; in a 15x15 square, place the number 1 in Box 8. Fill in the remaining numbers using an up-one, right-one pattern. You will always fill in the numbers sequentially (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) by moving up one row, then one column to the right. You'll notice immediately that in order to place the number 2, you'll move above the top row, off the magic square. That's okay — although you always work in this up-one, right-one manner, there are three exceptions that also have patterned, predictable rules: If the movement takes you to a “box” above the magic square's top row, remain in that box's column, but place the number in the bottom row of that column. If the movement takes you to a “box” to the right of the magic square's right column, remain in that box's row, but place the number in the furthest left column of that row. If the movement takes you to a box that is already occupied, go back to the last box that has been filled in, and place the next number directly below it. Understand what a singly even square is. Everyone knows that an even number is divisible by 2, but in magic squares, there are different methodologies for solving singly and doubly even squares. A singly even square has a number of boxes per side that is divisible by 2, but not 4. The smallest possible singly even magic square is 6x6, since 2x2 magic squares can't be made. Calculate the magic constant. Use the same method as you would with odd magic squares: the magic constant = [n * (n^2 + 1)] / 2, where n = the number of boxes per side. So, in the example of a 6x6 square: sum = [6 * (62 + 1)] / 2 sum = [6 * (36 + 1)] / 2 sum = (6 * 37) / 2 sum = 222 / 2 The magic constant for a 6x6 square is 222/2, or 111. All rows, columns, and diagonals must add up to this number. Divide the magic square into four quadrants of equal size. Label them A (top left), C (top right), D (bottom left) and B (bottom right). To figure out how large each square should be, simply divide the number of boxes in each row or column by half. So, for a 6x6 square, each quadrant would be 3x3 boxes. Assign each quadrant a number range. Quadrant A gets for the quarter of numbers; Quadrant B the second quarter; Quadrant C the third quarter, and Quadrant D the final quarter of the total number range for the 6x6 magic square. In the example of a 6x6 square, Quadrant A would be solved with the numbers from 1-9; Quadrant B with 10-18; Quadrant C with 19-27; and Quadrant D with 28-36. Solve each quadrant using the methodology for odd-numbered magic squares. Quadrant A will be simple to fill out, as it starts with the number 1, as magic squares usually do. Quadrants B-D, however, will start with strange numbers — 10, 19, and 28, respectively, in our example. Treat the first number of each quadrant as though it is the number one. Place it in the center box on the top row of each quadrant. Treat each quadrant like its own magic square. Even if a box is available in an adjacent quadrant, ignore it and jump to the “exception” rule that fits your situation. Create Highlights A and D. If you tried to add up your columns, rows, and diagonals right now, you'd notice that they don't yet add up to your magic constant. You have to swap some boxes between the top left and bottom left quadrants to finish your magic square. We'll call those swapped areas Highlight A and Highlight D. Using a pencil, mark all the squares in the top row until you read the median box position of Quadrant A. So, in a 6x6 square, you would only mark Box 1 (which would have the number 8 in it), but in a 10x10 square, you would mark Boxes 1 and 2 (which would have the numbers 17 and 24 in them, respectively). Mark out a square using the boxes you just marked as the top row. If you only marked one box, your square is just that one box. We'll call this area Highlight A-1. So, in a 10x10 magic square, Highlight A-1 would consist of Boxes 1 and 2 in Rows 1 and 2, creating a 2x2 square in the top left of the quadrant. In the row directly below Highlight A-1, skip the number in the first column, then mark as many boxes across as you marked in Highlight A-1. We'll call this middle row Highlight A-2. Highlight A-3 is a box identical to A-1, but placed in the bottom left corner of the quadrant. Highlight A-1, A-2, and A-3 together comprise Highlight A. Repeat this process in Quadrant D, creating an identical highlighted area called Highlight D. Swap Highlights A and D. This is a one-to-one swap; simply lift and replace the boxes between Quadrant A and Quadrant D without changing their order at all. Once you've done this, all the rows, columns, and diagonals in your magic square should add up to the magic constant you calculated. Do an additional swap for singly even magic squares larger than 6x6. In addition to the swap for quadrants A & D mentioned above, you also need to do a swap for quadrants C & B. Highlight columns from the right side of the square toward the left one less than the number of columns highlighted for highlight A-1. Swap the values in quadrant C with the values in quadrant B for those columns, using the same one-to-one method. Here are two images of a 14x14 Magic Square before and after doing both swaps. Quadrant A swap area is highlighted blue, Quadrant D swap area is highlighted green, Quadrant C swap area is highlighted yellow, and Quadrant B swap area is highlighted orange. 14x14 Magic Square before making swaps (steps 6, 7, & 8) 14x14 Magic Square after making swaps (steps 6, 7, & 8) Understand what a doubly even square is. A singly even square has a number of boxes per side that's divisible by 2. A doubly even square has a number of boxes per side divisible by double that — 4. The smallest doubly-even box that can be made is a 4x4 square. Calculate the magic constant. Use the same method as you would with odd-numbered or singly-even magic squares: the magic constant = [n * (n^2 + 1)] / 2, where n = the number of boxes per side. So, in the example of a 4x4 square: sum = [4 * (4^2 + 1)] / 2 sum = [4 * (16 + 1)] / 2 sum = (4 * 17) / 2 sum = 68 / 2 The magic constant for a 4x4 square is 68/2, or 34. All rows, columns, and diagonals must add up to this number. Create Highlights A-D. In each corner of the magic square, mark a mini-square with sides a length of n/4, where n = the length of a side of the whole magic square. Label them Highlights A, B, C, and D in a counter-clockwise manner. In a 4x4 square, you would simply mark the four corner boxes. In an 8x8 square, each Highlight would be a 2x2 area in the corners. In a 12x12 square, each Highlight would be a 3x3 area in the corners, and so on. Create the Central Highlight. Mark all the boxes in the center of the magic square in a square area of length n/2, where n = the length of a side of the whole magic square. The Central Highlight should not overlap with Highlights A-D at all, but touch each of them at the corners. In a 4x4 square, the Central Highlight would be a 2x2 area in the center. In an 8x8 square, the Central Highlight would be a 4x4 area in the center, and so on. Fill in the magic square, but only in Highlighted areas. Begin filling in the numbers of your magic square from left to right, but only write in the number if the box falls into a Highlight. So, in a 4x4 box, you would fill in the following boxes: 1 in the top-left box and 4 in the top-right box 6 and 7 in the center boxes in Row 2 10 and 11 in the center boxes in Row 3 13 in the bottom-left box and 16 in the bottom-right box. Fill in the rest of the magic square by counting backwards. The is essentially the inverse of the previous step. Begin again with the top left box, but this time, skip all boxes that fall in Highlighted area, and fill in non-higlighted boxes by counting backwards. Begin with the largest number in your number range. So, in a 4x4 magic square, you would fill in the following: 15 and 14 in the center boxes in Row 1 12 in the left-most box and 9 in the right-most box in Row 2 8 in the left-most box and 5 in the right-most box in Row 3 3 and 2 in the center boxes in Row 4 At this point, all your columns, rows, and diagonals should up to your magic constant you calculated. | Calculate the magic constant. Place the number 1 in the center box on the top row. Fill in the remaining numbers using an up-one, right-one pattern. Understand what a singly even square is. Calculate the magic constant. Divide the magic square into four quadrants of equal size. Assign each quadrant a number range. Solve each quadrant using the methodology for odd-numbered magic squares. Create Highlights A and D. Swap Highlights A and D. Do an additional swap for singly even magic squares larger than 6x6. Understand what a doubly even square is. Calculate the magic constant. Create Highlights A-D. Create the Central Highlight. Fill in the magic square, but only in Highlighted areas. Fill in the rest of the magic square by counting backwards. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Adopt-a-Puppy | How to Adopt a Puppy | To adopt a puppy, start by choosing a puppy based on things like their energy level, the amount of time you have to spend with it, and the other members of your household. Additionally, take into consideration the size of your home and yard, since large breeds need more space. Then, visit local shelters and interact with the puppies according to the shelter's guidelines. After you pick your puppy, fill out an adoption application and pay the required fees before bringing your new pet home. | Think about your household members. If you have small kids in your house, you need to take this into consideration when selecting a puppy. If you don't have kids, think about yourself and other housemates and your activity level and schedule. Some dog breeds require less time and attention than others. Children under the age of 7 generally don't do well with puppies under 5 months. This is because children of this age do not understand boundaries and may handle a puppy aggressively, causing biting. Puppies, especially smaller puppies, can also be harmed if a child handles them too roughly. Think about who will primarily take care of the dog. Make sure that person is willing and able to care for a puppy. If you're caring for the puppy yourself, make sure you have the time and energy for training. If a spouse, child, or other household member will be taking care of the puppy, make sure they are ready for the time commitment. Research a variety of dog breeds. If you're adopting from a shelter, you may not get much of a choice in regards to breed. However, you can search for mixed breeds of dogs you would prefer. Make sure you select a breed that's the right size, temperament, and energy level for your house. Remember, a puppy will eventually grow into a dog. You want to make sure you commit to a type of dog you can conceivably care for. The American Kennel Club and other organizations provide online assessment tools you can use to figure out appropriate dog breeds for your lifestyle. You fill out a questionnaire and will then be matched with a variety of dogs. You can also talk to a vet or ask at a local shelter. Some shelters are happy to help pair individuals or families with the right dog breed. Find a dog that will fit your lifestyle. Keep your lifestyle in mind when selecting a puppy. You should make sure you have enough time to train a puppy, as puppies require housebreaking, leash training, and other basic skills. However, you should also keep things in mind like breed and size. Make sure a dog works for your lifestyle. Think about your activity level. Larger dogs may require more activity, while a smaller dog may be able to get enough exercise running around the house. Some breeds also simply require more physical activity than others. A dog's size is not the only thing that will determine its activity level. Some small dogs, such as terriers, tend to be more active. Make sure you have the proper home to accommodate your puppy. Not all dogs will work in all homes. While researching breeds, look into what types of homes are suitable for a variety of types of dogs. Many people assume a small home is suitable for a small dog. However, it depends on breed. Terriers are very active and can be loud. If you're living in a small apartment, having a puppy that barks at any small noise can pose a problem. Do not assume a small puppy will be fine in a small place. Big dogs do not always require a large home, especially if you live in an area where it's pedestrian friendly and you can walk your dog regularly. Some big dogs tend to be couch potatoes when left home alone. Find a shelter in your price range. Shelters typically have adoption fees. These vary by shelter. Browse the local shelters in your area and look at the price ranges. Try to figure out how much you can reasonably spend on a puppy. In addition to the adoption price, keep other fees in mind. You will have to purchase supplies for your puppy such as food and toys. Not all puppies coming out of a shelter are spayed or neutered. You will have to pay for this surgery, which can be pricey, to spay or neuter a puppy. Paying a slightly higher adoption fee for a puppy that's been fixed may be worth the added cost. Keep in mind, some shelters have adoption events where fees are reduced. Keep an eye out for such events if price is an issue. Pay a visit to a variety of shelters. You want to make sure you're adopting from a quality shelter. You should visit a variety of shelters and look for signs they're reputable organizations. You're more likely to get a healthy and well behaved puppy from a quality shelter. A reputable shelter does not operate for profit and will therefore be a registered charity. You can check websites like charitynavigator.org and GreatNonProfits.org to make sure the shelter is a charity. Workers at the shelter should be able to answer all questions you have about how they operate, how many animals they have, and other questions and concerns. The facilities should be clean and the animals should look healthy and well-groomed. Interact with each puppy, following shelter guidelines. This means petting and playing with the puppy, usually in an area closed off from other dogs. If you see a puppy you like, ask to interact with it. Make sure to keep the type of dog you want in mind. If you're looking for a smaller dog, for example, look at the smaller puppies at the shelter. Make sure to follow any guidelines outlined by the shelter. Some shelters may have rules about holding or feeding the puppies. Some shelters may also require you to interact with a puppy for a set period of time, like half an hour, before deciding to adopt it. Make sure that you ask questions about how well socialized the puppy is. Ask how the puppy is with children, other dogs, cats, and people. Also, watch how the puppy interacts with those around him to ensure that he's not too anxious or aggressive. Make sure that a dog is healthy. Before you adopt the dog, see if it is healthy or not. You do not want to take a sick puppy home, especially if you have other pets. Diseases may be more common in shelters, as dogs live in close quarters and infections can spread. Check its eyes for any discharge. Check the nose to make sure it's clean and not runny. Ask if you can see some of the puppy's poop as well to ensure that it is not runny and he does not have diarrhea. Ask questions if the puppy appears ill. In some cases, the shelter may know the puppies have contracted a cold or infection from other dogs. This may be easy to clear with antibiotics, which the shelter should provide. The shelter may also be willing to hold a puppy for you until the sickness has passed. Select your puppy. After interacting with a variety of puppies, pick the one you like. Remember to pick a puppy that's healthy and works with your activity level, schedule, and household. You may not always know the exact breed when adopting a puppy. However, the shelter should have some idea of what breed the puppies may be. This should give you a sense of how big you can expect the dog to grow and the kind of temperament it may have. If the puppies have been in the shelter awhile, the workers may know a bit about their personalities. Do not hesitate to ask. Follow all the adoption guidelines outlined by the shelter. Adoption guidelines very widely between shelters. Make sure you sit down with a worker and discuss the steps you need to take to adopt your new pet. Usually, you have to fill out an adoption application. This will verify that you're responsible enough to care for a puppy. You may have to provide references, depending on the shelter. Some shelters may have an age requirement. You may, for example, have to be over 18 before you can adopt a dog. You may have to talk to a worker about proper care prior to adopting a puppy. Pay any required fees. Fees will vary by shelter. There is usually an adoption fee, which ranges greatly. There may be extra fees if a puppy has recently been spayed or neutered or received basic vaccinations. Do a scent handshake. To help the puppy adjust to his new home before you take him home, it is helpful to do a scent handshake. This involves giving the puppy a t-shirt that you have worn so that he can sniff it and become familiar with your smell. Give this to the puppy a day or two before you bring him home. If you have other pets in your home, rub the t-shirt on them as well to give the puppy a scent introduction to the other members of your household. Make your home puppy proof. Before you bring your puppy home, make sure everything is safe for your puppy. Go through and do some basic puppy proofing. Make sure to keep plants out of reach of your puppy. If you have any plants that are toxic to dogs, get rid of them. Block off drowning hazards, like full sinks, toilet bowls, and tubs. Place hazardous materials, like cleaning supplies, in high cupboards. Keep electric cords out of reach, as puppies may chew these. Buy supplies. You need a variety of supplies ready before bringing your puppy home. Stop by a local pet store and stock up. You will likely need a leash, poop-bags, food bowls, a bed, crate, and collar or harness. Depending on how you want to handle housebreaking, you may also need housebreaking pads. Care for your puppy during its first night home. The puppy's first night home may be rough. Puppies may be frightened to be in a new place, so have some patience. You may be woken by barking, crying, or howling several times during the night. It's a good idea to let your puppy sleep in your bedroom. This will keep help your puppy feel safe. Rearrange your schedule for your puppy's needs. When you first adopt a puppy, you will need to tweak your schedule. You want to have adequate time to bond with your puppy through playing and petting. You also want to make sure you're vigilant about letting your puppy outside, as this will help with housebreaking. You may have to drop certain obligations for the first week with your puppy to make sure it gets the added care it needs. Take your puppy in for necessary vet visits. You should find a vet in your area if you don't already have one. Your puppy will need frequent vet visits early on, as puppies need extra care to make sure they're healthy. When you adopt a newborn puppy, getting it vaccinated is important. Puppies usually need frequent vaccinations during their first year. It is important to neuter or spay your dog. If your puppy has not been spayed or neutered, you will need to make an appointment to get this done. | Think about your household members. Research a variety of dog breeds. Find a dog that will fit your lifestyle. Make sure you have the proper home to accommodate your puppy. Find a shelter in your price range. Pay a visit to a variety of shelters. Interact with each puppy, following shelter guidelines. Make sure that a dog is healthy. Select your puppy. Follow all the adoption guidelines outlined by the shelter. Pay any required fees. Do a scent handshake. Make your home puppy proof. Buy supplies. Care for your puppy during its first night home. Rearrange your schedule for your puppy's needs. Take your puppy in for necessary vet visits. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Christmas-Bow | How to Make a Christmas Bow | To make a Christmas bow for gift-wrapping, cut a piece of ribbon that's long enough to circle the package with several inches to spare on either end. Next, make a loop with the left end of the ribbon and use your forefinger and thumb to hold the loop in place over the knot. Then, bring the right side of the ribbon around the left loop, underneath it, and pull it through to create a second loop. Finally, tighten the bow and adjust the ends to make the loops look neat and even. | Choose ribbon. Classic Christmas ribbon usually has red, green, or a mixture of the two. You can choose solid red or green ribbon, a plaid design, polka dots, or stripes - when it comes to Christmas colors, personal preference is what matters most. Here are some other ideas that aren't so black and white - or, shall we say, red and green: If you're looking for something different, go for a blue ribbon with silver or white accents. This is a pretty choice that still looks festive enough for the season. Purple is also a nice choice for a Christmas ribbon. Look for a deep, rich hue that's a bit reddish in tone. Anything that sports stars, candy canes, snowflakes, bells, or mittens is a great choice for Christmas, no matter the color scheme. Start by looping your bow around the gift and tying a knot. Cut a length of ribbon long enough to circle the package with several inches to spare on either end. Secure the ribbon tightly so that it won't slip off. Make a loop with the left end of the ribbon. Use your forefinger and thumb to hold the loop in place over the knot. The loop should be smooth with no twists or wrinkles. Create a second loop. Bring the right side of the ribbon around the left loop, then underneath it. Pull it through so that you create a second loop the same size as the first. You're using the same technique you use to tie your shoes. Tighten the bow. Pull the two loops with equal pressure to tighten the knot at their center. Adjust the ends to make the loops look neat and even. Add decorations. Now that you've got your basic bow, consider adding a few decorative elements. You can fasten a bit of wire tinsel to the bow, or tape a small ornament underneath it. Choose wide ribbon. To decorate your home, you'll want thick, wide, fancy-looking ribbon. A fabric like velvet adds a nice, classy touch. Ribbon made with wires to help it retain its shape also works well for this bow. Cut a long length of ribbon. You'll need a piece at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) long. For a larger bow, cut a longer length of ribbon. Make a loop at the left end. Start three inches from the end of the ribbon. Use your forefinger and thumb to pinch the bow into a loop. Make a second loop. Gather ribbon to the right of the first loop to create a second loop of the same size right next to it. Now the ribbon should look like a backward "S" with a length of ribbon on either side. Make more accordion-style loops. Keep making loops, working toward the right, so that you have a pile of loops of equal size. Work until you get almost to the end. Stop about 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the end, so you have a tail on either side of the pile of loops. Pinch the loops in the center. Make a center cinch. Use a small piece of florist wire, a thin string, or a smaller ribbon to tie the loops together at the center, where your fingers are holding them in place. Fluff the loops on either side. Once the center is secure, fluff the loops and separate them on either side, so that you can't see where the center is cinched. Finish the bow. Use scissors to cut an inverted "v" shape into the ends of the tails for a classic look. Tie a few jingle bells around the center cinch so that they hang down from the middle of the bow. Hang the bow on your wall, on a doorknob, or on a mirror to decorate for the season. Pick out bright ribbon. Since you're adding this bow to a wreath, pick out ribbon that will contrast with the deep evergreen color of the foliage. Red, silver, and gold ribbon all work well for this purpose. Cut a length at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) long. Wrap ribbon around your hand. Hold the tail end of the ribbon against your palm, using your thumb to keep it in place. Wrap the ribbon around the back of your hand and bring it up over your palm. Keep doing this until the entire ribbon has been looped around your hand. Remove the loops and fold them in half. Be careful to keep the loops in place, stacked on top of one another, when you slip them off of your hand. Cut the middle. Hold the folded stack of loops in one hand so that the center fold is facing up. Use scissors to cut the the two corners off of the center fold. You've now created the place where the bow will be cinched. Be careful to cut through all of the ribbon layers using a good sharp pair of scissors. Don't cut the corners too close to the middle of the ribbon, or you'll cut it all apart. Tie the cinch. Use a second ribbon or piece of string to tie the cinch between the notches you made. Use a pretty piece of twine or florist wire for a decorative touch. Fluff out the loops. One by one, fan out the loops from the center and twist them toward you. Arrange them so that they create a circular pattern reminiscent of petals. Affix the bow to your wreath. Use a little more florist twine to attach the bow to the bottom of your wreath. | Choose ribbon. Start by looping your bow around the gift and tying a knot. Make a loop with the left end of the ribbon. Create a second loop. Tighten the bow. Add decorations. Choose wide ribbon. Cut a long length of ribbon. Make a loop at the left end. Make a second loop. Make more accordion-style loops. Make a center cinch. Fluff the loops on either side. Finish the bow. Pick out bright ribbon. Wrap ribbon around your hand. Remove the loops and fold them in half. Cut the middle. Tie the cinch. Fluff out the loops. Affix the bow to your wreath. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Hotel-Receptionist | How to Become a Hotel Receptionist | Being a hotel receptionist is an interesting and important job. To be an ideal candidate, have excellent customer service skills and maintain a flexible schedule. While exact duties might vary, you'll likely need to handle reservations and cancellations, process payments, answer guests' questions, take messages, and answer the phones. You'll also need to be prepared to work nights, weekends, or even overnight. While you should have your high school diploma, some college classes or a degree in hospitality can help you be a more competitive candidate. If possible, take communication and math classes. You can also gain experience in front desk positions or customer service jobs. | Understand the job description. While job duties will vary from hotel to hotel, there are certain responsibilities that all hotel receptionists are required to manage. These include handling reservations and cancellations, processing payments, answering guests' questions, taking messages, and answering the phone. This role requires you to be able to stay calm during stressful situations. Practice both your patience and your negotiating skills. Prepare to work a variety of shifts. Working as a hotel receptionist will require you to work days, nights, weekends, and sometimes overnight. Be prepared to keep a flexible schedule. Get a well-balanced education. A minimum of a high school diploma will be required, and some college courses or a degree in hospitality will also help you to become a hotel receptionist. Learning a second language, especially one used by tourists in the location that you wish to work in, can be advantageous. Take English and communications classes that will provide you with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Take math and finance classes so that you are prepared to handle payments and money. Look for opportunities to take hospitality courses. Many community colleges and online schools offer classes in travel, tourism, and hotel management. Obtain experience in office and front desk functions. Work as a receptionist or an office assistant in a professional setting. This will help you learn skills required of a hotel receptionist. Getting experience managing a front desk can make you a valuable candidate for hire. Remain on good terms with former employers so that they can provide you with a recommendation. Answer phones, greet customers, organize paper and computer files, and get experience managing multiple administrative functions. Maintain a network of contacts. Stay in contact with higher-ups and terminate your employment on good terms with your employer so that they can give you a personal reference when you ultimately apply to a hotel receptionist role. Sharpen your customer service skills. Working as a clerk in a retail setting, or a call center will give you the customer service experience that you need to become a hotel receptionist. Provide answers to questions, resolve complaints, and maintain a cheerful, positive and professional attitude when dealing with customers. Learn various types of computer software. Stay up-to-date with technology, since you may need to learn new computer programs quickly. Many hotels will use specific databases and online reservation systems. Master a variety of programs so that you can be prepared for any software scenario. Learn how to use the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, Access and Outlook. Become familiar with creating a spreadsheet of data, as data entry will be a key part of your job. Put together a resume that reflects your education and experience. Make sure that you have an objective section, which highlights your goal of becoming a hotel receptionist. Emphasize your strengths and any relevant skills. Use a sample resume to format the document correctly. Be sure to proofread your document for spelling errors and be sure to use professional language throughout. Look for job opportunities. Check online job search websites such as CareerBuilder, Monster and Indeed. You can perform a search using specific keywords such as "hotel receptionist" and choosing the city or state you want to work in. Call hotels in your area. Call the front desk and ask whether they are hiring a receptionist. You may instead want to visit in person so that employees will be able to connect your face with your name. Drop off your resume at local hotels where you would like to work. Ask to speak to the manager and introduce yourself. This will give you a chance to demonstrate your professional and positive attitude. Apply for the job. Once you find a job, send a resume and a cover letter to the hiring manager. Your cover letter should express why you are interested in the receptionist role, and which assets you have that you would bring to the role. If you have previous experience working as an administrative assistant or receptionist, be sure to mention that in the cover letter. Keep your cover letter limited to one typed page, as the employer has to read through many applications. Use positive and energetic language to convey your personality throughout. Interview for the role. Wear professional clothes, and take note of what their current receptionist wears in order to maintain a consistent look. Hotels value their branding, so if the hotel uses specific colors in their logo and branding, wear those colors to the interview. Be prepared to answer questions about your past experiences and your future goals with the company. Following the interview, send an email thanking the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Hopefully, you will hear back within a week or two with news that you got the job. | Understand the job description. Prepare to work a variety of shifts. Get a well-balanced education. Obtain experience in office and front desk functions. Sharpen your customer service skills. Learn various types of computer software. Put together a resume that reflects your education and experience. Look for job opportunities. Call hotels in your area. Apply for the job. Interview for the role. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Braise-Meat | How to Braise Meat | To braise meat, start by searing each side of the meat in a pan over medium-high heat. Then, transfer the meat to large pot and pour in broth, beer, juice, or water until the liquid covers half of the meat. Next, bring the liquid in the pot to a boil. Once the liquid is boiling, cover the pot and place it in the oven. Cook the meat for 2-6 hours at 350 °F, or until it's tender. | Choose the meat. Braising is a great technique for tough and inexpensive meat. When selecting a meat, don't choose tender or quality cuts. Cuts of meat with the bone in also work well for braising. Braising beef works well with: chuck pot roast, shoulder steak, short ribs, rump roast, round steak, and brisket. Braising pork works well with: chops, cutlets, cubes, pork shoulder, Boston butt, sirloin roast, and ribs. Lamb shanks and shoulder are great for braising. For chicken, try legs and thighs. Keep the bone in to get the fat and tissue; don't braise boneless chicken breasts. Try braising large, firm fish fillets, like shark, swordfish, or tuna. Don't braise tender fish like tilapia and cod. It'll fall apart. Don't limit yourself to meat. You can also braise fruits and vegetables. Go for firmer vegetables, like squash, sweet potatoes, leeks, carrots, beets, and cabbage. Choose a liquid. Part of the braising process is cooking the meat for a long time in a liquid. Be creative with the liquids you choose. There is no right or wrong liquid to use. Think about the flavor palette you want to create, what flavors will go well with your meat, and what flavors will go well with the seasonings and vegetables. Try beef, chicken, or vegetable broth. You can also use stock. Try to match the meat with the broth or stock. Use wine or beer. For pork, try lighter lagers, which will give the meat a nice sour taste. Try imported stouts or dark lagers for beef. Wine gives the dish a bit of an acidic taste. Stick with a dry wine, and one that you would drink. For a variation of flavor, mix your wine with your broth. You can also try balsamic vinaigrette. For something a little sweeter, try apple juice, cranberry juice, orange juice, or pineapple juice. Use tomato juice for something a little more tart. Ciders, fresh or fermented, go really well with poultry and pork for a bit of sweetness. Use water for the liquid if your meat, seasonings, and vegetables have strong flavors. You can even braise with milk. Decide on the seasonings. Like liquids, the seasonings you choose can be creative and exciting. Match the herbs and spices to the liquid to make a complimentary flavor palette. You can use dried or fresh herbs when braising. Try basil, Italian seasoning, oregano, mint, or thyme. Sage, rosemary, dill, bay leaves, and cilantro can also be used. Salt and pepper can also be added. Garlic and onions are great flavorful additions to your braising liquid. Try capers, lemon zest, lime zest, or orange zest. For something a bit sweet yet spicy, go for ginger. Lemongrass also adds a nice citrus sweetness to the dish. For something spicier, try chili powder, peppers, cayenne pepper, or any other spice. Throw in some cumin and turmeric for an Indian flavor. You can also try liquid seasonings, like barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, duck sauce, or sweet chili sauce. Cook in the correct pot. No matter what meat you are braising, you need a large, deep heavy pot with a tight lid. This keeps the moisture in, which is required to braise properly. Use a Dutch oven if you have one. You can also use an ovenproof skillet for smaller cuts of meat, like pork chops or chicken. Finish with vegetables. When you braise meat, you don't just add meat, but vegetables, too. Classic choices are onion, carrots, and celery. However, you can add just about any vegetables you want. Just remember to match with your flavor palette. Try mushrooms. They give your dish a woodsy flavor. Potatoes and sweet potatoes make a great addition that will turn the braised meat into a full meal. Try different variations of squashes, parsnips, turnips, rutabaga, or other root vegetables. Any kind of onion is a great addition to a braise. Prepare the meat. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is heating, season the meat with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you desire. Trim any excess fat from the meat. Keep the chunks of meat large. Try to keep the edges smooth instead of ragged, and don't pierce the edges. Smooth edges with no pierced places helps to absorb and keep the juices in. If the cut of meat you're using has a bone, then there may be tiny bone chips left behind. To remove, carefully run the meat under warm running water, rubbing it gently to dislodge any bone chips. Then, dry the meat with a paper towel and season it. Sear the meat. Place 2 tablespoons of oil in a pot over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and rippling, add the meat allowing it to brown in the oil. Then turn it to an unbrowned side. Continue in this fashion until the meat is browned all over. Set the meat aside when it's finished browning. Make sure your pan is very hot. If the pan is smoking, that is a good thing. It should also be uncovered. Just make sure you open a window or use your exhaust fan. As you are browning, look for the outside to get caramelized and crispy. Remember, you aren't cooking the meat, just searing the outside. Don't crowd your pot. Make sure there is enough room for the meat so it can properly sear. Sauté the vegetables. Add any combination of vegetables to the hot pan. Allow the vegetables to cook quickly until they're browned on the outside and fragrant. This should take 3 or 4 minutes. Sauté the vegetables until they are a caramel brown color. Stir them often to keep them from searing. Deglaze the pan. Caramelized brown bits should be left on the bottom of the pan. Pour in a splash of your liquid while still on medium heat. Then, use a wooden spoon to remove the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. You want to keep these brown bits because they add to the flavor. Combine the ingredients. Place the meat back in the pot with the vegetables. Add the braising liquid so that it comes up to about halfway up the meat. Bring to a boil, then decrease the temperature so the dish can simmer. Once the dish is simmering, add the seasonings. Don't add too much liquid. The meat shouldn't be completely covered by the liquid. Instead, only fill it so the meat is halfway covered. If you add too much liquid, it can decrease the flavor. If the pan you seared your meat and vegetables in isn't suitable for the oven, place the ingredients in another dish, such as a crock pot or oven safe casserole dish. Add the vegetables and deglazing liquid. Cook the meat. Tightly cover the pot with the lid. Place the pot in the oven at 350 degrees. Cook for 1.5-6 hours. You want to cook the meat until it is tender and falls apart with a fork. Don't overcook, because then the meat will become dry. You can cook anywhere between 250-350 degrees. If cooking on the stove top, set the heat to low. A crockpot should be set to high. Finish the dish. If you want to add more vegetables, add them 45 minutes before the meat is done. Add a bit more liquid if it's lower than an inch. If you want to make a sauce or gravy, remove the meat and vegetables when the meat is fork tender. Skim off the surface fat. Allow the sauce to simmer so it can reduce down until it coats the back of your spoon. Return the meat and vegetables to the pot and heat. To make a thicker sauce, try adding flour or cornstarch. Let the meat sit in the sauce for 10-20 minutes after you take it out of the oven. This helps the juices absorb into the meat. | Choose the meat. Choose a liquid. Decide on the seasonings. Cook in the correct pot. Finish with vegetables. Prepare the meat. Sear the meat. Sauté the vegetables. Deglaze the pan. Combine the ingredients. Cook the meat. Finish the dish. |
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