url
stringlengths 27
124
| title
stringlengths 10
107
| summary
stringlengths 15
6.15k
| article
stringlengths 0
117k
| step_headers
stringlengths 0
5.75k
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Latitude-and-Longitude | How to Write Latitude and Longitude | If you want to write latitude and longitude, first, identify the line of latitude on which a location sits. To find the latitude, look at the horizontal lines running north to south from the equator. Count the lines from the equator to the location and write down that number in degrees along with “N” or “S” depending on whether the location is north or south of the equator. Then, identify the line of longitude. Lines of longitude run vertically and stretch from east to west, so count each line between the location and the Prime Meridian to get its degrees. When you have that number, write it down in degrees and denote whether it lies east or west of the Prime Meridian. For example, a set of coordinates could look like “15 degrees N, 30 degrees E”. | Identify lines of longitude. Lines of longitude are vertical lines that stretch across the globe, moving from the North to South Pole. The Prime Meridian divides lines of longitude. This is the zero degree mark. When writing out lines of longitude, use the symbol "°" to indicate degrees. Lines of longitude stretch from east to west. Moving to the east, each line of longitude increases by one degree. You use the letter "E" to indicate a line of longitude that falls to the east of the Prime Meridian. For example, a line of longitude could be 30°E. Moving to the west, lines of longitude also increase by one degree per line. You write lines of longitude that fall to the west of the Prime Meridian using the symbol "W" to indicate west. For example, a line of longitude could be 15°W. Identify lines of latitude. Lines of latitude are horizontal lines dividing the globe. They stretch from east to west, starting at the equator. The equator's line of latitude is marked by 0 degrees. When writing latitude and longitude, use the symbol "°" to indicate degrees. As you move north of the equator, lines of latitude increase by one degree until they reach 90 degrees. The 90 degree mark is the North Pole. Lines of latitude above the equator are marked using the letter "N" to mean North. For example, a line of latitude could be 15°N. As you move south of the equator, lines of latitude again increase by a single degree for each line until you reach the 90 degree mark. This is the South Pole. You use the symbol "S" to indicate south. For example, a line of latitude could be 30°S. Write the latitude and longitude coordinates. Find a location and figure out where the lines of latitude and longitude connect. For example, a location could be found along the latitude line 15°N and the longitude line 30°E. When writing latitude and longitude, write latitude first, followed by a comma, and then longitude. For example, the above lines of latitude and longitude would be written as "15°N, 30°E." Identify the lines of latitude and longitude. Sometimes, you need to provide a more precise location than broad lines of latitude and longitude. Lines of latitude and longitude can be broken down by minutes and seconds. However, you must decipher the broad lines of latitude and longitude. Find which lines of latitude and longitude a location falls along. For example, say your location falls on the latitude line 15°N and the longitude line 30°E. Find the minutes between each line of latitude and longitude. The space between each line of latitude and longitude is divided into one degree. This degree can be further divided into minutes. Imagine there are 60 even minutes separating each line of latitude and longitude. You can find maps online that will help you pinpoint the precise number of minutes your location falls along between each line of latitude or longitude. An apostrophe should be used to indicate the number of minutes between lines. For example, if you find there are 23 minutes between the latitude lines, you would write this as "23'". Identify the seconds between each minute. Minutes are further divided into intervals of seconds. There are 60 seconds between each minute. Again, an online map can help you identify the precise number of seconds between each minute. A quotation mark is used to indicate the number of seconds. For example, if there are 15 seconds between the minutes in your longitude line, you would write 15". Write degrees, then minutes, then seconds. After finding the precise coordinates, in minutes and seconds, for your lines of latitude and longitude, write them out in the correct order. Start with your line of latitude, writing the degrees, then the minutes, then the seconds. Then, add the North or South as the direction. Then, write a comma followed by your line of longitude in degrees, then minutes, then seconds. Then, add East or West as the direction. For example, say you have a line of latitude at 15°N, 24 minutes, and 15 seconds. You have a line of longitude at 30°E, 10 minutes, and 3 seconds. This line of latitude and longitude would be written as, 15°24'15"N, 30°10'3"E. Identify the point of latitude and longitude. You can also use minutes followed by decimal points to identify latitude and longitude. However, you must again start by identifying the broad lines of latitude and longitude. Figure out where the lines of latitude and longitude meet to pinpoint your location. For example, say your location falls at 15°N, 30°W. Figure out the minutes, including decimal points. Some maps identify minutes followed by decimal points rather than minutes followed by seconds. An online map should be able to provide you with the minutes broken down into decimals for each line of latitude and longitude. For example, a line of latitude may be found at 23.0256 minutes. Determine whether numbers are negative or positive. When using the degrees and decimal minutes system, you do not use directions like north, south, east, and west. Instead, you use positive and negative numbers to determine where locations fall on a map. Remember, lines of latitude fall north or south of the equator. When using decimals to indicate latitude and longitude, positive numbers fall north of the equator and negative numbers fall south of the equator. The number 23.456 falls north of the equator, while the number -23.456 falls south. Lines of longitude fall east or west of the Prime Meridian. Positive numbers fall east of the Prime Meridian, while negative numbers fall west. For example, the number 10.234 falls east of the Prime Meridian while the number -10.234 falls west of the Prime Meridian. Write out latitude and longitude. To write out the full location, start with the line of latitude. Follow this with the coordinates using minutes and decimals. Add a comma and then the line of longitude followed by its minutes and decimals. Remember to use positive and negative numbers to indicate the direction of coordinates. You do not use the degree symbol with this format. For example, a line falls 15°N, 30°W. Identify the number of minutes and decimals and then write out the coordinates. The above example could be written as, "15 10.234, 30 -23.456." Find the latitude and longitude. Degrees of latitude and longitude are often broken down by decimals. Rather than minutes and seconds, lines representing one degree are divided to get decimals pinpointing the exact location. First, find the right degrees of latitude and longitude. For example, say your location falls at 15°N, 30°W. Figure out the decimals. An online map can break down lines of latitude and longitude using decimal points. Usually, decimal points are made up of five numbers. For example, your location could be 15.23456 north and 30.67890 west. Identify whether numbers are positive or negative. Rather than using the words north, south, east, and west to indicate direction, positive or negative numbers are used. For lines of latitude, lines north of the equator are positive while lines south of the equator are negative. For lines of longitude, lines east of the Prime Meridian are positive while lines west of the Prime Meridian are negative. For example, the line of latitude 15.23456 would be north of the equator, while the line -15.23456 would fall south of the equator. A line of longitude written out 30.67890 would fall east of the equator, while the line -30.67890 would fall west. Write latitude and longitude, including decimals. It's simple to use the decimal degrees. You simply write out the line of latitude, including decimals, followed by the line of longitude, including decimals. Use positive or negative numbers to indicate direction. For example, say a line falls 15°N, 30°W. Using the decimal degree system, you could write this as "15.23456, -30.67890." | Identify lines of longitude. Identify lines of latitude. Write the latitude and longitude coordinates. Identify the lines of latitude and longitude. Find the minutes between each line of latitude and longitude. Identify the seconds between each minute. Write degrees, then minutes, then seconds. Identify the point of latitude and longitude. Figure out the minutes, including decimal points. Determine whether numbers are negative or positive. Write out latitude and longitude. Find the latitude and longitude. Figure out the decimals. Identify whether numbers are positive or negative. Write latitude and longitude, including decimals. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Develop-Dry-Humor | How to Develop Dry Humor | Dry humor is all about telling subtle and sarcastic jokes in a serious tone. Watch some famous dry comedians, like David Letterman, Bill Murray, and Jerry Seinfeld, for inspiration. There are also many popular dry TV shows like The Office and Arrested Development. Pay attention to the kind of jokes they tell and their timings so you can imitate them yourself. The key to delivering dry comedy is using a flat tone of voice and not smiling, as though you're completely serious about what you're saying. Try to incorporate sarcasm into your jokes. For example, if someone asks if you like kids, say something like, “Yeah, I love small people who always scream in my face.” | Identify the characteristics of dry humor. Dissect the finer points of the style, from setup to punchline and even down to small cues like body language and tone of voice. The art of dry humor is known, for instance, for its deadpan delivery, rapid retorts and absence of exaggerated body language.Think of humor as a tool—before you can use it, you have to know how it works. When something that makes you laugh, make a note of what you found amusing or memorable. Dry humor is sometimes trickier to pin down than other types of humor because it's so understated, but it can be found in just about every major comedy production. Study successful comedians. Make comedic movies, sitcoms and stand-up routines part of your regular viewing diet. Assign yourself humor homework by making a point of watching a new film or comedian every day. Some of the world's funniest entertainers are masters of piercing wit, and they've put their techniques on display for you to learn from. Don't limit yourself to newer examples—dry humor can be found everywhere in classic comedy. Pay particular attention to the “straight man” character in whatever you're watching—this is the one that uses subtle cues to get a reaction rather than silly hijinks. Some famously dry comedians include Bob Newhart, David Letterman, Mitch Hedberg, Billy Murray and Jerry Seinfeld. Pay attention to your surroundings. Be on the lookout for funny, interesting or unusual scenarios wherever you go. Reflect on the ways people interact and zero in on what's uniquely absurd about their actions. Remember: no subject is too mundane to provide material. One of the greatest strengths of people with a dry sense of humor is their ability to see any situation as an opportunity to make a side-splitting quip. Practice. Put the principles you've been studying into action, even if there's no one else around. Make cracks to yourself while you're in the shower or watching a bad movie. Imagine how you would reply to someone who's dull or rude to you. In time, jokes will start coming to you naturally. Do a little verbal sparring with someone you know who has a quick wit. Once you get into the groove, you can begin casually working humorous stories and remarks into everyday conversation. Keep your delivery subdued. Instead of turning a story or joke into a theatrical display, downplay your physical expressions and let your observations speak for themselves. It's not necessary to yell, wave your arms around or do silly voices. Dry humor is inherently subtle, so the less attention you draw to yourself, the easier it will be for your audience to pick up on your meaning. As much as possible, resist the urge to laugh at your own jokes. A straight face will make you seem more in command and give your words added weight. Perfect your grasp of sarcasm. Never miss an occasion to point out the ironic connections between things and events. A good rule of thumb is to state the opposite of how you really feel to make the contrast more pronounced. Since it doesn't have the benefit of wild gestures, goofy expressions and other antics, dry humor depends on irony to make an impact. Sarcasm is all about saying one thing and meaning another. For example, if someone asks you if you like children, you might reply with “Sure, who needs things like sleep or money?” There's a thin line between playful sarcasm and mean-spiritedness. Be aware of how you sound to avoid hurt feelings. Use clever wordplay. Think about what other meanings a word might have other than its most immediate one. Experiment with tweaking similar sounds or seemingly ordinary turns of phrase to come up with imaginative new uses. Not only does this give you a wider range of possibilities to choose from, it's also more gratifying for the listeners who get the joke. A jab like "Next time I see you, remind me not to talk to you" can leave an onlooker in stitches once it's had time to sink in. Puns and other feats of phrasing should still make sense in context. If they don't, they may end up just being confusing. Put yourself out there. In order to score a laugh, you have to be willing to take a chance. When an opening presents itself, jump in. Train yourself to become a good listener, as a keen ear will allow you to spot opportunities and help get your wheels spinning. Build up your comfort level by trying out jokes on your close friends or family before you use them in a larger setting. Don't be discouraged if a particular comment doesn't have the effect you want it to. Just reset and give it another shot. Get your timing down. When you tell a joke is every bit as important as how you tell it. A lighting-fast retort has the power to catch the listener off guard and leave a lasting impression. In other cases, a short pause can make the payoff that much more hysterical. The key is to be able to recognize what type of delivery is needed for a given situation. Wait for the perfect opening when you have your audience's full attention. Background noise and other distractions can cause a good one-liner to go unnoticed. Take your listener by surprise. Tailor the punchline or payoff of your jokes so that they say something unexpected about your subject. Humor doesn't work if it's predictable, so your objective should be to force people to think about things in a different way. Pass over obvious jokes in favor of a more original approach. Know when to quit. No matter how funny you think you are, there will be times when everything you say falls flat. It may be the wrong time or place, or perhaps you're stuck with an unresponsive audience. If your attempts at humor aren't being well-received, it's usually best to just drop it and try again when the mood is lighter. Consider the circumstances before you risk crashing and burning. A careless remark at a no-nonsense event like a funeral or work meeting may be a recipe for awkwardness. | Identify the characteristics of dry humor. Study successful comedians. Pay attention to your surroundings. Practice. Keep your delivery subdued. Perfect your grasp of sarcasm. Use clever wordplay. Put yourself out there. Get your timing down. Take your listener by surprise. Know when to quit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Apricot-Jam | How to Make Apricot Jam | To make apricot jam, start by slicing the apricots in half, pitting the center, and then dicing them into half-inch cubes. Mix the apricots, lemon juice, and sugar in a stockpot with water and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the water starts boiling and all the sugar has dissolved, ladle the jam into clean jars, and then seal them. Next, boil each jar individually in a pot of water for at least 10 minutes. Before eating your jam, make sure to let it cool on a towel for 24 hours. | Gather your ingredients and supplies. There are a few of things you will need to make apricot jam. Along with your ingredients, you'll also need: Large stockpot Candy thermometer Wooden spoon Five pint-sized mason jars or 10 half-pint jars with lids and rings Ladle Large canning pot with lid and canning rack Canning tongs Large roasting pan Oven mitts A lint-free towel Towel Prepare your water bath. Place the canning rack into the bottom of your canning pot. Fill it with enough water so that it will cover the filled jam jars with an extra one to two inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of water. Put on the lid, turn the heat on high, and bring the water to a boil. Once the jam is ready and has been put into jars, you will have to boil the filled jars in a water bath to sterilize everything and kill bacteria. This will help to preserve the jam longer. Clean and heat the jars. Clean the jars, lids, and rings with hot, soapy water. You can also run the jars through the dishwasher, but the lids and rings should be hand-washed. Rinse the jars, lids, and rings and set them on a clean drying rack. Preheat your oven to 150 F (65 C). Place the jars in the roasting pan and into the oven. It's not necessary to sterilize your jars before canning, but they should be warm to prevent them from cracking when the hot jam is introduced. Leave the jars in the oven until you're ready to pour the jam. Be sure to use new lids every time you can food. The lids are only designed to be used once, and may not seal properly if they're reused. Wash, pit, and dice the fruit. Run cold water over the apricots and rub them with your hands to remove dirt, debris, stems, and leaves. Pat the fruit dry with a clean towel. To pit and dice the fruit: Cut the apricots in half, being careful of the pit in the center. Pull the halves apart and remove the pit. Cut the apricots into half-inch (1.25 cm) cubes. Apricots have a very thin skin, so they don't have to be peeled for jam. Combine the ingredients. Place the apricots into the stockpot and cover them with the sugar and lemon juice. Give the mixture a stir to combine everything. The acidity in the lemon juice will help kill bacteria, keeping the jam from spoiling and free of mold. For a jam with some added spice, add 1 tablespoon (a ¼ inch cube) of freshly grated ginger to the pot as well. To make a jam with less added sugar, you can use as few as 4 cups (900 g) of sugar with this recipe. Heat the fruit. Place the stockpot on the stove and heat it over medium–high heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. The heat will also help the acidity in the lemon juice to draw pectin from the fruit, which gives the jam it's gel-like consistency. Stir the mixture occasionally so that the fruit doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer. Once the fruit comes to a boil and starts to get bubbly and foamy, stick the candy thermometer into the pot, making sure it doesn't touch the bottom. After the mixture boils, stir it frequently to prevent the jam from burning. When the jam gets to 220 F (104 C), turn off the heat and remove the pot. At this temperature, the water from the fruit has boiled off and the jam will become thick. Skim off the foam before pouring. During the cooking process, a foam will have formed on the top of the jam. Use a spoon to skim off this top layer. Once the foam is gone, you can immediately pour the jam into the prepared canning jars. Remove the jars from the oven. Use the oven mitts to protect your hands from the heat and remove one jar at a time from the oven. You will fill and lid one jar at a time, leaving the other jars in the oven to stay warm as you're working. As you're filling, it's important to work as quickly as possible without burning yourself, because the jam must stay hot. Fill the jars. Use the ladle to fill each jar with jam, leaving about ¼ inch (0.63 cm) of space between the jam and the top of the jar. Take your lint-free towel or paper towel and get it damp with warm water. Clean any spilled jam from around the rim and threads of the jar. This will ensure a proper seal. Center a lid over the jam, and then screw on the ring. Set the jar aside. Repeat until the jam is gone and all the jars have been filled. Heat the jars in the water bath. Use the canning tongs to place the filled and lidded jars one at a time into the boiling water in the canning pot. When all the jars are positioned upright on the canning rack, return the lid to the pot and return the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, set a timer for 10 minutes. Because the jars weren't pre-sterilized, you must boil them for at least 10 minutes to ensure the jam and jars are properly sterilized. Add an additional minute of boiling time for every 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level you are. For instance, if you live 1,500 feet (460 m) above sea level, boil the jars in the water bath for 11 minutes. Remove the jars from the water. When your boiling time is up, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for five minutes. Use the canning tongs to remove the jars from the pot, keeping the jars upright at all times. Place the jars onto the dry towel, leaving at least one inch of room between the jars. Allow the jars to cool. Leave the jars on the towel to cool for 12 to 24 hours. After that time, test the seal on each jar. To test the seal: Unscrew the ring from the jar. Press your finger against the lid and try to move it around. If it doesn't budge, a good seal has been formed. Return the ring to the jar, wipe the jar and lid with a towel, and label the jar so you know what it is. If any lids didn't form proper seals, you can either place them in a new water bath for another 10 minutes, or put the jars in the fridge for immediate use. Homemade jam that's unopened will last for one to two years in the pantry, and then another six months to a year in the refrigerator once it's opened. | Gather your ingredients and supplies. Prepare your water bath. Clean and heat the jars. Wash, pit, and dice the fruit. Combine the ingredients. Heat the fruit. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer. Skim off the foam before pouring. Remove the jars from the oven. Fill the jars. Heat the jars in the water bath. Remove the jars from the water. Allow the jars to cool. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Scorpion | How to Draw a Scorpion | To draw a scorpion, start by drawing a long, narrow body. Then, at one end of the body, draw a long, curved tail with the scorpion's signature hooked barb at the end. Next, draw 8 narrow legs coming off of the body, as well as 2 large arms with a claw at the end of each one. Finally, draw fangs on the face, and divide the different parts of the body up into segments. | Draw a large horizontal (but slightly diagonal) oval at the center of the paper. Draw a line inside the oval, near where you would like the head (in this case, the lower part of the oval). Add a pair of small fortune cookie-shaped ovals in front of the line. These will serve as the scorpions claws. Add stretched ovals to connect the claws to the body. Draw three circles on both sides of the scorpion. For the circles facing you, attach another stretched circle each. Line three ovals behind the scorpion. This will serve as its tail. Draw the scorpion's big cartoony eyes. Start tracing the outline of this scorpion. Add details. Erase unnecessary lines. Color the drawing as desired. Draw a small diagonal oval near the center of the paper. From the center of that oval, draw a large curved line resembling a hook. Add another small oval at the tip of that "hook." Back at the main oval, draw two small ovals--one on each side of the main one. Make another curved line (shaped like the letter C) and draw it in a way that it passes through the lined-up ovals. At both tips of this new line, draw a small oval each. By now you have a line skeleton of the body, tail and claws of the scorpion. On its body, add four pairs of zigzag lines for its legs. Again, add an oval on each of their tips. Start tracing the outline of this scorpion. Add details. Erase unnecessary lines. Color the drawing as desired. | Draw a large horizontal (but slightly diagonal) oval at the center of the paper. Draw a line inside the oval, near where you would like the head (in this case, the lower part of the oval). Add a pair of small fortune cookie-shaped ovals in front of the line. Add stretched ovals to connect the claws to the body. Draw three circles on both sides of the scorpion. Line three ovals behind the scorpion. Draw the scorpion's big cartoony eyes. Start tracing the outline of this scorpion. Add details. Erase unnecessary lines. Color the drawing as desired. Draw a small diagonal oval near the center of the paper. From the center of that oval, draw a large curved line resembling a hook. Back at the main oval, draw two small ovals--one on each side of the main one. Make another curved line (shaped like the letter C) and draw it in a way that it passes through the lined-up ovals. At both tips of this new line, draw a small oval each. By now you have a line skeleton of the body, tail and claws of the scorpion. Start tracing the outline of this scorpion. Add details. Erase unnecessary lines. Color the drawing as desired. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Spirulina-at-Home | How to Grow Spirulina at Home | Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that's loaded with nutrition. It's a simple organism that grows easily in warm water, so once you have a few supplies set up you can grow your own Spirulina at home. Most home growers use a standard size aquarium to grow their spirulina. When it's time to harvest your spirulina, you'll need to separate it from the water, so have a fine cloth or mesh ready as well as a scoop to get it out of the tank. To have an optimal colony, you'll need to add specific minerals, so buy a premixed mineral “food” that includes sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, urea, and salt. Finally, to get your spirulina colony going, you'll need a bit of live spirulina as a starter, which you can get from a health food store. Once you have your supplies, you'll need to set your tank in a warm, bright place. Add water, your mineral food, and your spirulina starter, and watch your colony grow. | Get a tank. Most home growers find that a standard size aquarium is perfectly adequate as a space to grow spirulina in. A tank that size will supply a family of four with plenty of spirulina. You can grow spirulina in larger tanks, or even in a basin or pool outdoors (if you live in a warm climate). However, it will be easier to manage the spirulina culture indoors in a small tank. Gather harvesting equipment. A spirulina colony can appear thick, but it's mostly water. Once it's ready to eat or use, you'll want to squeeze out the excess water. For most home growers who will want to use only a small amount of fresh spirulina at a time, a fine cloth or mesh will work just fine. In addition, you'll need a scoop to get the spirulina out of the tank. If you want to harvest larger amounts of spirulina to dry, get a larger supply of fine cloth or mesh to make things easier. Purchase minerals to encourage algal growth. Trying to grow spirulina in plain water won't necessarily lead to great results. To have an optimal colony, you'll need to add specific minerals. You don't have to be an expert, though--you can buy premixed mineral “food” for spirulina from health and organic stores as well as online. Make sure that it contains: Sodium bicarbonate Magnesium sulfate Potassium nitrate Citric acid Salt Urea Calcium chloride Iron sulfate Ammonium sulfate Buy a spirulina culture. To get your own spirulina colony going, you'll need a bit of live spirulina as a starter. Check with your local or favorite online health food or organic supplies store and ask for a spirulina starter kit. Spirulina starter cultures are usually as simple as a bottle containing spirulina algae in its medium (water). Buy spirulina cultures only from sources you trust. Since spirulina can absorb heavy metals and other toxins, you want to ensure that the starter supply has come from a safe source. Position your tank in a warm, bright place. If possible, set your tank so that it is near a south-facing window that gets lots of sunshine. Spirulina algae need plenty of light and warmth to grow well. Some spirulina growers use artificial light, but results will be better with natural light. Prepare your medium. Spirulina growers refer to the “medium” the algae grows in, but this really just means the water in the tank, with the mineral “food” added. Fill your tank with filtered water, and add the mineral mix according to the package instructions. You can run tap water through a standard faucet filter (such as a Brita or Pur filter), and use this for your tank. If your water is chlorinated, you should de-chlorinate it using supplies found at aquarium supply stores. Check the temperature of the medium. Ideally, the temperature in your tank should be around 35°C (95 F), but above 38°C (100.4 F) is too warm. Use an aquarium thermometer to make sure your tank will provide the right temperature for your spirulina. Spirulina can tolerate lower temperatures without dying, but will do best in warm environments. If your tank is too cold, you can warm it with an aquarium heater, which can be found at an aquarium supply or pet store. Add the spirulina starter. You should follow the exact instructions that come with your bottle of spirulina starter to be sure, but usually it's simple to add the starter culture. Generally, you just pour one half to three-fourths of the bottle into the medium in your tank. Watch your spirulina colony grow. At first, your spirulina colony will seem thin, but over time it will thicken and expand in size. Most of the time, you won't have to do anything to your colony other than let it grow! If your colony doesn't seem to be growing well, test the pH of your tank, which should be around 10 when the spirulina is harvestable. If the pH is off, you may need to add more mineral “food.” You can find pH test strips at aquarium supply stores or online. Agitate the tank occasionally. Your spirulina will need oxygen to thrive. Some growers will use an aquarium pump to ensure a supply of oxygen, but this isn't strictly necessary. To help air get into the water of your tank, you can simply stir the medium occasionally. Harvest your spirulina after about 3-6 weeks. Once your spirulina is thriving, you can start taking some out to consume. All you have to do is scoop some out! Most people find that about a spoonful of spirulina at a time is enough if you are consuming it fresh. Filter your spirulina through a fine cloth. Place the spirulina you took from your tank onto the cloth. Hold it over a sink or bowl and gently squeeze out the excess water. You'll be left with a thick green paste. Use this fresh spirulina in smoothies, top your favorite foods with it, or enjoy it all by itself! Replenish the spirulina colony's food. Each time you take some spirulina out of your tank, make sure to add a bit of the mineral mixture back in, in about equal measure. For instance, if you tank out a tablespoon of spirulina, add about a tablespoon of the medium back in. | Get a tank. Gather harvesting equipment. Purchase minerals to encourage algal growth. Buy a spirulina culture. Position your tank in a warm, bright place. Prepare your medium. Check the temperature of the medium. Add the spirulina starter. Watch your spirulina colony grow. Agitate the tank occasionally. Harvest your spirulina after about 3-6 weeks. Filter your spirulina through a fine cloth. Replenish the spirulina colony's food. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Wholesale-License-in-California | How to Get a Wholesale License in California | A wholesale license allows you to sell items at a wholesale or retail level and issue resale certificates to suppliers so you can avoid paying sales taxes. To get a license in California, you'll need to apply on the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website or visit one of their field offices. However you apply, make sure you have the necessary details, like personal ID, social security numbers, business address, start date, Federal or State Employer Identification Number, and corporate number if your company is Limited liability. There is generally no fee to apply for a seller's permit. | Understand a seller’s permit. A seller's permit is a state license issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) that grants its recipient permission to sell items at a wholesale or a retail level and to issue resale certificates to suppliers in order to avoid paying sales taxes. Because sales tax needs to only be paid one time, by the end purchasers, a wholesaler can avoid paying sales taxes when it buys from a manufacturer by issuing a resale certificate. Identify if you are engaged in business in California. You must get a seller's permit if you are “engaged in business” in California. The CDTFA considers businesses to be “engaged in business” in California even if the business's principal office is located out of state. So long as you have an office, salesroom, warehouse, or other place of business in California, then you are engaged in business in the state. You are engaged in business in the state even if your presence in California is temporary. Furthermore, you are engaged in business if you have a sales representative, agent, or canvasser in the state, or if you receive rental payments from the lease of tangible property located in California. Identify if you sell property subject to a sales tax. Another requirement is that you intend to sell tangible personal property that ordinarily would be subject to a sales tax. Tangible property subject to the tax includes furniture, toys, antiques, and clothing. Additionally, some services and labor costs are taxable. For example, if you make a customized piece of furniture then the total amount that you charge, including the labor charges, would be taxable. However, if all you made were repairs then the labor costs would not be taxable. If you have questions about what is taxable, call 1-800-400-7115. As a wholesaler, you will need to issue a Resale Certificate whenever you make a purchase of tangible property ordinarily subject to sales tax. If you do not issue this certificate in a timely manner, you will be responsible for paying the tax. Gather information about your business. You may apply for the permit online or in-person. Prior to applying, be prepared to provide the following information: Social Security Numbers (corporate officers excluded). Driver's licenses or state identification numbers. You may also provide other forms of identification, including a U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, Consular Identification card, or Visa (E-2). Email address (contact and business). Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). State Employer Identification Number (SEIN). For corporations: corporate name, number, state and date incorporated. Name, address, and phone number of partners, corporate officers, members, or managers. Names and phone number of personal references. Names and addresses of suppliers. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC). Bank information (including the name and address). Name and account number of the merchant credit card processor. Name, address, and phone number of the person who maintains the company's books and records. Choose a registration method. You may register either online or in-person at a CDTFA office. If you have questions about applying, then you should consider applying in-person. If you register online, you can still call 1-800-400-7115 with questions. To register online, visit the CDTFA website at www.cdtfa.ca.gov. Then click on the “Permits & Licenses” tab at the top. Click “register online” and then at the Main Menu click on “Register a business activity with CDTFA.” You will be guided through the registration process. To register in-person, visit one of the CDTFA's field offices around the state. A listing of field offices is here. Create an online account. If you register online, you will need to create an online account, which will require that you pass through various screens. The first screen will ask you what your business activity includes. Check the boxes that apply. Then you will be asked if you sell alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, or other specific categories of products. Click any that apply (or none at all). After accepting the “Declaration of Intent,” you will be prompted to enter personal information, such as your name and email address. Then you will be prompted to create a username and password. Depending on your corporate form, you may be prompted to send certain forms to the CDTFA. For example, if you are seeking a license for a Limited Partnership, then you must send a copy of your partnership agreement to the CDTFA. Fill out the application. For the application itself, you must enter the business information you have gathered: name, start date, corporate number (e.g., if you run an LLC), FEIN or SEIN, business address and contact, as well as the members of your organization. There is generally no fee to register for a seller's permit. Update your information. You must notify the CDTFA if you change your business address, change business owners, add or drop a partner, sell your business, buy another business, or discontinue your business. If you stop doing business, then your permit is no longer valid. | Understand a seller’s permit. Identify if you are engaged in business in California. Identify if you sell property subject to a sales tax. Gather information about your business. Choose a registration method. Create an online account. Fill out the application. Update your information. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Throw-a-Faster-Fastball | How to Throw a Faster Fastball | The key to throwing a faster fastball is in your technique and physical strength. Generate as much power as you can when you lunge forward to pitch the ball. Make sure you follow through after releasing the ball so you don't lose any power. You can also use the 4-seam grip for a little extra power. Just place your index and middle fingers across the seams where they form a horse-shoe shape with your ring and pinky fingers close together and your thumb gently resting underneath the ball. To build your arm strength, practice exercises like reverse barbell curls, push ups, and pulling cable pulleys in the gym. You should also strengthen your core with exercises like sit ups, crunches, and planks. | Perfect your grip. There are two primary grips for the fastball: the four-seam and the two-seam. The four-seam generally gathers more velocity but some pitchers find the two-seam more comfortable and easier to command. Many experienced pitchers will switch between the two options when they want to emphasize velocity or movement respectively but you should stick with one until you're fully comfortable with it. For the four-seam grip, place your index and middle fingers across the seams where they form a horse-shoe shape with a comfortable amount of space between them. Have your ring and pinky fingers close together and your thumb gently resting underneath the ball. The two-seam grip involves the same general configuration of your fingers but with the index and middle finger following along the seams where they are close together. Once you've mastered the two-seam grip, your fastball should have some movement toward your pitching hand's side of the plate (i.e. a right handed pitcher's two-seam fastball with break inside on a right-handed hitter). Perfect your stride. You should be generating the majority of your power from your lunging motion toward the plate. The pitching mound is elevated for a reason. After you lift your step leg, use the momentum of your body falling forward to generate power for your pitch. Determine the ideal spot for your step foot to land so that you're maximizing your forward momentum without overextending. Practice hitting that spot with your foot until it's second nature. You may even want to practice your lunge motion without actually pitching the ball so you can focus on it. Follow through with your motion. If you rigidly stop your pitching motion as soon as you release the ball, you'll lose some velocity and accuracy. Your pitching hand should end up near your hip on the opposite side of your body. Command the pitch, don’t aim. One of the most ubiquitous and confusing pieces of advice you'll hear from baseball coaches is that you shouldn't aim your pitches. This is not meant to imply that you shouldn't care about where your pitch lands. However, if you're overly focused on guiding the pitch to a specific spot in the zone, it will compromise the velocity and general effectiveness of the pitch. Pitchers use the term 'command' to describe the approach of using your delivery motion to locate pitches rather than simply aiming the ball. This may sound vague if you're new to pitching but will make more sense as you work on your technique. Point your step foot toward the inner or outer part of the plate when you're trying to command the ball to those locations. As you're developing your delivery, visualize the ball landing in a specific spot and keep practicing until it works. Use the muscle memory of that delivery motion to build your command. Commanding without aiming is one of the more difficult aspects of pitching and even major leaguers can struggle with it. You'll need a lot of patience and practice. Focus on your triceps and forearm muscles. While most people associate biceps with arm strength, the most important pitching muscles in your arm are actually the flexor muscles in your forearm and your triceps. Focus on strength-building and flexibility exercises in these areas to build pitching velocity and reduce the risk of injury. Try some reverse barbell curls. Face away from the barbell and grip it with both hands shoulder-length apart from behind your back. Bend your elbows slightly and let your wrists do the work when you curl the barbell up toward your back. Start with a light-weight barbell and a limited number of repetitions before until you're comfortable increasing. This will build forearm and wrist strength. Try some tricep extensions. You'll need a cable pulley which is available at most commercial gyms. Grip the rope or handle-bar attachment in front of you and pull it down with your elbows ending up straightened and by your sides. Raise your hands back to the starting position slowly. Start with a light-weight pulley and a small number of repetitions until you're comfortable increasing. Build rotator cuff flexibility. The majority of pitching injuries take place in the shoulder region so building strength and flexibility in this area is essential as you try to ramp up your fastball velocity. Try some shoulder flexions. You'll need some anchored tubing which is available at most commercial gyms. Stand facing away from the anchor with the tubing in your hands resting at your sides. Extend your arms out in front of your face with your elbows and wrists straight and then return to your starting position. Start with a limited number of repetitions until you're comfortable increasing. Strengthen your core. Your arms aren't the only part of your body you work when pitching. A lot of your power will be derived from your legs, hips and abdomen. Strengthen these areas, collectively known as your 'core,' to maximize your pitching ability. Try some medicine ball rotational throws. You'll need a medicine ball and a workout partner. Sit on the floor and hold the ball close to your chest with your elbows pointing outward. Keep your legs and lower body still during the exercise and start with your upper body rotated away from your partner. Rotate toward your partner and pass the ball by extending both elbows forward like a basketball pass. Start with a light-weight ball and a limited number of repetitions until you're comfortable increasing. Try some bicycle crunches. Lay flat on your back with one leg out and both hands on your head. Crunch your opposite knee into your opposite elbow. Start with slow movements and limited repetitions until you're comfortable increasing. | Perfect your grip. Perfect your stride. Follow through with your motion. Command the pitch, don’t aim. Focus on your triceps and forearm muscles. Build rotator cuff flexibility. Strengthen your core. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Core-a-Pear | How to Core a Pear | To core a pear, slice it in half, starting at the stem and cutting down to the bottom. Use a melon baller or a measuring spoon to scoop the core from the middle of the pear, then use a sharp knife to cut the stem from the top of the pear. If you like, you can then peel the skin from the pear. If you want to leave the pear whole, peel it first, then scoop out the core from the bottom of the fruit. | Slice the pair in half, lengthwise. Place the pear upright on the cutting board. Cut near the stem from end to end in one smooth movement, slicing your pear in half. Remove the core. Scoop out the core of the pair (the section with seeds) using a melon baller or a teaspoon-sized measuring spoon. The instrument you select depends on the firmness of the pear--the melon baller is better for hard fruit, while the measuring spoon is better for soft. Remove the stem. Slice out the stem by cutting a "V" shape around its edges using a knife, as shown in the image. Peel the pear. Remove the pear's skin using a small, sharp knife or a vegetable peeler. Now you can use the pear for your recipe or eat it as is. You can also leave the skin on, since it's edible and very good for you, but it might throw off the texture of your recipe if you do. If you like, you can also peel the pear before you core it. Peel the pear. The first thing to do is peel the pear using a small, sharp knife or vegetable peeler. If you want a perfectly smooth pear for poaching, the vegetable peeler is your best bet. After it's peeled, go over the pear with the peeler a second time to remove any rough ridges. Remove the core. Starting at the bottom of the pear, use a melon baller or teaspoon sized measuring spoon to scoop out the base of the pair, followed by the core. The pear will look whole when standing upright, but will have a hole at the bottom where the core has been removed. Alternatively, you can use a fruit corer - a special tool designed to remove the cores from fruit. Simply place the end of the corer (which is essentially a hollow metal tube) over the stem then press it downwards, forcing it all the way through the center of the pear. Give it one or two turns, then draw it out. You will now have a perfectly cored pear. If the pear is a little wobbly after coring, you can cut an even slice from the bottom so it stands upright. Stop pears from turning brown. If you're not ready to use your cored pears just yet, place them in a bowl of cold water with a few slices of lemon. This will prevent them from oxidizing and turning brown. Make poached pears. Poached pears make a delicious dessert, and will put your pear coring skills to good use. This simple recipe poaches the pears in a vanilla and sugar syrup. Make poached pears in wine. This warm, spicy version of poached pears makes an elegant dessert perfect for serving at dinner parties. . Make pear pie For a fun variation on the traditional apple pie - try this tasty pear version. Perfect served with vanilla ice cream. . Make caramelized roast pears These roasted pears make a delicious after-dinner treat. Served with whipped cream and caramelized pecans - what's not to love? Make a cinnamon pear preserve. If you've had a large harvest of pears that you don't know what to do with, try this cinnamon pear preserve. Equally good spooned over your morning cereal or ice cream dessert. . Make Asian pear salad This tasty but low fat salad is all about bold flavors and contrasting textures, making it a perfect choice for lunchtime. | Slice the pair in half, lengthwise. Remove the core. Remove the stem. Peel the pear. Peel the pear. Remove the core. Stop pears from turning brown. Make poached pears. Make poached pears in wine. . . Make a cinnamon pear preserve. . |
https://www.wikihow.com/Transfer-Money-From-Overseas | How to Transfer Money From Overseas | If you need to send money abroad, set up a wire transfer through your bank. To initiate the transfer, gather the person's name, address, and bank account details, as well as the name, address, and routing code for their bank. Then, visit your bank or complete the information on your online banking service before paying the flat fee to send the money. Alternatively, use a remittance service such as Western Union or MoneyGram, but be sure to check the fees you'll have to pay first. | Write a foreign draft or check. If you have a bank account in a foreign country and you want to send it to a recipient in the United States, you can write a check in the local currency and send it to the recipient in the United States. The recipient may then cash the check at a bank in the United States. However, the recipient may encounter some obstacles. Regulations and policies surrounding personal and business checks differ in countries around the world. Many banks in the United States will not cash a foreign check unless it is payable through a bank in the United States. It is expensive. If the American bank accepts the check, they will keep a percentage of the exchange rate. Also, they may charge a foreign-check processing fee. The American bank may impose a hold on the funds. This means the money won't be available to the recipient until the check clears, which may take days, weeks or months. Wire money through your bank. You can go to your bank and request a wire transfer. A wire transfer is an electronic transfer of funds from one financial institution to another. You will need to know if the receiving bank accepts wire transfers in foreign currency. If not, you will have to wire the money in U.S. currency. Expect to pay a flat fee for initiating the wire transfer. Also, the recipient will pay a flat fee for receiving the wire transfer. The amount of the fee varies by bank. International wire transfers can take anywhere from three to five days. Gather relevant information. To wire money internationally, You will need to know the recipient's bank account number and name and address. Also, you will need to now the receiving bank's name and address, routing number and code. SWIFT codes are international identifier codes that are assigned to every bank by Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (“SWIFT”) in Belgium. The routing number is a nine-digit code that represents your U.S. bank's location. You can find it on the bottom left-hand side of your checks. Wire money from Western Union or MoneyGram. You can visit a physical office, or you can initiate the wire transfer online. You can fund the transfer with cash or with a debit or credit card. You can send the funds directly to the recipient's bank account, or to another Western Union or MoneyGram office. You pay in your local currency, and the recipient in the United States receives the money in U.S. dollars. Therefore, know the exchange rate and adjust accordingly so that the recipient receives the correct amount. For example, suppose you are in Australia and you want a recipient in the U.S. to receive $20, and the exchange rate is 1 AUD (Australian dollar) = 0.6985 USD (U.S. dollar). You would need to send $28.62 in AUD for the recipient to receive $20 USD. The fees for sending money internationally vary depending on the amount you are sending, how quickly the money needs to be available and the payment type you choose. Compare Western Union and MoneyGram. Western Union is the larger of the two companies. It has been established for a longer amount of time, so it has name recognition and people trust the company. Western Union fees can be expensive. MoneyGram fees tend to be somewhat lower. MoneyGram has also built its reputation on international money transfers. Remit funds with Paypal. PayPal is an online remittance service. Both parties must be registered PayPal users. Also, both must have a registered bank account. To initiate a transfer, log in to your PayPal account and click on “Send and Request,” and then click on “Send Money to Friends and Family.” Enter the e-mail address, mobile number or name of the recipient. You enter the amount in your local currency, and PayPal exchanges it so the recipient receives it in his local currency. The price per transaction depends on the currency you are using. It is generally a percentage of the amount sent plus a flat transaction fee. Send money with Xoom. With Xoom, you can transfer up to $2,999 USD from a bank account for a flat fee of $4.99 USD. It costs more to use a credit card. The money is deposited into the recipient's bank account within two business days. The exchange rate is fixed at the time of your transfer. Xoom can send money to 56 countries outside of the US and allows you to send money to anyone with a US bank account. In 2012, Consumer Reports ranked Xoom as the best way to transfer money internationally, beating out PayPal, MoneyGram and Western Union in fees and exchange rates. Understand the meaning of a foreign exchange service. Don't confuse them with foreign exchange traders who perform a different service. Foreign exchange (forex) companies complete international currency transfers to individuals and businesses. They transfer the funds from one country to the other and exchange the currency between the two countries. Most forex companies are located in the United Kingdom (U.K.), but some are also located in North America and Asia. Forex companies should only be used for large transactions of over $3,000. The company does not charge a fee; they make money on the exchange rate. Consider OFX, an online forex company that accepts wire transfers from your bank account or you can apply to set up an ACH direct debit. Most transfers take one to two business days and you can track the progress on their app. The fees are minimal — $5 for transfers under $5,000, and no fee for $5,000 or above. Initiate the transfer. If you don't already have one, open an account with the broker. It may take a day or two to open a new account. Next pay in or transfer money from your bank account to the brokerage account. Give the brokerage the information about the recipient. Research the exchange rate. If you are comfortable with the current exchange rate, then use it to complete the transaction. Use a forward contract to lock in a rate. If you need to send a large sum of cash at some point in the future, lock in a favorable rate today with a forward contract. This means that the broker agrees to use a rate upon which you agree today for an exchange that happens in the future. On the date of the exchange, the contract rate is used, not the current exchange rate. You can use this strategy if you think your local currency with weaken before the trade occurs. Shop around. Not all services use the same exchange rate. Also, fees vary from service to service. Transaction fees and exchange rate differences add up quickly. Spend some time researching how much it will cost to complete the money transfer using different scenarios. For example, one service may charge you a higher fee but offer a better exchange rate. Look at the total amount the recipient receives. Sometimes paying a higher fee costs less in total because of a favorable exchange rate. Consider the size of your transaction carefully. In general, it is less expensive to transfer a large amount once than to transfer several small amounts. However, the fees you incur will be based on the amount you transfer. If you are transferring small amounts, use a service that is designed for small amounts and has appropriate fees. Use your local currency. You will save money if you transfer the money in your local currency and let the recipient exchange the currency. If you try to exchange the currency ahead of time in order to wire funds in the recipient's currency, you will spend more money. For larger sums, however, use a foreign exchange service. They always get the best rates on currency exchanges. Choose a longer time frame. The faster you want the money transferred, the higher the fees you will pay. It is possible to send money within hours or minutes. However, this service can be expensive depending on the amount you are sending. If possible, allow the transaction to take several days or weeks. If you have locked in a favorable exchange rate, you will end up saving money on fees. | Write a foreign draft or check. Wire money through your bank. Gather relevant information. Wire money from Western Union or MoneyGram. Compare Western Union and MoneyGram. Remit funds with Paypal. Send money with Xoom. Understand the meaning of a foreign exchange service. Initiate the transfer. Use a forward contract to lock in a rate. Shop around. Consider the size of your transaction carefully. Use your local currency. Choose a longer time frame. |
https://www.wikihow.mom/Go-Into-Labor-Early | How to Go Into Labor Early | Before you induce labor early, keep in mind that doctors generally suggest waiting for labor to begin naturally up until 2 weeks after your due date. Also, most common techniques for inducing labor, like taking long walks or eating spicy foods, are actually ineffective. However, there are some natural methods that could be effective and are considered safe. For example, you can try having sex, which may promote contractions. You can also try acupuncture, which some people believe induces labor. | Be patient. Doctors say that many common techniques are actually ineffective, unsafe, or simply too unstudied. Taking long walks to stimulate labor is likely to be ineffective. In addition, if it does work, it is likely to be dangerous because it is not good for the mother to start labor in an exhausted state. The effectiveness of spicy foods is likely to be a myth. Doctors say there is no evidence that spicy foods start contractions. Castor oil has been demonstrated to be ineffective at inducing labor. And, even worse, it can give you diarrhea and dehydrate you, making for an unpleasant and risky delivery. Do not use herbal remedies to begin labor. Usually they have not been scientifically tested. In addition, the quality and dosages may not be well regulated. Cohosh is an herb that has chemicals similar to estrogen. Doctors advise against using it because it has not been studied well enough to determine whether it is safe. Evening primrose oil is also not well studied and should not be used. It can also cause allergic reactions. There is no evidence that bathing in water with ginger oil will shorten the duration of labor. In addition, taking ginger orally is not recommended because of concerns that it could increase the risk of bleeding. Quell your impatience with methods that are likely to be safe (though possibly ineffective). In a few years, scientific research may have a better consensus on whether these methods are effective. Acupuncture is a frequent technique performed on expectant mothers in parts of Asia and scientific studies are underway. The relaxing effects of the acupuncture may make for an easier birth, but it needs further study. Have sex (preferably with orgasm) and stimulate your nipples. If your partner is male, have him ejaculate inside you, as the prostaglandins in semen may help trigger uterine contractions. Sex will release oxytocin and may promote contractions, although it is unlikely to induce labor. Undergo a procedure to sweep the amniotic membranes. During this procedure the doctor reaches inside your uterus and inserts a gloved finger between the wall of the uterus and the amniotic sac (pouch of water holding the baby). This separates the amniotic sac from the uterine wall and stimulates the release of prostaglandin, which helps to soften the cervix. You may experience cramping and bleeding. This technique is most likely to be effective if your cervix has already started to dilate. Have the doctor dilate your cervix. This can be done either through medications or using mechanical methods. The doctor may give you prostaglandins either orally or directly inside your vagina to stimulate dilation. This should be done at the hospital so that your contractions and your baby's heart rate can be monitored. Alternatively, the doctor might use a catheter with a small balloon to dilate your cervix. The balloon is expanded while it is beyond the cervix in the uterus, and then tension is placed on the catheter. This stimulates the release of prostaglandins. Have the doctor help your water break. The doctor will use a thin hook to reach inside you and puncture the amniotic sac. You will likely feel the water flow out when it breaks. This is generally only done if the cervix is starting to dilate and the baby has already turned so the head is in the birthing position. The hospital will monitor the baby's heart rate throughout the procedure. Take an intravenous medication similar to oxytocin (Pitocin). This will stimulate contractions if the labor isn't progressing. It is most effective when the cervix has started dilating. The doctor will monitor your progress and your baby's heart rate. Discuss possible medical reasons for inducing with your doctor. These include situations in which it is safer for your baby to be born, rather than stay in the womb. Common reasons include: It is two weeks after your due date and labor hasn't started. Your water broke, but no contractions started. An infection in your uterus is endangering the baby's health. The baby isn't growing properly. There isn't enough amniotic fluid around the baby. The placenta has started to break down or detach from the uterine wall. You have a health condition that is dangerous for you or the baby, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Do not elect to have an induction if it isn’t medically necessary. Some women try to schedule the birth at a time that is convenient, but the risks generally outweigh the benefits of doing that. Risks include: An increased likelihood of a C-section. If the cervix isn't dilated and ready, inducing may mean you need a C-section. The medications used to induce might stimulate too many contractions and cut off the baby's oxygen supply and lower its heart rate. Labor induction increases the likelihood that the umbilical cord will go into the vagina before the baby and get compressed during birth, lowering the baby's oxygen supply. Induction creates a higher risk that the uterus won't contract enough after the birth and that you will bleed too much. There is a greater risk of rupturing your uterus or getting an infection. Understand when inducing isn’t an option. Under these circumstances, inducing labor may be too dangerous. The placenta is blocking your cervix. The baby is in the transverse fetal position (crosswise) in the uterus. You have an active herpes infection. The birth canal is too small. A prior C-section or major surgery on your uterus which may make you vulnerable to rupturing your uterus. | Be patient. Do not use herbal remedies to begin labor. Quell your impatience with methods that are likely to be safe (though possibly ineffective). Undergo a procedure to sweep the amniotic membranes. Have the doctor dilate your cervix. Have the doctor help your water break. Take an intravenous medication similar to oxytocin (Pitocin). Discuss possible medical reasons for inducing with your doctor. Do not elect to have an induction if it isn’t medically necessary. Understand when inducing isn’t an option. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Sign-on-Minecraft | How to Make a Sign on Minecraft | To make a sign on Minecraft, gather 6 wooden planks and 1 stick. Open the Workbench and place your stick in the bottom middle square, then place the 6 wooden planks in the top 2 rows of the grid and click the craft button to create your sign. Place your sign wherever you want it to go, whether it's on the ground or on a wall. Once you have placed your sign, a text box will appear with 4 lines of text holding up to 15 characters each. Type your message, then click done. Once you complete the sign, the only way to edit it is to destroy the sign and make a new one. | Gather materials. Making signs means getting wood. Use an axe or sword to chop down a nearby tree. In order to make one sign, you will need: 6 wooden planks 1 stick If you haven't already, craft your wooden planks and stick. If you already have your raw materials, skip straight to the next step. If you don't know how to make wood into wooden planks, and finally, into sticks, read on. Craft wooden planks out of wood. One block of wood, crafted, will turn into 4 wooden planks. In order to make one sign, you'll therefore need at least 2 blocks of wood to craft. Craft sticks out of two wooden planks. Place two wooden planks in a vertical line on your crafting table to yield 4 sticks. Place your stick in the bottom middle of the Workbench. After placing the stick, place six wooden planks on top of the stick. The wooden planks should occupy both the middle and upper third of the workbench grid. Craft your sign. Take the sign and make as many signs as you'd like, given your raw materials. Place your sign anywhere you want. If you place it on the ground, floor, a stick will appear anchoring the sign to the ground. Place the sign on a wall and no stick will appear. The sign will also be placed in the direction you're facing; for example, if you're facing in a diagonal direction while placing the sign, it will face that way. You can place a sign on any of the following items: any block, including fences, glass, other signs, minecart tracks, and even chests (while sneaking). If you place a sign underwater, a water bubble will escape after placement. You can use this air bubble to breathe underwater. Type in your text. Once you place your sign, a text box will appear. This text box has four lines, each of which can hold 15 characters for a grand total of 60 characters. Once you complete the text of the sign, the only way to edit the text is to destroy the sign and place it again. Know that, depending on your version, liquids may not be able to pass through signs. Liquids such as water and lava cannot pass through a space occupied by a sign, making signs particularly useful as a water stopper (if, for example, you encounter an air pocket underwater and want to block off the flow of water). However, as of the 1.13 Aquatic Update, water physics have changed and will flow in the same block as the sign. Signs can also be used for the arms of a sofa. Craft two steps and place two signs on either side of the steps for a couch or chair. | Gather materials. If you haven't already, craft your wooden planks and stick. Place your stick in the bottom middle of the Workbench. After placing the stick, place six wooden planks on top of the stick. Craft your sign. Place your sign anywhere you want. Type in your text. Know that, depending on your version, liquids may not be able to pass through signs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Club | How to Start a Club | To start a successful club, begin by identifying the club's objectives and determining what you hope to achieve. Recruit members for your club from your own social circle, or even reach out to strangers on social media and classified sites. Select a date, time, and location for your first meeting and notify all potential members. Get to know your members and find out what they want from the club during the first meeting. | Identify the club’s objectives. Think about what kind of club you want to start and what you hope to achieve. You may want to meet with other people to discuss similar interests, take action on important issues, make or build things, raise awareness in your community, play games, design experiments, help other people, or any other number of reasons. Consider why you are forming the club, what the long-term goals are, what you'll do during meetings, and if you'll offer services or resources to members. Most clubs are hobby clubs, such as book club, chess club, garden club, math club, knitting club, running club, and science club. You could also form a faith-based club, a club dedicated to volunteering, a club that raises awareness of an issue, or a club for professionals of a certain industry. Choose a meeting location. You'll need a location for meetings that is easy for everyone to get to and large enough to hold all the members. If you want to meet at school, make sure you get permission from an administrator. You could also meet in a public space, like a park, café, or library. If you are meeting with strangers, it's best to meet in a public place rather than at your home. Once your club is established, you could meet at members' homes and rotate through a schedule so everyone is responsible for hosting a meeting. Select a meeting date and time. Now that you know where to meet, you need to decide when. Choose a day of the week when your potential members are likely to be available, such as a Saturday if the club is for working adults. Once you recruit more members, you can discuss everyone's availability and come up with a meeting schedule. Keep the meetings relatively short — one hour should be plenty for the first meeting. Begin recruiting members for your club. The best place to find members is from your own social circle. Ask family members, friends, classmates, and co-workers if they are interested in joining. Even if they're not interested, ask them to refer people they know who might be. You could also post ads online , using classified sites (like Craigslist ) or social media (such as Twitter or Facebook). Include the name of the club, the purpose of the club, and the date, time, and location of the first meeting in your ads. Don't forget to add your contact information as well. Pass out flyers or post them on bulletin boards around town, such as at coffee shops or on college campuses. Tailor your recruiting efforts based on the target membership. For instance, if you have a faith-based club, ask local churches if you can post flyers on their bulletin boards. Get to know the members and their hopes for the club. Be sure to notify every member of the date, time, location, and duration of the meeting. You could prepare some games or icebreakers so your members can get to know each other. Then, spend some time talking about what each member hopes to get out of the club, what they think it should focus on, and ideas for activities or events. For instance, you could play “Two Truths and a Lie” as an icebreaker. Each member should write down 2 true things and 1 false thing about themselves on a piece of paper. Then, other members can guess which item on the list is false. It's a fun way to learn about your members! To encourage members to open up, you could have everyone write down their hopes for the club and/or ideas for activities on scraps of paper. Read them aloud and have someone make a list of everyone's ideas. Keep it anonymous so there's less pressure. Determine how often you’ll meet. Check in with other members to find out how available they are. Ask what days and times are best for everyone. You may be able to meet every day after school or work. Or, if your members are pretty busy, you may only be able to meet once a month. Remember that not every member will be able to attend every meeting, and that's okay. Exchange contact information and communication preferences. You'll need to be able to reach each member of your club to notify them of meetings and the like. You can choose to communicate by phone or email, or even start a social media group that every member can be a part of. Before the first meeting ends, make sure you have a solid communication strategy. Some members may not use social media, so be sure come up with a strategy that includes everyone. You could call or text members instead of chatting online. Find out if there are specific rules for the club if it’s connected to an organization. If your club is arranged through a school, place of worship, or other organization, they may have specific rules for running the club. Speak to the administration to learn about any rules that need to be followed. For instance, if the club is run through your school, you may need to have a faculty advisor. Determine who will fill the executive roles. If your club is focused on taking action, completing tasks, or raising awareness, it will be helpful to have executive officers that organize these things and disseminate information to members. Typical executive roles include: President: the leader who runs the club and meetings and enforces the rules. Vice president: supports the President and is in charge when the President is absent. Treasurer: handles the club's money, keeps track of dues for memberships, pays the bills for the club's operations and activities, records of all debits and credits for accounting purposes. Secretary: keeps minutes of every meeting and reads them for correction or addition at each following meeting, gives a report of each event at meetings following the event. Vote on club officers and define their duties. If you have a large club, you may need additional club officers as well. Explain the role of each officer, then take a vote to determine who will fill each role. Spots you may need to fill include: Historian: keeps a record of activities and events that the club hosts, takes and keeps photos of group activities. Head of events: delegates club members to help in planning and organizing activities. Advertising team: responsible for creating flyers, posting to social media, and getting people to attend events, fundraisers, or activities. Work together to form rules of procedure for formal clubs. Rules of procedure can help you define communication and decision-making procedures. You can use rules of procedure to determine how long a member gets to speak to the club and who gets to speak first (if 2 members want to speak at the same time). Rules of procedure can also be useful in dictating how the club will make decisions, such as what kinds of votes will be necessary to approve decisions. If you have an informal club, you may not need to establish rules of procedure. Establish a budget and determine membership dues. The budget will depend on what kind of club you start and what you hope to accomplish. If your goal is to raise awareness for issues or host events, you'll need some funding. Much of this can come from membership dues paid monthly or annually by the active members. Your club can also host fundraising events to make money for equipment, activities, or events. You may also be able to find sponsors that will support your club financially. Host meetings on a regular basis. A club must be active in order to be successful! Make sure you meet regularly, whether that's five days a week or once a month. Encourage every member to attend the meetings. It's also a good idea to create a clear agenda for each meeting so that you stay on track and complete any tasks or goals you create. Be sure to give every member an equal opportunity to speak during meetings. You may also want to assign each member small tasks to help them feel involved and invested in the club. Stay in touch with the club members. Being part of a club means feeling included! It's a good idea to send out a brief synopsis of each meeting to members who aren't able to make it. Or, you could post updates on your club forum or social media page. You could even create a weekly or monthly newsletter that updates members on new developments. Encourage discussion between members outside of meetings through phone, email, forums, and social media. Continue to recruit new members. Ask your members to advertise the club to their family, friends, classmates, and coworkers. Word of mouth is a great way to find new members! Post or pass out flyers that advertise your club around your community. Be sure to include the date, time, and location of the next meeting or your contact information so people can learn more. You can also continue to post ads on classified and social media sites to find people who are interested in joining the club. | Identify the club’s objectives. Choose a meeting location. Select a meeting date and time. Begin recruiting members for your club. Get to know the members and their hopes for the club. Determine how often you’ll meet. Exchange contact information and communication preferences. Find out if there are specific rules for the club if it’s connected to an organization. Determine who will fill the executive roles. Vote on club officers and define their duties. Work together to form rules of procedure for formal clubs. Establish a budget and determine membership dues. Host meetings on a regular basis. Stay in touch with the club members. Continue to recruit new members. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Yelling-when-Angry | How to Stop Yelling when Angry | It can be hard to stop yelling when you're angry, but with a little practice, you'll be able to manage your anger better and get your point across without shouting. The next time you find yourself yelling, stop what you're saying, take a few deep breaths, and count to 10. This will help you calm down and focus on the issue at hand. If you're still not calm, take a short walk, even if it feels abrupt. You can tell the other person something like, “I need to calm down somewhere else. I'm going for a walk.” When you're ready to talk to the person again, sincerely apologize for yelling and ask if you can start the discussion over again. Try to avoid judgmental or accusatory words, like “you always” or “you never” since these might make you even angrier. Instead, simply try to explain how their actions make you feel. | Stop mid-sentence when you notice yourself yelling. The moment you hear yourself raising your voice, pause. Don't even finish your sentence. Think to yourself, “What am I trying to say? And what is the best way to say it?” Learning to stop yourself before or when you start yelling can prevent you from saying something you'll regret or jeopardizing your relationships. Breathe deeply to ease your anger. Deep breathing promotes the relaxation response, so after a few breaths you'll feel calmer and more in control. Draw in a breath through your nose for a few counts, hold it, then release it from your mouth for a few counts. Repeat until the tension fades. Count to 10 to calm down. Counting takes your mind away from what's making you angry and allows you to focus on something else. Start at 1 and work your way up to 10 or even 100 so that you can regain control of your emotions. You can count aloud or silently to yourself, depending on your preference. Get some fresh air. Leave the environment for a few minutes and take a walk around the block. Being in nature can help soothe you and clear your mind so that you can deal with your anger in a more appropriate way. Stretch to relieve tension. Use your timeout to relax your muscles. Stretch each muscle group of your body while taking deep breaths. If you are familiar with yoga, you might also do a few asanas to help ease tension in your body. Think before you speak. If you have a tendency to shout when you're mad, you are likely an “emotional communicator.” This means that you may tend to speak or act based on feelings and instincts, rather than reasoning things out. Taking a few moments to consider what you want to say can help you evaluate your reactions and communicate more calmly. Apologize for yelling. Extend goodwill to the other person and apologize. Communicate that you realize you shouldn't have yelled and would like to discuss the matter more civilly moving forward. Speak in a whisper. Ensure your tone and volume don't creep back into shouting territory by using a very quiet, “indoor" voice or a whisper. Speak as though you are in a library. If you are talking to your children, get in the habit of whispering or using a hushed voice when you are mad. Whispering has a double-purpose: it helps you keep your voice at an appropriate volume and it ensures that the other person will be fully tuned in so they can figure out what you're saying. Remove absolute language. Some of the words you use while communicating can actually make you even more angry. Drop absolute terms like “always,” “never,” “should,” or “must.” These words spark conflict because they are judgmental, accusatory, and leave little wiggle room. Use “I" statements. Get your point across more effectively using statements that express your feelings without attacking the other person. These might sound like “I feel unimportant when you arrive late for our meetings.” “I” statements help you take ownership for what you feel instead of putting it all on the other person. Avoid “you” statements that place blame, like “You don't care about me. You're always late!” Set a rule for yourself not to yell, ever. Yelling tends to be counterproductive in a conflict or argument, because it stresses the other person out and activates their fight or flight response. They are likely to tune out what you are actually saying and just get upset. This is especially true of kids. Make it a goal to stop yelling completely. It may take time for you to achieve this goal, but don't give up. If you find yourself yelling or about to yell, remind yourself of the rule and take a moment to calm down. Learn to spot anger cues. Take note of the sensations happening in your body. This can help you identify when you are getting angry so you can take adaptive steps to deal with it. Address issues immediately instead of letting them pile up. If you're the type to let things build and build until you explode, change your tactics. Set aside a set window of time to discuss problems. This should be regular and ongoing. For example, rather than blowing up at your spouse when they fail to complete chores for the third time in a week, address the issue during a nightly check-in. Do daily relaxation techniques. Make relaxation a part of your daily routine by checking in with your breath, doing mindfulness meditation, or performing progressive muscle relaxation. These strategies can help you keep stress and anger at bay, so you don't feel the urge to yell at the people around you. Try doing at least 1 relaxation exercise for 10 to 15 minutes daily. Practice self-care to reduce your stress levels. You may be getting angry and yelling a lot because your stress levels are too high. Take your anger as a signal that something in your life needs to change. Set aside time every day to do the things you need to do for your physical and emotional health, such as: Eating 3 healthy and nutritious meals a day. Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours a night). Taking at least a little time to yourself to unwind and do things you enjoy. Talk to someone you can trust. The listening ear of a partner, sibling, or friend might be just what you need to reduce tension or brainstorm appropriate ways of dealing with anger or solving problems. Reach out to your support system rather than bottling up your anger. If you don't have anyone you can trust, consider speaking with a counselor about what's making you angry. Evaluate if you need anger management or communication classes. If you're having a really hard time with yelling and other angry behaviors, you might benefit from a class that teaches healthy coping techniques. Think about your behaviors and how others react to you. Ask your therapist or doctor to recommend an anger management program if you feel you need one. You might need a class if: You find yourself getting angry often. Other people tell you that you yell a lot. You feel like other people won't understand you unless you yell at them. | Stop mid-sentence when you notice yourself yelling. Breathe deeply to ease your anger. Count to 10 to calm down. Get some fresh air. Stretch to relieve tension. Think before you speak. Apologize for yelling. Speak in a whisper. Remove absolute language. Use “I" statements. Set a rule for yourself not to yell, ever. Learn to spot anger cues. Address issues immediately instead of letting them pile up. Do daily relaxation techniques. Practice self-care to reduce your stress levels. Talk to someone you can trust. Evaluate if you need anger management or communication classes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Trigger-Finger | How to Cure Trigger Finger | To cure trigger finger, which is caused by repeated gripping motions, make sure to take breaks from repetitive tasks, like typing on the computer. Additionally, try applying ice to the inflamed tendon to reduce pain or swelling. You can also stretch the contracted tendon by holding onto the affected finger and slowly extending it while putting pressure on the sore area. If home remedies don't work, ask your doctor about wearing a finger splint to stretch out the area while you sleep. | Take a break from repetitive tasks. In most cases, trigger finger is caused by repetitive gripping of the hand, or flexing of the thumb or forefinger. Those who are farmers, typists, industrial workers or musicians are particularly susceptible because they constantly repeat certain finger and thumb movements. Even smokers can get trigger thumb from repeatedly using their lighters. As such, stop (or limit) the repetitive action that's inflaming your finger if you can and maybe the pain and contracture in your finger will resolve itself. Explain the situation to your boss and maybe they will give you different tasks to perform at work. Trigger finger tends to happen most often in people who are between 40 and 60 years of age. Trigger finger is more common in women. Apply ice to your finger. The application of ice is an effective treatment for essentially all minor musculoskeletal injuries, including trigger finger. Cold therapy (ice wrapped in a thin towel or frozen gel packs) should be applied to the inflamed tendon (it usually looks like a little bump or nodule in the lower part of your finger or in the palm of your hand, and will be tender to touch) in order to reduce the swelling and pain. Ice should be applied for 10-15 minutes every hour, then reduce the frequency as the pain and swelling subside. Compressing the ice against your finger / hand with a bandage or elastic support will also help control the inflammation, but don't tie it too tight because complete restriction of blood flow could cause more damage to your finger. Take over-the-counter NSAIDs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin can be short-term solutions to help you deal with any pain or inflammation in your finger. Dosage for adults is usually 200-400 mg, by mouth, every 4-6 hours. Keep in mind that these medications can be hard on your stomach, kidneys and liver, so it's best not to use them for more than 2 weeks at a stretch. You can develop gastritis or ulcers from NSAID overuse. Signs and symptoms of trigger finger typically include: stiffness (particularly in the morning), a clicking feeling as you move your finger, a tender nodule at the base of the affected finger and difficulty straightening the finger. Try stretching the contracted tendon. Stretching the affected finger might reverse the condition, especially if you address the problem during its early stages. Place your affected hand palm down on a table and slowly extend your wrist by putting more weight onto the table -- hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3-5x daily. Alternatively, grab onto your affected finger and slowly extend it while lightly putting pressure on and massaging the inflamed nodule (if you see one). Soaking your hand in a warm Epsom salt bath for 10-15 minutes prior to stretching may help ease the tension and pain in the affected tendon. Trigger finger more commonly affects the thumb, middle or ring fingers. More than one finger can be affected at a time and sometimes both hands are involved. Hand massage by a physical therapist may be best. Get fitted for a finger splint. Your doctor may have you wear a finger splint at night to keep the affected finger in an extended position while you sleep, which helps stretch it out. Splint use may be needed for up to 6 weeks. Splinting also helps prevent you from curling your fingers into a fist while you sleep, which can exacerbate trigger finger. During the day, take the splint off periodically to perform finger stretches or light massages. Alternatively, you can make your own by buying an aluminum finger splint from a pharmacy and attaching it with water resistant medical tape. Get a corticosteroid injection. An injection of steroid medication near or into the tendon's sheath can quickly reduce inflammation and allow normal, unrestricted movement of your finger again. Corticosteroid injection is considered to be the first-line treatment of choice for trigger finger. Typically two injections are needed (3-4 weeks apart) and it's effective in up to 90% of patients with trigger finger. The most common preparations used are prednisolone, dexamethasone and triamcinolone. Potential complications of corticosteroid injections include infection, bleeding, tendon weakening, local muscle atrophy and nerve irritation / damage. If corticosteroid injections fail to provide adequate resolution, then surgery should be considered. Get the finger operated on. The primary indications for getting a trigger finger surgically repaired is if it doesn't respond to any of your home remedies or splinting and/or steroid injections, or if the finger is severely bent and irreducibly locked. There are two main types of surgery: open trigger finger release surgery and percutaneous trigger finger release surgery. Open surgery involves making a small incision near the base of your affected finger and cutting open the constricted section of tendon sheath. Percutaneous release involves inserting a needle into the tissue around the affected tendon and moving it around in order to break apart the constriction. Finger surgery is typically done as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia. Possible complications from surgery include local infection, allergic reaction to anesthesia, nerve damage and chronic swelling / pain. The recurrence rate is only about three percent, but surgery may be less successful in diabetics. Treat the underlying infection or allergic reaction. Sometimes a localized infection can either mimic trigger finger or actually cause tendon contraction. If the joints or muscles of your finger become red, warm and significantly inflamed over the course of a few hours or days, then seek immediate medical care because these signs indicate a possible infection or allergic reaction to an insect bite. Treatment consists of incision and drainage, warm saltwater soaks and sometimes oral antibiotics. Bacteria are the most common infections of the hand and usually the result of untreated cuts, puncture wounds or ingrown fingernails. Allergic reactions to insect bites are relatively common, especially to those of bees, wasps and spiders. Treat the joint dislocation. A dislocated finger joint can sometimes mimic trigger finger because it's also painful and causes the finger to look bent or crooked. Joint dislocations are typically caused by blunt trauma, as opposed to repetitive strain, so they require immediate medical assistance to reset or realign the finger joint. Following realignment, a dislocated finger is treated much the same as trigger finger in terms of rest, anti-inflammatories, ice and splinting. An X-ray of the hand can readily identify a dislocated or fractured finger. Other health professionals (aside from your family doctor) who can treat a dislocated finger include osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists. Combat the arthritis. Sometimes the cause of an inflamed, contracted finger tendon is due to a bout or flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Rheumatoid arthritis is thought to be an autoimmune condition that aggressively attacks the body's joints, and it requires the use of strong prescription anti-inflammatories and immune system suppressors to combat. Gout is an inflammatory condition caused by uric acid crystal deposits in joints (typically in the feet, but also in the hands), which can affect related tendons and lead to contracture. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the hands / wrists and can grossly disfigure the joints with time. Your doctor may send you for a blood test to check for markers of rheumatoid arthritis. To reduce the risk of gout, cut down on purine-rich foods such as organ meats, seafood and beer. | Take a break from repetitive tasks. Apply ice to your finger. Take over-the-counter NSAIDs. Try stretching the contracted tendon. Get fitted for a finger splint. Get a corticosteroid injection. Get the finger operated on. Treat the underlying infection or allergic reaction. Treat the joint dislocation. Combat the arthritis. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Ketogenic-Diet-for-Weight-Loss | How to Start a Ketogenic Diet for Weight Loss | If you want to start a ketogenic diet for weight loss, limit how many carbs you're eating so they make up only 5-10% of your daily caloric intake. You should also include protein in your diet, which will help you avoid food cravings throughout the day. Aim to eat 25-30% of your daily calories in protein. The majority of your diet should be made up of fats, so eat a lot of foods like avocados, nuts, fatty meats, and egg yolks. If you eat like this for several days, your body should enter ketosis and start shedding water weight. | Talk to your doctor. Although the ketogenic diet is grounded in medical and nutritional fact, there is not a universal opinion in the medical community that the diet is effective for weight-loss. Your personal doctor will be able to advise you if the diet is a good fit for you personally. Some sources view a ketogenic diet as an effective way to counter the symptoms of certain illnesses — such as epilepsy — rather than a weight-loss diet. If you are pregnant or diabetic, work with your doctor so they can monitor and adjust your medications while you follow this diet. If you are type-1 diabetic, seek permission from a doctor well-trained in nutrition before you start this diet. Recognize the possible risks of a ketogenic diet. A ketogenic diet — and putting your body into ketosis generally — presents risks for anyone who suffers from heart or kidney problems. If you are at risk for heart disease or kidney disease, avoid ketogenic diets. A ketogenic diet prescribes moderate amounts of proteins, and large amounts of fats. A ketogenic diet will also add strain to your kidneys. Protein-heavy foods increase the amount of calcium in your urine. This, in turn, can strain your kidneys and lead to the development of kidney stones. Start with a general low-carb diet like Atkins to ease yourself into nutritional ketosis. The Atkins diet is heavy on fats and proteins, low on carbohydrates, and will encourage your body to burn ketones for energy. Atkins is a decent “middle ground” between a regular diet (often high in carbs) and a low-protein ketogenic diet. This step is optional, but may make the transitional period into a ketogenic diet easier. Calculate your “macronutrients. ” Macronutrients are nutrients which your body needs in large quantities, and they provide energy in the form of calories. Calculating your macronutrient intake will let you see the current levels of your fat consumption. With this information, you can decide how to reduce your carb and protein consumption, and increase your fat consumption. There are three types of macronutrients: fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Fats provide more calories per gram than either proteins or carbs. There are many macronutrient calculators available online. You'll need to input your height, weight, daily exercise, and dietary information. Eat as much as 20 or 30 grams of carbs daily. If you determine — through a macronutrient calculator — that you currently eat more than 30 grams of carbs daily, look for ways to decrease your carb intake. It's crucial to avoid carbs on a ketogenic diet, as carbs easily convert into glucose, which keeps your body from burning ketones for energy. You should only receive about 5–10% of your daily calories from carbohydrates, by eating about 20 – 30 grams a day. Focus on getting your carbs through salad greens and non-starchy vegetables only. Avoid carb-heavy foods like pasta and bread. Eat 2 – 8 ounces of protein several times a day. Protein is a necessary part of your diet, and without proteins, you will have very little energy. You may also feel hungrier or develop food cravings throughout the day. However, too much protein will diminish the weight-loss effects of a ketogenic diet. You should aim to consume about 25 – 30% of your daily calories from proteins. The amount of protein you eat will vary depending on how much protein you require as an individual. This is often tied to lifestyle, whether active or sedentary. Eat healthy fats with all your meals. Fats are the cornerstone of the ketogenic diet, and will encourage your body to burn fatty ketones for fuel. Typically, calories from fat should comprise 80 – 90% of your meals. (However, you cannot eat unlimited fats on a ketogenic diet; the calories can still add up and cause weight gain. ) Examples of fatty foods include: Organic butter and lard Coconut oil Fatty cuts of organic, grass-fed meat. Egg yolks and full-fat sour cream Homemade mayonnaise Heavy whipping cream and cream cheese Avocados and bacon Nuts and nut butters Don’t stress too much about calories. Unlike many other weight-loss diets, you do not need to actively keep track of the number of calories in the dishes you eat while on a ketogenic diet. Since a ketogenic diet reduces food cravings throughout the day, you'll likely be less motivated to eat excess calories anyway. If you do want to track your calories, use the following breakdown as a guide (assuming that you'll consume about 1,500 calories a day): 1,050 calories from fat 300 calories from protein 150 calories from carbohydrates Stay hydrated. Once your body is in ketosis, your kidneys will begin to release excess water which your body had been retaining. This retained water is a consequence of a high-carb diet, and once you reduce your carb intake, water retention will decrease as well. As a consequence, you may need to increase your daily water intake to avoid dehydration. Headaches and muscle cramps are a sign of dehydration. You may also need to increase mineral intake, especially salt and magnesium, as these are often lost when your body gets rid of retained water. Use a ketone meter to test whether you are in ketosis. A ketone meter will measure a small sample of your blood, calculate your blood sugar, and will inform you if your body is in ketosis. Certain ketone meters test urine rather than blood; however, testing your blood is more accurate than testing your urine. Ketone meters are commonly for sale at drug stores, and also online. If you are in ketosis, your body will burn its fat reserves, and you will begin to notice weight loss. Look for ketosis symptoms (also known as “keto flu”). Within three to seven days of starting the diet, you may notice symptoms like: strong-smelling breath or urine; slight nausea; high energy and mental clarity; fatigue; or diminished appetite with no cravings. If these symptoms last longer than a week, or increase in severity, you should visit your doctor. Severe nausea can lead to vomiting and dehydration, which are unhealthy when continued for multiple days. Many of these symptoms will vanish once you become keto-adapted. This symptom analysis can be performed in place of testing, if you are limited financially or do not want to test your blood or urine. Notice that your health has improved (after a few weeks). This should also be accompanied by weight loss, and any bloating or inflammation which you had previously experienced will have improved greatly. Ketogenic recipes are readily available online. Search online for various keto-friendly sites. Search in Pinterest (or similar apps) for good ketogenic recipes. Common recipes include rich “fat bomb” desserts, low-carb sandwiches, and light meals with avocado and salmon. | Talk to your doctor. Recognize the possible risks of a ketogenic diet. Start with a general low-carb diet like Atkins to ease yourself into nutritional ketosis. Calculate your “macronutrients. Eat as much as 20 or 30 grams of carbs daily. Eat 2 – 8 ounces of protein several times a day. Eat healthy fats with all your meals. Don’t stress too much about calories. Stay hydrated. Use a ketone meter to test whether you are in ketosis. Look for ketosis symptoms (also known as “keto flu”). Notice that your health has improved (after a few weeks). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Boy-to-Like-You-in-Fifth-Grade | How to Get a Boy to Like You in Fifth Grade | To get a boy to like you in fifth grade, try to be happy and fun when you're around him since boys tend to like people who laugh and have fun a lot. You should also try your best to be confident around him, even if you're a little nervous, by standing up straight, smiling, and making eye contact. Additionally, try asking him questions about himself, like "What did you do over the weekend?" or "What's your favorite movie?" to show him that you're interested in his life. You can also make him feel special by complimenting his clothes or his hair, but don't do it too often or you might come on too strong. | Let him see you having a great time. If you want a boy to like you, then he should see that you're a fun girl to be around. You don't want him to think that you're one of those people who always depends on other people for fun, or who stands around with a frown on her face, worrying or just feeling cranky. Instead, you want him to notice you and to think, “Hey, that girl is always laughing or having fun. I should try to meet her.” This shouldn't be fake – you should just aim to be the kind of person who is always having a great time, no matter what. This doesn't mean you should put a fake smile on your face if you're really not feeling it. However, you should try to cultivate a positive attitude by focusing on the things that make you happy in conversation, instead of complaining about every little thing that goes wrong. Even if you're by yourself or about to take a math test, try to look on the bright side and to keep a smile on your face. Not every moment of your life will be a sheer joy, but you can think about something that you're looking forward to later when you're struggling to stay positive. If you're just walking to class by yourself, you don't need to do it with a dopey grin on your face, but you should avoid frowning, looking bored as you search through your cell phone, or generally looking disengaged. If you avoid distractions and stare ahead with a happy, or at least neutral look on your face, then the boy is more likely to notice you. Have confident body language. When it comes to showing that you're confident, body language is half the battle. You should walk with straight posture and avoid slouching, whether you're sitting down or standing up. Keep your arms at your sides instead of folded over your chest so that you look approachable. Look straight ahead if you're alone, or make eye contact if you're talking to people, instead of looking at the floor. Though you may not always feel confident, showing confidence with your body language can go a long way in making you feel more secure. Another way to have confident body language is to avoid fidgeting as much as you can. Try to avoid biting your nails, playing with the bottom of your shirt or your hair, or anything else that will make you look nervous. When you're standing in a group of people, try to stand tall instead of shrinking back so you get noticed and feel comfortable. Don't be afraid to smile at him. You may be feeling shy when it comes to the boy you like, but a small, sweet smile can go a long way in making the boy notice you. All you have to do is smile at the boy when you make eye contact, and this will instantly make you look more friendly and approachable. You shouldn't try to catch his eye and smile at him every single time, but you should make an effort to smile at him if you lock eyes and it feels right. You should especially do this if you both pass each other in the halls, just to be friendly. If you're feeling shy about this, you can give him a quick smile and then look away. You don't have to look too eager – the goal is to look friendly and approachable so he notices you and wants to get to know who you are. Stand out to him. To get a boy to notice you, you should let him see what makes you different. You don't have to show off or hog all the attention to do this, either. If you love fashion, then let him see your latest homemade necklace or unique dress. If you like soccer, then talk about how much the sport means to you, or even invite him to watch you play. If you're known for your sense of humor, then crack some jokes in his company. Your goal is to make him see that there's something special about you, which will make him want to get to know you more. Avoid bragging about the things you're good at. Instead, just talk about how much you love to paint, write poetry, do gymnastics, or pursue one of your other hobbies, and he'll see that you're passionate about it. Don't stand out just for the sake of standing out. Dying your hair pink isn't a good idea if all you want to do is to get his attention; however, if you really do want pink hair, then go for it! Remember that if you're doing something just for the sake of attention, he will be able to tell. Don't use your friends to talk to him. At your school, it can be pretty common for you to ask your friends to talk to the boy you like for you. You may ask them to ask him if he likes you, or just to run up and talk to him for you. However, if you want to impress the boy and get him to really notice you, then you shouldn't get your friends to do the hard work for you. Show that you're more mature than a lot of girls your age and that you're comfortable enough to talk to the boy yourself. Whether you want to say hi or even feel ready to tell him you like him, you should talk to him on your own. He'll be impressed by this and will want to get to know you. Having your friends write notes to the boy, or even writing them yourself, also makes it look like you're afraid to talk to him yourself. Instead, just take a deep breath and talk to him face to face. Wow him with your confidence. Boys can be really impressed by girls who know who they are and who are happy with themselves. Though developing true confidence can take a lifetime, you can make an effort to love yourself and your life, so that you can use that energy to make others feel good about themselves, too. If you want to get a boy to notice you, then he should see you smiling, feeling good about yourself, and giving off a positive, satisfied energy. At this age, boys also tend to like girls who don't care too much about their appearance. You should still look good, just don't use excessive makeup or be obsessed with how you look, because that makes you look a little bit insecure. Here are some other ways to impress the boy you like with your confidence: Don't put yourself down in front of him. Instead, focus on the good aspects of yourself – without bragging. Being down on yourself just puts the boy in an awkward position, and you want him to feel comfortable, and to not feel like you need him there to feel good about yourself. It's okay if you're feeling a little nervous about talking to him. If you stutter, forget what you were going to say, or find yourself rambling on about nothing, make sure you're able to laugh at yourself a little and to brush it off. It's okay if he doesn't think you're the smoothest person in the world; what's important is that he sees that you're comfortable with yourself. When you talk about other girls, stick to the things you like about them. Nothing will make you look insecure faster than putting down other girls. Be nice to everyone who deserves it. Don't think that you should be a Mean Girl or to make other people look stupid just to get the boy's attention. If he's a good guy, then he'll be much more impressed by the fact that you're a nice person than if you're putting other people down or giving people the cold shoulder just to look cool. Instead, work on being friendly to any person who is nice to you, or even to someone who is a little shy; give people the benefit of the doubt until they prove that they're not worth it. If you're a generally nice person, then the boy will be more likely to know who you are, and to want to get to know you. Everyone has a reputation to uphold. If you're known for being a snob, then the boy will hear about it. Instead, be genuinely nice to people so you're open to more friendships and experiences. You don't have to be super outgoing to do this, either. Just saying hi to people and asking how their day is going can go a long way in helping you make friends and to come off like a nice person. If you hang out in circles where girls tend to gossip a lot of to be mean to each other, then ask yourself if it's time for a friend spring-cleaning. Even if you're not the one being mean, it's no fun to be associated with people who are being cruel. Ask him questions. If you want the boy to like you, then it's not all about making him think that you're a fascinating, awesome person. You have to show that you're interested in him, too. To do this, you have to ask him a few questions about his life to keep him interested and to show that you're more than just a pretty face. Make sure there's a balance in the conversation between talking about yourself and asking him questions, and he'll see that he likes talking to you a lot. Here are some questions you can ask him about: What he did over the weekend His plans for the summer or upcoming holidays His pets His favorite bands, TV shows, movies, or books His hobbies and interests Don't come on too strong. Another way to keep the boy interested is to not overwhelm him by coming on too strong. You can compliment him and make it pretty clear that you like him if he shares your interests, but you shouldn't glue yourself to him or constantly spend time with him. Give him time to miss you, to wonder what you're doing, and to appreciate that you have your own life. If you make your life all about him, then he'll lose interest pretty soon. You don't want him to think that you're too intense. Even if you really, really like him, you should wait for the relationship to deepen before you share your true feelings. One way to avoid coming on too strong is to avoid texting him or checking in on him all the time. You can check in with him to say hi, but don't make it seem like all you do is think about him when you're not together. Make him feel special. If you want to hold a guy's interest, then you have to make him feel like he's special to you – without coming on too strong, of course. If he starts treating you like you're special to him, then you should do the same, by paying a bit more attention to him in groups, asking him how he's doing, or even giving him a subtle complement about his clothes or something that isn't overly personal. If you want to keep the boy around, then he has to know that you care for him. You don't have to come right out and say it, but you can let your actions show that you care for him. If you're in a group, pay more attention to him than the other boys, but don't stick by his side the whole time. He should take the first step and come to you, sometimes. Don't give him the same compliments you might give someone else. Let him see that he really does stand out to you. Find common ground. Another way to hold a boy's interest is to find some common ground. You probably don't have everything in common, but having just a few things to talk about can help you relate to each other and keep the conversation going. Don't worry if you feel like you're really different people and you have nothing to talk about; once you relax a bit and keep the conversation moving forward, you'll find that you have more in common than you thought. Here are some common bonds you may find, which will give you a lot to talk about: A favorite sports team A favorite TV show or movie A favorite band Favorite video games Pets Friends in common Favorite hobbies Be a good listener. Another way you can hold the boy's interest is to be a good listener. When he talks to you, put away your phone or any other distractions that would keep you from hearing him out. Let him finish what he has to say before interrupting. Don't tell him that you know exactly how he feels any time he shares an emotion with you. Show that you really care about who he is and what he has to say instead of talking about yourself the whole time. Just make eye contact, turn your body toward the boy, and give him all of your attention to show that you care. Remember that it should work both ways; you should listen to him just as much as he listens to you. Pay attention to what he tells you so you can follow up about it later. If he tells you he has a big baseball game this weekend, for example, you can ask him how it went on Monday. This shows that you're keeping track of the things that he tells you and that it means something to you. Don't gossip or put other people down. If you want the boy to continue to be interested in you, then you should avoid gossiping or saying bad things about the people you both know, or you will give off the wrong impression. If you're always gossiping about other girls, then he'll think that you're mean and that you don't care about other people. He'll also sense that you're insecure and may think that you like to put people down just to feel better about yourself. You should avoid being that girl and talk about the things you like, or the things you're looking forward to instead. If other people around you are gossiping, just excuse yourself or even offer a different opinion. You don't want to look like a follower. Boys tend to hate drama. If you gossip in front of the boy, he'll think that you're the kind of girl who likes to bring on the drama, and he most likely will want to back off. Don't do anything you're not comfortable with. Though you're only in the fifth grade, which means that most people haven't kissed or done anything else yet, some boys will be ready to move further than you want. You should only kiss boys when you're ready, and you should never do it just because you think it'll keep a boy interested. If the guy you like is the type of person who will only like you if you kiss him, then he's not worthy of your time. Make sure that you feel completely comfortable before you do anything with a boy, and that you do it because you want to, not because you feel pressure. The real way to keep a boy interested is to be firm in your convictions and to stick to what you know is right. If a boy is pressuring you to do something before you're ready, calmly tell him that you're just not interested. Hold your head high and don't let him get to you. You'll feel much better in the long run. Be a fun person to be around. Guys in fifth grade don't tend to take life too seriously; they just want a girl they can have fun with. They're not quite at the age when they want to spend all of their time alone with a girl, and they're not really ready for intense relationships. Instead, they want girls who are lighthearted, who have fun friends, and who are spontaneous and up for trying something new. If you like to worry or are more quiet by nature, then that's fine; you can't change yourself, but you can work on keeping up more fun, lively conversation, and cutting down on the negativity and complaints, if you do that. It shouldn't be hard for you to burst into laughter. Don't hold back if something is funny and show that you're really having a great time. One way to be a fun person is to know how to make people feel at ease. Make eye contact with people, ask them easy questions about themselves, and introduce them to each other if they don't know each other. Make them feel at home, and they'll be more relaxed and more likely to have fun. Be nice to his friends. If you want the boy to like you for a long time, or even for him to ask you out and date you, then you have to make an effort to be nice to his friends. Though it can be hard to be nice to his group of friends, especially if you really don't know any of them or if you're just a naturally shy person, you have to try as hard as you can to make a positive impression on the people that matter to him. If his friends think you're mean to them, too controlling, or just plain annoying, then they'll let him know how they feel and may be able to influence him. Unless they're really mean people, you should stay on their good sides and show them what a great catch you are. If his friends are jerks, then you don't have to entertain them just for the sake of impressing him. But if they're nice guys, then you should try to be nice, too, even if you don't have all that much in common. Don't be frustrated if this takes a bit of work. It's only natural that a lot of girls and guys aren't super comfortable with talking to each other yet. Don't drop everything for him. If you want to keep things interesting, then you have to continue to do your thing. Don't stop talking to your friends, spending time with your family, going to swim meets, or doing the things you love to do just because you're suddenly spending time with your crush. While you should make time for him so that your relationship can grow, you shouldn't give up everything you care about for the sake of a boy. He'll respect you more because he'll see that you're okay with doing your own thing while maintaining a relationship. Your friends will always be there for you, no matter what, while it can be a different story when it comes to guys. Don't be the girl who drops her friends to hang out with a boy and then has to come crawling back to them when the relationship is over. Doing the things you love to do, from playing piano to drawing, makes you who you are. If you stop doing those things for a boy, then you're giving up a part of yourself. If you and the boy really like spending time together, then you can include him in some of your favorite interests, such as watching a show you like together. Check in when he's not around. If you want the relationship to thrive, then you should check in to say hi to the boy from time to time when you're apart. This could be when you're apart for a few weeks because of summer vacation, or just when you're apart for a weekend during school. You shouldn't contact him every five seconds, or even every day, but just a quick text, Facebook message, or even a phone call will let him know that he's still on your mind. Make sure that he returns your feelings and also gets in touch with you when you do this, so that there's a balance in your relationship. If he told you he has a big basketball tournament this weekend, send him a quick text the next day to see how it went. But don't try to text him right before the game or he'll feel a bit overwhelmed. This is where playing hard to get comes in. You want to check in enough to show that you care, but not so much that he thinks you're spending a lot of time thinking about him. Don't take yourself so seriously. At the end of the day, you have to remember that you're only in the fifth grade, and that the chances that the boy you like is your soul mate and that you'll be together forever – or even for a few months – are pretty low, so you shouldn't bank too much on your relationship. If he's not interested, then just smile, catch your breath, and prepare for the next boy who will come your way. And if he's interested but things aren't working out the way you planned, then you shouldn't be too disappointed. The important thing is that you enjoy your time at school and your friendships, and that you get something out of the relationship. As far as dating goes, you have a lifetime of boys ahead of you! The more relaxed you are about getting a boy to like you, the happier you'll feel because you won't be putting pressure on yourself. It's important to enjoy your life instead of fretting over getting boys to like you too much. In the end, the right boy will come along and sweep you off your feet. | Let him see you having a great time. Have confident body language. Don't be afraid to smile at him. Stand out to him. Don't use your friends to talk to him. Wow him with your confidence. Be nice to everyone who deserves it. Ask him questions. Don't come on too strong. Make him feel special. Find common ground. Be a good listener. Don't gossip or put other people down. Don't do anything you're not comfortable with. Be a fun person to be around. Be nice to his friends. Don't drop everything for him. Check in when he's not around. Don't take yourself so seriously. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-a-Lying-Best-Friend | How to Deal with a Lying Best Friend | To deal with a lying best friend, think about how often they lie and why they do it so you can work out if their lying is damaging your friendship or not. For example, if your friend says his uncle is a professional athlete to be cool, try to laugh it off. Or, if they lied about hanging out with someone you don't like because they didn't want to upset you, understand that they didn't do it to be mean and try to forgive them. However, if their lies hurt you or get you in trouble, you don't need to put up with it. Tell your friend that their lying bothers you by saying something like, “I appreciate when my friends are honest and straightforward. I'd like it if you told the truth to me in the future.” If they continue to lie to you, you should probably consider getting a new best friend. | Figure out their motive. People lie for different reasons and it's usually not clear-cut. Though your friend's lying may have hurt you, that may not have been their intention. Think about the underlying goal behind your friend's lie. What purpose did the lie serve? Did it get them out of trouble, make them look good in front of others, or prevent someone's feelings from getting hurt? For example, your friend may have told you they weren't seeing anyone, but you later find out they were secretly in a relationship. They may have lied because they weren't ready to introduce their date or weren't sure if the relationship was serious. Reflect on your own actions. Your friend may have lied due to extreme pressure or influence from you or someone else. To see if this is the case, look back over your behavior before the lie. Did you do or say something that influenced the lie? For instance, your best friend lies about seeing your girlfriend with someone else because you just said “Everyone is trying to tear us apart.” They may have lied so they aren't accused of sabotaging your relationship. Get someone else's input. Before you make up your mind about things, get a second opinion. Talk to a parent, sibling, or another close friend about what happened. Laying out the events to someone else could help you get a different perspective. Say something like, “Hey, Rita, I'm worried that Jen is lying about something. How has she seemed to you lately?” Be direct. A straightforward confrontation may be the best way to address your best friend's lying. Stay calm, call out the lie, and ask them to explain themselves. Use “I” statements to cut down on defensiveness. You might say, “I know you lied to me about having plans this weekend. I heard you on the phone with Sarah. Can you help me understand why you lied?” If you and your friend are in a group, you might pull them aside to confront them privately. Play dumb and ask for more info. Don't let your pal know you've caught their scent. Continue the conversation by querying them for more info. Ask clarifying questions that help uncover the truth. Let's say your friend lies and says, “Yeah, I didn't do anything this weekend, but study.” Don't say, “You're lying!” Go for a more subtle approach, like “Hmph, that's weird. Josh said he saw you down at the creek on Saturday. He must have been mistaken, huh?” Laugh it off. Act as though the lie were funny. Playfully deflect to get your friend to admit the truth. You might say, “Oh my goodness, I actually think your nose got bigger just now!” Letting on that you know they're lying without direct confrontation may ease tension and help you get to the truth. Ignore it. As hard as it may be, sometimes lies aren't worth the effort. If your friend's lie is minor and not hurting anyone, just overlook it. There's no use creating negative energy between you and your bestie over a little white lie. Express your concern. It can be hurtful to watch your best friend frequently lie for no apparent reason. Instead of lashing out in anger, show compassion for them and tell them that you're concerned. Let them know that you don't want to deal with dishonesty, and ask them if they feel like they can be honest with you. You might say, "Carly, I've noticed that your lying is getting worse. I'm really concerned. Do you want to talk to me about it?" Let them know you know about their lying. If you don't confront it directly, it may just get worse. Avoid engaging them. If your friend lies compulsively, one option for dealing with their lying is taking away your attention. Don't ask questions. Don't make any remark of any kind. Simply stare at them with a blank face. Perhaps, by doing this, they'll get the picture--that you're not falling for their lies--and stop lying so often. Limit what you share. If you get the sense that your friend is regularly keeping things from you, you may need to reevaluate confiding in them. Take a step back and refrain from giving your friend intimate information about you if they aren't returning the favor. Let your friend know that you will be happy to open up more when they are ready to reciprocate. Talk to someone you trust. Some people who lie are unable to control it. Pathological liars may need professional help dealing with the problem. If you suspect your friend lies without even thinking, it may be a good idea to confide in someone who can help. Consider talking to your parents, your friend's parents, a teacher, or other trusted adult. See if this person has noticed your friend's lying problem. Put your head together with this person to determine the best course of action for helping your friend. They may need to see a professional mental health counselor to understand what's at the root of their lying. If you have witnessed the destructive consequences of your friend's lying, use examples to convince them to get help. For instance, you might say, "You've gotten fired from two jobs in the past month due to your lying. It hurts to see you this way. It will make me feel so much better if you saw a counselor." Be forgiving. A big part of being a good friend is a willingness to grant forgiveness. Try to forgive your friend if you realize they had good intentions. You might even say, “I forgive you this time, but please tell me the truth next time.” Set strong boundaries. Boundaries are necessary for strong, healthy friendships. If your friend knows that you value honesty, then they will be more likely to tell the truth. Voice your boundaries by saying, “I appreciate when my friends are honest and straightforward. I don't want to be around people who lie and manipulate others. I'm sure you can understand that.” Get some distance if the lying is destructive. Although some lying is common, too much lying can be toxic to a friendship. If your friend's lying regularly hurts you or gets you into trouble, you may need to reconsider the friendship. Stop spending as much time with this friend. If they ask why, you might respond with “I like being your friend, but your lying is out of control. I don't want to be around that sort of behavior.” | Figure out their motive. Reflect on your own actions. Get someone else's input. Be direct. Play dumb and ask for more info. Laugh it off. Ignore it. Express your concern. Avoid engaging them. Limit what you share. Talk to someone you trust. Be forgiving. Set strong boundaries. Get some distance if the lying is destructive. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Sensitivity,-Specificity,-Positive-Predictive-Value,-and-Negative-Predictive-Value | How to Calculate Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value, and Negative Predictive Value | If you're conducting a test administered to a given population, you'll need to work out the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value to work out how useful the test it. To calculate the sensitivity, add the true positives to the false negatives, then divide the result by the true positives. To calculate the specificity, add the false positives to the true negatives, then divide the result by the true negatives. For the positive predictive value, add the true positives to the false positives, then divide the result by the true positives. For the negative predictive value, add the true negatives to the false negatives, then divide the result by the true negatives. | Define a population to sample, e.g. 1000 patients in a clinic. Define the disease or characteristic of interest, e.g. syphilis. Have a well-established gold standard test to determine the prevalence of disease or characteristic, e.g. darkfield microscopic documentation of presence of the Treponema pallidum bacteria from scrapes off a syphilitic sore, in collaboration with clinical findings. Use the gold standard test to determine who has the characteristic and who does not. For illustration, let us say 100 people have it and 900 do not. Have a test that you are interested in determining its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for this population, and run this test on everyone within the chosen population sample. For example, let this test be a rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test to screen for syphilis. Use it to test the 1000 people in the sample. For people that have the characteristic (as determined by the gold standard), record the number of people who tested positive and the number of people who tested negative. Do the same for people that do not have the characteristic (as determined by the gold standard). You will end up with four numbers. People with the characteristic AND tested positive are the true positives (TP). People with the characteristic AND tested negative are the false negatives (FN). People without the characteristic AND tested positive are the false positives (FP). People without the characteristic AND tested negative are the true negatives (TN) For example, let us suppose you did the RPR test on the 1000 patients. Among the 100 patients with syphilis, 95 of them tested positive, and 5 tested negative. Among the 900 patients without syphilis, 90 tested positive, and 810 tested negative. In this case, TP=95, FN=5, FP=90, and TN=810. To calculate the sensitivity, divide TP by (TP+FN). In the case above, that would be 95/(95+5)= 95%. The sensitivity tells us how likely the test is come back positive in someone who has the characteristic. Among all people that have the characteristic, what proportion will test positive? 95% sensitivity is pretty good. To calculate the specificity, divide TN by (FP+TN). In the case above, that would be 810/(90+810)= 90%. The specificity tells us how likely the test is to come back negative in someone who does not have the characteristic. Among all people without the characteristic, what proportion will test negative? 90% specificity is pretty good. To calculate the positive predictive value (PPV), divide TP by (TP+FP). In the case above, that would be 95/(95+90)= 51.4%. The positive predictive value tells us how likely someone is to have the characteristic if the test is positive. Among all people that test positive, what proportion truly has the characteristic? 51.4% PPV means that if you test positive, you have a 51.4% chance of actually having the disease. To calculate the negative predictive value (NPV), divide TN by (TN+FN). In the case above, that would be 810/(810+5)= 99.4%. The negative predictive value tells us how likely someone is to not have the characteristic if the test is negative. Among all people that test negative, what proportion truly does not have the characteristic? 99.4% NPV means that if you test negative, you have a 99.4% chance of not having disease. | Define a population to sample, e.g. Define the disease or characteristic of interest, e.g. Have a well-established gold standard test to determine the prevalence of disease or characteristic, e.g. Have a test that you are interested in determining its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for this population, and run this test on everyone within the chosen population sample. For people that have the characteristic (as determined by the gold standard), record the number of people who tested positive and the number of people who tested negative. To calculate the sensitivity, divide TP by (TP+FN). To calculate the specificity, divide TN by (FP+TN). To calculate the positive predictive value (PPV), divide TP by (TP+FP). To calculate the negative predictive value (NPV), divide TN by (TN+FN). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-Your-Dog-when-They-Run-After-Another-Dog-or-Person | How to Catch Your Dog when They Run After Another Dog or Person | If your dog gets loose and runs away from you, resist the urge to chase after it. This will make it think you're playing a chasing game, which will encourage it to keep running. Instead, try to get your dog's attention by calling it with a friendly, enticing voice, and call out words that it associates with rewards, like “treat” or “dinner time.” If calling with your voice doesn't work, try to distract your dog visually by throwing an interesting object, like a ball, to steer its path away from whatever it's chasing. You can also try running away from your dog to encourage it to chase you. Then, when your dog gets close, let it catch you so you can put its leash back on. When your dog returns, reward it with praise and treats to make it want to return to you more quickly in the future. | Resist the urge to follow your dog. You want to keep your dog in sight, but running after them is likely to make them stray further. It will also make them think that you're joining in the chasing game they're playing, which will only encourage them to continue running away rather than stopping. Call them with an enticing voice. If your dog has good recall (that is, responds well to "come" commands), it may be enough to tell them to “come” in your calmest, “here's-a-treat” voice. You want your voice to communicate that there will be a reward if they immediately stop their pursuit and return to you. Don't yell or let panic into your voice since this will very likely only agitate your dog further instead of encouraging their return. Lure them with buzzwords. If recall doesn't work, try enticing them back with words they associate with their favorite things, like “treats” or “dinnertime” or “catch.” Again, keep your voice calm and friendly to make the prospect of returning more attractive. If you are trying to lure them with the promise of treats, you can also try putting your hand in the pocket where you'd normally keep them so it looks to your dog like you're reaching for delicious rewards. Run away from your dog. It might seem counter-intuitive, but if your dog is chasing something, you can encourage them to chase you instead by running in the opposite direction. Be sure to make noise and flap your arms up and down as you run to make yourself as distracting as possible. When your dog gets near, simply let yourself be “caught,” and re-leash them when you are. Drop to the ground, and make strange noises. Since your dog is distracted, you want to re-distract them away from whatever they're chasing. If you behave in a manner that is strikingly out of the ordinary, you will not only recapture their attention but also encourage their immediate return to investigate what's going on. Dropping to the ground is unusual behavior for humans. When you pair that action with an unfamiliar noise, like singing or sobbing, your dog will take note and be curious enough to find out what you're doing. Stay on the ground avoiding eye contact with your dog until your pooch is right next to you. Don't make any sudden motions to capture them, since that might scare them away. Just calmly reach out, and grab their collar when they're within reach. Throw something interesting on the ground. Try re-routing your dog's chase by giving them something more fascinating to investigate. Call their name and throw something in a direction that will steer their path away from whatever they're chasing. If you have a ball, frisbee, or other toy on hand, try throwing that to engage your dog in a game of catch or fetch. If you don't have an obvious thing to throw, improvise by throwing their leash, your jacket, or a nearby stick or rock. Reward your dog upon their return. Once you have your canine companion under control once more, greet them with love, lavish praise, and treats if you have them. That way, your pooch will associate coming back to you with high rewards, making them less likely to be repeat offenders in the future. Never punish or discipline your dog when they come back. While you may want to communicate that your dog was wrong to run away, if you scold or punish them upon their return, they will associate that negative treatment with returning to you rather than with running away from you. Thus, it will actually have the opposite of the intended effect, making your dog more likely to continue chasing things. Avoid repeat offenses. The more you let your dog chase things, the more they will want to repeat that inappropriate behavior. If your dog has run after something once, it's important to prevent them from doing it again. Address the behavior immediately by eliminating opportunities to chase things and by training them to resist the impulse altogether. Keep your dog on a leash. If your dog loves to chase things and has not yet been trained to deny that impulse, always keep your pet on a lead when they are in a public or unenclosed area. Doing so is the only way to ensure the safety of your dog and your community. Manage your dog’s environment to prevent them from chasing. You can head off you pooch's inappropriate behaviors by anticipating them. If you are approaching something that you know your dog loves chasing, head in another direction or give it a wide berth. For instance, if they love chasing cars, choose a path that will avoid traffic or drive them directly to a park where there are no cars present. Give your dog plenty of appropriate exercise and play. If you give your pooch an alternative, healthier way to express their energy and instincts, they will be less inclined to go chasing after things for fun and stimulation. This means that you need to be sure that they're getting enough physical exercise to tire them out and enough mental exercise to keep them engaged. If your dog is high-energy but has a tendency to run away, you can still exercise them by running them in enclosed, designated off-leash areas. To stimulate them mentally, give dogs chew toys, play fetch with them, or have them sniff out treats that you've hidden. Expose your dog to a chase-worthy distraction in a controlled environment. You can stop chasing behaviors by teaching your canine to focus on you when they're tempted by distractions like joggers, cars, or other dogs. If your dog loves to chase cats, closely manage their encounter with one. Put them securely on a leash, and lead them into a room where they can see and learn how to appropriately react to a cat. If you're worried about your dog getting loose, it might be a good idea to put the cat in crate at first so that you can protect the cat and control their encounter even more. Remove your dog to a safe place each time it misbehaves. If your pooch growls, barks, and/or lunges at the cat, immediately remove your dog from the room. It's best to do so calmly but firmly and to bring your dog to a safe space like their bed or crate to reset their behavior. Once they've settled down, lead them back to the room with the cat to face it again. They will only learn to not react through repetition. Do not react negatively or punish your dog for their bad behavior. It will only make them more agitated and could make their behavior worse rather than better. Reward your dog for good behavior. You want your dog to associate choosing the appropriate behavior with gaining a reward. Thus, as soon as your dog ignores the thing it wants to chase, you should immediately give it a treat. Each time it focuses on you instead of the cat, lavish your pooch with their favorite treats and affectionate praise. Practice the same exercise off-lead. Once your dog has proven that they are able to face a distraction and not react at least three times in a row, perform the same ritual without having them on the lead until they can prove that they can control themselves without you physically restraining them. Even when your dog graduates to off-lead training, be sure that you continue to expose the dog to distractions within an enclosed environment in case they slip up. Once your dog has one distraction (like cats) down, introduce them to a different distraction (like a dog) in the same way to ensure that the lessons are taking hold more broadly. Be patient. Impulse control is a difficult thing to learn. Repetition over time is the only way to ensure the success of your lessons. It will take several training sessions over the course of several days (and potentially longer) to ingrain these alternative behaviors in your dog. Seek professional help if necessary. If your dog's chasing behavior persists in spite of your best training efforts, call in a professional trainer for a one-on-one consultation. They will assess your pet's behavior and offer alternative techniques to control and change your pooch's bad habits. Since chasing can be so dangerous, it's well worth investing in a private training session or two to prevent it in the future. | Resist the urge to follow your dog. Call them with an enticing voice. Lure them with buzzwords. Run away from your dog. Drop to the ground, and make strange noises. Throw something interesting on the ground. Reward your dog upon their return. Avoid repeat offenses. Keep your dog on a leash. Manage your dog’s environment to prevent them from chasing. Give your dog plenty of appropriate exercise and play. Expose your dog to a chase-worthy distraction in a controlled environment. Remove your dog to a safe place each time it misbehaves. Reward your dog for good behavior. Practice the same exercise off-lead. Be patient. Seek professional help if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Organize-Your-Backpack | How to Organize Your Backpack | To organize your backpack, start by emptying it and getting rid of any trash. Sort everything else into 3 piles, one with books, folders, and binders, one with writing utensils, and one with miscellaneous items like your lunch box or winter scarf. Then, fill your backpack's large compartment with books and notebooks, fill a smaller compartment or pencil bag with your writing utensils, and put miscellaneous items on top, where you can access them easily. Finally, to keep your backpack from getting too heavy, leave any supplies you don't need in your locker or at home. | Empty your backpack. Take everything out of your backpack first, including any smaller compartments. Next, tip it over a trashcan and shake it to get those last few scraps, crumbs, and bits of lint out. If you're starting with a brand-new and empty backpack, you're way ahead of the game. If your backpack is stuffed full of papers, books, and other stuff from your previous semester, empty it completely. Sort everything you’ve taken out into 3 piles. In your first pile, place all of your school textbooks, folders, binders, and notebooks. In your second pile, place your school supplies, such as pens, pencils, erasers, glue, etc. In your last pile, put the other items that you use on a daily or seasonal basis, such as your lunch box, scarf, mittens, etc. If you take your laptop to school, you should put it in the first pile too. Discard or put away anything that doesn't fit in any of these 3 piles, such as trash, candy, toys, extra phone chargers, etc. Put your school supplies into the compartments in your backpack. Backpacks typically have 1 large compartment and at least 1 small compartment. Open up the small compartment, and start putting your school supplies away into it. Some backpacks even have slots for pens, pencils, and cellphones. Use these for those items. If your backpack doesn't have a smaller compartment, get a pencil bag. Put your supplies into the bag, then put it into your backpack. Sort your school textbooks, notebooks, folders, and binders by subject. For example, put all of your English books, notebooks, and binders into 1 pile, and all of your Science stuff into another pile. If you have any loose papers, put them away into the right folder or binder first. If you need to buy new binders, folders, and notebooks, consider color-coding them. Use a different color for different subjects, like red for English and blue for Science. Stack binders with their spines facing away from each other. This will create a straight stack rather than a sloped one. It will take up less space. Pack only the notebooks, folders, and books you need. Unless you want to lag around a heavy backpack that is almost as big as you are, there is no need to pack everything. Each morning or evening before school, go through your backpack and take out anything that you don't need for the next day. Put everything that you do need back into your backpack. Leave the stuff that you don't need at home or in your locker. This also goes for school supplies. If you take art class once per week, there is no need to carry around your art supplies every day. Add an extra folder for parent-teacher communications. While not absolutely necessary, this can come in handy, especially if you are in middle school or junior high. If you get a permission slip or report card that your parents need to sign, you'll need a safe place to put it. Use a separate folder for this purpose. Place this folder behind or in front of the other books and folders. Change out your extra items with the season. Things like lotion, hand sanitizer, and lip balm may come in handy every day, so you can leave those in your backpack for the entire school year. Other items, such as scarves, mittens, umbrellas, and sunglasses, will only come in handy during certain seasons. You should leave these items out until the weather calls for it. Instead of using full-sized lotion and hand sanitizer bottles, go for the mini travel-sized ones. You'll need to replace them more often, but you'll also save space. If you live in an unpredictable climate, then having a warm hat or an umbrella might be a good idea. Take everything out of your hiking pack. For good measure, tip your pack upside down over a bin and shake it to get any bits of trash out. Only when your pack is empty will you have an adequate sense of what it can accommodate. If you've organized your pack in the same way for a long while, emptying it out completely can help you imagine new ways to organize it more efficiently. Be picky when deciding which heavy items to include. Even if your backpack feels light when you first pack it, it will start to feel heavy after a few hours of hiking. Go through the items you plan on putting into your pack, and find the heaviest ones. Decide whether or not you really need them for the trip. For instance, if you have a cooking pan you really like but rarely use, it might be a good idea to leave it at home. Consider replacing it with a lighter pan instead. How much your backpack weighs in the end depends on what you can personally carry and endure. Different people can carry different amounts of weight. Place lighter items towards the bottom if you have an internal frame backpack. When organizing an internal frame backpack, the area at the bottom should be reserved for light material, while the medium-weight stuff should be packed on top of it. The heaviest things should be packed in the middle of the forward-most area of the backpack. In other words, the heaviest items should be against the area that actually touches your back. Stack items from lightest to heaviest in an external frame backpack. Similar to an internal frame backpack, you want to start with the lightest items first. After that, you want to add the medium-weight items, and finally, the heaviest. Tuck them as tightly as possible against the forward-most area of the pack. The goal in both modes of organization is to center the weight on your hips so that you can more easily maintain balance. Place useful items in accessible locations. Items that you might use or need at any time – insect repellents, snacks, rain ponchos, and so on – should be placed in outer pockets. That way, you can grab and use them easily without having to stop, unpack, find the items, and repack. If your backpack doesn't have many outer pockets, keep the more useful items towards the top. Leave the items you seldom use towards the bottom. Tuck items inside each other to save space. Here is where you can think outside the box and get a little creative. Many items, such as cooking pots and bear canisters, take up a lot of space, but they are hallow in the inside. Why let all that hallow space go to waste? You can take advantage of it by filling it with useful items. For example: You can place shirts or rolled-up socks inside cooking pots. Rolls of duct tape can slide over hiking poles. Bear canisters are perfect for cramming with snacks and other scented items. Use your backpack’s compartments as intended. Many hiking and camping backpacks have special compartments that have been designed for particular purposes. For instance, many backpacks have space for a water bladder (typically located directly behind and at the top of the pack). Other packs have slots specifically designed for sleeping bags. Consult your backpack owner's guide to identify how the manufacturer intended the backpack to be used. | Empty your backpack. Sort everything you’ve taken out into 3 piles. Put your school supplies into the compartments in your backpack. Sort your school textbooks, notebooks, folders, and binders by subject. Pack only the notebooks, folders, and books you need. Add an extra folder for parent-teacher communications. Change out your extra items with the season. Take everything out of your hiking pack. Be picky when deciding which heavy items to include. Place lighter items towards the bottom if you have an internal frame backpack. Stack items from lightest to heaviest in an external frame backpack. Place useful items in accessible locations. Tuck items inside each other to save space. Use your backpack’s compartments as intended. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Permanent-Marker-from-a-Smooth-Surface | How to Remove Permanent Marker from a Smooth Surface | Permanent marker is called permanent for a reason, but with the right cleaning products, you can remove it from smooth surfaces. For surfaces such as wood, dishes, and painted walls, apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto a clean paper towel and rub the marker until it's gone. For smooth stovetops, use a gentle product such as white vinegar and a clean cloth to wipe away the marker. Computer and television screens need a gentle cleaner like a baby wipe. To get the marker off of walls, tile, and surfaces like leather, spray the area with hairspray and wipe it away with a wet cloth or paper towel. You can use WD-40 to clean marker off of glass, dishes, and smooth furniture. Spray a small amount on a paper towel and wipe it away. | Wipe the surface with vinegar. Dampen a clean cloth with distilled white or cleaning vinegar. Wipe the cloth around the smooth surface you wish to clean several times. This technique works well when removing permanent marker from smooth stovetops. Clean the affected area with toothpaste. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto a napkin or paper towel. Wipe the affected area with a vigorous back-and-forth motion. After the permanent marker has been completely removed, wipe the affected area with a damp cloth, then dry it with a dry cloth. For stubborn stains, apply the toothpaste and let it sit for five minutes before wiping it away. This will work best with a toothpaste that contains baking soda as a main ingredient. Gel toothpastes will probably be ineffective. This method is most effective when cleaning wood , televisions, dishes, and painted walls. Remove the marker with baby wipes. Damp and slightly soapy, baby wipes are perfect for removing permanent marker from smooth surfaces. Simply pluck a baby wipe from the container and gently wipe the smooth surface you're interested in cleaning. This is the preferred method when removing permanent marker from televisions or computer screens. Use a specialty product. There are a variety of specialty products available to help remove permanent marker from smooth surfaces. Specific directions for use vary with the product you've chosen to use. Generally, however, you can apply the product to the smooth surface that has permanent marker on it, then wipe it away with a paper towel or clean cloth. Popular products include Goo Gone, Watch Dog All Purpose Graffiti Remover, and Shadow Max Multi-surface Permanent Marker Remover. Try melamine foam. Melamine foam—commonly available as the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser—is a popular product for removing permanent marker from smooth surfaces. It works exactly like a sponge. Simply wet the product, wring it out, then wipe the smooth surface from which you wish to remove permanent marker. If the melamine foam proves ineffective on its own, trace over the permanent marker with a dry erase marker, then wipe it away with a Magic Eraser or similar melamine foam product. This works best when cleaning smooth painted walls. Clean the permanent marker with rubbing alcohol. Saturate a washcloth with rubbing alcohol. Wipe the affected area with it. After you've removed a good deal of the marker ink, scrub the rest of the color off with a damp sponge, or a sponge soaked in more rubbing alcohol. You may need to repeat the process multiple times. Some ink may remain. If you don't have any rubbing alcohol, you could substitute a hard liquor like vodka instead. Spray the area with hairspray. Choose a hairspray with a high alcohol content. Spray it on the affected area. Wipe the area with a wet cloth or paper towel. Multiple applications may be necessary. This method is effective when cleaning walls, leather, and tile. Use WD-40. To remove permanent marker from smooth surfaces using WD-40, spray a bit of it on a paper towel. Wipe the smooth surface that you wish to clean using a gentle back-and-forth motion. Repeat as needed. This works best on glass, dishes, and smooth furniture. Wipe the area with nail polish remover. Wet a paper towel or a cotton ball with some nail polish remover. Wipe the affected area with the paper towel using a gentle back-and-forth motion. Wipe the affected area with a damp cloth after applying the nail polish remover. Only use a nail polish remover that is free of any moisture additives or fragrances. This method is especially effective when cleaning countertops. Do not use nail polish remover on any smooth, painted surface. It might cause the paint to come off. Clean the affected area with bleach. Dampen an old rag or paper towel with bleach. Wipe the affected area with a gentle back-and-forth motion. Do not use bleach on any smooth surface that is covered with paint, as bleach may cause the paint to come off. Don heavy rubber cleaning gloves before using bleach, as it can irritate the skin. | Wipe the surface with vinegar. Clean the affected area with toothpaste. Remove the marker with baby wipes. Use a specialty product. Try melamine foam. Clean the permanent marker with rubbing alcohol. Spray the area with hairspray. Use WD-40. Wipe the area with nail polish remover. Clean the affected area with bleach. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-on-and-off-a-Ski-Lift | How to Get on and off a Ski Lift | To get on a ski lift, bend your knees slightly, and put both poles into one hand as you look over your shoulder to keep an eye on the approaching chair. When the chair arrives, you can reach for it with your free hand, then sit once it makes contact with the backs of your knees. As you approach the top, check to make sure that nothing is caught in the lift, and point your skis up. To get off, lean forward onto your skis once they're firmly on the ground and let the lift give you a push as you stand. | Pick a suitable mountain for your ski level, and a suitable lift on that mountain. Most lifts have signs indicating what levels (green/blue/black/red) of trails that lift services. Put your skis on. Grab your poles, but don't put your hands into the straps. Get in line for the lift; the higher up the mountain the lift goes, the faster the chair lift may move. Glide your way to the lifting area and keep your poles close to you. Stop on the marked line. If you'll be sitting on the left, put both poles in your right hand, and look over your left shoulder. If you'll be sitting on the right, do the opposite. If you'll be sitting in the middle, do it either way. Bend your knees slightly because the chair (lift) will hit them, but this is normal. As the chair approaches, you may want to reach for it with your free hand. Sit down when the lift touches the backs of your knees. Pull the metal bar down over you as a seat belt and you are on your way to the trail. Sit back in your chair and do not rock the chair. Watch the big towers for signs because they may give you information when you are close to the top. Lift the metal bar off of you when the unloading area sign on the towers says to. Double check to make sure you have all your belongings and nothing is caught on the chair. Make sure your scarf is not loose. Slide forward in the chair and point the tips of your skis upward. When you reach the unload area and your skis are touching the ground completely , lean forward slightly over your skis and stand up once you have balance on both skis, the lift will give you a little push. Glide your way off the unloading area quickly. Do not attempt to stop with a snow plough in the unload area - your skis will cross the person's next to you and you will probably both fall. Ski away from the other people, then stop if you want to. Choose the right trail because sometimes there are many to choose from, with different skill levels (colors). | Pick a suitable mountain for your ski level, and a suitable lift on that mountain. Put your skis on. Get in line for the lift; the higher up the mountain the lift goes, the faster the chair lift may move. Glide your way to the lifting area and keep your poles close to you. Stop on the marked line. If you'll be sitting on the left, put both poles in your right hand, and look over your left shoulder. Bend your knees slightly because the chair (lift) will hit them, but this is normal. As the chair approaches, you may want to reach for it with your free hand. Sit down when the lift touches the backs of your knees. Pull the metal bar down over you as a seat belt and you are on your way to the trail. Sit back in your chair and do not rock the chair. Watch the big towers for signs because they may give you information when you are close to the top. Lift the metal bar off of you when the unloading area sign on the towers says to. Double check to make sure you have all your belongings and nothing is caught on the chair. Make sure your scarf is not loose. Slide forward in the chair and point the tips of your skis upward. When you reach the unload area and your skis are touching the ground completely , lean forward slightly over your skis and stand up once you have balance on both skis, the lift will give you a little push. Glide your way off the unloading area quickly. Choose the right trail because sometimes there are many to choose from, with different skill levels (colors). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Wrist-Corsage | How to Make a Wrist Corsage | To make a traditional wrist corsage, decide on a color scheme using colors that compliment each other and your attire. Next, choose sturdy flowers, like roses or lilies, and a filler flower like baby's breath. Cut the stems of the flowers short and bind them with floral wire and tape, then attach the corsage band to the flowers with floral wire. Create a bow out of matching ribbon, attach it to the band, and use the floral wire to adjust everything into the position you like best! | Decide on a color theme. Stick to colors that compliment each other. Consider the colors found on the dress or suit, and make sure your theme matches appropriately. If for prom , consider using your school colors. You can look at an interior design color wheel for inspiration if necessary. Choose colors that are opposite from each other on the wheel — for instance, yellow and purple, or blue and orange. Choose your flowers. Purchase (or pick from the garden) flowers that are close to fully blooming, and keep them in water before you make the corsage. Plan on getting three to five blooms, depending on their size. In general, try to choose sturdy flowers that can hold up to some wear — they'll look better at the end of the night than delicate flowers, such as tulips. Here are some popular options to consider: Roses Daisies Orchids Lilies Cymbidium Choose a filler flower. This is an accent to the main flowers. It adds fullness to the overall corsage and highlights the color. Examples of filler flowers include: Baby's breath (gypsophila) Fern leaves Eucalyptus Choose your wristband. The flowers are the main event, but how you anchor your corsage can change the aesthetic. Try these options: Buy a corsage bracelet Make a band out of coordinating ribbon or lace Any band that is snug on your wrist Choose any coordinating trinkets, if desired. An accent to a wrist corsage can be eye-catching and personalize your corsage. Bracelet charms Pearls Lace Cut the stems of the flowers short. Leave about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) under the bud. Use wire cutters or scissors to cut the stems to equal lengths. Add wire to any flowers with too-short stems. Bind each of the flower stems with floral wire and tape. This will make it easier for you to bend the flowers into the position desired. Start from the top of the stems and work towards the bottom. The tape wraps at a diagonal, like the stripes on a barber pole. Make two rounds with the floral tape to completely cover the stems. Assemble the base of the corsage. Tape the primary flowers together in a bundle with the floral tape. Use the same diagonal method. Tape the filler flowers in a separate bundle. Again, use the same diagonal taping method. Bind the two bundles together with florist wire. Attach any trinkets with florist wire at this stage. Place the band in between the two sections. Attach the band to the group of flowers, again with floral wire. The flowers should be pointing towards the elbow. Form a bow out of ribbon. Several strands of thin ribbon or one strand of wide ribbon work best. The easiest way to form a bow is to make six loops of ribbon around your hand and cut off the ends at an angle. Slip the ribbon off the hand and, holding the loops flat, wrap another section of ribbon around the center of the loops and tie tightly. Start with the innermost loop of ribbon, slide it out and give the ribbon a twist to the left. Pull out the next loop and twist to the right. Continue pulling out the loops and alternating the twists until both sides of the bow loops are out. Hold the cut ends and shake the bow slightly to let it puff up. Attach the bow with the band and flowers. Use florist wire to arrange. Make sure the band is big enough to fit snugly on your wrist without cutting off circulation. Adjust as necessary. Cut a length of velvet ribbon long enough to wrap around the wrist. Leave 3 to 4 inches to hang down at each end. Coordinate the ribbon color with the dress and the flower. Fold the ribbon in half. Make a small slit in the center for the flower stem. Choose a large, healthy blossom. This flower should be able to stand on its own. Lilies, Sunflowers, Gerbera daisies, Hydrangeas, etc., are the right size. Cut the stem. Leave about 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm). Wrap the stem with floral tape to protect it and to keep it from slipping out of the slit after it's been inserted. Tuck the blossom through the slit in the ribbon. Use floral glue or tape to keep the blossom from moving. | Decide on a color theme. Choose your flowers. Choose a filler flower. Choose your wristband. Choose any coordinating trinkets, if desired. Cut the stems of the flowers short. Bind each of the flower stems with floral wire and tape. Assemble the base of the corsage. Place the band in between the two sections. Form a bow out of ribbon. Attach the bow with the band and flowers. Cut a length of velvet ribbon long enough to wrap around the wrist. Fold the ribbon in half. Choose a large, healthy blossom. Cut the stem. Tuck the blossom through the slit in the ribbon. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Acne-Redness-Fast | How to Get Rid of Acne Redness Fast | If you need to get rid of acne redness fast, wrap an ice cube in a washcloth and apply it directly to the swollen area. You can also dab lemon juice on the area and leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off, since lemon juice fights inflammation and has antibacterial properties. If you need to disguise the redness quickly, try using a green concealer under your usual foundation. If you're heading outside, apply oil-free moisturizer with sunscreen to the area to protect the inflamed skin. | Apply ice. Icing your problem area is the quickest (and cheapest) way to reduce the swelling that causes redness. Ice will reduce the size of your pimples, reduce the pain associated with your blemish, and even shorten the duration of a breakout. Ensure your skin is clean and freshly washed. Wrap the ice cube in a washcloth. You should never apply ice directly to your skin. Place the wrapped ice directly upon your breakout and hold for a minute. Give your skin a five-minute break, then reapply as needed for an additional minute. Coat with lemon juice. Lemon juice fights inflammation and has antibacterial properties. The surface of your skin is healthiest when it's slightly acidic — and your skin's ideal pH is roughly equivalent to the pH of lemon juice. Apply for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use caution in applying lemon juice if you have sensitive skin. This treatment is not recommended for people with darker skin tones. Lemon juice stimulates the melanocytes, or pigment-producing cells, in your skin to produce protective antioxidants. Darker skinned individuals have more melanocytes, which means their skin produces more antioxidants. As a result, application of lemon juice can produce skin spots, especially when the skin is then exposed to sun. Dab with milk of magnesia. Unfortunately, the concealing qualities of milk of magnesia are only truly effective if your skin happens to be the same tone as the milk. If this happens to be the case, this inexpensive cover up is worth pursuing — if not, you'll want to try something else. Treat with toothpaste. While this treatment should not be used on widespread acne, you can quickly minimize the appearance of smaller outbreaks by applying toothpaste to the affected area. Let the toothpaste sit on the affected area for at least an hour before rinsing (you may even try leaving it on overnight). Apply honey. Honey is a natural antibiotic and can reduce the inflammation that causes redness. You can use honey straight from the jar as a facial mask , washing it off after about 30 minutes. It can also be used as a spot treatment. Consider diluting honey with water and applying as a "honey toner" for overnight treatment. Thinly apply this "toner" and allow it to dry slightly before going to bed. Douse with eye drops. The drops you use for eye redness can also reduce the red appearance of your acne. Apply with a cotton swab or cotton ball and leave the solution on for about 30 minutes before rinsing. Cover using concealer. Note that applying makeup over active breakouts may cause additional clogging of your pores, so when possible it's best to avoid using concealer as a solution. When you need to reduce redness in a hurry, however, concealer is a quick and easy way to do so — just be sure to wash your face once you get home. Green concealer does a good job of canceling out redness and can then be hidden by using foundation in your natural skin tone. Bear in mind that oily skin can sometimes cause concealer layers to separate, rendering the green visible. You may also use gold concealer on white skin tones or brown concealer for Asian, brown, and black skin tones. Again, cover the concealer layer with foundation in your natural skin tone. Obtain tea tree oil. Tea tree oil kills the bacteria that cause acne and can remove redness and inflammation. This product may eliminate redness overnight, making it an especially helpful tool for combating redness quickly. It will reduce swelling over the course of a week or so. Sources differ regarding how high a concentration of oil is necessary for effective treatment. Many tea tree oil products are sold in a 5 percent concentration, which has proven effective over time. Consider seeking a 10 percent solution for quicker treatment. Test the tea tree oil on a small patch of skin before use. Tea tree oil can sometimes cause a rash or worsen rosacea. If you find that it is worsening redness, stop use immediately. Purchase a product containing alpha hydroxy acid. This natural acid is found in citrus and other foods. When applied to skin, it helps remove dead cells and unclog your pores. If you're seeking treatment of red acne scars, this may be an especially useful tactic. Alpha hydroxy acid increases your sensitivity to the sun, so make sure you wear sunscreen when outside. Consider a lotion containing green tea extract or zinc. Lotion containing a 2 percent solution of green tea extract has been shown to reduce mild to moderate acne. Zinc products may also reduce acne breakouts. Use an oil-free moisturizer containing sunscreen. For many people, sun exposure worsens acne. In any event, by reducing the threat of sunburn you'll eliminate one possible source of red skin! Choose products labeled "oil-free" or "noncomedogenic" to avoid further clogging your pores. Keep hair, clothing, and other irritants off your skin. The less you have touching your face, the less likely you are to introduce bacteria to your already-troubled skin. Wear hair away from problem areas, avoid tight clothing, and refrain from resting your hands or objects such as telephone receivers on your face. Consume foods containing vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant; it can repair skin and keep it safe from additional damage. Your body does not produce vitamin E on its own, but it can be absorbed through digestion or through the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties mean it can reduce redness on your skin. In addition, research suggests vitamin E is expelled from the body through the same substance in your skin that clogs your pores. This means you may naturally clear your pores by consuming vitamin E; the extra vitamin E may push clogs out of your skin. Sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach and other leafy greens, pumpkin, red peppers, mangoes, avocados, swordfish, and peanut butter are all good sources of vitamin E. Eat a diet rich in vitamin C. A water-soluble vitamin that works best in tandem with vitamin E, vitamin C regulates your skin's production of collagen cells. It also boosts your body's immune system, reducing your body's inflammatory response to the bacteria that cause acne (and thus reducing redness). Cantaloupe, citrus fruits, kiwi, mango, papaya, pineapple, berries, watermelon, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, green and red pepper, spinach and other leafy greens, cabbage, sweet and white potatoes, tomatoes, and winter squash are all good sources of vitamin C. | Apply ice. Coat with lemon juice. Dab with milk of magnesia. Treat with toothpaste. Apply honey. Douse with eye drops. Cover using concealer. Obtain tea tree oil. Purchase a product containing alpha hydroxy acid. Consider a lotion containing green tea extract or zinc. Use an oil-free moisturizer containing sunscreen. Keep hair, clothing, and other irritants off your skin. Consume foods containing vitamin E. Eat a diet rich in vitamin C. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Voodoo | How to Do Voodoo | Voodoo is a religion that borrows elements of traditional African religions and Catholicism. One of the best-known voodoo practices is making a voodoo doll, which is thought to help practitioners magically manipulate specific people. To make a simple voodoo doll, focus on the specific person you want your doll to represent. Cut out a picture of the person or collect a personal item, like a lock of their hair or a scrap of their clothing. You can then attach the picture or item to a small cloth figurine to make your doll. You'll need to visualize your intention for the doll, such as cursing the person or making them fall in love with you, and call on the appropriate voodoo Loa or deity to help you accomplish your goal. Finish up by sprinkling some water on the doll and saying a prayer to baptize it with the person's name. | Focus your mind on a specific person. Your voodoo doll needs to represent an individual person, so while you're making yours, you need to picture them in your mind. Voodoo depends on a connection between the visible world that we live in and the invisible world where spirits reside. Focus on the person you want your doll to represent to channel their spirit from the invisible realm. Find a photograph of your chosen person and cut it out. A voodoo doll needs to represent a specific person, and an easy way to do that is to attach a picture of that person to a doll in the shape of the human figure. Collect or print out a picture of the person that you want your voodoo doll to represent and cut out their figure. If you don't have a picture of the person, you can use a personal item that you collect from them, like a lock of hair or a piece of their clothing. Cut some fabric to fit the photograph. You'll need enough fabric to fit the same size and shape of the cut-out photograph. You can use felt, cotton, or any other sort of fabric to make your doll. Take a pair of scissors and cut the fabric to match the shape of the photograph. Use natural fibers like cotton, wool, or hemp as your material for a more authentic feeling voodoo doll. Sew the photograph to the fabric and fill it with stuffing. Take the cut-out picture and sew it to a piece of fabric cut in the shape of the photo, leaving an opening at the bottom of the figure. Fill the doll with stuffing by adding it through the opening. Once the doll is fully stuffed, sew the opening at the bottom closed. You can use any material you like to stuff your doll, but for a more authentic voodoo doll, use natural materials like moss or leaves. Visualize the purpose for your voodoo doll. After you've added the personal effects of the person to the doll, their energy pattern is imprinted and fused with the doll. Close your eyes and set an intention with the doll. Whether you intend to harm the other person or make them love you, hold the doll and channel all of your energy into your intention. Call upon one of the Loa to help ensure that the spell works. Focus on one of the Loa, or voodoo deities, and ask them to help make sure that the doll embodies the person you intend it to. Ask the Loa to help you accomplish your goal with the doll, be it good or evil. You can also make a doll that contains the spirit of a Loa to serve you. For example, you can concentrate on Ogun, the warrior Loa, while you make your doll to channel his courage and bravery into your doll. Go to your local library or look online to research the Loa so you can choose one that corresponds with your voodoo doll. Baptize the voodoo doll and give it a name. The final step of infusing a person's energy into your voodoo doll is to baptize it with water, repeat the baptizing prayer, and state the person's name in the prayer. Drizzle water over the doll and repeat the prayer 2 times, making the sign of the cross before you begin the prayer. State the prayer as follows: “I baptize you, (Person's Name), all that I do to this doll, I do to you. Amen.” You can use holy water or you can bless a vial of water. Cleanse the doll or release the spirit by baptizing it in salt water. Pin the voodoo doll of the person you desire next to your pillow. If you want a specific person to love you, make a voodoo doll that is infused with their energy and pin it to next to your pillow when you go to sleep. Speak to the voodoo doll and imagine that you are speaking to the person you want to love you. Voodoo practitioners believe that the person's soul will hear your voice and will want to be with you. According to the voodoo religion, pinning the voodoo doll to your bed will prevent the person you want from having physical contact with another person. Give someone anointing voodoo oil to make them your soulmate. Take 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of vegetable cooking oil, place 1 of your eyelashes in it, and allow it to sit overnight. Have the person you want to be your soulmate dip their index finger in the oil for 1 minute. Apply the oil from their finger to your lips and kiss them. According to voodoo belief, the person will then become your soulmate. The person needs to already be attracted to you in order for the spell to work. Bind names together on paper to make someone attracted to you. Take a piece of paper and write the person you want to become infatuated with you 4 times on the left side of the paper. Then, write your name 5 times on the right side of the paper. Melt purple candle wax and drip 4 drops of wax onto the left side of the paper and fold the paper so the wax seals it. Lastly, place the paper in a dish, cover it with water, and burn a red candle on top of the paper. As the red candle wax melts into the water, voodoo belief says that the person will become attracted to you. Write your lucky number on the inside of your underwear. Count how many letters make up the first and last name of the person you desire. The 2 numbers put together make up your lucky number for the love spell. Write your lucky number on the inside of every pair of underwear that you own. For example, if the person you desire is named Timothy Smith, then your lucky number would be 75. Timothy has 7 letters and Smith has 5 letters. Stick colored pins into a person’s voodoo doll to hurt them. Bright colored pins can be used to prick a voodoo doll that is bound to another person to harm them. For example, insert a red colored pin into the head of the doll to make them submit to your will. Insert needles into specific regions to cause pain to them. Stick a pin into the knee of the voodoo doll to make the person's knee hurt. Abuse a person’s voodoo doll to harm them. Submerge the doll in water to make them feel like they're drowning or struggling to breathe. Use a rope to hang the doll to torture the person the doll represents. Be creative and focus on the person and how you want them to suffer when you hurt their doll. Use classic torture techniques against the doll to inflict pain on the person. Be careful when applying fire or heat to harm someone because the doll may catch fire. Use the voodoo doll as a form of catharsis and let out your frustrations by imagining different ways to harm the person the doll embodies. Transfer a sick or injured person’s ailment to their voodoo doll to heal them. Make a voodoo doll of a person you know who is very sick or injured. Visualize separating the disease, injury, or illness from the person and transferring it into the doll. Then drive a nail into the point of the doll where the malady originated from. Followers of voodoo believe that the disease will be contained in the doll. Once the spell is performed, bury the doll or place it into moving water. Use white fabric to sew the voodoo doll. Perform the ritual during a waning moon. Cast a control spell to get someone to obey your commands. Write your target's name on a piece of paper. Fold a picture of them 3 times and put it into the paper, add a personal item like hair or nails, and fold the paper to form a package. Light 1 green candle, concentrate on the person, and call on Loa Simbi to help. Stick 1 pin into the green candle, light 2 more green candles, and stick a pin in each of them. Allow the candles to burn out completely. When the ritual is complete, take all of the items and offer them to Loa Simbi by throwing them into a body of water like a river or lake. | Focus your mind on a specific person. Find a photograph of your chosen person and cut it out. Cut some fabric to fit the photograph. Sew the photograph to the fabric and fill it with stuffing. Visualize the purpose for your voodoo doll. Call upon one of the Loa to help ensure that the spell works. Baptize the voodoo doll and give it a name. Pin the voodoo doll of the person you desire next to your pillow. Give someone anointing voodoo oil to make them your soulmate. Bind names together on paper to make someone attracted to you. Write your lucky number on the inside of your underwear. Stick colored pins into a person’s voodoo doll to hurt them. Abuse a person’s voodoo doll to harm them. Transfer a sick or injured person’s ailment to their voodoo doll to heal them. Cast a control spell to get someone to obey your commands. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Healthy-Teenager | How to Be a Healthy Teenager | You can start to be a healthier teenager by eating more fruits and vegetables and limiting processed foods like chips or ice cream! Also, try to exercise most days of the week, even if it's just going for a walk in the park or doing some crunches while you watch TV. In addition to eating healthy and exercising, make sure you're getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night, which will give you more energy and improve your mood. | Start eating healthier. Eating healthy is really important if you want to be a healthy teen. You don't need to go on a diet, just pay attention to what you're putting in your body. If you only ever eat sugary breakfast cereals and candy bars you aren't going to be healthy. Depending on your body and what works best for you, you can eat three meals a day or 5-6 mini-meals a day. NEVER skip meals. Try healthy alternatives, instead of having a bowl of ice-cream, opt for a frozen yogurt. Or try having apple slices instead of potato chips. Try to replace processed foods, especially those which contained added sodium and sugar, with whole natural foods like fruits and vegetables. Drink more water. This is basically the most important thing of all. If you drink more water you will be much healthier. It flushes the toxins out of your body and gives your skin a healthy glow. It also keeps your skin hydrated and helps prevent spots. It also helps if you have acne. As a rule of thumb, try to drink a lot to the point where your urine is almost completely clear. As a rule of thumb, try drinking half of your body weight in water everyday. Start exercising more. Whether it's walking in the park, or doing a couple of crunches do at least 30 minutes of physical activity several times a week. You should not exercise every day, when you work out you break your muscles down. It's the rebuilding that makes them stronger. If you don't give them time to rebuild, you're going to seriously hurt yourself. Try working out for 6 days a week and give yourself 2 days to rest and recuperate. Exercise will make you stronger and tone your muscles. You can go to the gym and swim or run on the treadmill, buy a few work out DVDs, or just go for a jog around the block. Whatever it is, exercising will make you healthier and happier about your body. It also releases oxytocin which helps reduces stress and calm the mind! Catch up on your sleep. During puberty you'll find you need more sleep than you did when you were younger. Sure it's tempting to stay up late chatting with friends on the phone or computer, but the next morning you'll be miserable You need to get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep every single night. To find out how many hours you personally should be sleeping, on a weekend go to bed at the time you do on a school night and don't set your alarm. When you wake up count how many hours you were asleep and get that many hours every night. It may be tough if you get back late and have to wake up early on a normal school day, but if you put the extra effort in of an early night you will feel much more refreshed the next morning. This will aid your concentration and you will be in a much happier and friendly mood. Also try to get the same amount of sleep everyday so that your body is adjusted to it. Learn about hygiene basics. The more you understand about hygiene the more likely you are to follow the rules on it! Take showers everyday. No, not every other day: every day. Because of puberty, your sweat glands are becoming more active, and are creating different chemicals that cause sweat to turn into a disgusting odor. So, to make sure you're getting rid of all this smelly odor,you should use a mild soap and warm water! Even if it's hot outside, you need to shower in warm water, because that opens up your pores which means you get to clean more of that smell off of you. Then rinse off in cold water to shut your pores and eliminate the amount of bacteria that makes you stink. Wear clean clothing and apply deodorant to your now clean armpits. Boys, that means changing your socks and underwear every day. Girls, that means washing your bra every day if your active or every other day if you weren't very active. Brush your teeth two times a day. Any more than this can wear down your enamel, weakening your teeth. When brushing your teeth, hold your brush at an angle so it lines up with your gum line. Brush back and forth making sure to get every single tooth. Be sure to use a soft bristle brush so you don't damage your gums. Use your brush or a tongue scraper to get rid of all the bacteria on your tongue. If you don't know this, bad breath mostly comes from either poor eating habits or poor brushing habits. After you brush for three minutes floss and use a good mouthwash. Though you should floss twice a day, if you're only going to floss once make it at night so you don't have pieces of food rotting between your teeth all night. Mouth wash and brushing your teeth alone won't get rid of bad breath, you need to floss to get rid of the pieces of food in your mouth. If you don't those pieces will gather bacteria which gives off a bad odor. Wash your face no more than twice a day with warm water and a facial wash for your skin type. Don't harshly scrub! Slowly and gently wash your face, using a circular motion. You should never pop pimples, this will lead to scarring and possible infection. Try to keep your hands off your face, otherwise the oils on your hands will transfer to your face and cause break outs. Ensure you are washing your face with a suitable anti acne cleanser to further help prevent break outs. Always remove makeup from your face before you go to sleep and keep your hair clean to eliminate the amount of oil that gets on your face. Be sure not to wash your face too much as it may dry up the skin completely and cause itchiness or irritation. Use a gentle cleanser with no harsh chemicals to reduce sensitivity and irritation. Wash your hair. Unless you have very oily hair, try not to wash your hair everyday. Over washing can cause an itchy or irritated scalp and dandruff, so only wash it when needed. Most people should wash their hair 3-4 times a week, but it depends on your hair type. Ask someone what they think, just because it doesn't look greasy to you doesn't mean it isn't. Use a shampoo and conditioner meant for your type of hair. If you use hair products every two or three weeks wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of all the buildup. Shave. If you're a teenage boy, you may start shaving your face, and if you're a teenage girl, you may start shaving your legs and underarms. Here's some tips: Don't skimp on shaving cream. Use as much as you need to completely cover the area. Alternatively if you have one, use an electric razor to start with as this requires no foam and can be used on wet or dry skin. Shave with the grain; this will give you a lesser chance of getting in-grown hairs which hurt a lot. Wait about half an hour before applying anything to the area, such as lotions or deodorant, or your skin may become irritated. Hang out with friends. Although this isn't usually a problem for most teenagers, it is very important to go out with your friends and meet new people. If you don't have many friends then make the effort to go out and meet some new ones; it's not as hard as it may seem! Join a club or sports team where you can meet people with similar interests to your own. Just try to avoid social events that involve dangerous or unhealthy activities such as drinking or taking drugs, as this will just cancel out everything in this article! Be patient with parents. Teenagers often have a rather bumpy relationship with their parents and tend to rebel against parental authority. However, it's important to remember that your parents are only concerned for your safety and happiness and if they don't allow you to do something it's probably because they don't think it's safe or in your best interests. Therefore, the best way to deal with disagreements is to have a calm, reasoned discussion with your parents, not a screaming tantrum. Remind them that you are a mature, sensible almost-adult who is capable of making good decisions. You'll get a lot more leeway if you use this approach! Be sensible about relationships. While having a boyfriend or girlfriend is all part of the fun of being a teenager, you shouldn't let your relationship take over your life. Make sure you take care of yourself before entering in a relationship. Don't ditch your friends in favor of your latest boyfriend or girlfriend -- he or she may only last a couple of months, but friends are for life! Don't be too heartbroken if things don't work out. You can be pretty certain that the guy or girl you dated for 6 weeks in ninth grade wasn't the love of your life! So get out there and meet someone new! Be sexually responsible. If you make the decision to become sexually active as teenager, make sure to do so responsibly. Always use protection and regularly get yourself checked out for any STDs. Maintain good relationships with your teachers. It's important to maintain good relationships with your teachers by behaving well in class, handing in assignments on time and maintaining good grades. Having a good relationship with your teachers can make your school experience much smoother and more pleasant and can really work in your favor when it comes to applying to colleges. Most of your teachers are smart, interesting people (even if you don't think they're cool) so respect them and learn all you can from them, before it's too late. | Start eating healthier. Start exercising more. Catch up on your sleep. Learn about hygiene basics. Take showers everyday. Wear clean clothing and apply deodorant to your now clean armpits. Brush your teeth two times a day. Wash your face no more than twice a day with warm water and a facial wash for your skin type. Wash your hair. Shave. Hang out with friends. Be patient with parents. Be sensible about relationships. Maintain good relationships with your teachers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Ingrown-Pubic-Hair | How to Get Rid of Ingrown Pubic Hair | To get rid of ingrown pubic hair, which can cause bumps, redness, and irritation, start by taking a hot shower to open your pores. If you've recently showered, you can also apply a hot compress to the area for 5 minutes. For more deeply rooted ingrown hairs, take a bath with Epsom salts to bring it to the surface and reduce inflammation. After the hair breaks through the skin, apply some pressure near it by putting your fingers on either side to help force it further upward. Then, with a pair of sterilized tweezers, pull the end of the hair out. Once the hair is out, apply a salicylic astringent to the area to avoid infection as well as neosporin if the area appears inflamed. | Stop removing your pubic hair until your ingrown hair heals. You need to leave the area alone so it doesn't get irritated or develop an infection. After you notice the ingrown hair, stop shaving, waxing, and plucking your pubic area. Let it grow until the ingrown hair goes away. While it might be annoying to let your hair grow, this will help you clear up your ingrown pubic hair much faster. Most ingrown hairs go away on their own in about a month. However, you may be able to remove it faster if you help bring it to the surface. Avoid picking at the ingrown hair because it can cause an infection. While most ingrown hairs don't get infected, breaking the skin increases your risk of infection. Leave the area alone so that you don't accidentally damage your skin. You might be tempted to try to dig out or push out the hair. However, this will make it worse. Apply a dab of hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching if there’s no chance you have an infection. It's common for ingrown hairs to itch, but you shouldn't scratch it because that could break the skin. Instead, cover the hair with a thin layer of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to relieve the itch. Use your cream up to 4 times a day. It's not safe to use hydrocortisone if you have an infection. If you see any pus, redness, swelling, or other signs of infection you should go a doctor. Read and follow the directions on the label so that you don't use too much hydrocortisone cream. Dab antibiotic cream onto the ingrown hair daily to prevent infection. Your ingrown hair will take a lot longer to heal if it gets infected. To prevent this, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic cream to the area once or twice a day to keep the area clean. You can find an antibiotic cream at your local drugstore or online. Apply a warm compress for 15 minutes to draw out the hair. Soak a washcloth in hot water, then wring it out so that it's just damp. Next, press the warm washcloth over your ingrown hair for up to 15 minutes. Repeat this up to 4 times a day, as needed. This will help the hair rise to the surface. You can also use a hot water bottle as a warm compress. Massage soap and warm water over the ingrown hair for 10-15 seconds. Wet the area around the ingrown hair with warm water. Then, apply soap to your fingers and gently massage the hair for 10-15 seconds. Finally, rinse the area with warm water to wash away the soap. The gentle massage and heat from the water may draw the hair out. Apply a natural exfoliator for 10 minutes to remove dead skin cells. An exfoliator can remove the dead skin cells that cover the ingrown hair, which might help it surface. Rub your exfoliator over the area, then let it sit for 10 minutes. Next, wet the exfoliator with warm water and gently rub it into your skin as you rinse it off. Here are some natural exfoliators you can use: Make a paste with 1/2 cup (110 grams) of brown or white sugar and about 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of olive oil. Mix 3 tablespoons (15 grams) of used coffee grounds with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of olive oil. Mix 3 tablespoons (38 grams) of salt with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of olive oil. Mix 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of baking soda with just enough water to make a paste. Ask your doctor about retinoids to remove the top layer of skin. For stubborn ingrown hairs, you might use prescription retinoids to remove the top layer of your skin cells. This usually causes the hair to surface. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is an option for you. Then, use your topical treatment as directed. You can only get retinoids by prescription. Place your tweezers over the rounded part of the hair. Your hair should look like a loop or like it's growing to the side. Since it's hard to see which end is the top of the hair, always pull on the middle area of the hair until the end surfaces. Rotate your tweezers back and forth until the end of the hair comes out. Grasp the hair with your tweezers, then gently tug the hair to the right. Next, twist the hair to the left. Keep rotating the tweezers until the end comes out. If you pull the hair directly up, it will hurt a lot when the hair comes out. It's better to work the end of the hair out and then pluck the hair. Make sure you're not digging the ends of your tweezers into your skin. Pluck out the hair once the end emerges from under your skin. After you've dislodged the end of your hair, you can remove it with your tweezers. Place the tweezers near the base of the hair, then quickly pull out the hair. At this point, your ingrown hair will be gone. Pulling out the hair will likely cause a little discomfort. However, it shouldn't be very painful. Wash the area with soap and warm water to clean it. Wet the area with warm water, then massage soap into it. Next, wash away the soap with warm, running water. This will make sure dirt and bacteria don't get into the empty hair follicle. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel or let it air dry. Apply an antibiotic cream to the area to help it heal. Use your finger or a cotton swab to dab antibiotic cream over the empty hair follicle. This will prevent an infection and speed up the healing process. Additionally, using the antibiotic cream may also help prevent scarring. Change your shaving routine to reduce the risk of another ingrown hair. Trim your hair short with scissors before shaving. Then, soak in a hot shower, bath, or with a warm compress for 5-10 minutes before shaving. Use a gentle unscented shaving cream and shave in the same direction as your hair grows. Moisturize and wear cotton underwear afterwards to reduce chafing. Consider using electric clippers, which can get hairs shorter instead of totally shaving them off. Consider laser hair removal from a dermatologist to permanently remove hair if you frequently get ingrown hairs. See your doctor if you notice signs of an infection. It's possible for your ingrown hair to get infected, especially if you break the skin. If you have an infection, you need to get proper treatment so it heals. Talk to your doctor if you notice the following symptoms of an infection: Pus Pain Redness Swelling Use an antibiotic as directed if your doctor prescribes it. If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe you an antibiotic. For a mild infection, you'll likely use a topical antibiotic. For a severe infection, your doctor might give you an oral antibiotic. Take your medication as directed so that your infection heals. Don't stop taking your antibiotic until you've used your entire prescription. Otherwise, your infection may come back. You don't need an antibiotic unless you actually have an infection. It won't help your ingrown pubic hair go away. Don’t try to remove the hair until the area heals. While you're treating the infection, you need to leave the hair alone. Trying to pull it out can make the infection worse. Ask your doctor when it's okay to try to remove your ingrown pubic hair. It's possible that your pubic hair will emerge on its own as your infection clears. | Stop removing your pubic hair until your ingrown hair heals. Avoid picking at the ingrown hair because it can cause an infection. Apply a dab of hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching if there’s no chance you have an infection. Dab antibiotic cream onto the ingrown hair daily to prevent infection. Apply a warm compress for 15 minutes to draw out the hair. Massage soap and warm water over the ingrown hair for 10-15 seconds. Apply a natural exfoliator for 10 minutes to remove dead skin cells. Ask your doctor about retinoids to remove the top layer of skin. Place your tweezers over the rounded part of the hair. Rotate your tweezers back and forth until the end of the hair comes out. Pluck out the hair once the end emerges from under your skin. Wash the area with soap and warm water to clean it. Apply an antibiotic cream to the area to help it heal. Change your shaving routine to reduce the risk of another ingrown hair. See your doctor if you notice signs of an infection. Use an antibiotic as directed if your doctor prescribes it. Don’t try to remove the hair until the area heals. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Vacuum-Chamber | How to Make a Vacuum Chamber | If you'd like to make your own vacuum chamber, start by finding a mason jar to use as your chamber, and a vacuum pump to help remove the air from inside it. To connect the pump to the chamber, trace a rubber stopper on top of the jar's lid so you can cut out a hole. Once you cut out the hole, shove the stopper into it until it fits tightly, then push the nozzle of your vacuum pump through the stopper. To ensure there are no gaps between the stopper and lid, apply a stream of super glue all the way around the outside edge of the stopper. When the glue dries, test out your vacuum chamber by putting something with a bit of air, like a marshmallow, inside the jar. Make sure to screw the lid on tightly, then turn on the pump to remove the air! | Trace the rubber stopper onto the lid of the mason jar. Place the mason jar lid on a flat surface. Set the rubber stopper on top of the mason jar lid. Use a permanent marker to draw around the rubber stopper, marking where you'll need to cut. Cut a hole in the lid with tin snips. You may need to punch a hole first with a nail and hammer, then cut it out with the tin snips. Go around the inside of the line you traced, as you want the stopper to fit snugly. If your stopper is small enough, you can also use a drill to make the hole. Place the lid on a flat surface you don't mind drilling into, and clamp it in place. Turn the drill on. Apply gentle pressure until the drill bit goes through the lid. Cut a hole in the rubber stopper. Shove the stopper in the hole in the lid until it fits tightly. If the nozzle of your vacuum pump can go through without a hole, just push it in. Otherwise, use an awl, ice pick, or screwdriver to dig out a hole big enough for the nozzle. However, make sure the hole is JUST big enough for the nozzle. Don't leave any extra space. Stick the nozzle from the vacuum pump into the rubber stopper. Connect up your vacuum chamber to the vacuum pump. Make sure the nozzle fits snugly in the rubber stopper. Find vacuum pumps at your local hardware store or online. Squeeze super glue around the rubber stopper. Use a steady stream of glue on the outside edge of the stopper, going all the way around. Make sure the glue gets down in the crack between the stopper and the lid. A fast-acting glue works best. Put something in your vacuum chamber and screw on the lid. You can use things such as a marshmallow or a tied-off balloon that has a tiny bit of air in it to experiment with your chamber. Put the item in the mason jar, and screw the lid on tightly. Use an item that's only about 1/3 to 1/4 the size of the jar, as it will likely expand in the vacuum. Remove the air by turning on the pump. Put the nozzle in the rubber stopper, making sure it is tight and secure. Turn on the vacuum pump to remove the air. Once it is out, turn off the pump immediately. If you try to keep pumping air, you could damage the pump. You can even just use a reversed bike pump to pull out the air for a simpler vacuum. Find or buy a pressure cooker pot. You don't actually need the lid from the pot. However, pressure cooker pots are stronger than standard cooking pots, so they will hold up better to the vacuum. You can use a regular stainless steel pot, though make sure it's sturdy enough. If you want to use a regular pot, try pushing on the side of it. If you can push it in at all, it's too soft for a vacuum chamber. Trace the top of the pot on a piece of a crystal clear acrylic sheet. The acrylic needs to be at least ⁄ 4 in (1.9 cm) so it doesn't crack. Use a permanent marker to trace the shape on the paper side of the acrylic. Mark another, larger circle around the one you just made. Make the new circle about ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) bigger than the smaller circle all the way around. It's fine if it's even a little bigger than that. You just need a big circle wide enough to cover the whole pot. Cut the circle out with a jigsaw. Clamp the acrylic to the table so it stays in place while you're cutting. Leave the circle you want to cut over the edge of the table so you can cut it with the jigsaw. To cut it, set the jigsaw on the edge of the acrylic and turn it on. Push it into the acrylic until you meet the edge of the circle, then follow the circle around. Always push the jigsaw away from you; don't cut towards yourself. Drill a pilot hole in the circle with a 7⁄16 in (1.1 cm) drill bit. You can put the hole anywhere you want in the acrylic, but near the edge is probably better, so you can see what's going on inside. However, make sure to put it at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) inside the edge of the acrylic so you don't affect the seal. Drill on the paper side of the acrylic. Peel the paper off the acrylic when you're done. Use pliers to screw in a 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) NPT tap. A tap makes the ridges for a screw, and this one will make the ones you need to attach the vacuum tube to the acrylic. Insert the tap with the ridges into the hole you just made, and use pliers to twist it down into the hole. Remember to twist to the right. "NPT" stands for "national pipe thread." Once you've screwed it in, take it back out. You're just making threads in the hole. Make a batch of proto putty from silicone and cornstarch. Start by squirting some liquid food coloring in a bowl; this makes the putty colorful, but the moisture also helps activate the silicone. Pour in enough silicone 1 caulk (100% silicone) to make enough putty for a large band that will go all the way around the lid. Mix the two together with a popsicle stick. Work quickly, as this will set in about 10 minutes or less. In a second bowl, pour in enough cornstarch to mostly fill the bowl. Dump the silicone and food coloring mixture into the bowl, and use your hands (with gloves on) to mix the silicone into the cornstarch. Coat the silicone with cornstarch to keep it from sticking. Knead the mixture for about 2 minutes, adding cornstarch if it feels sticky. Roll the proto putty into a thick rope that will fit around the rim of the pot. Place the rope on top of the rim of the pot, going all the way around. Press it down lightly with your fingers to set in place, then put the acrylic circle in place on top of it. Press down on the acrylic so that it squishes the dough out until it's flat, forming a seal with the acrylic. Leave it to set for about 10 minutes, and it should form a rubber-like seal around the top of the pot. You can now peel the lid and the proto putty away from the pot as needed, then put it back in place. Wrap the threads of each fitting in thread tape. Wrapping the threads increases the seal. You need to have a good seal to create a vacuum. Screw in a male-to-male nipple and a metal cross into the lid. Each of these should be ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) to fit the hole. Screw the nipple into the hole you made in the acrylic. Screw the cross into the part of the nipple sticking out of the acrylic. Use pliers to make sure these are screwed in well. Thread a 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) NPT ball valve on each side of the cross. These shut off-valves allow you to control the air in and out. You need one on each side of the metal cross, as one controls the air in, and one controls the air out. Use pliers to twist them into place. It's best to have the valve switch on top if you can manage it. Screw in the liquid-filled vacuum gauge. Screw this into the top of the metal cross. Use pliers to make sure it's in tight. You don't absolutely need this gauge, but it will tell you how much of a vacuum you're pulling. If you're not using one, cap off the top with a fitting or use a t-fitting instead. Screw a hose barb into one valve. A ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) hose barb is a way of connecting the hose to the valve. Turn it into one end of a valve, tightening as you go with pliers. Attach thick-walled clear poly tubing hose to the hose barb. Push the tubing over the hose barb at the end of the valve. It should just slide over it, though you may need to twist it a bit to get it all the way on. Choose ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) for the inside diameter of the tube, but make sure the walls of the tube are as thick as you can get them so the tubing doesn't collapse when you try to use the vacuum. Attach the hose to the vacuum pump. Look at the diagram for your vacuum pump to determine which port will suck in the air. Unscrew the cap, and screw in a 90-degree elbow hose barb with a ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) diameter. This barb will allow you to rotate the hose as needed. Push the hose over the barbed end of the hose barb, twisting lightly to get it in. Use your vacuum chamber by turning it on and turning the valves. Turn on the vacuum pump to start pulling pressure in your chamber. Use the valve connected to the hose from the metal cross on the pot's lid to control how much air is being pulled out. The other valve lets air in when you want to stop drawing a vacuum. | Trace the rubber stopper onto the lid of the mason jar. Cut a hole in the lid with tin snips. Cut a hole in the rubber stopper. Stick the nozzle from the vacuum pump into the rubber stopper. Squeeze super glue around the rubber stopper. Put something in your vacuum chamber and screw on the lid. Remove the air by turning on the pump. Find or buy a pressure cooker pot. Trace the top of the pot on a piece of a crystal clear acrylic sheet. Mark another, larger circle around the one you just made. Cut the circle out with a jigsaw. Drill a pilot hole in the circle with a 7⁄16 in (1.1 cm) drill bit. Use pliers to screw in a 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) NPT tap. Make a batch of proto putty from silicone and cornstarch. Roll the proto putty into a thick rope that will fit around the rim of the pot. Wrap the threads of each fitting in thread tape. Screw in a male-to-male nipple and a metal cross into the lid. Thread a 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) NPT ball valve on each side of the cross. Screw in the liquid-filled vacuum gauge. Screw a hose barb into one valve. Attach thick-walled clear poly tubing hose to the hose barb. Attach the hose to the vacuum pump. Use your vacuum chamber by turning it on and turning the valves. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Oval-Makeup-Brushes | How to Use Oval Makeup Brushes | To use oval makeup brushes, try using them to apply foundation, concealer, bronzer, highlighter, blush, and even eyeshadow. To apply your foundation with an oval makeup brush, apply the foundation to the back of your hand instead of directly onto the brush so the brush doesn't get overly saturated. Then, dip the brush in the foundation and brush the bristles over your T-zone, buffing the foundation with the brush on the sides of your nose. Then, use circular motions to apply foundation to your cheeks and chin with the brush. Finally, use the brush to buff foundation over your jaw and neck. | Pour some foundation on the back of your hand. Do not apply the foundation directly to the brush. Instead, pour a small amount of foundation onto the back of your hand. Then, dip the bristles of makeup brush into the foundation. If you're applying the foundation to all of your face, then use a large brush. If you're targeting certain areas, such as the forehead or chin, you can use a medium or small brush. Do not saturate the brush in foundation. If you do, you will get an uneven application. Instead, lightly dip your brush in the foundation and apply more foundation to the brush as needed. You can use liquid, cream, or powder foundation. Brush the bristles over your T-zone. If you are applying foundation to your entire face, begin applying the foundation to your nose and forehead. Apply the foundation to your entire forehead, and make sure to blend well around the hairline. Then, use a pulling or buffing motion to apply the foundation up and around the sides of your nose. Then, work from the center of your forehead outwards. Use small, circular motions to blend in the foundation. Use circular motions over your cheeks and chin. To create a natural look, you'll want a thinner layer of foundation over your cheeks and chin, where the skin is more even and generally has fewer blemishes. If necessary, add more foundation to your brush and spread it out from your T-zone, moving the brush to your cheeks and chin. Work the brush over your cheeks, then, still using circular motions, use the brush on your chin. Go back over your cheeks and chin using small circular motions to thoroughly blend in the foundation. Work your brush over your jaw and down your neck. It is important to apply foundation to the jawline and neck so that your makeup blends in with the rest of your face. Still using circular motions, work your brush over your jaw and down your neck. Make sure the foundation has been thoroughly blended in before completing your foundation application. Apply concealer if necessary. After you've applied foundation, you can also apply concealer for additional coverage. Use a small brush since it is easier to reach certain areas with a smaller brush, such as the inner corner of the eye. Dip the brush into your liquid concealer. Then, apply it to blemished or unevenly toned areas, such as dark circles under the eyes. Once the concealer has been applied, blend using small, tapping motions with the brush. For pimples, simply dot the blemish with foundation and then blend. Draw a line with cream bronzer along your cheekbone. Begin by swirling a medium-sized oval brush into the cream bronzer of your choice. Then, place the brush at the hollow of your cheekbone. Use the brush to draw a line along your cheekbone. Start the line where your cheekbone begins (closest to your nose) and extend it toward your hairline. Using small circular motions or a swiping motion to blend in the bronzer. Then, repeat on the other cheek. You can use powdered bronzer, but it is easier to blend cream bronzer with an oval brush. Create a small arc just below your hairline. Reapply a small amount of bronzer to your oval brush. Then, sweep the brush just below your hairline, creating an arc that follows your hairline. Blend in the bronzer with small circular motions. Especially focus on blending when you move out from the center towards your eyebrows to achieve a gradient effect. Contour underneath your jaw bone. Apply some bronzer just below the bones on both sides of your jaw. Applying bronzer to the jaw adds depth and gives your facial structure a sharper look. Use small circular motions to blend the bronzer in and then sweep the brush down your neck to thoroughly blend in the overall contour application. Apply bronzer to the tip and sides of your nose. Complete the contouring process by contouring your nose. Don't reapply bronzer to your brush. Instead, use whatever is leftover from contouring your jaw. Dab the brush on the tip of your nose and then sweep the brush down each side of your nose. Blend the bronzer in thoroughly. Add highlighter to complete the look. After you've contoured with bronzer, give yourself a glow with highlighter. Dip a small oval brush into the highlighter of your choice. Swipe the brush along the top of your cheekbone toward the hairline. To add extra glow, dab the brush on the tip of your nose, chin, cupid's bow, and the inner corners of your eyes. You can blend the highlighter with the brush or your fingers. Smile to find the apples of your cheeks. A smile makes you appear even lovelier, but it also helps you find the best location to apply blush. Smile and locate where your cheeks “puff up.” You will apply the blush to that part of your cheeks. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks with a medium-size brush. Using circular motions apply the blush to the “puffed up” part of your cheeks. Only a small amount of blush is required. Do not spread the blush all around your cheeks, or it may look overdone. Only apply it to the rounded “apples” of your cheeks. You can use cream or powder blush. Avoid applying blush close to your nose. It should begin on the apple of your cheek underneath the center of your eye. Blend the blush using circular motions. Using small circular motions that are directed toward your hairline, blend in the blush. Focus on blending in the edges of your blush rather than all of the blush. If you contoured, blend it in with your contour application. Choose a small oval brush. You may think that oval brushes only come in large sizes, but they don't! You can find small oval brushes as well. These are great for applying eyeshadow as they blend well to create a beautiful, even look. Sweep a light layer of eyeshadow over your lid. Dip the oval brush in the eyeshadow color of your choice. Then, gently sweep it over your eyelid to deposit the color. You can stop at the eyelid crease, or continue up to your brow bone if you're using a very light color. Define your eyelid crease with a darker color, if desired. If you prefer a more dramatic look, you can accentuate the crease of your eyelid. Use a smaller brush for your crease than your eyelid. Pick a color a few shades darker, but still in the same color, as the first eyeshadow. Sweep the brush back and forth over your eyelid crease to add definition. | Pour some foundation on the back of your hand. Brush the bristles over your T-zone. Use circular motions over your cheeks and chin. Work your brush over your jaw and down your neck. Apply concealer if necessary. Draw a line with cream bronzer along your cheekbone. Create a small arc just below your hairline. Contour underneath your jaw bone. Apply bronzer to the tip and sides of your nose. Add highlighter to complete the look. Smile to find the apples of your cheeks. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks with a medium-size brush. Blend the blush using circular motions. Choose a small oval brush. Sweep a light layer of eyeshadow over your lid. Define your eyelid crease with a darker color, if desired. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deadhead-Roses | How to Deadhead Roses | To deadhead roses, you should remove wilted, intertwined, or inward-growing blooms. To cut off these blooms, start by looking at the shoots for sets of 5 leaves that are growing in the direction you want future shoots to grow in. Then, use pruning shears to make cuts about 1/4 inch above the sets of 5 leaves. Make your cuts at a 45-degree angle, which will help prevent bacteria and fungi from growing on the shoots. | Gather the tools you’ll need to deadhead. You will need a sharp, clean pair of shears, gardening gloves, and a large bucket to haul away your clippings. Your shears should be able to make very clean cuts, but can be small enough to be held in your hand and make precise cuts. Invest in gloves that cover not only your hands but your forearms as well. Some rose bushes are very thick and tall, and will require you to reach into the bush to prune certain roses. Covering your arms will protect you from thorns. Learn to identify a spent rose and other problematic areas that need deadheading. Deadheading is done not only to promote more blooms, but it is also done to keep your rose bush healthy and free of fungal diseases and insects. Examine your rose bush and look for things such as: Spent roses. When roses complete their bloom, they will start to wilt or sag down towards the ground. Their petals will also become extremely loose and fall off even in the gentlest winds. These shoots will need to be deadheaded. Competing roses. Some roses may cross paths or be entwined together. These roses are essentially competing against each other to grow in the same small space, stunting their growths and their appearances. By deadheading these roses correctly, you can change the direction that they'll grow next time they bloom. Roses that grow inwards. You always want the union or the bottom base of your rose bush to have plenty of sun and water. A rose shoot that grows inwards will obstruct sunlight and water from reaching the union and possibly cause bacterial fungi to fester. Essentially, you want a rose bush with all shoots growing outwards and a clear path that leads to the union. Identify a 5-leaf set that is facing the correct direction. Observe your rose shoots and you'll probably see sets of 3 or 5 leaves. The correct way to deadhead a rose is to cut just above a leaf set that has 5 or more leaves. The 5-leaf set (sometimes called a true leaf) should be facing the direction you want your shoot to grow. For example, if you want your rose shoot to grow outward, cut at a 5-leaf set that is pointing outwards as well. Cutting at the 3-leaf set level can result in a non-flowering shoot called “blind wood”. This means, the shoot can no longer flower or grow anymore roses. However, the blind wood may flower the next season. You do not have to cut your shoot at the first 5-leaf set you see. Sometimes, a leaf set might be facing the wrong direction and you'll need to cut further down. Notice the bud eye. At the joining point of the leaf set and the shoot, you may see a dark dot just above it. This is called the bud eye and will be the point from which a new stem will grow into a rose. You should make your cut just above the bud eye. If you need to prune or deadhead many rose bushes, you may not have time to look for each and every bud eye. Fortunately, the bud eye is located very close to its leaf set. Just make your cut about ¼ inch (6 mm) above the 5-leaf set. Make your cut at a 45-degree angle. You never want to make your cut straight. The 45-degree cut will help water from your sprinklers or rain to run off of the shoot and avoid bacteria or fungi from growing on the shoot. There are conflicting opinions on whether gardening shears should be used at a 45-degree angle when pruning roses. Many sources claim the angle at which you cut does not affect how well the plant heals or how many blooms it produces. Consider placing a dot of white glue on the edges of the freshly cut shoot. It can reduce the risk of disease getting into the base of the plant. | Gather the tools you’ll need to deadhead. Learn to identify a spent rose and other problematic areas that need deadheading. Identify a 5-leaf set that is facing the correct direction. Notice the bud eye. Make your cut at a 45-degree angle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-if-a-Guy-is-Nervous-Around-You-Because-He-Likes-You | How to Determine if a Guy is Nervous Around You Because He Likes You | To determine if a guy is nervous around you because he likes you, watch his body language the next time you're together. A lot of people aren't very smooth when they approach someone they like, so look for signs like fidgeting. When you're together in a crowd, see if he naturally gravitates toward you or tries to make subtle body contact. He may also mumble around you, while talking normally around other people. If you text or message hime online, take notice if he sends you a lot of emojis. To return the feeling, send him some smiley emojis back, which may give him the confidence to ask you out. | Pay attention to his attitude. If you talk to him online, notice if he's confident and talkative, then see if he's the same way in person. If he likes you, chances are he'll be nervous/shy when you're right in front of him. Notice who initiates conversation. If you talk to him online, take note of who starts most of the conversations. If it's him, that's a good sign that he likes you. Watch the emoticons. These days people throw out emoticons all the time. It's usually a good indication of him liking you if he regularly sends you smiley faces. If you're flattered, send a smiley face back. It may give him the courage to ask you out. Wait for contact. When a guy tries to touch you in a casual way, that is a good indicator that he likes you. Beware of the creepier guys who may try to touch you in inappropriate ways. If it is done properly, then just smile and keep the conversation flowing. Watch for the showboat. Some men will take the primal route and try to impress you with their feats. Even the nervous type can embellish a story to you. Notice if he tries to grab your attention with a story about him “rescuing sea otters off the south pacific” or how his “dad played in Fleetwood Mac.” They'll usually go for something small like “yeah I play the electric guitar” or “did you see my touchdown last Friday?” If you like them back and they begin throwing out their feats, play along but quickly change the subject. See if he talks about you. You can't necessarily go out looking for this. It just happens if it happens. Sometimes if guys are interested they'll ask your friends about you. This is a clear indication that he likes you. Watch his body language. You can tell whether or not he's nervous around you from his behavior. Compare how he acts around his friends to how he acts around you. Does he convey some type of yearning around you? Watch for fidgets. A lot of men aren't smooth and have very little experience approaching a girl. A repercussion of our current age is an uneasiness which causes fidgeting. Watch to see what he does with his hands. See how close he is. He may try to get closer to you. See if he naturally gravitates towards you in a crowd. Even if you are sitting together, notice if he becomes close enough for subtle body contact. These are good indicators that he likes you. Notice his smile. One of the easier signals a guy can give is to simply smile. Sometimes men are just extra smiley, but if you notice a lot of smiles directed at you, it's a good sign. Watch the eye contact. See if he's looking at you when he thinks that you're not looking. He could do a variety of things if you catch his stare. He could look immediately down, look at you for a few more seconds then look down, or just keep staring. Look him in the eyes. If you feel like you've held eye contact with him for even a fraction more of a second than you would with anyone else, then there most likely is something there. Pay attention to questions. If a guy likes you and you're in conversation, he might ask you a bunch of questions. If he's smooth, then you may not even notice it. He's fishing for a similar interest that you two can share. Embrace a common interest if he becomes excited. Ask him questions in return to see if he is a phony or not. Listen to his tone. Sometimes men will change their tone of voice depending on who they talk to. Listen to him in a group with his guy friends. Then see if he talks the same way to you when you're alone. If he does talk the same, it doesn't necessarily mean he isn't into you. His voice should soften ever so slightly. Notice the mumbles. Some people naturally mumble. When guys like someone and they're prone to mumble, you might hear it. This is more characteristic of a shy guy. If you're in this scenario and want him to relax, rest your hand on his shoulder or his upper forearm. Listen for the mundane. A lot of times if you both like each other, it doesn't matter what you talk about. Two people who like each other can go on and on about the most mundane topics. Think back on your conversations. Recall if the subject matter was bleak, but your body chemistry is excited. Talk on the phone. If this guy likes you and you like him, try calling him on the phone. Why wait for the guy to initiate things. Take control and call him. See if the conversation moves naturally. Some people aren't phone people, but you can sometimes tell if they're trying to make an effort. | Pay attention to his attitude. Notice who initiates conversation. Watch the emoticons. Wait for contact. Watch for the showboat. See if he talks about you. Watch his body language. Watch for fidgets. See how close he is. Notice his smile. Watch the eye contact. Pay attention to questions. Listen to his tone. Notice the mumbles. Listen for the mundane. Talk on the phone. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Bruised-Ribs | How to Treat Bruised Ribs | Bruised ribs usually heal on their own within 3-6 weeks, but there are things you can do to reduce pain and stay comfortable in the meantime. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to your ribs for 10-20 minutes at a time to help reduce pain. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen, but talk to your doctor first if you have any medical conditions. Avoid doing any activities that make the pain worse. Try to breathe normally and cough when necessary to avoid developing a chest infection. Holding a pillow to your ribs can reduce pain when you cough or breathe deeply. If you have trouble breathing, run a fever, or develop a new or worsening cough, call your doctor or seek immediate medical care. If the pain doesn't get better after 3-6 weeks, contact your doctor, who may want to run more tests. | Ice the injured area on and off for 48 hours. Icing your ribs will help reduce pain and swelling so that the bruised tissue can heal more quickly. Stick to ice for the first 48 hours after an injury, and resist the urge to break out a heating pad instead. Take pain medication as directed. If every breath hurts, controlling the pain will go a long way to helping you feel better. Take an over-the-counter painkiller such as aspirin, naproxen, or acetaminophen according to the instructions on the bottle. Always consult your primary care physician before starting a new pain medication. Avoid taking ibuprofen for 48 hours after your injury as it may slow down healing. If you're under age 19, you're still at risk for Reye's Syndrome, so do not take aspirin. You can continue taking pain medications over the course of your healing process as long as your ribs continue to hurt. Just remember to take it as directed by your doctor or as otherwise indicated on the packaging. Apply moist heat after 48 hours. After a few days, heat can help heal the bruise and provide relief from the pain. Apply moist warm compresses, like a wet washcloth, to the area. You can also soak in a warm bath if desired. Avoid wrapping your ribs. In the past, the most commonly recommended treatment for bruised ribs was wrapping the ribcage in a compression bandage. Rest as much as possible. Now's not the time to exert yourself, especially if breathing is painful. Resting is the best thing you can do to heal quickly. Grab a book or turn on a movie, and take it easy while your ribs are bruised. Manage your breathing. It may be painful to breathe while your ribs are bruised. But, it's important to try to breathe normally and cough when necessary in order to avoid complications like chest infections. If you feel like you have to cough, hold a pillow to your ribs to minimize movement and pain. Take a deep breath whenever you can. Every few minutes, try to take one good, prolonged inhale, and let it out slowly. If your ribs are so damaged that this seems out of the question, try to take one deep breath every hour, on the hour. Try breathing exercises. When you feel like you can breathe somewhat regularly again, practice inhaling slowly for 3 seconds, holding your breath for 3 seconds, and exhaling for another 3 seconds. Repeat this pattern for a few minutes, once or twice a day. Don't smoke. When recovering from a rib injury, lung irritants can make you more prone to infection. Use this as an opportunity to quit smoking. Sleep upright. Lying down and rolling over at night can increase your pain. For the first few nights, aim to sleep upright, such as in a recliner, to minimize discomfort. Sleeping upright will also limit how much you move around at night and keep you from rolling onto your stomach, which should help with the pain. Alternatively, you can try lying on your injured side. Though it sounds counterintuitive, it may actually help you breathe easier. Seek immediate medical attention if you have shortness of breath or chest pain. Shortness of breath can indicate a more serious problem than bruised ribs. If you are suddenly short of breath, have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or are coughing up blood, call emergency services or seek immediate medical attention. Look out for flail chest. Flail chest occurs when you break 3 or more ribs right next to each other, and it can seriously hinder your breathing. If you suspect more than 1 rib is injured and you physically can't take a deep breath, seek medical help. See a healthcare provider if you suspect your ribs are broken. A rib that's bruised or cracked is damaged, but still in its place in the rib cage. A broken rib, however, is dangerous because it's been dislodged from its normal position, and could potentially puncture a blood vessel, lung, or another organ. Seek medical attention instead of attempting to treat yourself at home if you suspect your ribs are broken instead of bruised. Make an appointment with a healthcare provider if the pain is persistent or unbearable. Chest pain can have a number of causes, and some can be life-threatening. An accurate diagnosis ensures that you're treating the right problem. Your healthcare provider may order chest x-rays, a CT scan, an MRI, or a bone scan if a fracture is suspected to reach an accurate diagnosis. However, injured cartilage or bruises will not show up in these tests. Seek medical attention if: You're experiencing increasing pain in your abdomen or shoulder. You develop a cough or fever. | Ice the injured area on and off for 48 hours. Take pain medication as directed. Apply moist heat after 48 hours. Avoid wrapping your ribs. Rest as much as possible. Manage your breathing. Sleep upright. Seek immediate medical attention if you have shortness of breath or chest pain. See a healthcare provider if you suspect your ribs are broken. Make an appointment with a healthcare provider if the pain is persistent or unbearable. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Brave | How to Be Brave | If you want to be brave, start by admitting that you're scared and naming your fear, because this will help ease anxiety. After identifying what you're afraid of, try facing your fear and being brave for just 20 seconds at a time. Then, build up to more exposure by challenging yourself to do something that scares you, like learning an instrument or taking a class. Going forward, start every day with an affirmation to boost your confidence, such as, “I can be brave today.” | Admit that you're scared. Bravery doesn't mean that you're never afraid — it means that you're afraid, but you move forward anyway, even in the scariest moments. When you try to push emotions away, they often just become stronger. Instead, acknowledge that you feel the way you feel. You will be able to better deal with your emotions when you're honest about them. Say it out loud. Verbalizing what you're afraid of can bring it out into the open and make it seem more ordinary. You don't have to say it to anyone else, just to yourself. You can also try journaling. Write privately, but honestly, about what you're feeling. Stay away from judging yourself -- it isn't helpful to say things like, “I'm such a coward.” Focus on what you are feeling in the moment without judging it: “I am feeling afraid of the surgery I have to have tomorrow.” Validate your feelings. You should understand that your emotions are normal. Fear originates in the amygdala, a region in your brain sometimes called your “lizard brain” because it deals with primal emotions, and everyone experiences it. Judging yourself for your feelings isn't helpful, and it won't lead to bravery. It can be helpful to read stories by people who have faced their fears and overcome them. This can help you understand that you aren't alone in feeling afraid, which can make it easier for you to accept this emotion in yourself. Name your fear. Sometimes, we aren't even sure what we're afraid of. That uncertainty can increase anxiety, which then makes us feel even more afraid. Take some time to identify what may be causing these feelings of fear. You may find that self-reflection is helpful. Try being as specific and detailed as possible. For example: “I'm feeling afraid. I feel it everywhere in my body. I feel nauseated. I don't know why I'm afraid right now. Things that could be causing this fear could be my worry about my partner's health, or my concern about keeping my job, or feeling like the Lakers aren't going to win the championship this year.” You may also find it helpful to talk with a mental health professional. Many people believe the myth that therapy is only for people who have huge, insurmountable problems, but this isn't true at all. If you consistently have trouble being afraid, a therapist or counselor could help you identify why and come up with strategies to address it. Examine your fears. We tend to be afraid when we perceive some harm or threat to ourselves (or others). Some fears are legitimate, but others do more harm than good. Take a good look at your fears and decide whether you think they're helpful or harmful. For example, being afraid of skydiving when you have never had a lesson is a reasonable fear. You don't have any training or skills in that area and could get hurt. However, you could address this fear by taking lessons and learning more about skydiving. You might still feel a tinge of fear when you're up in the plane, but you will have taken all the actions that you can control. On the other hand, being afraid to finish writing your book because you're afraid of how others will judge it isn't really helpful. You don't have control of others' reactions, but you can control what you do. In this case, the only thing holding you back is fear itself. Your fears may also manifest as unchangeable and global. Take a step back and examine them. For example, “I'm just not brave enough to travel on my own” assumes that your fear is inherent and permanent. Instead, focus on what you can do to overcome that fear : “I am afraid to travel on my own. I can do research about the place I travel to so I feel more comfortable when I get there. I can take self-defense classes so I feel stronger.” Accept vulnerability. A common reason we're afraid is because we worry about being vulnerable. With vulnerability comes the possibility of uncertainty, hurt, or risk. However, being vulnerable also opens you to love, connection, and empathy. Learning to accept vulnerability as a fact of life can help you worry less about your fears. One way to be brave is to accept that everything is a risk. All the things you do in a day — from getting out of bed to eating dinner — carry some level of risk. But that doesn't stop you from living your life. Neither should the things you're afraid of. The fear of failure is another very common fear. Try to think of things not in terms of failure or success but in terms of what you can learn from them. This way, all things are helpful in some way, even if it isn't in the way you expected. Focus on what you can control. You can't help being afraid of something — it's an emotional response you can't change. However, you can control what you do about it. Keep your attention focused on your actions, not your involuntary responses. Remember that you also can't control the outcomes of any action. You can only control what you do. Let go of the idea that you “have” to control how any action turns out -- you simply cannot control this. Focus on your actions, not their results. Find a role model. If you're having a hard time seeing your way out of a situation, try modeling your behavior after someone else who's faced adversity. Not only can this give you a good dose of perspective ("Wow, at least my problem isn't as bad as that"), it might inspire you to be more courageous. Look for a role model among people you already know. If you feel comfortable enough, consider asking them how they dealt with situations that required bravery. Read about brave historical figures. Look up the life stories of people who are renowned for facing adversity with bravery, such as Theodore Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman or Joan of Arc, freedom fighters, rebels, etc. Develop mental resilience. Bravery requires you to be “tough” when you encounter scary or difficult situations. Mental resilience is more than just a tough front, though. To be truly resilient, you need to practice the following: Flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing situations. It's the ability to stay away from defensiveness if something goes wrong. It's the ability to look for new ways to approach a problem or situation. You can develop flexibility by recognizing the potential for learning in all situations, and by developing a mindset of curiosity rather than worry. Engagement. In order to be brave about a situation, you have to face it head-on. Truly brave people examine the situation and identify how to approach it, rather than trying to run away or ignore the problem. Breaking down a situation into smaller elements can help you face troubling situations. You can also try to imagine the best possible scenario, rather than the worst possible one. Persistence. Things may not always go smoothly. Brave people understand this and get back up when they fall down. You can help yourself become persistent by defining what actions you need to take every step of the way. It's much easier to face a setback if you know that the next step you need to take is achievable, rather than a monumental task. Challenge negative thoughts. We all get stuck in unhelpful ways of thinking, or “cognitive distortions,” from time to time. When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts about yourself or a situation, challenge yourself to examine what evidence you really have for these thoughts, or reframe them in positive terms. Generalizing is a common distortion. For example, “I'm such a coward” is a generalizing statement about yourself that isn't true. You may experience fear, but that doesn't make you “a coward.” Refocus onto what you're feeling in the moment. For example: “I am feeling afraid about this big date tomorrow because I'm nervous that my date won't like me.” This will help you avoid holding unhealthy (and inaccurate) beliefs about yourself. Catastrophizing is another distortion that can cause fear responses. When you catastrophize, you blow an event or experience out of proportion until it spirals out of control. For example: “My boss didn't look at me when I passed her in the hall. She's probably mad at me. I've probably done something wrong. She might fire me. I'll lose my house.” This obviously is a worst-case scenario that's extremely unlikely to happen. Challenge these thoughts by requiring yourself to examine the evidence for each stage of your assumption. For example: “My boss didn't look at me when I passed her in the hall. She could be angry with me. She could also be distracted by something else. She may not have even seen me. Assuming she's angry with me doesn't make sense; I'll ask her if everything is all right before I get too upset.” Reject perfectionism. Perfectionism is the culprit behind many fears. We may be so afraid that our efforts won't be “perfect” that we don't even attempt them. It's a common myth that perfectionism is the same as healthy ambition, or a drive for excellence. In reality, perfectionism tries to keep us from ever experiencing loss or failure -- and that just isn't possible in life. Perfectionism can cause you to be so harsh on yourself that you view things that are really accomplishments as “failures” because they don't live up to your unreasonable standards. For example, a perfectionist might consider earning a B in history a “failure” because it isn't a perfect grade. A student who is fair to herself could view it as a success, because she worked as hard as she could in the class. Focusing on your process, rather than its outcomes, can help you beat perfectionism. Perfectionism can often lead to a sense of shame in yourself because it focuses only on your flaws. It's very difficult to show courage if you're ashamed of yourself. Perfectionism also doesn't lead to success. In fact, many people who identify themselves as perfectionist are less successful than people who embrace the possibility of setbacks and view them as learning experiences. Start every day with self-affirmations. Self-affirmations are phrases or mantras that are personally meaningful to you. You can repeat them to express kindness and acceptance to yourself. Although it may sound cheesy, self-affirmations can actually help boost your confidence over time. For example, you might say something like “I accept myself today for who I am” or “I am worth love.” You can also focus your self-affirmations on developing your courage. For example, you can say something like “I can be brave today” or “I am strong enough to handle whatever today throws my way.” Remember to keep your self-affirmations focused on, well, yourself. Remember that you can't control others. For example, a helpful self-affirmation could look like this: “I will do my best today to manage my fears. I can't do more than my best. I can't control how others act or respond to me.” Phrase your self-affirmations in a positive way. Humans respond negatively to negative statements, even if they're meant to be helpful. Instead of saying “I will not give in to my fears today,” say something like “I can face my fears today because I am strong.” Distance yourself from your fears. Sometimes, it can be helpful to view your fears as something separate from yourself. Visualizing your fear as a separate creature can help you feel more in control of it. For example, you could imagine that your fear is a little turtle. Whenever it's afraid, the turtle pulls its head inside its shell and can't do or see anything, which obviously isn't helpful. Visualize your “fear turtle” and confront it, telling it that you are doing what you can control and not worrying about what you can't. Using humorous or comical imagery may take some of your fear's power away by making it ridiculous. (It worked in Harry Potter, right? Riddikulus! ) Ask your friends for help. Sometimes, a word of encouragement from a friend or loved one can help you when you're feeling less-than-brave. Surround yourself with people who are also committed to vulnerability and bravery, rather than those who allow fearful thoughts to dominate them. Humans are susceptible to “emotional contagion.” It turns out that, just like you can catch a cold, you can also “catch” emotions from the people around you. It's important to surround yourself with people who are accepting and courageous themselves. If you hang out mostly with other people who are terrified of something (and aren't doing anything to manage that fear), you may have more trouble overcoming your own fear. Attempt difficult tasks. Succeeding in something that you find challenging can give you a boost in self-confidence. Even if you don't immediately get the hang of your undertaking, treat the challenge as a learning experience and remind yourself that you can take as much time as you need to learn. For example, you could set a goal to learn the guitar, cook a gourmet French meal, become certified in scuba diving -- the only limit is your imagination. Set goals and attempt challenges that are personally meaningful to you. A surefire way to damage your self-confidence is to compare yourself constantly to others. Don't worry what anyone else thinks about your goals; do them for you. Practice mindfulness. One reason many people struggle with courage is that we want to avoid feeling sad, angry, or frustrated, so we “tune out” of the suffering that we and others experience. Practicing mindful acceptance of the present experience, without judgment, can help you accept negative emotions as well as the positive ones, which can help you feel braver. Mindfulness meditation can be an excellent way to practice these skills. You can take a class in it, or teach yourself. UCLA offers several downloadable guided meditations. UCSD also has downloadable MP3 meditation guides. Harvard Pilgrim's “Mind the Moment” program has a free course and practice videos for mindfulness practice. Practice accepting uncertainty. Uncertainty is the source of many fears. However, you can learn to tolerate uncertainty by gradually working it into your daily experience. This will increase your confidence and ability to handle uncertain situations, which will allow you to act with bravery. “Intolerance of uncertainty” causes a lot of anxiety. You may find it hard to accept that something negative may happen in a situation. You may overestimate the risks of a situation or avoid acting because you are worried about the consequences. Keep a journal throughout the day, noting when you feel uncertain, anxious, or afraid. Write down in specific detail what you think is causing these feelings. Also note how you respond to them in the moment. Rank your fears. Place the things you're afraid of or anxious about on a scale from 0-10. For example, “Going on a date with a stranger” might be an 8, while “going to a movie I've never seen before” might be a 2. Start slowly learning to manage your fear of uncertainty by practicing in low-risk settings. For example, pick one of the fears you've ranked lower, like “trying a new restaurant,” and practice it. You may end up hating the restaurant, and that's okay. The important thing is to prove to yourself that you can face uncertainty with bravery and come out stronger on the other side. Record your responses in your journal. Every time you face a fear, record what happened. What did you do? What did it feel like to do it? How did you respond to those feelings? How did it turn out? Make specific plans. It's easy to feel afraid when you don't know what you need to do. Break down challenges and situations into smaller tasks that you can achieve. Envisioning the possible roadblocks you may encounter can help you act courageously when you run into difficulty. Think about any obstacles you might face and create a plan of action to deal with them. Word your plans and goals in positive language. Research shows that you're more likely to achieve your goals when you frame them positively as something you're working toward, not what you're working away from. Keep your goals performance-based. Remember that you can only control your actions and responses, not anyone else's. Make sure to set goals and make plans that you can accomplish through your own work. Choose to help others. When you're afraid or stressed, your natural tendency may be to hide away from the world. However, psychological research suggests that this isn't the most helpful way to boost your courage. Many people display a “tend-and-befriend” tendency, where you react to a stressful situation by expressing care for others. Expressing care for others activates a state of bravery in your brain that can carry over into your own situations. The next time you're feeling fear, try to show someone else compassion or honor their strength. You may find your own increases too. When the social caregiving system, regulated by the neurotransmitter oxytocin, is stimulated, you experience greater empathy and connection with others. This system also inhibits the areas of your brain that process fear. The reward system in your brain releases a powerful neurotransmitter called dopamine that increases your sense of motivation and decreases your sense of fear. Dopamine can make you feel more optimistic and courageous. The attunement system in your brain relies on the neurotransmitter serotonin. Your self-control and intuition are linked to serotonin, meaning you feel more able to make brave (and smart) decisions. Be brave for 20 seconds. Sometimes, it's too hard to imagine being brave for a whole day, or even a whole hour. Practice being brave for just 20 seconds at a time. You can do anything for only 20 seconds. When you've finished the first set, start another. And another. And another. These little chunks add up. Consider your decision. If you're facing a situation that might mean making a brave but difficult decision, take some time to think it over. If you feel strongly about what needs to be done, you can use that to help boost your courage in the moment. Conviction is a major factor in courage. Ask yourself: Is this the right thing to do? The right thing isn't always the easiest, nor the most popular. Rely on your conscience to help you decide. Is this the only way to resolve the situation? Consider whether there are other ways to get around your problem. Is there a workaround you haven't thought of yet? Are you prepared to face the consequences? If the action you're about to do has huge consequences, take an extra second to think about it. If the worst-case scenario happened, would you be able to handle it? Why you are making this decision? Why is it important to you? What will happen if you don't make it? You could also make a list of pros and cons for each course of action you can take. What's really the worst that could happen? What's the best that could happen? Don't think — act. After a certain point, it's better if you stop dwelling on what you're about to do and just do it. Overthinking not only can talk you out of taking action, it can stress you out and make you feel like you can't do anything. Take a deep breath, try to clear your mind, and go forward with what you've already decided on. Don't hesitate, and focus on just getting through it. It can help to repeat your affirmations while you're taking this action. Confidence is important to getting you through the first step. As you continue to act, you'll continue to feel braver. Fake it till you make it. Learning to tolerate the uncertainty and discomfort of certain situations is just that -- a constant learning experience. You won't be brave overnight. But research has shown that “putting on a brave face,” even when you're not feeling brave, can help you become braver. Don't wait until you “feel” brave. Often, even people we think of as courageous -- firefighters, soldiers, doctors -- don't feel brave in the moment. They just know what has to be done, and they choose to do it. On the flip side, believing that you can't do something is likely to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Your belief in yourself can either help or hinder your performance. | Admit that you're scared. Validate your feelings. Name your fear. Examine your fears. Accept vulnerability. Focus on what you can control. Find a role model. Develop mental resilience. Challenge negative thoughts. Reject perfectionism. Start every day with self-affirmations. Distance yourself from your fears. Ask your friends for help. Attempt difficult tasks. Practice mindfulness. Practice accepting uncertainty. Make specific plans. Choose to help others. Be brave for 20 seconds. Consider your decision. Don't think — act. Fake it till you make it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Pyometra-in-Dogs | How to Prevent Pyometra in Dogs | The best way to prevent pyometra in your dog is to get it spayed as early as possible. If you don't want to spay your dog right away, talk to your veterinarian about how many times you should breed it before spaying to reduce the risk of pyometra. Additionally, try to avoid using hormone injections to suppress heat cycles in your dog, since the hormones can increase its risk of getting pyometra. | Determine how you will pay for the surgery. Some spaying surgeries may be expensive, but there are options if you can't afford it. Contact local shelters or humane societies to find out if there are low-cost options in your area. Many shelters or animal groups will perform the surgery at a reduced rate. Talk to your vet about payment plans. Many vets will work something out with you so you can get this important surgery. Spay your dog. The only guaranteed way of preventing pyometra is to spay your dog. Spaying is the removal of the dog's reproductive organs. During the surgery, the surgeon puts the dog under anesthesia and opens the dog's abdomen. There is a small risk of hemorrhage during the operation because the surgeon has to tie off major arteries to the ovaries and the uterus. Spay the dog as early as possible. Spaying your dog has numerous health benefits. Most important, it removes the risk of pyometra since she no longer has a womb to become infected. If performed before her second season, there is also a protective effect against mammary cancer in later life. The younger you spay your female dog , the more health benefits she will have. A female dog can be spayed starting at several months old, and then at any point throughout her life. Very old dogs may not be the best candidates for the surgery, as they often have health problems that can make surgery more dangerous. Your vet may recommend extra blood work and other diagnostic tests to make sure your dog is healthy enough for the surgery. Schedule the surgery at the right time. A female dog usually has two heat cycles a year, and each is a huge hormonal event. Near the beginning, the blood supply to the uterus increases, and then the blood supply tapers off after the season. The ideal time to spay the dog is about two months after the end of the previous cycle up to around one month before the start of the next one. The increased blood supply to the uterus makes the tissue more susceptible to tearing with normal surgical handling, causing an increased risk of serious hemorrhage. Breed your non-spayed dog. If you don't want to spay your dog because you want to breed her, you can reduce the risk of pyometra by having her get pregnant multiple times. Plan out multiple sequential breedings, and then have her spayed when you are finished breeding her. If you are not an experienced breeder, consider your motivations for breeding your dog instead of spaying her. If you want to breed the dog, get in touch with experienced breeders to help you with breeding. Think about what you are going to do with the puppies. Be prepared to either sell the puppies or give them away. Breeding dogs can be expensive. You have to care for the mother dog and provide vet care for the puppies. Consider the risks associated with breeding. Breeding your dog only prevent pyometra if she becomes pregnant. Even then, there are rare cases that may let pyometra develop. Monitor your dog carefully after breeding to confirm that she is pregnant. If she is not, she is still susceptible to pyometra. Avoid using hormone injections to prevent the disease. Hormone injections are sometimes used to suppress heats in intact females. They are also used to treat certain conditions. Injecting intact females with estrogen or progesterone drugs can slightly increase the risk of a dog getting pyometra. Don't give your dog hormone injections unless they are needed for a medical reason. Know the difference between open and closed pyometra. Pyometra is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that takes two forms: open and closed. The basic difference is that in open pyometra the cervix is open and drains, while in closed pyometra the cervix is shut the pus does not drain and the uterus may rupture. The uterus can still rupture with open pyometra if the pus builds up before it can drain. Identify the causes of pyometra. Pyometra is most likely to occur around four to eight weeks after the end of the heat cycle, although it can occur at any stage of a female dog's reproductive cycle. The condition is caused by the influence of hormones, such as primarily progesterone, on the lining of the uterus. Increased hormones leads to thickening of the uterine wall, and the rise in gland secretions leads to a lowered immune system. These conditions cause an increased risk of bacterial infection. Older dogs, over the age of six years, are more likely to suffer from pyometra. However, occasionally a young dog is unfortunate and gets pyometra after her first or second season. Recognize the signs and symptoms of pyometra. The signs of pyometra indicate that the dog doesn't feel well. The dog may drink excessively, urinate more frequently, or vomit. She may also have a poor appetite and lethargy. If she has open pyometra, she may spend a lot of time licking her vulva and you might see pus staining her bedding. In extreme cases of closed pyometra, her belly may become swollen. Take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice these symptoms. | Determine how you will pay for the surgery. Spay your dog. Spay the dog as early as possible. Schedule the surgery at the right time. Breed your non-spayed dog. Consider the risks associated with breeding. Avoid using hormone injections to prevent the disease. Know the difference between open and closed pyometra. Identify the causes of pyometra. Recognize the signs and symptoms of pyometra. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-7-Pounds-in-7-Days | How to Lose 7 Pounds in 7 Days | While it may not be possible to lose 7 pounds in a week, you can drop some weight quickly by eating the right foods, and exercising to burn fat. Because it's tough to overeat vegetables, focus on eating more fresh vegetables instead of processed foods and carbs. Eat lean proteins such as chicken breast, fish, and legumes, which have fewer carbs and fat, but will give you the protein you need for fuel. You can also burn fat through exercise to help with your weight loss. Try to get at least 1 hour of aerobic exercise each day, such as cycling, running, or doing Pilates. As you burn energy to exercise, you'll also burn fat, which will help you lose weight. | Understand the science behind weight loss. Knowing why you must cutting carbs, start exercising, and eat differently will help you adapt your diet accordingly. There are 3,500 calories in a pound of fat, and losing weight rapidly requires dropping a lot of these calories from your diet. For the rest, exercise burns calories and kick starts your metabolism to burn more calories while you sleep. 3,500 calories a day is a lot -- and you need to be ready to sacrifice to make this possible. It won't be a comfortable 7 days, but you can get through it if you keep your end goal in sight. A calorie is a calorie. This means that, at the end of the day, weight loss is about decreasing the number of calories you eat, no matter what source they're from. A professor in Kentucky once ate Twinkies and lost 27-lbs to prove this point. How? He ate very, very few. If you feel dangerously nauseous, light-headed, woozy, or tired while on this diet. stop and have a snack. You can still lose a lot of weight by following the basic tenants of this diet, even if you need to "cheat" for your safety once or twice. Keep a log of your normal caloric intake for 1-2 weeks before starting. Get a dieting app, use a calorie counting website, or simply write down your calories in a journal. You need to know how many calories you eat each day to figure out where your diet can change. You will need to eat roughly 1,000 or fewer calories a day to drop a pound every day for a week. Drop carbs from your diet. If you can do this slowly, before your one-week challenge, you'll have the best results. Carbs are a dietary staple, but they hold a lot of water weight (binding to more water than fat or protein) and are easy to overeat. Try to get yourself below 50g of cards (roughly a scoop of pasta) a day. Switch spaghetti squash for pasta -- it contains less than 1/4 of the calories. Swap an English Muffin for bagels or hamburger buns to save 100 calories. Make a taco salad instead of a burrito. Try to slowly lower your carb diet in the 2-3 weeks before the major weight loss. You body will adapt to the change, and by the time your "7 days-7pounds" comes around your body will be ready to drop the weight. That said, dropping carbs for one week will still make a difference. Stick to vegetables. It is very hard to overeat vegetables. That's not a joke about how vegetables taste bad, that's actual science based on the concept of a "bliss point," which is the amount of calories you need to eat to feel full. Processed foods are specifically made with higher bliss points, but the all-natural goodness of vegetables allows you to eat fewer calories and still feel full. Make a salad with your favorite fruits and vegetables: lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, kale, celery, apples, strawberries, red onions, etc. Keep the dressing to a bare minimum;1-2 teaspoons of oil and vinegar is your best bet. Eat lean proteins to feel full and get lasting energy. Once you've subbed out carbs, you'll likely feel constantly hungry. You can avoid this, however, by making a source of lean, fat-free protein a part of every meal. Some proteins to include in your diet are: Grilled or baked chicken. Beans, chickpeas, and legumes. Tuna and other white fishes. Nuts Eggs Reschedule your meals for intermittent fasting (IF). IF is one of the best ways to lose weight fast, but no one ever said it was fun. Most commonly, IF involves skipping breakfast, leading to 18 hours or more between meals. Instead of breakfast, eat a single banana when you wake up as a snack. Then you can eat lunch and dinner, with a small snack in between (especially if you're exercising) and start again the next day. This is only a strategy for short-term weight loss. A balanced breakfast each morning is important for long-term dieting, as skipping breakfast often leads to overeating later on. Fasting can increase fat oxidation, helping you shed fat weight much quicker. Keep snacks below 150 calories each. Many companies make "snack packs," and low-cal options, and indulging in something sweet, if in moderation, can actually prevent overeating later. That said, you want to space these snacks out. Instead of having that single low-cal cookie right after lunch, as dessert wait 1-2 hours and have it as a snack. This will keep you less hungry for longer and make it easier to space out your calories. Some good snacks include: A banana A handful of berries. 1-2 tablespoons of nuts. Low-cal bars, snacks, and energy drinks. Have a glass of coffee or green tea. Caffeine, when taken in moderation, is an effective appetite suppressant. While there is no strong evidence that caffeine consumption leads to long-term weight loss, it can help you make short term gains by increasing your metabolism and simultaneously turning down your appetite. Drink water regularly to ease hunger pains. Regular water drinkers have a much, much easier time avoiding snacks or overeating, so keep a water bottle on hand throughout the entire day. When you're hungry in between meals, sip some water-- it will likely hold you over until meal time. Know that an effective diet will contain very few calories. You will not be eating a whole lot of food to lose weight. A diet for rapid weight loss should be around 1,000 calories a day, which is eaten up faster than you might think. A sample diet (including breakfast) could include: Breakfast: An apple, a hard boiled egg, and a handful of nuts. Lunch: Small piece of grilled chicken, 1 cup of low-fat yogurt, banana. Snack: Small salad. Dinner: 1-2 hard boiled eggs, cucumber, pepper, and chickpea salad. You can also try out these meals , each under 300 calories. Find your basil metabolic rate (BMR) to determine how many calories you burn without exercise. To do so, multiply your weight by 10. This is, roughly, how many calories you burn in a day just by existing (a 20lb man burns roughly 2000 lbs). Many websites offer BMR calculators that will get you a more accurate number, as well. Knowing your BMR is essential to determining how many additional calories you need to burn through exercise. For example: You've cut your diet to a measly 1,200 calories a day for the week. Your BMR is 2,200 calories a day. This means that, if you didn't move all day, you'd burn that many calories. You have a 1,000 calorie deficit. This means you need to burn an additional 2,500 calories each day to lose a pound each day. Walk or bike everywhere you can. You want to be moving as frequently as possible. This includes small moments, such as taking your business call out for a walk around the block or standing on the subway. Take advantage of every chance you get to burn calories. Do sit-ups or push-ups while watching TV, especially during commercials. If you can, work standing up, or bring a set of small weights with you to "lift" during downtime at your desk. Take a short walk around the office every hour at work. Do roughly 1 hour of aerobic exercise every day, at a minimum. This is absolutely necessary to burn calories, and the longer you can make yourself exercise, the better your results will be. Aerobic exercise is any work-out that raises your heart-rate, like running, biking, swimming, or spinning. Some suggestions, which each burn 500-1000 calories, depending on intensity, include: 1-hour cycling. 90 minute Pilates class. 1-hour dancing. 2 hour hike. Track the number of calories you burn. This is easier than ever in the information age, as there is a litany of apps and programs that help you track your calorie expenditure. Check your smartphone's app library for a calorie tracker, or go online at the end of the day search for "exercise calorie counter" and input all of your day's activity. This step is crucial to ensure that you get the right amount of weight off, each day. Get enough sleep every night. Getting to bed early is proven to help with weight loss. It helps prevent overeating, and it lets your body do what it does best in rest -- digest. Try to get to bed early enough to ensure 8 hours of sleep each night. Regular sleep gives you the energy to exercise. Sleep-deprived individuals are clinically proven to have higher cravings for junk-food. Weigh yourself first thing in the morning, every morning. This is the most accurate time to get your weight, before food and water have artificially upped it. Step on the scale in your underwear and make a note of your current weight. Keeping a small journal of your weight fluctuations is proven to keep you on track with your weight-loss goals. Maintain a regular exercise routine. It doesn't have to be the same routine that you used to burn the weight, but you need to do something. People who have gained significant weight and spent months not exercising have slower metabolisms, and will have to work harder than someone who was never overweight to keep the weight off. While this is not a fun reality to face, knowing this fact is important to prevent regaining your 7 lbs. Walk 2-3 miles a day, 4-5 days a week. Sign up for a yoga, aerobic, or spinning class to ensure an hour of exercise 1-2 times a week. Aim to work out 4-5 times a week, not 1-2 for a long period of time. Regular exercise is better for your metabolism than occasional long runs. Add strength training to your workout regime. Muscle building, through weight lifting and strength training, is essential for a fully functioning metabolism that keeps the weight from coming back. You should build muscle 2-3 times a week, work on push-ups, sit-ups, dips, and planks, all exercises you can do at home. If you can, get a gym membership so you can work on muscle building every week. Overhaul your snack options. Keeping chips and soda in the house, even if you tell yourself they are "just as an occasional treat," means that you will eventually eat them. But if you cut the temptation before the chips even enter the house you will be much more successful at dieting. Just don't buy junk food, and don't keep it in the cabinets. You'll be surprised how little temptation you have when there is nothing around to tempt you. Go to the grocery store with a list and stick to it. You can plan your meals more effectively from home and ensure that you only buy healthy options. Get a weight-loss buddy. Have someone else around to keep you honest, go to the gym with you, and come up with good, low-calorie recipes. Building a social support system is important for keeping your new lifestyle permanent. Surround yourself with good influences, such as other people who want to eat healthy and make exercise a part of their daily life, and you'll keep the weight off naturally. Consider trying to lose the weight slowly. Making a rapid diet switch in an attempt to lose weight quickly often leads to "rebound weight." This happens when, after a grueling 7 days of dieting, you are unable to maintain the extreme habits and instead slide back into bad ones. After your diet is complete, work on gradually shifting your lifestyle to something healthier instead of trying to become super-fit over night. Make time to exercise for 30 minutes 4-5 times a week. Substitute one of your normal meals, such as breakfast, with the new low-cal option. Keep track of your calories -- it prevents you from large swings back towards overeating. | Understand the science behind weight loss. Keep a log of your normal caloric intake for 1-2 weeks before starting. Drop carbs from your diet. Stick to vegetables. Eat lean proteins to feel full and get lasting energy. Reschedule your meals for intermittent fasting (IF). Keep snacks below 150 calories each. Have a glass of coffee or green tea. Drink water regularly to ease hunger pains. Know that an effective diet will contain very few calories. Find your basil metabolic rate (BMR) to determine how many calories you burn without exercise. Walk or bike everywhere you can. Do roughly 1 hour of aerobic exercise every day, at a minimum. Track the number of calories you burn. Get enough sleep every night. Weigh yourself first thing in the morning, every morning. Maintain a regular exercise routine. Add strength training to your workout regime. Overhaul your snack options. Get a weight-loss buddy. Consider trying to lose the weight slowly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Bartholin-Cyst | How to Get Rid of a Bartholin Cyst | Before you try to get rid of a bartholin cyst, get a diagnosis from your doctor to make sure it's nothing more serious. Then, take Sitz baths at least 3 times a day, which is when you put just enough water in the bath to cover your vagina and buttocks. During each bath, sit in the water for 10 to 15 minutes to help keep the area around the cyst clean and encourage it to drain naturally. If you're experiencing pain, take over-the-counter medication. You should seek medical attention if your cyst doesn't clear up after several days of Sitz baths, since this could mean it's infected. After your doctor has examined you, they may recommend you have the cyst surgically drained, which can usually be done in a doctor's office with a local anesthetic. | Confirm the diagnosis of a Bartholin cyst. If you have noticed a lump that is painful on one side of your vaginal opening, it may very well be a Bartholin cyst. You may experience pain while sitting or during sexual intercourse, or sometimes no pain at all, only swelling. If you suspect that you may have a Bartholin cyst, it is important to see your family doctor for a pelvic exam to confirm the diagnosis. In addition to a pelvic exam, your doctor will likely test for STIs (sexually transmitted infections). This is because, if you have an STI in conjunction with your Bartholin cyst, you are at higher risk of having your cyst become infected (and you will likely be given antibiotic treatment — more on this later). If you are over 40 years old, your cyst may also be biopsied to rule out the possibility of cancer of the female reproductive system. Have Sitz baths several times each day. One of the mainstays of treatment for Bartholin cysts are regular Sitz baths. A Sitz bath is when you fill the bathtub with just enough water to cover your buttocks and vagina when you sit down in the water. The water does not need to be any deeper than that, although it can be, if you would like. (This depends on personal preference, and whether you are aiming to make the bath an enjoyable experience, or simply one of convenience.) You should have a Sitz bath at least 3 to 4 times per day. The purpose of regular Sitz baths is to keep the area around the Bartholin cyst clean, to reduce pain and/or discomfort in the area, and also to increase the chances of the cyst naturally draining itself. See your doctor if your Bartholin cyst does not resolve on its own. If your Bartholin cyst does not naturally drain itself and resolve with Sitz baths after several days, you may want to see your doctor to discuss the possibility of surgical drainage. The reason that it is important to discuss treatment options sooner rather than later is that, if the cyst does not resolve, it may become infected and form what is called an "abscess." This is more complicated to treat than a simple cyst, so it is best to be proactive. If you are under 40 and you the cyst is asymptomatic (no pain, fever, etc.), then often no medical intervention is necessary. If you notice signs of a fever alongside your Bartholin cyst, see your doctor for treatment. To prevent your cyst from becoming infected, use condoms during sex, particularly if you are unsure whether your partner has an STI; however, it is not necessary to refrain from sex. Take medication to ease the pain. While you are waiting for your Bartholin cyst to be treated and/or to heal, you may wish to consider pain medications to ease any discomfort you are experiencing in the area. You can purchase over-the-counter pain medications at your local pharmacy or drugstore. Some common choices include: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400 – 600 mg every four to six hours as needed. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500 mg every four to six hours as needed. Opt for surgical drainage. The most effective way to get rid of a persistent Bartholin cyst is via surgical drainage. You can see your family doctor, who may do it themselves (if they are experienced with the procedure). Alternatively, they may refer you on to another physician to have the procedure performed. Most cases of incision and drainage are outpatient procedures done in the doctor's office and only require local anesthetic. An incision (opening) will be made in your cyst, allowing any fluid inside to drain out. A catheter (tube) may be placed into the cyst for up to six weeks following the procedure. This is usually only done for cases of recurrent Bartholin cysts. The purpose of the catheter is to keep the cyst open, so that any further fluid that accumulates can drain out immediately. Keeping the cyst open prevents fluid buildup and, as such, allows the cyst to naturally heal. Take antibiotics. If your Bartholin cyst appears to be infected, your doctor will prescribe you antibiotics following surgical drainage. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics, and to not miss taking any of the pills, as missing pills will lessen the effectiveness of the antibiotics. Also, if you test positive for any STIs, you will receive antibiotics whether or not your cyst is currently infected. The purpose to prevent an infection, as testing positive for STIs heightens your risk that your cyst may subsequently become infected. Ask your doctor about "marsupialization. " If your Bartholin cyst recurs, you can speak to your physician about a procedure called marsupialization. This is when the cyst is surgically drained, and then stitches are placed on either side of the cyst to hold it open following the procedure. This opening is permanent, and serves to prevent recurrences of the Bartholin cyst. You will likely have a catheter (tube) in for a few days following the surgical procedure; however, after that, the catheter can be removed because the stitches will be strong enough to keep the incision open. Have your Bartholin gland completely removed. If you have a particularly bad cyst, or have had recurrent cysts, one of the "last resort" treatments is to have your Bartholin gland completely removed surgically, or removed via a laser procedure. Both of these are simple procedures that do not require an overnight hospital stay. Note that there is no known way to prevent a Bartholin cyst. While many people have asked if there are strategies to prevent (or reduce the risk of) a Bartholin cyst developing in the first place, doctors say that there are no known strategies for prevention. Doctors do recommend that you begin treatment — either home treatment or medical treatment — as quickly as possible once you notice a cyst developing. Continue with regular Sitz baths. After surgical drainage or a marsupialization procedure, it is key to continue with regular Sitz baths during the healing phase. Again, this is to ensure that the area remains clean, and to maximize healing while minimizing the risk of infection. Sitz baths are advised beginning one to two days following the surgical procedure. Refrain from sexual intercourse until your catheter is removed. You may have a catheter for four to six weeks to keep your Bartholin cyst open and to prevent further fluid accumulation, following surgical drainage. For as long as the catheter remains in, it is key to refrain from sexual intercourse. Abstaining from sex for that time period will also help to prevent your cyst from becoming infected. After marsupialization, even though there is no catheter, you will be advised to refrain from sex for four weeks following the procedure to ensure full healing. Continue with pain medications as needed. You may use over-the-counter pain medications, such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed. Alternatively, if your pain is more severe, you may ask your doctor for prescription strength pain medications (narcotics) such as Morphine in the initial stages of recovery. | Confirm the diagnosis of a Bartholin cyst. Have Sitz baths several times each day. See your doctor if your Bartholin cyst does not resolve on its own. Take medication to ease the pain. Opt for surgical drainage. Take antibiotics. Ask your doctor about "marsupialization. Have your Bartholin gland completely removed. Note that there is no known way to prevent a Bartholin cyst. Continue with regular Sitz baths. Refrain from sexual intercourse until your catheter is removed. Continue with pain medications as needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Speak-Polish | How to Speak Polish | To learn how to speak Polish, try listening to Polish music, which can help you with pronunciation and basic vocabulary. You can also read Polish children's books since they're designed to teach the basics of the language, like grammar and simple phrases. If you want to practice what you've learned, check out a Polish online language exchange, like WeSpeke or Conversation Exchange, which allow you to practice your conversational skills with native speakers. | Start with letters pronounced the same as in English. While the Polish alphabet has most of the same letters as the English alphabet, many of them have different sounds. However, there are 14 consonants that sound basically the same in Polish as they do in English: b, d, f, g, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, and z. The Polish letter g has only a hard g sound, like the g in the English word "good." The Polish letter s is always soft, as in the English word "soft." The Polish letter r is rolled or trilled, as in Spanish or Italian. Memorize the sounds of letters that are "false friends. " When studying a foreign language, "false friends" are words or letters that look exactly as they do in your native language, but are pronounced differently. Polish has 3 letters that are false friends of identical letters in English: c, w, and j. The Polish letter c is pronounced ts , like the ts in the English word "wits." The Polish letter j is pronounced like the y in the English word "yet." The Polish letter w is pronounced like the English letter v. Move onto consonants with diacritics. To round out the consonants in the Polish alphabet, there are 6 letters that are formed with diacritics – accent marks above, below, or through the main letter. These letters are pronounced differently than the same letter without the diacritic. ć is pronounced like the ch in the English word "choice." ł is pronounced like the w in the English word "water." ń is pronounced like the ny in the English word "canyon." ś is pronounced like the sh in the English word "short." ź is pronounced like the ch in the English word "teach." ż is pronounced like the si in the English word "vision." This mark is a single dot over the middle of the letter, rather than an accent mark as with ź. Learn the two-letter combinations pronounced with a single sound. There are 7 two-consonant combinations in the Polish language that are pronounced with a single consonant sound. For most of these, the resulting sound is a blend of the 2 letters. ch is pronounced like the h in the English word "ha." sz is pronounced like the sh in the English word "shoe." cz is pronounced like the ch in the English word "check." dz is pronounced like the dz in the English word "adze." dź makes a sound that doesn't exist in English. Simply run the d and ź sounds closely together. dż is pronounced like the g in the English word "gel." rz is pronounced like the "s" in the English word "measure." This two-letter combination is pronounced the same as the letter ż. Pronounce the 7 basic vowels in the Polish alphabet. Unlike English, there are no long or short vowels. Polish vowels always sound the same, but are said with a shorter duration than the typical English vowel. a is pronounced like the a in the English word "smart." e is pronounced like the e in the English word "bed." i is pronounced like the ee in the English word "eel." o is pronounced like the o in the English word "port." ó is pronounced like the oo in the English word "foot." u is pronounced the same as the Polish vowel ó. y is pronounced like the y in the English word "this." Distinguish the pronunciation of the 2 nasal vowels. There are 2 nasal vowels in the Polish alphabet, represented by the ogonek diacritic, which looks like a little tail on the bottom of the letter. These nasal vowels are ą and ę. ą is pronounced like the on in the French word "bon." ę is pronounced like the en in the English word "enter." Add the 4 consonant-vowel combinations. The Polish language has 4 consonant-vowel combinations that are pronounced with a single consonant sound: ci , si , zi , and ni. These combinations are alternative notations for the letters ć , ś , ź , and ń. Whenever you see these combinations, they are pronounced the same as the letter they represent. Greet people by saying "Dzień dobry! " The phrase dzień dobry (jeyn DOB-ry) can mean either "good morning" or "good afternoon." It is also used as a basic greeting, particularly if you are saying hello to people you don't know, or who are older than you. When greeting friends or people your own age, you can also use cześć (tch-esh-ch), which is a more informal way to say hello. Follow up by asking "Jak się masz? " Jak się masz (yahk sheng mah-sh) is the Polish phrase that means "how are you?" If someone asks you this question, respond "dziękuję, dobrze," (jenkoo-yeng dob-zhe), which means "fine, thank you." If the other person asks how you are first, you may say "bardzo dobrze, dziękuję. A Ty?" This means "fine, thank you. And you?" This is the informal way to say this. If you're speaking to someone who is older than you, or who is an authority figure, you would say "A Pan" (if speaking to a man) or "A Pani" (if speaking to a woman). Introduce yourself in Polish with "Nazywam się" (my name is). If you want to have a conversation with someone, you likely want them to know your name. Introduce yourself with your first name, followed by your surname. In informal situations, such as if you're talking to someone your name, you can simply use your first name. When someone tells you their name, you might say "bardzo mi miło," which means "pleased to meet you." Let the person know that you don't speak much Polish. Especially if you have strong pronunciation, a native speaker may start using words or phrases you don't understand. If you say "Nie mówię dobrze po polsku," you are saying "I don't speak Polish well." You might also find the need to say "nie rozumiem," which means "I don't understand." You can also say "mów wolniej," which means "please speak more slowly." The person you're speaking to may become frustrated and want to speak to you in English or some other language. If you want to continue practicing your Polish, you might say "ze mną można rozmawiać po polsku," which means "speak to me in Polish." Mind your manners by saying "proszę" and "dziękuję. " Prozę (PRO-she) means "please," while dziękuję (jenkoo-yeah) means "thank you." As in any language, being polite to native speakers, especially as you are learning the language, can help ease any misunderstandings. If someone thanks you for something, you can either use "proszę" or say "nie ma za co." The latter phrase is more informal, so should only be used when talking to people your own age or younger. In Polish, the same word, "przepraszam," means both "sorry" or "excuse me." Listen to Polish popular music. While you may be familiar with the sounds of traditional Polish folk music, the Polish music scene today is as varied as any other country's. Find Polish bands in a genre you enjoy, and become more familiar with the language through the repetition of the lyrics. If you have access to a streaming music service, use the Polish channel to find Polish artists you might enjoy. There are also Polish music videos available for free on YouTube or Vimeo. The website Culture Trip has a list of 10 Polish pop songs that are good for Polish language learners available at https://theculturetrip.com/europe/poland/articles/top-10-polish-pop-songs-to-help-you-learn-polish/. Listen to Polish radio online. There are several Polish radio stations you can stream online. With a radio station, you get Polish music as well as news and other information that can give you a snapshot of life in Poland. You might want to try https://www.polskieradio.pl/ , which has links to the Polish national radio stations as well as several independent radio stations operating in the country. The BBC no longer operates a Polish language broadcast. However, you can listen to archived shows and interviews at http://www.bbc.co.uk/polish/index.shtml. Read Polish children's books. Children's books are designed to teach the basics of any language. By reading children's books that are written in Polish, you can pick up basic grammar and conversation. You can find free ebooks and audio books in Polish at http://www.loyalbooks.com/language/Polish?type=all. Many of these books are English-language books that have been translated into Polish. Project Gutenberg has free ebooks in Polish available at http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/languages/pl. Many of these books are meant for adult or fluent readers. You can buy print copies of children's books in Polish from the Polish Art Center at https://www.polartcenter.com/Polish_Children_s_Books_s/42.htm. Many of these books are traditional Polish stories translated into English, so double-check before you buy to make sure you're getting a Polish-language edition. Chat online in Polish. There are numerous online forums and social media groups where you can chat with native speakers and other language learners. Having conversations can help you become more comfortable speaking in Polish. There are several Polish online language exchanges where you can practice your conversational skills with native speakers, including WeSpeke, Conversation Exchange, and Busuu. There are also several subreddits dedicated to the Polish language and culture. The Poland reddit at https://www.reddit.com/r/poland/ is an English-language forum. You can also use https://www.reddit.com/r/learnpolish/ , which provides information and resources for learning the Polish language. | Start with letters pronounced the same as in English. Memorize the sounds of letters that are "false friends. Move onto consonants with diacritics. Learn the two-letter combinations pronounced with a single sound. Pronounce the 7 basic vowels in the Polish alphabet. Distinguish the pronunciation of the 2 nasal vowels. Add the 4 consonant-vowel combinations. Greet people by saying "Dzień dobry! Follow up by asking "Jak się masz? Introduce yourself in Polish with "Nazywam się" (my name is). Let the person know that you don't speak much Polish. Mind your manners by saying "proszę" and "dziękuję. Listen to Polish popular music. Listen to Polish radio online. Read Polish children's books. Chat online in Polish. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Paragraph | How to Start a Paragraph | The best way to start an introductory paragraph is with a clever or surprising hook to grab the reader's attention, like an anecdote, statistic, or quotation. Then, orient your reader in the essay by briefly describing your topic in a few crisp, clear sentences. Wrap up your paragraph with a thesis statement describing your overall argument in 1-3 sentences. Transition to a new paragraph with a signal phrase like "firstly," "for example," "similarly," or "however." | Recognize the structure of an argumentative paragraph. Most argumentative paragraphs have a clearly defined structure, especially if they are in an academic context. Each paragraph helps to support the overarching thesis (or argumentative claim) of the paper, and each paragraph presents new information that can convince a reader that your position is the correct one. The components that make up a paragraph are the following: Topic sentence. A topic sentence explains to the reader what the paragraph is about. It usually ties back to the bigger argument in some way, and it explains why the paragraph belongs in the essay. Sometimes a topic sentence might be 2 or even 3 sentences long, though it is usually just a single sentence. Evidence. Most body paragraphs in an argumentative paper include some kind of proof that your position is the correct one. This evidence can be all kinds of things: quotations, surveys, or even your own observations. Your paragraphs are where this evidence can be presented in a convincing way. Analysis. A good paragraph doesn't just present evidence. It also takes some time to explain why the evidence is worthwhile, what it means, and why it is better than other pieces of evidence out there. This is where your own analysis comes into play. Conclusions and transitions. After the analysis, a good paragraph will conclude by explaining why the paragraph is significant, how it fits in with the thesis of the essay, and will begin to set up the next paragraph. Reread your thesis statement. If you are writing an argumentative essay, each paragraph should help further your overarching claim. Before you can write an argumentative paragraph, you must have your thesis statement firmly in mind. A thesis statement is a 1-3 sentence description of what you are arguing and why it is important. Are you arguing that all Americans should use energy-efficient bulbs in their homes? Or are you arguing that all citizens should have the freedom to choose which products they buy? Make sure you have a clear idea of your argument before you begin writing. Write the evidence and analysis first. Often it is easier to start writing in the middle of an argumentative paragraph instead of at the beginning of the paragraph. If you are stressing out about starting a paragraph from the beginning, tell yourself that you will focus on the part of the paragraph that is easiest to write: the evidence and analysis. Once you have finished the more straightforward component of a paragraph, you can move on to the topic sentence. List all the evidence that supports your thesis statement. No matter what kind of argument you are making, you will have to use evidence in order to convince your reader that you are correct. Your evidence could be many things: historical documentation, quotations from experts, results from a scientific study, a survey, or your own observations. Before you proceed with your paragraph, list out every piece of evidence that you think supports your claim. Choose 1-3 related pieces of evidence for your paragraph. Each paragraph you write must be unified and self-contained. This means that you cannot have too many pieces of evidence to analyze in each paragraph. Instead, each paragraph should have just 1-3 related pieces of evidence. Take a close look at all the evidence you have gathered. Are there any pieces of evidence that seem like they link together? That is a good indication that they belong in the same paragraph. Some indications that evidence might link together include: If they share common themes or ideas If they share a common source (such as the same document or study) If they share a common author If they are the same type of evidence (such as two surveys that demonstrate similar results) Write about your evidence using the 6 W's of writing. The 6 W's of writing are the Who , What , When , Where , Why ,and How. This is the important background information your reader will need in order to understand the points you are making. As you write out your related pieces of evidence, keep your reader in mind. Always explain what your evidence is, how and why it was collected, and what it means. A few special things to keep in mind include: You must define any key terms or jargon that might be unfamiliar to your reader. (What) You must provide any key dates and locations, if relevant (such as where a historical document was signed). (When/Where) You must describe how evidence was obtained. For example, you might want to explain the methods of a scientific study that provided you with your evidence. (How) You must explain who provided you with your evidence. Do you have a quotation from an expert? Why is this person considered knowledgeable about your topic? (Who) You must explain why you think this evidence is important or notable. (Why) Write 2-3 sentences analyzing your evidence. After you present your key, related piece(s) of evidence, you have to spend some time explaining how you believe the evidence contributes to your larger argument. This is where your own analysis comes into play. You cannot simply list evidence and move on: you have to explain its importance. A few questions you can ask yourself as you analyze your evidence include: What is it that ties this evidence together? How does this evidence help prove my thesis? Are there any counterpoints or alternative explanations I should keep in mind? What makes this evidence stand out? Is there anything special or interesting about it? Write your topic sentence. The topic sentence of each paragraph is a signpost that the reader will use to follow your argument. Your introduction will include your thesis statement, and each paragraph will build upon this thesis by offering evidence. As the reader goes through your paper, she will recognize how each paragraph contributes to the thesis. Remember that the thesis is the larger argument, and the topic sentence helps prove the thesis by focusing on a smaller topic or idea. This topic sentence will make a claim or argument, which is then defended or reinforced in the following sentences. Identify the main idea of your paragraph and write a mini thesis statement that states this main idea. Let's say your thesis statement is "Charlie Brown is the most important comic strip character in America," your essay might have the following topic sentences: "The high ratings that Charlie Brown television specials have garnered for decades demonstrate the influence of this character." "Some people contend that superheroes such as Superman are more important than Charlie Brown. However, studies show that most Americans identify more readily with the hapless Charlie than with the powerful, alien Superman." "Media historians point to Charlie Brown's catchphrases, distinctive appearance, and sage wisdom as reasons why this character is beloved by adults and children alike." Make sure the topic sentence supports the rest of the paragraph. After you've written your topic sentence, reread your evidence and analysis. Ask yourself if the topic sentence supports the paragraph's ideas and details. Do they fit together? Are there ideas that seem out of place? If so, think about how you can alter the topic sentence to cover all of the ideas in the paragraph. If there are too many ideas, you may need to break up the paragraph into two separate paragraphs. Be sure that your topic sentence isn't simply a restatement of the thesis itself. Each paragraph should have a distinct, unique topic sentence. If you are simply restating "Charlie Brown is important" at the beginning of each body paragraph, you will have to narrow down your topic sentences more thoroughly. Conclude your paragraph. Unlike full essays, not every paragraph will have a full conclusion. However, it can be effective to devote a sentence to tying up the loose ends of your paragraph and emphasizing how your paragraph has just contributed to your thesis. You want to do this economically and quickly. Write one final sentence that bolsters your argument before moving on to the next set of ideas. Some key words and phrases to use in a concluding sentence include "Therefore," "Ultimately," "As you can see," and "Thus." Start a new paragraph when you move on to a new idea. You should begin a new paragraph when you move on to a new point or idea. By starting a new paragraph, you signal to your reader that you're shifting gears in some way. Some cues that you should begin a new paragraph include: When you begin to discuss a different theme or topic When you begin to address contrasting ideas or counterarguments When you address a different type of evidence When you discuss a different time period, generation, or person When your current paragraph is becoming unwieldy. If you have too many sentences in your paragraph, you may have too many ideas. Either cut your paragraph into two, or edit down your writing to make it more readable. Find a hook. Start off your paper or essay with an interesting sentence that makes the reader want to dive in and read your whole work. There are many devices that you can choose from. Use humor, surprise, or a clever turn of phrase in order to catch your reader's attention. Look at your research notes to see if a clever phrase, surprising statistic, or intriguing anecdote jumps out at you. Some of these possibilities include: An anecdote: “When he was growing up, Samuel Clemens watched steamboats on the Mississippi River and dreamed of being a river boat captain.” A statistic: “Women directed a mere seven percent of major Hollywood films in 2014.” A quotation: “ 'I am glad to see that men are getting their rights,' Sojourner Truth said in 1867, 'but I want women to get theirs, and while the water is stirring I will step into the pool.'" A thought-provoking question: “What will Social Security look like in 50 years?” Avoid universal statements. It can be tempting to use a large, general phrase as your hook. However, hooks are more effective when they are specific to your topic. Resist the temptation to introduce your essay with sentences that begin with phrases like: "Since the beginning of time..." "From the beginning of mankind..." "All men and women ask themselves..." "Every human on the planet..." Describe the topic of your essay. Once you have your hook, you will need to write a few sentences to orient your reader to what the rest of your essay will be about. Is your essay making an argument about Social Security? Or is it a history of Sojourner Truth? Give your reader a brief roadmap about the scope, purpose, and overall thrust of your essay. If possible, avoid phrases such as “In this paper, I will argue that Social Security is ineffective” or “This paper focuses on the ineffectiveness of Social Security.” Instead, simply make your point: "Social Security is an ineffective system." Write crisp, clear sentences. When you want to grab the reader, you need a sentence that is clear and easy to follow. The beginning of your paper is not the place to write a convoluted, long-winded sentence that the reader will stumble over. Use common words (not jargon), short declarative sentences, and easy-to-follow logic to guide your introduction. Read your paragraph out loud to see if your sentences are clear and easy to follow. If you have to take a lot of breaths while you read, or if you have a hard time keeping track of your ideas out loud, you should shorten your sentences. Conclude introductory paragraphs of argumentative essays with a thesis statement. A thesis statement is a 1-3 sentence description of the overarching argument of your essay. If you are writing an argumentative paper, the thesis statement is the most important part of your essay. However, oftentimes your thesis statement will change somewhat as you write your essay. Remember that a thesis statement must be: Argumentative. You cannot simply state something that is common knowledge or basic fact. "Ducks are birds" is not a thesis statement. Convincing. Your thesis must be based in evidence and careful analysis. Do not posit a wild, deliberately unconventional, or unprovable thesis. Follow where your evidence leads. Appropriate to your assignment. Remember to adhere to all parameters and guidelines of your paper assignment. Manageable in the space allotted. Keep your thesis narrow and focused. That way you might be able to prove your point in the space given to you. Do not make a thesis statement that is too large ("I have discovered a new reason why World War II occurred") or too small ("I will argue that left-handed soldiers put on their coats differently from right-handed soldiers"). Link your conclusion with your introduction. Bring the reader back to your introduction by starting off the conclusion with a reminder of how the paper started. This strategy serves as a frame that bookends your paper. For example, if you started your paper with a quote from Sojourner Truth, you might start the conclusion with: “Even though Sojourner Truth spoke almost 150 years ago, her statement continues to ring true today.” Make a final point. You can use this final paragraph to offer one last insight into the discussion that took place in the rest of your paper. Use this space to pose a final question or propose a call to action. For example, you could write: “Is an e-cigarette really any different from a regular cigarette?” Summarize your paper. If you've written a paper that is long and complex, you may choose to reserve your conclusion for recapping what you've written. In doing so, you can reiterate the most important points for the reader. This also helps the reader understand how your paper fits together. You can start off by writing, “In summary, the cultural policies of the European Union support global trade in three ways.” Consider further work that can be done. Conclusions are a great place to be imaginative and to think about the bigger picture. Has your essay opened up new space for more work to be done? Have you asked some large questions for others to answer? Think about some of the larger ramifications of your paper and articulate them in your conclusion. Determine the 6 W's of your story. The 6 W's in writing are Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. If you are writing a creative, fictional story, you will need to have these questions firmly answered before you begin writing. Not every W will need to be addressed in each paragraph. However, you should not begin writing unless you have a thorough sense of who your characters are, what they are doing, when and where they are doing it, and why it is important. Begin a new paragraph when you switch from one W to another. Creative writing paragraphs are more flexible than paragraphs in argumentative, academic papers. However, a good rule of thumb is that you should begin a new paragraph whenever one of the major W's of writing is switched. For example, if you switch from one place to another setting, begin a new paragraph. When you describe a different character, begin a new paragraph. When you describe a flashback, begin a new paragraph. This will help keep your reader oriented. Always change paragraphs when a different speaker begins using dialogue. Having two characters use dialogue in the same paragraph creates confusion for your reader. Use paragraphs of different lengths. Academic writing often involves paragraphs that are roughly the same size. In creative writing, your paragraphs can be one word long to several-hundred words long. Consider carefully what effect you want to create with your paragraph, which will help you determine your paragraph length. Varying the length of your paragraphs can help make your writing seem interesting to your reader. Longer paragraphs can help establish a thick, nuanced description of a person, place, or object. Shorter paragraphs can help establish humor, shock, or fast-paced action and dialogue. Consider the purpose of your paragraph. Unlike an argumentative paragraph, your creative paragraph isn't going to further a thesis. However, it should still have a purpose. You do not want your paragraph to seem aimless or confused. Ask yourself what you want your reader to gain from this paragraph. Your paragraph might: Provide your reader with key background information Advance the plot of your story Show how your characters relate to one another Describe the setting of your story Explain a character's motivations Provoke an emotional reaction from your reader, such as fear, laughter, distress, or sentiment. Use prewriting exercises to get ideas. Sometimes you have to work and plan for a while before you can write an effective sentence. Prewriting exercises are a good tool to allow you to get to know the story you wish to write. These exercises can also help you to see your story from new angles and perspectives. Some exercises to help you gain inspiration for your paragraph include: Write a letter from one character to another Write a few pages of a journal from your character's perspective Read about the time and place where your story is set. What historical details are the most interesting to you? Write a timeline of plot events to keep you oriented Do a "freewrite" exercise, where you spend 15 minutes writing everything you can think of about your story. You can sort it out and organize it later. Connect the new paragraph with the previous one. As you move to each new paragraph in your writing, each one will serve a certain purpose. Start each new paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly builds upon your previous thought. Signal a change in time or order. When your paragraphs are building a sequence (such as discussing three different reasons why a war took place), start each paragraph with a word or phrase that tells the reader where you're at in the sequence. For example, you might write: “Firstly…” The next paragraph would start with, “Secondly…” The third paragraph could start with either “Thirdly…” or “Finally…” Other words to signal a sequence are: eventually, ultimately, at first, in the first place, in the second place, or lastly. Use a transition word to compare or contrast paragraphs. Use your paragraphs to compare or contrast two ideas. The word or phrase that starts your topic sentence will signal to readers that they should keep the previous paragraph in mind as they are reading the next paragraph. Then, they will follow your comparison. , For example, use phrases like “in comparison” or “similarly” to compare. Use phrases such as “in spite of,” “however,” “nevertheless,” or “on the contrary” to signal that the paragraph will contrast or oppose the idea from the previous paragraph. Use a transition phrase to indicate an example is next. If you've discussed a particular phenomenon in the previous paragraph, give the reader a solid example in the following paragraph. This will be a concrete example that gives weight to a a general phenomenon you've previously discussed. Use phrases like “for example,” “for instance,” “thus,” or "more specifically." You might also use an example type of transition when you are putting special emphasis on the example. In this case, use transition words like “particularly” or “notably.” For example, you might write: “Most notably, Sojourner Truth was an outspoken critic of the patriarchal system of the Reconstruction era.” Describe the attitude that the reader should associate with something. When you are describing a circumstance or phenomenon, you can give the reader clues that point to how this phenomenon should be perceived. Use vivid, descriptive words to guide the reader's views and to encourage them to see things from your point of view. Words like “fortunately,” “luckily,” “oddly enough,” and “unfortunately” are useful here. Show cause and effect. The connection between one paragraph and the next may be that something in the first paragraph causes something in the second paragraph. This cause and effect is indicate by transition words such as: “accordingly,” “as a result,” “consequently,” “therefore,” or “for this reason.” Follow transition phrases with a comma. Include proper punctuation in your writing by following the phrase with a comma. Most transition phrases such as "finally," "ultimately," and "notably," are conjunctive adverbs. These phrases need to be separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma. For example, you might write: “Sojourner Truth was, most notably, an outspoken critic…” "Ultimately, we can see..." "And, finally, the expert witness claimed..." Don't panic. Most people experience writer's block at some point in their lives. Relax and take some deep breaths. A few easy tips and tricks can help you get through your anxiety. Write freely for 15 minutes. If you are stuck on your paragraph, turn off your brain for 15 minutes. Simply write down everything you think is important about your topic. What do you care about? What should others care about? Remind yourself of what you find interesting and fun in your paragraph. Simply writing for a few minutes--even if you are writing a material that will not enter your final draft--will inspire you to keep going. Pick a different section to write. You do not have to write a story, paper, or paragraph from beginning to end in that order. If you are struggling to write your introduction, choose your most interesting body paragraph to write instead. You might find it to be a more manageable task--and you might get ideas for how to get through the more difficult sections. Talk through your ideas out loud. If you are getting tripped up by a complicated sentence or concept, try to explain it out loud instead of on paper. Talk to your parents or a friend about the concept. How would you explain it to them over the phone? Write it down once you've gotten comfortable speaking it out loud. Tell yourself that first drafts are not perfect. First drafts are never perfect. You can always fix imperfections or clunky sentences in future drafts. Just focus on getting your ideas on paper for now, and revise later. Take a walk. Your brain sometimes needs breaks in order to function at a high level. If you have been struggling with a paragraph for more than an hour, let yourself take a 20-minute walk and come back to it later. You might find that it looks a lot easier once you have taken a break. | Recognize the structure of an argumentative paragraph. Reread your thesis statement. Write the evidence and analysis first. List all the evidence that supports your thesis statement. Choose 1-3 related pieces of evidence for your paragraph. Write about your evidence using the 6 W's of writing. Write 2-3 sentences analyzing your evidence. Write your topic sentence. Make sure the topic sentence supports the rest of the paragraph. Conclude your paragraph. Start a new paragraph when you move on to a new idea. Find a hook. Avoid universal statements. Describe the topic of your essay. Write crisp, clear sentences. Conclude introductory paragraphs of argumentative essays with a thesis statement. Link your conclusion with your introduction. Make a final point. Summarize your paper. Consider further work that can be done. Determine the 6 W's of your story. Begin a new paragraph when you switch from one W to another. Use paragraphs of different lengths. Consider the purpose of your paragraph. Use prewriting exercises to get ideas. Connect the new paragraph with the previous one. Signal a change in time or order. Use a transition word to compare or contrast paragraphs. Use a transition phrase to indicate an example is next. Describe the attitude that the reader should associate with something. Show cause and effect. Follow transition phrases with a comma. Don't panic. Write freely for 15 minutes. Pick a different section to write. Talk through your ideas out loud. Tell yourself that first drafts are not perfect. Take a walk. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Doula | How to Become a Doula | If you want to become a doula, first decide which type of support you want to offer, such as a birth doula to support a family through childbirth, or a postpartum doula to help new mothers care for their baby. Once you have an idea of your desired career, take a doula training program with a reputable organization, like DONA International or the International Doula Institute. After you've completed the course, consider getting certified, which will assist you in getting jobs later on. If you decide to do this, you'll need to pay a certification fee to your chosen organization, like DONA. Then, complete the certification requirements, which can include observing a child birth, performing work experience as a registered nurse, or offering doula services to 3 clients. When you've completed all of the requirements, mail your documents to your organization to obtain your certification. | Decide which type of doula you want to be. The most common type of doula is the birth doula, though there are a variety of other types of doulas as well. Many doulas specialize in more than one area, though it's important to decide on which doula you most want to be so you can become an expert in your field. Here are the varieties of doulas that you can choose from: Birth doula. The birth Doula's goal is to support a mother and her family throughout the birth process. This includes giving emotional encouragement, teaching about birth, giving massage and physical support during labor, and coaching breathing techniques and labor positions. Birth doulas typically visit their families 1-2 times before and after birth. Antepartum doula. These doulas commonly serve women who are having high-risk pregnancies or who are placed on bed-rest. They offer emotional support and sometimes even help with cooking and light housework. Postpartum doula. This type of doula helps new mothers learn to breastfeed their children, gain an understanding of normal infant sleep cycles, or calm them down. They offer information, support, and sometimes even help out around the house. Adoption doula. An adoption doula often works with both the birth mother and the adoptive family to offer emotional support and to ensure a smooth transition for the child as well as both mothers and families. Miscarriage/loss doula. These doulas help families deal with miscarriage and offer physical end emotional support throughout the process. Consider getting formal doula training. While it's not mandatory to be formally trained as a doula, this step is important for building your skills as a doula, and for giving you a solid base to work from. In a training program, you'll learn more about the intricacies of childbirth and will supplement your knowledge with videos and readings. You will also learn about labor support, finding clients, and even how to start your own business. Look for legitimate organizations in your area and commit to working with other inspired doulas and learning the ins and outs of your profession. You can be trained at a location of DONA International, International Doula Institute, International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA), Lamaze International, or to Labor (The Organization of Labor Assistants for Options & Resources). As you choose your training program, you should not only make sure that it is reputable, but that it gives you what you're looking for. You should consider the philosophy of the particular program, the depth and length of the training, as well as the cost — it can cost $500 or more. Don't let cost stop you, however, and make sure you look into scholarship programs before turning down a program because of cost alone. Consider getting certified. Though certification isn't necessary, it does help you gain knowledge and move forward in your career. One of the reasons doulas are criticized is because of their lack of formal or medical training, and being certified will help you dispel some of these myths. Though training can be enough and you may also find an apprenticeship or mentorship program, you should consider getting certified through a program such as DONA International or International Doula Institute. Here are some of the perks: Gaining knowledge. You'll have more opportunities to learn about the different aspects of being a doula, from connecting with clients to helping them breastfeed. Gaining credibility. Being listed in a database that allows you to be more easily found by clients. Becoming more marketable to new clients. You'll be more likely to be trusted if you have some paperwork to back up your expertise. Choose a doula organization that is right for you. Some of the most popular certification organizations are International Doula Institute, DONA International, CAPPA and BirthArts. You can explore options in your area and see what's the best fit for your vision of your career. In order to make your decision, you'll need to look into the certification requirements of different organizations. If you are interested in DONA, then you should read the position papers, Standards of Practice and the Code of Ethics of the organization. To learn more about International Doula Institute, read their What is a Doula section.. Become a member of a doula organization. Some organizations require you to pay a membership fee before you can start the training program or attend a workshop. You can join DONA International or another organization. You'll have to fill out some paperwork and to pay a fee. This is a necessary step to being able to move forward and benefit from the organization. Attend a workshop. Contact DONA International or International Doula Institute , or the organization you're interested in to find out where you can attend a workshop either in person or online; the first step you need to take in order to get your certification as a doula. Though workshop requirements vary by program, the workshop requirements for DONA are: 16 hours of workshop instruction. 12 hours of childbirth education classes (you may substitute a 7-hour DONA approved “introduction to childbirth for doulas course” in place of the childbirth education series). Read a minimum of 5 books from DONA's required reading list. You can download the required reading list from the website. Purchase a certificate packet. Each organization will have a certificate packet for you to purchase. For DONA International, for example, the certificate package will be about $45 and will be date stamped so that you are allowed 2 years from that date to complete all the certification requirements. You can purchase the certificate packet any time you like, but you must complete the certification requirements no longer than 4 years after you have completed the workshop. Fulfill the requirements of your organization. The requirements you'll need to fulfill will depend on the program you've chosen, and some exceptions will be made for doulas who live further away from approved educators. For DONA, for example, you'll need to fulfill at least one of the following requirements: Observe a complete childbirth preparation series (not as an expectant parent). Attend an “Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas” class that is offered in conjunction with an approved workshop. Train in midwifery or childbirth education. Perform work experience in labor and delivery as a registered nurse (RN). Submit proof of completion of the requirements of your program. For DONA, you'll need to prove that you completed at least one of the following requirements: Lactation consultant, breastfeeding peer counselor or community breastfeeding educator Completion of 1 approved online course in breastfeeding basics or lactation education resources Completion of a 3-hour breastfeeding workshop that is taught by an educator with proper credentials (IBCLC, CLE or CLC) Provide doula service for the required number of clients. For DONA, you'll need to provide the details of doula service for 3 clients, though the requirements will vary program by program. All birth details cannot be submitted until after all other workshop and certification requirements have been met. For DONA, your doula service for the 3 clients must include all of the following: Labor support before or at the onset of active labor Labor support of at least 15 hours total Continuous presence at the labor and birth Postpartum support Documentation of vaginal examinations on the birth record sheet's labor progression chart Inclusion of a client confidentiality release form, DONA International birth record sheet, typewritten account of each birth (500 to 700 words), evaluation from each client and each client's primary caregiver A list a of at least 45 local resources in at least thirty 30 different categories A signed copy of the DONA code of ethics and standards of practice Provide full contact information for 1 client and 1 birth professional who agree to serve as references for you Submit a typewritten essay (500 to 1,000 words) about the value and purpose of labor support Provide a check for the certification processing fee Get your certification. Once you've completed the required training and experience requirements for your organization, you'll have to mail your documents to the organization and should receive your certification. You can use this to help you find future clients and to make yourself a more appealing candidate before you go on the job. Look for clients. Once you've completed your training, and possibly your certification, it'll be time to start looking for clients. This can be a bit of a challenge when you're starting out, though being listed in a database of an organization can definitely help. You can talk to other doulas, let people in your area know that you're ready for business, make business cards and ask if you can give them out at childbirth or labor support classes. Your training or certification program should be able to help you, but you'll still need to be patient. Your clients will most likely not book you after speaking to you over the phone. You'll need to go to their homes or meet with them during an interview process so they can make sure they can trust you. Be physically strong. Physical strength is important, especially if you're a birth doula. You'll need to be strong in order to give women who are in labor direct support, from helping turn them over in bed to helping them assume different labor positions. Stamina is just as important as strength. Labor can last many hours, or even days, and you'll need to not only be strong, but to be able to be energetic, alert, and enthusiastic throughout the process, no matter how long it takes. Even if you're not a birth doula, you may need your strength to help women out around the house or to help women change positions after labor. Be able to easily connect with your families. Families want their doulas to be trustworthy, emotionally engaging, and a source of support and comfort. If you want to make the commitment to help a family throughout the birth process, then you'll need to be able to instantly show them care, love, and support. You have to be able to focus on the family and to push your ego aside, but to also be strong and assertive in order to advocate for the family's needs. You'll also need to know how to be kind and loving with both the birth mother and her baby, and to continue to give the family your love and support. It's important to be able to form emotional connections with the families you work with, while maintaining your objectivity and doing what's best for the birth mother and her baby. Be prepared for the flexible lifestyle. A doula does not work a typical 9-5 day. Most doulas, especially birth doulas, should be prepared for a very flexible schedule and lifestyle. When you're working with a birth mother and she needs you, you'll be expected to drop what you're doing to be by her side. You won't be able to take too many last-minute vacations or to spend a weekend getting "me time" very often. If you have another job to supplement your income, then that job should be pretty flexible, to make it easy for you to help the birth mother when she needs you. Your own family life should also be pretty flexible. You'll need to be able to leave home at a moment's notice, and to have someone to look after your children, if you have any. If you're an antepartum, postpartum, or another doula, then your schedule may be a bit more regular, though being available is always a must. Having a flexible schedule will also make you a more desirable candidate for families. Be on call. A doula can't be found with a dead cell phone. You'll need to have your phone at your side so you can call clients to check in to see how their doctor visits went, take calls from clients who need advice, or get calls from clients who are going into labor and who need you by their sides ASAP. You'll need to be responsible and to manage your time well and to be prepared to completely change your schedule at a moment's notice. You'll also need to have a soothing and calm manner over the phone, since many of your clients will be calling you seeking reassurance. You'll need to tell them that everything will be all right and to offer advice and comfort, especially if you're on your way over and want your clients to stay calm until you arrive. Get support from other doulas. Being a doula is incredibly rewarding, but it can be emotionally draining as well. It'll help to get support from other people in your profession. You can join a doula group in your area, check out professional newsletters, or even find help in online forums. You can seek advice or just feel the comfort that other people in your profession are feeling the same way you are. Getting support from other doulas can also help you tackle tricky situations with families or can just give you practical tips for improving your work. Consider supplementing your income. On average, doulas make below $30K a year, and you may want to supplement your income by providing additional services for families. Here are some things you can do to make ends meet: Lactation counseling. Help families learn the intricacies of successful breastfeeding. Placenta encapsulation. This is the process of drying and then powdering the afterbirth of the baby to create capsules that the mother can eat. Some say that this has tremendous physical and emotional benefits for the mother. Childbirth education classes. You can share your knowledge in classes with expectant parents. These classes can also help you advertise your services. Photography. You can also take photographs of the happy families and their newborn children. Belly casting. You can create a mold of the mother's pregnant belly for the family to keep as a memory of this exciting time. | Decide which type of doula you want to be. Consider getting formal doula training. Consider getting certified. Choose a doula organization that is right for you. Become a member of a doula organization. Attend a workshop. Purchase a certificate packet. Fulfill the requirements of your organization. Submit proof of completion of the requirements of your program. Provide doula service for the required number of clients. Get your certification. Look for clients. Be physically strong. Be able to easily connect with your families. Be prepared for the flexible lifestyle. Be on call. Get support from other doulas. Consider supplementing your income. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Email-Marketing | How to Do Email Marketing | Email marketing can be a great way for you to promote your business and cultivate relationships with your clients directly through email. To do email marketing, start by building an email list using a spreadsheet listing the names and email addresses of your current, past, and future customers. When you're ready to compose your email, write a compelling 20 to 30 character subject line to persuade the customers to open the email. Then, in the email body, provide your customers with a motivating offer and entice the reader to take an action, such as calling your business. | Build your email list. The three most important groups to market to via email are your current customers, past customers, and prospective customers. Use a spreadsheet to create a database of their names and email addresses. If you don't already have the email addresses, you'll need to start collecting them. To build your list, use your website, storefront, front desk, and every phone call to request your visitor's email address. Keep a clipboard at the front desk or storefront of your business for people to sign up for your email list. Entice them into signing up by offering discount coupons and other advantages that will only be sent via email. Make it relevant to what they are currently doing. Are they reading a long how-to guide? Then offer a summarized actionable checklist in exchange for their email. All you need is their name and email address to get started. Don't ask for too much information at this point. Promise privacy. Many people will be reluctant to sign up for an email list unless you assure them you will keep their email addresses and personal information private. This should be promised upfront. Along with the initial promise, you should develop a privacy statement that will be included at the bottom of every email you send out. This statement should be brief and to the point. Privacy statements should state that your company will never give out email addresses to third parties and will only be used for the purposes of marketing your company's products and services. It should also be mentioned that the email content is confidential and intended only for the individual named. Also state that if the email has been received in error, the recipient should notify the company so that their email can be deleted from the email list. Example: Your privacy is important to us. We will not disclose your personal information to any third party unless you have given us consent or we are required to do so by law. If you do not wish to receive communication from this company, you can opt out by replying to this email and notifying us. Create different email lists. Keep email addresses organized in spreadsheets and make sure you separate them. At minimum, you should have the emails broken into lists of current customers, past customers and prospective customers. Creating separate email lists allows you to send different emails to the groups, each with their own targeted content. As you go along, you can get more specific with your lists for even better targeting. Keeping separate lists also helps you to prevent spamming them with irrelevant content, which reflects poorly on your company. It's important to build relationships with your recipients through email marketing. Targeted lists with relevant content will help you do that. Have clear and specific goals in mind. Remember the acronym "AIDA" as you compose the message – Attention, Interest, Desire, Action. Your subject line needs to get their “attention” so that they'll open the email. Once they've opened it, spark their “interest” so they'll want to continue reading it. Create “desire” by providing them with a motivating offer. Finally, they need to be moved to “action” – which can be clicking on a link, calling your business, buying something from your website, and so on. For example, a dance class instructor who teaches couples could effectively market via email by offering a promotion for a free one hour introductory class. This offer would create desire, which could be further solidified by including a positive testimonial from a current student. Since the primary targets are couples, a subject line like, “Do you want to take your relationship to the next level?” would be an effective way to get the attention of a prospect. Write an effective subject line. Always remember the risk of being flagged as spam. A good subject line can diminish that possibility. It's best to write a subject line of less than 40 characters. 20 to 30 is probably optimal. Tell your recipients what's new in terms of products, services and relevant business information. Using the words “how to” is a great way to get your email opened; connect your solution to the recipients' needs. Make a compelling offer that will interest the recipient. Offers are usually discounts or special pricing. For example, a good subject line that a POS software company could use when marketing to restaurant owners would be, "Our new security feature will eliminate internal theft" or "How to eliminate internal theft." Provide interesting content. Avoid obvious sales pitches. Instead of immediately pitching your product, make the email about your readers. Instead of long-winded descriptions of your products and all the amazing services you provide, write about problems that might be afflicting your readers, then introduce solutions that include your products and services. Just as the subject line should prompt them to open the email, your intro needs to do one thing – get them to read the rest of the email. To capture interest, try telling a story, building mystery, and/or including a relevant and compelling image in the email body. For example, instead of announcing a new feature by describing it in technological terms, you could instead talk about the benefits of the feature that will directly and positively affect a prospective customer. Focusing on a customer's needs will get their attention. You could make key statements using bulletpoints, which would succinctly convey information while also emphasizing it. Keep it simple and easy to read. People receive a lot of emails every day and you probably aren't going to have their undivided attention. Make sure the email is easy for the recipient to scan through quickly. Break the content up into short paragraphs. Stay on point and be clear. Include relevant images to break up the text. If you have an offer that requires a good deal of information, provide a “Read more” link. If they're interested, they can click that link and be taken to a web page that provides additional information. Start with the most important information at the top of the email. Create an action-oriented goal. Your email should entice and prompt the recipients to take some kind of action. However, action does not necessarily mean getting them to buy something immediately. The goal could be getting them to reply to the email or even just getting them to click a link that brings them to your website. While people do manage to sell in their emails and drop people straight onto a credit card page, you will have more success getting people interested in reading more about your offer. Make sure the action goal is something that you can track – like a click, reply or a phone call – through platforms like Google Analytics. It's important to monitor the effectiveness of your email marketing campaigns, and the only way you can do that is by providing a call-to-action that you can track. Send a welcome email and provide an opt-in option. Before you start marketing to someone new, you should first send a welcome email. Introduce the company and let them know what to expect from future emails. Provide an opt-in form that allows them to confirm that they want to receive further emails from you. To give them incentive to opt-in, provide an attractive offer in the welcome email. For example, you could offer a free product or discount with their next purchase. An opt-in option can help prevent you from spamming people and get your relationship with that person started on the right foot. Every email you send should also have an obvious unsubscribe link in it. This allows the person to opt-out at any time. Send a test email first. Once you hit “send” on an email, there's no going back. You can't make corrections or change any of the content. Before you send an email out to your entire email list, send it to a few key people in your company. Have these people review the email content, confirm that all the links work, proofread the text, make sure the formatting looks right, etc. You will feel a lot more comfortable and confident about sending the final email out to your list if you do a test send first. Track the effectiveness through analytics. Most email service providers include free analytics when you use their programs. These analytics provide a great deal of information about the email's effectiveness, but the three most important metrics are the open rate, click through rate (CTR), and unsubscribes. Knowing this information can help you tweak your content for more successful email marketing in the future. The open rate tells you how effective your subject line was by showing you how many people opened the email and how many people didn't. CTR shows you how many people heeded the call-to-action, which essentially tells you how successful your content was. Unsubscribe information lets you know when you've created ineffective content because it tracks how many people opted-out of receiving future emails from you after seeing the current one. | Build your email list. Promise privacy. Create different email lists. Have clear and specific goals in mind. Write an effective subject line. Provide interesting content. Keep it simple and easy to read. Create an action-oriented goal. Send a welcome email and provide an opt-in option. Send a test email first. Track the effectiveness through analytics. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Homework-Done-Fast | How to Get Your Homework Done Fast | To get your homework done fast, work in a comfortable, well-lit area that doesn't have any distractions. Also, try setting a timer with however many minutes you want to finish your homework in so you can glance at it as you work and see if you're spending too much time on something. You can also make a to-do list before you get started so you don't waste any time figuring out what you need to be working on. To stay motivated, have a snack and some water nearby, and reward yourself with a fun activity once all your homework is done. | Work in a comfortable, well-lit environment. Try sitting at a desk in a padded, comfortable chair. Avoid doing homework on the floor or on your bed, because these areas are more likely to make you sleepy and distracted. Not only that, but doing homework in your bed can make it harder to sleep, and this sleeplessness can lead to lower productivity. Also make sure that you're working in a well-lit area so you don't have to strain your eyes to read. Eliminate distractions by putting away your electronics and isolating yourself. Turn off your cell phone, log off of your computer (unless you will need it for your homework), turn off the television and close the door. Let your family and friends know that you do not want to be disturbed while working so they can respect your privacy. Download website-blocking apps such as Freedom or SelfControl to stay focused while using your computer for homework. Some, such as the Chrome extension Strict Workflow, even have the added bonus of preventing you from cancelling the timer once it has started. Set a timer. At the start of each assignment or subject, start a timer with however many minutes you're aiming to complete your work in. You can regularly glance at the timer to stay aware of how much time is going by and how much you have left. This will help you realize when you're spending too much time on something, and will quickly snap you back into focus when you get distracted. If one subject or type of assignment is taking much more time than the others, you may want to ask for a little extra help in that area from your teacher or parent. If you get distracted or go off-task, don't make excuses for yourself. (e.g. "I won't be able to focus until I do this anyway." or "I'm sure it will only take a minute or two." Get your supplies in order. To avoid wasting time looking for things, have all your books, papers, writing utensils, and other materials readily available and easy to get to. Clean out your backpack and binder(s) weekly or monthly to stay organized. Consider consolidating your multiple different subject folders and notebooks into one big binder separated by tab dividers. This way, all of your schoolwork will be in one place. Make a homework plan for the evening. Instead of just grabbing the first book in your backpack and starting the work, plan ahead. There are several ways that you can plan out how to do your homework for the evening, including: Decide how much time you want to spend on your homework collectively. Make a list of all the different tasks you need to finish. Estimate how much time you'll be able to spend on each task to finish your homework when you want to. Work straight through your list and cross tasks off as you go. Start your homework soon after you get home from school. Waiting too long in the evening to start may result in working late into the night, which isn't good because it's much harder to work quickly when you're tired. Similarly, waiting until the next morning to do your homework will probably result in a rushed or incomplete end result. Prioritize by due date and importance. As you write assignments down in your planner throughout the week, make sure to write an “A” next to high priority tasks, a “C” next to lower priority tasks, and a “B” next to tasks that fall somewhere in between. An assignment that has to be completed by the next day would probably take priority over one that's due next Tuesday. Also prioritize bigger assignments over smaller ones. A ten page essay that's due in a week that you haven't started should be labeled an “A” or “B” while a short five question worksheet due in three days may be labeled a “C”. Make sure you don't wait until the last second to get assignments done. Take breaks. Focusing for hours and hours without stopping will most likely just slow you down. Every 25 minutes or so, take about 5 minutes to stretch and walk around to give your brain and body a quick rest. Eat snacks and drink water. Drink plenty of water and eat light, healthy, tasty snacks while you work to enjoy foods that you like, enhance your memory, and revitalize your brain and body. Stay away from soda, sugary junk food and energy drinks while you work to make sure that you won't crash halfway through completing your homework. Try eating celery sticks and apple slices with peanut butter. Reward yourself with a fun post-homework activity. Plan to go over to a friend's house, play your favorite video game, shoot hoops in the driveway, or go out for a sweet treat with your sibling(s) once your homework is done. Remembering that this fun activity is coming up will help you stay motivated to focus and work efficiently. | Work in a comfortable, well-lit environment. Eliminate distractions by putting away your electronics and isolating yourself. Set a timer. Get your supplies in order. Make a homework plan for the evening. Start your homework soon after you get home from school. Prioritize by due date and importance. Take breaks. Eat snacks and drink water. Reward yourself with a fun post-homework activity. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Unknown-Girl-Into-Your-Best-Friend | How to Make an Unknown Girl Into Your Best Friend | To get a girl you don't know to be your best friend, try to learn a few things about her in advance through her friends or on social media so you know what kinds of things she likes. Then, when you're talking to her, you can casually bring them up to keep the conversation going. Also, try to open up a bit about yourself when you're talking so she gets to know you better and starts to feel like you're friends. Remember to keep things really casual at first, but then after getting to know her a little bit, ask her to hang out. If it goes well, you can start hanging out more and becoming closer friends! | See if you can learn a few things about her in advance. If you know a few things about the girl before you talk to her—without being too much of a spy—then it can actually help you start that first conversation. Without making it too obvious, you can ask some people who know her what she's like, or even briefly look through her Facebook profile to get some more ideas about who she is. This can give you more topics to casually mention or can give you an idea of where to steer your first conversation. That said, you probably shouldn't mention that you've been asking other people about her or scrolling through her Facebook profile. You don't want her to think that you've been watching her a little too closely. Introduce yourself. The first move you have to make in order to get your friendship going is to introduce yourself to the girl. You don't have to be too aggressive about it or act like you're dying to be BFF with the girl. Just say hi, tell her what your name is, and ask her how she's doing. Make sure you find her at a good time, when she doesn't seem busy or worried over anything, and that you act casual about it. Just say something like, “Hi, I'm Sarah. It's great to meet you. What's your name?” And take it from there. Don't ask her too many questions or tell her too much about yourself right away or she will get overwhelmed. Take it easy and give your friendship time to blossom. Try to find a time when the girl is by herself so you have her attention. If you try to talk to her while she's with too many other people, you may not make as much of an impression. Ask her about herself. Once you start talking to the girl, you can begin to ask her things about herself so you get to know her a bit. The truth is that, when it comes to making friends, it's more important to be interested than to be interesting. Instead of worrying about impressing her with all of your funny jokes or cool stories, focus on showing a real interest in who she is. Just make sure she asks some questions back so she doesn't feel like she's being interrogated. Here are some things you can ask her about: Her hobbies Her family Her favorite TV shows, actors, musicians, and movies Her summer plans Her pets Open up a bit. Once you and the girl start talking a bit more, you can let her know about yourself so you both start to really get to know each other. You don't have to tell her everything at once, but once you feel more comfortable, you can talk about some of things you care about or are looking forward to. Though you can complain a bit, too, you should focus on being a bit more positive when you first start talking so she's more likely to want to keep hanging out with you. Here are some things you can tell her about: Your siblings Your favorite after school activities Your favorite things to do with friends Your favorite foods Your most interesting experiences Anything unique from your past Give her a compliment. Though you don't have to flatter her too much or suck up to her, giving the girl a nice girl compliment can help you become better friends. Pick something that makes her stand out or which is clearly important to her and point it out to make her feel good about herself. It doesn't have to be super personal since you don't know each other all that well yet; in fact, a compliment can be a great conversation starter. Here are some compliments you can try: “I love that brooch—it's so funky. Is it a family heirloom?” “That's an awesome sweater. I feel like I could never pull off such a pink color, but it looks great on you.” “You're so good with new people. I bet you can start a conversation with anybody.” Get a sense of her personality. Once you get to know the girl a bit more, you'll have a stronger sense of who she is as a person. Maybe she's the more shy type, or maybe she's quirky and fun but gets moody on occasion. Though you should still be who you are, you should be aware of the kind of person she is so you know what will work best when you work on building a friendship with her. If she's the moody type, then you shouldn't take it personally if she seems happy one minute and upset the next; don't just assume that it's your fault and know that these things pass. If she's more shy, then you should know it will take her a bit longer to begin to trust you. Be patient and don't rush her into being BFFs right away. If she's a bit quirky, then you should explore the oddball part of yourself. Ask her to do something less mainstream with you, like going to a bluegrass festival or making your own sushi, instead of doing something more expected, like walking around the mall. Ask her to hang out casually. Once you get to know the girl a bit better, you can start to hang out more. If you've had a few good conversations and feel like you're really clicking, then you can make an effort to hang out with her more. You should invite her to a low-pressure hanging out situation, such as a party you're hosting, or going to the movies, so you're not forced to talk the whole time; if you invite her on a long hike or weekend trip without knowing her that well, then you may struggle to find things in common, at first. You can say something like, “Hey, I know you love Lily Allen—she's actually having a concert in town in a few weeks, and I'm going with a few friends. Do you want to come with us?” You can also say, “Want to cram for the next history exam together? I know I have some trouble focusing when I'm on my own…” Be casual about it and don't put too much pressure on her. Say something like, “Let me give you my number. Maybe we can catch up over the weekend.” Check in with her. As you and the girl get to know each other better, you'll become more of a regular part of each other's lives. If you want your relationship to feel deeper and more rewarding, then you should check in with your new friend from time to time to see how her day is going. You can wish her good luck before an important test or ask how her soccer game went; let her see that you care about what she's been up to without asking about every little detail of her day. Make sure that she's checking in on you, too. If you feel like you're always the one who calls or texts her, then you should back off a bit so there's more of a balance. Checking in to see how she's doing, especially if she's had a hard day, shows that you care about more than just yourself and that you're a person who is worth getting to know. Don’t put too much pressure on her to hang out all the time. When you're just getting to know your new friend, you should take it slow in terms of spending time together. Seeing her once or twice a week outside of school should be enough to begin to develop your friendship. Once you've fallen into a slow, stable routine, you may even end up hanging out a bit more, but if you start asking her to hang out every day after you've just met, she may feel overwhelmed and will back away. Don't always be the one who is asking her to hang out. She should ask you to spend time together, too. You can start off by hanging out in groups and then do something alone together, like grabbing froyo or going to a yoga class. Once you get to know each other better, your time together won't feel so planned and you'll be able to just hang out with having an activity in mind. Don’t be jealous of her other friends. If you want to build a stronger friendship, then you should try to get to know your future BFFs other friends instead of putting them down. Sure, you may want your new friend all to yourself, but if you make fun of her other friends or refuse to get along with them, then it'll make it hard for you to hang out with your new friend in groups. Instead, make a real effort to get to know her friends so you can be a part of the group instead of hanging out with your new friend alone all the time. If you're mean or cold to her other friends, they'll tell her to stay away from you. Try your best to make a good impression, and they'll want to spend more time with you. Plus, if you put down the girl's other friends, then you'll look like you're insecure and not happy with your friendship. Don’t try to mimic her. As your friendship gets deeper, you should enjoy doing more things with your new friend and getting to know each other on a more personal level. However, you shouldn't try to act just like your new friend just to win her over. A lot of girls start doing this when they meet a girl who they think is cool, but you should work on still being yourself and enjoying the girl for who she is. You don't need to start dressing like her, acting like her, or mimicking the way she talks, in order to be closer with her. In fact, doing this can make her wary of you. If other people have pointed out that you've been acting more and more like your new friend, try to focus on emphasizing your own interests and personality. Find things you have in common. As you and your friend get to know each other better, you should be able to strengthen your relationship based on common ground. You may find that you have the same favorite TV show, the same perspective about politics, a love for creative writing, or even the same quirky sense of humor. This can help your friendship grow stronger over shared interests, and can give you more things to do together. However, don't worry if you don't think you have a million things in common, either. Sometimes the most important thing you can have in common are your dispositions. If you have a similar take on the world even if you don't have many of the same interests, that can take you far. You can also introduce each other to some of your favorite things to make your relationship stronger. Your new friend may love to check out a dance class with you, and you may have a great time at a Nicki Minaj concert with her. Help each other out. Another way for your friendship to grow is for you and your friend to help each other out when you need some extra support. This can mean making lunch for your friend when she's having a busy day, getting a ride to school from her when you need it, or just calling each other when you need emotional support. True friends help each other out and are there to make each other feel more capable and stronger. Your friend may not always be able to admit it when she needs help. However, if you clearly see that she's struggling and could use some support, then you shouldn't be shy about giving it to her as long as she doesn't feel smothered. Just make sure you take turns. You shouldn't be the one doing favors for her all the time and you don't want to feel like she's taking advantage of you. Get to know her other friends and family. If you're starting to become really close, then you should make an effort to be a part of more aspects of her life. If you're over her house, you should chat with her parents so they know you're a good influence, and make an effort to be nice to her siblings, even if they're younger. If her friends are around a lot, get to know them and treat them like they're your friends, too, showing a real interest in who they are. If you really don't get along with her family, don't make a big deal about it. Just try to be as friendly as you can. You can also get your friend to meet your family and friends, too, so you're more involved in each other's lives. Make her feel good about herself. One of the most important things you can do as a potential BFF is to make your friend feel like she's an amazing, interesting, beautiful person who is worth knowing. Give her sincere compliments, encourage her when she has a big moment coming up, and tell her all of the things that make her awesome and unique. If she's having a bad day, write her a note telling her how awesome she is; if she got dumped, invite her over to watch a sappy chick flick and listen to her when she cries. Your friend will turn to you for support and you shouldn't make her feel like she's fat, stupid, or inferior to you. Work on building her up and making your friendship stronger. Of course, you don't want to smother her with affection, either. Make an effort to make her feel good about herself as long as she does the same for you. Do new things together. One thing you and your almost BFF can do together is to try something new and exciting that you've always wanted to do. This can mean rock climbing, going speed dating together, taking a trip to Portland, or taking a belly dancing class together. Think of something fun that you've both been wanting to try, and then make an effort to sign up with your new bestie so you can have something fun to do as you grow even closer. Who knows, if you really like whatever you've tried, then that can become “your thing” that you always do together. You could be building a new tradition without even knowing it! Be there for the bad days, too. True best friends don't only hang out together when they're both in super good moods. They're there for the tears as much as they are there for the laughter. If your friend is having a bad day, you should be there to give her support, to listen to her problems, and to give her advice if she asks for it. Giving your new friend support when she needs it the most will help your relationship grow stronger than ever. If something is clearly wrong but she doesn't want to talk about it, then you should tell her you're ready to talk when she's ready without forcing it. Your best friend should be there for you during the bad days, too. Your support network will grow stronger with your best friend at your side. Give each other space. You can be BFF without spending every second together. You should make sure that you and your best friend still maintain separate friendships and have time for your studies, your families, and for pursuing your own interests. You don't have to do every little thing together to be close friends, and in fact, your relationship will be more interesting if you spend more time apart so you can share your experiences with each other. You don't want your best friend to feel smothered by you. Let her do her own thing without asking what she's up to all the time. If she's out with other friends, you don't always have to invite yourself along, either. Spending time pursuing your own interests, whether you're writing songs or learning French, will help you grow as an individual apart from your best friend. Make time for each other no matter what. Though your lives will change and get more complicated as you get older, if you really want to continue to be best friends, you should always make time to talk and to be together, even if you can't do it as frequently. Even if you're living on opposite sides of the country, you should still be able to talk on the phone or to send texts or emails at least a few times a month, and to see each other at least once a year if you can make it work. Your connection should be so strong that you don't need to see each other to feel close. Still, if you really care, you should make an effort to have your best friend in your life. Learn to grow together. You won't always be the same people you were when you met. You will begin new relationships, find new interests, switch careers, move to a new place, or just go through a million other rites of adulthood as you get older. Still, though, your friendship will remain, even if it changes character, and you shouldn't get disappointed if your best friend no longer likes Miley Cyrus or if she doesn't want to watch the same old TV shows with you or talk about the same things; instead, you should appreciate the person she is as she gets older, just as she should appreciate who you are. Be accepting of the changes going on in your best friend's life. Don't be frustrated if you think she's not the same person you've always known. Your best friend should be accepting of who you are, too. You don't always have to have the same political views or favorite food, and you should be comfortable discussing those changes with her. Don’t force it too much. Though everyone wants that perfect best friend they can confide in, you may find that this unknown girl doesn't end up being the right fit. Maybe you just don't click, maybe you can't find time to really get to know each other, or maybe you have such different personalities that it's hard to carry on a conversation without arguing. Whatever the case may be, if you really feel that this girl will never be your true best friend, or even your true friend, then you should move on and try to find another girl who has more in common with you. You don't have to ditch the girl completely just because you don't think she's BFF material. You can still be friends with her, or even casual acquaintances. When it comes down to it, you can never have too many friends. | See if you can learn a few things about her in advance. Introduce yourself. Ask her about herself. Open up a bit. Give her a compliment. Get a sense of her personality. Ask her to hang out casually. Check in with her. Don’t put too much pressure on her to hang out all the time. Don’t be jealous of her other friends. Don’t try to mimic her. Find things you have in common. Help each other out. Get to know her other friends and family. Make her feel good about herself. Do new things together. Be there for the bad days, too. Give each other space. Make time for each other no matter what. Learn to grow together. Don’t force it too much. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Change | How to Deal with Change | If you are struggling with a major transition, identify your specific worries by writing them down or discussing them with a friend, and think of potential solutions. If you are concerned about a new job or moving, learn all you can about your new company or the place where you'll live, to ease your uncertainty. Spending time with people who have been in your situation will also reduce your anxiety and help you relax. | Acknowledge your feelings. If you feel resistant to change or uncomfortable with impending change, then it is important to acknowledge your feelings. Don't avoid your emotions, listen to them. Emotions are part of self-awareness. When you acknowledge an emotion, you accept it as if to say, “this isn't so bad” and allow yourself to understand it and manage it. Often, change brings up feelings of anxiety such as worry and fear. It's okay to feel worried and feel fear. Grieve and take care of your feelings. Even if the big change in your life is a happy one like getting married or moving to a place you always wanted to live, accept that there will be some emotional losses and work through them. Try to identify the feelings you are having and why by writing or saying them out loud. For example, you might write or say something like, “I am feeling anxious and overwhelmed because I have to move to a new city next week.” Prepare yourself. No matter what sort of change you are facing, you can take steps to prepare yourself for the new situation. Think about what your new situation will be and then identify some ways that you can learn more about what you will be facing. For example, if you plan to move to another city, state, or country, learn as much as you can about the new place before going. If you are starting a new job, find out as much as you can about what you will be doing. Try to create a plan for how you will approach the new situation. For example, if you are moving to a new city, you might ask: what restaurants do you want to check out? How will you get around the city? What other places would you like to explore? You can also make a plan to change your situation if it is not where you want to be in life. For example, you might not like your new job, so you could create a plan to find a new one that you will enjoy by searching the job listings, applying for jobs that interest you, and attending job fairs. Create a mental script. If you are facing a life change that you cannot control, then it may be hard to accept the situation. However, you can work towards acceptance by reassuring yourself in the form of an accepting mental script. For example, when you are feeling upset or anxious about the oncoming change, you might repeat to yourself, “I do not like the change that is happening, but it is beyond my power to control. I may not like this change, but I will accept it and try to make the best of it.” Remind yourself that you control your attitude and actions. Change may turn your world upside down but you still have control over how you respond to the situation. You can choose to approach the situation with anger and take your feelings out on other people, or you can choose to see the situation as a new opportunity and approach it with excitement. Some people find list-making to be an effective way to reduce anxiety and feel happier. If you are feeling miserable about the situation, try writing down a list of positives. For example, if you have just gone through a breakup, then you might identify the positives as things like more free time, a chance to get to know yourself better, and more time to spend with your friends and family. Journal about your worries. Change can bring about lots of insecurities, worries, and negative thoughts. Especially if you feel overwhelmed by change, start writing down all the things that contribute to you feeling overwhelmed. Writing it down can help you realize that things are less negative than you imagine. If you feel overwhelmed by having a puppy and are having a difficult time adjusting to all the changes, write down what has changed in your life and what is difficult about it. Write down possible solutions to your issue, such as creating a schedule to help you manage the changes. Talk to others with similar experiences. It can be comforting to talk to someone who's going through a similar change as you. Maybe you are starting college, having a baby, or changing careers. Talking to someone who's “been there” can be comforting, knowing that he or she got through it okay. Ask for advice on what you can do to get through the change well. If you're going through a divorce, meet with other people who are experiencing the same thing, or have already gone through it. Accept uncertainty. If you worry about all the changes happening around you, you lose your ability to enjoy the moments and experience them in their fullness. Constantly worrying doesn't make you any more capable of predicting the future or handling it any better. Accept that you are in a transition and that change is inevitable. You can say, “I accept that change is occurring, and it's up to me how I handle it.” Relax. Relaxation can help decrease stress and increase emotional health. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help you relax and cope with stress more effectively. Practice progressive muscle relaxation by getting comfortable and starting to relax your body and your breathing. Now, tense your right fist for a few seconds, then release. Move up to your right forearm, tense and release. Move to your right shoulder, then do the same for your left arm. Continue throughout your body, including your neck, back, face, chest, hips, quads, calves, ankles, feet, and toes. Exercise. Exercise helps cope with stress and reduce anxiety. Do your body, mind, and emotions a favor by engaging in some activity. Aim to exercise for 30 minutes each day on most days. Take the dog for a walk, bike to groceries, or go for an evening hike after work. You can also exercise by dancing or running, or going to the gym. Expect new patterns of living to take time. Change is a shock because it destabilizes the life you've made for yourself to this point. All habits and routines are up for questioning when change interferes, so going slowly and easing yourself into the new is an essential strategy for coping. Expect that any change will take time to adjust to; be realistic when enduring big life changes. Give yourself time to recoup. For example, if you're grieving after a death, be it a person or a pet , acknowledge that how you grieve and how long you grieve for are decisions only you can make. Nobody else can rush you, no matter what they insist. See change as opportunity. Change is an opportunity to re-examine the life you've been leading to see whether you've been making positive choices or paying too much (time, money, effort) for leading a lifestyle that isn't bringing you happiness. Although sometimes painful, change can bring a silver lining. Learn to enjoy the process of change by creating positive reinforcements around change. This can include treating yourself to ice cream after you finish physical therapy for your injury, or getting to spend a small amount of money each time you save up $100. Leave complaining and blaming behind you. When a change thrusts you into constant complaining and blaming, it can be understandable for a short period of time. Friends and family will rally at the beginning of a misfortune. It's important to keep a positive outlook when in the midst of change to help decrease stress and cope with difficulties. Find ways to see things in a positive light. If you struggle to find positive things, ask someone to help you look for them. Remember, changes can often provide opportunities for future endeavors that previously would not have been attainable. Let go of what has happened and move on. Focusing on the past will not help you to move on with your life. It's no use wanting your 'old life' back or spending all of your moments wishing things would go back to what they used to be. Instead of focusing on the past, anchor yourself in the future by creating excitement and things to look forward to doing. Try something that you've never done before like taking a painting class, going ice skating, or visiting a new city. If you still find yourself dwelling on the past and it is interfering with your life, then you may want to seek the help of a therapist to help you move forward in your life. Think about your situation. Adjustment disorder develops within three months after you experience a stressful change. The change might be something positive or negative that caused significant stress in your life, such as moving, getting married, losing your job, or losing a family member. Consider your symptoms. Those with adjustment disorder will exhibit some psychological symptoms that may help a mental health professional make a diagnosis. Symptoms include: Severe stress. Someone with adjustment disorder will have stress that is more intense than what you would expect someone to feel in that situation. For example, someone who has just bought a new home, might feel severely stressed even after they have closed on the house and moved in. Difficulty functioning. People with adjustment disorder may have a hard time functioning in social, professional, or academic settings. For example, someone who has recently gone through a breakup may be incapable of having a conversation with friends. Reflect on the length of symptoms. Symptoms from adjustment disorder will not last longer than six months. If your symptoms last longer than six months, then you do not have adjustment disorder. You may have another mental health condition that is causing you to feel the way that you do. See a therapist. If you think that you may have adjustment disorder, then you will need to see a therapist for a professional diagnosis and to get help. Even if you are not sure about whether or not adjustment disorder is to blame for the way you feel, seeing a therapist can help to get to the root of the problem. | Acknowledge your feelings. Prepare yourself. Create a mental script. Remind yourself that you control your attitude and actions. Journal about your worries. Talk to others with similar experiences. Accept uncertainty. Relax. Exercise. Expect new patterns of living to take time. See change as opportunity. Leave complaining and blaming behind you. Let go of what has happened and move on. Think about your situation. Consider your symptoms. Reflect on the length of symptoms. See a therapist. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Tamales | How to Eat Tamales | If you're not sure how to eat tamales, hold a tamale in your hand and peel back the wrapper, which is usually made from corn husks or plantain leaves. You can then eat the inside of the tamale, but you should never eat the wrapper itself. If the tamale has a lot of sauce, or if you don't want to eat it with your hands, place the tamale on a plate and remove the wrapper, then eat the filling with a fork and knife. | Devour a tamale straight out of the wrapper. Simply peel back one end of the wrapper (typically a corn husk or plantain leaf) and start munching. Once you're done, toss the wrapper in the trash and continue going about your day. Tamales were originally meant to be eaten as a handheld food, the way you might nibble a sandwich or bagel wrapped in deli paper. Look for tamales being sold as street fare in places with a strong Mexican heritage, or anywhere that food trucks tend to be spotted. Their size and portability makes them perfect for scarfing down on the go. Never eat the wrapper itself. Eat your tamale with a fork and knife. Unwrap the tamale and discard the wrapper. Then, throw it on a plate and cut it into bite-sized pieces. That way, you won't have to hold it the whole time you're eating or worry about getting your hands dirty. Be sure to remove the wrapper entirely from tamales steamed in corn husks. While plantain leaves are edible (though they're not usually consumed with the tamales), corn husks aren't, and could cause choking or an upset stomach if swallowed. Cutting up tamales makes them easier to feed to children, who might make a mess if trusted with the entire portion. Eating with your hands is also an option, but it'll be more messy. Add some salsa or mole for extra flavor. Top savory tamales with tangy tomato salsa or salsa verde. Mole, a Mexican sauce made from chocolate, chile peppers, and spices, can also be used to spice up an otherwise plain tamale. Pour your condiment of choice directly onto the unwrapped tamale or dip it to control how much you get with each bite. Feel free to substitute your own favorite salsa recipes, such as black bean and corn, mango-habanero, or chunky pico de gallo. If you don't have any salsa handy, ordinary hot sauce can make an acceptable substitute. Order a sweet tamale for dessert. While most tamales contain spicy or savory fillings, some are made with sweet ingredients like chocolate, raisins, or bananas. It's not uncommon to find sweet tamales on the dessert menu at restaurants that specialize in tamales. Sweet tamales are often flavored with potent spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, and may be finished with a spritz of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey. Reheat leftover tamales before enjoying them. If you have a few extra tamales sitting in the refrigerator, there are a number of ways to warm them up without losing that soft, tender texture. Try steaming them in a pot of boiling water using a steamer basket, or throw them into the oven or a hot pan with a little bit of cooking oil for a slightly crispy finish. You can also microwave tamales as a last resort if you have no other options available. Sticking a small glass of water in with them will help keep them from drying out and becoming crumbly. It's not strictly necessary to reheat your tamales before chowing down. While they're most often eaten hot and fresh from the pot, there's no rule that says you can't enjoy them cold! Wash down a tamale with a steaming mug of atole. Atole is a hot beverage made by simmering ground corn with water and assorted sweet flavorings like chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and fruit. It is often sipped alongside tamales, making it a perfect addition to your meal. Freshly-brewed atole is often available at restaurants and food stands that sell tamales. If you want to try your hand at making atole, you can do it using the same masa corn dough that's used to coat tamales. Plate tamales with a side of arroz con leche. Arroz con leche, also known as Mexican rice pudding, is another traditional item that's frequently paired with tamales. It is prepared by boiling long-grain white rice with milk and cinnamon sticks until it takes on a custard-like consistency. Refrigerate the pudding to help it thicken and serve it chilled. Sprinkle a small handful of raisins, chopped nuts, or ground cinnamon over the top to apply the finishing touches. A cup of arroz con leche makes a great companion for mild tamales eaten with breakfast. Smother hearty tamales with chili. Place a tamale at the bottom of a bowl and cover it with a few ladlefuls of homemade chili. Dress your smothered tamale with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes and onions, or any of your other favorite chili fixin's. Chili is most often served with heavier types of tamales filled with ground beef, pork, or cheese. Try a Chicago-style “Mother-in-Law” sandwich. If you're looking for a somewhat unconventional take on the old-fashioned tamale, stick a fresh beef tamale in a hot dog bun along with a generous amount of chili. Save some room for signature Chicago toppings like yellow mustard, onions, pickle relish, tomato slices, sport peppers, and celery salt. A Mother-in-Law may be served in a bun, but when fully-loaded, it's anything but a finger food. Be sure to have plenty of napkins nearby! | Devour a tamale straight out of the wrapper. Eat your tamale with a fork and knife. Add some salsa or mole for extra flavor. Order a sweet tamale for dessert. Reheat leftover tamales before enjoying them. Wash down a tamale with a steaming mug of atole. Plate tamales with a side of arroz con leche. Smother hearty tamales with chili. Try a Chicago-style “Mother-in-Law” sandwich. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Jack-Russell | How to Care for a Jack Russell | To care for your Jack Russell, exercise it for 30 to 45 minutes each day to help manage its high energy levels. Additionally, provide it with toys to play with, because Jack Russells can become destructive if they're not mentally stimulated. Make sure to feed your dog a high quality dog food twice a day. You should also brush your Jack Russell at least once a week to remove any loose hairs, and brush its teeth 3 times a week to keep them clean. | Feed your dog a high quality dog food each day. Jack Russell terriers need to be fed twice a day. You should not free feed a Jack Russell, as they're prone to overeating. In general, Jack Russell terriers need about 1.25 to 1.75 cups of quality dog food each day. Calorie amounts vary between brands of dog food, though, so check the feeding instructions on the food packet so you aren't overfeeding or underfeeding your Jack Russell terrier. Your dog may need more or less depending on its size, age, and activity level. If your dog appears over or underweight, ask your vet about adjusting its food. Your dog may also need more exercise if it's overweight. You should divide food into two meals. You can try serving one during the morning and one at night. Feeding a dog once a day will result in your dog being hungry throughout the day. Exercise your Jack Russell for 30 to 45 minutes each day. All dogs need exercise, but it's particularly important for a high energy breed like the Jack Russell. Make sure the exercise is vigorous. Brisk walks and intense play sessions are important for your dog's health. If you walk your Jack Russell, make sure to keep a fast pace. Jack Russell terriers benefit from swift walks. Play with your dog indoors if you don't have time to walk it every day. Allow the dog to run around inside for at least 30 to 45 minutes each day. If possible, allow your Jack Russell terrier to run around outside off the leash. Consider fencing in your own yard. If your Jack Russell is calm with other dogs, take it to a dog park to play. Brush your Jack Russell regularly. All Jack Russell terriers require regular brushing for optimal health. At least once a week, brush your dog remove loose hairs. Avoid bathing a Jack Russell. Jack Russell terriers only very rarely need baths. Only bathe your dog if it's very dirty or is coated in something like mud or dirt. Trim your dog's nails twice a month. A Jack Russell terrier's nails get long quickly. This can cause discomfort for your dog, and its nails can get caught in something. About twice a month, trim your dog's nails. If you hear the dog's nails clicking on the floor, it's time for a trim. Use a pair of dog nail clippers to trim your dog's nail. Carefully take your dog's paw and clip the nails one at a time. Praise your dog for staying still throughout the process. If necessary, have another person hold your dog still during the trimming process. Only cut off the tips of a dog's nails. Strive to make a quick, clean cut as not to prolong the clipping process. Keep your dog's teeth clean. Get a dog toothbrush and toothpaste. Make sure to brush your dog's teeth at least two to three times a week. This will prevent the build up of bacteria in the mouth. Start training young, if possible. Dogs are generally easiest to train when they're younger. This is particularly true for the Jack Russell terrier, as they tend to be a stubborn breed. The sooner you start training, the better. If you got your dog as a puppy, start training it right away. Train your dog consistently. Jack Russell terriers thrive on a consistent schedule. As the dogs tend to be stubborn and grow bored easily, consistent training is key to successful training. Strive to have training sessions each day. Due to their high energy and tendency to get bored, it's vital to teach a Jack Russell terrier basic commands like "sit" and "stay" to get to keep them under control. Make sure you train your dog a little each day. You can start with basic commands and work your way up. Consistency is vital. Jack Russell terriers are a highly intelligent breed, and will get confused if expectations shift. Make sure your dog knows what behavior is and is not acceptable during training. Reinforce good behaviors. Jack Russell terriers, like most dogs, want to please their owners. They're more likely to respond to rewards than punishment. When your Jack Russell behaves correctly during the day, and during training, give it a reward. It will slowly learn which behaviors are and are not acceptable. Jack Russell terriers will respond to rewards in the form of treats and praise. You can also play with a Jack Russell as a form of a reward, as this will help get in its daily exercise. Make sure to reward good behaviors right away. Dogs live in the immediate. If you don't reward your dog right away for good behavior, it may not understand why it's being praised. Have patience. Expect training to take longer for a Jack Russell than a different breed. Jack Russell terriers are stubborn by nature, and tend to resist training efforts. Things like housebreaking and basic commands may take a long time to master. It may take six or eight months for a dog to learn to behave, so don't get discouraged. As long as you're being consistent and offering rewards, you're not doing anything wrong in regards to training. The Jack Russell terrier is simply a breed that takes awhile to train. Watch out for common health problems. Jack Russell terriers are generally a healthy breed that live a long time. However your dog may be prone to hip problems, deafness, and dislocation of the knee caps. If your dog appears to be sick or in pain, bring it into a vet right away. If you went through a good breeder, your dog is less likely to have these kinds of problems. Keep your dog entertained. You need to play with your Jack Russell terrier regularly. Make sure it has a lot of toys to entertain itself. Jack Russell terriers need a lot of mental stimulation to be happy. If they're not entertained, they'll act out by getting into things around the house. Make sure your dog has toys it likes. If your Jack Russell seems uninterested in its current toys, make a trip to a local pet shop to get it something different. It's not uncommon for Jack Russell terriers to get destructive around the house if not entertained. Be careful with other pets. Not all Jack Russell terriers take well to other animals. They tend to be territorial, and can even kill smaller animals like cats. Introduce a Jack Russell terrier to new pets slowly. Do not bring a Jack Russell terrier to a place like a dog park if you don't know how it takes to other pets. Jack Russell terriers may be particularly aggressive to dogs of the same sex. Some Jack Russell terriers do best as only pets. A lot of them are simply aggressive to other pets. Avoid getting a Jack Russell if you have young children. Jack Russell terriers may snap or bite if handled improperly. Very young children should be supervised closely around a Jack Russell terrier. Make sure you teach your children how to interact safely with a Jack Russell terrier. Teach them not to approach the dog when it's eating or sleeping. Make sure any fences are secure. Jack Russell terriers are escape artists by nature. If you let your dog have access to a fenced in yard, check your fence carefully. Make sure there are no gaps in the fence, and that it's high enough that your dog cannot jump over it. Electronic fences are not recommended for Jack Russell terriers. It's easy for a Jack Russell terrier to find its way around an electronic barrier. | Feed your dog a high quality dog food each day. Exercise your Jack Russell for 30 to 45 minutes each day. Brush your Jack Russell regularly. Trim your dog's nails twice a month. Keep your dog's teeth clean. Start training young, if possible. Train your dog consistently. Reinforce good behaviors. Have patience. Watch out for common health problems. Keep your dog entertained. Be careful with other pets. Avoid getting a Jack Russell if you have young children. Make sure any fences are secure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Almond-Flour-or-Meal | How to Make Almond Flour or Meal | To make almond flour, start by boiling your almonds for 1-2 minutes, uncovered. Then, use a cloth or your hand to rub the skin off. Next, soak your almonds overnight to sprout them for easier digestion. After drying the blanched, sprouted almonds, place them in a food processor or blender and pulse until you get a fine, grainy consistency. Use your flour immediately or store in a chilled place. | Take any amount of blanched almonds, preferably sprouted. Any amount of almonds will do because the ingredients start and end with almonds. Nifty! Why blanched almonds for almond flour? Blanched almonds are simply almonds without their outer skin. These make for a more uniform-colored flour and a more even taste. In order to blanch almonds, boil them for about a minute or two, uncovered. Use a cloth or your hand by rubbing the skin off or removing nut from the shell. Completely dry the almonds before using, as the water will make it into butter. Why sprouted? Sprouted almonds simply mean almonds that are soaked overnight. They are easier for the human body to digest, making your overall experience more pleasant. Specifically, sprouting takes away toxic enzyme inhibitors so that the enzymes your body deploys during digestion can do their job. Once dry, place any amount of almonds inside a food processor, coffee bean grinder, Vitamix, or blender. Again, it doesn't matter how many almonds you use. It's probably better, however, to err on the side of fewer almonds, as almond flour has a relatively short shelf life — 3 to 6 months in the fridge and even less outside. Pulse until you get a fine, grainy consistency. This usually takes anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute, perhaps longer depending on your pulsing apparatus. If you want finely textured almond flour, be sure to pulse the almonds a little longer. Be advised, however, that pulsing the almonds for too long can result in almond butter. Use immediately or label and store in a chilled place. Unused, room temperature almond flour can become rancid when it oxygenates for too long. Place any amount of sprouted almonds in a food processor, coffee bean grinder, Vitamix, or blender. While there is no official difference between almond flour and almond meal, the unofficial difference is that flour contains blanched almonds and meal contains almonds with the skins still intact. Therefore, if you decide to make almond meal or have a recipe that calls for meal, it may be preferable to make it using whole, sprouted almonds instead of blanched, sprouted almonds. Pulse the almonds in the food processor for less time than you might have making almond flour. Almond meal is generally (again, unofficially) supposed to be coarser than almond flour. If you pulsed your almond flour for 45 seconds, only pulse your meal for 30 seconds. Use immediately or label and store in a chilled place. Unused, room temperature almond meal can become rancid when it oxygenates for too long. | Take any amount of blanched almonds, preferably sprouted. Once dry, place any amount of almonds inside a food processor, coffee bean grinder, Vitamix, or blender. Pulse until you get a fine, grainy consistency. Use immediately or label and store in a chilled place. Place any amount of sprouted almonds in a food processor, coffee bean grinder, Vitamix, or blender. Pulse the almonds in the food processor for less time than you might have making almond flour. Use immediately or label and store in a chilled place. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cheese-Toast | How to Make Cheese Toast | To make cheese toast, butter the bread of your choice on both sides. You can use slices of regular white bread, or try alternatives like sourdough, ciabatta, or rye to experiment with flavors and textures. Quickly brown both sides of the bread in a hot skillet, then top each piece with grated cheese. Use a good melting cheese like cheddar, Gruyere, or Muenster for best results! Heat the bread in the skillet for 3 minutes until the cheese melts and gets bubbly, then transfer to a plate and enjoy. | Butter a slice of white bread on both sides. Try sourdough for a tangy flavor, or an airy bread like ciabatta if you like the cheese oozing through the holes and burning on the pan. Buttering both sides will create a golden crust and a moist interior. If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the pan to add more flavor. Fry the bread on both sides (optional). A quick browning for a minute on each side makes the toast extra rich and delicious. If you prefer to keep the middle of the bread soft, you can skip this entire pre-cook step. Add optional ingredients. A spread of mustard or pinch of cayenne adds a kick of heat. A thin slice of ham and you have a croque monsieur. If it sounds good to you, it probably is – although you should stay away from vegetables that get soggy when cooked, such as lettuce or pickles. Add sliced or grated cheese. Some cheeses melt into gooey goodness, and some cheeses have a strong flavor worthy of the toastie. Choose a cheese that does both, or combine a cheese from each category. Here's the breakdown: Good melting cheeses: cheddar, Red Leicester, Gruyere, grated parmesan, Fontina, Emmental, Muenster, Gouda Poor melting cheese (pair with one of the above): mozzarella, feta, provolone Cook for about three minutes. Cook over medium-low heat, so the cheese has time to melt before the bread burns. Once brown and bubbly, transfer to a plate and serve hot. Eat plain or with chutney, brown sauce, or ketchup. Set your oven or toaster oven. If your toaster oven has a "broil" setting that heats from above, this gives the cheese an extra crisp. In a regular oven, the "broil" setting is worth a try if it's located at the top of your oven, but the high heat can turn the cheese rubbery. Here are your options: Oven (normal bake): Preheat to 250ºC (480ºF). Oven (overhead broil): Do not preheat. Move the oven rack to the lowest position to reduce heat. Toaster oven: Do not preheat. If there's a temperature control, set it to 250ºC (480ºF). Choose thick-sliced white bread. Any white bread will do. Thick slices are another barrier against burning, but pre-sliced grocery store bread works fine. Butter one side of the bread. This step is essential to make the toast golden brown and slightly moist. Bake until lightly toasted. Cook until the butter has melted and the bread is just starting to turn brown. This takes about 2–3 minutes. Remove it from the oven. Cover completely with thin slices of cheese. Select a strong-tasting cheese, such as sharp cheddar. Use a cheese slicer to make several thin slices. Lay them on the buttered bread, overlapping slightly. Cover every inch of the bread to make delicious bubbling cheese hat, instead of a layer of charcoal. Grated parmesan works well too. Cook until cheese begins to bubble and brown. Return the bread to the oven. Watch it like a hawk until the cheese has completely melted and started to bubble, there also should be brown patches.. This takes another 3–5 minutes or so, but even one minute too long can turn it black. This may only take 1–2 minutes if using a powerful broiler. Toast the bread in a low-temperature oven. Butter the bread on one side and place it in a cold oven at its minimum temperature setting. This recipe is quite quick, but you should check on the toast every few minutes just in case. Remove once toasted to your preferred color. Melt butter over low heat. Place the butter in a saucepan and heat until melted. Whisk in flour. Pour in the flour and whisk or stir until mixed. Cook this roux mixture for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. It should end up smooth and very slightly golden-brown. Stir in liquids and spices. Pour in the beer and whisk until well combined. Whisk in the milk, or heavy cream for an extra-rich version. Stir in dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, and paprika. For more color, save the paprika and sprinkle it on the plate after serving. Gradually add cheese. Add the grated cheese a small handful at a time. Stir each handful until it melts. Reduce the heat if the mixture starts bubbling or frothing. Taste test. Stir in a pinch of salt and taste the result. Add more spices if desired, or melt in more cheese if the flavor is too strong for you. Remove from heat and beat in the egg yolk. Let the rarebit cool for a few minutes to reduce the chance of ending up with bits of scrambled egg. Beat in the egg yolk until the mixture is smooth. Pour over the toast. Serve each person a slice of toast covered in a generous amount of Welsh rarebit. The mixture will be quite liquid, so provide knives and forks. | Butter a slice of white bread on both sides. Fry the bread on both sides (optional). Add optional ingredients. Add sliced or grated cheese. Cook for about three minutes. Set your oven or toaster oven. Choose thick-sliced white bread. Butter one side of the bread. Bake until lightly toasted. Cover completely with thin slices of cheese. Cook until cheese begins to bubble and brown. Toast the bread in a low-temperature oven. Melt butter over low heat. Whisk in flour. Stir in liquids and spices. Gradually add cheese. Taste test. Remove from heat and beat in the egg yolk. Pour over the toast. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Yield-to-Maturity | How to Calculate Yield to Maturity | To calculate the approximate yield to maturity, write down the coupon payment, the face value of the bond, the price paid for the bond, and the number of years to maturity. Plug these figures into the ApproximateYTM formula, then solve the equation as you normally would to get your answer! | Gather the information. To calculate the approximate yield to maturity, you need to know the coupon payment, the face value of the bond, the price paid for the bond and the number of years to maturity. These figures are plugged into the formula A p p r o x Y T M = ( C + ( ( F − P ) / n ) ) / ( F + P ) / 2 {\displaystyle ApproxYTM=(C+((F-P)/n))/(F+P)/2}. C = the coupon payment, or the amount paid in interest to the bond holder each year. F = the face value, or the full value of the bond. P = the price the investor paid for the bond. n = the number of years to maturity. Calculate the approximate yield to maturity. Suppose you purchased a $1,000 for $920. The interest is 10 percent, and it will mature in 10 years. The coupon payment is $100 ( $ 1 , 000 x.10 = $ 100 {\displaystyle \$1,000x.10=\$100} ). The face value is $1,000, and the price is $920. The number of years to maturity is 10. Use the formula: ( $ 100 + ( ( $ 1 , 000 − $ 920 ) / 10 ) ) / ( $ 1 , 000 + $ 920 ) / 2 {\displaystyle (\$100+((\$1,000-\$920)/10))/(\$1,000+\$920)/2} Using this calculation, you arrive at an approximate yield to maturity of 11.25 percent. Check the validity of your calculation. Plug the yield to maturity back into the formula to solve for P, the price. Chances are, you will not arrive at the same value. This is because this yield to maturity calculation is an estimate. Decide whether you are satisfied with the estimate or if you need more precise information. Use the formula P = C ∗ ( ( 1 − ( 1 / ( 1 + i ) n ) ) / i ) + M / ( ( 1 + i ) n ) {\displaystyle P=C*((1-(1/(1+i)^{n}))/i)+M/((1+i)^{n})} , where, P = the bond price, C = the coupon payment, i = the yield to maturity rate, M = the face value and n = the total number of coupon payments. If you plug the 11.25 percent YTM into the formula to solve for P, the price, you get a price of $927.15. A lower yield to maturity will result in a higher bond price. The bond price you get when you plug the 11.25 percent interest figure back into the formula is too high, indicating that this YTM estimate may be somewhat low. Gather the information and plug it into the formula. You need to know the face value of the bond and the present value, or purchase price. Also, you need to know the amount of each coupon payment you will receive and the number of coupon payments until maturity. Once you have that information, plug it into the formula P = C ∗ ( ( 1 − ( 1 / ( 1 + i ) n ) ) / i ) + M / ( ( 1 + i ) n ) {\displaystyle P=C*((1-(1/(1+i)^{n}))/i)+M/((1+i)^{n})} , where, P = the bond price, C = the coupon payment, i = the yield to maturity rate, M = the face value and n = the total number of coupon payments. For example, suppose your purchased a $100 bond for $95.92 that pays a 5 percent interest rate every six months for 30 months. Every six months you will receive a coupon payment of $2.50 ( $ 100 ∗.05 ∗.5 = $ 2.50 {\displaystyle \$100*.05*.5=\$2.50} ). If there are 30 months until maturity, and you receive a payment every six months, that means you will receive 5 coupon payments. Plug the information into the formula 95.92 = 2.5 ∗ ( ( 1 − ( 1 / ( 1 + i ) 5 ) ) / i ) + 100 / ( ( 1 + i ) 5 ) {\displaystyle 95.92=2.5*((1-(1/(1+i)^{5}))/i)+100/((1+i)^{5})}. Now, you have to solve for i using trial and error, plugging in different values for i until you get the correct price. Estimate the interest rate by considering the relationship between the bond price and the yield. You don't have to make random guesses about what the interest rate might be. Since this bond is priced at a discount, we know that the yield to maturity will be higher than the coupon rate. Since we know that the coupon rate is 5 percent, we can start by plugging numbers that are higher than that into the formula above to solve for P. Remember, though, you're plugging in an estimated i for semi-annual payments. That means you'll effectively want to divide the annual interest rate by 2. In the above example, begin by taking the annual interest rate up by one point to 6 percent. Plug half of that (3 percent, because payments are semi-annual) it into the formula, and you get a P of $95. This is too high, since the purchase price is $95.92. Talk the annual interest rate up by one more point to 7 percent (or 3.5 percent on a semi-annual basis). Plug it into the formula, and you get a P of $95. This is too low, but you now know that the precise yield to maturity is somewhere between 6 and 7 percent or between 3 and 3.5 percent on a semi-annual basis. Test a smaller range of interest rates to determine a precise interest rate. Plug values between 6 and 7 percent into the formula. Start with 6.9 percent, and decrease the annual interest rate amount by a tenth of a percent each time. This will give you a precise calculation of the yield to maturity. For example, when you plug in 6.9 percent (3.45 percent semi-annual), you get a P of 95.70. You're getting close, but it's not exactly correct yet. Decrease it by one tenth of a point to 6.8 percent (3.4 percent semi-annual), plug that into the formula and you get $95.92. Now you have arrived at the exact price you paid for the bond, so you know that your precise yield to maturity is 6.8 percent. Use it to evaluate whether or not a bond is a good investment. Investors often determine a required yield, or the minimum return they want to get on a bond, before purchasing. Calculating the yield to maturity can inform you about whether a specific bond purchase will meet an investors expectations. These expectations may vary from investor to investor. However, the calculation gives investors concrete data with which to compare the value of different bonds. Learn the variations of yield to maturity. Bond issuers may not choose to allow a bond to grow until maturity. These actions decrease the yield on a bond. They may call a bond, which means redeeming it before it matures. Or, they may put it, which means that the issuer repurchases the bond before its maturity date. Yield to call (YTC) calculates the yield rate between the present and the call date of a bond. Yield to put (YTP) calculates the yield rate until the issuer puts the bond. Understand the limitations of yield to maturity. The YTM does not account for taxes or for purchasing or selling costs. These effectively lower the yield on a bond. Also, investors must remember that these calculations are estimates only. Fluctuations in the market can have significant effects on the bond yield. | Gather the information. Calculate the approximate yield to maturity. Check the validity of your calculation. Gather the information and plug it into the formula. Estimate the interest rate by considering the relationship between the bond price and the yield. Test a smaller range of interest rates to determine a precise interest rate. Use it to evaluate whether or not a bond is a good investment. Learn the variations of yield to maturity. Understand the limitations of yield to maturity. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Uromastyx-Lizards | How to Care for Uromastyx Lizards | You can care for a uromastyx lizard by providing it with a large wood, melamine, or glass cage and a UVB heat light. Make sure to place the lamp at one end of the cage so the lizard has an area to bask in the light and an area to relax in the shade. You'll also need to provide 1-2 inches of substrate, such as sand or millet, to line the bottom of the cage. When it comes to diet, you should feed your lizard mostly dark, leafy greens like bok choy, chard, and spring mix, which should be washed and torn into pieces so it's easy for your lizard to digest. Occasionally you can give your lizard a treat such as a live cricket, but this should be done no more than 1-2 times a month. | Select a cage. Uromastyx lizards require significant temperature gradients. They also need room for active grazing and digging. For these reasons, the uromastyx needs a larger cage than other lizards of a similar size. Here are some guidelines: Less than 10 inch lizard (25.5 cm) = 36 x 12 inch (91 x 30.5 cm) cage. 10-15 inch lizard (25.5-38 cm) = 48 x 18 inch (122 x 48 cm) cage. Greater than 15 inch (38 cm) lizard = 56 x 24 inch (142 x 61 cm) cage. Cages can be made of wood, melamine, glass, plastic, or metal. The important thing is for the cage to be able to handle high temperatures and intense lighting. Glass and metal cages lose heat more easily, so they may cost more to heat in the long run. Provide light and heat. Uromastyx lizards need a pretty wide range of temperatures for relaxing and basking. This can be accomplished by creating a “hot end” and a “cold end” in your cage. Use hot incandescent basking lights (for the hot end) and cooler fluorescent lights (for the cold end). You'll also need to provide a UVB light so your lizard gets UV rays. You will want to aim for a brightly lit cage with a gradual temperature gradient ranging from 80-100 degrees F (26.5-38 C). You'll also want basking zones of 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) or more. Do not guess about temperatures. Use an accurate thermometer at both the cool and warm ends of the cage. Change out the UVB light every 6 months. Add a substrate. The term “substrate” refers to the materials that line the bottom of your lizard's cage. One common substrate for uromastyx lizards is natural sand. Place 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of sand on the bottom of the cage. Look for “washed play sand,” and avoid any sand intended for sandblasting or industrial use. You can also try using a small seed or grain, such as millet. Some substrates, including sand, wood shavings, paper mulch, and walnut shells, can cause gut impaction if swallowed. Before you decide on a substrate, do research and weigh the pros and cons of each kind. Place your lizard's food on a dish to avoid ingestion of substrate. Provide structures. Most of the floor of your lizard's cage should be occupied by places to hide, bask, and climb. Add rocks, branches, and other structures to your lizard's cage. These can be purchased at a pet store or collected outside. If you use rocks from outside, sterilize them in boiling water before adding them to the cage. If you use outside branches, heat them in the oven at 250 degrees F (121 degrees C) for 30 minutes to sterilize them. Even store-bought structures should be rinsed in clean water before being added to the cage. Provide leafy greens. The best part about uromastyx lizards is that they eat foods that can be picked up from the grocery store. The bulk of your lizard's diet (80%) will be made up of dark leafy greens. Some good choice include: Bok choy. Chard. Beet greens. Spring mix. All greens should be rinsed and torn into pieces. Offer vegetables. In addition to greens, you can provide your lizard with a mix of veggies. This helps to make sure that they are getting a diverse selection of vitamins and nutrients. Use organic produce, whenever possible. Greens should be sprinkled with a powdered calcium supplement for lizards. Some good choices include: Pumpkin (chopped or grated). Yellow squash (grated). Zucchini (chopped or grated). Sweet potatoes (chopped or grated). Carrots (chopped or grated). Peas. Green beans (chopped). Veggies can be served raw (either chopped or grated), but should be washed. Avoid broccoli and related vegetables. The vegetable species called "brassica oleracea" includes broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. Brassica oleracea vegetables should be avoided! This species of vegetable can cause digestive problems in lizards, as well as kidney and bladder stones. Kale is also part of the brassica oleracea group, but kale can be served occasionally, in limited amounts. These vegetables won't be toxic to your lizard, but you should still avoid feeding them to it in large amounts. Provide insects as an occasional treat. Uromastyx lizards are primarily herbivorous, and will get most of their nutrients from plants. Protein from insects will only make up a small portion of your lizard's diet. You can provide insects (such as crickets) for an occasional treat 1-2 times per month. Adult uromastyx lizard tend to really enjoy insects, but over-eating these can cause major digestive problems. Insects should be fed live. Avoid giving your lizard insects more than 1-2 times per month! Purchase a few crickets at a time and feed them to your lizard right away. This will help avoid over-feeding. Crickets and other insects can be purchased live from your local pet store. Feed your lizard 5-7 times per week. Uromastyx lizards can eat as often as every day. The amount your lizard will eat can vary according to their size, activity level, and appetite. Begin by offering about ½ cup of greens daily, plus ¼ of veggies every other day. If your lizard is leaving food behind, gradually scale this back. Include a calcium powder in your lizard's diet. Calcium is important for lizards because it protects against metabolic bone disease. Look for a calcium powder designed specifically for reptiles and sprinkle it on vegetables before you feed them to your lizard. Provide a little bit of water. Uros are accustomed to an arid environment, and they don't require a lot of water. If your lizard is consuming greens daily, the majority of their water intake will come from their food. To provide a bit of extra water, you should mist the inside of their cage 1-2 times per day. You can also provide a small dish of water, but it should be removed from the cage after one hour. Bring your lizard to the vet. Like most pets, lizards require routine veterinary care. Whenever you get a new lizard, bring them to the vet to get a clean bill of health. After this, you should bring your lizard to see the vet once per year. Your vet will examine your lizard and perform blood tests that can catch health problems before your lizard exhibits symptoms. Lizards will hide any health problems for as long as they can, so preventative care is important for good health. Your vet may recommend quarantining new lizards before introducing them to other lizards in your home. If possible, take your lizard to a vet that specializes in reptiles. Watch for health problems. The most obvious sign of health problems in uromastyx lizards involves how they are going to the bathroom. If your lizard has diarrhea or constipation (that lasts more than 24 hours), bring your lizard to the vet. Other signs to look for include: Weight loss. Runny nose, eyes, or mouth. Swollen joints. Discolored skin. Hiding a lot more than usual. Clean and maintain the cage. A clean cage is crucial to the health and happiness of your lizard. Each day, the substrate should be scooped, food scraps should be removed, and food dishes should be washed. A more thorough cage cleaning should be performed 1-2 times per month. Follow this procedure : Move your lizard to another safe location. Wear disposable gloves. Remove everything from the cage. Dispose of sand. Wash water bowls in hot, soapy water. Wash any structures the same way. Wash the inside of the cage. Use hot water and soap to scrub down the cage. You may want to do this outside with a hose. Replace the sand. Once all of the other items are completely dry, return them to the cage. Return your lizard to their cage. Provide stimulation. A caged that is stocked with rocks, perches, and hollow areas can help keep your lizard entertained. You can also entertain your lizard with food. Hiding their food (so they can forage) and providing live prey (so they can hunt) can help to keep your lizard active and happy. Hide vegetables in your lizard's cage to encourage foraging. Crickets are a good choice for live prey. These can be purchased at your local pet store. | Select a cage. Provide light and heat. Add a substrate. Provide structures. Provide leafy greens. Offer vegetables. Avoid broccoli and related vegetables. Provide insects as an occasional treat. Feed your lizard 5-7 times per week. Include a calcium powder in your lizard's diet. Provide a little bit of water. Bring your lizard to the vet. Watch for health problems. Clean and maintain the cage. Provide stimulation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Jar-Label | How to Remove a Jar Label | To remove a jar label, start by filling a sink with hot water and adding a few cups of white vinegar and a little bit of dish soap. Then, submerge the jar in the water and let it sit for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the label should peel right off! You can also use a hair dryer to heat the label for 45 seconds, which will make it easier to peel off. If there's any residue left on the jar after you take the label off, rub it off using olive oil and a paper towel. | Fill a sink or bucket with hot water. The water needs to be deep enough to completely submerge your jar. If you are remove the label from more than one jar, the water needs to be deep enough to cover the largest jar. The hotter the water, the better it will dissolve the glue under the label. Add a few squirts of dish soap. If you can't find any dish soap, you can also use ordinary hand soap. This will help loosen the label and make it easier to remove. Add in a few cups of white vinegar. White vinegar is somewhat acidic, which will help dissolve the glue holding the label to the jar. It will make removing the label and residue easier. Place the jars inside the sink. Take the lids off the jars, and lay them down on their sides so that they fill with water and sink to the bottom. Wait several minutes. The longer you wait, the more time the vinegar will have to dissolve the glue under the label. About 30 minutes should be plenty for stubborn labels, but you can check your jars after 10 minutes. Take the jar out of the water and peel the label off. It should slide off easily. If you get any residue, try to scrape it off using a scrubby sponge. Rinse the jar using clean water and pat it dry. Once the label is off, rinse the jar off, and dry it using a clean towel. Your jar is now ready to use! Remove as much of the label as possible first. If the label is too difficult to peel off, soak the jar in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes, then peel the label off. You will have some residue, but that is fine. Avoid using nail polish remover or acetone if your jar is made from plastic. They may distort or discolor the jar. Rubbing alcohol may be safely substituted but it may not be very effective. Pour some nail polish remover onto a paper towel, cloth, or scrubby sponge. If the residue is only minimal, you can use a paper towel. If there is a lot of residue, stick with a scrubby sponge. Acetone will also work for this method. Rubbing alcohol may work, but it will not be as effective as nail polish remover or acetone; it is best reserved for light residue. Scrub the residue with it using small, circular motions. The chemicals in the nail polish remover or acetone will dissolve any glue and make it easier to scrub off. You may have to reapply the nail polish remover or acetone. Wash the jar using warm, soapy water. This is especially necessary if you plan on using your jar for food storage. Once the jar is clean, pat it dry with a clean towel and use it for your project. Peel off as much of the label as you can. If the label is stuck firmly to the jar, soak the jar in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, then peel the label off. You will likely have lots of paper and/or glue residue left over, which is fine. Mix equal parts of baking soda and oil. You can use any cooking oil, such as canola oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil. Baby oil will also work in a pinch. For a small-sized jar, you will need about 1 tablespoon of each. Plain olive oil may work for light, glue reside. You will need the abrasive baking soda if there is paper, however. Rub the paste over the jar. Focus on the areas that have the most residue. You can rub it on using your fingers, a paper towel, or even a cloth. Wait 10 to 30 minutes. During this time, the oil will penetrate any glue residue and dissolve it. It will make it easier to remove later on. Rub the paste off using a scrubby sponge or some steel wool. Rub the paste using small, circular motions. This will allow the baking soda to scrub off any glue or paper residue. Wash the jar using soap and water, then pat it dry with a towel. If you see any residue, you can wipe it off using a paper towel and a few drops of oil. Turn the hairdryer to high heat. Keep in mind that some people have had mixed results with this method. It only works if your hairdryer can get very hot and if the label is not that stubborn to remove. Hold the hairdryer over the label for 45 seconds. The heat of the hairdryer will make the glue dry out and turn brittle. This will make the label easier to peel off. Try to peel off a corner of the label. If needed, use your fingernail or a razor blade to help peel the label off. If it doesn't peel off easily, heat the label for another 45 seconds, then try it again. Use olive oil to remove any residue, then wash it using warm, soapy water. Put a few drops of olive oil into a paper towel, and gently rub any residue spots away. Wash the jar using warm, soapy water to get rid of the oil, then pat it dry with a clean towel. Fill a sink with hot water. Make sure that the water is deep enough to completely submerge your jar on its side. If you are removing the label from multiple jars, make sure that the water is deep enough to completely submerge the largest jar. Add ½ cup (90 grams) of washing soda to the water. Swish the water with your hand to help it dissolve. Open the jar, put it into the water, and wait about 30 minutes. Let water get inside the jar so that it weighs it down. You don't have to wait exactly 30 minutes, but you have to wait long enough for the water to soak the label and dissolve the glue. Take the jar out and peel the label off. The label should slide off easily. If you see any residue, try to rub it off with your finger first. If it doesn't come off easily, move on to the next step. Use more washing soda to scrub off stubborn spots. If there is any residue, put some washing soda onto a scrubby sponge, and gently buff the residue. Rinse the jar off using clean water, then pat it dry. Your jar will be clean, but there might be some washing soda residue on it. Once you have the label off, rinse the jar using clean water, and then pat it dry with a towel. | Fill a sink or bucket with hot water. Add a few squirts of dish soap. Add in a few cups of white vinegar. Place the jars inside the sink. Wait several minutes. Take the jar out of the water and peel the label off. Rinse the jar using clean water and pat it dry. Remove as much of the label as possible first. Pour some nail polish remover onto a paper towel, cloth, or scrubby sponge. Scrub the residue with it using small, circular motions. Wash the jar using warm, soapy water. Peel off as much of the label as you can. Mix equal parts of baking soda and oil. Rub the paste over the jar. Wait 10 to 30 minutes. Rub the paste off using a scrubby sponge or some steel wool. Wash the jar using soap and water, then pat it dry with a towel. Turn the hairdryer to high heat. Hold the hairdryer over the label for 45 seconds. Try to peel off a corner of the label. Use olive oil to remove any residue, then wash it using warm, soapy water. Fill a sink with hot water. Add ½ cup (90 grams) of washing soda to the water. Open the jar, put it into the water, and wait about 30 minutes. Take the jar out and peel the label off. Use more washing soda to scrub off stubborn spots. Rinse the jar off using clean water, then pat it dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Potatoes | How to Grow Potatoes | If you live in a warm climate where the ground doesn't freeze, you can plant potatoes during the fall and grow them through the winter. If you live in a colder climate, you can plant the potatoes 2 weeks after the last frost. Pick a sunny location for your potatoes, then dig a trench that is 4 inches deep, place your seeded potatoes 12 inches apart in the rows, and fill in the trenches with soil. Give the potatoes about 2 inches of water each week, and build up extra soil around the plants as they grow. | Choose the right time to plant. Because potatoes are a cool-weather crop, they can be planted in fall and grown over the winter in warm climates where the ground doesn't freeze. In cooler climates where the ground does freeze in winter, potatoes should be planted two weeks after the last frost. Potatoes won't start growing until the soil temperature reaches 45° F (7° C), so don't plant the seed potatoes before the last frost. Pick a sunny location to plant. Even though potatoes like cooler weather, they still love full sun, and will do best in an area that gets several hours of light each day. You can also plant potatoes anywhere you like, including directly in the ground or in garden beds. Amend the soil. The best kind of soil for growing potatoes is loose soil that's slightly acidic. The ideal pH is between 5.0 and 7.0, and you can increase the acidity by tilling aged manure, mature compost, or high-potash fertilizer into the soil. Tilling the soil will also break everything up and ensure the soil is nice and loose for the potatoes. Sprout your seed potatoes. Potatoes will grow fastest when they're grown from a seed potato, which is a potato that has been allowed to sprout. Two weeks before your set planting date, lay out your seed potatoes somewhere that gets plenty of light, and that's between 60 and 70° F (15.5 and 21° C). Leave the potatoes there in the light to sprout until it's time to plant. Use small but healthy potatoes for seed potatoes. If your seed potato is larger than a chicken egg, you can cut it in half or thirds. There should be at least two eyes or sprouts per piece. You can grow any variety of potato you like, but make sure you're using spray-free potatoes that haven't been treated with a sprout-inhibitor. This will prevent the potato from sprouting, and you won't be able to grow a new plant from it. Dig straight rows in the soil. When the potatoes are sprouted and it's time to plant, use a shovel or spade to dig 4-inch deep (10-cm) trenches in the garden bed. The rows should be just deep enough to hold the potatoes. Space the rows so they're 3 feet (0.91 m) (91 cm) apart. Potatoes grown in rows in the ground will produce good yields, as long as the soil is of good quality. Plant the seed potatoes. Place the seed potatoes directly into the trenches with the sprouts facing upward toward the sky. Space the potatoes 12 inches (30 cm) apart. When you've filled the rows with seed potatoes, cover the potatoes with 4 inches (10 cm) of soil. Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist. Potatoes like plenty of water, so it's important to keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet, while they grow. Make sure the plants get about 2 inches (5 cm) of water each week, especially when they're flowering. Only stop watering the plants when the foliage starts to turn yellow and die back, as this means the potatoes will be ready to harvest soon. Build up extra soil around the base of the plants as they grow. When the potato plants reach a height of 6 inches (15 cm), add more soil around the base of each plant. This is called hilling, and it will protect the potatoes from sunburn and support the plants as they grow. Hill the potatoes again every time the plants grow another 6 inches (15 cm). Potatoes that are exposed to sunlight produce a toxic chemical called solanine, which appears as a green layer on the outside of the tuber. Weed the garden regularly. Potato plants will do better when they don't have to compete with weeds. As weeds grow up in the garden bed, pull or dig them out by hand to ensure the potatoes get all the nutrients they need. Purchase disease-resistant varieties. To reduce the chances of your potatoes suffering from disease, you can purchase a disease-resistant variety, like Agria, King Edward, or Winston. Avoid potato blight by rotating the location of your potatoes every year. Be sure to wait three years before planting potatoes in a previous location. Overcrowding can also be an issue for potatoes, so be sure to give them plenty of space. Lower the soil pH to get rid of scab. Scab is a common disease evidenced by legions on the potatoes. Your potatoes may develop scab if the pH of the soil is too high. You can add sulfur to the soil to lower its pH. Remove pests by hand or with water. Potato beetles should be picked off by hand. Aphids can be sprayed off with a sharp stream of water. Alternatively, you can remove these pests with a natural insecticide, like neem oil, which can be found at your local garden shop. Harvest new potatoes after the plants stop flowering. New potatoes are ones that have been picked before they were allowed to fully develop. When your plants are about 10 weeks old, they'll start to flower. When flowering stops, wait another two weeks, and then harvest your new potatoes by digging them out of the ground. New potatoes are smaller and have a more tender skin than mature ones. People will often harvest some new potatoes to create more room for the rest to mature. Cut away the browning foliage when it starts to die back. As the potato plants mature, the foliage will begin to yellow and die as the plants approach the end of their life cycle. When this happens, remove brown foliage with garden shears or scissors. Once the foliage has died, wait another two weeks before harvesting the potatoes. Dig the potatoes out of the ground. Once all the foliage has died and you've given the potatoes a couple of weeks to mature, you can dig out the potatoes. Use a spade or small shovel to gently dig down into the soil to unearth the potatoes. This will ensure you don't puncture or bruise any with the spade. Depending on the type of potatoes you planted, your potatoes will be ready for harvest anywhere between 60 and 100 days from the planting date. Lay out the potatoes to cure in a cool and dry place. After you dig up the potatoes, transfer them to a garage, covered porch, or somewhere else that's cool, dry, shaded, and well-ventilated. Leave the potatoes there for at least three days and up to two weeks to cure. This will give the skins time to mature, and help the potatoes keep for longer. The ideal temperature for curing potatoes is between 45 and 60 F (7 and 15.5 C). Do not cure new potatoes, as they should be eaten within a few days of harvesting. Brush the dirt from the cured potatoes. When the potatoes have had time to cure, use a cloth or vegetable brush to remove excess dirt from the skins. Do not wash the potatoes with water, as this can cause them to spoil faster. Never wash a potato until you're ready to eat it. Store the potatoes somewhere cool, dry, and dark. After curing and brushing, transfer the potatoes to burlap or paper bags for storage. Move the potatoes to a root cellar or other place where they'll be protected from light, heat, and moisture. The ideal temperature for potato storage is between 35 and 40° F (1.6 and 4.4° C). The potatoes should last for several months under these conditions. | Choose the right time to plant. Pick a sunny location to plant. Amend the soil. Sprout your seed potatoes. Dig straight rows in the soil. Plant the seed potatoes. Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist. Build up extra soil around the base of the plants as they grow. Weed the garden regularly. Purchase disease-resistant varieties. Avoid potato blight by rotating the location of your potatoes every year. Lower the soil pH to get rid of scab. Remove pests by hand or with water. Harvest new potatoes after the plants stop flowering. Cut away the browning foliage when it starts to die back. Dig the potatoes out of the ground. Lay out the potatoes to cure in a cool and dry place. Brush the dirt from the cured potatoes. Store the potatoes somewhere cool, dry, and dark. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Clothing | How to Make Clothing | To make clothing, start by taking your measurements and applying them to a simple pattern. Then, make a few test garments so that you can tweak the design and get some practice. Once you've got the measurements and fit right, you can make the final version of your garment. As you learn and develop your skills, you can move on to more complex projects, like jackets and shirts. | Learn the different tools you'll need. Making clothes requires a bunch of different tools for sewing, for making patterns, and for measuring the patterns to make sure that they will fit you. You will need to learn each type of tool and how to use it. In the beginning you won't be comfortable with all the tools, but the more you practice, the easier it will become. Iron and ironing board. It's fine to use whatever quality iron you already have, but you'll probably want to eventually invest in a higher quality one. You'll be using the iron to press the item being sewn as you are sewing as this makes sure the seams stay open properly. Seam ripper. You'll use this when you've made a mistake to rip out the wrong stitches. Chalk for marking the fabric so you know where to sew and where to cut. You'll need a really nice, sharp pair of scissors that you designate for cutting cloth only, otherwise the scissors will dull more quickly and can damage or fray your fabric. Tracing paper for drafting your patterns and modifying the patterns as you're sewing. Rulers for drafting and measuring while you're constructing your piece (both in the design stages and the sewing stages). Tape measuring, especially a flexible tape measure. You'll use this to take measurements and make fit adjustments if you need them. Pins for holding the fabric in position before you start sewing. Pins should be used only sparingly as they can distort the fabric that you're working with. Acquire a sewing machine. There are basically two types of sewing machines, ones that fall into the household/domestic category and ones that fall into the industrial use category. There are pros and cons to both of these categories so it will take a little deciding to figure out which will work best for your needs. Household sewing machines tend to be more portable and more versatile. They tend to do a variety of stitch types. However, they don't work out as well in terms of speed and power, and they aren't very good with heavy fabrics. Industrial sewing machines are much more powerful and much faster, but they tend to only be able to do one type of stitch (such as a straight lockstitch). They do that one stitch very well, but aren't terribly versatile. They also tend to take up a lot more room. Learn the parts of your sewing machine. Hopefully your sewing machine will come with an instruction manual, because that will tell you which direction the bobbin is going to spin and where the bobbin case is. However, you're going to need to know at least the basic components of your sewing machine before you can get making fun things. The spool holder holds the spool of thread and controls the direction of the thread while it goes through the sewing machine. Depending on the type of machine you have, your spool holder might be horizontal or it might be vertical. Bobbin is basically a spindle that is wound with thread. You have to wind the bobbin with thread and fit it into the bobbin case (which is found under the needle plate). Your sewing machine also has different stitch adjustments to help determine stitch length for each stitch, the amount of tension needed to make sure the stitches come through properly, and the different types of stitches (if you have the type of sewing machine that does different stitch types). The take up lever controls the thread tension. If the thread tension isn't at its proper level the threads will knot up, jamming the sewing machine. You can check with a nearby sewing shop to see if they have any classes or know anyone willing to help you get set up with your sewing machine, or you can ask a knowledgeable family member or friend. Start simple. When you're just beginning with making clothes you'll want to start out with simple designs, otherwise it's easy to get frustrated and quit. It's best to start with skirts, because these are easier to make than say a 3-piece suit and they require you to take fewer measurements. When you're first starting, try to avoid making clothes with buttons or zippers. Do aprons or pajamas with elastic bands. Once you've gotten the hang of your tools and your sewing machine, then you can start advancing. Make test garments. The best way to make your final piece the best it can possibly be is to make test clothes beforehand so you can tweak your design and make any changes to the final piece as you see fit. It's recommended to use scraps from the same fabric as the final piece. Take the appropriate measurements needed to make a pattern. Even if you're making clothing from a pattern that you found somewhere, instead of creating one yourself, you're still going to need to take your measurements so that the clothes will fit you when you're finished. For trousers, you will need the following measurements: waist, hip, crotch depth and full leg length from waist to floor. For shorts, use the trouser measurements you have, only shortening the pant length to the desired length. For shirts, you will need the following measurements: neck, chest, shoulder width, arm length, armhole length and shirt length. For skirts, you simply need waist and hip measurements. The length and fullness of the skirt will vary depending on what type of skirt you want to make. Make a pattern. Sketch a pattern for your garment using the measurements you took. Use a similar garment as a guide for the appropriate pattern design and layout. There are lots of good places you can find pattern ideas. Second hand stores and sewing shops often have fun vintage patterns (especially for dresses) and there are lots of easy patterns to be found online. Lay your chosen fabric out on a large, flat surface and place the pattern pieces on the fabric. Deciding how to lay your pattern pieces out will take some careful planning. Fold the fabric, right sides facing together, matching selvage to selvage. The selvage is the finished edges of the fabric that keep it from unraveling. Folding it like this will provide for easy cutting of double pattern pieces (sleeves, legs, etc.) and large symmetrical pattern pieces. If you have large pattern pieces that are symmetrical and can be folded down the middle (shirt back, for instance), then fold the pattern piece down the center and pin the folded part of the pattern on the folded edge of the fabric. This saves cutting effort and ensures the cut fabric piece is perfectly symmetrical. To make clothing that hugs the body, it is best to lay pattern pieces on the bias (at a 45 degree angle to the folded edge). To sew a garment that has no stretch, place the pattern pieces at a 90 degree angle to the folded edge. Iron any wrinkles out of your fabric. You have to make sure that your fabric is wrinkle-free otherwise it can screw up your final piece, if the wrinkles make the fabric come out of alignment. Pin pattern pieces to the fabric. This will tell you wear to cut. Make sure that it is still wrinkle-free and that the pattern pieces and the fabric are aligned properly. Cut fabric according to pattern. Be sure to cut through both layers of fabric. Remove paper pattern from fabric pattern pieces. You're ready to get started with the sewing process. Pin the fabric pieces together along the seam edges. Determine which edges you must seam together and pin the 2 fabric pieces together, right sides facing together, at the seam edges. Insert the pins at a 90 degree angle from the edge so you don't have to remove them as you sew a garment. Sew the fabric pieces together, 1 edge at a time and from 1 end to the other, until you have a completely constructed garment. This will take time, so try to be patient as you work. If you mess up at all, don't worry, that's what your seam ripper is for. Use your sewing machine properly. You need to make sure that you have the correct needle for the task and the correct thread. Different types of thread and different types of needles work best with different types of fabric. You'll need different techniques for animal fiber fabrics like silk or wool or alpaca, as opposed to natural fibers like cotton or flax and synthetic fibers like rayon or polyester. Make sure that you know the type of fabric you're using and what type of needle and thread will work best with it. Gently guide the fabric through the machine. Don't push or pull your project, because the machine is supposed to do that itself and you can clog the sewing machine or ruin your garment. Hem the edges of your garment. Make clothing complete with clean, finished edges. Fold the edge up, wrong side facing in, to the desired width of the hem and press the fold together. Fold the pressed edge up 1 more time and press again. Now, Sew along the top folded edge of the hem, inside of the garment. Attach the finishing touches. This could be anything from buttons, elastic, zippers to various fun embroidery or special stitches. The better you get at sewing and making your own clothes the more creative you can get with adding those finishing touches. Sewing skirts. Since every style of clothing is a bit different, there are some key points for each that are good to remember when you're choosing what clothes you want to make and how you want to make those clothes. There are lots of different types of skirts to choose from: a-line skirts, circle skirt, flared skirt, gathered skirt, maxi and mini skirts, pencil skirt, pleated skirt and the list goes on. You'll need to decide which skirt you want to try out. The most basic skirt that you can make is a tube skirt, which requires an elastic band and the fabric (a stretchy kind is good). You can make this in about an hour and they are fun, comfortable and easy to wear. The general order that you sew a skirt in is: side, front, and back seams, zipper or closing method, waistband, hem. Choose a flattering trouser pattern. Since trousers are incredibly versatile and can be made out of just about any fabric, they are a great project to do once you've gotten the basics down. You can make them more easily by making trousers that have an elastic waistband, or you could get more complicated with zippers and buttons and waistbands. The general order that you sew a pair of jeans (or other trousers) is: pockets, side, front, and back seams, zipper or closing method, waistband, hem. Fashion dresses. Again there are tons of different kinds of dresses to make, from some short, sweet summer cotton, to a long flowing ballgown. Dresses can be more complicated than, say, a skirt, so you'll want to hold off making one of these until you've got the basics down. The general order that you want to sew a one piece dress is: interfacing, the shaping shoulders, side seams, top part of dress except for hem, bottom part of dress, back, and front seams. Then you join the skirt bottom to the bodice top of dress at the waistline, attach zipper or buttons holes, hem. Sew shirts. Although fun to make, these can be a bit more complicated, since you'll need to do buttons and sew on curves (since you're sewing along the lines made by your neck and your shoulders). There are also more patterning pieces that you will have to deal with. The easiest type of top to make is a throw over knit top without buttons or pockets. The general order that you want to sew a shirt (or a jacket) is: interfacing, the shaping shoulders, zippers or button holes, shoulder seams, side seams, neck and front edge, armhole, sleeves, hem. Choose a jacket style. Jackets and coats are one of the more complicated clothes-making projects. They are something you will want to hold off on making until you've gotten a good amount of experience since they include buttons and pockets, working on contours rather than straight lines, and are made from lots of patterning pieces. The easiest jacket type is one that doesn't have a lining or that doesn't have to be sewn into sleeves. | Learn the different tools you'll need. Acquire a sewing machine. Learn the parts of your sewing machine. Start simple. Make test garments. Take the appropriate measurements needed to make a pattern. Make a pattern. Lay your chosen fabric out on a large, flat surface and place the pattern pieces on the fabric. Iron any wrinkles out of your fabric. Pin pattern pieces to the fabric. Cut fabric according to pattern. Remove paper pattern from fabric pattern pieces. Pin the fabric pieces together along the seam edges. Sew the fabric pieces together, 1 edge at a time and from 1 end to the other, until you have a completely constructed garment. Use your sewing machine properly. Hem the edges of your garment. Attach the finishing touches. Sewing skirts. Choose a flattering trouser pattern. Fashion dresses. Sew shirts. Choose a jacket style. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Save-Yourself-from-Toxic-People | How to Save Yourself from Toxic People | To keep a toxic person from ruining your day, limit your interactions with them and try not to take things personally when you do have to deal with them. For example, avoid talking to or being around them unless you absolutely have to. If they ask whether something's wrong, tell them, “I have trouble dealing with your negativity and while I like you, I think we need to see less of each other.” When you're caught in a conversation with a toxic person, try to steer the conversation to something positive whenever you can. To make dealing with toxic people easier, think about why they might be so negative. Maybe they have a tough home life or are going through an illness. Try to empathize with their feelings so their negativity doesn't bog you down. | Spot the toxic waste before it gets too close. We all have our down days. But when it comes to toxic people, the blues are a constant rain cloud. And they want everyone to be just as wet and miserable as them. If you never see emotions other than anger, sadness, and jealousy, it is best to steer clear of that personality. Keep an eye out for the following toxic traits: Jittery, nervous energy. Constant whining and complaining Clinginess and dependency Criticism, usually aimed everywhere Negative or cynical worldview And in extreme cases, abuse Trust your gut-- if someone makes you upset and uncomfortable, make some space. When you walk into the store to buy a new box of Cheerios, you know immediately what kind of mood the cashier is in. You can see it, even feel it, in your interaction. You can do this with your friends and coworkers, too! Even if you don't see the tell-tale signs, you know when something is off, and you know to avoid some people. Trust yourself -- there are plenty of happy people out there without trying out all the sourpusses. Pay attention to body language and tone of voice. Listen to the sounds made, more than what people actually say. You can hear it when someone is just going through the motions. How do people relate to you? What do they seem to be thinking when they speak? Bad body language looks like a sullen, sulky teenager -- shoulders down, lack of eye-contact, big, hostile gestures, etc. Good body language looks like George Washington across the Delaware: back straight, chin up, shoulders back, etc. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for hotheads. Anger, shouting, and negative criticism are major signs of a toxic personality. Angry people sometimes need a lot of help, but it's not your job to be their punching bag. It is definitely not your job to try and fix them! Staying around a person like this will cause you to become angry too. So kick back and find someone else to talk to: you'll have a lot more fun. People who have control over their emotions don't usually feel the need to shout, so watch out for the loud ones. Watch out for quiet, simmering anger as well. Some people won't say much, but will use poor body language and bottle it up instead. These people lash out at odd times, when anger doesn't seem called for. Luckily, this is basically a neon "Personal BioHazard" sign. If you have to work with angry people, never stoop to anger -- you'll just rile them up further. Keep in professional, polite, and quick, and just walk out if they lose their temper. They'll hate you for it, but they'll learn their lesson sooner or later. Stay away from the cynics. Do you know someone who finds the darkness in everything? Much like your parents on Thanksgiving, misery loves company. These people will always complain about something, never see the good in anything, and claim they hate everything. It's exhausting just thinking about it, which is why they'll try to drag you into their little pity party. People with very negative worldview will often be competitive about their misery, trying to outdo other people's sadness. This is the worst. Watch out for people who constantly, even gleefully, talk about their failures and sadness. Anyone who criticizes the failures of others, or seems overly cynical, might have a toxic personality worth avoiding. Stand away from the attention seekers. Insecure people are unable to create their own sense of self-worth, and often cling on to others to get it. While not always toxic, these reality-TV hopefuls can get nasty when they don't get the attention they crave. If you don't give it to them, they'll find a way to make it themselves. And no one needs that kind of drama in their life. Humble-brags ("I can't believe I only made fifteen sales today") and obsessive posting might be a sign of this toxic personality. These kinds of people often "one-up" everyone around them, or always swing conversation back to something about them. Keep the gossip girls and rumor mill men at bay. Instead of supporting others, gossips feed on envy. Gossip can be thrilling sometimes (duh), making you feel close with your fellow gossipers. If you've ever gotten caught up in gossip, you're not alone. But you should know that, once your back is turned, constant gossipers will start talking about you. Gossipers constantly compare themselves to others, which is a good way to set yourself up for disappointment and failure. Don't worry about your neighbors, worry about your own backyard. Ask yourself, honestly, if any of your friends are toxic. Do the people in your life bring out the best in you, or are you a sponge for their negativity? Are there people who just make you feel bad, or that make you feel great when you leave? It's hard to put friendship aside. But don't let the worst people in your life pose as your best friends. Don't try to control or clean up the toxic mess -- you'll just get dirty. Toxic personalities are only toxic if they affect you negatively. You can be friends with angry people. You can be friends with negative people. Accept people for who they are and what they are like, and don't let them affect you. Not everyone is going to be friends! It's just the way of the world. Some people just aren't fun. Negative emotions have a time limit. But if someone is holding on to anger and negativity, just throw out the clock and move on. Empathize, but don't try to change people. Ask yourself if there is a reason someone is such a bummer. Are they going through something? Do they have a tough job or home life? Remember that you can't change another person, only yourself, so don't bog yourself down with excuses. Just try and get where they are coming from -- it'll make dealing with their crap a lot easier down the road. Tune the haters out. If you don't like what someone is saying, stop paying attention to it. Tune into the positive and constructive parts of the conversation, and start daydreaming when this person goes into negative territory. Imagine them in your underwear. Imagine yourself as a knight and them a dragon. Whatever you do, don't engage with them. Battle away negativity with positivity -- they won't know what hit them. When they say, "school sucks and this place is terrible," remind them "at least there is lunch and recess!" They'll move on to someone more on their toxic level. Change the topic of conversation. Every time the person tries to steer the conversation negative, pull something else out to talk about. If your buddy wants to say "Work sucks and my boss is a jerk," then change it up. Say, "Yeah. At least football is good. What games did you watch on Sunday?" Stick to the facts with hot-tempered types. Point out what needs to be done to fix a problem. Avoid talking about opinions or guesses and they'll have nothing to try and shove back down your throat. Avoid toxic people like, well, toxic sludge. If you're struggling to deal with the negativity that people bring into your life, it may be time to start limiting those interactions. You can't change the way that people behave, but you can remove yourself from the equation. If you regularly initiate your interactions with this person, stop. If this person stops getting in touch, you're in luck! If someone asks you if something is wrong, be honest. "I have trouble dealing with your negativity. You bring down my mood when you __________. I like you, but I think we need to see less of each other." End toxic relationships completely. If someone is really affecting your mental health and well-being with their negativity, end the relationship. It will hurt a bit -- no doubt about it -- but it will hurt a lot less than a lifetime with a person who makes you feel terrible. Telling someone, "We can hang out, but only if you're not negative" would be like telling them you could only hang out if they were a different person. If it's not possible, come to terms with it. Cut them loose. Put your needs and desires first. What is most important to you? What do you want out of your life? Listen to what other people have to say, but remind yourself that you, like George W. Bush, are The Decider. You decide your life, not the toxic sludge people surrounding you. If they can't accept that, they can get out of the way. Write down your short and long-term plans on paper. Paste it on a wall where you can constantly remind yourself and stay focused. This will also help you when times get tough and you feel the gripping desire to fall back into older negative habits. Make your own decisions. Lots of people go through life saying, "My parents wanted me to do X, so I did X", or "My spouse wanted to go to city X, so we went to city X." Do you want your life to be decided by someone else? Make a choice, for better or worse, and live with the consequences. Don't allow other people or their preferences to be an excuse for you. Saying, "I'd be happy if X were different" is just another way of saying, "I'm not in charge of my own life. It's true that sometimes you need to need to make compromises with the people close to you. But don't let compromise be your go-to. Build a "support group" of happy, healthy people. Why would you hang out with people you don't like to be around? Find the guys and gals who are optimistic, upbeat, and happy. Your smiles will form a natural barrier against the haters. Move to a new town or switch jobs if you're surrounded by negative people at your old one. End that relationship and start a new one with someone who builds you up instead of dragging you down. Be the positivity you want to see. Use the inspirational example of positive people in your life to guide yourself away from the toxic people. Smile, give compliments, say thank you, make eye contact, and generally do the things you would expect normal, nice people to do. Being nice is not hard, but some people need you to play the Big Bird to their Oscar the Grouch. Kick back and chill out, man. If you constantly do battle with the negativity of others around you, you need to make a serious commitment to de-stressing. Find something that calms and centers you and to which you can retreat when you need to re-energize yourself. Kick loose and enjoy the world, wherever you are: meditation Yoga Hiking or nature walks Martial arts Listen to music, read a book, or watch a movie. | Spot the toxic waste before it gets too close. Trust your gut-- if someone makes you upset and uncomfortable, make some space. Pay attention to body language and tone of voice. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for hotheads. Stay away from the cynics. Stand away from the attention seekers. Keep the gossip girls and rumor mill men at bay. Ask yourself, honestly, if any of your friends are toxic. Don't try to control or clean up the toxic mess -- you'll just get dirty. Empathize, but don't try to change people. Tune the haters out. Avoid toxic people like, well, toxic sludge. End toxic relationships completely. Put your needs and desires first. Make your own decisions. Build a "support group" of happy, healthy people. Be the positivity you want to see. Kick back and chill out, man. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Copyright-Infringement | How to Avoid Copyright Infringement | Copyright law protects any original creation, like a book, painting, photograph, drawing, film, or song, from being reproduced by anyone else. To avoid copyright infringement, make sure you're not using or profiting from anyone else's creative work. Avoid using anything from the internet, since most online content is automatically copyrighted by its host. Screenshotting, scanning, or taking a photo of copyrighted work does not bypass its copyright and you may be liable if you're caught. Even fan-fiction and drawings of characters from copyrighted works that are published online are technically copyright infringements, even if many creators turn a blind eye to them. If in doubt, always ask for permission! | Know what copyrights protect. Copyright law protects any original creation, and grants the holder of the copyright exclusive control over when, how, and by whom their work may be copied, distributed, or exhibited. This includes literary works, paintings, photographs, drawings, films, music (and its lyrics), choreography, sculptures and many other creative works. Know what isn't protected. Copyright law generally does not protect the underlying ideas of a creative work, and it does not protect facts. For example, copyright doesn't prevent you from expressing in your own words ideas and facts found in a book or journal you read. If you express ideas and facts in your own words, you should always give appropriate credit to the sources in which you found them. It is common courtesy to do so, and not doing so could constitute a violation of the Copyright Act. What you have created may constitute a derivative work pursuant to the Copyright Act, unless you have obtained license or permission from the copyright holder to create the work. It may also constitute plagiarism under state common law. Paraphrasing other people's work may also constitute plagiarism under state common law, and may run afoul of misappropriation statutes. Don't confuse copyrights, trademarks, and other forms of "intellectual property. " The term "intellectual property" itself has led to these very different things being confused with each other. As Richard Stallman says, "Non-lawyers who hear one term applied to these various laws tend to assume they are based on a common principle, and function similarly. Nothing could be further from the case. These laws originated separately, evolved differently, cover different activities, have different rules, and raise different public policy issues." Trademarks, for example, forbid using certain words, marks, symbols, and so on within certain contexts to protect consumers from misrepresentation. Copyright would not prevent you from, for example, writing some new text editor software and calling it "Microsoft Text Editor", but trademark law would. Learn about the public domain laws for your jurisdiction. "Public domain" is short-hand for "uncopyrighted", not "publicly distributed". A work can be out of copyright due to age, by the nature of authorship, or other reasons. In the United States, all works authored by a federal government (not state government!) employee during the course of their official duties are public domain, as are all works published before 1923. Works first created in the European Union will usually be copyrighted until 70 years after the death of the author. Don't take anything from the Internet, or anywhere else, because it is almost always copyrighted, by default. "I found it on the Internet" is not a defense against copyright infringement; works on the Internet are as copyrightable as any other kind of work. Nor is "it didn't say it was copyrighted." In nearly all jurisdictions, including the United States, and all other Berne Convention signatories, it is not necessary for a work to have an explicit copyright notice for it to be copyrighted. It is also not necessary for copyright in a work to be registered; this simply makes it easier to be compensated in court. Without an explicit dedication to the public domain, assume that it is still under copyright. There is a quirk in the United States' implementation of the Berne Convention: works first published before 1978 without a copyright notice may be public domain in the United States. Works published under copyright notice are no longer covered by copyright after 75 years. They become public domain material. Works published by the US Government are public domain no matter when they were published. Be creative. If ever you wonder whether a certain action would infringe on the copyright of someone else, the question to ask is: is this a creative work on my count, or am I simply drawing from the creativity of someone else? Lunches, as any economist would tell you, are not free. Some examples: Scanning something yourself does not, by itself, give you a new copyright over anything. You cannot scan a photograph from, say, a magazine and then put it on the Internet; the copyright would still reside with the author of the work. The flip-side of this is that scanning a work which is in the public domain would not, in many jurisdictions, give you the copyright over the resulting scan. Taking a screenshot of a video or a computer program does not generate a new copyright. The copyright in the resulting screenshot would still be held by the copyright holder of the original video or computer program. Some non-creative things are not copyrightable, for example, a plain text logo in a generic font. Neither are simple geometric shapes. But don't rely on this unless you are certain. Don't rely on "fair use". Called "fair dealing" in many jurisdictions, fair use is simply a guarantee that copyright laws do not infringe freedom of speech and make critical commentary impossible. Fair use is an extremely complex body of case law; it is often very difficult for non-lawyers to tell in advance whether or not a certain use will be considered fair use in court. If in doubt, seek permission first. It is not a blank cheque granting you a right to do anything at all and call it "fair use". Some uses of text under "fair use" are teaching, critiques, comments, reporting, and research. It permits, for example, limited quoting of copyrighted material. In some jurisdictions, it would allow creating a copy for personal use (such as a backup). Be wary about writing fiction based on other works. It was said above that "ideas cannot be copyrighted". However, fictional characters, story-lines, and settings can be copyrighted (insofar as they are original). This means that fan-fiction, drawings of characters from copyrighted works, and so on are all technically copyright infringements. Sometimes copyright holders turn a blind eye to this sort of thing, but unless it has been explicitly authorised, don't count on this being the case. Stock Characters, on the other hand, can not be copyrighted or trademarked. | Know what copyrights protect. Know what isn't protected. Don't confuse copyrights, trademarks, and other forms of "intellectual property. Learn about the public domain laws for your jurisdiction. Don't take anything from the Internet, or anywhere else, because it is almost always copyrighted, by default. Be creative. Don't rely on "fair use". Be wary about writing fiction based on other works. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Who-Has-Right-of-Way | How to Determine Who Has Right of Way | Figuring out who has right of way on U.S. roads can be a bit stressful, especially if you're a new driver. Thankfully, the rules are straightforward. At intersections, drivers who arrive before you will always have right of way. If you arrive at the same time, you should give right of way to the vehicle to your right. If they don't go, gesture or flash your lights to show them you're letting them pass. If you're turning left, always yield to oncoming vehicles. Don't cross the oncoming lane to make your turn until approaching vehicles have passed. | Come to a complete halt at a stop sign or red light. At a stop sign, come to complete halt for about 2 seconds or until vehicles that arrived before you clear the intersection. If you're stopped at a red light, proceed when the light has turned green. If the intersection has a white stripe in your lane, stop before this line. If you have a stop sign, but the street you're crossing does not have a stop sign, wait until all traffic has cleared before crossing the intersection. Before you proceed, be sure all vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians have cleared your path, even if it's your turn to go. Treat a blinking red light as a stop sign. A blinking yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. Turn right at a red light if it’s permitted and no vehicles are approaching. If you see a sign that says, "No right turn on red," then you must wait for the light to turn green again. Otherwise, you may turn right at a red light after yielding to oncoming traffic. Double check your local traffic laws. In some locations, right turns on red are never permitted. Note that, in the UK, left hand turns at a red light (the equivalent to right turns in the US) are not permitted. Stop for pedestrians who’ve begun crossing the road. Once a pedestrian has begun crossing the road, they have the right of way. You should also stop for pedestrians waiting to cross at crosswalks that aren't controlled by a traffic light. In most areas, a pedestrian shouldn't cross an intersection controlled by a traffic light until they have a green light or a walk sign. However, you still need to stop for a crossing pedestrian if you have a green light and are subsequently turning onto the adjacent road. Pass through a yield sign only if there are no approaching vehicles. Slow down as you approach a yield sign (or, in the UK, a give way sign). Come to a complete stop if there are any approaching vehicles, and allow them to pass. If there are no approaching vehicles, you can proceed without stopping. As a rule of thumb, stop at a yield sign if entering the road would cause an approaching motorist to brake. Yield to oncoming traffic if you’re entering a main road. Wait for approaching motorists to pass before entering the road from a driveway, parking lot, or parking space along the side of the road. If you're turning onto a main road from a side road, the motorists traveling on the busier road have the right of way. Treat bicycles as motor vehicles. Yield to bicyclists in all situations where you would yield to a car. For example, wait for an oncoming bicycle to pass before turning left. While you should treat bicyclists as motor vehicles, use caution when driving around them. Give bicyclists as much room as possible, and slow down when you pass one. Yield to drivers who arrive before you at an intersection. If the intersection has a stop sign, come to a complete stop and yield to any vehicles that arrived before you. If there's no stop sign, slow down and be prepared to stop for any vehicles that reach the intersection first. Stop at an intersection if the light is inoperative. If the light is completely inoperative, treat it as a 4-way stop. If the light isn't functioning properly and you have a blinking red light, treat it as a stop sign. For a blinking yellow light, proceed slowly and with caution. Remember to always come to a complete stop at a stop sign or blinking red light. Allow the vehicle on the right to pass if you arrived at the same time. When 2 vehicles arrive at a 4 way stop or intersection with no traffic signs at the same time, the driver to the right has priority. If possible, make eye contact with the other driver or flash your lights to signal that you're letting them pass. In countries where motorists drive on the right side of the road, the driver on the right has priority at intersections. The driver on the right also has priority at intersections in Australia and Singapore, even though motorists drive on the left side of the road in these countries. There is no left or right priority in the UK. Instead, yield to drivers stopped at a dotted white line if you're stopped at a solid white line. Stop for oncoming traffic before making a left turn. Whether you're turning left to enter a street, driveway, or parking lot, always yield to oncoming vehicles. Don't cross the oncoming lane to make your turn until approaching vehicles have passed. If you're at a traffic light and have a green turn arrow, oncoming traffic has a red light and you may turn left. Just make sure oncoming vehicles have actually stopped and check for pedestrians crossing the street. If motorists drive on the left side of the road in your nation, yield to oncoming traffic before turning right. Stop at a T-intersection if you’re turning onto the through road. A T-intersection is formed by a through road and a road that comes to a dead end. Drivers traveling on the through road have the right of way. If you're turning onto the through road, wait until all approaching cars have passed before proceeding. Stop for oncoming traffic when turning onto a through road even if there is no stop sign. Yield before entering a roundabout. Cars that are already traveling through the roundabout have the right of way. Enter the roundabout when you can do so without causing an approaching vehicle to brake. Yield the right of way to oncoming traffic on highway ramps. When you enter a highway and the on-ramp merges with a travel lane, yield to any vehicles that are already on the highway. When you merge from an on-ramp to a highway travel lane, don't come to a stop when you yield. Slow down enough so the vehicle in the travel lane can pass, then merge behind them. Pull over to the side of the road to allow emergency vehicles to pass. When an emergency vehicle has its sirens and lights on, slow down and move over to the right side of the road. Stop if it's safe to do so, or reduce your speed if you're on a freeway. If you're on a 4-lane highway, try to leave at least 1 open lane between your vehicle and an emergency vehicle. If an emergency vehicle is stopped on a 4-lane highway, move over at least 1 lane (to the left or right, depending on which side of the road they're located) before you pass by them. Pull over to the left side of the road if motorists drive on the left in your country. Yield to a motorist driving uphill on a narrow mountain road. If you're driving downhill, pull over to the side of the road and let a vehicle traveling uphill pass. If there's not enough room, back up until there's space on the side of the road to pull over. If you're traveling on a narrow bridge or a narrow road on level ground, look for signs that indicate which direction has the right of way. Give pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks. For crosswalks that aren't located at intersections controlled by a traffic light or sign, stop for pedestrians that are crossing or about to cross the road. In many locations, a crosswalk is considered a natural continuation of a sidewalk. If you can draw an imaginary line across an intersection to connect 2 sidewalks, treat that line as a crosswalk, even if the road isn't marked. Stop for crossing pedestrians even if you have the legal right of way. Even if a pedestrian begins crossing the road and you have a green light, let them pass. You might not technically violate a traffic law if you hit them, but you could still be held liable in a civil suit. Do not pass a car that has stopped at a crosswalk. If a car stops ahead of you to let pedestrians cross, you must also come to a complete stop. Don't try to pass the car and drive through the crosswalk. | Come to a complete halt at a stop sign or red light. Turn right at a red light if it’s permitted and no vehicles are approaching. Stop for pedestrians who’ve begun crossing the road. Pass through a yield sign only if there are no approaching vehicles. Yield to oncoming traffic if you’re entering a main road. Treat bicycles as motor vehicles. Yield to drivers who arrive before you at an intersection. Stop at an intersection if the light is inoperative. Allow the vehicle on the right to pass if you arrived at the same time. Stop for oncoming traffic before making a left turn. Stop at a T-intersection if you’re turning onto the through road. Yield before entering a roundabout. Yield the right of way to oncoming traffic on highway ramps. Pull over to the side of the road to allow emergency vehicles to pass. Yield to a motorist driving uphill on a narrow mountain road. Give pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks. Stop for crossing pedestrians even if you have the legal right of way. Do not pass a car that has stopped at a crosswalk. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-Enlightened | How to Become Enlightened | Becoming enlightened is about rising above your ego to a more spacious, compassionate, and focused state of mind. Try to be present with your senses as often as possible so you don't get lost in thought and negative emotion. Pay attention to the taste of your morning coffee, the sounds around you, and the sensation of your feet walking. Try not to judge your thoughts as they come and go. Instead, recognize that they are only thoughts and they will pass. This can be difficult at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. Try meditating for as little as 10 minutes a day to help you stay aware. You can use a guided meditation online, download an app, or just focus on your breathing. Before long, you'll find the calm stillness that was within you all along! | Stop trying to escape from your life. It's normal to want to distract yourself from your life and your feelings with activities like drinking or overeating. However, these strategies won't make you feel better. In fact, they might make you feel worse over time. Instead, start being present in your life so you can change the way you think about it. Think about the distractions you use to escape. They might include things like shopping, drugs, sex, alcohol, partying, or sleeping too much. Consider if these things are helping or hurting you. Then, decide if you want to make any changes to your habits. Practice mindfulness to help you focus on the present. Simply put, being mindful means being rooted in the present moment. To practice mindfulness, shift your thoughts to what's happening in the here and now, not in the past or future. You can become more mindful by doing the following: Think about what you're doing right now. Describe the environment around you. Notice what you're feeling. Actively listen to others when they speak. Focus on your breath to root yourself in the moment. Engage your 5 senses to help you engage with your surroundings. Your senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste will help you root yourself in your present environment. Go through each sense and list what you notice around you. Then, think about how that makes you feel. For example, you might say to yourself, “I see pale gray paint and mustard-colored curtains, as well as abstract art prints with black, gray, yellow, white, and red paint. I hear crickets outside the window and the faint hum of an air conditioner. I smell fresh baked cookies, and I can almost taste them on my tongue. Also, I feel cool from the fan.” Set aside time each day to take pleasure in the moment. You likely live a busy life, so it's helpful to designate time for yourself. As little as 15-30 minutes is all you need to have a nice experience every day. Use this time to do something that reminds you why you enjoy living your life, such as listening to a favorite record, playing with your pet, or enjoying a special treat. For example, you might set aside 30 minutes after dinner for a pleasurable activity. Let your thoughts pass without judgement instead of fighting them. Thoughts can be a great source of distress, especially if you hold onto them. Overthinking will prevent you from finding wisdom and mental peace. However, fighting your thoughts won't make them go away. Instead, acknowledge what you think and feel, then let it pass. For example, let's say you're worried that you won't do a good job in an upcoming presentation. Instead of dwelling on that thought and letting it upset you, acknowledge how you feel. Say to yourself, “It makes sense that I'm nervous because this is important to me.” Then, try to let the thought go. Express your gratitude for what you have in your life every day. Practicing gratitude will help you combat negative emotions, like envy and jealousy, that can block your path to enlightenment. Instead of focusing on what you lack, acknowledge what you have in your life. Think about the people you know, the talents you possess, and the opportunities you've been given, as well as your possessions. For example, you might list three things you're grateful for every morning. You might say, “I'm grateful for a warm breakfast, a cat who loves me, and comfortable bed.” Be kind to yourself and others. Extending loving kindness to yourself and the people around you can improve the way you think. Plus, it spreads goodness around you. Change the way you speak to yourself by replacing negative self-talk with positive self-talk. Additionally, assume the best about others, and forgive people when they slip up. Instead of judging people, you can “assess” them. For example, you might notice that a particular coworker is often late in meeting deadlines. It's okay to recognize this habit and adjust your expectations when working with them. However, you don't need to judge them by making assumptions about why they are late or thinking badly about them. Act according to your beliefs and values. To figure out what's important to you, do a self-inventory. List your goals, core beliefs, and what you want in life. Additionally, think about what you think is most important in life, such as how you want to live and how you think people should be treated. Then, make choices that reflect what's important to you. For example, you might believe experiences are more important than things, people deserve respect, and animals aren't meant to be used by humans. To reflect these ideals, you might spend any extra money you make on travels, volunteer or donate to help others, treat others as you would like to be treated, and become a vegetarian. Keep an open mind when learning about the world and other people. It's really easy to get trapped in a narrow perspective of the world, but this can block you from becoming enlightened. Every person is filtering the world through their own mind, so each person's experience of the world and how it works is a little different. In some ways, this means that truth is relative. The only way you can really understand things is to open your mind to how others see the world. For example, approach cultures and religions outside your own with a goal of learning and understanding, not judging. Similarly, don't assume everyone has had the same experiences as you have. Be open to learning more about how others live and why. You can be more open minded by reading more and venturing outside your comfort zone. Find the lesson in your mistakes. Every person makes mistakes, but there can be value in your slip-ups. Instead of being down on yourself, think about how that mistake can help you grow and progress toward enlightenment. Additionally, look for ways you can avoid making that mistake again in the future. You have to make mistakes in life in order to learn the lessons you need in order to become the person you're meant to be. Sometimes experience is the best teacher. Ask yourself questions like, “What can I learn from this?” “How has this changed me?” or “What can I do differently next time?” Read what others have written about enlightenment. You may not be able to become enlightened purely by reading the words of others, but learning what others think can help you understand more about your own thoughts. Read books written by great philosophers and teachers, especially those you believe have reached enlightenment. Remember, you don't have to believe everything someone says. For example, study great philosophers and teachers, such as Gautama Buddha, Jesus, Lao Tzu, Shunryu Suzuki, Mohammed, Dante Alighieri, and Sir Francis Bacon. Similarly, it's helpful to learn about the Noble Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths, which can help you find enlightenment. Commit to mediating at least 10 minutes every day. While meditation can help you gain enlightenment, you'll need to do it on a regular basis. Luckily, you don't need any special tools or massive amounts of time to mediate. You can sit or walk in meditation wherever you are. Just focus on your breath. Initially, set a goal of doing 5-10 minutes of meditation a day. Over time, you can expand the length of your meditations if you desire. Do a sitting meditation to calm your mind. Sit in a calm, quiet environment with your legs crossed or in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and notice how your body feels. Then, focus on the sensation of your breath. When your mind wanders, return your thoughts to your breath as soon as you notice. Don't judge yourself for letting your mind wander, as it's a normal part of meditation. Do a walking meditation to encourage greater awareness. A walking meditation changes the way you think. You can either wander or walk in an established path. As you walk, thoughts will come into your mind. Let them pass without judgement or holding onto them. This allows enlightened thoughts to enter your mind and raise your awareness. Don't try to think about anything in particular. Just let your thoughts come and go. You might also focus on your breath or on your footsteps to help you calm your mind, if it's racing. Look for guided meditations online or through free apps. You may prefer a guided meditation, depending on your experience level and goals. Fortunately, you can find many options online or through the app store. Experiment with different meditations until you find one that works for you. For example, Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer are all meditation apps that offer a free version. Join a meditation class or center if you want to work with a teacher. Although you can meditate on your own at home, you may prefer to work with a teacher. You can find one by searching for classes in your area or looking for a local meditation center. As another option, you might go to your local buddhist temple or community center. You may be able to take classes online. Additionally, check sites like Meetup.com or Facebook.com for meditation groups that meet in your area. | Stop trying to escape from your life. Practice mindfulness to help you focus on the present. Engage your 5 senses to help you engage with your surroundings. Set aside time each day to take pleasure in the moment. Let your thoughts pass without judgement instead of fighting them. Express your gratitude for what you have in your life every day. Be kind to yourself and others. Act according to your beliefs and values. Keep an open mind when learning about the world and other people. Find the lesson in your mistakes. Read what others have written about enlightenment. Commit to mediating at least 10 minutes every day. Do a sitting meditation to calm your mind. Do a walking meditation to encourage greater awareness. Look for guided meditations online or through free apps. Join a meditation class or center if you want to work with a teacher. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Homemade-Popsicles | How to Make Homemade Popsicles | To make homemade popsicles from fresh berries, rinse your fruit, then if necessary, chop it into bite-sized pieces and cut off any stems or leaves. Once the fruit is cut, make a simple syrup by heating equal parts water and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Puree the berries with some lemon juice in a blender, then stir in the simple syrup. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze them for at least 3 hours, then enjoy your cold treat! | Wash and process your fruit. Make sure your blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are rinsed and clean. Remove the strawberries' stems and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Make a simple syrup. Place the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves into the water. Remove it from heat and set it aside. You now have a tasty syrup to sweeten your popsicles. For a minty fresh flavor, add some mint leaves to the mixture as it cooks, then take them out before using the syrup. If you don't want to make syrup, you can substitute any type of fruit juice instead. Blend the berries and lemon juice. Place the berries and lemon juice in a blender and blend until completely smooth. If you like chunks of fruit in your popsicles, you can leave some fruit out and stir it in after the mixture has been blended. Stir in 1/3 cup simple syrup. If you want your popsicles sweeter, you can add more simple syrup. You can also swap it out for grape juice, cranberry juice, lemon-lime soda, or any other sweet liquid. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds. This recipe will make six large popsicles. If you don't have popsicle molds you can make mini popsicles using an ice cube tray! Freeze the popsicles until they're hard. Put them in the freezer and leave them alone for at least 3 hours or overnight, so they'll be nice and hard when you take them out to eat them. Mix the milk and water in a bowl. You can use any type of milk you want for these popsicles - whole milk, skim, goat's milk, coconut milk, almond milk, and so on. Stir your milk and water together. If you want extra creamy popsicles, swap out the water for whole milk, half and half or heavy cream. Stir in the cocoa, vanilla and sugar. Pour the cocoa and sugar into the bowl and stir with a whisk until they are completely dissolved in your milk and water mixture. You can substitute honey, stevia, agave nectar, or any other sweetener for the sugar. Instead of vanilla, try using almond extract, a few drops of peppermint extract, or another flavoring. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds. Get creative and use ice cube trays if you don't have popsicle molds. Freeze the popsicles. Let them stay in the freezer for 3 hours or overnight, until they're completely hard. Zest an orange. The bright, fresh flavor from these popsicles comes from the orange zest. Use a zester, microplane or grater to zest an orange until you've collected 1 tablespoon. Blend the orange juice, ice cream and zest. Place them all in a blender and blend until completely smooth. Lemonade or grapefruit juice also taste delicious in popsicle form. You can sub the orange juice for root beer if you want a root beer float-inspired concoction. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze the popsicles until they're solid. It will take at least 3 hours. Resist the temptation to take them out before they're hard - these popsicles melt quite easily! Blend the watermelon. Skip this step if you already have juice. Pour the juice into molds and freeze for at least 3 hours, preferably 1-10 days or so. Remove the popsicles. Enjoy your popsicle(s)! Finished. Choose the type of soda or drink you want to use. This will be the flavor of your popsicle. You can choose lemonade, grape juice, Kool-Aid, or whatever else tickles your fancy. Carefully pour the drink into molds. Fill up each popsicle mold so it is almost full. If you don't have molds, you can use paper cups or ice cube trays. If you're using an ice cube tray, you can create handles out of toothpicks. Put plastic wrap over the tray, and place two toothpicks into each cup. The toothpicks should have a small amount of space between them. Let the popsicles freeze completely. This may take a few hours. Take out the tray when the popsicles are hard. Once the popsicles have all completely solidified, remove the tray from the freezer. Do not tug on the toothpicks or stick, but instead press from the bottom of the cup to remove the popsicle. Serve and enjoy. What ever remainders you have, you can put back in the freezer until next time. Mix the ice cream and milk in a blender on the blend setting. Blend for about 5 seconds. Pour the blended mixture into a popsicle mold. Set the timer for 90:00 minutes. Place the mold in the freezer. When you remove the molds from the freezer, don't just pull the sticks out, as that will ruin your popsicle. Instead, run some warm water over the mold for a few seconds. Now pull out the stick and you'll have concocted a lovely milky, icy treat. | Wash and process your fruit. Make a simple syrup. Blend the berries and lemon juice. Stir in 1/3 cup simple syrup. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze the popsicles until they're hard. Mix the milk and water in a bowl. Stir in the cocoa, vanilla and sugar. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze the popsicles. Zest an orange. Blend the orange juice, ice cream and zest. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze the popsicles until they're solid. Blend the watermelon. Pour the juice into molds and freeze for at least 3 hours, preferably 1-10 days or so. Remove the popsicles. Enjoy your popsicle(s)! Finished. Choose the type of soda or drink you want to use. Carefully pour the drink into molds. Let the popsicles freeze completely. Take out the tray when the popsicles are hard. Serve and enjoy. Mix the ice cream and milk in a blender on the blend setting. Pour the blended mixture into a popsicle mold. When you remove the molds from the freezer, don't just pull the sticks out, as that will ruin your popsicle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Juice-a-Potato | How to Juice a Potato | Potato juice can be an excellent skincare remedy and source of nutrition. To juice your potato, first cut in into quarters. If you have a juicer, all you need to do is feed it through the machine like normal. Alternatively, add your potato quarters to a blender with a little water and blend it on the highest setting until it forms a pulpy liquid. Then, pour it through a strainer to get rid of the pulp. | Cube your potato. Cut your potato in half. Then, cut each half into two to three small cubes. There are no precise measurements in terms of the size of cubes, but breaking the potato into smaller pieces can help it juice faster. Place a glass below your juicer. Juice will squirt out of a faucet on the bottom of your juicer. Place the glass under the faucet near the bottom of the juicer to collect your potato juice once you turn the juicer on. Remove the top of the juicer. Most juicers have a small cylinder compartment covering the opening where you place your fruits and veggies. This can be pulled out easily by hand. Turn the juicer on. After removing the top, figure out how to turn the juicer on. Most juicers have an "on" button somewhere near the side. Switch it to the high setting, as this will juice your potato the fastest. If you're unsure how your juicer works, consult your Instruction Manual. Each juicer is different. Add your potato. Place your potato into the top compartment of the juicer. If you're adding any additional fruits and veggies to your potato juice, add them now as well. Use the lid to push the potato into the juicer. Take the cylinder top piece you removed earlier. Use it to gently pushed down on the potato, squeezing it through the juicer. Cut your potato into cubes. Cut your potato in half. Then, cut each half into tiny cubes. The smaller the cubes, the better, as this will make the potato blend quicker. Add your potato to the blender with water. Place your potato in a blender and add a small amount of water. Amounts will vary depending on the size of the potato, but add just enough that the potato cubes are saturated in water. Blend your potato. Turn the blender on the highest setting possible. Blend the potato and water until you have a liquid-like, pulpy mixture. Times will vary depending on the strength of your blender. Pour the mixture into a strainer. Take a mesh strainer and position it over a bowl or glass. This will strain out any excess pulp. Use a fork or spoon to get the juice out. Take a fork or spoon and stir it on the top of the strainer. Press the back of the fork of spoon against the potato pulp to squeeze out as much juice was you can into your glass. Drink the juice on its own. Potatoes are full of nutrients like potassium. Potato juice is a healthy choice to drink on its own. You can have a glass of potato juice with a meal instead of water. Add the juice to smoothies or other juices. Potato juice doesn't have the strongest flavor. It can be added to other types of juices or smoothies to add some extra nutrients. For example, use potato juice as your liquid in a smoothie. Use the juice for skin care. Potato juice can be used to treat blemishes or acne. You can spread potato juice on your skin, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and wash it off. This can give your skin a healthy glow and may reduce things like wrinkles, blemishes, and discoloration. Store your potato juice properly. Store your juice in a air tight jar or bottle. Screw on the cap completely and don't leave a lot of headspace near the top of the jar. Keep the juice in the refrigerator at all times. Potato juice keeps for a few months when stored properly. | Cube your potato. Place a glass below your juicer. Remove the top of the juicer. Turn the juicer on. Add your potato. Use the lid to push the potato into the juicer. Cut your potato into cubes. Add your potato to the blender with water. Blend your potato. Pour the mixture into a strainer. Use a fork or spoon to get the juice out. Drink the juice on its own. Add the juice to smoothies or other juices. Use the juice for skin care. Store your potato juice properly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Optometrist | How to Become an Optometrist | To become an optometrist, start by getting a bachelor's degree in biology or pre-med, which will prepare you for optometry school. Try to work hard and get good grades, since optometry schools want to know that you're a serious student. While you're in school, see if you can get a job or volunteer at an optometrist's to get some experience and help figure out if it's what you really want to do. After you get your bachelor's degree, you'll need to go to a 4-year optometry school to get your Doctor of Optometry, then pass a licensing exam to be able to practice. | Obtain a bachelor's degree in pre-med or science. Before you can apply to an optometry program, you need to complete an undergraduate degree. Most optometry schools require coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, English, and mathematics. A pre-med degree or degree in biological science will help prepare you for med school. Get a well-rounded undergrad education and work hard to get good grades! Medical schools will want to see that you take your education seriously. Tell your advisor or counselor that you're thinking about becoming an optometrist and ask what courses you should be taking. Check the requirements at the optometry programs you plan on applying to so you don't accidentally miss any courses. Get experience through shadowing. Shadowing is a great way for you to get hands-on experience in the field of optometry. This will give you a feel for how the career works and what an optometrist does. There's no better way to find out if optometry is right for you than to watch a real optometrist at work, so take advantage of your opportunity and soak up all the wisdom you can! Some people will observe optometrists with patients, and others may assist around the office. Try to get a sense of optometry from all perspectives, from the waiting area to the examination room. You can try to get a job or volunteer your time. Don't worry if you can't find a practice to work for on your first try. Keep looking and meeting as many optometrists as you can and an opportunity will come up. Complete a Doctor of Optometry Program. Your program will include both core classes in a classroom setting and hands-on experience through clinics. These programs will need to be completed at an accredited optometry school and take four years to complete. It sounds like a long time, but if it's your dream to be an optometrist, you'll be done before you know it and out helping people in no time. Get ready to take courses in biological sciences focused on the eye. Pass the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). This test is required when applying to accredited optometry programs and will assess your knowledge of science, along with your comprehension and reasoning skills. Tests are administered year-round at Prometric Test Centers. Performing well will increase your likelihood for acceptance, so study hard and do your best. Don't stress yourself out too much, though; remember that this test, like all of your rigorous education, is all geared to make you the best optometrist you can be. Consider enrolling in an OAT preparatory course to perfect your test-taking skills and improve your overall performance. Don't feel bad about asking for more help if you need it! Take the licensing exam. Yes, one more test! You might be tired of taking optometry exams by this point, but you're almost there, and every state and country requires this license to practice optometry, so you can't get out of this one! You must have completed your O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) program before obtaining a license. Additionally, you will have to complete an exam given by a national board of professionals. The exam will contain a written and clinical portion as part of the licensure process. Some states also require that you take an additional examination before getting your license in that particular state. Continue to meet the requirements to renew your license. You will probably have to keep gaining knowledge throughout your career to meet the requirements to renew your license. In the US, all states require that optometrists have to take continuing education classes to keep their license up to date. This is a great opportunity to keep learning throughout your life and make sure that you're always at the top of your game as a doctor. Find out what your state or country requires to keep your license up to date. Decide whether to join a practice or start your own. Optometry is a great field to go into; it's continuing to grow and offer good job prospects. Most optometrists do not have problems finding a job. You should decide if you want to join a practice or start your own. Many people work alongside another optometrist for a while before opening their practice, which is a great way to learn from a veteran before starting on your own. You may find jobs through contacts you've made in school, through your shadowing, or on job websites or mailing lists. Complete a postgraduate residency program if you want. You can advance your career and make yourself even more marketable by becoming a specialist. Once you finish your four-year degree, you can do an additional one-year residency for a specialization. Residency programs allow optometrists to gain practice working in the field under the guidance of professionals and to advance their skills. It's more work, but specializing in an area you're passionate in, such as pediatric or geriatric optometry, will lead you to a career that's even more fulfilling. Residency programs should be recognized by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). Examples of residency programs include ones in low vision rehabilitation, pediatric optometry, geriatric optometry, ocular disease, and family practice. Get certified by a national organization if you wish. As you go through your career, you may want to try to get certified by a national organization. Multiple organizations offer certifications or fellowships. To receive one of these prestigious honors, you must meet strict guidelines and demonstrate your passion to the field and patients. This is a great chance to keep pushing yourself in your career and earn an expert's confirmation on something you already knew: that you're a great optometrist! | Obtain a bachelor's degree in pre-med or science. Get experience through shadowing. Complete a Doctor of Optometry Program. Pass the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). Take the licensing exam. Continue to meet the requirements to renew your license. Decide whether to join a practice or start your own. Complete a postgraduate residency program if you want. Get certified by a national organization if you wish. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Declutter | How to Declutter | To declutter, start by getting 4 large boxes so you have one for the things you want to keep, one for the things you want to get rid of, one for the things you want to store, and one for the things you're not sure about. Then, go through each of your rooms one at a time, and pull everything out and sort it into the boxes. When you're finished, organize all of the items you want to keep, and then donate, sell, or toss out the things you don't want. | Find a decluttering schedule that works for you. There are many approaches to decluttering your space. Depending on your schedule (if you have one), take an hour or two or maybe even a whole day to declutter (depending how much stuff you do have to declutter). No matter how little time you have, you'll be able to find a decluttering schedule that works for you. Start small. Focus on one room at a time and work your way to the next one until you have decluttered every room you planned on decluttering. When you begin to declutter, you may be tempted to turn your entire house outside down and to gut every single piece of furniture right from the start. This may seem like a good idea, but it will actually make your space seem so messy that your goals become unmanageable.This may seem like it will take forever, but if you're methodical, you'll be able to make the most of your time. You can even declutter your things if you commit just five minutes a day to the process. Set reasonable goals. You should only empty out a room or a piece of furniture if you have the time to sort through everything in it and to put everything back in its place. Enlist the help of others. Decluttering will be much more fun and manageable if you enlist the help of others, whether you have roommates or just helpful friends who want to spend time with you. Working with others to declutter your space will make the time pass by much faster, and will make the entire process more enjoyable. You do not have to do this, though. For some, decluttering may be a personal project. Play some music and order pizza. Make the whole process feel more like a party than a cleaning session. Don't let the leftovers and package lay around, though. Having other people help you is also valuable because they may have better insight into the things you really need. A trusted friend or family member can give you the courage to throw out an item that you're attached to for no good reason. Get rid of easy targets. Once you've found a schedule that works for you, as well as the help of some trusted friends, you can start the process by getting rid of some easy superficial targets. Before you get serious and take it one room at a time, you'll feel better if you're instantly able to get rid of a few items that are crowding your life. Here are some quick and easy targets that can give you a jump start on decluttering your space: Just get a big black trash bag and fill it with old papers, old shoes you haven't worn in years, empty shampoo bottles, old mail, and anything else that's in plain sight. Go through your fridge and medicine cabinets and toss any old and expired items. Get rid of any garish pieces of furniture that are crowding your space. If you just can't stand that big, ugly chair in the corner of your living room, you may feel better if you set it to the curb right away. Empty out all of the things in one room or area. To declutter in an organized fashion, you'll need to empty out everything in one room, or one area of a room, or even one drawer, before you can get the whole picture. You can put all of the things on the floor or on a piece of furniture -- anywhere where they are in plain sight. Be prepared with four different boxes: a box for things you'll keep, a box for things you'll store, one for things you'll donate or sell, and the last one for things you'll throw out. Decide what to keep. At first, you may want to keep absolutely everything you've taken out. But remind yourself that the point of decluttering is to get rid of all of the extra things that are crowding your life. You should keep the items that you use on a regular basis, which you wear, cook with, or use for other household tasks. You should keep anything you've used in the last year. If you're really trying to declutter, you can make that everything you've used in the last six months. Set aside sentimental items and decide what to do with them last so you don't get hung up on them. Decide what to throw out. The point is to get rid of any- and everything you no longer use, that has expired, is broken and can't be repaired, or just anything you generally don't use and just lays all over the place. Get rid of it. If you have an item that you haven't used in a year, have completely forgotten about, or can't even image what you'll need it for ever again, then it's time to toss it. Go through your things and ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" If the answer is no, or if you hesitate for more than five seconds, it's time to part with it. You may save a few precious sentimental items, but don't overdo it. You can't save every little thing, and you shouldn't make excuses for why every little button and piece of lint has special meaning in your life. This is a great time to get the advice of your trusted friends. They may be able to be more honest and tell you that you will never use a certain item. Decide what to store. You should store any item that you will need eventually, but which you know you won't need for at least a few more months. Many of these items will be seasonal or special occasion items. Store your seasonal clothes. If it's the middle of summer, you can put away your winter sweaters for a few months. Store any holiday decorations. Put away those Halloween, Easter, or Christmas decorations and take them out only when you need them. Store any camping gear, ski equipment, fishing poles, or anything that you only need on vacation. Decide what to sell or donate. You should sell or donate any items that you don't want/need but which still may have some value to someone. If you have clothes that are still in good condition, appliances that are still completely functional, or a nice painting that you just can't stand, then it's time to donate or sell the items. Look for doubles of useful items. If you have two coffee makers, two tea kettles, or twice as many lamps as you need, then start donating or selling the items. Even if they work perfectly well, you don't need two of them. You can easily sell your items by putting them on craigslist or having a garage sale. You can donate anything that isn't sold. Selling items is rewarding, but it can take a bit of time. If you don't have the time, then just donate everything and you'll be doing a good deed. Keep a "maybe" box. The "maybe" box is where you can place the items that you're not sure if you should store or keep the stuff. Store the stuff for now, and then come back to it in six months and throw it out if you haven't thought about it once. You may forget about the box all together -- but at least all the stuff in it will be out of your space. Put everything in its logical place. Sorting through your things is the hard part. Now, you just have to throw out all of the trash, store all of the items you've chosen to store, and donate or sell all of the remaining items. Put all of the items you want to keep back where they belong, and make sure to have a great organizational system that will keep them neatly in place. Organize your clothes by how often you wear them and what type of clothes they are. Create a filing system that will help you put all of your future papers in the right place. Invest in plastic bins to help store items in your closets. If you have a lot of shoes and don't know what to do with them, invest in a shoe-rack. Organize the books on your shelves based on the genre or time period, and make sure all the books are actually stored vertically instead of just sitting sideways on your shelves. Make sure to clearly label all of the stored items so you can easily access them when the time comes. Rearrange your furniture. Get rid of any extra furniture you don't need and rearrange your furniture in a way that creates the most space by not blocking off any extra space with the furniture, leaving the windows open and free to let in lots of light, and keeping everything arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way. Rearranging your furniture will also make the space feel new, and will make you feel like you've truly embarked on a new clutter-free era of your life. Consider putting up an extra mirror or two in place of a painting. This will make your walls look less busy and will create the illusion of more space. Keep your counters clean and relatively empty. If you want to feel calm and at ease in your new space, then you should keep the counters of your desk, kitchen table, kitchen, coffee table, and any other surfaces relatively empty. Wipe them down, and only keep the items on them that you really need. If you're cleaning the surface of your desk, you can keep a mug for pens, a few small office supplies, and one photograph, but don't leave ten pictures and five stuffed animals and knickknacks on the surface of your work space. Your kitchen table should only have things on it that are related to eating, such as salt, pepper, and napkins. Don't use the kitchen table as a place to store your extra school supplies or papers. Make time for weekly and daily decluttering. If you want to maintain your home's new beautiful decluttered look, then you have to know that decluttering is only half the battle. Now that your home looks nice, you have to make a concerted effort for it to stay that way by making time to keep your space organized every day and at the end of every week. Spend 10-15 minutes decluttering your space at the end of every day, no matter how tired you are. You can also think of it as a challenge. Tell yourself you're done once you've put ten items in their place. Spend at least 30 minutes decluttering your space on the weekends. You'll have a bit more time to do this on Saturdays or Sundays, and can do it while watching television or chatting with friends on the phone. It doesn't have to feel like a chore. Enlist the help of anyone who shares your home. Decluttering is much easier with the help of others, and so is maintaining a decluttered home. If you really want all of your hard work to pay off, then you have to enlist the help of your roommates, significant other, children, or anyone else who shares your home. The process will be much easier if the person you're living with is just as committed as you are. If he's not, then you may spend a lot of time just cleaning after him/her. Set household rules that encourage cleanliness. Say that all dishes have to be washed right after they're used, and that certain toys can only go in certain rooms, and so on. If your roommate or significant other is just as committed to the process as you, then you can even take turns during nightly mini-decluttering sessions. Be a savvy consumer. Being a savvy consumer will help you continue to live in a calm and clean space. Pay attention to all of the things you buy and ask yourself if it's something you'll really need or if you won't have a use for it after all. If you're a smart consumer, then you won't be buying too many new items and crowding your home with them. Make a list before you shop. Whether you're going grocery shopping or trying to improve your summer wardrobe, make a list of all the items you really do need, so you come home with only the things you're looking for and don't fall victim to the impulse buy. If you're not sure whether you should buy something, then resist the urge. See if you really want that thing two or three weeks later. If you really need new furniture, get rid of old furniture. Don't crowd your space with more furniture. If you really need a new coffee table, don't put the old one in a different room; get rid of it. Sign up for electronic bills so paper bills no longer crowd your space. Give away one old item each week. This old trick will help you continue to declutter every single week, and it can also be a lot of fun. Just go through your things, whether you're looking at an old dress you may never wear after all, your second coffee maker, or a book you'll never read, and find a good friend or family member who will have a use for it. If you can't think of anyone who will have a use for it, just donate it. If you're feeling ambitious, you can aim to give away two old items each week, and go up from there. | Find a decluttering schedule that works for you. Enlist the help of others. Get rid of easy targets. Empty out all of the things in one room or area. Decide what to keep. Decide what to throw out. Decide what to store. Decide what to sell or donate. Keep a "maybe" box. Put everything in its logical place. Rearrange your furniture. Keep your counters clean and relatively empty. Make time for weekly and daily decluttering. Enlist the help of anyone who shares your home. Be a savvy consumer. Give away one old item each week. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Up-a-Tank-for-Bearded-Dragons | How to Set Up a Tank for Bearded Dragons | To set up a tank for bearded dragons, start by choosing a glass aquarium or a PVC cage for your dragons, with a mesh screen lid to allow proper air circulation. Then, install a full-spectrum light to keep your dragons healthy, and a basking light to keep them warm. Next, put reptile carpet from your local pet or hardware store in the bottom of the tank, or lay down newspapers or paper towels as substrate. Finally, add artificial plants, rocks, and boxes or huts your dragons can hide in to make the tank a comfortable home. | Choose a glass aquarium. This is the most common type of tank for bearded dragons. Glass aquariums are inexpensive and easy to find at local pet stores or on local market sites like Craigslist. The only downsides are that they are heavy and not well insulated. A heavy tank can be difficult to move and once it's set up with the dragon inside, you'll not be inclined to move it. And while bearded dragons might not mind the lack of insulation, some owners complain that a lower temperature dulls the reptile's color. Choose a melamine cage. Melamine cages are made of melamine board, a kind of wood coated with a laminate finish. You can build a melamine cage yourself or buy one at your local pet store. These types of cages replicate the zoo-going experience. Unfortunately, this means the lizard can only be seen from one side of the enclosure. You can leave the boards within the cage plain white to reflect light, or choose to affix an artificial rock surface to the back and side of the cage to replicate a more natural environment. Choose a PVC cage. A PVC cage is made of a kind of plastic and therefore much easier to move than a melamine cage. They are, unfortunately, more expensive than melamine, but many people find that the PVC plastic looks better than the melamine board cage. Choose a professional cage. There are several high-end companies that make quality cages for reptiles. These cages are professional-grade and made of one molded piece of plastic. They are quite expensive but many breeders favor them because they are conveniently stackable. Chemically resistant, easy to clean, and shipped with a built-in heat lamp, professional cages are the best cages available. Ensure your tank has an appropriate lid. Do not use solid lids of plastic or glass. These can limit airflow in your dragon's tank. Bearded dragons come from very dry, arid regions in Australia where there is little humidity. A firmly closed lid will lead to an unhealthy increase in humidity. Ensure your dragon has enough room. The size of your tank depends on how large your dragon is. The larger your dragon, the bigger the cage it will need. Baby dragons, for instance, need a 20 gallon tank. Larger (10-16 inch) dragons will need a tank of at least 40 gallons. It doesn't hurt to get a tank larger than the minimums listed above. Doing so will make your dragon happy. It's a good idea to get the largest tank you expect you'll need, rather than working up through progressively larger tanks. For instance, instead of starting with a small 20 gallon tank and then buying larger 40, 50, or 75 gallon tanks as your dragon grows, just spring for the 75 or 120 gallon tank and let your dragon grow into it. Install a full-spectrum light in your dragon's tank. A full-spectrum light emits regular visible light that helps us see, plus other ranges in the ultraviolet spectrum (UVA and UVB) which dragons need to stay healthy. Your light needs to be in a location where the lizard can come within six to eight inches of it. If your light is located in an overhead position more than six to eight inches from the floor of the tank, provide a rock or branch which your lizard can climb to move closer to the light. Change your UVA/UVB bulbs frequently. Over time, UVA/UVB lights become less effective. Even if your bulbs seem to be operating in good condition, change them every six months in order to keep your lizard healthy. Include a basking light in your dragon's cage. In addition to the full-spectrum light, you will need to provide a source of hot light. This basking light should be a bright white and can be bought either at local hardware stores or from a pet store. Be sure you provide room for this light in addition to the full-spectrum light (which usually runs the whole length of the cage) when setting up your bearded dragon's tank. Install the basking light at one end of the tank. This way, the dragon will have a warm side and a cool side of the tank. Alternatives to the basking bulb include a ceramic heater or a household bulb that puts out a lot of heat (any old-style rounded bulb will do). Install two temperature gauges in the tank. Install one temperature gauge at the hot end near the basking bulb. Install the other at the opposite end where the temperature should be cooler. This way you can ensure that the basking lamp is doing its job. If you see that the temperature is uniform throughout the tank, replace your basking bulb. You could also install a humidity gauge to ensure that humid air is not accumulating in the tank. If your cage is small, you might be okay to install just one thermometer gauge. Use small, round thermometer gauges available at your local pet store. They attach easily to the inside of the tank and are specially designed for reptile habitats. Additionally, invest in an infrared temperature gun or a digital thermometer with a probe end. Use it to monitor the temperature in your tank. Do not use traditional “stick” style thermometers; they are notoriously inaccurate. Identify and maintain your target temperatures. The warm side of the tank should be at about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooler side should be at about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful at night. The tank should never be below 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your tank at night; it can be hard to keep nighttime temperatures in the acceptable range. If you're having trouble keeping the tank warm at night, invest in an under tank heater (UTH). You can also adjust the tank temperature by moving the basking light closer to or further from the tank. Install reptile carpet. Reptile carpet is good for dragons of any age, but is the best choice for juveniles (dragons less than six inches long). Small bearded dragons might accidentally ingest more sand than their tiny lungs and stomachs can handle. For close substitutes, you could also use AstroTurf or indoor/outdoor carpet. Install tile. Tile is easy to clean up and will easily outlast your bearded dragon. Regular slate or ceramic tile makes a good substrate for your dragon. It is nontoxic, inedible, and sturdy. You can get tiles at your local hardware store. Drop some paper towel or newspaper in the tank. These materials are cheap and easy to replace. However, they do have to be replaced daily when they get wet or yucky. If you do not, your dragon might get sick and the tank will become uncomfortably humid. If your dragon gets ill, you can lay newspaper and/or paper towel down until they are better. Doing so makes cleanup easy and is an important step in preventing infected fecal matter or vomit from re-infecting your sick dragon. Newspaper and/or paper towel are also useful when treating a dragon with parasites. Avoid loose or particulate substrate. Sand is often recommended as the ideal substrate. However, sand is messy and gets everywhere, including in the lizard's food and water. Because sand is so easily ingested by lizards, it is a leading cause of impaction, eye abscesses, and other ailments. Avoid substrates like sand, gravel, wood shavings, walnut shells, and other particulate substrate. Besides the health risks sand poses for your bearded dragon, it is impractical in that it is difficult to clean. Add a basking platform. A basking platform allows your dragon to get closer to the basking light in his or her cage. While you can buy a sturdy (if artificial-looking) structure, you might prefer to introduce a long branch or a rock over which your dragon can climb. Add a hide. A hide (or hide box) is a little hut or house into which your bearded dragon can crawl for extra warmth. Your dragon will also use the hide for brumation, the reptile equivalent of hibernation. And, like humans, sometimes bearded dragons just get shy and want some privacy away from prying eyes. Place the hide beneath the basking lamp to keep it warm inside. If your dragon isn't using its hide, try to move the location, or try a different type of hide. Add some naturalistic elements. Give your tank a natural look by adding things like plastic cacti or flowers. You could also use real plants like Dracaena, Ficus benjamina, and hibiscus. If you do choose to use live plants, ensure they are nontoxic and have not been treated with biocides. Wash them thoroughly with a water spray and water them for a few weeks before introducing them into the tank with your bearded dragon. Artificial plants are the best choice since you'll never have to worry about them having any pesticides or bugs on them. Plus, you won't have to water them. | Choose a glass aquarium. Choose a melamine cage. Choose a PVC cage. Choose a professional cage. Ensure your tank has an appropriate lid. Ensure your dragon has enough room. Install a full-spectrum light in your dragon's tank. Change your UVA/UVB bulbs frequently. Include a basking light in your dragon's cage. Install two temperature gauges in the tank. Identify and maintain your target temperatures. Install reptile carpet. Install tile. Drop some paper towel or newspaper in the tank. Avoid loose or particulate substrate. Add a basking platform. Add a hide. Add some naturalistic elements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Dog-Like-Your-Cat | How to Make Your Dog Like Your Cat | To make your dog like your cat, start by separating them in different rooms using a baby gate so they have some space. Then, practice walking your dog past the gate several times a day to help get your cat and dog used to each other. If your dog walks by calmly, reward it a treat to reinforce the good behavior. Additionally, toss a treat over to the cat to help it associate the dog's presence with positive things. Once your pets are are interacting with each other calmly, remove the gate and allow them to be in the same room. | Be realistic. Some animals will just never get along. If you already have a dog, think carefully before introducing a cat to your house. No matter how badly you may want a new furry friend, it is unfair to both animals to make such a big change without knowing how it could affect their quality of life. The American Humane Society suggests that a dog that becomes aggressive in the presence of a calm, still cat, or utterly loses her ability to concentrate on anything else, will probably never be able to live peacefully with a cat. Don’t hesitate to seek help. This is a difficult, sometimes impossible behavior to train, and if you are relatively inexperienced you may be in over your head. There are many professional dog trainers who can help assess your dog's limits, and work with you to develop a more detailed strategy. Keep your expectations reasonable. This will likely be a slow process. Do not expect too much too soon, and do not be surprised if your animals exhibit animosity or fear. Start young. Puppies and kittens that grow up together have the best chance of getting along as adults. If your dog is already fully grown, consider getting a kitten instead of a cat. A kitten is less likely to be afraid of a dog, or to trigger your dog's chase instincts by scampering. Do a test run. If you know someone who has a particularly even-tempered cat, or one that is already used to dogs, ask if you can bring your dog over for a controlled test. This will give you an idea of how difficult it will be to get your dog used to living with a cat. Build up to it. If you are certain you want to bring a cat into your home, start by bringing in things that smell like the cat—grooming supplies, beds, etc. Bring things like baby gates, litter boxes, food bowls, and scratching posts into your house before the cat, to give your dog time to get used to these objects. Master the basics. Learning to get along with cats is a high bar for many dogs to clear; they are simply hard-wired to chase small, furry things. If your dog is poorly trained this process will the doomed from the start. At a minimum your dog should reliably obey commands to sit, stay, lie down, heel, and come when called. If he or she does not, it is strongly advised that you Teach Your Dog Basic Commands before you continue. Have a reward marker. If you have ever watched a professional dog trainer at work, you have probably seen them use a clicker. The sound a clicker makes is called a reward marker. It tells your dog, “what you just did was great, and you're going to get a treat for it!” This ensures that she understands exactly what behavior she is being rewarded for. You can use the word “yes” (or another word of your choosing) if you prefer, but a clicker is the most effective tool, because it is a sound your dog is unlikely hear in any other context. This is relatively simple to teach, and if you follow the instructions in the article Clicker Train Your Dog , your dog should figure it out pretty quickly. Teach your dog the command “leave it. ” This behavior is trickier to teach than those mentioned above, and many dog-owners neglect it. It is one of the most useful tools you can have in your obedience arsenal, however. It will enable you to stop your dog from engaging in dangerous, destructive, or generally unwanted behavior, and will be invaluable in teaching him or her to interact safely with a cat. As with any behavior, you will need to start simple, then gradually introduce elements of difficulty as your dog masters the basic concept. Start in a neutral outdoor area. Your dog thinks of your home as her territory, and may feel threatened and defensive if a new animal is suddenly brought in. It can be helpful to begin outside, with the cat in a pen and your dog on a leash. Start at a distance and gradually approach the pen with your dog. When you get close enough that she notices the cat, stop. Let your dog look at the cat for a few seconds, then say your dog's name. When she looks at you, click and treat. Repeat this process—let her look at the cat, say her name, and reward her when she looks at you. The idea is for her to associate remaining calm at the sight of the cat with being rewarded. If your dog is too distracted by the sight of the cat to focus, move away from the cat until your dog will reliably look at you every time you say her name. Gradually move closer to the pen, continuing this process as you go. Make sure you give your dog plenty of treats; it's important that you make good behavior more rewarding than bad behavior. Keep practicing until your dog can do this while standing right next to the cat's pen. Be patient. The amount of time you will need to spend on this will vary depending on your dog. Make the introduction in your home, using a baby gate to keep the two in separate rooms. This is a good option if you are unable to have them meet in a neutral area, or if your cat is distressed by being in a pen outside. Get the cat set up in a designated room of the house that the dog does not have access to. Put his bed, water and food bowls, scratching post, liter box, and toys in this room. The idea is to create a space that feels safe to him. Give him at least a couple days to acclimate before you begin introducing the dog. Put your dog on a leash and fill your pockets with her favorite treats, as well as a couple treats for your cat. The door to the cat's room should be open, but blocked by a baby gate. For the first couple days, just practice walking past the door with your dog. Click and treat for a calm demeanor, and throw your cat a treat as well to help it associate the dog's presence with good things happening. Practice basic obedience with your dog in proximity to the cat. You want your dog to become used to keeping her focus on you even in the cat's presence, and your cat to see your dog as non-threatening. If your dog is too distracted to focus on you, move further away from the cat until you have her attention. Move gradually closer as she gets used to this activity. Use a crate to keep the two separate during their introduction. Only use this option if your dog is crate-trained—if she does not have positive associations with being crated, she will probably become too worked up to learn effectively. Have your dog go into her crate and shut the door. Bring the cat into the room. Your dog may start whining, yipping, pawing at the door, or even growling. Let her react in whatever way is natural to her. Again, let the cat set the pace of this interaction. If he does not want to approach the crate, do not force him. Click and treat for moments of silence or calmness from your dog. Let them do what they want for 10 or 15 minutes, and then separate them. Continue these training sessions until your dog remains calm in the cat's presence. At this point, proceed following the steps described above. Let the cat set the pace. When he is comfortable enough to become curious, he will approach the baby gate to investigate when you walk by with your dog. If both animals seem calm and curious when interacting through the gate, you are ready to try having them in the same room. Keep your dog on a loose leash, but be ready to react if she tries to chase the cat. This would be an appropriate time to use the command “leave it.” If your dog begins whining or getting agitated and excited, remove the cat to its room and practice basic obedience with your dog until she calms down. Continue this practice for a few weeks. Do not attempt letting your dog interact with your cat off-leash until you are absolutely confident that she will not become aggressive or chase the cat. This will undo a huge amount of the progress you have made. When you feel absolutely confident, take your dog off the leash. Continue to keep a close eye on both animals. Be sure to click and reward your dog for any positive behavior. Have realistic expectations. No matter how badly you want your dog and cat to love each other, you may never get them to do anything but tolerate each other. If they are already at odds, even that may not be realistic. First impressions are crucial to helping a dog and a cat live together in harmony, and once they've taken a dislike to each other it is very hard to reverse the relationship. Some of the methods described above could be used with animals already living in the same home, but it is important to remember that you cannot change an animal's nature, and you cannot force two animals to be friends any more than you can force two humans. Prevent your dog from chasing your cat. This is the most important facet of keeping the peace between dogs and cats. Allowing your dog to discover how fun it is to chase cats will give her positive reinforcement for behavior you do not want, and make her much more difficult to train. It will also make your cat see your dog as a thing to be feared. Be firm and consistent, and make sure your dog obeys “leave it” without hesitation. Supervise all interactions. Until you are positive beyond a shadow of a doubt that they can be trusted, never leave a cat and a dog alone together. An altercation between them while you are gone could undo all the progress you have made. Always err on the side of caution if you are not 100% certain. Respect your pets’ boundaries. Forcing them to interact will only cause your animals to associate being around each other with unpleasant feelings, and make them more likely to lash out. Stay calm. If you are tense and on-edge, your animals will sense it, and it will make them nervous as well. Keep cool, and if you, your dog, or your cat become upset, separate your animals and come back to training when you are all calm. Make sure the cat never feels trapped. A cat doesn't understand the concept of a leash, and keeping your dog restrained will not necessarily make the cat feel any more at ease. An animal that feels trapped is a desperate animal, and if the cat does not feel he can get away to a dog-free area, he may lash out or flee. | Be realistic. Don’t hesitate to seek help. Keep your expectations reasonable. Start young. Do a test run. Build up to it. Master the basics. Have a reward marker. Teach your dog the command “leave it. Start in a neutral outdoor area. Make the introduction in your home, using a baby gate to keep the two in separate rooms. Use a crate to keep the two separate during their introduction. Let the cat set the pace. Keep your dog on a loose leash, but be ready to react if she tries to chase the cat. Continue this practice for a few weeks. When you feel absolutely confident, take your dog off the leash. Have realistic expectations. Prevent your dog from chasing your cat. Supervise all interactions. Respect your pets’ boundaries. Stay calm. Make sure the cat never feels trapped. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Convert-Meters-to-Millimeters | How to Convert Meters to Millimeters | To convert meters into millimeters, multiply the number of meters by 1,000. For example, if you have 5.2 meters, that would be 5,200 millimeters. Another way to get your solution is to write down the number of meters on a piece of paper. Then, simply move the decimal places over 3 places to the right. If you have 6.1 meters, that would become 6,100 millimeters after moving the decimal point. | Find the number of whole meters you need to convert to millimeters. If this measurement is not given to you, you will need to measure using a meter stick or tape measure. The length of one meter stick is equal to 1 meter. A meter stick is NOT the same as a yardstick. There are 3 feet in a yard, but there are about 3.28 feet in one meter. You will know a measurement is in meters because it will be labeled m {\displaystyle m}. For example, if the length of a floor is 4 meter sticks long, it is 4 m {\displaystyle 4m} long. Find the number of partial meters you need to convert to millimeters. Often you will see meters stated in decimals. These means you have a partial meter to convert. If you are measuring, use the centimeter ( c m {\displaystyle cm} ) or millimeter ( m m {\displaystyle mm} ) units on the meter stick or tape measure. For example, if you measure something that is 4 meters long, plus 30 centimeters, it is 4.3 meters long, because there are 100 centimeters in 1 meter. If you measure something that is 4 meters long, plus 30 millimeters, it is 4.03 meters long, because there are 1000 millimeters in a meter. Write the number of meters, and place your pencil on the decimal point. To convert meters to millimeters you need to multiply. Since the metric system is based on multiples of ten, the easiest way to do this is by moving the decimal point to the right. For example, if you are converting 4.3 m {\displaystyle 4.3m} , write 4.3 {\displaystyle 4.3} and place your pencil on the decimal point. Move your pencil three places to the right. Since there are 1,000 millimeters per meter, you need to multiply by 1,000 to convert from meters to millimeters. For example, if your floor is 4.3 m {\displaystyle 4.3m} long, you would move your pencil three decimal places to the right, adding two zeros to the number. This gives you 4 , 300 m m {\displaystyle 4,300mm}. You could also use a calculator or use the standard multiplication algorithm to calculate 4.3 × 1 , 000 {\displaystyle 4.3\times 1,000}. Find the number of millimeters you need to convert to meters. If this measurement is not given to you, you will need to measure using a ruler. On a standard American ruler, millimeters can be measured with the smallest lines on the metric ( c m {\displaystyle cm} ) side. Make sure you measure millimeters (small lines) and not centimeters (numbered lines). You will know a measurement is in millimeters because it will be labeled m m {\displaystyle mm}. For example, the length of a pencil might be 155 m m {\displaystyle 155mm} long. Write the number of meters, adding a decimal to the right of the last digit. Place your pencil on the decimal point. To convert millimeters to meters, you need to divide. Since the metric system is based on multiples of ten, the easiest way to do this is by moving the decimal point to the left. For example, if you are converting 155 m m {\displaystyle 155mm} , write 155.0 {\displaystyle 155.0} and place your pencil on the decimal point. Move your pencil three places to the left. Since there are 1,000 millimeters per meter, you need to divide by 1,000 to convert from millimeters to meters. For example, if your pencil is 155.0 m m {\displaystyle 155.0mm} long, you would move your pencil three decimal places to the left. This gives you.155 m {\displaystyle.155m}. You could also use a calculator or use the standard division algorithm to calculate 155 ÷ 1 , 000 {\displaystyle 155\div 1,000}. | Find the number of whole meters you need to convert to millimeters. Find the number of partial meters you need to convert to millimeters. Write the number of meters, and place your pencil on the decimal point. Move your pencil three places to the right. Find the number of millimeters you need to convert to meters. Write the number of meters, adding a decimal to the right of the last digit. Move your pencil three places to the left. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Check-That-Pork-Is-Cooked-Through | How to Check That Pork Is Cooked Through | The easiest, safest way to tell if pork is cooked through is by using a thermometer. Just insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat since that's the last part to reach the proper temperature. Wait until the thermometer reads at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit before taking it out of the oven. If you don't have a thermometer, you can also see if the juices are clear or light pink, which is a sign that the meat is fully cooked. You can also insert a knife into the pork to check for a tender middle. | Make sure the pork is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. The pork will need to be thick enough for you to leave the thermometer probe inserted throughout cooking, so some cuts of pork may not be appropriate for a continuous read thermometer. Anything one inch or thicker should be fine. Thin cuts of pork are not well suited for leaving a thermometer inserted throughout cooking. Ribs and bacon may be too thin to use a thermometer. Prepare the pork to be cooked. A continuous read thermometer is meant to stay in the pork throughout its cooking time, but you'll want to do any preparations, brines, and the like before inserting it. You can insert the thermometer first, but it may get in the way of your preparations. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. You'll want to stick the thermometer in the middle of the cut of pork, because that's the last part that will reach proper temperature. Keep the thermometer away from bone in the pork, as it may affect its readings. If the pork is less than an inch thick, you may be able to insert the thermometer from the side, otherwise, it may be easiest just to insert it from the top. Wait until the thermometer reads at least 140 °F (60 °C). According to the USDA, pork needs to be cooked to between 145 °F (63 °C) and 160 °F (71 °C) in order to be safe to eat. However, you can take the pork out of the oven a few degrees prior to the 145 mark to avoid overcooking. The internal temperature of the pork will continue to rise once you take it out, regardless of whether you cooked it in the oven or a slow cooker. Never eat pork that hasn't had its internal temperature brought up to at least 145 °F (63 °C). With ground pork, 160 °F (71 °C) should be treated as the lowest number, rather than 140 °F (60 °C). Take the pork out of the oven and let it sit. Although you may remove the pork a few degrees before it reached the recommended temperature, heat from the outside portions of the meat will continue to spread into the middle, raising the temperature even out of the oven. Let a thick cut of pork (1 inch (2.5 cm) or bigger) rest for 15 minutes before eating, but thinner ones will take less time. Keep an eye on the thermometer to ensure it passes the 145 °F (63 °C) mark before serving. If it doesn't, keep cooking it. Cook the pork with the thermometer handy. An instant thermometer isn't meant to be left in the cut of meat as it cooks. Instead, you will need to periodically insert the thermometer probe into the pork to check its internal temperature. Unlike a continuous read thermometer, an instant thermometer must be inserted and removed each time you check. Do not use an instant surface thermometer, as it won't tell you internal cooking temperatures. Remove the pork from the oven periodically to check the temperature. While some people may want to check the temperature of the pork without pulling the whole pan from the oven, the high temperatures inside the oven make doing so unsafe. Even if you're not using an oven, remove the pork from the heat source before checking its temperature. Checking the temperature while still on the stove or in the oven may also affect the thermometer's reading. Insert the instant thermometer in the middle of the pork. Like a continuous read thermometer, you'll want to insert your instant thermometer into the thickest portion of the cut of meat. Keep it away from any bones as that can have an effect on its reading. If the meat is less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick, you may want to insert the thermometer probe horizontally instead of from the top. Be sure to remove the thermometer again before putting the pork back on or in its heat source. Place the pork back in the oven until it reaches at least 140 °F (60 °C). If you're using a recipe, it may offer guidance as to how long the pork needs to cook, but you should not rely on the timeframe provided. Check the pork periodically and continue cooking it until it hits a minimum of 140 °F (60 °C), or 160 °F (71 °C) for ground pork. Remember, the pork will continue to cook after you remove it from the heat source. Remove the pork from the oven and let it sit. Once the pork is about 5 °F (−15 °C) below the preferred internal temperature, remove it from the heat source and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Remember, the internal temperature must reach at least 145 °F (63 °C), so keep an eye on it to ensure it does. An internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C) would be considered “rare,” so you may choose to cook it longer. A temperature of 160 °F (71 °C) is usually considered well done. You don't need to let ground pork sit after it's done cooking. Check to see if the juices are clear. Although thermometers are the best way to determine if your pork is done cooking, you can gauge the doneness of pork by the color of the juices that come out of it when you poke a hole in it with a knife or fork. If the juices that come out of the pork run clear or are very faintly pink, the pork is done cooking. If the juices are not clear, continue cooking the pork and check again later. Use a long knife to see if the pork is still tough inside. If you are slow cooking the pork, it will reach the necessary internal temperature long before the meat is as tender as you may intend. Use a long knife or a skewer to puncture the middle of the pork and assess the resistance it gives you as you press it in. If the knife or skewer slides in and out easily, the center of the pork has become tender. If you hit resistance, allow the pork to continue to cook and try again after a few minutes. Cut into the pork to see if it’s opaque. For some cuts of pork not thick enough for thermometers, this may be your only way to assess doneness. Cut a slit into the thickest part of the pork, then pull it apart with a knife and fork to gauge its internal color. The pork should be opaque (solid in color) and may have a slight pinkish tint when done. Very thin cuts of pork like sliced bacon can be checked without cutting into them. Compare the pork’s firmness to the palm of your hand. For cuts of pork like chops and steaks, you can usually assess the meat's doneness by pressing firmly into it with your tongs or fingers. Properly cooked pork will feel firm and quickly spring back into shape after you pull your fingers away. The pork should feel as firm as the center of your outstretched palm. If any juices squeeze out, they should be clear when the pork is done cooking. If the pork feels soft to the touch, it needs to keep cooking. | Make sure the pork is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Prepare the pork to be cooked. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. Wait until the thermometer reads at least 140 °F (60 °C). Take the pork out of the oven and let it sit. Cook the pork with the thermometer handy. Remove the pork from the oven periodically to check the temperature. Insert the instant thermometer in the middle of the pork. Place the pork back in the oven until it reaches at least 140 °F (60 °C). Remove the pork from the oven and let it sit. Check to see if the juices are clear. Use a long knife to see if the pork is still tough inside. Cut into the pork to see if it’s opaque. Compare the pork’s firmness to the palm of your hand. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Whipped-Cream | How to Make Whipped Cream | To make whipped cream by hand, chill 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream and a mixing bowl in the refrigerator. Pour the cream into the bowl, then add 1/3 cup (35 grams) powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to whip the cream in a circular direction, going quickly to keep the cream from warming up too much. Continue whipping until you can lift the whisk or beaters from the cream and leave semi-stiff peaks behind. Place the bowl in the refrigerator, or keep whipping if you want stiffer whipped cream that can retain its shape. | Chill the cream. The colder the cream is, the easier it is to whip. Plan to whip the cream the moment you take it out of the refrigerator, rather than leaving it sitting on the counter for some time. The bowl you pour the cream into should also be chilled if possible. Add sugar and salt. Sweeten the cream with your sugar of choice. Add a pinch of salt to bring out the cream's rich flavor and contrast with the sugar. Use a spoon or whisk to stir the mixture well. Whisk the cream. Using a large whisk, or a hand mixer, start whipping the cream in a circular direction. Whip as quickly as possible to help air change the consistency of the cream from a heavy liquid into a light, fluffy substance. It takes a little practice to learn how to whip cream effectively by hand. You have to work quickly enough that the cream doesn't have time to warm up too much. Switch to the other hand if the hand you are using becomes too tired. Use an electric mixer to make the job easier. Set the bowl of cream under a stand mixer and let the machine do all the work, or use a hand mixer to make gentle swirls in the cream while the beaters whip it up. Watch for peaks to form. The first change you'll notice is that the whisk or beaters will begin to leave drag marks in the cream, indicating that it has become more solid in texture. Continue whipping until you can lift the whisk or beaters from the cream and leave semi-stiff peaks in their wake. Some people prefer soft whipped cream, which slumps deliciously down the side of cakes and pies. Others prefer stiffer whipped cream that retains a certain shape when it's used to top a dessert. Keep whipping until the cream reaches the texture you desire. Stop whipping before it turns to butter. If you keep whipping for too long (which is easier to do with an electric mixer than by hand) the cream will turn to solid butter. If this happens to you, save the butter to make cinnamon sugar toast or another delicious treat and start over with a new batch of cream. Decide how to flavor the whipped cream. In recent years it has become popular to make whipped cream in a variety of different flavors that complement the dish the cream will top. Whipped cream is easily flavored by extracts, cocoa, liqueurs, and zests; choose a combination that works with your dessert. Here are a few ideas: Make chocolate whipped cream by adding a tablespoon of cocoa. This would make a great topping for chocolate silk pie. Make vanilla bourbon whipped cream as a topping for pecan pie. Add a teaspoon of vanilla and a teaspoon of bourbon to the mix. Create a bright-tasting cream by adding a tablespoon of lemon zest, and use it to top strawberry shortcake. Almond or anise extract add a subtle depth to whipped cream. These make an excellent topping for berry pies. Flavor the cream before you whip it. When you're ready to make whipped cream, remove the chilled cream from the refrigerator and pour it into a clean bowl. Add sugar and a pinch of salt, then add the flavorings you want to use. Stir it all together with a spoon or a whisk. Whip the cream. Using the same technique described for classic whipped cream, beat the cream until it forms either soft or stiff peaks, depending on your preference. Use the cream to top your pie or cake. Beat the cream cheese. Place it in a chilled bowl and beat until it becomes light and fluffy. Sweeten the cream. In a separate bowl, pour in the chilled whipping cream, vanilla, sugar, and salt. Use a whisk or spoon to stir the mixture well. Whip the cream. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. Stop short of whipping up stiff peaks. Combine the cream cheese and whipped cream. Add the cream cheese to the bowl of whipped cream. Use the whisk or hand mixer to beat the mixture until it forms stiff peaks when you lift the beaters from the bowl. Use cream cheese whipped cream as a topping or icing. Since cream cheese whipped cream is a bit stiffer and thicker than regular whipped cream, it can be used as either a topping or an icing. Cream cheese whipped cream makes a delicious icing for apple cake or zucchini bread. Finished! | Chill the cream. Add sugar and salt. Whisk the cream. Watch for peaks to form. Decide how to flavor the whipped cream. Flavor the cream before you whip it. Whip the cream. Beat the cream cheese. Sweeten the cream. Whip the cream. Combine the cream cheese and whipped cream. Use cream cheese whipped cream as a topping or icing. Finished! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Up-a-Bass-Guitar | How to Set Up a Bass Guitar | To set up a bass guitar, start by using the tuning pegs to loosen the old strings and pulling them out through the bridge or the body. Then, pull new strings that are the same thickness as the old strings through the bridge, and wrap them around the nuts while turning the tuner knobs to tighten them. Once you have the strings in place, use an Allen wrench or a Phillips screwdriver to adjust the truss rod until you can slide 1 or 2 business cards between the strings and the 8th fret. | Examine the headstock. This is the top of the guitar, where the strings are held on to the nuts for tuning. Note how the strings come off at the nut and wind around each tuner, especially how many times each wraps around. Lower strings, which are thicker, will wrap around fewer times. This is a good reference point for when you re-string the bass yourself to see if things are fitting properly. Remove an old string. To do this, loosen the first string via the tuning pegs, until you see it loosen. Where the bass is strung at the bottom of the guitar will be different for different depending on the manufacturer. You may have to pull the string out through the bridge, or the body. Before removing the strings, be sure to see how they are wrapped around each post. Wrapping around the wrong side is a common mistake, so make a note of which way to go for when you re-string. You can either replace the strings one at a time or all together. Most people prefer to change them one by one because it keeps some tension on the neck. If you do them all at once, just keep track of which string went with each nob so you replace them in the proper order. Once you've removed the strings, it's good to keep them as spares in case your new ones break. Clean the neck and fretboard. Use cleaning oil to give the neck a good wipe down and get rid of any dirt or grime. If the neck is made of wood, check your cleaning product to make sure it won't damage the wood. Then apply some oil to the fretboard and let it soak for about 5 to 10 minutes in before wiping off the excess. Clean the body. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the rest of the bass, getting rid of dust and any stray fingerprints. Doing this without the strings is better because you'll be able to get to the parts of the bass that would normally be covered by them. You can use a cotton swab to really get into the nooks on the bridge. Pull the new string through the bridge. Make sure the thickness matches the string you pulled out of that slot. The order you string the guitar doesn't really matter, though it is easier to start on one end and go down the line in order. It's most important that you get the right string thicknesses in the right place on your bass. When you start the restringing, make sure to give yourself too much string to thread through and wrap at the nut in the headstock. You'll always be able to cut off extra. Thread the string. Bend the string down into the nut, and wrap while turning the tuner. Hold the string taut with one hand and make sure to wrap as tightly as possible around the nut. Make sure that you're being careful not to damage the string. Finely wound or strings with coatings can be nicked and bent very easily. Turn the tuner. You should now be turning the attached tuner knob to tighten up the string. You don't need to get the string in perfect pitch just yet but it's a good idea to keep tightening the string until it makes a sound when you pluck it. In other words, keep tightening the string until it no longer flops around the fret board on the neck. You'll adjust the tuning later, for now the string just needs to be tight. Repeat with each string. If you decided to remove them all at once, you'll only need to do the re-stringing, but if not, you'll just start by loosening the next one and going on from there. Tune your bass. Once you have completely re-strung the bass, you can tune the strings to get the proper notes. Use an electric tuner, or a piano, to get the proper pitches. The strings on a four-string bass should be tuned (low to high) at the notes E-A-D-G, while a five-string should be B-E-A-D-G. Locate and remove the truss rod cover. In most basses, the truss rod is located at the bottom of the headstock. Some bass guitars, though, will have the truss rod hidden at the bottom portion of the fret board where the neck joins the body. If the truss rod is in the headstock, you should be able to make adjustments with a 5mm Allen wrench, which should be included with your bass. If it does not have one, you should be able to get one from a tool kit. If your truss rod has a cover on it, it'll need to be removed. You will see a metal plate screwed into the back of the bass where the neck joins the body. This can be removed by simply unscrewing the screws that are fixing it to the guitar. Remember to keep the truss rod cover and its screws in a safe place. These truss rods can be adjusted using a Phillips screwdriver. Check the gap between the strings and the fretboard. A good rule of thumb is the thickness of one to two business cards between the string and the frets. More experienced bassists will probably have a more specific gap in mind, and can adjust to that. Frets are the ridges on the neck that you press the strings onto to create different notes. Slide the business card between the string and the 8th fret (starting your count from the headstock). If the card can't fit, you'll need to loosen the truss, and if there is extra space, you'll have to tighten it. Adjust the truss rod. In most basses, you will turn the rod clockwise to tighten the truss rod, and counterclockwise to loosen it. You shouldn't need to turn it much, about 1/4 turn in the necessary direction. Clockwise and counterclockwise directions based on looking down the neck from the headstock. Check the adjustment. Once you have made the turn, check the gap with your business cards at the 8th fret again. Avoid adjusting more than 2 or 3 times in total. If you still aren't satisfied with the adjustment, or notice you can't turn the rod any further, take it to a professional technician to let them examine it. Let your guitar rest. Once you have finished setting the truss, retune the strings and let your guitar sit for a few hours. You want to let the wood settle after the adjustments. After the rest, pick it up and give it a try. If everything feels right, you are ready to go. | Examine the headstock. Remove an old string. Clean the neck and fretboard. Clean the body. Pull the new string through the bridge. Thread the string. Turn the tuner. Repeat with each string. Tune your bass. Locate and remove the truss rod cover. Check the gap between the strings and the fretboard. Adjust the truss rod. Check the adjustment. Let your guitar rest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Comfortable-on-a-Long-Car-Ride-As-a-Passenger | How to Be Comfortable on a Long Car Ride As a Passenger | Long car rides can sometimes leave you feeling stiff and restless, but with a little preparation, your trip will be a lot more comfortable. Wear comfortable clothes for your car ride, like sweatpants and a loose t-shirt or hoody. Bring a travel pillow and blanket with you to help you get comfy and even sleep a little. You should also pack some wet wipes so you can freshen up if you get warm and sweaty. If you're prone to motion sickness, don't forget your anti-nausea and headache medication. Although it can be tempting to slouch, sitting up straight will help save your back from unnecessary aches. You can also plan regular stops to stretch your legs and get some air along the way. | Dress comfortably. Choose loose-fitting pants and shirts. The other passengers may want the car to be colder or warmer than you find comfortable, so bring a few layers with you, too. This will allow you to adjust to any temperature. For instance, you can dress in a comfortable cotton t-shirt, but bring a long-sleeved button up or loose-fitting hoodie with you, as well. Wear soft socks and shoes you can slide off easily. If you get hot easily, consider wearing a tank top beneath your t-shirt – that way you can lose a layer, if need be. Consider packing a handheld fan, also. If you're travelling in winter or to a much colder climate, be sure to bring your mittens, coat and a warm hat with you. Take a travel pillow and light blanket with you. A small travel pillow can be a great comfort on a road trip. You can prop it up against the window and lean on it, put it behind your head or put it between your lower back and the seat to support your spine and prevent back pain. Take along a light blanket or two, as well. Choose blankets that can fit easily in the car and be folded up and put away easily. Avoid bringing huge, fluffy blankets. They take up too much room and could end up making you feel claustrophobic. Bring disposable pre-moistened body wipes. Riding in a car for hours on end can make you feel sticky and in need of a shower. Some trips may even be so long that you won't have access to a shower for a day or two. You can freshen up easily while you're on the go with pre-moistened body wipes. Buy disposable wipes that are alcohol-free – they are kinder to your skin. Look for travel wipes that come in resealable packaging for ease of use. Keep the wipes nearby, in your bag or backpack, so you can reach for them at any time. Always dispose of them after one use. Bring the wipes in with you at rest stops so that you can wipe yourself down more thoroughly in the privacy of the bathroom. Reduce stress with deep-breathing exercises. Travelling long distances in a car can be stressful for both your body and mind. Simple deep-breathing exercises can help and they're easy to do any time you want. Inhale slowly through your nose as you count to five. Then exhale slowly through your mouth as you count to five. Repeat. Do this for a few minutes at a time, whenever you're feeling anxious or tense. Make sure to take deep breaths from your belly – this expands your diaphragm and allows for the greatest oxygen intake. If you've meditated in the past, you can pair the deep breathing exercises with mini-meditation breaks. Bring reading material. Take an assortment of options with you. Everyone enjoys different reading materials – bring along what you like and what you know you'll read. Certainly pack that thick novel you've been meaning to read for months, but don't force yourself into reading it by only bringing that with you. Give yourself some variety to keep things interesting. Bring a personal reading light if you will be doing any traveling at night. If you have limited free space in the car, considering loading books onto your Kindle or tablet. Aside from saving space, you'll also be able to read from a tablet easily in the dark. Bring a couple of old favorites along that you'd like to reread, as well. If you find yourself unable to get interested in the new material you brought, you'll have dependable materials on hand to turn to for entertainment. Pack a blank notebook and a few pens. You can use this blank notebook for anything you like – writing journal entries, sketching, making lists, taking notes, writing down song lyrics, putting your thoughts on paper and so on. Bring several pens with you, in case one runs out of ink. If you enjoy sketching, bring pencils, too. If you're feeling stumped about what to sketch, try drawing things you see outside your window as you travel along. Your sketches don't have to be masterpieces – just have fun with them. You'll be inside a moving vehicle anyway, which could interfere, so keep that in mind. If you're journaling, be sure to put your notebook away in your bag or backpack after you write in it, so the content stays private. Load your iPod with new music/podcasts/audiobooks before you leave. A long car ride is the perfect opportunity to listen to all the albums you've been meaning to check out, explore new podcasts, listen to audiobooks, watch videos and more. Fill up all the usable space on your device(s) and give yourself a wide assortment of things to choose from. Don't forget to bring along your best and most comfortable headphones. If you're an audiophile, bring noise-cancelling headphones. Keep the volume reasonable or you could end up with a headache after a few hours of listening. Make sure you have chargers and other gadgets. Bring a USB car charger so you can keep your mp3 player, smartphone, tablet, Bluetooth speakers and other devices fully charged and ready to use. Make sure you pack all of the adapters and cords required to operate and charge your devices. If you forget any of them, don't worry – you can probably pick up whatever you need at a gas station or truck stop. If you have several devices, pack them safely in a padded case to prevent damage. Bring solo and/or group games to keep you entertained. If you're the only passenger, bring games and other forms of entertainment that you can do by yourself, such as crossword puzzles, Sudoku, handheld video game devices and so on. If there are other passengers, consider bringing a large board and a deck of playing cards, and any other games that can be played by two or more people. You can also pass the time with games that require no props, like 20 Questions. Come up with a rotation system for the car stereo. Travelling with multiple passengers on a long car trip can present a challenge because they probably aren't going to agree on everything, especially when it comes to what's playing on the car stereo. This kind of frustration can be avoided by coming up with a system of rotation, allowing everyone a chance to play whatever they want during their "turn." Pack anti-nausea and headache medication. Anti-nausea medication is a must if you get motion sickness. Even if you typically don't experience nausea while traveling, pack some anti-nausea medication just in case. Keep in mind that many brands will make you drowsy, so check the label first. Reading or listening to music for long periods of time can cause headaches – take breaks every few hours and have headache mediation like aspirin or ibuprofen on hand. If you're expecting to experience motion sickness, bring a paper or plastic bag with you and keep it nearby, in case you need to vomit. It's not pleasant to think about, but it's best to be prepared. A basic first-aid kit is also helpful to have with you on road trips. Plan for stops along the way. Sitting in one position for long periods of time can lead to cramps, aches and muscle spasms. It's important to stop every few hours while you're travelling to use the restroom, stretch your legs and walk around a bit, which will get your blood circulating normally. Plan ahead to stop at rest stops, parks and gas stations along the way. Get out of the car and walk around briefly. Do some light stretching. Keep your body moving. While you're sitting in the car, remember to move around periodically and switch positions occasionally. Even adjusting the position of your seat every now and then can help to prevent aches and pains. Get the blood flowing in your legs by pumping your ankles and move your arms around to improve blood flow and circulation. Be mindful of your posture. Even when you're relaxing in the back seat as a passenger, slumping can cause muscle aches and strains. Remember to sit up straight in your seat and make sure you have lower back support. Use a small travel pillow between your lower back and the seat if you need extra lumbar support. If you have your head bent down in order to read, make sure to stop periodically and stretch your neck. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Not all cars have tinted windows, and long hours of day-travelling can lead to a lot of squinting in bright sunlight and sun exposure. If you're travelling in areas with a lot of snow, the bright light and glare can be even worse, which can result in discomfort, headaches and even sun burns. Be sure to pack a pair of comfortable sunglasses. If you catch yourself squinting, put them on. Bring sunscreen and apply it to your arms, face and any other areas of exposed skin while travelling. Take water and healthy snacks on the road. If you leave for a road trip with no water or snacks in the car, you will end up stopping for fast food, soda and other unhealthy fare along the way. Bring a small, portable cooler with you and pack it with water and healthy snacks to keep your energy up while you're travelling. Avoid drinking alcohol while travelling, which can lead to fatigue, nausea and dehydration. Alternate driving duties. If you are traveling with a group, share the driving duties with the other passengers. That way, one person doesn't have to shoulder the entire responsibility. Come up with a system of rotation and switch out every few hundred miles. Since you're stopping to switch drivers periodically, this also gives everyone a chance to get out and stretch their legs. | Dress comfortably. Take a travel pillow and light blanket with you. Bring disposable pre-moistened body wipes. Reduce stress with deep-breathing exercises. Bring reading material. Pack a blank notebook and a few pens. Load your iPod with new music/podcasts/audiobooks before you leave. Make sure you have chargers and other gadgets. Bring solo and/or group games to keep you entertained. Come up with a rotation system for the car stereo. Pack anti-nausea and headache medication. Plan for stops along the way. Keep your body moving. Be mindful of your posture. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Take water and healthy snacks on the road. Alternate driving duties. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Hair-from-Curling-with-Humidity | How to Keep Hair from Curling with Humidity | To keep your hair from curling with humidity, leave your conditioner in for 5-10 minutes when you shower, which will help your hair absorb more moisture. When you get out of the shower, squeeze as much water as you can out of your hair instead of drying it with a towel, since this can make it frizzy. Let your hair air dry, if you can. Or, if you need to blow dry your hair, let it air dry for a while first, which will keep it straighter. On humid days, make sure you dry your hair completely before going out to help prevent it from curling. You can also buy shampoo and conditioner made for curly hair, which helps to moisturize your hair and prevent it from curling. | Lock in moisture with conditioner. Dry hair, especially curly hair, needs lots of moisture. This is because curly hair tends to be on the drier end of the spectrum compared to straight hair. If you have curly hair or textured hair, moisturizing is the key to preventing frizz when it's humid. Choose a shampoo and conditioner that is made for curly hair. Some shampoos and conditioners even offer protection against humidity. After shampooing and rinsing your hair, wring the excess water from your hair and then apply your conditioner from roots to ends. If you hair is thin, then you may want to apply conditioner from the middle of your hair to the ends and skip the roots. If your hair is thick, then apply the conditioner all over. Then, let the conditioner sit on your hair for a few minutes before rinsing it out. Try deep conditioning your hair. If you have thick textured hair or really curly hair, the it might help to deep condition your hair. Deep conditioning helps to lock in more moisture than regular conditioning and this may help to prevent your hair from curling up in the humidity. To deep condition your hair, apply the deep conditioner to your hair and then let it sit for about five to 10 minutes. You can do other things in the shower while you wait, such as shaving and washing your face. If you are just washing your hair, then put a plastic cap over your hair and go about your normal routine until it is time to rinse. You can also warm up your conditioner slightly before you use it. This may help your hair to absorb the moisture better. To heat up your conditioner, place the bottle in a bowl of very warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This should warm up the conditioner and make it easier for your hair to absorb. Squeeze out excess water from wet hair. Don't ruffle the cuticle by drying your hair with a towel. Hair cuticles have lots of ridges. When you rub your hair with a towel, it raises the edges of the hair cuticle, which frizzes your hair. Instead of rubbing your hair with a towel, squeeze the water out of your hair. Use your hands to squeeze out as much of the water from your hair as possible. You can also use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to absorb some of the excess water. Wrap a microfiber towel or t-shirt around your hair and squeeze. Don't rub your hair. Apply a serum or cream to damp hair. Anti-frizz serums and creams can help to lock in moisture when you apply it to damp hair. They also help control flyaways because the oils in the products coat your hair, creating a barrier between your hair and the humid air. Use a serum made with natural oils such as a Moroccan oil. Your hair absorbs the products made with natural oils better; they don't just sit on top of your hair like products made with synthetic oils. If you have thick hair, dry hair or color-treated hair, then a cream may work better. If your hair is thinner, then apply it from the mid-length of your hair to the ends. If you have thicker hair, then you can apply the cream or serum all over, but still focus on the ends of your hair. Straightening balms can also help to straighten curly hair and prevent it from curling up in humid weather. Look for a straightening balm or cream that offers some protection from the humidity as well. Allow your hair to air dry a bit. Don't immediately blast your hair with a blow dryer. Allow it to air dry at least partially. Allowing your hair to dry slowly and naturally keeps your hair in place instead of blowing it around, which can cause frizziness. If you blow dry without smoothing it out, it also can make your hair look puffy. If you want to blow dry, then let your hair partially dry naturally first. Or, you can let your hair air dry completely. Blow dry with a boar bristle brush. If you are straightening your hair after letting it air dry, use the blow drier and a boar bristle brush to seal and smooth the cuticle. This smooths the cuticle down, while the heat from the blow dryer seals in the moisture and locks it in. If moisture is sealed inside your hair cuticle, it is less likely to attract the moisture in the air and become frizzy. Blow dry your hair in a downward motion while using the boar bristle brush to smooth it out as you go. Brush your hair and move the blow dryer along with the brush in a downward motion. Boar bristle brushes are made from keratin, which is the same material that your hair is made from. This is why using a boar bristle brush to blow dry your hair is ideal. However, if you do not have a boar bristle brush, then any rounded or flat brush will do. While you are blow drying, pay attention to the crown where frizz is really noticeable. If you don't smooth out your roots, you'll look like you have a halo of frizz around your head, and it can make your hair look really frizzy. Make sure your hold your hair taught with the brush as your blow dry the crown of your head. Dry your hair completely. It is important that your hair is completely dry if you're entering a humid environment. If your hair is damp, it will continue to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment, making it appear puffy and frizzy. So, before you go outside in humid weather, make sure that your hair is completely dry. Like the serum, dry hair acts as a barrier between your hair and outside moisture. Even if you air dry, your hair should still be completely dry before leaving the house. Use a cool shot of air on each section of hair that you straighten. If your blow dryer has this button it will blast some cool air on your hair. This closes the cuticle, so it seals in the moisture on your hair. Skip the flat iron on humid days. Flat ironing your hair before you go out into humid weather may increase the chance that it will curl or frizz up. This is because flat ironing can dry out your hair and then it will try to absorb moisture from the environment when you go outside. To avoid this, you may want to consider skipping the flat iron on humid days. If you do not want to skip the flat iron, then make sure that you use a heat protectant product, such as a straightening balm or cream. Use an anti-frizz hairspray. Using an anti-frizz hair spray may help to lock in moisture and prevent frizz. Spray some on your hair after you have finished styling it. If you are going to blow dry or flat iron your hair, then spray your hair after you are finished. Choose a product that is in an aerosol can. The non-aerosol kind may cause your hair t frizz more easily. Comb your hair. Brushing your hair when the weather is humid may cause it to frizz more easily. To prevent your hair from frizzing, try using a wide toothed comb to style it and touch it up as needed. If possible, don't touch your style at all while you are out in humid weather. Put your hair up. If all else fails, braid it, twist it or put it up in a bun. Securing your hair away in a protective style helps to protect it from the humid air. Just in case the humidity does affect your hair, you don't have to worry about frizz or looking like a “poof ball.” It will be contained. Plus, when you take your hair down at the end of the night, you'll have a soft wave instead of loads of frizz. Some braids to try include fishtail braids , French braids , cornrows or the common three-strand braid. Opt for French braids or cornrows for longer lasting styles. Other god options for wearing your hair on humid days include buns , top knots , or chignons. If you just have to be outside for a short while until you reach your destination, then you can try putting half of your hair up with hair clips. You could also try wearing a hat or even try wrapping your hair up in a scarf. Straighten your hair. Using a straightening treatment such as a Brazilian straightening technique, relaxer, or keratin treatment may help to alter the texture and curl-pattern of your hair. Although all hair types and textures are prone to humidity, changing the texture of your hair permanently or semi-permanently might help to eliminate the degree of frizz on humid days even if it does not eliminate it completely. However, keep in mind that there's no guarantee that a straightening treatment will eliminate frizz completely. Moisture makes the hair cuticle bend and curl as it tries to absorb the moisture from the air. This is the case even if your hair has been straightened. Hair that is more fragile and porous, such as curly, wavy, kinky-curly hair and color-treated hair, is especially prone to humidity even if you have straightened it. Generally, drier hair textures are affected the most by humidity because they require the most moisture and your hair will try to get it anywhere it can, even from the air. | Lock in moisture with conditioner. Try deep conditioning your hair. Squeeze out excess water from wet hair. Apply a serum or cream to damp hair. Allow your hair to air dry a bit. Blow dry with a boar bristle brush. Dry your hair completely. Skip the flat iron on humid days. Use an anti-frizz hairspray. Comb your hair. Put your hair up. Straighten your hair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Wish-Bracelet | How to Make a Wish Bracelet | To make a wish bracelet, start by cutting 3 pieces of hemp to either 15 inches for your wrist or 20 inches for your ankle. Next, tie the strands together in an overhand knot, leaving 2 inches of slack to tie the bracelet on when you're done. Then, braid the hemp an inch or so before threading on the beads. In order to thread a bead, place it on the right hand strand and braid it on. Repeat this process with the new right hand strand, weaving as many beads as you like. Finally, add another inch of regular braiding and finish with an overhand knot. | Gather your materials. To start, you'll need to gather your materials. Most of what you need for a conventional wish bracelet can be found at a local craft store. You will need the following: Hemp twine Size 6/0 seed beads Scissors A clipboard or tape, which you'll use to pin down the twine as you braid Cut three pieces of hemp based on wrist or ankle size. To start your bracelet, you'll need to cut your hemp. Cut the hemp in a length big enough that the bracelet will fit around your wrist or ankle. Do not just measure the diameter of your wrist or ankle, however, as you'll be braiding the hemp which will reduce its length. About 15 inches will work for most wrist sizes, although you may need slightly more or less if your wrist is larger is smaller. When making bracelets for children, you will probably need less than 15 inches. An ankle bracelet will be larger, so you may need more hemp. For an ankle bracelet, 20 to 24 inches may be necessary. Tie the hemp strands together in an overhand knot on one end. To start, you'll want to tie your strands of hemp together in an overhand knot. You'll want to leave about 2 inches of slack, as you'll have to tie the bracelet together when you're done. An overhand knot is fairly simple. It's more or less a basic knot. Cross the end of the hemp over the rest of the hemp, making a Q-shape. Tuck the tail of the hemp through the Q-shaped loop. Then, pull at both ends until the knot is sufficiently tight. Braid the hemp down about 2 and a half inches. From here, you can begin braiding the three strands of hemp together. To secure the hemp, tuck the tied end under the clip on your clipboard. If you're not using a clipboard, use a small piece of scotch tape to secure the tied end on a flat surface. Then, simply braid the ends together for about 2 and a half inches. Keep in mind, 2 and a half inches will result in about a 7 inch bracelet. If you want your bracelet to be longer or shorter than this, braid down slightly more or less. Thread a bead onto the right hand strand and braid into the bracelet. Once you've braided the bracelet down sufficiently, you can begin adding your beads. Take the strand of hemp farthest to the right. Take one of your beads and thread it through this strand. Push the bead up until it's pressed against the end of the braid. Once the bead is near the edge of the braid, braid the strands as you normally would. You will end up braiding the bead into the center of the stands. When you're done braiding, the bead should be closed into the braid with twine. Repeat the process with the new right hand strand. Once you've added one bead, take the new righthand strand. Thread a new bead onto this strand, and then braid the bead into the bracelet. You should now have two beads that are braided into the center of the hemp strands. Add as many beads as you want. Continue this process until you've added as many beads as you want. Keep adding beads to the new righthand strand, then braiding them into the center of the bracelet. For a wish bracelet, some advocate adding 7 beads as 7 is thought to be a lucky number. However, there is no set number. Add as many beads as you want for your bracelet. Braid down another few inches when you finish adding beads. Once you've finished adding beads, continue braiding the hemp strands together. You should keep braiding until you're about two inches away from the end of the strands. Do another overhand knot. Once you reach the end of the strand, tie another overhand knot. Remember, you cross the end of the hemp over the rest of the hemp, forming a q-shape. Pass the end of the hemp through the loop made by the q-shape and pull until tight. Tie the bracelet around your wrist and make a wish. Your wish bracelet is now complete. Wrap the bracelet around your wrist and tie the two ends together. Make a wish as you do so. Superstition dictates that once all the beads fall off, your wish will come true. Gather your materials. A fun alteration to conventional beads are wishbone shaped charms. This can add to the wish theme of the bracelet. To make wishbone charms, you'll need the following materials. You should be able to purchase them at a local craft or hardware store. 20 g wire Round nose pliers Chain nose pliers Oval Wubbers pliers Jeweler's hammer and block Cut a piece of wire for the charm. Use a ruler to measure your wire. You'll need about 30 millimeters, or 3 centimeters of wire for each charm. You should be able to cut the charm with a thick pair of scissors. Use your pliers to make and then twist a loop in the wire. From here, use your round nose pliers. Make a loop with the wires by twisting one end over the other, and then pulling downward. The loop itself should be small, with two long strands of wire hanging off either end. Remember, you're trying to create something like a wishbone, so keep this image in mind to gauge loop size. To make the loop look more like a wishbone, take your chain nose pliers. Twist the loop about 1/4 of the way around. The loop will now be sideways, with the strands hanging off on either side. Use the oval pliers to curve the sides. You want to curve either side of the loop now. This will make it look more like a wishbone. Take your oval pliers and use them to gently curve either side of the loop inward. It can help to look at a picture of a wishbone online to figure out how much of a curve you want. The sides should be bent in slightly, but not curved to the point they're almost touching. Braid into your wish bracelet. You can braid your wishbone charm into your bracelet as you would braid in the regular beads. Slip the loop through the twine, push it to the edge of the braid, and then braid the wishbone charm into the center of twine. | Gather your materials. Cut three pieces of hemp based on wrist or ankle size. Tie the hemp strands together in an overhand knot on one end. Braid the hemp down about 2 and a half inches. Thread a bead onto the right hand strand and braid into the bracelet. Repeat the process with the new right hand strand. Add as many beads as you want. Braid down another few inches when you finish adding beads. Do another overhand knot. Tie the bracelet around your wrist and make a wish. Gather your materials. Cut a piece of wire for the charm. Use your pliers to make and then twist a loop in the wire. Use the oval pliers to curve the sides. Braid into your wish bracelet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Headache-Naturally | How to Get Rid of a Headache Naturally | To get rid of a headache naturally, apply a warm, damp towel to your forehead to open up your blood vessels and increase oxygen flow to the area. If your headache is caused by sinus pressure, take a lukewarm shower to relieve the congestion causing your headache. You can also drink a cup of chamomile tea, since it has anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve stress. Alternatively, use a few drops of diluted peppermint or lavender oil to massage your forehead in clockwise circles to ease the pain and relax your muscles. | Evaluate your symptoms to determine what kind of headache you have. Different headaches are treated in different ways. Typically, you can determine the type of headache you have on your own based on your specific symptoms. If you have difficulty, though, you can also ask your doctor. They should be able to identify the type of headache you're having by a description of your symptoms. Common types of headaches include: Tension: The most common type of headache. Caused by muscle tightness in the back of the neck or scalp. Feels like a tight band around your head. Pain may also be concentrated in your forehead, temples, or the back of your head. Sinus: Caused by inflamed sinuses due to allergies, a cold, or the flu. You may feel pain over your forehead, around your nose and eyes, over your cheeks, or in your upper teeth. Pain may increase when you stoop forward. Migraine: Caused by many different triggers that vary from person to person. Pulsating pain of disabling intensity, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. If untreated, typically lasts the whole day. Cluster: Relatively rare; unknown cause. Attacks result in up to 8 headaches a day for a 1 to 3 month period. Pain always on one side of the head and very severe. Typically accompanied by a red, watery eye on the headache side. May also be accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Use hot or cold therapy to relax tense muscles. Either a warm compress or ice can ease a tension headache by helping to relax the muscles in your head and face. If you're using cold therapy, wrap a bag of ice or frozen vegetables in a towel to protect your skin. Regardless of whether you're using a warm compress or ice, don't leave it on your head for more than 15 to 20 minutes. Heat improves circulation and increases blood flow, whereas cold restricts blood flow to reduce inflammation. Cold therapy is usually best for sinus headaches and other headaches caused by inflammation, but can also ease tension headaches. However, heat is typically better for tension headaches. If you're using a warm compress, the water should be no more than 120 °F (49 °C) for adults or 105 °F (41 °C) for children. You can also use a hot water bottle or gel pack. Take a steamy shower to treat a congestion headache. Inhaling steam loosens mucus to help reduce congestion. If you have a sinus headache, the steam from the shower can also help relieve inflammation in your sinuses. If you don't like hot showers, try boiling water and leaning over the pot to inhale the steam. This can also relieve congestion, although you may find your pain temporarily worsens when you bend over. Use a humidifier to ease sinus dryness and irritation. If the air in your home is overly dry, it can cause sinus congestion, which can lead to sinus headaches. A humidifier helps keep the air moist so it's easier for you to breathe. If you use a humidifier, check the humidity of your home regularly to maintain the right humidity level. Generally, the air in your home should be between 30% and 55%. Make sure you change the water in your humidifier so it's fresh, using bottled water if possible. Clean your humidifier at least once a week. Otherwise, it can grow mold, which can cause significant health problems. Try acupuncture or acupressure to relieve headache pain. With acupuncture, a practitioner inserts thin needles through your skin at specific points to help relieve headaches and prevent their reoccurrence. While acupuncture doesn't work for everybody, many people saw improvement after trying this therapy. There are generally no adverse effects to either acupuncture or acupressure, so they're safe therapies to try and see if they work. Make sure any acupuncture practitioner you see is licensed to perform acupuncture treatment. Your primary care physician might be able to recommend someone. You can do acupressure at home to relieve headache pain. Use your right thumb and index finger to find the space between the base of your left thumb and your left index finger. Press your right thumb and index finger together on this spot for 5 minutes. Move your thumb slowly in a small circle while applying constant pressure. Check with your doctor before using any herbal remedy. While herbal remedies are generally considered safe, they may interfere with any medications you're taking and could worsen any other health conditions you have. Let your doctor know what treatment you're thinking about taking and ask them if it's safe for you to use. Make sure you tell your doctor about all other medications and supplements you're currently taking, including the dosage and frequency. Herbal remedies may interfere with other nutritional supplements you're taking, causing them to have different effects. Drink herbal tea to relieve stress and reduce inflammation. While there's no scientific evidence that tea can prevent or stop headaches, many people find relief from drinking the hot beverage. Tea that includes herbs that have been shown to relieve headaches are often better at this, although you don't get as much of the herb from drinking a tea as you would from taking a supplement. Teas that might help headaches include: Green tea Peppermint tea Ginger tea Chamomile tea Feverfew tea Use ginger for anxiety headaches or migraines. Ginger can be just as effective as prescription medications to treat migraines and other severe headaches with fewer side effects. Buy fresh ginger root at the grocery store or take it in a powdered or capsule form when you feel a headache coming on. Ginger is a strong herb, so a little goes a long way. If you're taking ginger in capsule form as a supplement, follow the instructions on the package. If you're using fresh ginger root, grind 1/8 teaspoon (0.23 g) and stir it into hot water to make a tea. Drink the tea at the first sign that a headache is coming on. Do not take ginger if you are pregnant or have a bleeding disorder. While most other people experience no side effects from taking small amounts of ginger or using it as a spice, it occasionally causes heartburn, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort. Take feverfew to help manage chronic headaches. Feverfew supplements are available anywhere you normally buy herbal supplements, and come in capsules, tablets, or liquid extracts. Generally, you can take 100 to 300 mg of feverfew up to 4 times a day. Because commercial feverfew products aren't standardized and often contain other ingredients, such as melatonin, specific dosage recommendations aren't possible. Discuss the supplement with your doctor and read the dosage instructions on the bottle carefully. Don't take feverfew if you are allergic to chamomile, ragweed, or yarrow. If you take feverfew regularly, taper off with smaller doses before you stop taking it completely. Otherwise, you could suffer rebound headaches, as well as anxiety, fatigue, muscle stiffness, and joint pain. Practice relaxation techniques to lower your stress levels. Relaxation techniques, including practices such as yoga and tai chi, help ease tension in your life and lower your anxiety levels. Even a few minutes of slow, deep breathing can help you manage stress more productively. To practice deep breathing, move to a quiet spot without distractions and sit or lay down in a comfortable position. Turn your mental focus to your breath. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, expanding your chest. Pause when your lungs are full, then exhale slowly, lowering your chest. Pause when your lungs are empty, then repeat the cycle. Do this for at least a couple of minutes. Expect a little trial and error before you find the technique that works best for you. If you're trying a relaxation technique that you find difficult or that feels like work, it may cause you more stress. If you have high levels of anxiety, you might also consider going to a therapist to talk about what makes you anxious. Your therapist will recommend good coping strategies for you. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. Not getting enough sleep may cause you to have a headache the next day. Likewise, if you get too much sleep, you may also end up with a headache. Set a regular bedtime and waking time that allow you to get at least 8 hours of sleep. A regular sleep pattern can also help if you suffer from insomnia. Avoid electronics and screens, including TV, before bed or while in bed. Sleep in a cool, dark room. Ideally, the temperature in your bedroom should be between 60 and 67 °F (16 and 19 °C). If you sleep during daylight hours, use blackout curtains to keep the room dark. Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Regular exercise can reduce both the frequency and the severity of chronic headaches, including migraines. Design an exercise plan that includes cardio as well as activities that build strength and flexibility. Even just a brisk walk can be sufficient exercise to help prevent headaches. Include activities that you enjoy so you'll stay motivated to exercise. For example, if you like the water, you might go swimming 3 or 4 times a week. Talk to your doctor before you start any new exercise regimen, especially if you have any chronic health conditions. Limit alcohol and tobacco intake. Smoking and drinking excessively can lead to debilitating cluster headaches. Secondhand smoke and other forms of nicotine, including gum or tablets, can also lead to headaches and sinus irritation. If you have a history of migraine or cluster headaches, avoid drinking or smoking entirely. Talk to your doctor if you have a dependency on either of these substances. They can help you develop a plan to quit. Avoid foods that cause inflammation. Inflammatory foods can trigger headaches as well as other health issues, including digestive problems. If you have sinus problems, inflammatory foods can make those problems worse by increasing tissue inflammation. The following foods are inflammatory: Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta Fried foods Sugary beverages, including sodas and energy drinks Read meat, such as veal, ham, or beef Processed meats, such as hot dogs or sausages Margarine, shortening, and lard Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated. Dehydration can cause headaches or make them worse. The amount of water you need depends on your age, height, and weight. Generally, an adult should drink at least 2 liters (about a half a gallon) of water a day. You can tell you're well-hydrated if your urine is clear. If it's not, drink more water. Caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating, so you'll need to drink more water if you consume either of those. Staying hydrated also thins the mucus in your sinuses, which can ease the pressure of a sinus headache and help relieve congestion. Keep a headache diary to identify possible triggers. If you get headaches regularly, a headache diary can help you discover commonalities between your headaches and figure out what might be causing them. Write down the date and time of your headache and everything you did for an hour or two before your headache started, including any food that you ate. You might also write down anything you did to treat your headache and whether the treatment was effective. When the pain subsides, add the approximate time your headache stopped so you have an idea of the duration. Talk to your doctor if natural treatments don't work for you. Typically, you can treat your headache at home, either with natural remedies or over-the-counter medications. However, if natural treatments don't work, your doctor may be able to suggest an alternative approach. Tell your doctor about the headaches you've been having and the things you've tried so far to soothe your headaches. If some treatments gave you partial relief, let them know what seemed to help. They might be able to augment your home treatments with additional medical therapy to provide complete relief. Your doctor can also give you some advice on preventing headaches and identifying possible headache triggers. See your doctor if your headaches worsen or interfere with your life. While headaches are common every once in a while and generally nothing to worry about, if they happen more frequently or get worse, you may need medical treatment. Tell your doctor your symptoms and find out what medical options are available if you experience any of the following: Persistent headaches when you were previously headache-free, especially if you're over 50 Headaches if you have a history of cancer or HIV/AIDS. A headache accompanied by weakness or loss of sensation in any part of your body A headache caused by a head injury A headache accompanied by a stiff neck Severe headaches accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting not related to some other illness Seek emergency treatment for severe symptoms. Occasionally, a headache can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. If you have an infection or other medical condition, immediate treatment will help you recover. Call your local emergency number, such as 911 in the US, or go to an urgent care facility if you experience any of the following symptoms: A headache you would describe as the "worst headache ever" High blood pressure A fever higher than 102 °F (39 °C) Light sensitivity, double vision, tunnel vision, or trouble seeing Impaired speech Short, rapid breathing Temporary loss of consciousness A sudden change in your mental functions, such as a flat mood, impaired judgment, memory loss, or a lack of interest in daily activities Seizures Muscle weakness or paralysis | Evaluate your symptoms to determine what kind of headache you have. Use hot or cold therapy to relax tense muscles. Take a steamy shower to treat a congestion headache. Use a humidifier to ease sinus dryness and irritation. Try acupuncture or acupressure to relieve headache pain. Check with your doctor before using any herbal remedy. Drink herbal tea to relieve stress and reduce inflammation. Use ginger for anxiety headaches or migraines. Take feverfew to help manage chronic headaches. Practice relaxation techniques to lower your stress levels. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Limit alcohol and tobacco intake. Avoid foods that cause inflammation. Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated. Keep a headache diary to identify possible triggers. Talk to your doctor if natural treatments don't work for you. See your doctor if your headaches worsen or interfere with your life. Seek emergency treatment for severe symptoms. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Your-Accent | How to Lose Your Accent | If you want to lose you accent quickly, watch TV channels or listen to radio stations that use the accent you want to learn. If possible, listen to a few sentences, pause the TV, and repeat them into a voice recorder so you know which syllables you need to work on. You should also spend some time learning which parts of words and sentences native speakers stress, so you can learn to imitate the accent better. | Practice getting rid of your accent at least five days a week. Practice makes perfect is a common saying for a reason. You will not lose your accent unless you consciously work on doing so. Take some time out of your day five days a week to work on the accent you desire to have. You should practice at least 15 minutes, but 30 minutes to an hour is ideal. Use your practice time wisely. Choose a specific thing you want to work on every time you practice. For example, use one day to work on rhythm. Speak slowly. Even native speakers are easier to understand when they speak slowly. Do not try to speak at what is considered at a “normal” pace for natives when you are working on your accent. Speak slowly and enunciate. Finish one word and pause before you start the next. You can practice speaking slowly to your partner, a friend, family member, or even to yourself if you're nervous about speaking very slowly when out and about in daily life. Practice your rhythm. Rhythm is about timing within a phrase or sentence. This mainly equates to where we place the strong or weak stress in a sentence. When learning a new accent, it is also important to learn where the stress is placed. Listen to native speakers to get an idea of the rhythm of the accent you're trying to accomplish. If you're working on English, practice where the stresses are in a sentence. For example, “That's the best thing you could've done.” Say that sentence and put the emphasis on the word “best.” Read out loud. Spend some time each day reading out loud in the language you're working on. Sound out each word slowly and carefully as you read. You could read the newspaper, a book, or a comic. Read whatever you like so the experience is enjoyable and productive. Saying the words in front of you out loud will help you pick up on rhythm and work on pronunciation. Record yourself. Choose a short speech or passage from a book. If possible, choose something that you can listen to first in the accent you're trying to accomplish. Turn on a recording device, like your smartphone, and say the passage out loud. Then, play it back to yourself when you're finished. Note what you need to work on to reduce your accent. Stress the correct syllables. Different languages emphasize different parts of the word. Many languages are syllable-timed, which means that every word in the sentence is the same length. English usually stresses the important words in the sentence. Learn what part of the word the language you're working on stresses when working on losing your accent. Watch television and listen to the radio. When learning any accent, listening to and imitating a native speaker is the most important step and fastest way to learn. Spend some time each day watching a T.V. show, listening to the radio, listening to music, or listening to an audiobook in the language and accent you want to imitate. If possible, listen to a few sentences, pause it, and then repeat those sentences. Work with a tutor. This is surest way to lose your accent. A tutor can focus on your accent and come up with a plan to help you lose it and take on your desired accent. The tutor will likely meet with you at least once a week and give you exercises to work. You can find a tutor through an online search, at a local community college, non-profit organization, or even a library. Keep in mind that a tutor may be costly. If the cost is too much, you can save up to cover the costs, negotiate a payment plan with the tutor, or look up online tutors that may be cheaper than an in-person tutor. Listen to a native speaker in person. Talk with a friend that is native in the language you're working on, go listen to a speech, or listen to a teacher give a lecture. This way, you will hear the speaker live and hear how their voice sounds fairly unrehearsed. Listen carefully to how they pace themselves and any words that are specific to the accent they are using. Get involved with the local community. A great and inexpensive way to work on losing your accent is to get involved with a community of native speakers. You could get involved with a club (like a book club), church, or group for whatever interests you. This will allow you to practice your accent and provide you with people that can gently correct you when you make a mistake. You may feel shy about talking at first, but remember that kind people will only want to help you. Join a group of other non-native speakers. You should spend most of your time practicing with native speakers, but it would also help to practice with people that you feel comfortable talking with. It will especially help you if you are shy when talking to native speakers because talking to non-native speakers will help you gain confidence. You can look online for a group or ask around at a college campus. Ask to be corrected when you mispronounce something. When talking to a native speaker or someone who has successfully lost their accent, ask if they wouldn't mind correcting you when you make a mistake. Not being allowed to continue making the same mistake will help you correct yourself faster. The person should correct you in a polite and constructive way rather than being rude when they correct you. Watch YouTube videos about pronunciation. There are languages on YouTube dedicated to helping you learn just about any language you can imagine. Look up lessons for whatever language you're working on. Specifically, look for videos that focus on pronunciation. Watch past videos and subscribe to the channel for future videos. You can often tell that a channel is helpful if they have a lot of subscribers and put out content regularly. Focus on the accent you want to imitate. It's great to listen to the language in general, but try to focus on the exact accent you want to achieve. For example, if you want to mask your accent and take on a southern accent, listen to a reality T.V. show made in the southern United States. Or, if you want to work on a Parisian French accent, watch a Parisian talk show. Buy a pronunciation dictionary. A dictionary will teach you how to correctly pronounce the word and break it down for you. Go through a page of the dictionary each day. Pronounce each words slowly and carefully. Look at the breakdown of the word if you're having trouble pronouncing the word. Use an online dictionary. It's also an option to go to Dictionary.com or whatever the equivalent is for the accent you're working towards. An online dictionary gives you the option to hear the word pronounced out loud for you. It's also free as long as you have access to the internet. It's even better to use a print and online dictionary simultaneously. You can keep the print dictionary with you and listen to the word spoken aloud online. Check out books and audiobooks from your local library. Books and audiobooks can get expensive, and that's why using your local library is great. If you don't already have a library card, get one. Then, use that card to check out books on language, books in the language you're working on, and audiobooks and/or movies. This will save you money and allow you to check out new content as often as you'd like. | Practice getting rid of your accent at least five days a week. Speak slowly. Practice your rhythm. Read out loud. Record yourself. Stress the correct syllables. Watch television and listen to the radio. Work with a tutor. Listen to a native speaker in person. Get involved with the local community. Join a group of other non-native speakers. Ask to be corrected when you mispronounce something. Watch YouTube videos about pronunciation. Focus on the accent you want to imitate. Buy a pronunciation dictionary. Use an online dictionary. Check out books and audiobooks from your local library. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Out-if-a-Person-Actually-Misses-You | How to Find Out if a Person Actually Misses You | It's natural to wonder whether someone you're separated from misses you, and you can know their true feelings by examining how they talk to you. For example, if your friend or partner is frequently reaching out through texts or phone calls, it's a good sign that they miss you. When you talk, listen to the tone of their voice and take note if they sound excited. Someone who sounds distracted when you're catching up might not have missed you. If you can video chat with the person, look for non-verbal cues that they're still interested in you like a tilted head and eye-contact. | Suggest a meeting and pay attention to your friend's reaction. If you sense that a friendship is waning and you want to know whether your friend misses you, invite them to get together for something friendly and light, like a cup of coffee. If your friend reacts enthusiastically, it's likely that he misses you, too. On the other hand, if he postpones the meeting or seems reluctant to get together, recognize that he probably doesn't miss you. Be honest but non-accusatory about missing your friend. Say something like: “I miss our fun Friday night hang-outs! Do you want to get together again soon?” Talk about the underlying issues. If your friendship has grown distant and you're not sure why, it may be more helpful to talk directly with your friend about the cause of the distance. Tell your friend that you've noticed that the two of you are not as close anymore. Ask if you did anything to cause offense or to hurt your friend. If the answer is yes, be ready to listen to what your friend has to say without leaping to your own defense. It may be helpful to ask directly if your friend misses you, but be careful about putting her on the spot. If your friend feels accused, she might not answer honestly. Talk to mutual friends. Be clear about your needs and intentions. For example, you can tell a friend: “I feel like I've grown further away from our mutual friend lately, and it makes me sad. Do you think it would be worth it for me to reach out to them right now?” Listen thoughtfully to the reply. Don't ask about whether someone misses you only in order to make yourself feel better. Let relationships end naturally. Recognize the signs of a friendship that is coming to its close. There may be long silences or awkward gaps in the conversation. Making plans may be more difficult. Misunderstanding may happen more often. Not all friendships are meant to last forever; as interests and lives evolve, so will relationships. If your friendship is coming to an end, don't obsess about whether your friend misses you. Instead, celebrate the good things the friend brought to your life and move on. Don't mistake “I miss you” for “I want to be with you. ” Even if a former friend or ex-partner does miss you, that doesn't necessarily mean that she wants to re-start the relationship. You both may be mourning the loss of the good parts of what you had together. However, that doesn't mean that getting back together is a good idea. Notice how often he calls or texts. If your friend or partner is often reaching out to talk, he probably misses you when you're not around. Everyone has different styles around communication, but frequent phone calls and messages are a good sign of investment in a relationship. Listen to the tone of his voice. When someone misses you, he will sound engaged and eager when you do speak. If your friend sounds distracted when you're catching up after a long time, it may be a sign that he didn't miss you. Be honest when you're feeling insecure. If you feel anxious or insecure when your partner is away, it's better to be honest about it. Asking, “Did you miss me?” or “Do you still love me?” is unlikely to address your real feelings. If your partner says, “Yes,” you might not believe her, while if she says, “No,” you'll feel even worse. Instead, ask directly for the reassurance that you need. For example, you could say: “I've had a terrible day and I'm feeling pretty lonely and insecure tonight. Can you indulge me with some extra support and tell me that you love me and miss me?” Pay attention to what she shares with you. If your friend or partner shares images or links that made her think of you, it means just that: she's thinking of you. When you are not together, you are still in your friend's mind. Presents are another way of demonstrating caring and engagement. Even if you don't always love the thing a friend or partner got you, recognize that this, too, is evidence that she was thinking about you when you were not together. If he is eager to tell you about the details of his boring conference or flight connections, recognize that it's probably because he wants to keep talking to you. Sharing mundane details is a way of maintaining connection across distance and shows that he misses you when you are apart. Pay attention to non-verbal cues. If you are far apart, it may be harder to read the signs of affection in your partner's body. If you can talk by video, look for a tilted head and sustained eye-contact. Over the phone, a softer or higher tone of voice conveys intimacy. Recognize the signs of suffering from separation. Pair bonding between couples means that separation can cause increased stress and anxiety. If she is especially worried or unsettled while you are apart, it may be that she is missing you. | Suggest a meeting and pay attention to your friend's reaction. Talk about the underlying issues. Talk to mutual friends. Let relationships end naturally. Don't mistake “I miss you” for “I want to be with you. Notice how often he calls or texts. Listen to the tone of his voice. Be honest when you're feeling insecure. Pay attention to what she shares with you. Pay attention to non-verbal cues. Recognize the signs of suffering from separation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Tuna-Steak | How to Cook Tuna Steak | If you want to cook tuna steak in the oven, preheat the oven to 450 °F and bake the tuna steak for 4 to 6 minutes, or until you can flake it with a fork. It is usually served with some pink in the middle, but you can bake it for longer if you want it to be more well done. To pan fry tuna steak, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the steak uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes each side. | Mix the juice, oil, garlic, and thyme in a sealable bag. Open a large bag and pour in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of lemon juice along with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil. Then, add 2 minced cloves of garlic and 2 teaspoons (1.5 g) of minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of dried thyme. Press out the air and seal the bag tightly. You can shake the marinade around to combine the ingredients. If you prefer, use your favorite marinade or just season the tuna with oil, salt, and pepper. Add the tuna steaks and refrigerate them for up to 30 minutes. Get out 4 tuna steaks that are around 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick and put them in the bag with the garlic herb marinade. Seal the bag and then turn the bag over a few times so the tuna steaks are coated. Avoid marinating the tuna steaks for more than 30 minutes or the acidic lemon juice could make them become mushy. Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high. If you're using a gas grill, turn the burners to medium-high. If you're using a charcoal grill, fill a chimney with briquettes and light them. Dump the briquettes onto 1 side of the grill once they're hot and lightly covered with ash. If you're using a broiler, preheat it for at least 5 minutes before cooking the tuna steaks. Take the steaks out of the bag and season them with salt and pepper. Remove the marinated tuna steaks from the refrigerator and transfer them from the marinade to a plate. Then, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) of salt and 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground pepper over the steaks. Discard the marinade once you remove the tuna steaks from the bag. Oil the grill grate and lay the tuna steaks on it. Dip a paper towel in a little vegetable oil and gather it into a ball. Grip the balled up paper towel with tongs and brush the towel over the grill grates so they're lightly greased. Lay the 4 tuna steaks onto the grill grate so the steaks aren't touching and close the lid. If you're using a charcoal grill, you can put the tuna steaks directly over the coals. Grill the tuna for 3 to 4 minutes. Set a timer so you don't accidentally overcook 1 side of the tuna steaks. They should become browned on the bottom side that's exposed to the heat. Flip the tuna steaks and grill them for another 3 to 4 minutes. Once the tuna steaks are halfway cooked, carefully lift the lid and use tongs to flip each steak over. Put the lid back on and finish cooking the tuna steaks for another 3 to 4 minutes. The tuna should be a little flaky near the edges, but slightly pink in the center. Plan on grilling the tuna steaks for around 8 minutes total if you'd like medium-rare fish. If you want them cooked medium, add an extra 1 to 2 minutes to the grilling time. Avoid cooking the tuna steaks beyond medium since the steaks will become dry and crumbly if they're overcooked. Remove the tuna steaks and rest them for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Use tongs to carefully transfer the tuna steaks from the grill to a serving platter. Let the steaks rest while you get side dishes ready. Consider serving grilled tuna steaks with grilled vegetables , couscous, or a garden salad. Refrigerate leftover tuna steaks in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Combine all of the spices to make a blackening seasoning. You can use about 2 1/2 teaspoons (5 g) of storebought blackening seasoning or mix your own. Get out a small bowl and mix together: 1 teaspoon (2 g) of paprika 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of oregano 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of fennel seeds 1/8 teaspoon (0.25 g) of ground cloves Heat a skillet or grill pan to medium-high heat. Set a heavy skillet, such as a cast-iron skillet, or grill pan on the stove and turn the burner to medium-high. Heat the pan for at least 5 minutes before you sear the tuna steaks. The skillet or grill pan should begin to smoke. Open a window or turn on your oven vent to prevent your kitchen from getting too smoky as you cook. Brush 4 tuna steaks with melted butter and coat them with the spice rub. Dip a pastry brush into 4 tablespoons (56 g) of melted butter and brush it over 4 tuna steaks. Turn them over and brush the other side as well. Then, sprinkle the blackening seasoning over both sides of the steaks. To help the blackening seasoning stick, gently press the spices into the steaks. Lay the steaks in the hot skillet and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. Place the tuna steaks in the skillet so they're not touching each other. The steaks should sizzle immediately as they touch the hot pan. Leave them for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes and then carefully flip them over. Cook the steaks for another 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. If the pan doesn't sizzle, turn the heat up to high. Remove the tuna steaks and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Once the tuna steaks are a rich golden color and they start to flake around the edges, turn off the burner. Transfer the tuna steaks to a serving plate and leave them to rest for 5 minutes so they finish cooking. Then, serve the pan-seared tuna with your favorite sides. Consider serving the tuna steaks with red beans and rice or baked potatoes. Store leftover tuna steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Preheat the oven to 450 °F (232 °C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Move an oven rack so it's in the center of the oven and then turn the oven on to 450 °F (232 °C). Get out a rimmed baking sheet and lay a piece of aluminum foil on it. Whisk the teriyaki sauce, ginger, and salt. Pour 4 tablespoons (59 ml) of teriyaki sauce into a small bowl and add 1 teaspoon (2 g) of grated fresh ginger along with 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt. Whisk until the ginger and salt are combined. If you don't have fresh ginger, use 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of ground ginger. Put 4 tuna steaks on the sheet and brush them with the sauce. Pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel and set them on the lined baking sheet. Then, dip a pastry brush into the sauce and brush it over each side of the steaks. Bake the tuna steaks for 6 to 8 minutes. Put the sheet into the preheated oven and roast the steaks until they become a little flaky near the edges. Keep in mind that the center of the steaks should still be a bit pink. There's no need to flip the tuna steaks as they roast. Rest the tuna steaks for 5 minutes and serve them with sides. The roasted tuna steaks are great with steamed rice , roasted vegetables , and pineapple chunks. Put leftover tuna steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use them within 3 to 4 days. | Mix the juice, oil, garlic, and thyme in a sealable bag. Add the tuna steaks and refrigerate them for up to 30 minutes. Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high. Take the steaks out of the bag and season them with salt and pepper. Oil the grill grate and lay the tuna steaks on it. Grill the tuna for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the tuna steaks and grill them for another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the tuna steaks and rest them for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Combine all of the spices to make a blackening seasoning. Heat a skillet or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush 4 tuna steaks with melted butter and coat them with the spice rub. Lay the steaks in the hot skillet and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the tuna steaks and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Preheat the oven to 450 °F (232 °C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Whisk the teriyaki sauce, ginger, and salt. Put 4 tuna steaks on the sheet and brush them with the sauce. Bake the tuna steaks for 6 to 8 minutes. Rest the tuna steaks for 5 minutes and serve them with sides. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-Your-Partner-About-Their-Weight | How to Talk to Your Partner About Their Weight | Gaining and losing weight as an adult is normal, but if your partner's weight has changed significantly, you might want to talk to them about their weight to make sure they're healthy. The best moment to bring up weight change is when your partner mentions being unhappy about their weight. Try to stay focused on their health and happiness rather than their appearance, which could make them feel bad. You could say something like, “It's not a big deal if your clothes don't fit, but I want you to be happy and healthy. Do you feel like you need to adjust your weight to be content?” If your partner's weight change has stopped them from doing things they enjoy, you can bring this up as well. It's important to clarify that you still love and are attracted to them. Being positive and supportive of your partner will give them the confidence to make the healthy changes they need to make. | Assess the need to discuss weight. If your partner remains within a healthy weight bracket and only loses or puts on a couple of pounds, there is no need to bring up the issue. Also, some medications and/or hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy or midlife hormonal changes in men and women) can result in weight change that your partner has little control over. If your partner is gaining or losing an unhealthy amount of weight for a reason that is within their control, it might warrant a discussion about their health and happiness. If your partner is within normal weight range, encourage healthy eating and fitness, but don't push them to lose or gain more weight. Instead, aim for maintenance of good habits as a lifestyle approach to health. You might also consider if your partner's weight has affected their ability to participate in certain activities, such as playing with your kids, going out on dates, or keeping up with simple household tasks. Consider how quickly your partner's weight has changed as well. If your partner has suddenly gained or lost a noticeable amount of weight, then you may want to bring this up. If your partner gained or lost weight over a period of years, then it might not be a cause for concern if they are healthy otherwise. Wait for a good moment to bring it up. The very best moment to begin talking about weight loss or weight gain is when your partner complains or mentions being unhappy about their weight. They might comment that they are having trouble putting on an old pair of pants or are unhappy with how they look standing in front of the mirror. This is a clear indication that they have acknowledged the weight change, and they are unhappy with it. Keep in mind that most people who are over or underweight are very aware of this fact. They do not necessarily need to be told that they have a weight problem, but might need a supportive dialogue to help them stay motivated to stay healthy. Instead of saying something like “Your pants are tighter because you've gained some weight,” you should keep the conversation focused around their health and happiness by saying something like “It doesn't matter which pants fit you, what matters is that you are happy with yourself. Do you feel like you need to change your weight, or are you content?” Tell your partner that you are concerned about them. If your partner's weight appears to be unhealthy to you, you might decide it needs to be discussed. Once you bring up the discussion, you need to make it clear to your partner that you are concerned about their health and happiness. Mention the things that the two of you enjoy, and how those things would be affected if your partner's health was to take a hit. For example, you might say “I want to see you stay healthy. I know that you love our hiking trips during the summer, and we both need to stay healthy enough to continue those trips.” Make it clear that you are still attracted to your partner. Most any person would be hurt if they believed their partner was no longer attracted to them. When you discuss your partner's weight, you need to be certain to reassure them that you are attracted to them. Knowing that you still love them and find them attractive will help your partner stay confident and give them the strength to make healthy changes. Make a point to say things like “I am only bringing this up because I love you, and want you to stay healthy. It doesn't change how I feel about you, or how attracted I am to you.” Make love and health the centerpieces of the conversation. Telling your partner that they are unattractive or lazy will only drive a wedge between the two of you, and hurt them emotionally. This kind of language has no place in a loving conversation. Instead, you should focus on how much you care for your partner and want them to remain healthy. Do not use health as a way to guilt your partner. Saying things like “If you really loved me, you'd take care of yourself,” is damaging to the relationship, and simply untrue. Use “I” statements to keep blame off of your partner. Say something like “I want you to be happy and healthy well into our old age, and I think that you want the same thing. What can I do to help?” Leave criticism out of the conversation. Criticizing a person for their weight will leave them emotionally hurt, and damage your relationship. This kind of criticism also makes it harder for the person to confide in you, and can lead to secret binge eating or purging. More often than not, the criticism becomes yet another roadblock to losing or gaining a healthy amount weight instead of motivation. Saying something like “You keep gaining weight because you won't stop eating pop tarts,” will only make your partner uncomfortable with you knowing their food choices. Instead, you could say something more constructive like “If you'd like, we can each make a healthy snack in the morning, and take it with us in case we get hungry.” Keep your opinion in perspective. Your partner is likely to be aware that their clothes don't fit as they used to but may not treat the issue as seriously as you do. It could be a wake-up call for your partner that you do see this as a major health issue. Be careful not to shame or embarrass your partner when bringing up your concerns. For example, if your partner mentions that they can't wear their favorite pair of jeans anymore you could say something like “If you'd like, we can start going for walks and see if we can both fit back into our old clothes.” Consider obstacles at home. Part of being supportive is acknowledging ways that you may have contributed to the weight change. If you're encouraging your partner to be less active, this can be contributing to their weight change, too. Buying a lot of junk food or being slothful can sabotage your partner's weight, even if your weight isn't noticeably affected. Remove all obstacles at home like junk food. This helps remove the temptation to eat excessive amounts of unhealthy foods. Examine the household schedule. Are each of you making time to sit-down and eat home-cooked family dinners? Are each of you exercising every single day? Is health a priority for your entire family or is everyone running around too busy to make time for their own health? Answer these questions, and rearrange the schedule so that healthy meals and exercise become a priority. Cook healthy foods together. Make it your priority to get healthy too. If you already eat a clean, lean diet and exercise at least five days a week, share your habits more obviously with your partner by engaging them in the cooking, shopping, or other elements that will help bring about a better understanding healthier eating. Learn about portion sizes and what is a healthy, normal amount and what is outrageous. In the USA, MyPlate is a great place to start and similar initiatives are available through many other government health departments around the world. Instead of having three big meals, consider preparing six or seven smaller meals to keep blood sugar levels even and cravings at bay. This doesn't work for everyone but if it helps your family, then it's a great way to stretch out healthy eating during the day. If diabetes or other health problems are an issue, talk to your doctor before changing your diet drastically. Invite your partner to exercise. Exercise outside or at the gym by walking, jogging, or taking up another sport. You might also consider team sports leagues in your area if you and your partner prefer a more social exercise routine. Introduce your favorite fitness routine to your partner––they may love it as much as you. If you have a mobile electronic device, download a fitness app and a food diary. These can be easy and fun ways for you and your partner to track your food and exercise. Plus, you can offer to do the same activities and share results and updates regularly. Encourage a home-based lunch initiative. Have the whole family sit down and select favorite healthy lunch options that can be made at home and taken to work, college, school, etc. Then ensure that the ingredients are always available and have a shared lunch-making session every morning to speed things up. This will spare everyone from the temptation of fattening take outs at lunchtime. Cut back on eating out. While convenient, eating in restaurants more than once a week can contribute significantly to unhealthy weight since you don't know how the food is being prepared or the exact nutritional value it holds. Celebrate victories. Don't forget to celebrate even the smallest victories. If your partner gains or loses two pounds toward their goal weight, go to the movies together or treat your partner to a manicure or massage. Mark each victory with a celebration so that they know that you're truly rooting for their success. Other ways to celebrate include: Take the family to the beach or the park for the afternoon. See a play or go to a concert. Write your partner a love letter telling them how proud you are of their success. Or simply tell explain how much you love them. Purchase a new piece of (smaller sized) clothing for your partner from a favorite brand. Bring them home flowers, a favorite author's new book or other non-food treats. Suggest a medical evaluation. If you and your partner are unsure about what a healthy weight range is, you should suggest consulting a doctor. The doctor can evaluate your partner's BMI (Body Mass Index) and give you health related information based on the BMI. Being above or below a normal weight range can put someone at risk for different medical conditions. Some medications and conditions such as hypothyroidism and PCOS can cause excessive weight gain or loss. If you are unsure how to suggest this, try saying something like “We've discussed weight a few times now, and neither of us seem to be sure what a healthy weight would be. Maybe it would help if we asked your doctor.” Consider your partner’s mental health. Sometimes weight changes may result from challenges like work pressures (stress), depression or anxiety. Weight changes can also be associated with sadness and loss, such after the death of a loved one or the loss of a job. Talking to a health professional can help sort out mental health issues as well as physical ones. If your doctor determines that the weight change is related to mental health, they may recommend therapy with a counselor. There are many counselors that specialize in weight related topics. Ask for a referral to a nutritionist. Whether your partner's weight changes are related to a medical issue or a lifestyle issue, a change in diet may be in order. A nutritionist can suggest exactly what changes to make, and how to implement them slowly and effectively. Your partner's doctor can refer them to see a nutritionist if they think it will be beneficial. Radical changes in diet should only be considered when medical professionals deem it absolutely necessary. Otherwise, slow consistent changes are more likely to stick in the long run. | Assess the need to discuss weight. Wait for a good moment to bring it up. Tell your partner that you are concerned about them. Make it clear that you are still attracted to your partner. Make love and health the centerpieces of the conversation. Leave criticism out of the conversation. Keep your opinion in perspective. Consider obstacles at home. Examine the household schedule. Cook healthy foods together. Invite your partner to exercise. Encourage a home-based lunch initiative. Celebrate victories. Suggest a medical evaluation. Consider your partner’s mental health. Ask for a referral to a nutritionist. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Fibromyalgia | How to Diagnose Fibromyalgia | The best way to diagnose fibromyalgia is to look out for symptoms, which include pain in your muscle system, decreased energy levels, and mental fogginess. You also may be at higher risk if you're a woman, have a family history of the disease, or are middle-aged. Since fibromyalgia shares symptoms with other illnesses, ask your doctor to eliminate other possibilities, which may mean having a blood test. Then, get your doctor to test for muscle pain in all parts of your body, including the left and right sides, and above and below the waist. | Determine your risk for developing fibromyalgia. You may be at higher risk of fibromyalgia if you are a woman, have a family history of fibromyalgia, are middle-aged, or suffer from a rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Review your medical history and talk to your family to check your personal risk factors. Symptoms may also sometimes begin after a physical trauma such as surgery or infection. Monitor muscular symptoms including spasms, tightness, and chronic pain. The most prominent fibromyalgia symptoms are the pain and fatigue of your entire muscular systems. Keep track of how often you experience pain or irregular sensations in your muscles, such as numbness, tingling, burning, twitching, or itching. Write your symptoms down if need help keeping track of their frequency or severity. Chronic, widespread muscle pain is often characterized as a constant dull ache that lasts for an extended period of time on both sides of your body, and above and below your waist. Muscle pain may also lead to tingling in the limbs, stiffness, or soreness in muscles that have been at rest. For example, you may feel unable to walk or bend after sitting for a long time. Keep track of how tired you are and how well you sleep. Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by fatigue and decreased energy levels all day long. Take note of how often you feel tired throughout the day, and check to see if you are sleeping completely through the night. Many fibromyalgia patients also struggle with insomnia due to the pain. Even patients who get a full night's sleep may experience fatigue with fibromyalgia. Consider times you struggled to remember things in your daily life. Feelings of mental fogginess, also known as “brain fog,” may indicate you are struggling with fibromyalgia. This is characterized by being slow to recall basic things such as names or directions in your daily life. Trouble sleeping or fatigue coupled with chronic pain is an indicator of fibromyalgia. If you experience fatigue or trouble sleeping but do not have muscular pain, you are likely dealing with a different condition. Check for sensitivity to external stimuli. Fibromyalgia can cause sensitivity to noise, specific foods, odors, bright lights, cold temperatures, and medications. If you notice yourself having adverse reactions to any of those in addition to muscular pain, you may want to talk to your doctor about fibromyalgia. These sensitivities can often lead to severe headaches. Migraines are a common problem for patients with fibromyalgia. Keep track of any digestive problems you may have. Common abdominal symptoms include bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and frequent, urgent bouts of urination. If you notice that any of these occur regularly throughout the day or week, it may be an indicator of fibromyalgia. Some patients with fibromyalgia may develop or be diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Talk to your doctor to eliminate other possible conditions. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia shares symptoms with other conditions. This means that your doctor should eliminate those conditions as possible causes for your symptoms. Your doctor will want to do a physical examination and will likely order diagnostic tests. Your doctor may want to do a blood test, as well as nerve tests. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider. You should contact your healthcare provider as soon as you notice any severe or chronic muscle pain or fatigue. Let them know what symptoms you have or are currently experiencing. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you have any risk factors for or a family history of fibromyalgia. You can talk to your general practitioner about your symptoms, or you can visit an internist or a rheumatologist. Have your doctor test for other conditions with similar symptoms. Some other conditions have symptoms to fibromyalgia. Your doctor can perform a series of tests to rule out these other conditions, such as blood tests, X-rays, and biopsies. There are several conditions that have similar symptoms to fibromyalgia, but you shouldn't be worried about a long list of possible causes. Talk to your doctor about which of these conditions match your specific symptoms. The doctor will then determine if one of those conditions is causing your symptoms, or if you may have fibromyalgia. Have your doctor test all your body for constant pain. According to rules put in place by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 2010, fibromyalgia can be diagnosed by determining whether you experience constant pain in the 4 quadrants of your body. These quadrants are divided into the left and right sides of your body, and above and below the waist. For a diagnosis to be made, you need to have experienced pain in a quadrant for a minimum of 3 months. Your doctor may also test for tenderness in the neck, between your shoulder blades, on your elbows, upper hips, inner knees, and the back of your head. These are all areas commonly associated with fibromyalgia. Ask your doctor to check for related conditions. Patients with fibromyalgia also commonly experience depression, anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome. Talk to your doctor about all of your physical and mental symptoms to see if you should be screened for any of these conditions in addition to fibromyalgia. Talk to your doctor about taking pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain medication including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium may all be helpful in managing your fibromyalgia pain. Talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you. Ask your doctor about what dose you should take and how often you should take it, since they may prescribe a different dose than the packaging suggests. If you find that over-the-counter drugs aren't helping, let your doctor know. They may be able to provide you with prescriptions medications commonly used to treat fibromyalgia including painkillers. Work with a physical therapist to improve strength and stamina. A physical therapist can provide you with an exercise routine that will help you manage your fibromyalgia symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider to get a recommendation for a physical therapy center in your area that specializes in working with fibromyalgia patients. Likewise, an occupational therapist can help you make adjustments to your workplace layout and routine that may help make your symptoms more manageable throughout the day. Incorporate strength training into your daily exercise routine. Both strength training and aerobic activity are important for managing fibromyalgia. Strength training, in particular, can help manage muscle stiffness and soreness. Start with 1 pound (0.45 kg) to 13 pounds (5.9 kg) weights and build up slowly with common strength exercises like bicep curls, squats, and bench presses. Try to give your body a day to rest in between every strength training workout. Shorten the range of motion if you feel it is to painful or strenuous to complete a full exercise. You can even talk to a physical therapist about the right exercise form for you to help accommodate your fibromyalgia. You may want to try activities like water aerobics, yoga, and Pilates, which can help you build strength with a lower impact to your body. Remember that the point of strength training with fibromyalgia isn't to grow your muscles or the amount of weight you can lift. It's to help keep pain away. Always start with smaller amounts of weight and progress gradually. Allow your body time to rest and recuperate. The physical limitations caused by fibromyalgia make it especially important to give your body time to rest and recover. This goes for daily physical activity as well as work outs. Go slow when you have to and pace yourself throughout the day. Schedule time every day to let your body relax and recover from physical stress. | Determine your risk for developing fibromyalgia. Monitor muscular symptoms including spasms, tightness, and chronic pain. Keep track of how tired you are and how well you sleep. Consider times you struggled to remember things in your daily life. Check for sensitivity to external stimuli. Keep track of any digestive problems you may have. Talk to your doctor to eliminate other possible conditions. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Have your doctor test for other conditions with similar symptoms. Have your doctor test all your body for constant pain. Ask your doctor to check for related conditions. Talk to your doctor about taking pain relievers. Work with a physical therapist to improve strength and stamina. Incorporate strength training into your daily exercise routine. Allow your body time to rest and recuperate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Breed-Standard-Guinea-Pigs | How to Breed Standard Guinea Pigs | To breed standard guinea pigs, choose a male and female and have them examined by a vet to confirm that they're healthy and ready for breeding. Next, introduce the pair to each other in the female guinea pig's cage when she's close to her heat cycle. Allow them to live together in the cage without other guinea pigs around and let nature take its course. Be sure to keep them together during the entire heat cycle to increase the chance of pregnancy. | Be aware of the risks of breeding guinea pigs. Breeding guinea pigs comes with some significant risks including high mortality rate for pregnant animals. Be aware of the risks of breeding guinea pigs and consider if this is the right decision for your animal and for you. Never breed guinea pigs for fun. Breeding guinea pigs is risky and can harm or kill your beloved pet. Guinea pig sows have a high mortality rate associated with pregnancy ketosis, which is a metabolic problem where the sow slowly poisons herself and dies of blood poisoning. The piglets are also large, which can cause problems when giving birth (but toxaemia is the main cause of death). If you are considering breeding your sow, stick to the breeding age suggestions to help minimize the risk of complications. If you sow needs a caesarian section because of birth complications, the survival rate is very low. Unless you have designated homes for pups or animals you don't want to keep after breeding, don't breed them. Many people who say they'll take pups conveniently disappear once they're born. Ensure you have supplies to breed and house pups. If you are planning on breeding guinea pigs, the animal population in your home will likely increase. Ensure that you have sufficient supplies to care for breeding animals and their pups. You will need enough cage space to house all of the animals. Keep in mind that you will also have to separate males and females to keep them from breeding. The cage space will require proper bedding and hay, so consider purchasing extra and keeping a reserve for when you clean the guinea pigs' area. Also consider purchasing more accessories such as toys or hiding holes for your guinea pigs to enjoy. Make sure you have enough food pellets and water bottles to help keep you guinea pigs healthy. Allot enough time to properly clean the guinea pig cages on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to help keep your pigs healthy. Choose the guinea pigs to breed. You want to find the best quality breeding stock of guinea pigs. Choosing the right guinea pigs can help ensure their health and continuation of quality breeding stock. The breeding plan “best to the best” is often employed by professionals when considering mates. This means that only outstanding sows, or female guinea pigs, are bred with outstanding boars, or male guinea pigs. Where possible, check the parentage of both guinea pigs. There are several hereditary diseases that could affect the guinea pigs and their pups or cause a so-called “lethal,” or a pup with severe deformities. Ensure that the boar and sow are an appropriate age to breed. If you are unsure of the sex of your guinea pig, you can check directly above the anus while gently holding the guinea pig on its back. A male will have what appears to be a slit or visible testes. A female will have a skin fold that is in a Y shape above the anus. Select a boar to mate with a sow. Part of breeding the right pair of guinea pigs is choosing a boar, or male guinea pig, to mate. Selecting the best quality boar can help ensure that a sow bears good quality and healthy pups. A good boar will have a broad head and a bold eye. The average age for most boars to mate for the first time is 5 months. Guinea pigs are thought to reach sexual maturity at 10 weeks however most reach sexual maturity as young as 4 weeks. Therefore to prevent inbreeding males should be removed from the females at 3 weeks.. Select a sow to mate with a boar. Just as boar selection is important, it is also important to find a good quality sow, or female guinea pig. Choosing the right sow can help ensure the quality and health of her litter. The sow should have good head shape, a bold eye, and a good muzzle. Guinea pigs are thought to reach sexual maturity at 10 weeks however most reach sexual maturity as young as 4 weeks. Therefore to prevent inbreeding males should be removed from the females at 3 weeks. A sow may be mated at anywhere from 4-7 months for the first time. It is important that the sow is under 7 months for a first pregnancy to prevent the conditions symphysis and dystocia. Consider selecting a sow that has had time to rest in between litters to help ensure the quality of subsequent litters. Have each guinea pig’s health checked. You cannot introduce a boar and sow unless you are sure they are both healthy. Take each animal to a vet to minimize the risk of either animal being unhealthy. If you regularly treat your guinea pigs for mites, this should be done at least 2 weeks before you breed them to prevent the Ivermectin having any effect on the pups. Quarantine new guinea pigs for two weeks. If you decide to mate your guinea pig with a guinea pig from another home, quarantine the new guinea pig for two weeks. This will help ensure that neither animal is ill or has parasites. You can quarantine new guinea pigs simply by keeping their cages in separate rooms. Also make sure to wash your hands whenever you touch animals and their feed or bedding. Do not allow the guinea pigs to interact during the quarantine. If you are breeding guinea pigs you own, there is no need for quarantine. Introduce the mating pair. Once you are sure each guinea pig is healthy, you can introduce the pair. It may take a few days for the guinea pigs to get used to one another. Keep the pair in the sow's normal cage to reduce stress to her and help increase the chance of pregnancy. If she is not ready to breed, she may reject the male by spraying him or showing her teeth. Never allow more than one boar contact with the sow as this can lead to serious fights between the males. If you own multiple sows that usually live together, remove the sows you are not breeding to a different cage to prevent unnecessary stress. Maintain the companionship between sows by allowing them 'floor time' together while keeping the breeding pair together the majority of the time. Don’t disturb breeding pair during the heat cycle. A sow's heat cycle can last from 15 to 17 days. The breeding pair should be kept together the entire cycle to increase the chance of pregnancy. The pair may try to mate throughout this period, but the sow can only get pregnant during a small 24 – 48 hour window per cycle.. Check the breeding couple often enough to help ensure their health and happiness and reassure the guinea pigs that you are caring for them. Check if the sow is pregnant. After at least 18 days, check if the sow is pregnant. You can do this yourself - see How to Tell if Your Guinea Pig Is Pregnant - but only a vet will be able to say for sure. A pregnant female may exhibits several symptoms of pregnancy including distended abdomen and increased food and water consumption. A sow may eat 2-3 times her normal amount when pregnant. A vet may also determine an estimated delivery date. It may take several heat cycles for the sow to become pregnant. Be patient so that you do not stress your guinea pigs. Care for the sow during the gestation period. Once you're sow becomes pregnant, the gestation period will 63-70 days. During this time it is important to prevent stress as much as possible. Do not make any changes to the sow's cage and reduce exposure to anything that may cause stress, such as loud noises. Handle the sow minimally during the pregnancy and not at all during the last two weeks. You can coax her on to a towel or box for the delivery. You can leave the boar in the cage with the sow to comfort her. It's advisable to remove other guinea pigs from the sow's space and allow her to litter alone. Increase the sow’s diet. The amount of food and water a sow consumes will increase during pregnancy. Give her more food to help ensure she gets much needed nutrients to support the developing pups. Increase the amount of fresh vegetables on offer to 1½ to 2 cups per day. Check for health issues during pregnancy. Pregnancy is very risk for sows because pups are large. Check the sow thoroughly daily by looking for any signs of illness and weighing the sow. The signs of illness may include crusty eyes, nose, or ears; and a thinning or patchy coat. The sow should gradually put on weight, though how much depends on the individual and size of the litter. Check she is eating. An early warning sign of pregnancy toxaemia is lack of appetite. Any pregnant sow that doesn't eat for more than 12 hours should see a veterinarian. If you notice any problems with your guinea pig, including lack of movement of her unborn pups, consult a vet. Get ready for the birth of the pups. You should be prepared for your sow to give birth at around nine weeks. Making sure you're prepared for the birth with medical supplies can help you handle any complications that may arise. Guinea pigs don't show any outward signs of impending birth and don't make any specific preparations for labor so it may be hard to tell exactly when the sow will give birth. You may notice a slight widening of the pelvic bones in the sow right before she gives birth. Stock up on a syringe, which you may need to clean out a newborn pups mouth. It is a good idea to alert a vet when the sow reaches nine weeks so they are aware that they may need to intervene and can be on hand to attend to the sow immediately if a complication does arise. Expect short labor if there are no complications. It takes guinea pigs 10-30 minutes to give birth if a sow has no complications. If the labor takes longer than an hour, call your vet or take the sow for medical treatment. Do not crowd the female while she is laboring. Have only one person with her to oversee the birth and do not touch her. A sow should give birth every 5-10 minutes. A sow will usually have between 1-5 pups. The sow will give birth by sitting up and hunching over or by squatting. Get your guinea pig to a doctor if the labor becomes complicated. For example, if it takes longer than one hour, there more than 15 minutes between pups, if she exhibits excessive bleeding, or making extreme stress calls. Allow the sow to clean her pups. Once your sow has given birth, let her clean the pups on her own. This can help minimize the risk of transmitting bacteria to the new pups or the mother rejecting them. It is also important that the mother massages the area around the lungs to help the pups to breathe. If the pup is removed from being massaged, it might die. The mother or other cage mates will eat the placenta and membranes. Expect alert and fully functional pups. When pups are born, they should appear fully functional and like miniature adults. In the case that a pup doesn't appear normal, consult your vet. Newborn pups should have hair, wide open eyes, a full set of teeth and be able to run around like other guinea pigs. The pups do not require a heat lamp or heating pad as long as the room is warm. They should be kept at the same comfortable temperature as the parents. The mother may reject one of the pups, often the runt of the litter. There may be nothing wrong with this pup however, so hand-feed and continue to place with the mother. Try some one-on-one between the pup and mother. Wait a full day before handling the mother and pups. Guinea pigs are not especially protective or proactive with their young, but give the mother and pups a full day after birth before you handle them. After this, you can handle them as much as you like. It is encouraged to handle the pups to help socialize them. Continue to provide a rich diet for the mother. Continue to provide alfalfa hay and extra food pellets while the mother nurses. This will help ensure the sow stays healthy as she feeds her pups and minimize the risk that her milk quality is poor. The sow may begin to wean her pups at 14-21 days of age. However piglets can eat solid food from as soon as five days (because they are born so well developed) so if the mother rejects a piglet, make sure solid food is available and he may well start to eat for himself. Examine the pups and the mother. One day following the birth and occasionally thereafter, examine the mother and pups. This will help you identify “lethals” and any other conditions. Consult a vet if you notice any medical issues or have questions. The pups' size will vary though should be around 2½ to 3½ oz and be 3-4 inches. For the first 2 days the pups' weight may fall but on the third day it should start to pick up again. A smaller pup may benefit from 15minutes of one-on-one time with its mother once or twice a day. | Be aware of the risks of breeding guinea pigs. Ensure you have supplies to breed and house pups. Choose the guinea pigs to breed. Select a boar to mate with a sow. Select a sow to mate with a boar. Have each guinea pig’s health checked. Quarantine new guinea pigs for two weeks. Introduce the mating pair. Don’t disturb breeding pair during the heat cycle. Check if the sow is pregnant. Care for the sow during the gestation period. Increase the sow’s diet. Check for health issues during pregnancy. Get ready for the birth of the pups. Expect short labor if there are no complications. Allow the sow to clean her pups. Expect alert and fully functional pups. Wait a full day before handling the mother and pups. Continue to provide a rich diet for the mother. Examine the pups and the mother. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-iPhone-Speakers | How to Clean iPhone Speakers | To clean iPhone speakers, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush any grime off the speaker ports. For a deeper clean, dip the very tips of the bristles in rubbing alcohol. Alternatively, tear a short piece of painter's tape off, and roll it into a cylinder with the sticky side facing out. Then, slip the tape over your finger and press it onto your speaker to pick up debris. You can also blow lint and dust out of the speaker with compressed air. Additionally, use compressed air to clean out the headphone jack. | Scrub the speakers. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush the speaker ports. This gentle motion should clean grime and gunk off the speakers. You could dip the very tips of the toothbrush bristles in rubbing alcohol for added effect. Don't dip the whole brush in. Use painter’s tape. Painter's tape is a blue tape used when painting walls. It has a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which makes it perfect for cleaning iPhone speakers. Tear a short piece off and roll it into a cylinder with the sticky side facing out. The cylinder should have a diameter about the width of your index finger. Slip the tape over your index finger, then press it onto your iPhone speaker. The tape should pick up all the grime and bits that have accumulated in the speakers. Check the surface of the tape after each application. If you see lint and grime stuck to it, remove and discard the used tape, roll another small cylinder, and repeat. Blow debris out of the speaker. Use compressed air to blow lint and dust out of your speakers. Compressed air is canned oxygen, and is often used to clean computers and electronics. To get started, lay your phone flat with the screen down. Read the directions on the can before using it. Always use canned air as directed. Aim the canned air nozzle at the speaker from whatever distance the can's directions suggest. Squeeze the can's handle briefly, then release. Connect your headphones. If you can hear sound from your headphones after resetting the phone, there might be debris in the headphone port. This debris might be sending a false signal to the phone that the headphones are plugged in, thus preventing sound from playing from the speakers. Disconnect your headphones from your iPhone prior to cleaning the headphone port. Use a cotton swab. Remove the cotton from one end of the cotton swab by pinching one end with your thumb and forefinger, then pulling your hands apart to remove the balled cotton. Once removed, discard the cotton. Pinch the same end again, loosely this time. Roll the cotton swab along its axis to spool some of the loose cotton upon itself. Put the cotton swab in the headphone jack. Gently guide the narrow end of the cotton swab into the headphone jack. Turn the cotton swab around a few times, then remove it. Test the speakers to see if they work. Scrubbing the headphone jack with a cotton swab is the easiest and most common way to clean the headphone port. Do not dampen the end of the cotton swab with water or rubbing alcohol. This could damage your iPhone. Use compressed air. Lay the phone on a flat surface. Place the phone in such a position that its headphone port faces you. Aim the canned air nozzle at the headphone port from the distance recommended by the canned air's directions label. Squeeze briefly, then release the handle. Canned oxygen is a common tool used to clean PC parts, and you should be able to buy some at your local computer or electronics shop. If these steps don't fix the headphone jack on your iPhone , check inside the jack to make sure there are no foreign objects lodged there. Stuck objects may need to be carefully removed using a long, skinny tool like a paperclip or straw. Check your speaker settings. Enter your Settings menu, then select Sounds. Drag the Ringer And Alerts slider to increase the volume. If you still cannot hear sound, contact Apple's support team. If, after adjusting the Ringer And Alerts slider, you can hear sound from the speaker, check the Ring/Silent switch on the side of your device. If the switch is in a position that reveals a small orange dot, the device is set to silent. Move the switch in the opposite direction in order to turn the ringer back on. Restart your iPhone. If you've tested your speaker settings and they haven't improved your speakers' operation, you can restart your iPhone using a preset sequence of buttons. Restarting the iPhone causes it to turn off and then turn back on again. To restart your iPhone, hold down the sleep and home buttons until the Apple logo comes up. Test the sound after you've restarted the phone. Remove the case. If your iPhone is in a case, it's possible that the case could be muffling or restricting the speakers from making sound. Take the case off your phone and attempt to play music or a sound. Update your iPhone. Sometimes, sound glitches occur due to drivers or firmware being out of date. To update your iPhone, connect to Wi-Fi, then enter your Settings menu. Click General, then Software Update. Finally, click Download and Install. If, in the process of updating, your phone asks to temporarily remove apps, just click Continue. Later, your apps will be reinstalled. You might be asked to provide your passcode. Enter your passcode if prompted. Before you update, make a backup of your phone by connecting to a Wi-Fi network, the clicking Settings, then iCloud. Next, tap Backup and turn iCloud Backup on if it isn't already. Finally, tap Back Up Now. To check that your backup is finished, go to Settings, then iCloud, then Storage, then Manage Storage, and select your phone. You should be able to see your backup file with the time you created it and the size of the file. Contact Apple. Visit an Apple store to talk to Apple technicians who can help. If you don't have any Apple stores nearby, go online to Apple's support website at the address https://support.apple.com/contact. To get started, click “Set up a repair,” then click “iPhone.” Next, select “Repairs and Physical Damage” and click the option “Unable to hear through receiver or speakers.” At the next screen, click “Built-in speaker.” At this point, you can select a range of options, including chat, schedule a call, and send in for repair. Choose the option that works best for you. Restore your iPhone. If Apple cannot help you, they might recommend the nuclear option – a total phone restoration. Restoring your iPhone will wipe your contacts, calendars, photos, and other saved data. However, your text messages, call history, notes, sound settings, and certain other customizable phone options should be saved to the cloud. To restore your iPhone, connect your phone to your computer using the cord that it came bundled with. Open iTunes on your computer. Enter your passcode or click Trust This Computer, if prompted. Select your phone when it appears in iTunes. In the summary panel, click Restore [your device]. Click again to confirm your decision. Before beginning the restoration process, you could make a backup of the information in the same way you did before updating your iOS. | Scrub the speakers. Use painter’s tape. Blow debris out of the speaker. Connect your headphones. Use a cotton swab. Use compressed air. Check your speaker settings. Restart your iPhone. Remove the case. Update your iPhone. Contact Apple. Restore your iPhone. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Move-to-Canada | How to Move to Canada | If you're interested in moving to Canada, first be sure you meet the eligibility requirements, which include things like being in good health and not having a criminal record. Then go online and read about different types of legal residency. Are you a skilled worker or do you have a business start-up, for example? Choose the most appropriate application, complete it, and pay the application fee, which can be more than $500. Then be prepared to wait 6 weeks or longer to hear back. | Check your eligibility to move to Canada. Before you go forward with your plans to move to Canada, you should check your eligibility. You may not be allowed to immigrate for one of many reasons. These reasons include: human or international rights violations criminal record health financial reasons misrepresentation non-compliance with IRPA (Immigration Refugee Protection Act) having an inadmissible family member Consider the different types of legal residency in Canada. It is important to go through a legal channel to gain entry to Canada. Otherwise you will be breaking the law and you may be deported. There are several ways that you can apply to be a Canadian resident. These include: Express Entry for Skilled Workers. The skilled worker class is considered by many to be the most effective way to gain Canadian residency. People with at least 12 months of full time managerial, professional, or skilled trade work experience may apply under this category. When applying through this class, officials will consider your age, work experience, education, and the field in which you will be working. Business Start-up or Investor. These types of visas are meant for individuals who are entrepreneurs, own their own businesses, or who are professional investors. Investors who wish to apply through the investor channel must have a net worth of at least $10 million Canadian Dollars or more. Provincial. Provincial class residency occurs when a specific Canadian province selects you to move to it. This form of residency is relatively rare. Family Sponsored. In the family class, your family members who already live in Canada can agree to sponsor your immigration to the country. Spouse Sponsored. If your spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident over the age of 18 they can sponsor you to live in Canada as a permanent resident. You must be able to prove that the marriage was genuine and not just for gaining residency. Quebec-Selected. Quebec-selected immigration is similar to Provincial class residency, except it is the Provincial government that selects you on behalf of the Federal Government. It is designed for students, business people : including the Quebec VIP Investment visa Program , temporary workers, families, and refugees who only want to move to Quebec. International Adoption. In the international adoption class, current Canadian citizens who have adopted a baby or child from another country can secure the child's Canadian residency. Refugees. People who are fleeing their home countries for safety reasons may also apply for residency by completing a refugee application. Sponsorship to help with the cost of the application and relocating to Canada is also available. Caregivers. If you are coming to Canada for the purpose of caring for a Canadian resident or citizen, then you may be able to apply for a Caregiver visa. Self-Employed. If you work for yourself, then you may be able to apply for a visa as a self-employed individual. Keep in mind that you may have to prove that you have an income of at least $40,000 per year and that you could continue to earn as much living in Canada. Complete the appropriate application. Choose the application that is most relevant to your situation to apply for your visa. For example, if you are self-employed and planning to move to Canada, then you would need to fill out a different application than someone who is planning to move to Canada as a caregiver for someone else. Skilled workers can complete an Express Entry profile online if you want to speed up the process of moving to Canada. This profile includes information about yourself, your language skills, and your credentials. After you complete your Express Entry profile, you will also need to register with the Government of Canada's Job Bank (unless you already have a job offer). If you are applying for a self-employed, start-up visa, Quebec-selected skilled worker, family sponsored visa, or a provincial visa, then you will have to mail in your application. Pay the application fee. The application fees can be quite high, especially if you will be requesting entry for a spouse and other dependents as well. For example, the application fee for an Express Entry application for an individual would be $550 Canadian dollars. However, if you are bringing a husband or wife and child as well, then the total application fee would be $1,250 Canadian dollars. Make sure that you pay your application fee in full or your application may not be processed. Wait for your visa to arrive. Keep in mind that it can take a while to get a response on your application. Even if you apply using the Express Entry form, you may have to wait for up to six months to get a response. Therefore, make sure that you apply as soon as you know that you want to move to Canada. Don't wait until a month or a week before you want to go, get the application in right away. If your application is denied, then you will have to reapply and you should only do so if your situation changes in a significant way. You cannot appeal the decision. Gather important documents before you move. When you move, you will need to have certain official documents with you in order to gain entry to Canada. You'll need: A Canadian immigrant visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member traveling with you A valid passport or other travel document for each family member traveling with you Two (2) copies of a detailed list of all the personal or household items you are bringing with you Two (2) copies of a list of items that are arriving later and their money value Identify apartments and houses in the area you plan to live. You will need to secure a place to live before you make your move to Canada. Find a place to live that is well within your income level. Keep in mind that you will have many other costs associated with your move to Canada, so you will need to ensure that you have money left over each month after paying your rent. If possible, visit a month or two before you move so that you can look at potential homes for yourself. If you cannot find a permanent place to live before you leave, then you may want to consider staying in a hotel until you can secure a place to live. Purchase private health insurance. Although Canada offers free health insurance to residents and citizens, you will need to purchase private health insurance to ensure coverage for up to three months after you first arrive in Canada. The providers will vary depending on your province. If you are a refugee coming to Canada, then you may be protected by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) and not need to purchase private insurance. All others will have to secure private health insurance until they receive a government health insurance card. Improve your language skills. Good communication skills will help you to thrive in your new home. If either English or French is not your first language, then you will need to invest some time and energy into improving your language skills. Look for a class that you can take on weekends or evenings to help you get a handle on the language. In some provinces, French is more prominent than English. Find out what most people speak in the province you will be moving to. If you already speak one of Canada's two national languages (English or French), then you may want to consider learning the other language. Find a job (if you do not already have one). If you gained entry to Canada without securing job ahead of time, then you may need to devote a large portion of your time and energy to finding a job after you make the move. Make sure that you are registered with the Canadian Government's Job Bank and check it often for new postings. New immigrants do face some obstacles when it comes to getting a job in Canada: your credentials may not be recognized, your language skills may not be sufficient, or you might need Canadian work experience. A Social Insurance Number can be obtained at a Service Canada Centre. Just be sure to take your primary documents with you. Even temporary residents can get one of these. Apply for Canadian citizenship. If you choose to stay in Canada and want to enjoy the rights of being a Canadian citizen, this is the obvious next step. After all, that's why you moved in the first place, right? After 4 years of residency in Canada, you can apply to be a legal citizen of this country. In addition to living in the country for 3 years, you must also be at least 18 years of age, be able to speak English or French, have an understanding of Canadian social protocols, and have passed a Canadian government and politics exam. When these obligations are met, you will be granted legal Canadian citizenship. You will receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony, where you will receive a certificate highlighting your Canadian citizenship. | Check your eligibility to move to Canada. Consider the different types of legal residency in Canada. Complete the appropriate application. Pay the application fee. Wait for your visa to arrive. Gather important documents before you move. Identify apartments and houses in the area you plan to live. Purchase private health insurance. Improve your language skills. Find a job (if you do not already have one). Apply for Canadian citizenship. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blow-a-Shofar | How to Blow a Shofar | To blow a shofar, start by pulling back and tightening your lips like you're making a strong "T" sound. Then, press the end of the shofar against your lips near the right side of your mouth and blow a small amount of dry air into it. Don't overexert yourself or blow too hard. While you're blowing into the instrument, vibrate your lips like you're making a buzzing sound, which will enhance and project the sound the shofar makes. | Find a shofar that sits comfortably between your lips. Shofars come in a variety of shapes, so it's important to find one that suits you. Look for a shofar that is comfortable to hold between your lips, since that will be your only method of controlling how it sounds. Though size or looks may factor into your choice, they are less important than the comfort of the mouthpiece. Pull back and tighten your lips as if you were making a strong “T” sound. Hold this position to make your lips taut. The tighter your lips are, the higher pitched note your shofar will produce. Some services call for notes of variable pitches, so practice tightening and loosening your lips while blowing. Press the shofar gently to your lips. Pucker your lips and press the shofar to them. Press it gently to ensure your lips have room to vibrate while blowing. Make sure the hole between your mouth and the instrument is small to seal all the air in. If necessary, use two fingers to hold the shofar in place. Jewish tradition dictates that the shofar be placed at the right side of one's mouth, though most rabbis are fine with other methods. Blow a small amount of dry air. Though it may look intimidating, the shofar does not require a lot of lung power to blow properly. Blow a small amount of dry air into the shofar, being careful to not overexert yourself on any one blow. Do not pucker your cheeks, since the power of your breaths should originate from the diaphragm. Vibrate your lips. The sound of a shofar is produced largely by the vibration of your lips. While blowing, make sure your breaths are fast enough to produce vibration, giving the instrument something to enhance and project. To practice, try and make a buzzing sound with your lips, as if you were blowing a raspberry or making an elephant noise. Practice the tekiah. A tekiah is one unbroken blow that lasts between two and four seconds. It is a sound of exultation and joy that can represent anything from peace and stability to the exaltation of G-d. In most shofar services, tekiahs are placed at the beginning and end of each line of notes. Practice the shevarim. A shevarim is made of three quick, separated blows. It is supposed to sound like a fractured tekiah, so each blow should last less than a second. The shevarim represents howls and moans, so each note should be sharp and melancholy. Practice the teruah. A teruah is made of approximately nine short blows. Each note should be quicker than an individual shevarim and played in rapid succession. Depending on your sect of Judaism, the teruah may represent either an alarm, a call to action, or a wail of sorrow. Practice the tekiah gedolah. A tekiah gedolah is an extended version of the normal tekiah. Traditional sects hold it for nine counts, while progressive sects hold it for as long as the shofar player is able. With practice, some people can sustain this note for over a minute. For Yom Kippur, many sects play a single tekiah gedolah to conclude the holiday. | Find a shofar that sits comfortably between your lips. Pull back and tighten your lips as if you were making a strong “T” sound. Press the shofar gently to your lips. Blow a small amount of dry air. Vibrate your lips. Practice the tekiah. Practice the shevarim. Practice the teruah. Practice the tekiah gedolah. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-Your-Crush-Even-Though-You-Are-Shy | How to Talk to Your Crush Even Though You Are Shy | If you're really shy, you can practice saying hello to other people on the street or at school before talking to your crush. You can also brainstorm topics to talk about -- do you share the same interest or have a similar backstory? When you're ready, walk up to your crush and compliment them on their graphic t-shirt or ask them for a small favor, like borrowing a pencil. Now that you've started talking, you can bring up the topics you've prepared, or see where the conversation takes you! | Practice saying hello to people. The more you practice, the easier and more familiar the process of introducing yourself gets. Build this skill by complimenting or saying hello to at least one person a day. Greet classmates and make conversation with the people who sit near you in class. Once you feel more confident, try saying hello to your crush. Take baby steps. Start with a simple "hello." Once you feel more confident, ask people how they are doing. Eventually, you'll gain enough courage to talk to your crush! You don't have to say "hello." You can use another greeting that comes more naturally to you, such as "hi!" or "hey!" Think of several topics you could talk about. If you know a little about your crush, think of several of their interests that you could ask them about, or some common interests that you could both discuss. If you don't know anything about them, think of some general topics that you could both easily talk about, such as pop culture or current events. For example, if you know that they're involved in sports or music, you could plan to ask them, “Hey, how did the game last night go?” or “I heard that your band is doing really well! When's your next show?” If you're in the same class or activity, mention that or make a joke. This can help you develop an inside joke or something to return to the next time you talk. Preparing a little doesn't mean you should script the entire conversation beforehand--be present and genuine when talking to your crush. Take some deep breaths to relax. Shyness can sometimes feel paralyzing, but taking deep breaths can help loosen up physical tension and soothe your nerves. Whenever your shyness feels too overwhelming, take a moment to inhale and exhale deeply a few times. Try deep breathing. Inhale for 4 counts, hold your breath for 7 counts, then exhale for 8 counts. Smile to look and feel confident. Smiling is a powerful way to boost your mood and makes you appear more friendly and attractive. Even the action of smiling can relax your body and improve your outlook. When you're feeling nervous around your crush, give them a confident smile. This doesn't mean that you have to smile 100% of the time like a Barbie doll. Instead, flash them a quick smile to show that you are comfortable around them. Try to smile with your eyes as well; this will make your expression look more natural. Open with a compliment. If you've never had a conversation with the person before, it can be difficult to find common ground or a reason to start a conversation. An easy way to make contact is to give a compliment or a comment on something they're wearing. If they're wearing a t-shirt with the logo of a band you like or a place you've been before, you have even more opportunity for a conversation. For example, you could say, “I love that band! Did you see them in concert?” or “New York is so beautiful this time of year--did you visit recently?” Compliments are easy because neither of you is obligated to make conversation after the initial contact, but you still have the option. And now that you've initiated, you can smile and acknowledge them when you see them, which can also build your connection. Ask for a small favor. Asking to borrow a pencil or a piece of paper is an easy, low-pressure way to open communication. This kind of interaction creates what is known as the “Ben Franklin effect”: the person you ask a favor of is actually more likely to like you and develop a connection with you. Obviously, constantly asking someone for favors could become annoying, so don't do this too often. Once or twice at most should be enough. Offer to study together. If you're in the same class, studying together can be an easy low-pressure way talk to them for a longer period of time. Before a quiz or test, casually ask your crush if they'd like to get together and study for a while. For example, you could say in a friendly tone, “Hey, how are you feeling about the test tomorrow? Want to go over the vocabulary together tonight?” Depending on how well you know your crush, you could either study in a public place, such as the library or a coffee shop, or at your house. If you've never talked to your crush before, you could put together a study group with some other classmates and casually invite your crush as well. This way, your invitation is low-pressure and general, rather than obvious and out of the blue. Ask questions. Once you've initiated conversation, asking your crush questions is the easiest way to keep it going. Questions also show your crush that you're genuinely interested in them and can take some pressure off of you. If you're feeling extra shy, try asking a question and letting the other person talk to give you some time to compose yourself. Some topics you could ask about include their interests, hobbies, job, plans for the weekend, or pop culture recommendations (such as favorite books or movies). Maintain good eye contact. Being shy can make it difficult to hold eye contact, but fight the urge to drop your gaze. Show your crush that you're interested in what they're saying by making eye contact during the conversation. Constant intense eye contact can be as bad as not making any, so a good rule for eye contact is to hold your crush's gaze 1/3 of the time while you're speaking and 2/3 of the time while you're listening. Keeping eye contact is important because it shows the other person that you are listening to what they are saying. The reason you don't want to maintain eye contact 100% of the time is simply because it's unnerving. Break eye contact occasionally by focusing on something else for few seconds; it can even be an object behind their shoulder or even your lap, if you're sitting. | Practice saying hello to people. Think of several topics you could talk about. Take some deep breaths to relax. Smile to look and feel confident. Open with a compliment. Ask for a small favor. Offer to study together. Ask questions. Maintain good eye contact. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Sleeve-Tattoo | How to Start a Sleeve Tattoo | To start a sleeve tattoo, think about what kind of images and symbols you're drawn to. Maybe you love wildlife and you want a sleeve of animals, or maybe you want to dedicate one of your arms to pop art. It's generally a good idea to maintain some consistency across your sleeve, whether it's the art style, the theme, or the tattooist themselves. It would be very exhausting and expensive to get your whole sleeve done at once, so you'll want to get inked one piece at a time. Start with tattoos you don't mind being on their own for a few months until you can get more pieces added. | Think of images and symbols that matter most to you. Make a list of meaningful images, symbols, and words that could serve as potential components of your sleeve. Think of interests, values, and signs that you won't regret having on your body in the future. You can look for inspiration in tattoo magazines, like Inked ( http://www.inkedmag.com/ ), or shops' online portfolios. Keep in mind your sleeve will be a major investment of time and money, and it'll have more meaning for you if you come up with your own imagery. Get your sleeve done in sessions. Sleeve tattoos typically cost hundreds or thousands of dollars and have such a level of detail that getting it done in one sitting is usually impossible. Ask your artist if you can do an entire sleeve at once or if you'll need to break it up into several sessions. Aim to use a single artist to complete the entire sleeve so there is continuity in the images and style. Choose patterns or motifs that will add continuity. Framing larger images with smaller patterns will lend a sense of composition to your sleeve. Work with your tattoo artist to incorporate the framing motif into your first sleeve tattoo and include it in later additions. Examples could be your birth month's flower or your favorite flower, vines and leaves, cloud patterns, stars, or waves. These elements can reappear throughout your sleeve and unify its other elements. Go with colors that are easily duplicated for consistency. Choose simple, basic colors that will resist fading and give your sleeve continuity. As you add to your sleeve over time, a unified color scheme will help it become a more intentional, cohesive work of art. Ask your tattoo artist, “Can you suggest colors that are easy to replicate in tattoos I'll add to the sleeve in the future? I want to avoid having multiple shades that might clash or seem mismatched. Which color scheme would work best for my skin tone and fade the least?” Work with a tattoo artist to design your sleeve. A good tattoo artist will help you design your entire sleeve, even if you don't want to get it all done at once. Bring your list of tattoo ideas, which is called a brief, to the artist, and try to be as descriptive as possible in conveying your ideas. Ask the artist to sketch some designs, and consult with them about color, spacing, unifying motifs, and other compositional elements. A good tattoo artist will take pleasure in helping you create a meaningful, unique design, so finding the right artist is vital to starting a sleeve tattoo. Ask friends with tattoos for a referral. The first place to look for a good tattoo artist is your social circle. Word of mouth is often the best way to get clear, honest information about a shop. If you have friends with tattoos you find beautiful, ask them, “What is the name of your tattoo artist? What was your experience with the artist like? Would you recommend them?” Check your friends’ tattoos for quality. You should only ask friends with quality tattoos for referrals. Ask if you can check out their piece, and take mental notes about its quality. Assess the level of detail in the work. Look for clear, crisp, and thin lines. Check for pigment that's faded or bled out, as if someone held a marker to a piece of paper for too long. Look through tattoo shops’ online presence. Once you have a few potential shops, check their websites and social media pages. Browse through their portfolios to get a better idea of their quality and style, and narrow your list to include the style or styles most consistent with your aesthetic. While you're checking websites and social media pages, look for comments, complaints, and reviews from past clients. Looking at portfolios and pictures of tattoos an artist has done can help you find one with the style you're looking for. Visit the shop and check for sanitary conditions. After checking shops out online, your next step is to visit in person. If it appears dingy, dirty, or unprofessional, find another shop. Look for evidence of sanitary practices, such as: Clean, well-organized workspace and tools. Tattoo needles still in sterile packaging and only opened in front of clients--the best shops use all disposable materials. Sterilizing equipment, such as an autoclave and chemical, steam, or ultrasonic cleaners. Artists sterilize all reusable items. Artists wash their hands, wear gloves, and cover surfaces with plastic (like the cords, machines, tablets, and chairs). Try hanging an image above your bed before getting it tattooed. Print out an image of the first potential element of your sleeve, such as a design drafted by your artist. Hang it next to your bed, above your alarm clock, on the refrigerator, or another location where you'll see it multiple times a day. Keep the image posted for a few weeks before you decide to get it tattooed on your body. If you can go a few weeks or a couple of months living with the image without getting sick of it, it's more likely you'll actually enjoy it being a permanent part of your body. Make sure a sleeve won't impact your job prospects. Before starting your sleeve, double check your job's dress code and consider the clothing typically worn by people in your field of work. In general, companies across industries are more accepting of tattoos than they've been in the past. However, it's better to be on the safe side and make sure your new ink won't have an impact on your present or future job prospects. If you're worried about the potential professional consequences of a large-scale tattoo, try starting on your upper arm and working toward half sleeve coverage. Alternatively, determine if you're dedicated enough to covering the tattoos every day. Start your sleeve when you’re ready to spend some money. If you're eager to start your sleeve but have a limited budget, you might want to take the time to save up some money for a quality tattoo. Your work of art is a major investment and will be a permanent part of your body. Some full sleeves add up to thousands of dollars spent over the course of years, and it'll be worth it in the long run to invest in quality artistry. Depending on the size of your sleeve's first piece, be prepared to spend at least $100 (U.S.) before tip. That amount will increase for larger pieces with finer details or more colors. As for gratuity, you should tip your artist 20%, especially if you intend on working with them on later additions. For a more accurate idea of how much starting your sleeve will cost, get a price quote from your artist when you begin discussing the first piece. | Think of images and symbols that matter most to you. Get your sleeve done in sessions. Choose patterns or motifs that will add continuity. Go with colors that are easily duplicated for consistency. Work with a tattoo artist to design your sleeve. Ask friends with tattoos for a referral. Check your friends’ tattoos for quality. Look through tattoo shops’ online presence. Visit the shop and check for sanitary conditions. Try hanging an image above your bed before getting it tattooed. Make sure a sleeve won't impact your job prospects. Start your sleeve when you’re ready to spend some money. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Snoopy | How to Draw Snoopy | To draw Snoopy, start by drawing his large, oval-shaped head, which has a bump on one side. Then, add his floppy, oval-shaped ear, and draw his 2 black eyes and his black nose at the center of his snout. Next, draw Snoopy's body, including his skinny neck, round stomach, and tiny tail. Make his arms and legs narrow and rectangular, and then draw 4 fingers on each hand and 3 toes on each foot. Finally, draw Snoopy's black collar around his neck. | Draw an oval. Overlap it with a circle. Overlap both with another smaller oval. Overlap the big circle with an oval on the left edge. At the bottom make a shape as given. Join the cluster of ovals and the shape below with two straight lines. Attach a couple of straight lines on either side for the arms. Add two overlapping ovals for the feet. Add further circles on the edge of the arm lines. Make four circular digits on the edge of the circles for both hands. Put short lines for the eyes and a small oval for the nose. Draw all the details. Erase unwanted lines. Color the snoopy and apply soft shades to it. Draw a horizontal oval. Overlap it with a smaller oval on its upper edge. Further overlap it with another oval on its right edge. Create a circle at the bottom at a distance. Join the above with a circle at the bottom
Attach a couple of lines each on both sides for the arms. Drop down three short straight lines for the legs. Put small circles on either edge of the arms
Create flat ovals at the base of the legs for the paws. Create flower-like circles around the hand-circles. Overdraw the guides with clean lines and add a tail. Erase all guidelines. Color your drawing and apply a bit of shade. | Draw an oval. Overlap it with a circle. Overlap both with another smaller oval. Overlap the big circle with an oval on the left edge. At the bottom make a shape as given. Join the cluster of ovals and the shape below with two straight lines. Attach a couple of straight lines on either side for the arms. Add two overlapping ovals for the feet. Add further circles on the edge of the arm lines. Make four circular digits on the edge of the circles for both hands. Put short lines for the eyes and a small oval for the nose. Draw all the details. Erase unwanted lines. Color the snoopy and apply soft shades to it. Draw a horizontal oval. Overlap it with a smaller oval on its upper edge. Further overlap it with another oval on its right edge. Create a circle at the bottom at a distance. Join the above with a circle at the bottom
Attach a couple of lines each on both sides for the arms. Drop down three short straight lines for the legs. Put small circles on either edge of the arms
Create flat ovals at the base of the legs for the paws. Create flower-like circles around the hand-circles. Overdraw the guides with clean lines and add a tail. Erase all guidelines. Color your drawing and apply a bit of shade. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Dichotomous-Key | How to Make a Dichotomous Key | To make a dichotomous key, start by making 2 groups, for example big cats with spots versus big cats without spots. Then, subdivide each of these groups into 2 more groups, like big cats with short tails, big cats with long tails, and big cats with no tails. Continue subdividing your groups until you can't break them down anymore. Once your key is complete, draw it out as a “tree diagram,” in which each subdivided category forms another branch of the tree. Or, organize your findings into a flow chart. | List the characteristics of your specimens. Start by considering the specimens you are trying to identify and insert into a dichotomous key. Note characteristics that define the things you are looking at, and start listing them out. If you are trying to create a dichotomous key for a series of animals, you might see that some have feathers, some swim, some walk on legs, etc. For example, if you are trying to differentiate a set of big cats, you might note that some are brown, some are black, some have stripes, some have spots, some have long tails, some have short tails, and so on. Look for principles of exclusion. A dichotomous key works by the process of elimination, so you want to note characteristics that can be used to differentiate the things you are examining. For example, if some of the specimens you are looking at have feathers but others have fur, then “feathers” is a good distinguishing characteristics. However, a trait all of the animals share is not a good distinguishing factor. For example, since all big cats are warm-blooded, you wouldn't want to use that trait on your dichotomous key. Determine the most general characteristics. You want to create a dichotomous key based on increasingly specific differentiations, so you'll have to order the characteristics of your specimens from general to specific. This will help divide your specimens ever-smaller groups. For instance: When making your dichotomous key for big cats, you may find that some of the cats you are analyzing have dark fur, and some have light fur. You may also see that all of them have short hair. Finally, you see that some of them have long tails, but some of them have no tails at all. You would start your key with a question/statement about fur color. You wouldn't need to ask a question about fur length, since all of the examples have short fur. You would follow up with a question about tail length, since tails are not common to all of the cats, and therefore are a less general characteristic. Formulate a series of differentiating steps. It's up to you whether you want to use questions or statements, though you may find questions more intuitive. In either case, each question or statement should only break the specimens you are looking at into two groups. For example, "The cat has solid-colored fur” or “The cat has patterned fur” are statements that can be used to break specimens down into two groups. Include the question "Does the cat have solid-colored fur?” in your dichotomous key to divide the animals. If the answer is “Yes,” then the cat belongs in the solid-colored fur group. If the answer is “No,” then the cat belongs in the patterned-fur group. Divide your specimens into two groups. This will be the first differentiation. It should be based on the most general aspect of your specimens, so review the list of physical characteristics you developed. You can refer to the first two groups as A and B. For example, separate your cats based on whether they have solid or patterned fur. Similarly, if you note that all of your specimens have either feathers or scales, then these could be your groups A and B. You can begin your key with the question “Does the animal have feathers?” Subdivide each of the first two groups into two more groups. Group A and group B will each be broken down into more specific groups (C and D), based on the next differentiating characteristic. For instance, you might notice that some of the animals in group A swim, and others don't. This differentiation can form level C/D for group A. Likewise, you might see that some of the animals in group B have legs, and others don't. This differentiation can form level C/D for group B. Continue subdividing your groups. Keep formulating more questions or statements of ever-increasing specificity based on the physical characteristics you identified. Come up with characteristics that can break your specimens down as needed into groups E/F, G/H, etc. Eventually, you will reach the point until you have questions that only ask you to differentiate two specimens, and your key will be complete. Some specimens will be differentiated before the end, as you work through your contrasting characteristics. For instance, you might find yourself looking at some birds, and some reptiles. You will break them down into these groups, then sub-divide the birds. Two of the birds swim, but one of them does not. The single land bird will be identified as such, but you will have to further differentiate the swimming birds. In this case, you notice that one of the swimming birds is ocean-going, and one is not. This characteristic can allow you to identify them more precisely (e.g., as a gull and a duck). Draw it out as a chart, if you want. A dichotomous key can be text-based, simply a series of questions. However, it can help to visualize the material in some way. For instance, you can create a “tree diagram” where each successive level of differentiation forms another branch of the tree. You could also try organizing your key in the style of a flow chart. For instance, have a box that asks a question like “Does the cat have dark fur?” Then, have a “Yes” arrow leading one way, and a “No” arrow leading another way. The ends of the arrows can lead to new boxes where you ask the next questions. Test out your dichotomous key. Once you have all of your information down and organized in your key, run through the key with a specimen in mind to see if it works. For example, say you have a dichotomous key that helps identify various animals. Take a specimen and work through the key's questions until it leads you to an identification through the process of elimination: Q: ”Does the animal have feathers?” A: “No” (it has scales, so it is a reptile). Q: “Does the reptile have legs?” A: “No” (it is a snake, either a cobra or a python, given your specimens). Q: “Does the snake have a hood?” A: “No” (so it is not a cobra). Your specimen is identified as a python. Troubleshoot, if necessary. You might find that your key isn't working correctly, and need to adjust it. For instance, you may not have ordered your questions in an increasingly more specific way, and might need to reorganize them. Likewise, your key might not break your specimens down in the most logical way, so try reframing your questions. For instance, "Does the cat have solid-colored fur or stripes?” is not a useful question for a dichotomous key. This question might differentiate solid-colored and striped cats from cats with spotted fur. However, since solid-colored and striped fur are themselves very different, this is not a useful category to work with. Instead, you might first have a question that asks about solid-colored vs. patterned fur, then follow up with another level of questions like “Does the cat have black fur?” and “Does the cat have stripes?” | List the characteristics of your specimens. Look for principles of exclusion. Determine the most general characteristics. Formulate a series of differentiating steps. Divide your specimens into two groups. Subdivide each of the first two groups into two more groups. Continue subdividing your groups. Draw it out as a chart, if you want. Test out your dichotomous key. Troubleshoot, if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Pilates | How to Do Pilates | If you want to do Pilates, dress in stretchy, breathable fabrics that allow you to move freely, and perform all of the exercises on an exercise mat to protect yourself from injury. To perform a plank, which is one of the most basic Pilates moves, balance yourself on your toes and your forearms, with the rest of your body off of the mat. Keep your core engaged so your spine stays straight. As you move, concentrate on breathing deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth. | Dress appropriately. For Pilates, you want stretchy, breathable fabrics and comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. At the same time, you don't want anything too loose or too long that you could get caught in or trip on. Popular clothing choices include: Tank tops and tight t-shirts Yoga pants Shorts or capris-length pants in a spandex-type material Get yourself an exercise mat. Yoga mats aren't just for toting around and looking hip! They actually provide some protection for your bones and joints during floor exercises, and the foam surface provides grip, making it easier to hold poses, and preventing you from injuring yourself or pulling a muscle. Find a space. To do Pilates mat exercises, you need a large open space and a flat surface. A living room or bedroom will work if you can move some lighter furniture around. Make sure you have enough room to: Lie down on your back and extend your arms and legs out 90 degrees to the sides. Stand up and stretch your arms to the ceiling without touching the ceiling. Lie down on your back in the same position (legs stretched out toward one wall and arms stretched out toward the other). Learn the proper breathing technique. A major part of Pilates is learning the controlled breathing, which helps you concentrate, oxygenates the blood, and helps you coordinate your movements. Proper breathing should be practiced throughout the entire workout. To breathe properly for Pilates: Lie flat on your back with your neck long and relaxed. Place one hand on your ribs and one on your lower abs. Inhale deeply through your nose, pushing air into your abdominals and filling your ribcage. Exhale through the mouth and push the air out by contracting your abdominal muscles. Continue inhaling and exhaling in this way. Know what to work toward. Along with proper breathing, some of the main tenets of Pilates are being able to center yourself (which helps with relaxation), concentrating your full attention on each motion and controlling every movement, and being aware of proper body alignment and striving to maintain it. Not only will you get a better workout by focusing on these things, but you'll also prevent injuries. Always keep your core engaged during your Pilates workout. Learn the bridge. There are several Pilates moves that are performed from a supine position (meaning lying on your back). All supine moves will begin with you lying on your back. For the bridge, bend your knees and lay your arms on the ground at your sides, palms on the ground. Plant your feet flat on the floor and hip-width apart, about halfway between your bum and where they'd normally be if your legs were fully extended. Then: Press your weight evenly into your feet, shoulders, and arms as you squeeze and lift your hips into the air until your body forms a straight line between your shoulders and knees. Hold the pose as you inhale and exhale three times. Lower yourself back to the floor. Repeat five times. Master leg circles. Straighten your arms and legs and lay your arms on the ground at a 45-degree angle from your body. Keep your left leg on the ground and raise your right leg straight up toward the ceiling. If that is too difficult or uncomfortable, bend your left knee. Keep your hips stable as you trace five volleyball-sized circles in the sky with your right leg. Reverse the direction of the circle and trace five circles going the other way. Put your leg back on the ground. Switch legs and repeat. Do the abdominal criss-cross. Pull your knees in to your chest. Raise your head and neck and place your hands behind your head. Extend your right leg out straight and gently twist your body so your right elbow moves toward your left bent knee. Bend your right knee and bring it back to your chest again, and as you do so, straighten your left leg out and gently twist your body so your left elbow moves toward your right bent knee. Repeat five times. Master the hundred. Lie down with your knees, feet, and hands in position as though you were going to go into bridge pose. Lift your head, neck, and shoulders slightly off the ground. Keep your arms straight and at your sides as you lift them off the ground to a 45-degree angle. As you inhale for five seconds and exhale for five seconds, pulse your arms up and down 10 times. Repeat this 10 times, for a total of 100 arm pulses. Do the swan. Prone means lying flat on the ground on your stomach, and all the prone positions begin with you lying down on your stomach with your forehead resting on the ground. For the swan, place your hands under your shoulders as though you were going to push yourself up. Tuck your elbows in beside your body. Keep your feet hip-width apart. Press your pubic bone into the ground and press into your palms as you lift your face, neck, and chest off the ground, bending at your lower back so you are sitting up like a sphinx. Inhale, exhale, and lower yourself back down. Repeat two more times, lifting yourself slightly higher each time. Always keep the tops of your feet flat on the ground. Go for a swim! Stretch your arms straight in front of you (as though you were swimming) on the ground. Squeeze your thighs and heels together. Lift your head, neck, and chest off the ground. Lift your right arm and left leg as you squeeze your glutes (that's one stroke). Return your arm and leg to the ground, and lift your left arm and right leg (that's two strokes). Complete 24 strokes. Make yourself into a T. Lay your arms on the ground beside you and press your feet together. Raise your head, neck, and chest off the ground. Raise your arms off the ground slightly and extend them out perpendicular to your body with your palms facing down. Sweep your arms back (still straight) and lift your chest off the ground a little higher as you bring your arms closer to your body. Return to the starting position. Repeat four more times, for a total of five Ts. Perform a basic plank. Get on your hands and knees. Position your wrists under your shoulders, and your knees under your hips. Keep the balls of your toes on the floor and bring your feet into a walking position (as though your feet were flat on the floor). Shift your weight to your hands and the balls of your feet as you lift your knees and legs off the floor and straighten your body into a line. Hold for 10 seconds, or longer if you can. Kick like a donkey. From plank position, lift your right leg back and toward the ceiling. Then lower it, bend your right knee, tuck your head down, and bring your knee in toward your nose. Extend your leg back out and repeat four more times. Return to plank and repeat with the other leg. Try the inverted plank. Sit on your bum with your legs stretched out in front of you. Place your hands on either side of your body, just slightly behind your bum, with your fingertips facing toward your legs. Keep your feet on the floor, point your toes, and straighten your legs as you lift your bum and legs off the floor with your arms. Do some abdominal rolls. These three positions begin with you sitting up straight with your legs extended out straight directly in front of you. Raise your arms and extend them out straight so they're parallel with your legs. Lower your head and curl yourself back as you bend your knees. Stop when you've leaned back about halfway and raise your arms. Inhale slowly. Exhale, lower your arms, and curl back up to a straight back. Repeat six to eight times. Stretch your spine. Separate your legs a little more than hip-width apart. Flex your feet and point your toes at the ceiling. Raise your arms straight out in front of you, shoulder-width apart. Round your back into a C so your neck and head bow forward and stretch your arms forward. Inhale slowly, and slowly straighten back out as you exhale. Repeat four more times. Do the saw. Separate your legs a little more than hip-width apart. Extend your arms straight out to your sides. Gently twist to your left and stretch your right hand to your left foot. Inhale slowly. Exhale and bring your body back to center. Twist to the right and stretch your left hand to your right foot. Inhale slowly. Return to center. Alternate twisting to the left and right for a total of three times. Perform side kicks. Lie straight and flat on your right side with your right arm extended out under you. Lift your head, neck, and chest slightly off the ground and bend your right arm at the elbow to prop up your head. Keep your hips and legs stacked on top of one another, and bend slightly at the hip so your feet are sticking out at a bit of an angle. Place your left hand on the ground in front of your torso for support. Raise your left leg slightly, flex your left foot, and kick your left leg out in front of you 90 degrees. Swing it back to its starting position and kick it out behind you as you point your foot. Repeat for a total of 10 kicks forward and back, then switch sides and repeat. Do on the spot knee raises. Stand up straight and stick your elbows out in front at shoulder height as you cross your hands to the opposite shoulders. Lift your right knee toward your right elbow as high as you can (this is one step). Drop your leg and lift your left knee toward your left elbow (this is a second step). Take 20 steps in total. Use the wall as a chair. Stand with your back straight against a wall. With your feet hip-width apart, sink down lower and bend your knees as you walk your feet out. Stop when your legs form a 90-degree angle. Keep your back against the wall, raise your arms out straight in front of you (parallel to the ground). Hold for 30 seconds. Take a 10 second break and repeat once. | Dress appropriately. Get yourself an exercise mat. Find a space. Learn the proper breathing technique. Know what to work toward. Learn the bridge. Master leg circles. Do the abdominal criss-cross. Master the hundred. Do the swan. Go for a swim! Make yourself into a T. Perform a basic plank. Kick like a donkey. Try the inverted plank. Do some abdominal rolls. Stretch your spine. Do the saw. Perform side kicks. Do on the spot knee raises. Use the wall as a chair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-a-T-Bone-Steak | How to Cook a T Bone Steak | If you want to pan-sear a T-bone steak, pat the surface of the steak with paper towels to ensure it's dry, then season it with salt, pepper, or whichever seasonings you choose. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil in a heavy frying pan over medium heat, then place the steak on the pan, flipping it about halfway through. Cook the T-bone 5-6 minutes if you like it rare, 6-7 minutes for medium rare, and 7-8 minutes for medium. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before you serve it. | Purchase high-quality steak. A firm, bright red steak will be fresher than a soft, darker colored, one. Also look for an even distribution of thin white lines of fat, known as marbling, throughout the surface. The marbling melts and moistens the meat during cooking, making your steak tender and flavorful. Choose an evenly cut steak that is about 1 1/4 inches (31.75 mm) thick. Check the packing and expiration dates to confirm freshness. If you're buying your steak in the United States, look out for the USDA beef grade on the label, which is an official indicator of quality: "Prime" is the best, followed by "Choice," and then "Select." Thaw your steak. Take your steak out of the fridge or freezer before cooking to let it thaw to room temperature, about 70ºF (21ºC). Avoid cooking your steak cold because the meat will contract and be tough to chew. Make sure your steak is dry. Pat it down with a paper towel. The meat should be dry so that you do not end up steaming it instead! Season your steak. Gentle seasoning, such as a sprinkling of salt, will help enhance the natural flavors of your steak. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try pepper, paprika, or other dry spices. Avoid over-seasoning because it will prevent you from tasting your steak's natural goodness. If you use salt, don't season your steaks right before cooking, as this will add moisture which will interfere with the cooking process. If you would like to use wet seasonings, it is best to marinate and refrigerate your steak for a couple of hours. Remember to also allow time for it to be removed from the fridge and reach room temperature before cooking. Prepare your pan. Heat two tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. If possible, use a cast-iron skillet or another heavy frying pan. Sear your steak. Using tongs or a spatula, sear each side of the steak, occasionally moving it to ensure it doesn't stick to the pan. Hold the steak up vertically in the pan to sear the edges. Sear for about 5-6 minutes for rare, 6-7 minutes for medium-rare, and 7-8 minutes for medium. Wrap your steak and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Remove the steak from the pan if it is charred to your liking. Wrap it in aluminum foil and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, as this allows the flavors to mix and settle. Serve whole or sliced. Preheat your grill. Whether you're using a charcoal, gas, or electric grill, get it heated to about 500ºF (260ºC). Protect your grill against sticking. Unless your grill has a non-stick surface, coat it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the meat from sticking to it. Grill your steak. Place the steak in the hottest part of the grill, usually the middle. For rare, cook it for 2 minutes on each side and then move it to the cooler part of the grill, usually the edges, for another 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. For medium-rare add 1-3 minutes and for medium add 3-5 minutes to the total cooking time. Let your steak sit for a few minutes before serving. Remove the steak from the grill if it is charred to your liking. Use a small sharp knife, to make a small cut in the middle of the steak. If it looks done, allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes as this allows the flavors to mix and settle. If not, grill for another 1-2 minutes. Serve whole or sliced. Preheat your broiler. Turn on your broiler and get it heated to about 550ºF (290ºC). Also, position the top rack 5 inches (12 cm) from the top of the broiler. Prepare your pan. Unless your grill pan has a non-stick surface, coat it with non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent the meat from sticking to it. Broil your steak. Place your steak in the grill pan and place the pan on the top rack of the preheated broiler. For rare, close the door and allow it to cook for 4 minutes, before opening the door and flipping it to cook for another 4 minutes on the other side. For medium-rare, add 1-3 minutes and for medium, add 3-5 minutes, to the total cooking time. Check and serve your steak. Remove the steak from the broiler if it is charred to your liking. Use a small sharp knife, to make a small cut in the middle of the steak. If it looks done, serve immediately; if not, return it to the oven and broil it for another minute before removing and serving it. Serve whole or sliced. Preheat your oven. Turn on your oven and get it heated to about 450ºF (230ºC). Prepare your pan. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive, canola, or other vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet or another heavy pan on your burner, over high heat. Sear your steak. Place your steak in the hot pan once it begins to smoke. Reduce heat and sear on each side for 4 minutes, until brown, for rare. For medium-rare, sear for 1 minute longer and for medium 2 minutes longer. Roast your steak. Remove the skillet from the burner and transfer it to the preheated oven and roast for 6-8 minutes. Let your steak sit for a few minutes before serving. Remove the steak from the oven if it is charred to your liking. Use a small sharp knife, to make a small cut in the middle of the steak. If it looks done, allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes as this allows the flavors to mix and settle. If not, roast for another 1-2 minutes. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes as this allows the flavors to mix and settle. Serve whole or sliced. | Purchase high-quality steak. Thaw your steak. Make sure your steak is dry. Season your steak. Prepare your pan. Sear your steak. Wrap your steak and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Preheat your grill. Protect your grill against sticking. Grill your steak. Let your steak sit for a few minutes before serving. Preheat your broiler. Prepare your pan. Broil your steak. Check and serve your steak. Preheat your oven. Prepare your pan. Sear your steak. Roast your steak. Let your steak sit for a few minutes before serving. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Yu-Gi-Oh! | How to Play Yu Gi Oh! | If you want to play Yu Gi Oh!, collect a deck of cards. Once a turn, use a normal summons to place the monster cards onto your field. When turned face-up, the monster cards are used to attack your opponent, and when placed face-down, they are used for defense. There are also special summons you can play which will give monsters special powers, as well as spell cards which give you or your opponent special effects. You can also use trap cards to disrupt your opponent's play. | Use monster cards. Monster cards are summoned to attack your opponent's Life Points and defend your own. They are usually orange (effect) or yellow (normal) in color, but there are many other colors as well. Monsters have levels, ranging from 1-12, which are indicated by the stars along the top, and a symbol in the top right corner indicating Attribute. Above the card text, the Type, the kind of monster, and monster abilities such as Tuner or Flip are written in bold. The Attack and Defense stats are listed as ATK and DEF along the bottom. Effect monsters have effects which affect the game, but normal monsters only have lore. Effect Monsters are the most commonly used type of monster, as their effects can be quite powerful. Normal monsters are not as useful, but have some good support and are used in certain types of decks. Extra Deck monsters without an effect are Non-Effect Monsters, neither Normal nor Effect monsters. Tokens are a type of monster summoned by an effect. They can be represented by anything small that can indicate attack and defense position. Token cards cannot be in either deck, and can only exist face-up on the field. Therefore they can't be sent to Graveyard or banished for cost, flipped face-down, or become Xyz Material. They are treated as Normal monsters, and are given their name, attack, defense, level, attribute, and type by the card used to summon them. Official Token cards are gray. Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, and Link monsters cannot exist in the hand or deck, and must go in the Extra Deck. Xyz monsters have black backgrounds, and Ranks instead of Levels. Synchro monsters are white, Fusion monsters are violet, and Link monsters are blue with a hex background. They each have their own specific summoning methods and must first be Special Summoned using that method before they can be summoned any other way (revived from the Graveyard, etc.). Some of these monsters have special requirements for the monsters used to summon them (known as the materials), which are written on the first line of the text. Ritual monsters are blue, and also cannot be summoned unless they are first Ritual Summoned. Most of them are summoned with a specific Spell. Pendulum monsters can be any type of monster, and their background color fades to the green color of spell cards on the bottom half of the card. Above the card text, there is a box which contains that card's Pendulum Effects and has the Pendulum Scales on each side. A Pendulum monster can be activated from the hand as a spell card in the left- and right-most Spell/Trap Zones, which become Pendulum Zones while a Pendulum card is placed in them. Unlike Field Spells, Pendulum cards cannot be replaced by putting another Pendulum monster in the same zone. When a Pendulum monster would be sent from the field to the graveyard, it is placed face-up on top of the Extra Deck instead, where it can be resummoned to the field. If you have a Pendulum monster in both Pendulum Zones, you can perform a Pendulum Summon (more on that later). Possible monster abilities are Tuner, Spirit, Gemini, Flip, Union, and Toon. Tuner monsters are necessary for Synchro Summons. The other types are self-explanatory. Summon your monster to the field. A summons is a way to place a monster onto your field. There are three main types of summons: Normal, Special, and Flip. A Normal Summon can be done once per turn, and there is no limit on Special Summons. You can Normal Summon a monster from your hand in face-up Attack Position or face-down Defense Position (called a Normal Set). Level 4 or lower monsters do not require tributes, but for higher level monsters, you will need to send monsters from your field to the graveyard. Levels 5 and 6 require one tribute, and Levels 7 and higher require two. A Normal Summon involving tributes is also called a Tribute Summon. A face-down monster is not revealed to your opponent. While face-down, it has no name, attribute, stats, etc. It can be flipped face up by manually changing it to Attack Position (called a Flip Summon), by an effect, or when it is attacked. A face-up monster cannot be flipped face-down, except by effect. Use special summoning: Special summons are done by card effect or as a game mechanic. A monster cannot normally be special summoned face-down, but can be summoned in either attack or defense position. The following are types of special summons. A Fusion summon is usually done by using a Fusion Spell card (like Polymerization) and sending the monsters listed on the Fusion monster to the graveyard. Certain Fusion monsters do not require Fusion spell cards (unofficially called Contact Fusion monsters). Fusion Materials are usually quite specific. A Synchro summon is done by sending a Tuner monster and 1 or more non-tuner monsters from your field to the Graveyard, and special summoning a Synchro monster from your Extra Deck whose level exactly matches the combined levels of the material monsters. An Xyz summon is done by taking two or more monsters on your field with the same level and stacking them on top of each other, then stacking an Xyz monster with the same Rank on top. The monsters on the bottom are now called Xyz Materials, and are not treated as being on the field. Most Xyz monsters have effects that are activated by detaching Xyz Materials (sending them to the Graveyard). If an Xyz monster leaves the field or ceases being treated as a monster, its Xyz Materials go to the Graveyard. A Ritual summon is usually done by using the specific Ritual Spell card, tributing a number of monsters whose levels equal the Ritual monster's level, and special summoning the Ritual monster from your hand. There are exceptions - read your Ritual Spells. A Pendulum summon can be done if you have a Pendulum monster in both of your Pendulum Zones. You can Special summon any number of monsters in your hand and face-up on top of your Extra Deck, if their levels are between the Pendulum Scales of the two Pendulum monsters (they cannot equal the Pendulum Scales). You can only perform a Pendulum Summon once per turn. A Link summon is done by sending material monsters from your field to the Graveyard which fulfill the Link's requirements. You must use a number of materials equal to the Link monster's Link Rating - the number on the bottom right corner. If a Link monster is used as Link material, it can be treated as a single monster, or as a number of materials equal to its Link Rating. Link monsters have no Level or DEF, and cannot be changed to Defense Position by any means. It has orange arrows surrounding the card art, the number of arrows being equal to the Link Rating, which point to Monster Zones around it. Extra Deck monsters can be summoned to zones a Link Monster points to. Enter the Extra Monster Zone. Introduced along with Links in Master Rule 4, the two Extra Monster Zones exist between both player's fields, connecting them. Any Summon from the Extra Deck must go to an Extra Monster Zone. Anything that is not a Summon from the Extra Deck - this includes temporary banishing, control change, and returning from control change - must go to a Main Monster Zone. Once you summon to one of the two Extra Monster Zones, it's yours for the rest of the Duel, and the other one automatically belongs to your opponent. Cast spell cards. Spell cards are a greenish color. They are usually activated from your hand during your turn, and have various effects. There are six different types of spells, and spells other than normal spells will have an icon at the top right near the bold text indicating their type. Normal Spell cards are played from the hand onto a S/T zone on the field, and after their effect is applied, they are sent to the graveyard. Continuous spell cards have a ∞ symbol. After they are played onto the field, they stay there unless removed in some way, and their effects are applied as long as they are on the field. Quick-Play Spells have a lightning bolt symbol. They can be played during any part of your turn, and, if set, during your opponent's turn. Field spells have a four-pointed star, and go in the Field Spell Zone when activated or set. Field spells affect the whole field, and stay there unless removed. If you activate a new Field Spell while you already control one in your Field Spell Zone, the previous one is destroyed. Both players can control a Field Spell at the same time. Equip spells have a plus symbol. When activated, they are equipped onto a face-up monster on the field, and remain on the field unless removed. An Equip Spell Card is destroyed if the monster is no longer face-up on the field or is no longer a valid target. Ritual Spell cards are indicated by a flame, and are used in the Ritual Summoning of a Ritual Monster. They work like Normal Spells, and usually require tributes from the field to summon the specified monster from the hand. Play trap cards. Traps are meant to be used during the opponent's turn to disrupt their plays. Traps are purple, and will have a symbol in the corner for anything other than Normal Traps. All Trap cards must be Set (placed face-down in a S/T Zone) before they can be used, and they can be activated during either player's turn. Normal Traps can be flipped face-up when you want to use them, and when any activation requirements are met. After they resolve, they go to the graveyard. Continuous Traps are indicated by the same ∞ symbol as Continuous Spells and function the same way. Counter Trap Cards are indicated by an arrow. They act like Normal Traps, but the only cards that can be activated in response to them are other Counter Trap Cards. Set Spells and Traps. Spells and Trap cards can be set from the hand during the Main Phase. When they are set, they are placed face-down in an open Spell & Trap Zone. If you set a Trap or Quick-Play Spell, it can't be activated until the next turn. Prepare your monster for Battle: If your monster is in Attack Position during your Battle Phase, you can attack an opposing monster with it. If your opponent controls no monsters, you can attack directly. Each monster can only declare an attack once per turn. If the monster it battles with is face-down, it is flipped face-up just before damage calculation. Calculate damage. If both are in Attack position, the one with less ATK is destroyed, and its controller takes damage equal to the difference. If they have equal ATK, both are destroyed. If one is in Defense position and it has less DEF than the attacking monster's ATK, it is destroyed but its controller does not take damage. If it has more DEF, the attacking monster's controller takes damage equal to the difference, and neither is destroyed If the ATK and DEF are equal, neither is destroyed. In a direct attack, the opponent takes the ATK of the monster as damage. Trigger a replay: If, during your attack, the number of monsters your opponent controls is changed, a replay is triggered in which you can choose to attack with the same monster, attack with a different monster, or not attack. You can also choose a different attack target. If you attack with a different monster, the first monster is considered to have already attacked, and cannot attack again for the rest of the turn. Position yourself for battle: A monster can be in either Attack Position or Defense Position. The position they are in determines which of their stats are used for damage calculation; therefore, monsters with high attack should be in attack position, and monsters with low attack should be in defense position. Also, if one of your opponent's monsters has a higher attack than all of yours, your monsters should be in defense position to protect you from taking damage. Battle position can be changed manually once per turn for each monster, during your Main Phase. You cannot change its battle position if it was summoned, was set, or had attacked during that turn. Link cards with chains: To Chain a card or effect is to activate it before another effect has a chance to resolve (be applied). The activation of a card or effect will start a Chain Link. After it is activated, the other player can choose to chain a card to it, which will then become Chain Link 2. This continues until neither player responds to the chain, after which it resolves, starting with the most recent Chain Link. While a Chain is resolving, cards and effects cannot be activated. For example: Player A activates “Torrential Tribute”, which becomes Chain Link 1. Player B responds by activating "Seven Tools of the Bandit" to negate it by paying 1000 Life Points. He pays the LP now because that is a cost to activate the card, and happens during the activation and not the resolution. Player A passes on chaining more cards, and so does Player B, so now the chain resolves. Resolution begins with the most recent Chain Link - "Seven Tools". Seven Tools negates “Torrential Tribute”, so it does not destroy any monsters. Spell speed. Only Quick-Play Spell Cards, Trap Cards, and Quick Effects can be chained to another card as Chain Link 2 or higher. Quick Effects will be designated either by saying they are a Quick Effect or by being able to be activated during either player's/your opponent's turn. An effect must be either Spell Speed 2 or higher or a Trigger effect in order to activate outside of your Main Phase. Quick-Play Spells can only be played during your opponent's turn if set the previous turn. If a Counter Trap Card is activated, the only cards that can be chained to it are other Counter Trap Cards. Add an Extra Link: An Extra Link is a way to use Link Monsters to take your opponent's Extra Monster Zone. In order to do this, you need Link monsters that are co-linked to each other (both point to each other) leading from your Extra Monster Zone to the opponent's. Once you have that, you can summon the final Link monster in your opponent's Extra Monster Zone, co-linked to your monster, and that zone's yours while the Link monster sits there. The Links can be summoned in a 'u-shape' or diagonally, in a v-shape. You can also use monsters your opponent controls to complete an Extra Link - if your opponent has 3 co-linked monsters in a row in their Main Monster Zones, summoning 2 Links to the Extra Monster Zones co-linked to those 3 will allow you to complete the Extra Link. Build a deck. To play Yu-Gi-Oh, you must have a deck. The number of cards in a deck must be greater than or equal to 40 cards and less than or equal to 60 cards. It is usually better to have closer to 40 cards in your deck. Your deck should have a good balance of spells, traps, and monsters. A good ratio is 15-20 monsters, around 9-12 spells, and around 5-8 traps. This ratio is not a requirement and does not need to be followed if you already know about deckbuilding. It actually means nothing in practical play. Most of the monsters should be below Level 4, with only about 1-4 (if any) of the higher levels that can't be summoned any other way. The spells and trap cards should cover for the weaknesses of your deck, and you should have a handful of each of the following: attack protection, effect negation, summon negation, spell/trap destruction. Of course, these numbers are not absolute and will vary depending on your deck, so use what works for you. Your deck will be more consistent if it focuses around a single central archetype or theme. An Extra Deck is not necessary for a duel, but is recommended for most decks. Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz monsters are placed in the Extra Deck instead of the Main Deck. You can look through your Extra Deck at any time during the duel, and you can special summon monsters from it during your turn. There is a maximum of 15 cards that can be in the Extra Deck. Your opponent cannot view your Extra Deck, except with an effect. The Side Deck is also limited to 15 cards. It is optional, and is good for matches in tournaments. A match is a set of three duels, in which the player who wins two out of three is the winner. A Side Deck contains cards to be used against specific decks that are common or pose a major threat to your deck, but are too situational to put into your main deck. It is not to be used during a duel, but you can swap cards between it and the main and/or extra deck between the duels in a match. After siding, the number of cards in your Side deck must be the same as what you started with. You can only have three copies of a single card in your Main, Extra, and Side decks combined. Certain cards are banned or limited for use in tournaments, so make sure your deck is legal if you are going to participate in them. Start a duel. To start a duel, find someone else to duel with. Shuffle each other's decks and decide who goes first. This can be done by playing rock-paper-scissors, flipping a coin, or some other suitable method. The player going first cannot draw or attack. Decks that like to set up a field early or use effects that prevent themselves from battling will find it more advantageous to go first, while decks that need extra hand advantage to start their plays or respond to what the opponent does will prefer to go second. Both players start the game with 8000 Life Points. Place your cards in the right positions. Place your Extra deck at the left of the bottom row, and your deck at the right, with space for five cards in between. These five spaces will be your Spell/Trap zones. Above your deck and extra deck will be your left and right Pendulum zones. The top row will contain the Field Spell zone (on the left) and the Graveyard (on the right). The five spaces in between these will be your monster zones. The banish zone is usually to the right of the graveyard. Draw your starting hand. Both players draw 5 cards at the beginning of the game as their starting hand. Your hand is revealed to you and not your opponent. They can only look at your hand through a card effect. It is important to keep your opponent from seeing your hand and learning about your strategies. During the End Phase, if you have more than 6 cards in your hand, you must discard until you have 6. Draw a card. You draw a card from your deck at the beginning of your turn, during the Draw Phase. The player who goes first can't draw. Enter the Standby Phase. Certain effects activate during the Standby Phase. Otherwise, just ignore it. Move on to the Main Phase. The Main Phase is the most important part of the turn, being the phase in which you will take most of your actions. In this phase, monsters can be summoned, effects can be activated, a monster's battle position can be manually changed, and spells and traps can be activated or set. Battle. You can attack using Attack Position monsters you control during the Battle Phase. Entering the Battle Phase is optional. If you do not enter the Battle Phase, you move on to the End Phase and you do not enter Main Phase 2. The player who goes first cannot conduct the Battle Phase. Conduct your second Main Phase. After Battle Phase, you enter Main Phase 2. In this phase, the same actions as in Main Phase 1 can be performed, except you cannot change the battle position of a card that attacked during the Battle Phase. You cannot enter this phase if you have not entered the Battle Phase. End your turn. The End Phase is the end of your turn. Certain effects may activate in this phase. After this, it becomes the next player's turn. Play until someone loses. Once a player's Life Points reach zero, they lose the duel. If a player would draw a card but cannot because they have no more cards in their deck, they also lose the duel. Players can also win or lose by card effect. | Use monster cards. Summon your monster to the field. Use special summoning: Enter the Extra Monster Zone. Cast spell cards. Play trap cards. Set Spells and Traps. Prepare your monster for Battle: Calculate damage. Trigger a replay: Position yourself for battle: Link cards with chains: Spell speed. Add an Extra Link: Build a deck. Start a duel. Place your cards in the right positions. Draw your starting hand. Draw a card. Enter the Standby Phase. Move on to the Main Phase. Battle. Conduct your second Main Phase. End your turn. Play until someone loses. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Sea-Shell-(for-Hermit-Crabs) | How to Clean a Sea Shell (for Hermit Crabs) | To clean a new seashell for a hermit crab, start by filling a pot with distilled water and 1-2 tablespoons of aquarium salt. Then, bring the water to a boil before reducing it to a simmer, and add the new seashell to the pot. Next, let the seashell simmer for 15-20 minutes. Finally, remove the seashell with a slotted spoon, and let it cool for 30 minutes before placing it in your hermit crab's tank. | Rinse off all of the shells with clean water. Hermit crabs poop in their shells and they get filled with sand, substrate, and other gritty things, or if you found your new shells on the beach, there could be other things inside of them. Put all the shells into a colander and rinse them with cool, clean water. If you have a lot of shells, work in batches of 10 so that the rinsed away grime doesn't just end up on the shells at the bottom of the colander. Scrub away caked on sand and debris with a clean toothbrush. Give each individual shell a gentle scrubbing with either a toothbrush or scrub brush. If there are slimy sections you need to clean, just keep scrubbing them with the toothbrush. All you need is a little elbow grease! Don't use any kind of cleaning product on your shells. You may be tempted to spray down the shells with a cleaning product, thinking that will get them even cleaner, but that actually can be really harmful to your hermit crabs. Discard of any shells that are broken or that smell really, really bad. As you rinse and scrub the shells, give each one a quick visual inspection. If you notice any large cracks, chipped areas, or particularly stinky shells, get rid of them. You only want to provide your hermit crabs with the best shells. Shells you get from the beach might be a little stinky, but if they smell really strongly, something might have died inside. Give the shells one final rinse after you’ve scrubbed them. After you've spot-cleaned all the shells, spray them down again in the colander to remove any loose grit. You can't get them too wet, so don't be afraid to take your time and rinse them thoroughly. Your hermit crabs are going to appreciate their clean-smelling homes once you are done! Clean all new shells before putting them into the tank. You can buy new shells for your hermit crabs at the pet store or online, or you can find them on the beach. Never use a painted or glossed shell—they're toxic to hermit crabs. If you do collect shells from the beach, make sure there aren't living occupants inside them before you take them home. If there are, leave them alone and find other options. Maintain the shells already in your tank by rinsing them every 3 months. Set a reminder on your calendar to do a shell-cleaning every 3 months for shells you already have in your tank. Make sure they're not occupied before you take them out to clean them. This helps remove any bad odors they've accumulated over time, which then makes them more attractive to your hermit crabs. You can just rinse off and scrub these shells to clean them, or you can go ahead and boil them, too. The choice is up to you! Since they've already been in the tank and have been used by your hermit crabs, you don't need to worry about external bacterias. Use a glass or ceramic pan to boil your shells. Don't use a metal pan, as the metal can affect the water and the shells adversely. If your shells extend over the top of the pan, work in batches so that every shell has enough space to be completely submerged in water. Some hermit crab enthusiasts suggest cleaning shells in bleach, but even trace amounts of bleach can affect your hermit crab and make them lethargic or even kill them. It's best to avoid it if you can. Plus, bleach can change the color of the shell. Fill the pan with enough distilled water to submerge the shells. Always use distilled water to keep unwanted minerals and chlorine from getting into your tank. Add just enough water so that all the seashells are covered completely. The temperature of the distilled water doesn't matter at this point. It's fine if it's cold, room-temperature, or warm. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 grams) of aquarium salt to the water. Hermit crabs need saltwater to stay healthy, and boiling their shells in a saltwater mixture is just an added boost for them. For less than 10 shells, use 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of aquarium salt, and for more than 10, use 2 tablespoons (30 grams). Never use table salt! Only use a salt mixture you get from the pet store that is specifically for marine wildlife. It's okay if you don't have aquarium salt and can't add it to the water. It's good for the hermit crabs, but it also won't hurt them if the shells are just boiled in the distilled water. Boil the water, then simmer the shells for 15-20 minutes. Turn the heat on high and keep an eye on the water until it starts to boil. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat so that the water is at a simmer. Set a timer, let the shells simmer, and stir the water every 5 minutes or so. If the water level drops below the shells, add more distilled water to the pan. Remove the shells from the water using a slotted spoon. Once the timer goes off, turn off the stove burner. Carefully spoon out the boiled shells and lay them out on a clean towel. Let the water in the pan cool down before you empty it out. Be careful when removing the shells to not burn yourself. Dry off the shells with clean paper towels. Once the shells have cooled down enough that you can touch them without burning your hands, take a clean paper towel and pat them dry. As you dry each one, position them so their openings are face-down (this will help them drain and dry faster). You could just let the shells air dry. It will take a bit longer, but it won't hurt them at all. Let the shells cool down completely before adding them to the tank. It's essential to let the shells come back to room temperature before you put them into the tank. Don't put them in the freezer or fridge to speed up the process, though. Just let them rest on the counter for 30 minutes or so until they're cool. A hot shell could change the climate of the tank, and it could hurt a hermit crab that crawls inside it. Position the shells so that their tops are facing the sides of the tank. A face-down shell won't attract a hermit crab, so take some care to set them in the tank so that the crabs can easily explore them. If you have really large hermit crabs, you could even leave the openings facing upwards. Enjoy watching your hermit crabs explore their new, clean shells! | Rinse off all of the shells with clean water. Scrub away caked on sand and debris with a clean toothbrush. Discard of any shells that are broken or that smell really, really bad. Give the shells one final rinse after you’ve scrubbed them. Clean all new shells before putting them into the tank. Maintain the shells already in your tank by rinsing them every 3 months. Use a glass or ceramic pan to boil your shells. Fill the pan with enough distilled water to submerge the shells. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 grams) of aquarium salt to the water. Boil the water, then simmer the shells for 15-20 minutes. Remove the shells from the water using a slotted spoon. Dry off the shells with clean paper towels. Let the shells cool down completely before adding them to the tank. Position the shells so that their tops are facing the sides of the tank. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Female-Urinal | How to Use a Female Urinal | To use a female urinal, first get in a position that's comfortable for you, like standing or sitting. You can also use it lying down if you have a drainage bag or container. Place the urinal between your legs so that the cup or tube is right under your urethra. If your female urinal has a drainage bag, attach it now. When you're comfortable, tilt your pelvis slightly forward to help you aim into the urinal. After you've finished, empty your urinal if it collects urine, and clean it with warm water and soap. | Use a hand-held device if you can sit or stand upright unassisted. This type of female is recommended for individuals who have limited mobility and can support themselves when sitting or standing. Hand-held devices are also useful if you would like the freedom to dispose of the urine without assistance and reuse the device easily. There are several different styles of hand-held urinals, including: Jug shaped: This is a common style for female urinals, with a deep and open receptacle that is easy to urinate in. You can use them while standing or sitting. Bottle shaped: This is another common style that consists of a narrow, hollow chamber with an opening that is designed to fit the female anatomy. You can use bottle-shaped urinals when standing or sitting in a chair with your pelvis tilted slightly forward. Some brands of this style are also made use when lying down or on your side. Dish-shaped: This style has a flat base and is shallow, with a cover that surrounds the central opening of the urinal. You can insert this style under you when you are in bed or a chair. A moulding with a drainage bag attached: This style is designed for individuals who are looking for an easy way to dispose of the urine. The small moulding sits between your thighs and drains through a tube into a drainage bag attached to the moulding. You can then dispose of the drainage bag or empty it and reuse it. The moulding is usually cup-shaped, like a funnel, and used when standing or sitting. Try a body-supporting device if you have little to no mobility and require assistance. Body-supporting urinals are useful for individuals who have little to no mobility and require assistance to sit upright or stand upright. These devices are also better for individuals who cannot empty the urinal on their own and need help reusing the urinal. These devices are made to fit under your thighs. You can find body-supporting urinals that are shallow and flat, made for us in a chair or in a bed. There are also body-supporting urinals that resemble bedpans, often used for bedridden patients. Choose to use a female urination device if you would like to try urinating standing up. Female urinals are not just made for women with an illness or mobility difficulties. You can choose to use a female urination device that is user-friendly and made for your everyday bathroom needs to avoid contact with public toilet seats and to enjoy the luxury of urinating while standing. Female urinals are also useful for women who are often outdoors hiking, camping, boating, skiing, or doing other physical activity where you will not have easy access to a bathroom. You can look for female urination devices, like the GoGirl, in store at a big box store or through their website. Many female urinals for everyday use are made of silicone and are easy to clean with a quick rinse in soap and water. Make sure the urinal is lightweight and easy to clean. If you are using a hand-held device, you should buy a urinal that is made of a lightweight material like plastic and has a handle for easy lifting and placing. The urinal should also be easy to empty and to clean with soap and water. Body-supporting urinals should also be made of a lightweight material like plastic and have grip areas for easy holding. You should be able to easily empty and clean the urinal with soap and water. Some female urinal brands also have graduation marks on the side to indicate how full the urinal is and remind you when it is time to empty it. If you need to go to the bathroom often, you may look for a urinal that is larger and can hold a larger amount of liquid. If you are receiving assistance from a helper, like a nurse or caretaker, you may go for a urinal that holds a smaller amount of liquid, as it will likely be emptied often. Choose a position that is comfortable for your body. There are three ways you can use the urinal: sitting, standing, or lying down. Your ideal position will depend on any injuries you may have on certain areas of your body and your comfort level when going to the bathroom. If you cannot be on your feet when urinating, you may choose to sit in a chair when using the urinal, with your pelvis tilted slightly forward and your legs apart. If you have pain in your knees or hips, you may choose to use the urinal while standing so you do not need to squat or put unnecessary weight on your knees or hips. If you have lower back pain or injuries on your back, you may use the urinal on one side while lying down. Place the urinal between your legs. Once you find a urinating position that is comfortable for you, you can place the urinal between your legs. Make sure the cup or tube is positioned right under your urethra. If you are using a body support device, you may need assistance from a helper to place the urinal under your thighs when you are in bed. Ensure the cup or dish is positioned right under your urethra. If you are using a device that has a drainage bag, attach a bag to the urinal. This will allow the urine to collect in the drainage bag for easy disposal. Tilt your pelvis forward slightly, aiming into the urinal. Tilting your pelvis will allow you to urinate more effectively into the urinal. Make sure you use the cup or tube attached to the urinal when using it to ensure all or most of your urine ends up in the urinal. Empty and clean the urinal after use. Once you are done using the urinal, you will need to empty the urinal. If you are using a handheld device, simply empty the urinal into the toilet or a bedpan. You can then wash the urinal with warm water and soap, hanging it to dry so it ready for use. If you are using a body-supporting device, have the helper remove the urinal and empty it for you. The helper should then wash it so it is ready for use. If you are using a urinal with a drainage bag, you can dispose of the drainage bag once it is full or wash it and reuse it. | Use a hand-held device if you can sit or stand upright unassisted. Try a body-supporting device if you have little to no mobility and require assistance. Choose to use a female urination device if you would like to try urinating standing up. Make sure the urinal is lightweight and easy to clean. Choose a position that is comfortable for your body. Place the urinal between your legs. Tilt your pelvis forward slightly, aiming into the urinal. Empty and clean the urinal after use. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Tempura | How to Make Tempura | To make tempura, start by combining ice water, egg, flour, and baking soda in a bowl to make the batter. Then, set the bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice water to keep the batter cold. Next, heat 2 to 3 inches of cooking oil in a heavy frying pan. Once the oil is heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, dip small pieces of fish and vegetables in the batter and fry them in the oil until they're golden brown on both sides. Finally, transfer the fried tempura onto a plate covered with paper towels to drain some of the oil. | Place about a cup of ice water in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir in one large egg. Remove the egg from the refrigerator just before adding, as the egg should be well-chilled. Stir 3/4 cup of flour and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda into the egg mixture. Mix the batter lightly and don't worry about a few small lumps of unmixed flour. Too much mixing will result in doughy, non-crispy tempura. Keep the tempura batter in the refrigerator while you prepare the foods for frying. Prepare the foods for frying in the tempura batter ahead of time. If you are making fish tempura, wash and debone the fish, then cut the fish into small chunks. If you are using shrimp in your tempura, the shrimp should be de-veined. Use the freshest, firmest vegetables you can find to make vegetable tempura. Wash the vegetables thoroughly. Cut the vegetables into chunks. Avoid soft vegetables, as soft vegetables will become soggy when the vegetables are deep-fried. Pat the food dry with paper towels. Place the food in the refrigerator until you're ready to deep fry. Set the bowl of homemade tempura batter in a larger bowl filled with ice water. Tempura batter should be kept cold while you work. Season the cut veggies. This will add flavor to the food, and also wick away moisture, making the batter stick better. Place 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of cooking oil in a heavy frying pan. You can use nearly any type of oil, including canola, safflower, corn or peanut oil. However, avoid olive oil, which will alter the flavor of the tempura. If you are using a deep fat fryer, fill the fryer to the level recommended by the manufacturer. Heat the oil to 350 degrees. If you don't have a thermometer, heat the oil then drop about a pea-sized bit of batter into the oil. If the oil is hot enough, the batter will drop to the bottom before it sizzles and bounces quickly to the top of the oil. Using your hands or chopsticks, dip the prepared food into the tempura batter, making sure to coat it on all sides. It is helpful to place your batter near the oil so you don't spill on the counter when moving it to the oil. Move the battered food directly from the bowl of batter into the hot oil. Remember to place it in the oil gently so it does not splash. Turn each piece once so the food cooks evenly on both sides. Cook the tempura until the batter is golden brown. Remove the fried tempura with tongs, then place on a layer of folded paper towels. Finished. | Place about a cup of ice water in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir in one large egg. Stir 3/4 cup of flour and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda into the egg mixture. Mix the batter lightly and don't worry about a few small lumps of unmixed flour. Keep the tempura batter in the refrigerator while you prepare the foods for frying. Prepare the foods for frying in the tempura batter ahead of time. Use the freshest, firmest vegetables you can find to make vegetable tempura. Cut the vegetables into chunks. Pat the food dry with paper towels. Set the bowl of homemade tempura batter in a larger bowl filled with ice water. Season the cut veggies. Place 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of cooking oil in a heavy frying pan. Heat the oil to 350 degrees. Using your hands or chopsticks, dip the prepared food into the tempura batter, making sure to coat it on all sides. Move the battered food directly from the bowl of batter into the hot oil. Turn each piece once so the food cooks evenly on both sides. Remove the fried tempura with tongs, then place on a layer of folded paper towels. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Infections-in-Hawk-Headed-Parrots | How to Treat Infections in Hawk Headed Parrots | To treat an infection in your hawk-headed parrot, take it to your vet as soon as possible so they can provide you with the right treatment plan. Your vet will likely give you an antibiotic or anti-fungal medication depending on your bird's condition. Once you get your parrot home, move its cage to the quietest area of the house to ensure your bird gets enough rest. Then, move the perches as low as possible since birds are prone to falling off their perches when they're sick. Additionally, make sure to provide plenty of fresh water nearby in order to prevent dehydration. | Check if your bird is cold or has a fever. If your bird is cold, it will fluff its feathers out to keep warm. If it has a fever, it will pull its wings out away from itself to try to cool off its body. A cold bird needs to be kept warm, while a bird with a fever shouldn't be provided with heat. If your bird has a fever, take it to the vet as soon as possible. Keep your cold hawk-headed parrot warm. When a hawk-headed parrot gets sick, you need to give it warmth to begin care. Create an area that's about 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). Also, make sure the area isn't drafty. The best way to warm up your bird is to use a bird heating lamp, so you know it will be safe. You can find these lamps at pet stores and online. Provide plenty of fresh food and water nearby. You want to put the bird's food and water as close to the perch it's resting on as possible. That way, the bird has ready access to them without having to move too far. Move perches lower. Sick birds are more apt to fall off their perches than well birds. If you keep the perches lower to the bottom of the cage, you'll reduce the likelihood that the bird will hurt itself falling. Take your hawk-headed parrot to the veterinarian. If you suspect your bird is sick, it's essential to take it to an avian veterinarian. They will be able to properly diagnose the bird and provide you with the ideal course of treatment. Besides a physical exam, your bird may need tests such as x-rays and blood work. Expect an antibiotic. Often, your vet will prescribe an antibiotic to give to your parrot. While antibiotics won't cure all of the infections your parrot may get, especially viral infections, they are often given to prevent your bird from developing another infection due to the symptoms of the first disease. The vet may inject antibiotics or give them to you to put in the bird's water or by eyedropper. For eye infections, the vet may provide an eye cream. Ask whether an anti-fungal is appropriate. In some cases, an anti-fungal will be prescribed in place of antibiotic if the infection is fungal rather than bacterial. A common anti-fungal, used in treating ailments such as crop, is nystatin. Be ready for hospitalization. Depending on the infection, your parrot may need to be hospitalized for care. If your parrot is very sick, the vet can do a better job of monitoring your bird and making sure it stays hydrated and gets the medication it needs. Ask about surgery. In addition to hospitalization, it's possible your parrot may need surgery, particularly for something like infected crop. Ask the vet if that is necessary for your parrot. For diseases like papillomatosis, laser therapy may be appropriate. Provide antibiotics and anti-fungals. Once your bird is at home, you may need to continue to dose your bird with antibiotics and anti-fungals. Often, you'll just need to put the medication in the bird's water, but your vet will give you instructions on proper dosing and administration. You may also need to administer it with an eyedropper. You may need to apply certain creams to lesions or infections on the body, such as an eye cream for eye infections. Typically, to administer medication via eyedropper, you will need to gently restrain the bird. Place the very tip of the dropper in one side of the bird's mouth, aiming it towards the other side. Give the bird the medication very slowly, allowing it to drink it. Make sure to remain calm, and speak to your bird in a soothing tone. Isolate the bird. Depending on the infection, you may need to isolate the bird for life. For infections like papillomatosis, the bird never rids itself of the disease, and it can pass it on to other birds in your household. Keep the bird comfortable. Keep the perches low and food and water nearby. Also, make sure to keep the area quiet where the bird is, so it can rest. You can also continue to keep the bird warm if it stays cold. Some infections are unfortunately not treatable at all, though your bird may still recover on its own. For instance, the main treatment for polyoma is to keep the bird comfortable and treat secondary symptoms as they arise. Encourage your bird to drink more. You can also encourage the bird to drink more water so it doesn't get dehydrated. Adding a bit of honey to the water can help for this purpose, though you'll need to switch it out frequently due to bacteria. Electrolyte drinks, such as Pedialyte, can also help with dehydration. Clean the birdcage. It's also important to keep the cage as clean as possible. That way, your bird is less likely to develop secondary infections from excess bacteria. Your bird's immune system is not working it's best, so it's not as able to fight off germs. Provide pain medications. One way to help keep your bird comfortable is to provide pain medications. Birds can take a variety of pain medications, including NSAIDs and opioids, so ask your veterinarian which one, if any, is appropriate for your bird. | Check if your bird is cold or has a fever. Keep your cold hawk-headed parrot warm. Provide plenty of fresh food and water nearby. Move perches lower. Take your hawk-headed parrot to the veterinarian. Expect an antibiotic. Ask whether an anti-fungal is appropriate. Be ready for hospitalization. Ask about surgery. Provide antibiotics and anti-fungals. Isolate the bird. Keep the bird comfortable. Encourage your bird to drink more. Clean the birdcage. Provide pain medications. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Stiff-Neck | How to Get Rid of a Stiff Neck | If you need to get rid of a stiff neck, alternate applying a hot, wet towel to the area for 20 minutes, followed by an ice pack applied for 10-15 minutes. You can also stretch out the muscles in your neck by slowly stretching your head forward, backward, left, and right. Avoid heavy physical activity so you don't worsen the inflammation you're experiencing. If the pain doesn't go away after a few days, call the doctor to make sure you don't have a more serious problem. | Use moist heat on your neck. Heat helps tightened muscles relax, and moist heat is better than dry heat, as it can penetrate into the neck more effectively. Apply heat to the back or neck area for at least 20 minutes at a time, 3 times daily. Place a hot towel over your neck. Place a hand towel in a bowl full of hot water, or pour the hot water all over the towel. Alternatively, put the towel in the dryer for 5-7 minutes. Dry out the towel just enough so that it is not dripping, but still has its warmth. Drape the towel over your neck when your neck is stiff or sore. After that is done wait about 20 minutes a do it again. Keep doing this about 3 times. Try an ice pack to soothe your neck. Cold dulls local pain and limits the buildup of lactic acid, which can cause soreness. Use an ice pack and place it on the part of your neck that feels stiff (usually the back of your neck at your hairline). Hold the pack there for 10-15 minutes every 2 hours. You can also try a more comfortable position to ice your neck. Sit in a comfortable chair and rest your head back. Place the pack between your shoulders and the bottom of your head. Lean back against it so your neck gets the full benefit of the cool temperature. Some experts feel that ice will contribute to increased stiffness in the neck because the cold will contract your muscles. Try what feels good to your neck. Use a cold treatment for acute pain in the first 48-72 hours, and then switch to heat. Nod your head forward and backward. In most cases, a stiff neck can be relieved immediately by performing a series of exercises to relieve tension caused by tight or strained neck muscles. Stretch the muscles in the front and back of your neck by tilting your chin toward your chest. Then bring your chin up toward the sky. Repeat for several minutes. If this exercise feels painful, don't tilt your head too far forward or backward. Just try enough movement to feel a little stretch. Tilt your head from side to side. Stretch the muscles in the sides of your neck by tilting your head toward one shoulder and then toward the other. Continue doing so until the pain eases a bit and the muscles feel less tense. Turn your head from left to right. This is often the most painful motion you can make when you have a stiff neck, so ease into it slowly. Keep turning your head from left to right for several minutes. Reduce heavy physical activity. For the first few days after you start getting a stiff neck, it's a good idea to decrease the amount of physical activity. This will help reduce symptoms and relieve some of the inflammation you may be experiencing. Avoid the following sports or exercises for the first 2 to 3 weeks after the stiff neck appears: Football, rugby, hockey, or any other high-contact sports Golf Running or jogging Weightlifting Ballet Sit-ups and leg lifts See a doctor if you have pain that won't go away. Sometimes a stiff neck is a symptom of a deeper problem, just as a slipped disc in your spine or a pinched nerve. This type of injury may not go away on its own. If you have been experiencing stiffness for more than a few days, call the doctor to find out if you need medical attention. Your doctor might administer an anti-inflammatory injection. Cortisone injections can be given directly at the site of the stiffness and they will reduce inflammation of the neck, which may be contributing to stiffness. Check your anxiety level. A stiff neck can be caused by extreme tension in the body, often as a result of the buildup of anxiety. If you think your anxiety is contributing to a stiff neck, you might want to visit a doctor or counselor to talk about treating anxiety. Get medical attention if you notice severe symptoms. Having a stiff neck is one of the primary symptoms of meningitis, a serious bacterial illness that causes swelling around the brain. A stiff neck may also indicate that you are having a heart attack. Get immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms: A fever. Vomiting and nausea. Difficulty touching your chin to your chest. Chest pain or pain in the left arm. Dizziness. If you have trouble sitting up, standing, or walking, see a doctor immediately. Apply a topical analgesic. Immediate relief can also be provided by balms that contain menthol or another ingredient that soothe skin and muscles. Some popular types of balms include Icy Hot, Bengay and Aspercreme. Take ibuprofen or aspirin. NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin provide effective pain relief and are available over the counter. Be sure to take no more than the recommended dosage. Try a muscle relaxant. Muscle relaxants are useful in relaxing muscles and providing relief from a stiff or sore neck. They should only be used as short-term relievers, and they are best taken right before you plan to go to sleep. Use a muscle relaxant if other methods like stretching and heat or cold therapy are not working. Muscle relaxants may contain other medicines. Read the directions carefully to take the proper dosage. Choose a pillow that gives you support. If you wake up with a stiff neck every once in a while, your pillow may be at fault. Depending on how you sleep, choose a pillow that will minimize neck stiffness. Memory foam pillows are a good choice, as they give consistent support so that your neck can fully relax during sleep. Replace feather pillows after a year. Pillows filled with feathers can offer excellent support for the neck, but they do lose their fluffiness after about a year. If you have had your pillow for this long and you are experiencing a stiff neck, consider getting a new pillow. Try sleeping without a pillow. Many doctors recommend sleeping without a pillow for a few nights after you tweak your neck. This may help relieve symptoms and prevent stiffness caused by sleeping in the wrong position. Make sure your mattress is firm enough. Your mattress may not be providing enough support for your spine and neck. If it has been many years since you've bought a new mattress, it may be time for a new one. You could also try flipping your mattress, which should be done occasionally to make sure the mattress doesn't get misshapen. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's care instructions, as some types of mattresses (for example, pillow top mattresses) usually should not be flipped. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Sleeping on your stomach can be rough on the spine and neck, since your neck will be turned to one side all night. Try to fall asleep on your side or back. Even if you end up turning onto your stomach while you sleep, you will have spent less time on your stomach than if you started out sleeping that way. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Getting enough rest will allow your body to restore itself. Sleep disturbances, such as waking up in the middle of the night or having trouble falling asleep, can exacerbate neck pain, since your body isn't getting enough relaxed time to heal itself. Aim to get a full night's sleep every night. Massage your neck. Massage therapy is one of the best ways to relieve a stiff neck. If you're massaging your own neck, use this technique: Warm up the back of your neck by rubbing up and down with your hands. With gentle pressure, use your fingertips to rub in a circular motion on your neck. Focus on the areas that are most stiff, but rub your entire neck for relief. Repeat this motion up and down your neck for several minutes. Visit a massage therapist. A massage therapist will work with you to figure out where your body is holding tension. While your neck may be stiff, you may actually have tension in other parts of your back or shoulders that builds in your neck. Check with your health insurance to see if massage is covered by your health plan. Try acupuncture. Acupuncture is the Chinese treatment of pain and other ailments by penetrating various strategic points of the skin with tiny needles. Although some question acupuncture's effectiveness, many chronic neck-pain sufferers swear by this treatment. See an acupuncture therapist for a consultation and ask them specifically about treating neck stiffness or neck pain. Take magnesium supplements. Although it hasn't been scientifically proven to help with stiff or sore neck, magnesium has been thought of as an effective relaxation technique for many suffering from debilitating muscle soreness. Try taking magnesium supplements. The recommended daily allowance of magnesium supplement is anywhere from 310 milligrams to 420 milligrams, depending on age and gender. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage. Try Epsom salts in a warm water bath. Epsom salts, or magnesium sulphate, is a common addition to many hot water baths, although science shows that Epsom salts have no effect on improving sore muscles. Try Chinese skin scraping, or Gua Sha. A very popular practice in China and Vietnam, skin scraping uses a dull spoon to scrape the back in order to produce bruising. This action is supposed to promote blood flow to the area as well as remove toxins or other unhealthy elements from the area. Gua Sha is beginning to be tested by the wider scientific community, sometimes with positive results. Gua Sha is not without controversy. Because it produces light bruising, it often looks unappealing, and it may not feel soothing or produce results for some patients. Gua Sha treatment should be approached with caution; communicate to your practitioner when the scraping doesn't feel good or is rough on your skin. You don't want to leave the session with irritated skin and no comfort. Set up your workspace to be ergonomic. Many people suffer from a stiff neck because their work setup is not ergonomic. Position your chair so that you sit with your feet flat on the floor and your arms rest on your desk. If you have a computer monitor, make sure it is at eye level. Don't sit too long. If you sit at a desk all day or you spend a lot of time in the car, take a lot of short breaks. Moving around gives your muscles a chance to stretch out instead of remaining rigid for hours on end. Don't look down at your phone frequently. Craning your neck downwards constantly can slowly harm your neck. Instead, try holding your phone or tablet up in front of you at eye level. Don't wear a heavy book bag on only one shoulder. Carrying a lot of weight on one shoulder will disproportionately strain one side of your body over the other. Your neck and back will compensate for the weight and this can result in a stiff neck. Instead, choose a backpack or a small rolling suitcase. Use the proper workout technique. Lifting weights improperly is a common cause of stiff necks. You can strain your muscles or pinch a nerve if you don't use a safe technique. Work with an instructor to make sure you're using the right form. Don't try to lift more weight than you can handle. Lifting shouldn't be easy, but you also shouldn't feel like you're going to topple forward. Find the appropriate weight for your body type and strength level. Don't lift too many times per week. Your muscles need time to repair between workout sessions. You can overstrain yourself if you work out too often. | Use moist heat on your neck. Place a hot towel over your neck. Try an ice pack to soothe your neck. Nod your head forward and backward. Tilt your head from side to side. Turn your head from left to right. Reduce heavy physical activity. See a doctor if you have pain that won't go away. Check your anxiety level. Get medical attention if you notice severe symptoms. Apply a topical analgesic. Take ibuprofen or aspirin. Try a muscle relaxant. Choose a pillow that gives you support. Replace feather pillows after a year. Try sleeping without a pillow. Make sure your mattress is firm enough. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Massage your neck. Visit a massage therapist. Try acupuncture. Take magnesium supplements. Try Epsom salts in a warm water bath. Try Chinese skin scraping, or Gua Sha. Set up your workspace to be ergonomic. Don't sit too long. Don't look down at your phone frequently. Don't wear a heavy book bag on only one shoulder. Use the proper workout technique. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Rock-and-Roll | How to Rock and Roll | To get into rock and roll, the best thing you can do is listen to as much rock and roll music as you can, from the oldies to classic rock to modern day rock and roll. Try to experience the music the way it was meant to be heard by listening to it on vinyl or attending rock concerts. Once you're familiar with the music and history of rock and roll, you can adopt a rocker style by wearing secondhand clothes, like flannels, ripped jeans, and band t-shirts. | Listen to a wide variety of rock music. If you want to rock 'n roll, you owe it to yourself to listen to as much rock music as possible. Every other concern, from style to attitude, should take a big second place to listening to rock music. From the classics to the modern masters, any good rock 'n roller spends a serious amount of time researching new bands, checking out records, and banging your head to the beat. Lovers of any genre have a tendency to get territorial and petty. What is "real" rock music? For some people, there's nothing worth listening to after Jimi Hendrix died, while others think the genre was invented sometime in the 1990s. Leave petty arguments to the YouTube comment stream. Great rock music is being recorded today, great rock music was recorded sixty years ago. Listen to all of it and ignore the rest. Real rock 'n rollers just want to rock. Listen to everything, regardless of the genre, the style, or the sound. Only worry about one thing: whether or not it rocks. Try it out and see for yourself. Get hooked with classic rock. If you have any desire to be a rock and roller, classic rock is probably the cause. It's a hard-to-pin-down term, especially since classic rock radio stations play music that's barely fifteen years old, but it most regularly refers to rock and roll music recorded between the mid-1960s and the mid-1970s. Classic rock bands include: The Rolling Stones, The Who, Cream, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Skid Row and many others. The specific sound and style of the music varies significantly. Most classic rock is guitar-based, predominantly featuring guitar riffs and solos, as well as howling vocals and fast rhythms. Depending on who you ask, more recent bands as diverse as: Nirvana, Guns N' Roses, Bad Company, and Kansas may be considered "classic" rock. It's got less to do with a time-frame and more to do with an attitude. Check out rock and roll's loudest varieties. Rock's got a reputation for volume and intensity. Pete Townshend of The Who famously blew out his eardrums when he loaded drummer Keith Moon's kick drum with dynamite for an on-stage prank, setting new records for rock and roll volume. Fortunately, rockers have kept up the tradition. If classic rock just doesn't do it for you, check out the more extreme cousins of the classics. Punk rock blew up in the late-1970s as a direct response to the bloat and pretension of the classic rock bands filling arenas at that time. No extended 30-minute James to be found here, just three chords and the truth. Check out classic punk bands like: The Stooges, The Clash, The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, The Damned, and the Zero Boys. More modern versions of the classics include the Black Lips, True Sons of Thunder, and the Oblivians. Heavy Metal is the most extreme version of rock and roll. Originating with the dirge-like heaviness of Black Sabbath, heavy metal has spread and segmented into a nearly endless variety of sub-genres and styles, peaking and blowing up in the 1980s. Check out Judas Priest, Mötorhead, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax for an introduction. Trace the roots of rock 'n roll backward. Check out the grandfathers of the genre. Early rock or oldies refers to the birth of rock 'n roll, when country mixed with R&B and blues to create a new style of music. Check out early Sun Studios recordings by: Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins to hear the sound, as well as Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Ike Turner, and Gene Vincent to get a sense of the first practitioners. It's still super-cool. If you want to go deeper, find the great-great grandfathers of the music by exploring the heaviest and most potent distillation of American music: the blues. A folk music sung and perfected by African-American laborers and sharecroppers throughout the South, blues music can be heavier than Led Zeppelin and spookier than black metal. Check out Blind Willie Johnson, Charley Patton, Geechie Wiley, and Bessie Smith if you want to hear some of the best music ever put to wax. Make a pilgrimage to rock Mecca. Every rock fan owes it to themselves to visit the holy land. Memphis, TN, USA is the Mecca of rock n' roll. Memphis is a melting pot, where country music, blues, and R&B mixed together to form a unique new style. This is the land of Elvis Presley, of Carl Perkins, of Johnny Cash, Howlin' Wolf, and Little Milton. Walk down Beale Street, the Las Vegas of blues music. See Sun Studios, where some of the most iconic rock musicians recorded, from Roy Orbison to Bono. If you're not big on the roots of rock, find other rock pilgrimages to go on and get up close with the rock and roll homeland. Try visiting: Liverpool, the working-class English city in the North-West of England, where the Beatles were born, bred and formed their iconic line-up. Check out the Cavern Club, where they used to perform. Go see Penny Lane and Strawberry Field, which are real places. Joshua Tree State Park, the psychedelic desert region in Southern California where Gram Parsons was cremated and which provided the name for the iconic U2 record. Jim Morrison's grave in Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris. Other than the Lizard King, Père Lachaise in the French capital houses lots of notable historical figures, including Frédéric Chopin, Marcel Proust, Edith Piaf and Honore de Balzac. It's a spooky paean to the past. Go to see bands play live. Every rock and roller needs to have the experience of standing in the crowd and feeling the rush of seeing a great rock band come on stage. When the stage lights go dark and the crowd comes to life, there's just nothing like it on earth. Show up early and check out the opening acts to get tips on new records and new bands to check out, then stand in anticipation for the headliners. Scream your head off. You don't have to shell out mega-scratch to see a big band play live. Acts like Tom Petty and the Rolling Stones charge obscene ticket prices, but most towns have vibrant and great local scenes that can satisfy your rock fix. Seek out all-ages venues in your town to find out where you might see local bands that will help expand your taste and your opportunities to rock. Bring money with you in case you've decided on buying something before, during, or after concert. Listen to rock music on vinyl. The invention of the 12-inch 33 1/3 rpm vinyl record revolutionized the way we listen to music. Before vinyl, there was no concept of an "album," there were just songs. If you're going to be a true rock 'n roller, you owe it to yourself to hear the classics the way they were meant to be heard, on vinyl records, played through a turntable, preferably at neighbor-disturbing volumes. You've never heard Dark Side of the Moon until you've dropped the needle into the groove on side one. Be cool. Rock and roll is synonymous with coolness. If you want to rock, or you want to develop a reputation as a rock 'n roller, which means playing it cool. Whether you're at work, at school, on stage, or hanging out, you've got to learn to kick back and go with the flow. The world is your living room. Relax in it. Don't get excited about anything but rocking. Your partner's breaking up with you? Big deal. You've had a terrible day at work? Who cares? Rock and rollers can be chill in the face of dire situations. Be unflappable. Let nothing rattle you. Grow your hair out, or cut it all off. Check out the cover of the Beatles Rubber Soul. From the perspective of years, they look relatively clean-cut, though at the time, those moppy-headed Liverpudlians were downright dangerous-looking. Hairstyle is intimately linked to rocking and rolling. The length and the style of your hair can be a political act, growing it long in direct defiance of the square-establishment, or cutting it all of in the face of traditional gender norms. Your hair is one of the best ways to identify yourself as a rocker. For a guy, growing your hair long can still be a great way of rocking out. Head-banging with a full mop of rocker hair is one of the true pleasures of life. Alternatively, shaving it down, or cutting a mohawk is common among punk rockers. For a girl, a variety of styles and cuts fit in with the rock and roll look. Depending on what you're into, a big streak of electric blue in your hair could do the trick, or cutting it super-short, or leaving the bangs long to grow a hippie-cut, like Joni Mitchell. Wear rock gear. Rock and roll style is one of the easiest styles to pull off. Inexpensive, basic, and cool, rock clothes don't even have to be clean to look totally rad. Cultivating a rock and roll wardrobe is easy by following a few basic steps: Buy used clothes. Second-hand thrift stores are a great place to buy rock clothes. Old flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and funny t-shirts are a great way of pulling off a devil-may-care look. Be anti-mall. When in doubt, go with Chucks. Chuck Taylor All-Stars are the most iconic rock and roll shoe, following up closely perhaps by Beatle Boots and Doc Marten punk boots. Rep your favorite bands with their t-shirts. One of the best ways to identify yourself as a rocker is to wear the shirts of your favorite labels, rock bands, and artists. Seen a great band in concert? Get the t-shirt. Don't be afraid of accessories. For rock guys and girls, necklaces, bracelets, and bandanas are always appropriate. Go easy on the tie-dye and the hemp, though. There's a fine line between "rock and roller" and "hippie." Wear sunglasses. Check out old press photos of Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, and Elvis Presley. Sunglasses make the rocker. Indoors, outdoors, doesn't matter. Wear shades, preferably simple, medium-framed, and solid black. Turn up the cool-factor wherever you are by investing in a great pair of basic sunglasses. Find a guru. Rock in the footsteps of the rockers who've come before you by coming up with your rock and roll heroes, gurus, and saints. Every rocker will have their favorites, and you should be no different. Find a musician that speaks to you, that goes deep and makes a connection with you personally, and go deep into their back catalog. Read everything you can. Read some classic musician and rock lifestyle biographies to help you get a sense of the mythology and the stories associated with rock and roll. Keith Richards' Life and Johnny Cash's Cash are two of the best books about life and rock ever written. Check out documentaries about your favorite rock musicians. Featuring on-stage footage and intimate interviews, rockumentaries can be one of the best ways to get up close and personal with your favorite rockers. Bob Dylan's Don't Look Back , The Band's The Last Waltz , The Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter and Mötorhead's Lemmy (film) all show the ups and downs of rock stardom, showing their subjects at their best and worst. Avoid the rockstar cliches. Rock and roll has a reputation for excess, and it's important to draw a line somewhere in your excursions and explorations. Substance abuse, promiscuity, and violence has absolutely nothing to do with rock 'n roll. You don't need to be self destructive to rock. Try to avoid the rockstar cliches and stop destructive behaviors before they turn into a serious problem. Pick up an instrument. If you want to get rocking in a more formal setting, picking up an instrument can be a big step, signaling your evolution from rock fan to full-on rockstar in training. If you want to start a band, consider picking up up one of the following traditional rock instruments: Guitar. To complete your transition from young Padawan to Jedi Knight, pick up the rock axe of stardom. Nothing is more wrapped-up in the style and soul of rock and roll than the electric guitar. Only one question remains: Stratocaster or Les Paul? Bass. A few notable exceptions aside, a band without a bass guitar is like a meal without a plate. It just helps everything stay together. Providing a bottom end and a rhythmic foundation for the tunes, picking up bass will have you in high-demand as a player. Drums. The drummer is the wild one behind the kit, slapping the skins and keeping everyone in time. Though it's one of the most satisfying instruments to play, drummers must have a natural sense of rhythm and internal time to be good. Are you up to the challenge? Find a group of people to play with. Clean out the garage, set up your amps, and warn the neighbors: it's time to start a band. Start spreading the word that you're looking for some rock and roll mercenaries for your newly minted pirate ship. Suit up in your jean jackets and your ratty sneakers and start changing the world three chords at a time. Put up a flyer with your contact info at the local guitar shop or music store if you're struggling to find willing players. Hit up open-mics at coffee shops or bars in your area and show off your skills to attract some attention and get people who'll want to play with you. Classic indie rock band the Pixies was formed when Black Francis put a notice in the local paper that he wanted a bass player who liked both Peter, Paul, and Mary as well as Husker Du. If you can, make a demo of yourself playing and share it online to help find others to play with. Put the word out and keep your ear to the underground. Start jamming. When you first get started rocking, keep your expectations low and make your biggest priority getting on the same page. Tune up together, Try to play in time, and listen to what everyone else is doing. Start playing by jamming on a single chord or a single chord progression before you start trying to get fancy. Communicate together and try not to worry too much about whether or not it sounds great. Most bands don't start out by writing their Bohemian Rhapsody. It's ok if you don't have your opuses in place when you first get started. Learn some cover songs first to help yourselves get used to playing together before you challenge yourselves to start actually writing music. Have fun with it at first. Keep the volume at a reasonable level. Try not to get kicked out of your practice space before you even get a song together. Turn down so everyone can follow at a reasonable volume. If you think you hear trumpets going off above your guitar feedback, you're probably doing some hearing damage. Turn it done. Use your musical flaws as advantages. When asked why he and his band played with such a chugging drive at such a slow tempo, one of the things that made his music completely fresh, unique, and listenable, Johnny Cash replied, "We'd play faster if we could." The toughest thing about forming a band? Finding a "unique" sound. Everyone wants it, but few bands actually achieve it. If you want your band to stand out from the crowd, learn to embrace your idiosyncrasies, faults, and quirks in your playing and your style as a band and make that the basis of your sound. Use your weaknesses as strengths. Miles Davis could never master the technique of playing with vibrato, so he just quit trying altogether, and became iconic in part because of his long, clear, clean tones. If something gives you fits, embrace the other aspects of your playing. If you notice yourself relying on hammer-ons constantly during your guitar playing, make it your thing. One of the oldest adages in rock is that if you can't play well, you should at least play fast, and that if you can't play fast, you should play loud. It holds up. Write what you know. If you stumble across a unique little pattern, or a catchy little hook in one of your jam sessions, it might be time to start writing a song. Where do you start? You don't have to be William Shakespeare to write a rock song, and it's usually better to keep your expectations low and local when it comes to lyrics. Focus on your own life and write about what you know than trying to write abstract nonsense about "society" or politics. Keep it simple. Study poetry and invest in a good rhyming dictionary to help your lyric skills. Try to write as a group, switching lines to help keep it democratic if you want. Some writers find it helpful to make up the melody first by singing nonsense syllables over the song and putting words to it later. Alternatively, go wild. Do a William Burroughs-style cut up, throwing little fragments of cut-up newspapers into a hat and pulling things out at random. The Rolling Stones used to write songs this way. Or do the Led Zeppelin thing and climb into the misty mountains of Mordor to find your inspiration in fantasy, D&D, and other nerdery. Rock songs don't have to make sense or be "cool," they just have to rock. | Listen to a wide variety of rock music. Get hooked with classic rock. Check out rock and roll's loudest varieties. Trace the roots of rock 'n roll backward. Make a pilgrimage to rock Mecca. Go to see bands play live. Listen to rock music on vinyl. Be cool. Grow your hair out, or cut it all off. Wear rock gear. Wear sunglasses. Find a guru. Avoid the rockstar cliches. Pick up an instrument. Find a group of people to play with. Start jamming. Use your musical flaws as advantages. Write what you know. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Rubber-Band-Guitar | How to Make a Rubber Band Guitar | To make a rubber band guitar, you'll need a tissue box, 4 rubber bands, scissors, a paper towel tube, tape, glue, popsicle sticks or straws, and paint or stickers for decorating. The paper towel roll will become the neck of the guitar, which you can tape or hot glue to the tissue box. Once you have the frame of the guitar finished, you can build the bridge by gluing popsicle sticks around the hole in the tissue box. Then, you'll wrap the rubber bands around the box lengthwise for strings. When your guitar is complete, decorate it with pens, markers, stickers, or paint. | Gather your supplies. This guitar is more complex to make, but the results are well worth it. Here's a list of what you will need: Shoe box Box cutter and scissors Cardboard 4 – 6 rubber bands School glue Cardboard tube, paper towel tube, or pvc pipe Tape or hot glue Paint, paper, stickers, etc (to decorate) Cut a large hole in the center of a shoe box lid. Use a cup or mug to trace a circle into a shoe box lid. Then, use a box cutter to cut the circle out. This will be your sound hole. If you are a child, ask an adult to help you with this step. If you can't find a shoe box, you can buy one from the scrapbooking section of an arts and crafts shop. They are mainly used for storing photographs, but they are right size and come in many different colors and patterns. Punch four to six holes in a straight line 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) above and make sure to use a pencil below the sound hole. These will be your string holes. Make sure to align the top and bottom holes so that each string will run straight across the sound hole. The row of holes should not extend past the widest point of the sound hole. Paint or decorate the shoe box. You can paint the box part using acrylic or tempera paints. You can also cover the lid and box parts (separately) with paper. Here are some more ways in which you can decorate your guitar: Draw designs on the guitar using markers, crayons, or glitter glue. Stick some stickers or foam shapes onto your guitar to make it look more colorful. Decorate the rim of the sound hole. Paint the inside of your box. This way, the color will show through the sound hole, and make your guitar look more interesting. Cut four, 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) wide strips of cardboard. Measure the distance from the far left string hole to the far right string hole, then cut the cardboard accordingly. Each strip of cardboard needs to be the same length. If you've painted the body of the guitar, you may want to paint the strips of cardboard as well. For a more striking effect, paint them using a contrasting color. Glue two of the cardboard strips above and below the sound hole to make the bridge. The strips should be right between the string holes and the top to bottom edge of the sound hole. The strips will help lift the strings off the body of the guitar and give you a better sound. Poke four to six holes through the remaining two cardboard strips. The distance between the holes needs to be the same as the string holes you made on your box lid. Cut four to six rubber bands open. You will be stringing these rubber bands through the string holes. Consider using both thick and thin rubber bands. Each will give you a different sound. Thread the rubber bands through one of the cardboard strips and secure them with a knot. Begin by tying a knot at the end of each rubber band. Thread the loose end through the holes in one of the cardboard strips. You will need one rubber band for each hole. The knot at the bottom of the rubber band will keep it from falling out. Don't make the knots too close to the ends of the bands or the ends might slip through and untie the knots. Place the cardboard strip under the lid and feed the rubber bands up through the string holes. The cardboard strip will hold the rubber bands securely in place. If you want, you can tape the edges of the cardboard strip to the underside of the lid. Stretch each string across the sound hole and into the corresponding string hole on the other side of the sound hole. You can use a binder clip to temporarily hold the rubber band strings in place once you have fed them through the string holes. Place the other cardboard strip under the lid and thread the rubber bands through the holes. Secure each rubber band by tying the end into a knot. If you want, make each string a little looser/tighter than the previous one. This will allow you to achieve different notes, sort of like in a real guitar. You can also tape the cardboard strip to the underside of the lid Consider gluing a ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) wide cardboard strip across the top and bottom string holes. This will help cover the holes and make your guitar look neater. Each piece of cardboard needs to be long enough to cover all of the string holes on each side. Draw a line of glue across the top and bottom holes, then press the cardboard strip down onto it. Consider painting the cardboard strip a contrasting color so that it stands out from the rest of your guitar. Find a tube that is longer than your shoe box to make the neck. You can use a cardboard mailing tube, a paper towel tube, or even a plastic or pvc tube. Decorate the tube. You can paint it, cover it with paper, or even wrap tape around it to make it more colorful. You can also glue paper "keys" to the top of the tube to make the knobs. You can even draw 4 to 6 lines down the front of the tube to make the strings. Note that if the neck is a different material than the body, the painted result might not match (even if you use the same paint). Cut a hole in the top of the shoe box to slide the neck tube through. Use the base of your tube to trace a circle onto the top of your guitar. Then, use a box cutter to cut the circle out. If you are a child, ask an adult to help you with this step. Attach the neck to the body of the guitar. Slide the tube about 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) down into the hole. If your tube is made out of a heavier material, slide it down further. Secure the seam between the tube and the box with hot glue or tape. Make sure that you are putting the tape and glue on the inside of your box, so that you don't see it once you put your guitar together. Place the lid on your shoe box. Draw a line of glue around the inside edges of your box lid. Place the lid down onto the box and wait for the glue to dry. Play your guitar. If you want, you can cut a triangle shape out of some colored cardboard and use it as a guitar pick. Gather your supplies. This guitar is easy to make, and great for young children. It is your classic tissue box guitar. Here's a list of what you will need: Tissue box 4 rubber bands Scissors Paper towel tube Tape Glue Popsicle sticks, straws, or unsharpened pencil Paint, paper, stickers, etc (for decorating) Find an empty tissue box and pull out the clear plastic piece inside the hole. It should come away easily. If it doesn't, cut it out using a pair of scissors. Tape the paper towel roll down to one of the skinny ends of the box. You can also attach the roll using hot glue. The tube should be aligned with the vertical hole in the box. Decorate the guitar. You can cover the guitar with paper. You can also paint it using tempera or acrylic paints. Here are some more decorating ideas: Draw little designs on the guitar using markers, crayons, or glitter glue. Stick down some stickers or foam shapes onto the guitar to make it more colorful. Glue down some large beads near the top of the tub to make the knobs. You will need two to three beads on each side. Glue down a popsicle stick above and another below the hole to make the bridge. Draw a horizontal line of glue above and below the tissue hole. Press a popsicle stick down onto each line of glue. Let the glue dry. The popsicle sticks will lift the rubber bands up a little and make the guitar sound better. Consider painting or decorating the sticks once the glue dries. You can also use crayons, pencils, or even straws to make the bridge. Allow the paint and glue to dry before moving on. If you move ahead to the next steps too soon, your guitar will far apart. Wrap four large rubber bands around the box lengthwise. You want to end up with two rubber bands on the left side of the tube, and two rubber bands on the right side of the tube. Position the rubber bands so that they are right over the tissue hole. Try to use thick and thin rubber bands. Each one will give you a different sound. Play with your guitar. Experiment with making different sounds. You can even cut a triangle out of a piece of colored cardboard to make the guitar pick. Gather your supplies. This guitar is simple and easy to make. It is ideal for young children. It can also double up as a banjo. Here's a list of what you will need: Two paper plates Glue Wooden ruler or paint stir stick 4 rubber bands Paint, stickers, glitter, etc (to decorate) Glue two paper plates together to make a thick, sturdy plate. Draw a line of glue around the upper rim of a paper plate. Place the second plate right on top of it. The plates should be stacked, so that you end up with one thick plate. Make sure that your paper plates are sturdy and have a ridge or rim. Glue a wooden ruler or paint stir stick to the back of the plate to make the neck. Cover the bottom third of the stick with glue. Press it against the back of the plate. The rest of the stick should be sticking out from behind the guitar; you don't want the neck to be too short or it will look silly. Try to center the stick as much as possible. Decorate the guitar. You can paint the guitar using acrylic paint. You can also draw designs on it using markers or glitter glue. You can even make it look more colorful by covering it with stickers. Consider clipping two wooden clothespins to the top of the stick. Space them about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) apart. If you don't want the clothespins to fall off and get lost, place glue on the stick before clipping them on. Let the guitar dry. If you move ahead to the next step too soon, your guitar will fall apart. How long it dries depends on how much paint and glue you used. Wrap four rubber bands around the plate. Place two rubber bands two the left side of the stick, and two rubber bands to the right side of the stick. Try using both thick and thin rubber bands to create different sounds. Play with your guitar. Experiment with producing different sounds. Don't pull on the strings too tightly, however, or they may break. | Gather your supplies. Cut a large hole in the center of a shoe box lid. Punch four to six holes in a straight line 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) above and make sure to use a pencil below the sound hole. Paint or decorate the shoe box. Cut four, 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) wide strips of cardboard. Glue two of the cardboard strips above and below the sound hole to make the bridge. Poke four to six holes through the remaining two cardboard strips. Cut four to six rubber bands open. Thread the rubber bands through one of the cardboard strips and secure them with a knot. Place the cardboard strip under the lid and feed the rubber bands up through the string holes. Stretch each string across the sound hole and into the corresponding string hole on the other side of the sound hole. Place the other cardboard strip under the lid and thread the rubber bands through the holes. Consider gluing a ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) wide cardboard strip across the top and bottom string holes. Find a tube that is longer than your shoe box to make the neck. Decorate the tube. Cut a hole in the top of the shoe box to slide the neck tube through. Attach the neck to the body of the guitar. Place the lid on your shoe box. Play your guitar. Gather your supplies. Find an empty tissue box and pull out the clear plastic piece inside the hole. Tape the paper towel roll down to one of the skinny ends of the box. Decorate the guitar. Glue down a popsicle stick above and another below the hole to make the bridge. Allow the paint and glue to dry before moving on. Wrap four large rubber bands around the box lengthwise. Play with your guitar. Gather your supplies. Glue two paper plates together to make a thick, sturdy plate. Glue a wooden ruler or paint stir stick to the back of the plate to make the neck. Decorate the guitar. Let the guitar dry. Wrap four rubber bands around the plate. Play with your guitar. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-for-Scholarships | How to Apply for Scholarships | To apply for scholarships, start by talking to your guidance counselor or looking online to find opportunities that are a good match for your skills. Next, review the scholarship's requirements and make notes about what has to submitted and when. Then, complete the application form, and write any required essays. You may also need to provide your transcript if the scholarship organization wants to see your grades. If you need letters of recommendation, try approaching your teachers and other adults who interact with you regularly. | Search online for scholarships based on your background. Scholarships are often offered to specific groups of people, and your background can open up scholarship opportunities. Search for specific categories using keywords that describe your background, family situation, or ethnic group (for example, “low-income,” “student-athlete” “Asian-American,” or “military”). If looking for scholarships in the US, you can start by searching the U.S. Department of Labor's scholarship search. If you come from a military family, look on the Federal Student Aid website for information on scholarships and grants available to you: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/military If you are currently or were formerly in the foster care system, you may be eligible to apply for government vouchers at: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/foster-youth-vouchers.pdf Search for scholarships based on academic merit. Academic merit is determined by your grade point average, but it may also be affected by SAT or ACT scores. If you've been doing well in your academics, colleges might just pay for you to come study there. If you know what colleges you plan to apply to or are already enrolled in college, look for merit scholarships offered by these specific schools. You can find this info on their website or through the financial aid office. Institutional academic scholarships are often divided into multiple levels, giving out different amounts for higher and lower GPAs. The GPA requirements for private academic scholarships vary depending on the organization. Search online for service-based scholarships. Some colleges and private organizations offer service-based scholarships, which you can qualify for as an active, service-oriented community member. If you have been particularly engaged in serving one specific cause, see if there are scholarships which specifically offer money to students who have served that cause. For example, AXA Achievement Scholarships are $10,000 awards given to students who lead projects that benefit others. Talk to your school’s guidance or college counselor about local scholarships. Many high schools assemble a list of local scholarship opportunities for their graduating seniors to apply for. Ask your counselor about community organizations, churches, and businesses who offer college scholarships. Sit down and talk to your counselor about your interests and activities in high school. They might have specific tips based on your background. Review the requirements and deadlines of each scholarship carefully. If you're applying to multiple scholarships, you can easily get confused about which are due at what times. Set calendar notifications for 10 and then 5 days before each deadline to stay on track. Most scholarships are competitive and will not make exceptions for late applications. Applying to many scholarships is a good idea, as it will increase your chances of getting one. Gather the preliminary materials. For many scholarships you will need to provide high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and your parents' financial information, for starters. Ask your school counselor for help accessing your high school transcripts. Schedule a time with your parents to sit down and look over financial information forms. Create a resume if the scholarship application requires one. Some scholarship applications will ask for a resume, in which case you will need to craft a resume which details your extracurriculars, leadership, work experience, and outside activities. Resumes should show what you care about, your work ethic, and the ways you've spent your time in high school. If you don't have a lot of outside activities because you had to work to support yourself, don't worry, just include all of your work experience on the resume. Scholarships will want to see evidence of your work ethic and this is a great example of that. Determine the mission of the organization awarding the scholarship. Do some research on the organization offering the scholarship and write down what they care about in one sentence. This will help you to better understand your audience and consider ways to tailor your application to their mission. For example, let's say the organization wants to invest in leaders who will promote sustainability. In your essay, you should focus on ways you have promoted sustainability in your community or personal life, and include stories that demonstrate your capacities as a leader (in big or small settings). Keeping your audience in mind doesn't mean you should lie about your interests to match what you think they want to hear. Just be aware of what they care about, and focus on aspects of your character that match this. Write in your own voice and use specific anecdotes. The last thing a scholarship committee wants to read is an essay lacking real personal information or flavor. Write in a voice that is true to who you are. Tell stories to illustrate your points. Reflect on yourself, your life, and who you want to be in the future. Avoid vague phrases like “I'm a hard-worker” and instead tell a detailed story that shows the reader you have a strong work ethic. Many scholarships want to invest in the impact you want to make on the world; think about stories which communicate your desire to make an impact. Avoid speaking in generalizations about the world. If you are specifically asked to reflect on a problem that is facing society, aim for specificity. Use anecdotes from the news or your local community and then reflect on how that connects to a broader issue. Follow prescribed word limits and proofread for grammatical errors. Don't be disqualified for silly reasons like word limits and spell check. These scholarships have many applicants and will first check if candidates followed simple guidelines and formatting standards. Try reading your essay aloud to catch errors that your eye might glaze over while reading. Ask a friend, parent, or mentor to edit the essay. As long as the scholarship doesn't prohibit outside people reading your essays, it is usually ok to get another pair of eyes on your essay. A friend or parent can help you catch errors and give you suggestions for parts that sound awkward or need rephrasing. Ultimately, you have to trust your gut and cannot let your parents write your essay. The application is about you, but taking thoughtful critiques will improve your eye for the piece. Choose a teacher, coach, or employer who knows you well. Think about adults you respect and interact with regularly, considering who might be passionate about writing your letter of recommendation. Academic references should come from teachers and school administrators, while character references can come from employers, pastors, or unrelated adults who you interact with regularly. It is especially good to find someone who has seen you in multiple contexts (someone who is your teacher and the coach of your debate team, for example). Avoid relatives and friends. Sponsors naturally assume that these sources are biased toward you and may not take them seriously as a result. Ask your recommender if they will write you a letter of recommendation. It is ideal if you can schedule a time to meet with your chosen recommender in person. Explain the scholarship you're applying for, why you think they would be good to write the letter, and when the deadline for the letter is. If they agree to write the letter, tell them you will send them the materials they need for the letter in a follow up email. Be respectful and thank them, and don't be offended if they say no. Provide them with the materials to help them write the letter. Give your chosen recommender a folder (or send them an email) with the scholarship and deadline information, your resume, and any exemplary work you have completed in their class. Communicate if there are aspects of your resume you wish for them to focus on based on the mission of the scholarship. In your materials, remind them of work you're proud of or specific challenges you've overcome. Give them a sense of your future plans and why this scholarship is meaningful to you. Follow up about deadlines with your recommender. Send an email a few days before the letter is due to respectfully remind them about the deadline and see if they have sent the letter in. If they still haven't gotten back to you in a few days, try dropping by their office and asking them about it. Avoid sending multiple emails if you can, as it might bother them. Write your recommender a hand-written thank you note. Handwritten notes go a long way for showing gratitude and make recommenders more willing to help you out again in the future. If you do get a scholarship they recommended you for, make sure to share the good news! Double-check the required materials and proofread the entire application. Go through the list of things you need for the application and check them off one by one. Once that is finished, read back over your essays and forms carefully, out loud if possible. Typos or grammatical errors can make an application look careless, and you don't want to ruin all of your hard work by not proofreading. If you're reusing a cover letter or any other material from another application, double-check that you put the name of the right organization. Send in your application as soon as it’s ready. Some scholarships will want you to print and mail your materials all together, while others are fine with you sending materials in by email. If submitting your application through an online form, reread it after copying and pasting it to make sure the formatting didn't change. Sign and date your application once it is finished. At this point, you can also send your recommenders an email letting them know you have turned in the application and will keep them updated. Apply to many scholarships to have the best chance at winning one. Some scholarships offer a lot of money and are more competitive, while others are smaller dollar amounts but give you a higher chance of winning them. Prioritize your applications based on how good of a fit you are for the scholarship, the amount of money they are offering, and whether the deadline is feasible. Apply to many. The more scholarships you win, the less student loans you will have to take out, and the more affordable your college education will be. However, if you don't win any scholarships, don't fret. There are other ways to finance your education , typically through grants and loans. | Search online for scholarships based on your background. Search for scholarships based on academic merit. Search online for service-based scholarships. Talk to your school’s guidance or college counselor about local scholarships. Review the requirements and deadlines of each scholarship carefully. Gather the preliminary materials. Create a resume if the scholarship application requires one. Determine the mission of the organization awarding the scholarship. Write in your own voice and use specific anecdotes. Follow prescribed word limits and proofread for grammatical errors. Ask a friend, parent, or mentor to edit the essay. Choose a teacher, coach, or employer who knows you well. Ask your recommender if they will write you a letter of recommendation. Provide them with the materials to help them write the letter. Follow up about deadlines with your recommender. Write your recommender a hand-written thank you note. Double-check the required materials and proofread the entire application. Send in your application as soon as it’s ready. Apply to many scholarships to have the best chance at winning one. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-3D-Pictures | How to Make 3D Pictures | To make a 3D picture, start by finding a picture that has multiple layers. For example, a photo of your dog in front of a tree would have 2 layers. Your dog would be one layer, and the tree would be the other. Next, make a copy of your photo in the same size and medium so you have 1 copy for each layer. Then, cut out each layer in the photos, leaving one of the photos untouched. Finally, attach adhesive foam pieces to the back of each layer and stack them on the untouched photo so the layers are popping out in 3D. | Choose a photo with a simple layered background. Select a photo that shows dimension easily, such as a person standing in front of a building or monument, or a dog running on a beach with the sunset in the background. It's also a good idea to choose a photo with shapes that will be easy to cut out and aren't too detailed. In the examples mentioned, the photo of the person might have 2 layers, the person standing and the building. In the second example, the dog is the first layer, the beach is the second layer, and the sunset is the background. Shapes that are easy to cut out include people and buildings with clean lines or simple flowers. Difficult objects might be the Eiffel Tower, a leafy tree, or an intricate chandelier. Make copies of the picture in the same size and medium. Once you've chosen the picture to use, print out duplicates yourself or have copies made in the exact same size and color, as well as using the same paper. Decide how many layers your picture will have beforehand to make the right number of copies. For example, if you chose a picture of a person posing in front of the Statue of Liberty, your layers might be the person posing, the statue, and the background, meaning 3 copies are needed. Make extra copies just in case you make a mistake. Create as many layers as desired, though 2-4 is ideal. Use scissors or a craft knife to cut out the first layer. Place a copy of the photo on a cutting board. Cut out the foreground layer, or the part of the picture that's closest to the viewer. Scissors work well for softer edges, while a sharp craft knife works better for more intricate details. This is the layer that pops out the most. Cut out each layer of the rest of the pictures, leaving one untouched. Get a fresh copy of the picture and cut out the next layer that will pop out. Continue cutting out the rest of the layers, leaving the last photo whole, as this will be the background and doesn't need to be cut. Use the cutting board for each layer to avoid damaging any surfaces while using the craft knife. Place adhesive foam pieces on the back of the first layer. Cut the adhesive to fit the layer, if needed, and space pieces of the adhesive out so that no edges of the layer will come up once adhered. Leave the protective backing on the adhesive once it's attached to the layer for now. Use 2-5 small pieces of foam adhesive on each layer. Use smaller foam squares for the smaller sections and larger ones for the larger sections of the photo. Look for a double sided adhesive foam tape at a craft store or big box store. Attach the first layer to the second layer using the adhesive. Remove the adhesive from one of the foam pieces on the back of the photo, choosing one that's near an edge. Line up the first layer so that it's directly on top of the second layer and the images overlap perfectly. Once the first foam piece is attached in the right place, remove the rest of the protective backings from the foam adhesive to stick the layer securely. Remove just one of the protective foam backings at a time to ensure the images are straight first. For example, if the first layer is a cutout of a flower vase and the second layer is the photo with the flower vase and a kitchen table, line up the flower vases so that they're directly on top of one another. Continue adhering the layers to one another using the foam pieces. Once the first layer is successfully attached to the second layer, continue attaching each layer in order using the double sided foam adhesive. Line up the images and edges of the photo to create a whole picture that pops out in 3D. When you're finished, the first cut-out layer should stick out the most, and the background should be an uncut copy of the photo with each additional layer on top of it. Display your photo in a frame or scrapbook. To show off your photo in a frame, remove the glass from the frame and place the new 3D picture inside. 3D pictures with just 2 or 3 layers go inside a scrapbook or card easily as well. If the finished picture doesn't fit in the frame, trim the edges of the 3D photo using scissors or a craft knife and a ruler until it fits well. Take a photo of a stationary object looking through a viewfinder. Stationary objects are easier to work with since it's necessary to take a second picture that looks the exact same, though it's possible to take a picture of a person if they hold the same pose for both pictures. Use your left eye to look through the camera's viewfinder before taking the picture. A building, food item, or plant are all good examples of a stationary object to use. Use the center focus of the viewfinder to aim while taking the picture. If your camera doesn't have a viewfinder, like if you're using a cellphone, this is okay. Snap another picture of the object using your other eye in the viewfinder. Instead of using your left eye to look through the viewfinder, now use your right eye to take the photo of your object. It's important to keep your head stable, only moving the camera from your left eye to your right. If you're taking the picture with a camera that doesn't have a viewfinder, shift the camera over 3 in (7.6 cm), keeping the same focal point, distance, and angle. The picture you took first will be called the left photo and the second picture you took will be the right one. Upload both pictures to your computer and open them in Photoshop. Plug in your camera to a laptop and download both of the photos. Open up Photoshop and pull up both photos. To do this, click “File” and then “Open” before selecting each of the pictures. Use another photo editing software as long as it lets you adjust the red, blue, and green color channels, if desired. Copy the right picture over the left picture. Select the right picture and then select the layer. Drag the layer on top of the left picture and then release it. After you do this, one photo that has 2 layers will be left: the right picture is “Layer 1” while the left picture is “Background.” To select the layer, click on the “Layers” tab under the right side bar. Alter the red channel so that the blending option is disabled. Do this by double clicking on “Layer 1” and looking under “Blending Options.” Click on “Advanced Blending” and then “Channels” before finding the “R” standing for “red.” Uncheck the “R” and then press “OK.” Once you do this, the colors in your photo should change to look like the 3D images. Align the pictures so that their focal points match up. Click on the first layer and move it around until the focal point, or the object that you chose to photograph, is lined up. To move the layer around, use the move tool that's in the upper left corner. Use your 3D glasses to look at the photo and see if the focal points line up well. Crop the photo and save it on your computer. When you're cropping the picture, look for spots that haven't been altered and look like the original picture. Crop these spots out, as they aren't part of the layered section. Crop the photo by selecting the crop tool in the left toolbar and dragging the handles around the section you want to keep before pressing “Enter.” Save the photo as a jpeg for the easiest conversion. Put on your 3D glasses and view the photo. If you haven't made your 3D glasses yet, find a pair of clear, plain glasses and color one lens red and the other lens blue. Put on the glasses and enjoy your new 3D photo! It doesn't matter which lens is blue and which is red. | Choose a photo with a simple layered background. Make copies of the picture in the same size and medium. Use scissors or a craft knife to cut out the first layer. Cut out each layer of the rest of the pictures, leaving one untouched. Place adhesive foam pieces on the back of the first layer. Attach the first layer to the second layer using the adhesive. Continue adhering the layers to one another using the foam pieces. Display your photo in a frame or scrapbook. Take a photo of a stationary object looking through a viewfinder. Snap another picture of the object using your other eye in the viewfinder. Upload both pictures to your computer and open them in Photoshop. Copy the right picture over the left picture. Alter the red channel so that the blending option is disabled. Align the pictures so that their focal points match up. Crop the photo and save it on your computer. Put on your 3D glasses and view the photo. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Fleas-in-an-Outside-Dog-Kennel | How to Get Rid of Fleas in an Outside Dog Kennel | To get rid of fleas in your dog's outdoor kennel, get a non-toxic flea spray and evenly spray the entire surface of your dog's kennel with it. If you're not sure which flea sprays are safe for your dog, ask your vet what they recommend. After you've sprayed your dog's kennel, let the kennel dry thoroughly overnight. The day after you use the flea spray, soak the whole kennel using your garden hose to flood out any flea eggs and larvae. You should repeat this process every month for 3 months to ensure the treatment is effective. Remember to keep your dog out of its kennel until after the second treatment so you can be reasonably sure the area is free of fleas. | Talk to your veterinarian about safe anti-flea products. With all the flea sprays on the market, it's a good idea to ask your vet for a recommendation that will be safe for you, your dog, and any other pets you may have. Purchase a yard and kennel flea spray. After consulting your vet, purchase a yard and kennel spray to kill fleas on contact. Look for an all-natural, non-toxic spray to kill fleas without exposing your pet to harmful chemicals. To purchase, look in pet stores, department stores, hardware stores, or online. Spray the kennel with flea spray. Connect your garden hose to the treatment sprayer and turn the hose on. Turn the product nozzle to the “on” position. Spray the entire surface of the kennel evenly and leave it to dry thoroughly, overnight. Keep your dog out of the kennel until you are reasonably certain that it is flea-free (i.e. after a second treatment has been applied). As a precaution, use a protective mask and gloves while spraying the treatment. Treat the rest of the yard. To be safe, use the yard and kennel flea spray to treat the rest of the yard as well as the kennel. Remove chairs, toys, or any other items set up in the yard. Rake away leaves, twigs, and other debris, and mow the lawn. Spray the treatment evenly over the grass. Flood the kennel. A day after the product has been applied, use a garden hose to flood your dog's kennel to remove eggs that fleas have already laid – eggs and larvae will not survive being flooded with water. Make sure to soak every corner of the kennel, as well as the ground around the kennel. If necessary, use a fan to ensure that the kennel dries thoroughly. Repeat the treatment. To ensure that the treatment is effective, use it again every month for a period of three months. Spray the kennel and surrounding grass with the yard and kennel flea spray. Focus on shady, cool, and damp areas of the yard where fleas would thrive. Once the treatment is repeated a second time and the kennel is dry, let your dog back into it. If your dog has fleas itself, wait until its treatment is completed. Use beneficial nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic worms found in dirt that seek out insects (like fleas), infiltrate them and release a toxin into them which kills them. Nematodes can be applied to your yard by means of a spray and do not harm humans, animals, or plants. The treatment will work quickly and last several months. Purchase beneficial nematodes from a local garden center or online. Spread out cedar chips. Fleas hate the smell of cedar chips and tend to steer clear of them. To keep these parasites at bay, spread cedar chips around the perimeter your dog's kennel, as well as in damp corners of the yard where fleas would thrive. For added protection, sprinkle them around the fence in your yard and near outdoor furniture. Mow over cedar chips to turn them into a fine powder that will ward off fleas.Cedar is non-toxic for dogs and only a danger as a choking hazard (i.e. if big pieces are swallowed by a dog). Maintain a clean yard. Fleas thrive in shrubs, trees, and leaves (as opposed to open grass). Keep your yard clean by mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and trimming shrubs and tree branches regularly. Toys (belonging to pets or kids) should be stored away when they are no longer being played with, not left lying in the yard. In particular, be sure that the area surrounding your outdoor kennel is as clear as possible of fallen leaves and foliage. Keep your lawn dry. Fleas like moisture, so keep them at bay by making sure your lawn stays dry. Avoid over-watering your lawn - as a general rule, grass needs 3/4" - 1" of water each week to stay green and healthy. Use a rain gauge to measure how much water your grass is getting. The water that your grass gets counts whether it's from a sprinkler or from a rain fall, so adjust your watering in accordance with the weather. Check your pets for fleas. To prevent fleas from returning to your dog's kennel, make sure that your dog and all your other pets are free from infestation. Watch your pets for signs of scratching, and check for tiny dark specks in their fur. Keep an eye out for dark brown-black insects, which can sometimes be seen moving on your pets' skin. If you have difficulty determining whether or not your pets have fleas, try running a fine comb through their fur, close to the skin, and tap the comb onto a wet, white paper towel. If your pets have fleas, you'll see flea dirt, which looks like reddish-brown specks. Visit the vet. If you believe that one or more of your pets has fleas, bring them to the veterinarian for advice on the best way to treat the fleas. Let the vet examine your pet to determine the extent of the infestation. Ask about topical treatments and medications, if necessary. You should to treat your yard, kennel, and infested pets simultaneously. Make sure your home is flea-free. To fully eradicate your flea problem you must eliminate these pests in all areas of your home; your dog can easily transport fleas from indoors to its outdoor kennel, and vice versa. Take all measures necessary to rid your home of fleas and keep it flea-free. This undertaking will include: Washing all bedding, towels, and clothing Vacuuming carpets and upholstery thoroughly Mopping floors Using a dehumidifier to prevent dampness and moisture | Talk to your veterinarian about safe anti-flea products. Purchase a yard and kennel flea spray. Spray the kennel with flea spray. Treat the rest of the yard. Flood the kennel. Repeat the treatment. Use beneficial nematodes. Spread out cedar chips. Maintain a clean yard. Keep your lawn dry. Check your pets for fleas. Visit the vet. Make sure your home is flea-free. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Caring | How to Be Caring | To be caring, do small favors for your friends and family members every once in a while, like picking up a coffee for them or helping them move. You can also be more caring by helping out the less fortunate, whether it's through volunteering or donating to a charity you care about. Also, make an effort to regularly check in with the people in your life to show you care, even if it's just once a week or once a month. | Be sensitive to the feelings of others. If you want to have a more caring perspective, then you have to spend more time thinking about how other people are feeling. Be on the lookout to see how the people around you are reacting to a given situation, or just how they're feeling when they walk in the door. People who are caring are attuned to the moods of others and can tell when someone is feeling down or upset, and take measures to do something about it. The next time you are around other people, whether you're in class or hanging out with friends, pay attention to how they are feeling in a given situation. People who are self-absorbed or who only care about themselves tend not to care when other people around them are upset, even if they caused it. Make sure this isn't you. Even if you're not the one causing the hurt feelings, be aware of how others around you are reacting to a given comment or a piece of news. If you're in a meeting and notice that many people are visibly upset when your boss explains the objectives for a new project, you may want to talk to your boss about it. Think about how your actions affect other people. You may be too busy trying to further your own needs to always think about the impact that a certain thing you do or say can have on a person. The next time you do something, whether it's leaving the kitchen for your roommate to clean up because you're having a busy day, or ignoring your best friend's phone call about her breakup, ask yourself how this person would react to whatever it is you did. If the answer is "not well," then you should think about changing your actions to something that would better suit people. Of course, this doesn't mean that people always have to like or agree with everything you do. Sometimes, you have to do what you believe in without trying to pander to others. But if your behavior is selfish, rude, or unpleasant, then you have to start thinking about making a change. Pick your battles. Caring people tend to focus on maintaining positive, healthy relationships. Sometimes, this means having arguments or engaging with conflicts with others in order to resolve an issue. However, if you want to be caring, you can think more about cutting people some slack, and about maintaining positive, healthy relationships instead of fighting all the time. The next time you begin an argument or conflict with someone, ask yourself if it's really worth having or if you just want to get some anger off your chest. If you don't think an argument or confrontation can lead to anything productive, then you're better off skipping it. Caring people do voice their concerns when they are having a problem in a relationship or situation. But they tend to focus on keeping things positive instead of fighting if they can avoid it. Appreciate the people in your life. If you want to be a more caring person, then you have to appreciate the people in your life as much as you can. Be thankful and grateful for your family members, your friends, your significant other, or any of the people who make your life more meaningful and positive. Don't focus on the things that you're missing or the rude comments you have to deal with sometimes, and think about all of the joy and happiness that people bring to your life instead. This will not only put you in a better frame of mind, but it will make it easier for you to care about the people around you more. In order to really appreciate the people in your life, you have to thank them as much as you can. Thank them for helping you out during a hard time, for doing you favors, or just for being amazing. Let them know that their presence really does matter in your life. Don't underestimate the power of a written "thank you" card. These cards aren't as common as they used to be, which will make the person who receives them feel all the more special. Push away feelings of selfishness. Though it's hard to decide to stop being completely selfish one day, anyone can work on being less selfish in his or her daily interactions and everyday life. If you want to be less selfish, then you have to spend more time thinking about how others are feeling instead of always worrying about me, me, me. The next time you have an interaction with someone, focus on how the person is feeling and what he's been up to instead of talking about yourself or only thinking about your own needs. The more aware you are about not being selfish, the easier it will be to truly care for others. Remember that there's a difference between being selfish and in taking good care of yourself and not neglecting your own needs for the sake of what others want. Pay attention. People who are caring enter their daily lives with an attentive perspective. They pay attention to what people do when they are talking to them, and they are sensitive to their needs and feelings. Paying attention to people's facial expressions, gestures, dress, and even their offhand comments, can help paint a complete picture of how that person is really thinking and feeling, and can lead you to be more caring. Your friend may be telling you that she's totally over her breakup, but if you look closely, you'll see bags under her eyes or a puffy nose that indicate otherwise. Your roommate may have a big exam coming up and you may notice that she hasn't had a solid meal in two days; cooking extra food for dinner can make a big difference in her life, and will show that you care. Be polite. You may not think that being polite has much to do with being caring, but in fact, being polite will make you a more caring person who is determined to treat the people around him or her with respect. Being polite means having good manners, not being overly vulgar or rude in front of people, holding doors for people and asking people about their day. It also means smiling at people, having common courtesy, and not getting in another person's way. Whether you're at the office, walking down the street, or talking to your sister, you should have a goal of being as polite as possible. You don't have to be overly formal to be polite. You just have to be considerate of other people and make them feel comfortable in your presence. Be affectionate. People who are caring give affection to the people they love or care about. Whether you're cuddling with your son or holding your girlfriend's hand, it's important to give people affection as a way of showing that you care. Hugs can be very powerful and can bring comfort to people in need. You shouldn't go around giving physical affection to the people you don't know well, but you should give hugs, light touches, kisses, affectionate pats, or other signs of physical love to the people close to you. Actions really can speak louder than words sometimes. Though telling a person you care can make a big difference, sometimes giving that person a hug or putting your arm around him or her can have that extra impact. Listen to people. People who are caring take the time to listen to others. They don't spend all day talking about themselves because they are genuinely interested in what other people have to say. When someone is talking to you, make eye contact, put away your phone or other distractions, and don't interrupt the person. If you have advice or a comment, wait until the person is done talking. As you listen, pay attention to more than just the words; watch the person's face and gestures to get the best understanding of how that person is really thinking and feeling. When the person is done talking, don't just compare his or her experiences to your own or say, "I know exactly how you feel." Don't make this about you. Look at the situation on the person's terms. Pay attention to the details. If a person is telling you something important, don't just forget about it once the conversation is over; ask about it later. You don't have to say, "Uh, huh," or to nod too aggressively when the person is talking to show that you are really listening. Strong eye contact will do a lot of that work for you. Be more generous. Being generous, whether it's with your time or your money, can go a long way in being a more caring person. If you want to be caring, then you have to give to others and to not be selfish with what you do have. We all have busy schedules, but it's important to make the time to donate your things, do favors for people in need, or just to compliment a person close to you. Be giving in all senses of the word without forgetting about yourself, and you'll be on your way to being a more caring person. Being generous with your time is very important. Though you don't want to sacrifice all of your "me time" for the sake of someone else, make a habit of taking the time to listen to a friend or loved one in need. Treat others like you want to be treated. This may sound very obvious, but you'd be surprised by how few people actually live by this law. If you want to be more caring, then you have to be kind and thoughtful toward others, and think of how you would feel if you were in their shoes. You may not care much when you make a rude comment to your waiter because you're cranky, but think about how the comment would make him feel. You may not care about being rude to your little brother, but you should think about how your words really affect him. Making a habit of putting yourself in someone else's shoes can make a big difference in how you see the world. You may not be down on your luck, but someone else may be. Try to imagine what that's like before you're brusque or uncaring to someone who is less fortunate than you. Be considerate of others. Being considerate is another major aspect of being caring. If you want to be considerate, then you have to respect the people around you, and to avoid making a nuisance of yourself. This includes not talking too loudly on the phone on a crowded bus, not minding your own personal space, and not asking your sister how she feels about you inviting her ex boyfriend to your party when she'll be there. Look out for other people and make sure they feel comfortable and respected in your orbit. Being considerate also includes asking people questions to make sure they're okay. Don't turn up the thermostat in your office before asking if everyone else is as freezing as you are. You should remember that your words, as well as when you say them, are also an important aspect of being considerate. If you have some negative feedback for a friend or coworker, make sure your language is inoffensive and that you bring it up at the right time. Help people in need. Helping people in need is a major aspect of being caring. You can't be a caring person if you're only out to help yourself. Helping other people means helping both the friends and family members who need help in their lives, and also helping out the less fortunate people in your community, or even people you may not know that well who need assistance. Be on the lookout for people who need help and find a productive way to get involved if you want to be more caring. Your friends and family members may not always admit it when they need your help. However, it's up to you to notice when they are just being polite and really need some extra help, whether they want you to do some more chores or to run some errands. Get involved in a soup kitchen, literacy center, local library, teen help program, or another program in your area that allows you to make other people's lives more full. Ask people about their lives. Another way to be caring is to put more effort into learning about how other people are doing. The next time you talk to someone, whether it's your neighbor or your best friend, ask him or her how he or she is feeling, about what he or she has going on that weekend, or about how his or her day is going. Making the effort to ask the little questions can add up to showing that you really do care. Don't just ask out of obligation, but because you genuinely want to know how the person is doing. Have a balance of talking about yourself and about the other person in any conversation. You don't want to ask a million questions and not reveal anything about yourself, but you also don't want to talk about yourself and not learn anything about the other person, either. Remember that this doesn't mean you have to pry. Asking something innocent like how the person's dogs are doing or if he or she has any fun summer plans, can make the person see that you care without you coming on too strong. Apologize when you need to. Caring people care about how their actions affect other people. Therefore, they are quick to apologize when they've done something wrong. They don't deny their mistakes, and they are comfortable admitting they're not perfect. If you know you've hurt somebody, then you have to swallow your pride and say something as simple as, "I'm so sorry I hurt your feelings. I really regret what I did," to show that you're aware of how your actions impact others. Doing this shows that you do care, because you think about how others are feeling. When you apologize, make eye contact and avoid other distractions. Show the person that he or she is worth your time. Don't say, "I'm sorry you felt hurt when I made that comment," because this is an empty apology that will only do more damage. Do favors for people. Caring people spend time doing favors for people and helping them out when they need it. This doesn't mean you have to become someone's errand boy, but it does mean that you should make an effort to help people out, whether you're picking up coffee for your boyfriend, giving your little brother a ride to school, or helping your best friend pick out the flowers for her wedding. While there should be a balance and the person should do favors for you also if he or she is capable of it, you should make a habit of doing favors for those you care about. Though you don't have to spread yourself too thin, sometimes the greatest joy can come from doing a favor for someone you don't know that well. If you shovel your neighbor's driveway while you're shoveling yours after a snowstorm, the effort will be much appreciated. Be on the lookout. People won't always ask you if they need a favor. Sometimes, you should just be able to tell when they really need your help but don't want to impose. Share. Sharing really is caring. If you want to be a more caring person, then you should be willing to share your things. This means sharing things you actually care about, like clothes you like, or half of your favorite sandwich, not sharing something that means nothing to you, like a book you didn't like much anyway. Be on the lookout for opportunities to share things, whether it's a material object or a piece of advice. People who are caring are unselfish, and sharing is a key trait of a person who is selfless. Sharing doesn't only mean material goods. You can also share knowledge. Take the time to talk to a high school student about the college admissions process if you're in college. Talk to someone starting out in your career field about your experiences. Help a younger person on your tennis team master her forehand. Look for opportunities to improve a person's life by sharing what you know. Check in with people. Another way to be caring is to let people know that you're thinking about them even when you're not together. To do this, you should check in with your friends or family members, whether it's through sending a text message after your best friend's exam, or calling your cousin on her birthday. Sending cards also gets the message across. Though people are busy and it's unrealistic to talk to multiple friends every day, make a habit of checking in on at least one friend a week will make a big difference. It's one thing to care about someone when he or she is standing right in front of you, but it's another to check in on that person when he or she is out of sight. If you know a friend is having a hard time, you should check in on your friend, even if you're just saying hi. You don't have to keep saying, "How are you feeling?" or that might get annoying, but emailing an interesting article or sending your friend a funny text can help cheer him or her up. Remember the details about people's lives. Another way to show that you really care is to pay attention to the details that people tell you. This could mean the name of your co-worker's cat, the time when your mom is waiting to hear if she gets a promotion, or the fact that your new friend grew up in Topeka, Kansas. Hold on to these details and bring them up later to show that you care. If you keep forgetting every little thing a person tells you, then it'll start to look like you don't care very much. Make a point of remembering as much as you can about a person's life, and to follow up about it when it matters. Of course, you don't have to remember every little thing. But if you focus on the important details, you'll have a better sense of who the person is and what matters to him or her. Volunteer. Volunteering is a major way to be more caring. You can volunteer in your community to help out people in need, and you can also find other ways to help out. Volunteer at a local bookstore or library. Volunteer to help clean up a park in your community. Volunteer to bake something for your school's bake sale. Be on the lookout for more opportunities to improve your community and to make a difference in the place where you live. You can also volunteer in a different city, or even a different country. Spend your spring break building houses for Habitat for Humanity in a different part of your state, or even working to help out in a different country. You'll become more caring by spending more time focusing on improving other people's lives. | Be sensitive to the feelings of others. Think about how your actions affect other people. Pick your battles. Appreciate the people in your life. Push away feelings of selfishness. Pay attention. Be polite. Be affectionate. Listen to people. Be more generous. Treat others like you want to be treated. Be considerate of others. Help people in need. Ask people about their lives. Apologize when you need to. Do favors for people. Share. Check in with people. Remember the details about people's lives. Volunteer. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Be-a-Mysterious-Girl | How to Be a Mysterious Girl | To be a mysterious girl, try to act calm and reserved so people don't always know what you're thinking, which will make them more curious about you. Also, if people ask you questions about yourself, be vague and don't go into a lot of detail, sticking with short "Yes" and "No" answers. You can also seem more mysterious by showing up late to things or leaving early without giving an explanation. Or, you can choose hobbies and interests that would surprise people and then be really secretive about them. | . Be yourself Have you ever met someone that's just so different from you? So different that the way they see the world is just...fascinating? These people aren't mysterious by nature, they're just mysterious because of the difference between the two of you. You know the only way to be different from everyone? By being yourself. Seriously. Think about it. When a man and woman are dating, the element of mystery mainly comes from the way each person views and interacts in the world. The man sees the woman flitting about in her feminine world, knowing he'll never be a part of it and vice versa. The same goes for your unique world, regardless of gender, regardless of relationship. . Be confident In order to really be yourself in today's world (the one that's plastered with images from the media about the necessity to blend in and succumb to fleeting trends), you have to be confident. When the world says, "sink or swim?", it's the only way you'll swim. And, oh yeah, people love confident people; they're super magnetic. They're persuasive, attractive, and admirable and we often don't realize why. There is nothing mysterious about having low self-worth. When that's plaguing you, all your actions are dictated by the thought, "Will people accept me?" A) That's not at all attractive and B) it's super easy to see through and figure out. The confident person, the one who's comfortable in their skin, asserting themselves, standing up for what they believe in, is the one people naturally flock to, the one people will look at and say, "What is it about them?" . Be calm People who wear their emotions on their sleeves don't leave much to the imagination. After a few days, you know what eats at them, what makes them happy, and what makes them want to ball up in a corner. But if you're the person that's calm all the time, no one will know what really gets you going. This can backfire though -- they'll try even harder to find it! Be the one who's lighthearted in dire situations. And if you must show emotion, show ones that wouldn't necessarily correlate with the circumstance. It's cold outside but it's not snowing? What the heck, mother nature?! What kind of game is she trying to play?! Man, this winter just isn't worth it. You're moving to Belize. . Be polite Since being mysterious is often equated with "dark" and "aloof," it's important to circumvent those negatives by being polite. Being mysterious does not mean being rude or unresponsive. Don't confuse the two! Everyone deserves being treated well, regardless of how you're trying to come off. Having a slight smile on your face at all times is a good way to start. Not only will you look more friendly and approachable, but people will be left wondering, "What's really going on in her head?" If you've ever walked by someone on the street that's smiling or laughing to themselves, you know this feeling. Don't be afraid to be absurd. As we age, we slowly gauge what society expects from us and how we should act in public. You could insert a chicken wing into your mouth, chew it up, and then spit out the bone on the floor, but you don't (probably). While you shouldn't necessarily take that example to heart, think about the impulses you do have that wouldn't be terrible. When a waiter comes up to your table and asks you what you'd like, sometimes you just want to say, "I could tell you -- but then I'd have to kill you." Completely deadpan. And that's okay. While it's not the most sophisticated of tactics, it will get people wondering what the heck is going on in that brain of yours. And it can be fun! So next time you order a shrimp salad, preface it with, "I have a shellfish allergy." When they ask why you ordered what you did, tell them you'll work through it. Don't go into detail. When people ask us questions, we generally know what they're expecting. When someone says, "Are you in a relationship?" we know that it really means, "Are you in a relationship? And if so, what kind and with who?" Instead of saying, "Yeah, I have a boyfriend -- his name is George. George Glass." Just say, "Yes." They won't know if they can pry any further -- but they'll want to! Try to summarize stories as factually and accurately as possible without truly getting into it. Don't insert commentary -- just stick to what actually happened. Let's say your boyfriend asks you about your ex. Instead of going on and on about why it didn't work out, tell them, "We didn't mesh. When the relationship ended, I stopped thinking about it." Simple. Terse, maybe, but to the point and honest. Be unreadable. Most of our interactions with other people are non-verbal. We have dozens of "tells" going on at any one time indicating to others how we feel at that exact moment. Be aware of this and consciously take advantage of the patterns people are relying on. You know how James Bond gets all serious when he's telling a joke? Kind of like that. When he's hitting on a woman he's stoic, too. And that's one mysterious guy. Think about your body positioning when you're interacting with a person. Experiment with changing it around and seeing how the other person reacts. Play with your tone of voice. Your eye contact. Leave them wondering how the heck you were feeling. Turn the focus on the other person. This one is surprisingly really easy. Get into a conversation with a person and all you have to do is ask them questions to get them running. After it's over, they'll be left thinking how great of a conversationalist you were and not even realizing they didn't learn anything about you. In short, people love talking about themselves, so take advantage of it! Ask open ended questions. When you see a spark in them, jump on it. Get them talking about it. Act genuinely interested to keep them going. You'll seem nice, like a good listener, and you'll be fun to be around even though you're barely doing anything. See? Easy. Talk in facts. When the conversation does roll around to you, talk in facts about other things. Don't talk in your opinions, beliefs, or experiences. That way you can add value to any conversation without truly giving away something about yourself. Instead of saying, "Oh my gosh, I read this thing on the Internet the other day while I was killing time before drinks with Sally about how drinking one more liter of water a day can lead to noticeable weight loss long-term and I'm definitely gonna try it. Working out just isn't enough!" stick to, "Some research is saying that upping your water intake can lead to noticeable weight loss. Definitely a viable tactic." You're getting the same point across without exposing too much about yourself. Be mysteriously absent. So in order to get invited to parties, you have to actually go when you are invited. But once you've gotten your foot in the door and these people like you, feel free to be mysteriously absent. Don't show up to something. Make people wonder where you are. Come late. Leave early with no explanation. Get them wondering. Do this sparingly. If you get up and leave from a party all the time, it'll become a quirk of yours that's a little annoying. If you never show up in the first place, you'll stop being invited. So as with anything, pick your battles. Keep your past a secret. If you're the new kid in town and you want to keep the intrigue up, don't talk about your past. You'd be surprised what you can get away with! When someone asks you where you moved from, say something like, "It matters not where you've been -- only where you're going." Or, you know. Keep it simple and say "Utah" but don't give any details. That might cause fewer weird looks. If keeping your past a secret sounds like an issue, make a game out of it. Tell everyone a story about how you lived in Viet Nam a while back and worked on a ferret farm. Then talk about how you were a chef at a fine restaurant back in your old 'hood. And then magically insert into a random conversation down the line the story of the year you spent hanging out with Charlie Sheen. Might as well get a kick out of the image you're cultivating, right? Have perfect posture. Having a slouch shows low self esteem, and instead of seeming mysterious, you'll seem shy, or like a loner, which you don't want. The perfect posture is to stick out your sternum, shoulders back, but keep your stomach in a straight line. If your posture is bad, do exercises to Improve Your Posture. Having a perfect posture makes you seem attractive and confident, which will get you positive attention from both men and women, giving you more people to talk to. Develop your own unique sense of style. Unfortunately, clothing trends make us pretty easy to peg -- or at least give people the impression that we're peg-able. Wearing a scarf and thick, black glasses? You're a hipster. Wearing a top that shows off your chest and a mini skirt? Doesn't even need to be said. Are your pants down around your knees and your shoes untied? Sheesh. So instead of prescribing to a label, make your own. If you like it, go for it. You can mix up styles in one look, or you can rock different looks at different times. One day you rock the black rimmed glasses, the next day it's North Face. The next day it's a top you made yourself. Or it's all three at the same time. Whatever floats your boat. Pick hobbies that don't mesh. If you were shown a typical high school football player, you'd probably think, "Okay, he's probably athletic, takes classes like woodshop, likes partying on the weekends and has a preppy girlfriend." If you were shown a typical high school band member, you'd probably think "A little introverted. Smart. Probably has a few close friends. Close to family. In general, nice. Maybe plays a few too many video games." While these are just stereotypes and not at all correct, mix the two anyway. Be the girl wearing the lipstick and short skirt who's carrying around The Divine Comedy. Be the saxophone player who lights up the soccer field on weekends. Do it all. The more dynamic you are, the harder you'll be able to be put into a box. And once people have you boxed in, you're no longer mysterious. So go out there and do something that "you" wouldn't normally do. Not only will you be mysterious, but you may find something you seriously enjoy that you didn't think you would. Keep the emotions to a minimum. When people can easily get a rise out of you, they'll do it. When they know what ticks you off, what really gets you excited, they feel like they get you. Avoid wearing your emotions on your sleeve so you don't get pegged. When people can't get a feel for how you feel, they'll never know what the truth is. When you come up, they won't even know what you like, what you dislike, and what you stand for. Most people can't keep their mouths shut! it's a good idea to keep the volume to a minimum, too. Ever noticed how loud people are never mysterious? No one ever says, "Americans, now that's one mysterious bunch!" So feel free to whisper to the person next to you with that blank, unreadable face of yours. Everyone will probably think you're talking about them. Win. Oh, the games we play. Stay offline. ..mostly. You know those people that update their Facebook profiles every six seconds with thoughts like, "OMG, I just forgot to eat dinner" and the like? Don't be that person. That person is ruining Facebook for the rest of us. Don't post pictures of everything that's about to go into your mouth, don't post selfies you took in your bathroom when you were bored, don't Vaguebook trying to express your delicate, flowery emotions. When you have something to say online, make it worth it. The fact of the matter is we don't need to know what all of us are doing at any moment. The less we know, the better, really. If you want to be mysterious, leave people wondering where you are, who you're with and what you're doing. So avoid checking into Starbucks every morning. Avoid "Dear so-and-so" statuses. Resist the temptation of putting a hashtag after everything you say. While social networking is useful, don't use it to let the world in on everything you think and do. Take it to the limit. There are a jillion ideas out there that you could take advantage of if you really want to be mysterious. You could do silly things like wearing dark sunglasses. You could purposefully make your room Gothic and yet princess-themed. You could use air quotes and say things like, "I went to the "post office" today." You could wear a cape. How far are you willing to go? Wanna have a little fun with it? Pretend you're someone you're not. When you enter a party, you give people a fake name and ask them if the mob has been here recently. It's not quite the same as being yourself, but it can be quite entertaining! | . . . . Don't be afraid to be absurd. Don't go into detail. Be unreadable. Turn the focus on the other person. Talk in facts. Be mysteriously absent. Keep your past a secret. Have perfect posture. Develop your own unique sense of style. Pick hobbies that don't mesh. Keep the emotions to a minimum. Stay offline. Take it to the limit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Subpoena-Phone-Records | How to Subpoena Phone Records | A subpoena is a legal command to turn over documents. If you need someone's phone records as evidence for a lawsuit, you can file a subpoena to access them. You'll need a valid reason for obtaining the phone records, such as proving a crime. Ask your court clerk for a subpoena form. You'll need to address it to whoever runs the records department of the person's phone company and tell them whose records you need and between which dates. If you don't have a lawyer, ask your judge if they need to sign the form instead. Submit your subpoena to the court and ask your clerk if you need to serve copies to the other parties. | Make sure you have sufficient cause to get a subpoena. Phone records can be difficult to obtain as the phone companies usually fight back against subpoena claims. Make sure you have a valid reason for obtaining the phone records before you begin this process. For instance, if the records hold proof of a crime, this may be considered sufficient cause for a subpoena claim. Find a blank subpoena form. Your court clerk should have a blank subpoena form. You could also check on the court's website. Because you are requesting documents, you will want a “subpoena duces tecum.” Ask the clerk for the form. The U.S. Courts has a blank subpoena you can use for a federal lawsuit: http://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/ao088b.pdf. Identify who to request records from. You must serve the subpoena on the right person. If you don't, you won't get the records you need and you might lose your lawsuit. Spend some time identifying the correct person. If you're requesting records from a telephone company, then you should find out the name of the person who runs their records department. You can check their website or call and ask. If the person on the other side of the lawsuit has the records, then you don't need to use a subpoena. Instead, you can make a Request for Production. Consult with an attorney if you have questions. Each jurisdiction has its own laws related to subpoenas. A qualified attorney can make sure that you take all necessary steps to get the phone records that you need. You can find an attorney by contacting your local bar association and asking for a referral. Call up the attorney and schedule a consultation. If money is tight, you can ask a lawyer if they are willing to provide you with a half hour of advice. Some courts also have self-help centers where people without lawyers can go for help. Provide basic information. The subpoena will ask for the names of the plaintiff and defendant of the lawsuit as well as the case number and docket number. Also provide the following: The name of the records custodian (the person who has the information requested by the subpoena) you are serving with the subpoena and the specific records you want to obtain. The location and deadline for delivery of the records. Alternately, you can state a time when you want to go to the company and view the records. Identify the phone records with sufficient detail. Describe the records so that the phone company knows what you are requesting. You want to avoid making your request too broad or too narrow. If it's too broad, then the phone company will probably fight the subpoena on the grounds that it will take too much time to comply with it. However, if your request is too narrow, then you won't get the records you want. For example, you shouldn't request, “All records for phone calls John R. Smith has made during his life.” That is much too broad. At the same time, don't request records for only one month if you need more. Figure out a reasonable time period and be prepared to back it up. For example, you might think your spouse has had an affair. If you think the affair started in June 2016, then request documents from that point up to the present day. Prepare other required documents. In many courts, you will need the judge to sign off on the subpoena if you don't have a lawyer. You may need to complete a motion form or other documents to submit to the judge. Check with the court clerk. You want to keep good records, so keep a copy of all paperwork you file with the court. Submit your paperwork to the court. Generally, you'll need to provide a copy of the subpoena to the court clerk. Gather the subpoena and any attachments and take them to the court clerk. In some courts, the clerk will give the subpoena to the county sheriff for service. However, in other courts, the clerk will return it to you so that you can arrange service. Depending on the jurisdiction, the court clerk, a justice of the peace, or a public notary may have the power to issue the subpoena. Use an acceptable method of service if the court clerk doesn’t take care of this. In some cases, the court clerk may fulfill the service requirements. In other cases, you will be required to give the subpoena to the telephone company and copies to the other parties in the lawsuit. Your jurisdiction's laws will state how you can serve your subpoena. You should read the law or consult with an attorney. Not every jurisdiction allows all of the following, but these are common methods: Personal service. Someone will hand deliver the subpoena to the telephone company records department. Usually, you can't deliver the subpoena yourself. Instead, you should arrange for someone 18 or older who is not part of the case to deliver it. For example, you can hire a private process server. Mail. You might be able to serve the subpoena using first class mail or certified mail with a return receipt requested. Other methods. In some situations, you might be able to fax or email the subpoena to the records department. Usually, you can fax a copy to the other parties in the lawsuit. File your proof of service form. Whoever makes service will need to complete a proof of service form (also called an affidavit of service). You should keep a copy for yourself and file the original with the court. Review your records. The phone company should deliver a copy of the phone records to you. If you are the defendant in a criminal case, then the records might be lodged with the court. You'll need to schedule a time to view them at the court. Make sure to review the records carefully to make sure you have received everything requested. Follow up, if necessary. The phone company might not have turned over all of the documents you requested. This might have been an oversight, or they might intentionally be refusing to comply with the subpoena. Raise the issue with the judge at your next status hearing. If your subpoena doesn't get results, file a motion to compel. If your motion is granted, the company will have to explain why they didn't comply with the subpoena. The judge may allow the company another chance to comply, like for cases in which they have a good reason for non-compliance. Alternatively, the court may impose a stiff fine, order the company to pay attorney fees, or even send the parties who refuse to comply to jail for contempt. | Make sure you have sufficient cause to get a subpoena. Find a blank subpoena form. Identify who to request records from. Consult with an attorney if you have questions. Provide basic information. Identify the phone records with sufficient detail. Prepare other required documents. Submit your paperwork to the court. Use an acceptable method of service if the court clerk doesn’t take care of this. File your proof of service form. Review your records. Follow up, if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Evacuate-a-Building-in-an-Emergency | How to Evacuate a Building in an Emergency | In the case of an emergency, it's important to know how to evacuate a building so you can stay safe. Often, buildings, hotels, and other commercial spaces have evacuation plans on doors and in public areas, like lobbies and stairwells. If you don't see an evacuation map, check with the management or company head to find out what the current plan is. You can also look for safe escape routes, like exits and stairwells. Do not use elevators, which are reserved for emergency personnel and can put your life at risk if they stall or fall. Once you exit the space, put a safe distance between yourself and the building and go to your designated meeting place, if there is one outlined in the evacuation plan. | Check evacuation plans. Office buildings, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial spaces often have pre-established evacuations plans and procedures. Check with building management to find out about the evacuation protocol if you are in this type of building. Look for evacuation maps on building doors and in public areas such as lobbies and stairwells. If you are looking for evacuation plans for your office, check with your manager or the company head regarding current evacuation plans and what roles different people are to fill during an emergency. Identify safe escape routes. Find routes that will get people out of the building with the least risk during an evacuation. Look at your building plans to help people find the exits nearest to them, and create an evacuation plan that takes people to their nearest exit quickly and safely. Try to avoid potential hazards such as going through kitchens or areas with large windows. These pose an excess risk as lines in kitchens can break and exacerbate emergencies while windows may blow out and cause increased risk due to glass. Be sure to avoid mechanical transportation such as elevators, as these could fail and put people at an increased risk. Use stairwells whenever possible. Mark your routes. Provide clear markers for people to guide people to exits from the building. Post evacuation maps throughout the building, and mark exits with clear “EXIT” signs. In spaces that do not get much natural light, such as interior hallways, you may also want to consider placing photoluminescent strips along the sides of the floors to help guide people to the nearest exit. Inform others. Make sure other people using the building know about the evacuation plan. Help them identify their nearest exit and tell them about safety precautions such as avoiding elevators. It may also be helpful to appoint safety monitors to help guide others in the event of an evacuation if you are dealing with a large space that holds a great number of people. Assess the situation. If possible, find out why you are evacuating before you leave the building. Knowing why an evacuation has been called can help you modify your plan if necessary to best accommodate the circumstances. If, for example, there is a fire that blocks your nearest exit, you know to go in the opposite direction of the fire, even if another exit is further away. If there is an active threat such as a bomb threat or an armed person spotted, seek instructions from authorities such as the police or fire department before attempting to evacuate. Proceed quickly to an exit. Once you know you are to evacuate, proceed quickly to your nearest exit. Do try to avoid panicking, as panic can quickly disorganize a group, slow down the evacuation process, and put more people in danger. Do not worry about gathering belongings that are not immediately within reach. Taking time to pack a bag or go to another room once an evacuation has been called is dangerous. Take only what is already on your person or already packed and within arm's reach. If possible, exit through your nearest clearly marked exit sign. If a standard exit truly is not accessible, look for other ways out of the building such as through a window. Do not use the elevators. Elevators in evacuations are reserved for use by emergency personnel. Using elevators also puts your life at risk as the elevator may fall, stop, malfunction, or otherwise fail to work. If you have a disability that does not allow you to go down the stairs, call 911, report your location, and wait for emergency personnel at the designated Area of Rescue Assistance. Depending on the building, there may be evacuation chairs that can be deployed by wheelchair companions. Get some distance. Once you have exited the space, make sure to put a safe distance between you and the building. Depending upon the situation, authorities may have set up a do not cross line to indicate a safe distance. Consider whether there is a designated meeting place outlined in your evacuation plan. If you are supposed to meet with others in a designated area, proceed directly to that area. Think about how much space is necessary for different types of emergencies. An emergency such as an electrical problem in the building likely requires less space than something like a fire. Consider how much space you need based on the reason for evacuation. Check in with responders. Once you are a safe distance away from the building, check in with the authorities or emergency responders to let them know you're safe and see what your next steps need to be. This is also the time to let someone know if you have been injured during evacuation. If no authorities or first responders are present, call the police or fire department as appropriate to warn them of potential threats and receive further instruction. Get clearance. Before you reenter the building, make sure you get clearance from emergency responders that the building is safe and whatever threat caused the evacuation has been contained. Do not reenter a building that has not been inspected by the proper authorities. If you were sent away after an evacuation, call to check in with the building manager or local authorities to make sure the space is safe to re-enter. Let them know, "We had to evacuate because of an emergency, and we would like to know if it is safe to reenter the space?" Additionally, it may be helpful to ask, "Are there any precautions we should take when going back into the space for the first time?" Assess any damage. If physical damage was done to the space, take careful note of what damage occurred and what may be harmed or missing. Report any damage to the building manager, or to the authorities and your insurance if you own the building. In addition to noting damaged items, note anything that seems lost or stolen. Take photographs or videos of the damage as well as thorough notes in case it is necessary for you to file an insurance claim. Update evacuation plans. Take this evacuation experience as an opportunity to work out kinks in your plan. Check with others if possible to see if there were obstacles or moments when the evacuation was slowed or stalled, and update your plan accordingly. If an evacuation was particularly slow, look for alternative routes or consider dividing people up more evenly among exits. Recap with the evacuated group to address any problems that you saw and suggest improvements for the future. | Check evacuation plans. Identify safe escape routes. Mark your routes. Inform others. Assess the situation. Proceed quickly to an exit. Get some distance. Check in with responders. Get clearance. Assess any damage. Update evacuation plans. |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.